cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Impact of Point-of-Care Decision Support Tool on Laboratory Screening for Comorbidities in Children with Obesity

Background: Childhood obesity is associated with dyslipidemia, fatty liver disease, and type 2 diabetes. Expert guidelines recommend screening for these conditions in children with obesity. Aims and objectives: The objective of the study was to compare rates of laboratory screening for dyslipidemia, fatty liver disease, and type 2 diabetes in children with obesity prior to and following implementation of a point-of-care decision support tool. Methods: We performed a retrospective record review of children with body mass index (BMI) ≥95th percentile for age and gender (age 7–18 years) undergoing well-child/sports examination visits. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to adjust for patient and provider confounders. Results: There was no increase in the rates of screening following implementation of the point-of-care decision support tool. Tests were more likely to be recommended in children with severe obesity and in females. Conclusions: The implementation of a point-of-care decision support tool was not associated with improvement in screening rates for dyslipidemia, fatty liver disease, and type 2 diabetes for children with obesity. Further strategies are needed to improve rates of screening for obesity-related comorbid conditions in children with obesity.
Improved Expansion Results Using Regularized Solutions

Traditional expansion techniques utilize a modal projection wherein modal response is estimated based on a generalized inverse of measurements at a sparse set of degrees of freedom. Those modal response estimates are then used to project out to a larger set of degrees of freedom, resulting in predicted responses at more points or even full- field. As with any generalized inverse problem, the results are sensitive to noise and conditioning of the inverted matrix. While much has been done to improve numerics of matrix inversion problems in the context of input estimation or source identification problems, little has been done to improve the numerics of inverse solutions in expansion problems. This work presents numerical correction or regularization techniques applied to expansion problems using both simple and complex example structures. The effects of degree of freedom selection and noise are explored. Improved expansion results are obtained using straightforward regularization techniques, meaning higher accuracy responses can be obtained at expansion degrees of freedom with no change in the sparse set of measurements.
PBRM1 loss-of-function mutations and response to immune checkpoint blockade in clear cell renal cell carcinoma

ABSTRACT The biological role of PBRM1 loss-of-function (LOF) mutations mediating response to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) remains an area of active investigation. A recent study (hereafter, ‘the MSK study’) evaluated this hypothesis in a clinically heterogeneous single institution retrospective ccRCC cohort using targeted sequencing and did not find a univariable statistically significant association for PBRM1 LOF and time-to-treatment failure (TTF), but did report a significant association between continuous tumor mutational burden (TMB) and ICB TTF. We re-analyzed this cohort to (i) match the methodology from previous studies and (ii) account for differences in cohort development, statistical approaches, mutation classifications, and outcome measurements. Univariable analysis of the PBRM1 LOF mutation hypothesis, when performed analogously to prior studies, demonstrated a modest statistically significant association with TTF on ICB (p = 0.047; HR = 0.7, 95% CI = 0.49 - 0.99). By contrast, when using the different methodology presented in the MSK study, statistical modeling demonstrated that there was insufficient power to detect this association given the altered classification scheme and modest effect size. In addition, after appropriately normalizing TMB to account for anomalous outliers, TMB was not significantly associated with ICB response in ccRCC. Thus, this study provides further support for the biological association between PBRM1 LOF and favorable clinical outcomes on ICB in specific ccRCC clinical contexts. However, we again strongly caution against interpreting that this PBRM1 biological association, likely one of many modest mediators of tumor-immune-stromal interactions, achieves broadly generalizable predictive biomarker status for ICB in diverse clinical contexts. The PBRM1 LOF biological association has only been shown to be modestly predictive in the post-VEGF TKI ICB-monotherapy ccRCC patient population. Given emerging data about the biological role of PBRM1 in contributing to interwoven immune and angiogenesis programs (among many others), and the rapidly shifting therapeutic combination strategies invoking these processes in ccRCC, focused biological and predictive biomarker analyses in specific clinical settings using appropriately annotated clinical trial cohorts are necessary.
Assessment of the burning-plasma operational space in ITER by using a control-oriented core-SOL-divertor model

Abstract In future tokamaks, the control of burning plasmas will require careful regulation of the plasma density and temperature. Along with the design of effective burn-control systems, understanding how the fusion power varies in the density-temperature space is vital for the operation of fusion power plants. In this work, the steady-state operational space of ITER is studied using a control-oriented core-plasma model coupled to a two-point model of the scrape-off-layer (SOL) and divertor regions. The two models are coupled through the exchange of input-output parameters. The deuterium and tritium recycling from the wall are output parameters of the SOL-divertor model that are used as input parameters in the core-plasma density balance. Furthermore, the separatrix temperature, which is an output parameter of the SOL-divertor model, is incorporated into the radial core-plasma temperature profiles. Therefore, the temperature-dependent power balance of the plasma core is intimately linked to the SOL-divertor model. Both the power entering the SOL from the core, as determined by the core-plasma power balance, and the separatrix density, as dictated by the core-plasma density balance, are input parameters to the SOL-divertor model. They are control knobs in the SOL-divertor model that can be regulated using the core-plasma actuators: auxiliary power and pellet injection. There are various operational limitations, such as the saturation of the aforementioned actuators, that will prevent ITER from accessing certain high-fusion plasma regimes. The achievable tritium concentration in the fueling lines and the maximum sustainable heat load on the divertor will impose further restrictions. By accounting for these limitations, the ITER operational space is computed based on the coupled core-SOL-divertor model and visualized using Plasma Operation Contour (POPCON) plots that map performance metrics, such as the fusion to auxiliary power ratio, over the density-temperature space. Comparisons are drawn between plasmas with different recycling, confinement, and SOL-divertor conditions.
Metal Leaching from Antimicrobial Cloth Face Masks Intended to Slow the Spread of COVID-19

