cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract 2965: Induction of DNA damage responses by T-oligo and 6-thio-dG via modulating telomere associated proteins and telomerase

T-oligo, a guanine-rich oligonucleotide (GRO) homologous to the 3′ telomeric overhang, has been shown to elicit potent DNA-damage responses (DDRs) in numerous cancer cell lines. However, the detailed molecular mechanism by which T-oligo induces these responses in cancer cells remains elusive. Additionally, it has recently been reported that the novel drug 6-Thio-2’-Deoxyguanosine (6-thio-dG), a nucleoside analogue of the approved drug 6-thioguanine, inhibits growth of cancer cells by its incorporation into the telomere via telomerase followed by subsequent shelterin disruption. This study aims to investigate the mechanism of action of T-oligo and 6-thio-dG at the telomere, as well as to assess the therapeutic potential of T-oligo in combination with 6-thio-dG. Finally, we also investigated the therapeutic efficacy of T-oligo in combination with Vemurafenib, an FDA-approved BRAF inhibitor, in BRAF-mutant melanoma cells as a potential combinatorial therapy for aggressive BRAF-mutant melanoma. Previous studies have shown that T-oligo is able to reduce expression of hTERT, the catalytic subunit of telomerase, by 50% in MM-AN melanoma cells. Results from this study showed that 2.5µM of 6-thio-dG increased expression of hTERT by 50% in this cell line, as seen by qPCR. This suggests that the mechanism of action of 6-thio-dG and T-oligo may involve modulation of telomerase in different ways. Treatment of MM-AN melanoma cells with 2.5μM 6-thio-dG induced a 1.54- and 1.75-fold upregulation of TRF2 at 48 and 72 hours, respectively, and an upregulation of POT1 by 1.63- and 2.15-fold at 48 and 72 hours, respectively, as seen by immunoblotting. These results suggest that 6-thio-dG may induce shelterin dissociation events similar to T-oligo, which has been shown to upregulate TRF2 and POT1 in this cell line. Our studies showed that 1.25μM and 2.5μM 6-thio-dG significantly inhibited growth of melanoma cells by 1.6- and 3.8-fold, respectively (p Citation Format: Zachary Schrank, Nabiha Khan, Joseph Kellen, Sanjana Singh, Chike Osude, Neelu Puri. Induction of DNA damage responses by T-oligo and 6-thio-dG via modulating telomere associated proteins and telomerase [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 2965.
OMuLeT: Online Multi-Lead Time Location Prediction for Hurricane Trajectory Forecasting

Hurricanes are powerful tropical cyclones with sustained wind speeds ranging from at least 74 mph (for category 1 storms) to more than 157 mph (for category 5 storms). Accurate prediction of the storm tracks is essential for hurricane preparedness and mitigation of storm impacts. In this paper, we cast the hurricane trajectory forecasting task as an online multi-lead time location prediction problem and present a framework called OMuLeT to improve path prediction by combining the 6-hourly and 12-hourly forecasts generated from an ensemble of dynamical (physical) hurricane models. OMuLeT employs an online learning with restart strategy to incrementally update the weights of the ensemble model combination as new observation data become available. It can also handle the varying dynamical models available for predicting the trajectories of different hurricanes. Experimental results using the Atlantic and Eastern Pacific hurricane data showed that OMuLeT significantly outperforms various baseline methods, including the official forecasts produced by the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC), by more than 10% in terms of its 48-hour lead time forecasts.
Gas transport properties of PDMS-coated reverse osmosis membranes

Abstract We report a systematic study of the adaptation of polyamide reverse osmosis (RO) membranes for gas separation applications. The RO membranes examined in this study contained defects or pores in the polyamide selective layer that compromised gas selectivity. These membranes were surface-coated with poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) to caulk the defects, and pure-gas permeances of He, H2, CO2, and CH4 were measured at 35 °C, and upstream pressure ranging from 3 to 16 atm. After a PDMS coating was applied, the pure-gas selectivities increased and were comparable to those of typical aromatic polyamide membranes. Pure-gas permeances of coated RO membranes were also constant or slightly decreased with increasing upstream pressure, suggesting that PDMS had filled and eliminated the defects. In addition, CO2 and CH4 mixed-gas (50/50) permeation tests were performed at 35 °C and fugacities ranging from 3 to 15 atm. CO2 did not appear to plasticize the thin polyamide selective layer of the coated RO membranes. CO2/CH4 mixed-gas selectivities were about 20% higher than pure-gas selectivities, presumably due to dual-mode competitive sorption effects.
Detecting Semantic Bugs in Autopilot Software by Classifying Anomalous Variables

Like any software, manned-aircraft flight management systems and unmanned aerial system autopilots contain bugs. A large portion of bugs in autopilots are semantic bugs, where the autopilot does no...
Pancreas transplantation for diabetes mellitus: a guide to recipient selection and optimum immunosuppression.

