cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Identification of Markov Matrices of Milling Models

Detailed modeling of a grinding mill can be achieved through Markov chain models without involving lengthy computations. However, estimation of the key parameters of the model, elements of the Markov transition matrix, using observable quantities is not trivial. This powerful modeling tool can find wide applicability in operation and control of industrial mills if this set of parameters can be estimated using suitably observed quantities. In this study we model a complex multiregion mill using Markov chain and propose a general technique for estimation of the Markov transition matrix for breakage problems. This technique estimates the transition matrix from observed evolution of particle size distributions in various regions of the mill, based on extracting spectral information of the transition matrix from the data. It has been shown in this study that a specific grouping of states can lead to lower triangular block structure of the Markov transition matrix for a breakage problem. Detailed analysis of su...
Clinical utility gene card for: Alagille Syndrome (ALGS)

Name of the disease (synonyms) Alagille syndrome (ALGS); Alagille syndrome 1 (ALGS1); Alagille syndrome 2 (ALGS2). Other synonyms include Alagille–Watson Syndrome (AWS); cholestasis with peripheral pulmonary stenosis; arteriohepatic dysplasia (AHD); hepatic ductular hypoplasia, syndrome; Miller–Watson syndrome.1, 2, 3, 4 OMIM# of the disease ALGS1: 118450; ALGS2: 610205 Analysed genes or DNA/chromosome segments JAG1 (Jagged1 gene; locus 20p12.2; disease ALGS1); NOTCH2 (Notch2 gene; locus 1p12-p11; disease ALGS2). OMIM# of the gene(s) JAG1 (601920); NOTCH2 (600275). Review of the analytical and clinical validity as well as of the clinical utility of DNA-based testing for mutations in the JAG1 and NOTCH2 genes in diagnostic, predictive and prenatal settings and for risk assessment in relatives.
Interferometric detection of the angular velocity of moving objects

This paper presents a new method of detecting the angular velocity of moving objects using passive interferometry. The new technique is presented using a millimeter-wave correlation interferometer to measure the angular velocity of a moving target directly, without the need for multiple looks. As the object passes through the interferometer beam pattern the frequency of the signal output is dependent on the angular velocity of the object, and a simple time-frequency analysis visually displays the angular velocity of the target. The basic theory is presented and experimental results showing the detection of a walking person are presented.
ON THE THEORY OF TYPICALITY

The classical definitions of ‘expected value’ and ‘standard deviation’ may sometimes lead to quantities which fail to represent a ‘typical’ feature of a given data set, whenever this set consists of more than one cluster. The use of the fuzzy expected value (FEV) and the clustering fuzzy expected value (CFEV) also yield central tendency and in general cannot represent a typical value of the given data. In this work a new quantity—a Most Typical Value (MTV) is defined and investigated. A given fuzzy set in Rn is first clustered and replaced by a finite set of clusters. This set is then represented by a single vector—the most typical value of the set.
Parent involvement and mathematics achievement: Contrast across racial and ethnic groups

The authors examined the relationships of 3 dimensions of parent involvement (family obligations, family norms, and parent information networks) to 12th-grade students' mathematics achievement and ways in which these relationships varied across 4 racial and ethnic groups (i.e., Caucasians, African Americans, Hispanics, and Asians). Using 4-year longitudinal data from the National Education Longitudinal Study: 1988 (NELS: 88), the authors factor analyzed 39 parent involvement variables to create 9 composites, whose relationship to 12th graders' mathematics scores were assessed with ordinary least squares regression. Findings indicate that parent involvement as a form of social capital was generally a salient indicator for explaining the mathematics achievement of the Caucasian students. Close parent-teenager relationship was 1 of the major ways in which minority (except Hispanic) families positively influenced the senior mathematics outcome. Regardless of racial or ethnic background, educational expectatio...
Dynamic analysis of nonlinear structures by pseudo-normal mode superposition method

Abstract An algorithm is developed for dynamic response analysis of nonlinear structural systems by using the pseudo-normal mode superposition technique. The analytical formulation is based on finite element theory for spatial dependence and both geometric and material nonlinearities are considered. Lagrangian concept is used to describe the motion of the discrete system. An “assumed linear” stiffness is used throughout the response solution and the nonlinearities are grouped together with the external dynamic loads acting on the system and called as pseudo-loads. The discrete coordinates are transformed to modal coordinates based on the “assumed linear” stiffness for the whole system. The pseudo-loads are then approximated by a quadratic polynomial of time on increments (or subintervals) which can be made sufficiently small to ensure convergence in the limit. This approximation is performed iteratively by fitting a unique quadratic curve through three points over each subinterval. It was found that selecting these points at the beginning, at the middle, and at the end of the increment gives the most efficient and accurate solution. Two iterative techniques are presented: a direct iteration about the pseudo-loads, and an iteration about the incremental displacements. The second one proves to be more efficient for a multi degrees-of-freedom problem. For a geometrically nonlinear beam problem, comparison of results with a linear approximation of pseudo-load and the Park Stiffly-Stable method, show the algorithm presented gives more accurate, efficient and stable solutions.
Coronal plane fracture of the femoral condyles: anatomy, injury patterns, and approach to management of the Hoffa fragment

