cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Complementation and pseudorecombination between ribonucleic acids from two natural isolates of cowpea mosaic virus (severe subgroup).

Abstract The RNAs isolated from middle and bottom nucleoprotein components (M-RNA and B-RNA, respectively) of the Puerto Rico and the Arkansas isolates of cowpea mosaic virus (designated CPMV-PR and CPMV-Ark, respectively) complemented each other in infectivity tests when combined in heterologous mixtures. Pseudorecombinants derived from these heterologous mixtures induced symptoms typical of the isolate donating B-RNA and possessed the antigenic specificity of the isolate donating M-RNA. Purified CPMV-PR and CPMV-Ark had similar nucleoprotein component proportions whereas the pseudorecombinants possessed component proportions unlike either parental isolate. Parental-type isolates reconstructed from the pseudorecombinants induced symptoms and possessed antigenic specificities similar to those of the original parental isolates. These results suggested that nucleoprotein component proportions are determined by the different rates of M-RNA and B-RNA replication or encapsidation characteristic of the isolate contributing the respective RNAs to the pseudorecombinants. The two capsid proteins of CPMV are both exposed at the virion surface and both reacted with antiserum specific for intact virus. Since M-RNA controls virus antigenic specificity (a coat protein-dictated property) it is conceivable that M-RNA may code for both coat proteins of CPMV.
Efficacy and safety of pregabalin in alcohol dependence.

Introduction Pregabalin is a new anxiolytic that selectively binds to the alpha2-delta subunit of voltage-gated calcium channels, inhibiting release of excessive levels of excitatory neurotransmitters. In this open-label trial we aimed to investigate the efficacy of pregabalin on alcoholism indices in detoxified alcohol-dependent subjects. Reduction of cravings, psychiatric symptom improvements, and the evaluation of safety parameters were the secondary endpoints.
Linear distribution of signals

We describe a new linear time-frequency paradigm in which the instantaneous value of each signal component is mapped to the curve functionally representing its instantaneous frequency. The transform by which this surface is generated is linear, uniquely defined by the signal decomposition and satisfies linear marginal-like distribution properties. We further demonstrate that such a surface may be estimated from the short time Fourier transform by a concentration process based on the phase of the STFT differentiated with respect to time. Interference may be identified on the concentrated STFT surface, and the signal with the interference removed may be estimated by applying the linear time marginal to the concentrated STFT surface from which the interference components have been removed.
Cytokine release following recruitment maneuvers.

Background There are reports of rigors and/or clinical deterioration following recruitment maneuvers (RMs), leading us to question whether the use of sustained high-pressure inflation could lead to release of inflammatory mediators. Methods Prospective cohort study of 26 patients with ARDS receiving mechanical ventilation. A single RM was performed during which the mean airway pressure was increased to 40 cm H 2 O and held constant for a period of 30 s. The concentration of nine cytokines (interleukin [IL]-1, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α, Fas ligand, vascular endothelial growth factor, TNF receptor 1, TNF receptor 2) was measured longitudinally at three time points: prior to initiation of the RM, 5 min after the RM, and 60 min after the RM. Results RMs were tolerated well from a hemodynamic perspective. Oxygenation improved as reflected by an increased Pao 2 /fraction of inspired oxygen (Fio 2 ) ratio from 140 ± 49 at baseline to 190 ± 78 (mean ± SD) at 5 min after the RM (p = 0.01). At 60 min, the increase in Pao 2 /Fio 2 ratio, to 172 ± 76, was no longer significant (p = 0.1). There were no important changes in the levels of any of the measured cytokines at 5 min or 60 min following RM as compared with the baseline levels. Conclusions The results of our study demonstrate that recruitment maneuvers are well tolerated in patients with ARDS. Our data suggest no major hemodynamic or immunologic evidence of deterioration within the first hour of RM. In particular, cytokines, previously related to worsening lung injury and distal organ failure in patients with ARDS, are not elevated by use of an RM. Registered at: www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00127491.
Merging Health Literacy with Computer Technology: Self-Managing Diet and Fluid Intake among Adult Hemodialysis Patients

