cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reducing the African American HIV Disease Burden in the Deep South: Addressing the Role of Faith and Spirituality.

Nearly half of HIV infections in the United States are concentrated among African Americans, and over half of new HIV infections occur in the South. African Americans have poorer outcomes in the entire continua of HIV and PrEP care. Complex social, structural, and behavioral factors contribute to our nation’s alarming racial disparities in HIV infection, particularly in the Deep South. Despite the importance of faith, spirituality and religious practice in the lives of many African Americans, there has been little scientific investment exploring how African Americans’ religious participation, faith and spirituality may impact our nation’s HIV epidemic. This article summarizes the state of the science on this critical issue. We also identify opportunities for new scholarship on how faith, spirituality and religious participation may impact HIV care continuum outcomes in the South and call for greater federal research investment on these issues.
HOXA9 Recruitment of Methyltransferase Complexes Alters Enhancer Landscape during Leukemic Transformation

Abstract HOXA9 is a homeodomain-containing transcription factor that regulates hematopoietic stem cell renewal and differentiation and is commonly over expressed in acute leukemia, including acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and T- and B-precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL and T-ALL). Together with its co-binding factor MEIS1, HOXA9 has been shown to play a causal role in leukemic transformation; however, the mechanism through which HOXA9 promotes leukemogenesis is poorly understood. Previously, we showed that HOXA9 primarily binds to promoter-distal regions of the genome that show histone H3 lysine 4 (H3K4) monomethylation and histone H3 and H4 acetylation, epigenetic signatures indicative of active enhancers. HOXA9 cobinds with other lineage specific transcription factors such as C/EBPα, which we previously showed to be essential for leukemic transformation. This suggests that HOXA9 functions in a multi-subunit complex including lineage-specific transcription factors as well as chromatin modulators, but the role of HOXA9 in promoting the formation of these “enhanceosomes” and how HOXA9 alters the enhancer landscape remains unknown. In these studies, we found that in both myeloid and lymphoid murine leukemia models, HOXA9 alters the enhancer landscape through creation of de novo enhancers, many of which are active in other cell lineages in early embryogenesis. RNA expression analysis revealed that these de novo enhancers drive a leukemia-specific transcription program, whose up regulation is significantly impaired upon either HOXA9 inactivation or CRISPR-mediated deletion of specific HOXA9-bound enhancer sequences. Protein and chromatin immunoprecipitation studies showed that HOXA9 physically interacts with the MLL3/MLL4 histone methyltransferase complex and colocalizes with MLL3/MLL4 at many sites in vivo . HOXA9 is required for the recruitment of C/EBPα, the MLL3/MLL4 complex and histone H3 lysine 4 monomethylation at de novo enhancers. This activity of HOXA9 is essential for the activation of genes regulated by de novo enhancers and is associated with increased interaction of these enhancers with promoters as assessed by chromosome conformation capture (4C). In contrast, HOXA9 is dispensable for both C/EBPα and MLL3/MLL4 binding and H3K4 monomethylation at enhancers active in normal hematopoietic cells. Genetic disruption of components of the MLL3/MLL4 complex abrogates the active epigenetic profile of de novo enhancer regions, and significantly delays leukemia progression driven by HOXA9/MEIS1 in vivo . Together these findings show that HOXA9 reprograms the enhancer landscape of hematopoietic progenitors in leukemic cells, including formation of many de novo enhancers active during early embryonic development. This mechanism involves HOXA9-dependent recruitment of MLL3/MLL4 methyltransferase complexes, suggesting that targeting this methyltransferase complex could be an effective strategy for malignancies associated with HOX deregulation. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Drug-delivery nanocarriers for skin wound-healing applications

Abstract Skin is the largest organ of the body with many vital functions and it carries approximately 16% of total body weight. More than 5 million patients suffer from chronic/nonhealing wounds in the United States, which include, but are not limited to, venous stasis ulcers, arterial ulcers, and diabetic wounds. In general, chronic wounds fail to progress orderly and timely through one or more of the stages of normal wound healing (i.e., hemostasis, local necrosis and inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling). Moreover, chronic wounds are often associated with uncontrolled inflammation, persistent infections, and impaired re-epithelialization. Activation and bioavailability of multitude mediators capable of promoting cell migration, proliferation, and neovascularization are of particular importance in the complex setting of wound healing. In this chapter we have reviewed recent advances in nanotechnology and drug delivery that is aiming to tackle challenges in the chronic and nonhealing wounds. Nanomaterials have been categorized into four main groups based on the composition of elements on their structure.
Effect of quebracho condensed tannin extract on fecal gas flux in steers.

