cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Extruded Fiber Reinforced Cement Pressure Pipe

Abstract Extrusion is a plastic-forming method that is suitable not only for flat shapes, but also for structural shapes, such as I-sections, channels, pipes, and hollow and solid tubes. The advantage of introducing extrusion into cement product processing is that the materials are formed under high shear and compressive forces resulting in composites with improved performance. This article presents research results on extruded fiber reinforced cement pipe and flat sheet. A pipe die was designed and developed specifically for extrusion of cement based materials. Three different mix proportions were selected by varying the fiber type (polyvinyl alcohol and alkali-resistant glass), admixture type (silica fume, metakaolin, and latex), and their proportions to study their influence on the properties of extruded fiber reinforced cement pipes and thin sheets. Extruded cement pipes were tested for hydrostatic burst strength, bearing strength, and flexural performance. Thin sheets were tested for tensile and flexural performance. The test results indicated that polyvinyl alcohol fibers in the presence of silica fume and latex provide a suitable reinforcing effect, and silica sand provides good surface finish.
Gentamicin and phenytoin sieving through hollow–fiber polysulfone hemofilters

Gentamicin and phenytoin sieving through hollow–fiber polysulfone hemofilters. The sieving characteristics of the prototype drugs gentamicin (poorly protein bound) and phenytoin (highly protein bound) were measured in vitro using polysulfone capillary hemofilters similar to those used in clinical continuous arteriovenous hemofiltration. Plasma water, whole plasma, and whole blood were the solvent systems used with variable drug concentrations and solvent flow rates. Our results indicate that the sieving coefficients for both drugs can be accurately defined as the concentration in the ultrafiltrate divided by the concentration in the artery. This correlates with a more rigorously derived expression by Colton and Henderson (r = 0.98, P
Movement of Membrane Domains and Requirement of Membrane Signaling Molecules for Cytokinesis

Plasma membrane subdomains enriched in sphingolipids, cholesterol, and signaling proteins are critical for organization of actin, membrane trafficking, and cell polarity, but the role of such domains in cytokinesis in animal cells is unknown. Here, we show that eggs form a plasma membrane domain enriched in ganglioside G(M1) and cholesterol where tyrosine phosphorylated proteins occur at late anaphase at the contractile ring. The equatorial membrane domain forms by movement-specific lipids and proteins and is dependent on anaphase onset, myosin light chain phosphorylation, actin, and microtubules. Isolated detergent-resistant membranes contain Src and PLCgamma, which become tyrosine phosphorylated at cytokinesis, and whose activation is required for furrow progression. These studies suggest that membrane domains at the cleavage furrow possess a signaling pathway that contributes to cytokinesis.
Sound Attenuation in Tubes due to Visco-Thermal Effects

The propagation of periodic axial sound waves in gases contained in circular cylindrical structures is a function of four parameters: s=Rρ·ω/μ, the shear wave number or Stokes number, k=ω·R/c, known as the reduced frequency, σ=μ·Cp/λ, the square root of the Prandtl number and γ=Cp/Cv, the ratio of specific heats. The complete Kirchhoff solution of the sound propagation in tubes problem obtained in 1868 was expressed in terms of these parameters by Tijdeman [1]. In previous works [1, 2] the complex propagation constant was obtained by solving this expression. The results were presented for a limited range in reference [1] and for a broader range in reference [2] but in both cases only for a single fluid, air. In this work the results of a computer code to solve for this propagation constant are presented. The code was used to find the propagation constants (attenuation and phase-shift coefficients) in the range 5<s<5000, 0·01<k<6, 0·8<σ<1·1 and 1·0<γ<1·7. This range of conditions covers most conditions of interest. The data was then used to fit an equation to express the attenuation and phase-shift coefficients in terms of simpler polynomial-type expressions as a function of these four parameters. A set of tables to obtain the values of the attenuation and phase shift coefficients for values of these four non-dimensional parameters in the above range is also presented. Sound attenuation measurements using superheated R134a refrigerant agrees reasonably well with the computed attenuation in the plane wave region.
Formation of PGI3 in the rat during dietary fish oil supplementation.

Conflicting results exist in the literature on the conversion of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) to trienoic prostaglandins and its influence on the formation of dienoic prostaglandins from arachidonic acid (AA). Tissues from animals fed fish oils produce little, if any, trienoic prostaglandins and reduced amounts of dienoic ones. Excretion of the major urinary metabolite of PGI2 is not reduced in humans taking fish oil, however, and substantial amounts of one derived from PGI3 have been found, by GC/MS. We have addressed this possible species difference by examining the urine of rats fed fish oil for 2,3 dinor-6-keto-PGF1α and its Δ17 analog, formed from PGI2 and PGI3, respectively, and compared them with rats fed corn oil. Fatty acid differences in erythrocyte and aortic lipids were also determined. Rats fed fish oil to make PGI3 from eicosapentaenoic acid invivo and do not suppress their production of PGI2, despite having more EPA than AA in aortic lipids.
Separation of sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium in milk ash by ion-exchange chromatography.