Abstract Objective The Dietary Intake Monitoring Application (DIMA) is an electronic dietary self-monitor developed for use on a personal digital assistant (PDA). This paper describes how computer, information, numerical, and visual literacy were considered in development of DIMA. Methods An iterative, participatory design approach was used. Forty individuals receiving hemodialysis at an urban inner-city facility, primarily middle-aged and African American, were recruited. Results Computer literacy was considered by assessing abilities to complete traditional/nontraditional PDA tasks. Information literacy was enhanced by including a Universal-Product-Code (UPC) scanner, picture icons for food with no UPC code, voice recorder, and culturally sensitive food icons. Numerical literacy was enhanced by designing DIMA to compute real-time totals that allowed individuals to see their consumption relative to their dietary prescription. Visual literacy was considered by designing the graphical interface to convey intake data over a 24-h period that could be accurately interpreted by patients. Pictorial icons for feedback graphs used objects understood by patients. Practice implications Preliminary data indicate the application is extremely helpful for individuals as they self-monitor their intake. If desired, DIMA could also be used for dietary counseling.
Theoretical Characterization of the F2O3 Molecule by Coupled-Cluster Methods

Coupled-cluster calculations with extended basis sets that include noniterative connected triple excitations (CCSD(T)) have been used to study the FOOOF isomer of F2O3. Second-order Moller−Plessett perturbation theory (MP2) and density-functional theory (B3LYP functional) calculations have also been performed for comparison. Two local minima of similar energy, namely, conformers of C2 and Cs symmetry have been located. Structures, harmonic vibrational frequencies, and standard enthalpies and free energies of formation have been calculated. The calculated bond lengths of F2O3 are more characteristic of those in F2O and a “normal” peroxide than the unusual bond lengths in F2O2. Both conformers have equal F−O and O−O bond lengths, contrary to a recent suggestion of an unsymmetrical structure. The harmonic vibrational frequencies can aid possible identification of gaseous F2O3. The calculated ΔfH° and ΔfG° are 110 and 173 kJ mol−1, respectively. These values are based on extrapolation of CCSD(T) results with ...
Observations on the preparation of epoxy embedded tissue samples for energy-dispersive x-ray analysis.

Elemental X-ray microanalysis of biological tissues by energy-dispersive detectors attached to conventional transmission or scanning electron microscopes is a technique with many potential applications. Proper specimen preparation and consideration of problems inherent with the method are necessary to achieve satisfactory results. This report concerns some of the problems encountered in analyzing tissue samples embedded for electron microscopy in epoxy resins.
Amino acid properties and side-chain orientation in proteins: A cross correlation approach

Abstract The three-dimensional structure of a protein molecule appears to depend on the amino acid sequence of the protein in an as yet incompletely described manner. If the amino acid sequence is replaced by a numerical sequence of values representing a physical or chemical property of amino acids, the resulting numerical sequence is amenable to autocorrelation analysis. Further, if certain geometrical parameters are calculated from the three-dimensional structure of a protein to form a configurational series, pairs of property series and configurational series can be analyzed by cross-correlation techniques. The data base for the analysis was the three-dimensional structures of ten proteins as determined by X-ray crystallography. Such analysis yields the result that the hydrophobicity of an amino acid residue in a protein influences the orientation angle of the amino acid side chain. This result is consistent with the widely current “oil-drop” model of protein structure. Hydrophobicity also appears to influence the backbone dihedral angle φ, but not ψ Such a directional effect cannot be explained by a current model of information transfer in protein helices. The magnitude of the cross correlations does not appear to be satisfactory for construction of a transfer function model for the prediction of general features of protein structure from amino acid sequences.
Neuronal acetylcholine receptor α9-subunit: A possible central nervous system autoantigen

Summary Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (AChR) is a membrane glycoprotein composed of five subunits. Muscle AChR is consist of two α1 and one each β, δ, and e subunits, whereas the neuronal AChR molecules are made up of various combinations of α (α2–α10) and β (β1–β4) subunits. Myasthenia gravis (MG) develops as a result of an autoimmune attack against muscular AChR. While the prevailing symptom is muscle weakness, very rarely MG patients may develop additional central nervous system (CNS) symptoms. The majority of the anti-AChR antibodies responsible from disease induction is directed against α1 subunit of AChR. There is considerable identity between muscular α1 and neuronal α9 subunits. Preliminary studies showed antibodies reactive with the CNS antigens in the serum samples of mice with experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis (EAMG). Also, α9 was present in the CNS in widespread locations and the binding pattern of anti-α9 antibody was reminiscent of that of serum samples of some of the mice with EAMG. Serum anti-AChR antibodies of myasthenic patients might be cross-reacting with CNS AChR subunits and thus inducing CNS symptoms. Neuronal AChR α9-subunit might be a major target antigen in this process.
A mathematical model of cyclic creep acceleration