Between 1966 and 1997, over 10 000 pancreas transplants were performed worldwide, 88% of these being simultaneous kidney-pancreas transplantations (SKPTs). The overall 1-year patient survival rate exceeds 90%, and the graft survival (complete insulin independence) rate is 80%. SKPT should be regarded as the treatment of choice in carefully selected patients with type 1 (insulindependent; IDDM) diabetes mellitus and advanced nephropathy, because of its ability to offer superior glycaemic control and an improved quality of life. Studies have shown that the addition of a pancreas transplant does not appear to jeopardise either the patient or the kidney transplant, as many centres report either similar or improved survival rates after SKPT compared with kidney transplantation alone. Indications for solitary pancreas transplantation are based on the presence of early, well defined diabetic complications or glucose hyperlability with poor quality of life. Improvements in quality of life and possible prevention of further morbidity associated with diabetes makes pancreas transplantation an important therapeutic option for selected diabetic patients. According to registry data from the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) Registry, rejection accounts for 32% of graft failures in the first year after pancreas transplantation. Most pancreas transplant centres employ quadruple drug immunosuppression with antilymphocyte induction with either a monoclonal or polyclonal agent. Maintenance immunosuppression involves triple therapy, consisting of a calcineurin inhibitor (cyclosporin or tacrolimus), corticosteroids and an antimetabolite (azathioprine or mycophenolate mofetil). Before 1995, nearly all pancreas transplant recipients were managed with the original formulation of cyclosporin (‘Sandimmun)’. In the past 2 years, tacrolimusbased therapy has been used in approximately 20% of cases and a new microemulsion formulation of cyclosporin (‘Neoral’) has replaced the original formulation in contemporary post-transplant immunosuppression. In addition, mycophenolate mofetil is replacing azathioprine as part of the standard immunosuppressive regimen after pancreas transplantation. At present, a number of centres are conducting various trials with new drug combinations including either cyclosporin microemulsion or tacrolimus in combination with corticosteroids and mycophenolate mofetil with or without antibody induction therapy. The current array of new immunosuppressive agents is providing more effective control of rejection and permitting solitary pancreas transplantation to become an accepted treatment option in diabetic patients without advanced complications. Immunosuppressive strategies will continue to evolve to achieve effective control of rejection while minimising injury to the allograft and risk to the patient. In addition, new regimens must not only address the issue of specific drug toxicities but also long term economic, metabolic and quality-of-life outcomes.
Ventilation during laparoscopic-assisted bariatric surgery: volume-controlled, pressure-controlled or volume-guaranteed pressure-regulated modes.

Introduction: Managing ventilation and oxygenation during laparoscopic procedures in severely obese patients undergoing weight loss surgery presents many challenges. Pressure-controlled ventilation, volume-guaranteed (PCV-VG) is a dual-control mode of ventilation and an alternative to pressure (PC) or volume (VC) controlled ventilation. PCV-VG features a user-selected tidal volume target, that is auto-regulated and pressure controlled. We hypothesized that PCV-VG ventilation would provide improved oxygenation and ventilation during laparoscopic bariatric surgery with a lower peak inflating pressure (PIP) than either PC or VC ventilation. Methods: This was a prospective cross-over cohort trial (n = 20). In random sequence each patient received the three modes of ventilation for 20 minutes during the laparoscopic portion of the procedure. For all modes of ventilation the goal tidal volume was 6-8 mL/kg, and the respiratory rate was adjusted to achieve normocarbia. The PIP, exhaled tidal volume, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation were recorded every five minutes. At the end of 20 minutes, an arterial blood gas was obtained. Data were analyzed using a paired t-test. Results: PCV-VG and PC ventilation both resulted in significantly lower PIP (cmH2O) than VC ventilation (30.5 ± 3.0, 31.6 ± 4.9, and 36.3 ± 3.4 mmHg respectively; p < 0.01 for PCV-VG vs. VC and PC vs. VC). There was no difference in oxygenation (PaO2), ventilation (PaCO2) or hemodynamic variables between the three ventilation modes. Conclusions: In adolescents and young adults undergoing laparoscopic bariatric surgery, PCV-VG and PC were superior to VC ventilation in their ability to provide ventilation with the lowest PIP.
Research on Allowable E-field Strength and Insulation Structure Design of Bushing Outlet Device of Converter Transformer

Allowable field strength of the outgoing line device at tail of converter transformer under various operating conditions is analyzed. Then, finite element simulation calculation model of the typical outgoing line structure is established, and the distribution characteristics of the transient potential electric field of the outgoing line device are discussed under the various voltage types such as polarity reversal. This paper proposed iterative calculation method of steady-state E-field and thermal simulation of transformer outlet based on the ANSYS specific language called APDL. The insulation margin value of the critical path is obtained by combining the allowable field strength. The research on the allowable field strength and the insulation structure of the outgoing line device proposed in this paper can provide reference for the design of the outgoing line structure of the converter transformer.
This is Not a Game: Blockchain Regulation and Its Application to Video Games

