cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The ratio of retinoblastoma (RB) to fos and RB to myc expression during the cell cycle.

The putative transregulatory activity of the RB (retinoblastoma tumor suppressor) gene product on the expression of the c-myc and c-fos proteins during the cell cycle was assessed in HL-60 promyetocytic leukemia cells. Multiparamter flow cytometry was used to simultaneously measure nuclear DNA content, RB protein, and MYC or FOS protein per cell. The amount of RB protein per cell increased with progression through the cell cycle. As the amount of RB protein increased, the ratio of RB to MYC or to FOS protein could be determined per cell as a function of cell cycle phase. Although the amount of RB protein per cell increased with progression through successive cell cycle phases, during S phase the relative rate of increase was not as rapid as that of nuclear DNA. The amount of MYC and FOS per cell also increased throughout the cell cycle, but also more slowly than DNA during S. The ratio of the amount of RB protein to MYC protein remained constant throughout the cell cycle, consistent with putative co-regulation suggested by previous studies of promoter structure. In contrast, the ratio of RB protein to FOS protein increased with progression through the phases of the cell cycle, consistent withmore » a putative negative effect of RB on FOS which was found in previous studies with transgenes and reporters. There was no significant change in these ratios with myelo-monocytic differentiation. Although MYC and FOS have both been implicated as growth-promoting oncogenes putatively transregulated by RB, their behavior during the cell cycle relative to RB is thus distinguishable. Interestingly, in the case of all three of these putative cell cycle regulatory proteins, their cell cycle phase-specific expression levels are consistent with a minimum amount per cell that is necessary but not sufficient for progression to the next cell cycle phase. 28 refs., 5 figs.« less
Inference in belief networks: A procedural guide

Abstract Belief networks are popular tools for encoding uncertainty in expert systems. These networks rely on inference algorithms to compute beliefs in the context of observed evidence. One established method for exact inference on belief networks is the probability propagation in trees of clusters (PPTC) algorithm, as developed by Lauritzen and Spiegelhalter and refined by Jensen et al. PPTC converts the belief network into a secondary structure, then computes probabilities by manipulating the secondary structure. In this document, we provide a self-contained, procedural guide to understanding and implementing PPTC. We synthesize various optimizations to PPTC that are scattered throughout the literature. We articulate undocumented “open secrets” that are vital to producing a robust and efficient implementation of PPTC. We hope that this document makes probabilistic inference more accessible and affordable to those without extensive prior exposure.
Immunocytochemical localization of amyloid precursor protein in rat brain.

The localization ofamyloid precursor protein (APP) in rat brain was studied with a cytoplasmic domain-specific antibody. Light microscopic immunocytochemistry demonstrated that APP is present in most neurons, in some oligodendrocytes, and in a population of cells with diameters less than 10 μm that may be glial. Marked differences in immunoreactivity among neurons were observed, and the strongest immunoreactivity was contained in larger neurons. Neurons with scant cytoplasm, such as granule cells in the olfactory bulb, dentate gyrus, and cerebellum, were weakly immunoreactive. Differences in neuropil immunoreactivity were also observed; this type of staining was strongest in the caudatoputamen, lateral septum, medial habenula, nucleus reticularis of the dorsal thalamus, and the lateral portion of the ventroposterior nucleus. Neuropil immunostaining was weakest in layer IV of cortex and in areas containing granule cells. The fact that APP seems to be present in the vast majority of neurons suggests that this protein plays a role common to all neurons. The fact that there is a great difference in the steady-state amount of APP among different types of neurons suggests that APP may play a specific role in the function of certain classes of neurons. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Use of drag probe in supersonic flow

We focuse on demonstrating that the relation between a subsonic and a supersonic velocity head are the same for each drag probe. The supersonic flow impinging on the drag probe is assumed to be unidirectional
The effect of gross roughness on ellipsometry

Abstract Ellipsometry and ellipsometric spectroscopy are powerful tools for investigating the molecular structure of electrode-electrolyte interfaces. However, a serious drawback is that exact relationships between measured ellipsometric parameters and the optical properties of a surface have only been developed for ideal perfectly smooth surfaces. Although accurate ellipsometric data can be obtained with grossly rough surfaces, theoretical interpretation has not yet been developed. This paper considers the effect of shadowing on ellipsometry, due to roughness of pits, ridges and bumps. These three types represent roughness for most real surfaces. For example, etched surfaces are represented by the pit model, rolled, abraded surfaces are represented by the ridge model and nucleation and growth on surfaces are represented by the bump model. Experimental results for surfaces preparared in various ways, to simulate these models, justify the theoretical predictions of shadowing. Four theoretical approaches, the Kirchoff scalar diffraction (KSD) theory, the vector-perturbation (VP) theory, the amplitude scatter factor (ASF) theory and the effective film (EF) theory were tested with ellipsometric results from real surfaces. It was discovered that no theory (e.g. KSD, VP) that multiplies or adds to the total reflection coefficient for a smooth surface, can correct for gross roughness, whereas a phenomenological theory, e.g. ASF, with shadowing, can.
Phase Transition Behavior of Fluorinated Monolayers at the Water-Hexane Interface