Naturally occurring gaseous by-products of ruminant production-carbon dioxide (CO2 ), methane (CH4 ), and nitrous oxide (N2 O)-can negatively affect the environment. Along with enteric fermentation, manure on pasture is among the most significant contributors to non-CO2 emissions. Condensed tannins, a group of naturally occurring phenolic compounds, can alter the route of nutrient excretion and interact with microbes, suggesting they are a plausible feed additive for reducing excreta gas emissions. We evaluated how quebracho (Schinopsis balansae) tannin extract fed at 0, 15, 30, and 45 g kg-1 of dry matter (DM) within a roughage-based diet affected fecal gas emissions at multiple locations (College Station and Stephenville, TX) during two periods corresponding to winter and spring. During both periods, CO2 , CH4 , and N2 O fluxes were determined using the vented-static chamber methodology over 39 d, and cumulative emissions were calculated. A random coefficients model with animal nested within dietary treatment and period as the random factor was analyzed by location due to the presence of collinearity with soil parameters within periods. Daily CO2 flux was influenced by soil moisture and temperature (r = .34; P < .01), whereas CH4 and N2 O were associated with soil moisture. Cumulative gas production confirmed a dietary effect for CO2 and gross CO2 equivalent at the College Station site (P ≤ .001), demonstrating a linear reduction as quebracho inclusion increased. Variance partitioning indicated that dietary treatment and seasonal period likely influenced animal digestive and metabolic parameters. Within specific environments, quebracho supplementation may assist in reducing fecal gas emissions.
Predicting transfer RNA gene activity from sequence and genome context

Transfer RNA (tRNA) genes are among the most highly transcribed genes in the genome due to their central role in protein synthesis. However, there is evidence for a broad range of gene expression across tRNA loci. This complexity, combined with difficulty in measuring transcript abundance and high sequence identity across transcripts, has severely limited our collective understanding of tRNA gene expression regulation and evolution. We establish sequence-based correlates to tRNA gene expression and develop a tRNA gene classification method that does not require, but benefits from comparative genomic information, and achieves accuracy comparable to molecular assays. We observe that guanine+cytosine (G+C) content and CpG density surrounding tRNA loci is exceptionally well correlated with tRNA gene activity, supporting a prominent regulatory role of the local genomic context in combination with internal sequence features. We use our tRNA gene activity predictions in conjunction with a comprehensive tRNA gene ortholog set spanning 29 placental mammals to infer the frequency of changes to tRNA gene expression among orthologs. Our method adds an important new dimension to tRNA annotation and will help focus the study of natural tRNA variants. Its simplicity and robustness enables facile application to other clades and timescales, as well as exploration of functional diversification of tRNAs and other large gene families.
After the Boom–Commodity Prices and Economic Growth in Latin America and the Caribbean

After skyrocketing over the past decade, commodity prices have remained stable or eased somewhat since mid-2011—and most projections suggest they are not likely to resume the upward trend observed in the last decade. This paper analyzes what this turn in the commodity price cycle may imply for output growth in Latin America and the Caribbean. The analysis suggests that growth in the years ahead for the average commodity exporter in the region could be significantly lower than during the commodity boom, even if commodity prices were to remain stable at their current still-high levels. Slower-thanexpected growth in China represents a key downside risk. The results caution against trying to offset the current economic slowdown with demand-side stimulus and underscore the need for ambitious structural reforms to secure strong growth over the medium term.
Nine dimensions of veterinary wellbeing

Veterinarians, like all health professionals, are subject to multiple demands and stressors that at times in their careers can compromise satisfaction, engagement, and wellbeing. These stressors include high debt load, long hours, heavy workloads, client demands, navigating social media, and isolation. Our health as professionals can be conceptualized on a continuum, with optimal wellbeing at one end and burnout on the other. Veterinarians and the organizations they work within may move at times toward the wellbeing end of continuum, while others may move more towards burnout. Individuals and organizations can play a role in fostering and promoting wellbeing through nine dimensions: Career, Creative, Emotional, Environmental, Financial, Intellectual, Physical, Social, and Spiritual.
Audit Effectiveness Versus Audit Efficiency: Are The Two in Conflict?

A recent analysis using signal detection theory held that there is an unacceptably high trade-off between audit effectiveness and audit efficiency when the auditor bears responsibility for fraud detection. This study re-examined the data sets from two previous studies of fraud detection effectiveness for evidence about the relationship between effectiveness and efficiency. The variables included auditors' prior probabilities concerning fraud, staff level (experience), and the amount and type of audit information examined. While increased sensitivity to fraud was associated with increased effectiveness and some differences in the types of information examined could marginally increase audit costs, the evidence did not support a significant effectiveness—efficiency tradeoff.
Calculation of Induction Machine Losses

The computation of losses is the most difficult and challenging aspect of machine design. The power losses in an induction motor can be relegated to five elements. Stator conductor loss, rotor conductor loss, iron loss, stray‐load loss, friction and windage loss. The increase of rotor resistance has a beneficial effect in aiding starting capability of squirrel‐cage induction machines and nearly all conventional machine designs enhance motor starting capability by specially selected rotor bar shapes. The calculation of iron losses associated with the rotor teeth are again found by adding up the losses in each rotor tooth, properly weighting the terms by the sine of the location of the tooth with respect to a pole pitch. The windage losses are produced by rotation and depend upon the peripheral speed of the rotor, the rotor diameter, the core length and generally upon the construction of the machine.
Eliding Original Understanding in Cedar Point Nursery v. Hassid