The use of blockchain technology as a financial instrument is often viewed with the same skepticism as emails from a foreign prince promising a portion of his inheritance for a “small” fee the recipient must pay for banking fees. Contrary to popular belief, there are various useful applications of blockchain technology, namely through the issuance and utilization of coins and tokens. “Tokens” are digital assets built on top of a particular blockchain, stored within the blockchain rather than through a central bank or regulatory authority, and provide a wider range of functions than that of Initial Coin Offerings. One of such functions include a potential utility in video games. This Article explains the basics of blockchain technology, the many types of blockchain tokens, coins, and the current blockchain regulations between the SEC and CFTC, including an analysis and discussion of the potential issues that arise from the gaps in regulation, and how the current regulations (and gaps) may be adjusted to suit the various types of tokens in a way that encourages the development of technology. Furthermore, the Article also provides other uses for blockchain technology such as improving aspects of a video game’s in-game economy, taking lessons from game developers who utilize certain tokens such as KarmaGames and Forte, as well as providing video game developers an alternative to monetizing video games long-term without using unsatisfactory monetization tactics such as “pay-to-win” or loot boxes.
Anatomical Basis for Pulmonary Functional Imaging

Respiration is an unconscious but essential activity for us to maintain our lives. Lungs are the organs that play the most important role of gas exchange between blood and air, referred to as external respiration. The function and morphology of the lungs are inseparable and the understanding of pulmonary morphology and microstructure is essential for the interpretation of pulmonary functional imaging fully. In this chapter, we provide radiology- and histology-based lung morphology and correlation with physiology for the understanding of pulmonary functional imaging.
Vascularized organoids on a chip: strategies for engineering organoids with functional vasculature

Human organoids, self-organized and differentiated from homogenous pluripotent stem cells (PSC), replicate the key structural and functional characteristics of their in vivo counterparts. Despite the rapid advancement of organoid technology and its diverse applications, major limitations in achieving truly in vivo like functionality have been the lack of matured structural organization and constraints on tissue size, both of which are direct consequences of lacking a functional vasculature. In the absence of perfusable vessels, a core region within organoids quickly becomes necrotic during development due to increased metabolic demands that cannot be met by diffusion alone. Thus, incorporating functional vasculature in organoid models is indispensable for their growth in excess of several hundred microns and maturaturation beyond the embryonic and fetal phase. Here, we review recent advancements in vascularizing organoids and engineering in vitro capillary beds, and further explore strategies to integrate them on a microfluidic based platform, aiming for establishing perfused vasculature throughout organoids in vitro.
The stability of the suggested planet in the ν Octantis system: a numerical and statistical study

We provide a detailed theoretical study aimed at the observational finding about the ν Octantis binary system that indicates the possible existence of a Jupiter-type planet in this system. If a prograde planetary orbit is assumed, it has earlier been argued that the planet, if existing, should be located outside the zone of orbital stability. However, a previous study by Eberle & Cuntz concludes that the planet is most likely stable if assumed to be in a retrograde orbit with respect to the secondary system component. In the present work, we significantly augment this study by taking into account the observationally deduced uncertainty ranges of the orbital parameters for the stellar components and the suggested planet. Furthermore, our study employs additional mathematical methods, which include monitoring the Jacobi constant, the zero velocity function and the maximum Lyapunov exponent. We again find that the suggested planet is indeed possible if assumed to be in a retrograde orbit, but it is virtually impossible if assumed in a prograde orbit. Its existence is found to be consistent with the deduced system parameters of the binary components and of the suggested planet, including the associated uncertainty bars given by observations.
Polystyrene microplastic contamination versus microplankton abundances in two lagoons of the Florida Keys.

A microscopic study of microplankton in two coastal lagoons in the Florida Keys coincidently, and unexpectedly, revealed the widespread presence of high concentrations of polystyrene microplastic particles. The polystyrene particles were first observed in the second year of a 2-year study of phytoplankton communities, with peak densities in the spring/summer of 2019 at all ten sampling sites in the two lagoons. Polystyrene particle densities reached levels up to 76,000 L−1. The particles ranged in size from 33 to 190 µm, similar to the size range of microplanktonic algae (20–200 µm). Over the period of peak polystyrene densities, average particle densities were similar to average densities of microplanktonic algae cells. The latter observation highlights the potential significance of the microplastic particles for the ecology of the pristine waters of the Florida Keys, if they persist.
Scaling N from 1 to 1,000,000: Application of the Generalized Matching Law to Big Data Contexts

