cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A novel population of myeloid Gr-1+ cells expressing FasL and perforin mediate contact hypersensitivity responses in skin (CAM5P.236)

Allergic contact hypersensitivity (CHS) is a CD8 T cell mediated response to hapten sensitization and challenge of the skin. Hapten-primed CD8 cell infiltration into the skin challenge site requires prior Gr-1+ cell infiltration into the site. Despite WT levels of CD8 priming, sensitized gld/perforin-/- mice have no CHS to hapten challenge. The response is restored in these mice by transfer of WT bone marrow derived Gr-1+ cells at the time of hapten challenge. The goal of this study was to further characterize these Gr-1+ cells. Gr-1+cells were purified from the bone marrow of sensitized and challenged mice by depletion of CD3+, B220+, NK1+, F4/80+, and Ly6G+ cells. qRT-PCR and Western Blot analyses confirm expression of FasL and perforin by the negatively selected cells that are 90% Gr-1+CXCR2+. Flow cytometry analyses indicate the FasL+ cells within this population express CD11c, CXCR2, CCR2, Ly6C, and CX3CR1. These Gr-1+cells, but not neutrophils, induce apoptosis of cultured endothelial cells. Transfer of these Gr-1+ myeloid cells to sensitized gld/perforin-/- mice during hapten challenge induces expression of the T cell chemoattractants CCL1, CCL2, and CCL5 in the challenged skin. These results describe a novel population of bone marrow derived Gr-1+CXCR2+ myeloid cells expressing FasL and perforin that induce expression of the chemoattractants required to direct hapten-primed T cell infiltration into the challenged skin site to mediate CHS.
Biology and the systems view. Is there a move towards systems approaches in the life sciences

For many people, the advent of systems biology seems to herald a new era of research that might finally usurp the traditional, reductionist approach that has sought to understand living beings through the study of their constituent parts. The systems approach, according to this stance, is a new way both to investigate the 'machine of life' and, at the same time, to appreciate the uniqueness of living organisms: the unforeseeable behaviour of the whole owing to so‐called emergent phenomena (Gilbert & Sarkar, 2000; Noble, 2008). Although systems biology is a rapidly growing field (Calvert, 2008), the question remains as to whether it represents a general trend in the life sciences, as theoreticians of biology diagnosed that it would be years ago (Sarkar, 2005; Keller 2005), or whether it is a less wide‐reaching phenomenon. Here, I present and discuss findings from an analysis of publications in reproductive genetics that could help to resolve this question. These findings indicate that although several individual articles from this field embrace systems approaches in a broad sense, most publications actually deal with relatively simple models of cause–effect relationships. The study also revealed that the complexity of models correlates with the types of technique and equipment used in the laboratory. Theoreticians studying the philosophy and history of molecular genetics and its epistemologies hold that molecular biology and genetics were largely inspired by the reductionist approach of the 1960s and 1970s, which stated that all living processes should be explicable on the basis of the molecules involved and their interactions. The 1980s, however, witnessed a move away from reductionism towards a systems approach in genetics (Sarkar, 2005; Kay, 2000; Keller, 2002, 2005). Some have associated the beginning of this development with the advent of the information sciences and their influence on …
A morphological investigation of Neidium temperei Reimer (Bacillariophyta), and a consideration of its systematic placement

Species previously assigned to the genus Neidium Pfitzer have recently undergone some revision, with the creation of a new genus Neidiomorpha Lange-Bertalot & Cantonati in Cantonati et al. [Cantonati M., Lange-Bertalot H. & Angeli N. 2010. Neidiomorpha gen. nov. (Bacillariophyta): A new freshwater diatom genus separated from Neidium Pfitzer. Botanical Studies 51: 195–202]. One species currently in Neidium is N. temperei Reimer (Reimer C.W. 1959. The diatom genus Neidium. I. New species, new records, and taxonomic revisions. Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia 111: 1–36), which is of interest because it shares important morphological characteristics with both genera. We present light and scanning electron micrographs of this species from populations in northern Michigan. The most notable characteristic shared between N. temperei and Neidiomorpha is that the external proximal raphe ends are not oppositely deflected. However, N. temperei shares other characteristics that differenti...
A large university medical center delivery system for therapeutic apheresis services

The clinical applications of therapeutic apheresis (TA) encompass a broad spectrum. Diversity exists not only in the age and acuity of patients treated, but also in the range of therapeutic approaches and technology. Particularly over the past decade, there has been rapid expansion of TA for primary, adjuvant, and empiric therapies for myriad clinical settings. Recognizing this context, it is not surprising that a variety of delivery models for providing TA services have emerged. In this paper, the structure of an apheresis service at a large academic university hospital will be described to illustrate one example of an effective apheresis delivery model. Alternatives to this delivery model are certainly possible. The discussion will also indicate where some organizational variations may occur within this category of facility.
Response of bovine γδ T cells to activation through CD3

