cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Genetic interactions between Nhp6 and Gcn5 with Mot1 and the Ccr4-Not complex that regulate binding of TATA-binding protein in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Our previous work suggests that the Nhp6 HMGB protein stimulates RNA polymerase II transcription via the TATA-binding protein TBP and that Nhp6 functions in the same functional pathway as the Gcn5 histone acetyltransferase. In this report we examine the genetic relationship between Nhp6 and Gcn5 with the Mot1 and Ccr4–Not complexes, both of which have been implicated in regulating DNA binding by TBP. We find that combining either a nhp6ab or a gcn5 mutation with mot1, ccr4, not4, or not5 mutations results in lethality. Combining spt15 point mutations (in TBP) with either mot1 or ccr4 also results in either a growth defect or lethality. Several of these synthetic lethalities can be suppressed by overexpression of TFIIA, TBP, or Nhp6, suggesting that these genes facilitate formation of the TBP–TFIIA–DNA complex. The growth defect of a not5 mutant can be suppressed by a mot1 mutant. HO gene expression is reduced by nhp6ab, gcn5, or mot1 mutations, and the additive decreases in HO mRNA levels in nhp6ab mot1 and gcn5 mot1 strains suggest different modes of action. Chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments show decreased binding of TBP to promoters in mot1 mutants and a further decrease when combined with either nhp6ab or gcn5 mutations.
Studying the Enteric Microbiome in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: Getting through the Growing Pains and Moving Forward.

In this commentary, we will review some of the early efforts aimed at understanding the role of the enteric microbiota in the causality of IBD. By examining these studies and drawing on our own experiences bridging clinical gastroenterology and microbial ecology as part of the NIH-funded Human Microbiome Project, we hope to help define some of the “growing pains” that have hampered these initial efforts. It is our sincere hope that this discussion will help advance future efforts in this area by identifying current challenges and limitations and by suggesting strategies to overcome these obstacles.
Use of radioimmunoassay for the detection of circulating antistreptococcal antibody in patients with glomerulonephritis

A method of radioimmunologic quantitation of antibodies to streptococcal antigen separated from the cell wall extract of group A type T12 strain has been developed. The highest values of radioactive antigen binding were observed in acute glomerulonephritis (75%), as compared to chronic glomerulonephritis in which values of 25% to 56% were found depending on the morphology of renal changes. It was shown that none of the patients with pyelonephritis, Alport's syndrome, lupoid nephritis and polycystic renal disease had elevated antistreptococcal antibody levels. In contrast to this, all patients with tonsillitis and proteinuria exhibited increased titre of this antibody. It was shown that the antigen is related neither to M-protein nor to group A polysaccharide and that it is not type-specific because the binding of antigen T12 may be inhibited by the antigen produced from strain T5. Although the antigen is not type-specific, some differences in the response to antigens prepared from various types of streptococci in patients with different form of chronic glomerulonephritis are observed.
Trauma in pregnancy: an updated systematic review

We reviewed recent data on the prevalence, risk factors, complications, and management of trauma during pregnancy. Using the terms "trauma" and "pregnancy" along with specified mechanisms of injury, we queried the PubMed database for studies reported from Jan. 1, 1990, through May 1, 2012. Studies with the largest number of patients for a given injury type and that were population-based and/or prospective were included. Case reports and case series were used only when more robust studies were lacking. A total of 1164 abstracts were reviewed and 225 met criteria for inclusion. Domestic violence/intimate partner violence and motor vehicle crashes are the predominant causes of reported trauma during pregnancy. Management of trauma during pregnancy is dictated by its severity and should be initially geared toward maternal stabilization. Minor trauma can often be safely evaluated with simple diagnostic modalities. Pregnancy should not lead to underdiagnosis or undertreatment of trauma due to unfounded fears of fetal effects. More studies are required to elucidate the safest and most cost-effective strategies for the management of trauma in pregnancy.
Effects of opiates on the growth of neuron-enriched cultures from chick embryonic brain

Abstract Neuron-enriched cultures derived from 6-day-old chick embryo cerebral hemispheres were treated with morphine or methadone, 10−5 M or 10−6 M, on days 4–6 or 6–8 in culture and were evaluated morphologically and biochemically at day 9 using phase contrast microscopy and choline acetyltransferase activity (ChAT) as a cholinergic marker. The treatment of the cultures with morphine markedly affected their growth pattern; specifically, we observed an increased number of flat cells presumptively glia, and aggregates sided by flat cells and devoid of thick bundles of neuritic processes that normally characterize neuron-enriched cultures. These morphologic changes were reflected in a drastic decrease of ChAT activity in cultures treated from day 4 to day 6 but not from 6 to 8. In contrast to morphine, exposure to 10−6 M methadone from day 4 to day 6 resulted in reduced ChAT activity but the growth pattern of the cultures remained morphologically intact. We suggest that morphine exerts a general neurotoxic effect whereas methadone may affect some specific cholinergic function.
Margaret Mead and the Culture of Forgetting in Anthropology: A Response to Paul Roscoe

