cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Tea+-Sensitive Kcnq1 Constructs Reveal Pore-Independent Access to Kcne1 in Assembled IKs Channels

I(Ks), a slowly activating delayed rectifier K(+) current through channels formed by the assembly of two subunits KCNQ1 (KvLQT1) and KCNE1 (minK), contributes to the control of the cardiac action potential duration. Coassembly of the two subunits is essential in producing the characteristic and physiologically critical kinetics of assembled channels, but it is not yet clear where or how these subunits interact. Previous investigations of external access to the KCNE1 protein in assembled I(Ks) channels relied on occlusion of the pore by extracellular application of TEA(+), despite the very low TEA(+) sensitivity (estimated EC(50) > 100 mM) of channels encoded by coassembly of wild-type KCNQ1 with the wild type (WT) or a series of cysteine-mutated KCNE1 constructs. We have engineered a high affinity TEA(+) binding site into the h-KCNQ1 channel by either a single (V319Y) or double (K318I, V319Y) mutation, and retested it for pore-delimited access to specific sites on coassembled KCNE1 subunits. Coexpression of either KCNQ1 construct with WT KCNE1 in Chinese hamster ovary cells does not alter the TEA(+) sensitivity of the homomeric channels (IC(50) approximately 0.4 mM [TEA(+)](out)), providing evidence that KCNE1 coassembly does not markedly alter the structure of the outer pore of the KCNQ1 channel. Coexpression of a cysteine-substituted KCNE1 (F54C) with V319Y significantly increases the sensitivity of channels to external Cd(2+), but neither the extent of nor the kinetics of the onset of (or the recovery from) Cd(2+) block was affected by [TEA(+)](o) at 10x the IC(50) for channel block. These data strongly suggest that access of Cd(2+) to the cysteine-mutated site on KCNE1 is independent of pore occlusion caused by TEA(+) binding to the outer region of the KCNE1/V319Y pore, and that KCNE1 does not reside within the pore region of the assembled channels.
Highly Stable Binding Proteins Derived from the Hyperthermophilic Sso7d Scaffold

We have shown that highly stable binding proteins for a wide spectrum of targets can be generated through mutagenesis of the Sso7d protein from the hyperthermophilic archaeon Sulfolobus solfataricus. Sso7d is a small (~7 kDa, 63 amino acids) DNA-binding protein that lacks cysteine residues and has a melting temperature of nearly 100 °C. We generated a library of 10(8) Sso7d mutants by randomizing 10 amino acid residues on the DNA-binding surface of Sso7d, using yeast surface display. Binding proteins for a diverse set of model targets could be isolated from this library; our chosen targets included a small organic molecule (fluorescein), a 12 amino acid peptide fragment from the C-terminus of β-catenin, the model proteins hen egg lysozyme and streptavidin, and immunoglobulins from chicken and mouse. Without the application of any affinity maturation strategy, the binding proteins isolated had equilibrium dissociation constants in the nanomolar to micromolar range. Further, Sso7d-derived binding proteins could discriminate between closely related immunoglobulins. Mutant proteins based on Sso7d were expressed at high yields in the Escherichia coli cytoplasm. Despite extensive mutagenesis, Sso7d mutants have high thermal stability; five of six mutants analyzed have melting temperatures >89 °C. They are also resistant to chemical denaturation by guanidine hydrochloride and retain their secondary structure after extended incubation at extreme pH values. Because of their favorable properties, such as ease of recombinant expression, and high thermal, chemical and pH stability, Sso7d-derived binding proteins will have wide applicability in several areas of biotechnology and medicine.
Study of the characterization and curing of a phenyl benzoxazine using 15N solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy

A difunctional 1,3-benzoxazine compound, 2,2'-(3-phenyl-4-dihydro-1,3,2-benzoxazine)propane (B-a), derived from bisphenol-A, 15 N-enriched aniline, and formaldehyde was synthesized and characterized using 15 N-NMR and 13 C-NMR spectroscopies. The observed resonances in the solid-state 15 N- and 13 C-NMR spectra showed good agreement with the calculated chemical shifts which are based on the chemical structure. The B-a samples were cured at 150 and 200°C. The polymerization inspired peak intensity changes and line-width broadenings in the NMR spectra.
Free energy analysis of conductivity and charge selectivity of M2GlyR-derived synthetic channels

