cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The role of acid–base effects on particle charging in apolar media

Abstract The creation and stabilization of electric charge in apolar environments (dielectric constant ≈ 2) have been an area of interest dating back to when an explanation was sought for the occurrence of what are now known as electrokinetic explosions during the pumping of fuels. More recently attention has focused on the charging of suspended particles in such media, underlying such applications as electrophoretic displays (e.g., the Amazon Kindle® reader) and new printing devices (e.g., the HP Indigo® Digital Press). The endeavor has been challenging owing to the complexity of the systems involved and the large number of factors that appear to be important. A number of different, and sometimes conflicting, theories for particle surface charging have been advanced, but most observations obtained in the authors' laboratory, as well as others, appear to be explainable in terms of an acid–base mechanism. Adducts formed between chemical functional groups on the particle surface and monomers of reverse micelle-forming surfactants dissociate, leaving charged groups on the surface, while the counter-charges formed are sequestered in the reverse micelles. For a series of mineral oxides in a given medium with a given surfactant, surface charging (as quantified by the maximum electrophoretic mobility or zeta potential obtained as surfactant concentration is varied) was found to scale linearly with the aqueous PZC (or IEP) values of the oxides. Different surfactants, with the same oxide series, yielded similar behavior, but with different PZC crossover points between negative and positive particle charging, and different slopes of charge vs. PZC. Thus the oxide series could be used as a yardstick to characterize the acid–base properties of the surfactants. This has led directly to the study of other materials, including surface-modified oxides, carbon blacks, pigments (charge transfer complexes), and polymer latices. This review focuses on the acid–base mechanism of particle charging in the context of the many other factors that are important to the phenomenon, including the presence of water, of other components (e.g., synergists and contaminants), and of electric field effects. The goal is the construction of a road map describing the anticipated particle charging behavior in a wide variety of systems, assisting in the choice or development of materials for specific applications.
Characteristics of Thyroxine 5′-Deiodinase Activity in Human Liver

The conversion of thyroxine (T4) to triiodothyronine (T3) was studied in homogenates and subcellular fractions of 10 human liver specimens obtained postmortem. Preliminary studies indicated that T4 5'-deiodinase activity did not decline in rat liver kept at 5°C for 6 and 24 hr after death. All human liver homogenates but one catalyzed T3 production, although the quantity of T3 produced varied greatly, from 8-fold in the absence of dithiothreitol (DTT) to 100-fold in its presence. The wide variation in activity found may reflect either postmortem loss or premortem decline in enzyme activity due to unrecognized nonthyroidal illness. The amount of T3 produced was dependent on substrate availability, protein concentration, time, pH and temperature, and enzyme activity was greatest in the microsomal fraction. T3 production was stimulated by DTT and inhibited by propylthiouracil (PTU). Thus, human liver T4 5'-deiodinase has properties very similar to the same enzyme in rat liver. These data suggest that results of studies of the effects of nonthyroidal illnesses and drugs on T4 5'-deiodinase activity in rat liver may be extrapolated to humans.
Fluorescence apertureless near-field microscope: a step toward imaging information in DNA

Single molecule imaging with optical methods has become an important tool in biophysical studies. However, when imaging molecules at room temperature using far field optics, one can only resolve molecules that are separated by a distance greater than the diffraction limit of the microscope, about 220 nanometers. Near field techniques have allowed researchers to image with resolutions on the order of 30-50 nanometers. However, there are numerous reasons to try to push the resolution limit further. One that particular concerns our group is the \notion to try to image information in DNA in order to measure sequence information. To that end, we have developed a new type of near field microscope, the fluorescence apertureless near field microscope.
Many local motions cooperate to produce the adenylate kinase conformational transition.

Abstract Conformational transitions are functionally important in many proteins. In the enzyme adenylate kinase (AK), two small domains (LID and NMP) close over the larger CORE domain; the reverse (opening) motion limits the rate of catalytic turnover. Here, using double-well Gō simulations of Escherichia coli AK, we elaborate on previous investigations of the AK transition mechanism by characterizing the contributions of rigid-body (Cartesian), backbone dihedral, and contact motions to transition-state (TS) properties. In addition, we compare an apo simulation to a pseudo-ligand-bound simulation to reveal insights into allostery. In Cartesian space, LID closure precedes NMP closure in the bound simulation, consistent with prior coarse-grained models of the AK transition. However, NMP-first closure is preferred in the apo simulation. In backbone dihedral space, we find that, as expected, backbone fluctuations are reduced in the O/C transition in parts of all three domains. Among these “quenching” residues, most in the CORE, especially residues 11–13, are rigidified in the TS of the bound simulation, while residues 42–44 in the NMP are flexible in the TS. In contact space, in both apo and bound simulations, one nucleus of closed-state contacts includes parts of the NMP and CORE; CORE–LID contacts are absent in the TS of the apo simulation but formed in the TS of the bound simulation. From these results, we predict mutations that will perturb the opening and/or closing transition rates by changing the entropy of dihedrals and/or the enthalpy of contacts. Furthermore, regarding allostery, the fully closed structure is populated in the apo simulation, but our contact results imply that ligand binding shifts the preferred O/C transition pathway, thus precluding a simple conformational selection mechanism. Finally, the analytical approach and the insights derived from this work may inform the rational design of flexibility and allostery in proteins.
Nonlinear Viscoelastic Finite Element Analysis of Physical Aging in an Encapsulated Transformer

