cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Immune reconstitution: the major barrier to successful stem cell transplantation.

m p g p r a i s i p c s f b u a T f m t l m s t p c The numerous advances in our understanding of ransplantation biology combined with enhancements n supportive care have substantially improved the ealth of our patients. Transplant-related morbidity as progressively declined over the last 30 years, and his can be at least in part measured by our ability to rovide stem cell transplantation to an aging populaion and by our fledgling ability to cross histocompatbility barriers. However, a persistently frustrating imitation in transplantation medicine is delayed, indequate, or incomplete reconstitution of the immune ystem. Patients die of opportunistic infections despite ell-controlled graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) nd eradication of the underlying disease. Although VHD control, improvements in antibiotic spectra, nd circumspection in the use of immunosuppressants ave helped, too many patients still die of infections ecause of insufficient immunologic recovery. Immunologic recovery and GVHD are intrinsially linked. It is helpful to think of acute GVHD as an nflammatory disorder in which T cells from the door behave appropriately in the context in which they nd themselves. In other words, the donor’s T cells ecognize minor histocompatibility antigens in the etting of upregulated adhesion molecules, inflammaory cytokines, and damaged epithelia. Thus, the T ell’s view of the world is that the host is seriously nfected, and its job is to respond to this infection by nitiating and sustaining an effective immune reponse. Of course, the problem is that the effective mmune response is directed against minor histocomatibility differences rather than microbial proteins. his response is maladaptive from the perspective of a ransplant clinician. We want the T cells to identify iral, bacterial, and fungal products in the context of ajor histocompatibility complex but not minor hisocompatibility antigens per se. The T cell may not be t
A differential microRNA profile distinguishes cholangiocarcinoma from pancreatic adenocarcinoma

Introduction Cancers of the bile duct and the pancreas are virtually indistinguishable using conventional histopathological and clinical characteristics. We sought to utilize microRNA (miR) profiling to differentiate these two cancers. Methods RNA was harvested from the tumors of patients undergoing curative resection for cholangiocarcinoma (n=75) or pancreatic adenocarcinoma (n=20) and compared with adjacent normal bile duct or pancreas, respectively. Differential microRNA expression profiles were determined using NanoString® technology. Results 41 differentially expressed miRs were identified in cholangiocarcinoma (25 overexpressed, 16 underexpressed) and 52 miRs were found in pancreatic adenocarcinoma (30 overexpressed, 22 underexpressed) relative to adjacent normal tissue. Of these two profiles, 15 miRs were commonly dysregulated between tumor types. Eight miRs were similarly over- or underexpressed in cholangiocarcinoma and pancreatic adenocarcinoma whereas the other seven miRs had inverse expression levels. Conclusions Cholangiocarcinoma has a distinct miR profile from pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Discrimination between these two tumor types may be possible with as few as seven miRs.
The challenges of the homeless haemophilia patient

The current economic hardships within the United States can increase the risk of persons becoming homeless. In 2001, it was estimated that between 0.1% and 2.1% of the population were homeless every night and that 2.3 - 3.5 million persons could become homeless every year [1]. Many issues can increase the risk of homelessness including: home foreclosure, declining work force due to declining wages, low-wage opportunities and less secure jobs, decline in public assistance, lack of affordable housing with limited housing assistance programs, poverty, lack of affordable health care, domestic violence, mental illness, and addiction disorders. Many on the streets may suffer from mental illness, developmental disabilities, and or chronic physical illness [6]. Given these issues, the Hemophilia Treatment Center (HTC) can expect to experience the issue of homelessness within their own population of persons with hemophilia. Currently, there are no studies that address the issue of the person with hemophilia who may become homeless. This presents unique challenges that this population may encounter to survive in addition to managing bleeding issues related to the diagnosis of hemophilia. This article will review the issues related to homelessness in the general population. Two case studies of persons with hemophilia who became homeless will be discussed outlining the strategies utilized to assist the patient during this crisis.
Menstrual cycle effects on task performance examined in the context of stress research.

Abstract The study examined the effects of degree of paramenstrual distress, signal frequency, task load and time on task on psychomotor performance across the menstrual cycle. Simple reaction time, choice reaction time and pursuit tracking were the tasks employed, and performance was assessed using the metrics of mean level, variability, and errors of omission and commission. The results showed performance as a function of menstrual cycle phase and paramenstrual distress to be highly task and metric specific, a finding typical of stressor variables: pursuit tracking was affected by phase, with mean performance at its worst premenstrually; choice reaction time was dependent on a complex interaction of experimental variables and measurement metrics; simple reaction time showed no significant effects. Patterns of attention allocation in a time-sharing situation combining both pursuit tracking and choice reaction time components were also investigated. Trends here indicated relatively better performance both menstrually and intermenstrually as components increased in signal/response frequency, with a corresponding deterioration premenstrually. Overall performance capacity appeared to be greatest at menstruation, and the degree of attentional selectivity was least. High distress women performed better on low frequency components, whereas asymptomatic women did better at higher signal rates.
On the combined effects of amphetamine and food deprivation: a reply to Gollub and Mann.