Significant progresses have been made in the design, synthesis, modeling and in vitro testing of channel-forming peptides derived from the second transmembrane domain of the α-subunit of the glycine receptor (GlyR). The latest designs, including p22 (KKKKP ARVGL GITTV LTMTT QS), are highly soluble in water with minimal aggregation propensity and insert efficiently into cell membranes to form highly conductive ion channels. The last obstacle to a potential lead sequence for channel replacement treatment of CF patients is achieving adequate chloride selectivity. We have performed free energy simulation to analyze the conductance and charge selectivity of M2GlyR-derived synthetic channels. The results reveal that the pentameric p22 pore is non-selective. Moderate barriers for permeation of both K+ and Cl− are dominated by the desolvation cost. Despite previous evidence suggesting a potential role of threonine side chains in anion selectivity, the hydroxyl group is not a good surrogate of water for coordinating these ions. We have also tested initial ideas of introducing additional rings of positive changes to various positions along the pore to increase anion selectivity. The results support the feasibility of achieving anion selectivity by modifying the electrostatic properties of the pore, but at the same time suggest that the peptide assembly and pore topology may also be dramatically modified, which could abolish the effects of modified electrostatics on anion selectivity. This was confirmed by subsequent two-electrode voltage clamp measurements showing that none of the tested mono-, di- and tri-Dap substituted sequences was selective. The current study thus highlights the importance of controlling channel topology besides modifying pore electrostatics for achieving anion selectivity. Several strategies are now being explored in our continued efforts to design an anion selective peptide channel with suitable biophysical, physiological and pharmacological properties as a potential treatment modality for channel replacement therapy. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Interfacially Active Peptides and Proteins. Guest Editors: William C. Wimley and Kalina Hristova.
SU-FF-T-14: A High MU Efficiency Dynamic MLC Leaf Sequencing Algorithm

Purpose: MU efficiency is a major figure of merit for dMLC leaf sequencing. However, leaf sequencing is often generated with focus on other constraints and the MU efficiency is taken as a byproduct. This work is to develop a new dMLC leaf sequencing algorithm (MinMU) that explicitly minimize the total MU. Method & Materials: At a constant dose rate, the maximum MU efficiency is achieved by minimizing, through optimization, an objective function which is essentially the total beam on time. The constraints considered are: maximum leaf speed, maximum separation between leaves and under dosing caused by tongue‐and‐groove effect. These mixed integer constraints are converted to linear ones by enumerating and eliminating redundant scenarios, for a given intensity map. These steps also help eliminating the infeasible solutions. The optimization was implemented for the Varian Millenium 120‐leaf MLC and was solved with the CPLEX software. Its performance was tested against published algorithms using phantom and real patient treatment fluence maps. Results: The fluence maps in the phantom study were generated with various grid sizes. The MU increases at a much slower rate for the MinMU algorithm than for the published algorithms with finer grid size. The MU efficiency advantage of the MinMU is more pronounced for more complex and larger fluences. Among the 18 fluence maps that were taken from two real head‐and‐neck cancer treatment plans, the MinMU algoithm uses more MU for 2 fluence maps, same MU for 2, and less MU for the rest 14 fluence maps than the commercial treatment planning software. Overall, the MinMU used 10% and 7% less MU for the two plans, respectively. Also, the MinMU reproduced the original optimal fluence with minimal difference. Conclusion: A new dMLC leaf sequencing algorithm is developed. Its high MU efficiency potential is demonstrated.
Modeling of the Plasma Flow in High -Power TAL

Recently great emphasize was put forward int o high power Hall thruster development. Among Hall thruster technologies, the thruster with anode layer (TAL) seems to have much wider technical capabilities. In this paper, various aspects of the plasma flow in a high power thruster with anode layer are studied. A model of plasma flow in the TAL channel is developed based on a 2D hydrodynamic approach. In particular, plasma –wall interactions are studied in detail. Formation of the sheath near the acceleration channel wall and sheath expansion in the accel eration channel are calculated. Both single and two -stage TALs are investigated. It is found that the high voltage sheath expands significantly and the quasi -neutral plasma region is confined in the middle of the channel. For instance, in the case of a 3 kV discharge voltage, the sheath thickness is about 1 cm, which is a significant portion of the channel width. An effect of sheath expansion on the acceleration region is studied using a quasi 1D simplified model. It is found that sheath expansion decrease s the acceleration region length. The single stage, high voltage TAL (D -80) is studied. The model predicts a non -monotonic behavior of thruster efficiency with discharge voltage. The location of maximum efficiency is found to be in agreement with experimen t.
"Touch Me, Like Me": Testing an Encounter Group Assumption

An experiment to test an encounter group assumption that touching increases interpersonal attraction was conducted. Twenty-one college women were randomly assigned to a touch or no-touch condition. In the touch condition the subject was paired with an experimental accomplice who joined her in three bogus ESP experiments, the last of which involved mutual touching for 11o seconds. The no-touch condition was identical, save touching. Subjects then evaluated the experimental accomplice on four dimensions. A comparison of total evaluation scores verified the hypothesis: subjects who touched the accomplice perceived her as a more attractive person than those who did not touch her.
A comparison of noninvasive imaging modalities in the melanoma patient

The results of radionuclide (RN) liver scans, computed tomography (CT), and ultrasonography (US) were compared in 163 patients. Thirty-eight patients had all three studies, while ten were examined by CT and RN liver scans. One hundred fifteen patients had only US and RN studies. Radionuclide liver scanning demonstrated more false positive and negative studies than CT or US. Also, CT and US demonstrated more areas of metastasis during a single examination than RN liver scans. Ultrasonography displayed roughly the same accuracy of CT when a technically adequate examination was obtained. However, US was hampered by technically inadequate studies in 19% of 153 patients because of interfering intestinal gas. Computed tomography proved the most accurate and reliable modality in 48 patients.
Status of Marine Gas Turbine Inlet Development Program