X-ray surface scattering and interfacial tension measurements are used to study the solid-to-gas phase transition in soluble monolayers of F(CF2)8(CH2)2OH and F(CF2)10(CH2)2OH adsorbed at the water−hexane interface. X-ray reflectivity and diffuse scattering measurements determine the molecular ordering, the presence of domains, and the interfacial coverage of solid domains as a function of temperature. The temperature-dependent coverage can be analyzed by a functional form consistent with a critical transition proposed by theory.
Harmonic-suppressed miniaturized-element frequency selective surfaces for low-observable antenna applications

Summary form only given. Frequency selective surfaces (FSS) have been the subject of numerous studies over the past couple of decades. FSSs are frequently used to reduce the out-of-band radar cross sections of antennas used on stealth platforms. Many antennas act as efficient scatterers both at the frequency band that they are designed to operate in and at other frequency bands that fall outside of the desired frequency range of operation. A typical low-observable platform may have several low-frequency antennas operating at VHF and UHF bands. These antennas will act as very efficient scatterers at higher frequencies where many search radars operate. In such applications, the RCS of the antenna can be reduced by shielding it from the outside environment using a shaped bandpass FSS that is transparent within the desired frequency of operation and opaque at other frequencies. While the aforementioned RCS reduction approach works in principle, it suffers from a practical design problem. Namely, most FSSs reported in the literature have multiple spurious transmission windows occurring at frequencies higher than that of the main one. For an FSS designed to work at a low frequency (e.g. UHF), a number of these spurious transmission windows can fall within the 1-20 GHz range where many radars operate. Thus, in such applications, suppression of the spurious harmonics of the FSS is highly desired. In this paper, we examine a new design approach that can be used to suppress the higher-order harmonics of a low-frequency bandpass FSS. The FSS examined in this work is a second-order bandpass FSS reported previously (M. Al-Joumayly and N.Behdad, IEEE Trans. Antennas Propag., 58, 4033-4041, 2010). The proposed harmonic suppression method is based on employing dispersive lossy materials in the design of the FSS. Using such a material, the FSS can be designed to have a passband with minimum insertion loss at relatively low frequencies (e.g. below 1 GHz). However, the harmonics occur at higher frequencies, where the loss of the dispersive material increases and the structure demonstrate a significant insertion loss at these frequencies. This way, the spurious harmonics of the structure can be efficiently suppressed. A prototype of such an FSS that uses deionized water as the dispersive material is designed to have a transmission window center at 2.5 GHz. Microfluidic channels are embedded at strategic locations within the structure to minimize the impact of the loss of the water on the insertion loss at the main transmission band while maximizing it at the frequency of the first harmonic. Details of the design of the structure as well as the measurement results of the fabricated prototype will be presented and discussed at the symposium.
Penetrant Diffusion in a Solid Ordered Triblock Copolymer

The penetrant selected for this study is2,2,4-trimethylpentane (TMP) which has a low solubilityin PS and a high solubility in EB rubber. The measuredsolubility in polystyrene is 2.85 and 227 wt % in theSEBS triblock under study, which implies a solubilityof 625 wt % in the EB rubber. The diffusion of TMP isexpected to be of the order of 10
Methods of Analysis of Tube Array Fluid Elastic Instability Data

Fluid-elastic instability (FEI) is the cause of mechanical failures and expensive damage in tube bundle heat exchangers. The purpose of this experimental study is to develop a methodology to analyze the vibrations due to fluid-elastic instability in a tube array. The motions of a square array of 15 stainless steel vibrating tubes (∅ 25.4mm) in water cross-flow, suspended using stainless steel piano wire have been recorded with a CCD camera. The captured images are analyzed using two different methods. The individual motion and relative motion of the tubes are reported and can be used for computational model validation. The relative displacement of the tubes allows identification of the most potentially damaging patterns of tube bundle vibration. A critical reduced velocity may be determined by specification of an allowable limit on tube motion amplitude. Eventually, critical velocities for various tube array configurations and flow conditions can be measured and compared with existing criteria for heat exchanger design and operation.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Descriptive Statistics for Two Children's Social Desirability Scales, General and Test Anxiety, and Locus of Control in Elementary School Children.

As part of a larger study of articulatory deviant children, 5 personality instruments were administered to 671 children in Grades 1 through 5 in 7 public schools. Complete descriptive statistics on grade by sex samples, analyses of variance for grade by sex by school effects, test-retest coefficients, and intercorrelations are presented. Comparison of the descriptive data and published norms suggests that investigators should give serious consideration to possible influences of stimulus modes, response modes, and examiner behaviors on children's self-report scores for these constructs. Inter- and intra-scale characteristics look promising for multivariate analyses of the role of these constructs as trait, moderator, or suppressor variables in predicting articulation improvement with or without speech therapy.
Morphological and Physiological Changes in Bovicola limbata (Mallophaga: Trichodectidae) Treated Topically with a Juvenile Hormone Analogue