Revenant sur l'analyse de P. Roscoe de la difference d'interpretation entre M. Mead et R. Fortune sur la question de la guerre chez les Araphesh des montagnes, l'A. reproche a Roscoe son anachronisme, sa non-prise en compte des glissements historiques dans l'anthropologie et dans le monde depuis les travaux de Mead et Fortune sur les Arapesh. Ce manque de connexion entre l'histoire et l'histoire de la theorie expliquent la defaillance et du cadre conceptuel propose par Roscoe pour traiter cette question et de son argumentation empirique. Selon l'A., aujourd'hui, toute anthropologie de la guerre (voire toute anthropologie, simplement) devra etre interdisciplinaire et historique dans une perspective d'economie politique, elle devra considerer centralement les questions du genre et de la race/de l'ethnicite, et elle devra etre reflexive sur son histoire intellectuelle et les contextes de ses recherches et de ses publications. Selon l'A., si Mead s'est conformee uniquement a l'un de ces aspects dans les annees 1930, Roscoe ne se conforme a aucun de ces aspects.
Structure of translation initiation factor 5A from Pyrobaculum aerophilum at 1.75 å resolution

Abstract Background: Translation initiation factor 5A (IF-5A) is reported to be involved in the first step of peptide bond formation in translation, to be involved in cell-cycle regulation and to be a cofactor for the Rev and Rex transactivator proteins of human immunodeficiency virus-1 and T-cell leukemia virus I, respectively. IF-5A contains an unusual amino acid, hypusine (N-epsilon-(4-aminobutyl-2-hydroxy)lysine), that is required for its function. The first step in the post-translational modification of lysine to hypusine is catalyzed by the enzyme deoxyhypusine synthase, the structure of which has been published recently. Results: IF-5A from the archebacterium Pyrobaculum aerophilum has been heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli with selenomethionine substitution. The crystal structure of IF-5A has been determined by multiwavelength anomalous diffraction and refined to 1.75 a. Unmodified P. aerophilum IF-5A is found to be a β structure with two domains and three separate hydrophobic cores. Conclusions: The lysine (Lys42) that is post-translationally modified by deoxyhypusine synthase is found at one end of the IF-5A molecule in an turn between β strands β 4 and β 5; this lysine residue is freely solvent accessible. The C-terminal domain is found to be homologous to the cold-shock protein CspA of E. coli , which has a well characterized RNA-binding fold, suggesting that IF-5A is involved in RNA binding.
Structural, compositional, and process controls on the dynamic mass partitioning and spatial distribution of CO2 trapping mechanisms: Influence on isolation performance

Abstract The dynamic mass partitioning and spatial distribution of CO 2 trapping mechanisms largely control the long-term isolation performance of geologic storage sites. Although the majority of these physical and chemical sinks have been well characterized individually, much less well defined is our understanding of their relative significance on a mass basis, how this mass partitioning varies as a function of key reservoir properties, and the manner in which partitioning dynamics correlate with isolation performance. In this paper, I first review the resume of trapping mechanisms, outline the fundamental boundary condition and process controls on their spatial distribution and mass partitioning, and describe the distinct distribution and partitioning characteristics of end-member structurally open and closed systems. I then discuss how mass partitioning varies with time, propose a new correlation between partitioning dynamics and isolation performance, and within this framework outline optimal reservoir settings for large-scale CO 2 injection.
The epidemiology of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in oncology patients in a general hospital.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa colonization and infection was studied over a 6-mo period in a 36-bed mixed general medical-oncology unit. We used selective media for serial surveillance cultures on 283 patients, the environment, and personnel. Twelve percent of patients were colonized on admission and 109b acquired P. aeruginosa. Using serotyping and multilocus enzyme electrophoresis, we identified 63 genetically distinctive strains; four prevalent strains accounted for 2190 of isolates. Only 5 of 33 nosocomial acquisitions were due to horizontal transmission. Nine acquisitions were linked to environmental sources (e.g., sink surfaces), which often harbored antibiotic-resistant strains but posed a risk only to oncology patients. Although significant Pseudomonas infections occurred in only 119o of colonized patients, 63 9o of colonized severely neutropenic patients? predominantly those who had acquired the prevalent, often environmentally linked strains-developed infections. Thus, P. aeruginosa was a significant pathogen in oncology patients; typing by multilocus enzyme electrophoresis allowed the detection of important environmental sources.
Gastrojejunostomy technique and anastomotic complications in laparoscopic gastric bypass.

