cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen Promotes Translesion Synthesis by DNA Polymerase ζ

DNA polymerase zeta (Pol zeta), a heterodimer of Rev3 and Rev7, is essential for DNA damage provoked mutagenesis in eukaryotes. DNA polymerases that function in a processive complex with the replication clamp proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) have been shown to possess a close match to the consensus PCNA-binding motif QxxLxxFF. This consensus motif is lacking in either subunit of Pol zeta, yet its activity is stimulated by PCNA. In particular, translesion synthesis of UV damage-containing DNA is dramatically stimulated by PCNA such that translesion synthesis rates are comparable with replication rates by Pol zeta on undamaged DNA. PCNA also stimulated translesion synthesis of a model abasic site by Pol zeta. Efficient PCNA stimulation required that PCNA was prevented from sliding off the damage-containing model oligonucleotide template-primer through the use of biotin-streptavidin bumpers or other blocks. Under those experimental conditions, facile bypass of the abasic site was also detected by DNA polymerase delta or eta (Rad30). The yeast DNA damage checkpoint clamp, consisting of Rad17, Mec3, and Ddc1, and an ortholog of human 9-1-1, has been implicated in damage-induced mutagenesis. However, this checkpoint clamp did not stimulate translesion synthesis by Pol zeta or by DNA polymerase delta.
Challenges and opportunities of modeling plasma–surface interactions in tungsten using high-performance computing

Abstract The performance of plasma facing components (PFCs) is critical for ITER and future magnetic fusion reactors. The ITER divertor will be tungsten, which is the primary candidate material for future reactors. Recent experiments involving tungsten exposure to low-energy helium plasmas reveal significant surface modification, including the growth of nanometer-scale tendrils of “fuzz” and formation of nanometer-sized bubbles in the near-surface region. The large span of spatial and temporal scales governing plasma surface interactions are among the challenges to modeling divertor performance. Fortunately, recent innovations in computational modeling, increasingly powerful high-performance computers, and improved experimental characterization tools provide a path toward self-consistent, experimentally validated models of PFC and divertor performance. Recent advances in understanding tungsten–helium interactions are reviewed, including such processes as helium clustering, which serve as nuclei for gas bubbles; and trap mutation, dislocation loop punching and bubble bursting; which together initiate surface morphological modification.
The role of energy density

Dietary energy density (ED) appears to have a major influence on the regulation of food intake and body weight. If people consume a fixed weight of food each day, then high-ED diets should be associated with high energy intakes and with overweight. In contrast, low-ED diets should result in lower daily energy intakes and therefore weight loss. For this approach to work, low-ED foods must be as palatable as high-ED foods and, calorie for calorie, have a greater satiating power. Each of those assumptions is debatable. Dietary ED depends chiefly on the water content of foods. As a rule, high-ED foods are more palatable but less satiating, whereas low-ED foods are more satiating but less palatable. Consumer preferences for high-ED foods can be explained in terms of good taste, low cost, and convenience. Low-ED foods, such as fresh produce, provide less energy per unit cost than do high-ED foods, which often contain added sugars and fats. Poverty and obesity may well be linked through the habitual consumption of a low-cost, high-ED diet.
Inhibition of Lassa virus and Ebola virus infection in host cells treated with the kinase inhibitors genistein and tyrphostin

Arenaviruses and filoviruses are capable of causing hemorrhagic fever syndrome in humans. Limited therapeutic and/or prophylactic options are available for humans suffering from viral hemorrhagic fever. In this report, we demonstrate that pre-treatment of host cells with the kinase inhibitors genistein and tyrphostin AG1478 leads to inhibition of infection or transduction in cells infected with Ebola virus, Marburg virus, and Lassa virus. In all, the results demonstrate that a kinase inhibitor cocktail consisting of genistein and tyrphostin AG1478 is a broad-spectrum antiviral that may be used as a therapeutic or prophylactic against arenavirus and filovirus hemorrhagic fever.
Sensitive Label-Free Biomolecular Detection Using Thin Silicon Waveguides

We review our work developing optical waveguide-based evanescent field sensors for the label-free, specific detection of biological molecules. Using high-index-contrast silicon photonic wire waveguides of submicrometer dimension, we demonstrate ultracompact and highly sensitive molecular sensors compatible with commercial spotting apparatus and microfluidic-based analyte delivery systems. We show that silicon photonic wire waveguides support optical modes with strong evanescent field at the waveguide surface, leading to strong interaction with surface bound molecules for sensitive response. Furthermore, we present new sensor geometries benefiting from the very small bend radii achievable with these high-index-contrast waveguides to extend the sensing path length, while maintaining compact size. We experimentally demonstrate the sensor performance by monitoring the adsorption of protein molecules on the waveguide surface and by tracking small refractive index changes of bulk solutions.
Topical clobetasol-17-propionate: Review of its clinical efficacy and safety*

