cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evidence for breaking domain-domain functional communication in a synthetase-tRNA complex.

We report here evidence for mutations that break domain−domain functional communication in a synthetase−tRNA complex. Each synthetase is roughly divided into two major domains that are paralleled by the two arms of the L-shaped tRNA structure. The active-site-containing domain interacts with the acceptor arm of the tRNA. The second domain frequently interacts with the anticodon-containing arm. By an induced-fit mechanism, contacts with the anticodon can activate formation of a robust transition state at a site over 70 A away. This induced-fit-based activation is thought to occur through domain−domain signaling and is seen by the enhancement of aminoacylation of the anticodon-containing full tRNA versus a substrate based on the acceptor arm alone. Here we describe a rationally designed mutant methionyl-tRNA synthetase containing two point substitutions at sites that potentially link an anticodon-binding motif to the catalytic domain. The double mutation had no effect on interactions with either the isolate...
A three-dimensional electrode for highly efficient electrocoalescence-based droplet merging

Droplet merging is one of the key functions in the ever-widening applications of droplet microfluidics. Enhancing the efficiency of electric field-based droplet merging, namely electrocoalescence, can lead to an increase in platform stability and overcome one of the major bottlenecks in further improving throughputs of droplet microfluidic systems. In this work, a paired three-dimensional (3D) electrode design that can provide a uniform electric field within a droplet merging region, which is also properly aligned with the droplet dipole moments for highly efficient electrocoalescence is presented. A systematic study was conducted to compare the droplet merging performance of the presented 3D electrode design to other commonly used planar electrode, coplanar electrode, dual-coplanar electrode, and liquid metal 3D electrode designs. The presented 3D electrode design reduced the threshold input voltage required to obtain droplet fusion by up to 75%. In addition, a droplet merging efficiency of higher than 95% was consistently observed, compared to less than 85% merging efficiency for the conventionally used electrode designs. We expect that this droplet electrocoalescence design will improve the overall throughput and merging success rate in droplet microfluidic based high-throughput assays.
Establishing criteria to ensure successful feedforward artificial neural network modelling of mechanical systems

The emulation of mechanical systems is a popular application of artificial neural networks in engineering. This paper examines general principles of modelling mechanical systems by feedforward artificial neural networks (FFANNs). The slow convergence issue associated with the highly parallel and redundant structure of FFANN systems is addressed by formulating criteria for constraining network parameters so that FFANNs may be reliably applied to mechanics problems. The existence of the FFANN mechanical model and its stability during construction, with respect to the error in the data, are analyzed. Also, a class of differential equations is analyzed for use with Tikhonov regularization. It is shown that the use of Tikhonov regularization can aid in FFANN data-driven construction with a priori mathematical models of varying degrees of physical fidelity. Criteria to ensure successful FFANN application from an engineering perspective are established.
Big(ger) data in software engineering

"Big Data" analytics has become the next hot topic for most companies - from financial institutions to technology companies to service providers. Likewise in software engineering, data collected about the development of software, the operation of the software in the field, and the users feedback on software have been used before. However, collecting and analyzing this information across hundreds of thousands or millions of software projects gives us the unique ability to reason about the ecosystem at large, and software in general. At no time in history has there been easier access to extremely powerful computational resources as it is today, thanks to the advances in cloud computing, both from the technology and business perspectives. In this technical briefing, we will present the state-of-the-art with respect to the research carried out in the area of big data analytics in software engineering research.
Intermittent Complete Atrioventricular Block Masquerading as Epilepsy in the Mitral Valve Prolapse Syndrome

A 24-year-old white man had a history of "epilepsy" since the age of eight years. Prolapse of the mitral valve was documented by auscultation and echocardiographic and left ventriculographic studies. At 120 hours after stopping therapy with phenobarbital and diphenylhydantoin (Dilantin) sodium, continuous electrocardiographic monitoring (Holter monitor) revealed episodes of complete atrioventricular block lasting up to 23 seconds. The results of hemodynamic studies were normal. The patients' symptoms were all totally corrected by implantation of an epicardial demand pacemaker. This report raises the possibility that sudden death in association with the mitral valve prolapse syndrome may be due to intermittent severe disturbances in conduction, in addition to ventricular arrhythmias.
Study of the influence of interfacial waves on heat transfer in turbulent falling films

Abstract This study explores the influence of interfacial waves on mass, momentum and heat transfer in turbulent, free-falling water films that are subjected to sensible heating. Measured temporal records of film thickness and temperature profile across the film are used to examine the film’s thermal response to the passage of large waves. The temporal variations of liquid temperature and heat transfer coefficient are generally opposite to that of film thickness; the heat transfer coefficient is highest in the substrate regions upstream and downstream of large waves and lowest in the waves themselves. Increasing the film’s Reynolds number increases the mean thickness and wave amplitude, and decreases the wave period, but results in appreciable attenuation in the measured liquid temperature response to the large waves. Using FLUENT, a computational model of the falling film is constructed and its predictions compared to the data. The computed results show good agreement with the measured mean film thickness, wave form and period, and both wall and mean film temperatures. The model captures the measured increase in liquid temperature in the film substrate and decrease corresponding to the large waves, but the predicted temperature response is less attenuated for higher Reynolds numbers than the measured. Velocity predictions point to acceleration of high temperature liquid from the upstream substrate toward the cold region within the large wave before losing the excess heat due to mixing downstream from the wave crest. Overall, the present study demonstrates the effectiveness of computational tools at predicting the hydrodynamic and thermal characteristics of separated flows involving a wavy liquid-vapor interface.
The Relationship Between the Madden–Julian Oscillation and Tropical Cyclone Tornado Clusters