Abstract A mathematical model is proposed to explain qualitatively the creep acceleration of materials under cyclic loading. Under constant load, the non-uniformity of the distribution of plastic strains, which increases with loading time, introduces an internal back stress field in the material. Since the net stress in the matrix is reduced, the rate of creep is retarded with the increase of loading time. When the load is cycled, the internal stresses homogenize the distribution of the plastic strains during unloading, resulting in the partial recovery of work-hardening. The material gains a higher creep rate for the next loading. The cyclic loading under this condition accelerates the creep rate.
The role of ion/surface interactions and photo-induced reactions during film growth from the vapor phase

Abstract Recent progress in the understanding of mechanisms associated with low-energy (often during vapor-phase crystal growth are reviewed. Ion/surface interactions play an important role in a variety of deposition technologies including sputtering, plasma-assisted chemical vapor deposition, and, more recently, molecular beam epitaxy. Effects such as trapping, preferential sputtering, and collisional mixing are used to interpret and, in some cases, model experimental results concerning the effects of low-energy ion bombardment on nucleation and film growth kinetics, the evolution of film microstructure, elemental incorporation probabilities, surface segregation rates, and dopant depth distributions. The role of photo-stimulated gas-phase and surface reactions during laser-assisted chemical vapor deposition, including single, multiple, and multiphoton-initiated processes, radical production, and adlayer photochemistry, are also discussed together with newly developed laser-processing techniques during deposition. The focus of this review is on the development of an understanding of the controlling mechanisms in both ion/surface and photo-stimulated processes.
Abstract A41: Harnessing neural stem cell tumor tropism for targeted nanoparticle delivery: Potential for ovarian cancer therapy

Intraperitoneal as compared to intravenous administration of chemotherapy has shown improved survival rates for stage III ovarian cancer. While this demonstrates that concentrating chemotherapy at the tumors has therapeutic benefit, intraperitoneal therapy was also accompanied by significantly increased toxic side effects. There is thus an urgent need for a targeted delivery system that could localize therapy at the tumors and decrease the side-effects. Here we show that stem cell/nanoparticle hybrids may be used for such targeted therapy. In pre-clinical brain and other invasive and metastatic tumor models, neural stem cells have been shown to overcome a variety of biological barriers and migrate selectively to invasive tumor foci, even penetrating hypoxic tumor regions. Here we present data confirming that neural stem cells also migrate selectively to ovarian cancer. Moreover, the neural stem cells can engineered to transport to the tumors nanoparticles that either contain chemotherapy drugs or can be induced to heat. The combination of neural stem cells and nanoparticles that can either be used for thermal ablation or slowly release chemotherapy drugs offers the potential to realize a modular and general drug targeting system for the treatment of stage III ovarian cancer. Citation Format: Rachael Mooney, Megan Gilchrist, Yiming Weng, Alexander Annala, Sukhada Bhojane, Elizabeth Garcia, Luella Roma, Kenna Schnarr, Thanh Dellinger, Ernest Han, Aboody S. Karen, Jacob M. Berlin. Harnessing neural stem cell tumor tropism for targeted nanoparticle delivery: Potential for ovarian cancer therapy. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Advances in Ovarian Cancer Research: From Concept to Clinic; Sep 18-21, 2013; Miami, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2013;19(19 Suppl):Abstract nr A41.
Mutations and loss of transforming activity of DNA caused by the O-glucuronide conjugate of the carcinogen, N-hydroxy-2-aminofluorene.

Abstract The highly reactive O-glucuronide conjugate of N-hydroxy-2-aminofluorene (N-GlO-AF) which may be formed in vivo as a transient metabolic intermediate of the powerful liver carcinogen, 2-acetylaminofluorene (AAF), was incubated at neutral pH and at 37° with biologically active transforming DNA for various periods of time (2–20 min). The O-glucuronide caused (1) a reduction of the ability of the DNA to transform cells down to 6% of the control and (2) a significant increase in the frequency of forward mutations (up to 33 times that of background) which was directly correlated with the former effect. The mutagenic activity of N-GlO-AF equals or surpasses those we previously reported for N-acetoxy-AAF and AAF-N-sulfate, two other possible metabolites of AAF. In contrast, the O-glucuronide of N-HO-AAF (N-GlO-AAF) proved practically inactive. The majority (59%) of the mutations induced in this system (linked genes in the operon for tryptophan synthesis) do not revert spontaneously and may represent deletion mutations.
Methyl 2‐Diazo‐3‐butenoate