Mixed isomers of the synthetic compound juveth (ethyl 10-epoxy-7-ethyl −3,11 -dimethyl −2,6-tridecadienoate), an analogue of the juvenile hormone of insects, caused morphological and physiological changes in the Angora-goat biting louse, Bovicola limbata (Gervais), when they were applied topically. Some lice molted prematurely after being treated as 0- to 1-day-old 3rd instars with 0.01, 0.1, or 0.5% juveth, and some molted a 4th or 5th time. Also, nymphal characteristics were retained, so true 4th-, 5th-, and 6th-stage nymphs or nymphal-adult-intermediates resulted. In addition, sexually nonfunctional 5th-stage pseudoadults developed, and fecundity and survival of 4th-stage nymphs were depressed.
Spin-photon dynamics of quantum dots in two-mode cavities

A quantum dot interacting with two resonant cavity modes is described by a two-mode Jaynes-Cummings model. Depending on the quantum dot energy level scheme, the interaction of a singly doped quantum dot with a cavity photon generates entanglement of electron spin and cavity states or allows one to implement a SWAP gate for spin and photon states. An undoped quantum dot in the same structure generates pairs of polarization entangled photons from an initial photon product state. For realistic cavity loss rates, the fidelity of these operations is of order 80%.
Cervicogenic headache: Diagnostic evaluation and treatment strategies

Cervicogenic headache is a chronic, hemicranial pain syndrome in which the source of pain is located in the cervical spine or soft tissues of the neck but the sensation of pain is referred to the head. The trigeminocervical nucleus is a region of the upper cervical spinal cord where sensory nerve fibers in the descending tract of the trigeminal nerve converge with sensory fibers from the upper cervical roots. This convergence of upper cervical and trigeminal nociceptive pathways allows the referral of pain signals from the neck to the trigeminal sensory receptive fields of the face and head. The clinical presentation of cervicogenic headache suggests that there is an activation of the trigeminovascular neuroinflammatory cascade, which is thought to be one of the important pathophysiologic mechanisms of migraine. Another convergence of sensorimotor fibers has been described involving intercommunication between the spinal accessory nerve (CN XI), the upper cervical nerve roots, and ultimately the descending tract of the trigeminal nerve. This neural network may be the basis for the wellrecognized patterns of referred pain from the trapezius and sternocleidomastoid muscles to the face and head.
PZN-PT Single-Crystal Thin Film Monomorph Actuator

We report on the use of single-crystal lead zinc niobate-lead titanate films in monomorph actuators. The article responds to the growing interest in solid-solution (1 m x )Pb(Zn 1/3 Nb 2/3 )O 3 - x PbTiO 3 relaxor ferroelectrics based on their large piezoelectric coefficients and their integration into microelectromechanical system. Freestanding films are fabricated by slicing a 7 w m-thick layer off the crystal bulk and assembled into a flexural actuator, thus circumventing polycrystalline deposition techniques. One-micron deflections are observed at 100 V for ∼1 mm-long films. The article discusses the non-uniform electric field distribution profile established in the films and its role in the actuation process.
Application of laser scanning cytometry for evaluation of DNA ploidy in routine cytologic specimens.

The laser scanning cytometer (LSC) is a relatively new instrument that combines the features of both flow and static image cytometry. The purpose of this study was to examine the application of the LSC for evaluation of DNA ploidy in routine cytologic specimens. The material for this study consisted of 60 routine cytologic specimens obtained from 33 males and 27 females ranging in age from 23–87 yr (mean, 58 yr). The specimens were simultaneously stained with propidium iodide and FITC-cytokeratin, either on Thin-Prep slide (35 cases) or in a concentrated cell suspension (25 cases). In each case a minimum of 500 cells was evaluated (range, 527–17,963; mean, 3,889). All abnormal cell populations were relocated for the presence of malignant cells. The results were defined as diploid and aneuploid/tetraploid. In 10 bladder washes, the results of LSC were compared to results of flow cytometry. Out of 60 specimens, 7 (11%: 6 bladder washes and 1 renal wash) were excluded due to low cellularity. Of the remaining 53 cases, 11 (20%) were aneuploid/tetraploid, and 42 (80%) were diploid. All but one cytologically diagnosed malignancy had abnormal DNA content. Additionally, two bladder washes diagnosed as suspicious and atypical were aneuploid. All abnormal LSC results were confirmed by relocation of the cells. The concordance between flow cytometry and LSC in the 10 control bladder washes was 100%. In conclusion, LSC proved to be a suitable instrument for the evaluation of DNA ploidy in routine cytologic specimens. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2001;24:200–205. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Lesotho's interactions with South Africa and regional organisations in Southern Africa

Media reports alleged in late 2012 that South Africa was treating Lesotho ‘worse than … under apartheid’. To test that premise, this article contrasts Lesotho's regional and bilateral interactions during the colonial and apartheid eras with present relationships. It reviews bilateral and regional factors that impact Lesotho, emphasising Lesotho's roles in the Southern African Customs Union, the Common Monetary Area, and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) as well as diverse bilateral transactions with South Africa. Lesotho's experiences with SADC economic, political and security operations are evaluated. Whether a mutually beneficial relationship with South Africa is replacing the prior hegemonic pattern is questioned, especially after the peaceful transfer of power in 2012 to Lesotho's opposition parties. Dual citizenship, open borders, an economic union and even the remote possibility of political fusion are discussed. Finally, the article addresses how Basotho view border issues, why they...
Association between expression of transforming growth factor-alpha and progression of hepatocellular foci to neoplasms