Over ocean, salt aerosols ingested in the combustion air of a marine gas turbine cause engine compressor fouling and are a primary factor in engine hot section corrosion. To minimize salt ingestion effects on engine performance and life, a high performance salt filtration system is required. The U.S. Navy is currently conducting the Gas Turbine Inlet Development Program. The program consists of work elements including salt filter tests, at-sea salt-in-air measurements, ship aerodynamic studies, inlet duct design, etc. To complete the assigned work tasks, Navy facilities had to develop state-of-the-art instrumentation and test procedures. Based on these work tasks, the U.S. Navy will publish a Gas Turbine Inlet System Design Handbook. The handbook will provide design guidance for the ship builder and inlet duct designer for optimizing shipboard salt filtration perfmance.Copyright © 1979 by ASME
Approximation of monomials by lower degree polynomials

Our topic is the uniform approximation ofx k by polynomials of degreen (n<k) on the interval [−1, 1]. Our major result indicates that good approximation is possible whenk is much smaller thann 2 and not possible otherwise. Indeed, we show that the approximation error is of the exact order of magnitude of a quantity,p k,n , which can be identified with a certain probability. The numberp k,n is in fact the probability that when a (fair) coin is tossedk times the magnitude of the difference between the number of heads and the number of tails exceedsn.
Pediatric video laryngo-stroboscopy

Summary Objective : Laryngo-stroboscopy remains as the clinical gold standard for assessing properties of the glottal phonatory and valvular function. This includes deficits of closure as well as mucosal wave irregularities secondary to abnormal zones of pliability and symmetry. Per-oral stroboscopy has technical limitations in children due to the size of the telescope and issues of patient compliance. However, flexible laryngoscopy is readily performed in newborns and young children. This paper describes the use of a new trans-nasal, digital flexible laryngoscope, which allows for laryngo-stroboscopy in children. Methods and results : A prospective longitudinal series was done on 25 children ages 19 months–13 years (mean age, 7.0 years) with this new technology. All 25 were successfully examined. Conclusions : New technological advancements in the design of digital flexible endoscopes has allowed for laryngo-stroboscopy, and therefore, provides the potential for expanding the population of children with vocal disorders in whom stroboscopic imaging is possible. Larger studies will be necessary to determine its limitations related to age, development, and disease. As the study of pediatric voice disorders continues to evolve, accurate diagnosis is essential to apply state of the art non-operative and phonosurgical interventions. Further longitudinal studies are currently underway to continue to refine techniques of pediatric voice assessment and to define limitations of this new technology.
EFFECT OF VITAMIN E ON HUMAN AORTIC ENDOTHELIAL CELL RESPONSES TO OXIDATIVE INJURY

Abstract Reactive oxygen species produced by the cells present in the arterial wall may cause oxidative damage to cellular components altering endothelial cell (EC) function. Changes in the EC function appear to play a key role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Human aortic endothelial cells (HAEC) were employed to investigate the protective role of vitamin E upon exposure of endothelial cells to oxidative stress in vitro. HAEC assimilate d-α-tocopherol from the media in a dose-dependent manner. Exposure of HAEC to 16.5 mM of the free radical generator 2,2'-azobis (2-amidinopropane) hydrochloride (AAPH) for 16 h decreased cell viability (assessed by trypan blue exclusion) from 90 to 28%. HAEC preincubated with vitamin E at 15, 30, and 60 pM prior to the AAPH exposure resulted in a dose-dependent increase in resistance to oxidative stress and increased cell viability by 37, 66, and 85%, respectively. An increase in prostacyclin (PGI2) production by HAEC in response to AAPH exposure was correlated positively with cell damage and negatively with vitamin E concentration. Interleukin (IL)-1 production also increased in parallel with cell damage induced by AAPH. Vitamin E treatment significantly reduced IL-1 production after AAPH exposure. This modulatory role of vitamin E on HAEC function following exposure to an oxidative stress may reflect its antioxidant protection against lipid peroxidation.
Containerless melting and solidification of materials with an aerodynamic levitation system

A simple aerodynamic system which can heat, melt, cool, and solidify (in a containerless fashion) small, roughly spherical (diameter 1.5–4 mm) samples of materials is described. The principal components of the system are an aerodynamic levitation tube and an elliptical radiant heater. The materials processed, i.e., melted and resolidified, in the system include lead and an alkali borosilicate glass. The processing of a glass bead is described. In addition, the physical phenomena which may generate the levitation force in the tube are briefly discussed.
Mapping local hippocampal changes in Alzheimer's disease and normal ageing with MRI at 3 Tesla