Abstract Background Various surgical techniques exist to create the gastrojejunostomy during laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypasses (LRYGB). A hand-sewn anastomosis (HSA) and circular-stapled anastomosis (CSA) are both common techniques. We hypothesized that the CSA was associated with a greater incidence of anastomotic complications. As a secondary aim, we sought to determine if weight loss varied by technique. Methods This study is a retrospective review of patients who underwent primary LRYGB at the Medical College of Wisconsin from January 2010 to December 2011. Procedures were performed by one of 2 surgeons, each with a preferred gastrojejunostomy technique. Clinical information and patient outcomes were followed up to one year. Results A total of 190 patients underwent LRYGB during the study interval. The majority of patients underwent HSA. Forty-one of 190 (21.6%) patients experienced one or more complications. Most complications were Clavien Classification Grade III and were experienced within 30 days of surgery in 3 (2.2%) HSA patients and 6 (10.9%) CSA patients ( P = .02). Anastomotic complications occurred more frequently with the CSA technique (marginal ulcer 5.5% CSA versus .7% HSA; P = .04 and stenosis 16.4% CSA versus 3% HSA ; P = .01). There were no gastrojejunostomy leaks in this series. Operative time was significantly longer in HSA patients (204 minutes HSA versus 166 minutes CSA; P P = .11). No patients were lost to follow-up at 30 days. Thirty-five patients (19%) were lost to follow-up by one year. Conclusion The CSA technique of gastrojejunostomy in gastric bypass is associated with a higher rate of nonlife threatening anastomotic complications than the HSA technique. Operative times are significantly longer for HSA, but length of hospital stay (LOS) and long-term weight loss are equivalent.
News-Driven International Business Cycles : Effects of the US News Shock on the Canadian Economy

This paper studies the international transmission effects of the news about the Total Factor Productivity (TFP) of the US to the Canadian economy. First, using the Vector Error Correction Model (VECM), the impulse responses of Canadian macroeconomic variables to the US news shock are estimated. Next, I develop and estimate a two-country RBC model with the preference introduced by Jaimovich and Rebelo (2008) and investment adjustment cost to generate booms in Canadian variables in response to news about future US TFP. I find that international macroeconomic comovements between the US and Canada can be generated by the news about future TFP in the US. Unlike previous studies, I show that the response of Canadian TFP to the US news shock is important in order to generate the boom observed in empirical analysis. Estimated value of the preference parameter indicates that getting rid of the wealth effect on hours worked is important. I also show that low elasticity of substitution between domestically and foreign produced intermediate goods can also help explaining the domestic boom created by the news shock, which highlights the importance of analyzing an open economy.
Is Hydroxylamine-Induced Cytotoxicity a Valid Marker for Hypersensitivity Reactions to Sulfamethoxazole in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Individuals?

Hypersensitivity (HS) reactions to sulfonamides and sulfones continue to limit their use in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals. In vitro cytotoxicity of hydroxylamine metabolites toward peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) has been proposed as a marker for these HS reactions. To test the validity of this in vitro system, we determined the selective susceptibility of PBMCs from HIV-infected patients to the cytotoxic effects of hydroxylamine metabolites of sulfamethoxazole (SMX) and dapsone (DDS). Concentration-cytotoxic response data were collected using PBMCs from 12 sulfa-HS (10 SMX-HS and 2 SMX/DDS-HS) and 10 sulfa-tolerant HIV-infected individuals. Although sulfamethoxazole hydroxylamine (SMX-NOH) and dapsone hydroxylamine (DDS-NOH) both caused concentration-dependent increases in cell death, DDS-NOH was significantly more potent in each subject (P <.0001). A comparison of a variety of mean data for sulfa-HS and -tolerant patient populations failed to demonstrate the increased susceptibility of PBMCs from HS patients, noted by others, to either SMX-NOH or DDS-NOH. Moreover, any trend toward an increased susceptibility of PBMCs from HS patients was eliminated when adjusted for control cell death. PBMCs from sulfa-HS patients showed significantly greater susceptibility to the stress of short term in vitro incubation (P <. 02). Mean (S.D.) vehicle control cell death values were 24.1% (7.6%) for HS patients and 17.1% (4.4%) for tolerant patients. No significant correlation was observed between hydroxylamine-induced or control cell death and any of the recorded clinical parameters. Although several potential reasons are proposed to explain the disparity with past investigations, the data suggest that in vitro cytotoxicity is not a valid marker for HS reactions in HIV-infected individuals using currently accepted experimental procedures.
Differences in patterns of recurrence in early-stage versus locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer.

Background The benefits of screening for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have been established for high-risk individuals, and recent guidelines advocate continued surveillance after curative therapy. Yet the optimal posttreatment surveillance strategy remains to be determined. We compared patterns of recurrence and modes of detection in surgically treated patients with pathologic early-stage and locally advanced NSCLC. Methods Consecutive patients who had undergone resection for stage I–IIIA NSCLC from 2004 to 2009 were identified from a prospectively maintained institutional database. All patients received interval chest computed tomography (CT) scans every 6 to 12 months after treatment. Results In total, 1,640 patients were identified: 181 of 346 patients with stage IIIA NSCLC (52%) and 257 of 1,294 patients with stage I–II NSCLC (20%) experienced recurrences. Surveillance CT detected asymptomatic recurrences in 157 stage I–II patients (61%) and 89 stage IIIA patients (49%) ( p = 0.045). Symptoms led to detection of recurrences more often in stage IIIA patients (73, 40%) than in stage I–II patients (81, 32%). Distant recurrences were more common in stage IIIA patients than in stage I–II patients (153, 85%, vs 190, 74%; p = 0.01). In stage IIIA patients, the risk of recurrence was highest during the first 2 years after operation, but it remained substantial into year 4. Conclusions Stage IIIA patients had fewer recurrences detected by surveillance CT, a higher rate of symptomatic presentation, a markedly higher risk of recurrence, and a higher propensity for distant recurrence. Surveillance strategies may need to account for stage-specific differences.
Rainfall and temperatures changes have confounding impacts on Phytophthora cinnamomi occurrence risk in the southwestern USA under climate change scenarios