The generalized matching law (GML) has been used to describe the behavior of individual organisms in operant chambers, artificial environments, and nonlaboratory human settings. Most of these analyses have used a handful of participants to determine how well the GML describes choice in the experimental arrangement or how some experimental manipulation influences estimated matching parameters. Though the GML accounts very well for choice in a variety of contexts, the generality of the GML to all individuals in a population is unknown. That is, no known studies have used the GML to describe the individual behavior of all individuals in a population. This is likely because the data from every individual in the population has not historically been available or because time and computational constraints made population-level analyses prohibitive. In this study, we use open data on baseball pitches to provide an example of how big data methods can be combined with the GML to: (1) scale within-subjects designs to the population level; (2) track individual members of a population over time; (3) easily segment the population into subgroups for further analyses within and between groups; and (4) compare GML fits and estimated parameters to performance. These were accomplished for each of 2,374 individuals in a population using 8,467,473 observations of behavior-environment relationships spanning 11 years. In total, this study is a proof of concept for how behavior analysts can use data-science techniques to extend individual-level quantitative analyses of behavior to the population-level focused on domains of social relevance.
A New Puzzle About Aristotelian Accidents

I present a new puzzle that concerns Aristotle’s accidents. This puzzle arises when applying a basic requirement of accidentality to the variety of cases Aristotle provides. In short, Aristotle seems to offer, now the thought that a is accidental to b, and now that b is accidental to a; but if accidentality is asymmetric, as it seems to be, then a’s being accidental to b implies that b is not accidental to a. One might offer a schooled Aristotelian solution, allowing that while a is in a sense accidental to b, b is accidental to a in a quite different sense. But, as I will argue, this solution does not work, for there are cases in which a and b are accidental to each other in the same sense. Ultimately, the solution to the new puzzle relies not on distinguishing between senses of ‘accident,’ but rather on unearthing a new feature of accidentality: accidentality is contextual, in a sense to be defined in the paper.
Trichomonas Infection Rates in Males Presenting to the Emergency Department for Sexually Transmitted Infections.

Abstract Background: Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Overall prevalence is reported to be 3.1%, with rates approaching 12.9–14.4% in high-risk female populations. Although there is a plethora of data on TV in the female population, the corresponding data for the male population are limited. Objective: Our aim was to determine the infection rate of TV in male patients seeking care for STIs in the emergency department (ED) and determine the symptoms associated with TV infection in male patients. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of male patients aged 13 years or older who presented to the ED for STI evaluation. Male patients included had nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) TV testing as part of standard STI evaluation. Results: Of the 2137 male patients included, 95 (4.4%) were positive for TV. Male patients who tested positive were significantly older (mean age 38.9 years vs. 30.7 years for male patients who tested negative; p Conclusions: Rates of TV in male patients who receive STI testing in the ED are similar to rates published previously for female patients. We found higher rates among older and African-American male patients. TV among male patients is prevalent and testing should continue when evaluating for STIs.
Reconsidering the Constitution's Preamble: the Words that Made Us U.S.

The Preamble to the U.S. Constitution is wrongly dismissed by conventional doctrine as a purely symbolic or stylistic flourish with no operative legal significance. But the drafting history of the Preamble, observable by comparing the preambles in the Articles of Confederation, the Committee of Detail draft of the Constitution, and the Committee of Style's final version, demonstrate that the Framers considered the Preamble to be substantively meaningful. Just what the Preamble means remains ambiguous: it might be viewed as a rejection of compact theory, as an interpretive guide to the powers granted in the body of the Constitution, or as a source of implied powers. But the view that reduces the Preamble to a legally inoperative flourish has no basis as a matter of text or history.
Relationships among socio-economic status, parenting, academic achievement, and self-esteem in early and middle adolescence: a longitudinal study

The purposes of this dissertation are threefold: first, to examine a model of how socioeconomic status, parenting, adolescents' academic achievement, and adolescents' selfesteem might be causally related; second, to examine whether or not the proposed model is structurally invariant across gender and grade; and third, to determine whether family income, paternal and maternal education, and paternal and maternal occupational prestige make unique contributions to nurturant and punitive parenting, adolescents' academic achievement, and self-esteem. Structural equation results showed that socioeconomic status has a significant and positive effect on nurturant parenting and on adolescents' academic achievement, which, in turn, affect adolescent self-esteem. MANOVA results showed a gender effect for academic achievement and a grade effect for parenting. Multiple regression results found a significant effect of parental education on adolescents' academic achievement. Possible future research directions and implications are discussed.
The Conley index and countable decompositions of invariant sets

We define a new cohomological index of Conley type associated to any bi-infinite sequence of neighborhoods that satisfies a certain isolation condition. We use this index to study the chaotic dynamics on invariant sets which decompose as countable unions of pairwise disjoint (mod 0) compact pieces.
Mereological Principles and Chemical Affordances

Since the time of Robert Boyle chemistry has been a mereological science based on part-whole principles within a ‘mechanical’ framework as well as in discussions of the ‘parts’ of mass substances. Mereological reasoning is limited by the fallacy of ascribing attributes of wholes to their parts in certain cases and by the fallacy of assuming that products of analytical operations on wholes always yields constituents of those wholes. Adopting the concept of affordance for managing part-whole reasoning resolves the product-constituent fallacy. Discussions of the role of chemical affordances concern the status of electrons in quantum chemistry. Electron structures for atoms can be interpreted as models rather than true representations. This is exemplified in Robert Mulliken’s choice of ‘orbital’ rather than ‘orbit’.
Personality and Depth Psychology

