cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract 3802: Human NKG2D ligand regulation of Natural Killer cell function and its implications in cancer and inflammation

The significance of ligand-induced activation of Natural Killer cell activating receptor NKG2D in controlling tumor growth has been well established in various experimental animal models. Amongst different types of NKG2D ligands, MHC I chain related molecule MICA/B is expressed most prevalently in various human malignancies, but has not been found in rodent family. Proteolytic-mediated shed-form of soluble MICA/B (sMIC) has been shown to suppress the immune system and correlate with advanced disease stages in cancer patients. Previous studies in our lab using two humanized bi-transgenic mice, one expressing native ligand (TRAMP/MICB) and alternatively expressing the shedding-resistant mutant (TRAMP/MICB.A2) revealed opposite roles of membrane-bound and soluble form of MIC in regulating tumor immunity. Mice with high levels of sMIC exhibited increased tumor progression, whereas mice expressing membrane-bound MICB.A2 in tumors enjoyed tumor-free survival. These findings raised the intriguing question of why do these structurally similar forms of MIC have vastly different effects on tumor immunity. To address this question, we investigated the signaling events and functional outcomes in NK cells upon stimulation by the two forms of ligands. In vitro co-culture studies of NK cells with tumor cell lines expressing sMICB and MICB.A2 revealed elevated pro-inflammatory cytokine production by NK cells upon stimulation with sMICB. In contrast, NK cells stimulated with MICB.A2 displayed enhanced expression of cytotoxicity mediators and signaling molecules of cytotoxicity pathway. This suggests that signaling through sMICB may polarize the NKG2D signaling pathways with preferential activation of inflammatory cytokine pathways. Our data has uncovered a new potential mechanism whereby sMIC promotes tumor progression and supports the notion that sMIC is a viable target for cancer immunotherapy. Citation Format: Payal Dhar, Jennifer Wu. Human NKG2D ligand regulation of Natural Killer cell function and its implications in cancer and inflammation [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 3802.
AAV8-mediated overexpression of mPCSK9 in liver differs between male and female mice.

Abstrat Background and aims The recombinant adeno-associated viral vector serotype 8 expressing the gain-of-function mutation of mouse proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (AAV8- PCSK9) is a new model for the induction of hypercholesterolemia. AAV8 preferentially infects hepatocytes and the incorporated liver-specific promoter should ensure expression of PCSK9 in the liver. Since tissue distribution of AAVs can differ between male and female mice, we investigated the differences in PCSK9 expression and hypercholesterolemia development between male and female mice using the AAV8-PCSK9 model. Methods Male and female C57BL/6 mice were injected with either a low-dose or high-dose of AAV8-PCSK9 and fed a high-fat diet. Plasma lipid levels were evaluated as a measure of the induction of hypercholesterolemia. Results Injection of mice with low dose AAV8-PCSK9 dramatically elevated both serum PCSK9 and cholesterol levels in male but not female mice. Increasing the dose of AAV8-PCSK9 threefold in female mice rescued the hypercholesterolemia phenotype but did not result in full restoration of AAV8-PCSK9 transduction of livers in female mice compared to the low-dose male mice. Our data demonstrate female mice respond differently to AAV8-PCSK9 injection compared to male mice. Conclusions These differences do not hinder the use of female mice when AAV8-PCSK9 doses are taken into consideration. However, localization to and production of AAV8-PCSK9 in organs besides the liver in mice may introduce confounding factors into studies and should be considered during experimental design.
Percutaneous Ultrasonic Tenotomy Reduces Insertional Achilles Tendinopathy Pain With High Patient Satisfaction and a Low Complication Rate.

Due to the novelty of percutaneous ultrasonic tenotomy, the risks and benefits of this minimally invasive procedure for insertional Achilles tendinopathy pain have only been examined in case studies and retrospective chart reviews for other diagnoses. This retrospective chart review over a 3.5-year period identified 34 patients with insertional Achilles tendinopathy who had percutaneous ultrasonic tenotomy (mean age ± SD, 52.2 ± 11.6 years; mean body mass index, 32.9 ± 7.5 kg/m2 ; 62% female). This procedure reduced the rate of moderate/severe pain from 68% at baseline to 15% at the long-term follow-up and had a satisfaction rate of 70%. There was 1 minor complication out of 40 procedures in 34 patients.
X-ray Computed Tomography for Flame-Structure Analysis of Laminar Premixed Flames.