Hepatocarcinogenesis was initiated in rats with a single dose of either of two chemical mutagens--benzo[a]pyrene diolepoxide I and methyl(acetoxymethyl)nitrosamine--administered 15 h after partial hepatectomy. The development of hepatocellular foci and neoplasms was then promoted with dietary phenobarbital given for 45 or 62 weeks. Formalin-fixed tissue specimens that contained hepatic neoplasms and altered hepatocellular foci were screened for expression of the oncodevelopmental marker glutathione-S-transferase (placental form) (GSTP) and transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-alpha) using immunohistochemistry. All (100%) hepatocellular carcinomas expressed both GSTP and TGF-alpha, as did most hepatocellular adenomas (greater than 80%). However, quantitative stereologic analysis of treated and control livers revealed that GSTP-positive foci were 10-30 times more frequent than TGF-alpha-positive foci. Foci with homogeneous expression of GSTP generally displayed heterogeneous expression of TGF-alpha with reaction product most prominent at their peripheries. Less frequently homogeneous TGF-alpha-positive foci were seen within GSTP-positive foci. The average volumes of those GSTP-positive foci that also expressed TGF-alpha were significantly greater than those of the entire sets of GSTP-positive foci. These results suggest that expression of TGF-alpha may distinguish a subset of GSTP-positive foci that have a growth advantage and increased probability of progression to neoplasia.
Thermal killing of human colon cancer cells is associated with the loss of eukaryotic initiation factor 5A

Heat-induced cell death appears to be a cell-specific event. Chronic heat stress was lethal to human colon cancer cells (Caco-2, HT29, and HCT116), but not to normal diploid fibroblasts and other cancer cells (BJ-T, WI38, HeLa, ovarian 2008, WI38VA). Acute heat stress (45–51°C, 30 min) caused cell death of colon cancer cells during recovery at physiological temperature. Thermal killing of Caco-2 cells was not mediated via oxidative stress since Caco-2 cells were much more resistant than HeLa and other cancer cells to H2O2-induced cell death. Acute heat stress caused a striking loss of eukaryotic initiation factor 5A (eIF5A) in colon cancer cells, but not in HeLa and other normal or transformed human fibroblasts. The heat-induced loss of eIF5A is likely to be due to changes in the protein stability. The half-life of eIF5A was changed from >20 h to less than 30 min during the acute heat stress. Sequence analysis of the eIF5A gene from Caco-2 and HeLa cells did not reveal any difference, suggesting that the change in stability in Caco-2 cells was not due to any eIF5A mutation. Pretreatment of cells with protease inhibitors such as phenylmethyl sulfonyl fluoride (PMSF) partially blocked the heat-induced loss of eIF5A and prevented heat-induced cell death. In light of the essential role of eIF5A in cell survival and proliferation, our results suggest that the stability of eIF5A may have an important role in determining the fate of the particular cell type after severe heat stress. J. Cell. Physiol. 219: 485–493, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A Prospective Cohort Study of Injury Incidence and Risk Factors in North Carolina High School Competitive Cheerleaders

Background: Cheerleaders suffer nearly half of catastrophic injuries observed in female scholastic athletes in the United States. However, incidence of noncatastrophic injury in this population has not been described. Hypothesis: Coach, athlete, and injury circumstance variables may predict the injury rate among cheerleaders. Study Design: Prospective cohort. Methods: The authors investigated injury incidence in a sample of North Carolina female cheerleaders who competed interscholastically from 1996 to 1999. Injury, exposure, and demographic data were collected from squads that participated in the North Carolina High School Athletic Injury Study. Results: Cheerleaders suffered 133 injuries during 1701 athlete seasons. More than 21 % of the injuries were ankle sprains. The injury rate was 8.7; the 95% confidence interval (CI) was 6.5 to 11.7 per 10,000 athlete exposures. In a multivariate Poisson regression model, cheerleaders supervised by coaches with the most education, qualifications, and training (coach EQT) had a nearly 50% reduction in injury risk (rate ratio [RR], 0.5; 95% CI, 0.3-0.9), and cheerleaders supervised by coaches with medium coach EQT had a nearly 40% reduction in injury risk (RR = 0.6; 95% CI, 0.3-1.2) compared to cheerleaders supervised by coaches with low coach EQT.
PACC starter kit: developing software with predictable behavior

The PACC Starter Kit is an Eclipse-based development environment that combines a model-driven development approach with reasoning frameworks that apply performance, safety, and security analyses. These analyses predict runtime behavior based on specifications of component behavior and are accompanied by some measure of confidence.
A simulation study of vertical jumping from different starting postures