Tropical cyclones (TCs) such as tropical depressions, tropical storms, hurricanes, and their extratropical remnant stages frequently produce tornadoes (TCTORs). These tornadoes are often in clusters and are responsible for considerable property damage and mortality. Recent work has centered on identifying the synoptic-scale features associated with these events. This study is the first to attempt to link the synoptic scale to the intraseasonal scale by examining the impact of the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) on the occurrence of tropical cyclone tornado clusters. Results indicate a contributing but not controlling link between MJO phase and TCTOR occurrence. This work aligns with previous work done on TCs and tornadoes as individual events, but indicates additional research is needed on conditions during MJO phase transitions and the interaction with interannual climate variability on the production of TCTORs.
Skipper, an LTR retrotransposon of Dictyostelium

The complete sequence of a retrotransposon from Dictyostelium discoideum , named skipper , was obtained from cDNA and genomic clones. The sequence of a nearly full-length skipper cDNA was similar to that of three other partially sequenced cDNAs. The corresponding retrotransposon is represented in approximately 15-20 copies and is abundantly transcribed. Skipper contains three open reading frames (ORFs) with an unusual sequence organization, aspects of which resemble certain mammalian retroviruses. ORFs 1 and 3 correspond to gag and pol genes; the second ORF, pro, corresponding to protease, was separated from gag by a single stop codon followed shortly thereafter by a potential pseudoknot. ORF3 (pol) was separated from pro by a +1 frameshift. ORFs 2 and 3 overlapped by 32 bp. The computed amino acid sequences of the skipper ORFs contain regions resembling retrotransposon polyprotein domains, including a nucleic acid binding protein, aspartyl protease, reverse transcriptase and integrase. Skipper is the first example of a retrotransposon with a separate pro gene. Skipper is also novel in that it appears to use stop codon suppression rather than frameshifting to modulate pro expression. Finally, skipper and its components may provide useful tools for the genetic characterization of Dictyostelium.
Mode of anticholinergic action of local anaesthetics.

An examination of the theory of Nachmansohn, that acetylcholine regulates the permeability cycle in excitable cells, has led to the finding that blockade of impulse conduction by local anaesthetics cannot be accepted as proof that a cholinergic mechanism is in operation. Local anaesthetics do not react with the active site of acetylcholine receptors but rather act directly on the movements of ions in cells.
Error correcting code for flash memories

Flash memories have many distinct properties, which affect the design of error correcting codes. In this paper, we combine error correction with rewriting, and present such a code construction based on polar coding.
Surveillance options for patients with uveal melanoma following definitive management

Even though less than 1% of uveal melanoma patients are found to have radiographic or clinical evidence of distant disease at the time of treatment for their intraocular disease, they carry a lifetime risk of disease recurrence, with approximately 50% of patients ultimately developing fatal metastases. Despite this significant risk, there is no consensus within the ophthalmologic or oncologic community regarding the role of surveillance for detection of metastatic disease in these patients. The lack of consensus is due to the notable absence of clear data regarding the best radiologic or serum surveillance modalities, the optimal frequency of testing, or the ideal length of follow-up. Given the ability to assess prognosis by cytogenetics, gene expression profiling, or other methods, questions remain about whether surveillance strategies should be tailored by level of risk. Importantly, no survival benefit from the early detection of asymptomatic disease in uveal melanoma has been documented, resulting in controversy over the value of routine surveillance and advocacy from some clinicians to forego surveillance altogether. However, there are several factors supporting surveillance: the patient's enhanced emotional well-being, the potential to identify oligometastatic disease amenable to surgery or other local therapies, decreased morbidity/complications from advanced disease, and identification of patients eligible for clinical trials that assess novel therapies for advanced uveal melanoma. The selection of surveillance modality used varies according to local expertise and resources and may include serum markers (liver function tests and others) and/or imaging (chest x-ray, abdominal ultrasound, computed tomography, positron emission tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging).
Calcium channel blocker inhibition of the calmodulin-dependent effects of thyroid hormone and milrinone on rabbit myocardial membrane Ca2+-ATPase activity