Abstract Since the T cell receptor of γδ T cells is associated with CD3 molecules, it is a reasonable postulate that signal transduction through CD3 would occur in γδ T cells as it does in αβ T cells. However, while a small percentage of bovine γδ T cells divided in cultures of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in response to stimulation by anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody (mAb) the majority of viable γδ T cells at the end of the culture period had not. This was assessed by carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester (CFSE) loading of cells and flow cytometric analysis here and previously [Res. Vet. Sci. 69 (2000) 275]. When intracytoplasmic staining for interferon-γ (IFN-γ) was also used here to assess activation through CD3, a small proportion of γδ T cells (approximately 14%) produced IFN-γ during the first 4 h of culture and by 72 h of culture that number had doubled. By comparison, a much larger proportion of CD4 and CD8 T cells stimulated with anti-CD3 mAb divided and although the percentage of CD4 and CD8 T cells that produced IFN-γ at 4 h was similar to that of γδ T cells, by 72 h the majority of CD4 and CD8 T cells were IFN-γ + . Addition of IL-2 did not increase the proportion of γδ T cells that responded to anti-CD3 stimulation by cell division. To test the hypothesis that γδ T cells were inhibited from responding by other mononuclear cell populations within PBMC, monocytes were removed from the PBMC or γδ T cells were purified by magnetic-bead sorting. Only a small distinct population of the sorted cells underwent multiple cell divisions in response to anti-CD3 mAb and removal of monocytes resulted in only a moderate increase in γδ T cell replication. The anti-CD3 mAb stimulation system may provide a useful system to evaluate the difference in the requirements for activation and clonal expansion for γδ T cells versus αβ T cells.
The validation of a petition by a sample survey

A student petition needs K signatures to be approved, A total of N signatures are obtained. This paper deals with the question: Are there more than K distinct signatures among the N? Because of time and cost factors, we shall base our inference on the number of invalid signatures in a random sample of n signatures.
Excitation energies in 33P

Abstract Precision excitation energy measurements up to 6.56 MeV in 33 P are reported. Twentyfive levels are observed with the 30 Si( α , p) 33 P reaction.
A device for measuring patterns of locomotor behavior in the earthworm

A simple device capable of eliciting and detecting earthworm locomotor activity is described and its use outlined. Movement is recorded as an animal crawls in a spoked, revolving wheel. The wheel permits peristaltic crawling, yet restricts the type and timing of other movements. As a result, records of activity differentiate the rate and patterning of peristaltic crawling from changes in bodily position.
The effect of rotary inertia and shear deformation on the frequency and normal mode equations of uniform beams carrying a concentrated mass

Abstract New frequency equations for transverse vibrations of Timoshenko beams carrying a concentrated mass at an arbitrary point along the beam are given. Normal mode equations for the hinged-hinged beam are given and the orthogonality condition is presented for beams with hinged, clamped or free ends. A numerical example is given and frequency charts show the effects of varying the size and location of the concentrated mass.
Mechanochemical coupling in the myosin motor domain. I. Insights from equilibrium active-site simulations.

Although the major structural transitions in molecular motors are often argued to couple to the binding of Adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the recovery stroke in the conventional myosin has been shown to be dependent on the hydrolysis of ATP. To obtain a clearer mechanistic picture for such “mechanochemical coupling” in myosin, equilibrium active-site simulations with explicit solvent have been carried out to probe the behavior of the motor domain as functions of the nucleotide chemical state and conformation of the converter/relay helix. In conjunction with previous studies of ATP hydrolysis with different active-site conformations and normal mode analysis of structural flexibility, the results help establish an energetics-based framework for understanding the mechanochemical coupling. It is proposed that the activation of hydrolysis does not require the rotation of the lever arm per se, but the two processes are tightly coordinated because both strongly couple to the open/close transition of the active site. The underlying picture involves shifts in the dominant population of different structural motifs as a consequence of changes elsewhere in the motor domain. The contribution of this work and the accompanying paper [36] is to propose the actual mechanism behind these “population shifts” and residues that play important roles in the process. It is suggested that structural flexibilities at both the small and large scales inherent to the motor domain make it possible to implement tight couplings between different structural motifs while maintaining small free-energy drops for processes that occur in the detached states, which is likely a feature shared among many molecular motors. The significantly different flexibility of the active site in different X-ray structures with variable level arm orientations supports the notation that external force sensed by the lever arm may transmit into the active site and influence the chemical steps (nucleotide hydrolysis and/or binding).
An x-ray absorption spectroscopy determination of the morphology of palladium particles in K L-zeolite

Abstract Particle morphologies for 2 and 3 wt% Pd/K L-zeolite have been determined using X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). X-ray absorption near edge structure–temperature programmed reduction (XANES-TPR) was used to check for the presence of unreduced palladium cations in the locked cages after reduction. A series of calculations were performed to determine coordination numbers for the first three coordination shells for different ideal particle morphologies (spherical, hemispherical, cylindrical, and disc-like). The X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) results suggest the formation of ∼10 and 16 atom disc-like particles, for 2 and 3 wt% Pd/K L-zeolite, respectively. The lattice expansion for the 3 wt% Pd/K L-zeolite is consistent with chemisorption and TPD of hydrogen and indicates a bulk hydride formation. The effects of morphology and metal support interaction on neopentane conversion over these catalysts are briefly discussed.
A Cuban Success Story: Urban Agriculture

