cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Aneuploidy induction by mitotic arrestants in animal cell systems: possible mechanisms.

It should be emphasized at the beginning that the mechanisms for aneuploidy production can be quite different between meiotic divisions and mitotic divisions. A translocation heterozygote can produce nondisjunction (hence aneuploid gametes) in meiosis but not in somatic cells. Thus, in spermatogonia or first meiosis a mutagen (or a clastogen) can induce aneuploid gametes by first inducing rearrangements, but such agents rarely induce aneuploidy in mitotic cells because, as far as the number of centromeres is concerned, rearrangements (except in cases of Robertsonian fusion) do not alter the number of centromeres.
A clinical, hematologic, and immunologic analysis of 21 HTLV-II-infected intravenous drug users.

Infection with human T-cell leukemia virus type II (HTLV-II) has been associated with rare chronic T-cell malignancies and has recently been demonstrated in a significant proportion of American intravenous drug abusers (IVDA). Identification of an HTLV-II-infected cohort of IVDA has allowed analysis of the HTLV-II carrier state. We analyzed clinical, hematologic, and immunologic parameters in 21 HTLV-II- infected IVDA, two HTLV-I-infected IVDA, and 20 uninfected control IVDA identified by serologic screening and by analysis of peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). An elevated absolute lymphocyte count was observed in 4 of 21 HTLV-II- infected IVDA, 1 of 2 HTLV-I-infected IVDA, and 1 of 20 control IVDA. CD8+ T-cell elevation was observed in three of four HTLV-II IVDA with lymphocytosis and one of two HTLV-I-infected IVDA. Activation of CD8+ T cells in HTLV-II-infected IVDA was suggested by an overall increase in CD8+/HLA-DR+ lymphocytes. Cell fractionation and analysis by PCR of HTLV-II-infected carrier blood showed high levels of HTLV-II provirus in unfractionated PBMC and purified T cells and little or no detectable HTLV-II DNA in B cells or monocytes, indicating that T cells were the most likely target of infection in vivo. The frequency of HTLV-II- infected cells was estimated at approximately 1 in 500 cells or less using dilution analysis by PCR of PBMC DNA. Most HTLV-II-infected IVDA are asymptomatic and have no overt hematologic or immunologic abnormalities, although some manifest benign lymphocytosis.
Urban Decay and Pediatric Asthma Prevalence in Memphis, Tennessee: Urban Data Integration for Efficient Population Health Surveillance

In this paper, we investigate the relationships between dwelling conditions and pediatric asthma prevalence, merging multiple data sources to unpack disproportionate pediatric asthma prevalence in Memphis, TN, USA. Using 32 097 pediatric asthma encounter data from a children’s hospital, we map the patient distributions in Memphis. Connecting these data with 244 000 property quality data and census data, we show that pediatric asthma is disproportionately prevalent in the bad quality neighborhoods, even after controlling for ethnicity and poverty level. Furthermore, we show that the neighborhood inequality has a more negative effect than the overall neighborhood degeneration. Our novel data integration provides a unique opportunity to directly test the relationship between residential qualities and asthma prevalences at the macro-level, and to the best of our knowledge, this study is the first study that investigates the association between the detailed property quality and pediatric asthma with a relatively large sample size. Moreover, directly connecting health outcomes with the detailed housing quality data enables us to unpack how the inequality in living conditions yields disproportionate public health outcome distributions. To further improve public health decision making, the health issue should be approached with a more holistic view with taking into account environmental, residential, and social conditions. Integrating multiple data sources helps us not only discover the hidden links between quality of housing and childhood asthma in an urban community but also provide more efficient health surveillance guidelines to identify the population at risk. We show that neighborhood blight and inequality are closely associated with childhood asthma and other consecutive health problems, and therefore, any effective health intervention should also consider consolidation of housing policies and procedures. In addition, the detailed neighborhood level data helps us to reveal the pathways of social inequalities to health disparities and improve the public health through a properly designed surveillance system.
PSA (Prostate-Specific-Antigen) screening to improve outcome in prostate cancer (PC): Reanalysis of the Prostate-Lung-Colorectal-Ovary (PLCO) randomized controlled trial (RCT).

e17064Background: PSA screening remains highly controversial. In 1960s, about 10% of PCs were localized at diagnosis. SEER data from 1965-1975 indicated that PC 5-yr survival was 54%, providing a p...
Permissiveness to form pluripotent stem cells may be an evolutionarily derived characteristic in Mus musculus

Mus musculus is the only known species from which embryonic stem cells (ESC) can be isolated under conditions requiring only leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF). Other species are non-permissive in LIF media, and form developmentally primed epiblast stem cells (EpiSC) similar to cells derived from post-implantation, egg cylinders. To evaluate whether non-permissiveness extends to induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC), we derived iPSC from the eight founder strains of the mouse Collaborative Cross. Two strains, NOD/ShiLtJ and the WSB/EiJ, were non-permissive, consistent with the previous classification of NOD/ShiLtJ as non-permissive to ESC derivation. We determined non-permissiveness is recessive, and that non-permissive genomes do not compliment. We overcame iPSC non-permissiveness by using GSK3B and MEK inhibitors with serum, a technique we termed 2iS reprogramming. Although used for ESC derivation, GSK3B and MEK inhibitors have not been used during iPSC reprogramming because they inhibit survival of progenitor differentiated cells. iPSC derived in 2iS are more transcriptionally similar to ESC than EpiSC, indicating that 2iS reprogramming acts to overcome genetic background constraints. Finally, of species tested for ESC or iPSC derivation, only some M. musculus strains are permissive under LIF culture conditions suggesting that this is an evolutionarily derived characteristic in the M. musculus lineage.
Getting closer: vein density in C 4 leaves

