cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Lactational Anovulation in Monkeys: Prolactin Secretion and Ovarian Function

In nonnursing women, pregnancy is followed by an interval of anovulation, which persists for an average of 2–3 months [1–3]. This puerperal infertility is extended if nursing occurs [1–5]. The interval of lactational anovulation and amenorrhea associated with nursing is highly variable, being dependent upon cultural practices in infant feeding and child rearing [2, 3, 5]. In Western cultures, lactational amenorrhea has been described as lasting less than a year [1, 3], while in developing countries 4-year interbirth intervals have been attributed to the inhibitory effects of breast-feeding [6]. These societal differences in postpartum infertility are specifically related to the frequency and duration of suckling [6, 8], and, in general, the cultural practices which reduce breast-feeding and thus the inhibition of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis [4, 5]. Despite the importance of lactational anovulation in the control of population growth, the physiologic mechanisms sustaining lactational infertility are enigmatic.
Third time's a charm? Mobilization of autologous peripheral blood stem cells in patients with two previous failed mobilizations with plerixafor.

BACKGROUND Patients who respond inadequately to plerixafor salvage during autologous peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) collection are frequently remobilized with plerixafor to collect additional stem cells. However, in patients who fail remobilization, it is unclear whether additional mobilization efforts with plerixafor are useful. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS We retrospectively examined the PBSC collections of 15 consecutive patients with lymphoma and multiple myeloma who underwent three mobilizations with plerixafor. RESULTS Of the 821 patients who underwent autologous stem cell collections, 15 patients were mobilized three times with plerixafor (1.8%), which enabled 11 (73.3%) patients to reach 2.0 × 106 CD34+ cells/kg or greater. Among patients who eventually collected successfully the median yields from the three collection attempts were 0.46, 0.76, and 1.54 × 106 CD34+ cells/kg, respectively. Among those who collected less than 2.0 × 106 CD34+ cells/kg cumulatively, the median yields were 0.14, 0.33, and 0.22 × 106 CD34+ cells/kg from the three collection attempts. The combined collection yields from the first two mobilization attempts were significantly lower (p = 0.003; range, 0.09-0.73 vs. 0.63-1.84; median, 0.51 vs. 1.36) in those who failed collection. CONCLUSIONS The majority (73.3%) of patients who underwent three mobilization attempts were eventually able to collect enough cells to permit autologous transplantation. Extremely low peripheral blood CD34+ count after the first dose of plerixafor and collection yields during the first two attempts were associated with a poor collection yield on the third attempt. The risks and benefits of a third mobilization should be weighed to facilitate judicious use of resources.
Hepatitis C virus NS3-4A protease regulates the lipid environment for RNA replication by cleaving host enzyme 24-dehydrocholesterol reductase

Many RNA viruses create specialized membranes for genome replication by manipulating host lipid metabolism and trafficking, but in most cases, we do not know the molecular mechanisms responsible or how specific lipids may impact the associated membrane and viral process. For example, hepatitis C virus (HCV) causes a specific, large-fold increase in the steady-state abundance of intracellular desmosterol, an immediate precursor of cholesterol, resulting in increased fluidity of the membrane where HCV RNA replication occurs. Here, we establish the mechanism responsible for HCV's effect on intracellular desmosterol, whereby the HCV NS3-4A protease controls activity of 24-dehydrocholesterol reductase (DHCR24), the enzyme that catalyzes conversion of desmosterol to cholesterol. Our cumulative evidence for the proposed mechanism includes immunofluorescence microscopy experiments showing co-occurrence of DHCR24 and HCV NS3-4A protease; formation of an additional, faster-migrating DHCR24 species (DHCR24*) in cells harboring a HCV subgenomic replicon RNA or ectopically expressing NS3-4A; and biochemical evidence that NS3-4A cleaves DHCR24 to produce DHCR24* in vitro and in vivo. We further demonstrate that NS3-4A cleaves DHCR24 between residues Cys91 and Thr92 and show that this reduces the intracellular conversion of desmosterol to cholesterol. Together, these studies demonstrate that NS3-4A directly cleaves DHCR24 and that this results in the enrichment of desmosterol in the membranes where NS3-4A and DHCR24 co-occur. Overall, this suggests a model in which HCV directly regulates the lipid environment for RNA replication through direct effects on the host lipid metabolism.
Comparison of three freeware software packages for 18F-FDG PET texture feature calculation.

To compare texture feature estimates obtained from 18F-FDG-PET images using three different software packages. PET images from 15 patients with head and neck cancer were processed with three different freeware software: CGITA, LIFEx, and Metavol. For each lesion, 38 texture features were extracted from each software package. To evaluate the statistical agreement among the features across packages a non-parametric Kruskal–Wallis test was used. Differences in the features between each couple of software were assessed using a subsequent Dunn test. Correlation between texture features was evaluated via the Spearman coefficient. Twenty-three of 38 features showed a significant agreement across the three software (P = 0.70, P < 0.001) in comparing LIFEx vs. Metavol. Seven of 38 features were found not in agreement and slightly or not correlated (ρ < 0.70, P < 0.001) in comparing CGITA vs. LIFEx, and CGITA vs. Metavol. Some texture discrepancies across software packages exist. Our findings reinforce the need to continue the standardization process, and to succeed in building a reference dataset to be used for comparisons.
The evolving role of ECMO in liver transplantation.

