cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Superiority of cut-and-sew technique for the Cox maze procedure: comparison with radiofrequency ablation.

Objective Although radiofrequency ablation is increasingly used to create the atrial lesions of the Cox maze procedure, its effectiveness in ablating atrial fibrillation compared with the standard cut-and-sew method is not known. We compare the freedom from atrial fibrillation in patients undergoing both methods with identical lesion sets. Methods Radiofrequency ablation was used to create full Cox maze lesions in 56 patients between January 2002 and February 2005; these patients were matched with those who underwent the standard cut-and-sew method. Matched variables were gender (33 male, 23 female, both), age (67.5 vs 67.2 years), New York Heart Association class (mean 2.28 vs 1.96), atrial fibrillation type (37 paroxysmal, 19 continuous, both), and concomitant mitral valve surgery (37 in both). Hypertension, preoperative left atrial size, and preoperative duration of atrial fibrillation were similar between groups. Results When compared with matched controls, fewer patients undergoing radiofrequency ablation were free from atrial fibrillation at dismissal (63% vs 88%; P = .0039) and at last follow-up (62% vs 92%; P = .016). According to logistic regression for matched pairs, patients undergoing radiofrequency ablation were 4.5 times more likely to be in atrial fibrillation at dismissal (95% confidence intervals [CI], 1.8, 10.9) and 5 times more likely to be in atrial fibrillation at follow-up (95% CI, 1.4, 17.3). No other covariate was associated with atrial fibrillation status at hospital dismissal or follow-up. Conclusion Creating Cox maze lesions with radiofrequency ablation is associated with less freedom from atrial fibrillation both early and late postoperatively. Because transmurality can be assured, the standard cut-and-sew Cox maze procedure remains the gold standard for the surgical treatment of atrial fibrillation.
Eosinophilic meningoencephalomyelitis in an orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus) caused by Angiostrongylus cantonensis

On 10 November 2012 (day 0), a privately owned 6-year-old female orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus) from southern Florida, USA, presented with a 2-week history of illness. The patient had first been noted ...
Testing the nutritional-limitation, predator-avoidance, and storm-avoidance hypotheses for restricted sea otter habitat use in the Aleutian Islands, Alaska

Sea otters (Enhydra lutris) inhabiting the Aleutian Islands have stabilized at low abundance levels following a decline and currently exhibit restricted habitat-utilization patterns. Possible explanations for restricted habitat use by sea otters can be classified into two fundamentally different processes, bottom-up and top-down forcing. Bottom-up hypotheses argue that changes in the availability or nutritional quality of prey resources have led to the selective use of habitats that support the highest quality prey. In contrast, top-down hypotheses argue that increases in predation pressure from killer whales have led to the selective use of habitats that provide the most effective refuge from killer whale predation. A third hypothesis suggests that current restricted habitat use is based on a need for protection from storms. We tested all three hypotheses for restricted habitat use by comparing currently used and historically used sea otter foraging locations for: (1) prey availability and quality, (2) structural habitat complexity, and (3) exposure to prevailing storms. Our findings suggest that current use is based on physical habitat complexity and not on prey availability, prey quality, or protection from storms, providing further evidence for killer whale predation as a cause for restricted sea otter habitat use in the Aleutian Islands.
Photolithographic Patterning in Supercritical Carbon Dioxide: Application to Patterned Light-emitting Devices

Photolithography is a high-throughput, cost-effective patterning technology. However, the application to organic electronic devices has been restricted because of its chemical compatibility issue with delicate organic materials. In this study we propose a new photolithography technique which utilizes supercritical carbon dioxide (scO2) as an organic electronic materials-benign development solvent. Supercritical carbon dioxide is a fluid that exists above its critical pressure and temperature (Pc=73.8 bar and Tc=31.1degC). Apart from the environmental advantages, useful process benefits result from the fact that most non-fluorinated organic materials are not damaged in contact with scCO2. A polymeric material composed of perfluorodecyl methacrylate (FDMA) and tert-butyl methacrylate (TBMA) was synthesized as a negative-tone photoresist, processible in scCO2. Micron-sized resist patterns on a Si wafer were successfully processed under i-line (lambda=365 nm) exposure conditions. The resist showed a capability to make patterns on the conductive poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene): poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT: PSS) film. The resulting resist pattern was finally applied to fabricate patterned polymer light-emitting devices.
rf phase stabilization for rf photocathode gun through electro-optical monitoring

An electro-optical technique is being developed at the Brookhaven National Laboratory, Accelerator Test Facility (ATF) to monitor and control the phase of the photocathode laser beam with respect to the RF drive field for the RF photocathode gun. This technique utilizes the RF field induced birefringence which is probed by the photocathode laser beam. A proof- of-principle experiment has been performed using the ATF RF photocathode gun injection system for the linac.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
A two-step total synthesis of the natural pentacycle trichodimerol, a novel inhibitor of TNF-alpha production.