The collapse of Soviet-style “industrial” agriculture in Cuba following the end of deliveries of agricultural machinery, spare parts, petroleum, and petroleum derivatives from COMECON countries at ...
ARE THE ITEM RESPONSE PATTERNS OF TWO GROUPS OF EXAMINEES CONSISTENT WITH A DIFFERENCE IN THE DISTRIBUTION OF A UNIDIMENSIONAL LATENT VARIABLE

If one group of examinees can be described as having generally higher ability to respond correctly to the items on an exam than some other group – where ability is defined by an unidimensional item response model – then the observable distributions of item responses must satisfy certain constraints. Standard statistical methods for discrete data may be used to test the consistency of these constraints with observed data. In an example, the observed pattern of item responses is found to be inconsistent with a difference in the distribution of a unidimensional latent variable.
Space, scale, and regional inequality in provincial China: A spatial filtering approach

This paper investigates regional inequality and development in China's Guangdong province by employing the multi-scale and multi-mechanism framework. The study further examines the relationship between space, scale, and regional inequality by applying a spatial filtering method that eliminates spatial dependence of the data and quantifies the extent to which spatial effects have contributed to regional inequality at multiple scales. The results suggest that over 90% of the divide between the core of the Pearl River Delta (PRD) and the periphery areas of Guangdong province can be explained by the effect of strengthening spatial dependence. By incorporating spatial filters in space-time models, we also reveal the space-time and core-periphery heterogeneities of development mechanisms. Our study confirms that the integration of a multi-scale and multi-mechanism framework and rigorous spatial analysis methods, such as spatial filtering and space-time modeling, helps better understand the complexity of regional development in China.
Helper-dependent Adenovirus-mediated Short Hairpin RNA Expression in the Liver Activates the Interferon Response

The use of RNA interference has proven to be an effective means to study the function of genes. Constitutive synthesis of small interfering RNA molecules can be accomplished with the use of viral vectors expressing short hairpin RNA (shRNA). Binding of shRNA to the target mRNA promotes transcript degradation. So far, little is known about the effects that shRNA induce in vivo. To determine the feasibility of using helper-dependent adenoviral vectors for expression of shRNA in liver, we have designed an shRNA construct to mouse fabp5 (fatty acid-binding protein 5). Intravenous administration of this vector resulted in ∼75% silencing of fabp5. Increasing the dose of vector did not result in higher levels of silencing, indicating that there is a threshold for the level of knockdown that can be achieved. Synthesis of high levels of shRNA molecules did not alter the levels of cellular micro-RNA, such as miR-122 and let-7a, suggesting that the exportin-5 pathway was not affected. However, high level shRNA expression resulted in activation of the interferon response. Thus, an important consideration when using shRNA-based vectors in vivo is to closely monitor signs of interferon-stimulated gene expression, since a narrow window exists between gene silencing efficacy and nonspecific effects.
Common Integration Sites for MMTV in Viral Induced Mouse Mammary Tumors

The paradigm of mammary cancer induction by the mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) is used to illustrate the body of evidence that supports the hypothesis that mammary epithelial stem/progenitor cells represent targets for oncogenic transformation. It is argued that this is not a special case applicable only to MMTV-induced mammary cancer, because MMTV acts as an environmental mutagen producing random interruptions in the somatic DNA of infected cells by insertion of proviral DNA copies. In addition to disrupting the host genome, the proviral DNA also influences gene expression through its associated enhancer sequences over significant inter-genomic distances. Genes commonly affected by MMTV insertion in multiple individual tumors include, the Wnt, FGF, RSpo gene families as well as eIF3e and Notch4. All of these gene families are known to play essential roles in stem cell maintenance and behavior in a variety of organs. The MMTV-induced mutations accumulate in cells that are long-lived and possess the properties of stem cells, namely, self-renewal and the capacity to produce divergent epithelial progeny through asymmetric division. The evidence shows that epithelial cells with these properties are present in normal mammary glands, may be infected with MMTV, become transformed to produce epithelial hyperplasia through MMTV-induced mutagenesis and progress to frank mammary malignancy. Retroviral marking via MMTV proviral insertion demonstrates that this process progresses from a single mammary epithelial cell that possesses all of the features ascribed to tissue-specific stem cells.
Towards virtualizing the helpdesk: assessing the relevance of knowledge across distance

Managers of information systems face a knowledge crisis as they operate in increasingly heterogeneous, hostile, expertise-poor environments. This problem is compounded for small organizations. This paper presents results from field research on the feasibility of fostering cross-organizational knowledge sharing in order to expand access to expertise for pernicious problems while minimizing the loss of context, such as situational and environmental factors, that impacts the usefulness of solutions. This essentially creates a virtual, cross-organizational helpdesk.In order to understand the utility of such a system we explore how employees' satisfaction with helpdesk articles changes as the source of the articles moves further away from local creation to generic solutions. Our findings suggest that procedurally-based information available within major Internet repositories tends to be the most highly relevant and valued within organizations. However, when no documentation is available from manufacturers, information contributed by partner sites is more effective than those solely developed in-house. This paper suggests strategies for reusing information to impact work within small organizations.
Photolytic hydrogenation of the polyynes C6H2, C8H2, C10H2, and C12H2 in n-hexane with 253.6 nm radiation