Clobetasol-17-propionate, the most potent of currently available topical steroids as predicted by the vasoconstrictor assay, has just been approved in the United States. In psoriasis, it has proved significantly more effective than class II steroids and as or more effective than the only marketed class I steroid. In the more steroid-responsive eczemas, the superior efficacy of clobetasol is also apparent, but less striking. Clobetasol prolongs remission rates, making intermittent treatment schedules feasible and minimizing inherent potential steroid side effects. Clobetasol may also be useful in the treatment of a myriad of other skin conditions. A review of the pharmacology, efficacy, and side effects of this addition to our dermatologic armamentarium is presented here.
Molecular data show the enigmatic cave-dwelling diatom Diprora (Bacillariophyceae) to be a raphid diatom

The diatom genus Diprora (Bacillariophyceae) was described from a cave on Kauaʻi, Hawaiʻi. Due to its lack of a raphe system and bilateral symmetry, the genus was first assigned to the Fragilariophycidae (‘araphid diatoms’), but its systematic affinities were undetermined. We present a three-gene phylogeny, based on nuclear (SSU rDNA) and chloroplast (rbcL, psbC) genes, to determine the phylogenetic relationships of Diprora in the diatom tree of life. The concatenated multi-gene phylogenies, and the individual genes trees show Diprora to nest deep within the raphid diatoms, and in different analyses (of one-, two- and three-gene sequences) this diatom is shown to be most closely allied with taxa referred currently to the Sellaphoraceae, including Sellaphora or Fallacia. Hypothesis testing of the likelihood of Diprora being an ‘araphid’ diatom indicates rejection of the hypothesis that the phylogenetic position of D. haenaensis is within the araphid diatoms. Loss of the raphe system and reduction of other ...
Mechanism of Copper-Activated Transcription: Activation of AP-1, and the JNK/SAPK and p38 Signal Transduction Pathways

Copper is an essential metal that is able to produce reactive oxygen species and to induce intracellular oxidative stress. Several studies have examined the effects of excessive copper and oxidative stress on various organisms and tissues, but few have addressed the molecular mechanisms by which copper affects transcription. Our results demonstrated that, in COS-7 cells, copper treatment caused an increase in the binding of nuclear proteins to activating protein-1 and antioxidant response elements. The level of copper-inducible nuclear protein binding was modulated by increasing or decreasing the level of intracellular oxidative stress. Copper exposure also led to an increase in the steady-state levels of c-fos, c-jun, and c-myc mRNAs. Exposure to copper resulted in an increase in the levels of phosphorylation and activation of the c-Jun N-terminal kinase/stress-activated protein kinase and p38 pathways. The activation of these pathways resulted in a concomitant increase in c-Jun phosphorylation. We investigated the hypothesis that copper-induced oxidative stress leads to the formation of stable lipid peroxidation by-products that activate mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways, ultimately affecting transcription. While exposure did result in the production of 4-hydroxynonenal, the timing of the increased levels of proto-oncogene mRNA, phosphorylation of c-jun, and phosphorylation and activation of MAPKs, as well as the inability of the lipophilic antioxidant vitamin E to abrogate MAPK phosphorylation, suggest that the formation of stable lipid peroxidation by-products may not be the primary mechanism by which copper activates MAPKs. These results further elucidate the effects of copper on signal transduction pathways to alter gene expression.
Close linkage of the mouse and human CD3 gamma- and delta-chain genes suggests that their transcription is controlled by common regulatory elements.

Abstract Antigen receptors on the T-cell surface are noncovalently associated with at least four invariant polypeptide chains, CD3-gamma, -delta, -epsilon, and -zeta. The mouse CD3-gamma gene, consisting of seven exons, was found to be highly homologous to the CD3-delta gene described earlier. Both the high level of sequence homology and the exon/intron organization indicate that the CD3-gamma and -delta genes arose by gene duplication. Surprisingly, murine and human genomic DNA clones could be isolated that contained elements of both the CD3-gamma and CD3-delta genes. In fact, the putative transcription start site of the mouse CD3-gamma gene is less than 1.4 kilobases from the transcription initiation site of the mouse CD3-delta gene. Common elements that regulate the divergent transcription of the two genes are therefore proposed to be located in the intervening 1.4-kilobase DNA segment. This might contribute to the coordinate expression of the CD3-gamma and -delta genes during intrathymic maturation of T lymphocytes.
Separation of uranium from molybdenum using a diamine functional group bonded to controlled-pore glass

A method for selective extraction of uranium from carbonate solutions containing molybdate is reported. A liquid chromatography column, packed with N-β-aminoethyl-γ-ammopropyltrimethoxysilane immobilized on a glass substrate, was utilized in a continuous How system. The selective retention of the uranyl carbonate species [UO2(CO3)2⋯ 2H2O]2- and UO2(CO3)4- on protonated immobilized diamine is the basis for this separation Recoveries of uranium and molybdenum from synthetic samples ranged from 96.7 to 113.4% for uranium and from 96.7 to 110.5% for molybdate for a range of recommended conditions.
Thermoluminescent Properties of CaF2: Dy TLD'S

Selected thermoluminescent (TL) properties of CaF2 Dy TLD's have been investigated for a single batch of crystals. These include phosphor response, glow curve structure, long term signal fading, and pre-irradiation annealing effects. Co60 exposures ranged from 0.1 roentgen (r) to 3 × 103 roentgens (r). Comparisons are made with data presently available in the literature and notable discrepancies are identified. These discrepancies are used to demonstrate the necessity of characterizing the TL properties of each batch of CaF2 :Dy crystals prior to use as a radiation detector. Techniques developed during the investigation for improving the accuracy of dosimetry data obtained with the phosphor are discussed.
The Effects of Predation Risk, Food Abundance, and Population Size on Group Size of Brown‐Headed Cowbirds (Molothrus ater)