Purpose of review To review the indications for extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in liver transplantation (LT) recipients and their optimal management on ECMO. Recent findings Recent studies have reported a 30-40% survival rate among LT recipients that receive ECMO. Increasingly, case reports have documented successful outcomes of LT performed for patients on preoperative ECMO. Outcomes appear to be superior with patients in the immediate peri-LT period with reversible causes of severe, acute respiratory, and/or cardiovascular collapse. Mortality is most commonly secondary to infection. Volume optimization with CRRT may improve outcomes and perfusion to the graft, especially for patients on veno-arterial ECMO. There is little consensus on management of anticoagulation in these patients, but it can likely be held temporarily when the patient is coagulopathic and/or experiencing bleeding complications. Summary ECMO should be considered in the peri-LT period for patients with severe, acute, and reversible causes of respiratory and/or cardiovascular collapse, with acceptable outcomes in patients that would otherwise not be expected to survive. Management of the post-LT patient on ECMO is challenging with a slowly enlarging body of literature to inform decision making.
Spontaneous Bilateral Ectopic Pregnancy in a Patient With Endometriosis.

Abstract Background Bilateral ectopic pregnancies (EPs) occur in 1 of 200,000 pregnancies. Evidence suggests that endometriosis is an independent risk factor for unilateral EPs. However, the link between endometriosis and bilateral EPs has not been established. Case Report We report a case of a bilateral EP in a patient with endometriosis. The patient was initially misdiagnosed with the unilateral EP. Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This? Although rare, bilateral EP should be on a differential diagnosis in a pregnant patient presenting with abdominal pain or vaginal bleeding. This includes patients presenting with worsening symptoms after the recent surgery for the unilateral EP. Endometriosis as a risk factor for bilateral EP cannot be established based on a single report, but such a report should raise awareness of the issue.
Mesoporous activated carbon as a green adsorbent for the removal of heavy metals and Congo red: Characterization, adsorption kinetics, and isotherm studies.

Abstract In this study, an effective and green adsorbent was prepared by the self- activation of kenaf fiber and then the kenaf-based activated carbon (KAC) was applied for the removal of lead Pb(II), copper Cu(II), and Congo red (CR) dye from an aqueous solution by the process of adsorption. The surface morphology of mesoporous adsorbent was characterized. The KAC showed good capacity of adsorption of as Pb(II), Cu(II), and anionic dye CR in very short period of agitation. The adsorbent efficiency of metal ions and dye was estimated by varying the adsorbent dose, pH, contact time, initial metals and dye concentration, and temperature. Optimum adsorption of metal ions and CR dye was observed at pH 6, and at pH 4 at 120 min, respectively. The adsorption isotherm was described by the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm equations. The green adsorbent followed the pseudo-second-order kinetic model with correlation coefficients R 2 value >0.99. The increase in adsorption temperature enhanced the adsorption efficiency for both heavy metals and dye. The KAC showed no significant loss of the adsorption capacity after 3 cycles of reuse.
Reply to Macpherson: Further illustrations of the cognitive penetrability of perception

My reply to Macpherson begins by addressing whether it is effects of cognition on early vision or perceptual performance that I am interested in. I proceed to address Macpherson’s comments on evidence from cross-modal effects, interpretations of linguistic effects on image detection, evidence from illusions, and the usefulness of predictive coding for understanding cognitive penetration. By stressing the interactive and distributed nature of neural processing, I am committing to a collapse between perception and cognition. Following such a collapse, the very question of whether cognition affects perception becomes ill-posed, but this may be for the best.
New York and the “P” in POSDCORB

(2002). New York and the “P” in POSDCORB. Administrative Theory & Praxis: Vol. 24, No. 1, pp. 225-230.
Primary Cutaneous Extraskeletal Osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma is a malignant bone-producing neoplasm that typically occurs in the long bones of adolescents and young adults. Extraskeletal osteosarcoma (EO) is a rare variant of osteosarcoma that usually arises in the deep soft tissue, most commonly of the lower extremities, and accounts for 1–2 % of all osteosarcomas. These may rarely be confined to the skin where they are referred to as primary cutaneous extraskeletal osteosarcoma (PC-EO). Most examples of PC-EO in the literature are either single case reports or are combined into case series with EO of deep soft tissue.
Collaborative Worlds and Avatar-Based Communication: A Comparison of Virtual Worlds with Traditional Computer-Mediated Communications Media