Abstract The polyynes C 6 H 2 , C 8 H 2 , C 10 H 2 , and C 12 H 2 in n -hexane exposed to 253.6 nm radiation “disappear” much faster in air-free solutions than in solutions in equilibrium with air. These observations suggest that the disappearance is due to reaction of the polyyne molecules in the ground state with a photolytically produced chemical species which in solutions in equilibrium with air is overwhelmingly scavenged by dissolved O 2 . Although no hydrogenation products were firmly established the most likely chemical is atomic hydrogen.
Nd:MgO:LiNbO 3 spectroscopy and laser devices

Laser oscillation in Nd:MgO:LiNbO3 has been demonstrated. Thresholds as low as 3.6 mW and slope efficiencies up to 39% were achieved in a resonantly pumped miniature device. The electro-optical and nonlinear-optical properties of the host were also used to make active internal Q-switched and self-frequency-doubled lasers. Photorefractive damage is shown to be greatly suppressed compared with that for non-MgO-doped material. Absorption spectra, fluorescence spectra, and lifetime measurements are also reported.
Variations of polar mesospheric oxygen and ozone during auroral events.

Temporal solutions of photochemical equations describing ozone and atomic oxygen distribution in oxygen atmosphere in polar regions
The Effect of Transition Modules on New Graduate Adaptation

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of educational modules to aid new graduate nurses in adapting to the work environment. An experimental group of new graduates (n = 63) and their controls (n = 58) from eight hospitals were given Corwin's Role Conception Scale, Seeman's Powerlessness Scale, Benner's Clinical Skills Inventory, and Munson's Job Satisfaction Index to measure adaptation at entry to work and 6 months later. The effects of the educational modules were determined by the adaptation measures, cognitive tests, and a Nursing Service Questionnaire. After 6 months in the work setting, the experimental group had less discrepancy between their desired and existing level of clinical skill (p less than .05) and a greater orientation to bureaucratic expectations than controls (p less than .01), as well as an increase in job satisfaction (p less than .05) and a decrease in role deprivation (p less than .05). In addition, the impact on turnover saved hospitals an average of $3,178 for every 10 new graduates they hired.
Landscape Archaeology and the Medieval Countryside: Settlement and Abandonment in the Nemea Region

This paper examines the processes of settlement and abandonment of the medieval countryside as revealed by archaeological surveys undertaken in southern Greece. The Nemea region, the focus of an intensive archaeological survey, serves as a case study. Early archaeological surveys approached this time period primarily from a historical point of view. Political history provided the textual frame while the archaeological data were expected to “fill in” the gaps of the historical record. In contrast, in the last twenty-five years the second generation of surveys has taken an active interest in the archaeological documentation of the medieval countryside. The settlement trends observed in Nemea are viewed as manifestations of a variety of political, social, and economic processes.
Optimized Multisite Ventricular Pacing in Postoperative Single-Ventricle Patients

Ventricular dyssynchrony is associated with morbidity and mortality after palliation of a single ventricle. The authors hypothesized that resynchronization with optimized temporary multisite pacing postoperatively would be safe, feasible, and effective. Pacing was assessed in the intensive care unit within the first 24 h after surgery. Two unipolar atrial pacing leads and four bipolar ventricular pacing leads were placed at standardized sites intraoperatively. Pacing was optimized to maximize mean arterial pressure. The protocol tested 11 combinations of the 4 different ventricular lead sites, 6 atrioventricular delays (50–150 ms), and 14 intraventricular delays. Optimal pacing settings were thus determined and ultimately compared in four configurations: bipolar, unipolar, single-site atrioventricular pacing, and intrinsic rhythm. Each patient was his or her own control, and all pacing comparisons were implemented in random sequence. Single-ventricle palliation was performed for 17 children ages 0–21 years. Pacing increased mean arterial pressure (MAP) versus intrinsic rhythm, with the following configurations: bipolar multisite pacing increased MAP by 2.2 % (67.7 ± 2.4 to 69.2 ± 2.4 mmHg; p = 0.013) and unipolar multisite pacing increased MAP by 2.8 % (67.7 ± 2.4 to 69.6 ± 2.7 mmHg; p = 0.002). Atrioventricular single-site pacing increased MAP by 2.1 % (67.7 ± 2.4 to 69.1 ± 2.5 mmHg: p = 0.02, insignificant difference under Bonferroni correction). The echocardiographic fractional area change in nine patients increased significantly only with unipolar pacing (32 ± 3.1 to 36 ± 4.2 %; p = 0.02). No study-related adverse events occurred. Multisite pacing optimization is safe and feasible in the early postoperative period after single-ventricle palliation, with improvements in mean arterial pressure and fractional area shortening. Further study to evaluate clinical benefits is required.
Some new chelating agents containing nitrogen and sulfur donors

Five new potentially octadentate chelating agents have been prepared by the reaction of mercaptoethylamine with bis-aldehydes. Each of the resulting compounds contains four amine nitrogen donor atoms and four thioether sulfur donor atoms. The compounds prepared are [(H2NC2H4S)2CH]2 (H2NC2H4S)2CHCH2CH(SC2H4NH2)2, [(H2NC2G4S)2CHCH2]2 (H2NC2H4S2CH(CH2)3CH(SC2H4NH2)2, and C6H4[CH(SC2H4NH2)2]2. These compounds have been characterized via elemental analysis, infrared absorption, and proton NMR spectra of their tetrahydrochlorides. The analyses and spectra show clearly that the final products of the syntheses do not contain any Schiff base compounds or thiazolidine ring structures, each of which might have been a possible major reaction product under different reaction conditions.
Characterization of a new isoform of the NFAT (nuclear factor of activated T cells) gene family member NFATc.