Social and ecological conditions can influence flock formation (e.g. number of flocks, flock size, etc.) depending on the degree of social attraction of a species. We studied group formation in brown-headed cowbirds (Molothrus ater) over short time periods (30 min) in two seminatural experiments conducted under controlled conditions. First, we determined the shape of the relationship between intake rate and flock size by manipulating group size in a single enclosure. Second, we assessed the role of population size, food abundance, and predation risk, and their interactions, in flock size formation in a system of four enclosures (two with and two without food) connected to a central refuge patch. In the first experiment, we found that pecking rates peaked at intermediate flock sizes (three to six individuals), which was influenced by greater availability of foraging time and more aggressive interactions in large groups. In the second experiment, flock sizes in the patches with food increased with population size likely due to the benefits of patch exploitation in groups. Flock size decreased after predator attack probably because refuge availability reduced perceived predation risk more than flocking in larger groups. Food abundance had minor effects, varying flock sizes between the two patches with food, under high food availability conditions when population size was high, probably due to social cohesion effects. Our results suggest that: (1) this species has an inverted-U food intake‐group size relationship with a range of intakemaximizing flock sizes rather than a single peak, (2) the presence of a near refuge modifies the expected benefits of group patch exploitation under high predation risk, and (3) an increase in population size would more likely be translated into rapid increases in the size of the flocks rather than in more new flocks.
Competing presynaptic and postsynaptic effects of ethanol on cerebellar purkinje neurons.

IN VIVO STUDIES in urethane-anesthetized rats have generally shown an inhibition of neural activity by either systemic (Givens and Breese, 1990a) or locally applied ethanol (Freund et al., 1993). However, when other anesthetics or no anesthetic were used, systemic administration of ethanol produced a mixed action on cerebellar Purkinje neurons, with an increased rate occurring in some neurons and a decreased rate occurring in others (Rogers et al., 1980). Similarly, both increases and decreases in rate have been observed in recordings from Purkinje neurons in culture (Franklin and Gruol, 1987; Urrutia and Gruol, 1992) and in the cerebellar slice (Bloom and Siggins, 1987; Siggins et al., 1987). These changes in rate are often accompanied by a change in the pattern of firing of the Purkinje neurons (Bloom and Siggins, 1987; Franklin and Gruol, 1987; Siggins et al., 1987). Ethanol acts on a number of neurotransmitter-gated and G-protein-coupled ion channels (Crews et al., 1996). Additionally, ethanol can either increase (Ariwodola and Weiner, 2004; Crowder et al., 2002; Roberto et al., 2003; Ziskind-Conhaim et al., 2003) or decrease (Ziskind-Conhaim et al., 2003) neurotransmitter release. Purkinje neurons receive both excitatory and inhibitory synaptic inputs (Satake et al., 2004) and have an intrinsic pacemaker activity (Edgerton and Reinhart, 2003). Therefore, the differing effects of ethanol on these factors may be responsible for the mixed action of ethanol on Purkinje neuronal firing. Because the basis of such integration for the varied effects of ethanol on cerebellar Purkinje neuronal activity has not yet been investigated, the present study used both whole-cell voltage-clamp and extracellular recording to examine the potential basis of the variable actions of ethanol on cerebellar Purkinje neuronal activity in a slice preparation. This work included assessment of ethanol action on γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) release, on the involvement of glutamate input, and on the intrinsic firing of cerebellar Purkinje neurons.
Quantitative trait analysis of type 2 diabetes susceptibility loci identified from whole genome association studies in the Insulin Resistance Atherosclerosis Family Study.

Abstract Objective: Evaluate type 2 diabetes (T2D) susceptibility variants identified from genome-wide association (GWA) studies in Hispanic Americans and African Americans from the Insulin Resistance Atherosclerosis Family Study (IRAS-FS) for association with quantitative measures of glucose homeostasis and determine their biological role in vivo . Research Design and Methods: Seventeen T2D-associated SNPs were genotyped in 1268 Hispanic- and 581 African-American participants from the IRAS-FS. SNPs were tested for association with quantitative measures of glucose homeostasis including: insulin sensitivity (S I ), acute insulin response (AIR) and disposition index (DI). Results: Previously identified risk variants in cyclin-dependent kinase 5 regulatory subunit associated protein 1-like 1 ( CDKAL1 ) were associated with reduced AIR (P LOC387761 ) was significantly associated with AIR (P=0.0046) with the risk allele showing protective effects, i.e. increased AIR. In both Hispanic- and African-American populations, risk variants at the SLC30A8 locus were nominally associated with decreased DI (P IGF2BP2 ) locus were associated with a decreased DI (P=0.011) exclusively in Hispanic Americans. Conclusions: These data indicate a distinct, limited number of diabetes-related genes, more specifically the SNPs in the genes identified in European-derived populations, with modest evidence for association with glucose homeostasis traits in Hispanic Americans and African Americans. We observe evidence that diabetes risk for CDKAL1 , SLC30A8 , IGF2BP2 and LOC387761 is specifically mediated through defects in insulin secretion. The mechanisms of other predisposing genes remain to be elucidated.
Bioaffinity Separations Using Reversed Micellar Extraction