Summary A simple method is described for the separation of sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium in salt mixtures, milk ash, etc., by ion-exchange chromatography. After the solution containing the sample on the ion-exchange column is chromatographed, the elution volume ranges for each constituent element are determined in a preliminary trial. The constituent elements then are eluted as chlorides by suitable concentrations of HC1, collecting the eluate volume fractions for the respective cations in the volume ranges found in the preliminary study. Aliquots of each fraction are evaporated to dryness to expel uncombined HC1 and then taken up with distilled water. The amount of cation-bound chloride then is determined by the Mohr titration with 0.02 N AgNO 3 .
Detection of Frequent Allelic Loss on Proximal Chromosome 17q in Sporadic Breast Carcinoma Using Microsatellite Length Polymorphisms

Abstract Analyses of losses of heterozygosity and linkage studies have implicated a gene(s) on chromosome 17q in the genesis of sporadic and early-onset familial breast carcinomas, respectively. To define the critical region of 17q, we examined DNAs from a series of 20 sporadic breast carcinomas and corresponding blood samples for allelic losses of chromosome 17q using microsatellite length polymorphisms. With these highly informative markers (average heterozygosity, 0.73), we observed frequent deletions of 17q at several loci. We found that D17S250 was deleted in 50% (7 of 14), THRA1 in 79% (11 of 14), D17S579 in 59% (11 of 19), NME1 in 29% (5 of 17), MPO in 36% (4 of 11), and GH in 25% (4 of 16) in the tumor set examined. A common region of deletion was found that was flanked by D17S250 to D15S579 . These markers have recently been localized to a 6-cM interval of proximal chromosome 17q in bands 17q11.2–q21 and map within the region of the early-onset familial breast cancer locus, implying that the same gene or genes may be involved in both sporadic and familial breast tumors. Thyroid hormone receptor α and retinoic acid receptor α are two potential candidate genes in this region.
A molecular phylogeny of the genus Lygodium (Schizaeaceae) with special reference to the biological control and host range testing of Lygodium microphyllum

Lygodium microphyllum, first naturalized in the 1960s, has aggressively invaded forest-dominated wetlands in southern and central Florida. The indeterminate growth of this invasive climbing fern creates thick rachis mats which climb over shrubs and trees smothering the underlying growth and carrying ground fires into the forest canopy. Foreign surveys for natural enemies identified 20 species of insects and two species of mites. Host range testing of three insect species and one mite included five Lygodium species (L. palmatum, L. volubile, L. cubense, L. venustum, and L. oligostachyum) native to the United States and the West Indies. A molecular phylogeny of the genus was conducted using the trnL intron and the trnL-F intergenic spacer of chloroplast DNA to determine the relationship of L. microphyllum to other Lygodium species. Three major clades appeared, one with L. palmatum and L. articulatum (the most basal), a second with L. reticulatum and L. microphyllum, and a third comprising the other species examined. Lygodium microphyllum appeared at the end of a long branch approximately equidistant from all species of interest preventing the correlation of genetic distance and host range behavior. However, inspection of the results of host range experiments showed a relationship between the presence of a related biotype or species of the insect on a related alternate host and the ability of that insect to develop on that alternate host. Ancestral host usage and ecological fitting are examined as possible explanations for the acceptance of L. palmatum by the tested musotimine insects. Published by Elsevier Inc.
The state role in education policy innovation

Historically, local control of education has been a sacred part of the American political culture. Since the early 1960s. however, there has been an unprecedented growth of state influence over local education. States require minimum days of school attendance, courses of study, and standards for teacher licensing, as well as minimum tax levies and expenditures. During the 1970s, states intruded heavily into school finances, initiating reforms to equalize educational opportunities.
Control units for APS power supplies

The Advanced Photon Source (APS) accelerator facility is made up of five major subsystems in addition to the linac: the positron accumulator ring (PAR), low energy transport (LET), booster synchrotron (SYNCH), high energy transport (HET), and the storage ring (SR). Each subsystem has multiple magnet and power supply combinations, some requiring multiple modes of operation. These magnet and power supply combinations are computer controlled and monitored. The power supply control unit (PSCU) is the first layer of hardware and software directly above the power supply itself and is described in this paper. The description includes the basic philosophy for each mode of operation and how it influences the topology and means of implementing control. The design of the analog reference blocks (ARBs) influenced the design of other custom functions as well as the feedback controls for vibration and other dynamic corrections. The command set supported by the PSCU is discussed. >
Synthesis and crystal structure of an octamer RNA r(guguuuac)/r(guaggcac) with G·G/U·U tandem wobble base pairs: comparison with other tandem G·U pairs