The purpose of this article is to provide a review of coronal fractures of the femoral condyles, known as Hoffa fractures. This includes a review of the normal anatomy of the femoral condyles, examples of the injury, and postoperative imaging findings after surgical treatments. Knowledge of anatomy with related pathology, orthopedic trends, imaging findings, and complications, is important in assessing Hoffa fractures.
Abstract 5469: Detection of deoxyguanosine adducts in the oral tissues of mice treated with the environmental carcinogen dibenzo[a, l]pyrene by LC-MS/MS

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL Oral cancer is the major form of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, which is the fifth most common cancer worldwide. Tobacco smoking is one of the leading causes of oral cancer. Dibenzo[a, l]pyrene (DB[a, l]P) is the most potent carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon found in tobacco smoke. Our laboratory had developed a mouse model of oral cancer induced by DB[a, l]P. Our working hypothesis is that the stereochemical course of DB[a, l]P metabolism, the conformations of the DNA adducts formed and their removal by mammalian DNA repair enzymes, and their mutagenic properties if not removed in an error-free manner, all play critical roles during the induction of oral carcinogenesis. As an initial study to test our hypothesis, we have previously developed a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method to detect and quantify DB[a, l]PDE-N6-dA adducts in oral tissues of mice treated with DB[a, l]P. We have shown that (-)-anti-cis- and (-)-anti-trans-DB[a, l]PDE-N6-dA adducts were detected from oral tissues of mice treated with DB[a, l]P. In the present study, to further test our hypothesis, we report on the development of a LC-MS/MS method to detect DB[a, l]PDE-N2-dG adducts in vivo. (±)-anti-[15N5]-DB[a, l]PDE-N2-dG adducts were synthesized as internal standards. The stereochemistry of adducts were characterized. Following the addition of internal standards, DNA isolated from oral tissues of mice treated with DB[a, l]P or DB[a, l]PDE was enzymatically hydrolyzed to 2′-deoxyribonucleosides and partially purified by solid-phase extraction. The LC-MS/MS analysis was carried out by monitoring transitions m/z 620 [M+H]+→ m/z 504 [(M+H)+−2′-deoxyribose] for DB[a, l]PDE-N2-dG adducts and m/z 625α m/z 509 for the internal standards. We have detected two N2-dG adducts from oral tissues of mice treated with DB[a, l]P, and four N2-dG adducts from oral tissues of mice treated with (±)-anti-DB[a, l]PDE. Collectively, the in vivo detection of dA and dG adducts indicated that DB[a, l]P is predominantly metabolized to (-)-anti-DB[a, l]PDE in oral tissues of mice. This sensitive LC-MS/MS method, is capable of simultaneously detecting both dA and dG adducts derived from anti-DB[a, l]PDE. Our results indicated that levels of dA adducts are significantly higher than dG adducts in vivo, which are consistent with those reported in literature in organs other than oral tissues, demonstrating that fjord region diol epoxide of DB[a, l]P predominantly form dA adducts than dG adducts. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5469. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-5469
Effects of temporal modelling on the statistical uncertainty of spatiotemporal distributions estimated directly from dynamic SPECT projections

Artefacts can result when reconstructing a dynamic image sequence from inconsistent single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) projection data acquired by a slowly rotating gantry. The artefacts can lead to biases in kinetic parameters estimated from time-activity curves generated by overlaying volumes of interest on the images. Insufficient sampling and truncation of projections by cone-beam collimators can cause additional artefacts. To overcome these sources of bias in conventional image based dynamic data analysis, we have been investigating the estimation of time-activity curves and kinetic model parameters directly from dynamic SPECT projection data by modelling the spatial and temporal distribution of the radiopharmaceutical throughout the projected field of view. In the present work, we perform Monte Carlo simulations to study the effects of the temporal modelling on the statistical variability of the reconstructed spatiotemporal distributions. The simulations utilize fast methods for fully four-dimensional (4D) direct estimation of spatiotemporal distributions and their statistical uncertainties, using a spatial segmentation and temporal B-splines. The simulation results suggest that there is benefit in modelling higher orders of temporal spline continuity. In addition, the accuracy of the time modelling can be increased substantially without unduly increasing the statistical uncertainty, by using relatively fine initial time sampling to capture rapidly changing activity distributions.
Early Response of Pinus thunbergii to Acute γ-Irradiation

WHILE recently there has been much emphasis placed on the examination of the effects of chronic irradiation on intact whole forest ecosystems, the response of individual forest species following acute irradiation has received much less attention. At present only a limited amount of information is available concerning the effects of acute irradiation on the genus Pinus. Working at Brookhaven, Sparrow et al. have reported on Pinus strobus1, and a second group under Shields has reported on Pinus monophylla2. The purpose of the work recorded here was to examine the response of Pinus thunbergii seedlings to acute γ-radiation under controlled laboratory conditions as opposed to that under the field conditions as examined by other workers1,2.
The mixed promise of genetic medicine.