This chapter elaborates the personality and depth psychology of an individual from cultural perspectives. Psychiatrists consider personality to be the total manifestation of an individual's behavior and mental functions. Very much influenced by psychoanalytic theory, personality is often analyzed from the standpoint of intrapsychic perspectives. Psychologists, however, view personality as an observable behavior pattern of a person that can potentially be measured objectively. In addition to personality, several parameters, such as perception, cognition, memory, emotion, and motivation, are recognized by psychologists as basic to the processes of individual psychology. Attitudes, values, communication, and group behavior are considered parameters of social psychology. Depth psychology refers to the area of psychology that usually operates at the subconscious or unconscious levels. It is considered a fundamental part of personality and the activity of primary psychology in depth, which may rise to the surface in conscious awareness under special circumstances. Defense mechanism is a psychoanalytic term referring to the psychic apparatus utilized by the ego to cope with anxiety. It is regarded as a mental process that operates at an unconscious level. Recently, there has been an increasing awareness that the operation of defense mechanisms is subject to cultural influence. It is not only the frequent choice of certain defense mechanisms that is influenced by cultural factors, but also the categorization and definition of defense mechanisms into subgroups according to the poles of pathology. Also, the degrees of immature, neurotic, or mature depend on the values of the people in the different cultures, and the categories for subgrouping may also vary.
Public Perceptions of the Ethics of In-vitro Meat: Determining an Appropriate Course of Action

While in vitro animal meat (IVM) is not yet commercially available, the public has already begun to form opinions of IVM as a result of news stories and events drawing attention to its development. As such, we can discern public perceptions of the ethics of IVM before its commercial release. This affords advocates of environmentally sustainable, healthy, and just diets with a unique opportunity to reflect on the social desirability of the development of IVM. This work draws upon an analysis of ethical perceptions of IVM in 814 US news blog comments related to the August 2013 tasting of the world’s first IVM hamburger. Specifically, I address three primary questions: (1) How does the public perceive the ethics of IVM development? (2) How acceptable is IVM to the public relative to alternative approaches to reducing animal meat consumption? and (3) What should all of this mean for the ongoing development and promotion of IVM? Ultimately, it is argued that there is a strong need for facilitation of public dialogue around IVM, as well as further research comparing the acceptability of IVM to other alternatives.
BRIDGE BANKS: DETOX TOOLS FOR A MELTED ECONOMY

This paper compares the fragmented three-pillar banking system in Germany to the banking system in the U.S. and suggests an amendment to 12 U.S.C.A. § 1821(n), the bridge bank statute, to make some fragmentation of the financial sector in the U.S. possible. Statutory amendments in the U.S. inspired by the German bad bank model could promote financial stability, eliminate some debts, and conserve powers for the U.S. Bridge banks are one way to allow for such fragmentation in the financial sector and to avoid the need for government bail-outs of banks that are too big to fail. Bridge banks in the U.S. involve a linear depletion of government funds whereas the German bad bank model allows for recycling of funds, paying of dividends based on the bad banks and an economic recovery from the inside out, which would also increase consumers' buying power and save taxpayer funds by healing the economy from the inside out.
Eckley Brings Experience to the Student Investor

Knowledge gained from experience is perhaps the most important tool that an investor can equip themselves with. Do you see value in listening to someone that was a past Federal Reserve Bank and Brookings Institution economist; chief economist for the world leader in heavy machinery; director for an industry leading insurance company; student of such familiar names as Shumpeter, Leontief, and Samuelson; and president of a well-respected liberal arts school in Bloomington, IL? I hope you do. I can say with certainty that the 16 individuals in Dr. Robert Eckley's BUS 409 Portfolio Management class are acquiring all the information they can from such an accomplished individual. This article is available in The Park Place Economist: http://digitalcommons.iwu.edu/parkplace/vol9/iss1/8
Actual vs Simulated Equipment for Aircraft Maintenance Training: Cost Implications of the Incremental vs the Unique Device

Life cycle cost estimates were developed for use of simulated test equipment vs actual test equipment in a maintenance training program of the type used for current advanced fighter aircraft. Previous life cycle cost comparisons had not explicitly considered the cost implications of procurement and support of a unique training device vs an incremental device. This effort included the unique vs the incremental device factor. Total estimated fifteen year costs for simulated equipment trainers were significantly lower than comparable estimates for actual equipment trainers. The results indicate that the cost implications of a unique device vs an incremental device are important determinants of both acquisition and support cost estimates and should be considered fully in future life cycle costing efforts. Language: en
Differentiation or leukemia: Is C/EBPα the answer?