A previously reported interaction of amphetamine and food deprivation on food consumption recently has been called spurious on the basis of a “floor” effect interpretation of the data, i.e., a complete cessation of eating with the larger doses. A further consideration of the original data indicates (1) such a “floor” effect does not describe accurately the action of the larger doses, and (2) even the action of the dose that comes closest to satisfying this condition does not in itself explain satisfactorily the interaction. However, analysis of the original data in terms of one additional derived measure of feeding did not yield a statistically significant interaction between amphetamine and food deprivation. The importance of a choice of feeding measure as well as techniques of drug administration and deprivation to such an interaction were briefly considered.
ISOLATION DESIGN FOR A FLEXIBLE SYSTEM

Abstract It has been commonly assumed that the corner or mount frequency in an isolator should be designed as low as possible. This is one result of using a single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) system to model isolation systems. However, for systems that have flexible or non-rigid foundations, a design point for the mount frequency can occur between the modes of the base. By implementing this type of design, a strong interaction will exist between the modes. When isolator damping is included, whether done passively or actively, more then one mode can be attenuated by this new mount design. Therefore, the effects of the mount frequency on isolation designs are discussed as well as using both passive and active damping in the isolator. For active damping, three commonly used control methodologies are discussed: a proportional-plus-integral-plus-derivative (PID) controller, a linear quadratic Gaussian (LQG) regulator and a positive position feedback (PPF) controller.
Membrane-coated fiber array approach for predicting skin permeability of chemical mixtures from different vehicles.

A membrane-coated fiber (MCF) array approach was developed for quantitative assessment of skin absorption from chemical mixtures, which was based on the similarity in the absorption mechanisms of the MCF membrane and the stratum corneum of the skin. A set of probe compounds were used to detect the relative molecular interaction strengths of chemicals with the vehicle and the membranes, which provided a linkage between the skin permeability (log k) and MCF partition coefficients (log K F ). A predictive model was established via multiple linear regression analysis of the data matrix of experimentally measured log k value and log K Fm values; log k = a 0 + a 1 log K F1 + a 2 log K F2 + … + a n log K Fm, where m is the number of diverse MCFs. Twenty-five probe compounds and three MCFs (polydimethylsiloxane for lipophilic, polyacrylate for polarizable, and CarboWax for polar interactions) were used to demonstrate the model development processes in the MCF array approach. The skin permeability of the probe compounds was measured with conventional diffusion cell experiments using dermatomed porcine skin. Three predictive models were established for skin permeability prediction from chemical mixtures in water, 50% ethanol, and 1% sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) with R 2 values of 93, 91, and 83, respectively. The log k and log K F values were considerably altered by the addition of ethanol or SLS into the dose vehicle; however, their correlations to skin permeability remained strong under various conditions. These results suggested that the experimentally based MCF array approach can be used to predict skin absorption from chemical mixtures in different vehicles or formulations.
From magic bullets back to the magic mountain: the rise of extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis.

From magic bullets back to the Magic Mountain: the rise of extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis
Thoracoscopic sympathectomy for palmar hyperhidrosis.

ABSTRACT Palmer hyperhidrosis (ie, excessive sweating of the palms) usually appears at puberty and causes psychological, social educational, and occupational problems for people who suffer from it. Although many treatments have been used, the only treatment that permanently eradicates the condition is sympathectomy. The advent of thoracoscopic surgery has allowed surgeons to perform sympathectomy as an outpatient procedure that is safe and effective and produces life-changing results for patients. AORN J 74 (August 2001) 178–188.
The effect of regioisomerism on the coordination chemistry and CEST properties of lanthanide(III) NB-DOTA-tetraamide chelates

Chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) offers many advantages as a method of generating contrast in magnetic resonance images. However, many of the exogenous agents currently under investigation suffer from detection limits that are still somewhat short of what can be achieved with more traditional Gd3+ agents. To remedy this limitation we have undertaken an investigation of Ln3+ DOTA-tetraamide chelates (where DOTA is 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid) that have unusually rigid ligand structures: the nitrobenzyl derivatives of DOTA-tetraamides with (2-phenylethyl)amide substituents. In this report we examine the effect of incorporating hydrophobic amide substituents on water exchange and CEST. The ligand systems chosen afforded a total of three CEST-active isomeric square antiprismatic chelates; each of these chelates was found to have different water exchange and CEST characteristics. The position of a nitrobenzyl substituent on the macrocyclic ring strongly influenced the way in which the chelate and Ln3+ coordination cage distorted. These differential distortions were found to affect the rate of water proton exchange in the chelates. But, by far the greatest effect arose from altering the position of the hydrophobic amide substituent, which, when forced upwards around the water binding site, caused a substantial reduction in the rate of water proton exchange. Such slow water proton exchange afforded a chelate that was 4.5 times more effective as a CEST agent than its isomeric counterparts in dry acetonitrile and at low temperatures and very low presaturation powers.
Interaction of Behavioral State and Microswitch Use in Individuals With Profound Multiple Impairments

