cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bleomycin interactions with DNA. Studies on the role of the C-terminal cationic group of bleomycin A2 in association with and degradation of DNA.

Abstract The role of the cationic dimethylsulfonium group of Abeomycin A2 in the binding of the drug to poly(dA-dT) has been investigated b proton NMR studies on the S-demethyated derivative. In contrast to the parent drug, the demethyl congener shows no intercalation of the aromatic bithiazole group which is adjacent to the former cationic group. However, chemical studies show that the demethyl derivative retains the capability to degrade DNA in the presence of iron(II), albeit at a reduced rate and to a lesser extent than the intact bleomycin A2. Thus, the cationic group is necessary for the intercalation of the bithiazole portion of the drug molecule; however, intercalation is not essential for the degradation of DNA.
Study of top sheet thinning during friction stir lap welding of AZ31 magnesium alloy

AbstractFriction stir lap welding was applied to AZ31 magnesium alloy sheets to investigate the effect of tool designs and welding variables on top sheet thinning. Three tools with different shoulder designs were used. Sheet thinning aroused by the hooking or cold lap feature was quantified, and the lap shear fracture load of the joints was evaluated and correlated with the effective top sheet thickness. The tool geometry has a significant effect on the morphology and extent of both hooking and cold lap features, as well as welding variables such as welding pitch and plunge depth. The morphology and extent of these features influenced the effective top sheet thickness, which exhibited a linear relationship with the unit width fracture load via the welded material strength. High fracture loads can be achieved by suppressing the hooking and cold lap features as well as by strengthening the material in the nugget.
Anatomical organization of the brachial spinal cord of the cat. II. The motoneuron plexus

The present study has attempted to correlate the distribution and orientation of the motoneuron dendrites with the somatotopically organized distribution of their cell bodies. Despite local variations, the predominant dendritic orientation within the motoneuronal cell groups is longitudinal. Retrograde changes after section of various combinations of peripheral nerves show that motoneurons supplying the intrinsic flexor muscles of the forelimb are aligned longitudinally in the dorsolateral regions of the lateral motoneuronal cell groups from C6-T1. Extensor motoneurons are similarly aligned with each other but lie ventral to the flexor motoneurons. Motoneurons supplying the girdle musculature lie still more ventrally and medially. The cell bodies and dendrites intermingle, forming a longitudinal plexus which is supplied by afferents whose terminal arborizations also run longitudinally. The possible roles of these arrangements were discussed with reference to both the maintenance of specificity of the afferent supply to the motoneurons and the activation of synergistic motoneurons.
Differential Modulation of Ca2+/Calmodulin-dependent Protein Kinase II Activity by Regulated Interactions with N-Methyl-D-aspartate Receptor NR2B Subunits and α-Actinin

Abstract Neuronal Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) interacts with several prominent dendritic spine proteins, which have been termed CaMKII-associated proteins. The NR2B subunit of N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA)-type glutamate receptor, densin-180, and α-actinin bind comparable, approximately stoichiometric amounts of Thr286-autophosphorylated CaMKIIα, forming a ternary complex (Robison, A. J., Bass, M. A., Jiao, Y., Macmillan, L. B., Carmody, L. C., Bartlett, R. K., and Colbran, R. J. (2005) J. Biol. Chem. 280, 35329-35336), but their impacts on CaMKII function are poorly understood. Here we show that these interactions are differentially regulated and exert distinct effects on CaMKII activity. Nonphosphorylated and Thr286-autophosphorylated CaMKII bind to α-actinin with similar efficacy, but autophosphorylation at Thr305/306 or Ca2+/calmodulin binding significantly reduce this binding. Moreover, α-actinin antagonizes CaMKII activation by Ca2+/calmodulin, as assessed by autophosphorylation and phosphorylation of a peptide substrate. CaMKII binding to densin (1247-1542) is partially independent of Thr286 autophosphorylation and is unaffected by Ca2+-independent autophosphorylation or Ca2+/calmodulin. In addition, the CaMKII binding domain of densin-180 has little effect on CaMKII activity. In contrast, the interaction of CaMKIIα with NR2B requires either Thr286 autophosphorylation or the binding of both Ca2+/calmodulin and adenine nucleotides. NR2B inhibits both the Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent and autonomous activities of CaMKII by a mechanism that is competitive with autocamtide-2 substrate, non-competitive with syntide-2 substrate, and uncompetitive with respect to ATP. In combination, these data suggest that dynamically regulated interactions with CaMKII-associated proteins could play pleiotropic roles in finetuning CaMKII signaling in defined subcellular compartments.
Generalized Variational and Quasi-Variational Inequalities with Discontinuous Operators

Abstract We study the existence of solutions to generalized variational and generalized quasi-variational inequalities with discontinuous operators. We obtain results which generalize and extend previously known theorems. We also compare our new continuity condition on the operator in the variational inequality to previously used continuity conditions. We then apply our results to generalized variational inequalities which involve pseudo-monotone operators.
Differential diagnosis of obstructive jaundice.

