cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
2015 – A HIGHLY MULTIPLEXED SINGLE CELL PROTEOMIC SCREEN REVEALS THE PHENOTYPIC AND FUNCTIONAL LANDSCAPE OF THE HUMAN LYMPHO-MYELOID DIFFERENTIATION AXIS

While single-cell sequencing techniques have elucidated transcriptomic and epigenetic heterogeneities among human hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell (HSPC) populations, the corresponding proteomic level information, where the action of these regulatory networks manifests, is still missing. As cell sorting relies on surface markers, the functional capabilities and lineage specificities of HSPCs can only be evaluated after interrogation of the proteome at a single cell resolution. To that end, based on a highly-multiplexed single-cell screening framework in our lab (Glass and Tsai et al. Immunity in press) we quantified the simultaneous expression of 353 surface molecules and 79 functional intracellular molecules (TFs, chromatin regulators, metabolic enzymes) with mass cytometry. In doing this, we created a core panel with probes against intracellular markers associated with lymphoid potential to better illuminate the lympho-myeloid axis. In total, we analyzed 556,226 CD34+ bone marrow HSPCs across 3 individuals and identified 81 molecules expressed by HSPCs, with heterogeneous expression among conventionally-defined HSPC cell types. Using unsupervised clustering, we identified 11 populations and defined their unique proteomic composition. At the same time, we were able to infer the identity of HSPC cell types based on prior knowledge and impute the functional proteomic data onto canonical cell types. Most interestingly, a population mostly consists of SATB1-high CMPs exhibits a distinct epigenetic proteomic profile, such as high CTCF and H3k4me3 levels, indicating a possible decision making point in lympho-myeloid differentiation. Overall, we supply a quantified summary of the proteomes of human HSPCs and create a framework to identify and characterize progenitor populations with unique functional states along the lympho-myeloid developmental process.
94 Feeding behavior and preference of horses fed rhizoma peanut hay

Rhizoma peanut has been used as an alternative legume hay for horses; however, feeding behavior and preference of horses fed this hay warrants investigation. This study aimed to evaluate the feeding behavior and preference of mature horses with maintenance requirements fed rhizoma peanut (RP, Arachis glabrata cv Florigraze) hay compared with alfalfa (ALF, Medicago sativa L. cv Legendary XHD) and bermudagrass (CB, Cynodon dactylon L. cv Coastal) hays. Six mature Quarter Horse geldings (593 ± 40 kg; mean ± SD) were randomly assigned to one of the hays in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square with 21-d periods. After a 14-d diet adaptation, 24-h behavioral observations were conducted using scan sampling. Time spent feeding, at leisure, and at other activities were recorded every 10 min. Number of chews and bites were counted for 5 consecutive 1-min intervals. Preference tests were conducted on d 20 and 21 for a 2-h duration by simultaneously feeding 1 kg (as-fed basis) of each hay in separate trays twice a day (n = 4 observations/period). Horses’ first choice, hay consumption, and number of times each hay was smelled or tasted but left in favor of another hay were recorded. Hays were analyzed for chemical composition before the start of the study. Preference data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while behavioral data and hay consumption were analyzed using repeated measures mixed model ANOVA. A hay x time of day effect was observed on feeding time (P = 0.0393), whereas no hay x time effect was observed on time spent at leisure and other activities. When considering the total hours spent on each behavior, horses fed CB spent more time (P = 0.0092) feeding compared with ALF (11.7 vs. 8.9 h/d) and less time (P = 0.0037) at leisure compared with both legume hays. Hay type did not affect total time spent on other activities (1.8 ± 0.23 h/d; mean ± SE). Type of hay had no effect on bite rate (10.7 ± 2.2 bites/min), while horses fed CB had lower (P = 0.0035) chew rate (71 chews/min) compared with RP and ALF (80 and 81 chews/min). Hay consumption was greatest (P = 0.0425) with ALF (996 ± 17 g as-fed/test; mean ± SE), followed by RP (935 ± 30 g), and lowest with CB (792 ± 18 g). Digestible energy (Mcal/kg DM) in ALF was 2.58, while in RP was 2.53, and CB was 1.94. Crude protein concentrations in ALF, RP, and CB were 22, 16, and 13.6%, non-structural carbohydrates were 11.4, 10.1, and 7.8%, and neutral detergent fiber was 32.9, 40.4, 66.4%, respectively. Horses show preference for legumes, which might be associated with the nutrient profile of the hays. Rhizoma peanut provides time spent on feeding and chew rates similar to alfalfa.
Submarine groundwater discharge as a potential driver of eastern oyster, Crassostrea virginica, populations in Georgia.