Global health organizations recommend the use of cloth face coverings to slow the spread of COVID-19. Seemingly overnight, companies whose primary business is in no way related to healthcare or personal protective equipment—from mattresses manufacturers to big box stores—transitioned into the “mask business.” Many companies advertise antimicrobial masks containing silver, copper, or other antimicrobials. Often, the techniques used to load such antimicrobials onto mask fibers are undisclosed, and the potential for metal leaching from these masks is yet unknown. We exposed nine so-called “antimicrobial” face masks (and one 100% cotton control mask) to deionized water, laundry detergent, and artificial saliva to quantify the leachable silver and copper that may occur during mask washing and wearing. Leaching varied widely across manufacturer, metal, and leaching solution, but in some cases was as high as 100% of the metals contained in the as-received mask after 1 h of exposure.
Health interventions implemented in post-disaster South Asia: A scoping review

Abstract Increasing in frequency and impact worldwide, disasters (both man-made and natural) continue to affect millions of people each year. According to the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, floods are the most frequent disaster with the largest economic impact in South Asia. This paper identifies theoretical models, types of health issues, and the qualitative and quantitative approaches used for health interventions implemented in South Asia post-disaster. It also locates gaps in the implemented public health interventions, research studies and evaluation of interventions. We conducted a scoping review by searching PubMed, ProQuest Research Library, ProQuest Health Management, Social Sciences Full Text (H.W. Wilson), Sociological Abstracts, PsycINFO, Communication & Mass Media Complete, Academic Search Premier, Communication Abstracts, PAIS International, and Google from January 2006 to April 2021. We found and included experimental, quasi-experimental, qualitative and observational studies (empirical research) that described the implementation of a health intervention, and had a South Asia focus as well as a well-defined outcome with scope for replication. Two reviewers screened and abstracted articles independently. The data were charted, and a narrative review of the results was made. After screening 2532 titles and abstracts, 84 studies reported in 64 publications were retrieved. From the 84 studies 66 articles were rejected leaving 18 studies that were chosen for the scoping review. A majority of the interventions implemented psychosocial rehabilitation programs (n = 6) using community-based participatory approaches (n = 10). Programs relayed information through both interpersonal (n = 1) and mass communication (n = 2). The interventions that were conceived keeping the local cultural context (n = 9) in view were more successful. Issues that need to be resolved in future interventions include the need to engage disempowered groups such as women and to address sexual and reproductive issues (n = 2). Despite evidence of infectious disease (n = 2), none of the studies focused on its treatment or prevention. Findings strongly suggested the prevalence of mental health issues (n = 10) among victims of disaster and the urgent need to address psychiatric disorders. Only one study (n = 1) developed protocols for the rehabilitation of physically impaired earthquake victims. We found that a few studies used theories from psychosocial care and communication and applied quantitative and qualitative methods in designing health interventions in post-disaster South Asia. Most of the studies focused on psychosocial rehabilitation because there was recurrent evidence of mental health issues among victims of disasters. Future research could focus on the gaps identified in this study: developing, implementing, and evaluating, psychosocial capacity-building measures, and developing community mental health systems and skills training.
NGMA-6. Quantitative MGMT Promoter Methylation Index Indicates Non-Linear, Prognostic Effect in Glioblastoma

Background Epigenetic inhibition of the O6-methylguanine-DNA-methyltransferase (MGMT) gene has emerged as a clinically relevant prognostic marker in glioblastoma (GBM). Methylation of the MGMT promoter has been shown to increase chemotherapy efficacy. While traditionally reported as a binary marker, recent methodological advancements have led to quantitative methods of measuring methylation, allowing for clearer insights into methylation’s functional relationship with survival.
Standard Racism: Trying to Use Crisis Standards of Care" in the COVID-19 Pandemic."