Histological studies have suggested differing involvement of the hippocampal subfields in ageing and in Alzheimer's disease. The aim of this study was to assess in vivo local hippocampal changes in ageing and Alzheimer's disease based on high resolution MRI at 3 Tesla. T(1)-weighted images were acquired from 19 Alzheimer's disease patients [age 76 +/- 6 years, three males, Mini-Mental State Examination 13 +/- 4] and 19 controls (age 74 +/- 5 years, 11 males, Mini-Mental State Examination 29 +/- 1). The hippocampal formation was isolated by manual tracing. Radial atrophy mapping was used to assess group differences and correlations by averaging hippocampal shapes across subjects using 3D parametric surface mesh models. Percentage difference, Pearson's r, and significance maps were produced. Hippocampal volumes were inversely correlated with age in older healthy controls (r = 0.56 and 0.6 to the right and left, respectively, P < 0.05, corresponding to 14% lower volume for every 10 years of older age from ages 65 to 85 years). Ageing-associated atrophy mapped to medial and lateral areas of the tail and body corresponding to the CA1 subfield and ventral areas of the head corresponding to the presubiculum. Significantly increased volume with older age mapped to a few small spots mainly located to the CA1 sector of the right hippocampus. Volumes were 35% and 30% smaller in Alzheimer's disease patients to the right and left (P < 0.0005). Alzheimer's disease-associated atrophy mapped not only to CA1 areas of the body and tail corresponding to those also associated with age, but also to dorsal CA1 areas of the head unaffected by age. Regions corresponding to the CA2-3 fields were relatively spared in both ageing and Alzheimer's disease. Hippocampal atrophy in Alzheimer's disease maps to areas in the body and tail that partly overlap those affected by normal ageing. Specific areas in the anterior and dorsal CA1 subfield involved in Alzheimer's disease were not in normal ageing. These patterns might relate to differential neural systems involved in Alzheimer's disease and ageing.
Enhancement of the kinetics of incineration of dilute hazardous organic vapors

Abstract The oxidation of dilute hazardous organic vapors (HOC) in air, sometimes called “afterburning”, is often used to destroy a wide variety of organic pollutants before then are emitted to the atmosphere. High temperatures are needed for the high efficiency (>99%) destruction of odors, paint solvents, chlorinated hydrocarbons and other hazardous organics. The need for high temperatures sometimes results in the formation of other hazardous pollutants, such as dioxins. Addition of a material that could enhance the kinetics of the oxidation reactions in the post-flame zone could result in lower temperatures and thus prevent the formation of other hazardous compounds. Research proposed to test possible “enhancers” (hydrogen peroxide and ozone) for two specific HOCs of industrial significance is discussed.
A molecular switch in the efficiency of translation reinitiation controls expression of var2csa, a gene implicated in pregnancy-associated malaria.

Plasmodium falciparum malaria parasites export the protein PfEMP1 to the surface of infected erythrocytes, enabling them to adhere to receptors in the microvasculature and thereby avoid clearance by the spleen. The gene var2csa encodes the form of PfEMP1 that binds specifically within the placenta, causing pregnancy associated malaria, and appears to not be expressed in the absence of a placenta. We previously described an upstream open reading frame (uORF) that is responsible for repression of translation of the downstream ORF (dORF) that encodes VAR2CSA, thus keeping the gene silent when parasites infect non-pregnant individuals. To elucidate the molecular mechanism by which this repression is overcome during pregnancy, we stably transformed parasites with reporter gene constructs designed to detect switches in the efficiency of dORF translation. We found that proper regulation of switching relies on two separate components, i) active translation of the uORF and ii) sequence-specific characteristics of the surrounding transcript, which together control the ability of the ribosome complex to reinitiate a second round of translation and thus express VAR2CSA. These results provide the first details of a molecular switch that allows parasites take advantage of the unique niche provided by the placenta.
On the phenomenon of intraosseous migration of nonerupting teeth

Little is know about intraosseous migration of nonerupting teeth, a rare natural condition of horizontal tooth movement and impaction. It occurs only in the mandible and involves primarily the second premolar or the canine. When the second premolar is the affected tooth, it always is found distal to its normal position. The origins of the second premolar intraosseous migration phenomenon are obscure and usually no treatment is recommended. Intraosseous migration involving the canine is commonly called transmigration because the affected canine moves mesially across the mandibular symphysis to the opposite side of the mandible. Analysis of 50 published cases of canine transmigration indicated higher occurrence in women and no sidedness preference. In over 80% of the studied cases, the canine remained nonerupted and, of the 24 cases receiving some treatment, all but two underwent extraction of the anomalous canine. The canine transmigration phenomenon appears to show signs of having some genetic determinants.
Image reconstruction of PET images using denoised data

In this paper, we propose a reconstruction methodology where PET data are post-processed using Poisson denoising algorithms developed by Timmermann and Nowak (1999). The denoising algorithms, which follow from a Bayesian framework and multiscale signal representation, compute minimum mean square error estimates of the unknown means of independent Poisson random variables from their observations. Timmermann and Nowak estimated certain parameters needed by their algorithms using the method of moments and observed data. Instead, we estimate these parameters more accurately using a maximum likelihood method and off-line training procedure. We demonstrate the utility of the proposed image reconstruction methodology by applying it to synthetic data and real positron emission tomography data.
Buprenorphine and HIV Primary Care: Report of a Forum for Collaborative HIV Research Workshop