This paper addresses the question of whether maximal vertical jump height depends on initial jumping posture. A direct dynamics computer simulation approach was used to avoid subject preference and practice effects. The human body was modeled as four rigid segments connected by ideal hinge joints, with movement constrained to the sagittal plane and driven by three single-joint torque actuators. Maximal height jumps were found for each of 125 different initial postures. For each initial posture, the optimal pattern of joint torque actuator onset times was found using a multidimensional simplex algorithm searching for maximal jump height. The model results revealed that maximal jump height is relatively insensitive to initial posture, but that the pattern of joint torque onset times necessary to effect these optimal heights varies considerably. Model kinematics indicate that the variability in onset times is necessary to allow the body to re-orient itself in different ways during the downward countermovement phase. This variable re-orientation strategy is followed by a more stereotyped upward thrust phase that is similar despite the differences in starting postures. Model center of mass, joint and segmental kinematics show many features found in experimental studies of jumping, despite the exclusive use of single torque actuators. However, a proximal-to-distal sequence of joint coordination was not found, possibly because of the omission of antagonist and bi-articular muscles. The results suggest that similar vertical jump heights should be obtained using a wide range of initial starting positions.
Identification of the K efflux channel coupled to the gastric H-K-ATPase during acid secretion

Genomic microarray analysis of genes specifically expressed in a pure cell isolate from a heterocellular organ identified the likely K efflux channel associated with the gastric H-K-ATPase. The function of this channel is to supply K to the luminal surface of the pump to allow H for K exchange. KCNQ1-KCNE2 was the most highly expressed and significantly enriched member of the large variety of K channels expressed in the gastric epithelium. The function of this K channel in acid secretion was then shown by inhibition of secretion in isolated gastric glands with specific KCNQ inhibitors and by colocalization of the channel with the H-K-ATPase in the secretory canaliculus of the parietal cell. KCNQ1-KCNE2 appears to be the K efflux channel that is essential for gastric acid secretion.
A numerical study of vertical transport in arbitrary quantum well structures

Numerical studies of transient and steady state one-dimensional transport through resonant tunneling structures (RTSs) have been widely reported. For the most part, the structures studied have been symmetric with a single well. Following the method of Buot-Jensen, we apply a lattice Weyl-Wigner 1D single band transport code to both double barrier (DBRTS) and multiple barrier (TBRTS) GaAs/AlGaAs structures which are spatial and energetically asymmetric. Both the transient and steady state behaviors are studied. We show that the current-voltage characteristics can (a) vary drastically from those obtained from the associated symmetric structure, and (b) do not follow in a smooth manner with varying asymmetries. We also show how a n-barrier system behaves when approaching a superlattice (n/spl sim/6), and discuss the feasibility of using a Bloch function approach to simulate a superlattice.
Mean-ETL Optimization of a Global Portfolio

In this article, the authors examine the mean-expected tail loss (ETL) portfolio optimization of global portfolios using a global expected return (GLER) model, which is based on fundamental data of companies. Empirically, they show that for the 2003–2011 period, mean-ETL portfolios based on a GLER model could generate statistically significant active returns. Also, they show that the GLER model active return dominates the United States expected returns model active returns for the same periods. The global markets offer greater opportunities than the U.S. markets.
A wind tunnel investigation of collection kernels for small water drops in air

The rate at which small water drops grow by collision and coalescence has been investigated experimentally by means of a wind tunnel constructed for cloud physics research. Individual water drops of radii 70 136μ on the basis of the theoretical collision efficiencies given by Mason.
Porous Chromatographic Materials as Substrates for Preparing Synthetic Nuclear Explosion Debris Particles

Several porous chromatographic materials were investigated as synthetic substrates for preparing surrogate nuclear explosion debris particles. Eighteen metals, including some of forensic interest, were loaded onto materials by immersing them in metal solutions (556 mg/L of each metal) to fill the pores, applying gentle heat (110 °C) to drive off water, and then treating them at high temperatures (up to 800 °C) in air to form less soluble metal species. High-boiling-point metals were uniformly loaded on spherical controlled-pore glass to emulate early fallout, whereas low-boiling-point metals were loaded on core–shell silica to represent coated particles formed later in the nuclear fallout-formation process. Analytical studies characterized material balance and the formation of recalcitrant species. Metal loading was 1.5–3 times higher than expected from the pore volume alone, a result attributed to surface coating. Most metals were passively loaded; that is, solutions filled the pores without active metal discrimination. However, niobium and tin concentrations were lower in solutions after pore filling, and were found in elevated concentrations in the final products, indicating selective loading. High-temperature treatments caused reduced solubility of several metals, and the loss of some volatile species (rhenium and tellurium). Sample preparation reproducibility was high (the inter- and intra-batch relative standard deviations were 7.8 and 0.84 %, respectively) indicating suitability for use as a working standard for analytical methods development. We anticipate future standardized radionuclide-loaded materials will find use in radioanalytical methods development and/or serve as a starting material for the synthesis of more complex nuclear explosion debris forms (e.g., Trinitite).
Myeloid Cells Limit Production of Antibody-Secreting Cells after Immunization in the Lymph Node

