cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Suitability of the White-Marked Tussock Moth (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae) as an Alternate Host for the Imported Gypsy Moth (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae) Parasite, Rogas lymantriae Watanabe (Hymenoptera: Braconidae)

In choice experiments in the laboratory, Rogas lymantriae Watanabe preferred Lymantria dispar (L.) larvae over Orgyia leucostigma J. E. Smith, and development from oviposition to mummification was significantly longer in O. leucostigma than in L. dispar. There were no differences in sex ratio of R. lymantriae reared in the different hosts; hence, O. leucostigma is a suitable alternate host for R. lymantriae. Despite being reared on L. dispar in the laboratory for over 50 generations, R. lymantriae parasitized L. dispar in the field; future releases to establish R. lymantriae should be made where L. dispar and O. leucostigma occur together.
Flight Behavior of Macrocentrus grandii Goidanich (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), a Specialist Parasitoid of European Com Borer (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae): Factors Influencing Response to Corn Volatiles

Flight behavior of the specialist parasitoid Macrocentrus grandii Goidanich to olfactory stimuli from corn, the principal food plant of its host, European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis (Hubner), was studied in a wind tunnel. Extracts of corn volatiles, isolated using Tenax, elicited Right initiation, upwind anemotaxis, casting, landing, and ovipositor unsheathing behaviors in M. grandii . Flight responses were dependent on certain plant- and parasitoid-related factors. Leaf and husk volatiles were attractive, while kernel, silk, and tassel volatiles were not. Similar responses were exhibited to volatile extracts from leaves of plants at 2-leaf, 12-leaf, and tassel stages of development and to those of field- and sweet-corn cultivars. Flight response to isolated corn volatiles was gender and age specific. Males and newly emerged females were not attracted. After 4 d, Right response in females increased with age. Attraction was also enhanced after females were provided the opportunity to oviposit in corn-fed European com borers possibly through the process of associative learning. The results of this study suggest that corn volatiles have potential for use for increasing parasitism of European corn borer by M. grandii . However, certain plant- and parasitoid-related factors that influence flight behavior of M. grandii need to be considered while developing the technique for application in the field.
Magnetic destabilization of Ni7Al

Previously unknown cubic ordered Ni{sub 7}Al and Cu{sub 7}Pt compounds have recently been theoretically predicted to be stable phases in the Ni-Al and Cu-Pt systems. While Cu{sub 7}Pt was subsequently synthesized and identified, Ni{sub 7}Al remains experimentally unobserved. Using first-principles total energy calculations, we reinvestigate the stability of this Ni{sub 7}Al compound. We find the stability of this compound to be qualitatively effected by spin polarization, ignored in previous calculations. The effect of ferromagnetism is to stabilize the two-phase mixture of Ni+Ni{sub 3}Al relative to the Ni{sub 7}Al compound such that the latter is stable in nonmagnetic calculations, but unstable when spin polarization is taken into account. This reversal of relative stabilities of Ni{sub 7}Al and Ni+Ni{sub 3}Al with magnetism also has a dramatic effect on the calculated Ni{sub 3}Al/Ni interfacial energy {sigma} and spin-polarized calculations lead to a positive value of {sigma}, which is in qualitative agreement with values obtained from precipitation experiments. {copyright} {ital 1999} {ital The American Physical Society}
A Contribution Toward Lichen Synthesis

The synthesis of lichens in the laboratory, beginning with the isolated algal and fungal symbionts, has long been the dream of lichenologists. Despite numerous attempts (a good history is given by Werner 1927) and a few reported successes (Bonnier 1889, Thomas 1939), the problem still remains unsolved and is as enigmatic today as it was some 90 years ago when the true nature of lichens was discovered. The experiments described in this paper have resulted in some interesting observations regarding the initial stages of lichen synthesis. Several of the results obtained deviate quite markedly from those published by earlier workers, notably those of Gaston Bonnier, who has claimed to have achieved many true lichen syntheses. Bonnier described synthetic culture in which 5 days after germination the clasping hyphae had laid hold of the algae and symbiotic growth had begun, a small lichen thallus being formed some 50 days later, with subsequent apothecial formation. In the light of my experiments this is indeed a remarkable feat. Bonnier's experiments contain numerous inconsistencies and unexplained points (Thomas 1939, p. 187); these, coupled with the fact that no one has been able to duplicate his experiments, make one hesitant in accepting his results. The lichen used for our experiments was Lecanora dispersa (Pers.) Rohl., an urban, saxicolous form growing quite conveniently on the concrete ledge of the basement window of the Farlow Herbarium. The procedure, carried out under sterile conditions and using sterile apparatus and cultures, may be outlined as follows: A non-nutrient agar (Noble's Agar) containing Knop's mineralsolution medium (pH 7.3) was employed. Immediately after autoclaving, this medium was pipetted into a van Tieghem cell and a carefully washed cover-slip was then placed over this filled cell and lifted off again
AN ANALYTIC SOLUTION FOR A BEAM WITH ARBITRARILY DISTRIBUTED SPRING-MASS SYSTEMS UNDER ELASTIC BOUNDARY CONDITION