Contents Summary 1260 I. Introduction 1260 II. Molecular and genetic mechanisms of C4 leaf venation 1262 III. Conclusions and future perspectives 1266 Acknowledgements 1266 References 1266 SUMMARY: C4 grasses are major contributors to the world's food supply. Their highly efficient method of carbon fixation is a unique adaptation that combines close vein spacing and distinct photosynthetic cell types. Despite its importance, the molecular genetic basis of C4 leaf development is still poorly understood. Here we summarize current knowledge of leaf venation and review recent progress in understanding molecular and genetic regulation of vascular patterning events in C4 plants. Evidence points to the interplay of auxin, brassinosteroids, SHORTROOT/SCARECROW and INDETERMINATE DOMAIN transcription factors. Identification and functional characterization of candidate regulators acting early in vascular development will be essential for further progress in understanding the precise regulation of these processes.
Oil families and inferred source rocks of the Woodford–Mississippian tight oil play in northcentral Oklahoma

Twenty-four oils produced from the Woodford Shale and overlying Mississippian strata in central Oklahoma were characterized geochemically to determine their possible source(s). The 168 core samples from the Woodford and Mississippian sections of 14 wells in central Oklahoma were initially characterized by total organic carbon (TOC), Rock-Eval, and vitrinite reflectance, and select samples (TOC > 1.0 wt. %) were subjected to biomarker analyses to characterize source input, depositional environment, maturity, and oil-to-source rock correlations. Thermal maturity parameters indicate the Woodford Shale is immature to marginally mature in Payne County, Oklahoma, and shows a progressive increase in maturity toward the southwest. Close to the Nemaha uplift, the Woodford is in the main stage of oil generation. It is proposed that the oils in this area have three possible origins: (1) Oils produced from the Woodford and overlying Mississippian strata have similar fingerprints, suggesting the Woodford Shale and overlying Mississippian strata are in communication; (2) oils produced near the Nemaha uplift (Logan and western Payne Counties) were sourced from the Woodford but had a significant Mississippian source contribution based on source-specific biomarkers; (3) oils east of the Cherokee platform (eastcentral Payne County) share strong Woodford source characteristics, and they were not generated in situ from the immature Woodford Shale but probably migrated from the Woodford Shale in the deeper part of the Anadarko Basin in southern Oklahoma. These results are consistent with the findings that indicate abundant marine coarse-grained biogenic silica (radiolarian-rich) chert facies found in eastcentral Payne County may contribute to good reservoir petrophysical properties, suggesting the Woodford Shale may not be a source in this area but simply a tight reservoir.
Scrupulosity, Religious Affiliation and Symptom Presentation in Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Background Scrupulosity is a common yet understudied presentation of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) that is characterized by obsessions and compulsions focused on religion. Despite the clinical relevance of scrupulosity to some presentations of OCD, little is known about the association between scrupulosity and symptom severity across religious groups. Aims The present study examined the relationship between (a) religious affiliation and OCD symptoms, (b) religious affiliation and scrupulosity, and (c) scrupulosity and OCD symptoms across religious affiliations. Method One-way ANOVAs, Pearson correlations and regression-based moderation analyses were conducted to evaluate these relationships in 180 treatment-seeking adults with OCD who completed measures of scrupulosity and OCD symptom severity. Results Scrupulosity, but not OCD symptoms in general, differed across religious affiliations. Individuals who identified as Catholic reported the highest level of scrupulosity relative to individuals who identified as Protestant, Jewish or having no religion. Scrupulosity was associated with OCD symptom severity globally and across symptom dimensions, and the magnitude of these relationships differed by religious affiliation. Conclusions Findings are discussed in terms of the dimensionality of scrupulosity, need for further assessment instruments, implications for assessment and intervention, and the consideration of religious identity in treatment.
An efficient, step-economical strategy for the design of functional metalloproteins.

The bottom-up design and construction of functional metalloproteins remains a formidable task in biomolecular design. Although numerous strategies have been used to create new metalloproteins, pre-existing knowledge of the tertiary and quaternary protein structure is often required to generate suitable platforms for robust metal coordination and activity. Here we report an alternative and easily implemented approach (metal active sites by covalent tethering or MASCoT) in which folded protein building blocks are linked by a single disulfide bond to create diverse metal coordination environments within evolutionarily naive protein-protein interfaces. Metalloproteins generated using this strategy uniformly bind a wide array of first-row transition metal ions (MnII, FeII, CoII, NiII, CuII, ZnII and vanadyl) with physiologically relevant thermodynamic affinities (dissociation constants ranging from 700 nM for MnII to 50 fM for CuII). MASCoT readily affords coordinatively unsaturated metal centres-including a penta-His-coordinated non-haem Fe site-and well-defined binding pockets that can accommodate modifications and enable coordination of exogenous ligands such as nitric oxide to the interfacial metal centre.
TIMING IS MONEY: DOES LUMP‐SUM PAYMENT OF THE EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT AFFECT SAVINGS AND DEBT?