[formula: see text] Trichodimerol (1) can be synthesized by a remarkable dimerization of the chiral hydroxy dienone 5.
Associations Between Friendship, Sympathy, and Prosocial Behavior Toward Friends

The current study examined the associations between multiple aspects of the friend relationship (connection, companionship, psychological control) and global prosocial behavior toward friends. Participants included 467 early adolescents (M age of child = 13.32, SD = 1.05, 49% female, 69% European American), and data were collected at two time points, roughly 1 year apart. Structural equation modeling suggested that friend psychological control was negatively associated with prosocial behavior toward friends, while friend connection was positively associated (via adolescent sympathy). Discussion focuses on the friend relationship as an important influence on adolescent sympathy and prosocial behavior toward friends.
Interleukin-10 as a possible mediator of immunosuppressive effect in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.

Background: Depressed cell-mediated immunity is a frequent event in patients with head and neck cancer and is characterized by impairment of T cell-proliferative responses and natural killer cell and lymphokine-activated killer cell activity. This immunosuppressive effect appears to be mediated by a serum-derived factor. Certain cytokines, including transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) and interleukin (IL)-10 have been shown to induce similar immunosuppressive effects. The present study was designed to examine the putative role of these cytokines in cellular immune suppression induced by patient serum.
SU-D-116-04: X-Ray Transmission Image Reconstruction with Polychromatic Sources for Systems with Nonlinear Response

Purpose: To develop an image reconstruction algorithm for X‐ray transmission computed tomography (CT) that closely takes into account the physics and statistics of X‐ray emission, transmission and detection, with the aim of producing better quality images. Methods: Based on physical model for X‐ray transmission imaging with polychromatic sources we carry out a data noise analysis applicable to a variety of detector energy‐response functions (e.g. energy integrating, photon counting). From this model we derive multiplicative iterative schemes for the least‐square and the maximum‐likelihood image estimation solutions, and we propose a unified formulation of the two. The same physical and statistical model can also be used for fast generation of X‐ray transmission data at different noise levels. Results: We test the iterative algorithm proposed against the filter back‐projected (FBP) algorithm. The results show that the iterative algorithm using the polychromatic model avoids the cupping artifact due to the beam hardening effect, and the images produced have less noise than FBP images. The signal detectability study, using low contrast signal at unknown locations, shows better performance for the iterative image reconstruction algorithms than FBP. Conclusion: Image reconstruction with detailed modeling of the physics and statistics of the scanner has potential to improve CT image quality.
Unexpected Effects of Gene Deletion on Interactions of Mercury with the Methylation-Deficient Mutant ΔhgcAB

The hgcA and hgcB gene pair is essential for mercury (Hg) methylation by certain anaerobic bacteria, but little is known about how deletion of hgcAB affects the cell surface interactions and intracellular uptake of Hg. Here, we compare ΔhgcAB mutants with the wild-type (WT) strains of both Geobacter sulfurreducens PCA and Desulfovibrio desulfuricans ND132 and observe differences in Hg redox transformations, adsorption, and uptake in laboratory incubation studies. In both strains, deletion of hgcAB increased the rate of reduction of Hg(II) but decreased the rate of oxidation of Hg(0) under anaerobic conditions. The measured cellular thiol content in ΔhgcAB mutants was lower than that in the WT, accounting for the decreased rates of adsorption and uptake of Hg. Despite the lack of methylation activity, uptake of Hg by the ΔhgcAB mutant continued, albeit at a rate slower than that of the WT. These findings demonstrate that deletion of the hgcAB gene pair not only eliminates Hg methylation but also alters cel...
LEED and AES characterization of the GaAs(110)–ZnSe interface

In this paper, a study is conducted of the composition and structure of epitaxial ZnSe films grown by congruent evaporation on GaAs(110) at a rate of 2 A/min. It is found that the films grown on 300 C GaAs are nearly stoichiometric and form an abrupt interface with the substrate. Films grown at higher temperature (T greater than 350-400 C) are Se rich. The crystallinity of films grown at 300 C is good and their surface atomic geometry is identical to that of a ZnSe crystal. The GaAs-ZnSe interface geometry seems to be dominated by the Se-substrate bonds. The adsorption of Se, during the formation of very thin ZnSe films (2-3 A), produces a (1 x 2) LEED pattern and modifications of the LEED I-V profiles, which probably indicate a change in the substrate atomic relaxation.
Absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of isoflavonoids after soy intake

Soy is the major source of dietary exposure to isoflavonoids (IFLs). Accumulating evidence supports a role for soy and IFLs in the protection against many chronic diseases including cancer. After soy intake we found a biphasic IFL appearance pattern in plasma as well as in urine that we suggest to be due to IFL absorption in the small intestine (ca. 10%) during the first 2 h after intake and IFL absorption in the large intestine (ca. 90%) 4–6 h after intake. While each IFL disappears from the circulation at different times excellent correlations between urinary and circulating IFL values were discovered and algorithms to convert urinary excretion values into circulating levels were established. We suggest the term ‘apparent bioavailability’ when using urinary data to describe IFL exposure. The IFL bioavailability was found to be influenced by gut bacteria, oral antibiotic treatment (OABX), and an individual’s age and health status. While daidzein (DE) and genistein start to be absorbed minutes after intake, equol (EQ) appears in plasma only after a minimum of 8 h following soy intake owing to the required transit time of DE to the colon where the conversion of DE to EQ takes place by intestinal microbiota. We have also shown that the apparent IFL bioavailability is higher in children than adults, higher in healthy versus non-healthy individuals, and decreased in children but increased in adults during OABX. Finally, we propose to use a urinary EQ/DE ratio of 0.018 with a DE threshold to identify EQ producers. With this cutoff definition we observed that EQ production is inconsistent over time in 5–30% of both premenopausal and postmenopausal women.
Human BRCA2 protein promotes RAD51 filament formation on RPA-covered single-stranded DNA