Ab-secreting cell (ASC) expansion and survival are important processes in optimizing vaccines and controlling autoimmunity. The microenvironment of the medullary cords is positioned to control these key processes. Previously, we imaged and characterized ASC differentiation and migration by intravital microscopy in the lymph node (LN) by transferring and activating B cells expressing yellow fluorescent protein only in the ASC compartment. In this study, we observed that yellow fluorescent protein(+) ASCs in the medullary cords migrated along myelomonocytic cells and arrested in contact with them. Acute ablation of myeloid cells using the human diphtheria receptor system (diphtheria toxin receptor [DTR]) expressed in Lysmd1-cre-positive cells increased ASC and Ab production by 2-fold. Increases in ASC numbers were associated with cell proliferation based on Ki-67 staining, rather than reduced apoptosis, or changes in egress from the LN. Using DTR-mediated ablation targeted to Ccr2-expressing myeloid cells also generated increases in ASCs. In contrast, neither the depletion of Gr-1-positive cells with an Ab nor the ablation of cells using a cd11c-DTR resulted in any change in ASCs. IL-6 cytokine signaling can enhance ASC production and has been implicated in dampening ASCs in lupus mouse models through myeloid cells. Using mixed bone marrow chimeras, we observed that IL-6 enhances ASC production, but IL-6 production was not required by myeloid cells to dampen ASCs in the LN. Inhibition of ASCs by these myeloid cells in the LN provides a new regulatory mechanism with implications for tuning Ab responses.
Block Diagonal GMD for Zero-Padded MIMO Frequency Selective Channels

In the class of systems with linear precoder and decision feedback equalizers (DFE) for zero-padded (ZP) multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) frequency selective channels, existing optimal transceiver designs present two drawbacks. First, the optimal systems require a large number of feedback bits from the receiver to encode the full precoding matrix. Second, the full precoding matrix leads to complex computations. These disadvantages become more severe as the bandwidth (BW) efficiency increases. In this paper, we propose using block diagonal geometric mean decomposition (BD-GMD) to design the transceiver. Two new BD-GMD transceivers are proposed: the ZF-BD-GMD system, where the receiver is a zero-forcing DFE (ZF-DFE), and the MMSE-BD-GMD system, where the receiver is a minimum- mean-square-error DFE (MMSE-DFE). The BD-GMD systems introduced here have the following four properties: a) They use the block diagonal unitary precoding technique to reduce the required number of encoding bits and simplify the computation. b) For any block size, the BD-GMD systems are optimal within the family of systems using block diagonal unitary precoders and DFEs. As block size gets larger, the BD-GMD systems produce uncoded bit error rate (BER) performance similar to the optimal systems using unitary precoders and DFEs. c) For the two ZF transceivers (ZF-Optimal and ZF-BD-GMD) and the two MMSE transceivers (MMSE-Optimal and MMSE-BD-GMD), the average BER degrades as the BW efficiency increases. d) In the case of single-input single-output (SISO) channels, the BD-GMD systems have the same performance as those of the lazy precoder transceivers. These properties make the proposed BD-GMD systems more favorable designs in practical implementation than the optimal systems.
Altitudinal Variation at Duplicated β-Globin Genes in Deer Mice: Effects of Selection, Recombination, and Gene Conversion

Spatially varying selection on a given polymorphism is expected to produce a localized peak in the between-population component of nucleotide diversity, and theory suggests that the chromosomal extent of elevated differentiation may be enhanced in cases where tandemly linked genes contribute to fitness variation. An intriguing example is provided by the tandemly duplicated β-globin genes of deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus), which contribute to adaptive differentiation in blood–oxygen affinity between high- and low-altitude populations. Remarkably, the two β-globin genes segregate the same pair of functionally distinct alleles due to a history of interparalog gene conversion and alleles of the same functional type are in perfect coupling-phase linkage disequilibrium (LD). Here we report a multilocus analysis of nucleotide polymorphism and LD in highland and lowland mice with different genetic backgrounds at the β-globin genes. The analysis of haplotype structure revealed a paradoxical pattern whereby perfect LD between the two β-globin paralogs (which are separated by 16.2 kb) is maintained in spite of the fact that LD within both paralogs decays to background levels over physical distances of less than 1 kb. The survey of nucleotide polymorphism revealed that elevated levels of altitudinal differentiation at each of the β-globin genes drop away quite rapidly in the external flanking regions (upstream of the 5′ paralog and downstream of the 3′ paralog), but the level of differentiation remains unexpectedly high across the intergenic region. Observed patterns of diversity and haplotype structure are difficult to reconcile with expectations of a two-locus selection model with multiplicative fitness.
Outcomes After Warfarin Initiation in a Cohort of Hemodialysis Patients With Newly Diagnosed Atrial Fibrillation.

Background Although warfarin is indicated to prevent ischemic strokes in most patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), evidence supporting its use in hemodialysis patients is limited. Our aim was to examine outcomes after warfarin therapy initiation, relative to no warfarin use, following incident AF in a large cohort of hemodialysis patients who had comprehensive prescription drug coverage through Medicare Part D. Study Design Retrospective observational cohort study. Setting & Participants Patients in the US Renal Data System undergoing maintenance hemodialysis who had AF newly diagnosed in 2007 to 2011, with Medicare Part D coverage, who had no recorded history of warfarin use. Predictor Warfarin therapy initiation, identified by a filled prescription within 30 days of the AF event. Outcomes Death, ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, severe gastrointestinal bleeding, and composite outcomes. Measurements HRs estimated by applying Cox regression to an inverse probability of treatment and censoring-weighted cohort. Results Of 12,284 patients with newly diagnosed AF, 1,838 (15%) initiated warfarin therapy within 30 days; however, ∼70% discontinued its use within 1 year. In intention-to-treat analyses, warfarin use was marginally associated with a reduced risk of ischemic stroke (HR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.47-0.99), but not with the other outcomes. In as-treated analyses, warfarin use was associated with reduced mortality (HR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.73-0.97). Limitations Short observation period, limited number of nonfatal events, limited generalizability of results to more affluent patients. Conclusions In hemodialysis patients with incident AF, warfarin use was marginally associated with reduced risk of ischemic stroke, and there was a signal toward reduced mortality in as-treated analyses. These results support clinical equipoise regarding the use of warfarin in hemodialysis patients and underscore the need for randomized trials to fill this evidence gap.
Nonparametric polyspectral estimators for kth-order (almost) cyclostationary processes