Abstract The Ca2+-ATPase activity of rabbit myocardial membranes is stimulated in vitro by l -thyroxine and by milrinone, a bipyridine. These effects are concentration dependent and calmodulin requiring. The calcium channel blockers nifedipine and verapamil have been reported to have anticalmodulin effects in other assay systems. In this study we have examined the effects of nifedipine and verapamil on rabbit myocardial membrane Ca2+-ATPase activity, in the absence (basal activity) and presence of exogenous l -thyroxine (T4), 10−10M, and milrinone, 10−7 M. Basal enzyme activity was inhibited by a minimum of 10−6 M nifedipine ( ic 50 of 3.4 × 10−5 M) and 10−5 M verapamil ( ic 50 of 1.5 × 10−4 M). Both calcium antagonists inhibited enzyme stimulation by T4 and milrinone, with halfmaximal inhibition of T4 and milrinone effects, respectively, at 2.9 × 10−5 M and 9.0 × 10−6 M nifedipine and 3.0 × 10−5 M and 5.2 × 10−5 M verapamil. The addition of exogenous purified calmodulin, 40 ng/μg, membrane protein, in the presence of 10−5 M nifedipine or verapamil restored T4-stimulated enzyme activity. Nifedipine and verapamil, each at a concentration of 10−6 M, significantly inhibited binding of radioiodinated calmodulin to rabbit heart membranes in vitro. These studies provide evidence that nifedipine and verapamil have an anti-calmodulin effect in this myocardial enzyme system. Through interaction with calmodulin, the channel blockers inhibit thyroid hormone and milrinone stimulation of myocardial membrane Ca2+-ATPase.
An Intelligent Tutoring System for Argument-Making in Higher Education: A Pilot Study

This paper presents a pilot study on an intelligent tutoring system for domain-independent argument making. Students' responses to an open-ended question were collected as the instances for supervised text classification based on the grade given by the instructor using structured outcome of the learning observation taxonomy. The responses were processed using Cohmetrix as well as n-gram models to generate attributes for the classification task. The best result of 81.74% in classification correct rate was obtained when all grade classes were used.
Hepatic dysfunction increases length of stay and risk of death after injury.

Background The relative importance of dysfunction or failure of different organ systems to recovery from critical illness is unclear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the contribution of hepatic dysfunction to outcome after injury.Methods We retrospectively evaluated patients admitted to ou
Combined T2* and T1 measurements for improved perfusion and permeability studies in high field using dynamic contrast enhancement

This study analyzed the T2* effect of extracellularly distributed gadolinium contrast agents in arterial blood during tumor studies using T1-weighted sequences at high field strength. A saturation-prepared dual echo sequence with echo times of 1.5 and 3.5 ms was employed at 3 T to simultaneously characterize T1 and T2* of arterial blood during bolus administration of Gd-DTPA in 28 patients with body tumors. T2* effect and T1 effect of Gd-DTPA on image intensity of whole blood were calibrated in human blood samples with different concentrations of contrast agent. T2* was used to estimate concentration near the peak of the bolus. T1 was used to measure lower concentrations when T2* was not significant. T2* was measurable on calibration curves for Gd-DTPA concentrations higher than 4 mM. This concentration was exceeded in 18 patients. The mean signal intensity reduction because of T2* effect was estimated at 22±14% of the T2* compensated signal. Using T2* measurements reduced underestimations of peak arterial Gd-DTPA concentration (59±38%) and overestimation of permeability Ktrans (58%). The T2* effect of gadolinium contrast agents should therefore be accounted for when performing tumors study with T1-weighted sequences at high field strength.
The role of C and N in the brittle fracture of Fe-26 Cr

A study of the role of C and N in the brittle fracture of Fe-26 wt pct Cr has been under-taken on alloys containing combined C and N levels of 67 and 570 ppm. Mechanical and microstructural characterization has been performed on structures involving C and N in the states of solute, grain boundary precipitate, and intragranular precipitate (with emphasis on plate-like intragranular nitrides). Fracture mechanisms have been elucidated through microscopic evaluation of electropolished strips pulled in the ductile to brittle transition temperature (DBTT) range. DBTT variations larger than 200°C were observed. The alloys are embrittled by grain boundary carbonitrides and intragranular nitrides. Quenching to suppress precipitation was beneficial to the low C and N alloy but led to severe embrittlement at the higher C and N level. Roles of carbides, nitrides, and twins in microcrack formation were revealed. A relationship between precipitation annealing temperature, embrittlement mode, and DBTT was established.
A covalent vanadium(III) 2-dimensional network and vanadyl chains linked by aryldioxides.