Potential relations between behavior state and switch use in 3 adults with profound multiple impairments were investigated. Observations were conducted during a regularly scheduled leisure activity. Each participant was provided with an adaptive switch that was connected to a preferred battery-operated leisure device. Closures of the adaptive switch produced activation of the device. Behavior states were measured using an abbreviated version of a state scale developed by Guess et al. [Guess, D., Roberts, S., Siegel-Causey, E., Ault, M. M., Guy, B., Thompson, B., and Rues, J. (1993). American Journal on Mental Retardation 97: 634–653]. Adaptive switch use was measured using an automated event recorder that recorded the time of each switch closure and release. Frequency and duration of switch closures were tallied using a computer software program, and then data on switch closures and ratings of behavior state were aligned in 1-min intervals. Results showed that although each of the 3 participants exhibited a predominant behavior state, changes in state within observation periods were common. Differences in rates and duration of switch closures were observed across behavior states, although interaction of state and adaptive switch use was idiosyncratic for each of the 3 participants.
Electric fields measured by ISEE‐1 within and near the neutral sheet during quiet and active times

An understanding of the physical processes occurring in the magnetotail and plasmasheet during different interplanetary magnetic field orientations and differing levels of ground magnetic activity is crucial for the development of a theory of energy transfer from the solar wind to the particles which produce auroral arcs. In the present investigation, the first observations of electric fields during neutral sheet crossings are presented, taking into account the statistical correlations of the interplanetary magnetic field direction and ground activity with the character of the electric field. The electric field data used in the study were obtained from a double probe experiment on the ISEE-1 satellite. The observations suggest that turbulent electric and magnetic fields are intimately related to plasma acceleration in the neutral sheet and to the processes which create auroral particles.
Newton’s Method for the Solution of Inverse Spectral Problems

We consider matrix inverse eigenvalue problems. For their numerical solution, we propose an algorithm based on Newton’s iterative process, where, for constructing the Jacobian, a numerical procedure of calculation of the exact derivatives of a matrix determinant is used.
Airborne mouse allergen in the homes of inner-city children with asthma

Background: Airborne mouse allergen has not previously been measured in inner-city homes, and its relationship to settled dust mouse allergen levels is unknown. Objective: To quantify airborne and settled dust Mus m 1 levels in homes of inner-city patients with asthma and to identify risk factors for mouse allergen exposure. Methods: One hundred inner-city school-age children with asthma in Baltimore underwent skin testing to a panel of aeroallergens, and their homes were inspected by a trained technician. Air and settled dust were sampled in the child’s bedroom. Mus m 1, particulate matter smaller than 10 microns (PM10), and particulate matter smaller than 2.5 microns were quantified in air samples, and Mus m 1 was quantified in settled dust samples. Results: Mus m 1 was detected in settled dust samples from 100% of bedrooms. Airborne mouse allergen was detected in 48 of 57 (84%) bedrooms, and the median airborne mouse allergen concentration was 0.03 ng/m3. The median PM10 concentration was 48 mg/m3. Airborne and settled dust mouse allergen levels were moderately correlated (r = .52; P < .0001), and airborne Mus m 1 and PM10 levels were weakly correlated (r = .29; P = .03). Having cracks or holes in doors or walls, evidence of food remains in the kitchen, and mouse infestation were all independently associated with having detectable airborne mouse allergen. Conclusion: Airborne mouse allergen concentrations in many inner-city homes may be similar to those found in animal facilities, where levels are sufficiently high to elicit symptoms in sensitized individuals. Exposed food remains, cracks and holes in doors or walls, and evidence of mouse infestation appear to be risk factors for having detectable airborne Mus m 1.
Genetic variability in phlebotomine sandflies: possible implications for Leishmaniasis epidemiology

Abstract The vast majority of genetic studies of phlebotomine sandflies have had as their goal the resolution of taxanomic problems. In this paper, Gregory Lanzaro and Alon Warburg summarize the literature describing levels of genetic polymorphism, both within and between sandfly species, and speculate on the significance of variability in the vector to the complex epidemiology of leishmaniasis.
Comparison of single and double excitation coupled cluster and configuration interaction theories: determination of structure and equilibrium propertie

Abstract Using our recently implemented closed-shell coupled cluster singles and doubles (CCSD) model, the equilibrium structure and vibrational harmonic frequency of N 2 , CO, HF and OH − have been determined. This set ofdiatomics was specially chosen so as to represent the range of bonding characteristics found in small molecules. The CCSD results are compared to analogous configuration interaction (CI) predictions and are found to be most similar to CISDQ or CISDTQ. That is, CI including all singles + doubles + quadruples (CISDQ) or CISDQ+all triple excitations (CISDTQ). The agreement of CCSD with CISDQ/CISDTQ is found to be much better for the singly bonded species with the agreement for neutral HF somewhat better than for anionic OH − . We arrive at two major conclusions. First, higher-order effects not present in the CCSD model are less negligible for multiply bonded species and, to a smaller degree, for anionic species as well. Secondly, even for the two types of molecules discussed above, the CCSD results are closer to the CISDQ/CISDTQ predictions than are CISD values. Since CCSD is less computationally time consuming than CISDQ/CISDTQ, we suggest that the CCSD model is one of the best methods available when highly accurate ab initio predictions for chemical species strongly dominated by a single-determinant wavefunction are desired.
A Historical Survey of Sir Karl Popper's Contribution to Quantum Mechanics