Abstract Reef-building eastern oysters, Crassostrea virginica, provide many ecosystem services, including production of valuable commercial products, formation of complex habitats, improved water quality and shoreline protection. Despite this, oyster populations have experienced dramatic declines throughout their range, spawning massive investment in management and restoration. Restoration efforts typically consider several well-studied metrics that normally influence oyster success; however, one potential factor that has not received much prior attention is submarine groundwater discharge (SGD). We conducted a series of field surveys and field experiments to explore the relationship between SGD and oysters in a marsh-lined tidal creek in Georgia, USA. SGD was mapped across multiple time points using a natural radon tracer (radon-222), and fluxes were paired with discrete measurements of oyster density, condition, size, recruitment and growth at multiple locations along the creek. Variation in oyster metrics was best explained by a combination of SGD, pH, and DO, which displayed a high degree of multicollinearity. We found an overall negative, nonlinear relationship between oyster density and groundwater flux. Interestingly, juvenile and adult condition and growth were not negatively impacted by groundwater. Rather, our results suggest that the likely mechanism for the density-flux relationship was interruption of the larval recruitment, which was also negatively related to flux. We hypothesize that larval interruption is due to the low dissolved oxygen and pH conditions of the groundwater at high flux sites. Overall, the interaction between SGD and oysters appears complex, and may be affected by other variables. This study provides evidence of a potential negative effect of a previously understudied natural phenomena on oyster demographics, and we suggest that SGD be considered in future management efforts.
Modulation of piezoelectric properties in electrospun PLLA nanofibers for application-specific self-powered stem cell culture platforms

Abstract There is an increasing effort to utilize piezoelectric materials as a self-powered platform to electrically stimulate cells/tissues in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering applications. Poly( l -lactic acid) (PLLA) holds great potential for biological applications due to its biodegradability, especially in a nanofibrous form prepared by electrospinning. However, the mechanism underlying its realization and transformation of piezoelectricity is not well understood. In this study, a design-of-experiment approach was employed to systematically dissect the effects of dimensional control and heat treatment on the piezoelectric performance of electrospun PLLA nanofibers. Specifically, we revealed that the fiber diameter- and heat treatment-dependent phase content change between electrospinning-induced amorphous and crystalline α/α’ phases was responsible for the piezoelectric performance in the transverse and longitudinal directions. Such modulation of piezoelectric properties in PLLA nanofibers was critical in determining the differentiation efficiency of stem cells in a phenotype-specific manner, where neurogenesis and osteogenesis were enhanced by orthogonal and shear piezoelectricity, respectively. Overall, our findings highlight the potential of electrospun PLLA nanofibers with precisely controlled piezoelectric properties through a systematic approach for self-powered stem cell engineering platforms, specific to target tissues.
Neural network classification of structured light in optical turbulence

We consider a design of a high-speed wireless optical communication system that involves generating an alphabet using structured light by encoding the transmitted information using Laguerre-Gaussian (LG) beams carrying orbital angular momentum (OAM) [1]. LG beams carrying OAM are chosen for this system due to their resilience when propagated through complex environments. Following propagation through optical turbulence, light intensity patterns are decoded with high accuracy using a convolutional neural network (CNN), commonly used for image classification applications. CNNs only see and learn from the diversity of the received images, they do not recognize how the light intensity distribution has been generated. This motivates us to investigate how the CNN handles and reacts to different forms of structured light that have the same intensity pattern on reception and are transmitted through the same environmental conditions. To compare the effects of structured light on the performance of a CNN we constructed an alphabet using LG beams carrying OAM [2] and 2D projected Far Field Images (FFI) [5]. Under the conditions where there is no induced optical turbulence, the received images have approximately the same intensity pattern, despite differing formation methods. Each form of the structured light is generated using a spatial light modulator (SLM). The slight differences in the generated intensity patterns are a result of the optical artifacts of the SLM and the method used to create the SLM phase screen. The primary comparison metric in this research is the classification accuracy of the CNN when individually trained on images of each type of light. This will provide insight into which form of light is potentially the most resilient to be utilized in receivers supported by CNN. Our experimental set uses a 632.8 nm He-Ne laser and an SLM to generate structured light and propagate two forms of structured light in underwater optical turbulence over a ~2.5 m propagation path. Induced underwater optical turbulence is created using a heater that allows for the control and estimation of turbulence strength. The images are captured by a camera, and the CNN is comprised of 15 layers, reducing computational complexity [4]. The beams are propagated through strong optical turbulence, corresponding to &#119862;&#119899; 2 values of approximately 10−11 &#119898;−2/3. Based on preliminary testing, the CNN has been able to accurately learn the resulting variations for all forms of light on as little as 50 images. This result further strengthens the evidence for the resilience of machine learning-based communication systems in harsh environments.
National trends in testing for hepatitis C virus in licensed opioid treatment programs: Differences by facility ownership and state medicaid expansion status