Thermolysis of (iPrO)4V and 2,6-dihydroxynaphthalene in 4-(3-phenylpropyl)pyridine afforded [mer-V(μ2,6-OC10H6O)1.5(4-(3-phenylpropyl)py)3]n (1; C57H54N3O3V, triclinic, P1, a = 10.450(2) A, b = 14...
Turning the corner in segregation

Abstract Segregation, or un-mixing, of particles is a continued source of industrial frustration and can be a costly problem for industries ranging from pharmaceuticals to ceramics to agriculture. Particles that differ in almost any mechanical property—size, density, shape, etc.—have been shown to segregate even when the material itself is otherwise identical. Thus, distributions of mechanical properties can lead to performance issues when processing even “uniform” materials. While the majority of early studies of segregation focused on identifying mechanisms and kinetics of segregation processes, this foundational work has allowed a number of recent studies to aim at minimizing the extent of segregation in several industrially-relevant model systems. In this article, we highlight recent advances in controlling segregation and comment on future avenues of attack.
An XPS study of X-ray-induced dehydrochlorination of oxygen-free PVC

Abstract The mechanism and rate of dehydrochlorination of oxide-free PVC films due to Mg K α X-ray irradiation in vacuum have been studied using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The results show that the photo-dehydrochlorination reaction proceeds according to first-order kinetics and terminates in the formation of conjugate polyene bonds as indicated by change in the film color and chemical shifts in the C 1 s spectrum. Chemically shifted C 1 s Gaussian components vary in intensity and the chemical shift increases with dose. It has also been shown qualitatively that oxygen functional groups contained in PVC accelerate degradation.
87Sr/86Sr ratios in Permo-Carboniferous sea water from the analyses of well-preserved brachiopod shells

Abstract Sr isotopic analyses of well-preserved portions of Permo-Carboniferous brachiopods distributed globally confirm the general shape of the Sr isotope age curve established by previous workers for this time interval. There is little variation between the Sr isotopic composition of unaltered portions of brachiopods and that of portions of the same shell interpreted to be diagenetically altered (based on cathodoluminescence, elemental, and stable isotopic data). However, the Sr isotopic composition in diagenetically altered micritic matrix adjacent to the shell is more radiogenic. The Sr isotopic composition in the unaltered portions of calcitic megafossils has potential as a stratigraphie tool.
Treatment of Raynaud's phenomenon with calcium channel blockers

Raynaud's phenomenon may cause severe digital pain and functional disability, particularly in patients with underlying connective tissue diseases. The pathophysiology of Raynaud's phenomenon is varied, but digital ischemia is an essential element. Because calcium channel blockers cause arteriolar vasodilation and an increase in peripheral blood flow, they have been used to treat patients with Raynaud's phenomenon in several prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials. Verapamil was ineffective in low doses, but both nifedipine and diltiazem produced subjective improvement. In placebo-controlled studies with nifedipine, the frequency of vasospastic episodes per two weeks decreased from 14.7 episodes during placebo therapy to 10.8 during nifedipine therapy (p less than 0.05). This response was more pronounced in patients without underlying vascular disease. Moderate or marked subjective improvement occurred in 60 percent of the patients receiving nifedipine and in only 13 percent of patients receiving placebo. Adverse effects were mild. It is concluded that nifedipine is an effective short-term therapy for most patients with Raynaud's phenomenon.
Epstein-Barr Virus gp350/220 Binding to the B Lymphocyte C3d Receptor Mediates Adsorption, Capping, and Endocytosis

The type 2 complement receptor, CR2, a B lymphocyte surface glycoprotein, is known to be a component of the EBV receptor. We now demonstrate that the major EBV outer membrane glycoprotein, gp350/220, is a highly specific ligand for CR2. EBV or beads coated with purified recombinant gp350/220 adsorb to normal B lymphocytes, cap with CR2, become endocytosed into vesicles, and are released into the cytoplasm. This is the first demonstration of herpesvirus glycoprotein-cell glycoprotein receptor interaction in viral adsorption and penetration. The capping of CR2 in response to virus, gp350/220-coated beads, or anti-CR2 monoclonal antibodies is associated with cocapping of surface immunoglobulin. Interaction between CR2 and surface immunoglobulin may be important in modulating the B cell activation that normally follows EBV infection or exposure to antigen.
The vortex-excited lift and reaction forces on resonantly vibrating cylinders

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to present new experimental results pertaining to the vortex-excited oscillations of bluff cylinders. Measurements of the structural damping and the fluid dynamic reaction or damping in phase opposition with the cylinder's velocity were measured for three cylinders in a wind tunnel. The fluid damping measurements spanned a range of incident flow speeds which included the locking-on of the vortex shedding to the resonant cylinder vibrations. A mathematical representation is proposed wherefrom the components of the lift or excitation force transverse to the incident flow can be obtained once the structural damping and fluid reaction forces are known. The lift component in phase with the cylinder velocity, by which energy is transferred to the system, was measured and is in agreement with analogous measurements in water. The non-linear dependence of the lift force on the cylinder amplitude confirms the “wake-oscillator” hypothesis put forward by several previous investigators.
Prospective Evaluation of Joint Symptoms in Postmenopausal Women Initiating Aromatase Inhibitors for Early Stage Breast Cancer.