Acute myelogenous leukemias are caused by point mutations as well as several different types of chromosomal translocations, but little is known about how these genetic defects lead to disruptions in hematopoiesis and eventual leukemogenesis. Two recent studies suggest that the resulting mutant gene products can alter function of the transcription factor C/EBPα and tip the balance from differentiation toward cancer (pages 444–451).
Molecular weight determinations of proteins by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis with sodium dodecyl sulfate in just the sample solution.

Abstract This report describes a simple modification of the procedure for SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis by using SDS in the sample solution and eliminating its use in the gel and the electrode compartments. The results obtained were comparable to those with SDS in the entire system. The log molecular weight-relative mobility plots for a variety of proteins, the reproducibility and the appearance of the bands such as their intentisy and sharpness were very similar. Therefore SDS in the entire system is not necessary to determine the molecular weight of a protein.
Dystonic reaction associated with ondansetron administration in a patient with normal pressure hydrocephalus

A 77-year-old female with normal pressure hydrocephalus underwent urgent revision of the abdominal component of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt. Upon emergence from an uneventful general anesthetic, the patient exhibited cogwheel rigidity with decerebrate posturing and a markedly irregular respiratory rate. This prohibited extubation and prompted an unplanned intensive care unit admission. Ondansetron was the only medication administered that had previously been associated with dystonic reactions. In a previous procedure, the patient had been given ondansetron without a similar reaction. This presentation may have been provoked by existing pathology such as her underlying normal pressure hydrocephalus and small increases in intracranial pressure.
Together again: reuniting political theory and international relations theory

This state of the discipline article discusses a body of recent literature that seeks to reunite political theory and international relations theory. It briefly explores some of the factors and exp...
Evaluation of a PhD Program: Paving the Way.

Quality assurance in doctoral education in nursing is a high priority as programs are developed and changed. The discipline and profession of nursing will not be well served if doctoral program quality is not monitored in a systematic way. Without the demands of a periodic, required evaluation by an external accrediting body, the motivation for quality assurance must be internally driven. One pragmatic motivating factor is that today's sophisticated doctoral applicant has resources available to assist with program choice by assessment of quality indicators. High-quality programs will attract the highly qualified students who will lead nursing in the next century. This article has presented a process leading to evaluation of quality and outcomes of one doctoral program. Some of our ideas and experiences may be helpful to those initiating an evaluation process in their own institutions.
A sub-pixel-based calculation of fire radiative power from MODIS observations: 2. Sensitivity analysis and potential fire weather application

Abstract Fire radiative power (FRP) over a pixel area has been highlighted as a valuable parameter for quantitatively deriving smoke emissions. However, smoke plume rise forecasts and characterizations of fire intensity require additional information, including the FRP over the fire area (FRP f ) and per fire area (or fire radiative flux), both of which can be calculated through a bi-spectral retrieval of sub-pixel fire area and temperature. This study, the second in a two-part series, examines the sources of error and the corresponding uncertainties in a sub-pixel algorithm that calculates FRP f for fire pixels identified at 1 km 2 nominal spatial resolution by the MODerate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) fire detection algorithm (collection 5). Radiative transfer simulations are incorporated to account for atmospheric effects as a function of Earth-satellite geometry at 3.96 and 11 μm (MODIS fire detection channels), and show that the 11 μm channel is highly sensitive to variations in column water vapor amount. By investigating several fire events in California, considerable variations in retrieved fire area, occasionally by more than 50%, are observed when comparing the mid-latitude summer climatology and observation-based atmospheric profiles that are used in the sub-pixel retrieval algorithm. While regions of dry, brown vegetation may also increase the potential for error via the surface emissivity assumption, the algorithm is much more sensitive to errors in 11 μm background brightness temperature, where an error of only 1.0 K may alter the retrieved fire area by an order of magnitude or more. An independent application, using the Texas wildfire event of September 2011, reveals that the sub-pixel retrieval can even become irrelevant for 17.6% of the available MODIS fire pixels as a result of noise in the background region causing the 11 μm background brightness temperature to become warmer than the fire pixel, especially during daytime scenes. The various sources of uncertainty in the estimates of FRP f and fire area can be reduced through the summation of individual pixel-level retrievals for large clusters of fire pixels, which can be defined based on the resolution of a mesoscale model grid. In comparison to the standard MODIS pixel-based FRP, the flux of FRP f , defined as total FRP f divided by the retrieved fire area, is shown to have a stronger and statistically significant correlation with surface (10-meter) wind speed and air temperature, especially for large fire pixel clusters, where the respective linear correlation coefficients are 0.55 and 0.77. These strong relationships suggest that, while additional studies are warranted, the flux of FRP f may offer the potential for improved characterizations of the meteorological effects on fire intensity compared to the standard pixel-based FRP.
Early detection of airways obstruction by the closing volume technique.

Measurement of closing volumes has proved to be a sensitive technique for detecting the early lung function changes found in cigarette smokers. The sensitivity of this test is considerably greater than that of conventional spirometric tests. Widespread use of this test, however, should probably await standardization of the procedure and further understanding of the implications of abnormal test results.
Noncanonical Notch function in motor axon guidance is mediated by Rac GTPase and the GEF1 domain of Trio.