Lowering the standard of care in a pandemic is a recipe for inferior care and discrimination. Wealthy white patients will continue to get “standard of care” medicine, while the poor and racial mino...
Robust Aeroservoelastic Stability of the F/A-18 HARV

The F/A-18 High Alpha Research Vehicle (HARV) was flown at NASA Dryden Flight Research Center to conduct flight tests at high angle-of-attack flight conditions. This paper considers the F/A-18 HARV with a thrust vectoring system to direct the flow out of the engine nozzles. This aircraft, shown in Figure 12.1, is sometimes denoted as the HARV-TVCS to emphasize the thrust vectoring control system, but for convenience the additional TVCS notation will not be used here.
Unsteady Flow of Power-Law Fluids

References 1 Dowell, E. H., "Generalized Aerodynamic Forces on a Flexible Plate Undergoing Transient Motion in a Shear Flow with an Application to Panel Flutter," AIAA Journal, Vol. 9, No. 5, May 1971, pp. 834-841. 2 Fleeter, S., "Fluctuating Lift and Moment Coefficients for Cascaded Airfoils in a Nonuniform Compressible Flow," Journal of Aircraft, Vol. 10, No. 2, Feb. 1973, pp. 93-98. 3 Miles, J. W., "The Compressible Flow Past an Oscillating Airfoil in a Wind Tunnel," Journal of Aeronautical Sciences, Vol. 23, No. 7, July 1956, pp. 671-678. 4 Ventres, C. S., "Transient Panel Motion in a Shear Flow," AMS Rept. 1062, Aug. 1972, Princeton Univ., Princeton, N.J. 5 Abramowitz, M. and Stegun, I., eds. Handbook of Mathematical Functions, Dover, New York, 1965. 6 Yates, J. E., "Linearized Integral Theory of the Viscous Compressible Flow Past a Wavy Wall," AFOSR-7R-72-1335, July 1972, Aeronautical Research Associates of Princeton Inc., Princeton, N.J. 7 Muhlstein, L. and Beranek, B. G., "Experimental Investigation of the Influence of the Turbulent Boundary Layer on the Pressure Distribution Over a Rigid Two-Dimensional Wavy Wall," TN D-6477, Aug. 1971, NASA.
Inhibition of bacterial DNA replication in vitro by 6-(p-hydroxyphenylazo)-uracil: selective interference with the function of deoxyguanosine nucleotides.

Abstract 6-(p- Hydroxyphenylazo)-uracil (HPUra), a selective inhibitor of the semiconservative replication of DNA of Gram-positive bacteria, inhibited the ATP-dependent synthesis of DNA catalysed by toluene-treated, DNA polymerase-deficient Bacillus subtilis . High concentrations of the 2′-deoxyguanosine 5′-phosphates, dGMP, dGDP and dGTP, selectively antagonized the inhibitory effect of HPUra on this system. The antagonism by deoxyguanosine nucleotides was competitive in nature and was not associated with inhibition of the metabolism of HPUra to active forms. HPUra concentrations which inhibited DNA synthesis completely did not significantly affect the metabolism of dGTP in toluene-treated bacteria. These results strongly suggested that HPUra inhibited DNA replication by interfering with the substrate function of deoxyguanosine nucleotides in replicative synthesis. The action of 6-(arylazo)-pyrimidines as antagonists of deoxyribonucleotide function was illustrated further in experiments employing 6-(p- hydroxyphenylazo)-isocytosine , a 2-amino analogue of HPUra which also inhibits DNA replication in intact and toluene-treated B. subtilis . 6-(p- Hydroxyphenylazo)-isocytosine did not interfere with the function of deoxyguanosine nucleotides in DNA synthesis, but antagonized, in an analogous manner, the function of deoxyadenosine nucleotides.
Immunologic aspects of pulpal-periapical diseases: A review

The relationship of immunologic concepts to endodontic diseases is discussed. Immunologic mechanisms are considered, including antigens, haptens, antibodies, and cell-mediated responses. Studies of immunologic manifestations in endodontic diseases are given. These include (1) localization of plasma proteins in inflammed human dental pulp, (2) introduction of microbes into animal root canals, (3) introduction of non-microbial antigens into animal root canals, (4) introduction of root canal antigens into human beings, (5) introduction of root canal antigens into animals, (6) studies of "focal" infection, (7) examination of serum antibodies, (8) examination of periapical lesions, and (9) a cell-mediated study. Next, immunologic concepts related to periapical pathosis are considered. Finally, preventive and treatment concepts are reviewed.
Magnetic resonance imaging in the evaluation of knee injuries.

ABSTRACT:To better define the role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the evaluation of knee injuries, we analyzed 10 recently published articles comparing MRI and arthroscopy in the detection of meniscal and anterior cruciate ligament tears. Sensitivity (SN), specificity (SP), positive predicti
Skin-Color Modeling and Adaptation

This paper studies a statistical skin-color model and its adaptation. It is revealed that (1) human skin colors cluster in a small region in a color space; (2) the variance of a skin color cluster can be reduced by intensity normalization, and (3) under a certain lighting condition, a skin-color distribution can be characterized by a multivariate normal distribution in the normalized color space. We then propose an adaptive model to characterize human skin-color distributions for tracking human faces under different lighting conditions. The parameters of the model are adapted based on the maximum likelihood criterion. The model has been successfully applied to a real-time face tracker and other applications.
Predicting T cell responses to multiple antigens in lymph nodes (VAC7P.990)