Abstract Background The recent surge in hepatitis C virus (HCV) prevalence is primarily due to increased injection drug use. Opioid treatment programs (OTPs) are a major source of treatment for people at risk for HCV and are ideal settings for on-site HCV testing. The purpose of this national study was to identify state- and facility-level factors associated with HCV testing availability. Methods We used the National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services (2019) to identify OTPs in the US (n = 1679). We used multilevel logistic regression to test for an association between HCV testing and state Medicaid expansion status, and assessed whether the association depended on private or non-profit OTP ownership, adjusted for state racial/ethnic minority populations, poverty, Medicaid access to HCV treatment, and HCV, opioid use disorder, and overdose rates. Results Two-thirds of OTPs offered HCV testing. Medicaid expansion (versus non-expansion) was associated with a higher odds of HCV testing within OTPs owned by non-profits (adjusted odds ratio=1.99, 95% CI=1.02–3.91, p = 0.04). Nearly all non-profit OTPs that were in expansion states had predicted probabilities that were higher than the national average. Conclusion HCV testing was highest in non-profit OTPs in expansion states. This is concerning given the increasing dominance of private OTPs in the marketplace. Payment structures and reimbursement are likely factors driving the low rate of HCV testing in private facilities and could be addressed with health policies aimed at eliminating HCV. Expanding support for non-profit OTPs also has the potential to strengthen testing rates and improve health.
Soaked Strength of Laboratory Compacted Clay

A glacial silty clay was studied to determine what variables control the laboratory compacted soaked strength and its variability. It was found that the soaked strength for specimens compacted dry of optimum was a function of energy, the interaction of water content and energy, and the interaction of dry density and energy. For specimens compacted wet of optimum, the soaked strength was found to be controlled by molding water content only. A prediction technique was developed using the laboratory soaked strength data that should ultimately be applicable for field data. If a designer selects a soaked strength desired for the compacted soil, and the variability he will accept, the technique will tell him the density, water content, or energy to specify for compaction of that soil using a specific type of compaction.
Infertility Decision Making

Infertility is perceived as a major crisis in life. There are strong religious, cultural and societal pressures to have children. The most commonly accepted definition of infertility is the continued inability of a couple to conceive after a year. The high level of interest in the problems associated with infertility has led to the rapid development of medical technology in this area. It is one of the few specialty fields that have given rise to many emotional, ethical and legal considerations.
Design and implementation of a high speed residue number system correlator for ultrasonic time domain blood flow measurement

The design and operation of a high-speed residue number system (RNS) digital correlator is presented for implementing the correlation function in a real-time ultrasonic blood flow measurement system. This architecture allows for both high-speed processing and modular design that facilitates construction and testing. The architectural design of the RNS correlator is discussed, and an experimental wire-wrapped prototype that has been constructed for real-time laboratory verification is described. >
Performance Improvement of the CHeX Flight Cryostat

The JPL flight cryostat last flew on the Space Shuttle in October, 1992 in support of the Lambda Point Experiment. A new experiment, the Confined Helium Experiment (CHeX), now in development will reuse this cryostat. An improvement to the cryostat performance was necessitated by the CHeX experiment having a longer mission requirement and stricter requirements imposed by NASA with respect to a launch-scrub turnaround scenario. The parasitic heat load reduction necessary to relieve both constraints was about 15% or 1 liter/day. The techniques implemented to achieve this goal, and subsequent results are presented along with a thermal model used during the analysis of the cryostat.
Evaluation of EM-wave propagation in fully three-dimensional atmospheric refractive index distributions

We present a novel numerical method, based on high-frequency localization, for evaluation of electromagnetic-wave propagation through atmospheres exhibiting fully three-dimensional (height, range and cross-range) refractive index variations. This methodology, which is based on localization of Rytov-integration domains to small tubes around geometrical optics paths, can accurately solve three-dimensional propagation problems in orders-of-magnitude shorter computing times than other algorithms available presently. For example, the proposed approach can accurately produce solutions for propagation of ≈20 cm GPS signals across hundreds of kilometers of realistic, three-dimensional atmospheres in computing times on the order of 1 hour in a present-day single-processor workstation, a task for which other algorithms would require, in such single-processor computers, computing times on the order of several months.
RRR-alpha-tocopheryl acetate supplementation at pharmacologic doses decreases low-density-lipoprotein oxidative susceptibility but not protein glycation in patients with diabetes mellitus

Patients with diabetes mellitus have an increased risk of premature atherosclerosis, which may be due in part to increased oxidizability of low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Numerous studies have shown that alpha-tocopherol can reduce the oxidative susceptibility of LDL in normoglycemic subjects; however, there are few studies in persons with diabetes. In addition, alpha-tocopherol may reduce the extent of protein glycation. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to assess the effect of RRR-alpha-tocopheryl acetate supplementation on LDL oxidizability and protein glycation in persons with diabetes without evidence of vascular disease. Twenty-eight persons with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) and non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) were randomly assigned to receive either placebo or 1632 mg (1200 IU) RRR-alpha-tocopherol/d, as tocopheryl acetate, for 8 wk. Plasma and LDL antioxidant concentrations and LDL oxidizability were assessed at both 0 and 8 wk. Plasma and LDL concentrations of alpha-tocopherol were significantly increased in the supplemented group only. Compared with the placebo group, the alpha-tocopherol-supplemented group had significant reductions in LDL oxidizability at 8 wk, as shown by the time-course curves of conjugated diene and lipid peroxide formation. Also, alpha-tocopherol supplementation produced a significant prolongation in the lag phases of both assays, which was evident in both the NIDDM and IDDM subgroups. However, there were no significant changes in glycated hemoglobin or in glycated plasma proteins after alpha-tocopherol supplementation. Thus, alpha-tocopherol supplementation may be beneficial in reducing LDL oxidizability in patients with diabetes.
Victimization, Risk Perception, and the Desire to Move