Cedar Point Nursey v. Hassid is a triumph of the conservative majority of the Supreme Court. In holding that temporary entries to land are takings without regard to duration, impact, or the public interest, the Court fulfilled decades-long ambitions of anti-regulatory advocates of private property. Progressive and conservative scholars agree that the decision runs roughshod over precedent. This essay focuses on a less obvious aspect of Cedar Point: its flagrant departure from original understanding. American law at the time of the founding recognized a robust right to enter private property. Trespass law did not even reach entries that did not cause economic damage, and statutes often placed additional limits on suits for unauthorized entry. Starting with Massachusetts Bay’s 1641 Liberties Common and continuing well into the nineteenth century, colonies and states also created numerous formal entitlements to enter. Such rights were enshrined in the constitution of Vermont—the first American constitution to include a takings provision—and the Anti-Federalist report that led to the Bill of Rights. With or without constitutional guarantees, courts dismissed challenges to these entries as frivolous, contrary to American culture, even rejections of what made the new nation a land of liberty. Although originalism is a watchword of the Court’s conservative majority, the Court rejected this legal tradition in Cedar Point. The new per se rule does include exceptions that, if read broadly, may limit this departure from original understanding. Time will tell whether the Justices take this second opportunity to make good on their originalist commitments.
Boundaries facilitate spatial orientation in virtual environments

Teleporting is a popular interface for locomotion through virtual environments (VEs). However, teleporting can cause disorientation. Spatial boundaries, such as room walls, are effective cues for reducing disorientation. This experiment explored the characteristics that make a boundary effective. All boundaries tested reduced disorientation, and boundaries representing navigational barriers (e.g., a fence) were no more effective than those defined only by texture changes (e.g., flooring transition). The findings indicate that boundaries need not be navigational barriers to reduce disorientation, giving VE designers greater flexibility in the spatial cues to include.
Cognitive Techniques: Physical and Link Layers

This chapter focuses on intelligent cross-layer optimization of physical (PHY) and link layers. Physical and link layer parameters explains the fundamental sensing and control mechanism through which the reasoner understands what is going on in the spectrum and in the communication channel, and by which it performs changes to the control mechanisms to improve communication performance. We refer to these as knobs and meters. The knobs of a radio are any of the parameters that affect link performance and radio operation. Some of these are normally assumed to be design parameters, and others are usually assumed to be under real-time control of either the operator or the radio's realtime control processes. Performance is a measure of the system's operation based on the meter readings. In optimization theory, the meters represent utility or cost functions that must be maximized or minimized for optimum radio operation. The types of meters represent performance on different levels. On the physical layer, important performance measurements deal with bit fidelity.
Salinomycin Suppresses LRP6 Expression and Inhibits Both Wnt/β‐catenin and mTORC1 Signaling in Breast and Prostate Cancer Cells

Emerging evidence indicates that activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling at the cell surface results in inhibition of glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β), leading to activation of mTORC1 signaling in cancer cells. The low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein-6 (LRP6) is an essential Wnt co-receptor for Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Salinomycin is a novel small molecule inhibitor of LRP6. In the present study, we found that LRP6 overexpression induced mTORC1 signaling activation in cancer cells, and that salinomycin was not only a potent Wnt/β-catenin signaling inhibitor, but also a strong mTORC1 signaling antagonist in breast and prostate cancer cells. Mechanistically, salinomycin activated GSK3β in cancer cells. Moreover, salinomycin was able to suppress the expression of cyclin D1 and survivin, two targets of both Wnt/β-catenin and mTORC1 signaling, in prostate and breast cancer cells, and displayed remarkable anticancer activity. Our results present novel mechanisms underlying salinomycin-mediated cancer cell death.
Influence of Chain architecture on high-pressure copolymer solution behavior: Experiments and modeling

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the influence of chain architecture on high-pressure copolymer solution behavior. Phase behavior studies with poly(ethylene- co -methyl acrylate), poly (ethylene- co -butyl acrylate), poly(ethylene- co -acrylic acid), and poly(ethylene- co -methacrylic acid) are performed in the normal alkanes, their olefinic analogs, dimethyl ether, chlorodifluoromethane, and carbon dioxide up to 250 o C and 2,700 bar. The backbone architecture of the copolymers and the solvent quality greatly influences the solution behavior in supercritical fluids. As the amount of polar units in the backbone architecture is increased, copolymer–copolymer polar interactions increase and high temperatures are required to dissolve the copolymer in nonpolar solvents. If the copolymer has a comonomer capable of hydrogen bonding, the solubility in alkane and alkene solvents is dramatically reduced at lower temperatures, where copolymer–copolymer hydrogen bonding is much stronger than other intermolecular interactions. The solubility of copolymers greatly increases in the solvents that hydrogen bond with the copolymer. In addition, the solubility of a copolymer depends on the temperature that attenuates the specific interactions.
Stress and Endocrine Physiology