Earned income tax credit (EITC) benefit income is paid out in a lump‐sum around tax time. We investigate whether savings and debt among EITC‐eligible families reflect the timing of payments. Using nationally representative, individual‐level data on self‐reported debt and savings outcomes, we search for differences in monthly behavior between EITC‐eligible and ‐ineligible households. We find evidence that credit card and unsecured debt holding among EITC‐eligible families reflects the timing of the EITC, with low debt levels at tax time relative to other months. Debt holding among ineligible families with children does not exhibit a similar pattern. We find limited evidence of intrayear patterns in savings behavior among EITC‐eligible families.
Edge influence on composition and structure of a Pinus palustris woodland following catastrophic wind disturbance

Forest edges are an important legacy of natural and anthropogenic disturbances. Edges of intact forest fragments are influenced by adjacent non-forested ecosystems, resulting in compositional and s...
Facile triflic acid-catalyzed α-1,2-cis-thio glycosylations: scope and application to the synthesis of S-linked oligosaccharides, glycolipids, sublancin glycopeptides, and TN/TF antigens

Studies of S-linked glycoconjugates have attracted growing interest because of their enhanced chemical stability and enzymatic resistance over O-glycoside counterparts. We here report a facile approach to access α-1,2-cis-S-linked glycosides using triflic acid as a catalyst to promote the glycosylation of a series of thiols with d-glucosamine, galactosamine, glucose, and galactose electrophiles. This method is broadly applicable for the stereoselective synthesis of S-linked glycopeptides, oligosaccharides and glycolipids in high yield and excellent α-selectivity. Many of the synthetic limitations associated with the preparation of these S-linked products are overcome by this catalytic method.
Estimation of Surface Polarity of Silicas by Absorption Spectroscopy of Glycerin Suspensions of Adsorbed 6-Nitrobenzoindolinopyran

The title compound (6-NO2-BIPS) is adsorptiochromic, becoming colored upon adsorption to a polar surface. Powders of 6-NO2-BIPS adsorbed to silica gel or silicic acid are suspended in glycerin, and the absorption spectrum of the adsorbate is recorded by conventional absorption spectroscopy. The wave number of maximum absorption is related to the effective surface polarity by v*/cm−1 = 90.85 Z + 11,571, where Z is the Kosower polarity measure. Silica surface polarity corresponds to Z = 86–89.
Introduction of I-clicker assessment method

I –clicker is an educational tool which helps instructor to create interactive smart classroom for students. I –clicker increases students interaction with instructor, productive atmosphere and improves attendance as well as thinking ability of students. Most importantly, I-clicker provides judgmental summative and formative assessment of student within classroom. This assessment includes primarily includes multiple choice questions, apply your knowledge questions and subjective questions. I was able to apply the methodology even in absence of I-clicker and was able to revise concepts and resolve queries of students.
Computational framework for population-based evaluation of TKR-implanted patellofemoral joint mechanics

Differences in patient anatomy are known to influence joint mechanics. Accordingly, intersubject anatomical variation is an important consideration when assessing the design of joint replacement implants. The objective of this study was to develop a computational workflow to perform population-based evaluations of total knee replacement implant mechanics considering variation in patient anatomy and to assess the potential for an efficient sampling strategy to support design phase screening analyses. The approach generated virtual subject anatomies using a statistical shape model of the knee and performed virtual implantation to size and align the implants. A finite-element analysis simulated a deep knee bend activity and predicted patellofemoral (PF) mechanics. The study predicted bounds of performance for kinematics and contact mechanics and investigated relationships between patient factors and outputs. For example, the patella was less flexed throughout the deep knee bend activity for patients with an alta patellar alignment. The results also showed the PF range of motions in AP and ML were generally larger with increasing femoral component size. Comparison of the 10-90% bounds between sampling strategies agreed reasonably, suggesting that Latin Hypercube sampling can be used for initial screening evaluations and followed up by more intensive Monte Carlo simulation for refined designs. The platform demonstrated a functional workflow to consider variation in joint anatomy to support robust implant design.
Scalarized black hole dynamics in Einstein-dilaton-Gauss-Bonnet gravity

We report on a numerical investigation of the stability of scalarized black holes in Einstein-dilaton-Gauss-Bonnet (EdGB) gravity in the full dynamical theory, though restricted to spherical symmetry. We find evidence that for sufficiently small curvature couplings the resulting scalarized black hole solutions are nonlinearly stable. For such small couplings, we show that an elliptic region forms inside these EdGB black hole spacetimes (prior to any curvature singularity), and give evidence that this region remains censored from asymptotic view. However, for coupling values ``superextremal'' relative to a given black hole mass, an elliptic region forms exterior to the horizon, implying the exterior Cauchy problem is ill-posed in this regime.
Unique Complications of Venous Anastomotic Couplers: A Systematic Review of the Literature

