cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of C-5 propynyl pyrimidine-containing oligonucleotides in vitro and in vivo.

Inclusion of C-5 propynyl pyrimidines in phosphorothioate antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) has been shown to significantly increase their potency for inhibiting gene expression in vitro. This increased potency is believed to be the result of enhanced binding affinity to target RNA. Our results show that C-5 propynyl pyrimidine-modified oligonucleotides caused an increase in the melting temperature (Tm) of both oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) and 2′-O-(2-methoxy)ethyl (2′-MOE)-modified oligonucleotides. The in vitro data show a moderate increase in potency for an antisense oligodeoxynucleotide containing C-5 propynyl pyrimidines targeting the murine PTEN (MMAC1) transcript. Second-generation 2′-MOE chimeric ASOs containing C-5 propynyl pyrimidines showed no improvement in potency in PTEN target reduction in vitro or in vivo compared to their nonpropyne-modified parent. These results suggest that increasing affinity for target RNA beyond that achieved with the 2′-MOE modification does not further increase pot...
Intimidation: a concept analysis.

PROBLEM. Patient safety is being compromised by intimidating communication and ineffective teamwork among healthcare providers. The Joint Commission Update indicates that ineffective communication has been the leading root cause of the majority of sentinel events since 1996. Furthermore, the organizational implementation of policies and procedures for addressing this dangerous situation is now mandated by The Joint Commission Sentinel Event Alert. However, in order to consistently identify and address this problem, there must be a clear and universal definition of intimidation. METHODS. The purpose of this article is to clarify the definition of intimidation in healthcare settings. Without this clarity, the role of intimidation as a precursor to the occurrence of medical errors will inevitably be obscured. The framework for concept analysis proposed by Walker and Avant is used to explicate the definition, attributes, antecedents, consequences, and cases of intimidation. FINDINGS. Analyzing the extent of the relationship between intimidation and medical errors will provide healthcare organizations and professionals with a foundation for the development of strategies to combat the effects of intimidation on medical errors and patient safety. CONCLUSIONS. The necessity to create a culture of safety in healthcare settings is paramount.
Geology 102: More Thoughts on a Shift to a Dimensional Model of Personality Disorders

The classification of personality disorders is at a critical stage. The categorical model presented in the official diagnostic manual of mental disorders has serious limitations, and it is time for a shift to a dimensional model of personality disorder. Although the evidence in favor of switching to a dimensional model of personality disorder is compelling, the fields of clinical psychology and psychiatry have been reluctant to make the shift. We think some of this reluctance is due to a misunderstanding of the current state of dimensional models of personality and personality disorders. We address three major myths about dimensional models and provide responses to each.
Quantum mechanics in Galilean space-time

The usual quantum mechanical treatment of a Schrodinger particle is translated into manifestly Galilean-invariant language, primarily through the use of Wigner-distribution methods. The hydrodynamical formulation of quantum mechanics is derived directly from the Wigner-distribution formulation, and the two formulations are compared. Wigner distributions are characterized directly, i.e., without reference to wave functions, and a heuristic interpretation of Wigner distributions and their evolution is developed.
Infant mortality in Caucasians and African Americans

For 33 states with data on infant mortality by race in 1980, the infant mortality of African Americans was predicted by illegitimacy rates whereas Caucasian infant mortality was predicted by the percentage of adults separated and the percentage with a college education.
Causes and mechanism of autoimmune disease: cyclosporin A as a probe for the investigation.

Organ-specific autoimmune disease can be elicited in rodents by manipulating the thymus/T cells. For example, elimination of a particular T-cell subset causes organ-specific autoimmune diseases, such as thyroiditis and gastritis, in otherwise normal mice. Environmental agents can cause similar autoimmune diseases by affecting the thymus/T cells. Cyclosporin A (CsA), a potent immunosuppressive drug, is an example. When a particular strain of newborn mice are daily administered with GsA for a limited period, they spontaneously develop organ-specific autoimmune disease, such as gastritis with anti-parietal cell autoantibodies, later in life. CsA abrogates the production of CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells in the thymus. Consequently, these T cells are substantially depleted from the peripheral lymphoid organs, especially when the drug is administered from the day of birth. The autoimmune disease is prevented when CsA-treated newborn mice are inoculated with splenic T cells from normal syngeneic adult mice. On the other hand, removal of the thymus immediately after neonatal CsA treatment produces autoimmune disease with a higher incidence and in a wider spectrum of organs, i.e., thyroiditis, sialoadenitis of the salivary gland, gastritis, insulitis of the endocrine pancreas, adrenalitis, oophoritis, or orchids. Each autoimmune disease is accompanied by the development of circulating autoantibodies specific for the corresponding organ-specific antigens. These findings taken together indicate that CsA causes autoimmune disease not by affecting the target self-antigens, but by interfering with a thymus/T cell—dependent control mechanism on the production/expansion of pathogenic self-reactive T cells. Various other environmental insults (such as ionizing radiation or virus) can also cause similar autoimmune diseases, presumably by a similar mechanism.
Development of needle-type glucose sensor with high selectivity

