cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An adaptive stress-induced tRNA depletion response mediates codon-based gene repression and growth suppression

Eukaryotic transfer RNAs can become selectively fragmented upon various stresses, generating tRNA-derived small RNA fragments (tRFs). Such tRNA fragmentation has been observed to impact a small fraction of the tRNA pool and thus presumed to not directly impact translation. We report that in human cells, oxidative stress can rapidly generate tRFs derived from tyrosyl tRNA-GUA - causing significant depletion of the precursor tRNA molecule. Tyrosyl tRNA-GUA depletion impaired expression of a gene-set enriched in its cognate tyrosine codons, comprising growth and metabolic genes. Depletion of tyrosyl tRNA-GUA or its downstream genes EPCAM, SCD, or USP3 repressed proliferation - revealing a tRNA-regulated growth suppressive pathway for oxidative stress response. Thus, tRNA fragmentation can both deplete a precursor tRNA molecule with codon-dependent regulatory consequences and also generate small-RNAs that interact with RNA binding proteins. Our findings reveal the existence of an underlying adaptive codon-based gene-regulatory logic inherent to the genetic code.
Function of a strand-separation pin element in the PriA DNA replication restart helicase

DNA helicases are motor proteins that couple the chemical energy of nucleoside triphosphate hydrolysis to the mechanical functions required for DNA unwinding. Studies of several helicases have identified strand-separating "pin" structures that are positioned to intercept incoming dsDNA and promote strand separation during helicase translocation. However, pin structures vary among helicases and it remains unclear whether they confer a conserved unwinding mechanism. Here, we tested the biochemical and cellular roles of a putative pin element within the Escherichia coli PriA DNA helicase. PriA orchestrates replication restart in bacteria by unwinding the lagging-strand arm of abandoned DNA replication forks and reloading the replicative helicase with the help of protein partners that combine with PriA to form what is referred to as a primosome complex. Using in vitro protein–DNA cross-linking, we localized the putative pin (a β-hairpin within a zinc-binding domain in PriA) near the ssDNA–dsDNA junction of the lagging strand in a PriA–DNA replication fork complex. Removal of residues at the tip of the β-hairpin eliminated PriA DNA unwinding, interaction with the primosome protein PriB, and cellular function. We isolated a spontaneous intragenic suppressor mutant of the priA β-hairpin deletion mutant in which 22 codons around the deletion site were duplicated. This suppressor variant and an Ala-substituted β-hairpin PriA variant displayed wildtype levels of DNA unwinding and PriB binding in vitro. These results suggest essential but sequence nonspecific roles for the PriA pin element and coupling of PriA DNA unwinding to its interaction with PriB.
Guide for the sustainable intensification assessment framework

Sustainable Intensification (SI) offers a means to balance the environmental, economic, and social objectives of agriculture. Agricultural intensification may be defined as increasing output per unit input per unit time. A narrow definition of sustainable intensification is “production of more food on the same piece of land while reducing the negative environmental impacts and at the same time increasing the contributions to natural capital and flow of environmental services” (Zurek et al., 2015). The definition of SI has evolved to include non-environmental dimensions such as social issues, economics, and the human condition (Loos et al., 2014). The inclusion of social aspects helps ensure a balanced approach to the intensification process. In this guide, we present a framework of objective-oriented SI indicators organized into five domains critical for sustainability: productivity, economic, environment, human condition, and social domains. The objective-oriented indicator assessment is similar to the goal-oriented framework proposed by Olsson et al. (2009) in which objectives of the innovation are identified and then indicators are linked to the objectives to assess performance in a balanced approach across domains. The metrics for each indicator are categorized across spatial scales: field, farm, household, and landscape, so that the assessment can be used for innovations at any scale and so that cross-scale linkages can be considered (Figure 1).
Labelling, homophily and preference evolution

We consider a population of agents whose preference types are unobservable but imperfectly correlated with certain observable labels such as customs, languages, and origins. In addition, the matching process exhibits homophily: agents tend to interact with those who share the same labels. We show that labelling and homophily interact in a non-trivial way to influence the evolution of preferences, which cannot be accounted for in the extant literature.
Does dissolved organic matter or solid peat fuel anaerobic respiration in peatlands

Abstract Solid-phase soil organic matter is the largest carbon (C) pool in peatlands and, as such, has long been assumed to be the primary substrate driving anaerobic respiration in these systems. However, radiocarbon data from previous field samples suggest that dissolved organic matter (DOM) plays a key, and often dominant, role in fueling heterotrophic respiration across a variety of peatlands. In this study, we manipulated available C sources under laboratory conditions to empirically determine the primary C source – solid-phase peat or DOM – fueling anaerobic respiration at surface and deep depth increments within two bogs and a poor fen in northern Minnesota. We found that increasing DOM concentration from 0 to 50% during anaerobic incubations significantly increased rates of surface (25–50 cm) methane (CH4) production, but not carbon dioxide (CO2) production, indicating that DOM acts as a primary driver of surface methanogenesis in peatlands. Contrary to our expectations, this response was consistent across all three sites despite differences in plant communities and biogeochemical characteristics. However, we observed no effect of DOM availability on CH4 or CO2 production at deeper depths (75–100 or 150–200 cm). The lack of response of CO2 production to DOM manipulation highlights the sensitivity of surface CH4 production to changes in the DOM pool quality and quantity, which are likely to occur under future climate change scenarios. However, CH4 production in deeper peat appears to be limited by additional factors beyond labile C availability, at least on the timescale of the laboratory incubations.
True Grit in Leadership: 2018 AOA Critical Issues Symposium Addressing Grit, Sex Inequality, and Underrepresented Minorities in Orthopaedics