An analytic solution for a beam with arbitrarily distributed spring-mass systems under elastic boundary condition is obtained by using sine expansion method.It is applied to solving free vibration of a beam carrying uniformly distributed sprung masses,and results compared with those in reference show good agreement,which validates the methodology.Additional,effects of five different distributions of spring-mass system on dimensionless natural frequencies of beam are studied.Considering modes of beam without spring-mass,it is concluded that the higher the density and the wider the distribution of spring-mass system locating at the largest magnitude of a mode,the greater influences the spring-mass system has on the dimensionless natural frequencies of that mode.
Regulation of Glucose Metabolism – A Perspective From Cell Bioprocessing

Cultured mammalian cells are the main workhorses for producing biologics. The performance of these cell culture processes, in terms of both productivity and product quality attributes, is significantly influenced by cellular metabolism. Glucose is the major carbon source for cellular biosynthesis and energy generation. We summarize here recent advances in our understanding of the regulation of glucose metabolism in cultured cells. The versatility of cells to sustain homeostatic states under widely varying environments is made possible by allosteric regulation of the metabolic network, interplay between the signaling pathways, and transcription factors. Understanding the regulation of metabolism holds the key to altering the metabolic regulatory circuit and implementing direct metabolic control over cell culture processes.
The effects of ritodrine hydrochloride on uterine activity and the cardiovascular system.

The effects of ritodrine hydrochloride were evaluated in 10 patients in active labor with continuous electronic monitoring of fetal and maternal cardiovascular systems and uterine activity. Ritodrine infused at 150 μg per minute significantly decreased uterine activity and increased maternal heart rate with only minimal blood pressure changes. During the period of increased maternal heart rate, nonspecific changes in the maternal electrocardiogram were noted and thought to be rate related. The drug has no demonstrable effect on the fetal heart rate, fetal electrocardiogram, or acid-base status.
User design of a laboratory computer system

Although plans to develop a laboratory information system should be considered with caution, in some clinical laboratories this alternative may be preferable to the purchase of a system. The advantages and drawbacks of a user-designed system are explored, and suggestions made for the selection of hardware and software.
Sound Propagation in Granular Materials

What happens when sound propagates in an unconsolidated granular medium? Not only are such “sandpiles” disordered, they also have a very nonlinear response because the contacts between grains, through which the sound travels, is very sensitive to the pressure and hence the amplitude of the sound vibration. The effect of these fragile contacts produces a number of striking effects which are not manifested by the sound in more commonly studied disordered solids such as glasses.
Non-pharmacological Methods for Relief of Labor Pain

Although systemic medications and regional anesthetics have become popular in recent years, other techniques that do not involve medication have also been tried in different centers with varying success. There are instances where a mother may not wish to use medications or regional analgesia for childbirth, or pharmacological options may not be available in some parts of the world.
NIST Primary Frequency Standards and the Realization of the SI Second

As the base unit of time interval, the second holds a place of preeminence in the world of metrology. Time interval, and its reciprocal, frequency, can be measured with more resolution and less unc...
When cancer needs what's non-essential

The non-essential amino acids serine and glycine are critical for proliferative metabolism. A study in Nature now finds that dietary serine and glycine deprivation inhibits growth of some tumours. Whether this dietary intervention is effective depends on both the oncogenic context and tumour tissue of origin.
A 58-Year-Old Man With Fatigue, Weight Loss, and Diffuse Miliary Pulmonary Opacities

Case Presentation A 58-year-old man presented with a 6-month history of profound fatigue and a weight loss of 35 to 40 pounds. He reported occasional night sweats and mildly painful knees and elbows without swelling or redness. He denied respiratory symptoms, rashes, or fevers. He had no respiratory symptoms. The patient's history was significant for rheumatoid arthritis (with arthralgias and joint involvement), paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, and hypothyroidism. His medications included digoxin and metoprolol. He had been taking methotrexate and low-dose prednisone (5 mg) for approximately 10 years but discontinued taking these medications 2 years prior to current presentation. Originally from West Virginia, the patient had relocated to Arizona during the early 1980s. There was no history of international travel or TB. He had no exposure history to birds, bird feathers, or mold; however, he did report exposure to dust at his current job as a home building superintendent. He reported a 10 pack-year history of smoking, having quit 20 years ago. His family history was significant for renal sarcoidosis in his mother.
The synthesis of α- and β-2′-deoxyselenoguanosine

The α- and β-anomers of 2′-deoxy-6-selenoguanosine have been prepared from 2-acetamido-6-chloro-9-(2-deoxy-3,5-di-O-p-toluoyl-α- and β-d-erythro-pentofuranosyl) purine. The structure of the individual anomers has been firmly established using ultraviolet and PMR spectroscopy. The potential anticancer activity of both anomers is discussed.
Differential Pheromone Sampling of the Gland of Female Heliothis Virescens Moths Reveals Glandular Differences in Composition and Quantity