On 3-4 June 2004, in Washington, DC, the Forum for Collaborative HIV Research convened experts from academia, community and private practices, US government agencies, and industry to develop recommendations for increased uptake of buprenorphine integrated into human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) primary care, with special emphasis on Ryan White CARE Act-funded programs. Workshop participants evaluated knowledge gaps requiring research; barriers to integration at the patient, clinic, and systems level; policy and financing issues; and program impacts. Recommendations were developed for training, including medical school and post-medical school training of clinical teams as well as training of patients; for improving programs and services, including integration of opioid dependence and HIV infection into chronic disease models, providing flexible access to core and support services, and monitoring and evaluation of programs; for changes in policy supportive of program and services goals; for financing buprenorphine treatment by use of existing models of integrated treatment and merging funding streams at the local level; and for addressing research gaps, including cost-effectiveness research.
Potential Fecundity of a Highly Invasive Gall Maker, Dryocosmus kuriphilus (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae)

Fecundity is a key factor in modulating population growth rate, and is of particular significance when considering the invasiveness of introduced species. In insects, fecundity is affected by body size, age, and nutrition. We investigated the potential fecundity of the invasive Asian chestnut gall wasp Dryocosmus kuriphilus Yasumatsu (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae), an introduced parthenogenetic gall former of Asian origin and a global pest of chestnut (Castanea spp.), to better understand its invasiveness. We compared ovarian, egg, and body metrics of adult wasps of different age. We evaluated insect weight, body length, mesosomal and metasomal lengths and widths, hind femur length, number of eggs, and size of eggs in wasps from four age cohorts. Adult weight and metasomal width were positively correlated with number of eggs. Egg load decreased with wasp age, and egg size initially increased before decreasing. Our findings suggest that adult D. kuriphilus, previously reported as proovigenic, may be resorping eggs in the absence of suitable hosts, and reallocating nutritive resources for body maintenance and egg quality to increase fitness, implicating a plasticity in its reproductive strategy. D. kuriphilus may be able to vary its potential fecundity in response to nutrition and host availability, thus increasing its invasiveness.
Social Q&A and virtual reference—comparing apples and oranges with the help of experts and users

Online question-answering (Q&A) services are becoming increasingly popular among information seekers. We divide them into two categories, social Q&A (SQA) and virtual reference (VR), and examine how experts (librarians) and end users (students) evaluate information within both categories. To accomplish this, we first performed an extensive literature review and compiled a list of the aspects found to contribute to a “good” answer. These aspects were divided among three high-level concepts: relevance, quality, and satisfaction. We then interviewed both experts and users, asking them first to reflect on their online Q&A experiences and then comment on our list of aspects. These interviews uncovered two main disparities. One disparity was found between users’ expectations with these services and how information was actually delivered among them, and the other disparity between the perceptions of users and experts with regard to the aforementioned three characteristics of relevance, quality, and satisfaction. Using qualitative analyses of both the interviews and relevant literature, we suggest ways to create better hybrid solutions for online Q&A and to bridge the gap between experts’ and users’ understandings of relevance, quality, and satisfaction, as well as the perceived importance of each in contributing to a good answer. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Validation of Performance of Plastic versus Glass Bottles for Culturing Anaerobes from Blood in BacT/ALERT SN Medium

To validate performance, we compared the new plastic BacT/ALERT (bioMerieux, Durham, NC) SN bottle to the current glass SN bottle with samples of blood obtained for culture from adults and found them comparable for both recovery and speed of detection of microorganisms. We conclude that the safety advantage of plastic bottles can be achieved without compromising performance.
Distributed event-triggered control strategies for multi-agent systems

Event-driven strategies for distributed multi-agent systems are motivated by the future use of embedded microprocessors with limited resources that will gather information and actuate the individual agent controller updates. The event-driven control actuation updates considered in this paper are distributed, in the sense that agents require knowledge only of the states of their neighbors for the controller implementation. The proposed distributed strategy is compared with an earlier approach.
Food allergen avoidance in the prevention of food allergy in infants and children

Food allergy afflicts an increasing number of infants and children and is associated with both clinical and familial burdens. To help lessen this burden, the Nutritional Committees from the American Academy of Pediatrics and jointly the European Society for Pediatric Allergology and Clinical Immunology and the European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition published recommendations to prevent and treat food allergy. Although there is much in common with these recommendations, differences exist. This review compares, contrasts, and reconciles them, presenting the evidence that has led to their statements.
Place recognition using color region analysis

In 1990, Mount Holyoke College began an AI project centered around a mobile robot the students have named 'Susan B.' One of the research threads in this project is what has been called the 'Where am I.' problem, namely, the study of how to determine the robot's location using Computer Vision. This paper describes our current approach to this problem.
Postrubella Thrombocytopenic Purpura A Report of Eight Cases with Discussion of Hemorrhagic Manifestations of Rubella