The receptor Notch interacts with the Abl tyrosine kinase signaling pathway to control axon growth and guidance in Drosophila motor neurons. In part, this is mediated by binding to Trio, a guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) for Rho GTPases. We show here that one of the two GEF domains of Trio, the Racspecific GEF1, is essential for Trio-dependent motor axon guidance and for the genetic suppression of Notch function in motor axon patterning, but the Rho-specific GEF2 domain is not. Consistent with this, we show that Rac, and not Rho1 or Cdc42, interacts genetically with Notch in a manner indistinguishable from that of bona fide Abl signaling components. We infer, therefore, that Rac is a key component of Abl signaling in Drosophila motor axons, and specifically that it is the crucial Rho GTPase in ‘‘noncanonical’’ Notch/Abl signaling. Developmental Dynamics 240:324–332, 2011. V C 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Output-Only Structural Health Monitoring for Deepwater Risers: Experimental Study of Wavelet Modified SOBI and Distributed Force Index Algorithm

Risers are the conduits between the subsea wellhead and the drilling/production platform for development, production, gas lift or water injection purposes, which are also one of the most important and the most vulnerable components for deepwater floating platforms. To address the lack of appropriate global structural health monitoring (SHM) system for deepwater risers, this paper proposes a time-frequency domain approach using a wavelet modified second order blind identification (WMSOBI) method and combined distributed force change (CDFC) index. WMSOBI provides a reliable time-frequency domain identified modal properties of riser systems, even with large damping and under-determinate conditions. In addition, CDFC index generated from modal properties extracted by WMSOBI can accurately identify the damage location and damage level for both single and multiple crack scenarios. Details of experiments conducted on suspended pipe are presented. Both numerical and experimental verification are presented to validate the effectiveness of the proposed WMSOBI/CFDC algorithm and SHM system.
Localization of the estrogen receptor in uterine cells by affinity labeling with [3H]tamoxifen aziridine

Abstract The possibility that estrogen receptors may exist in uterine plasma membranes was investigated by covalent labeling of estrogen receptors in more uterine cells with [ 3 H]tamoxifen aziridine (TA). Isolated epithelial and stromal cells of immature mice were incubated with [ 3 H]TA in the presence or absence of unlabeled tamoxifen, homogenized and separated into nuclear, cytosolic and microsomal fractions by differential centrifugation. These fractions were subjected to SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and the proteins labeled covalently with TA were visualized by autoradiography. Proteins labeled specifically with [ 3 H]TA were observed almost exclusively in the nuclear fraction of both epithelial and stromal cells. In contrast, very little labeled protein was detected in the cytosolic or microsomal fraction. Although these data do not preclude the possibility that estrogen binding sites are present in plasma membranes of uterine cells, this cellular fraction is definitely not labeled to a significant extent by [ 3 H]TA. Thus, if membrane estrogen binding sites exist, their structural conformations may be different from that of nuclear estrogen receptors.
Neurointensive care of the nonaccidentally injured child

Childhood victims of NAT with severe brain injury require a multidisciplinary approach to their management if a good outcome is to occur. Despite the grave prognosis of these patients, an initial aggressive treatment strategy is warranted, because enough children go on to a meaningful life. A vigilant evaluation for multisystem injuries and vigorous resuscitation should be followed by prompt surgical intervention as indicated. Most NAT victims do not require surgical treatment of their brain injury, but do require ICP monitoring. A stepwise approach to the treatment of elevated ICP optimizes CPP, minimizes secondary brain injury, and increases the chances of a meaningful recovery. The future holds promise for these patients because a concerted effort is underway to understand pediatric TBI on a molecular level, and targeted therapies based on current basic research will certainly improve the neurointensive care, and eventual neurologic outcomes, of these children. Language: en
The Logistic Normal Distribution for Bayesian, Nonparametric, Predictive Densities

Abstract This article models the common density of an exchangeable sequence of observations by a generalization of the process derived from a logistic transform of a Gaussian process. The support of the logistic normal includes all distributions that are absolutely continuous with respect to the dominating measure of the observations. The logistic-normal family is closed in the prior to posterior Bayes analysis, with the observations entering the posterior distribution through the covariance function of the Gaussian process. The covariance of the Gaussian process plays the role of a smoothing kernel. Three features of the model provide a flexible structure for computing the predictive density: (a) The mean of the Gaussian process corresponds to the prior mean of the random density: (b) The prior variance of the Gaussian process controls the influence of the data in the posterior process. As the variance increases, the predictive density has greater fidelity to the data, (c) The prior covariance of the Gau...
Endothelial stimulation by small lymphocytic lymphoma correlates with secreted levels of basic fibroblastic growth factor

