cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Phenotypic screening for heart rate variability in the mouse

We developed a technology for heart rate (HR) variability (HRV) analysis in the mouse for characterization of HR dynamics, modulated by vagal and sympathetic activity. The mouse is the principal animal model for studying biological processes. Mouse strains are now available harboring gene mutations providing fundamental insights into molecular mechanisms underlying cardiac electrical diseases. Future progress depends on enhanced understanding of these fundamental mechanisms and the implementation of methods for the functional analysis of mouse cardiovascular physiology. By telemetric techniques, standard time and frequency-domain measures of HRV were computed with and without autonomic blockade, and baroreflex sensitivity testing was performed. HR modulation in the high-frequency component is predominantly mediated by the parasympathetic nervous system, whereas the low-frequency component is under the influence of both the parasympathetic and sympathetic systems. The presented technology and protocol allow for assessment of autonomic regulation of the murine HR. Phenotypic screening for HR regulation in mice will further enhance the value of the mouse as a model of heritable electrophysiological human disease.
Structure of HAP1-18-DNA implicates direct allosteric effect of protein-DNA interactions on transcriptional activation.

Structure of HAP1-18–DNA implicates direct allosteric effect of protein–DNA interactions on transcriptional activation
Detection of Prenatal Drug Exposure in the Pregnant Woman and Her Newborn Infant

Although urine testing remains the standard method for identifying and monitoring drug addicts, recent data suggest that it seriously underdiagnoses the prevalence of fetal exposure to various drugs. Results obtained with other body fluids and tissues (meconium and hair) are reviewed and the laboratory methodologies used to detect drugs are discussed in details.
A parallel unidirectional coupled DEM-PBM model for the efficient simulation of computationally intensive particulate process systems

Abstract The accurate modeling of the physics underlying particulate processes is complicated and requires significant computational capabilities to solve using particle-based models. In this work, a unidirectional multi-scale approach was used to model the high shear wet granulation process. A multi-dimensional population balance model (PBM) was developed with a mechanistic kernel, which in turn obtained collision data from the discrete element modeling (DEM) simulation. The PBM was parallelized using a hybrid OpenMP+MPI approach. The DEM simulations were performed using LIGGGHTS, which was parallelized using MPI. Speedups of approximately 14 were obtained for the PBM simulations and approximately 12 for the DEM simulations. The uni-directional coupling of DEM to PBM was performed using middle-ware components (RADICAL-Pilot) that did not require modifications of the DEM or PBM codes, yet supported flexible execution on high-performance platforms. Results demonstrate scaling from 1 to 128 cores for the PBM and up to 256 cores for the DEM. The proposed method, implementations and middle-ware enable the modeling of high shear wet granulation process faster than existing approaches in literature.
Reassessment of Exosome Composition

Summary The heterogeneity of small extracellular vesicles and presence of non-vesicular extracellular matter have led to debate about contents and functional properties of exosomes. Here, we employ high-resolution density gradient fractionation and direct immunoaffinity capture to precisely characterize the RNA, DNA, and protein constituents of exosomes and other non-vesicle material. Extracellular RNA, RNA-binding proteins, and other cellular proteins are differentially expressed in exosomes and non-vesicle compartments. Argonaute 1–4, glycolytic enzymes, and cytoskeletal proteins were not detected in exosomes. We identify annexin A1 as a specific marker for microvesicles that are shed directly from the plasma membrane. We further show that small extracellular vesicles are not vehicles of active DNA release. Instead, we propose a new model for active secretion of extracellular DNA through an autophagy- and multivesicular-endosome-dependent but exosome-independent mechanism. This study demonstrates the need for a reassessment of exosome composition and offers a framework for a clearer understanding of extracellular vesicle heterogeneity.
Government Spending and Corporate Innovation

I study the impact of government spending on corporate innovation. Using changes in U.S. Senate committee chairmanships as a source of exogenous variation in state-level federal government expendit...
The geometric structure of the space of fermionic physical observables

A spinor field Ψ may be uniquely reconstructed from the associated physical observables, the real bispinor densities \( {{\rm{p}}_{\rm{i}}}{\mkern 1mu} \) apart from an overall phase. For spacetime of even dimension N = 2n the corresponding Dirac spinor has D = 2 n complex components, and the D 2 = 2 N bispinor densities ρ. satisfy a system of (D − 1)2 homogeneous quadratic algebraic equations. The basis elements of the Clifford algebra Γ i span a d = D 2 = 2 N dimensional flat pseudo-Riemannian space and the bispinor densities reside in the (2D − 1 ) dimensional curved subspace induced as an embedding by the algebraic constraints. The explicit geometric structure of the bispinor spaces for the case of even dimensional spacetime are examined with the aim of formulating the associated nonlinear sigma models. In particular, they are found to be generalizations of Robertson-Walker space as the line element may be written: dS 2 = Ddσ2 + σ2 dΩ.2, where \( \sigma \; = {\mkern 1mu} \overline \psi \;\psi \) is the scalar density and dΩ is the line element for the homogeneous space: SU(D/2, D/2)/S(U(1) ⨂ U (D/2 − l, D/2)). The topological properties of these spaces, relevant to the search for solitonic solutions of the associated nonlinear sigma models, are also di scussed.
Abstract SY21-02: Oncometabolites suppress homologous recombination DNA repair by inhibition of chromatin remodeling at the DNA double-strand break