Global change will simultaneously impact many aspects of climate, with the potential to exacerbate the risks posed by plant pathogens to agriculture and the natural environment; yet, most studies that explore climate impacts on plant pathogen ranges consider individual climatic factors separately. In this study, we adopt a stochastic modeling approach to address multiple pathways by which climate can constrain the range of the generalist plant pathogen Phytophthora cinnamomi (Pc): through changing winter soil temperatures affecting pathogen survival; spring soil temperatures and thus pathogen metabolic rates; and changing spring soil moisture conditions and thus pathogen growth rates through host root systems. We apply this model to the southwestern USA for contemporary and plausible future climate scenarios and evaluate the changes in the potential range of Pc. The results indicate that the plausible range of this pathogen in the southwestern USA extends over approximately 200 000 km 2 under contemporary conditions. While warming temperatures as projected by the IPCC A2 and B1 emissions scenarios greatly expand the range over which the pathogen can survive winter, projected reductions in spring rainfall reduce its feasible habitat, leading to spatially complex patterns of changing risk. The study demonstrates that temperature and rainfall changes associated with possible climate futures in the southwestern USA have confounding impacts on the range of Pc, suggesting that projections of future pathogen dynamics and ranges should account for multiple pathways of climate–pathogen interaction.
Feedback in Supervision

Abstract Provision of feedback is a vital component of the supervisory process. The challenge for clinical supervisors is how to make this feedback an effective catalyst for positive change without...
Glucose Transport and NIDDM

Three major metabolic abnormalities contribute to hyperglycemia in non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) including defective glucose-induced insulin secretion, elevated rates of hepatic glucose output, and insulin's impaired ability to stimulate glucose uptake in peripheral target tissues (insulin resistance). These functions involve cellular glucose transport in beta-cells, liver, adipose tissue, and skeletal muscle; and, in some instances, abnormalities in glucose transporter isoforms (GLUT) specifically expressed in these tissues may constitute key biochemical lesions underlying defective glucose homeostasis. In animal models of NIDDM, suppression of GLUT2 in beta-cells is correlated with loss of high-Km glucose transport and glucose-sensitive insulin secretion. Although there are no data on humans with NIDDM, GLUT2 loss would constitute an attractive mechanism for defective glucose sensing in beta-cells if it can be shown that transport then becomes rate limiting for glucose metabolism. In the liver, however, hepatocyte glucose transport via GLUT2 probably plays only a permissive role in sustaining increased glucose efflux. Peripheral insulin resistance is associated with decreased glucose transport activity, the likely rate-limiting step for glucose uptake in fat and muscle. Accordingly, the insulin-responsive GLUT4 isoform expressed exclusively in insulin target tissues has been studied intensively in NIDDM. In these studies, pretranslational suppression of GLUT4 appears to be the key mechanism of insulin resistance in adipocytes. However, levels of GLUT4 protein and mRNA are normal in vastus lateralis and rectus abdominis, inferring that defects in GLUT4 functional activity or insulin-mediated translocation cause insulin resistance in muscle. Thus, the intensified study of glucose transport has provided important new insights into NIDDM pathogenesis over the past 5 yr and has presented investigators with additional intriguing hypotheses.
Subsampling, symmetrization, and robust interpolation

The recently developed subsampling methodology has been shown to be valid for the construction of large-sample confidence regions for a general unknown parameter 9 under very minimal conditions. Nevertheless, in some specific cases—e.g. in the case of the sample mean of i.i.d. data—it has been noted that the subsampling distribution estimator underperforms as compared to alternative estimators such as the bootstrap or the asymptotic normal distribution (with estimated variance). In the present report we introduce a (partially) symmetrized.
If at first you don't succeed...

One quality that makes biological systems appear intelligent is their robustness to difficult circumstances. Robustness is crucial to intelligent behavior and important to AI research. We distinguish between ante-failure and post-failure robustness for causal tasks. Ante-failure robust systems resist failure, whereas post-failure systems incorporate the ability to recover from failure once it happens. We point out the power of post-failure robustness in AI problems, closely examining one example in visual motion tracking. Finally, we raise theoretical issues and argue for greater effort towards building post-failure robust systems.
On liftings and derivation bases