The generation of thermal stresses is a major cause for mechanical failure in encapsulated electronic components. In this study numerical modeling is employed to analyze thermal stresses in a high-voltage transformer encapsulated with filled epoxy. The transformer assembly consists of materials with an extremely disparate range of thermomechanical properties. The thermal histories considered mimic those in the operational condition. It is found that, upon thermal cooling from elevated temperature, the ceramic core can be under local tensile stress although it is entirely surrounded by materials with much greater coefficients of thermal expansion. The unique aspect of this paper originates from the fact that the volume shrinkage of the viscoelastic encapsulant during physical aging contributes to an increase in stress over time, thus increasing the tendency of fracture. This counter intuitive result (stress increase due to nonlinear viscoelastic physical aging) can now be predicted using constitutive models recently developed at Sandia National Laboratories. When a silicone coating between the core and the encapsulation is included, the stress is significantly reduced. The modeling result is shown to corroborate with the actual performance of the transformer.
Significant impacts of radiation physics in the Weather Research and Forecasting model on the precipitation and dynamics of the West African Monsoon

Precipitation from the West African Monsoon (WAM) provides food security and supports the economy in the region. As a consequence of the intrinsic complexities of the WAM’s evolution, accurate simulations of the WAM and its precipitation regime, through the application of regional climate models, are challenging. We used the coupled Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) and Community Land Model (CLM) to explore impacts of radiation physics on the precipitation and dynamics of the WAM. Our results indicate that the radiation physics schemes not only produce biases in radiation fluxes impacting radiative forcing, but more importantly, result in large bias in precipitation of the WAM. Furthermore, the different radiation schemes led to variations in the meridional gradient of surface temperature between the north that is the Sahara desert and the south Guinean coastline. Climate diagnostics indicated that the changes in the meridional gradient of surface temperature affect the position and strength of the African Easterly Jet as well as the low-level monsoonal inflow from the Gulf of Guinea. The net result was that each radiation scheme produced differences in the WAM precipitation regime both spatially and in intensity. Such considerable variances in the WAM precipitation regime and dynamics, resulting from radiation representations, likely have strong feedbacks within the climate system and so have inferences when it comes to aspects of predicted climate change both for the region and globally.
Nitric Oxide Regulates Exocytosis by S-Nitrosylation of N-ethylmaleimide-Sensitive Factor

Nitric oxide (NO) inhibits vascular inflammation, but the molecular basis for its anti-inflammatory properties is unknown. We show that NO inhibits exocytosis of Weibel-Palade bodies, endothelial granules that mediate vascular inflammation and thrombosis, by regulating the activity of N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor (NSF). NO inhibits NSF disassembly of soluble NSF attachment protein receptor (SNARE) complexes by nitrosylating critical cysteine residues of NSF. NO may regulate exocytosis in a variety of physiological processes, including vascular inflammation, neurotransmission, thrombosis, and cytotoxic T lymphocyte cell killing.
Impact of drug transporter pharmacogenomics on pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic variability - considerations for drug development.

Introduction: Drug transporter proteins are expressed on the cell membrane, regulating substrate exposure in systemic circulation and/or peripheral tissues. Genetic polymorphism of drug transporter genes encoding these proteins could alter the functional activity and/or protein expression, having effects on absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (ADME), efficacy and adverse effects. Areas covered: The authors provide the reader with an overview of the pharmacogenetics (PGx) of 12 membrane transporters. The clinical literature is summarized as to the quantitative significance on pharmacokinetics (PK) and implications on pharmacodynamics (PD) and adverse effects, due to transporter influence on intracellular drug concentrations. Expert opinion: Unlike polymorphisms for cytochrome P450s (CYPs) resulting in large magnitude of PK variation, genetic mutations for membrane transporters are typically less than threefold alteration in systemic PK for drugs with a few exceptions. However, substantially ...
Response of a Subtropical Stratocumulus-Capped Mixed Layer to Climate and Aerosol Changes

Abstract In this paper, an idealized framework based on a cloud-topped mixed layer model is developed for investigating feedbacks between subtropical stratocumulus (Sc) and global warming. The two principal control parameters are Sc-region sea surface temperature (SST) and intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) SST (which controls the temperature and mean subsidence profiles above the Sc). The direct effect of CO2 doubling (leaving all other parameters fixed) is tested and found to somewhat reduce liquid water path; discussion of this effect on the SST-change simulations is included. The presence of a cold boundary layer is found to significantly affect the temperature and subsidence rate just above cloud top by enhancing lower-tropospheric diabatic cooling in this region. A simple representation of this effect (easily generalizable to a more realistic boundary layer model) is developed. Steady-state solutions are analyzed as a function of local and ITCZ SST. Two climate change scenarios are considered. Th...
APL transmission path analysis for design of a local area network