Sir Karl Popper (1902-1994), though not trained as a physicist and embarrassed early in his career by a physics error pointed out by Einstein and Bohr, ultimately made substantial contributions to the interpretation of quantum mechanics. As was often the case, Popper initially formulated his position by criticizing the views of others - in this case Niels Bohr and Werner Heisenberg. Underlying Popper's criticism was his belief that, first, the Copenhagen interpretation of quantum mechanics abandoned scientific realism and second, the assertion that quantum theory was complete (an assertion rejected by Einstein among others) amounted to an unfalsifiable claim. Popper insisted that the most basic predictions of quantum mechanics should continue to be tested, with an eye towards falsification rather than mere adding of decimal places to confirmatory experiments. His persistent attacks on the Copenhagen interpretation were aimed not at the uncertainty principle itself and the formalism from which it was derived, but at the acceptance by physicists of an unclear epistemology and ontology that left critical questions unanswered. Quanta 2012; 1: 1–12.
Fiscal illusion, the nature of public goods and equation specification

In a recent article Richard Wagner (1976) has developed the hypothesis that the structure with which governments raise revenues can affect the level of public expenditures. In addition to providing the theoretical basis for this argument, Wagner empirically tested his hypothesis. The results of this test were supportive. The purpose of this note is to re-examine the empirical test employed by Wagner in light of a criticism of his original econometric specification. The first section briefly reviews Wagner's discussion. The second section presents additional empirical evidence. The final section presents some concluding remarks.
Bioavailability of Iron Sensed by a Phytoplanktonic Fe-Bioreporter

This study describes a short-term (12 h) evaluation of iron (Fe) bioavailability to an Fe-dependent cyanobacterial bioreporter derived from Synechococcus PCC 7942. Several synthetic ligands with variable conditional stability constants for Fe(III) (K* of 1019.8 to 1030.9), in addition to several defined natural Fe-binding ligands and a fulvic acid of aquatic origin (Suwannee River), were used to elucidate the forms of Fe that are discerned by this phytoplanktonic microbe: Fe−HEBD (log conditional stability constant, K*, = 28.1, HEBD = N,N‘-di(2-hydroxybenzyl)ethylenediamine-N,N‘-diacetic acid monohydrochloride hydrate), Fe−HDFB (K* = 30.9, DFB = desferroxamine B), Fe−ferrichrome (K* = 23.2), Fe−DTPA (K* = 21.1, DTPA = diethylenetrinitrilopentaacetic acid), Fe−(8HQS)2 (K* = 20.4, 8HQS = 8-hydroxyquinoline-5-sulfonic acid), Fe−CDTA (K* = 19.8, CDTA = trans-1,2-cyclohexylenedinitrilotetraacetic acid), and Fe−EDTA (K* = 19.2). Iron bioavailability sensed by the bioreporter was related to diffusion limitation...
Manipulating Photoadsorption Kinetics: NO on Cl-Treated Fe2O3

While chemical surface modification is commonly employed to improve the performance of solid catalysts, this approach has been largely neglected in optimizing photoadsorbents. Here we show that pow...
Infected neonatal cephalohematomas caused by anaerobic bacteria

Objective: To present the microbiological and clinical features of six children with infected cephalohematomas (IC) caused by anaerobic bacteria. Design: Presentation of a case series. Results: Polymicrobial infection was present in all instances, where the number of isolates varied from two to four. Two patients had anaerobes only and the other four had mixed flora of strict anaerobes and facultatives. There were 16 bacterial isolates (12 anaerobic, 4 aerobic). The anaerobic isolates were Peptostreptococcus spp. (5 isolates), Prevotella spp. (4), Bacteroides fragilis group (2), and Propionibacterium acnes (1). The aerobic isolates were E. coll (2), Staphylococcus aureus (1) and group B streptococci (1). Blood cultures were positive for three patients. The most common predisposing conditions were vacuum extraction and amnionitis (4 instances of each), instrumental delivery (3), electronic fetal monitoring (2), prolonged delivery (1), and premature rupture of membranes (1). All patients underwent drainage, and four also had surgical incision and drainage of the IC. Osteomyelitis developed in one instance and scalp abscess developed in two patients, both of whom had electronic fetal monitoring. All patients eventually recovered from infection after receiving parenteral and subsequent oral antibiotic therapy for a total of 14-38 days. Conclusion: This study highlights the polymicrobial nature and potential importance of anaerobic bacteria in IC in newborns.
Statistical characterization of the charge state and residue dependence of low-energy CID peptide dissociation patterns.