It is shown that significant enhancements in the efficiency of protein recovery using reversed micelle extractants are possible if an affinity ligand surfactant is incorporated in the micellar phase formulation. The partitioning of the model protein concanavalin-A was found to increase dramatically on addition of small amounts of octyl β-D-glucopyranoside (2 to 10 percent of the total surfactant concentration) to the organic reversed micellar phase, while transfer of ribonuclease-A was essentially unaffected by the addition of this biological detergent. Glucose inhibited the solubilization of concanavalin-A owing to competition for the binding sites between glucose and the affinity ligand. The experimental results were well described in terms of a simple thermodynamic model for the affinity partitioning of the protein between the two phases. Estimated binding constants for the protein-ligand complex in the reversed micellar phase are consistent with published aqueous-phase results.
Community-Associated Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

This article presents an overview of community-associated MRSA and provides epidemiologic considerations and current, evidence-based support for management and prevention. Readers may earn two CNE contact hours for this learning activity by completing the post-test and participant feedback form at http://JournalsCNE.awhonn.org.
Metastatic Eyelid Carcinoma

Two cases of carcinoma metastatic to the eyelid are described. The first was derived from a lung primary diagnosed two months prior and presented as a solitary tender mass mimicking an acutely inflamed recurrent chalazion. The second case was the initial manifestation of a stomach carcinoma, presenting as a solitary painless nodule. Both were part of generalized metastatic disease; survival was six weeks and five months, respectively, after eyelid tumor presentation. Excisional biopsy was effective palliation in the first case, but multiple operations were required in the second. The clinicopathologic features are discussed and the prior reported cases reviewed.
Excessive Breast Self-Examination Among First-Degree Relatives of Newly Diagnosed Breast Cancer Patients

First-degree relatives (FDRs) of women with breast cancer may have heightened anxiety about their personal risk for developing breast cancer. Breast self-examination (BSE) is an important component of risk surveillance for all women. In this study, the authors describe a subset of FDRs who appear to excessively (> or = once per day) perform BSE. These women, who constituted 8% of 1,053 FDRs in this study, were compared with women who did not examine excessively. The excessive self-examiners were older, more frequently African American, and less educated. They were more likely to have an affected daughter and > or = two FDRs with breast cancer. They were significantly more likely to think frequently about breast cancer and to report that such thoughts affected their mood. In a multivariate analysis, three variables had significant independent associations with excessive BSE practice: ethnicity (odds ratio [OR] = 2.3), perceived risk of breast cancer compared with women without a family history (OR = 2.9), and frequency of thoughts about breast cancer (OR = 5.5). The women who practice excessive BSE would benefit from enhanced educational efforts and screening for the presence of psychiatric problems such as anxiety and hypochondriasis.
Novel LRRK2 GTP-binding inhibitors reduced degeneration in Parkinson's disease cell and mouse models

Mutations in the leucine-rich repeat kinase-2 (LRRK2) gene cause autosomal-dominant Parkinson's disease (PD) and contribute to sporadic PD. LRRK2 contains Guanosine-5'-triphosphate (GTP) binding, GTPase and kinase activities that have been implicated in the neuronal degeneration of PD pathogenesis, making LRRK2, a potential drug target. To date, there is no disease-modifying drug to slow the neuronal degeneration of PD and no published LRRK2 GTP domain inhibitor. Here, the biological functions of two novel GTP-binding inhibitors of LRRK2 were examined in PD cell and mouse models. Through a combination of computer-aided drug design (CADD) and LRRK2 bio-functional screens, two novel compounds, 68: and 70: , were shown to reduce LRRK2 GTP binding and to inhibit LRRK2 kinase activity in vitro and in cultured cell assays. Moreover, these two compounds attenuated neuronal degeneration in human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells and mouse primary neurons expressing mutant LRRK2 variants. Although both compounds inhibited LRRK2 kinase activity and reduced neuronal degeneration, solubility problems with 70: prevented further testing in mice. Thus, only 68: was tested in a LRRK2-based lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced pre-inflammatory mouse model. 68: reduced LRRK2 GTP-binding activity and kinase activity in brains of LRRK2 transgenic mice after intraperitoneal injection. Moreover, LPS induced LRRK2 upregulation and microglia activation in mouse brains. These findings suggest that disruption of GTP binding to LRRK2 represents a potential novel therapeutic approach for PD intervention and that these novel GTP-binding inhibitors provide both tools and lead compounds for future drug development.
A RecA mutant, RecA730, suppresses the recombination deficiency of the RecBC1004D–χ* interaction in vitro and in vivo