A method of analyzing the transmission capabilities and limitations of a Local Area Network communications channel is presented. A description is given of how APL was used to generate the eye patterns used to evaluate cable, transformer, and filter effects on the transmitted signal. These eye patterns were used to make design decisions regarding the network, and for generating the parametric data for another APL program package which calculates the length of cable permissible for a given configuration. This second package which evaluates signal attenuation and crosstalk resulting from each length of cable and each node, is used to synthesize valid configurations. A design example is presented.
Evaluation of an alternative dosing regimen of a J-5 mastitis vaccine against intramammary Escherichia coli challenge in nonlactating late-gestation dairy cows

The objective of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of an alternative vaccination regimen of a J-5 bacterin against intramammary Escherichia coli challenge in nonlactating late-gestation dairy cows. The parameters analyzed to assess the effect of vaccination were milk yield, milk conductivity, somatic cell count, J-5-specific serum IgG titers, and clinical signs. Twenty multiparous Holstein cows from the Cornell teaching and research dairy herd were paired by days in milk and were randomly selected to receive either the alternative off-label regimen of commercial J-5 bacterin or act as nonvaccinated controls. Cows received a first dose of bacterin 15 d before dry off, a second dose with the same product at the day of dry off, and the third dose 2 wk after dry off. The cows in both groups were challenged 10 d before the expected calving date. Serum IgG (total, IgG1 and IgG2) levels were higher in vaccinates compared with control cows. Eighty-five percent of challenged quarters became infected between both groups of animals. Eight of the 10 vaccinated and 9 of the 10 control cows showed signs of clinical mastitis postfreshening. A non-severe clinical mastitis was observed 24 to 48 h postparturition, characterized by flakes or clots in milk and mild swelling or pain. Off-label vaccination did reduce the clinical severity of clinical mastitis in the vaccinated group of cows as evidenced by reduced California mastitis test score, fewer flakes and lower overall clinical mastitis score. No significant differences between vaccinated and control groups were detected for rectal temperature. In conclusion, the alternative off-label vaccination scheme used in our study and evaluated in a novel E. coli challenge model did not prevent new intramammary infections but reduced clinical severity of experimentally induced E. coli mastitis.
Growth and optical properties of epitaxial GaN films on Si(1 1 1) using single gas-source molecular beam epitaxy

Abstract A novel single-source precursor with composition D2GaN3 is used to grow GaN films on Si(1 1 1) substrates via AlN buffer layers by gas-source molecular beam epitaxy. The morphological and optical properties of the films are determined as a function of the reaction conditions including deposition temperature. Monocrystalline GaN nanopillars with faceted terminations are readily formed at unusually low temperatures of 275–300 °C from the thermodynamically driven decomposition of the precursor via elimination of D2 and N2. Highly oriented layers with columnar morphology and wurtzite microstructure are obtained between 450–750 °C via basal plane growth. The photoluminescence and cathodoluminescence spectra of these materials display strong band edge emission peaks at 360 nm, and in some cases they show broad and weak luminescence features in the range of 530–550 nm. Depositions of D2GaN3 in the presence of atomic nitrogen at 650 °C yield epitaxial films that display cubic and hexagonal structures, smooth and continuous surface morphology and distinctive band edge luminescence. Our newly developed process represents one of the simplest methods of GaN growth. Other important advantages include the significant room temperature vapor pressure of the precursor that allows rapid mass transport, which is highly compatible with MBE growth, and the facile decomposition pathway via stoichiometric elimination of benign D2 and N2 byproducts yielding highly crystalline GaN materials with unique nano-morphology at low temperatures. This new single source method offers an alternative approach to GaN growth at MBE conditions.
The global earth observation system of systems (GEOSS)

The global earth observation system of systems (GEOSS) is an environmental priority at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), within our U.S. interagency community, and within the international community because it has enormous potential benefits for the entire world. Over time, GEOSS provides an important scientific basis for sound policy and decision making in every sector of our society including energy, public health, agriculture, transportation and numerous other areas that shape the quality of everyday life. In less than two years, the number of participating countries has nearly doubled, and interest has grown since the recent tsunami tragedy. Over 40 international organizations also support the emerging global network. In the coming months, more countries and global organizations are expected to join the historic initiative.
Moving Resonance in Nonlinear Response to Fully Nonstationary Stochastic Ground Motion

A parsimonious stochastic seismic ground-motion model is used to study the effect of ground-motion nonstationarities on the response of simple linear and softening nonlinear systems. This model captures with at most nine parameters the features of the ground motion which are important for computing dynamic response, including the amplitude and frequency-content nonstationarities of the earthquake. Simple approximate expressions for the mean-square response statistics are obtained and are used to demonstrate analytically the importance of modeling the temporal nonstationarity in the frequency content of the ground motion, not only as expected for the nonlinear system, but also for linear systems. For the nonlinear systems, the phenomenon of ‘moving resonance’ is demonstrated whereby the shortening of the system frequencies, due to stiffness softening with increasing amplitudes, tracks the shift of the dominant frequencies of the ground motion, leading to a large resonant build-up in response amplitudes.
Design research at CHI and its applicability to design practice