Abstract Quantitative X-ray computed tomography (XCT) diagnostics for reacting flows are developed and demonstrated in application to premixed flames in open and optically inaccessible geometries. A laboratory X-ray scanner is employed to investigate methane/air flames that were diluted with krypton as an inert radiodense tracer gas. Effects of acquisition rate and tracer gas concentration on the signal-to-noise ratio are examined. It is shown that statistically converged three-dimensional attenuation measurements can be obtained with limited impact from the tracer gas and within an acceptable acquisition time. Specific aspects of the tomographic reconstruction and the experimental procedure are examined, with particular emphasis on the quantification of experimental uncertainties. A method is developed to determine density and temperature from the X-ray attenuation measurements. These experiments are complemented by one- and multi-dimensional calculations to quantify the influence of krypton on the flame behavior. To demonstrate the merit of XCT for optically inaccessible flames, measurements of a complex flame geometry in a tubular confinement are performed. The use of a coflow to provide a uniform tracer-gas concentration is shown to improve the quantitative temperature evaluation. These measurements demonstrate the viability of XCT for flame-structure analysis and multi-dimensional temperature measurements using laboratory X-ray systems. Further opportunities for improving this diagnostic are discussed.
Retrospective review of open and arthroscopic repair of anterosuperior rotator cuff tears with subscapularis involvement: a single surgeon's experience

Background There have been conflicting results when comparing outcomes of open vs. arthroscopic anterosuperior rotator cuff repairs with subscapularis involvement. The purpose of this study was to evaluate midterm outcome differences and complications following open vs. arthroscopic repair of rotator cuff tears involving the subscapularis by a single surgeon. Methods This was a retrospective review of 57 rotator cuff repairs involving the subscapularis performed by a single surgeon over a 10-year period. During this time, the surgeon transitioned from open to arthroscopic repair. Preoperative and postoperative range of motion, lift-off test, belly press test, and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) Standardized Shoulder Assessment form scores were measured. Results Eighteen patients had open procedures and 39 had arthroscopic repair. The mean preoperative ASES score for the open group was 39 and postoperatively was 79. The mean preoperative ASES score for the arthroscopic group was 44 and improved to 80 postoperatively. There was no significant difference in score or change in score between the 2 groups (P > .05). There was only 1 complication. It occurred in the open group and was a superficial wound dehiscence. Conclusions This study demonstrated no outcome differences between open and arthroscopic rotator cuff repair involving the subscapularis, even with large subscapularis tears. Both techniques significantly improved shoulder function. Arthroscopic and open rotator cuff repairs including the subscapularis are relatively safe procedures, and either technique is an acceptable option.
Intrapelvic Femoral Head Dislocation without Associated Proximal Femur Fracture: A Case Report and Description of Closed Reduction Technique

Traumatic hip dislocations are potentially devastating injuries, especially in young patients, and require emergent orthopedic treatment. Given the significant amount of energy required to cause these injuries, a high index of suspicion is necessary to identify related injuries. The associated injuries, direction of dislocation, and time between injury and reduction represent the known prognostic factors, based on limited available research. Intrapelvic hip dislocations represent an uncommon variant of the traumatic hip dislocation, with all previously reported cases involving ipsilateral proximal femur fractures. We present a case of intrapelvic femoral head dislocation without an associated proximal femur fracture, as well as the maneuvers used to treat the patient via a closed reduction.
Extreme scenario extraction of a grid with large scale wind power integration by combined entropy-weighted clustering method

Abstract Large-scale integration of wind power into a power system introduces uncertainties to its operation and planning, making the power system operation scenario highly diversified and variable. In conventional power system planning, some key operation modes and most critical scenarios are typically analyzed to identify the weak and high-risk points in grid operation. While these scenarios may not follow traditional empirical patterns due to the introduction of large-scale wind power. In this paper, we propose a weighted clustering method to quickly identify a system’s extreme operation scenarios by considering the temporal variations and correlations between wind power and load to evaluate the stability and security for system planning. Specifically, based on an annual time-series data of wind power and load, a combined weighted clustering method is used to pick the typical scenarios of power grid operation, and the edge operation points far from the clustering center are extracted as the extreme scenarios. The contribution of fluctuations and capacities of different wind farms and loads to extreme scenarios are considered in the clustering process, to further improve the efficiency and rationality of the extreme-scenario extraction. A set of case studies was used to verify the performance of the method, providing an intuitive understanding of the extreme scenario variety under wind power integration.
Linearized Bayesian inference for Young's modulus parameter field in an elastic model of slender structures

The deformations of several slender structures at nano-scale are conceivably sensitive to their non-homogenous elasticity. Owing to their small scale, it is not feasible to discern their elasticity parameter fields accurately using observations from physical experiments. Molecular dynamics simulations can provide an alternative or additional source of data. However, the challenges still lie in developing computationally efficient and robust methods to solve inverse problems to infer the elasticity parameter field from the deformations. In this paper, we formulate an inverse problem governed by a linear elastic model in a Bayesian inference framework. To make the problem tractable, we use a Gaussian approximation of the posterior probability distribution that results from the Bayesian solution of the inverse problem of inferring Young's modulus parameter fields from available data. The performance of the computational framework is demonstrated using two representative loading scenarios, one involving cantilever bending and the other involving stretching of a helical rod (an intrinsically curved structure). The results show that smoothly varying parameter fields can be reconstructed satisfactorily from noisy data. We also quantify the uncertainty in the inferred parameters and discuss the effect of the quality of the data on the reconstructions.
Distant Residues Modulate the Conformational Opening in SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein

Infection of human cells by the novel coronavirus (SARS-Cov-2) involves the attachment of the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the spike protein to the peripheral membrane ACE2 receptors. The process is initiated by a down to up conformational change in the spike presenting the RBD to the receptor. Early stage computational and experimental studies on potential therapeutics have concentrated on the receptor binding domain, although this region is prone to mutations with the possibility of giving rise to widespread drug resistance. Here, using atomistic molecular dynamics simulation, we study the correlations between the RBD dynamics with physically distant residues in the spike protein, and provide a deeper understanding of their role in the infection, including the prediction of important mutations and of distant allosteric binding sites for therapeutics. Our model, based on time-independent component analysis (tICA) and protein graph connectivity network, was able to identify multiple residues, exhibiting long-distance coupling with the RBD opening dynamics. Mutation on these residues can lead to new strains of coronavirus with different degrees of infectivity and virulence. The most ubiquitous D614G mutation is predicted ab-initio from our model. Conversely, broad spectrum therapeutics like drugs and monoclonal antibodies can be generated targeting these key distant regions of the spike protein.
Is Statin Use Associated With Risk of Thyroid Diseases? Results of a Retrospective Cohort Study

Background:Given the ubiquity of statin use and prevalence of thyroid diseases, such as thyroid cancer, hyperthyroidism, and thyroiditis, understanding their association deserves further attention....
The Allen-Cahn equation on the complete Riemannian manifolds of finite volume

The semi-linear, elliptic PDE $AC_{\varepsilon}(u):=-\varepsilon^2\Delta u+W'(u)=0$ is called the Allen-Cahn equation. In this article we will prove the existence of finite energy solution to the Allen-Cahn equation on certain complete, non-compact manifolds. More precisely, suppose $M^{n+1}$ (with $n+1\geq 3$) is a complete Riemannian manifold of finite volume. Then there exists $\varepsilon_0>0$, depending on the ambient Riemannian metric, such that for all $0<\varepsilon\leq\varepsilon_0$, there exists $\mathfrak{u}_{\varepsilon}:M\rightarrow (-1,1)$ satisfying $AC_{\varepsilon}(\mathfrak{u}_{\varepsilon})=0$ with the energy $E_{\varepsilon}(\mathfrak{u}_{\varepsilon})<\infty$ and the Morse index $\text{Ind}(\mathfrak{u}_{\varepsilon})\leq 1$. Moreover, $0<\liminf_{\varepsilon\rightarrow 0}E_{\varepsilon}(\mathfrak{u}_{\varepsilon})\leq\limsup_{\varepsilon\rightarrow 0}E_{\varepsilon}(\mathfrak{u}_{\varepsilon})<\infty.$ Our result is motivated by the theorem of Chambers-Liokumovich and Song, which says that $M$ contains a complete minimal hypersurface $\Sigma$ with $0<\mathcal{H}^n(\Sigma)<\infty.$ This theorem can be recovered from our result.
Terror as a Bargaining Instrument: A Case Study of Dowry Violence in Rural India

This ethnographic study examined the sociocultural context of domestic violence and dowry in India and describes a theoretical model and econometric methodology. The model was tested with survey data collected from a sub-caste of 149 potter families from 3 villages in Karnataka state in South India. Interviews were conducted among 139 adult married women and 130 married men. The case studies demonstrate that violence can be used as a way to redistribute resources. Bargaining over dowry amounts occurs twice; once before the marriage and renegotiations after the wife had moved to the husbands family. Domestic violence may be a weapon in order to obtain higher transfers at the renegotiation stage. The model assumes that the level of dowry and the occurrence of violence are determined simultaneously. Hypotheses tested whether increases in husbands family wealth in the dowry paid and husbands cost of violent behavior reduces the incidence of violence. Tests determined whether increases in wifes familys wealth and increases in wifes human capital husbands human capital or wifes cost of violence increase violence. 23% reported wife-beating at some time. A 10000 rupee increase in the wifes parents income increased the risk of violence by 4%. A 10000 rupee increase in the husbands parents income reduced the risk of violence by 10%. A 10000 rupee increase in dowry reduced the risk by 5%. An additional male child reduced the risk by 11%. Female sterilization increased the risk by 16%. Findings suggest that husbands beat wives when the wifes family is rich and when dowries are small.
End-of-Life Practice Patterns in Head and Neck Cancer.