Stress is defined as the state of threatened homeostasis. Normally, the experience of real or perceived stressors leads to physiologic and behavioral adaptive changes, both in the central nervous system and the periphery, that promote survival. The hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis and the sympathetic/adrenomedullary system represent the main components of the stress system, via which the brain influences the body during exposure to threatening stimuli. However, the experience of intense or chronic physical and/or emotional stress can lead to excessive and prolonged activation of the stress system or, in a subgroup of individuals, to chronic hypoactivation of this system, with a variety of psychologic and biological consequences. These stress-related conditions and disorders, such as anxiety disorders, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, chronic inflammation, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, and many others, represent major causes of increased morbidity and mortality in modern societies.
Un)Structured creativity in information systems organizations

The subject of creativity is a neglected area in the literature of the information systems field. Yet, according to a Delphi survey of chief information officers, the field needs to be developing more creative and innovative solutions to its problems. Organizations must first be sure that certain preconditions and organizational components be in place to help individuals and teams become more creative. They can then use numerous creativity improvements techniques that have proved successful in other disciplines. In this article, six case studies show how analytical techniques (progressive abstraction, interrogations, and force field analysis) and intuitive techniques (associations/images, wishful thinking, and analogy/metaphor) have been used in several industries to solve a variety of IS-related problems and/or opportunities. Al told, some 20 creativity techniques provide especially appropriate for the IS field. Once managers understand when and where to use creativity techniques, they can move forward with implementing formal creativity improvement programs in their organizations.
A Sensible Mutual Fund Selection Model

We present a rigorous framework for asset allocation and selecting mutual funds that takes into account the unique preferences and constraints of an individual investor. The framework is based on the analytic hierarchy process (AHP), and the model generates reasonable asset-allocation recommendations and identifies the most suitable funds within an asset class. We include sample mutual fund selection for a hypothetical investor. A mutual fund selection model that uses the AHP framework is flexible, is user friendly, and ensures consistency throughout the portfolio decision process.
A parallel algorithm for computing the critical independence number and related sets

An independent set I c is a critical independent set if ∣ I c ∣ − ∣ N ( I c )∣ ≥ ∣ J ∣ − ∣ N ( J )∣ , for any independent set J . The critical independence number of a graph is the cardinality of a maximum critical independent set. This number is a lower bound for the independence number and can be computed in polynomial-time. The existing algorithm runs in O ( n 2. 5 √( m /log n )) time for a graph G with n = ∣ V ( G )∣ vertices and m edges. It is demonstrated here that there is a parallel algorithm using n processors that runs in O ( n 1. 5 √( m /log n )) time. The new algorithm returns the union of all maximum critical independent sets. The graph induced on this set is a Konig-Egervary graph whose components are either isolated vertices or which have perfect matchings.
The Sup35 domains required for maintenance of weak, strong or undifferentiated yeast [PSI+] prions.

Summary The Sup35 protein can exist in a non-infectious form or in various infectious forms called ( PSI + ) prion vari- ants (or prion strains). Each of the different ( PSI + ) prion variants converts non-infectious Sup35 mole- cules into that prion variant's infectious form. One definition of a 'prion domain' is the minimal fragment of a prion protein that is necessary and sufficient to maintain the prion form. We now demonstrate that the Sup35 N region (residues 1-123), which is frequently referred to as the 'prion domain', is insufficient to maintain the weak or strong ( PSI + ) variants per se , but appears to maintain them in an 'undifferentiated' ( PSI + ) state that can differentiate into weak or strong ( PSI + ) variants when transferred to the full-length Sup35 protein. In contrast, Sup35 residues 1-137 are necessary and sufficient to faithfully maintain weak or strong ( PSI + ) variants. This implicates Sup35 resi- dues 124-137 in the variant-specific maintenance of the weak or strong ( PSI + ) forms. Structure predictions indicate that the residues in the 124-137 region form an a -helix and that the 1-123 region may have b structure. In view of these findings, we discuss a plausible molecular basis for the ( PSI + ) prion variants
Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants: Preparing New Providers for Hospital Medicine at the Mayo Clinic