In Escherichia coli, homologous recombination initiated at double-stranded DNA breaks requires the RecBCD enzyme, a multifunctional heterotrimeric complex that possesses processive helicase and exonuclease activities. Upon encountering the DNA regulatory sequence, χ, the enzymatic properties of RecBCD enzyme are altered. Its helicase activity is reduced, the 3′→5′nuclease activity is attenuated, the 5′→3′ nuclease activity is up-regulated, and it manifests an ability to load RecA protein onto single-stranded DNA. The net result of these changes is the production of a highly recombinogenic structure known as the presynaptic filament. Previously, we found that the recC1004 mutation alters χ-recognition so that this mutant enzyme recognizes an altered χ sequence, χ*, which comprises seven of the original nucleotides in χ, plus four novel nucleotides. Although some consequences of this mutant enzyme-mutant χ interaction could be detected in vivo and in vitro, stimulation of recombination in vivo could not. To resolve this seemingly contradictory observation, we examined the behavior of a RecA mutant, RecA730, that displays enhanced biochemical activity in vitro and possesses suppressor function in vivo. We show that the recombination deficiency of the RecBC1004D-χ* interaction can be overcome by the enhanced ability of RecA730 to assemble on single-stranded DNA in vitro and in vivo. These data are consistent with the previous findings showing that the loading of RecA protein by RecBCD is necessary in vivo, and they also show that RecA proteins with enhanced single-stranded DNA binding capacity can partially bypass the need for RecBCD-mediated loading.
Photobleaching-Corrected FRET Efficiency Imaging of Live Cells

Fluorescent resonance energy transfer (FRET) imaging techniques can be used to visualize protein-protein interactions in real-time with subcellular resolution. Imaging of sensitized fluorescence of the acceptor, elicited during excitation of the donor, is becoming the most popular method for live FRET (3-cube imaging) because it is fast, nondestructive, and applicable to existing widefield or confocal microscopes. Most sensitized emission-based FRET indices respond nonlinearly to changes in the degree of molecular interaction and depend on the optical parameters of the imaging system. This makes it difficult to evaluate and compare FRET imaging data between laboratories. Furthermore, photobleaching poses a problem for FRET imaging in timelapse experiments and three-dimensional reconstructions. We present a 3-cube FRET imaging method, E-FRET, which overcomes both of these obstacles. E-FRET bridges the gap between the donor recovery after acceptor photobleaching technique (which allows absolute measurements of FRET efficiency, E, but is not suitable for living cells), and the sensitized-emission FRET indices (which reflect FRET in living cells but lack the quantitation and clarity of E). With E-FRET, we visualize FRET in terms of true FRET efficiency images (E), which correlate linearly with the degree of donor interaction. We have defined procedures to incorporate photobleaching correction into E-FRET imaging. We demonstrate the benefits of E-FRET with photobleaching correction for timelapse and three-dimensional imaging of protein-protein interactions in the immunological synapse in living T-cells.
Long QT syndrome and anaesthesia

Long QT syndrome (LQTS) is an arrhythmogenic cardiovascular disorder resulting from mutations in cardiac ion channels. LQTS is characterized by prolonged ventricular repolarization and frequently manifests itself as QT interval prolongation on the electrocardiogram (ECG). The age at presentation varies from in utero to adulthood. The majority of symptomatic events are related to physical activity and emotional stress. Although LQTS is characterized by recurrent syncope, cardiac arrest, and seizure-like episodes, only about 60% of patients are symptomatic at the time of diagnosis. 3 The clinical features of LQTS result from a peculiar episodic ventricular tachyarrhythmia called ‘torsade de pointes’. ‘Twisting of the points’ describes the typical sinusoidal twisting of the QRS axis around the isoelectric line of the ECG. Usually torsade de pointes start with a premature ventricular depolarization, followed by a compensatory pause. The next sinus beat often has a markedly prolonged QT interval and abnormal T wave. This is followed by a ventricular tachycardia that is characterized by variation in the QRS morphology, and a constantly changing R-R interval (Fig. 1). The ‘short-long-short’ cycle length sequence heralding torsade de pointes is a hallmark of LQTS. Commonly, the episode of torsade de pointes is self-terminating, producing a syncopal episode or pseudoseizure, secondary to the abrupt decrease in cerebral blood flow. The majority of episodes of sudden death in LQTS result from ventricular fibrillation triggered by torsade de pointes, although the mechanism of this deterioration is unknown. Traditionally, LQTS has been classified as either familial (inherited) or acquired. However, it is likely that many patients with previously labelled acquired LQTS carry a silent mutation in one of the genes responsible for congenital LQTS. 22 119 The evidence for this hypothesis has been gradually emerging over the past few years. It is important for anaesthetists to be aware of this concept, as it means that a much higher proportion of the general population may be affected by asymptomatic mutations in genes encoding cardiac ion channels than was thought previously. The prevalence of LQTS in developed countries may be as high as 1 per 1100‐3000 of the population. 32 119 About 30% of congenital LQTS carriers have an apparently normal phenotype, and thus a normal QT interval, and remain undiagnosed until an initiating event. 105 Fatal arrhythmias associated with primary electrical disease of the heart such as the Brugada and LQTS, probably account for 19% of sudden deaths in children between 1 and 13 yr of age, and 30% of sudden deaths that occur between 14 and 21 yr of age. 10 Furthermore, there is a strong association between prolonged corrected QT interval (QTc) in the first week of life and risk of sudden infant death syndrome. 86
Utilizing Compressibility in Reconstructing Spectrographic Data, With Applications to Noise Robust ASR

