cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Substrate specificity and sequence-dependent activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae 3-methyladenine DNA glycosylase (Mag).

Abstract DNA glycosylases initiate base excision repair by first binding, then excising aberrant DNA bases. Saccharomyces cerevisiae encodes a 3-methyladenine (3MeA) DNA glycosylase, Mag, that recognizes 3MeA and various other DNA lesions including 1,N6-ethenoadenine (ɛA), hypoxanthine (Hx) and abasic (AP) sites. In the present study, we explore the relative substrate specificity of Mag for these lesions and in addition, show that Mag also recognizes cisplatin cross-linked adducts, but does not catalyze their excision. Through competition binding and activity studies, we show that in the context of a random DNA sequence Mag binds ɛA and AP-sites the most tightly, followed by the cross-linked 1,2-d(ApG) cisplatin adduct. While ɛA binding and excision by Mag was robust in this sequence context, binding and excision of Hx was extremely poor. We further studied the recognition of ɛA and Hx by Mag, when these lesions are present at different positions within A:T and G:C tracts. Overall, ɛA was slightly less well excised from each position within the A:T and G:C tracts compared to excision from the random sequence, whereas Hx excision was greatly increased in these sequence contexts (by up to 7-fold) compared to the random sequence. However, given most sequence contexts, Mag had a clear preference for ɛA relative to Hx, except in the TTXTT (X = ɛA or Hx) sequence context from which Mag removed both lesions with almost equal efficiency. We discuss how DNA sequence context affects base excision by various 3MeA DNA glycosylases.
Systems Techniques in Family Therapy: Two Pragmatic Approaches

Duhl, F.J. The Use of the Chronological Chart in General Systems Family Therapy.Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 1981, 7, 361–373. Resnikoff, R.R. Teaching Family Therapy: Ten Key Questions for Understanding the Family as Patient.Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 1981, 7, 135–142.
Net Energy Value of Feeds for Lactation

Abstract Results of 543 energy balance trials with lactating cows were summarized to partition the energy required by lactating cows into maintenance and production components and to determine the influence of energy source on the efficiency with which dietary energy is used for milk production. The total energy requirement for lactating cows was expressed in net energy for milk production (NE milk ). The amount of energy required for maintenance of a nonpregnant, lactating cow in body energy equilibrium and ingesting a diet of optimum protein content under conditions of limited physical activity was 73kcal NE milk per kg .75 body weight. The amount of net energy required for milk production was .74 Mcal NE milk /kg 4% fat-corrected milk. The NE milk , of individual diets was related to the concentration of digestible energy (DE) in the diet by the equation: NE milk (Mcal/kg DM) = .68 DE (Mcal/kg DM) — .36. Variation in energetic efficiency of metabolizable energy for milk production was much less than for digestible energy. Metabolizability of diets was not a constant proportion of digestible energy but was related to concentration of DE and to feed intake.
Friedländer syntheses with o‐aminoaryl ketones. III. Acid‐catalyzed condensations of o‐aminobenzophenone with polyfunctional carbonyl compounds

The acid-catalyzed condensations of o-aminobenzophenone with a variety of diketones, ketoesters, ketoacids, and representatives of several other classes of polyfunctional carbonyl compounds containing the -COCH2 - moiety have been investigated. Under the conditions used, normal Friedlander-type ring-closure was found to occur in all cases, giving good yields of substituted quinolines which have been identified as the 4-phenyl analogs of the products obtained in classical base-catalyzed Friedlander condensations with o-aminobenzaldehyde. The method appears to be quite general and should provide a convenient synthetic route to a previously inaccessible series of 4-arylquinolines.
Mechanism of Ritonavir Changes in Methadone Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics: II. Ritonavir Effects on CYP3A and P-Glycoprotein Activities

Ritonavir diminishes methadone plasma concentrations, an effect attributed to CYP3A induction, but the actual mechanisms are unknown. We determined short-term (2-day) and steady-state (2-week) ritonavir effects on intestinal and hepatic CYP3A4/5 (probed with intravenous (IV) and oral alfentanil (ALF) and with miosis) and P-glycoprotein (P-gp) (fexofenadine), and on methadone pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in healthy volunteers. Acute ritonavir increased the area under the concentration-time curve (AUC)(0-infinity)/dose ratio (ritonavir/control) for oral ALF 25-fold. Steady-state ritonavir increased the AUC(0-Infinity)/dose ratio for IV and oral ALF 4- and 10-fold, respectively; reduced hepatic extraction (from 0.26 to 0.07) and intestinal extraction (from 0.51 to 0); and increased bioavailability (from 37 to 95%). Acute ritonavir inhibits first-pass CYP3A > 96%. Chronic ritonavir inhibits hepatic CYP3A (> 70%) and first-pass CYP3A (> 90%). Acute and steady-state ritonavir increased the fexofenadine AUC(0-infinity) 2.8- and 1.4-fold, respectively, suggesting P-gp inhibition. Steady-state compared with acute ritonavir caused mild apparent induction of P-gp and hepatic CYP3A, but net inhibition still predominated. Ritonavir inhibited both intestinal and hepatic CYP3A and drug transport. ALF miosis noninvasively determined CYP3A inhibition by ritonavir.
Characterizing the behavior of a program using multiple-length N-grams