This note describes our analysis of 35 papers from CHI 2011 that aim to improve or support interaction design practice. In our analysis, we characterize how these CHI authors conceptualize design practice and the types of contributions they propose. This work is motivated by the recognition that design methods proposed by HCI researchers often do not fit the needs and constraints of professional design practice. As a complement to the analysis of the CHI papers we also interviewed 13 practitioners about their attitudes towards learning new methods and approaches. We conclude the note by offering some critical reflections about how HCI research can better support actual design practice.
Microglial Malfunction: The Third Rail in the Development of Alzheimer's Disease

Studies of Alzheimer's disease (AD) have predominantly focused on two major pathologies: amyloid-β (Aβ) and hyperphosphorylated tau. These misfolded proteins can accumulate asymptomatically in distinct regions over decades. However, significant Aβ accumulation can be seen in individuals who do not develop dementia, and tau pathology limited to the transentorhinal cortex, which can appear early in adulthood, is usually clinically silent. Thus, an interaction between these pathologies appears to be necessary to initiate and propel disease forward to widespread circuits. Recent multidisciplinary findings strongly suggest that the third factor required for disease progression is an aberrant microglial immune response. This response may initially be beneficial; however, a maladaptive microglial response eventually develops, fueling a feed-forward spread of tau and Aβ pathology.
Discontinuous Flow Centrifugation Leukapheresis and Neutrophil Function

Neutrophils collected by discontinuous flow centrifugation using hydroxyethyl starch were evaluated. Morphology was studied by light and electron microscopy. Functional integrity was assessed by measuring viability, chemotaxis, phagocytosis, and killing power. The harvested granulocytes were morphologically normal and showed no functional impairment.
The Impact of New Technologies on Improved Energy Usage Efficiency

This paper discusses the impact of technology on energy usage efficiency in the industrial, residential and commercial sectors as well as an agenda for future technological progress. The potential for energy conservation in industry is discussed in terms of available technologies as well as theoretical limits computed by means of the concept of available useful work. Data is also presented on energy efficiencies of industrial products within the OECD countries. A variety of options are also discussed on energy conservation technologies in the buildings sector with particular reference to window materials and heat pumps. Integrated Community Energy Systems, which is an optimal combination of integrated technological systems, community designs and implementation mechanisms is discussed. A number of suggestions are made regarding the opportunities for enhancing energy efficiencies through R&D and technological innovations.
Marketing Democracy: Power and Social Movements in Post-Dictatorship Chile.

Marketing Democracy: Power and Social Movements in Post-Dictatorship Chile. Julia Paley .Berkeley: University of California Press, 2001. xviii. 255 pp., illustrations, notes, bibliography, index.
Human Nature and the Limits (If Any) of Political Philosophy

It is often supposed that a person is not required to do anything they cannot do. “Ought” implies “can,” as this is often put. Let’s accept that for the sake of argument. Still, it is not obvious that if I can’t muster the will to do something, then I can’t do it. An inability to will an action might not entail an inability to do the action, in which case the action might yet be required. I will discuss this question shortly. In any case, here is a related but different idea: even if it is not impossible to do whatever it is impossible to muster the will to do, perhaps it is still implausible to think one could be required to do what one could not muster the will to do. Perhaps we should accept that “ought” implies “can will.” If so, and if there are characteristic things that humans cannot muster the will to do, then human nature (in the sense of the limits of human motivational capacities) would stand as a prior set of facts that constrain what political philosophy can soundly prescribe or morally require. My thesis, simply stated, is that this is not so. If there are facts of human nature of this general kind, consisting in limits to what humans will be able to muster the will to do, they are not, simply as facts, constraints on what can soundly be prescribed or morally required. The reason is that agents’ abilities and inabilities to muster their will are subject to moral evaluation in their own right. Some such inabilities are
Basis-function optimization for subspace-based nonlinear identification of systems with measured-input nonlinearities

For nonlinear systems with measured-input non-linearities, a subspace identification algorithm is used to identify the linear dynamics with the nonlinear mappings represented as a linear combination of basis functions. A selective-refinement technique and a quasi-Newton optimization algorithm are used to iteratively improve the representation of the system nonlinearity. For both methods, polynomials, splines, sigmoids, wavelets, sines and cosines, or radial basis functions can be used as basis functions. Both approaches can be used to identify nonlinear maps with multiple arguments and with multiple outputs.
REGIONAL FRAMEWORKS APPLIED TO HYDROLOGY: CAN LANDSCAPE-BASED FRAMEWORKS CAPTURE THE HYDROLOGIC VARIABILITY?