T cells carrying receptors specific to an epitope are primed and differentiate in lymph nodes when they encounter their peptide-MHC counterpart displayed on dendritic cells. These epitopes are subunits of proteins derived from pathogens, but very few of the epitopes from any given pathogen elicit a measureable cell-mediated immune response. For infectious diseases lacking a protective vaccine, concurrent cellular immunity to several peptides may be necessary to target multiple stages of disease. In this work, we expand upon our previously developed computational model of T cell priming and differentiation in LNs to explore simultaneous induction of memory for multiple antigens. The model incorporates key parameters describing cell interactions, including pMHC-TCR binding parameters, cognate T cell frequency, and fraction of pMHCs specific to a TCR. Our results point to the importance of binding thresholds and pMHC fractions in determining immunodominance hierarchies. These findings are relevant to design of multi-subunit vaccines, where the aim is to simultaneously induce memory to several peptides.
A Trickle or a Torrent? Understanding the Extent of Summer “Melt” Among College-Intending High School Graduates

Objectives The object of this study was to examine whether college-intending, low-income high school graduates are particularly susceptible to having their postsecondary education plans change, or even fall apart, during the summer after high school graduation. College access research has largely overlooked this time period. Yet, previous research indicates that a sizeable share of low-income students who had paid college deposits reconsidered where, and even whether, to enroll in the months following graduation. We assess the extent to which this phenomenon—commonly referred to as “summer melt”—is broadly generalizable. Methods We employ two data sources, a national survey and administrative data from a large metropolitan area, and regression analysis to estimate the prevalence of summer melt. Results Our analyses reveal summer melt rates of sizeable magnitude: ranging from 8 to 40 percent. Conclusions Our results indicate that low-income, college-intending students experience high rates of summer attrition from the college pipeline. Given the goal of improving the flow of low-income students to and through college, it is imperative to investigate how to effectively intervene and mitigate summer melt.
Mixed-Initiative Human-Robot Interaction: Definition, Taxonomy, and Survey

The objectives of this article are: 1) to present a taxonomy for mixed-initiative human-robot interaction and 2) to survey its state of practice through the examination of past research along each taxonomical dimension. The paper starts with some definitions of mixed-initiative interaction (MII) from the perspective of human-computer interaction (HCI) to introduce the basic concepts of MII. We then synthesize these definitions to the robotic context for mixed-initiative human robot teams. A taxonomy for mixed-initiative in human-robot interaction is then presented. The goal of the taxonomy is to inform the design of mixed-initiative human-robot systems by identifying key elements of these systems. The state of practice of mixed-initiative human-robot interaction is then surveyed and examined along each taxonomical dimension.
A parallel microfluidic device for hydrodynamic focusing of acute lymphoid Leukemia cells

A novel parallel-channel microfluidic device exploiting cross-filtering to perform hydrodynamic focusing has been designed and successfully tested with Leukemia cells. The proposed approach allows to overcome the main limits till now presented by previous devices, and represents a step forward the realization of an on-chip integrated cytofluorimeter.
Prevention of Postoperative Adhesions

An extensive literature describes agents used to prevent for-mation of peritoneal adhesions, (Ellis 1971; Holtz, 1980; Pfeffer, 1980; Stangel, Nisbet, & Settles, 1984; Diamond & DeCherney, 1987; Jansen, 1990; Tulandi, 1990). In general, these treatments fall into three categories: prevention of fibrin deposition, reduction of local tissue inflammation, and removal of fibrin deposits. To date, no single therapeutic approach has proven universally effective in preventing formation of postoperative intraperitoneal adhesions.
Image-guided Radiofrequency Tumor Ablation: Challenges and Opportunities—Part I

PERCUTANEOUS image-guided ablation with use of radiofrequency (RF) or other thermal energy sources such as microwave, high-intensity focused ultrasonography (US), cryotherapy, and laser have recently received much attention as minimally invasive strategies for the local treatment of solid malignancies (1–4). In the first part of this review, we provided a brief synopsis of current RF techniques and reviewed the basic principles of RF ablation and challenges facing the successful implementation of this technology (5). In the second part of this review, we will describe some of the many opportunities that RF ablation affords in an overview of potential clinical applications. The organ systems discussed, such as the liver, bone, lung, and kidney, are those currently receiving the greatest amount of attention from interventional radiologists. However, many additional applications are likely to emerge over the course of the next several years. CLINICAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR RF TUMOR ABLATION
Ultra-wideband radio technology: overview and future research

The emergence of commercial wireless devices based on ultra-wideband radio technology (UWB-RT) is widely awaited and anticipated. UWB-RT is not only applicable to communications, imaging and ranging, it also promises to alleviate the problem of increasingly scarce spectrum resources while enabling new wireless applications and business opportunities. These prospects have caught the early attention of the technology-providing wireless industry and, more recently, that of the radio regulatory authorities. Moreover, the technical challenges and problems to be solved when conceiving and deploying UWB radio systems have spurred a growing interest within the wireless research community. This paper discusses the key characteristics and capabilities of UWB-RT and indicates where one expects to exploit them in applications. A brief overview of the current status of UWB-RT is provided and directions for future research are discussed. It is proposed to explore and develop this new technology in the context of 'wireless systems beyond 3G' and within a forum of sufficient international breadth to facilitate regulatory and standardization frameworks with global support.
Resident data collection: Do the numbers add up?☆