Abstract : Some recent advances in intrusion detection are based on detecting anomalies in program behavior, as characterized by the sequence of kernel calls the program makes. Specifically, traces of kernel calls are collected during a training period. The substrings of fixed length N (for some N) of those traces are called N-grams. The set of N-grams occurring during normal execution has been found to discriminate effectively between normal behavior of a program and the behavior of the program under attack. The N-gram characterization, while effective, requires the user to choose a suitable value for N. This paper presents an alternative characterization, as a finite state machine whose states represent predictive sequences of different lengths. An algorithm is presented to construct the finite state machine from training data, based on traditional string-processing data structures but employing some novel techniques.
X-ray/VUV transmission gratings for astrophysical and laboratory applications

This paper describes the techniques used to fabricate deep-submicron-period transmission gratings for astrophysical and laboratory applications, with special attention given to the major steps involved in the transmission grating fabrication. These include the holographic lithography procedure used to pattern the master transmission grating, the fabrication of X-ray mask, the X-ray lithography step used to transfer the X-ray mask pattern into a substrate, and the electroplating of the substrate to form the final grating pattern. The various ways in which transmission gratings can be used in X-ray and VUV spectroscopy are discussed together with some examples of experiments reported in the literature.
Regional and seasonal variation in Clostridium difficile infections among hospitalized patients in the United States, 2001-2010.

Background This study identified national regional and seasonal variations in Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) incidence and mortality among hospitalized patients in the United States over a 10-year period. Methods This was a retrospective cohort study of the U.S. National Hospital Discharge Survey from 2001-2010. Eligible cases had an ICD-9-CM discharge diagnosis code for CDI (008.45). Data weights were used to derive national estimates. CDI incidence and mortality were presented descriptively. Regions were as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau. Seasons included the following: winter (December-February), spring (March-May), summer (June-August), and fall (September-November). Results These data represent 2.3 million CDI discharges. Overall, CDI incidence was highest in the Northeast (8.0 CDIs/1,000 discharges) and spring (6.2 CDIs/1,000 discharges). CDI incidence was lowest in the West (4.8 CDIs/1,000 discharges) and fall (5.6 CDIs/1,000 discharges). Peak CDI incidence among children occurred in the West (1.7 CDI/1,000 discharges) and winter (1.5 CDI/1,000 discharges). Mortality among all CDI patients was highest in the Midwest (7.3%) and during the winter (7.9%). Conclusion The region and season with the highest CDI incidence rates among patients hospitalized in U.S. hospitals were the Northeast and spring, respectively. The highest CDI mortality rates were seen in the Midwest and winter. Children exhibited different regional and seasonal CDI variations compared with adults and older adults.
Ready Reference Collections: Thoughts on Trends.

ABSTRACT What is a ready reference collection? A stack of reference books selected according to personal interests? Each institution is unique in its needs and so are the collections that each library carries. The curricula and programs determine the collection development policies and the student population justifies the needs for their implementation. Is a ready reference collection a list of online links, randomly selected, that provide quick resolution to the reference queries? New library technologies may have added to the dispute in this field but they cannot be dissociated from the wealth of a reference collection. The balance is in the hands of dedicated professionals who see themselves as learners in search of the best source for the best answer.
Negley K. Teeters (1896-1971): Pioneeer in Penology:

Negley K. Teeters (1896-1971) was a leading academic figure in the crusade for prison reform. This article reviews Teeters’s career and summarizes his publications on the social history of early pr...
Soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor (p75) fusion protein (ENBREL) as a therapy for rheumatoid arthritis.

Evidence supporting a role of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in the immune mediated inflammatory process of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has grown significantly over the past few years. TNF-α production has been found to be increased in the synovial fluid of patients with active RA but not in synovial fluid from patients with inactive RA. TNF-α is found at the cartilage-pannus junction in RA patients, 12 and increased levels of TNF-α are detected in RA synovial fluid. 14,62 Several proinflammatory actions of TNF-α may contribute to its role in the pathogenesis of RA. TNF-α stimulates the release of other proinflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-1 (IL-1)β, IL-6, IL-8, and leukemia inhibitory factor, and induces the release of proteases from neutrophils, fibroblasts, and chondrocytes. 3,48,65 These enzymes, including collagenase and other neutral metalloproteinases, are likely to be responsible for joint destruction in RA. TNF-α also induces the expression of endothelial adhesion molecules leading to transmigration of leukocytes and lymphocytes into extravascular sites. 54 Although IL-1 shares many activities with TNF-α, the latter seems to represent a more attractive therapeutic target. TNF-α may be a "pivotal" cytokine in regulating expression of other inflammatory mediators in RA. This view is supported by observations that inhibition of TNF-α suppresses spontaneous production of IL-1, IL-6, and granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor by RA synovial cells, whereas inhibition of IL-1 does not diminish expression of TNF-α. 11,34 Biologic agents aimed at inhibiting the proinflammatory activities of TNF-α include: (1) anticytokine MAb, (2) cytokine fusion products that combine cytokines or soluble cytokine receptors with human Fc constructs or polyethylene glycol (PEG), and (3) counterregulatory cytokines which oppose actions of the target cytokine (i.e., IL-10, IL-4, or IL-11 opposing effects of TNF-α). Ways to inhibit the processing or synthesis of TNF are also under consideration.
Overexpression of MAGE/GAGE Genes in Paclitaxel/Doxorubicin-resistant Human Cancer Cell Lines