By differentially sampling the pheromone gland of females of the moth Heliothis virescens, we explored differences in pheromone on the surface, or outer distal layer(s) of the gland, and that located more proximally. For this, we used two sampling approaches, (i) a solid phase microextraction fiber rub followed by solvent extraction of residual pheromone (SPME rub/extract), and (ii) rapid solvent rinsing followed by solvent extraction of residual pheromone (rinse/extract). The SPME rub showed differences in component ratio between the dorsal and ventral gland surfaces. The rinse sampled a greater amount of pheromone than the SPME rub, sampling the whole gland surface as well as likely deeper into the gland. Compared to the other samplings, pheromone in the rinse was depleted in the minor component; consequently, the corresponding residual extract was highly enriched in the minor component. Further rinses of the gland yielded only small amounts of pheromone, with a similar component ratio as the first rinse, suggesting that the residual pheromone was less accessible and required extraction in solvent to be liberated. Sampling over the photoperiod showed that the more volatile minor component was depleted (relative to the major component) on the surface/outer cuticle over the period when females called. Together, these data suggest that the pheromone is stored, at least in part, on and in the gland cuticle and that distinct pools may be transported to different topographic regions. Females fed with a stable isotope tracer, incorporated label into pheromone in the gland very rapidly, with the labeled pheromone appearing on the gland surface ca. 1 min later.
Preparing upper elementary school teachers for integrating computational thinking into regular classroom activities

Recent initiatives demonstrate the interest in, and demand for, computational thinking education in elementary schools. However, teachers' readiness for programming-based activities along with their concerns about taking away time from key subject content present barriers for broader integration of computational thinking. This paper presents our experience and findings of a yearlong professional development for a cohort of 21 teachers from self-contained classrooms in grades 4 - 6. The project targeted these grade levels for two reasons: (1) self-contained classrooms provide maximum contact time between teachers and students, affording more flexibility in scheduling and potential for sustained impact, and (2) these grades are critical times for students to build interest and foundations in STEM while many teachers in these classrooms have limited STEM and computing background. The paper provides an overview of the professional development and describes selected activities in more detail. The impact of the professional development on the participating teachers is also presented.
Osteoarthritis of the Thumb

The hand is a common site of peripheral joint involvement in osteoarthritis (OA) and, although often underestimated as a cause of disability, the effect on the quality of life, from limitations in performing activities of daily living such as dressing and feeding, may be considerable. One longitudinal radiographic study of 751 patients over a 24 year period, showed that in those without OA at baseline, women had more incident disease than men in almost all hand joints, but the joints most frequently affected were the same in both sexes: the distal interphalangeal (DIP), followed by the base of the thumb, proximal interphalangeal (PIP) and metacarpophalangeal (MP) joints [1]. In another radiographic study of 3,327 men and women between the ages of 40–80+, the DIP joint demonstrated the highest OA prevalence, while the PIP joint showed the lowest. Joint-specific hand OA prevalence rates for the second DIP, third PIP and trapeziometacarpal (TM) joint were 35, 18 and 21 %, respectively. Women demonstrated higher hand OA prevalence rates for the three sites examined [2]. The age adjusted prevalence of CMC arthritis based on radiographic evidence has been reported to be 15 % for the female population and 7 % for the male population [3]. The prevalence increases to 33 % for the postmenopausal female population. This predilection for the thumb axis makes it one of the most expensive and debilitating diseases in terms of cost of diagnosis, treatment and lost productivity.
New and Revised Concepts in Multidrug Resistance

Drug resistance resulting from the outward efflux of anticancer agents by ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporters such as P-glycoprotein (P-gp) has been well described in vitro in laboratory models. The extent to which multidrug transporters are responsible for clinical drug resistance has been more difficult to determine. In one sense, P-gp can be viewed as a molecular target that was tested in the clinic before there was an adequate understanding of the diseases that were best to study, and before the best inhibitors had been identified. We now recognize that several factors may have impeded the results of clinical trials testing P-gp modulators. First, inhibitors either were not sufficiently potent or required areduction in anticancer drug dose. Alternatively, the presence of other ABC transporters, such as the multidrug resistance-associated protein (MRP1) and the ABC half-transporter ABCG2, may have confounded the results. A single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) that limits the expression of P-gp could prevent inhibitor therapy from benefiting patients, and increase toxicity as well. The goal of this chapter is to evaluate new directions in the study of ABC transporters in multidrug resistance, offering fresh approaches to the fundamental question that asks whether ABC transporters are important molecular targets for anticancer drug development.
Chemotherapy of Schizophrenia

Few illnesses compare with schizophrenia in the toll they take of the most useful years of an individual’s life. Few illnesses have been so frustrating to explain or treat. Few illnesses create such sadness and guilt in those who cannot find ways to help their affected loved one. “Cures” are rare indeed; probably less than fifteen percent of individuals seriously affected who require any kind of prolonged hospitalization ever again function “normally.” Schizophrenia and alcoholism are the two major problems in psychiatry; they deserve far more attention than they have been given.
Elasto-Net: An HDL Conversion Framework For Convolutional Neural Networks