We have determined the crystal structure of the RNA octamer duplex r(guguuuac)/r(guaggcac) with a tandem wobble pair, G.G/U.U (motif III), to compare it with U.G/G.U (motif I) and G.U/U.G (motif II) and to better understand their relative stabilities. The crystal belongs to the rhombohedral space group R3. The hexagonal unit cell dimensions are a = b = 41.92 A, c = 56.41 A, and gamma = 120 degrees, with one duplex in the asymmetric unit. The structure was solved by the molecular replacement method at 1.9 A resolution and refined to a final R: factor of 19.9% and R(free) of 23.3% for 2862 reflections in the resolution range 10.0-1.9 A with F >/= 2sigma(F). The final model contains 335 atoms for the RNA duplex and 30 water molecules. The A-RNA stacks in the familiar head-to-tail fashion forming a pseudo-continuous helix. The uridine bases of the tandem U.G pairs have slipped towards the minor groove relative to the guanine bases and the uridine O2 atoms form bifurcated hydrogen bonds with the N1 and N2 of guanines. The N2 of guanine and O2 of uridine do not bridge the 'locked' water molecule in the minor groove, as in motifs I and II, but are bridged by water molecules in the major groove. A comparison of base stacking stabilities of motif III with motifs I and II confirms the result of thermodynamic studies, motif I > motif III > motif II.
pH-responsive photoluminescent LbL hydrogels with confined quantum dots

We report on responsive photoluminescent hybrid materials with quantum dots immobilized in organized manner fabricated by spin-assisted layer-by-layer assembly (SA LbL). The strongly interacting polyelectrolytes such as poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH) and poly(sodium 4-styrenesulfonate) (PSS) serve for confining CdTe nanoparticles stabilized by thioglycolic acid, while a poly(methacrylic acid) (PMAA) hydrogel matrix presents an elastomeric network with pH-responsive properties. Quantum dot layers encapsulated in PSS-PAH bilayers are confined inside this hybrid hydrogel matrix. The system undergoes reversible changes in photoluminescent intensity in response to pH variations. Photoluminescent intensity of the hybrid matrix is suppressed in excess negative charge at high pH, but excess positive charge at low pH results in significant photoluminescence increase. Such hybrid quantum dot-containing hydrogel-LbL assemblies provide a way for a novel design of materials with precisely controlled structure and pH-triggered optical properties which might be developed into or pH- or chemical sensors.
Autoshaping with nine consecutive conditioned stimuli in the pigeon

Four naive pigeons were trained with an autoshaping procedure that provided nine consecutive conditioned stimuli (CS1-CS9). The 18-sec CS presentation period was divided into nine 2-sec intervals. During each 2-sec interval, a different response key was lighted with white light. Hence, the birds were provided with nine sequential CS stimuli. After the ninth CS, 4-sec access to grain was provided, followed by a 30-sec intertrial interval. Three of the four birds pecked the fourth key to light (CS4) within 1-23 trials. The fourth bird pecked CS8 first, during the 34th trial. When the order in which the keys lighted was rearranged, each bird continued to peck one of the first three keys to light.
Quantitative Study of Trempealeauian (Latest Cambrian) Trilobite Distribution in North America

Faunal lists were compiled for the presence or absence of 94 genera from 16 regions. Four similarity coefficients (Simple Matching, Dice, Jaccard, and Otsuka) were computed for the data matrix in Q mode. The similarity matrices were clustered by both the unweighted pair group method and by single linkage. The dendrograms based on the Simple Matching coefficient are not readily interpretable: coefficients that consider negative matches are unsatisfactory for biogeographic studies. The remaining dendrograms have very similar major structure. Elimination of rare genera, those known from only one locality, reduced the number of genera to 64, but the resulting dendrograms differed little from those based on the full data matrix. With the present data set, the methods used are relatively robust. Ordination of the Dice similarity matrix by principal coordinates analysis and nonmetric multidimensional scaling was also employed. The latter technique produced the best model of the relations between the localities as assessed by correlation between the original distances in multidimensional space and in the reduced 3-dimensional space. In this respect, it is superior to principal coordinates and to both of the clustering techniques that were used. All the methods, however, revealed a broadly similar structure to the data. The nonmetric multidimensional scaling model can be readily interpreted. It confirms the previous division of faunas into these characteristic of the restricted shelf environment and these that inhabited the shelf margin—open-ocean regions. It allows recognition of a North American faunal province that may be divided into two subprovinces, one characteristic of the restricted shelf, the other typically found in the northeastern part of the continent and bearing a shelf margin—open-ocean fauna. We have no strong evidence of a homogeneous faunal belt peripheral to the entire cratonic restricted shelf subprovince. The available evidence shows that the faunas inhabiting this shelf-margin-open-ocean environment were, in contrast, relatively heterogeneous. Dependent on their geographic position, these faunas display, to varying extent, the effect of Asiatic and European influences.
Precaution and proportionality in the management of global environmental change

The precautionary principle is a mandate to tread cautiously when managing novel threats to the environment or human health. A major obstacle when applying the principle at the international level is disagreement about how precautionary efforts should be constrained to ensure that policy costs are proportional to the attained level of protection. Proportionality is an unresolved question when preliminary evidence precludes decision-makers from assigning probabilities over future events. The paper suggests practical analytical tools for communicating ex ante trade-offs when probabilities are unavailable. The tools could be used to facilitate discussion and compromise when implementing precautionary decisions in international settings where cooperation is important. The approach is demonstrated in an application to climate policy that uses the integrated assessment model DICE (Nordhaus, 2008). The paper also situates the task of precautionary decision-making within the broader context of implementing a precautionary response at the international level.
SPECIE CONCENTRATIONS MEASUREMENTS UTILIZING RAMAN SCATTERING OF A LASER BEAM