In this letter, we propose a novel algorithm for reconstructing unreliable spectrographic data, a method applicable to missing feature-based automatic speech recognition (ASR). We provide quantitative analysis illustrating the high compressibility of spectrographic speech data. The existence of sparse representations for spectrographic data motivates the spectral reconstruction solution to be posed as an optimization problem minimizing the lscr1-norm. When applied to the Aurora-2 database, the proposed missing feature estimation algorithm is shown to provide significant improvements in recognition accuracy relative to the baseline MFCC system. Even without an oracle mask, performance approaches that of the ETSI advanced front end (AFE) , with less complexity.
Efficient on-chip global interconnects

We present circuits for a high-efficiency low-swing interconnect scheme suitable for the Smart Memories reconfigurable architecture. By using a separate supply, global clocking, and differential signaling, we reduce design complexity; and by using overdrive circuits, equalization techniques, and sense-amplifiers we retain high performance. A testchip built in a 1.8 V 0.18-/spl mu/m technology consumed <1pJ/bit for a 10 mm bus at 1 GHz, a power savings over full-swing signaling of up to 10 x, and demonstrated amplifier input offset voltages of under 100 mV.
Understanding The Use Of Feature Films To Maximize Student Learning

Feature films, old and new, have been used for many years to teach management education in general and leadership skills in particular. Films are often able to affect not only our emotional responses and perceptions of events, but they can also have an impact on our personal lives over long periods of time. Although anecdotal evidence (primarily based upon Social Learning Theory) has generally supported the use of feature films to teach management education, the paper draws upon theoretical advances in universalistic self-theory as part of cognitive-experiential self-theory (CEST) as an epistemological basis for why and under what specific conditions management educators should use feature films to maximize student learning. From this reasoning, the paper proposes that management educators apply contextual self-theory as a pedagogical guide for the actual selection of films for classroom use. In addition, the paper highlights the importance of how the management educator needs to look at other factors, such as the age and cultural background of students, as important considerations for the selection and use of feature films in the classroom.
Variational formulation of electromagnetic boundary-value problems involving anisotropic media

Presents a variational formulation with specific functionals for general electromagnetic problems involving anisotropic media. Such a formulation provides a foundation for the development of the finite element method for the analysis of such problems. Note that for the sake of clarity and ease of comprehension, we state specific functionals, rather than constructing them from the original boundary-value problems. We present specific functionals and discuss the property of the associated numerical system for the following three cases: (1) lossy problems involving anisotropic media having symmetric permittivity and permeability; (2) lossless problems involving anisotropic media having Hermitian permittivity and permeability; and (3) general problems involving general anisotropic media.
A commonsense approach to predictive text entry

People cannot type as fast as they think, especially when faced with the constraints of mobile devices. There have been numerous approaches to solving this problem, including research in augmented input devices and predictive typing aids. We propose an alternative approach to predictive text entry based on commonsense reasoning. Using OMCSNet, a large-scale semantic network that aggregates and normalizes the contributions made to Open Mind Common Sense (OMCS), our system is able to show significant success in predicting words based on their first few letters. We evaluate this commonsense approach against traditional statistical methods, demonstrating comparable performance, and suggest that combining commonsense and statistical approaches could achieve superior performance. Mobile device implementations of the commonsense predictive typing aid demonstrate that such a system could be applied to just about any computing environment.
The microenvironment in hairy cell leukemia: pathways and potential therapeutic targets

Hairy cell leukemia (HCL) cells accumulate and proliferate in the spleen and the bone marrow. In these tissue compartments, HCL cells interact with accessory cells, matrix proteins, and various cyctokines, collectively referred to as the ‘microenvironment.’ Surface receptors expressed on HCL cells and respective stromal ligands are critical for this cross-talk between HCL cells and the microenvironment. Chemokine receptors, adhesion molecules (integrins, CD44), the B cell antigen receptor (BCR), and CD40, expressed on the HCL cells, are likely to be critical for homing, retention, survival, and expansion of the neoplastic B cells. Some of these pathways are now targeted in first clinical trials in other mature B-cell malignancies. We summarize key aspects of the cellular and molecular interactions between HCL cells and their microenvironment. Also, we outline future prospects for therapeutic targeting of the microenvironment in HCL, focusing on CXCR4 and kinase inhibitors (Syk, Btk, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase [PI3K]) that target B cell receptor signaling.
Decomposition of macrophyte litter in a subtropical constructed wetland in south Florida (USA)

The South Florida Water Management District has constructed large treatment wetlands (stormwater treatment areas (STAs)) to reduce total phosphorus concentrations in agricultural runoff before this water enters the Everglades. An important component of nutrient removal and storage in these systems is incorporation of nutrients into aquatic macrophytes and burial of this biomass in the sediments. However, decomposition of plant biomass before burial returns nutrients to the water column and may reduce STA treatment efficiency. As part of research on biogeochemical control of STA performance, we conducted a summer (July–September) and a long-term (12-month) experiment (February–February) that measured decomposition rates and release of chemical constituents from dominant aquatic macrophytes in a constructed wetland located in south Florida. The rank order of mean decomposition rates was Najas/Ceratophyllum (0.0568 d −1 )> Pistia (0.0508 d −1 )> Eichhornia (0.0191 d
Allogeneic Vaccination With a B7.1 HLA-A Gene-Modified Adenocarcinoma Cell Line in Patients With Advanced Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer

Purpose To determine the safety, immunogenicity, and clinical response to an allogeneic tumor vaccine for non–small-cell lung cancer, we conducted a phase I trial in patients with advanced metastatic disease. Patients and Methods We treated 19 patients with a vaccine based on an adenocarcinoma line (AD100) transfected with B7.1 (CD80) and HLA A1 or A2. Patients were vaccinated intradermally with 5 × 107 cells once every 2 weeks. Three vaccinations represented one course of treatment. If patients had complete response, partial response, or stable disease, they continued with the vaccinations for up to three courses (nine vaccinations). Immune response was assessed by a change between pre-study and postvaccination enzyme-linked immunospot frequency of purified CD8 T-cells secreting interferon-gamma in response to in vitro challenge with AD100. Results Four patients experienced serious adverse events that were unrelated to vaccine. Another four patients experienced only minimal skin erythema. All but one pat...
Low risk for symptomatic venous thromboembolic events (vte) during cytokine administration for peripheral blood stem cell mobilization

7039 Background: Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents are known to increase the risk for VTE events, especially in patients with underlying malignancies. However, there is a paucity of information on ...
Reviews of Recent Antitrust Books (2011-12)

The following is a compilation of short book reviews I have prepared over the past two years for the World Competition Law & Economics Review or the Institute for Consumer Antitrust Studies, Loyola University Chicago School of Law website. In one case, the book discussed was published in 2010, but I did not get around to reviewing it until 2011. Review of notable antitrust books from 2009-2010 can be found at http://ssrn.com/abstract=1712044.Each of the current reviews highlight works which address different needs of the academic and practicing bar. I have included a couple of more general interest books which also will appeal to antitrust professionals.This is not intended as a comprehensive list of publications in the competition law field, but rather those works that crossed my desk and appealed to me enough to review. The reviews are arranged by the date of publication of the review and include: 1) ABA Section of Antitrust Law, Market Definition in Antitrust: Theory and Case Studies (2012); 2) Brett M. Frischmann, Infrastucture: The Social Value of Shared Resources (Oxford University Press 2012); 3) The Global Limits of Competition Law (edited by Ioannis Lianos and D. Daniel Sokol) (Stanford Law Books 2012); 4) Marc Levinson, The Great AP 5) American Bar Association, Section of Antitrust Law, Monograph 26, Electronic Commerce: Antitrust and Consumer Protection in the Information Age (2011); 6) Kenneth M. Davidson, Reality Ignored: How Milton Friedman and Chicago Economics Undermined American Institutions and Endangered the Global Economy (2011); 7) Daniel A. Crane, The Institutional Structure of Antitrust Enforcement (Oxford University Press 2011); and 8) The International Handbook on Private Enforcement of Competition Law (Albert A. Foer & Jonathan W. Cuneo editors) (Edward Elgar 2010).
Role of Higher Plants in the Redidstribution of Radionuclides in Water Ecosystems

Character of radionuclides 90Sr and 137Cs for their distribution between over-ground and underground parts phytomass of the airwater plants — Typha angustifolia and Phragmites australis and Glyceria maxima depend on their phase of development. 137Cs were mostly accumulated in the underground parts phytomass of the airwater plants — Typha angustifolia, Phragmites australis and Glyceria maxima L. From 1986 to 1993 we estimated the amount of radionuclides (about 22800 MBq 90Sr and 323000 MBq 137Cs) withdrawn from water and bottom sediments by die airwater organs Typha angustifolia in the Kiev reservoir. The result obtained provided for a better understanding of role of highest aquatic plants in the redistribution of radionuclides in hydroecosystems. In addition, they offer a possibility of associations of higher aquatic plants for water purification from radiocontamination. It is determined that Communities with emergent airwater plants take the most effective part in processes of self purification of basins from radioactive contamination. Cenoses formed by association of airwater plants — Typha angustifolia and Phragmites australis played the major role in water self-purification from radionuclides.
Nondestructive Techniques to Evaluate the Characteristics and Development of Engineered Cartilage

In this review, methods for evaluating the properties of tissue engineered (TE) cartilage are described. Many of these have been developed for evaluating properties of native and osteoarthritic articular cartilage. However, with the increasing interest in engineering cartilage, specialized methods are needed for nondestructive evaluation of tissue while it is developing and after it is implanted. Such methods are needed, in part, due to the large inter- and intra-donor variability in the performance of the cellular component of the tissue, which remains a barrier to delivering reliable TE cartilage for implantation. Using conventional destructive tests, such variability makes it near-impossible to predict the timing and outcome of the tissue engineering process at the level of a specific piece of engineered tissue and also makes it difficult to assess the impact of changing tissue engineering regimens. While it is clear that the true test of engineered cartilage is its performance after it is implanted, correlation of pre and post implantation properties determined non-destructively in vitro and/or in vivo with performance should lead to predictive methods to improve quality-control and to minimize the chances of implanting inferior tissue.
Aerobic Fat Metabolism of Ascaris lumbricoides.