A small body of research indicates that victims of personal and property crimes are more likely to change residence. Scholars assume that this decision to move after suffering victimization is driven by the increase in perceptions of risk of subsequent victimization. The current study examines the effect of victimization and perception of safety on the desire to move. Using Matsueda's Seattle Neighborhoods and Crime Survey, we test the hypothesis that risk perception increases the desire to change residence and that this effect explains the relationship between victimization and the desire to move. As expected, property victimization affected the extent to which individuals considered moving from their current home; this relationship was indirect through an increase in risk perception. However, violent victimization was not related to the desire to move.
Soliton stability conditions in actively mode-locked inhomogeneously broadened lasers

We examine the conditions for soliton stability in actively mode-locked inhomogeneously broadened lasers. Numerical simulation shows that in the small negative group-velocity dispersion (GVD) region, excessive gain filtering prevents the generation of a single stable soliton pulse and that in the large negative GVD region, the free-running spectral components destabilize the soliton pulse as a result of insufficient gain filtering. As the laser gain medium becomes more inhomogeneously broadened or the unsaturated gain linewidth becomes broader, the gain filtering becomes weaker, and both the lower and the upper stability boundaries shift to small negative GVD. A larger self-phase modulation, however, changes both boundaries toward more-negative GVD and yields a broader stable GVD range. Experimental results for actively mode-locked Nd:silicate glass and Nd:phosphate glass lasers confirm the soliton instability boundary and the influence of the gain medium’s degree of inhomogeneity.
Bifurcation Analysis of Multistory Building Frames by Marching Technique

A computer program is presented to show the algorithm that is used to give the buckling load factor and the effective lengths of all columns in a multistory building frame when these columns are subjected to a set of primary axial forces. Since the buckling load factor is the lowest multiplier of the primary axial forces that makes the determinant of the global stiffness matrix equal to zero, it has to be found by trial and error. It is found that the determinant of the global stiffness matrix is the product of the pivots used in the piecewise small inversions within the earlier one on bifurcation analysis lies in the way by which the determinant is computed. Significant amount of computer time is saved because of the need of repetitive computations of the determinant at many trial values of the buckling load factor.
Cereal fiber and coronary heart disease: a comparison of modeling approaches for repeated dietary measurements, intermediate outcomes, and long follow-up

The appropriate manner of incorporating incident angina, coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG), percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), diabetes, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia, which may be both intermediate events and time-dependent confounders, into analyses of diet and coronary heart disease (CHD) is not clear. Using data from 72,266 women in the Nurses’ Health Study between 1984 and 2006, the authors examined the relation between report of intermediate events and change in cereal fiber intake and used different proportional hazards models to evaluate the association between cereal fiber and CHD. Cereal fiber intake increased significantly among participants who reported hypercholesterolemia (0.42 g/day; 95% CI: 0.34, 0.51 g/day) and diabetes (0.07 g/day with each additional 2-year increment; 95% CI: 0.01, 0.13 g/day). However, angina, CABG/PCI, and hypertension were not associated with a change in cereal fiber intake and thus were not important time-dependent confounders. Cereal fiber intake was inversely associated with risk of CHD in all proportional hazards models, but results varied modestly depending on the approach used to incorporate multiple measures of diet. Because stopping the updating of dietary variables when an intermediate event is diagnosed may lead to misclassification, future analyses should consider updating diet even after these diagnoses to best represent long-term intake. To best evaluate associations with incidence of disease, considerations should include the temporal trends in diet, changes in intake following intermediate events, and latency patterns. Sensitivity analyses can also be useful.
Integration of visual and motor functional streams in the human brain

A long-standing difficulty in brain research has been to disentangle how information flows across circuits composed by multiple local and distant cerebral areas. At the large-scale level, several brain imaging methods have contributed to the understanding of those circuits by capturing the covariance or coupling patterns of blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) activity between distributed brain regions. The hypothesis is that underlying information processes are closely associated to synchronized brain activity, and therefore to the functional connectivity structure of the human brain. In this study, we have used a recently developed method called stepwise functional connectivity analysis. Our results show that motor and visual connectivity merge in a multimodal integration network that links together perception, action and cognition in the human functional connectome.
Amino Acids and Proteins in Relation to the Nutrition of Elderly People