Abstract:Grit is a positive noncognitive trait that is based on an individual’s passion for long-term goals, coupled with a powerful motivation to achieve. Grit has been shown to be a greater predictor of success than intelligence. As the curriculum for orthopaedic trainees continues to evolve, deli
On the origin of the drag force on dimpled spheres

It is well established that dimples accelerate the drag crisis on a sphere. The result of the early drag crisis is a reduction of the drag coefficient by more than a factor of two when compared to a smooth sphere at the same Reynolds number. However, when the drag coefficients for smooth and dimpled spheres in the post-critical regime are compared, the latter is higher by a factor of two to three. To understand the origin of this behaviour, we conducted direct numerical simulations of the flow around a dimpled sphere, which is similar to commercially available golf balls, in the post-critical regime. By comparing the results to those for a smooth sphere, it is found that dimples, although effective in accelerating the drag crisis, impose a local drag penalty, which contributes significantly to the overall drag force. This finding challenges the broadly accepted view that dimples only indirectly affect the drag force on a sphere by energizing the near-wall flow and delaying global separation.
Nonlinear Optical Dynamics in Femtosecond Laser Processing of Nd:YAG Waveguides

Direct laser writing has been applied to the fabrication of complex three-dimensional structures inside optical materials such as SiO 2 , SU-8, and Silicon [1,2]. Neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd: YAG) is one of the most favourable gain media for solid-state lasers owing to its excellent spectroscopic, physical and thermal properties. Although some works have reported experimental DLW for fabrication of waveguides in Nd:YAG [3], there is currently no detailed explanation of the nonlinear optical mechanisms and impact of phenomena such as generation of free carriers induced by multi-photon ionization and plasma formation. In this work, we study for the first time the underlying physics behind nonlinear optical dynamics in ultrafast laser beam propagation during the femtosecond laser processing of Nd: YAG.
Iatrogenic Kaposi sarcoma presenting as retiform purpura during treatment of bullous pemphigoid.

Kaposi sarcoma is a vascular neoplasm associated with human herpesvirus–8 and is most typically expressed in the skin. Disease presentations are currently grouped into 1 of 5 contextual types: classic, endemic, epidemic HIV-associated, nonepidemic and iatrogenic. The iatrogenic form is generally a consequence of transplantation-related immunosuppression; occurrence during immunosuppressive treatment of autoimmune disease is reported but unusual. Kaposi sarcoma may manifest clinically in a variety of guises, and at least 10 morphologies have been recognized: typical patch, plaque and nodular forms, and the more unusual lymphadenopathic, exophytic, infiltrative, ecchymotic, telangiectatic, keloidal, and cavernous/lymphangioma-like forms.1 Retiform purpura—branching and nonblanchable purple discoloration of the skin—is generally an indicator of vasculitis or vasculopathic occlusion, and has not been described as a manifestation of Kaposi sarcoma. We present an unusual case of Kaposi sarcoma manifesting as retiform purpura in the setting of bullous pemphigoid complicated by therapy-related leukopenia, which suggests that Kaposi sarcoma might be included in the differential diagnosis for retiform purpura.
Structural and magnetic properties of pyrochlore solid solutions (Y,Lu)2Ti2−x(Nb,Ta)xO7±y

Abstract The synthesis and characterization of the pyrochlore solid solutions, Y2Ti2−xNbxO7−y, Lu2Ti2−xNbxO7−y, Y2Ti2−xTaxO7−y and Lu2TiTaO7−y (−0.4
Effect of screening, brief intervention and referral to treatment for unhealthy alcohol and other drug use in mental health treatment settings: a randomized controlled trial