Previous studies directed at identifying paclitaxel resistance genes in a paclitaxel-resistant subclone of the human ovarian cancer cell line SKOV-3 identified a novel cancer testis antigen, Taxol resistance-associated gene 3 (TRAG-3). Because investigation suggested that TRAG-3, located on chromosome Xq28, does not directly participate in the paclitaxel-resistant phenotype, it was hypothesized that TRAG-3 might be linked to a neighboring gene that is directly involved in the drug-resistant phenotype, or alternatively, overexpression of TRAG-3 might be attributable to coregulation with other cancer testis antigens. To distinguish between these two hypotheses, expression of the genes that flank TRAG-3 was evaluated, namely the Centrin 2 gene and several members of the MAGE gene cluster. Northern analysis demonstrates overexpression of MAGE2 but not Centrin 2. Extension of this analysis to other neighboring and non-neighboring representative cancer testis antigens reveals overexpression of MAGE3, MAGE6, MAGE11, and MAGE12, as well as GAGE-2, GAGE-4, GAGE-5, GAGE-6, and GAGE-7 (clustered on Xp11) in SKOV-3(TR), as compared with SKOV-3. In addition, Affymetrix-based analysis of gene expression in SKOV-3 subclones with variable paclitaxel resistance demonstrates MAGE gene overexpression occurs early in the development of the paclitaxel-resistant phenotype, whereas GAGE gene overexpression occurs somewhat later. Evaluation of additional breast and ovarian cancer cell lines reveals MAGE/GAGE overexpression in both paclitaxel- and doxorubicin-resistant cell lines, whereas gemcitabine-resistant subclones of several ovarian cancer cell lines, including SKOV-3(GR), reveals no change in MAGE/GAGE expression. To determine whether MAGE gene overexpression contributes directly to the drug-resistant phenotype, MAGE2 or MAGE6, cDNA was introduced into the paclitaxel-sensitive human ovarian cancer cell line OVCAR8. 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide cytotoxicity analysis of both MAGE2 and MAGE6 transfectants demonstrates a 4-fold increase in resistance to paclitaxel and 2-fold increase in resistance to doxorubicin but not to other drugs, such as topotecan and cisplatin, through a nonmultidrug resistance-1 mechanism. MAGE2 or MAGE6 overexpression also induces a growth advantage in OVCAR8-transfected cells. These studies suggest that the in vitro acquisition of paclitaxel and doxorubicin resistance can be associated with increased expression of a variety of both neighboring and non-neighboring cancer testis antigens genes. This does not appear to be a consequence of random genetic instability or genomic amplification of the X chromosome. These antigens, because of limited expression in normal tissues, may be suitable targets for immunotherapy and novel therapeutic strategies in the treatment of chemotherapy-resistant epithelial tumors.
Cortical Up and Activated States: Implications for Sensory Information Processing:

The neocortex generates spontaneous slow oscillations that consist of up and down states during quiescence. Up states are short epochs of persistent activity that resemble the state of cortical activation during arousal and cognition. The excitability of cortical cells and synaptic networks is impacted by up states. This review describes the characteristics and putative functional role of up states and their similarity with activated states.
Assessing levels of support for residents following adverse outcomes: A national survey of anesthesia residency programs in the United States

Aim: The impact of physician burnout is becoming apparent in the medical community, especially among anesthesiologists and young physicians. Anesthesia residents will experience emotionally charged adverse events during their training. The objective was to determine the prevalence, efficacy and utilization of support structures in place for residents following adverse events in order to develop a best-practices model of resident support. Methods: We sent an anonymous internet-based survey to program directors (PDs) at all American College of Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)-approved Anesthesia Residency programs, with an optional secondary survey of residents. Results: There was a 53% response rate among PDs with most reporting resource availability. The strongest support programs were the anesthesia support programs, morbidity and mortality (M&M) conference, and ‘‘individual meetings with department leadership.’’ These results were mirrored in the responses of residents at the 32 programs who opted to participate in the secondary survey. Both also cited M&M conference as being highly utilized, but not efficacious. The strongest support programs had a low prevalence. Conclusions: These data suggest that a best-practices model of resident support entails establishing a department-based support program, facilitating comfortable meetings with departmental leadership and optimizing M&M conference.
Polarization feedback stabilization of an injection-seeded Nd:YAG laser for spectroscopic applications

We have achieved reliable operation of a tunable, single-mode injection-seeded Nd:YAG laser that incorporates a novel feedback scheme to maintain the required match between the master- and slave-resonator cavity lengths. The reliability of the system is illustrated by both fluorescence excitation and sub-Doppler polarization spectra of I2 taken with the second-harmonic output of the slave laser while temperature tuning the injected frequency from the master oscillator. These spectra should prove extremely useful for long-term stabilization of the system to an absolute frequency reference.
Planning For Entrepreneurial Innovation: Field Studies in Poland and Ukraine and Lessons Learned

Former Socialist Central and Eastern European Countries are working to achieve economic self-sufficiency. The creation of high-value-added jobs to retain their skilled workpeople and the achievement of international economic competitiveness are major challenges they face. In this article the author proposes the strategy of regional economic development through entrepreneurial innovation, with emphasis on technological companies. The viability of this approach, and the lessons learned from it, are assessed using case study material from Poland and Ukraine.
Perfect lens makes a perfect trap.