Elevated levels of the metabolites, 2-hydroxyglutarate (2HG), fumarate, and succinate, can occur in human malignancies due to somatic mutations in the isocitrate dehydrogenase 1/2 (IDH1/2) genes or germline mutations in fumarate hydratase (FH) and succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) genes, respectively. Mutations in IDH1 and IDH2 are found in a large number of human malignancies, most notably gliomas and acute myelogenous leukemias, along with cholangiocarcinomas, chondrosarcomas, and melanomas. Inherited mutations in FH and SDH, are linked to the familial cancer predisposition syndromes, Hereditary Leiomyomatosis and Renal Cell Cancer (HLRCC) and Hereditary Paraganglioma and Pheochromocytoma (SDH PGL/PCC), respectively. These structurally related metabolites inhibit α-ketoglutarate-dependent enzymes, including dioxygenases that modify chromatin. We have shown that they consequently suppress the pathway of homology-dependent DNA repair (HDR), conferring an exquisite sensitivity to PARP inhibitors that is currently being tested in clinical trials. In this presentation, we will discuss our recent work elucidating the mechanistic basis for this suppression of DNA repair. Rather than acting indirectly through epigenetic regulation of gene expression, we find that these metabolites act directly by inhibiting HDR factor recruitment to DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). The metabolites inhibit the lysine demethylases, KDM4A/B, causing aberrant hypermethylation of H3K9 and disrupting signaling at the break, thereby delaying the stepwise recruitment of key HDR factors. These results define a novel mechanism of decreased DNA repair in oncometabolite producing human tumors and may provide the basis for the rational design of novel therapeutic strategies for these malignancies. Citation Format: Parker S. Sulkowski, Sebstian Oeck, Jing Li, Brian Shuch, Megan C. King, Ranjit S. Bindra, Peter M. Glazer. Oncometabolites suppress homologous recombination DNA repair by inhibition of chromatin remodeling at the DNA double-strand break [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr SY21-02.
Case 3: Late Preterm Infant with Respiratory Distress

A 2.7-kg male neonate is delivered at 36 weeks’ gestation by a 33-year-old gravida 1, para 1 woman via cesarean section. The cesarean delivery was indicated for non-reassuring fetal heart tones and arrest in the first stage of labor. The mother’s pregnancy had been complicated by gestational diabetes (managed with metformin), chronic hypertension, and preeclampsia. The family history is not significant for any congenital cardiac defects or genetic syndromes. Fetal echocardiography suggested a coarctation of the aorta at 34 weeks of gestation. Fetal ultrasonography at 28 weeks’ and 34 weeks’ gestation did not show any anomalies. After an uncomplicated delivery (Apgar scores of 8 and 9 at 1 and 5 minutes, respectively), the infant develops mild respiratory distress, which requires continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). He is admitted to the NICU for anticipatory screening for coarctation and management of his respiratory distress. Chest radiography performed 1 day after birth shows no significant signs of respiratory distress syndrome and normal chest anatomy, with no defects (Fig 1). His respiratory distress subsides within 1 day after birth and feeding is initiated on the same day. Postnatal evaluation, including 4 extremity blood pressure measurements, pre- and postductal saturations, and physical findings, are reassuring within the first 72 hours, though cardiac imaging is yet to be performed. Four days after birth, the neonate develops bilious emesis and respiratory distress, prompting reinitiation of …
PREOPERATIVE GABAPENTIN FOR MINIMALLY INVASIVE HYSTERECTOMY: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL.

ABSTRACT Study Objective To evaluate whether single dose gabapentin given preoperatively reduces narcotic use 24 hours after minimally invasive hysterectomy (MIH). Design Randomized controlled trial. Setting Single academic-affiliated community hospital. Patients Women undergoing MIH for benign indications between June 2016 and June 2017. Interventions Subjects were randomized to receive a preoperative regimen of acetaminophen, celecoxib, and gabapentin versus acetaminophen and celecoxib alone. Measurements The primary outcome assessed was the total amount of narcotic used at 24 hours after surgery. Secondary outcomes included adverse effects from gabapentin use, total narcotic use, and pain scores at 2 weeks postoperative. Main Results A total of 129 women were randomized and eligible for analysis in the gabapentin study arm (n=68) or the control arm (n=61). Demographic characteristics and surgical details were similar between groups. Narcotic use totaling 168 versus 161 oral morphine milliequivalents in the gabapentin and control groups, respectively, at 24 hours postoperative did not significantly differ between groups (P=.60). Total narcotic use and pain scores at 2 weeks postoperative and the rates of adverse effects from gabapentin also were similar between study arms. Conclusion Single-dose, preoperative gabapentin for women undergoing benign minimally invasive hysterectomy does not reduce total opioid use 24 hours after surgery.
Unhealthy by design: health & safety consequences of the criminalization of homelessness