After attempting to evaluate and interpret a number of tests it must be remembered that there is a small group of jaundiced persons in whom diagnosis resists the usual investigative methods. Here the practitioner must often rely on the history. physical examination and bedside observations. A neoplastic obstruction may produce a confused picture, yet frequently the course is characteristic. It is in these cases that a diagnosis is often made by clinical experience and keen observation together with laboratory evidence. Since it is known that an obstructive jaundice which persists for six weeks will be complicated by liver cell degeneration, surgery may finally be necessary in order to determine the cause of the jaundice.
A Genome-Scale Resource for the Functional Characterization of Arabidopsis Transcription Factors

Extensive transcriptional networks play major roles in cellular and organismal functions. Transcript levels are in part determined by the combinatorial and overlapping functions of multiple transcription factors (TFs) bound to gene promoters. Thus, TF-promoter interactions provide the basic molecular wiring of transcriptional regulatory networks. In plants, discovery of the functional roles of TFs is limited by an increased complexity of network circuitry due to a significant expansion of TF families. Here, we present the construction of a comprehensive collection of Arabidopsis TFs clones created to provide a versatile resource for uncovering TF biological functions. We leveraged this collection by implementing a high-throughput DNA binding assay and identified direct regulators of a key clock gene (CCA1) that provide molecular links between different signaling modules and the circadian clock. The resources introduced in this work will significantly contribute to a better understanding of the transcriptional regulatory landscape of plant genomes.
Distributed Interference Alignment in Cognitive Radio Networks

In this paper, we investigate the problem of incorporating two advanced physical layer technologies, i.e., multiple-input and multiple- output (MIMO) and distributed interference alignment, in cognitive radio (CR) networks. We present a cooperative spectrum leasing scheme for primary and secondary users to trade off between data transmission and revenue collection/payment. A Stackelberg game is formulated, where the primary user is the leader and the secondary users are followers. With backward induction, we derive the unique Stackelberg Equilibrium, where no player can gain by unilaterally changing strategy, as well as the optimal strategies. We find spectrum leasing is always beneficial to enhance the utilities of primary and secondary users. The proposed scheme outperforms a no-spectrum-leasing scheme and a cooperative scheme presented in the literature with considerable gains, which demonstrate the benefits of spectrum leasing and distributed interference alignment and validate the efficacy of the proposed scheme.
The mass spectra of phosphorus esters. I. Bicyclic phosphites

The mass spectra of bicyclic phosphites of the type P(OCH2)3CR, where R = CH3, C2H5, and C3H7 and NO2, are reported, and their fragmentation patterns analyzed. Unlike trialkyl phosphites, these cyclic phosphites do not yield a large number of phosphorus-containing fragment ions resulting from hydrogen rearrangement.
Does measuring knowledge make “cents”?

Abstract Intellectual capital measurement is an important element of knowledge management. Organizations are grappling with the issue of how best to show that knowledge management efforts are benefiting their organization. The measurement and valuation of knowledge, especially pertaining to human capital, is an area of great interest. This article discusses this issue and proposes a valuation model for human capital.
International Relations and Migration in Southern Africa

(1997). INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND MIGRATION IN SOUTHERN AFRICA. African Security Review: Vol. 6, No. 3, pp. 38-45.
The temperature of cavitation.

Ultrasonic irradiation of liquids causes acoustic cavitation: the formation, growth, and implosive collapse of bubbles. Bubble collapse during cavitation generates transient hot spots responsible for high-energy chemistry and emission of light. Determination of the temperatures reached in a cavitating bubble has remained a difficult experimental problem. As a spectroscopic probe of the cavitation event, sonoluminescence provides a solution. Sonoluminescence spectra from silicone oil were reported and analyzed. The observed emission came from excited state C2 (Swan band transitions, d3IIg—a3IIµ), which has been modeled with synthetic spectra as a function of rotational and vibrational temperatures. From comparison of synthetic to observed spectra, the effective cavitation temperature was found to be 5075 ± 156 K.
Self-organizing and self-correcting classifications of biological data

Motivation: Rapid, automated means of organizing biological data are required if we hope to keep abreast of the flood of data emanating from sequencing, microarray and similar high-throughput analyses. Faced with the need to validate the annotation of thousands of sequences and to generate biologically meaningful classifications based on the sequence data, we turned to statistical methods in order to automate these processes. Results: An algorithm for automated classification based on evolutionary distance data was written in S. The algorithm was tested on a dataset of 1436 small subunit ribosomal RNA sequences and was able to classify the sequences according to an extant scheme, use statistical measurements of group membership to detect sequences that were misclassified within this scheme and produce a new classification. In this study, the use of the algorithm to address problems in prokaryotic taxonomy is discussed. Availability: S-Plus is available from Insightful, Inc. An S-Plus implementation of the algorithm and the associated data are available at http://taxoweb.mmg.msu.edu/datasets Contact: garrity@msu.edu
API peer reviews: a method for evaluating usability of application programming interfaces

API usability tests in the lab are time and resource intensive, thus allowing a relatively small percentage of the API namespace to be evaluated. We describe a group-based usability inspection method -- API Peer Reviews -- to evaluate API usability. Based on an analysis of usability breakdowns from API Peer Reviews and API usability tests, results show that API Peer Reviews identified breakdowns across several cognitive dimensions, some of which were different than what was identified by API usability tests. We reflect on the adoption of API Peer Reviews as a collaborative practice in organizations for evaluating API usability.
Search for π−ϱ− resonances produced in 7 GeV/c π−d interactions

Abstract A search has been carried out for resonances in the π−ϱ− system produced in the reaction π–d → ppπ−ϱ−; we observe no significant structure in the π−ϱ− mass spectrum, and place an upper limit of 6ωb for resonance production in this channel.
C5a receptors on neutrophils and monocytes from chronic dialysis patients.