OBJECTIVE/HYPOTHESIS Despite the importance of symptom management and end-of-life (EOL) care in head and neck cancers (HNC), there is little literature on care practices in this population. This study examines EOL care practice patterns using nationally established metrics. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective chart review. METHODS Review of HNC patients who were actively followed and treated (defined as one clinic note within 90 days, two within preceding 9 months, and having received treatment at our institution) and died between January 1, 2017 and December 31, 2018. The cohort was reviewed for performance on Quality Oncology Practice Initiative (QOPI®) and other metrics. RESULTS Of 133 patients identified, 52 met inclusion criteria. The average age at death was 69.8 years. About 59% had distant metastases, 30% had locoregional disease, 11% were undergoing primary treatment. Twenty-three percentage received chemotherapy within the last 14 days of life. Fifty percentage of patients were admitted in the last 30 days of life, and 33% died in the hospital. Fifty-four percentage of patients had either Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment or Advanced Directive on file. Eighty-one percentage of patients had any type of goals of care discussion documented. Sixty-five percentage of all patients received referrals to palliative care and 46% of all patients enrolled in hospice. The median days in hospice was 12. Having a goals of care discussion was significantly associated with utilization of palliative and hospice care. CONCLUSIONS Provider-documented goals of care discussions were strongly correlated to referrals and enrollment in palliative and hospice care. Areas for improvement include better documentation of treatment directives and reducing low-utility treatments. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 4 Laryngoscope, 131:1769-1773, 2021.
A Multivalent RNA Matrix Drives Formation of Mesh-Like Condensates

The TIS granule network is a constitutively expressed membraneless organelle that is important for trafficking of membrane proteins and is formed through assembly of the RNA-binding protein TIS11B. TIS granules have a mesh-like morphology that allows them to share a lot of surface area with the rough endoplasmic reticulum. It has been unclear how condensates with filamentous shapes, but dynamic protein components are formed. In vitro reconstitution of TIS granule-like condensates revealed that mRNAs with large unstructured regions, that are abundant in a subset of human 3′UTRs, are required for formation of mesh-like condensates. The unstructured regions allow formation of an extensive intermolecular mRNA-mRNA interaction network that acts as condensate skeleton. The underlying RNA matrix prevents full fusion of spherical liquid-like condensates, thus driving the formation of irregularly shaped membraneless organelles. The resulting large surface area promotes interactions at the condensate surface and at the interface with other organelles.
Dependence of glucose transport in neuronal model systems on autophagy and GAPDH (glyceraldehyde-3 phosphate dehydrogenase) activity

Abstract Glucose uptake in the brain is critically important to brain health. Using two widely used cell line model systems, we have found that siramesine, a lysosomotropic agent and ligand for the sigma-2 receptor, inhibits glucose uptake and decreases pools of the GLUT1 glucose transporter at the plasma membrane. Siramesine induces autophagy but also disrupts degradation of autophagy substrates, providing a potential mechanism for its action on glucose uptake. In other cell systems, many of the effects of siramesine can be suppressed by α -tocopherol, a type of vitamin E and potent antioxidant, and α -tocopherol also suppressed the effect of siramesine on glucose uptake, suggesting a role for reactive oxygen species and membrane maintenance. We have also identified a novel mechanism for siramesine in which it inhibited plasma membrane levels of GAPDH, a key protein in glycolysis which localizes to the plasma membrane in some cell types. Indeed, GAPDH inhibitors decreased glucose uptake, like siramesine, likely through an overlapping pathway with siramesine. GAPDH inhibitors induced autophagy but inhibited degradation of autophagy targets. Thus, we have identified novel mechanisms required for glucose uptake which may have important implications in disease.
NetLets: Measurement-Based Routing for End-to-End Performance over the Internet

Routing in the Internet is based on the best-effort mechanism, wherein a router forwards a packet to minimize the number of hops to the destination. Also in the Internet, all packets are treated the same independent of their size. We propose the framework of NetLets to enable the applications to send data packets to the destination with certain guarantees on the end-to-end delay. NetLets employ built-in instruments to measure the bandwidths and propagation delays on the links, and compute the minimum end-to-end delay paths for data packets of various sizes. Based on our experiments, the paths selected by our system using the measurements are indeed the minimum end-toend delay paths, and our method outperformed the best-effort mechanism based on the hop count.
Top-Down and Bottom-Up Tree Search Algorithms for Selecting Bases in Wavelet Packet Transforms

Search algorithms for finding signal decompositions called near-best bases using decision criteria called non-additive information costs have recently been proposed by Taswell [12] for selecting bases in wavelet packet transforms represented as binary trees. These methods are extended here to distinguish between top-down and bottom-up tree searches. Other new non-additive information cost functions are also proposed. In particular, the near-best basis with the non-additive cost of the Shannon entropy on probabilities is compared against the best basis with the additive cost of the Coifman-Wickerhauser entropy on energies [3]. All wavelet packet basis decompositions are also compared with the nonorthogonal matching pursuit decomposition of Mallat and Zhang [7] and the orthogonal matching pursuit decomposition of Patiet al [8]. Monte Carlo experiments using a constant-bit-rate variable-distortion paradigm for lossy compression suggest that the statistical performance of top-down near-best bases with non-additive costs is superior to that of bottom-up best bases with additive costs. Top-down near-best bases provide a significant increase in computational efficiency with reductions in memory, flops, and time while nevertheless maintaining similar coding efficiency with comparable re-construction errors measured by l p -norms. Finally, a new compression scheme called parameterized model coding is introduced and demonstrated with results showing better compression than standard scalar quantization coding at comparable levels of distortion.
BV Photometry of the RR Lyrae Variables of the Globular Cluster M3