Background Hospital medicine is a growing field with an increasing demand for additional healthcare providers, especially in the face of an aging population. Reductions in resident duty hours, coupled with a continued deficit of medical school graduates to appropriately meet the demand, require an additional workforce to counter the shortage. A major dilemma of incorporating nonphysician providers such as nurse practitioners and physician assistants (NPPAs) into a hospital medicine practice is their varying academic backgrounds and inpatient care experiences. Medical institutions seeking to add NPPAs to their hospital medicine practice need a structured orientation program and ongoing NPPA educational support. Methods This article outlines an NPPA orientation and training program within the Division of Hospital Internal Medicine (HIM) at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. Results In addition to a practical orientation program that other institutions can model and implement, the division of HIM also developed supplemental learning modalities to maintain ongoing NPPA competencies and fill learning gaps, including a formal NPPA hospital medicine continuing medical education (CME) course, an NPPA simulation-based boot camp, and the first hospital-based NPPA grand rounds offering CME credit. Since the NPPA orientation and training program was implemented, NPPAs within the division of HIM have gained a reputation for possessing a strong clinical skill set coupled with a depth of knowledge in hospital medicine. Conclusion The NPPA-physician model serves as an alternative care practice, and we believe that with the institution of modalities, including a structured orientation program, didactic support, hands-on learning, and professional growth opportunities, NPPAs are capable of fulfilling the gap created by provider shortages and resident duty hour restrictions. Additionally, the use of NPPAs in hospital medicine allows for patient care continuity that is otherwise missing with resident practice models.
Recent Advances in the Application of Hypnosis to Pain Management

Abstract In this paper I examine the clinical use of hypnosis for pain management from a cognitive-behavioral perspective. This perspective emphasizes the multifaceted nature of hypnotic interventions and the importance of patients' attitudes, expectations, and beliefs in modulating the pain experience. Special attention is given to identifying ways of combining cognitive and contextual variables to maximize clinical outcomes. Since this approach does not pivot around the concept of a hypnotic trance state, we look elsewhere in our quest to understand the nature of pain modulation in the hypnotic context. Freedom from a theoretical commitment to the hypnotic trance state is seen as opening new avenues for the development of effective clinical interventions.
Laparoscopic resection of high rectovaginal fistula with intracorporeal colorectal anastomosis and omentoplasty

A 46-year-old Caucasian female underwent vaginal hysterectomy for myoma in another hospital and developed a high rectovaginal fistula 6 weeks later. A diverting-loop colostomy of the sigmoid colon was performed 2 months later. The patient was admitted to our service with persistent high rectovaginal fistula 6 months later. We resected the sigmoid colon and two-thirds of the rectum including the fistula tract using laparoscopic techniques. An intracorporeal anastomosis was accomplished using a double-stapling technique. An omental flap was mobilized and placed between the colorectal anastomosis and the vagina. Except for a subcutaneous wound infection at the former colostomy site, the postoperative course was uneventful. The patient was discharged at the 7th postoperative day and remained free of symptoms. We conclude that laparoscopic resection of high rectovaginal fistula with primary intracorporeal anastomosis is feasible and should be considered in selected cases as an alternative ``minimal-invasive'' approach to this disease.
Primary plasma cell leukemia: a Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database analysis between 1973 and 2004.

BACKGROUND: Primary plasma cell leukemia (PCL) is a rare plasma cell disorder, and current knowledge regarding survival in this disease is limited to small series of patients. Although there has been significant improvement in the survival of patients with multiple myeloma (MM) over the past few decades, it is not known whether there has been a similar trend for PCL. METHODS: The authors analyzed the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database to evaluate the characteristics and survival of patients who had PCL compared with those of patients who had MM. RESULTS: Among 291 patients with PCL, the median age was 67 years (range, 19-98 years), the distribution of men and women was nearly equal, and the majority of patients were white (79.4%). The median overall survival (OS) was 4 months and the median disease-specific survival (DSS) was 6 months for patients with PCL; the 1-year, 2-year, and 5-year OS rates were 27.8%, 14.1%, and 6.4%, respectively. There were no survival differences noted according to sex or race. Patients aged <60 years were found to have a better median OS compared with patients aged ≥60 years (median OS, 7 months vs 3 months; P = .007), although the 5-year OS was equally poor in both groups (6.3% vs 6.4%, respectively). During the same period, 49,106 patients with MM were identified. Unlike MM, in which there has been a modest but statistically significant improvement in OS and DSS noted over time, no significant improvement was evident for PCL. CONCLUSIONS: The poor long-term outcome and the lack of survival improvement in PCL suggest the need for better therapeutic options for these patients. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
The system tonalite-peridotite-H_2O at 30 kbar, with applications to hybridization in subduction zone magmatism