Regional frameworks have been used extensively in recent years to aid in broad-scale management. Widely used landscape-based regional frameworks, such as hydrologic landscape regions (HLRs) and physiographic provinces, may provide predictive tools of hydrologic variability. However, hydrologic-based regional frameworks, created using only streamflow data, are also available and have been created at various scales; thus, relating frameworks that share a common purpose can be informative. In addition, identifying how the relative importance of variables change in governing streamflow with respect to scale can also be informative. The purpose of this study was to determine whether landscape-based frameworks could explain variation in streamflow classifications and in the hydrologic variables used in their creation. We also evaluated how climate and watershed-based variables govern the divergence of different flow classifications at two different scales. HLRs and physiographic provinces poorly predicted flow class affiliation within our study and for the entire USA, although physiographic provinces explained more variability. We also found that HLRs explained very little variation in individual hydrologic parameters. Using variables summarized at the watershed scale, we found that climate will play a larger role in influencing hydrology across the entire US, whereas soils may govern variation in hydrology at smaller scales. Our results suggest that predictor variables, developed at the watershed scale, may be the most appropriate at explaining hydrology and that the variables used in creating regional landscape-based frameworks may be more useful than the frameworks themselves. In addition, managers should be careful when using landscape-based regional classifications for stream management because the scale of their construction may be too broad to capture differences in flow variability. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In vitro evaluation of calphostin C as a novel agent for photodynamic therapy of bladder cancer.

Abstract Objectives. Calphostin C, a highly specific protein kinase C inhibitor, induces apoptosis in the presence of visible light. We report the photoactivatable cytotoxicity of calphostin C in a series of well-characterized human bladder cancer cell lines: RT4, UM-UC-3, and 5637. Methods. The human bladder cancer cell lines RT4, UM-UC-3, and 5637 were chosen on the basis of their p53, pRb and 9p21 deletion status. Using standard tissue culture techniques, the cytotoxicity of 10 to 100 nM calphostin C in combination with increasing exposures of visible light was examined. Controls consisted of cells treated with calphostin C without visible light and cells exposed to visible light without calphostin C treatment. Cell viability was determined by MTT assay. The induction of apoptosis by activated calphostin C was determined by 4,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining/fluorescence microscopy of nuclei. Results. In the absence of light, calphostin C did not demonstrate a cytotoxic effect on any of the cell lines tested. Increasing the duration of light exposure resulted in a concomitant decrease in cell viability. Significant cell death was seen with calphostin C concentrations as low as 10 nM. These studies also demonstrated that calphostin C induced apoptosis by a mechanism independent of p53 and pRb status and the presence or absence of 9p21 deletions. Conclusions. We demonstrated the ability of activated calphostin C to induce apoptosis in a light-dependent and concentration-dependent fashion in a bladder cancer model system. Activated calphostin C cytotoxicity is independent of tumor genetic background and the status of p53 and pRb. Further development of calphostin C as a photosensitizer for photodynamic therapy of superficial bladder cancer may be warranted.
Geodesic-loxodromes for diffusion tensor interpolation and difference measurement

In algorithms for processing diffusion tensor images, two common ingredients are interpolating tensors, and measuring the distance between them. We propose a new class of interpolation paths for tensors, termed geodesic-loxodromes, which explicitly preserve clinically important tensor attributes, such as mean diffusivity or fractional anisotropy, while using basic differential geometry to interpolate tensor orientation. This contrasts with previous Riemannian and Log-Euclidean methods that preserve the determinant. Path integrals of tangents of geodesic-loxodromes generate novel measures of over-all difference between two tensors, and of difference in shape and in orientation.
Thinking in blocks: Implications of using abstract syntax trees as the underlying program model

This paper examines the implications of using Abstract Syntax Trees (ASTs) as the underlying model for program editors and source control. For editors, working at the level of the AST enables error prevention, efficient auto-completion, and seamless use of multiple representations (e.g. blocks-to-text-to-blocks). An AST-based system also lends itself to both real-time and asynchronous collaborative editing, through intention-preserving algorithms much simpler than Operational Transformations. AST-based asynchronous collaborative editing makes several improvements to source control compared to Git, notably: reducing conflicts even in same-position edits, and eliminating diffs (and therefore conflicts) due to changes in formatting, spacing, or method ordering. Even text-based languages can reap these benefits, simply by changing the underlying program representation from text to AST.
Changes in pain and quality of life in depressed individuals with spinal cord injury: does type of pain matter?

Objective: To examine the association of neuropathic and nociceptive pain severity and interference with quality of life (QoL) in persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) who underwent a randomized controlled 12-week trial of an antidepressant to treat depression. A secondary objective was to assess the effect of changes in pain on mobility and physical independence.Design: Multivariable ANCOVA models controlling for relevant demographic covariates, treatment condition, and baseline pain and QoL were used.Setting: Six rehabilitation centers.Participants: Of the 133 persons who were randomized into the trial, 108 provided pain severity and interference ratings through follow-up.Interventions: Not applicable.Outcome Measures: The Satisfaction with Life Scale and the physical and mental component summary scores of the 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12). Secondary outcome measures included the mobility and physical independence subscales of the Craig Handicap Assessment and Reporting Technique (CHART).Resu...
Tissue culture and circulating myeloblasts of avian leukemia studied in electron micrographs of ultrathin sections.