BRCA2 is a tumor suppressor that functions in homologous recombination, a key genomic integrity pathway. BRCA2 interacts with RAD51, the central protein of recombination, which forms filaments on single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) to perform homology search and DNA strand invasion. We report the purification of full-length human BRCA2 and show that it binds to ~6 RAD51 molecules and promotes RAD51 binding to ssDNA coated by replication protein A (RPA), in a manner that is stimulated by DSS1.
Developmental Idealism and Cultural Models of the Family in Malawi

This paper examines the extent to which developmental idealism has been disseminated in Malawi. Developmental idealism is a set of beliefs and values about development and the relationships between development and family structures and behavior. Developmental idealism states that attributes of societies and families defined as modern are better than attributes defined as traditional, that modern societies help produce modern families, that modern families facilitate the achievement of modern societies, and that the future will bring family change in the direction of modernity. Previous research has demonstrated that knowledge of developmental idealism is widespread in many places around the world, but provides little systematic data about it in sub-Saharan Africa or how knowledge of it is associated with certain demographic characteristics in that region. In this paper, we address this issue by examining whether ordinary people in two settings in Malawi, a sub-Saharan African country, have received and understood messages that are intended to associate development with certain types of family forms and family behaviors. We then examine associations between demographic characteristics and developmental idealism to investigate possible mechanisms linking global discourse about development to the grassroots. We analyze data collected in face-to-face surveys from two samples of Malawian men in 2009 and 2010, one rural, the other in a low-to-medium income neighborhood of a city. Our analysis of these survey data shows considerable evidence that many developmental idealism beliefs have been spread in that country and that education has positive effects on beliefs in the association between development and family attributes. We also find higher levels of developmental idealism awareness in the urban sample than we do in the rural sample, but once dissimilarities in education and wealth between the two samples are controlled, awareness levels no longer differed between urban and rural respondents. We explore how these beliefs intersect with longstanding local values and beliefs in Malawi.
Diurnal photosynthetic performance of seaweeds measured under natural conditions

Statements comparing photosynthetic performance characteristics of species rely upon empirical data, usually light-saturation curves (photosynthesis, P, versus incidentlight flux-density, I o, relationships) derived from instantaneous measurements. The specific comparative parameters are initial slope and maximum photosynthesis, P max. For phytoplankton, diurnal variation in specific productivity at maximum incident light, I max is typically asymmetrical, i.e., there is a morning maximum followed by an afternoon depression. Five seaweed species, numerical dominants from the Outer Banks of North Carolina, were examined for patterns of diurnal photosynthetic performance in sunlight of habitat equivalence. These were Codium decorticatum (Woodw.) Howe and Ulva curvata (Kutz.) De Toni in the Chlorophyceae, Dictyota dichotoma (Huds.) Lamour. and Petalonia fascia (O.F. Mull.) Kuntze in the Phaeophyceae, and Gracilaria foliifera (Forssk.) Borg. in the Rhodophyceae. Diurnal patterns of oxygen exchange were varied, some symmetrical about the midday axis, others asymmetrical, and were specific for (1) species, (2) derived habitat, (3) thallus absorptance (1-I/I o, where I is the transmitted light), (4) developmental stage, and (5) diurnal photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) history. All species show a depression in oxygen exchange rates at less than 0.1 I max, and show varying degrees of recovery when I o decreases from that value. Diurnal photosynthetic performance of some species at 0.03 I o (total diurnal maximum) exceeds several times that at 0.70 I o (total diurnal maximum), an observation not predicted by instantaneous measurements. Specific day-rate integrals of I o vary, producing transient initial slope and P max values. Thus, initial slope and P max values derived from instantaneous measurements in the laboratory bear little relationship to actual diurnal production. At this time there appears to be no substitute for direct measurement of diurnal photosynthesis.
Intraoperative changes in motor nerve conduction latency in carpal tunnel syndrome

A prospective study of 47 patients with 51 hands treated for carpal tunnel syndrome by surgical release of the deep transverse carpal ligament was performed using intraoperative motor nerve conduction latency measured over a standard distance across the carpal tunnel both before and after release of the ligament. The results of intraoperative conduction latencies indicated a dramatic and immediate reduction in the conduction latency across the carpal canal in all but seven patients, two of whom had diabetes. When the results were subjected to statistical analysis, they were significant (P = 0.00001). Although further studies are indicated, these data suggest that a rapidly reversible mechanical or metabolic block, such as ischemia in the segment of the median nerve, may be responsible for the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Graphical User Interface for ZEUS.