C5a is generated by the activation of the complement system with the cleavage of complement component C5 into C5a and C5b. C5a, an important in vivo chemotactic factor and anaphylatoxin, was first identified as having an important role in dialysis patients by Craddock et al (1,2,3) in the 1970’s. Previously various investigators had observed that leukopenia occurred during the first 30 minutes of hemodialysis (HD) with cellulose dialysis membranes (4,5,6,7). Craddock et al demonstrated that this leukopenia resulted from pulmonary sequestration of neutrophils (PMN) which was provoked by a complement component generated from contact of the patient’s blood with the cellophane dialyzer (1,2,3). C5a became the likely suspect because it was known to induce neutrophil aggregation in vivo and it was logically reasoned that PMN and monocytes would accumulate in the lungs, the first large capillary network encountered in circulation, following passage of blood through the dialyzer.
Diet and dental caries: dental caries incidence and the consumption of ready-to-eat cereals

The amounts of regular and presweetened cereals consumed by 979 children during two years were estimated to determine the existence of an association between consumption of the cereals and caries incidence. The estimated amounts of regular and presweetened ready-to-eat cereals consumed by 949 children during two years were analyzed to determine the existence of an association between caries incidence and the consumption of these cereals. The average cereal consumption by type of cereal was estimated for each participant, and the children were classified as low, medium, or high consumers of cereals. Analysis of data on need for restorative treatment in permanent teeth and in permanent and deciduous teeth, by type and amount of cereal consumed, showed no association between caries incidence and cereal consumption. The cariogenicity of a food may be related to its consistency, the time of consumption, and the conditions under which it is eaten, as well as its sucrose content.
Analysis of transient signals using higher-order time-frequency distributions

A general class of higher-order time-frequency representations, including Wigner higher-order spectra (WHOS), has been defined and studied recently as an extension of bilinear time-frequency distributions in terms of instantaneous higher-order moments of the signal. The analysis of mono- and multicomponent signals is considered using higher-order based time-frequency distributions. A computationally feasible implementation of the Wigner bispectrum and trispectrum (WHOS in the third and fourth order domain) is proposed considering one slice of the multifrequency space. The problem of cross-terms cancellation is addressed, and reduced interference distributions are defined as an extension of the Choi-Williams distribution. >
Simulating Clever Hans in the Classroom

The story of Clever Hans has been used in psychology classes to illustrate various concepts in experimental design. This article describes how to replicate the Clever Hans effect by training a rat to bar press in response to a 22,000-Hz signal surreptitiously controlled by the instructor. The demonstration elicits student interest in experimental design and stimulates critical thinking.
The over-extended Kalman filter - don't use it!

Radar range rate measurements are not always used in target tracking filters because they are highly nonlinear in Cartesian space. A linear approxi- mation of range rate composed of its partial derivatives with respect to the track state vector is sometimes used in the measurement equation of an Extended Kalman filter. Unfortunately, this naive linearization can de- grade the filter's position estimates. The origins of this phenomenon are investigated and found to lie in the functional relationship induced by the linearization between the position elements of the track state vec- tor and the range rate innovation. An alternative lin- earization of range rate that is not a function of the position elements is derived. It is shown that the new linearization improves position estimate for some tra- jectories. An ordinary Kalman filter's gains are com- pared to those of the usual and alternative extended Kalman filters analytically and via simulation. The results show that the alternative linearization leads to a filter having the same position gains as an ordinary Kalman filter, and an additional gain on the track's radial velocity. This new extended Kalman filter can improve a tracking system's velocity estimates without risk to its position estimates.
Shifting the frequency response of switched-capacitor filters by nonuniform sampling

A clock with nonuniformly spaced sampling times can be used to shift the frequency response of switched-capacitor filters. By using such a clock, which deviates only slightly from a uniform sampling clock, small shifts in the frequency response of a switched-capacitor filter can be realized. The nonuniform sampling generates undesired modulation sidebands which are small if the deviation from uniform sampling is small. Computer simulations and measured data are presented to support equations that predict the frequency response shift and the amplitude of the undesired sidebands. This technique can be used to correct frequency response errors in monolithic switched-capacitor filters caused by capacitor ratio inaccuracies. It may also be useful in applications such as spectrum analyzers and tone generators. >
Novocriniidae, a new family of harpacticoid copepods from anchihaline caves in Belize