Dr. Carl Elliott writes that the advent of genetic medicine, according to its advocates, promises us control over our own constitutions. Will more genetic choice undermine our appreciation of the gifted character of human life?
Which reference class is evoked

Any instance (i.e., event, behavior, trait) belongs to infinitely many reference classes, hence there are infinitely many base rates from which to choose. People clearly do not entertain all possible reference classes, however, so something must be limiting the search space. We suggest some possible mechanisms that determine which reference class is evoked for the purpose of judgment and decision.
The Perils of SNP Microarray Testing: Uncovering Unexpected Consanguinity

Abstract Background Although single nucleotide polymorphism chromosomal microarrays identify areas of small genetic deletions or duplications, they can also reveal regions of homozygosity indicative of consanguinity. As more nongeneticists order single nucleotide polymorphism microarrays, they must prepare for the potential ethical, legal, and social issues that result from revelation of unanticipated consanguinity. Patient We describe an infant with multiple congenital anomalies who underwent single nucleotide polymorphism microarray testing. Results The results of the single nucleotide polymorphism microarray revealed several large regions of homozygosity that indicated identity by descent most consistent with a second-degree or third-degree relative mating (e.g., uncle/niece, half-brother/sister, first cousins). The mother was not aware of the test's potential to reveal consanguinity. When informed of the test results, she reluctantly admitted to being raped by her half-brother around the time of conception. Conclusions During the pretesting consent process, providers should inform parents that single nucleotide polymorphism microarray testing could reveal consanguinity. Providers must also understand the psychological implications, as well as the legal and moral obligations, that accompany single nucleotide polymorphism microarray results that indicate consanguinity.
Strabo, Plutarch, Porphyry and the Transmission and Composition of Aristotle's Rhetoric—a Hunch

ABSTRACT Scholars who have been writing recently about the unity and composition of Aristotle's Rhetoric make either brief or no mention of the transmission and editorial history of Aristotle's texts. This essay addresses this void by first presenting and discussing Strabo's, Plutarch's, and Porphyry's accounts of the transmission and editorial history of Aristotle's and Theophrastus' texts in conjunction with discussing the list of works that Diogenes Laertius ascribes to both authors. Once the transmission and editorial history is considered, evidence is presented from the Rhetoric that may indicate two important points—the extent to which the text is a compilation of previously independent texts that were ascribed to both Aristotle and Theophrastus and that Andronicus, rather than Aristotle, may be responsible for the text as we have it.
Alternatively Processed Isoforms of Cellular Nucleic Acid-binding Protein Interact with a Suppressor Region of the Human β-Myosin Heavy Chain Gene (∗)

Analysis of a series of human β-myosin heavy chain (MHC) constructs with progressive deletions in the 5′-flanking region has localized a strong positive element at positions −298/−277 with a repressor region located immediately upstream at −332/−300 (Flink, I. L., Edwards, J. G., Bahl, J. J., Liew, C.-C., Sole, M., and Morkin, E.(1992) J. Biol. Chem. 267, 9917-9924). A 49-base pair restriction fragment containing the suppressor element was used to screen a cardiac expression library. The 0.65-kilobase pair cDNA identified by this procedure was similar in sequence, except for the absence of a 21-base pair region encoding seven amino acids, to cellular nucleic acid-binding protein (CNBP), a 19-kDa zinc finger DNA-binding protein isolated earlier from liver, which may be involved in negative regulation of cholesterol biosynthesis (Rajavashisth, T. B., Taylor, A. K., Andalibi, A., Svenson, K. L., and Lusis, A. J.(1989) Science 245, 640-643). An additional clone identical to the one originally found in liver, referred to as CNBPα, was isolated from the cardiac library by hybridization screening. Gel mobility shift analysis indicated that CNBPα and CNBPβ isoforms preferentially interact with single-stranded DNA corresponding to the proximal and distal regions of the suppressor. When cotransfected with a β-MHC reporter construct, CNBPα repressed activity in a dosage-dependent manner, whereas repression was not observed with the shorter construct (CNBPβ). Cotransfection of a combination of CNBPα and CNBPβ repressed reporter activity to an extent similar to cotransfection with CNBPα alone, suggesting that CNBPβ is not translationally active under these conditions. The results of RNase protection assays and genomic sequencing indicated that the α and β isoforms are formed by alternative use of 5′ donor sites within a single exon. These results suggest that CNBP isoforms may modulate the activity of the β-MHC gene by interaction with a repressor region.
Interpretation of discordant 40Ar/39Ar age-spectra of mesozoic tholeiites from antarctica