Abstract : This document describes the implementation of a graphical user interface (GUI) for an existing computational fluid dynamics (CED) code. Development of the GUI at the U.S. Army Research Laboratory (ARL) was undertaken at the request of the U.S. Army Missile Research Development and Engineering Center (MRDEC) and is funded by ARL as part of a Technology Program Annex (TPA) agreement. As a starting point for this effort, the zonal Euler solver (or ZEUS) CFD code was chosen by MRDEC to be incorporated into the GUI environment. This document serves as an introduction to the GUI and explains some of the design philosophy. The document also serves as a brief user's guide; however, it is not meant to replace the original user's guides/reports written by the original authors of the ZEUS code.
Towards modeling of resilience dynamics in manufacturing enterprises: Literature review and problem formulation

This papers studies modeling of resilience in manufacturing enterprises. Although many case studies have been carried out to address resilience in organizations, a systematic method to model and analyze the resilience dynamics in manufacturing enterprises is not well developed. After reviewing the recent literature addressing resilience, a modeling framework is presented to characterize the resilience of a manufacturing enterprise responding to disruptive events. A network model with interconnected suppliers, producers, customers and transportation links is introduced, and relevant problems are formulated.
The Effects of Write Pole Dimensions and Soft Underlayer Thickness on Perpendicular Magnetic Recording Performance

An examination of the recording process for perpendicular magnetic recording versus the soft under-layer thickness and write pole dimensions is provided. The recording performance is examined through an examination of SNR, transition jitter, di-bit pulse and others. A simple reluctance model, that incorporates the SUL along with the recording head in the magnetic circuit, is discussed which defines the minimum soft underlayer thickness required for optimal recording as Pt*Bspole/BsSUL, where the down-track write pole thickness is denoted as Pt and the magnetic flux density for the write pole material and the soft underlayer material are indicated as Bspole and BsSUL respectively. This model is experimentally confirmed, as we demonstrate that recording performance degrades with write pole thickness for Pt > tSUL*BsSUL/Bspole. However, the recording performance is found to be essentially independent of write pole width, also consistent with the model.
Adult-Onset Energy Restriction of Rhesus Monkeys Attenuates Oxidative Stress–Induced Cytokine Expression by Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells

We previously reported that energy restriction (ER) of mice attenuated age-associated increases in serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6). Here, we studied peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from male rhesus monkeys to investigate the following: 1) the production of IL-6 and other cytokines become dysregulated with aging; 2) ER influences cytokine production and mRNA expression; and, 3) oxidative stress, as induced in vitro by xanthine and xanthine oxidase (X/XOD), influences cytokine mRNA and protein levels. Two types of comparisons were made as follows: 1) between normally fed young (6-9 y) and old monkeys (22-33 y); and 2) between middle-aged monkeys (15-21 y) fed either a normal energy intake or subjected to ER (for 5.5 y at 30% less than base-line intake). IL-6 protein levels and X/XOD-induced IL-6 mRNA levels in PBMC from old monkeys were significantly greater than those in PBMC from young animals. In contrast, interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) and interleukin-8 mRNA levels were not strongly influenced by advancing age. X/XOD, which increased levels of protein carbonyls (indicative of oxidative damage) in PBMC, induced the expression of all three cytokines. ER reduced IL-6 protein and mRNA levels induced by X/XOD and the unstimulated mRNA levels of IL-1beta. These results indicate that, in a nonhuman primate model, oxidative stress may contribute to age-associated increases in the levels of certain cytokines and that adult-onset ER partially ameliorates this alteration.
The retrosplenial cortex is involved in the formation of memory for context and trace fear conditioning.

Abstract The retrosplenial cortex (RSC) is known to play a role in the retrieval of context memory, but its involvement in memory formation and consolidation is unclear. To better characterize the role of the RSC, we tested its involvement in the formation and retrieval of memory for trace fear conditioning, a task that requires the association of two cues separated by an empty period of time. We have previously shown that trace fear extinction requires the RSC (Kwapis, Jarome, Lee, Gilmartin, & Helmstetter, 2014) and have hypothesized that trace memory may be stored in a distributed cortical network that includes prelimbic and retrosplenial cortices (Kwapis, Jarome, & Helmstetter, 2015). Whether the RSC participates in acquiring and storing cued trace fear, however, is currently unknown. Here, we demonstrate that blocking protein synthesis in the RSC before, but not after acquisition impairs rats’ memory for trace CS and context fear without affecting memory for the CS in standard delay fear conditioning. We also show that NMDA receptor blockade in the RSC transiently impairs memory retrieval for trace, but not delay memory. The RSC therefore appears to critically contribute to formation of trace and context fear memory in addition to its previously recognized role in context memory retrieval.
Does FACS perturb gene expression