The cyclosporin A (CsA)/FK506-sensitive nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) plays a key role in the inducible expression of cytokine genes in T cells. Although NFAT has been recently shown to be inducible in several non-T immune cells, the NFAT gene family members characterized to date have been isolated only from T cells. To further characterize NFAT function in human B cells and to demonstrate cytokine gene specificity of NFAT proteins, we report here the isolation and characterization of a cDNA clone from the Raji B cell line. The cDNA clone encodes a new isoform, NFATc.β, of the NFAT gene family member NFATc (designated here NFATc.α). The amino acid sequence of NFATc.β differs from that of NFATc.α in the first NH2-terminal 29 residues and contains an additional region of 142 residues at the COOH terminus. Northern analysis using a probe encompassing a common region of both isoforms showed two mRNA species of 2.7 and 4.5 kilobase pairs, while an NFATc.β-specific probe detected only the 4.5-kilobase pair mRNA which was preferentially expressed in the spleen. Transient expression of NFATc.β was capable of activating an interleukin-2 NFAT-driven reporter gene in stimulated Jurkat cells in a CsA-sensitive manner. However, NFATc.β neither bound to the κ3 element (an NFAT-binding site) in the tumor necrosis factor-α promoter nor activated the tumor necrosis factor-α promoter in cotransfection assays. These data suggest that different members or isoforms of NFAT gene family may regulate inducible expression of different cytokine genes.
Dominant negative Rab3D inhibits amylase release from mouse pancreatic acini

Rab3 proteins are believed to play an important role in regulated exocytosis and previous work has demonstrated the presence of Rab3D on pancreatic zymogen granules. To further understand the function of Rab3D in acinar cell exocytosis, adenoviral constructs were prepared encoding hemagglutinin-tagged wild type Rab3D and three mutant forms, N135I and T36N (both deficient in guanine nucleotide binding) and Q81L (deficient in GTP hydrolysis), which also expressed enhanced green fluorescent protein driven by a separate promoter. When isolated mouse pancreatic acini were cultured with 5 x 10(6) pfu/ml adenovirus, nearly 100% of acini were infected as visualized by expression of green fluorescent protein. Cultured acini showed a biphasic dose-response to cholecystokinin (CCK); basal amylase secretion was 1.8 +/- 0.3%/30 min, peak release was 7.3 +/- 0.2%/30 min at 30 pm CCK and reduced secretion was observed at higher CCK concentrations. Control beta-galactosidase virus infection had no effect on either basal or CCK-induced secretion in the titer range from 0.5 to 10 x 10(6) pfu/ml. While the expression of Rab3D and Rab3D Q81L had no effect on amylase secretion, Rab3D N135I and T36N functioned as dominant negative mutants and inhibited CCK-induced amylase release by 40-50% at all points on the CCK dose-response curve from 3 to 300 pm. Inhibition was stronger during the first 5 min (71 +/- 5%) than over 30 min (36%+/-5%). Similar inhibition was found using other agonists including bombesin, carbachol, and cAMP. Localization of adenoviral expressed Rab protein showed wild type Rab3D localized to zymogen granules. The two dominant negative mutants did not localize to granules and were primarily in the basolateral region of the cell. Since both dominant negative Rab3D mutants had no effect on intracellular calcium increase induced by CCK, it is unlikely that they acted at receptors or transmembrane signaling. These results suggest that Rab3D plays an important role in regulating the terminal steps of acinar exocytosis and that this effect is greatest on the early phase of amylase release.
Canonical Notch Signaling Is Dispensable for Early Cell Fate Specifications in Mammals

The canonical Notch signaling pathway mediated by Delta- and Jagged-like Notch ligands determines a variety of cell fates in metazoa. In Caenorhabditis elegans and sea urchins, canonical Notch signaling is essential for different cell fate specifications during early embryogenesis or the formation of endoderm, mesoderm, or ectoderm germ layers. Transcripts of Notch signaling pathway genes are present during mouse blastogenesis, suggesting that the canonical Notch signaling pathway may also function in early mammalian development. To test this directly, we used conditional deletion in oocytes carrying a ZP3Cre recombinase transgene to generate mouse embryos lacking both maternal and zygotic protein O-fucosyltransferase 1, a cell-autonomous and essential component of canonical Notch receptor signaling. Homozygous mutant embryos derived from eggs lacking Pofut1 gene transcripts developed indistinguishably from the wild type until approximately embryonic day 8.0, a postgastrulation stage after the formation of the three germ layers. Thus, in contrast to the case with C. elegans and sea urchins, canonical Notch signaling is not required in mammals for earliest cell fate specifications or for formation of the three germ layers. The use of canonical Notch signaling for early cell fate specifications by lower organisms may represent co-option of a regulatory pathway originally used later in development by all metazoa.
Mindfulness-based stress reduction for Tourette syndrome and chronic tic disorder: A pilot study