Abstract An amperometric needle-type glucose biosensor employing rhodium as electrocatalyst for hydrogen peroxide detection is described. A novel transducer design is based on electrodeposition of rhodium particles on the external wall of the needle which serves as the working electrode and an external Ag/AgCl reference/counter electrode. Electropolymerized 1,3-diaminobenezene (1,3-phenylenediamine) is employed as a protective layer for the rhodium particles as well as an interference eliminating layer. This configuration uses the rhodium electrocatalyst in its most active dispersed form and ensure good mechanical rigidity. At the same time, because of the large working surface area, it provides a large sensitivity for the sensor response. The use of rhodium electrocatalyst allows detection of H 2 O 2 at low working potential of +0.25 V. Electrophoretic deposition of enzyme on the needle surface followed by cross-linking with glutaraldehyde was chosen for the immobilization of glucose oxidase (GOD) on the needle surface. Nafion was used as external diffusion control and additional interference eliminating layer, which extend the linear range of the sensor response to over 25 mM glucose concentration. These biosensors demonstrated diminished response to interference from oxidizable compounds present in body fluids and a life time of at least 3 months.
Current Applications of Molecular Genetic Technologies to the Diagnosis and Treatment of Cutaneous Melanocytic Neoplasms

Decades of research have brought knowledge to a point where physicians are beginning to understand human disease processes like oncogenesis on a molecular level. Molecular technologies are now being applied to current clinical settings such as the diagnosis and treatment of cutaneous melanocytic neoplasms. In particular, dermatopathologists are using fluorescence in situ hybridization to aid in the diagnosis of challenging melanocytic neoplasms. Pathologists are working with oncologists to use the sequences of specific genes in melanomas to choose more effective treatments. This article discusses how these technologies are altering the ways in which cutaneous melanocytic neoplasms are diagnosed and treated.
Combined Basis Function Method for Energy Band Calculations

A method to calculate relativistic energy bands and wave functions is presented, in which rapidly converging basis sets are created from linearly combined RAPW functions. By constructing other basis sets, convergence of the band structure of complex materials (e.g. compounds) can be studied with a matrix of moderate size. Results of an application to fcc praesodymium show the usefulness of the method and indicate a considerable potential for future developments.
Influence of Rim Run‐Out on the Nonuniformity of Tire‐Wheel Assemblies

Abstract An analytical membrane model is used to study how wheel imperfections are converted into radial force variation of the tire‐wheel assembly. This model indicates that the radial run‐out of the rim generates run‐out of the tire‐wheel assembly at slightly less than the one to one ratio that was expected. Lateral run‐out of the rim is found to generate radial run‐out of the tire‐wheel assembly at a ratio that is dependent on the tire design and the wheel width. Finite element studies of a production tire validate and quantify the results of the membrane model. Experiments using a specially constructed precision wheel demonstrate the behavior predicted by the models. Finally, a population of production tires and wheels show that the lateral run‐out of the rims contribute a significant portion to the assembly radial force variation. These findings might be used to improve match‐mounting results by taking lateral rim run‐out into account.
A maximum hypothesis of transpiration

[1] We hypothesize that the system of liquid water in leaf tissues and the water vapor in the atmosphere tends to evolve towards a potential equilibrium as quickly as possible by maximization of the transpiration rate. We make two assumptions in formulating the transpiration rate: (1) stomatal aperture is directly controlled by guard cell turgor (or leaf water potential); (2) CO2 flux can be used as a nonparametric equivalent of stomatal conductance for a given stomatal function (not necessarily optimal in terms of the water use efficiency for photosynthesis). Transpiration is then expressed as a function of leaf temperature, CO2 flux (as a surrogate of stomatal conductance), and sensible heat flux characterizing the transport mechanism at a given level of radiative energy input. Maximization of transpiration constrained by the energy balance equation leads to vanishing derivatives of transpiration with respect to leaf temperature and CO2 flux. We have obtained observational evidence in support of the proposed hypothesis.
Gauge Fields, Sources, and Electromagnetic Masses

The hypothesis of strong-interaction gauge fields, with non-Abelian gauge invariance broken only by the ${1}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ particle mass terms, gives a natural source theory setting for the introduction of electromagnetic effects. The electromagnetic potential vector appears as a compensating field in the mass terms of the neutral ${1}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ particles. The resulting electromagnetic self-action is used to discuss mass displacements. The pion electro-magnetic mass is computed in a number of ways---by direct calculation of various processes and by chiral methods, in two variants. The relationship of these approaches is established. A phenomenological modification of the chiral evaluation gives perfect agreement with the observed value. It is found, however, that the ${(\frac{{m}_{\ensuremath{\pi}}}{{m}_{\ensuremath{\rho}}})}^{2}$ terms, which are neglected in this method, are not very small. Baryon electromagnetic mass splittings are described by a simple adaptation of gross mass-spectrum empirics. Agreement with the data is excellent.
Lipoprotein uptake by cultured human arterial smooth muscle cells.