Conventional K-Ar ages of tholeiitic basalts of the Ferrar Group in the central Transantarctic Mountains indicate significant loss of radiogenic 40Ar from this unit over much of its outcrop area. Argon loss varies inversely with amount of devitrified matrix in the basalts, which have not been thermally or tectonically disturbed since extrusion. 40Ar/19Ar age-spectra of these tholeiites are generally discordant and indicate significant inhomogeneity in the distribution of radiogenic 40Ar with respect to 39Ar, but are distinctly different from release patterns of thermally disturbed samples. Amounts of argon redistribution vary directly with amounts of devitrification and are reflected in progressive modification of the age spectra. A model of redistribution of radiogenic 40Ar by devitrification of originally glassy matrix is suggested that is consistent with disturbance of the conventional K-Ar systematics as well as the 40Ar/39Ar age-spectra. Samples with substantial redistribution but minor loss of radiogenic argon yield age spectra whose apparent ages decrease from low-temperature to high-temperature steps, similar to those reported for some lunar basalts, breccias, and soils. Modification of all the age spectra is attributed to redistribution of radiogenic 40Ar during progressive devitrification, although 39Ar-recoil effects suggested by Turner and Cadogan (1974) may be a factor in some cases. Where devitrification involves most potassium sites within the basalt, 40Ar/39Ar age-plateaux may be formed that have no geologic significance.
Specificity Versus Detectable Polymorphism in Host--Parasite Genetics

Detectable polymorphism of host resistance and parasite host range is a poor guide to the specificity of a host-parasite interaction. I analyse a simple haploid model to support this claim. The model assumes that the true specificity is 'matching-allele', in which each of n host alleles causes resistance to only one of n different parasite alleles. The detectable polymorphism in samples from a matching-allele system would lead one to infer the gene-for-gene specificity commonly observed in plant-pathogen interactions. Gene-for-gene and matching-allele specificity require very different fitness assumptions to explain observed patterns of polymorphism. Yet models for each type of specificity can easily be constructed that fit the available data. In addition, the currently favoured 'elicitor-receptor' model for the biochemistry of plant-pathogen recognition agrees equally well with gene-for-gene or matching-allele specificity. I do not claim that the simple matching-allele specificity is the correct model for plant-pathogen genetics. My point is that one cannot reconstruct both specificity and population history from patterns of resistance among host-parasite pairs in a sample. I draw two conclusions: first, inferred specificity and polymorphism are only useful when compared with a family of theoretical models; and secondly, biochemical models of specificity must be tested by their population genetic consequences.
Crystal Structure of an Aminoimidazole Riboside Kinase from Salmonella enterica: Implications for the Evolution of the Ribokinase Superfamily

Abstract The crystal structures of a Salmonella enterica aminoimidazole riboside (AIRs) kinase, its complex with the substrate AIRs, and its complex with AIRs and an ATP analog were determined at 2.6 A, 2.9 A, and 2.7 A, respectively. The product of the Salmonella -specific gene stm4066 , AIRs kinase, is a homodimer with one active site per monomer. The core structure, consisting of an eight-stranded β sheet flanked by eight α helices, indicates that AIRs kinase is a member of the ribokinase superfamily. Unlike ribokinase and adenosine kinase in this superfamily, AIRs kinase does not show significant conformational changes upon substrate binding. The active site is covered by a lid formed by residues 16–28 and 86–100. A comparison of the structure of AIRs kinase with other ribokinase superfamily members suggests that the active site lid and conformational changes that occur upon substrate binding may be advanced features in the evolution of the ribokinase superfamily.
Surface morphology of nanostructured polymer-based activated carbons.

Complementary techniques, including nitrogen adsorption, small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), and atomic force microscopy (AFM), have been utilized to characterize the surface features of highly microporous carbon materials prepared from highly aromatic polymers. Nitrogen adsorption measurement interpreted by BET, DR, HK, and NLDFT methods reveals these nanostructured activated carbons exhibit a high surface area of up to 4000 m2/g, a micropore volume up to ∼1.75 mL/g, and an average pore size of ∼10−20 A. A modified equation, based on Porod’s law, the Debye−Bueche equation, and fractal dimension theories, has been proposed and successfully applied to analyze the SAXS spectra and to extract the porous texture of these unique activated carbons. AFM 3D imaging combined with the Fourier transform technique has been applied to statistically quantify pore sizes on the carbon surface.
GAUSS CODES, QUANTUM GROUPS AND RIBBON HOPF ALGEBRAS

By relating the diagrammatic foundations of knot theory with the structure of abstract tensors, quantum groups and ribbon Hopf algebras, specific expressions are derived for quantum link invariants. These expressions, when applied to the case of finite dimensional unimodular ribbon Hopf algebras, give rise to invariants of 3-manifolds.
Locally convex hypersurfaces of constant curvature with boundary

for some constant K, where κ[M ] = (κ1, . . . , κn) denotes the principal curvatures of M . Important examples include the classical Plateau problem for minimal or constant mean curvature surfaces and the corresponding problem for Gauss curvature, which was treated recently by the authors [12] and independently by Trudinger-Wang [24]. In this paper as in our previous work [12], we are concerned with locally convex hypersurfaces. Accordingly, the function f is assumed to be defined in the convex cone Γn ≡ { λ ∈ R : each component λi > 0 } in R and satisfy the fundamental structure conditions:
A Simple Model for Vapor-Moisture Equilibrium in Biomass Subtrates