Second- and higher-order almost cyclostationary processes are random signals with almost periodically time-varying statistics. The class includes stationary and cyclostationary processes as well as many real-life signals of interest. Cyclic and time-varying cumulants and polyspectra are defined for discrete-time real kth-order cyclostationary processes, and their interrelationships are explored. Smoothed polyperiodograms are proposed for cyclic polyspectral estimation and are shown to be consistent and asymptotically normal. Asymptotic covariance expressions are derived along with their computable forms. Higher than second-order cyclic cumulants and polyspectra convey time-varying phase information and are theoretically insensitive to any stationary (for nonzero cycles) as well as additive cyclostationary Gaussian noise (for all cycles). >
Antibody Response and Protective Capacity of Plasmid Vaccines Expressing Three Different Herpes Simplex Virus Glycoproteins

Plasmid expression vectors were constructed that contained the genes encoding herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) glycoproteins C (gC), D (gD), and E (gE). Mice receiving two intramuscular injections of expression plasmid (50 microg) produced a specific HSV-1 antibody response. Mice receiving the gD plasmid were protected against a lethal intraperitoneal challenge of HSV-1 (5 x 10(4) pfu) but not against more demanding challenge doses. Protection with gC or gE plasmid vaccination could be demonstrated only if the inoculating dose of DNA was increased to 250 microg. In contrast, all mice immunized with vaccinia recombinants expressing either gC or gE survived HSV-1 challenge. Analysis of the HSV-1 antibody isotype produced by plasmid immunization revealed a response dominated by IgG2a. Combination delivery of all three glycoprotein expression plasmids provided better protection against lethal challenge, but mice receiving the combination were still not able to withstand increased challenge doses of virus.
Genders, sexes, and health: what are the connections—and why does it matter?

Open up any biomedical or public health journal prior to the 1970s, and one term will be glaringly absent: gender. Open up any recent biomedical or public health journal, and two terms will be used either: (1) interchangeably, or (2) as distinct constructs: gender and sex. Why the change? Why the confusion?-and why does it matter? After briefly reviewing conceptual debates leading to distinctions between 'sex' and 'gender' as biological and social constructs, respectively, the paper draws on ecosocial theory to present 12 case examples in which gender relations and sex-linked biology are singly, neither, or both relevant as independent or synergistic determinants of the selected outcomes. Spanning from birth defects to mortality, these outcomes include: chromosomal disorders, infectious and non-infectious disease, occupational and environmental disease, trauma, pregnancy, menopause, and access to health services. As these examples highlight, not only can gender relations influence expression-and interpretation-of biological traits, but also sex-linked biological characteristics can, in some cases, contribute to or amplify gender differentials in health. Because our science will only be as clear and error-free as our thinking, greater precision about whether and when gender relations, sex-linked biology, both, or neither matter for health is warranted.
Enterococcus faecalis Endocarditis Severity in Rabbits Is Reduced by IgG Fabs Interfering with Aggregation Substance

Background Enterococcus faecalis is a significant cause of infective endocarditis, an infection of the heart endothelium leading to vegetation formation (microbes, fibrin, platelets, and host cells attached to underlying endothelial tissue). Our previous research determined that enterococcal aggregation substance (AS) is an important virulence factor in causation of endocarditis, although endocarditis may occur in the absence of AS production. Production of AS by E. faecalis causes the organism to form aggregates through AS binding to enterococcal binding substance. In this study, we assessed the ability of IgGs and IgG Fabs against AS to provide protection against AS+ E. faecalis endocarditis. Methodology/Principal Findings When challenged with AS+ E. faecalis, 10 rabbits actively immunized against AS+ E. faecalis developed more significant vegetations than 9 animals immunized against AS− E. faecalis, and 9/10 succumbed compared to 2/9 (p<0.005), suggesting enhanced aggregation by IgG contributes significantly to disease. IgG antibodies against AS also enhanced enterococcal aggregation as tested in vitro. In contrast, Fab fragments of IgG from rabbits immunized against purified AS, when passively administered to rabbits (6/group) immediately before challenge with AS+ E. faecalis, reduced total vegetation (endocarditis lesion) microbial counts (7.9×106 versus 2.0×105, p = 0.02) and size (40 mg versus 10, p = 0.05). In vitro, the Fabs prevented enterococcal aggregation. Conclusions/Significance The data confirm the role of AS in infective endocarditis formation and suggest that use of Fabs against AS will provide partial protection from AS+ E. faecalis illness.
Factors Associated with Advanced Inferior Vena Cava Filter Removals: A Single-Center Retrospective Study of 203 Patients Over 7 Years