In this short review some aspects of body protein and amino acid metabolism during ageing in human subjects have been explored. The picture that emerges is a progressive diminution of total body protein with ageing, due largely to a decline in the size of the skeletal muscle mass. These changes are accompanied by a shift in the overall pattern of whole body protein synthesis and breakdown, with muscle mass estimated to account for about 30% of whole body protein turnover in the young adult, as compared with a lower value of 20% or less in the elderly subject. The metabolic significance and possible functional implications of this alteration in the quantitative contribution by muscle to whole body amino acid and protein dynamics have been considered. The determination of requirements for individual essential amino acids and for total protein has been discussed, and it is evident that the data are limited and often contradictory. However, elderly individuals are more likely to be influenced by various biological, environmental and social factors, the effects of which would be generally to increase protein needs above those for younger adults. Thus, in practice, the protein needs of elderly people are probably higher than for the young. The decline in energy intake, together with its possible consequences for reduced dietary protein utilization, will also tend to increase the protein need of elderly subjects, compared with that for physically more active young adults. Until more data become available, it is recommended for food planning purposes that an appropriate protein allowance could be 12-14% of the total energy intake, for mixed protein sources characteristic of the diets of industrialized countries or the more affluent sectors of populations in developing countries. Energy intake should be at a level that meets the estimates proposed by FAO/WHO/UNU for older persons. Tentative recommendations are made herein that intakes of specific indispensable (essential) amino acids, per unit of protein need, should be similar to those for the young school-age child and they should be higher than those currently judged by international authorities (i.e. FAO/WHO/UNU) to be sufficient for maintenance of protein nutritional status in the adult. In view of (i) the increasing proportion of older individuals within technically advanced populations together with the need of this group for health care and (ii) the important role played by diet and food habits in health maintenance, and in the aetiology or progression of degenerative disease, it is vitally necessary to improve upon the current state of knowledge concerning protein and amino acid metabolism and nutrition during the later phases of our lives.
The radiation therapy resident: a survey of motivating factors, degree of satisfaction and expectations.

Abstract This survey of radiation therapy residents and fellows in the United States was conducted to evaluate the motivating factors behind their selection of the specialty, their degree of satisfaction with the selection, the quality of interaction with other care-givers, and their expectations for future practice and income. Of approximately 355 residents and fellows, 86 (24%) responded partially or completely. Fifty five had graduated from American medical schools and the remaining 31 abroad. Patient contact was the major stated reason for entering the field, followed by hours and opportunity. Almost 75% stated that their initial contact with the field occurred during medical school and most reached their decision then. Internal medicine and diagnostic radiology were the most commonly mentioned second choices for specialiution. Over 90 % of residency appli received their first or second choice of training program. Almost 90% stated that given the opportunity the, would again select radiation therapy for their career and the majority were enjoying their residency experience. All felt that patients were benefited by their treatment course the majority of the time and 75 % of residents would want to he treated in their own department should they require therapy themselves. Relationships within the department were good to excellent hut less satisfactory with medical oncologists and surgeons. Almost 90% plan to practice full-time and 80% expect to earn at least $50,000 per year five years after the completion of their residency w hi e 34 % at least 575,000. It is concluded that the major problem in attracting qualified candidates into the specialty is the lack of sufficient contact between medical students and practicing radiation therapists during medical school.
Neuropeptide Y modulates effects of bradykinin and prostaglandin E2 on trigeminal nociceptors via activation of the Y1 and Y2 receptors.

Background and Purpose: Although previous studies have demonstrated that neuropeptide Y (NPY) modulates nociceptors, the relative contributions of the Y1 and Y2 receptors are unknown. Therefore, we evaluated the effect of Y1 and Y2 receptor activation on nociceptors stimulated by bradykinin (BK) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). Experimental approach: Combined immunohistochemistry (IHC) with in situ hybridization (ISH) demonstrated that Y1- and Y2-receptors are collocated with bradykinin 2 (B2)-receptors in rat trigeminal ganglia (TG). The relative functions of the Y1 and Y2 receptors in modulating BK/PGE2-evoked CGRP release and increased intracellular calcium levels in cultured TG neurons were evaluated. Key results: The Y1 and Y2 receptors are co-expressed with B2 in TG neurons, suggesting the potential for direct NPY modulation of BK responses. Pretreatment with the Y1 agonist [Leu31,Pro34]-NPY, inhibited BK/PGE2-evoked CGRP release. Conversely, pretreatment with PYY(3-36), a Y2 agonist, increased BK/PGE2 evoked CGRP release. Treatment with NPY evoked an overall inhibitory effect, although of lesser magnitude. Similarly, [Leu31,Pro34]-NPY inhibited BK/PGE2-evoked increases in intracellular calcium levels whereas PYY(3-36) increased responses. NPY inhibition of BK/PGE2-evoked release of CGRP was reversed by the Y1 receptor antagonist, BIBO3304, and higher concentrations of BIBO3304 significantly facilitated CGRP release. The Y2 receptor antagonist, BIIE0246, enhanced the inhibitory NPY effects. Conclusions and implications: These results demonstrate that NPY modulation of peptidergic neurons is due to net activation of inhibitory Y1 and excitatory Y2 receptor systems. The relative expression or activity of these opposing receptor systems may mediate dynamic responses to injury and pain. British Journal of Pharmacology (2007) 150, 72–79. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706967
Predicting quality of life 5 years after medical discharge for traumatic spinal cord injury