Abstract : The feasibility of utilizing Raman scattering as a diagnostic technique to measure individual specie concentrations in typical gas mixtures found in gas dynamic applications has been investigated and demonstrated. Utilizing this technique, either the local density of a pure gas or the concentration of individual diatomic (or polyatomic) species in a gas mixture can be uniquely determined. The range and limitations of this technique were investigated and evaluated under controlled static conditions. A Q-switched ruby laser, which has a pulse duration of approximately 10 nanoseconds, was used as a radiation source. The scattered radiation was monitored utilizing a high gain, wide spectral range photomultiplier tube in conjunction with a spectrograph. Measurements were also made utilizing narrow bandpass filters in place of the spectrograph. The species which were investigated include O2, N2, CO2, and CH4. Quantitative results are given for these gases in their pure state as well as in various mixture proportions. The relative and absolute intensity of the scattered radiation from the species investigated were compared with that predicted by theory. Measurements were also made of the vibrational temperature of O2. A description of the pertinent theory and concepts of Raman scattering is also included as well as a discussion of the limitations of the technique.
To replicate or not to replicate: the case of pharmacogenetic studies: Have pharmacogenomics failed, or do they just need larger-scale evidence and more replication?

Over the last 2 decades, pharmacogenetics and, subsequently, pharmacogenomics have generated a highly prolific literature with thousands of promising markers that may be associated with diverse aspects of treatment response (efficacy or harms) of many different drugs. Initial expectations that have been continuously fueled by more editorials and opinion pieces have insisted that research in this area can become the frontrunner and catalyst of personalized, individualized, precision medicine, as drug choice, schedule, dosage, and combination with other drugs could be guided by pharmacogenomics. Response by Aslibekyan et al on p 418 Despite these promises, it is currently recognized that the large majority of proposed genetic associations (including pharmacogenetics) made in the past, mostly with candidate gene approaches, have not been replicated with larger-scale evidence and stringent statistical criteria.1,2 The old proposed associations were based on weak statistical rules, which are currently considered to select almost entirely false-positives. Certainly, the large majority of them have failed to reach stringent genome-wide significance ( P <5×10−8), and most of them have effect sizes close to the null when tested in larger studies. Even with the advent of genome-wide association studies (GWAS), extending also into whole-genome sequencing in the last few years, the yield of new replicated pharmacogenomic markers has been very limited. Is this a sign of failure of pharmacogenomics or simply a reflection of the lack of large-scale evidence with stringent replication in the field? In a recent review3 of the literature of GWAS until June 15, 2012, there were 139 meta-analyses of GWAS on diverse phenotypes where the total discovery sample exceeded 10 000 participants. None of them pertained to a pharmacogenomic phenotype. An evaluation of the National Human Genome Research Institute catalog of GWAS4,5 as of March 20, 2013, shows that among the most …
Developing and Implementing a CyberLaw Course

This article details the rationale for developing course materials for a legal environment adapting to the internet. The internet has dramatically changed ways of doing business, and along with it, the laws governing business transactions. The law is being re-written in response to the new business applications made possible by internet & information technology innovations. This article outlines the content of a cyberlaw course and describes how professors can engage with students and enable them to recognize the legal ramifications of conducting business transactions online.
Changes in Food Choices of Participants in the Special Diabetes Program for Indians–Diabetes Prevention Demonstration Project, 2006–2010

Author(s): Teufel-Shone, Nicolette I; Jiang, Luohua; Beals, Janette; Henderson, William G; Acton, Kelly J; Roubideaux, Yvette; Manson, Spero M | Abstract: IntroductionAmerican Indians/Alaska Natives (AI/ANs) have a disproportionately high rate of type 2 diabetes. Changing food choices plays a key role in preventing diabetes. This study documented changes in the food choices of AI/ANs with diagnosed prediabetes who participated in a diabetes prevention program.MethodsThe Special Diabetes Program for Indians-Diabetes Prevention Demonstration Project implemented the evidence-based Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) lifestyle intervention in 36 health care programs nationwide, engaging 80 AI/AN communities. At baseline, at 30 days post-curriculum, and at the first annual assessment, participants completed a sociodemographic survey and 27-item food frequency questionnaire and underwent a medical examination assessing fasting blood glucose (FBG), blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), low-density lipoprotein [LDL], high-density lipoprotein [HDL], and triglycerides. Multiple linear regressions were used to assess the relationship between temporal changes in food choice and other diabetes risk factors.ResultsFrom January 2006 to July 2010, baseline, post-curriculum, and first annual assessments were completed by 3,135 (100%), 2,046 (65%), and 1,480 (47%) participants, respectively. An increase in healthy food choices was associated initially with reduced bodyweight, BMI, FBG, and LDL and increased physical activity. At first annual assessment, the associations persisted between healthy food choices and bodyweight, BMI, and physical activity.ConclusionAI/AN adults from various tribal and urban communities participating in this preventive intervention made sustained changes in food choices and had reductions in diabetes risk factors. The outcomes demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of translating the DPP lifestyle intervention to community-based settings.
Family-Centered Rounds and Medical Student Education: A Qualitative Examination of Students’ Perceptions