Aims To test the efficacy of a brief intervention to reduce alcohol or drug use and to promote use of addiction services among patients seeking mental health treatment. Design and setting A multi-centre, longitudinal, two-group randomized controlled trial with randomization within each of two mental health treatment systems located in Ventura County and Los Angeles County in California, USA. Participants A total of 718 patients (49.2% female) aged 18 and older with a mental health diagnosis and either a heavy drinking day or any use of cannabis or stimulants in the past 90 days. Intervention and comparator A motivation-based brief intervention with personalized feedback (screening, brief intervention and referral to treatment (SBIRT) condition) (n = 354) or a health education session (control condition) (n = 364). Measurements Primary outcomes included frequency of heavy drinking days, days of cannabis use and days of stimulant use at the primary end-point 3 months post-baseline. Secondary outcomes included frequency and abstinence from substance use out to a 12-month follow-up and the use of addiction treatment services. Findings Participants in the SBIRT condition had fewer heavy drinking days [odds ratio (OR) = 0.53; 95% credible interval (CrI) = 0.48-0.6] and fewer days of stimulant use (OR = 0.58; 95% CrI = 0.50-0.66) at the 3-month follow-up compared with participants in the health education condition. Participants in the SBIRT condition did not comparatively reduce days of cannabis use at the 3-month follow-up (OR = 0.93; 95% CrI = 0.85-1.01). Secondary outcomes indicated sustained effects of SBIRT on reducing the frequency of heavy drinking days and days of stimulant use. No effects were observed on abstinence rates or use of addiction treatment services. Conclusions Screening and brief intervention for unhealthy alcohol and drug use in mental health treatment settings were effective at reducing the frequency of heavy drinking and stimulant use.
Evidence-Based Approaches for Prescribing Psychotropic Medications in Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Background Treating children and adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) is challenging, whether for mental health concerns, underlying healthcare conditions, or a variety of behavioral challenges, such as self-injury, aggression, or irritability. Objective This article highlights evidence-based approaches to inform prescribing practices in treating children and adults with ASDs and mental health or behavioral challenges. Methods Current and historical literature focusing on treating individuals with ASDs using psychotropic medications was analyzed. Results Psychotropic medications may not be the best choice for treating individuals with ASDs and mental health or behavioral challenges. Inappropriate use of psychotropic medications in this population can cause significant side effects and lead to long-term health related issues. Conclusions Prescribers should use evidence-based approaches when treating this population. Implications for nursing Nurse practitioners are likely to encounter patients with ASDs in their practice. Understanding special considerations in prescribing for this population is highly relevant and important to improve health outcomes.
Youth Observation of E-Cigarette Use in or Around School, 2019.

Introduction E-cigarette use increased dramatically among U.S. students during 2017–2019, and school plays an important role in preventing and reducing youth substance use. This study examines the prevalence and correlates of self-reported youth observation of e-cigarette use on school grounds. Methods Data from the 2019 National Youth Tobacco Survey (N=19,018) were analyzed to examine the prevalence and factors associated with youth observation of e-cigarette use in or around the school. Multivariable logistic regressions were performed to assess the associations between youth observation of e-cigarette use and the susceptibility to initiate cigarettes or e-cigarettes. Analyses were conducted in 2020. Results In 2019, about 63.9% of students (16.8 million) reported noticing youth use of e-cigarettes in or around the school, with bathroom or locker room as the most common location (33.2%). Female (versus male) students; high-school (versus middle-school) students; non-Hispanic Whites (versus other groups); former and past 30–day e-cigarette users (versus never users); students with exposure to tobacco marketing (versus none); and students living with a household member using e-cigarettes (versus not) had higher odds of reporting the observation of vaping in schools. Among never tobacco users (n=11,518), observation of vaping in schools was associated with higher odds of being susceptible to smoking cigarettes (AOR=1.2, 95% CI=1.0, 1.3) and using e-cigarettes (AOR=1.7, 95% CI=1.6, 1.9), especially among middle-school students. Conclusions E-cigarette use is common on school grounds, and youth observation of vaping in schools may increase the risk of initiating tobacco use in the future. School vaping policy and education programs are needed to curb youth e-cigarette use.
Sperm Surface Fibronectin Expression Following Capacitation

The Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) amino acid sequence plays a role in many cell-to-cell and cell-to-matrix adhesion systems, as a recognition sequence for cell membrane receptors termed integrins. Receptors of the VLA subfamily of integrins recognize fibronectin, laminin, and collagen. Given the authors' findings that fibronectin-derived, RDG-containing peptides competitively inhibit sperm-oolemmal adhesion and penetration in both heterologous (human-hamster) and homologous (hamster-hamster) gamete interactions, the expression of fibronectin on the surface of fresh, capacitated, and acrosome-reacted human spermatozoa was studied. The majority of fresh spermatozoa did not display fibronectin on their plasma membrane (0 to 16% positive), as demonstrated by the lack of binding of both monoclonal and polyclonal anti-fibronectin antibodies. In contrast, a significantly greater proportion of spermatozoa (varying between 18% to 100% for different donors) incubated overnight under capacitating conditions reacted with anti-fibronectin antibodies. The induction of an acrosome reaction with progesterone did not alter the proportion of sperm displaying fibronectin or its distribution on the sperm surface. A physiologic role of fibronectin in sperm-oolemmal interaction was suggested by the effects of anti-fibronectin antibodies on sperm oolemmal adhesion and penetration of hamster eggs by human spermatozoa, which were both significantly reduced (P less than 0.001).
DETECTION OF CHLOROPHYLLS c1, c2 AND c3 IN PIGMENT EXTRACTS OF PRYMNESIUM PARWM (PRYMNESIOPHYCEAE)1