Huys, R. & Iliffe, T. M. 1998. Novocriniidae, a new family of harpacticoid copepods from anchihaline caves in Belize. A new family of fusiform, semi-planktonic harpacticoid copepods is described from two anchihaline caves, Caye Chapel Cave and Columbus Caye Blue Hole, on the Belize Barrier Reef. The Novocriniidae fam. n. is proposed to accommodate Novocrinia trifida gen. et sp. n. and is placed in the tisbidimorph complex of families (Tisboidea) by virtue of its maxilliped morphology. The new genus shares several characters with other tisbidimorph families but cannot be placed in any of them without an unnatural extension of their diagnoses. The Novocriniidae display a suite of plesiomorphic character states in most appendages from the antennules to the PS, indicating their basal position on the tisbidimorph phylogenetic tree. They exhibit a unique sexually dimorphic modification of the antennae, involving the transformation of two setal elements into filamentous sensory tufts. The unusual presence of supernumerary elements on the male PS baseoendopod is briefly discussed as well as the presence of a genuine but incipient oral cone derived from the labrum and medially fused paragnaths.
Control of the Acclimation of Photosynthesis to Light and Temperature in Relation to Partitioning of Photosynthate in Developing Soybean Leaves

Photosynthetic acclimation was examined by exposing third trifoliolate leaves of soybeans to air temperatures of 20 to 30 °C and photosynthetic photon flux densities (PPFD) of 150 to 950 ??mol photons m"2 s"1 for the last 3 d before they reached maximum area. In some cases the environment of the third leaf was controlled separately from that of the rest of the plant. Photosynthesis, respiration and dry mass accumulation were determined under the treatment conditions, and photosynthetic capacity, and dry mass and protein content were determined at full expansion. Photosynthetic capacity, the light-saturated rate of net carbon dioxide exchange at 25 °C and 34 Pa external partial pressure of carbon dioxide, could be modified between 21 and 35 jumol C02 m~2 s-1 by environmental changes after leaves had become exporters of photosynthate. Protein per unit leaf mass did not differ between treatments, and photosynthetic capacity increased with leaf mass per unit area. Photosynthetic capacity of third leaves was affected by the PPFD incident on those leaves, but not by the PPFD on other leaves on the plant. Photosynthetic capacity of third leaves was affected by the temperature of the rest of the plant, but not by the temperature of the third leaves. Photosynthetic capacity was linearly related to carbon dioxide exchange rate in the growth regimes, but not to daytime PPFD. At high PPFD, and at 25 and 30 °C, mass accumulation was about 28% of the mass of photosynthate produced. At lower PPFD, and at 20 °C, larger percentages of the photosynthate produced accumulated as dry mass. The results suggest that photosynthate supply is an important factor controlling leaf structural growth and, consequently, photosynthetic acclimation to light and temperature.
Kuru fieldwork in 1981 … and beyond

In 1981, I was fortunate to be able to conduct epidemiological fieldwork on kuru and the experience forever changed me. At the time, the prevalence and incidence had both declined markedly. Yet, clusters of cases still occurred in various villages and questions arose of whether these were the
China's modernizations, reforms and mobile population

Since 1949 China has dealt with problems of an unbalanced distribution of population and a great contradiction of production activities between cities and countryside. Recent reforms however are changing all areas of life in China. The growth of major urban centres has been limited while a much more relaxed population movement between urban and rural areas is allowed. This paper provides a brief history of Chinas national development and assesses the current reforms and their impacts on...population mobility in the post-Mao era. (SUMMARY IN FRE AND GER AND SPA) (EXCERPT)
Multiple outbreaks and flu containment plans.

In reporting on our recent study ([1][1]) On the risk of multiple outbreaks of pandemic influenza, M. Enserink cites several scientific and political objections to our conclusions that a single introduction of pandemic flu might be followed by additional introductions in quick succession (“New
Theophylline restores histone deacetylase activity and steroid responses in COPD macrophages.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common chronic inflammatory disease of the lungs with little or no response to glucocorticoids and a high level of oxidative stress. Histone deacetylase (HDAC) activity is reduced in cells of cigarette smokers, and low concentrations of theophylline can increase HDAC activity. We measured the effect of theophylline on HDAC activity and inflammatory gene expression in alveolar macrophages (AM) from patients with COPD. AM from normal smokers showed a decrease in HDAC activity compared with normal control subjects, and this was further reduced in COPD patients (51% decrease, P < 0.01). COPD AMs also showed increased basal release of IL-8 and TNF-α, which was poorly suppressed by dexamethasone. Theophylline induced a sixfold increase in HDAC activity in COPD AM lysates and significantly enhanced dexamethasone suppression of induced IL-8 release, an effect that was blocked by the HDAC inhibitor trichostatin A. Therefore, theophylline might restore steroid responsiveness in COPD patients.
Being (Born) Black in America: Perceived Discrimination & African-American Infant Mortality

It is now widely recognized that African American infants are nearly two and a half times as likely as white infants to die in their first year of life. This review provides an overview of contemporary research findings on infant mortality with particular attention paid to African American infant mortality and its possible psychosocial and environmental determinants. It engages the genetic, behavioral, and socioeconomic arguments and attempts to contextualize them in the context of the current research. In the initial sections a particular effort has been made to present these findings in a meticulous, non-speculative manner. The conclusion contains critical extractions and extrapolations, as well as suggestions for further research.
Analysis of differentially expressed proteins in Yersinia enterocolitica-infected HeLa cells.