Objectives This study tested an a priori contextual model of the mediating effects of participation on the predictive relationships of functional impairment, family satisfaction, and pain to quality of life (QoL) following traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI). Design A longitudinal design was used to study 144 persons following discharge for traumatic SCI. Predictor variables included functional impairment and family satisfaction (at 12 months post-discharge) and the presence of pain (at 24 months), and mediating variables were two indicators of participation (assessed 48 months post-discharge). Life satisfaction and self-rated health status at 60 months post-discharge were the outcome variables. Methods A path model tested hypothesized prospective effects of functional impairment, family satisfaction and pain on participation and the subsequent effects of participation on the QoL variables. Results Greater functional impairment and pain were predictive of less participation, and participation significantly predicted both indicators of QoL. The two participation variables mediated the relationship of functional impairment and pain to life satisfaction over time. Family satisfaction had an indirect effect on QoL through its association with social integration. Conclusions Participation appears to mediate the prospective influence of functional impairment, family satisfaction, and pain on QoL in the years following SCI. These findings provide insight into factors that can predict QoL post-SCI and support the use of contextual models to understand the temporal influence of disability and psychological variables on participation and subsequent QoL. Statement of contribution What is already known on this subject? Life satisfaction and self-rated health status are important aspects of quality of life following traumatic spinal cord injury. Functional impairment has been inconsistently predictive of these variables over time. Prospective research to date has not examined the mediating effects of participation in predicting quality of life. What does this study add? The results indicate that greater functional impairment and pain are prospectively predictive of lower participation. Greater participation, in turn, is prospectively predictive of greater quality of life. Participation appears to mediate the prospective influence of functional impairment, family satisfaction, and pain to quality of life.
A RADIOTRACER (14C) AND CATALYTIC STUDY OF THIOPHENE HYDRODESULFURIZATION ON THE CLEAN AND CARBIDED Mo(100) SINGLE CRYSTAL SURFACE

The role of adsorbed carbon overlayers and possible product poisoning (H/sub 2/S and cis-2-butene) in the thiophene hydrodesulfurization (HDS) reaction over Mo(100) single-crystal surfaces was investigated. Using the ..beta../sup -/ emitting /sup 14/C isotope, it was shown that adsorbed carbon remains on the Mo(100) surface after many thiophene turnovers (TN approx. = 10/sup 3/). HDS activities measured for carbided surfaces were found to be identical to that of initially clean Mo(100) single crystals, suggesting that the active catalyst surface is carbon covered. Deactivation of the single-crystal catalysts was caused by adsorption of H/sub 2/S onto the active HDS sites. Removal of the H/sub 2/S by evacuation of the reaction mixture readily regenerated the catalyst's activity toward a fresh mixture of thiophene and hydrogen. The product cis-2-butene had no effect on the activity of the catalysts. 27 references.
Topographic characteristics of laboratory induced shear fractures

The topography of laboratory induced shear fracture surfaces of Westerly granite was studied. Three types of fracture surfaces were examined: (1) a fresh fracture from the shear failure of an intact sample under polyaxial loading (σ2 = 40 MPa > σ3 = 15 MPa); (2) a shear fracture subjected to frictional sliding of 100 μm under polyaxial loading; (3) a shear fracture subjected to frictional sliding of 800 μm under conventional triaxial loading (σ1 > σ2 = σ3 = 40 MPa). Both sliding distances are within the range of the grain size of Westerly granite. The results are represented by a power spectral method.
A control chart based approach to monitoring supply network dynamics using Kalman filtering

In today's global market, a critical issue for companies to survive the increasing competition is how to handle uncertainty in their supply network. In this paper, we explore the application of Kalman filtering to estimate the dynamic states in a supply network. Two state-space models are developed. The first one focuses on processing each individual order which includes both waiting time and value-added processing time. Considering the correlation of consecutive orders, the second one enhances the state-space model by employing autoregressive model of waiting time. To signal potential abnormal events, the estimates from the models are further used in control charts with control limits being updated at each monitoring stage according to the related estimation error. A supply network case example is studied and we conclude in the benchmark model (without using Kalman filtering) and the first state-space model, the data collected from the bottleneck stage turns out to be most valuable for increased accuracy...
Adaptive Evolution of Variable Region Genes Encoding an Unusual Type of Immunoglobulin in Camelids