Abstract Human arterial smooth muscle cells growing in tissue culture, in contrast to rat cells, preferentially bind and take up large, lipid-rich lipoproteins (125I-labeled low density and very low density lipoproteins) in comparison to smaller, high density lipoproteins. These results may be relevant to the known difference in the propensity of these two species to develop atherosclerosis.
Solder Joint Reliability in Automotive Applications: New Assessment Criteria through the Use of EBSD

The transition to lead-free materials within the electronics industry has raised the question of solder joint reliability for automotive applications. Traditional analysis methods like shear testing and light microscopic cross section analysis do not offer explanations for different damage appearances of solder joints that seem to have same material properties, same production and aging history. A better understanding of microstructural properties and changes will help to solve those questions. Therefore, EBSD is used to analyze the grain structure of solder joints in the as-soldered state and after different aging conditions. In this paper a test program that is just being carried out at the Volkswagen Lab is summarized and first results of texture analysis are presented.
Changes in iron regulatory proteins in the aged rodent neural retina

Iron accumulation is associated with age-related neurodegenerations and may contribute to age-related increased susceptibility of neurons to damage. We compared young and old rodent retinas to assess iron homeostasis during normal aging and the effects of increased iron on the susceptibility of retinal neurons to degeneration. Retinal iron was significantly increased with age. Quantitative RT-PCR showed that transferrin and ferritin genes were upregulated in the aged retina. At the protein level, we found decreased transferrin, and increased transferrin receptor, ferritin, ferroportin, and ceruloplasmin in the aged retina. These results support an increased steady state of iron with age in the retina. We tested susceptibility of retinal neurons with increased intracellular iron to damage in vitro. Exposure of RGC-5 cells to increased iron potentiated the neurotoxicity induced by paraquat, glutamate, and TNFα. Our results demonstrate that iron homeostasis in the retina is altered with age and suggest that iron accumulation, due to altered levels of iron-regulatory proteins in the aged retina, could be a susceptibility factor in age-related retinal diseases.
Oxygen radicals in exsanguination-induced bronchoconstriction of guinea pigs.

This study investigated the relationship between oxygen radicals and exsanguination-induced bronchoconstriction using antioxidant in guinea pigs. To accomplish this, two phases of studies were carried out. In phase 1, 34 guinea pigs weighing 342 ± 11 g were divided into five groups: control (n = 7); acute dimethylthiourea (DMTU, n = 7); chronic DMTU (n = 8); superoxide dismutase (SOD, n = 6); and catalase (n = 6). Animals in the control group were not treated. DMTU, SOD, and catalase were employed for the scavenging of hydroxyl radical, superoxide anion, and hydrogen peroxide, respectively. Ten additional guinea pigs weighing 293 ± 6 g were divided into two groups in phase 2: sham (n = 6) and chronic apocynin (n = 4). Animals in the sham group received injections of the vehicle, whereas apocynin was used to suppress the production of superoxide anion. All animals were anesthetized, sternotomized, and artificially ventilated. Before (baseline) as well as at fixed intervals 5–30 minutes following the exsanguination, the maximal expiratory flow maneuver was performed and the dynamic compliance (Cdyn) was obtained. Decreases in the maximal expiratory flow at 50% baseline vital capacity and Cdyn were used as indicators of bronchoconstriction. Exsanguination in the control and sham groups caused a gradual increase in airway constriction with time that was significantly ameliorated by chronic DMTU and chronic apocynin pretreatments but was not affected by other acute treatments. These results indicate that chronic treatment with antioxidants ameliorates exsanguination-induced, tachykinin-mediated airway constriction.
Fibrous Histiocytomas of the Orbit

Fibrous histiocytomas are a complex group of tumors, that feature cells resem­ bling fibroblasts and histiocytes and that ex­ hibit a distinctive but inconstant cellular ar­ rangement referred to as a "storiform" (matted) or cartwheel pattern. This particu­ lar subgroup of soft tissue tumors was first identified and characterized by Stout and coworkers. Considerable confusion has en­ veloped these tumors as a result of their ar­ cane terminology—fibrous histiocytoma, xanthofibroma, fibrous xanthoma, xanthogranuloma, dermatofibroma, atypical fibrous xanthoma, atypical fibrous histiocytoma, and storiform fibrous xanthoma. Since they are essentially localized tumors, they should not be regarded as relatives of the systemic reticuloendothelioses and other more widespread histiocytic disorders.' The purpose of this communication is to report on the experience at the Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute with a group of relatively homogeneous or­ bital tumors that satisfy the criteria for fibrous histiocytoma.
Bovine dialyzable lymph node extracts have antigen-dependent and antigen-independent effects on human cell-mediated immunity in vitro.