We present new BV CCD photometry, light curves, and ephemerides for 207 RR Lyrae variables in the globular cluster M3. For 127 of these we present observed minus calculated (O-C) diagrams. The data were acquired on observing runs in 1992 May, 1993 April, and 1997 June. In all 189 BV pairs were obtained. Estimates of fundamental photometric parameters are presented, including intensity- and magnitude-averaged B and V magnitudes and magnitude-averaged colors, pulsation periods, and pulsation amplitudes. In many cases we find periods substantially different from those previously reported. For 30 variables, periods are reported here for the first time. A color-magnitude diagram is given in which the regions occupied by RRab and RRc variables show little or no overlap with each other or with the nonvariable horizontal branch. The boundaries of the instability strip for M3 are determined. Period changes are determined and the implications for horizontal-branch evolution are discussed. Roughly a dozen variables were found to be fainter than the zero-age horizontal branch, suggesting smaller-than-average core masses. This may be related to the location of the stars in the cluster's central region.
Clay modified electrodes: Part VI. Aluminum and silicon pillared clay-modified electrodes

Abstract Metal (Ru, Os, Fe) bipyridyl complexes and Ru(NH 3 ) 3+ 6 were incorporated into several montmorillonite clays and their aluminum and silicon-pillared analogues. Film concentrations and apparent diffusion coefficients were measured and compared by using spectrophotometry, cyclic voltammetry and chronocoulometry. The catalytic role of isomorphously substituted iron was evaluated and implicated by its effects on Ru(bpy) 3+ 3 voltammetric behavior. A model is proposed for charge transport within the novel silicon-pillared clay.
Approximation of measurable mappings by sequences of continuous functions

Let X be a completely regular Hausdorff space, μ a positive, finite Baire measure on X, and E a separable metrizable locally convex space. Suppose f: X → E is a measurable mapping. Then there exists a sequence of functions in C b (X) ⊗ E which converges to f a.e. [μ]. If the function f is assumed to be weakly continuous and the measure μ is assumed to be τ-smooth, then a separability condition is not needed.
COMBINED IMMUNIZATION AGAINST DIPHTHERIA, TETANUS AND PERTUSSIS IN NEWBORN INFANTS I. Production of Antibodies in Early Infancy

This investigation was undertaken to determine the capacity of newborn infants to produce antibodies. One hundred and ninety-eight infants were inoculated against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis. A triple combined antigen containing aluminum hyroxide-adsorbed tetanus and diphtheria toxoids and 20 billion/cc. H. pertussis organisms was used. First injection (0.5 cc.) was given at seven days, second (1.0 cc.) at five weeks and third (1.0 cc.) at nine weeks of age. A booster dose of the same triple combined antigen (0.5 cc.) was given between six and 12 months of age. Local and systemic reactions to 403 injections showed an increase in the number and severity of systemic reactions with subsequent injections; no such difference was observed in local reactions. Five sterile abscesses were noted in more than 500 injections, an incidence of about 1%. No neurologic complications were observed. More than half the newborn infants tested showed diphtheria antitoxin levels of 0.03 units/cc. or more before inoculation. In 98% of those tested at one week of age, agglutinins against H. pertussis could not be demonstrated. Fifteen percent of newborns studied had detectable levels of tetanus antitoxin before prophylactic inoculation. One month after a third injection all infants tested had tetanus antitoxin levels of 0.1 unit/cc. or more ("protective level"), 92% reaching "high" antitoxin levels of more than 1.0 unit/cc. At this same age, 13 weeks, 84% had diphtheria antitoxin levels of 0.03 units/cc. or more ("protective level"). After booster dose this percentage increases from 84% to 99%. One month after completion of inoculations about 60% of the children had pertussis agglutinin levels considered "protective" (1:400). A booster dose failed to elicit any change in the number of patients with these high agglutinin titers. However, the booster caused a decrease in the percentage of infants showing an absence of pertussis agglutinins in the serum after the three initial injections. It is concluded that newborn infants do produce antibodies in response to antigenic stimuli. Response to booster dose was further evidence of the immune status of most of these patients. Further evaluation of the data and a comparison of antibody production in newborn infants with that of older children will be undertaken in a subsequent paper.
Mechanism Design Theory: How to Implement Social Goals

The theory of mechanism design can be thought of as the engineering side of economic theory. One begins by identifying a social or economic goal. The theory then addresses the question of whether or not an appropriate institution or procedure (that is, a mechanism) could be designed to attain that goal.
Doing Naturalistic Inquiry: A Guide to Methods

A Posture Toward Research The Need for a New Paradigm The Process of Inquiry Some Basic Considerations Getting Started on the Study Designing a Naturalistic Inquiry Gathering Data Data Analysis Quality Criteria for a Naturalistic Study Preparing the Report
Peer-to-Peer Resource Trading in a Reliable Distributed System

Peer-to-peer architectures can be used to build a robust, fault tolerant infrastructure for important services. One example is a peer-to-peer data replication system, in which digital collections are protected from failure by being replicated at multiple peers. We argue that such community-based redundancy, in which multiple sites contribute resources to build a fault-tolerant system, is an important application of peer-to-peer networking. In such a system, there must be flexible, effective techniques for managing resource allocation. We propose data trading, a mechanism where a site acquires remote resources in the community by trading away its own local resources. We discuss the application of data trading to the data replication problem, and examine other applications of trading. A general trading infrastructure is a valuable part of a peer-to-peer, community-based redundancy system.
Afelimomab led to a modest mortality benefit in patients with severe sepsis and elevated interleukin-6 levels.