Fluorescence activated cell sorting is the technique most commonly used to separate primary mammary epithelial sub-populations. Many studies incorporate this technique before analyzing gene expression within specific cellular lineages. However, to our knowledge, no one has examined the effects of fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS) separation on short-term transcriptional profiles. In this study, we isolated a heterogeneous mixture of cells from the mouse mammary gland. To determine the effects of the isolation and separation process on gene expression, we harvested RNA from the cells before enzymatic digestion, following enzymatic digestion, and following a mock FACS sort where the entire cohort of cells was retained. A strict protocol was followed to minimize disruption to the cells, and to ensure that no subpopulations were enriched or lost. Microarray analysis demonstrated that FACS causes minimal disruptions to gene expression patterns, but prior steps in the mammary cell isolation process are followed by upregulation of 18 miRNA's and rapid decreases in their predicted target transcripts. © 2015 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry.
MODELING OF AN ELECTROMAGNETIC VIBRATION ENERGY HARVESTER WITH MOTION MAGNIFICATION

This paper presents the modeling and analysis of an electromagnetic harvester for potential applications in large-scale vibration energy harvesting such as from vehicle suspensions or civil structures. The kinematics and dynamics of a motion mechanism and generator are considered, including backlash and friction. In this study, a dynamic model for a rack-pinion type regenerative shock absorber has been derived and analyzed based on differential equations. To understand the influence of the friction and backlash on the system, nonlinear models have been created. Simulations are carried out to study the features of the design. The validation of the models is demonstrated by comparing the simulation results with experimental measurements. Guidelines are given for the design of this type of regenerative shock absorbers.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Chiral-odd and spin-dependent quark fragmentation functions and their applications.

We define a number of quark fragmentation functions for spin-0, -\textonehalf{}, and -1 hadrons, and classify them according to their twist, spin, and chirality. As an example of their applications, we use them to analyze semi-inclusive deep-inelastic scattering on a transversely polarized nucleon.
Rapid prototyping of large scale aerospace structures

A new Rapid Prototyping (RP) technique is being developed at the Manufacturing Processes Laboratory at the University of Utah. This alternative RP technique allows engineers to create full scale physical prototypes of their large designs literally overnight. Where existing RP machines are limited to models that fit within a 30"/spl times/30"/spl times/20" volume, Shape Maker II is capable of producing models with cross sections up to 4'/spl times/8' and with relatively unlimited length. A fundamental description of Shape Maker II is given. Results from testing indicate that this machine has utility with fabricating patterns and molds for large scale composite laminates.
A Fas-Associated Death Domain Protein/Caspase-8-Signaling Axis Promotes S-Phase Entry and Maintains S6 Kinase Activity in T Cells Responding to IL-2

Fas-associated death domain protein (FADD) constitutes an essential component of TNFR-induced apoptotic signaling. Paradoxically, FADD has also been shown to be crucial for lymphocyte development and activation. In this study, we report that FADD is necessary for long-term maintenance of S6 kinase (S6K) activity. S6 phosphorylation at serines 240 and 244 was only observed after long-term stimulation of wild-type cells, roughly corresponding to the time before S-phase entry, and was poorly induced in T cells expressing a dominantly interfering form of FADD (FADDdd), viral FLIP, or possessing a deficiency in caspase-8. Defects in S6K1 phosphorylation were also observed. However, defective S6K1 phosphorylation was not a consequence of a wholesale defect in mammalian target of rapamycin function, because 4E-BP1 phosphorylation following T cell activation was unaffected by FADDdd expression. Although cyclin D3 up-regulation and retinoblastoma hypophosphorylation occurred normally in FADDdd T cells, cyclin E expression and cyclin-dependent kinase 2 activation were markedly impaired in FADDdd T cells. These results demonstrate that a FADD/caspase-8-signaling axis promotes T cell cycle progression and sustained S6K activity.
Glycolipid derivatives of vitamin K1

Abstract Incubation of vitamin K1 (phylloquinone) with rat liver smooth endoplasmic reticulum and UDP-N-acetyl glucosamine resulted in the formation of two new compounds soluble in chloroform-methanol. These two derivatives of vitamin K have been found to contain carbohydrate, phosphate, and vitamin K1. Structures are proposed for the two compounds formed.
Molecular characterization of a ribonucleic acid transcript that is highly up-regulated at the time of ovulation in the brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) ovary.

Using stage-specific subtractive cDNA cloning, a 0.8-kilobase (kb) cDNA (TOP-1; trout ovulatory protein-i) was previously obtained that hybridized only with ovarian RNA and was highly up-regulated at the time of ovulation. In the present study, a 1.4-kb cDNA (TOP-2; trout ovulatory protein-2) was obtained after rescreening a brook trout ovulatory cDNA library using TOP-1 as a probe. The levels of ovarian transcripts hybridizing on Northern blots probed with TOP-2 begin to increase after the breakdown of the germinal vesicle in the oocyte and appear to peak approximately 24 h postovulation. Antibodies produced to a recombinant maltose binding protein-TOP-2 fusion protein recognize 3-4 protein bands (53, 39, 29, and 24 kDa) on Western blots of ovarian tissue and/or fluid. Levels of the two largest proteins increase immediately after ovulation and decrease significantly by 4-8 days postovulation. TOP-2 has an open reading frame of 262 amino acids. The presumed amino acid sequence of TOP-2 is rich in cysteine and is arranged in 5 polypeptide domains consisting of two types, one of which is homologous to the domains of TOP-1. Both domain types also share homology with a group of mammalian leukocytic protease inhibitors called antileukoproteinases.
Strong recombination, weak selection, and mutation