Abstract We have studied the effects of dialyzable lymph node extracts (DLNE), from bovines immune or nonresponsive to tuberculin, or human cell-mediated immunity to purified protein derivative of tuberculin (PPD) in vitro . The effects of bovine DLNE (B-DLNE) on the immune responsiveness of human cells were evaluated using both the direct and indirect agarose leukocyte migration inhibition (LMI) assays to measure the migration of human leukocytes, and by determining the effects of B-DLNE on the rate of regeneration of receptors for sheep red blood cells (SRBC) on human thymus-derived (T) lymphocytes after trypsinization. The effects of human dialyzable leukocyte extracts (H-DLE) were also evaluated in both systems, as controls. The results indicated that both B-DLNE and H-DLE contain a “transfer factor-like” activity which can be detected in vitro with the agarose LMI assay. Both B-DLNE and H-DLE contained components which promoted measurable specific antigen responsiveness in previously nonimmune lymphocytes; specificity was shown by analyses of the migration of human leukocytes in the presence of PPD, coccidioidin, or candida antigen in the presence and absence of H-DLE or B-DLNE from donors specifically responsive or nonresponsive to the various antigens. The components promoting specific antigen responsiveness were dialyzable and were derived only from lymphoid tissues. Dialysates from brain, liver, or skin failed to promote similar effects. When the amount of B-DLNE tested was less than that found to be optimal for promotion of antigen-specific responsiveness, pronounced enhancement of migration of human polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) was seen, similar to the results obtained previously with H-DLE. Both B-DLNE and H-DLE significantly increased the rate of SRBC receptor generation on human T cells (up to a threefold increase at optimum concentrations). This activity, termed “mononuclear leukocyte-derived maturation factor” (LDMF), was found preferentially in lysates of lymphoid or reticuloendothelial organs and cells.
Photochemical and biochemical controls on reactive oxygen and iron speciation in the pelagic surface ocean

Abstract A time-dependent chemistry model is used to predict reactive oxygen species (ROS = H 2 O 2 + O 2 − ) and dissolved Fe (DFe) speciation in the surface ocean. A new feature of the model is inclusion of biological sources of superoxide. The model suggests that biochemistry mediated by phytoplankton cells is as important as photochemistry for the formation of ROS. Formation of stable organic Fe(III) complexes (FeL) maintains the concentration of DFe in seawater. Iron speciation in the model is also controlled by biochemical and photochemical processes, and is far from thermodynamic equilibrium. During light periods, photo-reduction of FeL produces dissolved inorganic iron much more than thermal decomposition and cell-surface reduction of FeL, thus facilitating phytoplankton uptake of iron in the ocean. During the nighttime, O 2 − produced by reductases on cell surfaces both reacts with FeL, producing Fe(II), and retards the oxidation of Fe(II) and subsequent formation of FeL; therefore significant levels of bio-available Fe is maintained through this period. Photo-reduction nearly balances the formation of FeL in the model, and may control bioavailability of dissolved iron. This suggests a possible extracellular mechanism of iron and light colimitation to primary productivity. A phytoplankton growth limitation by FeL photo-reduction depends on its rate coefficient for which we need extensive measurements in natural seawater.
Understanding and Predicting the Effect of Cocrystal Components and pH on Cocrystal Solubility

Understanding how cocrystal solubility−pH dependence is affected by cocrystal components is important to engineer cocrystals with customized solubility behavior. Equations that describe cocrystal solubility in terms of solubility product, cocrystal component ionization constants, and solution pH are derived for cocrystals with acidic, basic, amphoteric, and zwitterionic components. Studies with carbamazepine-salicylic acid and carbamazepine-4-aminobenzoic acid show that cocrystals of a nonionizable drug achieve pH-dependent solubility when cocrystallized with ionizable coformers. These findings are in good agreement with predicted behavior and provide insight on the ability of coformer to determine the shape of the pH−solubility curve. It is shown that measurement of solution concentrations and pH at the eutectic point, Ctr, is valuable to (a) estimate cocrystal solubility−pH dependence, (b) evaluate the effectiveness of coformer in stabilizing or precipitating cocrystal, and (c) guide cocrystal selection...
Could Life Originate between Mica Sheets?: Mechanochemical Biomolecular Synthesis and the Origins of Life

The materials properties of mica have surprising similarities to those of living systems. The mica hypothesis is that life could have originated between mica sheets, which provide stable compartments, mechanical energy for bond formation, and the isolation needed for Darwinian evolution. Mechanical energy is produced by the movement of mica sheets, in response to forces such as ocean currents or temperature changes. The energy of a carbon-carbon bond at room temperature is comparable to a mechanical force of 6 nanoNewtons (nN) moving a distance of 100 picometers. Mica’s movements may have facilitated mechanochemistry, resulting in the synthesis of prebiotic organic molecules. Furthermore, mica’s movements may have facilitated the earliest cell divisions, at a later stage of life’s origins. Mica’s movements, pressing on lipid vesicles containing proto-cellular macromolecules, might have facilitated the blebbing off of ‘daughter’ protocells. This blebbing-off process has been observed recently in wall-less L-form bacteria and is proposed to be a remnant of the earliest cell divisions (Leaver, et al. Nature 457, 849 (2009).
Multicolor Fluorescent Intravital Live Microscopy (FILM) for Surgical Tumor Resection in a Mouse Xenograft Model