SummaryStudies have been made by electron microscopic examination of ultrathin sections of circulating myeloblasts of avian myeloblastosis and of these cells in tissue culture. Examinations were made, also, of tissues of spleen, bone marrow and liver of the diseased birds. The results showed that intracellular virus of typical appearance was very rarely seen in myeloblasts of the circulation and only very infrequently in the cells after culture in vitro. This was the remarkable feature of the findings, since the cells liberate virus at a high rate for long periods in tissue culture, and large amounts of extracellular virus were associated with the cultured cells. In contrast, affected cells not myeloblasts in spleen, bone marrow and liver contained intracytoplasmic virus in high concentrations, most of it in inclusion-like bodies. The significance of the results was discussed in relation to similar findings with the Rous sarcoma and Murray-Begg endothelioma and to exploratory studies for the demonstration...
Endohedral chemistry of C60-based fullerene cages.

Fullerenes have unique chemistry owing to their cage structure, their richness in π-electrons, and their large polarizabilities. They can trap atoms and small molecules to generate endohedral complexes as superconductors, drug carriers, molecular reactors, and ferroelectric materials. An important goal is to develop effective methods that can affect the behavior of the atoms and small molecules trapped inside the cage. In this paper, the quantum chemical density functional theory was employed to demonstrate that the stability and position of a guest molecule inside the C60 cage can be changed, and its orientation controlled, by modifying the C60 cage shell. The outside attachment of two hydrogen atoms to two adjacent carbon atoms located between two six-membered rings of the C60 cage affects the orientation of the LiF molecule inside and increases the stability of LiF inside the cage by 45%. In contrast, when 60 hydrogen atoms were attached to the outside surface of the C60 cage, thus transforming all CC ...
Two FGFRL-Wnt circuits organize the planarian anteroposterior axis

How positional information instructs adult tissue maintenance is poorly understood. Planarians undergo whole-body regeneration and tissue turnover, providing a model for adult positional information studies. Genes encoding secreted and transmembrane components of multiple developmental pathways are predominantly expressed in planarian muscle cells. Several of these genes regulate regional identity, consistent with muscle harboring positional information. Here, single-cell RNA-sequencing of 115 muscle cells from distinct anterior-posterior regions identified 44 regionally expressed genes, including multiple Wnt and ndk/FGF receptor-like (ndl/FGFRL) genes. Two distinct FGFRL-Wnt circuits, involving juxtaposed anterior FGFRL and posterior Wnt expression domains, controlled planarian head and trunk patterning. ndl-3 and wntP-2 inhibition expanded the trunk, forming ectopic mouths and secondary pharynges, which independently extended and ingested food. fz5/8-4 inhibition, like that of ndk and wntA, caused posterior brain expansion and ectopic eye formation. Our results suggest that FGFRL-Wnt circuits operate within a body-wide coordinate system to control adult axial positioning.
Radiological Evaluation of Surgically Treated Postaxial Polydactyly/Polysyndactyly

We radiologically evaluated 53 feet which had either postaxial polydactyly or polysyndactyly which had been surgically treated. In regard to the decision as to which toe should be resected, we thought it was better to resect the 5th toe rather than the 6th toe when the 5th toe was occupying an extreme medial position in relation to the 5th metatarsus. When the toe was not in an extreme position, we considered other factors before choosing. Concerning the age at surgery, we believe it is best to wait until the shape of the phalanx can be fully seen on X-ray before operating.
HEART FAILURE READMISSION RISK PREDICTION: EVALUATION ON DIFFERENT APPROACHES FOR PATIENT LEVEL PROFILING OF READMISSION

Two heart failure (HF) readmission models utilize a hierarchy generalized linear model (HGLM) to predicted a patient’s readmission risk. An administrative claims based model is employed by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in the Hospital Readmission Reduction Program (HRRP),
A NEW MARINE ASCOMYCETE FROM WOOD

Peritheciis 150-250 /, diametro, solitariis vel gregariis, in substrato immersis, subglobosis vel ampulliformibus, brunneonigris vel brunneorufis, membranaceis; ostiolis papilliformibus, centricis vel excentricis, cylindricis vel conicis, 55-100 ,u longis, ad basim 28-75 A latis, ad apicem 28-60 A latis; pariete 7.5-11.5,u crasso; centro perithecii juvenis e cellulis pseudoparenchymaticis, hyalinis, deinde catenae formantibus, consistente; ascis circa 45-70,t longis, 15-30A crassis, 8-sporis, clavatis, leniter pedunculatis, unitunicatis, mox deliquescentibus; ascosporis (20.9-) 40.9(-68.3) ,u longis, (6.2-)8.5(-11.4) u latis (appendiculis exclusis), cylindricis, hyalinis, uniseptatis, ad septa leniter vel haud constrictis, ad apicem unum appendiculum cucullatum ornatum; appendiculis globosibus 5-8.5 f diametro. Hab. in ligno putrido Pinli tedac L., in aqua marina, prope "Beaufort (North Carolina)," Oceanus Atlanticus, 16.XI. 1963.
Imaging Transient Formation of Diffusion Layers with Fluorescence-Enabled Electrochemical Microscopy