We show that there are unimodal fitness functions and genetic algorithm (GA) parameter settings where the GA, when initialized with a random population, will not move close to the fitness peak in a practically useful time period. When the GA is initialized with a population close to the fitness peak, the GA will be able to stay close to the fitness peak. Roughly speaking, the parameter settings involve strong recombination, weak selection, and require mutation. This "bistability" phenomenon has been previously investigated with needle-in-the-haystack fitness functions, but this fitness, when used with a GA with random initialization, requires a population size exponential in the string length for the GA to have nontrivial behavior. We introduce sloping-plateau fitness functions which show the bistability phenomenon and should scale to arbitrary string lengths. We introduce and use an unitation infinite population model to investigate the bistability phenomenon. For the fitnesses and GAs considered in the paper, we show that the use of crossover moves the GA to its fixed point faster in comparison to the same GA without crossover.
Agents, Subjects, Objects, or Phantoms? Labor, the Environment, and Liberal Institutionalization

The liberal institutionalization of world politics has engendered a vibrant debate over its form and its content. The proposals range from those aiming at the democratization of international institutions to those that aim to modify them at the margins. This contribution proposes that the democratization of social institutions has both an internal (within an organization or sector) and an external (in relation to whole political economy) dimension. Not surprisingly, unions and environmentalists have limited influence on international institutions when compared to corporations and liberal economic ministries. There is enough evidence, however, that liberal elites are advocating the selective inclusion of liberal unionists and environmentalists at the expense of social unionists and environmentalists. In addition to other responses, social unions and environmentalists should make internal democratization a priority and should utilize domestic fora, where unions and environmentalists have more access and res...
Role of race in oncogenic driver prevalence and outcomes in lung adenocarcinoma: Results from the Lung Cancer Mutation Consortium.

BACKGROUND The discovery of oncogenic drivers has ushered in a new era for lung cancer, but the role of these mutations in different racial/ethnic minorities has been understudied. The Lung Cancer Mutation Consortium 1 (LCMC1) database was investigated to evaluate the frequency and impact of oncogenic drivers in lung adenocarcinomas in the racial/ethnic minority patient population. METHODS Patients with metastatic lung adenocarcinomas from 14 US sites were enrolled in the LCMC1. Tumor samples were collected from 2009 through 2012 with multiplex genotyping performed on 10 oncogenic drivers (KRAS, epidermal growth factor receptor [EGFR], anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) rearrangements, ERBB2 [formerly human epidermal growth factor receptor 2], BRAF, PIK3CA, MET amplification, NRAS, MEK1, and AKT1). Patients were classified as white, Asian, African American (AA), or Latino. The driver mutation frequency, the treatments, and the survival from diagnosis were determined. RESULTS One thousand seven patients were included. Whites represented the majority (n = 838); there were 60 AAs, 48 Asians, and 28 Latinos. Asian patients had the highest rate of oncogenic drivers with 81% (n = 39), and they were followed by Latinos with 68% (n = 19), whites with 61% (n = 511), and AAs with 53% (n = 32). For AAs, the EGFR mutation frequency was 22%, the KRAS frequency was 17%, and the ALK frequency was 4%. Asian patients were most likely to receive targeted therapies (51% vs 27% for AAs). There were no significant differences in overall survival. CONCLUSIONS Differences were observed in the prevalence of oncogenic drivers in lung adenocarcinomas and in subsequent treatments among racial groups. The lowest frequency of drivers was seen for AA patients; however, more than half of AA patients had a driver, and those treated with targeted therapy had outcomes similar to those of other races. Cancer 2015. © 2015 American Cancer Society.
Management and conservation of landscapes

The application of landscape paradigms in practice means the use of methodological approaches to manage, conserve and restore land mosaics (Hansson & Angelstam 1991, Naveh 1992).
El armonioso imaginario andino de Edgardo Rivera Martínez

La obra de Edgardo Rivera Martinez se imbrica con la del Inca Garcilaso de la Vega en un ejercicio intertextual que va mas alla de un simple caso de influencia. En realidad, existe una estrecha correlacion entre la de ambos. La critica literaria coincide en senalar que la escritura de Rivera Martinez se da en la confluencia de dos vertientes: la occidental y la andina en un proceso de mestizaje insolito por su optimismo. Pero al igual que el Inca, en su obra tambien aflora la armonia de las formas e ideas del clasicismo, la idealizacion de la naturaleza, y la exaltacion del humanismo propias del Renacimiento. Es la lirica exaltacion de la armonia inherente del ambito andino la actitud que informa el imaginario de nuestro autor, actitud que dara cabida a otras y diversas manifestaciones culturales.
RF-Phos: A Novel General Phosphorylation Site Prediction Tool Based on Random Forest