A typical immunoglobulin (Ig) molecule is composed of four polypeptide chains: two identical heavy (H) chains and two identical light (L) chains. This tetrameric structure is conserved in almost all jawed vertebrate species. However, it has been discovered that camels and llamas (family: Camelidae) possess a type of dimeric Ig that consists of two H chains only. These H chains do not associate with L chains, and they do not have the first constant region (C H 1), which is present in the conventional Ig. In spite of these changes, the dimeric Ig maintains the normal immune function. To understand the evolution of the dimeric Ig, we studied the phylogenetic relationships of the variable region (V H H) genes of the dimeric Ig from Camelidae and those (V H ) of the conventional Ig from mammals. The results showed that the V H H genes form a monophyletic cluster within one of the mammalian V H groups, group C. We examined the type of selective force in complementarity-determining regions (CDRs) and framework regions (FRs) by comparing the rate of synonymous (d S ) and nonsynonymous (d N ) substitutions. We found that the results obtained from V H H genes were similar to those from V H genes in that CDRs showed an excess of d N over d S (indicating positive selection), whereas the reverse was true for FRs (purifying selection). However, when the extent of positive selection or purifying selection was investigated at each codon site, three major differences between V H H and V H genes were found. That is, very different types of selective force were observed between V H H and V H genes (1) at the sites that contact the L chain in the conventional Ig, (2) at the sites that interact with the C H 1 region in the conventional Ig, and (3) in the H1 loop. Our findings suggest that adaptive evolution has occurred in the functionally important sites of the V H H genes to maintain the normal immune function in the dimeric Ig.
Carbonaceous Rocks of the Soudan Iron Formation (Early Precambrian)

Carbon-rich rocks more than 2.7 billion years old, from the Soudan Iron Formation of northeastern Minnesota, contain pyrite balls in which are found microstructures of possible biologic origin. The C(13)/C(12) and S(34)/S(32) ratios and minor element composition of this rock are consistent with such an interpretation. Hydrocarbons of presumed vital origin are also present, although it is not certain that they are endemic to the rock.
Connoisseur's Choice: Spessartine Marienfluss, Northern Namibia

In a recent issue of this magazine, the most common member of the garnet family, almandine, was described (Cook 2009). Garnet forms under a wide range of geologic conditions and bulk compositions, ...
Phonon-induced relaxation of a two-state system in solids

We study phonon-induced relaxation of quantum states of a particle (e.g., electron or proton) in a rigid double-well potential in a solid. The relaxation rate due to Raman two-phonon processes has been computed. We show that in the two-state limit symmetry arguments allow one to express these rates in terms of independently measurable parameters. In general, the two-phonon processes dominate relaxation at higher temperature. Due to parity effects in a biased two-state system, their rate can be controlled by the bias.
Gynecologic disorders and menstrual cycle lightheadedness in postural tachycardia syndrome

Objective To assess differences in gynecologic history and lightheadedness during menstrual cycle phases among patients with POTS and healthy control women.
A model for variability in arteriographic reading

We propose a class of models for the joint cumulative distribution function (c.d.f.) of the values of two independent readings of percentage stenosis from a coronary arteriography. We show that these models are identifiable and that a certain subclass has unique consistent estimators for the parameters in question. We obtain these estimates for a data set from a substudy of the Coronary Artery Surgery Study (CASS).
The role of temperature gradients in residential copper pipe corrosion

Abstract Experiments were conducted to determine the effect of sustained temperature gradients of ≈20 °C on copper pipe corrosion under stagnant conditions in simulated potable water. An apparatus was constructed to (1) apply realistic temperature gradients to the pipes, (2) monitor copper release to the water, and (3) measure thermogalvanic currents between the warm and cold sections of pipe. The orientation of the pipe in relation to the temperature gradients determined whether convection currents developed that promoted mixing during stagnation, and this influenced the magnitude of the temperature gradient in the pipe. The temperature gradient led to significant sustained thermogalvanic currents. Mixing of the water within the pipe also influenced copper leaching and scale build-up.
Analysis of the Role of Electronic Blood Glucose Trending Software in Improving Health Outcomes in a Primary Care Setting

With the increasing prevalence of diabetes reaching 7% of the total U.S. population,(1) the need for additional tools and resources to help physicians treating diabetes in a primary care setting is needed and often times lacking. In this issue of Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology (DST), Janssen et al.(4) evaluate the role of Ascensia WinGLUCOFACTS Professional Blood Glucose Management Software in improving blood glucose control, diabetes related behaviors, and patient knowledge and attitudes in a primary care setting versus the traditional handwritten blood glucose (BG) logs. Results from their analysis include a clinically significant reduction in A1C from baseline in comparison to the 9 and 12 month checks (-0.64 at 9 months, and -0.41 at 12 months).
Gigashot optical degradation in silica optics at 351 nm.