It was shown by DieudonnC in [5], that the existence of a derivation basis, with certain properties, implies the existence of a lifting. At the time of the publication of [5] it was not known however, whether or not liftings always exist, hence it was not known whether or not derivation bases with convenient properties always exist. We know now that in the case of strictly localizable spaces, liftings do exist (see [16], Chap. IV). Recently D. Kiilzow has shown (see [17]), using liftings, that derivation bases with convenient properties also exist, in the case of strictly localizable spaces (see also [l 81). In this paper we shall establish further relations between liftings and derivation bases. In the first section we gather various definitions and we give a criterion for a derivation basis to be strong. In the second section we discuss derivation bases associated with a lower density. In particular we show that certain differentiability results can be obtained directly using the topologies associated with lower densities and with liftings (see [I l] and [16], Chap. V). Section three deals with derivation bases on locally compact spaces and section four with strong Iiftings and derivation bases satisfying condition (C). In section five we show that for every locally compact group there exist approximate identities yielding pointwise convergence. For this we use liftings commuting with the left translations of the considered group (see [15]). Results of this type were obtained by Edwards and Hewitt (see [6]) for certain locally compact groups and were used to obtain various pointwise inversion formulas for the Fourier transform (see also the remarks at the end of section 5). In section six we give a result concerning lower densities and derivation bases commuting with certain groups of mappings.
A front tracking algorithm for limited mass diffusion

The advantage of front tracking over capturing methods for the numerical simulation of discontinuity surfaces in fluid flow is to eliminate the numerical diffusion of mass across a fluid interface. For accurate modeling of an interface between miscible fluids, however, physical mass diffusion may be significant, and must be added to the calculation. The main purpose of this paper is to introduce a new front tracking algorithm in which the physical diffusion of mass across a tracked interface is included. The accuracy and convergence properties of this algorithm are discussed. The new algorithm is a subgrid algorithm in the sense that the asymptotic fine grid behavior is identical to conventional untracked (capturing) methods while the coarse grid behavior is improved. It is thus most suitable for modeling small values of physical mass diffusion, for which adequate numerical resolution is computationally demanding. The mixing rates for the 3D Rayleigh–Taylor instability of miscible fluids based on this algorithm agree with experimental values.
Robust Design Simulation: A Probabilistic Approach to Multidisciplinary Design

Most current paradigms in multidisciplinary design analysis and optimization fail to address the presence of uncertainty at numerous levels of the design hierarchy and over the design process time line. Consequently, the issue of robustness of the design is neglected. An approach for the determination of robust design solutions is outlined in this paper, where uncertainty is quantified and its effects mitigated. The robust solution is found through maximization of the probability of an overall figure of merit achieving or exceeding a specified target. The proposed methodology is referred to as robust design simulation (RDS). Arguments as to why a probabilistic approach to aircraft design is preferable over the traditional deterministic approaches are presented, along with a step-by-step description of how one could implement the RDS. An application involving the high-speed civil transport is conducted as a case study to demonstrate the proposed method and to introduce an evaluation criterion that guarantees the highest customer satisfaction.
Analytic Procedures for Determination of Silver, Tin, Mercury, Copper, and Zinc in Dental Amalgams

Previous analytic procedures for dental amalgam alloys were simplified and improved in accuracy. Qualitative analysis was conducted by X-ray spectroscopy. Hg was determined quantitatively by weight loss in flowing argon distillation; Sn by gravimetric SnO2 and Ag as AgCl; Cu by weight gain on electrolysis; and Zn by gravimetric determination as ZnO.
Use of 3-Dimensional Sonography to Assess Uterine Anomalies

Female genital tract malformations are frequent but are not always detected because many are asymptomatic. Therefore, their true prevalence is unknown.1 They can range from up to 7% in the general population2 to 8% to 10% in women with recurrent pregnancy loss.3 Uterine anomalies are associated with an increased risk of infertility, miscarriage, premature birth, fetal loss, malpresentation, and cesarean delivery.4,5 Their accurate diagnosis is essential to minimize complications such as hydronephrosis, endometriosis, and infertility and to prevent unnecessary and, occasionally, inadequate surgery. Precise classification of a uterine anomaly is of clinical importance because the need for intervention and the type of intervention depends on this distinction. Furthermore, accurate classification of uterine anomalies has prognostic importance with respect to obstetric and gynecologic complications. The American Fertility Society’s 1988 classification6 has been adopted as the main classification system for almost 2 decades. It consists of 7 basic groups that were essentially analyzed on the basis of mullerian development and its relationship to fertility: (1) agenesis and hypoplasias, (2) unicornuate uteri, (3) didelphys uteri, (4) bicornuate uteri, (5) septate uteri, (6) arcuate uteri, and (7) anomalies related to diethylstilbestrol exposure syndrome. This classification, however, does not specify the diagnostic methods or criteria that should be used to diagnose uterine anomalies. The diagnosis is thus solely based on the subjective impression of the clinician performing the test. Additional findings referring to the vagina, cervix, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and urinary system must be addressed separately. However, many congenital uterovaginal anomalies and complex genitourinary anomalies are not encompassed in this system. In fact, Jones7 had already reported the independence of duplication anomalies of the uterus, cervix, and vagina. In some of these cases, two volumes, one to study the fundus and cavity and another to study the cervix and cervical canal, are needed to clearly evaluate the anomaly. Three-dimensional (3D) sonography enables the clinician to assess uterine morphologic characteristics completely, thus alleviating the need for invasive tests. Silvina M. Bocca, MD, PhD, Alfred Z. Abuhamad, MD
Shape Evolution of Lipid Bilayer Patches Adsorbed on Mica: an Atomic Force Microscopy Study