Hardware solutions for Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) have emerged in the recent wake of their success in image classification. Although CNNs are effective in classifying images, they can be highly complex to implement in hardware. CNNs come in many shapes and sizes. Thus, designing a universal hardware that is network agnostic is a tremendous challenge. In this paper, we propose to build a Hardware Descriptive Language (HDL) conversion framework that uses the Nested Processing Element(NPE) we designed [1] as its building block to spawn a Nested Processing Element based Computation Engine (NPECE). We implement an option called Elasto-Net that stretches the layer-agnostic property of the NPECE to the network level. Thus, this framework is able to realize a computation engine that is network agnostic for a specific hardware platform. The motivation to develop a network agnostic computation engine is to establish a convenient test bench infrastructure for testing the NPECE and make it available to higher level programmers. Thus Elasto-Net will help us test the effectiveness of NPECE on many combinations of architectures and CNNs such as AlexNet [2], GoogleNet [3] and ResidualNet [4]. Finally, we report the resource utilization for the layers that are constructed using Elasto-Net for the convolutional layers of AlexNet.
Multi-scale simulation of reaction, transport and deactivation in a SBA-16 supported catalyst for the conversion of ethanol to butadiene

Abstract Effective design of heterogeneous catalytic systems requires careful coordination of physiochemical phenomena that span orders or magnitude in length and time scales. Multiscale modelling and simulation tools can provide useful insight for understanding and improving the performance of such systems. Mesoporous silica catalyst support materials present a versatile platform wherein support attributes may be tuned to control transport phenomena throughout the system. In this study we develop an integrated multiscale modelling approach for the conversion of ethanol to butadiene over a SBA-16 mesoporous silica supported catalyst. We use molecular dynamics simulations to calculate domain specific diffusivities of reactants and products in the various domains of SBA-16′s nanostructure. This is used to calculate a resultant effective diffusivity ( D e f f intra ) through its microstructure using finite element method (FEM) models of the tessellated unit cell. The resultant intraparticle effective diffusivity enables the development of a reduced-order reactor level FEM model that is able to implicitly account for the SBA-16′s transport effects without the explicit consideration of its detailed geometry. Experimental bench-scale conversion data for the ethanol to butadiene process over SBA-16 is used to extract intrinsic kinetic rate constants for a simplified reaction mechanism using this reduced order bench-scale reactor FEM model. The model is able to reproduce experimental trends in conversion and activity lifetimes. The impact of varying key support attributes such as pore-size and particle size on catalytic activity lifetimes is then explored. We demonstrate the utility of this multi-scale modelling strategy in guiding catalyst design for the development of rational strategies to improve the performance of heterogeneous supported catalytic systems.
Characterization of a waterhemp (Amaranthus tuberculatus) population from Illinois resistant to herbicides from five site-of-action groups

Experiments were initiated to characterize a waterhemp population (CHR) discovered in a central Illinois corn field after it was not controlled by the 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD) inhibitor topramezone. Field experiments conducted during 2014–2015 indicated that acetolactate synthase (ALS)-, protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO)-, photosystem II (PSII)-, and HPPD-inhibiting herbicides and the synthetic auxin 2,4-D did not control the CHR population. Laboratory experiments confirmed target site–based resistance mechanisms to ALS- and PPO-inhibiting herbicides. Herbicide doses required to reduce dry biomass 50% (GR50) were determined in greenhouse dose–response experiments, and indicated 16-fold resistance to the HPPD inhibitor mesotrione, 9.5-fold resistance to the synthetic auxin 2,4-D, and 252-fold resistance to the PSII inhibitor atrazine. Complementary results from field, laboratory, and greenhouse investigations indicate that the CHR population has evolved resistance to herbicides from five sites of action (SOAs): ALS-, PPO-, PSII-, and HPPD-inhibiting herbicides and 2,4-D. Herbicide use history for the field in which CHR was discovered indicates no previous use of 2,4-D.
NAD+ homeostasis in renal health and disease

The mammalian kidney relies on abundant mitochondria in the renal tubule to generate sufficient ATP to provide the energy required for constant reclamation of solutes from crude blood filtrate. The highly metabolically active cells of the renal tubule also pair their energetic needs to the regulation of diverse cellular processes, including energy generation, antioxidant responses, autophagy and mitochondrial quality control. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is essential not only for the harvesting of energy from substrates but also for an array of regulatory reactions that determine cellular health. In acute kidney injury (AKI), substantial decreases in the levels of NAD+ impair energy generation and, ultimately, the core kidney function of selective solute transport. Conversely, augmentation of NAD+ may protect the kidney tubule against diverse acute stressors. For example, NAD+ augmentation can ameliorate experimental AKI triggered by ischaemia-reperfusion, toxic injury and systemic inflammation. NAD+-dependent maintenance of renal tubular metabolic health may also attenuate long-term profibrotic responses that could lead to chronic kidney disease. Further understanding of the genetic, environmental and nutritional factors that influence NAD+ biosynthesis and renal resilience may lead to novel approaches for the prevention and treatment of kidney disease.
Low-calorie sweeteners cause only limited metabolic effects in mice