Background Anastomotic couplers expedite venous microvascular anastomoses and have been established as an equivalent alternative to hand-sewn anastomoses. However, complications unique to the coupler such as palpability and extrusion can occur. The purpose of this study was to perform a systematic review of the literature to assess complications distinct to the venous anastomotic coupler. Methods A Medline, PubMed, EBSCO host search of articles involving anastomotic venous couplers was performed. Studies involving arterial anastomotic couplers, end-to-side anastomoses, and reviews were excluded. Data points of interest were flap failure, venous thrombosis, hematoma, partial flap necrosis, infection, coupler extrusion, and coupler palpability. Results The search identified 165 articles; 41 of these met inclusion criteria. A total of 8,246 patients underwent 8,955 venous-coupled anastomoses. Combined reoperation rate was 3.3% and all-cause unsalvageable flap failure was 1.0%. Complications requiring reoperation included venous thrombosis (2.0%), hematoma (0.4%), partial flap necrosis (0.4%), and infection (0.3%). Eight patients had palpable couplers and 11 patients had extrusion of couplers (head/neck, hand, and feet) and required operative management. Conclusion Venous couplers remain an equivalent alternative to conventional hand-sewn anastomosis. However, venous coupler extrusion and palpability in the late postoperative period is a complication unique to anastomotic couplers, particularly in radiated head and neck, feet and hand free flaps. Removing extruded venous couplers is safe after tissue integration 3 weeks postoperatively. Coupler palpability and extrusion should be integrated into preoperative patient counseling and assessed in follow-up examinations.
Identification of a prognostic LncRNA signature for ER-positive, ER-negative and triple-negative breast cancers

The development of multi-gene signatures has led to improvements in identification of breast cancer patients at high risk of recurrence. The prognostic power of commercially available gene signatures is mostly restricted to estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer. On the contrary, immune-related gene signatures predict prognosis only in ER-negative breast cancer. This study aimed to develop a better prognostic signature for breast cancer. The expressions of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) genes from 30 independent microarray datasets with a total of 4813 samples were analyzed. A prognostic lncRNA signature was developed based on likelihood-ratio Cox regression analysis. Survival analysis was used to compare the prognostic efficiencies of our signature and 10 previously reported prognostic gene signatures. Cox regression analysis on 30 independent datasets showed that the 6-lncRNA signature identified in this study performed as well as five commercially available signatures in recurrence prediction for ER-positive breast cancer. In ER-negative breast cancer, this lncRNA signature was as prognostic as three immune-related gene signatures. Moreover, our lncRNA signature also demonstrated a good capacity to predict recurrence risk for triple-negative breast cancer. Function analysis showed that several lncRNAs in this signature were probably involved in cell proliferation and immune processes. A six-LncRNA signature was identified that is prognostic for ER-positive, ER-negative, and triple-negative breast cancers and thus deserves further validation in prospective studies.
Enhanced phosphorus removal and recovery by metallic nanoparticles-modified biochar

Phosphorous (P) is a major water and wastewater pollutant and at the same time an essential crop nutrient facing a global shortage. Technologies that can remove and recover P from wastewater are pressingly needed. Even though chemical and biological P treatment technologies have been commonly used in wastewater treatment processes, effective and selective removal of P by adsorption has attracted increasing attention recently. Biochar is a carbon-rich material exhibiting high adsorption capacity for a variety of environmental pollutants. Unfortunately, its adsorption capacity for P is not impressive. However, the adsorption capacity of biochar for P can be markedly increased by modifying it with different metallic nanoparticles. This review summarizes recent progresses in the modification methods of biochar by different metallic nanoparticles and discusses the enhanced adsorption of P by modified biochar with different metals and the underlying mechanisms. Larger specific surface area provided by metal-induced morphology change, enhanced ligand exchange and surface complexation, hydrogen bonding and co-precipitation all contribute to the improved P removal by metallic nanoparticles-enhanced biochar. Among all the discussed materials, biochar decorated with magnesium (Mg)-containing nanoparticles appears to be the most promising for P removal and recovery.
Production of Ablated CeO 2 Particles with Nanodispersed Compositional Distribution

A technique for obtaining ablated CeO2 particles of nanodispersed composition has been developed. With the help of transmission electron microscopy and small-angle X-ray scattering diffractometry, it was found that the limiting particle size in a colloidal solution does not exceed 30 nm. It was established by spectroscopy of characteristic electron energy losses that the content of defects in oxygen vacancies increases with decreasing sizes of ablated nanoparticles.
Research report a preliminary analysis of medical futility decisionmaking: Law and professional attitudes