Just as after measles and chickenpox, ru bella in children may be followed by acute transitory thrombocytopenic purpura from bone marrow injury. All eight children here described made uneventful recoveries, and this is the usual pattern.Specific epidemiologic inquiries and per haps even serologic studies for rubella should be done when a child experiences an attack of acute thrombocytopenic pur pura with no obvious inciting cause.
Stylet penetration behavior resulting in inoculation of a semipersistently transmitted closterovirus by the whitefly Bemisia argentifolii

The electrical penetration graph (EPG) technique was used to determine what part of stylet penetration behavior by the whitefly vector, Bemisia argentifolii Bellows & Perring (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae), is lettuce chlorosis virus (LCV) inoculated in the host plant Malva parviflora L. LCV is a semipersistently-transmitted closterovirus. Since closteroviruses generally are found in the phloem of their plant hosts, this study tested the hypothesis that virus inoculation occurs during the phloem phase of stylet penetration behavior. Virus-exposed whiteflies were allowed to feed on uninfected host plants, and the whiteflies were divided into two experimental groups: group 1 attained phloem phase on the uninfected plants, and group 2 did not attain phloem phase. Two series of tests were conducted, one where whiteflies were manipulated so that the amount of time spent in non-phloem phase stylet penetration behaviors was similar between group 1 and group 2, and a second series of tests where whiteflies were manipulated so that the number of intracellular punctures made during stylet penetration was similar between group 1 and group 2. Both series of tests indicated that virus inoculation took place primarily during phloem phase. Considering only individual whiteflies shown to be capable of transmitting virus, 11 of 23 whiteflies (48%) in the phloem phase treatment successfully inoculated the virus whereas only one of 19 whiteflies (5%) in the non-phloem phase treatment successfully inoculated the virus (P = 0.00008).
Coding, stability, and non-spatial inputs in a modular grid-to-place cell model

Grid cells in the medial entorhinal cortex (mEC) and place cells in the hippocampus are paradigms for population coding of spatial information [1]. Both the spatiallyperiodic firing fields of grid cells and the spatially localized firing fields of place cells show systematic increases in spatial scale along the dorso-ventral axes of the mEC and hippocampus, respectively [2,3], which has led to speculation that place field size is determined simply by the spatial scale of a place cell’s grid cell inputs. However, in addition to receiving spatially-modulated entorhinal inputs, place cells receive contextual, non-spatial inputs from sources such as the amygdala and hypothalamus [4], which may be important in determining place cell firing properties. These non-spatial inputs are particularly prominent toward the ventral pole of the hippocampus [4], and thus could also play a role in producing dorso-ventral place cell differences. In order to understand the relative contributions of grid cells and non-spatial inputs in determining place field size and stability, we propose a computational model of the hippocampal-entorhinal network that includes a modular organization of grid cell inputs arranged in order of increasing spatial scale, as is seen experimentally in the mEC. Our underlying place cell model is a firing-rate based model inspired by previous work [5], in which place fields are formed via competition between place cells. We also introduce a dorsoventral gradient in the amount of non-spatial input to place cells, with ventral cells receiving more input from non-spatial sources. Finally, we introduce heterogeneity into the firing rates of grid vertices within individual grid fields. This heterogeneity is observed in experimental recordings [6] but has received relatively little attention in experimental or theoretical work, despite its potential impact on place field stability. Our main findings suggest that: 1.) For a wide range of parameters, the relative amounts of spatial and non-spatial inputs to place cells plays a more important role in determining place field size and stability than the spatial scale of grid cell inputs. This implies that the dorso-ventral gradient in place field size may reflect a dorso-ventral gradient in non-spatial inputs, rather than grid scale, and is agreement with prior suggestions of a functional distinction between the dorsal and ventral regions of the hippocampus [7]. 2.) In our model, place fields are sensitive to changes in the firing rates of the grid vertices of individual grid cells, emphasizing the potential implications of this grid field heterogeneity for place field formation and stability.
A comparison of 2 methods for estimating residual stromal bed thickness before repeat LASIK

Purpose To compare 2 methods of calculating residual stromal bed (RSB) thickness after repeat LASIK, to determine which method generates more conservative RSB thickness estimates, and to determine any factors related to the discrepancy between these 2 calculation methods. Design Retrospective nonrandomized comparative trial. Participants Seventy-nine patients (one eye per patient) undergoing primary LASIK and 2 repeat procedures (second and third LASIK) from 1998 to 2002. Methods We compared calculated RSB thickness after second and third LASIK using either original corneal thickness (CT) minus flap thickness and all ablations (original CT method) or pre-enhancement CT minus flap thickness and enhancement ablation (repeat CT method). Main outcomes measures Differences in calculated RSB thickness after second and third LASIK by each method. Results Calculated RSB thickness averaged 329 μm by the repeat CT method compared with 305 μm by the original CT method after second LASIK (mean difference, 24 μm; P P Conclusion Using original preoperative CT measurements provides a more conservative and thus safer approach than using CT measurements obtained before repeat LASIK to calculate RSB thickness after repeat LASIK.
Nuclear experiments with petawatt class lasers