Background: Although current literature supports the benefits of family-centered rounds on medical education, few studies have explored students’ perceptions of family-centered rounds. Purpose: The aim of this study was to provide a better and broader understanding of the effect of family-centered rounds on medical student education. Methods: During the inpatient portion of the third-year pediatric clerkship at a southeastern United States 4-year medical school, students were exposed to family-centered and conference room work rounds and completed a post-hoc reflective open-ended questionnaire. The study was conducted from July to December 2007 and the inpatient experience was at one of two large academic medical centers. Using a constant comparative approach, the qualitative content of 45 of the 63 potential students’ responses was analyzed. Results: Family-centered rounds served as an opportunity for medical students to build their practice-based knowledge through direct and simultaneous interaction with the medical team, patients, and families. Family member communication, medical team communication, and increased exposure to patients allowed for unique learning opportunities such as augmentation of communication skills, practice with use of lay terms, legitimate peripheral participation, and humanizing cognitive understanding of diseases. Areas of concern noted by the students included space limitations, length of rounds, potential anxiety provoked in the patient, and faculty and resident comfort with teaching certain topics. Conclusions: Our qualitative analysis of medical student perceptions on family-centered rounds suggests that pediatric medical student education may benefit by improving knowledge and practice with communication and humanizing disease processes. However, perceived barriers, such as concerns about space or instructor comfort with teaching certain topics, existed. Further studies are warranted to gain a better understanding of the educational impact of conducting this type of rounds.
Chronic Intracerebroventricular Infusion of Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 Leads to a Persistent Increase in Sweetened Ethanol Consumption During Operant Self-Administration But Does Not Influence Sucrose Consumption in Long-Evans Rats.

Background Among the evidence implicating neuroimmune signaling in alcohol use disorders are increased levels of the chemokine monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) in the brains of human alcoholics and animal models of alcohol abuse. However, it is not known whether neuroimmune signaling can directly increase ethanol (EtOH) consumption, and whether MCP-1 is involved in that mechanism. We designed experiments to determine whether MCP-1 signaling itself is sufficient to accelerate or increase EtOH consumption. Our hypothesis was that increasing MCP-1 signaling by directly infusing it into the brain would increase operant EtOH self-administration. Methods We implanted osmotic minipumps to chronically infuse either one of several doses of MCP-1 or vehicle into the cerebral ventricles (intracerebroventricular) of Long-Evans rats and then tested them in the operant self-administration of a sweetened EtOH solution for 8 weeks. Results There was a significant interaction between dose of MCP-1 and sweetened EtOH consumed across the first 4 weeks (while pumps were flowing) and across the 8-week experiment. Animals receiving the highest dose of MCP-1 (2 μg/d) were the highest consumers of EtOH during weeks 3 through 8. MCP-1 did not influence the acquisition of self-administration (measured across the first 5 days), the motivation to consume EtOH (time to lever press or progressive ratio), withdrawal-induced anxiety, or the consumption of sucrose alone. Conclusions We provide novel evidence that neuroimmune signaling can directly increase chronic operant EtOH self-administration, and that this increase persists beyond the administration of the cytokine. These data suggest that EtOH-induced increases in MCP-1, or increases in MCP-1 due to various other neuroimmune mechanisms, may further promote EtOH consumption. Continued research into this mechanism, particularly using models of alcohol dependence, will help determine whether targeting MCP-1 signaling has therapeutic potential in the treatment of alcohol use disorders.
Cervical etiology of spontaneous preterm birth

The cervix functions as a barrier between the uterus and vagina and keeps the uterus closed until term so that the fetus can develop. For delivery the cervix must soften and dilate, and finally reconstitute to close the uterus. This complex process involves precisely timed activation of molecular and microstructural events. Spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB) can result from aberrant timing of these events in the cervix. Unfortunately, the pathophysiology of sPTB due to cervical causes remains unclear and thus our treatment options remain limited - even if all appropriate candidates were identified and correctly treated with currently available interventions, the rate of sPTB would only be reduced by 5%. Very recent molecular and microstructural investigation is challenging prevailing concepts about cervical remodeling in pregnancy. We believe that progress toward novel, targeted solutions for the diverse pathways to sPTB entails a paradigm shift in which the overlapping and complex interactions between the cervix, uterus, membranes, fetus, placenta, and surrounding (structural and molecular) environment are suitably honored.
TRIGLYCERIDES AND HDL CHOLESTEROL ARE ASSOCIATED WITH CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE PROGNOSIS AMONG STATIN TREATED PATIENTS UNDERDOING CORONARY CT ANGIOGRAPHY: PARTNERS HEALTHCARE CT REGISTRY

Patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) experience cardiovascular (CV) events despite optimal medical therapy, including statins. In this study, we evaluated whether lipid measures among patients on statin undergoing coronary CT angiography (CTA) are associated with CAD and future CV events. We
Refining Paleo-Indian Lithic Technology at Shawnee-Minisink via an Artifact Refitting Study