Judicial decisions reviewed in this article indicate that courts have taken two disparate approaches to disputes over futility of treatment. To explore whether a consensus on medical futility is developing among hospitals, the authors conducted a nationwide survey of health care professionals at hospitals. Respondents assigned importance ratings to factors used in recent futility decisions made at their institutions. The resulting importance ratings showed significant variation by characteristics of the institution (comparing respondents from for-profit, not-for-profit, and government hospitals) and by profession of the respondent (comparing physicians and nurses). The respondents' judgments endorsed three distinct strategies for making futility decisions (i.e., emphasis on the patient's decision preferences, providing for the patient and family, and adhering to objective medical and social norms).
High-degree Norwood neoaortic tapering is associated with abnormal flow conduction and elevated flow-mediated energy loss

Abstract Objective The Norwood neoaortic arch biomechanical properties are abnormal due to reduced vessel wall compliance and abnormal geometry. Others have previously described neoaortic geometric distortion by the degree of diameter reduction (tapering) and associated this with mismatched ventricular-neoaortic coupling, abnormal flow hemodynamic parameters, and worse patient outcome. Our purposes were to investigate the influence of neoaortic tapering (ie, diameter reduction) on flow-mediated viscous energy loss (EL') in post-Norwood palliated hypoplastic left heart syndrome patients, and correlate flow-geometry with single ventricle power generation. Methods Twenty-six palliated hypoplastic left heart syndrome patients underwent comprehensive cardiac evaluation with 4-dimensional-flow magnetic resonance imaging. Patients were grouped into high- (group H, n = 13) and low- (group L, n = 13) degree neoaortic tapering using the median cutoff value of neoaortic diameter variance. EL' was calculated along standardized segments using 4-dimensional-flow magnetic resonance imaging. Flow-mediated power loss as a percentage of total power generated by the single ventricle was determined. Results Group H had a higher prevalence of abnormal recirculating flow in the neoaorta and elevated neoaortic EL' in the ascending aorta (1.0 vs 0.6 mW; P = .004). Group H EL' was increased across the entire thoracic aorta (2.6 vs 1.3 mW; P = .002) and accounted for 0.7% of generated ventricular power versus 0.3% in group L (P = .024). EL' directly correlated with the degree of ascending aortic dilation (R = 0.49; P = .012). Conclusions Patients with high degree neoaortic tapering have more perturbed flow through the neoaorta and increased EL'. Flow-mediated energy loss due to abnormal flow represents irreversibly wasted power generated by the single right ventricle. In patients with high-degree neoaortic tapering, EL' was more than 2-fold greater than low-degree tapering patients. These data suggest that oversizing the Norwood neoaortic reconstruction should be avoided and that patients with distorted neoaortic geometry may warrant increased surveillance for single-ventricle deterioration.
Estimation of the maximum permissible intrusive force for intrusion of a canine tooth: one-dimensional finite element study

Abstract The aim of the present research study is to estimate the maximum permissible intrusive force mathematically with one-dimensional finite element method and to achieve the safe intrusion of a canine tooth without any damage to periodontal ligament (PDL). For this purpose, one-dimensional finite element (FE) model of a canine tooth was developed consisting of tooth (crown and root) and PDL structure. The maximum permissible intrusive force was computed mathematically. For this purpose, the maximum permissible stress was considered as ‘EPDL/1.5’, where ‘EPDL’ is the Young’s Modulus of PDL and factor of safety (FOS) is 1.5. The maximum permissible intrusive force was computed to be approximately 10 g-force (gf). For verification of this computed force value, finite element analysis was carried out on 3-dimensional canine tooth, PDL and bone structures for better verification and it is proved that 10 g-force (gf) value is safe without any damage to PDL tissues.
Boundary-Layer Measurements in Hypersonic Flow

Experimental data are presented on boundary-layer formation, heat transfer, and skin-friction coefficient at Mach Numbers of 8.25 and 9.0. The boundary-layer measurements were made on the wall of a conical nozzle in the presence of a favorable pressure gradient and several rates of heat transfer. The Reynolds Number based on momentum thickness varied from 1,500 to 3,500. Comparison is made with data at lower Mach Numbers and with the semiempirical theory of von Karman. The existing data up to Mach Numbers of nine indicate agreement to within 5 per cent when compared with a form of the Wilson theory, but it is clear that the effects of heat transfer and pressure gradients present problems which require extensive study and experiment in the future.
Spectral Asymptotics on Compact Heisenberg Manifolds

For \(M=\Gamma \backslash \mathbb {H}_d\) a compact quotient of the real (\(2d+1\))-dimensional Heisenberg group \(\mathbb {H}_d\) by a lattice subgroup \(\Gamma \), we show that the eigenvalue counting function N(t) for the subLaplacian \(\mathscr {L}_0\) has asymptotic behavior \(A_d \mathrm{vol}\,(M) t^{d+1} + O(t^d\log t)\) for an explicit constant \(A_d\). It is possible that the remainder term is actually \(O(t^d)\). We use the explicit description of the spectrum of \(\mathscr {L}_0\) given by Folland (J Geom Anal 14:521–532, 2004).
Comparative biochemical responses and antioxidant activities of the rabbit urinary bladder to whole grapes versus resveratrol.