As applications of lasers demand higher average powers, higher repetition rates, and longer operation times, optics will need to perform well under unprecedented conditions. We investigate the optical degradation of fused silica surfaces at 351 nm for up to 109 pulses with pulse fluences up to 12 J/cm2. The central result is that the transmission loss from defect generation is a function of the pulse intensity, Ip, and total integrated fluence, φT, and is influenced by oxygen partial pressure. In 10−6 Torr vacuum, at low Ip, a transmission loss is observed that increases monotonically as a function of number of pulses. As the pulse intensity increases above 13 MW/cm2, the observed transmission losses decrease, and are not measureable for 130 MW/cm2. A physical model which supports the experimental data is presented to describe the suppression of transmission loss at high pulse intensity. Similar phenomena are observed in anti-reflective sol-gel coated optics. Absorption, not scattering, is the primary mechanism leading to transmission loss. In 2.5 Torr air, no transmission loss was detected under any pulse intensity used. We find that the absorption layer that leads to transmission loss is less than 1 nm in thickness, and results from a laser-activated chemical process involving photo-reduction of silica within a few monolayers of the surface. The competition between photo-reduction and photo-oxidation explains the measured data: transmission loss is reduced when either the light intensity or the O2 concentration is high. We expect processes similar to these to occur in other optical materials for high average power applications.
Evaluation of a Multiplex Fluorescent Microsphere Immunoassay for the Determination of Epstein-Barr Virus Serologic Status

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a human herpesvirus, affects up to 95% of adults. Diagnosis of acute EBV infection can be challenging and often relies on the serologic antibody pattern to 3 distinct antigens, most often determined by indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs), and, more recently, multiplex assays. We compared a multiplex assay for the simultaneous detection of antibodies to viral capsid (VCA), nuclear (EBNA), and early (EA) EBV antigens with ELISAs using IFA for discrepancy resolution. Concordance of the multiplex assay was good for all 4 antigens: VCA IgM, 86.6% vs ELISA and 92.9% vs IFA; VCA IgG, 92.8% vs ELISA and 98.0% vs IFA; EBNA IgG, 90.3% vs ELISA and 98.1% vs IFA; and EA IgG, 83.8% vs ELISA and 92.8% vs IFA. After IFA resolution, correlation between the multiplex assay and ELISA for serologic disease stage, based on the antibody profile of all 4 analytes, was 90%. The multiplex assay showed good correlation with an established ELISA and even better correlation with the "gold standard" IFA. Advantages of the multiplex assay over traditional methods include multiple results per assay, inclusion of internal controls for each assay, and well-to-well monitoring of assay drift.
Defining Real Change in Prism-Cover Test Measurements

Purpose To describe the interobserver test-retest variability of both simultaneous prism and cover testing (SPCT) and alternate prism and cover testing (APCT) in horizontal deviations, and to calculate 95% limits of agreement that might be used to define real change. Design Prospective cohort study. Methods Twenty-three patients with sixth nerve palsy and three controls were independently examined by two experienced strabismus surgeons. SPCT and APCT were performed at distance and near fixation. Test-retest variability and agreement between tests were evaluated using Bland-Altman plots and 95% limits of agreement were calculated. Results For SPCT, the 95% limits of agreement half-widths were 6.3 prism diopters (pd) at distance fixation and 6.9 pd at near. For APCT, the 95% limits of agreement half-widths were 10.2 pd at distance and 9.2 pd at near. Conclusions Based on 95% limits of agreement half-widths between two examiners, a change in strabismus measurements of less than 10 pd may be attributable to test-retest variability. Changes of 10 pd or more are likely to represent real change and might be used as the threshold for management decisions.
Ras1 Acts through Duplicated Cdc42 and Rac Proteins to Regulate Morphogenesis and Pathogenesis in the Human Fungal Pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans

Proliferation and morphogenesis in eukaryotic cells depend on the concerted activity of Rho-type GTPases, including Ras, Cdc42, and Rac. The sexually dimorphic fungus Cryptococcus neoformans, which encodes paralogous, non-essential copies of all three, provides a unique model in which to examine the interactions of these conserved proteins. Previously, we demonstrated that RAS1 mediates C. neoformans virulence by acting as a central regulator of both thermotolerance and mating. We report here that ras1Δ mutants accumulate defects in polarized growth, cytokinesis, and cell cycle progression. We demonstrate that the ras1Δ defects in thermotolerance and mating can be largely explained by the compromised activity of four downstream Rho-GTPases: the Cdc42 paralogs, Cdc42 and Cdc420; and the Rac paralogs, Rac1 and Rac2. Further, we demonstrate that the separate GTPase classes play distinct Ras-dependent roles in C. neoformans morphogenesis and pathogenesis. Cdc42 paralogs primarily control septin localization and cytokinesis, while Rac paralogs play a primary role in polarized cell growth. Together, these duplicate, related signaling proteins provide a robust system to allow microbial proliferation in the presence of host-derived cell stresses.