A collection of lithic artifacts from the Shawnee-Minisink site in Pennsylvania, originally excavated, analyzed, and published by American University in the 1970-80s, was re-studied using primarily the methodology of refitting. The results of this new study strengthen many of the original conclusions, contradict others, and provide a more nuanced interpretation of Clovis-period activities at the site. It confirms the remarkable spatial integrity of the site and supports the extensive refurbishment of scrapers that entered the site as finished products, as well as on-site production exploiting local chert sources and the use of distinctive hafting techniques. Refitting further confirms the predominance of endscrapers in the assemblage, including fragments that have been interpreted otherwise; suggests that many were made on blades and blade-like flakes, rather than flakes; and provides some evidence for core-blade reduction at the site. This re-analysis strengthens the view that the excavated portion of th...
The Catalytic Mechanism of the Hotdog-fold Enzyme Superfamily 4-Hydroxybenzoyl-CoA Thioesterase from Arthrobacter sp. Strain SU.

The hotdog-fold enzyme 4-hydroxybenzoyl-coenzyme A (4-HB-CoA) thioesterase from Arthrobacter sp. strain AU catalyzes the hydrolysis of 4-HB-CoA to form 4-hydroxybenzoate (4-HB) and coenzyme A (CoA) in the final step of the 4-chlorobenzoate dehalogenation pathway. Guided by the published X-ray structures of the liganded enzyme (Thoden, J. B., Zhuang, Z., Dunaway-Mariano, D., and Holden H. M. (2003) J.Biol. Chem. 278, 43709–43716), a series of site-directed mutants were prepared for testing the roles of active site residues in substrate binding and catalysis. The mutant thioesterases were subjected to X-ray structure determination to confirm retention of the native fold, and in some cases, to reveal changes in the active site configuration. In parallel, the wild-type and mutant thioesterases were subjected to transient and steady-state kinetic analysis, and to 18O-solvent labeling experiments. Evidence is provided that suggests that Glu73 functions in nucleophilic catalysis, that Gly65 and Gln58 contribute ...
Relationship between polymorphisms of interleukin-4 receptor gene and childhood asthma in Harbin

Objective To investigate the relationship between polymorphisms of interleukin-4 receptor(IL-4R) gene(E375A,C406R,Q576R) and childhood asthma in Harbin.Methods Ninety-one(91) children with asthma were included,and 42 healthy children were enrolled as control.The genotype polymorphisms of IL-4R were determined by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis.Results There was no significant difference in the distributions of the genotypes at both 1124 A/C polymorphic sites(i.e.E375A polymorphism) and 1902 A/G polymorphic site(i.e.Q576R polymorphism) in IL-4R between asthmatic group and control group(P0.05).There was significant difference in the distributions of the genotypes(CC,CR,RR) on 1216 T/C polymorphic site(i.e.C406R polymorphism) in IL-4R between the two groups(P0.05).The R allele frequency was 22.94% in asthmatic group and 6.58% in control group,with significant difference between the two groups(P0.05),but the allele frequencies at this site did not satisfy Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium(P0.05).Conclusions Our data suggest that the E375A and Q576R polymorphisms in IL-4R is not associated with the development of asthma in children in Harbin.Further study is needed on the relationship between C406R polymorphism and asthma.
The aging brain.

Changes in neurons, glial cells, synapse morphologic and electrophysiologic appearance, and neurotransmission mechanisms during normal aging are considered for review in this article. These processes not only are fundamental in the neurobiology of normal aging but also are implicated in the pathogenesis of aging.
Expression and function of P-glycoprotein in a mouse kidney cell line

P-glycoprotein (PGP), a transporter conferring multidrug resistance to cancer cells, is expressed in the kidney. C219 monoclonal antibody binding revealed PGP in proximal tubules and mesangium of mouse kidneys. A cell line (TKPTS) expressing PGP was developed from proximal tubules of the 8Tg(SV40E)Bri7 mouse. Northern blot analysis demonstrated a 5.0-kb message identified as mdr1 by ribonuclease protection assay. Cyclosporin A (CSA) at 0.15 and 10 microM increased cellular accumulation of verapamil (VRP) by 32 and 121%, respectively (P < 0.001). VRP at 5 microM increased steady-state cellular accumulation of CSA by 46% (P = 0.02). Basal-to-apical transport of the PGP substrate vinblastine was inhibited by VRP. Rhodamine-123 (R-123) influx was rapid and independent of PGP. R-123 efflux was inhibited by VRP and CSA. Inhibition of PGP transport by VRP, CSA, and PSC-833 decreased the 50% effective dose of adriamycin. The concomitant administration of VRP and CSA was not deleterious and coincided with preferential accumulation of VRP over CSA. Inhibition of PGP-mediated transport is demonstrated as a mechanism of renal cell toxicity.
Mechanism of bile acid facilitation of biliary protoporphyrin excretion in rat liver.