Although U.S. cities are expanding “anti-homeless” legislation – such as laws against public sleeping or use of shelter – there is little research on the public health consequences. Officials argue...
The analysis on health professionals' credits for continuing medical education

Objective To analyze the difference for obtaining credit manners in continuing medical education of health technicians in children' s hospital,Anhui Province,in order to improve the lever of continuing medical education.Methods It was used SPSS 13.0 software to analyze the credit compliance status and the difference for hospital health technicians obtaining each credit,which based on continuing medical education status of 626 health technicians.Results The average compliance rate of health technicians who had taken continuing medical educational credits for the first time was more than 98.0％.There were differences between health technicians who post different technical title,and obtaining manners of each credit.There were some effects and defects in credit system of continuing medical education.Conclusions There are magnificent meaning and obvious guiding role in credit system of continuing medical education.Because of the delay of credit system in China,we need to improve education standard constantly,bring different education demand for health technicians of different technical tide,promote all health technicians learning new theories,new knowledge,new technologies and new methods. Key words: Health professional and technicians; Continuing medical education; Credit system ; Analysis
Collagen Binding Proteins of Gram-Positive Pathogens

Collagens are the primary structural components of mammalian extracellular matrices. In addition, collagens regulate tissue development, regeneration and host defense through interaction with specific cellular receptors. Their unique triple helix structure, which requires a glycine residue every third amino acid, is the defining structural feature of collagens. There are 28 genetically distinct collagens in humans. In addition, several other unrelated human proteins contain a collagen domain. Gram-positive bacteria of the genera Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Enterococcus, and Bacillus express cell surface proteins that bind to collagen. These proteins of Gram-positive pathogens are modular proteins that can be classified into different structural families. This review will focus on the different structural families of collagen binding proteins of Gram-positive pathogen. We will describe how these proteins interact with the triple helix in collagens and other host proteins containing a collagenous domain and discuss how these interactions can contribute to the pathogenic processes.
What They Do In The Shadows: Chinese Shadow Credit Growth and Monetary Policy

This paper evaluates the effect of Chinese monetary policy shocks on credit creation through the shadow banking sector in mainland China. I identify monetary policy shocks by constructing a measure of monetary policy surprises based on changes to the 1-Year Interest Rate Swaps on the 7-Day Repo Rate on monetary policy announcement dates. A two-stage local projection was then estimated, using the surprise measure as an instrument. The results give two key findings: 1) shadow credit expands in response to contractionary monetary policy, and 2) I provide additional evidence of the transmission of monetary policy through the interest rate channel.
Non-Invasive Assessment of Liver Fibrosis and Steatosis in End-Stage Renal Disease Patients Undergoing Renal Transplant Evaluation.

Background Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has an increased prevalence in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) due to similar risk factors. The aim of this study was to assess non-invasive testing including transient elastography (TE) for liver stiffness (LS), controlled attenuated parameter (CAP) for steatosis, Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) score, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) to platelet ratio index (APRI) and NAFLD fibrosis score (NFS), for evaluation of NAFLD along with advanced fibrosis (AF) in patients with ESRD undergoing renal transplant evaluation. Methods Data were retrospectively collected within 12 weeks of TE. Primary outcomes were AF, defined by LS ≥ 9 kPa compared to APRI > 1.5, FIB-4 > 2.67, and NFS of 0.675, and ≥ 5% steatosis by CAP ≥ 263 dB/m compared to liver histology when available. Results A total of 171 patients were evaluated: mean age 56, 65% male, 36% obese, 47% had diabetes, 96% hypertension, and 56% dyslipidemia. Mean LS was 6.5 kPa with 21% having AF. Mean CAP was 232 dB/m, with 25% having steatosis. Those with AF were older with higher NFS. Those with steatosis were obese and had diabetes without higher LS or fibrosis scores. Only NFS was associated with LS ≥ 9 kPa. In those with liver histology, AF was associated with LS ≥ 9 kPa but not with APRI, FIB-4, or NFS. Conclusions Despite normal liver enzymes, non-invasive assessment via TE in ESRD patients exhibited high prevalence of AF and steatosis not detected by APRI or FIB-4 scores. This high prevalence was secondary to the common risk factors such as obesity and diabetes, among patients with NAFLD and ESRD.
Demystifying Android’s Scoped Storage Defense

Android recently introduced the scoped storage defense to better protect application use of shared external storage. This article examines the evolution of Android external storage defenses leading to scoped storage and assesses the impact of the scoped storage defense for limiting opportunities for exploitation.
Derangements of Renal Water Handling in Liver Disease