Three chlorophyll c-type pigments were separated by reversed-phase high Performance liquid chromatography and thin-layer chromatography from pigment extracts of the prymnesiophyte, Prymnesium parvum Carter. Based on spectral characteristics, retention times, and comparison with reference pigments isolated from the diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum Bohlin, two of these pigments were identijied as chlorophyll c1 and c2. The other pigment was identified by its absorption spectrum and thin-layer chromatography retention times as the newly described chlorophyll c3. However, in other prymnesiophytes so far examined, chlorophyll c1 and chlorophyll c3 were present with no chlorophyll cl. The discovery of chlorophyll c3 with chlorophyll c1 and chlorophyll c3 in Prymnesium parvum therefore represents the first report of this combination of pigments in prymnesiophytes.
How much does it cost to be stylish? Ease, effort, and energy consumption in Benvenuto Cellini's Vita

Ever since Baldassar Castiglione's Book of the Courtier, sprezzatura, or the art of concealing one's effort, had become a dominant aesthetic code of comportment in Renaissance court culture. Recent scholars have noted how this same discourse about the projection of ease also came to permeate writings about science and the mechanical arts. In this article, I argue that Benvenuto Cellini's Vita offered an alternative to this aesthetic, highlighting, rather than concealing, the physical toil and energetic expenditure required to produce artistic form out of raw matter. This alternative is significant, I contend, especially when considered in the context of the writings of sixteenth-century engineers like Georgius Agricola, who were beginning to think in terms of the tradeoffs between ore extraction, agricultural production, and human well-being. Tradeoffs imply effort and difficult choices rather than ease, hence, writers like Cellini and Agricola, by offering an alternative manner of describing costs and energy expenditures, also allowed for a greater degree of awareness of employed resources.
Racial/Ethnic and Socioeconomic Disparities in Mental Health in Arizona

Background: Mental health issues are a rapidly increasing problem in the United States. Little is known about mental health and healthcare among Arizona’s Hispanic population. Methods: We assess differences in mental health service need, mental health diagnoses and illicit drug use among 7,578 White and Hispanic participants in the 2010 Arizona Health Survey. Results: Prevalence of mild, moderate, or severe psychological distress was negatively associated with SES among both Whites and Hispanics. Overall, Hispanics were less likely than Whites to have been diagnosed with a mental health condition; however, diagnosis rates were negatively associated with SES among both populations. Hispanics had considerably lower levels of lifetime illicit drug use than their White counterparts. Illicit drug use increased with SES among Hispanics but decreased with SES among Whites. After adjustment for relevant socio-demographic characteristics, multivariable linear regression suggested that Hispanics have significantly lower Kessler scores than Whites. These differences were largely explained by lower Kessler scores among non-English proficient Hispanics relative to English-speaking populations. Moreover, logistic regression suggests that Hispanics, the foreign born, and the non-English language proficient have lower odds of lifetime illicit drug use than Whites, the US born, and the English-language proficient, respectively. Conclusions: The unique social and political context in Arizona may have important but understudied effects on the physical and mental health of Hispanics. Our findings suggest mental health disparities between Arizona Whites and Hispanics, which should be addressed via culturally- and linguistically-tailored mental health care. More observational and intervention research is necessary to better understand the relationship between race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, healthcare, and mental health in Arizona.
Chapter 34. Research Investments in a Managed Care, Cost-Containment Oligopsony

Publisher Summary Research investment by PhRMA members that amounts to almost $15 billion in recent years is supplemented by about $3 billion from the smaller biotechnology-focused firms in the United States. Of the new molecules marketed in several countries, about half arise from the United States pharmaceutical research manufacturers and of these less than 8% are discovered in academic or government laboratories. The federal government invests about 1% of health care spending in research to almost match the investment from private industry. Yet 2% is a very small fraction of such an important aspect of life. The average firm in the United States invests more than 3% of its sales in research, and Germany and Japan invest even more than the United States in nondefense research. Still there remains a question of appropriateness of the level of health care research. Three interventions for the pharmaceutical industry are urgent. First, regulatory creep must be rolled back to the effective levels of two decades ago. The public health has not been improved by the enormous increases in cost, duration, and risk of pharmaceutical research in recent times. Instead, untold thousands of anonymous corpses line the infinite corridor to approval that is ever lengthened to protect risk-averse regulators from the possibility of identifying a single patient dead of early approval. Second, the pharmaceutical research industry must re-engineer vigorously to accomplish more with less. A huge number of studies are not required for proofs of safety and efficacy. A worldwide triple-blind dose response study, started just after the initial definition of kinetics and dynamics, may be sufficient. Third, planning is necessary with far more elegant strategies extending decades into the future into small but growing markets and spanning medical cultures throughout the developed and developing world.
Two ultramicro-scale methods for plasma uric acid analysis with uricase.

Results with two ultramicro methods for plasma uric acid analysis with uricase are described: a crystal violet (gentian violet) method, modified from an automated procedure by Gochman and Schmitz [ Clin. Chem. 17, 1154 (1971)] and adapted to manual analysis, and a polarographic oxygen-sensing system (Beckman Instruments, Inc.). The coefficient of variation (CV) for the crystal violet method varied between 2.1 and 5.7% for an 11-month period. Within-run precision (CV) of the polarographic method was 3.3%; day-to-day CV varied between 3.4 and 9.4%. Percentage recovery for the crystal violet method ranged between 97 and 106%, and for the polarographic method between 92 and 100%. Results of the two methods correlate well, but 5-15% lower values are obtained by the crystal violet method than by the polarographic method. Bilirubin, hemolysis, or usual plasma concentrations of ascorbic acid do not interfere significantly with either method. Advantages and disadvantages of both methods are discussed. The polarographic method requires more uricase, but is the better of the two methods.
Overview of alcoholism treatment: settings and approaches.