In this work, we present for the first time a new and realistic application of the “perfect lens”, namely, electromagnetic traps (or tweezers). We combined two recently developed techniques, 3D negative refraction flat lenses (3DNRFLs) and optical tweezers, and experimentally demonstrated the very unique advantages of using 3DNRFLs for electromagnetic traps. Super-resolution and short focal distance of the flat lens result in a highly focused and strongly convergent beam, which is a key requirement for a stable and accurate electromagnetic trap. The translation symmetry of 3DNRFL provides translation-invariance for imaging, which allows an electromagnetic trap to be translated without moving the lens, and permits a trap array by using multiple sources with a single lens. Electromagnetic trapping was demonstrated using polystyrene particles in suspension, and subsequent to being trapped to a single point, they were then accurately manipulated over a large distance by simple movement of a 3DNRFL-imaged microwave monopole source.
(S)-methyl 2-(2-iodobenzamido)-propionate

In the title compound, C11H12INO3, molecules are linked into one-dimensional chains along the crystallographic a axis by strong intermolecular N—H...O hydrogen bonds. The one-dimensional chains are additionally stabilized by weak intermolecular Car—H...O interactions. Unlike its iodine(V) analogues, the organic chain substituent in the title iodine(I) compound is not coplanar with the aromatic core but exhibits a C—C—C—O torsion angle of 50.3 (7)°.
Toward a Life-Course Perspective of Police Organizations

The author prescribes and describes a new, temporally rich organizational perspective: a life-course perspective of police organizations. This perspective will contribute to more informative tests of existing organizational theories by improving understanding of how police agencies change and resist change, and the role of process. The author describes the life-course perspective and how a life-course perspective yields more informative tests of existing organizational theories and advances understanding of police organizations. Six events along the organizational life course are reviewed (creation, early founding effects, growth periods, declining periods, crisis, and organizational disbanding). Finally, two advantages of this perspective are discussed, as well as the temporal orientations of life-course research.
Ventricular assist device-associated anti-human leukocyte antigen antibody sensitization in pediatric patients bridged to heart transplantation.

Background Ventricular assist devices (VAD) are associated with the formation of antibodies to anti-human leukocyte antigens (HLA) or sensitization. The incidence and effects of VAD-associated anti-HLA sensitization have not been well studied in the pediatric population. Methods A retrospective review of all patients undergoing VAD implant at our institution from 1998 to 2008 was performed. Panel reactive antibody (PRA) results before VAD implant, after VAD implant, and after orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT) were recorded. Patients who became sensitized (PRA for class I and/or II immunoglobulin G antibodies ≥ 10%) on VAD support were compared with non-sensitized patients with regard to demographics, diagnosis, device type, and blood product exposure on VAD support. Outcomes after OHT were also compared between groups. Results VAD support was initiated in 20 patients ( median age, 14.4 years), with 75% survival to OHT or recovery. PRA data before and after VAD implant were available for 17 patients. VAD-associated sensitization developed in 35% of recipients. There were no differences between those sensitized in association with VAD support and non-sensitized patients with regard to age, gender, diagnosis, device type, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation use, or blood product exposure on VAD support. Black race predicted sensitization on VAD ( p = 0.02). There were no differences in survival or rejection between groups. Conclusions VAD therapy was associated with the development of anti-HLA sensitization in 35% of recipients. Black race predicted sensitization, but there were no differences in overall survival or outcomes after OHT.
Just-in-time and just-in-place deadlock resolution

Deadlocked threads cannot make further progress, and frequently tie up resources requested by still other threads, causing more and more threads to come to a standstill. Thus, a deadlock should not remain undetected and uncorrected for a long time. If deadlock-detection processes are run too frequently, however, valuable system resources may be wasted. Therefore, it is important to choose the right interval between successive deadlock detections. Deadlock recovery must follow deadlock detection to release held resources in the cyclic wait. In addition to restarting the entire system, it is desirable that programmers be able to implement fine-grained recovery actions such as releasing a resource currently not in use. Such fine-grained recovery actions often require the knowledge of program contexts and deadlock states. Unfortunately, modern programming languages lack language-level support for signaling deadlock conditions and for structuring resolution code. My thesis is that, under the assumption that the time to the first deadlock in the system (after a system restart) follows an exponential distribution, a reinforcement-learning approach is effective in scheduling deadlock detection for a restart-oriented system, and that runtime exceptions are a programming abstraction that allows programmers to write fine-grained deadlock recovery code. My approach to deadlock-detection scheduling as reinforcement learning estimates the deadlock rate and then performs an optimization to find the detection interval that maximizes system utility. It is theoretically proved that this technique finds the best tradeoff, and experimental results suggest that it is a reasonable approximation to assume that the time to the first deadlock in the system (after a system restart) follows an exponential distribution. It is natural to consider deadlock occurrences as runtime exceptions because at runtime it is relatively easy to detect actual deadlock occurrences, which represent not only abnormal states but also fatal errors. Thus, exception handlers can be used to resolve deadlock occurrences based on deadlock states and program contexts. Furthermore, because exceptions are a widely used language concept, the technique of deadlock resolution via exceptions is intuitive and practical.
Studies on the adrenergic systems of the eye at the Wilmer Institute