There are widespread concerns that low-calorie sweeteners (LCSs) cause metabolic derangement. These concerns stem in part from prior studies linking LCS consumption to impaired glucose tolerance in...
Autonomous Vehicle Dispatching for Person Evacuation

The rapid development of Autonomous Vehicle (AV) technologies provides a new opportunity to evacuate vulnerable persons from their residences to shelters when some emergency event happens. One of the most important objectives is to minimize the evacuation time, which depends on the order to evacuate persons and which shelter each person is delivered to. We first formulate this AV dispatching problem as an Integer Linear Programming (ILP) model and prove this problem is NP-hard. Due to the problem hardness, an efficient algorithm based on Dynamical Programming (DP) is proposed. Through extensive simulations, we find that our algorithm can reduce the evacuation time by 58\% compared with a greedy based algorithm, which is the common method to solve the Traveling Salesman Problem (TSP), a special case of our AV dispatching problem.
Management of Adenoviral Keratoconjunctivitis: Challenges and Solutions.

Human adenovirus (HAdV) is the most common cause of infectious conjunctivitis, accounting for up to 75% of all conjunctivitis cases and affecting people of all ages and demographics. In addition to ocular complications, it can cause systemic infections in the form of gastroenteritis, respiratory disease, and dissemination in immunocompromised individuals. HAdV causes lytic infection of the mucoepithelial cells of the conjunctiva and cornea, as well as latent infection of lymphoid and adenoid cells. Epidemic keratoconjunctivitis (EKC) is the most severe ocular manifestation of HAdV infection, in which the presence of subepithelial infiltrates (SEIs) in the cornea is a hallmark feature of corneal involvement. SEIs have the tendency to recur and may lead to long-term visual disability. HAdV persistence and dissemination are linked to sporadic outbreaks of adenoviral keratoconjunctivitis. There is no FDA-approved antiviral for treating adenoviral keratoconjunctivitis, and as such, solutions should be proffered to handle the challenges associated with viral persistence and dissemination. Several treatment modalities have been investigated, both systemically and locally, to not only mitigate symptoms but reduce the course of the infection and prevent the risk of long-term complications. These options include systemic and topical antivirals, in-office povidone-iodine irrigation (PVI), immunoglobulin-based therapy, anti-inflammatory therapy, and immunotherapy. More recently, combination PVI/dexamethasone ophthalmic formulations have shown favorable outcomes and were well tolerated in clinical trials for the treatment of EKC. Possible, future treatment considerations include sialic acid analogs, cold atmospheric plasma, N-chlorotaurine, and benzalkonium chloride. Continued investigation and evaluation of treatment are warranted to reduce the economic burden and potential long-term visual debilitation in affected patients. This review will focus on how persistence and dissemination of HAdV pose a significant challenge to the management of adenoviral keratoconjunctivitis. Furthermore, current and future trends in prophylactic and therapeutic modalities for adenoviral keratoconjunctivitis will be discussed.
Abstract 13898: A Comparison of Rate Control Agents in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation: Follow-up Investigation of Affirm Study

Introduction: There is limited data from randomized controlled trials comparing rate control agents in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). We used patient-level data from the AFFIRM trial to co...
Long-term sequelae of septic arthritis after tibial plateau fracture fixation: does timing matter?

Septic arthritis following surgical treatment of a tibial plateau fracture is a rare complication, but it does occur, and the impact on long-term function is relatively unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine the long-term sequelae of septic arthritis among patients treated with internal fixation for a tibial plateau fracture and to determine the effect of timing (early or late infection) on the rate of such sequela. A retrospective comparative study was designed using the trauma database of a single level I academic trauma center. Patients who developed culture-positive septic knee arthritis after internal fixation of a tibial plateau fracture, with 1-year follow-up, were included in the study. The number of debridement procedures required was recorded. Rates of long-term complications and implant removal were identified. Complications rates were compared between patients who developed early (within 30 days of definitive fixation) and late (more than 30 days) septic arthritis. The mean number of debridement procedures per patient was six. Fourteen patients (88%) required implant removal, and thirteen (81%) developed knee arthritis. There was a significantly lower rate of complications in the early septic arthritis group compared to the late group (3 of 6 patients or 50%, vs 10 of 10 patients or 100%; p = 0.036). Patients who developed septic arthritis following internal fixation of a tibial plateau fracture were likely to endure long-term sequelae. Early infection and detection led to fewer complications. Surgeons treating infectious complications in tibial plateau fracture patients should specifically seek to rule out septic arthritis, anticipate that implant removal may be necessary, and counsel these patients appropriately regarding the anticipated natural history of their condition. III.
A Modified Caslicks's procedure for closure of the dorsal vulva in the cow

A cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive (Nexaband) was used to assist healing of vaginal tears, sutured a month after calving. The procedure prevented pneumovagina. Use of the adhesive overcame faecal contamination of the wound.
Vinyl chloride and 1,4-dioxane metabolism by Pseudonocardia dioxanivorans CB1190