The mechanism(s) by which bile acids increase biliary protoporphyrin excretion was characterized using perfused rat livers. We determined 1) relationships between biliary bile acids, phospholipid, and protoporphyrin, using rapid kinetic analyses; 2) protoporphyrin excretion in livers with defective canalicular multispecific organic anion transport; 3) effects of intracellular vesicular transport inhibition with colchicine and monensin; and 4) the role of luminal bile acids, using retrograde intrabiliary taurocholate injections. Biliary protoporphyrin excretion peaked with phospholipid excretion 14-18 min after loading. Protoporphyrin excretion induced by taurocholate was not related to effects on intracellular transport, including colchicine- and monensin-inhibitable vesicular systems. Eisai hyperbilirubinemic rat livers excreted protoporphyrin similarly to controls. Retrograde intrabiliary taurocholate injections increased protoporphyrin output. Collectively, these data suggest that 1) intracellular prot...
Real-Time Knowledge-Based Systems

Knowledge-based systems can model a system, assess its performance, detect abnormalities in its operation, and make suggestions for its safe, stable, and optimal operation by capturing quantitative and heuristic information about a system and using rule-based reasoning to make inferences. A knowledge-based system can interface algorithms and quantitative information with heuristics and rules to yield a powerful environment that can accommodate nonlinearities, uncertainties in information, and rapid shifts in process operation. This chapter introduces knowledge-based and agent-based systems. The latter relies on distributed artificial intelligence and is well-suited for systems with distributed or discrete elements. Three applications are presented to illustrate the capabilities of knowledge-based and agent-based systems: supervision of penicillin fermentation systems, development of a distributed process supervision and fault diagnosis system, and modeling of a mammalian cell bioreactor.
BET inhibitors in the treatment of hematologic malignancies: current insights and future prospects

The bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) family of proteins are important epigenetic regulators involved in promoting gene expression of critical oncogenes. BET inhibitors have been demonstrated to repress c-Myc expression, and were initially shown to have efficacy in a number of c-Myc-dependent hematologic malignancies. Recent studies have now revealed a broader role for BET inhibitors in hematologic malignancies. In this review, we summarize the efficacy of BET inhibitors in preclinical models of acute leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. We also summarize recent results of clinical trials utilizing BET inhibitors in hematologic malignancies, characterize potential resistance mechanisms to BET inhibitors, and discuss potential combination therapies with BET inhibitors in patients with hematologic malignancies.
IL-6 and Anemia of Inflammation.

BACKGROUND: Anemia of inflammation (AI, anemia of chronic disease) is an iron-restricted anemia caused by hepcidin limiting the supply of iron for erythropoiesis. We had previously shown that IL-6 was necessary for the induction of hepcidin and the development of hypoferremia during acute inflammation in vivo (Nemeth E et al, JCI , 2004). In vitro, IL-1 (Lee P et al, PNAS , 2005) and TGF-β (unpublished data) can also stimulate hepcidin production in primary murine hepatocytes in an IL-6 independent fashion. METHODS: We sought to determine whether IL-6 was necessary for the development of AI using a model of chronic peritonitis in IL-6 deficient mice and wild type (WT) controls. RESULTS: IL-6 deficient mice developed anemia of similar severity as their WT counterparts. WT mice developed microcytic anemia consistent with inflammation-induced iron restriction. In contrast, the inflamed IL-6 deficient mice developed mild macrocytosis indicating markedly different erythrocyte iron metabolism. Hepcidin mRNA increased in WT mice but not IL-6 deficient mice in response to inflammation. CONCLUSION: IL-6 is the principal regulator of hepcidin during acute and chronic inflammation. However, anemia still occurs in the absence of IL-6. The difference in mean corpuscular volume implies that the mechanism of anemia in IL-6 deficient mice is likely different than in WT mice.
Nonlinear adaptive optics: aberration correction in three photon fluorescence microscopy for mouse brain imaging

Multiphoton fluorescence microscopy is a well-established technique for deep-tissue imaging with subcellular resolution. Three-photon microscopy (3PM) when combined with long wavelength excitation was shown to allow deeper imaging than two-photon microscopy (2PM) in biological tissues, such as mouse brain, because out-of-focus background light can be further reduced due to the higher order nonlinear excitation. As was demonstrated in 2PM systems, imaging depth and resolution can be improved by aberration correction using adaptive optics (AO) techniques which are based on shaping the scanning beam using a spatial light modulator (SLM). In this way, it is possible to compensate for tissue low order aberration and to some extent, to compensate for tissue scattering. Here, we present a 3PM AO microscopy system for brain imaging. Soliton self-frequency shift is used to create a femtosecond source at 1675 nm and a microelectromechanical (MEMS) SLM serves as the wavefront shaping device. We perturb the 1020 segment SLM using a modified nonlinear version of three-point phase shifting interferometry. The nonlinearity of the fluorescence signal used for feedback ensures that the signal is increasing when the spot size decreases, allowing compensation of phase errors in an iterative optimization process without direct phase measurement. We compare the performance for different orders of nonlinear feedback, showing an exponential growth in signal improvement as the nonlinear order increases. We demonstrate the impact of the method by applying the 3PM AO system for in-vivo mouse brain imaging, showing improvement in signal at 1-mm depth inside the brain.
The Metaphysics of Squaring Scientific Realism with Referential Indeterminacy