The alcoholism treatment service delivery system is described in terms of facility characteristics, funding, and demographics of clientele served. A brief discussion of the “Minnesota Model“, the most pervasive therapeutic approach to alcoholism in the United States is then offered. The article concludes with a synopsis of key research findings and current public debate issues which may impact the future delivery of treatment services to alcoholics.
Why is chronic kidney disease the "spoiler" for cardiovascular outcomes: an alternate take from a generalist.

In a recent report [(1)][1], and the accompanying editorial [(2)][2]in the Journal, the excess mortality among acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients with reduced creatinine clearance (CrCl) was mostly attributed to chronic disease of the kidneys and to related alterations in vascular biology and
GLUT4 glucose transporter expression in rodent brain: effect of diabetes

This study describes the regional and cellular expression of the insulin-sensitive glucose transporter, GLUT4, in rodent brain. A combination of in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry and immunoblot techniques was employed to localize GLUT4 mRNA and protein to the granule cells of the olfactory bulb, dentate gyrus of the hippocampus and the cerebellum, with the greatest level of expression being in the cerebellum. Estimates of the concentration of GLUT4 in cerebellar membranes indicate that this transporter isoform is present in significant amounts, relative to the other isoforms, GLUT1 and GLUT3. Cerebellar GLUT4 expression was increased in the genetically diabetic, hyperinsulinemic, db/db mouse relative to the non-diabetic control, and even higher levels were observed in db/db female than db/db male mice. Levels of expression of GLUT4 protein in cerebellum appear to respond to the level of circulating insulin, and are reduced in the hypoinsulinemic streptozotocin-diabetic rat. Exercise training also results in reduced insulin levels and comparably reduced levels of GLUT4 in the cerebellum. These studies demonstrate a chronic insulin-sensitive regulation of GLUT4 in rodent brain and raise the possibility of acute modulations of glucose uptake in these GLUT4 expressing cells.
A formal classification of the extant cycads

My previously published provisional classification of the Cycadales is here formally published. This classification is based upon a cladistic analysis of characters ranging from gross morphology to phytochemistry. Encephalartos is lectotypified.
Cooperative-Dual-Task-Space-based whole-body motion balancing for humanoid robots

This paper studies the use of Cooperative Dual-Task Space (CDTS) as an efficient approach for the whole-body motion balancing problem for humanoid robots. The CDTS variables have been used efficiently to describe and control coordinated motions of dual-arms. Similarly, the concept of CDTS variables can be extended to describe the constraints and the control of humanoid legs. When the leg motion is described and controlled by CDTS variables, the variables regarding the feet constraints and the control variables in the leg motion regarding the waist movement can be nicely decoupled. One of the CDTS variables can be used to describe the constraints on the feet, and the constraints can be expressed independently of the support-foot changes. The proposed CDTS-based method provides an efficient way to stabilize the merged whole-body motion by modifying the horizontal waist position by a coordinated motion of both legs while satisfying the changing constraints on both feet in the lower-body motion. Thus, the proposed CDTS-based method provides the possibility of generating a large library of whole-body motions for a humanoid robot by combining an upper-body motion captured from humans and lower-body motions generated by an existing biped walking pattern planner. The performance of the proposed CDTS-based approach was validated through extensive simulations including cases that showed a HOAP-2 robot walking on a flat terrain and climbing up the stairs with a rapid upper-body movement.
How to make sure that students spend enough time studying: Fuzzy-motivated optimization approach to selecting a grading policy

Students do not always spend enough time studying. How can we encourage them to study more? In this paper, we show that a lot depends on the grading policy. At first glance, the problem of grading may seem straightforward: since our objective is that the students gain the largest amount of knowledge and skills at the end of the class, the grade should describe this amount. We show, however, that it is exactly this seemingly straightforward grading policy that often leads to an unfortunate learning behavior. To improve the students' learning, it is therefore necessary to use a grading policy which goes beyond the straightforward approach. In this paper, we use fuzzy-motivated intuition to formulate selection of a grading policy as a precise optimization problem, and, in the first approximation, provide a solution to this optimization problem. This solution is in line with what experienced instructors are actually doing when grading the class.
Production planning and control for remanufacturing: a state-of-the-art survey

Abstract Remanufacturing is rapidly emerging as an important form of waste prevention and environmentally conscious manufacturing. Firms are discovering it to be a profitable approach while at the same time enhancing their image as environmentally responsible, for a wide range of products. In this paper the characteristics of the remanufacturing environment are discussed first to distinguish this environment from other manufacturing environments. The production planning and control function of the remanufacturing firm is examined in this environment. The research in the various decision-making areas that comprise the production planning and control function is evaluated. There are many areas where the research is still scant. The lack of any overall integrated framework and models for the production planning and control function is noted. It is also pointed out that most firms are still grappling with these problems and do not have any formal mechanisms in place. There is a need to develop models and frameworks grounded in the problems and needs of these remanufacturing firms.
Cytotoxic effect of T-2 mycotoxin on cells in culture as determined by a rapid colorimetric bioassay