Fluorescence-enabled electrochemical microscopy (FEEM) is demonstrated as a new technique to image transient concentration profiles of redox species generated on ultramicroelectrodes (UMEs). FEEM converts an electrical signal into an optical signal by electrically coupling a conventional redox reaction to a fluorogenic reporter reaction on a closed bipolar electrode. We describe the implementation of FEEM for diffusion layer imaging and use an array of thousands of parallel bipolar electrodes to image the diffusion layers of UMEs in two and three dimensions. This new technique provides a way to image an entire 2-dimensional lateral cross section of a dynamic diffusion layer in a single experiment. By taking several of these lateral cross sections at different axial positions in the diffusion layer, a 3-dimensional image of the diffusion layer can be built. We image the diffusion layer of a 10 μm diameter carbon fiber electrode over the course of a cyclic voltammetry experiment and compare the FEEM-generat...
Nuclear physics: Elusive transition spotted in thorium.

The highly precise atomic clocks used in science and technology are based on electronic transitions in atoms. The discovery of a nuclear transition in thorium-229 raises hopes of making nuclear clocks a reality. See Article p.47 The accuracy of atomic clocks, which measure time based on atomic transitions, is central to the function of systems as diverse as GPS navigation and radio astronomy. In theory, a nuclear clock based on an optical excitation of a nuclear transition, could be even better than atomic clocks in terms of stability and compactness. However, the only nuclear state with an excitation energy sufficiently low for this application is the first excited state of thorium-229. But this is arguably most exotic transition in the whole nuclear landscape, and has proven to be extremely hard to detect. Only some indirect evidence could be obtained previously. Here, based on low-energy microchannel plate detection, Lars von der Wense and colleagues achieve direct detection of the thorium-229 nuclear-clock transition, placing new limits on the transition energy and measuring the state's half-life. As well as being a step towards a nuclear clock, these results also suggest that nuclear quantum optics and nuclear lasers based on this transition may be plausible possibilities.
Endoscopic ultrasonography for esophageal and gastric mass lesions

Endoscopic ultrasonography is a relatively new and evolving imaging modality incorporating endoscopy and ultrasonography into one comprehensive examination of the gut wall. Its principal indication has been the locoregional staging (T and N) of gastrointestinal tumors, particularly of the esophagus and stomach. Accuracy of conventional radiographic modalities (computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging) has been disappointing (50-60%). Alternatively, the staging accuracy of the depth of tumor penetration (T stage) approaches 85-90% in most series, whereas that for lymph node assessment (N stage) has been in the 70-80% range. The precise stage of upper gastrointestinal neoplasms provides accurate pretreatment assessment of the patient's prognosis and may influence therapeutic decisions. Endosonography is also the diagnostic modality of choice in the evaluation of submucosal tumors. It can demonstrate size, layer of origin, and, by its echo texture, can accurately predict etiology of the neoplasm. The only limitation may be in the differentiation of benign from malignant smooth muscle tumors.
“It’s (not) handled”: race, gender, and refraction in Scandal

AbstractMuch scholarship on mediated representations of race and gender claims that contemporary texts are examples of post-race and post-feminism, effectively communicating that our society is past the eras of inequality of races and sexes. Yet, many scholars have also argued that such representations are not so straightforward. Extending the work of this latter group of scholars, we call this tension refraction, a term we define as representational practices that draw attention to, or magnify, innate oppositions and inconsistencies in mediated representations surrounding identity markers. Through a case study of the first three seasons of the television series Scandal, we find multiple examples of refraction, as the protagonist Olivia Pope simultaneously embodies and critiques specific race/gender tropes. This ultimately depoliticizes issues of race and gender by simultaneously calling attention to, and drawing attention away from, those issues.
Enzymatic Preparation of Nucleosidic Antibiotics.

Synthesis of biologically interesting nucleosides by a combination of chemical and enzymatic reactions is reviewed. As a likely source of enzyme, Enterobacter aerogenes was selected and its nucleoside phosphorylases were found to catalyze a transglycosyl reaction between pentofuranose and purine or pyrimidine base at relatively high temperature of 60°C. Using this procedure, a variety of nucleoside analogs and nucleosidic antibiotics which have been shown to have antiviral or antitumor activity were synthesized. Noteworthy among them are adenine arabinoside, guanine arabinoside, 2'-amino-2'-deoxyadenosine, 2'-amino -2'-deoxyguanosine and Virazole. It is of special interest that adenine arabinoside can be produced in a good yield with ease and on a large scale. Furthermore, it is reported that the methodology also serves for the preparation of new biologically interesting nucleosides.
Abstract LB-029: Signal transduction in EGFR-amplified and NFKBIA-deleted human gliomas