Protein phosphorylation is one of the most widespread regulatory mechanisms in eukaryotes. Over the past decade, phosphorylation site prediction has emerged as an important problem in the field of bioinformatics. Here, we report a new method, termed Random Forest-based Phosphosite predictor 2.0 (RF-Phos 2.0), to predict phosphorylation sites given only the primary amino acid sequence of a protein as input. RF-Phos 2.0, which uses random forest with sequence and structural features, is able to identify putative sites of phosphorylation across many protein families. In side-by-side comparisons based on 10-fold cross validation and an independent dataset, RF-Phos 2.0 compares favorably to other popular mammalian phosphosite prediction methods, such as PhosphoSVM, GPS2.1, and Musite.
Bargaining in a Three-Person Game *

Games are paradigms of many political events, especially those that involve partial or complete conflicts of interest among the participants. As paradigms, they display in relatively simple social interaction the same fundamental forces found in the more complex interactions of the grander political events whose structure they share. This is the feature of games that makes them attractive vehicles for both theorizing and experimentation in the social sciences. The scientific expectation is that, by studying the quasi-political interaction of games—where the variations among institutional, psychological, and ideological components of behavior are minimized—one will be able to understand more profoundly the basic political activities of bargaining, forming coalitions, and choosing strategies. This more profound understanding is a consequence of obtaining answers to the following questions:(1) What is the mathematical solution, that is, what amount of utility can players be expected to obtain, when it is assumed that players are rational and wish to maximize utility?(2) What is the strategy (or method of playing) that will ensure players of achieving the solution?An answer to the first question indicates what may be anticipated as the outcome of political events. If we know it, then, if also we can assume players are rational maximizers of utility, we can predict the political future with some confidence. An answer to the second question (about strategies) permits political engineers to give advice to politicians about how to behave successfully.
The experimental approach to the taxonomy of the Myxomycetes

SUMMARYThe experimental approach and its significance to the taxonomy of the Myxomycetes is presented under 4 topics: A, taxonomic significance of the Plasmodium; B, developmental studies in cultur...
Tactile Preferences in the Rat

9 young and 9 older thirsty rats bar-pressed under CRF more for a rough-surfaced lever than for one with a smooth surface. The effect was most marked for younger Ss. A position by surface interaction was interpreted as reflecting an apparatus-evoked emotional response.
Abstract B13: Hematopoietic stem cell-derived cancer-associated fibroblasts are novel contributors to the pro-tumorigenic microenvironment

Targeting the tumor microenvironment is critical towards improving the effectiveness of current cancer therapeutics. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are one of the most abundant cell types of the tumor microenvironment, playing an important role in tumor progression and angiogenesis. Multiple origins for CAFs have been proposed including resident fibroblasts, adipocytes, and bone marrow. Our laboratory previously identified a novel hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) origin for CAFs; however, the functional roles of HSC-derived CAFs (HSC-CAFs) in tumor progression have not yet been examined. Thus, to test the hypothesis that HSC-CAFs promote tumor progression via contribution to extracellular matrix (ECM) and through paracrine production of pro-angiogenic factors, we developed a method to isolate HSC-CAFs. HSC-CAFs were profiled based on their expression of hematopoietic and fibroblastic markers in two murine tumor models, Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) and E0771 breast cancer. Findings revealed HSC-CAF production of factors associated with both ECM deposition and remodeling. Functional in vivo studies showed that co-injection of HSC-CAFs with tumor cells resulted in increased tumor growth rate and significantly larger tumors than injection of tumor cells alone. Immunohistochemical studies revealed increased blood vessel density with co-injection, demonstrating a role for HSC-CAFs in tumor progression through promotion of tumor vascularization in vivo. Mechanistic in vitro studies indicated a role for HSC-CAF produced vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A) and transforming growth factor-beta-1 (TGFβ-1) in endothelial tube formation and vascular patterning. These in vitro and in vivo findings suggest that HSC-CAFs are a critical component of the tumor microenvironment contributing to ECM production, ECM remodeling, and tumor vascularization. Given their role in multiple components of tumor progression, targeting the novel HSC-CAF may be a promising therapeutic strategy alone or in combination with existing anti-angiogenesis therapies. Citation Format: Lindsay T. McDonald, Dayvia A. Laws, Ryan R. Kelly, Ying Xiong, Anjan Motamarry, Risha K. Patel, Jeffrey A. Jones, Patricia M. Watson, David P. Turner, Dennis K. Watson, Adam C. Soloff, Victoria J. Findlay, Amanda C. LaRue. Hematopoietic stem cell-derived cancer-associated fibroblasts are novel contributors to the pro-tumorigenic microenvironment. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference: Tumor Angiogenesis and Vascular Normalization: Bench to Bedside to Biomarkers; Mar 5-8, 2015; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2015;14(12 Suppl):Abstract nr B13.
The computer-based ophthalmic recordkeeping (COR) system