Interest in virtual worlds from both academic and practitioner perspectives continues to grow. As a relatively new area of research, exploratory efforts to capitalize on and understand this new computer-mediated communications medium have been varied and multi-disciplinary, but also dangerously fragmented. Avatar-based communication distinguishes virtual worlds from traditional communications media and conceptually enables a potentially richer communications medium. Utilizing an integrative theoretical approach drawing from theories of social presence, media richness, media synchronicity, social influence, technology acceptance, and channel expansion, we seek to understand how virtual worlds compare with other communications media. Preliminary results from two phases of a Delphi study with expert participants present interesting findings. While not surprising that face-to-face communications are preferred in a wide variety of situations, what is surprising is that virtual worlds do not appear to be favorably ranked as compared to other leaner traditional communications media. Other results, implications and directions for future research are discussed.
The Controversy Between Bayesians and Classicists

A mathematical science ordinarily admits of two (or more) possible routes to a solution. This is also true in statistics, with one notable exception. There are two fundamentally different approaches to solving certain statistical problems. These are the Bayesian and Classical1 approaches. Both camps have strong and vocal partisans, and both approaches give correct answers within their frameworks. As is usual in great controversies, the argument arises out of a difference in point of view.
A critical examination of the l-C3H2- spectrum and the diffuse interstellar bands

It has recently been suggested by J. P. Maier's group that the origin band and three vibronic bands of the linear propadienylidene anion l-C3H match the diffuse interstellar bands (DIBs). We have examined the wavelength ranges in question using data from our ongoing DIB survey at the Apache Point Observatory. We find that the strongest DIB (λ6993) is not an acceptable wavelength match to the origin band of l-C3H, based on high-resolution laboratory data. The nondetection of interstellar features corresponding to the K = 2 ← 1 and K = 0 ← 1 branches of para l-C3H also argues against the assignment of λ6993 to the K = 1 ← 0 branch of ortho l-C3H. Two of the three DIBs that have been attributed to vibronic bands do not correlate in intensity with λ6993, providing further evidence against the assignment of this set of DIBs to l-C3H.
Towards a non-human ethnographic encounter?

v PhD candidate, Rhetoric, University of California, Berkeley (United States). Email: giancarlofcs@gmail.com I n this review I pay special attention to the construction of ethnographic encounters in Mialet’s book. By ethnographic encounter, I mean how the knowing subject of this particular book is constructed, and of course how the knowing subject whom Stephen Hawking represents figures in it. However, to read it with this focus is to betray in some way the book’s main arguments, so I will first try to summarize some of Mialet’s main ideas.
The proteolipid subunit of the Neurospora crassa vacuolar ATPase: isolation of the protein and the vma-3 gene

We have isolated the proteolipid subunit from the vacuolar ATPase of Neurospora crassa, using ion-exchange chromatography. We have also isolated several cDNA clones and the corresponding genomic DNA that encodes this subunit. The derived protein sequence indicates that the polypeptide is composed of 161 amino acid residues with an M(r) of 16,328 kDa. The gene encoding the proteolipid, named vma-3, is unusual in several respects. It contains four introns and, unlike other fungal genes, has non-coding regions that are as large as the coding regions. The 3' untranslated regions of the cDNAs were quite heterogeneous, with polyadenylation sites more than 300 bp apart. Analysis of the mRNA indicates that two size classes of transcripts are produced, differing in the length of the 3' untranslated region. Mapping of the vma-3 gene showed that it is closely linked, but not adjacent to, vma-1, the gene encoding the 67 kDa subunit of the vacuolar ATPase. This raises the possibility that in N. crassa some of the vacuolar ATPase genes may be clustered.
Editorial: On the selective inhibitors of Cyclooxygenase-2: Do we have a last word?

The cardiovascular safety of selective inhibitors of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) has received a great deal of attention since the withdrawal of rofecoxib and valdecoxib and recently with the non-approvable decisions for etoricoxib and lumiracoxib by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Numerous reviews and editorials have attempted to bring clarity to a very complicated issue. Differences among the individual COX-2 inhibitors have been suggested, but it is difficult to compare risk because of the lack of head-to-head trials and different comparators used in the key studies. Attempts have been made to determine difference in agents through comparison of the current published trials and through metaanalysis. These comparisons are challenging because of differing patient populations, risk profile of the patients, and different comparators used in the various trials. However, an evaluation of the literature can provide some relevant information. For example, comparisons of agents with similar selectivity, such as etoricoxib and diclofenac, did not show a difference in thrombotic events or complicated gastrointestinal (GI) events in the Multinational Etoricoxib and Diclofenac Arthritis Long-term (MEDAL) program [Canon et al. 2006]. A difference was noted, however, with heart failure and hypertension with etoricoxib and uncomplicated GI events with diclofenac. Also, when the population is at low risk for cardiovascular disease, as in the Celecoxib Long-term Arthritis Safety Study (CLASS), no differences are seen. The cardiac safety of COX-2 inhibitors is a Correspondence to: Carlos M. Ferrario, MD Hypertension and Vascular Research Center Wake Forest University School of Medicine Winston Salem, North Carolina 27157, USA Tel: 336-716-5819 Fax: 336-716-6644 cferrari@wfubmc.edu complex issue that needs further evaluation to determine the risk of these agents in individual patients. Understanding the mechanism behind the cardiovascular effects is also critical to assist in patient selection and evaluation of an individual’s risk versus benefit. While many have attempted to present the mechanism simplistically, two possible mechanisms, as reviewed below, have garnered the most attention to date.
An Operations-Research Study of the Collection of Defaulted Loans