We developed a colorimetric assay for determining metabolic activity (viability) of cells exposed to toxic agents. This system is based on the ability of mitochondrial enzymes in viable cells to modify a tetrazolium salt into a blue formazan product that can be detected spectrophotometrically at 570 nm. The assay works equally well for mammalian and insect cell lines and at 48 hr color formation is linear over a cell input range of 1.56-50 X 10(4) cells/ml. The inhibitory effects of T-2 mycotoxin on tetrazolium cleavage in L929 cells is comparable to that observed for protein and DNA synthesis (50% inhibition = 6-8 ng/ml). Using this system to analyze the lethal effect of T-2 toxin on cells from various animal species, it was found that bovine cells were the most sensitive (50% inhibition at 2.2 ng/ml) while hamster cells were the most resistant (50% inhibition at 26.2 ng/ml). Murine cells exhibited intermediate sensitivity (50% inhibition at 10.9 ng/ml). Variable toxin susceptibility was also observed among different cell types. Lymphocytes were 3-fold more sensitive to the T-2 inhibitory effects than comparable tissue culture cell lines. These data indicate that the colorimetric assay system could have broad applications in toxicological studies. Further, the observed differences in species sensitivity may provide insight into the primary mechanism of the T-2 toxin-cell interaction that ultimately leads to cell death.
Tuning the immune system: competing positive and negative feedback loops

In a sea of potential suitors, it is important for T cells to discriminate between self and nonself ligands. New data provide a molecular understanding of how this may be achieved.
Doxepin: effects on transport of biogenic amines in man.

A new tricyclic antidepressant, doxepin, was evaluated for its ability to block the amine uptake mechanism of the peripheral adrenergic neuron and blood platelet in man. At low doses, there was no evidence of inhibition of the amine pump. However, at moderate doses (200–300 mg/day), necessary for effective antidepressant activity, doxepin was found to inhibit the pressor responses to tyramine and to reduce platelet 5-HT. These studies indicate that doxepin is a less potent inhibitor of the amine pump in the peripheral adrenergic neuron and blood platelet than is DMI or protriptyline. Doxepin, at the antidepressant dose level does alter biogenic amine uptake, an effect consistent with the biogenic amine hypothesis of depression. However, at 300 mg/day, a dose which blocks the pressor response to tyramine, antagonism of the antihypertensive effects of guanethidine and related drugs was demonstrated.
Improved performance using shortcut path routing within data vortex switch network

Shortcut path routing is proposed for large-scale data vortex switch networks. The simulation study shows for worst traffic scenarios that such a routing scheme helps to improve both throughput and latency performance.
Antinatriuretic effect of exogenous metabolic substrates on the sodium diuresis of saline infusion.

Abstract The sodium diuresis of acute saline infusion was studied in dogs with intravenous infusion of 140 milliequivalent/liter sodium solutions, of which 20 milliequivalent sodium was present as bicarbonate or as lactate, pyruvate, and alpha-ketoglutarate. The natriuresis was inhibited sizably by use of the metabolic anions and the inhibition was accomplished theough augmented tubular reabsorption of filtered sodium ion, whether or not alpha-adrenergic receptor blockade was induced by phenoxybenzamine. The results suggest that blood levels of renal metabolic substrate may play a role in the regulation of sodium excretion during blood volume expansion with saline and be part of an anti-natriuretic system concerned with body sodium and volume homeostasis.
Mutation of the PTEN tumor suppressor gene is not a feature of ovarian cancers

Abstract Objective. The PTEN tumor suppressor gene on chromosome 10q23 undergoes inactivating mutations in several types of malignancies including glioblastomas and prostate and endometrial carcinomas. The aim of this study was to determine if mutation of the PTEN tumor suppressor gene is a feature of sporadic or BRCA1-associated ovarian carcinomas. Methods. Genomic deoxyribonucleic acid was extracted from 11 ovarian cancer cell lines and 50 frozen ovarian cancers, including 4 cases that developed in women with germline mutations in the BRCA1 breast/ovarian cancer susceptibility gene. The polymerase chain reaction was used to amplify each of the nine exons and intronic splice sites of the PTEN gene. These products were then screened for mutations using single strand conformation polymorphism analysis. Variant bands were further evaluated using automated DNA sequencing. Results. A previously unreported silent polymorphism at codon 240 (TAT to TAC) in exon 7 was noted in one of the primary ovarian carcinomas. Mutations in the PTEN gene were not found in any of the 50 primary ovarian cancers or 11 immortalized ovarian cancer cell lines. Conclusion. Alteration of the PTEN tumor suppressor gene does not appear to be a feature of sporadic or BRCA1-associated ovarian cancers.
Esophageal dose tolerance to hypofractionated stereotactic body radiation therapy: risk factors for late toxicity.