Abstract OBJECTIVES: Our purpose was to investigate methods for standardization of data collection across residency training programs in obstetrics and gynecology. STUDY DESIGN: A survey was developed and sent to all accredited residency programs in the United States and Canada. It assessed each program's current data collection method and wether the system could strack discrepancies, account for completeness of data, or collect primary care data. The second part of the survey was designed to assess program director consistency in assignment of resident responsibility. RESULTS: In 78.5% of programs residents used a paper-based system. Only 27.1% and 31.3% of the residency programs, respectively, had systems for resolving resident responsibility conflicts or determining accuracy percentages. Few (8.3%) program directors were able to collect primary care data. There were wide variations among program directors in assignment of resident responsibility in the simulated cases, indicating different interpretations of Residency Review Committee reporting criteria. CONCLUSIONS: Most resident data systems in use do not promote or require standardization of data collection; therefore comparisons between programs would be difficult. The ideal system would be flexible, require standardization of data collection, enable direct direct transfer to Residency Review Committee forms, be translatable to any residency program, and allow meaningful intraprogram and interprogram comparisons.
Optical coherence tomography: measuring in-vivo axonal survival and neuroprotection in multiple sclerosis and optic neuritis.

Purpose of reviewThis review considers the latest developments in the use of optical coherence tomography in neuro-ophthalmology.Recent findingsOptical coherence tomography can accurately and reproducibly quantitate the micron thickness of the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer, as well as the
Cotranslational Folding Promotes β-Helix Formation and Avoids Aggregation In Vivo

Newly synthesized proteins must form their native structures in the crowded environment of the cell, while avoiding non-native conformations that can lead to aggregation. Yet, remarkably little is known about the progressive folding of polypeptide chains during chain synthesis by the ribosome or of the influence of this folding environment on productive folding in vivo. P22 tailspike is a homotrimeric protein that is prone to aggregation via misfolding of its central β-helix domain in vitro. We have produced stalled ribosome:tailspike nascent chain complexes of four fixed lengths in vivo, in order to assess cotranslational folding of newly synthesized tailspike chains as a function of chain length. Partially synthesized, ribosome-bound nascent tailspike chains populate stable conformations with some native-state structural features even prior to the appearance of the entire β-helix domain, regardless of the presence of the chaperone trigger factor, yet these conformations are distinct from the conformations of released, refolded tailspike truncations. These results suggest that organization of the aggregation-prone β-helix domain occurs cotranslationally, prior to chain release, to a conformation that is distinct from the accessible energy minimum conformation for the truncated free chain in solution.
Facility Location with Price-Sensitive Demands: Private, Public, and Quasi-Public

We formulate a general model for an uncapacitated facility location problem in which demands are related to the prices established at the various locations. Pricing decisions and location decisions are determined simultaneously in this model, in contrast to traditional location models that assume fixed demands and prices. We show that a transformation of the general model is equivalent to the fixed-demand location model of Efroymson and Ray, and thus may be solved by any of the exact or heuristic methods available for that model. Specifying either a private sector objective of maximizing profits or a public sector objective of maximizing net social benefits provides a particular case of the general model. A third plausible objective is the “quasi-public” one of maximizing net social benefits subject to a constraint that ensures sufficient revenues to cover costs. A Lagrangian relaxation of this constraint, which yields another case of the general model, is used to develop a solution procedure for the quasi-public objective. Details of the solution approach are given for quadratic revenue functions, and an example illustrates the procedure.
Wavelet-Based Adaptive Multiresolution Inversion for Quantitative Microwave Imaging of Breast Tissues

Microwave imaging is a feasible tool for medical imaging owing to the different electric properties of tissues. To this end, it is important to devise inversion procedures capable of achieving a reliable quantitative estimate of the tissues under test. With respect to breast screening, we propose a full-wave inversion method, which takes advantage of the adaptive multiresolution features of the wavelet basis to accommodate the trade off between spatial resolution and inversion stability. As shown through a preliminary numerical assessment on 2D anthropomorphic breast phantoms, the proposed approach is capable of achieving satisfying results without any a priori knowledge of breast shape, as well as of thickness and electric properties of the skin layer.
Determination of carbaryl in honeybees and pollen by high-performance liquid chromatography

Abstract Fifty of seventy bee and pollen samples were found to contain methyl parathion and/or carbaryl. One-third of these were randomly analyzed for azinphos methyl; several were positive. Responsibility for bee kills is difficult to determine and cannot be assigned on the basis of suspicion and a positive confirmatory analysis; other possible causes must be exclused. A multi-residue scheme for the above, plus fenvalerate, is presentd. High-performance liquid chromatographic determination of carbaryl on a reversed-phase column (C 8 -RCSS) with detection by both UV and fluorescence is discussed. The advantages of the latter detection method in this application are illustrated.
Ganglioside GD3 biosynthesis in normal and mutant mouse embryos.