Statistical decision techniques are developed for loan screening that provide a guide as to how long nonpaying defaulted loans of various types should be pursued by adjusters or collectors before they are completely dropped as uncollectible. A mathematical model yields the optimum pursuit duration and maximum expected net profit for each type of delinquent loan considered and which, if followed, will maximize the over-all net profit of a loan adjustment or collection department. The application of these rules by simulation to a random sample of defaulted loans indicates a potential increase in net profit of approximately 33 per cent.
Development and preliminary validation of a Family Nutrition and Physical Activity (FNPA) screening tool

Parents directly influence children's physical activity and nutrition behaviors and also dictate the physical and social environments that are available to their children. This paper summarizes the development of an easy to use screening tool (The Family Nutrition and Physical Activity (FNPA) Screening Tool) designed to assess family environmental and behavioral factors that may predispose a child to becoming overweight. The FNPA instrument was developed using constructs identified in a comprehensive evidence analysis conducted in collaboration with the American Dietetics Association. Two or three items were created for each of the ten constructs with evidence grades of II or higher. Parents of first grade students from a large urban school district (39 schools) were recruited to complete the FNPA screening tool and provide permission to link results to BMI data obtained from trained nurses in each school. A total of 1085 surveys were completed out of the available sample of 2189 children in the district. Factor analysis was conducted to examine the factor structure of the scale. Mixed model analyses were conducted on the composite FNPA score to determine if patterns in home environments and behaviors matched some of the expected socio-economic (SES) and ethnic patterns in BMI. Correlations among FNPA constructs and other main variables were computed to examine possible associations among the various factors. Finally, logistic regression was used to evaluate the construct validity of the FNPA scale. Factor analyses revealed the presence of a single factor and this unidimensional structure was supported by the correlation analyses. The correlations among constructs were consistently positive but the total score had higher correlations with child BMI than the other individual constructs. The FNPA scores followed expected demographic patterns with low income families reporting lower (less favorable) scores than moderate or high income families. Children with a total score in the lowest tertile (high risk family environment and behaviors) had an odds ratio (OR) of 1.7 (95% CI = 1.07 – 2.80) compared to children with a total score in the highest tertile (more favorable family environment and behaviors) but this effect was reduced when parent BMI was included as a covariate. The results support the contention that the FNPA tool captures important elements of the family environment and behaviors that relate to risk for child overweight.
Stability properties of slotted Aloha with multipacket reception capability

The stability of the Aloha random-access algorithm in an infinite-user slotted channel with multipacket-reception capability is considered. This channel is a generalization of the usual collision channel, in that it allows the correct reception of one or more packets involved in a collision. The number of successfully received packets in each slot is modeled as a random variable which depends exclusively on the number of simultaneously attempted transmissions. This general model includes as special cases channels with capture, noise, and code-division multiplexing. It is shown by drift analysis that the channel backlog Markov chain is ergodic if the packet-arrival rate is less than the expected number of packets successfully received in a collision of n as n goes to infinity. The properties of the backlog in the nonergodicity region are examined. >
The potential for satellite-based monitoring of groundwater storage changes using GRACE: the High Plains aquifer, Central US

Groundwater storage in the High Plains aquifer has been steadily decreasing for 50 or more years due to withdrawals for irrigation. This trend has been documented in annually published United States Geological Survey reports of water level changes in the High Plains aquifer, but assessments of groundwater storage changes in other parts of the world are incomplete. NASA's gravity recovery and climate experiment (GRACE) soon may provide an alternative means for monitoring groundwater changes, via satellite remote sensing. That terrestrial water storage changes are likely to be detectable by GRACE satellites has been demonstrated by prior studies. This investigation builds on those studies by evaluating the potential for isolating changes in the groundwater component of terrestrial water storage. In the High Plains, the magnitude of annual groundwater storage changes averaged 19.8 mm between 1987 and 1998. Uncertainty in deriving estimates of High Plains aquifer storage changes from GRACE observations will arise mainly from the removal, via land surface modeling, of the effects of soil moisture changes from the gravity signal. Total uncertainty is predicted to be about 8.7 mm.
COMPOUNDING OF DISCRIMINATIVE STIMULI CORRELATED WITH CHAINED AND MULTIPLE SCHEDULES1

In studies of stimulus compounding (1) the stimuli are presented randomly, (2) primary reinforcement is correlated with each stimulus, (3) a specific response is emitted during each stimulus, and (4) the response is necessary to produce the reinforcer. The present experiments assessed the importance of these procedures by (1) presenting light and tone stimuli in fixed order, (2) removing reinforcement (food) during one stimulus, (3) preventing the response (lever pressing) from being emitted, and (4) eliminating the contingency between lever pressing and food. These variables were presented in various combinations within the context of chained and multiple schedules. When the stimuli were combined in the schedule component correlated with each stimulus, the frequency of lever pressing increased in most instances (additive summation). This suggests that the effect of combining stimuli was not closely tied to the specific procedures used in previous experiments. However, presenting the stimuli in a fixed order did have an effect: the level of responding to the compound was generally greatest when the stimuli were combined in the component correlated with the higher frequency of lever pressing to the single stimulus. Additive summation failed to occur consistently when response-independent food was correlated with each stimulus, and when both lever pressing and food were eliminated during one stimulus.
A Statistical Study of Large-Scale, Long-Period Variability in North Pacific Sea Surface Temperature Anomalies