The study of the ocular adrenergic systems at the Wilmer Institute over the last 40 years began with the examination of the formation and outflow of aqueous humor by Jonas Friedenwald and his co-workers in the early 1940's. At that time, researchers were attempting to understand the mechanisms of fluid dynamics in the eye, with the idea of altering these mechanisms to alleviate glaucoma only a distant goal. In the late 1950's, Langham and others reported on the effect of superior cervical ganglionectomy on intraocular pressure, following this work with a succession of papers on the relationship between alpha and beta adrenergic substances and aqueous humor dynamics. Sears, in collaboration with Barany, described the effects of alpha and beta adrenergic substances on outflow resistance. Eakins, in 1963, suggested a mechanism of action for isoproterenol in the lowering of intraocular pressure. Work on timolol at Wilmer began with a report from Radius, Diamond, Pollack and Langham covering experimental studies with rabbits and clinical studies of the drug's ocular hypotensive effects on glaucoma patients. Richter and others also studied a small number of patients on maximal therapy and found further intraocular pressure reduction with added timolol.
Is Matric Suction a Stress Variable

The writer attempts to clarify and address two fundamental questions regarding the appropriate use of matric suction in unsaturated soil mechanics: Is matric suction a stress variable? and Is matric suction a stress state variable? These questions are examined by employing the universally accepted mechanical equilibrium principle, the concept of representative elementary volume (REV) for air-water-solid multiphase porous media, and physical and logical reasoning. It is clarified that matric suction is not a stress variable at a typical air-water-solid REV level, and it can be considered as a stress state variable. However, when it is considered as a stress state variable, there is an interdependency or coupling between matric suction and the net normal stress if both of them are concurrently used to describe the state of stress in unsaturated soils. It is illustrated that the answers to these questions bear important implications for the conceptualization, theorization, and application of unsaturated soil mechanics.
Influence of sexual orientation and age on disordered eating attitudes and behaviors in women.

Objective: We evaluated the influence of age on the association between sexual orientation and disordered eating attitudes and behaviors in women. Method: Heterosexual (n = 47) and homosexual (n = 45) women recruited from the community completed self-report questionnaires including the Body Esteem Scale, the Eating Disorders Inventory-2, the Reasons for Exercise Inventory, and the Self Esteem Scale. Results: A multivariate analysis of variance of eating disorder variables revealed a main effect for sexual orientation on drive for thinness and exercise to control weight and a main effect for age on body mass index (BMI) and body dissatisfaction, but it did not reveal a significant interaction between sexual orientation and age. Discussion: Sexual orientation may influence certain types of disordered eating attitudes and behaviors in women such as endorsing an extreme ideal of thinness. However, homosexual and heterosexual women reported more similarities than differences.
DNA Fragmentation in Mammalian Apoptosis and Tissue Homeostasis

Apoptosis is a highly regulated physiological process critical in development and tissue homeostasis. Abnormal apoptosis can lead to disease conditions including neurodegeneration, autoimmunity and cancer. DNA fragmentation is an integral part of apoptosis and has long been suspected to be of critical importance in cleaning up potentially antigenic DNA and genetic materials capable of inducing neoplasmic transformation in neighboring cells. Direct evidence for this role of DNA fragmentation in apoptosis however, is still lacking. The identification of a heterodimeric DNA fragmentation factor composed of a 45 and 40 kDa subunit (termed DFF45 and DFF40, or ICAD for Inhibitor of Caspase Activated DNase and CAD for Caspase Activated DNase, respectively) as well as endonuclease G (EndoG) provides a timely opportunity for addressing the physiological significance of DNA fragmentation in apoptosis and tissue homeostasis. We previously generated a DFF45 mutant mouse in which the DFF activity is abolished. We found that DFF45-deficient thymocytes are resistant to DNA fragmentation both in vivo and in cultured primary cells exposed to various apoptotic stimuli. Interestingly, DFF45-deficient thymocytes and mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) are partially resistant to apoptosis in response to several apoptotic-inducing agents. There are more granule cells in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampal formation in DFF45 mutant mice than in normal control mice. This increased neuronal cell number correlates with enhanced spatial and non-spatial learning and memory retention in DFF45 mutant mice compared with control mice. These results suggest that DFF45 is critical for DNA fragmentation and a deficiency in DFF45 can affect timely completion of apoptosis and consequently tissue homeostasis and proper cellular function. Likely due to the unaffected EndoG activity however, residual DNA fragmentation can be found in DFF45-deficient splenocytes and MEFs. In a collaborative effort, we are generating EndoG mutant mice and mice with combined deficiencies of DFF45 and EndoG to investigate how DFF and EndoG jointly function to insure proper apoptosis and tissue homeostasis.
Monte Carlo Analysis of Time-Dependent Problems