L'A. defend la these de la compatibilite entre le realisme scientifique decrivant la realite objective et l'indetermination referentielle des termes que nous employons. En-deca d'une theorie particuliere de la reference, l'A. examine l'arriere-plan metaphysique general dont depend la possibilite d'une telle position. Definissant le realisme metaphysique et distinguant l'indetermination referentielle de la simple indetermination epistemique, l'A. refute l'idee de determination referentielle a travers l'analyse de la survenance subjective des proprietes de base qui consistuent le modele de l'instantiation, d'une part, et montre que les deux theses contradictoires soutiennent la meme conception naturaliste du monde, d'autre part
Three-Dimensional Printable Origami Twisted Tower: Design, Fabrication, and Robot Embodiment

This letter presents a novel robotic mechanism inspired by origami and its fabrication method using three-dimensional (3D) printing. The selected twisted tower design shows unique structural and geometrical properties that enable bending and linear motions, and therefore, can be suitable for various robotic applications. However, fabrication of this origami design requires a complex sequence of paper folding and assembling by hand, which cannot be automated by existing manufacturing technologies. To fabricate this structure via 3D printing, the twisted tower is reconstructed in a computer aided design (CAD) model. The CAD model is then 3D printed using two different materials—a flexible material for creases and a rigid material for surfaces. The printed structure preserves the geometrical properties of the original tower. Associated kinematics and workspace analysis are also presented in this letter. The 3D printed tower is embodied into a robotic arm to physically demonstrate its potential utility.
Full spectrum visible integrated photonics in scaled microelectronic CMOS

In this work, we demonstrate an integrated electronic-photonic platform in a standard 65 nm microelectronic CMOS 300 mm foundry. Alongside electronics, we monolithically integrate silicon avalanche photodiodes and optical waveguides that operate from violet to NIR through a mask-less post-CMOS-compatible fabrication process.
Estimating Latent-Variable Graphical Models using Moments and Likelihoods

Recent work on the method of moments enable consistent parameter estimation, but only for certain types of latent-variable models. On the other hand, pure likelihood objectives, though more universally applicable, are difficult to optimize. In this work, we show that using the method of moments in conjunction with composite likelihood yields consistent parameter estimates for a much broader class of discrete directed and undirected graphical models, including loopy graphs with high treewidth. Specifically, we use tensor factorization to reveal information about the hidden variables. This allows us to construct convex likelihoods which can be globally optimized to recover the parameters.
Automated Ecological Assessment of Physical Activity: Advancing Direct Observation

Technological advances provide opportunities for automating direct observations of physical activity, which allow for continuous monitoring and feedback. This pilot study evaluated the initial validity of computer vision algorithms for ecological assessment of physical activity. The sample comprised 6630 seconds per camera (three cameras in total) of video capturing up to nine participants engaged in sitting, standing, walking, and jogging in an open outdoor space while wearing accelerometers. Computer vision algorithms were developed to assess the number and proportion of people in sedentary, light, moderate, and vigorous activity, and group-based metabolic equivalents of tasks (MET)-minutes. Means and standard deviations (SD) of bias/difference values, and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) assessed the criterion validity compared to accelerometry separately for each camera. The number and proportion of participants sedentary and in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) had small biases (within 20% of the criterion mean) and the ICCs were excellent (0.82-0.98). Total MET-minutes were slightly underestimated by 9.3-17.1% and the ICCs were good (0.68-0.79). The standard deviations of the bias estimates were moderate-to-large relative to the means. The computer vision algorithms appeared to have acceptable sample-level validity (i.e., across a sample of time intervals) and are promising for automated ecological assessment of activity in open outdoor settings, but further development and testing is needed before such tools can be used in a diverse range of settings.
Aseptic packaging of foods and its combination with electron beam processing

Abstract Aseptic packaging is a growing trend in the food industry. Since the packaging has to be sterilized before it comes into contact with the foods, heat and chemical sterilants such as hydrogen peroxide are currently routinely employed. However, the use of low energy electron beam (eBeam) in-line sterilization of packaging materials is rapidly growing in the food industry. Using eBeam for in-line sterilization of packaging materials will result in energy conservation, reduction in carbon dioxide footprint, reduction in chemical (hydrogen peroxide) usage and overall cost savings.
Stem cells and anti-aging genes: double-edged sword—do the same job of life extension

Aging impacts diseases and lifespan. With current knowledge of stem cells, it is feasible to design and test interventions that delay aging and improve both health and lifespan. Stem cells, together with anti-aging genes such as Klotho, play a crucial role in delaying the aging process. Stem cells in combination with anti-aging genes make a complex and protective shield, which stand against the eroding effects of aging. Increased wear and tear of the stem cells, as well as Klotho deficiency, is expected to heavily increase cellular damage and accelerate the process of aging. Stem cells in conjugation with anti-aging genes probably receive and neutralize most of the devastating signaling effects which are known to cause premature aging. The shield of stem cells combined with anti-aging genes is a primary target for absorbing the shock of aging. If this shield neutralizes the shocks, it could lead to a youthful state, but if not it will accelerate the aging journey. In this review, we concisely discuss the neutralizing ability, operated and regulated by stem cells and other life-extension factors. We suggest that stem cell interventions that increase rejuvenation and keep in balance the expression of anti-aging genes could delay the aging phenotypes and result in prolonged lifespan.