Background: Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) are widely prescribed to postmenopausal women for the adjuvant treatment of hormone-sensitive breast cancer. However, musculoskeletal complaints, including joint pain and stiffness, are common, and can lead to nonadherence and treatment discontinuation. The aim of this study was to characterize the natural history of the AI-induced arthralgia syndrome. Methods: Postmenopausal women with stage I-III breast cancer initiating adjuvant AI therapy were enrolled. All patients completed the following questionnaires at baseline and every 3 months for a year: Modified Brief Pain Inventory-Short Form (BPI-SF), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) index and the Modified Assessment of Chronic Rheumatoid Affections of the Hands (M-SACRAH). Higher scores reflect worsening joint symptoms. Quality of life was assessed using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Endocrine Subscale (FACT-ES), where higher scores signify improved well-being. Hand grip strength was measured at each visit with a Martin dynamometer. Paired t-tests were performed to compare follow-up evaluations to baseline. Results: A total of 34 patients have been enrolled to date. Three-month data is available on 22; six-month data on 12. Median age: 60 (42-81); White/Black/Hispanic/Asian: 13/6/2/1; median BMI (kg/m 2 ): 28 (20-43). Compared to baseline, there was a statistically significant increase in BPI pain severity and pain-related interference at 3 and 6 months. Significant changes in the M-SACRAH were seen as early as 3 months, but no difference in grip strength was detected. Participants reported significantly more endocrine-related symptoms on the FACT-ES at 3 and 6 months after initiating AI therapy. Conclusions: Treatment with adjuvant AI therapy is associated with significant worsening of joint pain and stiffness which was seen as early as 3 months and persisted at the 6 month evaluation. Understanding the natural history of this toxicity and validating appropriate measures to be used in interventions to prevent and treat AI-induced arthralgias are critical. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(24 Suppl):Abstract nr 5044.
ZAC1 is up-regulated by hypertonicity and decreases sorbitol dehydrogenase expression, allowing accumulation of sorbitol in kidney cells.

Affymetrix GeneChip technology was employed to detect differentially expressed genes in inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD3) cells grown under isotonic and hypertonic conditions. A marked up-regulation was found for the zinc-finger protein ZAC1 under hypertonic stress (219-fold, p
Effect of Patellar Component Alignment in Total Knee Arthroplasty on Patellar Tracking During In Vitro Simulated Squat

Abnormal patellar tracking is one of the major causes of anterior knee pain and revision surgery after total knee arthroplasty (TKA)1. Patellar tracking after TKA results from several factors including component design, tissue balancing during TKA, shifting of the joint line, and alignment of the patellar and femoral prosthetic components, all of which can lead to anterior knee pain2. The purpose of this study was to observe in vitro the relationship between altered patellar tracking after TKA during a simulated squat activity and the alignment of the patellar component during TKA.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Application of quantum-dots for analysis of nanosystems by either utilizing or preventing FRET

We have developed conjugates with quantum-dots (QDs) for the purpose of analysis of nanosystems that are organic or inorganic in nature such as DNA and carbon nanotubes. First, by employing Florescence Resonant Energy Transfer (FRET) principles, a hybrid molecular beacon conjugates are synthesized. For water- solubilization of QDs, we modified the surface of CdSe-ZnS core-shell QD by using mercaptoacetic acid ligand. This modification does not affect the size of QDs from that of unmodified QDs. After linking molecular beacons to the carboxyl groups of the modified QDs using 1-Ethyl-3- (3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide hydrochloride, hybrid molecular beacons are prepared as a DNA probe. After hybridization with specific target DNA and non-specific target DNA, the hybrid conjugates show high specificity to the target DNA with 5-fold increase in the intensity of fluorescence. By developing atomic model of the conjugates, we calculated with 8 numbers of molecular beacons on a single quantum dots, we could increase the efficiency of FRET up to 90%. In other hands, for application of quantum dots to the carbon nanotubes, FRET is a barrier. Thus, after employing 1 % sodium-dodecyl-sulfonate (SDS), single-walled carbon nanotubes are decorated with QDs at their outer surface. This enables fluorescent microscopy imaging of single-walled carbon nanotubes which is a more common technique than electron microscopy. In summary, QDs can be used for analysis or detection of both organic and inorganic based nanosystems.
Traveler Use of and Response to Real-Time Traffic and Traveler Information: Evidence from Integrated Corridor Management Traveler Surveys in Dallas, Texas, and San Diego, California

This paper presents baseline findings from a panel survey of regular peak hour travelers of the US-75 corridor in Dallas, Texas, and the I-15 corridor in San Diego, California. This survey was conducted as part of the evaluation of the Integrated Corridor Management (ICM) Initiative. The baseline survey, conducted before the deployment of the ICM Initiative, collected data on travelers' typical travel in the corridor, their satisfaction with their peak hour trips, their awareness and use of real-time traffic information, and their satisfaction with the information. In addition, recruited respondents were asked to complete brief pulse surveys administered immediately following incidents in the corridor to measure the use of information and its impact on travel during incident conditions. The surveys provide insights on travelers' use of real-time traffic and travel information and its impact on their travel decisions in two major metropolitan corridors. Through a comparison of the two sites, the findings i...
Mathematics Practice in Carpet Laying