The events occurring at various stages of bilayer formation via vesicle rupture were monitored by time lapse atomic force microscopy. We found that when the bilayer patch resulted from a newly adso...
Comprehensive design of cyber physical systems

In recent years there has been a confluence between different fields addressing the broad field of embedded computer systems (cyber-physical systems). Traditional 8-bit microcontroller-based systems have become more capable and frequently feature 32-bit processors with networking capabilities, thus overlapping larger OS-based systems. Single-board OS-based computers have shrunk to credit-card size and prices on the low end have dropped substantially to overlap the application domain of microcontroller systems and, thirdly, mobile platforms (smartphones, tablets, e-readers etc.) also share many characteristics of these systems and overlap their design and application domains. These systems each have their own design communities, tools and standard approaches. However their commonality and overlapping application domains indicate that they share common design problems. The evolution into newer application areas also brings new problems. The situation becomes more complex when these systems are integrated into larger diverse systems.Design approaches and design problems for these different types of embedded system are reviewed. Overlapping and non-overlapping characteristics and design issues are analyzed. A comprehensive design approach tailored to these cyber-physical systems is proposed. The comprehensive approach addresses design issues for all three of the overlapping fields. It also includes factors sometimes neglected when systems are developed within their own narrower design domains.One of the findings of this investigation is that design in this domain requires a diverse set of skills, usually only found in multi-disciplinary teams. One discipline that is needed but has not traditionally contributed much in this domain is Information Technology. Another finding is that designers trained in the IT discipline with a systems-oriented approach have design skills that are necessary for successful design of these diverse systems.
Rules, praise, and ignoring: elements of elementary classroom control

An attempt was made to vary systematically the behavior of two elementary school teachers to determine the effects on classroom behavior of Rules, Ignoring Inappropriate Behaviors, and showing Approval for Appropriate Behavior. Behaviors of two children in one class and one child in the other class were recorded by observers, as were samples of the teachers' behavior. Following baseline recordings, Rules, Ignoring, and Approval conditions were introduced one at a time. In one class a reversal of conditions was carried out. The main conclusions were that: (a) Rules alone exerted little effect on classroom behavior, (b) Ignoring Inappropriate Behavior and showing Approval for Appropriate Behavior (in combination) were very effective in achieving better classroom behavior, and (c) showing Approval for Appropriate Behaviors is probably the key to effective classroom management.
Numerical studies of a nonlinear heat equation with square root reaction term

Interest in calculating numerical solutions of a highly nonlinear parabolic partial differential equation with fractional power diffusion and dissipative terms motivated our investigation of a heat equation having a square root nonlinear reaction term. The original equation occurs in the study of plasma behavior in fusion physics. We begin by examining the numerical behavior of the ordinary differential equation obtained by dropping the diffusion term. The results from this simpler case are then used to construct nonstandard finite difference schemes for the partial differential equation. A variety of numerical results are obtained and analyzed, along with a comparison to the numerics of both standard and several nonstandard schemes. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq, 2009
Inferences regarding the numbers and locations of QTLs under multiple-QTL models using interval mapping and composite interval mapping

This paper examines the properties of likelihood maps generated by interval mapping (IM) and composite interval mapping (CIM), two widely used methods for detecting quantitative trait loci (QTLs). We evaluate the usefulness of interpretations of entire maps, rather than only evaluating summary statistics that consider isolated features of maps. A simulation study was performed in which traits with varying genetic architectures, including 20-40 QTLs per chromosome, were examined with both IM and CIM under different marker densities and sample sizes. IM was found to be an unreliable tool for precise estimation of the number and locations of individual QTLs, although it has greater power for simply detecting the presence of QTLs than CIM. The ability of CIM to resolve the correct number of QTLs and to estimate their locations correctly is good if there are three or fewer QTLs per 100 centiMorgans, but can lead to erroneous inferences for more complex architectures. When the underlying genetic architecture of a trait consists of several QTLs with randomly distributed effects and locations likelihood profiles were often indicative of a few underlying genes of large effect. Studies that have detected more than a few QTLs per chromosome should be interpreted with caution.
NF-kappaB induction during in vivo hypoxia in dorsocaudal brain stem of rat: effect of MK-801 and L-NAME

In the nucleus of the solitary tract, NMDA receptors are critical for the hypoxic ventilatory response while neuronal nitric oxide synthase (NOS) modulates the late component of this response. Nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB is a ubiquitous transcription factor that increases the expression of multiple stress-activated genes. We sought to examine temporal changes in expression of NF-kappaB within the dorsocaudal brain stem of conscious rats after exposures to 10% O2. Time-dependent increases in NF-kappaB occurred with hypoxia and peaked at 60 min. Pretreatment with the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-receptor channel antagonist dizocilpine maleate (MK-801) markedly attenuated NF-kappaB complexes during hypoxia. In contrast, after NOS inhibition with NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), although NF-kappaB was diminished in normoxia, increased NF-kappaB expression still occurred with hypoxia. Increased phosphorylation of the NF-kappaB regulatory unit [inhibitory (I)kappaB] was detected by immunoblotting and also peaked at 60 min. Phosphorylation of Ikappa-B during hypoxia was attenuated by MK-801 but not by L-NAME. Thus NMDA-receptor activation in the dorsocaudal brain stem during hypoxia elicits in NF-kappaB activity marked enhancements that are unaffected after NOS blockade.
Minor Constituents and Phytochemicals of Soybeans