Abstract Yersinia enterocolitica is a facultative intracellular pathogen and a causative agent of yersiniosis, which can be contracted by ingestion of contaminated food. Yersinia secretes virulence factors to subvert critical pathways in the host cell. In this study we utilized shotgun label-free proteomics to study differential protein expression in epithelial cells infected with Y. enterocolitica. We identified a total of 551 proteins, amongst which 42 were downregulated (including Prostaglandin E Synthase 3, POH-1 and Karyopherin alpha) and 22 were upregulated (including Rab1 and RhoA) in infected cells. We validated some of these results by western blot analysis of proteins extracted from Caco-2 and HeLa cells. The proteomic dataset was used to identify host canonical pathways and molecular functions modulated by this infection in the host cells. This study constitutes a proteome of Yersinia-infected cells and can support new discoveries in the area of host-pathogen interactions. Statement of significance of the study We describe a proteome of Yersinia enterocolitica-infected HeLa cells, including a description of specific proteins differentially expressed upon infection, molecular functions as well as pathways altered during infection. This proteomic study can lead to a better understanding of Y. enterocolitica pathogenesis in human epithelial cells.
Visualization of Charge Carrier Dynamics in Semiconductor Nanowires Using Pump-Probe Microscopy

Spatially resolved pump-probe microscopy is used to image carrier transport in individual nanowires. Diffusion of charge carriers in Si nanowires and charge separation in a nanowire encoded with an axial p-i-n junction will be discussed.
Medreseyên Kurdan Ji Destpêkê Heta Îro

Islam dininin yayilmaya baslamasi ile Ortadogu cografyasi yeni bir medeniyetin kaynagi konumuna geldi. Bu uygarligin onemli bir dayanagini yazi ve kitap, yani medreseler olusturmaktadir. Musluman olan her bir millet ve topluluk kendi realitelerine gore kendi egitim kurumlarini olusturdular ve boylece bu kulturden yararlanma yoluna gittiler. Bu bolgenin yerli bir kavmi olarak Kurtler ve cografyalari da bu kurumlarin olusum ve gelisim alanlari haline geldi. Kurt medreseleri olarak literature gecen bu egitim kurumlari Kurtlerin sosyal, edebi ve dini hayatlari uzerinde oldukca onemli etkide bulundu. Bu calismanin amaci baslangictan gunumuze Kurt medreselerinin gecirdigi donem ve evreleri ve bu medreselerin yayilma alanlarini ortaya cikarmaktir. Anahtar Kelimeler: Medreseler, Kurt Medreseleri, Kultur, Kurt Kulturu, Kurt Edebiyati, Egitim.
An Approach to Ignatius

Recent studies of Ignatius the bishop of Antioch have been fresh and varied, upon the whole. Some of his theological ideas have been reconsidered, as for example his conceptions of the Trinity by Jules Lebreton (Recherches de Science Religieuse, 1925, 97 f., 393 f.) and Loofs (Theophilus von Antiochien adversus Marcionem, 1930, 194 f.). His relation to the gnostic movement occupies H. Schlier's Religionsgeschichtliche Untersuchungen zu den Ignatiusbriefen (1929), and emerges in Lietzmann's Geschichte der Alten Kirche, I (1932, 251 f.) and Walter Bauer's Rechtglaubigkeit und Ketzerei im altesten Christenthum (1934, 65 f.). The psychological interest crops up in Dr. Streeter's ingenious account of his attitude towards church-orders (The Primitive Church, 1929), while wider surveys are furnished by Dr. F. A. Schilling (Mysticism of Ignatius of Antioch, 1932) and Dr. Cyril Richardson (The Christianity of Ignatius of Antioch, 1935). These monographs represent an advance upon the old-fashioned practice of grouping Ignatius among the so-called ‘apostolic fathers,’ or of estimating him in the wake of a ‘mystical succession’ headed by the apostles Paul and John.
Performance of External Quality Control Systems

In August 1988, CDC /HCFA proposed new regulations to replace the minimum specifications that all US proficiency testing (PT) programs must meet or exceed to certify laboratory performance under Medicare or CLIA. Certification is to be based on outcome measurements, ie, PT performance. Scientists have long questioned the basic premise ofPT, namely, that evaluation samples are tested in precisely the same manner as routine patient samples. The proposed regulations specifically require this practice. The present study evaluates the effect of the widely acknowledged practice of replicate analyses of PT specimens and the effect on outcome measurements. A laboratory averaging 5 replicates reduces its apparent internal coefficient of variation by more than 50% and hence improves its FT performance. Moreover, a laboratory participating in a PT program where replicate analyses of PT specimens are common will suffer from beingheldto a higher standard of performance than its peers when grading criteria are based on interlaboratory SDs.
Transformations and Optics