[126554-35-6] C5H6N2O2 (MW 126) InChI = 1S/C5H6N2O2/c1-3-4(7-6)5(8)9-2/h3H,1H2,2H3 InChIKey = RCHAWIWORXGKLB-UHFFFAOYSA-N (precursor to highly chemoselective metal carbenoids) Physical Data: IR (neat) 2082, 1695, 1610 cm−1; 1H NMR (CDCl3) δ6.15 (dd, J = 17.4, 11.0 Hz, 1H), 5.01 (d, J = 11.0 Hz, 1H), 4.94 (d, J = 17.4 Hz, 1H), 3.79 (s, 3H). Solubility: soluble in most organic solvents including hydrocarbons. Form Supplied in: not commercially available. Preparative Methods:1 a solution of n-butyllithium (41.2 mL, 65.6 mmol, 1.6 M in hexanes) was added to a solution of diisopropylamine (10.12 mL, 72.2 mmol) in diethyl ether under argon at −78 °C. The solution was allowed to warm to ambient temperature for 15 min and then cooled again to −78 °C. HMPA (16.8 mL, 65.6 mmol) was then added and the mixture was stirred for 30 min. A solution of methyl but-3-en-1-oate (3.28 g, 32.8 mmol) in diethyl ether (5 mL) was then added and the mixture stirred for 30 min. At this time, a solution of p-toluenesulfonyl azide (12.94 g, 75.6 mmol) in diethyl ether (10 mL) was added and the solution was warmed to ambient temperature over 12 h. Water was then added and the mixture was extracted with pentane. The organic layer was washed with water, brine, and then dried over MgSO4. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure at 15–20 °C and the residue was rapidly purified by flash chromatography (silica gel, diethyl ether/pentane, 1/9) to give the title compound as an orange oil (3.0 g, 73% yield). Note: A convenient, one-pot protocol has been recently developed for the synthesis of a variety of aryl- and heteroaryl-substituted vinyldiazoacetates from the respective aryl aldehydes.2, 3 Other methods for the synthesis of substituted vinyldiazoacetates are the dehydration of β-hydroxy-α-diazoacetates,4, 5 the silylation of β-keto-α-diazoacetates,6, 7 and the cross coupling of diazoacetates with vinyl halides.8 Purification: The title compound can be readily purified by flash chromatography on silica gel with a diethyl ether/pentane solvent system to give an orange oil. Handling, Storage, and Precautions: The title compound is volatile under reduced pressure. As such, care should be taken to use the minimum amount of vacuum required for concentration of the diazoacetate-containing solution after purification. The diazo compound will, upon standing, slowly undergo an electrocyclization reaction to form a pyrazole. This reaction can be slowed considerably by storing the diazo compound as a solution in pentane at 0 °C or below. Under such conditions the diazo compound is stable to electrocyclization for several days. As with all diazo compounds, however, caution should be exercised in handling this compound and excessive heating should be avoided. As a precaution, it is recommended that all procedures using this compound should be conducted behind a blast shield.
Structural Stability of Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 Virus Hemagglutinins

The noncovalent interactions that mediate trimerization of the influenza hemagglutinin (HA) are important determinants of its biological activities. Recent studies have demonstrated that mutations in the HA trimer interface affect the thermal and pH sensitivities of HA, suggesting a possible impact on vaccine stability (). We used size exclusion chromatography analysis of recombinant HA ectodomain to compare the differences among recombinant trimeric HA proteins from early 2009 pandemic H1N1 viruses, which dissociate to monomers, with those of more recent virus HAs that can be expressed as trimers. We analyzed differences among the HA sequences and identified intermolecular interactions mediated by the residue at position 374 (HA0 numbering) of the HA2 subdomain as critical for HA trimer stability. Crystallographic analyses of HA from the recent H1N1 virus A/Washington/5/2011 highlight the structural basis for this observed phenotype. It remains to be seen whether more recent viruses with this mutation will yield more stable vaccines in the future. IMPORTANCE Hemagglutinins from the early 2009 H1N1 pandemic viruses are unable to maintain a trimeric complex when expressed in a recombinant system. However, HAs from 2010 and 2011 strains are more stable, and our work highlights that the improvement in stability can be attributed to an E374K substitution in the HA2 subunit of the stalk that emerged naturally in the circulating viruses.
Photoelastic Sensors for Measurement of Ko

The objective of the study presented herein is to show the usefulness of photoelasticity, in conjunction with digital image processing, for determining stresses in geotechnical laboratory tests. To illustrate this, photoelastic sensors were manufactured and calibrated to determine the lateral stress during loading and unloading in a 2-dimensional granular assembly under Ko conditions. The sensors are square glass plates with a circular opening in the center, which results in stress concentrations around the perimeter of the opening and thereby increases the sensors sensitivity. Using digital image processing to quantify the intensities of light colors in the photoelastic sensors according to red, green, and blue (RGB) components, it is shown that R-intensity is the most sensitive to applied stress and was thus used to determine induced stresses. The procedure used to calibrate, as well as the resulting calibration charts, are discussed in detail.
"The physician as poet" review of: Pereira, Peter Saying the World