Purpose : The Computer-assisted Ophthalmic Record-keeping (COR) System is described. Advantages and disadvantages of data entry during the patient encounter and computerized formatting of the examination report are discussed. Methods : The COR System allows direct computer entry of patient data by the provider. During a patient encounter, text data are stored in a central computer and are accessible from any workstation. Upon completion, the report is printed. Results : While source data entry is expensive, it reduces transcription costs, increases access to patient records, improves legibility of the patient record, and reduces transcription turnaround time. Conclusion : Electronic preparation of the ophthalmic record allows immediate access to the text component, faster reporting to the referring physician, and enhanced capability of measuring outcomes.
Understanding Energy Informatics: A Gestalt-Fit Perspective

World energy consumption is on the rise. Consequently, there is increasing focus on research on energy informatics (EI). Given the nascent state of research in EI, it is important for researchers to understand what has been accomplished within the EI literature and to be provided with a roadmap of what should be examined in future studies. Our study attempts to contribute towards this by providing a comprehensive review of the EI literature. Our analysis reveals that EI studies can be grouped into four different categories, and that there is an overfocus on viewing EI as only an energy-saving mechanism. Such a focus ignores EI’s potential to serve non-environmental goals. Our manuscript provides a holistic understanding of EI success by drawing on the gestalt-fit perspective, and highlighting the multi-dimensionality of EI. The model should also help future researchers in understanding the salient topics of investigation with respect to EI.
Laser Speckle Rheology for evaluating the viscoelastic properties of hydrogel scaffolds.

Natural and synthetic hydrogel scaffolds exhibit distinct viscoelastic properties at various length scales and deformation rates. Laser Speckle Rheology (LSR) offers a novel, non-contact optical approach for evaluating the frequency-dependent viscoelastic properties of hydrogels. In LSR, a coherent laser beam illuminates the specimen and a high-speed camera acquires the time-varying speckle images. Cross-correlation analysis of frames returns the speckle intensity autocorrelation function, g2(t), from which the frequency-dependent viscoelastic modulus, G*(ω), is deduced. Here, we establish the capability of LSR for evaluating the viscoelastic properties of hydrogels over a large range of moduli, using conventional mechanical rheometry and atomic force microscopy (AFM)-based indentation as reference-standards. Results demonstrate a strong correlation between |G*(ω)| values measured by LSR and mechanical rheometry (r = 0.95, p 0.08) over a large range (47 Pa – 36 kPa). In addition, |G*(ω)| values measured by LSR correlate well with indentation moduli, E, reported by AFM (r = 0.92, p < 10−7). Further, spatially-resolved moduli measurements in micro-patterned substrates demonstrate that LSR combines the strengths of conventional rheology and micro-indentation in assessing hydrogel viscoelastic properties at multiple frequencies and small length-scales.
Cannabidiol Does Not Dampen Responses to Emotional Stimuli in Healthy Adults.

Abstract Introduction: Cannabidiol (CBD) is a nonpsychoactive constituent of whole plant cannabis that has been reported to reduce anxiety-like behaviors in both pre-clinical and human laboratory studies. Yet, no controlled clinical studies have demonstrated its ability to reduce negative mood or dampen responses to negative emotional stimuli in humans. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of CBD on responses to negative emotional stimuli, as a model for its potential anxiety-reducing effects. Materials and Methods: The study used a double-blind, placebo (PLB)-controlled, within-subjects design in which 38 healthy, drug-free participants consumed oral CBD (300, 600, and 900 mg) or PLB before completing several behavioral tasks selected to assess reactivity to negative stimuli. Dependent measures included emotional arousal to negative and positive visual stimuli, perceptual sensitivity to emotional facial expressions, attentional bias toward emotional facial expressions, and feelings ...
Parenting a Child with ASD: Comparison of Parenting Style Between ASD, Anxiety, and Typical Development

Parenting children with ASD has a complex history. Given parents' increasingly pivotal role in children's treatment, it is critical to consider parental style and behaviours. This study (1) compares parenting style of parents of children with ASD, parents of children with anxiety disorders, and parents of typically developing (TD) children and (2) investigates contributors to parenting style within and between groups. Parents of children with anxiety had a distinct parenting style compared to ASD and TD parents. Unique relationships between child symptoms and parenting behaviours emerged across the three groups. Understanding factors that impact parenting between and within clinical groups can guide the development of interventions better tailored to support the needs of parents, particularly parents of children with ASD.
Non-reciprocal flexural wave propagation in a modulated metabeam

Abstract Flexural wave propagation in an Euler–Bernoulli beam coupled to a set of spring–mass resonators is investigated in the presence of a pump wave in the form of a space–time modulation of the beam-resonators coupling stiffness. A phase matching condition implies then that waves incident along or against the pump wave behave differently and gives rise in select frequency bands to one-way blocking and conversion of waves. In particular, one-way optical–acoustic transitions are proven possible and are quantified. Various orders of magnitude of relevant physical quantities, such as gap widths and interaction lengths, are estimated so as to guide future experimental implementations.
Attachment quality assessed from children’s family drawings links to child conduct problems and callous-unemotional behaviors

Objective: Recently, there has been considerable research on the origins of childhood conduct problems (CP) and callous-unemotional (CU) behaviors. This study examined associations between children...