Publisher Summary Soybeans (SB) are recognized as a storehouse of nutrients. This chapter focuses on the composition of minor compounds or phytochemicals. Soybeans contain many bioactive minor components that are lipids, proteins, or carbohydrate in nature or low-molecular weight phenolics or saponins, etc. The chapter discusses these minor components. Although much research has been conducted on isolated components and many health benefits have been demonstrated, the interactions, synergism, or antagonism among various minor compounds and interactions between the minor and major components in soybeans are not yet fully understood. Extracting and concentrating these minor compounds may provide a convenient source for expected beneficial effects; however, the cost associated with the processing may be prohibitive. Increasing the consumption of whole soy foods may allow to gain not only the health, but also the economic benefits of this relatively inexpensive food.
Restructuring of the extracellular matrix in diabetic wounds and healing: A perspective

Diabetic foot ulcers are a complication of diabetes for which treatment options are limited and not effective, resulting in 73,000 lower-limb amputations in the United States every year. Wound healing is a complex process with a highly orchestrated cascade of events, in which the extracellular matrix (ECM) interacts with growth factors and cells. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are involved in all wound healing events, in particular MMP-8 and MMP-9, whose physiological functions are to degrade damaged collagen type I and to facilitate keratinocyte migration and re-epithelialization, respectively. MMP substrate redundancy permits another MMP to substitute for MMP-9 during normal wound healing. Under the hypoxic and inflammatory environment of diabetic wounds, increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and upregulation of MMP-9 results in wounds that are recalcitrant to healing. We have determined that MMP-8 plays a role in the body's response to wound healing and that MMP-9 is the pathological consequence of the disease with detrimental effects. Thus, selective inhibition of MMP-9, while leaving MMP-8 activity unaffected, is desirable. ND-336 has such inhibitory profile and is a promising strategy for treatment of diabetic foot ulcers.
Study of the K 39 ( d , t ) K 38 Reaction at E d = 23 MeV

The $^{39}\mathrm{K}(d, t)^{38}\mathrm{K}$ reaction has been utilized to study states in $^{38}\mathrm{K}$ below an excitation energy of 5 MeV. Spectroscopic factors have been extracted by comparing the data with distorted-wave calculations. For states for which both $l=0$ and $l=2$ transitions are allowed, attempts have been made to extract relative admixtures. Two positive-parity states, not previously reported in neutron-pickup experiments, have been observed at ${E}_{x}=3.44 \mathrm{and} 3.99$ MeV. Two weak negative-parity states have been observed at ${E}_{x}=2.64$ ($l=1$) and 4.66 MeV ($l=3$), indicating the admixture of core-excited configurations in the ground-state wave function of $^{39}\mathrm{K}$.
Freud's philosophical path: From a science of mind to a philosophy of human being

Despite an early interest, Freud explicitly rejected philosophy, because of its “speculative” character. He struggled with balancing the intellectual appeal of philosophy with the certainty he hoped to find in positivist science. Putting aside the scientific status of Freud's work, the author re-examines Freud's attitude towards philosophy. Failing to recognize the assumptions of his investigations, Freud segregated psychoanalysis from philosophy on the charge that philosophers equated mind with consciousness, putatively propounded unfounded speculations, and assumed false conclusions about comprehensiveness. However, Freud never completely abandoned his initial philosophical proclivities. His own contributions to cultural history, social philosophy, notions of personal identity, and the humanistic thrust of psychoanalysis, demonstrate that he continued to address his earliest interests in philosophical questions. The author elucidates the philosophical complexity of psychoanalysis and concludes that a re...
Reconstitution of immunopurified alveolar type II cell Na+ channel protein into planar lipid bilayers

Low-amiloride-affinity (L-type) Na+ channels have been functionally and immunologically localized to alveolar type II (ATII) cells. Purified rabbit ATII epithelial cells were isolated by elastase digestion and solubilized with 3-[(3-cholamidopropyl)dimethyl-ammonio]-1-propanesulfonate. The solubilized proteins were purified by ion-exchange chromatography, followed by immunoaffinity purification over a column to which rabbit polyclonal antibodies raised against purified bovine renal Na+ channel protein were bound. The proteins eluted from the immunoaffinity column were assayed for specific binding of [3H]Br-benzamil and reconstituted into planar lipid bilayers. Sequential purification steps gave a final enrichment in specific [3H]Br-benzamil binding of > 2,000 compared with the homogenate. Single-channel currents of 25 pS were recorded from the immunopurified rabbit ATII cell protein. Addition of the catalytic subunit of protein kinase A (PKA) plus ATP to the presumed cytoplasmic side of the bilayer resulted in a significant increase in the single-channel open probability (Po), from 0.40 +/- 0.14 to 0.8 +/- 0.12, without altering single-channel conductance. The addition of amiloride or ethylisopropyl amiloride (EIPA) to the side opposite that in which PKA acts reduced Po with no change in single-channel conductance. Rabbit ATII Na+ channels in bilayers had an inhibitory constant for amiloride of 8 microM and 1 microM for EIPA. These data confirm the presence of L-type Na+ channels in adult mammalian ATII cells.
Nanoparticle-aided external beam radiotherapy leveraging the Čerenkov effect.