Data mining was performed on 28 330 unique peptide tandem mass spectra for which sequences were assigned with high confidence. By dividing the spectra into different sets based on structural features and charge states of the corresponding peptides, chemical interactions involved in promoting specific cleavage patterns in gas-phase peptides were characterized. Pairwise fragmentation maps describing cleavages at all Xxx−Zzz residue combinations for b and y ions reveal that the difference in basicity between Arg and Lys results in different dissociation patterns for singly charged Arg- and Lys-ending tryptic peptides. While one dominant protonation form (proton localized) exists for Arg-ending peptides, a heterogeneous population of different protonated forms or more facile interconversion of protonated forms (proton partially mobile) exists for Lys-ending peptides. Cleavage C-terminal to acidic residues dominates spectra from singly charged peptides that have a localized proton and cleavage N-terminal to Pr...
A Subject-Independent Method for Automatically Grading Electromyographic Features During a Fatiguing Contraction

Many studies have attempted to monitor fatigue from electromyogram (EMG) signals. However, fatigue affects EMG in a subject-specific manner. We present here a subject-independent framework for monitoring the changes in EMG features that accompany muscle fatigue based on principal component analysis and factor analysis. The proposed framework is based on several time- and frequency-domain features, unlike most of the existing work, which is based on two to three features. Results show that latent factors obtained from factor analysis on these features provide a robust and unified framework. This framework learns a model from EMG signals of multiple subjects, that form a reference group, and monitors the changes in EMG features during a sustained submaximal contraction on a test subject on a scale from zero to one. The framework was tested on EMG signals collected from 12 muscles of eight healthy subjects. The distribution of factor scores of the test subject, when mapped onto the framework was similar for both the subject-specific and subject-independent cases.
California Indian Ethnomycology and Associated Forest Management

Abstract Many California Indian tribes utilized mushrooms for food, medicine, and/or technological purposes. This paper summarizes which mushrooms were important to different California Indian tribes in historic and modern times and how they were harvested, prepared, and stored. Oral interviews were conducted and the ethnographic literature reviewed to detail the extent and complexity of indigenous knowledge about fungi harvesting and associated burning to enhance mushroom populations and their habitats. Through two case studies, we review indigenous burning practices of several tribes in the lower montane mixed conifer forests of the central and southern Sierra Nevada, and the mixed evergreen forests of northern California. We explore the potential ecological effects of burning on these forests at different levels of biological organization and conclude by offering suggestions for research, management, and restoration practices needed to perpetuate usable mushrooms.
Why the brain is probably not a quantum computer

Based on a calculation of neural decoherence rates, we argue that that the degrees of freedom of the human brain that relate to cognitive processes should be thought of as a classical rather than quantum system, i.e., that there is nothing fundamentally wrong with the current classical approach to neural network simulations. We find that the decoherence timescales (10 ˇ13 ‐10 ˇ20 s) are typically much shorter than the relevant dynamical timescales (10 ˇ3 ‐10 ˇ1 s), both for regular neuron firing and for kink-like polarization excitations in microtubules. This conclusion disagrees with suggestions by Penrose and others that the brain acts as a quantum computer, and that quantum coherence is related to consciousness in a fundamental way. ” 2000 Published by Elsevier
Differences in Lending Practices Among Institutions Loaning Capital to Dairy Producers

Abstract Dairy lenders in Virginia were mailed a 52-question survey of lending practices, customer characteristics, and knowledge of dairy production measures. Seventy-six responses from 72% of those surveyed were distributed nearly equally from the Farm Credit System, Farmers Home Administration, and commercial banks lending to dairy producers. Differences among types of lenders were identified, and orthogonal contrasts were used to compare banks with agricultural lenders and Farm Credit with Farmers Home. Relative to Farm Credit, Farmers Home loaned capital to younger dairy producers having smaller herds and more debt per cow. Agricultural lenders received 13% more requests for refinancing and 17% fewer requests for operating loans than banks. Three-fourths of all dairy loans were sound with banks having 17% more sound loans than agricultural lenders and Farm Credit 17% more than Farmers Home. Refinancing was the preferred method of handling stressed loans for all types of lenders. Although repayment ability was the primary credit evaluation, Farmers Home placed more emphasis than Farm Credit on production management and less on personal characteristics. Cash flow, profit-loss, and net worth statements were preferred by lenders. Statements presented by dairy managers to lenders were predominantly net worth with profit-loss next and cash flow fewest, especially in Farm Credit offices. Length of loans varied among types of lenders with Farmers Home longest on all items except used machinery and banks notably short on land terms. Lender types differed for knowledge of dairy production measures only for identification of genetically superior sires. However, 10 to 20% of all lenders misevaluated the quality of the example figure for each production category. Educational programs should emphasize more compatibility of financial statements prepared by dairy producers to be used by lenders, and identification of superior dairy production management by lenders.
The role of the immune system in early epithelial carcinogenesis: B-ware the double-edged sword