CMP-sialic acid:GM3 sialyltransferase (GD3 synthase; EC 2.4.99.8) was characterized in a membrane-enriched preparation (P2 pellet) from mouse embryos at embryonic day 12 (E-12). Gangliosides GD3 and GM3 were the major radiolabeled products of the reaction. Optimum GD3 synthase activity was obtained atpH 6.0 using 0.1% detergent Triton CF-54. TheKm values for GM3 and CMP-sialic acid were 55 and 80 µM, respectively. TheVmax value was calculated as 622 pmol/mg protein/hr. Ganglioside GD3, as end product, induced a two-step reduction of enzyme activity in the range of concentrations from 0 to 34 µM (40%) and from 150 to 300 µM (65%). The rate of GD3 formation was similar in whole embryos and in embryo head and body regions. GD3 synthase activity intw1/tw1 mutant mouse embryos, which express defects in neuronal differentiation, was only 40% of that in normal wild-type (+/+) embryos. Enzyme activity in heterozygous (+/tw1) embryos was similar to that in +/+ embryos. These findings suggest that the reduced GD3 synthase activity in the mutants might arise as a consequence of failed nervous system development and might reflect a secondary rather than a primary effect of the mutation.
Tumor necrosis factor increases interleukin-6 release from adrenal zona glomerulosa cellsin vitro.

Rat adrenal zone glomerulosa cells secrete tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). We have extended previous studies to determine if TNFα can modify the release of adrenal IL-6. Primary cultures of rat adrenal zone glomerulosa cells were prepared by enzymatic techniques and cultured for 4–6 days. The cells were then exposed to serum-free RPMI 1640 incubation medium containing vehicle (RPMI-1640 medium alone), TNFα and/or selected agents known to stimulate adrenal IL-6 release. Following a 5 h incubation, the incubation medium was removed from the cells and the IL-6 content of the medium measured with the 7TD1 bioassay. TNFα (0.5–50 ng/mL) increased basal adrenal IL-6 release in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, TNFα potentiated in a more than additive manner the adrenal IL-6 release stimulated by lipopolysac-charide (LPS), interleukin-1β, angiotensin II and ACTH. TNFα potentiated the IL-6 release stimulated by a wide range of concentration of IL-lβ (0.01–100 ng/mL) and ACTH (0.1–100 nM). Because IL-6 and TNFα modify the steroid secretion from adrenal cells, these cytokines may interact together to regulate the function of the adrenal cortex.
High-throughput ballistic injection nanorheology to measure cell mechanics

High-throughput ballistic injection nanorheology is a method for the quantitative study of cell mechanics. Cell mechanics are measured by ballistic injection of submicron particles into the cytoplasm of living cells and tracking the spontaneous displacement of the particles at high spatial resolution. The trajectories of the cytoplasm-embedded particles are transformed into mean-squared displacements, which are subsequently transformed into frequency-dependent viscoelastic moduli and time-dependent creep compliance of the cytoplasm. This method allows for the study of a wide range of cellular conditions, including cells inside a 3D matrix, cell subjected to shear flows and biochemical stimuli, and cells in a live animal. Ballistic injection lasts <1 min and is followed by overnight incubation. Multiple particle tracking for one cell lasts <1 min. Forty cells can be examined in <1 h.
The size of the fusion potential

Abstract Recently, Satchler et al. claimed that fusion data can be fitted with an optical potential, in which the fusion part of the imaginary potential had a radius parameter rF as small as 1 fm. This potential, however, does not give elastic cross sections that fit data. It will be shown that, if the fit to experimental elastic cross sections is demanded, as it should be, there is no way to avoid making rF as large as 1.40 fm.
Surface finishing of cobalt chromium alloy femoral knee components

Abstract This paper describes the modification of surface roughness and lay of cobalt chromium alloy femoral knee components by magnetic abrasive finishing (MAF), including clarification of the MAF surface-processing mechanisms. The MAF process creates characteristic surfaces by micro-cutting of abrasive pressed by magnetic particles that nearly conform to the surface, removing large asperities and creating microasperities compared to hand-buffed surfaces. The process enables smoothing the surface on the nanometer scale with critical control of surface lay (e.g., crosshatch angle), altering the contact angle of water by a combination of kinematic behavior of magnetic particles over the freeform condyle surface.
An interacting micro-crack damage model for failure of brittle materials under compression

Abstract A model is developed for brittle failure under compressive loading with an explicit accounting of micro-crack interactions. The model incorporates a pre-existing flaw distribution in the material. The macroscopic inelastic deformation is assumed to be due to the nucleation and growth of tensile “wing” micro-cracks associated with frictional sliding on these flaws. Interactions among the cracks are modeled by means of a crack-matrix-effective-medium approach in which each crack experiences a stress field different from that acting on isolated cracks. This yields an effective stress intensity factor at the crack tips which is utilized in the formulation of the crack growth dynamics. Load-induced damage in the material is defined in terms of a scalar crack density parameter, the evolution of which is a function of the existing flaw distribution and the crack growth dynamics. This methodology is applied for the case of uniaxial compression under constant strain rate loading. The model provides a natural prediction of a peak stress (defined as the compressive strength of the material) and also of a transition strain rate, beyond which the compressive strength increases dramatically with the imposed strain rate. The influences of the crack growth dynamics, the initial flaw distribution, and the imposed strain rate on the constitutive response and the damage evolution are studied. It is shown that different characteristics of the flaw distribution are dominant at different imposed strain rates: at low rates the spread of the distribution is critical, while at high strain rates the total flaw density is critical.
Thrombin-independent mechanisms for direct thrombin inhibitor reduction of intimal hyperplasia