Equilibrium moisture content (EMC) plays a fundamental role on the properties of bioderived solids such as food, waste biomass, seeds, and many others. For foods, the moisture content affects flavor, texture, and the way the food is stored. In other applications, moisture affects drying conditions and energy requirements for biomass processing. Adequate modeling of EMC in biomass as a function of the water activity is very important in many engineering applications. Most models used to correlate EMC with water activity are based on traditional adsorption models which take into account the adsorption energy of water with the substrate only and do not consider other nonadsorption interactions of water within the substrate such as mixing and swelling effects. Many other models are empirical, which are commonly used for interpolation. Although a detailed description of this type of substrate is very complex, we present a simple model based on standard molecular-thermodynamic models and standard statistical mechanics formulations to correlate the EMC with water activity that attempts to consider both adsorption and nonadsorption interactions of the water with the substrate. Although the model is basic, it captures the behavior of water in this type of systems fairly well and it can be used to fit experimental data with parameters that provide better physical insight on the nature of system. We suggest how to improve the model fundamentally if better knowledge of the water interactions in the substrate are available. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2009
Estimating technical change by nonparametric methods

A nonparametric method using dynamic data envelopment analysis is developed here to specify and estimate a dynamic production frontier. By this technique technological progress measured by the time shift of the production frontier and the scale economies measured by increasing returns to scale are estimated from the observed input output data, which may sometimes be nonstationary. An application to US computer industry exhibits substantial technological progress and scale economies over the period 1987–1998.
MDM2 inhibits PCAF (p300/CREB-binding protein-associated factor)-mediated p53 acetylation.

Our previous study shows that MDM2, a negative feedback regulator of the tumor suppressor p53, inhibits p300-mediated p53 acetylation. Because PCAF (p300/CREB-binding protein-associated factor) also acetylates and activates p53 after DNA damage, in this study we have examined the effect of MDM2 on PCAF-mediated p53 acetylation. We have found that MDM2 inhibited p53 acetylation by PCAF in vitro. In addition, when overexpressed, MDM2 inhibited PCAF-mediated p53 acetylation in cells. MDM2 interacted with PCAF both in vitro and in cells, as assessed using GST fusion protein interaction and immunoprecipitation assays, respectively. Consistent with the above results, MDM2 significantly repressed the activation of p53 transcriptional activity by PCAF without apparently affecting the level of p53. In addition, MDM2 co-resided with p53 at the p53-responsivemdm2 and p21waf1/cip1 promoters, inhibiting expression of the endogenous p21waf1/cip1. These results demonstrate that MDM2 can inhibit PCAF-mediated p53 acetylation and activation.
β-Lactam resistance in Staphylococcus aureus: the adaptive resistance of a plastic genome

Staphylococci have two mechanisms for resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics. One is the production of beta-lactamases, enzymes that hydrolytically destroy beta-lactams. The other is the expression of penicillin-binding protein 2a (PBP 2a), which is not susceptible to inhibition by beta-lactam antibiotics. Strains of S. aureus exhibiting either beta-lactamase or PBP 2a-directed resistance (or both) have established a considerable ecological niche among human pathogens. The emergence and subsequent spread of bacterial strains designated as methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), from the 1960s to the present, has created clinical difficulties for nosocomial treatment on a global scale. The recent variants of MRSA that are resistant to glycopeptide antibiotics (such as vancomycin) have ushered in a new and disconcerting chapter in the evolution of this organism.
Social transition schemes: Charting the group's road to agreement.

Outlines a stochastic model of the group decision-making process: the social transition scheme model. Two key assumptions are identified: (1) The path-independence assumption holds that where the group goes next depends on its current state but not on how it reached that state, and (2) the stationarity assumption holds that the likelihood of any particular movement toward consensus does not depend on how long the group has been deliberating. The deliberations of mock juries were analyzed to see whether the process was path independent and stationary; 126 female and 156 male undergraduates were Ss. In addition, the effects of group experience, member sex, and deliberation time limits in the decision-making process were examined. Results show that the process was path dependent and nonstationary. The path dependence reflected a momentum effect: Groups tended to continue in the direction in which they had just moved. However, incorrectly assuming path independence and stationarity had little effect on the predictive accuracy of the model. Group experience speeded up movement when the group was sharply divided. Member sex and time limitations had no effect on the decision process.
Ultra-Fast Vitrification of Murine Embryonic Stem Cells Using a Low Concentration of Cryoprotectants

Effective cryopreservation of important mammalian cells and their derivatives is critical to the success of cell based medicine in 21st century [1]. There are currently two approaches to achieve cryopreservation of mammalian cells: conventional slow freezing and vitrification without ice formation. Although conventional slow freezing only requires a low relatively nontoxic concentration of cryoprotectants (1–2 M), it is always associated with cell injury due to ice formation and freeze concentration (i.e., solute effect) [2]. Cryopreservation by vitrification avoids ice formation all together. Existing protocols for vitrification, however, require a very high concentration of cryoprotectants (CPAs, generally more than 4M) that is usually toxic to most mammalian cells [3]. Therefore, it is of great interest to achieve vitrification using a low nontoxic concentration of cryoprotectants, which combines the advantages of the existing slow freezing and vitrification approaches while avoiding their shortcomings. In this study, we report the successful vitrification of murine embryonic stem (ES) cells at a low nontoxic level of cryoprotectants utilizing a thin walled (10μm) quartz microcapillary (outer diameter, 200μm). The ES cells post-vitrification retained high immediate viability, attachment efficiency and similar proliferation characteristic to fresh ES cells. Expression of markers characteristic to the ES cells suggests the ES cells retained the undifferentiated properties of pluripotent cells post-vitrification.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Aortic root enlargement in octogenarian patients results in less patient prosthesis mismatch.