Purpose To identify factors associated with grade ≥3 treatment related late esophageal toxicity after lung or liver stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT). Methods and Materials This was a retrospective review of 52 patients with a planning target volume within 2 cm of the esophagus from a prospective registry of 607 lung and liver SBRT patients treated between 2005 and 2011. Patients were treated using a risk-adapted dose regimen to a median dose of 50 Gy in 5 fractions (range, 37.5-60 Gy in 3-10 fractions). Normal structures were contoured using Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) defined criteria. Results The median esophageal point dose and 1-cc dose were 32.3 Gy (range, 8.9-55.4 Gy) and 24.0 Gy (range, 7.8-50.9 Gy), respectively. Two patients had an esophageal fistula at a median of 8.4 months after SBRT, with maximum esophageal point doses of 51.5 and 52 Gy, and 1-cc doses of 48.1 and 50 Gy, respectively. These point and 1-cc doses were exceeded by 9 and 2 patients, respectively, without a fistula. The risk of a fistula for point doses exceeding 40, 45, and 50 Gy was 9.5% (n=2/21), 10.5% (n=2/19), and 12.5% (n=2/16), respectively. The risk of fistula for 1-cc doses exceeding 40, 45, and 50 Gy was 25% (n=2/9), 50% (n=2/4), and 50% (n=2/4), respectively. Eighteen patients received systemic therapy after SBRT (11 systemic chemotherapy, and 6 biologic agents, and 1 both). Both patients with fistulas had received adjuvant anti-angiogenic (vascular endothelial growth factor) agents within 2 months of completing SBRT. No patient had a fistula in the absence of adjuvant VEGF-modulating agents. Conclusions Esophageal fistula is a rare complication of SBRT. In this series, fistula was seen with esophageal point doses exceeding 51 Gy and 1-cc doses greater than 48 Gy. Notably, however, fistula was seen only in those patients who also received adjuvant VEGF-modulating agents after SBRT. The potential interaction of dose and adjuvant therapy should be considered when delivering SBRT near the esophagus.
The effect of coenzyme Q10 on infarct size in a rabbit model of ischemia/reperfusion

Objective: Coenzyme Q10 has been found to enhance recovery of function after reperfusion in numerous experimental acute ischemia-reperfusion models. We assessed whether coenzyme Q10, administered intravenously either during or 1 h before ischemia, can limit infarct size in the rabbit. Methods: Anesthetized open-chest rabbits were subjected to 30 min of coronary artery occlusion and 4 h of reperfusion. In Protocol 1, 12 min after beginning of ischemia rabbits were randomized to intravenous infusion of 30 mg coenzyme Q10 (Eisai Co., Japan) ( n = 10) or vehicle ( n = 10). In Protocol 2, rabbits were randomized to 30 mg coenzyme Q10 ( n = 6) or vehicle ( n = 6) treatment 60 min before ischemia. Ischemic zone at risk (IZ) was assessed by blue dye and necrotic zone (NZ) by tetrazolium staining. Results: In both protocols, coenzyme Q10 did not alter heart rate, mean blood pressure, or regional myocardial blood flows in either the ischemic or non-ischemic zones during ischemia or reperfusion. No difference was found in IZ (as fraction of LV weight) (Protocol 1: 0.24 ± 0.02 vs. 0.25 ± 0.02; Protocol 2: 0.28 ± 0.02 vs. 0.28 ± 0.03, in the control vs. coenzyme Q10 groups, respectively). The NZ/IZ ratio was comparable between the groups in both protocols (Protocol 1: 0.22 ± 0.04 vs. 0.26 ± 0.04; Protocol 2: 0.21 ± 0.06 vs. 0.30 ± 0.06, in the control vs. coenzyme Q10 groups, respectively). Conclusions: Coenzyme Q10, administered acutely either during or 60 min before myocardial ischemia, does not attenuate infarct size in the rabbit.
Narrow-band linearly scannable infrared lasing between 1.09 and 1.12 μm in the dye DNDTPC perchlorate

A grazing-incidence grating-tuned oscillator followed by two amplifier stages has been used to generate 0.2-cm−1 bandwidth scannable infrared radiation between 1.09 and 1.12 μm. When the radiation was pumped with 400-mJ 10-nsec pulses from a Nd:YAG laser, the output-pulse energy was approximately 20 mJ at the peak of the tuning curve.
CO2 elimination as predicted by augmented dispersion and convection in an asymmetrical dog airway model

We have developed a computer model of the dog lung based upon an asymmetrically branching network of tubes to describe gas exchange during high-frequency oscillations. Impedances to oscillatory flows were calculated for each airway segment and used to determine flow distributions in all airway generations. Gas exchange was assumed to occur by convective and augmented dispersive mechanisms. Also included in the model were features commonly found in animal studies including the effects of bias flow of fresh gas at the airway opening and equipment dead-space volume. The magnitude of CO2 elimination predicted by the model closely resembled actual experimental data. Specifically, it predicted that CO2 elimination is proportional to frequency to the 0.82 power and tidal volume to the 1.25 power. It also indicated that the bias flow rate and equipment dead-space volume influence gas exchange characteristics and thus these variables should be considered when comparing data from different studies.
The TBX21 transcription factor T-1993C polymorphism is associated with decreased IFN-γ and IL-4 production by primary human lymphocytes