The objective of this study is to compare the antioxidant activity of a whole-grape suspension with the antioxidant activity or pure resveratrol on the effect of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) on malondialdehyde (MDA) generation, choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) activity, calcium ATPase activity, and sarcoendoplasmic reticular ATPase (SERCA) of the male rabbit urinary bladder. MDA was used as a model for the effect of H2O2 on lipid peroxidation. ChAT, SERCA, and calcium ATPase were evaluated based on their importance in urinary bladder physiology and pathology. Four male rabbit bladders were used. Each bladder was separated into muscle and mucosa, frozen under liquid nitrogen and stored at −80 °C for biochemical evaluation. The effect of H2O2 on the enzymes listed above was determined in the presence and absence of either resveratrol or a whole-grape suspension. (1) Resveratrol was significantly more effective than the grape suspension at protecting the bladder muscle and mucosa against peroxidation as quantitated by MDA formation. (2) The grape suspension was significantly more effective at protecting ChAT activity against oxidative stress of the muscle than resveratrol. (3) Neither the grape suspension nor resveratrol were particularly effective at protecting the bladder muscle or mucosa calcium ATPase or SERCA against oxidative stress. (4) ChAT was significantly more sensitive to oxidative stress than either calcium ATPase or SERCA. These data support the idea that the grape suspension protects the mitochondria and nerve terminals to a significantly greater degree than resveratrol which suggests that the activities of the grape suspension are due to the combination of active components found in the grape suspension and not just resveratrol alone.
Susceptibility of Cardiac Pacemakers to 60 Hz Magnetic Fields

Abstract : In the report it is concluded that the extremely low frequency (ELF) magnetic field levels which interfere with the operation of cardiac pacemakers are much greater than those expected from a conceptual defense SANGUINE communication system. This conclusion is based on an experimental program in which the effect of extremely low frequency (10-100 HZ) magnetic fields on cardiac pacemakers was studied. Objectives of the program were to determine a safe level (threshold) for a magnetic field in this frequency range and to establish a method and criterion for evaluating the interference effects. Examples of electromagnetic fields affecting implanted heart pacemakers are presented. (Author)
Characterizing Surface Transport Barriers in the South China Sea

Abstract : The long term goal of this project is to advance the state of the art in mathematical methods for detecting key transport structures in velocity field data sets for spatially complex, time-dependent, ocean surface flows. Such transport structures are typically not inherently obvious in snapshots of the Eulerian velocity field and require analysis methods with foundations in Lagrangian flow transport. Within the context of this DRI, a long term goal is to improve understanding of the formation and location of submesoscale fronts in the South China Sea (SCS).
A Kp-based model of auroral boundaries

[1] The auroral oval can serve as both a representation and a prediction of space weather on a global scale, so a competent model of the oval as a function of a geomagnetic index could conveniently appraise space weather itself. A simple model of the auroral boundaries is constructed by binning several months of images from the Polar Ultraviolet Imager by Kp index. The pixel intensities are first averaged into magnetic latitude–magnetic local time (MLT-MLAT) and local time bins, and intensity profiles are then derived for each Kp level at 1 hour intervals of MLT. After background correction, the boundary latitudes of each profile are determined at a threshold of 4 photons cm−2 s1. The peak locations and peak intensities are also found. The boundary and peak locations vary linearly with Kp index, and the coefficients of the linear fits are tabulated for each MLT. As a general rule of thumb, the UV intensity peak shifts 1° in magnetic latitude for each increment in Kp. The fits are surprisingly good for Kp < 6 but begin to deteriorate at high Kp because of auroral boundary irregularities and poor statistics. The statistical model allows calculation of the auroral boundaries at most MLTs as a function of Kp and can serve as an approximation to the shape and extent of the statistical oval.
On-Line Estimation of Molecular Weight Distributions in Methyl Methacrylate Polymerization

Advanced control strategies are used to estimate and control the complete molecular weight distribution (MWD) for batch polymerization of methyl methacrylate. This novel estimation procedure for the MWD rather than the moments of the distribution is made possible by explicitly accounting for the chain length. The on-line implementation of the model and its ability to predict MWD from simple polymer reactor measurements (temperature, conversion and viscosity) are discussed. Finally, optimal temperature trajectories are predicted for specific MWD criteria.
Space, Selection, and Surveillance: Setting Boundaries with BLyS

The BLyS family of ligands and receptors governs B cell homeostasis by controlling survival, differentiation, and lifespan. This family consists of multiple receptors and ligands, allowing independent regulation of different B cell subsets by varying the combination and levels of receptors expressed. Multiple downstream signaling pathways are implicated in these activities, reflecting this receptor complexity as well as cross-talk with other B cell signaling systems. BLyS levels are associated with multiple forms of humoral autoimmunity and can modulate tolerogenic elimination at the transitional checkpoint. BLyS responsiveness thus balances peripheral selection against cell numbers, providing an elastic system that varies selective stringency based on homeostatic demands.
ELECTRON MICROSCOPY OF CELLULAR DIVISION IN ESCHERICHIA COLI