Cancer is commonly described as a disease of genetic mutations. However, epidemiologic and clinical evidence points to the important but multifaceted role of the host. The immune system has something to say about cancer evolution through promotion of malignancy by inflammatory myeloid cells of the innate immune system. In a report in this issue of Cancer Cell, B cells are implicated as key players in the regulation of chronic inflammation that promotes early events in epithelial carcinogenesis. These are surprising observations, linking antibodies of the adaptive immune system to innate immune responses that drive epithelial carcinogenesis.
Simulating air entrainment and vortex dynamics in a hydraulic jump

Abstract The air entrainment characteristics of three separate Froude number hydraulic jumps are investigated numerically using an unsteady RANS, realizable k–e turbulence model, with a Volume of Fluid treatment for the free surface. Mean velocity profiles, average void fraction, and Sauter mean diameter compare favorably with experimental data reported in literature. In all simulations, time-averaged void fraction profiles show good agreement with experimental values in the turbulent shear layer and an accurate representation of interfacial aeration at the free surface. Sauter mean diameter is well represented in the shear layer, and free surface entrainment results indicate bubble size remains relatively unchanged throughout the depth of the jump. Several different grid resolutions are tested in the simulations. Significant improvements in void fraction and bubble size comparison are seen when the diameter to grid size ratio of the largest bubbles in the shear layer surpasses eight. A three-dimensional simulation is carried out for one Froude number jump, showing an improvement in the prediction of entrained air and bubble size compared with two-dimensional results at a substantial increase in computation time. An analysis of three-dimensional vorticity shows a complex interaction between spanwise and streamwise vortical structures and entrained air bubbles. The jump is similar to a turbulent mixing layer, constrained by the free surface, with vortex pairing and subsequent fluctuations in free surface elevation. Downstream fluctuations of the toe are associated with a roll up of the primary spanwise vortex, fluctuations of the free surface, and counter-rotating streamwise vortex pairs. The action of these flow structures is likely responsible for the improvement in three-dimensional results.
Periodontal status of US employed adults in 1985-86

A national survey of employed adults was conducted by the National Institute of Dental Research to provide more current epidemiologic information about dental disease. This report addresses one aspect of the survey's findings: periodontal status. Although almost all employed adults had experienced some loss of periodontal attachment, less than 13% had loss of attachment of 5 mm or greater. Gingival recession affected half of the population. The extent and severity of periodontal disease improved in comparison with findings from earlier studies.
A neutron electric dipole moment from supersymmetric QCD

Abstract Supersymmetric QCD naturally contains CP -violating interactions which can contribute to a neutron electric dipole moment. An analysis of the two-loop graphs results in a non-zero EDM whose magnitude is estimated and found to be compatible with experiment.
Comparative lipid biochemistry—II. Lipids of plant and animal flagellates, a non-motile alga, an ameba and a ciliate

Abstract 1. 1. The qualitative lipid pattern of eight flagellates, both plant and animal, a non-motile alga, an ameba and a ciliate were compared by paper chromatographic techniques. 2. 2. The algal flagellates ( Chlamydomonas, Euglena ) and the non-motile alga ( Chlorella ) had a common pattern distinct from the animal flagellates ( Crithidia, Herpetomonas, Leishmania and Trypanosoma ), ameba ( Acanthamoeba ) and ciliate ( Tetrahymena ). 3. 3. The phosphatide pattern of Ochromonas had only a superficial resemblance to these forms. 4. 4. The plants were distinguished by the absence of plasmalogen and by the presence glycolipid, phosphatidyl glycerol and sulfatide. 5. 5. The animals were characterized by ethanollamine plasmalogen, trace amounts of choline plasmalogen, and in Acanthamoeba , serine plasmalogen as well. Tetrahymena had two monoglyceride components, one resembling α-glyceryl ether.
Diffusion of Nb95 into tantalum single crystals

Abstract Penetration curves were obtained for the diffusion of Nb 95 into tantalum single crystals at temperatures 1050–1600°C. For the conditions of these experiments, the curves were characterized by a region of large slope near the surface, followed by a region of much lesser slope deeper into the metal. Originally, the near-surface behavior in this case was thought to be anomalous in origin, occurring as a result of phenomena associated with the extremely small penetration distances. However, the present results indicate that this is probably not the case, the first region being a result of lattice diffusion while the second portion is a consequence of the presence of short-circuit diffusion paths. Some of the complications of uniting the experimental procedures and results with the proper mathematical analysis for studies of near-surface diffusion are also discussed.
Fabrication of anatomically tapered foveal pits for retinal phantoms for optical coherence tomography

Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) has become a standard tool for diagnosing retinal disease in many ophthalmology clinics. Nonetheless, the technical and clinical research communities still lack a standardized phantom that could aid in evaluating and normalizing the various scan protocols and OCT machines employed at different institutions. Existing retinal phantoms designed for OCT imaging mimic some important features of the retina, such as the thickness and scattering properties of its many layers. However, the morphology of the foveal pit and the visible tapering of the retinal layers underlying the surface surrounding the pit remains a challenge to replicate in current phantoms. Recent attempts at creating a realistic foveal pit include molding, ablation and laser etching but have not proved sufficient to replicate this particular anatomical feature. In this work, we demonstrate a new fabrication procedure that is capable of replicating the tapered appearance of the retinal layers near the foveal pit using a combination of spin-coating and replica molding. The ability to create an anatomically correct foveal pit will allow for a new phantom better suited for intra- and inter-system evaluation and for improved testing of retinal segmentation algorithms.
Fusion characteristics of rigid PVC/wood‐flour composites by torque rheometry

This study was aimed at examining the effects of wood flour contents, wood species (softwood vs. hardwood), and particle size on the fusion characteristics (fusion time, fusion temperature, fusion torque, and fusion energy) of rigid PVC/wood-flour composites in a torque rheometer. Neat rigid PVC exhibited one fusion peak, whereas the addition of wood flour into the PVC matrix led to two fusion peaks. Increased wood flour content caused a significant increase in the time, temperature, and energy at which fusion between the primary particles started, thereby leading to increased fusion torque, irrespective of the wood flour species. These results implied that rigid PVC filled with wood flour must be processed at higher temperatures than neat resin. Although fusion characteristics of the composites were influenced by the wood species, a clear trend between softwood and hardwood species could not be established. However, finer particles fused more quickly and needed less energy than coarse ones. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 13:7–13, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Phosphorylation of deoxyguanosine in intact and fractured mitochondria

The phosphorylation of deoxyguanosine was measured in fractured and intact mitochondria and an apparent Km of 16 μM for deoxyguanosine was calculated using fractured mitochondria. The effects of various deoxynucleotides on the phosphorylating activity in fractured organelles was tested at both a high and low ratio of NXP/ATP and at two pH values, 7.0 and 5.5. Exogenous dGTP, dGDP or dITP were inhibitory under all conditions tested. With a NXP/ATP ratio of 0.08 at pH 7.0, TTP, TDP, dADP, ADP, UTP and UDP were stimulatory, but at pH 5.5 only TTP elicited that response. When the NXP/ATP ratio was 10 at pH 5.5, TTP and UTP increased the activity more than 10-fold, whereas, at pH 7.0 TTP, TDP, dADP, ADP, UTP, UDP caused stimulation, but to a much lesser extent. When exogenous Mg2+, Mn2+ or Ca2+ were added to intact mitochondria, the rates of phosphorylation were lowered. In fractured mitochondria in the absence of exogenous ATP, little phosphorylation occurs, hence these metal ions caused little change. ATP-Mg, ATP-Mn and ATP-Ca, each at 0.05 mM caused a small inhibition with intact mitochondria, whereas, these compounds supported phosphorylation with fractured organelles. ATP-Mn (10 mM) or ATP-Ca (10 mM) stimulated phosphorylation in both intact and fractured mitochondria. Intact mitochondria synthesized dGMP, dGDP and dGTP when metal ion or ATP-Me concentrations were low (0.05 mM) or when Mg2+ concentration was high (10 mM). Additions of ATP-Ca, ATP-Mn, ATP-Mg, Mn2+ or Ca2+ at 10 mM cause the loss of dGDP and dGTP formation and, in most cases, an increase in the synthesis of dGMP. Fractured mitochondria make only dGMP and the levels of its synthesis are greater than that observed for intact mitochondria. These data suggest that intact mitochondria are required for the synthesis of dGTP and that its synthesis is regulated by mitochondria nucleotides.
Targeting DNA With Fingers and TALENs

Researchers have long recognized that the random introduction of new DNA into the genome could result in unpredictable genetic effects due to bilateral influences between transgenic and endogenous sequences. Hence, precise editing or replacement of mutant genes has been a major goal of gene therapy since its inception. That goal looked possible with the publication of studies demonstrating that targeted cleavage of chromosomal sequences and enhanced homologous recombination (HR) could be achieved using chimeric molecules composed of a nuclease domain and separate, designer DNA-recognition domains.1,2 Zinc-finger nucleases (ZFNs) are artificial endonucleases that consist of a FokI cleavage domain tethered to engineered Cys2His2 zinc-finger, DNA-binding polypeptides.3,4,5 ZFNs have gained considerable momentum and are widely considered the most mature nuclease technology in the gene therapy field.6 However, after 15 years in the spotlight, a new chimeric nuclease has emerged, Transcription Activator-Like (TAL) Effector Nucleases (TALENs).7,8,9,10 Here, we describe functional and design characteristics of ZFNs and TALENs and discuss their expanding role as tools for research and gene therapy.
Liver-directed neonatal gene therapy prevents cardiac, bone, ear, and eye disease in mucopolysaccharidosis I mice