Abstract Introduction. Vein grafts in the carotid circulation locally treated with a direct thrombin inhibitor (DTI, either lepirudin, lep, or argatroban, arg) and compared to saline control demonstrate significant reduction to intima-to-media ratio (saline: 4.39 ± 3.59; lep: 3.38 ± 1.10; arg: 2.08 ± 1.49; values are mean ± 1 standard deviation). The significant differences found between the two DTIs studied led us to hypothesize that there is biologic activity in addition to inhibition of thrombin in at least one of the DTIs. Materials and Methods. Human vascular smooth muscle cells cultures (vSMC) were derived from primary explantation from saphenous vein remnants after infrainguinal bypass grafting. Experiments were repeated in three sets of vSMC from different cell lines, and each experiment included specimens repeated in triplicate Nitric oxide (NO) production was assessed via a colorimetric assay via Greiss reagent. Results are expressed as μM nitric oxide. Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) was assessed after vSMC were incubated for 24 and 48 h with arg. Cells were lysed in iced buffers and iNOS was immunoprecipitated with antibody directed against NOS2 and precipitated with protein A sepharose. Proteins were separated by SDS-PAGE and transferred to membranes, which were probed with the same antibody. Bands were detected with chemiluminescence, and density was assessed with computer-assisted densitometry. Statistics were via two-tailed t -test, and significance was defined as P Results. There is a significant ( P = 0.02) increase in the amount of NO in cell lysate after treatment with arg (1 mg/ml) as compared to vehicle control (20.5 ± 0.8 μM versus 4.0 ± 0.96 μM). In contrast, there was no change in levels of iNOS protein after treatment with either arg or lep (density: 1 versus 1.3). Conclusion. The argatroban-induced increase in NO production at a concentration of 1 mg/ml was not associated with an increase in iNOS expression. We hypothesize that argatroban, which is a synthetic derivative of L-arginine, may serve as a substrate for nitric oxide in smooth muscle metabolism. This activity is independent of the thrombin inhibition with arg.
Comparison of yeast and algal diets for bivalve molluscs

Abstract Four species of bivalve molluscs were fed diets consisting of varying proportions of the yeast Candida utilis and the diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana . Juvenile Argopecten irradians, Mercenaria mercenaria , and Mytilus edulis grew as fast or faster than controls when fed diets containing as much as 50% yeast. Growth of soft tissue in Crassostrea virginica , however, decreased with the amount of yeast in the diet. The relative food values of the different diets were not closely correlated with gross chemical composition or amino acid composition.
Statistical mechanics of permanent random atomic and molecular networks: Structure and heterogeneity of the amorphous solid state

Under sufficient permanent random covalent bonding, a fluid of atoms or small molecules is transformed into an amorphous solid network. Being amorphous, local structural properties in such networks vary across the sample. A natural order parameter, resulting from a statistical-mechanical approach, captures information concerning this heterogeneity via a certain joint probability distribution. This joint probability distribution describes the variations in the positional and orientational localization of the particles, reflecting the random environments experienced by them, as well as further information characterizing the thermal motion of particles. A complete solution, valid in the vicinity of the amorphous solidification transition, is constructed essentially analytically for the amorphous solid order parameter, in the context of the random network model and approach introduced by Goldbart and Zippelius [Europhys. Lett. 27, 599 (1994)]. Knowledge of this order parameter allows us to draw certain conclusions about the stucture and heterogeneity of randomly covalently bonded atomic or molecular network solids in the vicinity of the amorphous solidification transition. Inter alia, the positional aspects of particle localization are established to have precisely the structure obtained perviously in the context of vulcanized media, and results are found for the analogue of the spin glass order parameter describing the orientational freezing of the bonds between particles.
On the growing of large single crystals of the biological carotenoid pigment, β-carotene

Abstract The problem involved in growing large, high quality crystals of β-carotene are discussed. This C40 carotenoid pigment accompanies chlorophyll in all autotrophic plants, it is a precursor of vitamine A and of the visual pigment retinene, and it might be involved in photosynthesis. The solid state properties of this important biological substance are unusual. Crystals of β-carotene generate periodic transients when exposed to strong, externally applied, electric fields. This may conceivably have biological implications. The aim was to develop methods for the production of single crystals of sufficient size and quality for easy electrical transport experimentation. Several crystal growing methods are discussed and reviewed as to results within this context. The only process by which large crystals of β-carotene of a high degree of perfection could be produced was the Diffusion Zone process. Crystal storage, characterization, and preparation are also discussed briefly. The melting point, the thin layer chromatographic R?-value, the solution spectrum in the visible, and characteristic infrared spectral data of Diffusion Zone grown crystals and all trans β-carotene proved to be identical and the optical absorption edge, the location of the photoconductivity band, and the activation energy determined from electrical conductivity were determined to be 1.7, 1.6, and 1.8 eV respectively.
Effects of Vaporization and Temperature in Gas/Liquid Relative Permeability Experiments