To identify factors associated with advanced inferior vena cava filter (IVCF) retrieval to raise awareness on technical considerations, retrieval efficiency, and patient safety. A single-center retrospective review was performed of 203 consecutive retrievable IVC filters placed between 2007 and 2014. Attempted retrievals were classified as advanced if the routine “snare and sheath” technique was initially unsuccessful after multiple attempts, or an alternate endovascular maneuver or access site was utilized. Patient and filter characteristics were recorded. 203 attempted retrievals were reviewed (48.7 % male, 51.2 % female, mean age 52.7 years, mean dwell time 109 days). Advanced retrievals were observed in 20 patients (9.8 %) (15 females, 5 males). Fluoroscopy time (p ≤ 0.01, 34.3 ± 21.1 and 5.3 ± 4.5 min for advanced retrievals and routine retrievals respectively, same below), gender (p = 0.031), and retrieval tilt angle (p ≤ 0.01, 5.7 ± 5.10° vs. 11.9 ± 11.03°) were associated with advanced retrievals. Females were 3.16 times more likely to have an advanced retrieval performed than males with a significantly higher tilt angle in those with advanced retrieval. History of cancer (p = 0.502), dwell time (p = 0.916), retrieval caval diameter (p = 0.053), placement caval diameter (p = 0.365), filter type (p = 0.710), strut perforation (p = 0.506), placement tilt angle (p = 0.311), and age (p = 0.558) were not found significantly associated with advanced retrievals. Women are at increased risk for advanced filter retrieval secondary to a significant change in filter tilt over time compared to men, independent of filter type or competing demographic or filter risks, likely placing them at increased risk for higher procedural fluoroscopy times.
Epithelioid Hemangioendothelioma: a Rare Primary Thyroid Tumor with Confirmation of WWTR1 and CAMTA1 Rearrangements

We report a rare case of epithelioid hemangioendothelioma as a primary thyroid tumor. To our knowledge, there are only two prior unequivocal cases of primary thyroid epithelioid hemangioendothelioma reported in the English literature. This is the first case in the thyroid with molecular confirmation.
Lignum Vitae in Medio Paradisi

TOLNAY was the first to notice that it is impossible to read the scenes on the Sistine Ceiling in chronological succession according to Genesis, from the altar toward the entrance.2 Only when read in reverse order starting above the entrance, where Michelangelo began the execution, do the scenes appear right side up (Plan, p. 202). Let us therefore commence with Zechariah, the prophet of the Branch. As high priest he prefigured Christ, according to St. Ambrose.3 Both Barbieri and Vigerio4 recount how he foretold the Entry into Jerusalem, the Agony in the Garden, the thirty pieces of silver and the potter's field.5 His prophecy was fulfilled in the piercing of Christ's side as John points out (Zechariah XII, 10; John XIX, 37). Even the number of the seven prophets may receive justification in Zechariah (III, 9; IV, 10); “For behold the stone that I have laid before Joshua; upon one stone shall be seven eyes; … they are the eyes of the Lord, which run to and fro through the whole earth.”
The aerodynamic design and performance of the General Electric/NASA EEE fan

The aerodynamic design and test results of the fan and quarter-stage component for the GE/NASA Energy Efficient Engine (EEE) are presented. The fan is a high bypass ratio, single-stage design having 32 part-span shrouded rotor blades, coupled with a unique quarter-stage arrangement that provides additional core-stream pressure ratio and particle separation. The fan produces a bypass pressure ratio of 1.65 at the exit of the low aspect ratio vane/frame and a core-stream pressure ratio of 1.67 at the entrance to the core frame struts. The full-scale fan vehicle was instrumented, assembled and tested as a component in November 1981. Performance mapping was conducted over a range of speeds and bypass ratios using individually-controlled bypass and core-stream discharge valves. The fan bypass and core-stream test data showed excellent results, with the fan exceeding all performance goals at the important engine operating conditions.
A Web-based Environment for Developing and Utilizing Teaching Languages for Novice Computer Science Students (Abstract Only)

First year Computer Science students must face the dual challenge of learning to think algorithmically while simultaneously assimilating the complex and often unintuitive syntax of their first programming language. Mitigating this problem has been an active research area for decades, spawning a number of programming languages intended for students. While some such teaching languages have achieved a measure of popularity, both in the classroom and for general purpose programming, none has achieved ubiquity, which suggests there is no silver bullet. To this end, we present a suite of open source software including (1) a web-based toolkit for developing and modifying teaching languages using parsing expression grammars, (2) C Spot Run, a simple imperative teaching language built with the toolkit and informed by empirical research in intuitive syntax, and (3) a web-based development environment enabling the student to complete programming assignments directly from a web browser, eliminating complicated compiler installation and configuration. These artifacts are the first steps in an ongoing project intended to serve not only as a classroom tool, but also as a platform for the observational and experimental study of programming languages in classroom settings. By analyzing source code and metadata, common syntactic obstacles may be exposed and empirical studies of syntax can be verified in the classroom.