Background Complete surgical resection of neoplasia remains one of the most efficient tumor therapies. However, malignant cell clusters are often left behind during surgery due to the inability to visualize and differentiate them against host tissue. Here we establish the feasibility of multicolor fluorescent intravital live microscopy (FILM) where multiple cellular and/or unique tissue compartments are stained simultaneously and imaged in real time. Methodology/Principal Findings Theoretical simulations of imaging probe localization were carried out for three agents with specificity for cancer cells, stromal host response, or vascular perfusion. This transport analysis gave insight into the probe pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution, facilitating the experimental design and allowing predictions to be made about the localization of the probes in other animal models and in the clinic. The imaging probes were administered systemically at optimal time points based on the simulations, and the multicolor FILM images obtained in vivo were then compared to conventional pathological sections. Our data show the feasibility of real time in vivo pathology at cellular resolution and molecular specificity with excellent agreement between intravital and traditional in vitro immunohistochemistry. Conclusions/Significance Multicolor FILM is an accurate method for identifying malignant tissue and cells in vivo. The imaging probes distributed in a manner similar to predictions based on transport principles, and these models can be used to design future probes and experiments. FILM can provide critical real time feedback and should be a useful tool for more effective and complete cancer resection.
Membrane-bound conformation and topology of the antimicrobial peptide tachyplesin I by solid-state NMR.

The conformation and membrane topology of the disulfide-stabilized antimicrobial peptide tachyplesin I (TP) in lipid bilayers are determined by solid-state NMR spectroscopy. The backbone (φ and ψ) ...
A new artificial neural network tracking technique for particle image velocimetry

The analysis of Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) data requires effective algorithms to track efficiently the particles suspended in the fluid flow. The artificial neural network algorithm method described here presents a new approach to solve this problem. Contrary to the classic cross correlation method, this new method does not require a large number of particles per frame, it can handle flows with large velocity gradients, and is suited for tracking images with multiple exposures as well as tracking through consecutive images. The algorithm was tested on synthetic and available experimental data to provide a thorough performance analysis.
Evaluating Livestock Grazing Use With Streambank Alteration Protocols: Challenges and Solutions

Appropriate management of livestock in riparian areas can help ensure that these ecosystems are maintained. We evaluated how one indicator of livestock grazing in riparian areas, streambank alteration, was affected by choices related to protocols and personnel used for these assessments. We found that although streambank alteration protocols were generally repeatable among observers, results were affected by factors not directly related to grazing intensity, including 1) training, 2) professional background, 3) location and intensity of measurements, and 4) the protocol used. Training reduced estimates of alteration and observer variability. Rangeland professionals had higher estimates of streambank alteration than seasonal technicians. Rapid assessments of alteration were correlated with more intensive estimates; however, the relationship was not 1:1. Different protocols resulted in different alterations estimates when alterations at the same locations were estimated. Given the large number of monitoring programs, personnel, and methods used to assess streambank alteration, we suggest more thought be given on how to standardize monitoring efforts so results consistently reflect the true amount of alteration at a site. We also remind managers that no protocol can be implemented without some error. Managers should therefore be careful when taking action based on a single evaluation—especially when the result is near a management standard or threshold. When these concerns are addressed, indicators such as streambank alteration can help ensure management decisions maintain both sustainable allotments and landscapes.
Room decontamination using an ultraviolet-C device with short ultraviolet exposure time.

Results:  UV-C Technology effectively reduces environmental contamination and should be considered when environmental transmission is significant.  The Optimum UV TM device achieved an overall 3.56-log10 reduction for MRSA in 5 minutes and an overall 2.78-log10 reduction for C. difficile spores in 10 minutes in typical patient rooms (not treated with UV reflective wall coating).  When the patient room walls were treated with Lumacept UV reflective wall coating, the Optimum UV achieved an overall 4.5-log10 reduction for MRSA in 5 minutes and an overall 3.05-log10 reduction for C. difficile spores in 10 minutes.  The use of UV reflective wall coating (Lumacept) significantly increased the overall Log reduction obtained, primarily by increasing the UV-C irradiation and Log reduction for indirect surfaces.
Expression of Rabbit Zona Pellucida-1 Messenger Ribonucleic Acid During Early Follicular Development