It is apparent that renal water retention in patients with advanced liver disease constitutes a fascinating clinical constellation with numerous and diverse causes and an elusive pathophysiology. The dissociation between elevated AVP levels and the attendant changes in renal water handling under diverse experimental conditions, and the demonstration of an impairment in renal water excretion in response to prostaglandin synthetase inhibition, underscore the multifactorial nature of the derangement. It is likely that the development of impaired renal water handling is attributable to a panoply of several hormonal or neural mediators, or both, acting in concert. Additional insight into this fascinating problem must await further characterization of some of the mediators and a delineation of their pathophysiologic role.
Surface molecules and chemisorption: I. Adatom density of states

Abstract A useful picture of chemisorption on metal surfaces is one in which a localized molecule is formed between the adatom and its nearest neighbor substrate atoms. The interaction responsible for the molecule formation is treated as the coupling between the adsorbate state and a group orbital formed from a linear combination of atomic orbitals on the substrate atoms. Within the surface molecule picture, level width and level shift functions, given by Newns modification of the Anderson theory, have been calculated and the resulting adatom density of states function has been obtained. This has been done for model systems in which the substrate is either a free electron metal or a tightbinding p-band metal and the adsorbate is s or p like. The results show how it is possible to simultaneously have narrow virtual levels due to chemisorption (∼ 1 eV) which previously implied weak interactions and also high binding energies (≳ 3 eV) as are observed experimentally.
Vitamin D3 metabolites modulate dihydropyridine-sensitive calcium currents in clonal rat osteosarcoma cells.

A slowly inactivating inward calcium current was identified in the rat osteosarcoma cell line ROS 17/2.8 using a combination of ion flux and electrophysiological techniques. Voltage dependence, dihydropyridine sensitivity, divalent cation selectivity, and single channel properties identified this current as a high threshold, "L-type" calcium current. Ion flux experiments using 45Ca2+ confirmed that calcium uptake through these channel represents a major pathway for calcium entry into osteosarcoma cells. In resting cells, i.e. at negative membrane potentials, stimulation of both calcium current and rapid 45Ca2+ influx could be elicited by concentrations of 1,25-(OH)2-vitamin D3 between 0.1 and 3 nM. At these concentrations, 1,25-(OH)2-vitamin D3 shifted the threshold for activation of inward calcium current to more negative potentials. At higher concentrations (5-10 nM), inhibitory effects became predominant. These opposing effects are functionally similar to those of the dihydropyridine BAY K 8644. Other vitamin D3 metabolites (25-(OH)-D3 and 24,25-(OH)2-D3) exhibited less potent stimulatory effects and greater inhibition of calcium current than 1,25-(OH)2-D3. These results suggest that (i) vitamin D3 acts as a potent modulator of calcium channel function in osteosarcoma cells, and (ii) intracellular Ca2+-dependent signaling processes may be affected acutely by physiological concentrations of vitamin D3 metabolites.
On the Complexity of Existential Pebble Games

Existential k-pebble games, k≥ 2, are combinatorial games played between two players, called the Spoiler and the Duplicator, on two structures. These games were originally introduced in order to analyze the expressive power of Datalog and related infinitary logics with finitely many variables. More recently, however, it was realized that existential k-pebble games have tight connections with certain consistency properties which play an important role in identifying tractable classes of constraint satisfaction problems and in designing heuristic algorithms for solving such problems. Specifically, it has been shown that strong k-consistency can be established for an instance of constraint satisfaction if and only if the Duplicator has a winnning strategy for the existential k-pebble game between two finite structures associated with the given instance of constraint satisfaction. In this paper, we pinpoint the computational complexity of determining the winner of the existential k-pebble game. The main result is that the following decision problem is EXPTIME-complete: given a positive integer k and two finite structures A and B, does the Duplicator win the existential k-pebble game on A and B? Thus, all algorithms for determining whether strong k-consistency can be established (when k is part of the input) are inherently exponential.
Optical Spectroscopy of Spins in Coupled Quantum Dots

Vertically stacked pairs of quantum dots can be coupled together by the tunneling of either electrons or holes. Such pairs of coupled dots provide a unique opportunity to study the interactions between spins. We review experimentally measured spectra of coupled quantum dots and explain the interactions that give rise to the spin fine structure. The formation of molecular states through tunnel coupling also leads to unique properties for spins confined in these molecular states. We review and explain resonant changes in the single-spin g factor for holes in the molecular states of coupled quantum dots. The orbital character of molecular states is determined by spin–orbit interactions.
Rates and factors associated with falls in older European Americans, Afro-Caribbeans, African-Americans, and Hispanics