We present data on the phase relationships of mixtures between natural tonalite and peridotite compositions with excess H2O at 30 kbar, and on the composition of the piercing point where the peridotite-tonalite mixing line intersects the L(Ga,Opx) reaction boundary. These data, in conjunction with earlier analogous data along peridotite-granite and basalt-granite mixing lines, permit construction of a pseudoternary liquidus projection that is relevant to interaction of peridotite with slab-derived magmas. Knowledge of the liquidus phase and temperature for a range of compositions within this projection enables us to map primary crystallization fields for quartz, garnet, orthopyroxene, clinopyroxene, and olivine, and to estimate the distribution of isotherms across the projection. Using this projection, we explore the consequences of peridotite assimilation by mafic to intermediate (basalt to dacite) hydrous slab-derived melts. Progressive assimilation under isothermal conditions results in garnet precipitation as the melt composition traverses the garnet liquidus surface and then garnet+orthopyroxene crystallization once the melt reaches the L(Ga,Opx) field boundary. The melt is constrained to remain on this field boundary and further assimilation of peridotite simply results in continued precipitation of garnet+orthopyroxene until the melt is consumed. The product is a hybrid solid assemblage consisting of Ga+ Opx. It is noteworthy that this process drives the melt composition in a direction nearly perpendicular to the mixing line between peridotite and the initial melt. If assimilation occurs with increasing temperature (as might occur if a slab-derived magma rises into the hotter mantle wedge), intermediate magmas (e.g. andesites) will again precipitate garnet until they reach the L(Ga,Opx) reaction boundary at which point Ga re-dissolves and orthopyroxene precipitates as the melt composition moves up-temperature along this boundary. The product of this process is a hybrid solid assemblage with garnet subordinate to orthopyroxene. For more mafic initial compositions (e.g. basalts) originally plotting in the Cpx field, it appears possible to avoid field boundaries involving garnet and shift in composition more directly toward peridotite, if assimilation is accompanied by a sharp increase in temperature. Considering published REE evidence (arguing against garnet playing a significant role in the genesis of many subduction-related magmas) in light of our results, it appears unlikely that peridotite assimilation by intermediate magmas under conditions of constant or increasing temperature is an important process in subduction zones. However, if assimilation is accompanied by an increase in temperature, our data do permit the derivation of high-Mg basalts from less refractory precursors (e.g. high-Al basalts) by peridotite assimilation.
Prolonged responses in rat cerebellar Purkinje cells following activation of the granule cell layer: an intracellular in vitro and in vivo investigation.

We obtained intracellular recordings of 84 Purkinje cells in vitro from guinea pig slices and of 35 cells in vivo from ketamine-anesthetized rats in order to assess detailed properties of synaptic responses in Purkinje cells following granule cell activation. In vitro, electrical stimulation of the granule cell layer underlying recorded Purkinje cells was used in sagittal slices to predominantly activate synapses on ascending granule cell axons. In vivo, stimulation of the upper lip was used to activate Purkinje cells overlying the upper lip patch in the granule cell layer of crus IIa. In the presence of a GABAA antagonist, Purkinje cells at resting membrane potential responded to both electrical stimulation in vitro and peripheral stimulation in vivo, with a depolarization of 1–10 mV amplitude that lasted for 100–300 ms in the absence of climbing fiber input. Similar prolonged depolarizations could also be induced by brief depolarizing current pulses delivered through the recording electrode, demonstrating that either synaptic or direct depolarization may activate inward currents leading to a sustained response. In support of this hypothesis we found that prolonged depolarizations were shortened significantly when stimulation in the granule cell layer or intracellular current pulses were delivered during hyperpolarizing current steps. Stimulation in the granule cell layer or intracellular current pulses delivered during periods of spontaneous somatic spiking resulted in prolonged depolarizations in dendritic recordings, which were accompanied by an increase in somatic spiking frequency. Following upper lip stimulation in vivo, this increase in somatic spiking was interrupted by an inhibition of 10–50 ms duration. In a majority of recordings, this inhibition did not completely abolish prolonged depolarizations, however, and a delayed increase in somatic spike frequency was still observed. These results suggest that prolonged increases in Purkinje cell spike frequency following peripheral stimulation are due to an underlying prolonged dendritic depolarization induced by granule cell input. Further, a single, short burst of input via ascending granule cell axons appears to be sufficient to induce these responses.
The Haunted House: Networking Smart Homes to Enable Casual Long-Distance Social Interactions

Despite the dominance of social networking and communications in nearly every aspect of our digital lives, little work has been done to examine the unique contributions that networked smart homes can make in the space of technologically-mediated human interaction. In this work, we introduce an application called "ghosting" that turns a smart and connected home into a socially-connected home. We show that unlike direct teleconferencing, the Internet of Things supports more subtle, ambient, and incidental exchanges that can make an environment feel co-inhabited by a person who may be many miles away. Ghosting synchronizes audio and lighting between two homes on a room-by-room basis. Microphones in each room transmit audio to the corresponding room in the other home, unifying the ambient sound domains of the two homes. For example, a user cooking in their kitchen transmits sounds out of speakers in the other user's own kitchen. The lighting context in corresponding rooms is also synchronized. A light toggled in one house toggles the lights in the other house in real time. We claim that this system allows for casual interactions that feel natural and intimate because they share context and require less social effort than a teleconference or phone call. We describe the design points of the system and explore the successes and limitations of the ghosting user experience by implementing and deploying a ghosting application in two different settings.
Time reversal and superselection

The physical requirements on the time-reversal operator are reformulated in terms of observables and proper states. These requirements entail superselection rules which are consistent with experiment.
Mutations in the Ada O6-alkylguanine-DNA alkyltransferase conferring sensitivity to inactivation by O6-benzylguanine and 2,4-diamino-6-benzyloxy-5-nitrosopyrimidine