Building upon previous research concerning mathematics practice in everyday situations, this article studies the mathematical concepts and processes used in carpet laying. Mathematics practice in carpet laying is characterized through a discussion of the mathematics used by carpet layers in estimation and installation activities, in an effort to describe and detail how people actively give meaning to and use mathematics in the midst of ongoing activities in relevant settings.
Abstract LB-310: Single cell genome sequencing reveals clonal stability and diversity in breast cancer

Human breast cancers often display intratumor genomic heterogeneity. This clonal diversity confounds the clinical diagnosis and basic research of cancer, because single samples may not represent that tumor as a whole. Sequencing breast tumor cohorts en masse has identified many prevalent mutations, but has limited ability for resolving subclonal diversity. Here, we developed a whole-genome and exome single-cell sequencing approach (Nuc-Seq) using G2/M cells. To validate our method, we applied Nuc-Seq to sequence the whole genomes of two single cells from a genetically monoclonal breast cancer cell line (SK-BR-3) at high coverage depth (61X ± 5 sem, n=2) and breadth (83.70% ± 3.40 sem, n=2) to detect somatic mutations. Our analysis suggests that Nuc-Seq generates low allelic dropout rates (9.73% ± 2.19%) and low false positive error rates for point mutations (FPR = 1.24e-6). We then applied this method to sequence single normal and tumor cells from an estrogen-receptor positive breast cancer and a triple-negative ductal carcinoma at base-pair resolution. In parallel, we performed single cell copy number profiling. In both tumors, we observed a large number of rare variants that were not detected by sequencing the bulk tumor en masse. In contrast, we find that single cell copy number profiles are highly similar. Our data suggest that aneuploid rearrangements occurred early in tumor evolution and remained highly stable as the tumor mass expanded. In contrast we find that point mutations evolved gradually, generating extensive clonal diversity. Many of the diverse mutations were shown to occur at low frequencies (0.03 -10%) in the tumor mass by targeted duplex sequencing. Mathematical modeling suggests that the triple-negative tumor cells have an increased mutation rate (13.3X), while the ER+ tumor cells do not. These findings have important implications for the diagnosis, therapeutic treatment and evolution of chemoresistance in breast cancer. Citation Format: Yong Wang, Nicholas Navin, Jill Waters, Marco Leung, Anna Unruh, Xiuqing Shi, Whijae Roh, Ken Chen, Paul Scheet, Selina Vattathil, Han Liang, Asha Multani, Hong Zhang, Funda Meric-Bernstam, Franziska Michor, Rui Zhao. Single cell genome sequencing reveals clonal stability and diversity in breast cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-310. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-LB-310
Pregnancy impairs the counterregulatory response to insulin-induced hypoglycemia in the dog

The impact of pregnancy on the counterregulatory response to insulin-induced hypoglycemia was examined in six nonpregnant (NP) and six pregnant (P; 3rd trimester) conscious dogs by tracer and arter...
Ice Nuclei from Direct Reaction of Iodine Vapor with Vapors from Leaded Gasoline

Large numbers of ice nuclei, active at -15°C or colder, can be generated by mixing vapors from leaded gasoline with iodine vapor. This reaction will produce 10 6 Aitken nuclei per cubic centimeter in a closed system with a volume of 2 liters. When unleaded gasoline is substituted, no nuclei of either type are detectable.
Some issues in conducting customer satisfaction surveys

Difficulties in conducting effective surveys to address customer satisfaction issues can be a significant problem in marketing practice. Addresses four of the most crucial methodological issues encountered with customer satisfaction surveys, namely sampling frames, quality of survey data and instruments, non‐response problems, and reporting of results and interpretation. Provides implications and guidelines.
From Doing To Undoing: Gender as We Know It

This symposium honors the importance of "doing gender" (West and Zim erman 1987) as a conceptual contribution to social th ught. I offer a critique not of the original concept but of how it has come to be used or, as I argue, misused. First, the concept has been so integrated into the sociological lexicon that the implicit feminist critique embedded within it sometimes disappears entirely. Second, the feminist use of doing gender has become so diffuse that we have created a tautology: whatever groups of boys and girls, or men and women, do is a kind of gender. I argue that the language of doing gender ought to be used carefully and that as society changes, we begin to document the ways in which we find boys and girls, women and men, "undoing gender." Undoing gender is a concept first introduced by Butler (2004) and recently offered with a slightly different twist to Gender & Society readers by Deutsch (2007). I build on Deutsch's work by showing how doing gender research would be improved by more attention to undoing gender. The full incorporation of doing gender as a core concept in sociology has sometimes stripped the concept of the intended feminist implications. I illustrate this with a quote from a Social Forces article by Wilcox and Nock (2006, 1327). They write,
Large Scale Feature Searches of Collections of Medical Imagery

Large scale feature searches of accumulated collections of medical imagery are required for multiple purposes, including clinical studies, administrative planning, epidemiology, teaching, quality improvement, and research. To perform a feature search of large collections of medical imagery, one can either search text descriptors of the imagery in the collection (usually the interpretation), or (if the imagery is in digital format) the imagery itself. At our institution, text interpretations of medical imagery are all available in our VA Hospital Information System. These are downloaded daily into an off-line computer. The text descriptors of most medical imagery are usually formatted as free text, and so require a user friendly database search tool to make searches quick and easy for any user to design and execute. We are tailoring such a database search tool (Liveview), developed by one of the authors (Karshat). To further facilitate search construction, we are constructing (from our accumulated interpretation data) a dictionary of medical and radiological terms and synonyms.
Marked morphological differences in the myenteric plexus between the mesenteric and antimesenteric sides of small bowel in premature infants.