PURPOSE: To evaluate rates and factors associated with older adult falls in different ethnic groups. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: Information on demographics, medical and falls history, and pain and physical activity levels was collected from 550 community-dwelling older adults (75±9 years old, 222 European Americans, 109 Afro-Caribbeans, 106 African-Americans, and 113 Hispanics). RESULTS: Taking medications for anxiety (risk ratio [RR] =1.4, 95% confidence interval [CI] =1.1-2.0), having incontinence (RR =1.4, 95% CI =1.1-1.8, P=0.013), back pain (RR =1.4, 95% CI =1.0-1.8), feet swelling (RR =1.3, 95% CI =1.1-1.7), and age ≥75 years (RR =1.3, 95% CI =1.0-1.6) were associated with falls. The associations were stronger for Afro-Caribbeans, but they presented approximately 40% lower prevalence of falls than the other groups. CONCLUSION: Taking anxiety medication, incontinence, back pain, feet swelling, and age ≥75 years were associated with falls, and Afro-Caribbeans presented lower prevalence of falls. These findings need to be taken into consideration in clinical interventions in aging. Language: en
Dysregulated Dscam levels act through Abelson tyrosine kinase to enlarge presynaptic arbors

Increased expression of Down Syndrome Cell Adhesion Molecule (Dscam) is implicated in the pathogenesis of brain disorders such as Down syndrome (DS) and fragile X syndrome (FXS). Here, we show that the cellular defects caused by dysregulated Dscam levels can be ameliorated by genetic and pharmacological inhibition of Abelson kinase (Abl) both in Dscam-overexpressing neurons and in a Drosophila model of fragile X syndrome. This study offers Abl as a potential therapeutic target for treating brain disorders associated with dysregulated Dscam expression.
Pregnancy outcomes after gastric-bypass surgery.

Abstract Background The purpose of this study is to compare outcomes of patients who become pregnant within the first year after surgery and those who delayed pregnancy until after 1 year after surgery. Methods A retrospective review was performed to identify patients who became pregnant after their gastric-bypass surgery from 2001 to 2004. Endpoints included pregnancy complications, fetal birth weight and outcome, delivery method, weight change during pregnancy, and nutrition. Results Of 2,423 patients who had undergone bariatric surgery from 2001 to 2004, 21 patients became pregnant within the first year after surgery and 13 became pregnant after 1 year. Similar outcomes were seen between the 2 groups regarding fetal weight, term pregnancy, and complications. Conclusions Pregnancy outcomes within the first year after weight-loss surgery revealed no significant episodes of malnutrition, adverse fetal outcomes, or pregnancy complications. Anxiety over poor outcomes of pregnancy during the first year after bariatric surgery can be allayed.
An efficient synthesis of δ-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) and its isotopomers

Abstract A new and improved synthesis of 13 C-4-, 13 C-5- and 15 N-δ-aminolevulinic acid (ALA), with 90% overall yield in 4 steps from labelled glycine, is described.
Nano‐machining of gold and semiconductor surfaces

SUMMARY Using a scanning tunnelling microscope tip formed by cutting a platinum wire, we have modified the surfaces of gold and Hg1-xCdxTe on a nanometre scale by mechanical contact between the tip and the surface. By using the same tip to form images, we have been able to gain ‘before’ and ‘after’ pictures of surfaces that have been selectively ‘sanded’, controllably ‘chiselled’, and ‘swept’. We have also obtained images taken under glycerin of Hg1-xCdxTe and of the diluted magnetic semiconductor Hg1-xMnxTe.
Looking Toward the Future: Novel Strategies Based on Molecular Pathogenesis of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

There has been exponential growth in our understanding of the pathobiology of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) leading to the discovery of new prognostic markers and potential new treatment strategies. The inferior treatment outcome observed in adults with ALL in comparison with children with ALL means that new therapeutic approaches are required, preferably based on novel molecular insights. In this concluding article, the important themes that have been discussed in earlier articles are reviewed. Looking toward the future, the authors highlight several of the new therapeutic agents and discuss some of the recently described molecular genetic aberrations that might serve as therapeutic targets for future drug development.
Act locally, sell globally: Inuit media and the global cultural economy

Scholarship on Inuit media has most often focused on the impact of digital video production on local economies and cultural traditions.1 Non-Inuit audiences and global markets have been considered ...
Challenges with interferometric non-null measurements

Typically interferometers are used in a null configuration where the reference and test wavefronts are nearly identical. Non-null testing, however, can enable aspheric measurements without dedicated correctors. We demonstrate challenges encountered with interferometric nonnull measurements.
Abstract 4356: EphB4 as a novel therapeutic target for head-neck SCC.