Abstract Objective In this pilot study we sought to develop and test a modified form of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR-tics) for the treatment of Tourette Syndrome (TS) and Chronic Tic Disorder (CTD). Our specific aims were: 1) To determine the feasibility and acceptability of an 8-week trial of MBSR-tics in individuals 16 and older with TS or CTD and 2) To determine the efficacy of an 8-week trial of MBSR-tics in individuals 16 and older with TS or CTD. Methods Eighteen individuals age 16–67 completed an uncontrolled open trial of MBSR-tics. The intervention consisted of 8 weekly 2-hour classes and one 4 hour retreat in the fifth or sixth week of the program. Symptomatic assessments were performed at baseline, post-treatment, and one-month follow-up. Results MBSR-tics proved to be a feasible and acceptable intervention. It resulted in significant improvement in tic severity and tic-related impairment. 58.8% of subjects were deemed treatment responders. Therapeutic gains were maintained at 1-month follow-up. Improvements in tic severity were correlated with increases in self-reported levels of mindfulness. Conclusions This small open pilot study provides preliminary support for the feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of MBSR-tics for individuals 16 or older with TS or CTD. A larger randomized controlled trial with blind assessment is necessary to confirm these initial, promising findings. Trial Registration Partners Clinical Trials Registry Number 2011P000606 (clinicaltrials.partners.org).
Chronic effects in temperature-controlled application of MRI-monitored interstitial laser therapy

The goal of interstitial laser therapy is to destroy neoplastic tissue through localized heating. Temperature elevations to the necrotic coagulation threshold of about 60 degree(s)C cause the induction of irreversible, as well as, reversible alterations to tissues. While chronic effects prevail days following the treatment, the relevant issue from the perspective of magnetic resonance imaging-monitoring of laser therapy, is the ability of MRI in detecting these effects. In this study time-course MRI images of rabbit musculature, treated with 'temperature controlled' Nd:YAG laser irradiation were correlated with histological changes. The MRI appearance of the interstitial laser lesion can be divided into three categories of acute, sub- acute, and chronic. The dynamics of chronic lesion development, including variations in shape, size and composition of the lesion were successfully documented by T2-weighted spin echo MRI.
Effect of cardiopulmonary bypass on cefazolin disposition

Cefazolin kinetics was studied in 8 patients the day before (PREOP), during (SURG), and the day after (POSTOP) cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) surgery. PREOP (48.6 ml/min) and POSTOP (46.6 ml/min) total body clearances were of the same order and both were greater than the SURG (27.4 ml/min) total body clearance. Since cefazolin is almost entirely eliminated by the kidney, the lower SURG clearance is a result of reduced renal elimination, as confirmed by measuring cefazolin SURG (28.7 ml/min) and POSTOP (52.9 ml/min) renal clearance. The reduction in cefazolin renal elimination was the same throughout the surgical procedure, including the period of extracorporeal circulation. Cefazolin distribution was altered by the operative procedure as evidence by a higher SURG steady-state volume of distribution. This increase in apparent cefazolin distribution volume brought about by surgery was not seen with cephalothin, which was investigated by us in a similar group of patients. The different effect of CPB surgery on cefazolin and cephalothin distribution may be due to differences in plasma protein binding.
Evolution and function of the TCR Vgamma9 chain repertoire: It’s good to be public

Lymphocytes expressing a T cell receptor (TCR) composed of Vgamma9 and Vdelta2 chains represent a minor fraction of human thymocytes. Extrathymic selection throughout post-natal life causes the proportion of cells with a Vgamma9-JP rearrangement to increase and elevates the capacity for responding to non-peptidic phosphoantigens. Extrathymic selection is so powerful that phosphoantigen-reactive cells comprise about 1 in 40 circulating memory T cells in healthy adults and the subset expands rapidly upon infection or in response to malignancy. Skewing of the gamma delta TCR repertoire is accompanied by selection for public gamma chain sequences such that many unrelated individuals overlap extensive in their circulating repertoire. This type of selection implies the presence of a monomorphic antigen-presenting molecule that is an object of current research but remains incompletely defined. While selection on a monomorphic presenting molecule may seem unusual, similar mechanisms shape the alpha beta T cell repertoire including the extreme examples of NKT or mucosal-associated invariant T cells (MAIT) and the less dramatic amplification of public Vbeta chain rearrangements driven by individual MHC molecules and associated with resistance to viral pathogens. Selecting and amplifying public T cell receptors whether alpha beta or gamma delta, are important steps in developing an anticipatory TCR repertoire. Cell clones expressing public TCR can accelerate the kinetics of response to pathogens and impact host survival.
The kinetics of methyl linoleate emulsion autoxidation in the presence of polyhydroxy compounds