Abstract Frequency domain principal components analysis, a technique which involves extracting the eigenvalues and eigenvectors of the cross spectrum of a multivariate time series, is used to analyze the development and movement of sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies in the North Pacific. A prominent feature of the low-frequency SST field is an oscillatory pattern with a return period of about four to seven years. It involves the slow migration of an anomaly northward into the western North Pacific where the anomaly undergoes rapid expansion and intensification and then begins to deteriorate as it moves eastward. It is suggested that the rapid expansion in midlatitudes is caused by a positive feedback between the SST anomalies, the atmospheric long waves, and cyclonic short waves.
Experimental observations of the effect of pressure and buoyancy on cellulose co‐current smoldering

An experimental study has been performed to determine the potential effect of buoyancy on the rate of propagation of a co-current smolder reaction through a porous solid fuel, and the range of flow velocities where buoyancy effects are significant. In the co-current smolder reaction, the fuel and oxidizer enter the reaction zone from the same direction. In the present experiments this is accomplished by initiating the reaction at the top of the fuel bed, α-cellulose packed at a void fraction 0.85, so that the smolder wave propagates downward opposing an upward forced flow of air. Since in a stratified density field, buoyancy is proportional to the product of gravity and density difference, buoyancy can be controlled by varying either the gravity vector or the gas density. In this study the latter method is followed, varying gas density through the ambient pressure at which the experiments are performed. The smolder velocity is measured for air flow rates varying from 0.2 to 6 gm−2s−1 at constant ambient pressures of 0.6, 0.8 and 1 atm. The results show that for flow rates larger than 1 gm−2s−1 the smolder velocity increases linearly with the air flow rate but is independent of pressure. The reaction peak temperature is weakly dependent on flow rate and independent of pressure. For the present experimental conditions the effect of buoyancy is only observed at very low air flow rates. The mechanisms by which it affects the smolder process appears to be by altering the transport of air to the reaction zone from upstream and downstream of the reaction.
Glass transitions of some block copolymers

A number of block and graft copolymers have been prepared from several vinyl monomers, and their glass transition temperatures measured. The series included polar, nonpolar and polar-nonpolar pairs. It was found in all cases except one that the glass transition temperatures were close to those found for the individual homopolymers. The exception was a block copolymer of styrene and α-methylstyrene, the only pair whose homopolymers would give clear mixed solutions in a mutual solvent.
Afferent volleys in limb nerves influencing impulse discharges in cerebellar cortex II. In purkyně cells

Impulses discharged by Purkyně cells provide the only output from the cerebellar cortex. Usually the Purkyně cells can be identified with certainty because they alone respond by the brief bursting discharge generated by climbing fiber (CF) impulses, as well as by the ubiquitous simple spikes. The discharges from single Purkyně cells in the anterior lobe have been studied in lightly anesthetized and in decerebrate unanesthetized cats. All of our 275 identified cells had an average background discharge frequency in the range of 5/sec to 100/sec. The discharge was increased and/or depressed by afferent volleys from a number of limb nerves. In addition there was usually a slow rate of CF-evoked spike bursts at 0.5–2/sec, and many afferent inputs also evoked CF responses.
NADPH Oxidase 2 Regulates Bone Marrow Microenvironment Following Hindlimb Ischemia: Role in Reparative Mobilization of Progenitor Cells†‡§

Bone marrow (BM) microenvironment, which is regulated by hypoxia and proteolytic enzymes, is crucial for stem/progenitor cell function and mobilization involved in postnatal neovascularization. We demonstrated that NADPH oxidase 2 (Nox2)-derived reactive oxygen species (ROS) are involved in postischemic mobilization of BM cells and revascularization. However, role of Nox2 in regulating BM microenvironment in response to ischemic injury remains unknown. Here, we show that hindlimb ischemia of mice increases ROS production in both the endosteal and central region of BM tissue in situ, which is almost completely abolished in Nox2 knockout (KO) mice. This Nox2-dependent ROS production is mainly derived from Gr-1(+) myeloid cells in BM. In vivo injection of hypoxyprobe reveals that endosteum at the BM is hypoxic with high expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α in basal state. Following hindlimb ischemia, hypoxic areas and HIF-1α expression are expanded throughout the BM, which is inhibited in Nox2 KO mice. This ischemia-induced alteration of Nox2-dependent BM microenvironment is associated with an increase in vascular endothelial growth factor expression and Akt phosphorylation in BM tissue, thereby promoting Lin(-) progenitor cell survival and expansion, leading to their mobilization from BM. Furthermore, hindlimb ischemia increases proteolytic enzymes membrane type 1-matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression and MMP-9 activity in BM, which is inhibited in Nox2 KO mice. In summary, Nox2-dependent increase in ROS plays a critical role in regulating hypoxia expansion and proteolytic activities in BM microenvironment in response to tissue ischemia. This in turn promotes progenitor cell expansion and reparative mobilization from BM, leading to postischemic neovascularization and tissue repair.
"Absolute" deformation potentials: Formulation and ab initio calculations for semiconductors.