Proceedings: AACR 104th Annual Meeting 2013; Apr 6-10, 2013; Washington, DC Introduction: Receptor tyrosine kinase EphB4 and its cognate trans-membrane ligand EphrinB2 regulate venous-artery determination and are critically required for fusion of vein and arterial compartments, as well as vessel maturation in development and in pathological angiogenesis. Aberrant induction of EphB4 in certain tumors and pro-tumor cell survival function independent of its role in tumor angiogenesis have been reported. We have studied the expression and function of EphB4 in head neck squamous cell cancer. Methods: EphB4 expression in 78 freshly frozen head/neck squamous cell carcinoma tumor samples were studied by immunostaining, western blot analysis, gene copy number, and correlated with stage. Head/neck tumor cell lines also were studied for expression and significance of EphB4 expression on survival by knock down studies using EphB4 lentiviral shRNA. Inhibition of EphB4 activation using decoy soluble EphB4 receptor fused in frame at the C-terminus with human albumin (sEphB4-HSA) was evaluated for in vivo studies of human tumor xenografts. Results: EphB4 was expressed in all human tumor tissues, and the levels correlated directly with stage. High EphB4 also predicted shortened survival. EphB4 protein levels varied in tumor cell lines, and loss of cell viability with EphB4 shRNA knock down was highest in cell lines with highest EphB4 levels (range 25-78%). Tumor xenografts in sEphB4-HSA treated mice were reduced over 80% compared to the control PBS treatment. Tissue analysis revealed reduction in tumor vessel density, reduced recruitment of pericytes, and decreased perfusion of the tumor vessels. sEphB4-HSA treatment also decreased tumor tissue PI3K activity manifested by reduced phosphorylated AKT and S6 level. Tumor cell death by apoptosis was widespread consistent with combined anti-angiogenic activity and direct tumor cell toxicity. Conclusion: EphB4 receptor tyrosine kinase is highly expressed in head/neck squamous cell cancer. EphB4 provides survival signal to the tumor cells directly. Decoy EphB4 inhibitor sEphB4-HSA is highly potent in in vivo tumor xenograft models. sEphB4-HSA is thus a candidate for investigation in human trials and the clinical trials are underway. Citation Format: Ren Liu, Hai-yun Yen, Rizwan Masood, Uttam Sinha, Anthony El-Khoueiry, Stephen Liu, Barbara Gitlitz, Parkash S. Gill. EphB4 as a novel therapeutic target for head-neck SCC. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4356. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-4356
Distributed Computing and Simulation in a Traffic Research Test Bed

This article describes the laboratory backbone of the California Advanced Research Testbed (CART), which is integrated with an actual urban traffic network. The research laboratory is based at the University of California at Irvine (UCI) and has real-time communication capabilities with several traffic-control centers in Orange County, California. We discuss a simulation and optimization environment that provides the capabilities to study various components of Advanced Traveler Information Systems (ATIS) and Advanced Traffic Management Systems (ATMS) in conjunction with the available real-world connections. The platform accommodates system components such as communications, computing, modeling, prediction, optimization, and control with sufficient flexibility that different candidate system designs can be studied. The article focuses on distributed computing issues and implementation of the hybrid simulation framework that includes integrated microscopic and macroscopic simulation models.
The antiabortion movement and symbolic crusades: Reappraisal of a popular theory

The purpose of this paper is threefold: to shed empirical light on the nature and dynamics of the antiabortion movement, to extend or refine the theory of status movements or symbolic crusades, and to thereby contribute to our understanding of the genre of movements that seek disinterested reform. Three propositions central to the status politics/symbolic crusade thesis are examined: first, that “disinterested” reform movements or moral crusades are the outgrowth of conflict between the divergent lifestyles of antithetical cultural groups; second, that participants in such movements are status discontents seeking to defend the prestige of their lifestyle; and third, that the orientation and activity of such movements are primarily symbolic rather than instrumental. Data are derived from telephone interviews with leaders of the antiabortion movement, from participant observation, and from a variety of documents and secondary sources. The findings provide only partial support for the status politics/symbolic crusade thesis. It is concluded that disinterested reform movements, such as the antiabortion movement, can be best understood not so much as attempts to recoup lost prestige or status but as collective action aimed at controlling the nature and production of culture.
Coincidental spectral lines for the hydrogen atom

Asim Barut once,en passant, asked the question “For what transitions of the hydrogen atom do the spectral lines coincide”? It is a pleasure for us to give the answer in this paper.
Insertion/deletion mutations in the Zea chloroplast genome

The chloroplast (cp) genomes of Zea species are distinguished by at least four restriction fragment length (insertion/deletion) mutations. All four mutations occur in the large unique sequence region of the genome. Restriction fragments containing three of these mutations were cloned. The large and small forms of two of the mutated fragments were sequenced. This revealed 80 and 83 by insertion/deletions. The inserted/deleted segments are not parts of tandem repeats nor were they flanked by direct repeats. Two other insertion/deletion mutations were not sequenced, but their sizes were estimated to be 150 and 250 by by size fractionation on agarose gels. Use of Tripsacum pilosum and Sorghum bicolor as outgroups suggests that three of the fragment length mutations arose via deletions. The fourth could not be polarized. The three species of section Luxuriantes of Zea were identical to one another for each of the four length mutations, and they were consistantly distinguished from the taxa of section Zea by these mutations. These data support the division of Zea into the above named sections.
Golf Clubs: Hidden Home Hazard for Children:

Different accident patterns for golf equipment were noted for adults and children. Children are more likely than adults to be hit by a golf club as bystanders who entered the swing zone of a golf club. Previous publications investigating accidents involving golf clubs and over 2000 incidents involving emergency room treatment of children injured by golf clubs were reviewed. Most injuries occurred when unsupervised children played with golf clubs at home. When studies limit their focus to accident victims, who are currently being treated in the emergency room, hospital, or outpatient facility, no deaths are reported. A separate analysis of death certificates of children between the ages of 4 and 14 years also identified death as a possible consequence as 19 deaths have been reported to the National Injury Information Clearinghouse. Based on these three sources of data, golf clubs should not be used by children unsupervised given the potential for serious and permanent head injury and death. Recommendations for parents and manufactures regarding the safety of golf clubs are provided.
Gravitational microlensing of high-redshift supernovae by compact objects

An analysis of the effect of microlensing by a cosmologically dominant density of compact objects is performed, using high-redshift Type Ia supernovae (SN Ia's) as probes. The compact objects are modeled as a three-dimensional distribution of point masses, and Monte Carlo simulations are done to calculate the resulting amplification probability distributions for several column densities and cosmologies. By combining these distributions with the intrinsic SN Ia luminosity function and comparing with the results for a perfectly smooth universe, estimates are made of the number of supernovae that would need to be observed to confirm or rule out this lensing scenario. It is found that about 1000 SN Ia's with redshifts of z = 1 would be needed to perform this test, which is beyond what current searches can hope to accomplish. Observations of many fewer high-redshift supernovae, used merely as standard candles, appears a promising way of distinguishing between different cosmological models.
Aspen sawdust as a partial roughage substitute in a high-concentrate dairy ration.

Abstract Twelve lactating cows divided into three groups of four were fed either equal parts of hay and pelleted concentrate (A), limited hay and pelleted concentrate containing 32% aspen sawdust (B), or limited hay and pelleted concentrate (C), to determine if aspen sawdust could serve as a partial roughage substitute in a high-concentrate ration. There were no significant ration effects on milk production or per cent milk protein. Adjusted means of 2.59, 3.13, and 1.67 for per cent milk fat for Rations A, B, and C were significantly different. Adjusted ruminal acetate: propionate ratios were 3.99, 2.70, and 1.27 for Rations A, B, and C. Time spent ruminating was highest for cows fed Ration B, followed by Rations A and C (5.8, 5.3, and 3.3 hr/day). Dry matter intakes of hay and concentrate on Rations A, B, and C were 7.3 and 7.8, 2.0 and 14.9, and 1.9 and 12.4kg, respectively. Cows receiving Ration B (with aspen) compensated for the lower digestibility of this ration by eating more of it. Thirty per cent dietary aspen sawdust was effective as a partial roughage substitute for hay.
Activated Kupffer cells inhibit insulin sensitivity in obese mice

Obesity promotes insulin resistance associated with liver inflammation, elevated glucose production, and type 2 diabetes. Although insulin resistance is attenuated in genetic mouse models that suppress systemic inflammation, it is not clear whether local resident macrophages in liver, denoted Kupffer cells (KCs), directly contribute to this syndrome. We addressed this question by selectively silencing the expression of the master regulator of inflammation, NF-κB, in KCs in obese mice. We used glucan-encapsulated small interfering RNA particles (GeRPs) that selectively silence gene expression in macrophages in vivo. Following intravenous injections, GeRPs containing siRNA against p65 of the NF-κB complex caused loss of NF-κB p65 expression in KCs without disrupting NF-κB in hepatocytes or macrophages in other tissues. Silencing of NF-κB expression in KCs in obese mice decreased cytokine secretion and improved insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance without affecting hepatic lipid accumulation. Importantly, GeRPs had no detectable toxic effect. Thus, KCs are key contributors to hepatic insulin resistance in obesity and a potential therapeutic target for metabolic disease.
Cisplatin-based chemotherapy in a renal transplant recipient

Cisplatin-based chemotherapy is the treatment of choice for metastatic testicular cancer; however, the safety of conventional regimens in renal transplant recipients has been questioned. The authors report the course of a renal transplant recipient successfully treated with a cisplatin-based chemotherapy regimen for testicular seminoma and review three additional cases that have been reported in the English language literature to date. Emphasis is placed on review of the safety, optimal administration, and appropriate monitoring of cisplatin and controversy regarding the need for continued administration of immunosuppressive therapy.
Urea separation in flat-plate microchannel hemodialyzer; experiment and modeling.