A number of experiments using the petawatt laser system at LLNL have now been performed to examine the creation of hot electrons and their use in the fast ignition approach to ICF. By changing the experimental conditions, the electron spectrum can be shifted towards higher energy, even in solid density plasmas. In this regime the laser-target interaction is dominated by the enormous light pressure and relativistic effects. New instruments and techniques are required to diagnose the plasma conditions because many traditional plasma diagnostics are not longer effective. High-field magnetic dipole spectrometers were fielded to measure the electron spectrum emerging from the back of the target and orthogonal to the laser axis. The dispersed electron spectrum is recorded as tracks in a standard emulsion. Electrons were observed at energies extending above 90 MeV, however the bulk of the distribution was in the range of /spl sim/5-15 MeV where the emission was found to be forward directed. High-energy bremsstrahlung X-rays generated by these electrons in the gold target produced photonuclear reactions in both the gold and surrounding copper target-holder producing activation and transmutation to platinum and nickel daughter isotopes. Post-shot g-spectroscopy was used to examine the production of these and other radioactive isotopes via photonuclear reactions. The threshold gamma-ray energy for photoactivation of the gold and copper indicates a large flux of high-energy bremsstrahlung. A gamma spectrum and decay curve are shown. In addition to these data, neutron spectra and other high energy X-ray spectra are also presented. Together, these diagnostics are providing us the first glimpse into this new regime of laser-matter interactions.
Superstition and decision-making: Contradiction or complement?

Executive Overview This article discusses the relationship between superstition and business decision-making in Chinese business communities. Although superstition constitutes a crucial part of business life in Chinese societies, the management literature has been virtually silent with respect to the phenomenon of superstitious business decision-making. Through discussing the pros and cons of integrating superstition into a decision-making process, this article helps managers, whether superstitious or not, understand the phenomenon. There are two key linkages between superstition and decision-making. On the one hand, the irrationality normally associated with superstition and the supposed rationality of decision-making suggest an apparent contradiction between the two. On the other hand, superstition and decision-making may be complementary in the sense that the former can be used as a means to cope with the uncertainty associated with the latter. The complementary aspect suggests that superstition fulfil...
Arteriolar constriction in skeletal muscle during vascular stunning: role of mast cells

Striated muscle becomes stunned during reperfusion after sublethal ischemia. Resistance vessel tone and reactivity are altered in stunned muscle tissues. The hypothesis that adenosine-regulated mast cell degranulation occurs during reperfusion and leads to constriction of resistance arterioles was tested. The hamster cremaster muscle was subjected to 1 h of ischemia followed by reperfusion. Resistance arterioles constricted during reperfusion (74% of maximal diameter at baseline vs. 42% of maximal diameter after 30 min of reperfusion; P < 0.01). Mast cells degranulated in reperfusion concomitant with arteriolar constriction. Stimulation of mast cell degranulation in control animals with compound 48/80 or cold superfusate (21 degrees C) caused vasoconstriction that mimicked that seen in reperfusion. The mast cell stabilizer cromolyn blocked degranulation and constriction. If mast cell granules were depleted by applying compound 48/80 before inducing ischemia, then arterioles failed to constrict during reperfusion. Adenosine A3-antagonist BW-A1433 abolished constriction. These findings suggest that arterioles constrict in reperfusion due to adenosine-regulated mast cell degranulation. Vasodilation in response to sodium nitroprusside and acetylcholine was normal in stunned, constricted arterioles. However, the dose-response curves to adenosine were shifted to the left in arterioles constricted by either stunning, compound 48/80, exposure to cold superfusate, or cromolyn compared with control vessels. Depletion of granular components via stunning, compound 48/80, cold superfusate, or inhibition of secretion with cromolyn results in unopposed A1- or A2-mediated vasodilation in response to adenosine, whereas the dilatory effects of adenosine are blunted by simultaneous release of vasoconstrictors from mast cells in control animals. In summary, it was found that mast cell degranulation occurs during reperfusion and leads to constriction of resistance arterioles and altered vascular reactivity to adenosine. Adenosine is released in ischemia and stimulates mast cell degranulation via the A3 receptor located on mast cells during reperfusion.
The Justification of Taxation in the Public Finance Literature: An Unorthodox View

Public finance is the sub-discipline of economics that deals with taxes, fiscal policy and government enterprise in general. In order to assess the case in behalf of taxation commonly made in this field, I shall analyze the public finance textbooks of ATKINSON and STIGLITZ (1980), DUE [1963], MUSGRAVE (1959) and SHOUP [1969]'. I have chosen textbooks because they are a distillation of knowledge, methodology and perspective of an entire profession; they are the amalgamation of what is considered correct and important. I have chosen these four because they are a representative sample, and highly respected amongst the practitioners of economic orthodoxy in this domain.
Displacement of Long Footings by Dynamic Loads

A mathematical expression for the displacement of a long footing subjected to a peak trinagular force pulse is developed from theoretical considerations. The solution is presented in a manner convenient for the computation of the ultimate static shear resistance as well as the displacement under dynamic loading.
The biological impact of e-cigarettes on airway epithelial cell transformation and gene expression