T-bet is a transcription factor that drives the Th1 immune response primarily through promoting expression of the IFN-γ gene. Polymorphisms in the T-bet gene, TBX21, have been associated with immune-mediated diseases such as asthma and systemic sclerosis. We found that the TBX21 promoter polymorphism T-1993C is associated with a significant decrease in IL-4 and IFN-γ production by stimulated primary human lymphocytes from healthy participants.
VALIDATING DICOM-BASED STRAIN IN THE ADULT AND PEDIATRIC POPULATIONS

: Strain (S) analysis allows robust evaluation of myocardial mechanics but clinical use requires validation of vendor-specific software. To test agreement of S values from images in native Polar (P) & processed DICOM (D) data, we compared same images in both formats in adult & pediatric patients.
Hopes for kinase inhibitors active against AML take FLT

The impressive activity of imatinib mesylate in patients with chronic-phase chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) has spurred the search for kinase inhibitors with similar efficacy in other hematologic malignancies. In acute myeloid leukemia (AML), considerable attention has focused on inhibitors of Fms-
Rhombic Penrose tilings can be 3-colored

The four-color theorem tells us that any tiling in the plane can be 4-colored, where adjacent tiles are to get different colors. Anyone who tries to color a Penrose tiling will wonder whether they are all 3-colorable; this question was first proposed by John H. Conway [2, p. 27]. We show, by a very simple argument, that any tiling by Penrose rhombs is 3-colorable; our method yields an algorithm, the results of which are illustrated in Figure 1. We were led to this result by a Mathematica implementation of a 4-coloring algorithm for plane maps based on Kempe chains; see [5] and [7]. It had no difficulty in 3-coloring rhombus tilings. For background on Penrose tilings see [2], [4], and [8]. Note that there is no simple characterization of the 3-colorable planar maps, and the problem of recognizing 3-colorable planar maps is NP-complete [3].
Numeracy : Open-Access Publishing to Reduce the Cost of Scholarly Journals

Each fiscal year, as academic librarians throughout the United States prepare materials budgets, a national “groan” ensues. Regardless of their format (i.e. print or digital), serial subscription costs are escalating, in the process impacting the role of the library in advancing scholarly communication . This paper examines some of the economic issues concerning open-access (OA) journal publishing. The importance of quantitative literacy is suggested for librarians and academics seeking a better understanding of alternatives to traditional journal subscription models and to anyone considering ventures into OA publishing. Quantitative literacy is essential for managing alternatives to the rising cost of scholarly communication. The OA movement is gaining traction at the national level, following mandates from the National Institutes of Health and at some large research universities that host institutional repositories. Science faculty has been engaged in scholarly communication OA models since the 1970s. More broadly, discussions in academe have focused on OA and its impact on peer review, promotion and tenure, intellectual property rights, and measures of institutional and faculty productivity. Studies concerning the OA movement’s economics are most commonly reported in academic librarianship literature, a trend that may serve as a barrier to a broader understanding of OA’s role in scholarly communication. This paper provides background information on the crisis in serials costs and suggests that metrics favor OA models publishing models. A concluding proposal concerning library-funded OA serial collections is offered as a catalyst for further discussions.
On the inability of tryptamine to serve as a precursor of serotonin.

Abstract Tryptamine when administered to animals neither increases the levels of serotonin in tissues nor the amounts of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid in the urine. No labeling of tissue serotonin occurred when tryptamine-1-C 14 was administered to rabbits. When rat liver microsomes were incubated with tryptamine, no serotonin could be detected although phenolic material was formed.
The association between race and income on risk of mortality in patients with moderate chronic kidney disease

Socioeconomic status (SES) is independently associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression; however, its association with other CKD outcomes is unclear. In particular, the potential differential effect of SES on mortality among blacks and whites is understudied in CKD. We aimed to examine survival among individuals with prevalent CKD by income and race in the Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study. We examined 2,761 participants with prevalent CKD stage 3 or 4 between 2003 and 2007 in the REGARDS cohort. Participants were followed through March 2013. Mortality from any cause was assessed by income and race (black or white). Low income was defined as an annual household income < $20,000, and was compared to higher incomes (≥$20,000). Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for age, gender, education, insurance, CKD stage, comorbidity and county-level poverty were used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). A total of 750 deaths (27.5%) occurred during the follow-up period. Average follow-up time was 6.6 years among those alive and 3.7 years among those who died. Low income participants had an elevated adjusted hazard of mortality (HR = 1.58, 95% CI 1.24-2.00) compared to higher income participants. Low income was associated with all-cause mortality regardless of race (HR 1.53; 95% CI 1.18-1.99 among blacks and HR 1.38; 95% CI 1.10-1.74 among whites), with no significant statistical interaction between household income and race (p-value = 0.634). However, black participants had a higher adjusted hazard of mortality (HR = 1.30, 95% CI 1.02-1.65) compared to whites, which was independent of income. Income was associated with increased mortality for both blacks and whites with CKD. Blacks with CKD had higher mortality than whites even after adjusting for important socio-demographic and clinical factors.