SummaryFemales of Ascaris lumbricoides excrete in their eggs during a 5 days'starvation period at 37°C under aerobic conditions, a noticeable amount of ether soluble material, indicating the presence of a fat metabolism of some intensity. The sum of the ether extracts derived from the body and the eggs of the starved worms corresponds closely to that found in unstarved'worms, showing that during the starvation period no fat had been used for the production of energy.
A Specialized Midventral Sebaceous Glandular Area in Rattus Exulans

A midventral cutaneous glandular area is described for the first time in a Hawaiian population of Rattus exulans . Such a structure is not known to occur in other forms of the genus. It is an area of increased sebaceous glandular and epidermal proliferative activity and is largest in adult males, in which it averages 43 mm long by 4.7 mm wide. A significance for this glandular area in olfactory communication seems probable but is at present without observational or experimental evidence.
A Study of the Pressure Pipeline Risk Management Theory——Theory and Key Technology of Pressure Pipeline Risk Management(1)

The concepts and basic principles of the risk and risk management,and the pressure pipeline risk management theory were described systematically.This theory is introduced and proven from seven aspects including the identification,analysis,estimation,evaluation,decision,control of the pressure pipeline risk,and the geographical information system of the pressure pipeline risk management.
Chapter 6 The Human Prostacyclin Receptor: From Structure Function to Disease

Thirty years have passed since Vane and colleagues first described a substance, prostanoid X, from microsomal fractions (later called prostacyclin) that relaxed rather than contracted mesenteric arteries. The critical role of prostacyclin in many pathophysiological conditions, such as atherothrombosis, has only recently become appreciated (through receptor knockout mice studies, selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibition clinical trials, and the discovery of dysfunctional prostacyclin receptor genetic variants). Additionally, important roles in such diverse areas as pain and inflammation, and parturition are being uncovered. Prostacyclin-based therapies, currently used for pulmonary hypertension, are accordingly emerging as possible treatments for such diseases, fueling interests in structure function studies for the receptor and signal transduction pathways in native cells. The coming decade is likely to yield many further exciting advances.
Naloxone and mortality in the gerbil stroke model.

Endorphins and narcotics have been implicated in the exacerbation of neurologic deficits after stroke. To test the theory that narcotic antagonists might offer an improvement in neurologic sequelae following stroke, we administered various doses of naloxone intraperitoneally to 50 adult gerbils 45 minutes after carotid artery transsection. Low-dose naloxone therapy (1.0 to 2.5 mg/kg) was more effective in preventing death than either control (sterile saline) or high-dose naloxone (10 mg/kg). A naloxone dose of 1.0 or 2.5 mg/kg offered a significant improvement in mortality over both the control and the high-dose therapy (P = .026). It appears that an appropriate dose of naloxone (1.0 to 2.5 mg/kg), given early enough to alter outcome, offers an improved survival in the gerbil stroke model. This finding obviously has significant implications for the use of narcotic antagonists in human beings with stroke.
Preliminary sUAV component evaluation for inspecting transportation infrastructure systems

In the transportation systems engineering field, there is a fast growing interest to use small unmanned aerial systems (UAS) for structural inspections. An application of particular importance is the inspection of bridges and high mast luminaires (HML). This paper describes an ongoing research effort- and results obtained — to evaluate small unmanned aerial vehicles (sUAV) for various environmental conditions and mission objectives. Various propeller types, battery types, and configurations were used in the evaluation of sUAVs to estimate maximum working altitude, motor power capabilities, battery life expectancy under different loads, and maneuverability constraints. The preliminary research results presented in this paper support the use of sUAS to assist in bridge and HML inspections. Altitude, payload, and maneuverability tests were conducted using quad and hexacopters to understand performance and limitation parameters that would directly relate to the use of UAVs for transportation infrastructure inspections. Future research areas are identified to extend the work presented in this paper.
CLONING OF VIBRIO HARVEYI CHITINASE AND CHITOBIASE GENES IN ESCHERICHIA COLI

A clone library of hybrid plasmids containing DNA from the chitinolytic marine bacterium Vibrio harveyi was constructed in Escherichia coli. Three of 2,450 clones capable of expressing chitobiase activity were selected by their ability to hydrolyze p-nitrophenyl-2-acetamido-2-deoxy-β-D-glucopyranoside. Additional testing confirmed the expression of chitobiase activity by two of these E. coli clones, which were further analyzed for the production of chitinase. Both of these clones, carrying inserts 5.3 kb and 13.5 kb in length, exhibited chitinase activity as well, indicating that the chitinase and chitobiase genes are linked in V. harveyi. Induction studies with V. harveyi revealed that N,N'-diacetylchitobiose is a strong inducer of both enzyme activities. In the E. coli clones, however, both genes are constantly expressed, and the activities of both enzymes remain unchanged regardless of whether or not N,N'-diacetylchitobiose is added to the growth medium. Our evidence suggests that there is a chi operon in V. harveyi consisting of genes coding for chitinase, chitobiase, and possibly a permease for N,N'-diacetylchitobiose, and that the entire operon is present in two of our clones.