Proceedings: AACR 106th Annual Meeting 2015; April 18-22, 2015; Philadelphia, PA Nuclear factor Kappa B (NF-κB)- a nuclear transcription factor that is retained in the cytoplasm by IKBα (encoded by NFKBIA )- is implicated as a mediator of aggressive behavior in all glioblastoma (GBM) subclasses. We are interested in elucidating molecular mechanisms that explain the relative mutual exclusivity of EGFR amplification and NFKBIA deletion in GBMs. Bioinformatics analysis of TCGA GBM data showed that NFKBIA hemizygous deletions were significantly depleted in samples with EGFR amplification (one-tailed p value of Fisher Exact test, P = 5.97e-4). Moreover, we showed by immunohistochemistry that IKBα was more highly expressed in EGFR -amplified than non-amplified GBMs. We use Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) to identify gene sets common to both EGFR amplification and NFKBIA hemizygous deletion to identity shared pathways that might explain mutual exclusivity and identified TNF, p53, PI3K, and NF-κB proliferation and apoptosis signaling pathways. We next genetically modeled glioma cell lines and GBM neurosphere cultures by transient transfection/stable viral transduction to recapitulate EGFR/NFKBIA combinations. qPCR of DNA and mRNA for EGFR and NFKBIA verified genotypes. Among the top hits predicted by our in silico studies, we identified sparcl1 and hgpx4 by RT-qPCR and immunoblots as concordantly upregulated in the E GFR amp/ NFKBIA +/+ and EGFR non-amp/ NFKBIA +/- cell lines/neurospheres. We also showed differential DNA binding of NF-κB (by electro-mobility shift assay); target gene expression (eg. bcl-2, Il-6); and expression of upstream regulators of NF-κB pathways (viz. pAKT (S436) and IKKβ (Y466)) in GBM neurospheres with distinct EGFR/NFKBIA status. Moreover in U87MG cells ( NFKBIA +/−), transiently silencing and overexpressing NFKBIA in different EGFR backgrounds (non-amplified and amplified) led to activation of PARP-dependent but caspase-3-independent apoptotic pathways. Interestingly, in U87MG cells and HPV E6/E7 transformed astrocytes, Annexin V/PI based FACS experiments indicated that NFKBIA overexpression suppressed necrosis. These data demonstrate a complex interplay of EGFR and IKBα/NF-κB in GBMs and identify shared pathways that might explain the relative mutual exclusivity of EGFR amplification and NFKBIA deletion. Citation Format: Alok Mishra, Jun Kong, Daniel J. Brat. Signal transduction in EGFR-amplified and NFKBIA-deleted human gliomas. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-029. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-LB-029
Ambivalent Enforcement: International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights Tribunals

The question of how to best enforce the decisions of international tribunals looms large in international law. Specifically, the sub-field of international law known as international humanitarian law (IHL), or the law of war, suffers from a lack of enforcement options as its Achilles heel. No tribunal exists with specific subject matter jurisdiction to adjudicate during situations that may give rise to state violations of international humanitarian law. Meanwhile, human rights tribunals have the subject matter jurisdiction to resolve human rights disputes, and there are significant areas of substantive overlap between humanitarian law and human rights law. Focusing on the interplay between international human rights law and international humanitarian law, this Article examines whether, based on this substantive overlap, human rights tribunals offer an appropriate forum for the enforcement of IHL. This article makes two important contributions: first, it offers a normative framing of how to utilize the abstract legal standard of lex specialis when IHL and HRL may simultaneously apply; second, the Article assesses the impact of employing IHL at human rights tribunals, concluding that this practice, even when the resulting decisions are not binding, may result in increased enforcement of IHL.
Finding Hope in the Face-to-Face

What does it mean to look into the face of a patient who looks back? Face-to-face encounters are at the heart of the patient-clinician relationship but their singular significance is often lost amid the demands of today's high-tech, metric-driven health care systems. Using the framework provided by the philosopher and Holocaust survivor Emmanuel Levinas, the authors explore the unique responsibility and potential for hope found only in face-to-face encounters. Revisiting this most fundamental attribute of medicine is likely our greatest chance to reclaim who we are as clinicians and why we do what we do.
Measurement of the mobility of all-trans retinol with Two-Photon Fluorescence Recovery After Photobleaching

The mobility of all-trans-retinol makes a crucial contribution to the rate of the reactions in which it participates. This is even more so because of its low aqueous solubility, which makes the presence of carrier proteins and the spatial arrangement of cellular membranes especially relevant. In rod photoreceptor outer segments, all-trans-retinol is generated after light exposure from the reduction of all-trans-retinal that is released from bleached rhodopsin. The mobility of all-trans-retinol in rod outer segments was measured with fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP), using two-photon excitation of its fluorescence. The values of the lateral and axial diffusion coefficients indicate that most of the all-trans-retinol in rod outer segments move unrestricted and without being aided by carriers.