Mucopolysaccharidosis I (MPS I) due to deficient alpha-L-iduronidase (IDUA) activity results in accumulation of glycosaminoglycans in many cells. Gene therapy could program liver to secrete enzyme with mannose 6-phosphate (M6P), and enzyme in blood could be taken up by other cells via the M6P receptor. Newborn MPS I mice were injected with 10(9) (high dose) or 10(8) (low dose) transducing units/kg of a retroviral vector (RV) expressing canine IDUA. Most animals achieved stable expression of IDUA in serum at 1240 +/- 147 and 110 +/- 31 units/ml, respectively. At 8 months, untreated MPS I mice had aortic insufficiency, increased bone mineral density (BMD), and reduced responses to sound and light. In contrast, MPS I mice that received high-dose RV had normal echocardiograms, BMD, auditory-evoked brain-stem responses, and electroretinograms. This is the first report of complete correction of these clinical manifestations in any model of mucopolysaccharidosis. Biochemical and pathologic evaluation confirmed that storage was reduced in these organs. Mice that received low-dose RV and achieved 30 units/ml of serum IDUA activity had no or only partial improvement. We conclude that high-dose neonatal gene therapy with an RV reduces some major clinical manifestations of MPS I in mice, but low dose is less effective.
Secrets in the eyes of Black Oystercatchers: a new sexing technique

Sexing oystercatchers in the field is difficult because males and females have identical plumage and are similar in size. Although Black Oystercatchers (Haematopus bachmani) are sexually dimorphic, using morphology to determine sex requires either capturing both pair members for comparison or using discriminant analyses to assign sex probabilistically based on morphometric traits. All adult Black Oystercatchers have bright yellow eyes, but some of them have dark specks, or eye flecks, in their irides. We hypothesized that this easily observable trait was sex-linked and could be used as a novel diagnostic tool for identifying sex. To test this, we compared data for oystercatchers from genetic molecular markers (CHD-W/CHD-Z and HINT-W/HINT-Z), morphometric analyses, and eye- fleck category (full eye flecks, slight eye flecks, and no eye flecks). Compared to molecular markers, we found that discriminant analyses based on morphological characteristics yielded variable results that were confounded by geographical differences in morphology. However, we found that eye flecks were sex-linked. Using an eye-fleck model where all females have full eye flecks and males have either slight eye flecks or no eye flecks, we correctly assigned the sex of 117 of 125 (94%) oystercatchers. Using discriminant analysis based on morphological characteristics, we correctly assigned the sex of 105 of 119 (88%) birds. Using the eye-fleck technique for sexing Black Oystercatchers may be preferable for some investigators because it is as accurate as discriminant analysis based on morphology and does not require capturing the birds. SINOPSIS. Secretos en los ojos de Haematopus bachmani: una nueva tde sexado El sexado de ostreros en el campo es sumamente dif´ icil dado el caso de que tanto hembras como machos tienen plumaje idy son similares en tamaAunque los ostreros negros (Haematopus bachmani) son sexualmente dim´
The Implication of Vitamin D and Autoimmunity: a Comprehensive Review

Historically, vitamin D has been associated with the regulation of bone metabolism. However, increasing evidence demonstrates a strong association between vitamin D signaling and many biological processes that regulate immune responses. The discovery of the vitamin D receptor in multiple immune cell lineages, such as monocytes, dendritic cells, and activated T cells credits vitamin D with a novel role in modulating immunological functions and its subsequent role in the development or prevention of autoimmune diseases. In this review we, discuss five major areas in vitamin D biology of high immunological significance: (1) the metabolism of vitamin D; (2) the significance of vitamin D receptor polymorphisms in autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes mellitus, and systemic lupus erythematosus; (3) vitamin D receptor transcriptional regulation of immune cell lineages, including Th1, Th17, Th2, regulatory T, and natural killer T cells; (4) the prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency/deficiency in patients with multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes mellitus, and systemic lupus erythematosus; and finally, (5) the therapeutic effects of vitamin D supplementation on disease severity and progression.
Potential spread of introduced black rat (Rattus rattus) parasites to endemic deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) on the California Channel Islands

Introduced species have the potential to outperform natives in two primary ways: via increased rates of predation and competition, and via the introduction of new parasites against which native species often lack effective immune defences. To assess the extent to which invasive species’ parasites spread to native hosts, we compared the composition of helminth parasites found in introduced black rat ( Rattus rattus ) and endemic deer mouse ( Peromyscus maniculatus ) populations on a subset of the California Channel Islands. Results suggest that the whipworm, Trichuris muris , may have spread from introduced black rats to endemic island deer mice and has continued to thrive in one island population where rats were recently eradicated. These results yield two important conservation messages: (1) although the parasites introduced with invasive species may be few, they should not be ignored as they can spread to native species, and (2) introduced parasites have the potential to remain in a system even after their founding host is extirpated. These findings underscore the importance of parasitological surveys in invasive species research and baseline data for ecosystems where exotic species are likely to invade.