The kinetics of the autoxidation of methyl linoleate emulsions activated by carbohydrates likely to be present in meat, with special reference to the effects of functional groups, number of carbon atoms and configuration have been investigated by the rate of oxygen uptake. On the basis of equimolar concentrations of aldoses in the system, oxidation rate of methyl linoleate increases as the number of carbon atoms in the sugar molecule decreases, reaching a maximum in the presence of glyceraldehyde. Configuration of the aldose has a slight effect on the oxidation rate of methyl linoleate emulsions. At comparable molar ratios of hexose to methyl linoleate, the rate of oxidation was found to be: ketohexose > aldohexose > hexahydroxy alcohol. Replacement of the primary alcohol group in an aldohexose with a methyl group decreases the oxidation rate of methyl linoleate emulsion. An opposite effect is observed when the primary alcohol group is substituted with a carboxyl group, i.e., in the presence of sodium glucuronate. 2-Deoxy-D-glucose and 2-deoxy-D-ribose exhibit a lesser effect on the autoxidation of methyl linoleate emulsion than glucose and ribose, respectively. Oxidation rates in the presence of reducing disaccharides, maltose, lactose and cellobiose, are more rapid than in the presence of the non-reducing disaccharide sucrose.
On the Pseudomultiplicity of Pressure Swing Adsorption Periodic States

Pseudomultiplicity of periodic states in pressure swing adsorption (PSA) is illustrated with a simple cycle. Pseudomultiplicity in PSA is defined by the existence of at least two different periodic states for a single PSA operating specification, such as fixed sorbent productivity, while product purity or product recovery may vary. Non-isothermal behavior, number of components, isotherm nonlinearities, and cycle complexity are considered requirements for conventional multiplicity in PSA, defined by different periodic states depending only on the initial condition of the beds, for the same input variables. The examples presented here, obtained with a simple model, show that pseudomultiplicity in PSA is neither a consequence of system nonlinearities described above nor the result of wave interactions due to cycle step complexity.
Identification of the Major Tyrosine Kinase Substrate in Signaling Complexes Formed after Engagement of Fcγ Receptors

Abstract We have recently identified the protein product of the c- cbl proto-oncogene as an SH3 binding protein expressed in macrophages. To investigate the possibility that p120is involved in signaling pathways initiated by cell surface receptors for IgG (FcR), lysates of HL60 cells were examined for tyrosine phosphorylation of p120upon FcR engagement. Our findings demonstrate that p120is tyrosine-phosphorylated upon FcR engagement and that this molecule represents the major tyrosine kinase substrate in this signaling pathway. Protein complexes containing p120, p72, and p56 were observed either in resting or activated cells. In vitro studies showed that the direct association between p120and p56 was mediated by the SH3 domain of p56.
Reactions of phthalonitriles with carbohydrates and alkali: phthalocyanine and oligomer formation

Reducing sugars and sodium hydroxide react with phthalonitrile and 4-methoxyphthalonitrile to form mixtures of the phthalocyanine and oligomers. The oligomers, obtained in yields up to 54%, were deduced to have a structure that is predominantly polyazine with the o-cyanophenyl group as a substituent from elemental analysis and spectral data. Since carbohydrate related compounds lacking the reducing linkage gave no products, it is suggested that the observed reactions require the α-hydroxycarbonyl grouping.
Passive tilt compensation in an FTS using a double-sided flat retroreflector.

An optical configuration for a tilt-compensated Fourier transform spectrometer is presented. An expanded and collimated He-Ne laser beam was passed through the interferometer and the collimated output was observed visually. The double-sided mirror was tilted through angles approaching 1 deg with no apparent degradation in the interference quality.
Solvent Effects. 5. Influence of Cavity Shape, Truncation of Electrostatics, and Electron Correlation on ab Initio Reaction Field Calculations

We describe several improvements to the reaction field model for the ab initio determination of solvation effects. First, the simple spherical cavity model is expanded to include higher-order electrostatic interactions. Second, two new and efficient implementations of the polarizable continuum model (PCM) are described, which allow a more realistic specification of the solute cavity as well as infinite-order electrostatics. Electron correlation effects are evaluated using the B3LYP density functional and Moller−Plesset perturbation theory to second order. An assessment of the importance of these various factors is made by comparing theoretical results to the experimentally known conformational equilibrium between syn and anti forms of furfuraldehyde and the C−C rotational barrier of (2-nitrovinyl)amine. Comparisons are also made with calculations that employ an ellipsoidal cavity with sixth-order electrostatics. Optimization using a simple Onsager model appears to be sufficient to evaluate the important g...
A Simple Parallel Photochemical Reactor for Photodecomposition Studies

In recent years, environmental cleanup has been one of the most active areas in heterogeneous photocatalysis. In this article, we describe a simple and useful parallel photochemical reactor to study the photodecomposition reactions with catalyst under visible-light irradiation. This apparatus can be easily set up and used in the high-school education or an undergraduate laboratory for experiments on the study of environmentally relevant photocatalysis.
Site-specific synthesis and characterization of oligonucleotides containing an N6-(2-deoxy-D-erythro-pentofuranosyl)-2,6-diamino-3,4-dihydro-4-oxo-5-N-methylformamidopyrimidine lesion, the ring-opened product from N7-methylation of deoxyguanosine.