Intervention: Patients were stratified into two groups by means of a rapid qualitative interleukin-6 test kit designed to identify patients with serum interleukin-6 levels above (test positive) or below (test negative) approximately 1000 pg/mL. Of the 2,634 patients, 998 were stratified into the test-positive group, 1,636 into the test-negative group. They were then randomly assigned 1:1 to receive afelimomab 1 mg/kg or placebo for 3 days and were followed for 28 days. The a priori population for efficacy analysis was the group of patients with elevated baseline interleukin-6 levels as defined by a positive rapid interleukin-6 test result. Outcomes: The primary outcome was 28-day all-cause mortality. Secondary outcomes included improvement in organ dysfunction, reduction in TNF and IL-6 levels, and safety.
Structural Disequilibria in Biomedical Research

Many current problems for U.S. biomedical research can be attributed to fundamental structural elements of the NIH funding system.
The Origins of Complex Language: An Inquiry into the Evolutionary Beginnings of Sentences, Syllables, and Truth

The Origins of Complex Language: An Inquiry into the Evolutionary Beginnings of Sentences, Syllables, and Truth. Andrew Carstairs-McCarthy. Oxford. Oxford University Press, 1999. 260 pp.
Green photoluminescence in ZnO crystals: a combined study using positron annihilation, photoluminescence, and hall measurements

The 510–525 nm green emission in melt grown Cermet bulk ZnO single crystals is investigated. It was observed that the green emission intensity is strongly influenced by the presence of zinc vacancies. Green emission intensity was found to decrease by more than two orders of magnitude by reducing zinc vacancy concentration upon annealing in cadmium metal environment. Positron annihilation spectroscopy, photoluminescence and hall measurements support this argument.
Identification of clinical isolates of nondiphtherial Corynebacterium species and their antibiotic susceptibility patterns

Starting in 1982, our laboratory has performed species identification of coryneform bacteria isolated from blood cultures, intravenous (i.v.) catheter tips and sites, urines with high colony counts, and other potentially significant cultures, using predefined criteria. Of 283 isolates identified, Corynebacterium jeikeium was the most common (47%), followed by CDC group G2 (12%) and C. minutissimum (8%). Blood cultures and i.v. catheter-related sources were the most frequent sources (58% of total). Certain species or groups, like CDC group G2, were most frequently isolated from blood or i.v. catheter sites. CDC group G2 showed a progression to greater multiple antibiotic resistance during this 9-year period. Occasional multiresistant strains of other species were also encountered. By in vitro testing, we note vancomycin remains the most active agent against corynebacterialike organisms, and is the most reliable antibiotic to use while awaiting susceptibility testing results.
Antiphospholipid antibodies: a mosaic of pathogenic effects?

Comment on Rand et al, page [2783][1] The elucidation of the pathophysiology of aPL antibodies has attracted considerable interest in the last few years. Several mechanisms have been proposed. There is now evidence that aPL may induce thrombosis by interfering with the anticoagulant properties of
Downregulation of epidermal growth factor receptor signaling by singlet oxygen through activation of caspase-3 and protein phosphatases.

Downregulation of epidermal growth factor receptor signaling by singlet oxygen through activation of caspase-3 and protein phosphatases
ASSESSING CHILDREN'S RACIAL ATTITUDES VIA A SIGNAL DETECTION MODEL

Previous research indicated that, in relative choice situations, both Caucasian and Negro preschool children tend to associate positive evaluative adjectives with light-skinned human figures and negative evaluative adjectives with dark-skinned ones. The present study utilized a signal-detection model with figures presented singly so that response bias, as well as sensitivity to the color-signal, could be evaluated. 30 Caucasian and 30 Negro preschool children were given 48 trials on which either a dark-skinned or light-skinned figure was accompanied by a story containing a positive or a negative adjective and were asked if the story described the figure. Dark-skinned figures carried a negative “signal” for Ss of both races. While the light-skinned figure carried a positive signal for the Caucasian Ss, the evidence for Negro Ss was unclear. The data also showed strong acquiescent (“yea-saying”) response biases, i.e., the children tended to respond “yes” much more frequently than “no,” regardless of the typ...
Measuring Cell Mechanics by Optical Alignment Deformation Spectroscopy