The principals of elementary lense optics, as taught in high school physics, may be formalized as follows: I. An ideal lense a is a line (we deal with a plane diagram, a cross-section) to which corresponds a one-to-one transformation of the class of all lines in the plane into itself, such that every line cutting a is concurrent with its transform and a. II. There is a point 0 on a such that the transform of any line through 0 is itself. (i. e., rays of light through the "optical center" aren't bent.) III. We are given another point F such that all lines parallel to OF are transformed into lines through F (i. e., a beam of light parallel to the "principal axis" is focussed upon the "principal focus".) IV. The transform of the pencil of lines through any point P, the "object" (real or "at infinity") is the pencil through a point Q, its "image". (To construct Q given P not on OF, the student finds the transform of PR I I OF, and of PO, and constructs their intersection; other lines of the two pencils may then be drawn see diagram.)
Evaluation of Proficiency in the Performance of Tests for Abnormal Hemoglobins

A hemoglobinopathy proficiency testing program was initiated by the Hematology Section of the Center for Disease Control to evaluate the ability of screening programs to detect abnormal hemoglobins in the United States. One third of reporting laboratories misdiagnosed a sample of blood containing AS hemoglobin in the first survey. Many incorrect results were also reported for a sample containing AD hemoglobin. Incorrect electrophoresis pattern interpretation was the most frequent source of error. Proficiency testing provides an external quality control system and a continuing education mechanism to correct deficiencies in laboratory medicine.
Design and Application of Intelligent Condition Monitoring System for Substation Equipment

For the upgrade of China power grid from the traditional grid to smart grid,there are many requirements of construction and retrofit for the intelligent condition monitoring systems in substations.Base on the analysis of the structure of the intelligent condition monitoring system for substation equipment,this paper put forward a design scheme that met the needs of smart grid.It had been applied in an engineering project for the modeling and application of DL/T 860 standard in the intelligent condition monitoring system.The results show that it can achieve the functions of communication services,devices' standardization,system interface and master diagnosis functionality.This paper also pointed out the problems in the current application.
Inflammatory arthritis and sicca syndrome induced by nivolumab and ipilimumab

Objectives Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) targeting the cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) and programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) pathways have demonstrated survival improvements in multiple advanced cancers, but also cause immune-related adverse events (IRAEs). IRAEs with clinical features similar to rheumatic diseases have not been well described. We report patients with inflammatory arthritis and sicca syndrome secondary to ICIs. Methods We report patients evaluated in the Johns Hopkins Rheumatology clinics from 2012 to 2016 identified as having new rheumatological symptoms in the context of treatment with ipilimumab (anti-CTLA-4) and/or nivolumab (anti-PD-1) for solid tumours. Results We identified 13 patients who received ICIs and developed rheumatological IRAEs. Mean age was 58.7 years. Cancer types included melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, small cell lung cancer and renal cell carcinoma. ICI regimens included nivolumab or ipilimumab as monotherapy (n=5), or combination nivolumab and ipilimumab (n=8). Nine of 13 patients developed an inflammatory arthritis, 4 with synovitis confirmed on imaging (3 ultrasound, 1 MRI) and 4 with inflammatory synovial fluid. Four patients developed sicca syndrome with severe salivary hypofunction. Other IRAEs included: pneumonitis, colitis, interstitial nephritis and thyroiditis. Antinuclear antibodies were positive in 5 out of 13 patients. All 13 patients were treated with corticosteroids with varying response. Two patients were treated with methotrexate and antitumor necrosis factor therapy for inflammatory arthritis. Conclusions As ICIs are increasingly used for a range of malignancies, new cases of rheumatic IRAEs are likely to emerge. Further research is required to understand mechanisms, determine risk factors and develop management algorithms for rheumatic IRAEs.
Brown Adipose Tissue Function Is Enhanced in Long-Lived, Male Ames Dwarf Mice.

Ames dwarf mice (Prop1df/df) are long-lived due to a loss of function mutation, resulting in deficiency of GH, TSH, and prolactin. Along with a marked extension of longevity, Ames dwarf mice have improved energy metabolism as measured by an increase in their oxygen consumption and heat production, as well as a decrease in their respiratory quotient. Along with alterations in energy metabolism, Ames dwarf mice have a lower core body temperature. Moreover, Ames dwarf mice have functionally altered epididymal white adipose tissue (WAT) that improves, rather than impairs, their insulin sensitivity due to a shift from pro- to anti-inflammatory cytokine secretion. Given the unique phenotype of Ames dwarf epididymal WAT, their improved energy metabolism, and lower core body temperature, we hypothesized that Ames dwarf brown adipose tissue (BAT) may function differently from that of their normal littermates. Here we use histology and RT-PCR to demonstrate that Ames dwarf mice have enhanced BAT function. We also u...
In vivo continuous evolution of genes and pathways in yeast.