Conti, S. F. (Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, N. Y.) and M. E. Gettner. Electron microscopy of cellular division in Escherichia coli. J. Bacteriol. 83:544-550. 1962.-Exponentially growing cells of Escherichia coli were fixed in formalin, exposed to uranyl nitrate, dehydrated at low temperatures with ethanol, and embedded in methacrylate. Polymerization was carried out at -70 C, by exposure of specimens to radiation from a cobalt(60) source. Electron micrographs revealed that cellular division occurs by the centripetal growth of the cell wall. The fine structure of the cytoplasm, nuclear apparatus, cell wall, and cytoplasmic membrane was also studied.
The problem of statistical power in MIS research

Statistical power is a topic of importance to any researcher using statistical inference testing. Studies with low levels of statistical power usually result in inconclusive findings, even though the researcher may have expended much time and effort gathering the data for analysis. A survey of the statistical power of articles employing statistical inference testing published in leading MIS journals shows that their statistical power is, on average, substantially below accepted norms. The consequence of this low power is that MIS researchers typically have a 40 percent chance of not detecting the phenomenon under study, even though it, in fact, may exist.Fortunately, there are several techniques, beyond expanding the sample size (which often may be impossible) that researchers can use to improve the power of their studies. Some are as easy as using a different but more powerful statistical test, while others require developing more elaborate sampling plans or a more careful construction of the research design. Attention tot he statistical power of a study is one key ingredient in assuring the success of the study. This article should serve as a useful guide for MIS researcher sin the planning, execution, and interpretation of inferential statistical analyses.
Local Structure of the Superconductor K0.8Fe1.6+xSe2: Evidence of Large Structural Disorder

The local structure of superconducting single crystals of K${}_{0.8}$Fe${}_{1.6+x}$Se${}_{2}$ with $Tc$ $=$ 32.6 K was studied by x-ray absorption spectroscopy. Near-edge spectra reveal that the average valence of Fe is 2+. The room temperature structure about the Fe, K, and Se sites was examined by iron, selenium, and potassium $K$-edge measurements. The structure about the Se and Fe sites shows a high degree of order in the nearest-neighbor Fe-Se bonds. On the other hand, the combined Se and K local structure measurements reveal a very high level of structural disorder in the K layers. Temperature-dependent measurements at the Fe sites show that the Fe-Se atomic correlation follows that of the Fe-As correlation in the superconductor LaFeAsO${}_{0.89}$F${}_{0.11}$, having the same effective Einstein temperature (stiffness). In K${}_{0.8}$Fe${}_{1.6+x}$Se${}_{2}$, the nearest-neighbor Fe-Fe bonds have a lower Einstein temperature and higher structural disorder than in LaFeAsO${}_{0.89}$F${}_{0.11}$. The moderate Fe site and high K site structural disorder is consistent with the high normal state resistivity seen in this class of materials. For higher shells, an enhancement of the second-nearest-neighbor Fe-Fe correlation is found just below $Tc$, possibly due to changes in magnetic or local structural ordering.
Empirical Bayes Analysis of RNA-seq Data for Detection of Gene Expression Heterosis

An important type of heterosis, known as hybrid vigor, refers to the enhancements in the phenotype of hybrid progeny relative to their inbred parents. Although hybrid vigor is extensively utilized in agriculture, its molecular basis is still largely unknown. In an effort to understand phenotypic heterosis at the molecular level, researchers are measuring transcript abundance levels of thousands of genes in parental inbred lines and their hybrid offspring using RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) technology. The resulting data allow researchers to search for evidence of gene expression heterosis as one potential molecular mechanism underlying heterosis of agriculturally important traits. The null hypotheses of greatest interest in testing for gene expression heterosis are composite null hypotheses that are difficult to test with standard statistical approaches for RNA-seq analysis. To address these shortcomings, we develop a hierarchical negative binomial model and draw inferences using a computationally tractable empirical Bayes approach to inference. We demonstrate improvements over alternative methods via a simulation study based on a maize experiment and then analyze that maize experiment with our newly proposed methodology. This article has supplementary material online.
Complete genome sequence of Geobacillus thermoglucosidasius C56-YS93, a novel biomass degrader isolated from obsidian hot spring in Yellowstone National Park

Geobacillus thermoglucosidasius C56-YS93 was one of several thermophilic organisms isolated from Obsidian Hot Spring, Yellowstone National Park, Montana, USA under permit from the National Park Service. Comparison of 16 S rRNA sequences confirmed the classification of the strain as a G. thermoglucosidasius species. The genome was sequenced, assembled, and annotated by the DOE Joint Genome Institute and deposited at the NCBI in December 2011 (CP002835). The genome of G. thermoglucosidasius C56-YS93 consists of one circular chromosome of 3,893,306 bp and two circular plasmids of 80,849 and 19,638 bp and an average G + C content of 43.93 %. G. thermoglucosidasius C56-YS93 possesses a xylan degradation cluster not found in the other G. thermoglucosidasius sequenced strains. This cluster appears to be related to the xylan degradation cluster found in G. stearothermophilus. G. thermoglucosidasius C56-YS93 possesses two plasmids not found in the other two strains. One plasmid contains a novel gene cluster coding for proteins involved in proline degradation and metabolism, the other contains a collection of mostly hypothetical proteins.
Deuteron Magnetic Resonance and Infrared Absorption Studies of Structure and Dynamics in Amorphous Hydrogenated Carbon and Carbon Nitride