A phosphoramidite reagent of N6-(2-deoxy-d-erythro-pentofuranosyl)-2,6-diamino-1,4-dihydro-4-oxo-5-N-methylformamidopyrimidine (MeFapy-dGuo) lesions was synthesized in four steps from 2′-deoxyguanosine. Fapy nucleosides can rearrange to the pyranose form when the 5′-hydroxyl group is unprotected. The phosphoramidite was incorporated into oligonucleotides using solid-phase synthesis by adjusting the deprotection time for removal of the 5′-dimethoxytrityl group of the MeFapy-dGuo nucleotide, thereby minimizing its rearrangement to the ribopyranose. The furanose and pyranose forms were differentiated by a series of two-dimensional NMR experiments.
252Cf Plasma desorption mass spectrometry at low acceleration voltages using the electrostatic particle guide

Abstract A 252Cf plasma desorption mass spectrometer was constructed in order to investigate the feasibility of operating at low acceleration voltages while maintaining intensity and minimizing distortions in line shape of the time-of-flight spectrum. This spectrometer uses an electrostatic particle guide (EPG), which consists of two concentric cylinders that electrostatically capture ions in a spiral orbit as the ions travers the flight path. Experimental results show that, at accceleration voltages as low as +5 V, ions can be transmitted to the detector with high efficiency. Fringe fields at the entrance of the EPG cause shifts in time-of-flight and broadening of spectrum peaks. These fringe-field effects can be eliminated by operating the EPG in a time-dependent mode synchronized with the 252Cf fission event.
Assessment of hypersensitivity reactions in patients receiving carbapenem antibiotics who report a history of penicillin allergy

AbstractBackground:The use of carbapenem antibacterials in patients with a claimed history of penicillin allergy is somewhat controversial. This study aimed to examine the rates of presumed hypersensitivity reactions in a large cohort of patients receiving carbapenem antibiotics.Methods:A retrospective chart review was performed on all adult patients who received a carbapenem in a teaching hospital from June 2011 to June 2012. Information procured included listed penicillin allergy and reaction if known, type of carbapenem received, and any allergic reaction during that admission.Results:Nine-hundred and fifty eight patients who received a carbapenem antimicrobial were reviewed. Five patients developed a presumed reaction to carbapenem: one in the penicillin allergy group and four in the non-allergic group. There were no statistical or numerical differences in rates of reaction between the two groups.Conclusion:Patients with a claimed history of penicillin allergy were not more likely to develop a presume...
SKED-controlled experimentation in an undergraduate instructional laboratory

A SKED-based facility for undergraduate instructional research has been operating for over a year. The two-computer approach, with one machine for programming and the other for running experiments, is used. Criteria for computerized undergraduate research laboratories, benefits of SKED, and the two-computer approach are discussed.
Exploding Head Syndrome

Exploding head syndrome is characterized by the perception of abrupt, loud noises when going to sleep or waking up. They are usually painless, but associated with fear and distress. In spite of the fact that its characteristic symptomatology was first described approximately 150 y ago, exploding head syndrome has received relatively little empirical and clinical attention. Therefore, a comprehensive review of the scientific literature using Medline, PsycINFO, Google Scholar, and PubMed was undertaken. After first discussing the history, prevalence, and associated features, the available polysomnography data and five main etiological theories for exploding head syndrome are summarized. None of these theories has yet reached dominance in the field. Next, the various methods used to assess and treat exploding head syndrome are discussed, as well as the limited outcome data. Finally, recommendations for future measure construction, treatment options, and differential diagnosis are provided.
Balancing register pressure and context-switching delays in ASTI systems

This paper makes two contributions to Asynchronous Software Thread Integration (ASTI). First, it presents methods to calculate worst-case secondary thread performance statically. This will enable real-time performance guarantees for the system in future work. Second, it improves the run-time performance of integrated threads by partitioning the register file, allowing faster coroutine calls. Determining the ideal partitioning of the register file is non-trivial if the registers are heterogeneous, which is a common case. We use an exhaustive search to explore the limits of performance possible.We have implemented these analyses in our research compiler Thrint and a shell script to create an automated system for design space exploration. We present experimental results showing the secondary thread performance attainable on an 8-bit embedded microcontroller of the AVR architecture. We automatically integrate two embedded protocols (CAN and MIL-STD-1553B) and two secondary threads (PID controller and serial host interface) and find that in most cases the AVR's 32 registers are adequate for both threads with no slowdown. In two cases slowdowns reach 1.8%, a negligible penalty.
Cross-Talk: The Role of Homophily and Elite Bias in Civic Associations

We examine the manner in which voluntary associations expose individuals to differing perspectives, or “cross-talk.” Specifically we develop hypotheses based on the interactive roles of elite bias and homophily in structuring networks of democratic participation and test them on social network data of Los Angeles neighborhood councils. We find that homophily leads to boards less diverse than their communities, but does not lead to homogeneous cliques within boards. Moreover, we find that elite bias and homophily counteract each other in lower-status communities, leading to more diverse boards than would be predicted by homophily alone. We then examine the effects of assortative mixing on political attitudes and collective action, and find weak support for the proposition that associational diversity promotes tolerance and access to information.