Directed evolution remains a powerful, highly generalizable approach for improving the performance of biological systems. However, implementations in eukaryotes rely either on in vitro diversity generation or limited mutational capacities. Here we synthetically optimize the retrotransposon Ty1 to enable in vivo generation of mutant libraries up to 1.6 × 107 l−1 per round, which is the highest of any in vivo mutational generation approach in yeast. We demonstrate this approach by using in vivo-generated libraries to evolve single enzymes, global transcriptional regulators and multi-gene pathways. When coupled to growth selection, this approach enables in vivo continuous evolution (ICE) of genes and pathways. Through a head-to-head comparison, we find that ICE libraries yield higher-performing variants faster than error-prone PCR-derived libraries. Finally, we demonstrate transferability of ICE to divergent yeasts, including Kluyveromyces lactis and alternative S. cerevisiae strains. Collectively, this work establishes a generic platform for rapid eukaryotic-directed evolution across an array of target cargo. Directed evolution is a powerful technique for generating improved biological systems through repeated rounds of mutagenesis and selection. Here the authors engineer the yeast retrotransposon Ty1 to enable the creation of large mutant libraries in vivoand use this system to generate improved variants of single enzymes and multigene pathways.
Epidermal growth factor receptor targeting using cetuximab labeled ultrasound contrast agents — A feasibility study

This paper details the potential of cetuximab (C225) labeled microbubbles (MBs) to improve ultrasound (US) imaging of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). C225 is a therapeutic monoclonal antibody to the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and currently approved for the treatment of recurrent HNSCC. Conjugating C225 to the surface of US MBs produces a targeted contrast agent that selectively binds to over-expressed EGFR on the tumor endothelium to improve visualization and therapeutic monitoring. Analysis of targeted MB binding in vitro was performed using SCC-1 and normal dermal fibroblasts (NDF) cell lines. Cells were incubated with MBs conjugated to either C225 or IgG isotype control antibodies. Light microscopy was used to quantify MB receptor binding. Attached MB were normalized by cell count and recorded for each group. To evaluate C225-labeled MBs in an animal model, SCC-1 cells were implanted in the flank of nude athymic mice (N = 8). MBs labeled with C225 or control antibodies were administered via a bolus tail vein injection and tumors were examined using a MB sensitive harmonic imaging mode. For each tumor, US images from the targeted and control groups were paired and assessed by a blinded reviewer to determine greatest degree of intratumoral contrast enhancement. MBs labeled with C225 exhibited significantly higher SCC-1 cell attachment levels relative to control group measurements (p = 0.001). Specifically, the mean number of attached MBs per cell was 3.6 ± 0.7 and 0.7 ± 0.1 for the C225- and control antibody-labeled groups, respectively, yielding nearly a 6-fold difference. Given presentation of paired animal data, it was determined that 75% (6 of 8) of the US images from the C225-labeled MB experimental day exhibited increased enhancement compared to the same animals administered control MBs. This study demonstrates feasibility of targeted US imaging of HNSCC using cetuximab-labeled MBs.
Managing systemic sclerosis-related interstitial lung disease in the modern treatment era

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) affects the majority of patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and is the leading cause of death in SSc. Traditionally, treatments for SSc-ILD have targeted broad su...
Protein adsorption in anion exchange resins – effects of polymer grafting, support structure porosity, and protein size

BACKGROUND Anion exchange resins are used extensively for the purification of acidic proteins. Grafting charged polymers to a rigid porous structure has been shown to improve performance under varying conditions. Understanding the underlying mechanisms is important for the optimum design and selection of material properties and operating conditions. RESULTS Positively charged grafted polymers incorporated into a rigid, porous polymeric backbone structure are found to significantly enhance adsorption capacity and kinetics of the proteins bovine serum albumin (BSA, Mr~65 kDa) and thyroglobulin (Tg, Mr~660 kDa) but under different conditions. For the smaller BSA, binding increases with grafted polymer length and content and decreases with salt concentration. For the much larger Tg, binding increases with the addition of some salt for the polymer-grafted resins but can be lower than that observed for ungrafted resins without added salt. This behavior is caused by diffusional hindrance due to the bound protein. Increasing the length of the grafted polymer or the pore size of the backbone improve the Tg adsorption kinetics. CONCLUSION Protein adsorption is controlled by different mechanisms dependent on polymer grafting, backbone structure, and size of the adsorbed protein. Optimum selection of resin properties and conditions is needed to maximize adsorption capacity and mass transfer kinetics.
Anatomy, Back, Latissimus Dorsi

The latissimus dorsi muscle is a broad, flat muscle that occupies the majority of the lower posterior thorax. The muscle's primary function is of the upper extremity but is also considered to be a respiratory accessory muscle. Due to this muscle's broad attachment on the spinous processes, ongoing research is looking at what, if any, role the muscle plays in trunk movement. Currently, the evidence is mixed on how much influence this muscle has on spine extension, lateral flexion, or rotation. Even though the muscle has a broad attachment on the trunk and strong actions on the humerus, use of this muscle for surgical transposition appears to have limited effect on or restriction of normal function.
Photovoice as a Pedagogical Tool: Exploring Personal and Professional Values with Female Muslim Social Work Students in an Intercultural Classroom Setting.