Abstract Vinyl chloride (VC) and 1,4-dioxane (DX) are carcinogens and co-occurring groundwater pollutants. Co-contaminants often affect the ability of microorganisms to biodegrade individual constituents. One of the mechanisms by which microbial cells overcome toxic inhibition is by transforming the inhibitory compounds. In this study, while VC inhibited DX biodegradation, it was surprisingly utilized as a growth substrate by Pseudonocardia dioxanivorans CB1190. Increasing concentrations of VC decreased DX biodegradation rates, whereas increasing DX did not have a strong effect on VC biodegradation. CB1190 was able to biodegrade both compounds simultaneously. The dxmB and aldH gene targets were down regulated during VC biodegradation and were likely not induced by VC. After incubating CB1190 with 13C-labeled VC, the detection of isotopic labeled metabolites engaged in lipid and protein synthesis (e.g., aspartate, alpha-ketoglutarate, acetyl-CoA) and energy production (e.g., ATP) provided direct evidence of CB1190’s ability to use VC as a source of carbon and energy. Collectively, these results confirm that CB1190 utilizes VC, a strong DX degradation inhibitor, as a growth substrate. This ability to aerobically degrade VC as well as DX would make CB1190 an attractive bioaugmentation culture at sites where enhanced reductive dechlorination stalls at VC due to oxygen intrusion or strain-specific limitations.
Neuropsychological Investigation of Brain Lesion Localization in Alcoholism

While a variety of behavioral deficits have been associated with chronic alcoholism, there is still an incomplete understanding of the relationship between these deficits and their basis in central nervous system changes. One aspect of the problem has to do with structural changes in localized areas of the brain. It has been proposed that certain brain structures are particularly sensitive to the effects of alcoholism and deteriorate more readily than do other structures. For example, the effects of alcohol on cerebellar function are well known. With regard to the cerebral hemispheres, however, controversy remains.
Intrahepatic lipid, not visceral or muscle fat, is correlated with insulin resistance in older, female rhesus macaques

Objective Little is known of the effect of body composition on glucose metabolism in the aging female non-human primate. These variables in older female Rhesus macaques were studied. Design and Methods Female Rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta, n = 19, age range 23-30 years) underwent magnetic resonance imaging and 1H spectroscopy to quantify total abdominal fat, visceral fat (VF), subcutaneous fat (SF) area, extramyocellular lipid (EMCL), intramyocellular lipid (IMCL) and intrahepatic lipid (IHL) content, and DEXA scan for whole body composition. A subgroup (n = 12) underwent a fasting blood draw and intravenous glucose tolerance test. Results SF correlated with homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMAIR) and quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI), but not after adjustment for fat mass. IHL demonstrated the strongest correlation with HOMAIR, QUICKI and calculated insulin sensitivity index (CSI), and remained significant after adjustment for fat mass. VF, IMCL, and EMCL did not correlate with any of our measures of insulin sensitivity. Conclusions Despite a greater amount of VF compared to SF, VF was not associated with markers of insulin resistance (IR) in the older female monkey. Instead, IHL is a marker for IR in the fasting and post-prandial state in these animals.
Murine autoimmune hemolytic anemia induced via xenogeneic erythrocyte immunization. I. Qualitative characteristics and strain variation, susceptability to induction.

Abstract Mice immunized with xenogeneic rat erythrocytes develop erythrocyte autoantibodies. To determine the influence of strain on this response, outbred and several inbred strains of mice and their hybrids were immunized with rat erythrocytes (Rrbc). The immunological and hematological responses to Rrbc immunization were contrasted relative to strain variation. Concerning autoantibody induction, NZB, NZB W F 1 , and C3H strains were high responders; C3B6 F 1 , BALB c , and N:NIH(S) mice were medium responders; C57BL 6 and NZW mice were low responders; and CBA N and N:NIH(S) nu nu mice were nonresponders. While a correlation existed between susceptibility to autoantibodies to erythrocytes and degree of anti-Rrbc hemagglutination response, it was not absolute. Hybrid data suggest that susceptability to induction of erythrocyte autoantibodies is inherited as a dominant, quantitative trait; H-2 linkage is not indicated. A strain variation was also observed in hematological response and the class and subclass specificities of the erythrocyte-bound autoantibody. Immunization with non-rat xenogeneic erythrocytes or allogeneic erythrocytes proved ineffective in inducing the autoantibody response. Rrbc membrane was as effective an antigen as intact Rrbc. Bromelase-treated Rrbc proved slightly less effective. Finally, anamnestic response to autoantibody induction was observed in 50% of the animals studied.
A probability model for combining ranks

Mixed Group Ranks is a parametric method for combining rank based classifiers that is effective for many-class problems. Its parametric structure combines qualities of voting methods with best rank approaches. In [1] the parameters of MGR were estimated using a logistic loss function. In this paper we describe how MGR can be cast as a probability model. In particular we show that using an exponential probability model, an algorithm for efficient maximum likelihood estimation of its parameters can be devised. While casting MGR as an exponential probability model offers provable asymptotic properties (consistency), the interpretability of probabilities allows for flexiblity and natural integration of MGR mixture models.
Multiple cutaneous lymphoproliferative disorders showing a retained tumor clone by T-cell receptor gene rearrangement analysis: a case series of four patients and review of the literature.