Monte Carlo method is well known for solving static problems such as Laplace's or Poisson's equation. In this paper, we extend the applicability of the conventional Monte Carlo method to solve time-dependent (heat) problems. We present results in 1-D and 2-D that agree with the exact solutions
Occupations and the Structure of Wage Inequality in the United States, 1980s to 2000s

Occupations are central to the stratification systems of industrial countries, but they have played little role in empirical attempts to explain the well-documented increase in wage inequality that occurred in the United States in the 1980s and 1990s. We address this deficiency by assessing occupation-level effects on wage inequality using data from the Current Population Survey for 1983 through 2008. We model the mean and variance of wages for each occupation, controlling for education and demographic factors at the individual level to test three competing explanations for the increase in wage inequality: (1) the growth of between-occupation polarization, (2) changes in education and labor force composition, and (3) residual inequality unaccounted for by occupations and demographic characteristics. After correcting for a problem with imputed data that biased Kim and Sakamoto’s (2008) results, we find that between-occupation changes explain 66 percent of the increase in wage inequality from 1992 to 2008, ...
Regulation of renal sympathetic nerve activity at birth

The present studies were designed to assess the contribution of onset of respiration, separation from the placenta, and a decrease in environmental temperature on the increase in renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) that occurs at birth. In the first series of experiments, heart rate (HR), mean arterial blood pressure (MABP), and RSNA were recorded in chronically instrumented near-term fetal sheep (n = 12) before and during in utero ventilation (V), V + oxygenation (V + O), and V + O + umbilical cord occlusion (V + O + CO). RSNA increased by 49 +/- 16% during V alone (P < 0.05), whereas no additional changes were seen with V + O or V + O + CO. HR and MABP did not change with any intervention. In a second series of experiments (n = 10), changes in fetal HR, MABP, and RSNA in response to in utero cooling were recorded. Cooling of the fetal core temperature by -3.1 +/- 0.2 degree C produced a rapid and sustained increase in RSNA (330 +/- 155%), HR (25 +/- 11%), and MABP (10 +/- 2%) consistent with generalized sympathoexcitation. In a third series of studies (n = 3), we found that brain stem transection between the rostral pons and posterior hypothalamus abolishes the increases in RSNA seen at birth. These results suggest that cooling is a major contributor to the postnatal rise in RSNA and that brain centers at the level of or above the hypothalamus are involved in mediating sympathoexcitation at birth.
The New Regulation Allowing Federal Agents to Monitor Attorney-Client Conversations: Why it Threatens Fourth Amendment Values

In this essay, we address the implications of the Justice Department’s federal regulation allowing federal agents, under some circumstances, to monitor traditionally confidential meetings between federal inmates and their lawyers. We first review the history of attorney-client privilege under federal law and the Constitutional protections for such communications. We then discuss the troubling aspects of the new Ashcraft regulation and propose an alternative to the regulation which would be less intrusive on the rights of federal inmates while addressing the governmental interest in preventing further acts of terrorism.
Mass-conservative Fourier spectral methods for solving the fractional nonlinear Schrödinger equation

We propose three Fourier spectral methods, i.e.,źthe split-step Fourier spectral (SSFS), the Crank-Nicolson Fourier spectral (CNFS), and the relaxation Fourier spectral (ReFS) methods, for solving the fractional nonlinear Schrodinger (NLS) equation. All of them are mass conservative and time reversible, and they have the spectral order accuracy in space and the second-order accuracy in time. In addition, the CNFS and ReFS methods are energy conservative. The performance of these methods in simulating the plane wave and soliton dynamics is discussed. The SSFS method preserves the dispersion relation, and thus it is more accurate for studying the long-time behaviors of the plane wave solutions. Furthermore, our numerical simulations suggest that the SSFS method is better in solving the defocusing NLS, but the CNFS and ReFS methods are more effective for the focusing NLS.
Dynamically Reconfigurable Liquid-Core Liquid-Cladding (L 2 ) Lens in a Microfluidic Channel

We form a liquid lens by flowing liquids in a microchannel with lateral expansion. The resulting biconvex fluidic structure focuses light. Changing flow conditions reconfigures the shape and focus of this lens in real time.
Decoupled recovery of energy and momentum with correction of n = 2 error fields

Experiments applying known n = 2 ‘proxy’ error fields (EFs) find that the rotation braking introduced by the proxy EF cannot be completely alleviated through optimal n = 2 correction with poorly matched poloidal spectra. This imperfect performance recovery demonstrates the importance of correcting multiple components of the n = 2 field spectrum and is in contrast to previous results with n = 1 EFs despite a similar execution. Measured optimal n = 2 proxy EF correction currents are consistent with those required to null dominant mode coupling to the resonant surfaces and minimize the neoclassical toroidal viscosity (NTV) torque, calculated using ideal MHD plasma response computation. Unlike rotation braking, density pumpout can be fully corrected despite poorly matched spectra, indicating density pompous is driven only by a single component proportional to the resonant coupling. Through precise n = 2 spectral control density pumpout and rotation braking can thus be decoupled. Rotation braking with n = 2 fields is also found to be proportional to the level of co-current toroidal rotation, consistent with NTV theory. Furthermore, plasmas with modest counter-current rotation are insensitive to the n = 2 field with neither rotation braking nor density pumpout observed.
Insects (Diptera, Hymenoptera) Associated with Minuartia Groenlandica (Caryophyllaceae) on Mount Washington, New Hampshire, U.S.A., and Their Possible Role as Pollinators*