Background Aortic root enlargement has not been well studied as a modality to prevent patient prosthesis mismatch in octogenarian patients with a small aortic root. Methods We reviewed the records of 117 octogenarian patients who received surgical aortic valve replacement (AVR) between 1993 and 2010. From this group, 87 patients received a 19-mm AVR (small aortic valve, SAV group) and 30 received an aortic root enlargement and a 21-mm AVR (aortic root enlargement, ARE group). Results The median age of the patients was 84 years (range, 80 to 93) and there were 111 women (95%). Aortic cross-clamp time was 50 minutes (26 to 116) in the SAV group and 67 (26 to 136) in the ARE group ( p = 0.02). There were no differences in the operative morbidity or morality rates between the groups. Postoperative aortic valve area index was 0.77 cm 2 /m 2 (0.25 to 1.47) in the SAV group and 1.06 (0.51 to 1.94) in the ARE group (p p = 0.04). There were no differences in the mid-term outcomes of New York Heart Association functional class ( p = 0.230) or survival between patients with or without mismatch ( p = 0.84). Conclusions Aortic root enlargement in octogenarian patients allows for insertion of larger aortic valve prostheses without any apparent increase in operative morbidity or mortality. The larger prostheses demonstrate better hemodynamic performance and less patient prosthesis mismatch, but no apparent functional or survival advantage.
Oligopeptides in blood plasma of healthy humans and of patients with nephrotic syndrome

Abstract The isolation and separation of oligopeptides from blood plasma is the subject of this investigation. The method given is based on column chromatography on Sephadex G-25 and QAE-Sephadex A-25 gels and on DEAE-cellulose for cupric complexes. The concentration of oligopeptides in blood plasma of healthy humans and of patients with nephrotic syndrome was determined quantitively by the α-amino nitrogen method of Fisher and statistical analysis of the results was carried out. A statistically significant increase ( P
Ethnic differences in neuroendocrine cell expression in normal human prostatic tissue.

Abstract Objectives To determine whether any differences exist in neuroendocrine (NE) cell differentiation in normal prostates among various ethnic groups because the incidence and mortality from prostate cancer vary across racial groups. Methods Archived paraffin-embedded prostate samples not containing any malignancy were obtained from cystoprostatectomy specimens. Prostatic tissue was obtained from 15 African Americans, 13 Hispanics, 15 Asians, and 16 whites. NE cells were identified based on immunoreactivity for chromogranin A. The mean number of NE cells per high power field (HPF) for each patient was determined using a visual quantitative method by two observers who were unaware of the race of the patients. Results The geometric mean number of NE cells was 6.1/HPF for Asians, 5.6/HPF for whites, 4.0/HPF for Hispanics, and 0.7/HPF for African Americans. A highly significant difference was observed in the distribution of NE cells between African Americans and each of the other races (P ≤0.003). A trend toward greater NE expression was noted in Asians and whites compared with Hispanics; however, this difference did not reach statistical significance. Conclusions We found a fivefold to eightfold difference in the distribution of NE cells in the normal prostates of African-American men compared with that of other races. The comparatively low NE cell expression in African-American men may play a role in the greater rate of prostate carcinogenesis seen in this ethnic group.
Murine leukemia virus uses NXF1 for nuclear export of spliced and unspliced viral transcripts.

Intron-containing mRNAs are subject to restricted nuclear export in higher eukaryotes. Retroviral replication requires the nucleocytoplasmic transport of both spliced and unspliced RNA transcripts, and RNA export mechanisms of gammaretroviruses are poorly characterized. Here, we report the involvement of the nuclear export receptor NXF1/TAP in the nuclear export of gammaretroviral RNA transcripts. We identified a conserved cis-acting element in the pol gene of gammaretroviruses, including murine leukemia virus (MLV) and xenotropic murine leukemia virus (XMRV), named the CAE (cytoplasmic accumulation element). The CAE enhanced the cytoplasmic accumulation of viral RNA transcripts and the expression of viral proteins without significantly affecting the stability, splicing, or translation efficiency of the transcripts. Insertion of the CAE sequence also facilitated Rev-independent HIV Gag expression. We found that the CAE sequence interacted with NXF1, whereas disruption of NXF1 ablated CAE function. Thus, the CAE sequence mediates the cytoplasmic accumulation of gammaretroviral transcripts in an NXF1-dependent manner. Disruption of NXF1 expression impaired cytoplasmic accumulations of both spliced and unspliced RNA transcripts of XMRV and MLV, resulting in their nuclear retention or degradation. Thus, our results demonstrate that gammaretroviruses use NXF1 for the cytoplasmic accumulation of both spliced and nonspliced viral RNA transcripts. IMPORTANCE Murine leukemia virus (MLV) has been studied as one of the classic models of retrovirology. Although unspliced host messenger RNAs are rarely exported from the nucleus, MLV actively exports unspliced viral RNAs to the cytoplasm. Despite extensive studies, how MLV achieves this difficult task has remained a mystery. Here, we have studied the RNA export mechanism of MLV and found that (i) the genome contains a sequence which supports the efficient nuclear export of viral RNAs, (ii) the cellular factor NXF1 is involved in the nuclear export of both spliced and unspliced viral RNAs, and, finally, (iii) depletion of NXF1 results in nuclear retention or degradation of viral RNAs. Our study provides a novel insight into MLV nuclear export.
Fluorescence polarization assay for inhibitors of the kinase domain of receptor interacting protein 1