Liquid vaporization can influence the results of unsteady, external gas-drive relative permeability experiments. At elevated temperatures, liquid vaporization may affect displacing gas mixture volume, displacing gas mixture viscosity, and volumetric liquid saturation calculated from a material balance. Approximate methods are presented to correct the laboratory displacement data for the effect of liquid vaporization on displacing gas mixture volume and viscosity. An approximate method also is presented to evalute the magnitude of liquid saturaton reduction caused by liquid vaporization. Using a modified Jones and Roszelle calculation procedure, equations are developed to describe the dynamic displacement of liquid water by nitrogen gas at elevated temperatures. A conventional analysis of 3 displacement experiments demonstrated the apparent temperature dependence of gas relative permeability. Use of the proposed method of analysis indicated that the corrected gas and water relative permeability curves are not strongly temperature dependent for the artificially consolidated sandstone cores used. 13 references.
Regularity of solutions for an integral system of Wolff type

Abstract We consider the fully nonlinear integral systems involving Wolff potentials: (1) { u ( x ) = W β , γ ( v q ) ( x ) , x ∈ R n , v ( x ) = W β , γ ( u p ) ( x ) , x ∈ R n ; where W β , γ ( f ) ( x ) = ∫ 0 ∞ [ ∫ B t ( x ) f ( y ) d y t n − β γ ] 1 γ − 1 d t t . This system includes many known systems as special cases, in particular, when β = α 2 and γ = 2 , system (1) reduces to (2) { u ( x ) = ∫ R n 1 | x − y | n − α v ( y ) q d y , x ∈ R n , v ( x ) = ∫ R n 1 | x − y | n − α u ( y ) p d y , x ∈ R n . The solutions ( u , v ) of (2) are critical points of the functional associated with the well-known Hardy–Littlewood–Sobolev inequality. We can show that (2) is equivalent to a system of semi-linear elliptic PDEs { ( − Δ ) α / 2 u = v q , in R n , ( − Δ ) α / 2 v = u p , in R n , which comprises the well-known Lane–Emden system and Yamabe equation. We obtain integrability and regularity for the positive solutions to systems (1) . A regularity lifting method by contracting operators is used in proving the integrability, and while deriving the Lipschitz continuity, a brand new idea – Lifting Regularity by Shrinking Operators is introduced. We hope to see many more applications of this new idea in lifting regularities of solutions for nonlinear problems.
Combining physical and auditory modeling prompts, time delay, rehearsal, and reinforcement produces acquisition and generalization of vocal and motor empathy skills in four young children with autism

This review provides a summary and appraisal commentary on the treatment review by Schrandt, J. A., Buffington Townsend, D., & Poulson, C. L. (2009). Teaching empathy skills to children with autism. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 42, 17–32. Source of funding and disclosure of interest: No source of funding reported, and the original authors of this research report no conflicts of interest.
Behavior of chymotrypsinogen during low pH gel electrophoresis is altered by persulfate

Abstract Chymotrypsinogen was observed to have two bands in a low-pH gel electrophoresis system, though the protein was pure by other criteria. Other proteins have also been reported to give artifacts under these conditions. Removal of persulfate from the gel by pre-electrophoresis or by substituting riboflavin eliminated the artifacts. The affected amino acid residue was identified as tryptophan by titration of persulfate-treated proteins with 2-hydroxy-5-nitrobenzyl bromide and by the spectral method of Edelhoch. Persulfate-treated chymotrypsinogen had the same mobility as the antifact, while oxidation of Met-192 with hydrogen peroxide produced a protein with a different mobility.
Desired qualities and hypothetical contextual use of vaginal microbicides in a diverse sample of US women.

Vaginal microbicides represent an important emerging class of antiinfectives. To guide research and development we conducted a survey to determine interest in desired qualities of and intended use of microbicides within the current milieu of contraceptive options. Women completed an anonymous survey while waiting for health care clinic appointments in Portland OR and Atlanta GA and in one public area (Atlanta). Four hundred one women completed the survey. Subjects had a mean age of 25.6 (SD=7.4) parity of 1.5 (SD=1.6) and 47.7% were non-Caucasian. Respondents showed moderate interest in noncontraceptive anti-HIV gel-based microbicides (mean 53.8; SD 39.6; n=362) and significantly stronger interest in contraceptive anti-HIV microbicides (mean 89.4 mm; SD 20.7; n=363; p < .001). The qualities of HIV pregnancy and sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention were the highest priorities of the largest percentage (40%) of respondents. Half (49.6%) of respondents reported they would use another form of protection in conjunction with a contraceptive anti-HIV microbicide. A diverse sample of women reported substantial interest in vaginal microbicides capable of preventing HIV and pregnancy and a smaller high-risk subgroup was interested in noncontraceptive anti-HIV microbicides. Most women would prefer a product capable of preventing HIV pregnancy and STIs. Almost half of respondents would use vaginal microbicides as part of a dual method. (authors)