Peter Pereira is a family physician and a poet. I weave excerpts from Dr. Pereira's poems into a brief history of medicine's mythological and historical roots, beginning with the Egyptian god Thoth, and the Greek physician Hippocrates. Along the way, I touch on the European Middle Ages and the Islamic World. Finally, I quote poet-critic T.S. Eliot, who was an early influence on Dr. Pereira's decision to become a poet, and contemporary physician-poets Rafael Campo and William Carlos Williams. I end by placing Dr. Pereira, whose practice is oriented toward immigrant families, in his indigenous Pacific Northwest, arguing that being both physician and poet helps Pereira to live in a world that is both intimately human and naturally impersonal.
Loss of function of axonemal dynein Mdnah5 causes primary ciliary dyskinesia and hydrocephalus

Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD), also known as Kartagener's syndrome, is a human syndrome that results from ciliary dysfunction. This syndrome is characterized by recurrent respiratory infections, situs inversus and infertility. In some cases, hydrocephalus is also observed. We have characterized an insertional mutation in a mouse axonemal dynein heavy chain gene (Mdnah5) that reproduces most of the classical features of PCD, including recurrent respiratory infections, situs inversus and ciliary immotility. These mice also suffer from hydrocephalus and die perinatally. Electron microscopic studies demonstrate the loss of axonemal outer arms. These results show that mutations in Mdnah5 are a primary cause of PCD and provide direct evidence that mutations in an axonemal dynein can cause hydrocephalus. Mutations in the human DNAH5 have recently been identified in PCD patients. Comparison of the mouse model and the human data suggests that the degree of ciliary dysfunction is causally related to the severity of human PCD, particularly the presence of hydrocephalus.
Privates Vermögen als Objekt staatlichen Steuerzugriffs – die steuerliche Leistungsfähigkeit des Vermögens

Auf Deutschland ruhen gegenwartig betrachtliche Finanzlasten. Die expliziten Staatsschulden betragen uber 2.000 Mrd. €. Der Bund zahlt allein fur die Schuldzinsen, also ohne zu tilgen, jedes Jahr rund 31 Mrd. € an den Finanzmarkt. Das ist nach den Mitteln fur Arbeit und Soziales der zweitgroste Haushaltsposten. Mit diesem Zinsbetrag konnte der Bundestag die Ausgaben fur Bildung, Wissenschaft, Forschung, kulturelle Angelegenheiten oder fur Verkehr und Nachrichtenwesen verdoppeln. Wurden die Zinsen mittelfristig um ein Prozent erhoht – angesichts des gegenwartig niedrigen Zinses scheint dies in Zukunft nicht unwahrscheinlich –, musste der Bund rund 13 Mrd. € mehr fur Zinsen ausgeben. Hier wird eine Abhangigkeit der Politik vom Finanzmarkt deutlich. Die Staatsverschuldung schrankt den parlamentarischen Gestaltungsraum nachhaltig ein.
Fusing continuous spectral images for face recognition under indoor and outdoor illuminants

Novel image fusion approaches, including physics-based weighted fusion, illumination adjustment and rank-based decision level fusion, for spectral face images are proposed for improving face recognition performance compared to conventional images. A new multispectral imaging system is briefly presented which can acquire continuous spectral face images for our concept proof with fine spectral resolution in the visible spectrum. Several experiments are designed and validated by calculating the cumulative match characteristics of probe sets via the well-known recognition engine-FaceIt®. Experimental results demonstrate that proposed fusion methods outperform conventional images when gallery and probes are acquired under different illuminations and with different time lapses. In the case where probe images are acquired outdoors under different daylight situations, the fused images outperform conventional images by up to 78%.
Measurement of the temperature profile of a weakly ionized plasma by Rayleigh scattering imaged through an atomic filter