Although the human O 6 -alkylguanine-DNA alkyltransferase (AGT) is very sensitive to inactivation by O 6 -benzylguanine (BG) or 2,4-diamino-6-benzyloxy-5-nitrosopyrimidine (5-nitroso-BP), the equivalent protein formed by the carboxyl terminal domain of the product of the Escherichia coli ada gene (Ada-C) is unaffected by these inhibitors. This difference is remarkable in view of the substantial similarity between these proteins (33% of the residues in the common sequence are identical) and is potentially very important since these inhibitors are under development as drugs to enhance the anti-tumor activity of alkylating agents. In order to understand the reason for the resistance of the Ada-C protein, we have made chimeras between Ada-C and AGT sequences and mutations in the Ada-C protein, expressed the altered proteins in an E. coli strain lacking endogenous alkyltransferase activity and tested the inactivation of the resulting proteins by BG or 5-nitrosoBP. Chimeric alkyltransferase proteins were made in which the residues on the amino side of the cysteine acceptor site came from Ada-C and the residues on the carboxyl side came from AGT and vice versa but these did not show sensitivity to BG suggesting that resistance is produced by residues in both segments of the protein. Analysis of the Ada-C mutant proteins revealed two sites for mutations that confer sensitivity to these inhibitors. One of these was tryptophan-336 and the other was residues lysine-314 and alanine-316. Thus, when the combined mutations of A316P/W336A were made in the Ada-C sequence, the protein was sensitive to inactivation by BG. This A316P/W336A mutant protein was even more sensitive to 5-nitroso-BP and the mutant proteins W336A, K314P/A316P and A316P could also be inhibited by this drug (in decreasing order of sensitivity) although the control Ada-C and a mutant R335S were not inhibited. These results provide strong support for the hypothesis that the resistance of the Ada-C alkyltransferase is due to a steric effect limiting access to the active site. Insertion of proline residues at positions 314 and 316 and removal of the bulky tryptophan residue at position 336 increases the space available at the active site and permits these inhibitors to be effective.
Organismic variables and pain inhibition: roles of gender and aging.

Abstract Multiple pain-inhibitory systems dependent upon both opioid and nonopioid mechanisms of action have been identified, particularly in the rodent. The experimental subject has typically been the young, adult male rat, and generalizations concerning these systems have been made from this subject pool. This review focuses upon the roles of two organismic factors, aging and gender, in the modulation of analgesic processes. Using an array of age cohorts (4, 9, 14, 19, 24 months), these data illustrate that aging produces differential decrements in the analgesic responses following morphine, different parameters of footshock, continuous cold-water swims (CCWS: a nonopioid stressor), intermittent cold-water swims (ICWS: an opioid stressor) and 2-deoxy-D-glucose (a mixed opioid/nonopioid stressor). In contrast, neither beta-endorphin nor food deprivation analgesia is affected by aging. This review identifies that CCWS and ICWS analgesia are sensitive to gender differences, gonadectomy differences and steroid replacement differences such that females display less analgesia than males, gonadectomy reduces both analgesic responses and that testosterone is most effective in reinstating gonadectomy-induced analgesic deficits. These data are considered in terms of therapeutic implications for the organismic variables under study as well as for the conceptual and methodological modifications that must be made in studying intrinsic pain inhibition.
Antibacterial Properties of a Silver Chloride-Coated Nylon Wound Dressing

Objective— A silver chloride-coated nylon wound dressing (Ag-WD) was evaluated in vitro for antimicrobial activity against five common equine wound pathogens. Study Design— Bacterial susceptibility study. Sample Population— Equine wound pathogens: Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus, and Staphylococcus aureus. Methods— An inoculum of each pathogen was incubated directly with Ag-WD and quantitated after 24 to 48 hours of incubation. To determine if bactericidal activity of Ag-WD was contact dependent, an inoculum of E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus was incubated separately from Ag-WD by a filter and quantitated after 18 hours of incubation. Inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometry (ICP) determined the silver concentration of Mueller-Hinton broth containing Ag-WD after 24 hours of incubation. To establish if the rate of bacterial killing by Ag-WD differed from a constant silver concentration, pathogens were exposed to a silver concentration of 6.45 μg/mL and quantitated after 18 hours. Results— Direct exposure to Ag-WD significantly reduced bacterial numbers after 15 minutes for K. pneumoniae, 30 minutes for E. coli, 1 hour for P. aeruginosa, and 2 hours for S. equi subspecies zooepidemicus and Staphylococcus aureus. Indirect exposure to Ag-WD resulted in ≥99.9% and ≥90% kill of the inoculum doses of E. coli at 2 hours and Staphylococcus aureus at 18 hours, respectively. Incubation of the pathogens at the constant silver concentration resulted in bacterial killing rates similar to those obtained by incubation with Ag-WD. Conclusions— In vitro, equine pathogens are effectively killed when exposed to Ag-WD, and the rate of bacterial killing by Ag-WD is similar to a constant silver concentration of 6.45 μg/mL. Clinical Relevance— The in vitro antimicrobial properties of this silver-coated nylon wound dressing are promising for future prevention of equine wound infections.
015 Impact of Hydration on MMP-Activity