The subjects of this paper are the proper inclusion of long-range electrostatic terms in the theory of electronic deformation potentials, the way to include these terms by using supercells in ab initio density-functional methods, and calculations for selected semiconductors. We describe the connection with the heterojunction problem, and compare our values with previous model theories and with experiment.
Rational design of chemical genetic probes of RNA function and lead therapeutics targeting repeating transcripts

RNA is an important yet vastly underexploited target for small molecule chemical probes or lead therapeutics. Small molecules have been used successfully to modulate the function of the bacterial ribosome, viral RNAs and riboswitches. These RNAs are either highly expressed or can be targeted using substrate mimicry, a mainstay in the design of enzyme inhibitors. However, most cellular RNAs are neither highly expressed nor have a lead small molecule inhibitor, a significant challenge for drug discovery efforts. Herein, I describe the design of small molecules targeting expanded repeating transcripts that cause myotonic muscular dystrophy (DM). These test cases illustrate the challenges of designing small molecules that target RNA and the advantages of targeting repeating transcripts. Lastly, I discuss how small molecules might be more advantageous than oligonucleotides for targeting RNA.
Mitogen stimulation of lymphocytes exposed to lead.

Abstract Female BDF 1 mice were exposed for 3 weeks to lead in the drinking water at concentrations ranging from 0 to 1000 ppm lead. In vitro mitogen studies demonstrated that lead produced a dose-dependent enhancement of the activity for the T-cell mitogens concanavalin A, phytohemagglutinin, and staphylococcal enterotoxin A. Lead did not alter the activity of the B-cell mitogen, Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide. A significant synergistic interaction occurred between lead and concanavalin A or phytohemagglutinin, suggesting that lead may be affecting a specific T-cell subpopulation. In vivo mitogen studies with staphylococcal enterotoxin A demonstrated that lead has no significant effect on the mitogen response. Comparisons and extrapolations between the in vivo and in vitro mitogen responses with similar lead exposures are not meaningful.
Distributed Bragg reflector enhancement of electroluminescence from a silicon nanocrystal light emitting device

Abstract We demonstrate distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) enhanced electroluminescence from a silicon nanocrystal-based light emitting device. An a-Si/SiO 2 superlattice containing silicon nanocrystals serves as the intrinsic layer in an n–i–n device that is embedded in a DBR cavity consisting of alternating layers of silicon and silicon dioxide. The entire structure, including DBR, superlattice and contact layers, is deposited by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition. The photoluminescence, electroluminescence (EL) and optical output power are measured and compared to a reference device. The DBR is found to enhance the peak EL intensity by a factor of 25 and the external quantum and power conversion efficiencies by a factor of 2.
Effects of matrix heterogeneity and aqueous humic acid on transport and deposition of mineral colloids in sandy sediments

Abstract Cellulosic materials, such as paper, cardboard and wood, are commonly co-disposed with low-level radioactive waste. Cellulosic materials may not only enhance subsurface contaminant transport through complexation, but also promote colloid dispersion. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of humic acid (HA; as a surrogate for cellulosic materials and natural organic matters) and porous media heterogeneity on mineral colloid migration through a coarse-textured Savannah River Site (SRS) sediment or a more uniform Ottawa sand. Positively charged mineral colloids isolated from the SRS sediment were retained by the Ottawa sand columns. SRS colloids became increasingly more negatively charged and more stable in suspension with increasing concentrations of HA treatments. There was a critical HA and mineral colloid concentration ratio of ∼0.025 above which the transport of colloids was greatly increased. No quartz or SRS mineral colloids, even those coated with HA, were transported through the natural SRS sediment due to its heterogeneous surface coatings of goethite/kaolinite and surface charge properties. Additionally, much fewer mobile colloids were transported through columns of Ottawa sand with pre-deposited mobile colloids (resembling an aged sediment/mobile colloid system) than the clean Ottawa sand system. As such, even when conditions favored colloid dispersion (e.g., elevated pH or HA concentrations), subsequent transport may be limited due to the sediment's natural colloid removal processes caused by coherent particle-sediment attraction and straining.
Two questions in diophantine approximation

The first question is about a possible variation on Dirichlet's approximation theorem for linear forms αx+βy+z, wherex,y are restricted topositive integers. The second question, which turns out to be related to the first, is about approximation to elements in a power series fieldk((t −1)) by solutions β of first order linear differential equationsxβ′+yβ+z=0, wherex,y,z are polynomials int.
Fluctuations in Chromatin Structure and Gene Expression