Progress in research on initiation of folliculogenesis has progressed slowly because of a lack of markers for early folliculogenesis. The rabbit zona pellucida protein (ZP1) is synthesized in follicles during early stages of folliculogenesis. In order to establish ZP1 as a marker for initiation of folliculogenesis, in situ hybridization was used to localize ZP1 mRNA in immature follicles. ZP1 mRNA was first detected in oocytes of some but not all primordial follicles. The primordial follicles expressing ZP1 mRNA were located at the cortico-medullary junction, indicating that they were newly activated follicles. ZP1 mRNA accumulated in oocytes of intermediate, primary, and secondary follicles. In contrast, ZP1 mRNA was first detectable in granulosa cells of intermediate follicles and is present in cuboidal granulosa cells of primary and early secondary follicles, but was undetectable in granulosa cells of more mature follicles. These data demonstrate that 1) ZP1 mRNA is expressed in both oocytes and granulosa cells, 2) ZP1 mRNA is initially expressed in oocytes of activated follicles, and 3) ZP1 mRNA is transiently expressed in granulosa cells during early stages of folliculogenesis. Therefore, rabbit ZP1 is a molecular marker that can be used in future studies to measure initiation of folliculogenesis.
Pharmacointeraction Network Models Predict Unknown Drug-Drug Interactions

Drug-drug interactions (DDIs) can lead to serious and potentially lethal adverse events. In recent years, several drugs have been withdrawn from the market due to interaction-related adverse events (AEs). Current methods for detecting DDIs rely on the accumulation of sufficient clinical evidence in the post-market stage - a lengthy process that often takes years, during which time numerous patients may suffer from the adverse effects of the DDI. Detection methods are further hindered by the extremely large combinatoric space of possible drug-drug-AE combinations. There is therefore a practical need for predictive tools that can identify potential DDIs years in advance, enabling drug safety professionals to better prioritize their limited investigative resources and take appropriate regulatory action. To meet this need, we describe Predictive Pharmacointeraction Networks (PPINs) - a novel approach that predicts unknown DDIs by exploiting the network structure of all known DDIs, together with other intrinsic and taxonomic properties of drugs and AEs. We constructed an 856-drug DDI network from a 2009 snapshot of a widely-used drug safety database, and used it to develop PPIN models for predicting future DDIs. We compared the DDIs predicted based solely on these 2009 data, with newly reported DDIs that appeared in a 2012 snapshot of the same database. Using a standard multivariate approach to combine predictors, the PPIN model achieved an AUROC (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve) of 0.81 with a sensitivity of 48% given a specificity of 90%. An analysis of DDIs by severity level revealed that the model was most effective for predicting "contraindicated" DDIs (AUROC = 0.92) and less effective for "minor" DDIs (AUROC = 0.63). These results indicate that network based methods can be useful for predicting unknown drug-drug interactions.
Schwinger-Dyson approach to nonequilibrium classical field theory

In this paper we discuss a Schwinger-Dyson (SD) approach for determining the time evolution of the unequal time correlation functions of a nonequilibrium classical field theory, where the classical system is described by an initial density matrix at time $t=0.$ We focus on $\ensuremath{\lambda}{\ensuremath{\varphi}}^{4}$ field theory in $1+1$ space-time dimensions where we can perform exact numerical simulations by sampling an ensemble of initial conditions specified by the initial density matrix. We discuss two approaches. The first, the bare vertex approximation (BVA), is based on ignoring vertex corrections to the SD equations in the auxiliary field formalism relevant for $1/N$ expansions. The second approximation is a related approximation made to the SD equations of the original formulation in terms of $\ensuremath{\varphi}$ alone. We compare these SD approximations as well as a Hartree approximation with exact numerical simulations. We find that both approximations based on the SD equations yield good agreement with exact numerical simulations and cure the late time oscillation problem of the Hartree approximation. We also discuss the relationship between the quantum and classical SD equations.
Partisan Stereotypes and Policy Attitudes

Drawing from the literature on expectancy violations (A. H. Eagly, W. Wood, & S. Chaiken, 1978) and recent work on stereotypes (J. T. Crawford, L. Jussim, S. Madon, T. R. Cain, & S. T. Stevens, 2011), we predict that party labels influence attitudes when they provide unexpected information. We predict that party labels will increase support for the relevant policy when attached to unexpected policies and will have no effect when attached to policies already associated with the party. Party labels operate as hypothesized by prior work, increasing support among identifiers of the party endorsing the policy and decreasing support among members of the opposite party, when there are no expectations about the party's position on the policy. In a series of 3 experiments, we find empirical support for each these predictions.
Sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis

Sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis (SEP) is a rare cause of intestinal obstruction. This entity has been reported as either primary idiopathic or secondary to other diseases. We report SEP in 2 cirrhotic patients and review the literature. Both patients had decompensated cirrhosis and episodes of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. One patient underwent a Denver shunt placement before developing SEP. This patient remains alive and is managed conservatively. The other patient deceased from multi-organ failure after the resection of gangrened small bowel. The manifestations of SEP are often nonspecific that leads to misdiagnosis and/or delayed diagnosis. Early diagnosis of SEP is difficult but not impossible. Surgical treatment is often required when intestinal obstruction is present. Nevertheless, patients with this problem can be treated conservatively with immunosuppressive therapy with or without total parenteral nutrition (TPN) before going for surgery.
Metabolic Signaling to Chromatin