Two flat-plate microchannel hemodialyzers were constructed consisting of two identical laminae separated by a 20[μm] thick ultrafiltration membrane (Gambro AN69). Each lamina contains a parallel array of microchannels 100[μm] deep, 200[μm] wide, and 5.6[cm] or 9.9[cm] in length respectively. Urea was removed from the aqueous stream containing 1.0[g] urea per liter de-ionized water in the blood side, by countercurrent contact with pure de-ionized water in the dialysate side of the flat-plate hemodialyzer. In all cases volumetric flow rate of water in the dialysate side was equal or less than the volumetric flow rate in the blood side, which is in large contrast to commercial applications of hollow-fiber hemodialyzers where dialysate flow is severalfold larger than blood flow rate. A three-dimensional finite volume mass transport model, built entirely from the first principles with no adjustable parameters, was written in FORTRAN. The results of the mathematical model excellently predict experimental results. The fractional removals of urea predicted by the model are within 2.7%–11% of experimentally obtained values for different blood and dialysate velocities/flow rates in microchannels, and for different transmembrane pressures. The overall mass transfer coefficient was calculated using the urea outlet concentrations obtained at various average velocities (1.0–5.0[cm/s]) in the blood and dialysate, and two nominal transmembrane pressures (∆Ptm = 0 and 10,000.[Pa]). Overall mass transfer coefficients obtained experimentally ranged from 0.068 to 0.14 [cm/min]. The numerical model predicted an average overall mass transfer coefficient of 0.08 [cm/min]. This value is 60% higher than those found in commercial dialyzers (~0.05[cm/min]).
Platinum submonolayer-monolayer electrocatalysts : an electrochemical and X-ray absorption spectroscopy study

A new Pt monolayer electrocatalyst concept is described and the results of electrochemical and X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) studies are presented. Two new methods that facilitate the application of this concept in obtaining ultra-low-Pt-content electrocatalysts have been developed. One is the electroless (spontaneous) deposition of a Pt submonolayer on Ru nanoparticles, and the other is a deposition of a Pt monolayer on Pd nanoparticles by redox displacement of a Cu adlayer. The Pt submonolayer on Ru (PtRu20) electrocatalyst demonstrated higher CO tolerance than commercial catalysts under conditions of rotating disk experiments. The long-term stability test showed no loss in performance over 870 h using a fuel cell operating under real conditions, even though the Pt loading was approximately 10% of that of the standard Pt loading. In situ XAS indicated an increase in d-band vacancy of deposited Pt, which may facilitate partly the reduced susceptibility to CO poisoning for this catalyst. The kinetics of O2 reduction on a Pt monolayer on Pd nanoparticles showed a small enhancement in comparison with that from a Pt nanoparticle electrocatalyst. The increase in catalytic activity is partly attributed to decreased formation of PtOH, as shown by XAS experiments.
Imaging Fourier transform spectrometer (IFTS): parametric sensitivity analysis

Imaging Fourier transform spectrometers (IFTS) allow for very high spectral resolution hyperspectral imaging while using moderate size 2D focal plane arrays in a staring mode. This is not the case for slit scanning dispersive imaging spectrometers where spectral sampling is related to the focal plane pixel count along the spectral dimension of the 2D focal plane used in such an instrument. This can become a major issue in the longwave infrared (LWIR) where the operability and yield of highly sensitivity arrays (i.e.HgCdTe) of large dimension are generally poor. However using an IFTS introduces its own unique set of issues and tradeoffs. In this paper we develop simplified equations for describing the sensitivity of an IFTS, including the effects of data windowing. These equations provide useful insights into the optical, focal plane and operational design trade space that must be considered when examining IFTS concepts aimed at a specific sensitivity and spectral resolution application. The approach is illustrated by computing the LWIR noise-equivalent spectral radiance (NESR) corresponding to the NASA Geosynchronous Imaging Fourier Transform Spectrometer (GIFTS) concept assuming a proven and reasonable noise-equivalent irradiance (NEI) capability for the focal plane.
A Linear Relationship between the Latitude Gradient and 26 Day Recurrent Variation in the Fluxes of Galactic Cosmic Rays and Anomalous Nuclear Components. I. Observations

We find that there exists a linear relationship between the magnitude of latitude gradient and the amplitude of 26 day recurrent variations in the fluxes of galactic cosmic rays and anomalous nuclear components. This result is based on energetic charged particle measurements from the University of Chicago High Energy Telescope (HET) in the Cosmic Ray and Solar Particle Investigation (COSPIN) consortium on the Ulysses spacecraft during its mission to the solar poles and on similar measurements from IMP-8 spacecraft orbiting around Earth at 1 AU in the solar ecliptic. The linear relationship holds for recurrent cosmic-ray flux variations observed in the inner heliosphere at all latitudes including the high-latitude regions covered by Ulysses and in the equatorial by IMP-8, and it is roughly independent of particle energy and species. The relationship means that particles with large-latitude flux gradients are also strongly modulated by recurrent solar wind structures such as corotating interaction regions that appear in low- and middle-latitude regions. In the previous solar cycle, when the solar magnetic field had an opposite polarity, cosmic-ray measurements from the Voyager spacecraft and IMP-8 also show a linear relationship between the latitude gradient and the amplitude of recurrent variations even though the latitude gradient had a negative sign. With these observational facts, the three-dimensional flux distributions of cosmic rays in the inner heliosphere can be more easily measured and better understood because the linear relationship implies that there are similarities among different kinds of charged particles in their modulated flux distributions. These observations suggest that there is a common dominant modulation mechanism controlling both the global latitudinal distribution and the short-term temporal variation of cosmic-ray fluxes. A theoretic model to account for these observations and to understand cosmic-ray modulation in the three-dimensional heliosphere will be presented in Paper II.