Abstract This study investigates the feasibility of exploiting the Cerenkov radiation (CR) present during external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) for significant therapeutic gain, using titanium dioxide (titania) nanoparticles (NPs) delivered via newly designed radiotherapy biomaterials. Using Monte Carlo radiation transport simulations, we calculated the total CR yield inside a tumor volume during EBRT compared to that of the radionuclides. We also considered a novel approach for intratumoral titania delivery using radiotherapy biomaterials (e.g. fiducials) loaded with NPs. The intratumoral distribution/diffusion of titania released from the fiducials was calculated. To confirm the CR induced enhancement in EBRT experimentally, we used 6 MV radiation to irradiate human lung cancer cells with or without titania NPs and performed clonogenic assays. For a radiotherapy biomaterial loaded with 20 μg/g of 2-nm titania NPs, at least 1 μg/g could be delivered throughout a tumor sub-volume of 2-cm diameter after 14 days. This concentration level could inflict substantial damage to cancer cells during EBRT. The Monte Carlo results showed the CR yield by 6 MV radiation was higher than by the radionuclides of interest and hence greater damage might be obtained during EBRT. In vitro study showed significant enhancement with 6 MV radiation and titania NPs. These preliminary findings demonstrate a potential new approach that can be used to take advantage of the CR present during megavoltage EBRT to boost damage to cancer cells. The results provide significant impetus for further experimental studies towards the development of nanoparticle-aided EBRT powered by the Cerenkov effect.
Recurrent Coarctation After Neonatal Univentricular and Biventricular Norwood-Type Arch Reconstruction.

Background Previous studies have evaluated recurrent coarctation after the Norwood procedure (NP) in patients with single-ventricle (SV) anatomy. Extended patch augmentation of the aorta, a Norwood-type arch reconstruction (NTAR), is also used in patients with 2 ventricles and a diffusely hypoplastic arch; however, outcomes after NTAR in these patients are not well described. Methods A retrospective review was performed of neonates with SV and 2-ventricle (2V) anatomy who underwent an NP or NTAR at our institution from 2000 to 2010. The incidence of recurrent coarctation requiring intervention and associated risk factors were evaluated. Results Overall, 101 patients with 2V anatomy and 361 patients with SV anatomy were included. Eighteen patients with 2V anatomy (17.8%) and 35 patients with SV anatomy (9.7%) required intervention for recurrent coarctation at a median of 0.5 years (interquartile range [IQR], 0.3–1.2 years) after the initial operation. Independent risk factors associated with recurrent coarctation in patients with 2V anatomy included weight less than 2.5 kg (hazard ratio [HR], 6.05; p = 0.001) and peak aortic arch gradient (PAAG) on the discharge echocardiogram greater than 10 mm Hg (HR, 3.07; p = 0.03). In patients with SV anatomy, shunt type (HR, 6.42; p p Conclusions Recurrent coarctation is common after NTAR. Small patient size and shunt type were found to be independent risk factors for recurrent coarctation in the 2V and SV populations, respectively, and discharge aortic arch gradient was a significant risk factor in both populations.
CHAPTER 30 – Frizzleds as G-Protein-Coupled Receptors for Wnt Ligands

The frizzled (fz) gene family encodes predicted seven-transmembrane proteins that serve as receptors for the Wnt family of secreted glycoprotein ligands. Together, Wnts and Fzs stimulate signaling pathways integral to development and implicated in disease. A persistent problem in Wnt and Fz signaling, until recently, has been the identity of intracellular signaling molecules activated directly by Fz. In one pathway, intracellular signaling by Fz requires the cytoplasmic phosphoprotein Dishevelled (Dsh), shown genetically to be the most immediate cytoplasmic protein involved in Fz signaling. Fz and Dsh have never been shown to interact biochemically, however, leaving a gap in this important signaling pathway. Although the sequence of Fz does not fit the classical G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) mold, it has for some time been attractive to imagine that the Fz family of proteins may indeed be GPCRs. An abundance of recent evidence has now demonstrated that Fzs require G proteins in two Wnt/Fz signaling pathways. Fzs are therefore now known as GPCRs for Wnt ligands, which begins to explain how Fzs activate downstream signaling molecules such as Dsh. Here, after a brief overview of Wnt signaling pathways, we will review the lines of evidence supporting the characterization of Fzs as GPCRs.