There is a dynamic interplay between metabolic processes and gene regulation via the remodeling of chromatin. Most chromatin-modifying enzymes use cofactors, which are products of metabolic processes. This article explores the biosynthetic pathways of the cofactors nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), acetyl coenzyme A (acetyl-CoA), S-adenosyl methionine (SAM), α-ketoglutarate, and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD), and their role in metabolically regulating chromatin processes. A more detailed look at the interaction between chromatin and the metabolic processes of circadian rhythms and aging is described as a paradigm for this emerging interdisciplinary field.
Implementing and Maintaining an Effective Early Childhood Comprehensive Technology System

The Early Childhood Comprehensive Technology System (ECCTS) was a 3-year collaborative project designed to implement and maintain a comprehensive technology system based on combining four components of nationally recognized demonstration models and peer-reviewed outreach models funded by the Early Education Program for Children with Disabilities in the U.S. Department of Education. The models incorporated (a) on-going training, follow-up and technical support for teachers and an on-site technology support team (Tech Team); (b) team-based technology assessment for children with moderate to severe disabilities; (c) technology integration into the classroom curriculum; and (d) transition into public school kindergartens and other programs. ECCTS components were effective in establishing, maintaining, and institutionalizing computer technology in a large preschool program.
Partial purification of trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) demethylase from crude fish muscle microsomes by detergents

Detergent treatments were examined for their efficacy in purifying trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) demethylase activity from fish muscle microsomes. Tritons X-100 and X-45, deoxycholate, Brijs, Tweens 20, 65, and 80, and SDS were generally ineffective in solubilizing demethylase activity from this membrane fraction, at concentrations up to 10 mg detergent per mg protein. In all of these cases, specific activity became enriched in the particulate fraction obtained post-treatment. Highest fold-purification was achieved by using 10 mg SDS per mg protein in 5 mM histidine, pH 7.0 at 10-14 degrees C. Activity was relatively stable to the presence of SDS at this level, and with this treatment, TMAO demethylase activity became purified in the resultant particulate fraction 28- and 58-fold for activity stimulated by ascorbate-iron-cysteine and FMN-NADH, respectively. The presence of urea or 2-mercaptoethanol, or sonication of the SDS-microsome suspension during purification resulted in significant losses of recovered activity. This partially purified fraction represented about 1% of the original microsomal protein and SDS-PAGE revealed the presence of several protein components. The partially purified demethylase could utilize the same two cofactor systems as the native microsomes. It displayed a curvilinear dependence on iron for activity and a sigmoidal response for cysteine. Utilization of NADH, FMN, and ascorbate differed for the purified fraction as compared to the microsomes. Substrate inhibition by TMAO was observed for the partially purified preparation, whereas saturation kinetics were previously noted for microsomal activity.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
How Teacher Turnover Harms Student Achievement

Researchers and policymakers often assume that teacher turnover harms student achievement, though recent studies suggest this may not be the case. Using a unique identification strategy that employs school-by-grade level turnover and two classes of fixed-effects models, this study estimates the effects of teacher turnover on over 850,000 New York City fourth- and fifth-grade student observations over 8 years. The results indicate that students in grade levels with higher turnover score lower in both English language arts (ELA) and math and that these effects are particularly strong in schools with more low-performing and Black students. Moreover, the results suggest that there is a disruptive effect of turnover beyond changing the distribution in teacher quality.
Predicting the mechanism of removal of nonspecifically bound proteins in a surface acoustic wave biosensor: A fluid-solid interaction study

Biosensors typically operate in liquid media for measurement of biomarkers and suffer from fouling mechanisms such as nonspecific binding of protein molecules to the device surface. In the current work, using a novel numerical technique as well as experiments, we have identified that fluid motion induced by high intensity sound waves, such as those propagating in these sensors, can lead to the removal of the nonspecifically bound proteins, thereby eliminating sensor fouling. We present a computational and experimental study of the acoustic-streaming phenomenon induced biofouling elimination by surface acoustic waves (SAWs). The transient solutions generated from the developed coupled field fluid solid interaction (FSI) model were utilized to predict trends in acoustic-streaming velocity for various design parameters such as voltage intensity, device frequency, fluid viscosity and density. The model predictions were utilized to compute the various interaction forces involved and thereby identify the possible mechanisms for removal of nonspecifically-bound proteins. Our study indicates that the SAW body force overcomes the adhesive forces of the fouling proteins to the device surface and the fluid-induced drag and lift forces prevent its re-attachment. The streaming velocity fields computed using the finite-element models in conjunction with the proposed mechanism were used to identify the conditions leading to improved removal efficiency. Our research findings have significant implications in designing reusable and highly sensitive biosensors.
Fluid convection, constraint and causation.