Summary form only given. We report the possibility of measuring the neutral gas temperature profile of a weakly ionized plasma by using ultraviolet Rayleigh scattering together with an atomic resonance filter containing mercury vapor. The neutral gas temperature is one of the most important properties since it directly influences the EM ratio, which in turn, determines all of the plasma parameters. In addition, there has been much recent interest in acoustic and shock wave propagation through weakly ionized plasmas, where the temperature profile plays a critical role. To accomplish the temperature profile measurement, the plasma is illuminated with a high power, very narrow linewidth, pulsed ultraviolet laser, which is tuned into resonance with mercury atomic vapor. The Rayleigh scattering from the plasma is imaged through a mercury atomic vapor cell by an ultraviolet-sensitive camera system. The light scattered from the plasma is thermally broadened by the Doppler motion of the neutral species, and the total scattering intensity is proportional to the neutral species number density. The mercury vapor filter is operated in the optically thick regime and acts both to block background laser scattering from the test chamber, and to generate signals from which neutral species density and temperature can be extracted.
A survey of Torelli and monodromy results for holomorphic-symplectic varieties

We survey recent results about the Torelli question for holomorphicsymplectic varieties. Following are the main topics. A Hodge theoretic Torelli theorem. A study of the subgroup WExc, of the isometry group of the weight 2 Hodge structure, generated by reflection with respect to exceptional divisors. A description of the birational Kahler cone as a fundamental domain for the WExc action on the positive cone. A proof of a weak version of Morrison’s movable cone conjecture. A description of the moduli spaces of polarized holomorphic symplectic varieties as monodromy quotients of period domains of type IV.
Migration check tool: automatic plan verification following treatment management systems upgrade and database migration.

Software upgrades of the treatment management system (TMS) sometimes require that all data be migrated from one version of the database to another. It is necessary to verify that the data are correctly migrated to assure patient safety. It is impossible to verify by hand the thousands of parameters that go into each patient’s radiation therapy treatment plan. Repeating pretreatment QA is costly, time-consuming, and may be inadequate in detecting errors that are introduced during the migration. In this work we investigate the use of an automatic Plan Comparison Tool to verify that plan data have been correctly migrated to a new version of a TMS database from an older version. We developed software to query and compare treatment plans between different versions of the TMS. The same plan in the two TMS systems are translated into an XML schema. A plan comparison module takes the two XML schemas as input and reports any differences in parameters between the two versions of the same plan by applying a schema mapping. A console application is used to query the database to obtain a list of active or in-preparation plans to be tested. It then runs in batch mode to compare all the plans, and a report of success or failure of the comparison is saved for review. This software tool was used as part of software upgrade and database migration from Varian’s Aria 8.9 to Aria 11 TMS. Parameters were compared for 358 treatment plans in 89 minutes. This direct comparison of all plan parameters in the migrated TMS against the previous TMS surpasses current QA methods that relied on repeating pretreatment QA measurements or labor-intensive and fallible hand comparisons.
Dissecting aneurysms of posterior cerebral artery: clinical presentation, angiographic findings, treatment, and outcome.

Abstract: Background: The dissecting posterior cerebral artery (PCA) aneurysms are very rare. These aneurysms pose significant treatment challenge and need careful evaluation to formulate an optimal treatment plan in case of ruptured or un-ruptured presentations. Methods: Retrospective review of a prospectively collected data. Results: 7 patients with dissecting aneurysms of the PCA were identified. Six out of seven presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and one with ischemic stroke (IS). 3/7 were treated with endovascular coil embolization without sacrifice of the parent artery and the rest had parent artery occlusion (PAO) with coil embolization. None of the patients developed new neurological deficits post procedure. Aneurysm re-occurred in 2 patients that were treated without PAO. Conclusion: Endovascular treatment of the dissecting PCA aneurysm is safe and feasible. It can be performed with or without PAO. Recurrence is more common without PAO and close follow-up is warranted.
Neighborhood socioeconomic status is associated with serum carotenoid concentrations in older, community-dwelling women.

A high dietary intake of fruit and vegetables has been shown to be protective for health. Neighborhood socioeconomic differences may influence the consumption of carotenoid-rich foods, as indicated by serum carotenoid concentrations. To test this hypothesis, we examined the relationship between neighborhood socioeconomic status (SES) and serum carotenoid concentrations in a population-based sample of community-dwelling women, aged 70–79 y, who participated in the Women’s Health and Aging Study II in Baltimore, Maryland. Neighborhood socioeconomic Z-scores were derived from characteristics of the census block of the participants. Serum carotenoid concentrations were measured at baseline and at 18, 36, 72, 98, and 108 mo follow-up visits. Neighborhood Z-scores were positively associated with serum α-carotene (P = 0.0006), β-carotene (P = 0.07), β-cryptoxanthin (P = 0.03), and lutein+zeaxanthin (P = 0.004) after adjusting for age, race, BMI, smoking, inflammation, and season. There was no significant association between neighborhood Z-score and serum lycopene. Older, community-dwelling women from neighborhoods with lower SES have lower serum carotenoid concentrations, which reflect a lower consumption of carotenoid-rich fresh fruits and vegetables.
Transcriptional silencing and reactivation in transgenic zebrafish.