Deuteron magnetic resonance (DMR) and infrared absorption spectra have been measured in amorphous hydrogenated carbon (a-C:H and a-C:D,H) and amorphous hydrogenated carbon nitride (a-CN:D,H) films plasma-deposited onto room-temperature substrates from feedstock mixtures of CH4, N2, and D2. DMR spectra and transient magnetization recoveries were measured between room temperature and 4 K. Recoveries are dominated by magnetization transport under extreme inhomogeneity. Methyl rotors CDx H3-x freeze out below 77 K. From the infrared absorption spectra, NH2, CHx, double bonded C-C, and triple bonded C-N stretching modes are observed. As a function of increasing nitrogen concentrations, the NH2 and C-N intensities dramatically increase while the CHx and C-C intensities decrease. In films where the ratio of nitrogen to carbon plus nitrogen is greater than 25%, the absorption spectra are dominated by NH2 stretching and bending modes; in contrast, the DMR spectra show many CDxHy configurations and a broader NDxHy structure. Proton NMR shows significant hydrogen clustering in a-CN:D,H.
Dynamic kinetic resolution of azlactones catalyzed by chiral Brønsted acids.

Chiral Bronsted acids have been shown for the first time to catalyze the dynamic kinetic resolution of azlactones. 3,3′-Bis-(9-anthryl)-BINOL phosphoric acid 3c is particularly effective in the case of 4-aryl-substituted substrates, producing 85−92% ee’s.
Energy Transfer Cassettes for Facile Labeling of Sequencing and PCR Primers

Abstract Fluorescence energy transfer (ET) primers and terminators are the reagents of choice for multiplex DNA sequencing and analysis. We present here the design, synthesis and evaluation of a four-color set of ET cassettes, fluorescent labeling reagents that can be quantitatively coupled to a thiol-activated target through a disulfide exchange reaction. The ET cassette consists of a sugar-phosphate spacer with a FAM donor at the 3′-end, an acceptor linked to a modified T-base at the 5′-end of the spacer and a mixed disulfide for coupling to a thiol at the 5′-end. The acceptor dye emission intensities of ET labeled primers produced in this manner are comparable to commercial ET primers. The utility of our ET cassette-labeled primers is demonstrated by performing four-color capillary electrophoresis sequencing with the M13(-21)forward primer and by generating and analyzing a set of single-nucleotide-polymorphism-specific PCR amplicons.
Heart failure: wireless hemodynamic monitoring—a new approach for managing HF.

Monitoring for worsening congestion in patients with chronic heart failure has proven to be very challenging. The CardioMEMS Heart Sensor Allows Monitoring of Pressure to Improve Outcomes in NYHA Class III Heart Failure Patients (CHAMPION) trial has now demonstrated that wireless monitoring of pulmonary artery pressures is safe and reduces rates of hospitalization.
Theory of catastrophic diseases of cultivated plants

Abstract Genetically homogeneous plant populations generate selective pressures for pathogens to overcome host resistance. Once a pathogen strain has evolved which overcomes host resistance, a catastrophic collapse of genetically h homogeneous host population can result. The dynamics of such a collapse are discussed by means of a mathematical model. Also, a gametheoretical model shows that high density of the host population may lead to selection for maximum pathogen virulence rather than host-parasite commensalism. The evolution of mutant pathogens is compared with the evolution of insecticide resistance. While time frame estimates are intrinsically difficult to obtain, it is argued that industrial pollution may speed up the evolution of mutant pathogens and may have been responsible for a number of agricultural and horticultural epidemics. The theory may have implications for the clonal propagation of forests.
Railroad transportation of dangerous goods: A conditional exposure approach to minimize transport risk

Hazardous materials (hazmat) are potentially harmful to people and environment due to their toxic ingredients. Although a significant portion of hazmat is transported via railroads, prevailing studies on dangerous goods focus on highway shipments. In this work, we develop a risk assessment methodology that takes into consideration the differentiating features of trains and the characteristics of train accident. The proposed approach incorporates train-length, train-decile position of hazmat railcar, the sequence of events leading to hazmat release, and the associated consequence from ruptured railcars. Freight-train derailment reports of the Federal Railroad Administration were analyzed to both get a better understanding of the problem, and also to propose a more precise assessment methodology. The assessment methodology, which includes Bayes Theorem and Logical Diagrams, were used to study a US based case example, which was further analyzed to gain relevant managerial insights.
Size effect on stress–strain relation of neat polyurethane foam

The basic mechanical properties of a structural engineering material are usually obtained by uniaxial tension testing using a dog-bone type specimen and little attention is paid to the size of the specimen or the size of the strain measuring gage. We show that for the neat polyurethane foam material, two different size specimens exhibit a large difference on their mechanical response to load. A unique experimental mechanics technique called the multi-scale speckle method is introduced to obtain the mechanical properties of the specimens. The larger specimens were tested using a tabletop testing machine, while the smaller ones were tested inside the chamber of a scanning electron microscope.