Cell mechanical properties are a useful measure of phenotype that can be quantified by cell deformability. There is a lack of high-throughput methods to investigate the mechanical properties of large populations of individual cells. To address this need, we developed optical alignment deformation spectroscopy (OADS), a technique where hydrodynamic interactions between individual cells are used to create deformation. In OADS, a linear optical trap is used to align two incoming cells in a microfluidic cross-flow geometry, allowing hydrodynamic forces to induce a collision between cells at the stagnation point (see figure). After the interaction, the cells leave the stagnation point and a new pair of cells enters the trap. A convenient model cell to characterize OADS is the human erythrocyte because of its well-known mechanical properties. We fit deformation data of erythrocytes to a linear viscoelastic constitutive model (Voigt). This model incorporates a spring and dashpot in parallel, for the elastic (k) and viscous (η) parameters of the cell, respectively. Our measured values of k = 14.5 μN/m and η = 4.9 μN∗s/m compare favorably with literature values. Our results show OADS has potential as an accurate high-throughput individual cell mechanical cytometer.View Large Image | View Hi-Res Image | Download PowerPoint Slide
429 – Clinical/legal divides in the assessment and treatment of sex offenders: American, Canadian & European comparisons

Introduction A wide divide exists between punitive versus treatment perspectives regarding the treatment of sex offenses, notably paraphilias, within Western societies with the United States leading the punitive perspective and Europe the clinical treatment focus of this continuum. Indeed, despite new inroads in treatment protocols, convicted sex offenders in the U.S. are given a life-sentence of social/legal stigma, a fate not even assigned to convicted murderers. Objectives To review the legal actions of various governments against the current state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment protocols for treating paraphilia - based on the Depo-Lupron, Triptorelin model. Method Analyze the U.S., Canadian, and European systems relevant to the Exclusion-Inclusion Spectrum regarding sex offenders where EU nations focus on treatment and inclusion back into society while the USA demonizes and excluded paraphilias. Results In the USA, the action of conservative groups has resulted in compulsory sex offender registration, community notification, and civil commitment beyond the completion of criminal sentences, regardless of the effectiveness of clinical treatment. In 2007, Human Rights Watch called for an end to the registration of juveniles, residency restrictions, and the availability of online registration list that is the foundation of the USA model. In contrast, Canada sex offenses are handled at the federal level. In December 2004, Canada passed its Sex Offender Information Registration Act where their registry is accessible only to Canadian law enforcement and is maintained by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. It is unlawful for citizens to access the sex offender database or to distribute this data.
Production and applications of engineered viral capsids

As biological agents, viruses come in an astounding range of sizes, with varied shapes and surface morphologies. The structures of viral capsids are generally assemblies of hundreds of copies of one or a few proteins which can be harnessed for use in a wide variety of applications in biotechnology, nanotechnology, and medicine. Despite their complexity, many capsid types form as homogenous populations of precise geometrical assemblies. This is important in both medicine, where well-defined therapeutics are critical for drug performance and federal approval, and nanotechnology, where precise placement affects the properties of the desired material. Here we review the production of viruses and virus-like particles with methods for selecting and manipulating the size, surface chemistry, assembly state, and interior cargo of capsid. We then discuss many of the applications used in research today and the potential commercial and therapeutic products from engineered viral capsids.
Localization of Epitope-tagged Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptors 1 and 2 in Transfected Endothelial Cells |[bull]| 196

Background: The mechanism by which tumor necrosis factor (TNF) activates endothelial cells in not well understood. Endothelial cells express both the 55 kd (TNF-R1) and 75 kd (TNF-R2) TNF receptors, and it has been shown that TNF-R2 is expressed predominantly on the cell surface whereas TNF-R1 is localized largely in an intracellular compartment. In order to identify structural features responsible for these distributions and to further elucidate transduction of the TNF signal, we have overexpressed epitope-tagged (FLAG) TNF-R1 and TNF-R2 in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC).
Cocaine Reward and Locomotor Activity in C57BL/6J and 129/SvJ Inbred Mice and Their F1 Cross

Large individual differences exist among mice in their behavioral responses to drugs of abuse, and many of these differences have a substantial genetic basis. The creation of new animal models using recombinant DNA technology has provided new genetic tools for assessing the role of specific candidate genes in drug response. This study presents a characterization of cocaine activation and reward in the two strains used most commonly for production of knockout mice, C57BL/6J and 129/SvJ, and their outcrossed F1 offspring. Using conditioned place preference, the study demonstrates that there are large strain differences in spontaneous locomotor activity and in the rewarding effects of cocaine. The 129/SvJ strain is hypoactive and is very sensitive to the locomotor activating effects of cocaine but does not develop cocaine-conditioned place preference under conditions that yield significant place preference in C57BL/6J mice. These phenotypes are not inherited in a simple additive manner, but rather the F1 generation resembles the C57BL/6J progenitor strain for a number of the behaviors examined.
Limitations and Late Complications of Third-Generation Automatic Cardioverter-Defibrillators