Epigenetic regulation of transcriptional silencing is essential for normal development. Despite its importance, in vivo systems for examining gene silencing at cellular resolution have been lacking in developing vertebrates. We describe a transgenic approach that allows monitoring of an epigenetically regulated fluorescent reporter in developing zebrafish and their progeny. Using a self-reporting Gal4-VP16 gene/enhancer trap vector, we isolated tissue-specific drivers that regulate expression of the green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene through a multicopy, upstream activator sequence (UAS). Transgenic larvae initially exhibit robust fluorescence (GFPhigh); however, in subsequent generations, gfp expression is mosaic (GFPlow) or entirely absent (GFPoff), despite continued Gal4-VP16 activity. We find that transcriptional repression is heritable and correlated with methylation of the multicopy UAS. Silenced transgenes can be reactivated by increasing Gal4-VP16 levels or in DNA methyltransferase-1 (dnmt1) mutants. Strikingly, in dnmt1 homozygous mutants, reactivation of gfp expression occurs in a reproducible subset of cells, raising the possibility of different sensitivities or alternative silencing mechanisms in discrete cell populations. The results demonstrate the power of the zebrafish system for in vivo monitoring of epigenetic processes using a genetic approach.
Hybrid consistency framework for distributed annotation records in a collaborative environment

We describe a novel hybrid consistency framework that supports collaboration and maintains consistency among distributed annotation records, which are replicas of the same document, kept at various Web-based annotation tools. There are issues in semantics of annotation tools. Each annotation tool stores different and limited metadata, has different rules for tags, and does not provide timing information for the updated records. As a result of these, the same documents can be updated inconsistently with unknown precise timestamps and spread around in existing annotation tools with different versions. Moreover, communication of annotation tools with each other is also very limited through various forms and this also contributes to inconsistencies among distributed annotation records. To deal with these major shortcomings, this paper introduces the notion of "hybrid-consistency framework", which allows collaboration on shared records and maintains the consistency among distributed annotation records held at various annotation tools, through pull and push based consistency mechanism. We discuss the overall design, architecture and the components of the hybrid consistency framework, and provide a working prototype implementation and a roadmap of the future work in this research.
Low-loss LIGA-fabricated coplanar waveguide and filter

A low-loss LIGA-fabricated conductor- backed coplanar waveguide and filter are presented. The copper transmission lines are 517 mum thick and are fabricated directly on quartz in a uniplanar X- ray lithography process. The conductor-backed CPW achieves a measured attenuation of 0.090 dB/cm at 18 GHz with low dispersion over the bandwidth of interest. A bandpass filter is realized using the thick-metal CPW with with two shorted quarter-wave resonators, which provide a passband between 6 and 11 GHz and a loss of -1 dB at 8.5 GHz.
Correction: Čapek, P., et al. Sensing the Deadliest Toxin: Technologies for Botulinum Neurotoxin Detection. Toxins 2010, 2, 24-53

We realized that in our paper published recently in Toxins [1] limits of detection (LOD) of multiplexed fluorescent magnetic suspension assay [2] were incorrectly reported to be in the ng/mL range. [...]
Magnetic resonance spectroscopy study of oxygen therapy in ischemic stroke

Background and Purpose— Recent studies suggest that normobaric oxygen therapy (NBO) is neuroprotective in acute ischemic stroke. Methods— We performed multivoxel magnetic resonance spectroscopic im...
Oxytocin receptors and parturition. II. Concentrations of receptors for oxytocin and estrogen in the gravid and nongravid uterus at term.

It has been postulated that intrauterine volume plays a role in the timing of parturition. In previous studies we found that the onset of parturition in the rat was associated with marked increases in the concentrations of receptors for estrogen and oxytocin in the myometrium. To determine the effects of intrauterine volume on the concentrations of these myometrial receptors, we compared receptor levels in gravid and nongravid uterine horns from unilaterally pregnant rats at or near the time of parturition. Myometria from gravid horns contained substantially greater concentrations of DNA and protein per horn than did myometria from the contralateral nongravid horns. The amounts of receptors per horn for estrogen in the nuclear and cytosol fractions and for oxytocin were 7.5, 5.2, and 4.8 times greater, respectively, in myometria from gravid horns. However, the concentration of receptors per cell was the same in gravid and nongravid horns at or near parturition. These results suggest that uterine stretch c...
Mechanisms of Cellular Protrusions Branch Out