Stochastic models of gene expression assume that promoters randomly transition between transcriptionally active and inactive states, a concept that has proved helpful in understanding expression noise and gene regulation. However, the molecular basis of stochastic promoter switching is unknown. By isolation and electron microscopic analysis of single PHO5 gene molecules from yeast, we show that the PHO5 promoter randomly transitions between alternative nucleosome configurations. Mathematical analysis demonstrates that the probability distribution of alternative promoter nucleosome configurations is obtained by a simple stationary Markov process of nucleosome assembly, disassembly and sliding. Our results provide direct evidence for the stochastic transitioning of a eukaryotic promoter between transcriptionally conducive and inconducive nucleosome configurations, supporting a fundamental proposition of stochastic gene expression models. Combination with fluctuation analysis of single cell gene expression provides novel insights into the role of promoter chromatin structure and dynamics for gene expression and regulation.
Warm acclimation changes the expression of the Na+,K+-ATPase α subunit isoforms in Antarctic fish gills

Abstract Acclimation of the Antarctic teleost Trematomus bernacchii at + 4 °C results in a 25% decrease in serum osmolality and a doubling of gill Na+,K+-ATPase activity relative to − 1.5 °C. Protein and mRNA of the α1, α2, and α3 isoforms of Na+,K+-ATPase were previously reported in T. bernacchii gill and studies in other systems have shown these isoforms display different kinetic and physiologic properties. We propose that the increase in Na+,K+-ATPase activity resulting from + 4 °C acclimation is due to a change in Na+,K+-ATPase α isoform contribution and accounts for the decrease in serum osmolality. In response to acclimation at + 4 °C, the apparent affinity of the enzyme for sodium increased significantly (measured by K′Na and K0.5Na), while the apparent affinity for potassium and ATP showed no change. Analysis of Na+,K+-ATPase phosphoenzyme intermediates indicated the α3 contribution to total Na+,K+-ATPase decreased from 33.72 ± 13.03% to 0 ± 6.67% while α1 and α2 increased from 33.12 ± 12.72% and 33.15 ± 0.30% to 44.87 ± 6.67% and 55.12 ± 6.67%, respectively, upon + 4 °C acclimation. Immunoblotting of α isoform protein showed significant increases in α1 and α2 and a significant decrease in α3 with + 4 °C acclimation. However, there was not a significant change in the Na+,K+-ATPase α subunit steady state transcription levels as measured by real-time RT-PCR. These observations (through the application of a functional biochemical characterization to an environmental physiological change) suggest that the T. bernacchii reduce serum osmolality in response to increased environmental temperature by altering the α subunit composition of Na+,K+-ATPase.
Abstract 434: Radiation-induced matrix metalloprotease-9 promotes mesenchymal transition of Daoy cells and initiates activation of pro-matrix metalloprotease-2.

Ionizing radiation is an efficient therapeutic modality against cancer and a potent carcinogenic agent with the ability to alter cellular genotype. Earlier, we reported that medulloblastoma cells exposed to ionizing radiation showed enhanced invasive and adhesive characteristics. Invasion is the cumulative effort of cells to degrade the extracellular matrix (ECM) and to modulate cellular phenotype to invade the ECM. Therefore, we examined the modulation gained by irradiated medulloblastoma cells leading to enhanced invasiveness. Radiation-induced invasion increased with the increase in the recovery time after radiation treatment and was identified to be associated with MMP-9/MMP-2 activity. Radiation enhanced the expression of MMP-9 and induced the cleavage of pro-MMP-2 into active form, and the latter was associated with MT-MMP-1 expression. A significant time lag observed between the radiation exposure time and MMP-2 activation was identified as a period required for the irradiated cells to acquire cellular alteration, such as mesenchymal characteristics. Recombinant protein(s) and inhibitor(s) studies demonstrated that radiation-induced MT-MMP-1 expression and MMP-2 activation are in harmony with JNK activation. MMP-9 gene silencing and protein supplementation studies confirmed that MMP-9 activates JNK signaling and potent inducers of mesenchymal markers such as Snai1 and N-Cadherin. Further, gene-specific silencing of either MMP-9 or N-Cadherin showed significant reduction of MMP-2 activation in irradiated Daoy cells. Collectively, our results provide an insight on the role of MMP-9 in radiation-induced invasion and in initiating signaling cascades that modulate Daoy cells to acquire mesenchymal characteristics and activate MMP-2. Citation Format: Arun Kumar Nalla, Swapna Asuthkar, Venkata Ramesh Dasari, Jasti S. Rao. Radiation-induced matrix metalloprotease-9 promotes mesenchymal transition of Daoy cells and initiates activation of pro-matrix metalloprotease-2. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 434. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-434
False memories for compound words: Role of working memory