Background Mycosis fungoides (MF) is the most common primary cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL), followed by CD30+ lymphoproliferative disorders, including lymphomatoid papulosis (LyP) and primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma (pcALCL). The objective was to report on a series of patients with different types of CTCL at different times in their clinical course, with a focus on clonality studies. Methods Four patients with multiple diagnoses of CTCLs were identified. The clinical information, treatment interventions, and histopathology were reviewed. T-cell receptor (TCR) gene rearrangement studies were performed on all available specimens. Results The four patients carried diagnoses of: (1) pcALCL and MF; (2) pcALCL, LyP, and pcALCL; (3) LyP, MF, and pcALCL; (4) LyP, pcALCL, and MF; each with characteristic presentation and histopathologic findings. The results of the TCR polymerase chain reaction showed that all tumors expressed and retained a TCR clone(s) as follows: (1) biallelic clone; (2) single clone; (3) biallelic clone with additional clone; and (4) single clone, respectively. Conclusion We report a series of four cases of individual patients with coexisting diagnoses of some combination of MF, LyP, and pcALCL, whose lesions presented in nontraditional sequence and demonstrated a retained clone by gene rearrangement analysis.
Construction of a Symbiotically Effective Strain of Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. trifolii with Increased Nodulation Competitiveness

Genes involved in nodulation competitiveness (tfx) were inserted by marker exchange into the genome of the effective strain Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. trifolii TA1. Isogenic strains of TA1 were constructed which differed only in their ability to produce trifolitoxin, an antirhizobial peptide. Trifolitoxin production by the ineffective strain R. leguminosarum bv. trifolii T24 limited nodulation of clover roots by trifolitoxin-sensitive strains of R. leguminosarum bv. trifolii. The trifolitoxin-producing exconjugant TA1::10-15 was very competitive for nodulation on clover roots when coinoculated with a trifolitoxin-sensitive reference strain. The nonproducing exconjugant TA1::12-10 was not competitive for nodule occupancy when coinoculated with the reference strain. Tetracycline sensitivity and Southern analysis confirmed the loss of vector DNA in the exconjugants. Trifolitoxin production by TA1::10-15 was stable in the absence of selection pressure. Transfer of tfx to TA1 did not affect nodule number or nitrogenase activity. These experiments represent the first stable genetic transfer of genes involved in nodulation competitiveness to a symbiotically effective Rhizobium strain.
Aggregate Litigation Goes Private

In Disaggregative Mechanisms, Professor Jaime Dodge documents how corporate defendants increasingly design their own mass resolution systems to avoid collective litigation — what she calls “disaggregative” dispute resolution. According to Dodge, such schemes promise benefits not only to putative defendants, but also to plaintiffs — resolving disputes quickly, handling large volumes of claims predictably, and sometimes, offering more compensation than would be available through aggregate litigation. She observes, however, that these systems also risk underdeterrence. Dodge concludes by endorsing disaggregative mechanisms while suggesting a need for more public oversight.In the following response, we argue that, left unregulated, such high volume claim systems threaten transparency, deterrence, and even the rule of law. We therefore agree with Dodge’s call for public oversight. But we observe that a number of policing and oversight mechanisms already exist. Today, lawmakers and regulators police collective arbitration and private settlement funds, in a wide variety of areas — from financial and environmental regulations to employment and consumer protection laws. After reviewing the ways that policymakers currently regulate corporate dispute resolution, we examine their effectiveness by exploring two regulated private settlement systems in more detail: (1) regulations developed by the Obama Administration that require airlines to offer “liquidated damages” using a preapproved settlement grid when they overbook customers on a flight and (2) regulations imposed by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency following accusations that many of the nation’s largest banks executed “robo-signed” mortgages that required banks to perform a detailed “independent foreclosure review” of past loans with borrowers. These case studies demonstrate both the challenges to, and opportunities for, government bodies that attempt to encourage sound regulation of mass private settlement systems without compromising their potential contributions to increased access, equality, and efficiency.
Peripheral deficiency of Foxp3+ Regulatory T cells in SOCS-1 knockout mice associated with peri-lethal death.

Suppressor of cytokine signaling-1 (SOCS-1) knockout (KO) mice succumb to a T cell dependent autoimmune disease, with a 100% mortality rate, within 21 days after birth. We have observed that the onset of autoimmune disease coincided with a peripheral deficiency of Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs), despite enhanced thymic development of Tregs. Strikingly, adoptive transfer of SOCS-1 sufficient CD4+ cells into SOCS-1 KO mice, combined with administration of a peptide previously shown to partially restore SOCS-1 function (SOCS-1 KIR) significantly delayed peri-lethal morbidity. Moreover, examination of SOCS-1 KO mice receiving adoptive transfers revealed enhanced Treg peripheral populations compared to wild-type. In addition, a distinct reduction in activated T lymphocytes was observed in mice receiving treatment. Significantly, these results establish a correlation between Foxp3+ Tregs and SOCS-1 in immune system regulation and prevention of autoimmune disease.
The Caulobacter crescentus flaFG region regulates synthesis and assembly of flagellin proteins encoded by two genetically unlinked gene clusters.