Background This study examines the limitations and complex management problems associated with the use of tiered-therapy, implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs). Methods and Results The study group comprises the first 154 patients undergoing implantation of tiered-therapy ICDs at our institution. Pulse generators from three different manufacturers were used. In 39 patients, a complete nonthoracotomy lead system was used. The perioperative mortality was 1.3%. Of these 154 patients, 37% experienced late postoperative problems. Twenty-one patients required system revision within 36.5 months (mean, 8.57±11.3) of surgery. Reasons for revision were spurious shocks due to electrode fractures (3) or electrode adapter malfunction (2), inadequate signal from endocardial rate-sensing electrodes (3), superior vena cava or right ventricular coil migration (5), failure to correct tachyarrhythmias due to a postimplant rise in defibrillation threshold (5), or pulse generator failure (3). One of these patients req...
National Trends in Bariatric Surgery, 1996-2002

Background Surgical therapy for the long-term treatment of obesity (“bariatric surgery”) in individuals whose body mass index (calculated as weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters) is 40 or higher or in those who have significant obesity-related comorbidities and a body mass index of 35 or higher is one of few interventions shown to be effective. Many aspects of recent national bariatric surgery trends are unclear, including the ages of individuals undergoing such procedures and the economic burden borne by public vs private payers. Hypothesis Population-adjusted rates of bariatric surgery are rapidly increasing and have economic implications that differ for private vs public payers. Design and Setting We examined hospitalization and charge data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample from 1996 through 2002, representative of national patterns for children and adults. We derived nationally weighted estimates of population-adjusted hospitalization rates and inflation-adjusted charges for bariatric surgery. We also examined the relative economic burden for public vs private payers for bariatric surgery discharges. Results Population-adjusted rates of bariatric surgery in the overall sample increased more than 7-fold in the study period, from 3.5 per 100 000 US population in 1996 to 24.0 per 100 000 in 2002. During this period, among youth ( 65 years old), rates increased from 0.30 per 100 000 to 1.69 per 100 000. The rate increased most dramatically among those aged 20 to 65 years, who composed 97% or more of bariatric surgery discharges annually. Increases in bariatric surgical volume corresponded with increasing economic consequences overall, exceeding $2 billion in annual charges by 2002 (mean, $29 107 per discharge). Since 2000, private payers have been charged for more than 80% of the national total; annual charges to Medicare and Medicaid have been comparatively modest, but each exceeded $100 million by 2002. Conclusions National rates of bariatric surgery have increased markedly among children and adults, with attendant economic consequences, principally for private insurers. This trend may reflect the dearth of effective primary care and preventive interventions to address the obesity epidemic.
Mechanisms of Oxidative Stress-Induced Increase in Salt Sensitivity and Development of Hypertension in Sprague-Dawley Rats

High salt intake produces vascular changes that contribute to the development of hypertension in salt-sensitive individuals. Because reactive oxygen species play a role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases, we investigated whether oxidative stress contributes to salt-sensitive hypertension. Sprague-Dawley rats were divided in different groups and received tap water (vehicle), 30 mmol/L of l-buthionine sulfoximine ([BSO] an oxidant), high salt ([HS] 1% NaCl), and BSO plus HS without and with antioxidant tempol (1 mmol/L) in drinking water for 12 days. Compared with vehicle, BSO treatment caused oxidative stress and mild increase in blood pressure. Thoracic aortic rings from BSO-treated rats exhibited decreased response to endothelium-independent vasorelaxants. In HS-treated rats, the response to vasoactive agents, as well as blood pressure, was unaffected. Concomitant treatment of rats with BSO and HS produced a marked increase in blood pressure and a decreased response to both endothelium-dependent and endothelium-independent vasorelaxants with an increase in EC(50). Incubation of aortic tissue from BSO-treated rats with sodium nitroprusside showed decreased cGMP accumulation, whereas HS rats had decreased basal NO synthase activity. Tempol decreased oxidative stress, normalized blood pressure, and restored NO signaling and responses to vasoactive compounds in BSO and BSO plus HS rats. We conclude that BSO increases oxidative stress and reduces NO signaling, whereas HS reduces NO levels by decreasing the NO synthase activity. These phenomena collectively result in reduced responsiveness to both endothelium -dependent and endothelium- independent vasorelaxants and may contribute to salt-sensitive hypertension.
Nonlinear Viscoelasticity for Short Time Ranges

Abstract : Approximate constitutive equations for nonlinear viscoelastic incompressible materials under small finite deformation and for short time ranges are derived. The error bound of such a constitutive equation is investigated. Problems of nonlinear stress relaxation and creep are analyzed based on the proposed equation. Also, the problem of a pressurized viscoelastic hollow cylinder bonded to an elastic casing is solved. Numerical solutions, evaluated by assuming particular forms of kernel functions in the constitutive equation, are obtained by means of an inverse interpolation technique and the effects of nonlinearity of material properties are discussed. An experimental procedure is also proposed for measuring kernel functions from uniaxial tension tests for real materials. (Author)