Subjects studied pairs of compound words; pair members were presented simultaneously (one above the other) for 2 sec or sequentially (one immediately following the other) for 1 sec each, and 6-sec interstimulus intervals separated the end of presentation of one pair and the start of that of another. A subsequent recognition test includedwithin-pair andbetween-pair conjunction foils (recombinations of stimulus parts from the same study pair and from separate pairs, respectively). Previous experiments using faces as stimuli have demonstrated that when faces are presented simultaneously there are many more false alarms to within-pair than to between-pair conjunction items, and when faces are presented sequentially there is an equal number of false alarms in those two conditions. However, Experiment 1 showed that for compound word stimuli there were equally high false alarm rates to both types of foils in both study conditions relative to completely new test items. Experiment 2 showed that when rehearsal of compound words was prevented, the pattern of conjunction errors was very similar to the one typically obtained for faces. In Experiment 3, subjects falsely recalled conjunctions of withinpair compound words but not conjunctions of between-pair words in the simultaneous-study condition; no conjunctions were recalled in the sequential-study condition. The results support the idea that working memory processing is necessary for binding stimulus parts together in episodic memory.
Magnetic field amplification in interstellar collisionless shock waves

IT is commonly assumed that a simple compression of the magnetic field occurs in interstellar shock waves. Recent space observations of the Earth's bow shock show that turbulent amplification of the magnetic field can occur in a collisionless shock. I show here that radio observations of Tycho's supernova remnant indicate the presence of a shock wave with such magnetic field amplification.
Electrolytes for high-energy lithium batteries

From aqueous liquid electrolytes for lithium–air cells to ionic liquid electrolytes that permit continuous, high-rate cycling of secondary batteries comprising metallic lithium anodes, we show that many of the key impediments to progress in developing next-generation batteries with high specific energies can be overcome with cleaver designs of the electrolyte. When these designs are coupled with as cleverly engineered electrode configurations that control chemical interactions between the electrolyte and electrode or by simple additives-based schemes for manipulating physical contact between the electrolyte and electrode, we further show that rechargeable battery configurations can be facilely designed to achieve desirable safety, energy density and cycling performance.
Reconfigurable multi-component sensors built from MEMS payloads carried by micro-robots

Field Programmable Robot Arrays (FPRAs) are micro-robots with onboard reconfigurable logic [14]. The primary goal of the FPRAs is to build digital-logic structures by physical motion as well as electronic reconfiguration (commonly used in prior programmable logic). We extend the application of FPRAs here by presenting a sensor-based architecture with the following components: a) Scratch-Drive-Actuator (SDA) micro-robots carrying MEMS sensor payload components and b) onboard programmable logic arrays of a new kind called Field Programmable One-Hot Arrays (FPOHAs) [14] which have two roles in the proposed system. First, each FPOHA is configured to act as a Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter (UART) so that each micro-robot may receive commands via a global communication channel to guide the robots' path towards their target locations [10]. Second, when each micro-robot reaches its target docking location, the associated FPOHA is reprogrammed to implement a control-systems algorithm that operates a payload component carried onboard the micro-robot. The docking locations are chosen so that the payload components make electrical, mechanical and/or fluidic connections, and thereby form a multi-component sensor. If a different sensor configuration is needed at a later time, the FPOHAs are reprogrammed back as UARTs, and the components may be rearranged to form a different sensor type. A variety of MEMS component types could be envisioned: micro-reactors, micro-catalysts, micro-pumps, etc. Each micro-robot would carry one such component. We assume MEMS-based micro-robots like those developed by Donald et al. [2], with the improvement of an additional stylus arm to control left and right rotation as well as using both arms to halt [5].
Characterization and expression analysis of two human septin genes, PNUTL1 and PNUTL2

The presence and role of septin proteins in yeast is well documented, but there is a growing appreciation for this family of proteins beyond yeast and extending to human cells. In this report we present the characterization and comparison of two highly similar human septin genes, PNUTL1 and PNUTL2. We compare the exon/intron structure of both genes, the steady-state mRNA levels in tumor cell lines and adult organs, the conceptual translation products from alternatively processed mRNAs and the development of specific immunologic reagents distinguishing either PNUTL1 or PNUTL2. The results illustrate a remarkable similarity between the two genes and their protein products while identifying specific differences in mRNA expression patterns. A summary of the described functional roles for mammalian septins is discussed along with an attempt to assimilate the alternative nomenclature existing for the same human septins, such as references to PNUTL1 and PNUTL2 as hCDCrel-1 and hCDCrel-2, respectively. The characterization of PNUTL1 and PNUTL2 represents a fundamental step in completing the characterization of the entire family of human septin genes.
Pathophysiology of anthracycline- and radiation-associated cardiomyopathies: implications for screening and prevention

Great progress has been made in treating childhood cancers over the past 40 years. Along with second malignancies, a major complication of anti-cancer therapies is adverse cardiovascular effects, especially cardiomyopathy and coronary artery disease. The pathophysiology and characteristics of cardiomyopathy associated with radiation therapy and anthracycline therapy are distinctive. We describe each type of cardiomyopathy, along with its risk factors. These distinctive cardiomyopathies require different screening tests. Appropriate screening of the entire cardiovascular system should be performed because radiation and chemotherapy affect the entire system. Prevention recommendations focus on cardiomyopathy and coronary artery disease.