Abstract At a specific time in the Caulobacter crescentus cell cycle, a single flagellar filament and multiple receptor sites for the swarmer-specific phage phi Cbk are assembled at one pole of the predivisional cell. One cluster of genes required for this morphogenesis, the flaYG region, includes the flgJKL genes, which encode structural proteins of the flagellar filament. These flagellin genes are flanked by genes required for filament assembly, the flaYE genes at one end and the flaF-flbT-flbA-flaG genes at the other. In this study, we characterized mutants carrying large chromosomal deletions within this region. Several of these strains are phi CbK resistant and produce a novel 22-kDa flagellin that is not assembled into flagella. Merodiploid strains containing either the entire flaFG region or individual fla transcription units from this region were constructed. These strains were used to correlate the presence or absence of specific gene products to changes in flagellin synthesis, filament assembly, or phage sensitivity. As a result of these studies, we were able to conclude that (i) the production of the 22-kDa flagellin results from the absence of the flbA and flaG gene products, which appear to be components of a flagellin-processing pathway common to the 25-, 27-, and 29-kDa flagellins; (ii) flbT negatively modulates the synthesis of the 27- and 25-kDa flagellins from two genetically unlinked gene clusters; (iii) flgL is the only flagellin gene able to encode the 27-kDa flagellin, and this flagellin appears to be required for the efficient assembly of the 25-kDa flagellins; (iv) flaF is required for filament assembly; and (v) phi CbK resistance results from the deletion of at least two genes in the flaFG region.
A novel automatic tuning scheme for high-frequency high-Q continuous-time filters

An automatic tuning scheme for high-frequency high-Q continuous time biquadratic filters is proposed. The method is based on tuning the slope of the phase response around the pole frequency. The value of Q is digitally controlled and does not depend on the filter's bandpass gain, which may be quite different than Q in the presence of dominant parasitics. Therefore, very high-frequency high-Q filters can be tuned accurately. Digital phase locked loops and frequency dividers are employed by the tuning circuit.
An Information Theory Approach to Nonlinear, Nonequilibrium Thermodynamics

Using the problem of ion channel thermodynamics as an example, we illustrate the idea of building up complex thermodynamic models by successively adding physical information. We present a new formulation of information algebra that generalizes methods of both information theory and statistical mechanics. From this foundation we derive a theory for ion channel kinetics, identifying a nonequilibrium ‘process’ free energy functional in addition to the well-known integrated work functionals. The Gibbs-Maxwell relation for the free energy functional is a Green-Kubo relation, applicable arbitrarily far from equilibrium, that captures the effect of non-local and time-dependent behavior from transient thermal and mechanical driving forces. Comparing the physical significance of the Lagrange multipliers to the canonical ensemble suggests definitions of nonequilibrium ensembles at constant capacitance or inductance in addition to constant resistance. Our result is that statistical mechanical descriptions derived from a few primitive algebraic operations on information can be used to create experimentally-relevant and computable models. By construction, these models may use information from more detailed atomistic simulations. Two surprising consequences to be explored in further work are that (in)distinguishability factors are automatically predicted from the problem formulation and that a direct analogue of the second law for thermodynamic entropy production is found by considering information loss in stochastic processes. The information loss identifies a novel contribution from the instantaneous information entropy that ensures non-negative loss.
Serotonin 2C receptor antagonist improves fear discrimination and subsequent safety signal recall.

Abstract The capacity to discriminate between safety and danger is fundamental for survival, but is disrupted in individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Acute stressors cause a release of serotonin (5-HT) in the forebrain, which is one mechanism for enhanced fear and anxiety; these effects are mediated by the 5-HT 2C receptor. Using a fear discrimination paradigm where a danger signal conditioned stimulus (CS +) co-terminates with a mild footshock and a safety signal (CS −) indicates the absence of shock, we demonstrate that danger/safety discrimination and fear inhibition develop over the course of 4 daily conditioning sessions. Systemic administration of the 5-HT 2C receptor antagonist SB 242084 (0.25 or 1.0 mg/kg) prior to conditioning reduced behavioral freezing during conditioning, and improved learning and subsequent inhibition of fear by the safety signal. Discrimination was apparent in the first recall test, and discrimination during training was evident after 3 days of conditioning versus 5 days in the vehicle treated controls. These results suggest a novel therapeutic use for 5-HT 2C receptor antagonists to improve learning under stressful circumstances. Potential anatomical loci for 5-HT 2C receptor modulation of fear discrimination learning and cognitive performance enhancement are discussed. Ethical Statement John P. Christianson and Allison R. Foilb, the authors, verify that animal research was carried out in accordance with the National Institute of Health Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (NIH Publications No. 80-23) and all procedures involving animals were reviewed and approved by the Boston College Animal Care and Use Committee. All efforts were made to limit the number of animals used and their suffering.