Necrotic cell death is prevalent in many different pathological disease states and in traumatic injury. Necroptosis is a form of necrosis that stems from specific signaling pathways, with the key regulator being receptor interacting protein 1 (RIP1), a serine/threonine kinase. Specific inhibitors of RIP1, termed necrostatins, are potent inhibitors of necroptosis. Necrostatins are structurally distinct from one another yet still possess the ability to inhibit RIP1 kinase activity. To further understand the differences in the binding of the various necrostatins to RIP1 and to develop a robust high-throughput screening (HTS) assay, which can be used to identify new classes of RIP1 inhibitors, we synthesized fluorescein derivatives of Necrostatin-1 (Nec-1) and Nec-3. These compounds were used to establish a fluorescence polarization (FP) assay to directly measure the binding of necrostatins to RIP1 kinase. The fluorescein-labeled compounds are well suited for HTS because the assays have a dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) tolerance up to 5% and Z' scores of 0.62 (fluorescein-Nec-1) and 0.57 (fluorescein-Nec-3). In addition, results obtained from the FP assays and ligand docking studies provide insights into the putative binding sites of Nec-1, Nec-3, and Nec-4.
Determination of a Putative Phosphate-Containing Peptide in Calreticulin

Calreticulin is an abundant endo/sarcoplasmic reticulum (ER/SR) protein that may carry out multiple functions inside cells. Except for calreticulin, all of the major ER/SR Ca2+-binding proteins are substrates for protein kinase CK2 in vitro, which led us to hypothesize that native calreticulin might exist in the phosphorylated form. To investigate this possibility, we purified calreticulin from cardiac microsomes and verified its identity by immunoblot analysis and sequencing of tryptic peptides. Purified calreticulin, like cardiac calsequestrin, contained endogenous phosphate as determined by a Malachite green assay for phosphate. Previous analyses of cardiac calsequestrin have localized phosphate to a single tryptic peptide containing serine phosphate on sites phosphorylated by protein kinase CK2. Using a similar procedure, we analyzed calreticulin tryptic peptides with Malachite green, localizing phosphate binding to a single calreticulin peptide 367LKEEEEDKK. As this peptide contains no phosphorylatable residues, our results suggest that calreticulin may tightly bind phosphate or a phosphate-containing molecule at this site.
Evidence for Linkage Between a Region on Chromosome 1p and the Acute Insulin Response in Pima Indians

A low acute insulin response (AIR) is a predictor of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) in insulin-resistant Pima Indians. We have initiated a search for regions of the genome linked with the AIR using sib-pair linkage analysis as a first step in identifying genes that are determinants of this phenotype. Eighteen short tandem-repeat polymorphisms from chromosome 1 were genotyped in over 900 Pima Indians and tested for linkage with NIDDM and in a subset of Pima Indians for linkage with AIR. The anonymous DNA marker D1S198 on chromosome 1p was linked with AIR (P = 0.000056) in 175 sib pairs from 60 families, all with normal glucose tolerance, but no linkage was observed between D1S198 and NIDDM (P = 0.44, 996 sib pairs). Additional markers genotyped on chromosome 1 did not show linkage with AIR or NIDDM. This study indicates that a locus on chromosome 1p may be a determinant of the phenotypic variation seen in the AIR.
Upper Profile Changes Over Time in an Appalachian Hayfield Soil Amended with Coal Combustion By‐products

Abstract Large amounts of flue gas desulfurization (FGD) and fluidized bed combustion (FBC) by‐products from burning coal, consisting primarily of gypsum, are available for potential use as a soil amendment. However, information is limited on longer‐term changes in chemical and physical properties induced over time and over small depth increments of the upper soil profile after applying these amendments. This study examined longer‐term effects in an abandoned Appalachian pasture soil amended with various liming materials and coal combustion by‐products (CCBPs). Soil chemical and physical properties were investigated over time and depths. The results indicated limited dissolution and movement of the calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) applied with the chemical amendments, except for Ca and Mg associated with sulfate. However, sufficient dissolution occurred to cause significant increases in exchangeable Ca and Mg and decreases in exchangeable Al that were reflected in corresponding increases in soil pH. These ...
Modern control theory and optimal drug regimens. II: Combination therapy