Lymph nodes (LN) involved with small lympho- cytic lymphoma (SLL) reportedly contain increased numbers of microvessels that may constitute a therapeutic target in this disease. We investigated the secretion of the angiogenic growth factor, basic fibroblastic growth factor (bFGF), from primary tissue cultures of 15 LN with SLL and 10 reactive LN. bFGF was detected from the resulting conditioned media (CM) in 13/15 SLL samples (mean 92 +/- 30, range 5-420 pg/ml) but was undetectable in CM from all reactive lymph nodes. CM was also used in a 72-h human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) proliferation assay. HUVEC proliferation increased in the presence of SLL CM (70 +/- 17%, range -4-194%), proportional to secreted levels of bFGF (R2 = 0.95), and was reversed by depleting bFGF from CM. Previous SLL studies have examined either patient serum samples or paraffin-embedded lymph node tissue sections. This is the first study to examine the secretion of an angiogenic growth factor from primary cultures of lymph node cells. Our results indicate that bFGF is probably the primary mediator responsible for increased angiogenesis in involved nodes. These findings may be pertinent to future investigation into the mechanisms of increased angiogenesis in SLL.
Chemical Implications for Antitumor and Antiviral Prostaglandins: Reaction of Δ7-Prostaglandin A1 and Prostaglandin A1 Methyl Esters with Thiols

Prostaglandins (PGs) such as Δ12-PGJ2 and Δ7-PGA1 methyl ester that possess a cross-conjugated dienone unit exhibit unique antitumor and antiviral activities independent of intracellular cAMP levels. These compounds are transported reversibly into cultured cells and accumulate in nuclei via covalent interaction, eliciting growth inhibition. PGA1 methyl ester, a simple cyclopentenone analog, is less potent. The unique cellular behavior of the dienone PGs correlates well with their chemical properties. The PGs react specifically with thiol nucleophiles such as glutathione. Michael addition of thiols to Δ7-PGA1 methyl ester, an alkylidenecyclopentenone derivative, occurs facilely at the endocyclic C(11) position rather than at the C(7) position. This process is reversible, and in solution phase, the adducts are in equilibrium with considerable amounts of free PG and thiols. However, the reaction of this PG with Sepharose-bound thiols, regarded to be plausible mimics of protein thiols, is irreversible, and th...
Platelet serotonin (5‐HT) reuptake for biomarking SSRI therapeutics in adolescents

Human platelets have a 5-HT reuptake transporter that is identical to the one in the brain (Lesch, and asoc.1993). Thus, the platelet transporter may be used as a biomarker for the effects of SSRIs on 5-HT neurons as well as antidepressant response. Twenty-three depressed adolescents, ages 13.1- 17.7y, had platelet 5-HT reuptake measured before and after 14-28 days of SSRIs treatment. The laboratory methodologies are based on, Tuomisto and assoc, 1979 with future modifications to insure platelet stability, Cozzi and Foley, 2002. Response was assessed by applications of CG1-1 rating scale, KSADS interviews and BDI/CDI., while platelet 5–HT reuptake inhibition Vmax and Km values were calculated by non-linear regression (Enzfitter version 2.0.8, Biosoft). Improvement was significantly associated with inhibition (Vmax), Kendall tau-b= -0.45, p=0,04. The 12 full responders had significantly higher levels of inhibition, 66 ± 16% (mean ± S.D.) than the 8 non-responders, 37 ± 30%, t=2.5, p=0.03. In contrast to the lack of SSRI plasma level/response relationships, this potential biomarker could be useful in guiding clinical decisions involving serotonergic agents. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2004) 75, P45–P45; doi: 10.1016/j.clpt.2003.11.168
Radiographic Viewing Conditions

The preparation of a radiograph with adequate contrast and resolution does not in itself assure the transfer of the infor-mation necessary for a medical diagnosis. The last physically describable event in the complex chain of events, which constitute the radiological examination, is that of the viewing of the finished radiographs by the radiologist. If the viewing condi tions are substandard, there is a possibility of losing the diagnostic information at this late stage in the examination. Although radiographic viewing conditions are critical to the entire examination process, they have not been subject to extensive human factors engineering studies. In this paper we will describe radiographic film viewing at our institution, and we will discuss some of the problems inherent in such a task,
Crafting, Community, and Collaboration: Reflections on the Ethnographic Sala Project at the Pukara Lithic Museum, Peru

The Museo Litico Pukara (Pukara Lithic Museum) is an archaeological site museum in the small highland town of Pucara in the northwestern Lake Titicaca Basin of Peru. Recently, an ethnographic sala (exhibition space) was developed and installed within the museum that focuses on local craft production and its role within the agro-pastoral economy, regional exchange systems, and other household-level and community activities. The sala is the culmination of a decade-long effort by national and foreign archaeologists, anthropologists from the regional university and their students, the Peruvian Ministry of Culture, and the townspeople of Pucara. This article presents a brief history of the museum, describes the development of the sala project, and frames the process and results of this project as they relate to discussions of community, collaboration, and value at the intersections of archaeology and ethnography. [collaborative archaeology, community, archaeological site museums, Latin America, Peru]