ABSTRACTThis article explores a classroom project in which we used photovoice as a pedagogical tool to enhance personal and professional self-awareness among female, Muslim, social work students in...
First Principles Study of Size Effect in BaTiO3 Ultrathin Films

Properties and phase transition behaviors of ferroelectric thin films that are different from that of their bulk form is usually referred to as size effect. A first-principles-based scheme is used to investigate the effects of four important factors contributing to the size effects in epitaxial (001) BaTiO3 ultrathin films: misfit strain, existence of surface, film thickness, and electrical boundary conditions.
Predatory hymenopteran assemblages in boreal Alaska: associations with forest composition and post-fire succession

Changes to the fire regime in boreal Alaska are shifting the ratio of coniferous to deciduous dominance on the landscape. The increase in aspen and birch may have important effects on predatory hym...
Are adaptive mutations due to a decline in mismatch repair? The evidence is lacking

The levels of proteins required for methyl-directed mismatch repair appear to decline in stationary-phase and nutritionally-deprived cells of Escherichia coli. It has been hypothesized that error-correction by the system also declines, and this decline is responsible for adaptive or stationary-phase mutations. However, evidence in support of this hypothesis is lacking. The mismatch repair system is no less effective in correcting errors during prolonged selection than it is during growth. Furthermore, mismatch repair proteins supplied in excess reduce both growth-dependent and adaptive mutation.
Inhibitors of Terminal Transferase: A New Strategy for the Treatment of Human Leukemia

Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT, EC 2.7.7.31) is a unique DNA polymerase which catalyzes the polymerization of deoxyribonucleotides on the 3’-hydroxyl ends of preformed oligo- or polydeoxynucleotide initiators, in a template-independent manner (1). Its expression is restricted, in normal animals, to subsets of primitive lymphocytes, and, in disease states, to the blast cells of certain forms of acute leukemia and diffuse lymphoma (2). For immunobiologists TdT has emerged as a useful marker for characterizing subsets of pre-B and pre-T lymphocytes (3–7). For physicians caring for patients with leukemia and lymphoma, neoplastic cell TdT status has turned out to be a useful criterion for patient assignment to therapeutically meaningful categories (8).
Level of Skill and Long-Felt Need: Notes on a Forgotten Future

The Supreme Court's KSR decision transforms the way we think about patent law's ordinary artisan. The ordinary artisan, the Supreme Court states, is also a person of ordinary creativity, not an automaton. This transformation, which sweeps aside a contrary precept that had informed the Federal Circuit's nonobviousness jurisprudence for a generation, raises a key question: How do we fill out the rest of our conception, in a given case, of the ordinary artisan's level of skill at the time the invention was made? Reaching back to a large vein of case law typified by Judge Learned Hand's decisions about nonobviousness, as well as an all-but-forgotten nonobviousness bill that died in committee in 1948, I show that the modern level of skill inquiry can comfortably rely on evidence of long-felt, unmet need in the art and the failure of others to meet that need. For it remains true, as Judge Hand once observed, that "the best test of what persons of routine ingenuity can do is what they have done."
Summer bed-site selection by roe deer in a predator free area

For many animals, bed-site selection is influenced by anti-predator strate- gies, as they are forced to cope with high risk of predation. I examined summer bed-site selection by roe deer (Capreolus capreolus bedfordi) in an area - Baxianshan Nature Re- serve, north China -, where predators were extirpated 22 years before, predicting that roe deer would select the bed-sites which allowed them to maximize fawn survival, indepen- dently from predation risk. Among three available forest types, roe deer showed a strong preference for deciduous fo- rests. Roe deer bedded at sites with higher elevation, denser shrub, higher herb biomass and cover and higher percentage of new shoots to the total twigs compared to negative sites. They selected bed-sites relatively far from trees, shrubs, and human features. Furthermore, roe deer avoided areas with tall shrubs and steep slopes. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that food availability, visibility, space, and human disturbance were the most important factors affecting bed-site selection by roe deer. Bed-site selection by roe deer was still the result of anti-predator strategies. This implies that two decades were a too short period to let deer lose the memory of predation pressure. This study suggests that the nonrandom bed-site selection of roe deer aimed to increase reproductive success by enhanc- ing fawn survival.
Management of sigmoid perforation from chronic constipation and manual disimpaction.

A 41-year-old man with medical history of paraplegia as the result of spinal surgery complications and chronic constipation secondary to chronic opioid use and neurogenic colon requiring frequent enemas and manual disimpaction presents to the emergency room with diffuse abdominal pain after digital disimpaction. On examination, his abdomen was tender, rigid and distended with general peritonitis. Laboratory values were significant for leucopaenia of 3.3 k/µL and elevated lactate of 2.25 mmol/L. CT of the abdomen and pelvis demonstrated a perforated sigmoid colon with an 8.3 cm defect and peritoneal spillage of faecal contents with scattered foci of free air (figure 1). He was taken emergently for an exploratory laparotomy where the rectosigmoid colon perforation was identified, surrounding …
Association of abnormal molecular markers with clonal plasma cell burden in light chain amyloidosis.

8063Background: Light chain amyloidosis (AL) is a clonal plasma cell neoplasm in which clonal light chains misfold into amyloid and deposit in tissues. The pathogenesis of AL depends on the degree ...