Minuartia groenlandica, an abundant alpine plant inhabiting exposed rocky slopes on Mount Washington, is attractive to at least 15 nectarivorous and pollinivorous insect species, all, except bumble...
Customized versus Population Fetal Growth Norms and Adverse Outcomes Associated with Small for Gestational Age Infants in a High-Risk Cohort.

OBJECTIVE To compare population versus customized fetal growth norms in identifying neonates at risk for adverse perinatal and neonatal outcomes (AOs) associated with small for gestational age (SGA) in high-risk women. DESIGN Secondary analysis to a multicenter treatment trial of pregnant women at high risk for preeclampsia using low-dose aspirin versus placebo. The associations between SGA by population (SGApop) and customized (SGAcust) norms and AOs were evaluated. RESULTS A total of 2,289 mother/infant pairs were included in the analysis. The rates of SGA in the aspirin and placebo groups were similar by the customized (22.8% vs 23.9%; p = 0.55) or population (8.7% vs 7.5%; p = 0.54) norms; however, they were lower using population norms compared with customized norms (p < 0.001). SGAcust, but not SGApop, was associated with spontaneous preterm birth (odds ratio [OR]: 1.44, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.15-1.81; p < 0.001), preterm premature rupture of membranes (OR 1.42 95% CI 1.05-1.92; p = 0.02), and cesarean delivery (OR: 1.35, 95% CI: 1.11-1.64; p = 0.002). Both SGAcust and SGApop were associated with the composite neonatal outcome, indicated preterm delivery before 32, 35, and 37 weeks, oligohydramnios, fetal distress, as well as decreased risk of oxygen requirement. Neither was associated with preeclampsia. CONCLUSION Customized approach for assessment of fetal growth was associated with higher SGA rates and better identification of SGA neonates at risk for AOs.
ID: 33: ACUTE PANCREATITIS WITH NORMAL LIPASE AND AMYLASE ENZYMES

Case Report A 44 year-old Male with no significant past medical history presented to the Emergency Department complaining of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, upper abdominal pain and fever. For the past one week prior to presentation, patient developed pressure-like epigastric pain, radiating to the back, worsened with lying down, and associated with non-bloody, non-bilious vomiting, followed by anorexia, nausea and fever to 102F. Patient had not eaten several days prior to arrival to the hospital; hence he was brought in by his family for evaluation. Notably, two months prior to presentation, patient was evaluated in an outside hospital for abdominal pain similar in quality, but not in intensity, and reportedly had normal blood tests and imaging. Physical examination: vital signs significant for hypertension of 150/90, tachycardia to 108 and fever of 101.5; abdomen notable for tenderness to palpation over epigastrium, with mild guarding, but no rebound or Murphy9s sign; the rest of the exam, including cardiovascular, pulmonary, integumentary and neurological exam, unremarkable. Initial laboratory findings are: WBC of 10.1, with 81% neutrophils, amylase of 47 (N 28–100 U/L), lipase level of 14 (N 11–82 U/L), and unremarkable basic metabolic panel. Liver function tests notable for normal AST and ALT, elevated GGT to 277 (N Patient was admitted to medicine service for treatment of gastroenteritis, and was started on intravenous fluids and symptomatic management. On day three of hospitalization, patient developed worsening abdominal pain, associated with inability to tolerate per oral intake secondary to vomiting of food contents, and due to worsening abdominal pain, underwent further workup. CBC revealed leukocytosis with a left shift, WBC count of 15.3, with 81.5% neutrophils. Basic metabolic panel notable for sodium of 124, potassium of 3.2, calcium of 7.4, magnesium of 1.7, phosphate of 1.9. Repeat lipase was 67(N 11–82 U/L). An abdominal CT scan (figure 1) with IV and oral contrast was performed, and showed extensive pancreatic edema, especially involving the pancreatic head and uncinate process, and peripancreatic stranding; these changes deemed consistent with acute pancreatitis; no calcifications or pseudocysts were observed on the CT. Abdominal ultrasound showed multiple gallbladder stones, however, common bile duct was of normal diameter (2.5 mm), and no intrabiliary duct dilatation was noted. Based on clinical presentation and radiological findings, the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis was made. The patient started on aggressive intravenous fluid hydration, pain management and bowel rest, with good improvement in symptoms. On day 5, patient was able to tolerate a regular diet, and noted an almost complete resolution of pain, and therefore was discharged home.
Optimal Consumption Path:A Dynamic Programming Approach