Hydration of keratinocytes modifies the levels of cytokines they secrete, which in turn impacts the secretory behaviour of dermal fibroblasts. In an in vitro coculture model, conditioned media (CM) collagen content was decreased 44% when keratinocytes were hydrated. We hypothesized that this is partly due to increased MMP-activity. We used the same coculture model to study changes in MMP-activity and TIMP secreted by keratinocytes as well as by fibroblasts in monoculture and in coculture in relation to air-treatment or hydration of keratinocytes. Stratified human epidermal keratinocytes (HEK) and confluent human dermal fibroblasts (HDF) were cocultured for 72 h under serum-free conditions. HEK were either kept at the air-interface or hydrated. CM was assayed for MMP-1, −2, −9, TIMP-1 and −2 were assayed using zymograms, western blotting, and ELISA. MMP-1, secreted by both cell types, increased significantly in cocultures compared to monocultures (4-fold in the air-treated group, 26-fold in the hydrated group). MMP-2, secreted mainly by HDFs, was significantly increased by coculture (hydration: 2.4-fold, air: 2.8-fold). MMP-9, predominantly secreted by air-treated HEKs and was significantly decreased in hydrated monoculture (76%) and coculture. HEK-monoculture hydration also significant decreased MMP-1 (86%) and MMP-2 (81%) activity. HDF-secreted TIMP-1 expression was significantly increased by coculture and was unaffected by hydration. Our findings demonstrate that paracrine interactions between HEK and HDF modify MMP activity and that HEK hydration significantly effects on MMP activity. The findings provide insight into the role of hydration on HEK and HDF ctivity during the wound healing process.
EXCRETION OF 3-METHOXY-4-HYDROXYMANDELIC ACID (VMA) IN DEPRESSED PATIENTS TREATED WITH ANTIDEPRESSANT DRUGS.

Abstract Urinary excretion of 3-methoxy-4-hydroxymandelic acid (VMA), the major metabolite of norepinephrine, was measured in depressed patients before and during treatment with phenelzine (45–60 mg/day), imipramine (100–200 mg/day) and placebo. A statistically significant decrease in VMA excretion was observed in both the group of patients receiving phenelzine and those receiving imipramine. A significant change in VMA excretion did not occur in the placebo control group. These findings are discussed in the context of recent studies of the uptake, storage, release and metabolism of norepinephrine. Possible mechanisms of action to account for the decrease of VMA excretion with imipramine and phenelzine are considered. Based on the findings of this study and the interaction effects of imipramine with amine releasing agents, it is suggested that a common mechanism of action of monoamine oxidase inhibitors and the imipramine class of antidepressant agents may be to increase norepinephrine available for functional extracellular release.
Soil modification studies for enhanced mine detection with ground-penetrating radar

The detection of non-metallic anti-personnel landmines with ground penetrating radar (GPR) is complicated by low dielectric contrasts with the surrounding background medium. Previous studies have shown that the addition of water can improve dielectric contrasts but also increases loss so that target detectability is not necessarily improved. Previous studies have also shown that the addition of liquid nitrogen to wet soils can reduce background medium loss and restore target visibility. In this paper, further waveguide studies of target detection through a controlled depth of nitrogen penetration are reported, and it is shown that scattering from known depth targets can be significantly enhanced if an optimal amount of nitrogen is added. The procedure can also be generalized to unknown depth targets if measurements are taken as gradually increasing amounts of liquid nitrogen are added. Both analytical models and waveguide experiments are presented to illustrate these ideas. Finally, initial test of the soil modification techniques developed through waveguide experiments are reported with a dielectric rod GPR system; results indicate that these methods should be applicable to general GPR sensors.
Visualization and Analysis of Multi-terabyte Geophysical Datasets in an Interactive Setting with Remote Webcam Capabilities

Visualizing and analyzing datasets in the geosciences is becoming increasingly complicated as their volumes are growing explosively. This poses a challenging problem for researchers who must sift through terabytes of data to discover useful relationships inside the information. There is a great need for geophysicists to interactively explore their data sets. Conventional visualization systems lack adequate bandwidth and rendering capabilities necessary for the largest data sets. CAVE and Powerwall display devices are necessary for researchers to explore their data sets in an immersive setting. We describe a utilitarian system targeted specifically at the cost-effective interactive exploration of data sets tens of terabytes in size and harness this system for visualization and analysis of geophysical simulations. Webcams can be used as a steering device to track a local region of interest, which is useful for remote visualization of large data sets. This system will be employed as a web-service under the auspices of Narada-Brokering, while using webcam technologies to enable remote visualization for collaborating researchers. Webcams can be incorporated in a point-to-point network for rapid exchange of information and quickly announcing natural disasters, such as tsunamis, landslides and earthquakes.