Abstract Background: The gastrointestinal tract appears morphologically prepared for oral feeding by the end of the second trimester, but many of the physiological processes required for efficient enteral nutrition are not developed fully until 33 to 34 weeks' gestation. Myenteric plexus is well recognized as an important regulator of peristaltic activity. Whole-mount preparation technique produces a 3-dimensional picture to better show the neuronal networks branching and interconnections. The aim of this study was to investigate neurone density and morphology of the myenteric plexus in premature infants using whole-mount technique. Methods: Full-thickness small and large bowel specimens were collected at autopsy from 6 premature babies (gestational age, 26 to 32 weeks) who died without evidence of gastrointestinal disease. Whole-mount preparation of the myenteric plexus was made and stained with NADPH-diaphorase and Acethylcholinesterase (AChE) histochemistry. The stained myenteric network was measured with a computer image analysis system. Controls included 4 full-term babies who died of nongastrointestinal disease. Results: In premature infants there were striking differences in neuronal density of myenteric plexus in the mesenteric and antimesenteric border of small bowel. The differences in neuronal density in mesenteric and antimesenteric border of small bowel gradually became less striking as the gestation progressed with no differences evident at gestational age 32 weeks. Conclusions: This study shows for the first time that the neurone density of myenteric plexus is significantly higher in the mesenteric border of the small bowel compared with antimesenteric border in premature infants. The marked morphological differences observed in neurone density in the small bowel of premature infants may contribute to immature small bowel activity. J Pediatr Surg 35:748-752. Copyright © 2000 by W.B. Saunders Company.
A Three-Person Model of Empathy:

This article proposes a three-step model of empathy. It assumes that people have various empathy-related mechanisms available and thus can be described as hyper-empathic (Step 1). Under these conditions, the question of blocking and controlling empathy becomes a central issue to channel empathic attention and to avoid self-loss (Step 2). It is assumed that empathy can be sustained only when these mechanisms of controlling empathy are bypassed (Step 3). In particular, the article proposes a three-person scenario with one observing a conflict of two others. By taking the side of one of the combatants, the observer is led into empathizing, perhaps to justify her/his earlier side-taking.
The natural origins of some popular varieties of fruit

While the skill of plant breeders, by their techniques of artificial hybridization, have produced many valuable varieties of edible fruit, other important varieties have arisen by natural hybridization and mutation without the assistance of man. Among them are the Concord grape, Washington navel orange and pink grapefruit.
Interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α release in normal and diseased human infrarenal aortas * ** *

Abstract The presence of chronic inflammatory cells in the adventitia and media of abdominal aortic aneurysms and aortic occlusive disease suggest an immunologic response. The purpose of this study is to determine whether normal or diseased infrarenal aortas liberate the inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β). Twenty-six infrarenal aortic biopsies (5 aortic occlusive disease, 15 abdominal aortic aneurysms, and 6 cadaveric donors) were weighed, minced into small pieces, and incubated in media for 48 hours. Conditioned media was harvested at 48 hours and assayed for IL-1β or TNF-α with use of an ELISA assay. Comparison of groups was performed with a one-way analysis of variance. The constitutive IL-1β produced by abdominal aortic aneurysms was significantly different than that in cadaveric donors (908 ± 194 pg/ml [SE] vs 100 ± 30 pg/ml). There was no statistically significant difference between abdominal aortic aneurysms and aortic occlusive disease (908 ± 194 pg/ml vs 604 ± 256 pg/ml) or aortic occlusive disease and cadaveric donor (604 ± 256 vs 100 ± 30). In time-course studies for the release of IL-1β, abdominal aortic aneurysms demonstrated maximal release at 48 hours. IL-1β release was augmented by lipopolysaccharide in all categories. A dose response curve demonstrated maximal IL-1β release on stimulation with 5 μg/ml LPS. Constitutive TNF-α production was low, ranging from 13 ± 1.5 pg/ml in cadaveric donor, to 20 pg/ml in aortic occlusive disease, and 24 ± 11 pg/ml in abdominal aortic aneurysms. There was no augmentation in TNF-α with lipopolysaccharide. These experiments demonstrate (1) A significant increase in the amount of constitutive IL-1β produced in abdominal aortic aneurysms as compared with cadaveric donor; (2) IL- 1β secretion is not different between aortic occlusive disease and abdominal aortic aneurysms, nor aortic occlusive disease and cadaveric donor; (3) TNF-α production is similar in all cases. We suggest that the inflammatory infiltrate found in infrarenal aortic disease produces cytokines that may contribute to the pathogenesis of the underlying disease. (J Vasc Surg 1992;16:784–9.)
Optical constants of cupric sulfate in the infrared