Background: Glutathione peroxidase 3 (GPx3) which is an extracellular secretory protein is down regulated in patients with early stage lung cancer. We examined the usefulness of serum GPx3 as a biomarker for monitoring of relapse after surgery. Methods: We prospectively collected serial serum samples at baseline, 3 months (3m), 6 months (6m), and 12 months (12m) after operation from the patients who underwent surgery during the year 2013. GPx3 levels were measured three times per sample using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and the mean values were analyzed by t-test and paired t-test. Results: A total of 170 (100 adenocarcinoma, 41 squamous cell carcinoma, 29 others) patients were analyzed in this study. Mean age was 64.1 years old (range, 39-80) and 27 (15.9%) out of 165 lung cancer patients were confirmed relapse during the median follow-up period of 597.5 days (range, 5-938). The mean GPx3 value at postoperative 6m was significantly elevated in relapsed group than control group (7.90 ± 2.44 mg/mL vs. 6.99 ± 1.79 mg/mL, p1⁄40.047). The mean GPx3 differences were significantly higher in relapsed group than control group at 3m (-0.38 ± 0.39 mg/mL vs. -0.21 ± 0.36 mg/mL, p1⁄40.044), 6m (-0.37 ± 0.42 mg/mL vs. -0.19 ± 0.30 mg/mL, p1⁄40.024), and 12m (-0.38 ± 0.42 mg/mL vs. -0.19 ± 0.28 mg/mL, p1⁄40.012). The mean time to relapse was significantly shorter in high level of GPx3 group at postoperative 3m (694.83 ± 31.86 days vs. 839.05 ± 24.31 days, p1⁄40.007). The mean time to relapse was significantly shorter in high GPx3 difference group between baseline and postoperative 3m (729.76 ± 34.89 days vs. 838.18 ± 24.03 days, p1⁄40.002). Conclusion: Serum mean GPx3 value at postoperative 6m and the mean GPx3 difference were significantly elevated in relapsed lung cancer. The mean time to relapse was significantly shorter in high level of GPx3 group at postoperative 3m. More large scaled validation studies are warranted.
Development and aging of superficial white matter myelin from young adulthood to old age: Mapping by vertex‐based surface statistics (VBSS)

Superficial white matter (SWM) lies immediately beneath cortical gray matter and consists primarily of short association fibers. The characteristics of SWM and its development and aging were seldom examined in the literature and warrant further investigation. Magnetization transfer imaging is sensitive to myelin changes in the white matter. Using an innovative multimodal imaging analysis approach, vertex-based surface statistics (VBSS), the current study vertexwise mapped age-related changes of magnetization transfer ratio (MTR) in SWM from young adulthood to old age (30-85 years, N = 66). Results demonstrated regionally selective and temporally heterochronologic changes of SWM MTR with age, including (1) inverted U-shaped trajectories of SWM MTR in the rostral middle frontal, medial temporal, and temporoparietal regions, suggesting continuing myelination and protracted maturation till age 40-50 years and accelerating demyelination at age 60 and beyond, (2) linear decline of SWM MTR in the middle and superior temporal, and pericalcarine areas, indicating early maturation and less acceleration in age-related degeneration, and (3) no significant changes of SWM MTR in the primary motor, somatosensory and auditory regions, suggesting resistance to age-related deterioration. We did not observe similar patterns of changes in cortical thickness in our sample, suggesting the observed SWM MTR changes are not due to cortical atrophy. Hum Brain Mapp 37:1759-1769, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Strain-induced band-gap engineering of graphene monoxide and its effect on graphene

Using first-principles calculations we demonstrate the feasibility of band-gap engineering in two-dimensional crystalline graphene monoxide (GMO), a recently reported graphene-based material with a 1:1 carbon/oxygen ratio. The band gap of GMO, which can be switched between direct and indirect, is tunable over a large range (0--1.35 eV) for accessible strains. Electron and hole transport occurs predominantly along the zigzag and armchair directions (armchair for both) when GMO is a direct- (indirect-) gap semiconductor. A band gap of \ensuremath{\sim}0.5 eV is also induced in graphene at the $K$\ensuremath{'} points for GMO/graphene hybrid systems.
Concentration and distribution of cholesterol in muscle and adipose tissue.

Summary1. Analyses are reported for cholesterol contents of muscle and adipose tissue from beef, veal, pork, pig, mutton, lamb, rabbit, chicken and man. It is shown that a large proportion of the cholesterol in muscle is not attributable to residual adipose tissue or any tissue of similar composition. 2. Concentration of cholesterol in muscle, apart from associated adipose tissue, is of the order of 40 to 50 mg per 100 g in the adult mammals studied and in the dark meat of chickens. Higher values were found in two elderly human beings. The corresponding cholesterol concentration in the white meat of chickens is of the order of 30 mg per 100 g. 3. There is a general tendency for muscle cholesterol concentration to be considerably higher in young, growing animals than in adults of the same species. This reinforces the theory that most of the cholesterol in muscle has a definite metabolic or structural function.