Based on recursive optimization theory,this paper establishes an optimal consumption model which includes capital depreciation and discount factor to investigate the investment choice of a representative agent in a continuous-time economy.By guessing and verifying the solution to the Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman equation,we derive the value function,strategic function and optimal investment and consumption series which maximize total consumption utility.Through the analysis of optimal investment and consumption series,it is found that the AK model,which has capital output elasticity equal to one,results in a higher capital growth rate,and capital does not converge,while the AK model,which has capital output elasticity less than one but larger than zero,yields a smaller capital growth rate,and capital converges.Through the analysis of value function,it is found that the sum of discounted utility varies inversely with the consumption/investment ratio,directly with the discount factor,and inversely with the depreciation rate.Using consumption and capital for the period from 1978 to 2010,it is concluded that China's value function is influenced by the stage of economic growth.When the economy is at a lower stage,the consumption/investment ratio and China's value function move in the same direction,in contrast with the theoretical model.When the economy enters into a higher stage,the consumption/investment ratio and China's value function move in opposite directions,as predicted by the theoretical model.
Genetic Evolution of Neuraminidase Gene of Influenza A/H1N1 Virus

【Objective】 This study was designed to investigate the genetic evolution of the neuraminidase (NA) gene of seasonal A/H1N1 and 2009 novel A/H1N1 influenza virus, and discuss the genetic variation of influenza A virus. 【Methods】 The virus strains were separately isolated from the clinical samples collected in 2006 and 2009, and then identified as seasonal A / H1N1 and novel A/H1N1. The full length of the NA gene of these strains was amplified by RT-PCR. Then the genetic evolution and mutations of important functional sites were analyzed. 【Results】 The homology of NA gene between the 2009 novel A/H1N1 isolates and 2006 seasonal A/H1N1 isolates was low (77.9% ～ 78.8%), so was the homology of NA gene between the 2009 novel A / H1N1 isolates and representative strains of different periods and 1979-2001 WHO recommended vaccine strains (78.1% ～ 79.3%). But compared with the WHO recommended vaccine strains of 2009 novel A/H1N1, the homology reached more than 99%. The genetic evolution analysis revealed that NA gene of 2009 novel A/H1N1 had the closest genetic relationship with the swine influenza A virus (A/swine/Belgium/1/1983) from Eurasian lineage, and some of the antigenic sites and neuraminidase active sites of NA gene of seasonal A/H1N1 were mutated after 2005. 【Conclusion】 The NA gene of 2009 novel A/H1N1 may originate from Eurasian lineage of swine influenza virus. The variation of NA gene of seasonal A/H1N1 has occurred in a certain degree. Hence, it is very necessary to continuously monitor the variant of influenza A virus.
Can you screen for ovarian cancer

Screening for ovarian cancer has become an area of great interest because of the high mortality rate associated with advanced ovarian cancer. This article discusses the requirements for a test to be considered a screening modality, outlines the current methodology used in ovarian cancer screening, addresses the shortcomings as well as problems related to cost effectiveness with the current screening modalities, and identifies special circumstances in which ovarian cancer screening may be beneficial.
Geometry of the subducted plate near Kodiak Island and Lower Cook Inlet, Alaska, determined from relocated earthquake hypocenters

Abstract Using observations from 28 seismograph stations in southern Alaska, we have used the JHD method to relocate 341 well-recorded events with focal depths beneath about 40 km which occurred between 56.4°N and 60.5°N, and between 151.6°W and 156.5°W. These hypocenters show that the Wadati-Benioff zone has a dip of about 45°. However, its strike changes by about 15° beneath Lower Cook Inlet at about 59°N near where the volcanic line also bends northward. Near this bend there is also a distinctly higher level of seismic activity than in the area to the southwest of 59°N. A few events are situated about 20 km beneath the main Wadati-Benioff zone in Cook Inlet, and a focal mechanism we have determined for one of these differs from other mechanisms for events in this area. Focal mechanisms available from previous work show that at intermediate focal depths the area between 59°N and 60.5°N is controlled by horizontal north-south compression, and as such differs from the region to the southwest. Relying primarily on the observed change in strike and apparent thickness of the Wadati-Benioff zone, we interpret these data to suggest that the subducted lithophere separates into two distinct segments as it subducts beneath Cook Inlet. Because the direction of subduction is not perpendicular to the volcanic arc, the events situated beneath the Wadati-Benioff zone in Cook Inlet may be part of the southwestern plate segment. Although the geometry and available focal mechanisms for events beneath Cook Inlet are similar to what would be expected in a “double Wadati-Benioff zone,” we suggest instead that these observations result because we are at the boundary between two adjacent segments of the subducting plate.
Description of surface transport in the region of the Belizean Barrier Reef based on observations and alternative high-resolution models

This research is supported by the National Science Foundation award NSF-OCE 1260424. We thank CARTHE Consortium for providing the Lagrangian drifters; the Center for Computational Science (CCS) of the University of Miami for operational support with multi-processors; Kevin David, Alben David, Ashford Velasquez, Cedric Guigand, and the staffof International Zoological Expeditions for logistical support in the field. Research permission was granted by Belize Fisheries. We acknowledge the contributions of two anonymous reviewers who helped improve the manuscript. (1260424 - National Science Foundation award NSF-OCE)