We have measured the spectral reflectance of a cupric sulfate single crystal for unpolarized radiation at near-normal incidence. Values of the refractive index n(ν) and the absorption index k(ν) have been obtained by subtractive Kramers-Kronig phase-shift analysis. The values of ∫ k(ν) dν for the characteristic SO4−− bands in the spectrum of the crystal are compared with values of ∫ k(ν) dν for these bands obtained by extrapolation of values of k(ν) determined for cupric sulfate solutions.
Graphical Tensile-Testing Machine for Rubber Threads

Abstract AMONG the many types of physical testing equipment which have been designed for or applied to the needs of the rubber industry, there has never appeared an entirely satisfactory graphical machine for performing tensile tests on small rubber samples, such as the threads and tapes used in making golf balls and elastic fabrics and cords. None of the common machines can be applied directly to the testing of single threads, and even tests on pieces of dumbbell shape are quite unsatisfactory, largely because the standard machines are comparatively insensitive at low elongations and tensions and also because they depend on the personal accuracy of an operator to observe several points along the stress-strain curve. The Schopper ring test is not entirely successful for tests on threads. Accordingly it appeared that such tests on light rubber threads could best be made on a curve-drawing machine, designed and constructed especially for the purpose. In many cases, the use of any other machine would have be...
Ischemic colitis with atypical reactive changes that mimic dysplasia (pseudodysplasia).

Abstract Objective.—To describe reactive or reparative but atypical epithelial changes that occur in ischemic colitis. Design.—Surgical pathology files were searched for the diagnosis “ischemia, bo...
Competition and testosterone.

Testosterone (T) levels can fluctuate after wins and losses, but surprisingly, there are no empirical studies in humans that have tested whether these post-competition T changes predict the social behaviors that follow. The present study examined whether changes in T after losing in a competition predicted who wanted to compete again in a second competition. Sixty-four males provided saliva samples immediately before and 15 min after a rigged one-on-one competition. After the second saliva sample, participants chose whether or not to compete again against the same competitor. Winners did not increase in T relative to losers, but pre-competition cortisol, change in cortisol, and pre-competition T were associated with T changes, especially in losers. Importantly, changes in T predicted decisions to compete again in losers. Losers who increased in T were more likely to choose to compete again than losers who decreased in T. T changes were unrelated to decisions to compete again in winners. These findings provide novel data in humans that T changes after a status loss predict subsequent social behavior. Our discussion focuses on the theoretical implications of these findings for the link between short-term T changes and status-related behaviors.
Two-laser optical distance-measuring instrument that corrects for the atmospheric index of refraction.

The Wave Propagation Laboratory of the Environmental Research Laboratories of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has been engaged in the development of dual-wavelength, optical distance-measuring instruments. Recently a new generation of this type of high-accuracy instrument has been completed. Preliminary testing of the new instrument indicates that the original goal of the project, accuracy of better than one part in a million over distances of 5-10 km using averaging times of less than 1 min, is being met. This paper describes the instrument and preliminary test results.
Fatiguing contractions of tongue protrudor and retractor muscles: influence of systemic hypoxia

The influence of systemic hypoxia on the endurance performance of tongue protrudor and retractor muscles was examined in anesthetized, ventilated rats. Tongue protrudor (genioglossus) or retractor (hyoglossus and styloglossus) muscles were activated via medial or lateral XII nerve branch stimulation (0.1-ms pulse; 40 Hz; 330-ms trains; 1 train/s). Maximal evoked potentials (M waves) of genioglossus and hyoglossus were monitored with electromyography. Fatigue tests were performed under normoxic and hypoxic (arterial PO(2) = 50 +/- 1 Torr) conditions in separate animals. The fatigue index (FI; %initial force) after 5 min of normoxic stimulation was 85 +/- 6 and 79 +/- 7% for tongue protrudor and retractor muscles, respectively; these values were significantly lower during hypoxia (protrudor FI = 52 +/- 10, retractor FI = 18 +/- 6%; P < 0.05). Protrudor and retractor muscle M-wave amplitude declined over the course of the hypoxic fatigue test but did not change during normoxia (P < 0.05). We conclude that hypoxia attenuates tongue protrudor and retractor muscle endurance performance; potential mechanisms include neuromuscular transmission failure and/or diminished sarcolemmal excitability.
Metamaterial-inspired broadband mushroom antenna

In this paper a metamaterial-inspired mushroom antenna with broad bandwidth is proposed. This antenna is designed on the single-layer printed circuit board (PCB) with a solid ground. It is realized based on a 2 by 2 mushroom structure and an elliptical ring slot incorporated on the surface. By combining three different resonances, including the zeroth order resonance of the small patch inside the slot and the +1st and +2nd resonances of the overall patch, this antenna achieves a measured bandwidth of 36% (−10 dB). Broadside radiation is obtained. Antenna radiation patterns and gain are all provided.