Abstract In this article we show how well-known concepts from control theory are directly applicable to the problem of determining methods for administering a combination of drugs to achieve a desired level for the equivalent amount of any one of the drugs under consideration. The problem of drug administration is shown to be equivalent to a discrete-time optimal control problem. Methods for solving the discrete optimal control problem via dynamic programming are shown.
Comparative epidemiology of breast cancer among men and women in the US, 1996 to 2000

Few investigations of breast cancer among men have been conducted because of the relative rarity of this malignancy. The objective of this analysis was to compare the demographic, pathological, and clinical features of breast cancer among men and women. Breast cancer among 6379 men and 744,275 women was identified through 34 US population-based registries in the US during the period 1996 to 2000. These registries were estimated to represent 69% of the US population. Age-adjusted incidence rates (AAIR) were calculated per million population using counts derived from the 2000 US census. The AAIR of breast cancer among men (16.6) was substantially lower than the incidence among women (1557.7). Rates of breast cancer among black men were higher than among white and Asian-Pacific Island men, in contrast to women among whom rates in whites exceeded those among other ethnic groups. Similar to women, breast cancer rates among non-Hispanic men were 50% greater than among Hispanic men. Ductal cancer was the most common histologic type diagnosed in both sexes. The incidence of lobular cancer was rare in men, but Paget’s disease and papillary carcinoma occurred with lower relative frequency in women than in men. Lobular breast cancers were less common among black men and women than among other ethnic groups. In situ breast cancer was diagnosed in 10.8% of men and 16.2% of women. Localized breast cancer was the most common stage at diagnosis in both sexes and all ethnic groups, although women were more likely than men to be diagnosed at a localized stage. Cancer was 10% more likely to be diagnosed in the left breast than the right breast among men compared to 4% in women. In spite of the rare incidence of breast cancer in men, the descriptive epidemiology of this malignancy is surprisingly similar to that in women. An explanation for the greater relative incidence of breast cancer in black men is a research challenge.
The host response: Toll-like receptor expression in periprosthetic tissues as a biomarker for deep joint infection.

Background: Toll-like receptors (TLRs) 1 and 6 are consistent molecular indicators of the host inflammatory response against bacterial infection. Our aims were to determine whether TLR elevation could be detected in infected periprosthetic tissues and to assess the utility of these biomarkers as tests for detecting a periprosthetic joint infection. Methods: Fifty-nine patients undergoing revision total joint arthroplasty (twenty-seven hips and thirty-two knees) were prospectively evaluated for periprosthetic joint infection according to currently recommended diagnostic criteria. Nine patients were excluded because of insufficient work-up, leaving fifty available for study. Of these, twenty-one were categorized as infected and twenty-nine as noninfected. Periprosthetic tissues were collected intraoperatively, and total RNA was extracted by standard techniques. Expression of TLR messenger RNAs was assessed by first-strand complementary DNA synthesis from 1 μg of total RNA followed by real-time PCR (polymerase chain reaction). Results were normalized relative to the housekeeping gene GAPDH (glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase). Expression of TLRs 1, 6, and 10 in the infected and noninfected groups was compared with use of the Student t test. The receiver operating characteristic curve, area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (LR+), and negative likelihood ratio (LR−) were calculated to determine the accuracy of each TLR for predicting periprosthetic joint infection at its optimal diagnostic threshold. Results: Mean TLR1 mRNA expression was significantly elevated in infected compared with noninfected samples (0.600 compared with 0.005, p = 0.0003); the same was true of TLR6 (0.208 compared with 0.0165, p = 0.0059) but not of TLR10 (0.00019 compared with 0.00014, p = 0.6238). The AUC was 0.995 for TLR1, 0.883 for TLR6, and 0.546 for TLR10. The optimal threshold for diagnosing periprosthetic joint infection was 0.0924 for TLR1 (sensitivity = 95.2%, specificity = 100%, LR+ = 13.80, LR− = 0.91) and 0.0215 for TLR6 (sensitivity = 85.7%, specificity = 82.8%, LR+ = 4.98, LR− = 0.83). Conclusions: In our pilot study, TLR1 expression in periprosthetic tissues most accurately predicted periprosthetic joint infection. This measure of the host response may be particularly helpful in detecting culture-negative infections and avoiding false positives resulting from contamination. Level of Evidence: Diagnostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Sybil Detection via Distributed Sparse Cut Monitoring

Decentralized reputation systems help to enforce discipline and fairness in large unstructured and ad-hoc systems by rewarding good behavior and penalizing dishonest or greedy behavior. They are essential in large networks of independent nodes where centralized monitoring of node behavior is difficult due to the sheer size of the network. Sybil nodes pose a threat to the reputation systems by false referrals through sybil identities. We propose a scalable and distributed algorithm to identify attack edges and quarantine sybil clusters. This algorithm works well with dynamic trust graphs as nodes do not need to store any pre-computed data.