Complexity—nonlinear dynamics for my purposes in this essay—is rich with metaphysical and epistemological implications but is receiving sustained philosophical analysis only recently. I will explore some of the subtleties of causation and constraint in Rayleigh–Benard convection as an example of a complex phenomenon, and extract some lessons for further philosophical reflection on top-down constraint and causation particularly with respect to causal foundationalism.
Life, War, and Love: The Queer Anarchism of Robert Duncan's Poetic Action during the Vietnam War

Robert Duncan would achieve national prominence as a featured poet in Donald Allen's anthology The New American Poetry (1960), which helped to establish him as _one of the innovators of open-form poetics. But the poli tics underlying his poetics have largely been forgotten. Almost thirty years ago, Sherman Paul asked if it was possible to read Duncan as "writ[ing] the definitive politics of his time" (257). Such a reappraisal, Paul knew, would necessitate adjusting the common left-wing precepts about the relationship between poetry and poli tics. "There is another way of assessing his politics and coming to an understanding of what it means to be a political poet," Paul mused (262). What the critic leaves us, though, are merely clues about what that other understanding might be: Duncan's "defiance of domi neering authority" (241); an early alignment with political anar chism (261); a "commitment to the Heraclitean principle of creative strife" (172); his inviting such strife into his life by "say[ing] 'yes' to eros" (227) so as to ward off an "oncoming, always ever-present death" (273). One factor mentioned by Paul?anarchism?has received little critical attention, but it could help synthesize the vari ous elements of Duncan's poetics to account for his "definitive poli tics."1 At its core, anarchism is a political philosophy opposing the
Infrequently transcribed long genes depend on the Set2/Rpd3S pathway for accurate transcription

The presence of Set2-mediated methylation of H3K36 (K36me) correlates with transcription frequency throughout the yeast genome. K36me targets the Rpd3S complex to deacetylate transcribed regions and suppress cryptic transcription initiation at certain genes. Here, using a genome-wide approach, we report that the Set2–Rpd3S pathway is generally required for controlling acetylation at coding regions. When using acetylation as a functional readout for this pathway, we discovered that longer genes and, surprisingly, genes transcribed at lower frequency exhibit a stronger dependency. Moreover, a systematic screen using high-resolution tiling microarrays allowed us to identify a group of genes that rely on Set2–Rpd3S to suppress spurious transcripts. Interestingly, most of these genes are within the group that depend on the same pathway to maintain a hypoacetylated state at coding regions. These data highlight the importance of using the functional readout of histone codes to define the roles of specific pathways.
Disability in activities of daily living, depression, and quality of life among older medical ICU survivors: a prospective cohort study

Accurate measurement of quality of life in older ICU survivors is difficult but critical for understanding the long-term impact of our treatments. Activities of daily living (ADLs) are important components of functional status and more easily measured than quality of life (QOL). We sought to determine the cross-sectional associations between disability in ADLs and QOL as measured by version one of the Short Form 12-item Health Survey (SF-12) at both one month and one year post-ICU discharge. Data was prospectively collected on 309 patients over age 60 admitted to the Yale-New Haven Hospital Medical ICU between 2002 and 2004. Among survivors an assessment of ADL's and QOL was performed at one month and one-year post-ICU discharge. The SF-12 was scored using the version one norm based scoring with 1990 population norms. Multivariable regression was used to adjust the association between ADLs and QOL for important covariates. Our analysis of SF-12 data from 110 patients at one month post-ICU discharge showed that depression and ADL disability were associated with decreased QOL. Our model accounted for 17% of variability in SF12 physical scores (PCS) and 20% of variability in SF12 mental scores (MCS). The mean PCS of 37 was significantly lower than the population mean whereas the mean MCS score of 51 was similar to the population mean. At one year mean PCS scores improved and ADL disability was no longer significantly associated with QOL. Mortality was 17% (53 patients) at ICU discharge, 26% (79 patients) at hospital discharge, 33% (105 patients) at one month post ICU admission, and was 45% (138 patients) at one year post ICU discharge. In our population of older ICU survivors, disability in ADLs was associated with reduced QOL as measured by the SF-12 at one month but not at one year. Although better markers of QOL in ICU survivors are needed, ADLs are a readily observable outcome. In the meantime, clinicians must try to offer realistic estimates of prognosis based on available data and resources are needed to assist ICU survivors with impaired ADLs who wish to maintain their independence. More aggressive diagnosis and treatment of depression in this population should also be explored as an intervention to improve quality of life.
Visualization tools for open government data

In recent years many government organizations have implemented Open Government Data (OGD) policies to make their data publicly available. This data usually covers a broad set of domains, from financial to ecological information. While these initiatives often report anecdotal success regarding improved efficiency and governmental savings, the potential applications of OGD remain a largely uncharted territory. In this paper, we claim that there is an important portion of the population who could benefit from the use of OGD, but who cannot do so because they cannot perform the essential operations needed to collect, process, merge, and make sense of the data. The reasons behind these problems are multiple, the most critical one being a fundamental lack of expertise and technical knowledge. We propose the use of visualizations as a way to alleviate this situation. Visualizations provide a simple mechanism to understand and communicate large amounts of data. We also show evidence that there is a need for exploratory mechanisms to navigate the data and metadata in these visualizations. Finally, we provide a discussion on a set of features that tools should have in order to facilitate the creation of visualizations by users. We briefly present the implementation of these features in a new tool prototype focused on simplifying the creation of visualization based on Open Data.