F-BAR domains bind curved membranes and induce membrane invagination. In a recent Cell paper, Guerrier et al. describe an "inverse" F-BAR family member that induces outward curvature and filopodia in migrating neurons. These findings suggest that F-BAR domains are functionally diverse and regulate different types of membrane morphology.
A millisecond micromixer via single-bubble-based acoustic streaming

We present ultra-fast homogeneous mixing inside a microfluidic channelvia single-bubble-based acoustic streaming. The device operates by trapping an air bubble within a “horse-shoe” structure located between two laminar flows inside a microchannel. Acoustic waves excite the trapped air bubble at its resonance frequency, resulting in acoustic streaming, which disrupts the laminar flows and triggers the two fluids to mix. Due to this technique's simple design, excellent mixing performance, and fast mixing speed (a few milliseconds), our single-bubble-based acoustic micromixer may prove useful for many biochemical studies and applications.
Optimal Execution of Time-Constrained Portfolio Transactions

Time-constrained dynamic optimal portfolio transactions for institutional investors are investigated. The resulting constrained dynamic programming problem is solved approximately through a succession of quadratic programs. The ensuing strategies are then tested on real data. The model extends a recent one by accounting for liquidity differences between stocks.
Sulfur, Trifluoro[2‐methoxy‐N‐(2‐methoxyethyl)ethanaminato‐κN]‐, (T‐4)‐

[202289-38-1] C6H14F3NO2S (MW 221.23) InChI = 1S/C6H14F3NO2S/c1-11-5-3-10(4-6-12-2)13(7,8)9/h3-6H2,1-2H3 InChIKey = APOYTRAZFJURPB-UHFFFAOYSA-N (nucleophilic fluorinating reagent that converts alcohols to fluorides, acids to acyl fluorides, and deoxofluorinates aldehydes, ketones, and thioketones) Alternate Names: BAST; DeoxofluorTM; Deoxy-Fluor; N,N-bis(2-methoxyethyl)aminosulfur trifluoride; ethanamine, 2-ethoxy-N-(2-ethoxyethyl)-N-(trifluorothio)-. Physical Data: bp 71 °C (0.4 mmHg), decomposition (DSC) 140 °C.1 Solubility: soluble in most organic solvents, for example, pentane, toluene, THF, and CH2Cl2. Form Supplied in: yellow to colorless liquid. Commercial availability: neat liquid, 50% solution in toluene or THF. Analysis of Reagent Purity: 1H NMR, 19F NMR.1 Preparative Methods: reaction of N-trimethylsilyl derivative of bis(2-methoxyethyl)amine with SF4.1, 2 Purification: distillation.1 Handling, Storage, and Precautions: reacts violently with water to form HF.
Indoor antispoofing cooperative localization in cellular networks

Because global positioning system (GPS) users receive a very low power signal outdoors, it is difficult for users to find their location indoors using GPS. Cooperative localization attempts to solve this problem by using information from surrounding users in an ad hoc scenario. Unfortunately this makes the localization system vulnerable to spoofing attacks because manipulating the more accessible cooperative localization transmitters is much easier than manipulating the GPS satellites or the cellular base stations. This paper shows that the effects of spoofing attacks can be effectively minimized by processing information from seven or more cooperative localization users instead of the main stream approach of using only three or four information transmitting users or anchors (base stations). By filtering the extreme estimates resulting from the spoofing attack, users are able to estimate their locations close to the location estimate in the spoof-free case.
Peptide Mapping of Hemoglobin

(1974). Peptide Mapping of Hemoglobin. CRC Critical Reviews in Clinical Laboratory Sciences: Vol. 5, No. 1, pp. 81-100.
Learning Mathematics in a Visuospatial Format: A Randomized, Controlled Trial of Mental Abacus Instruction

Mental abacus (MA) is a technique of performing fast, accurate arithmetic using a mental image of an abacus; experts exhibit astonishing calculation abilities. Over 3 years, 204 elementary school students (age range at outset: 5–7 years old) participated in a randomized, controlled trial to test whether MA expertise (a) can be acquired in standard classroom settings, (b) improves students' mathematical abilities (beyond standard math curricula), and (c) is related to changes in basic cognitive capacities like working memory. MA students outperformed controls on arithmetic tasks, suggesting that MA expertise can be achieved by children in standard classrooms. MA training did not alter basic cognitive abilities; instead, differences in spatial working memory at the beginning of the study mediated MA learning.
Emically-Induced Shifts in the Photoluminescence Spectra of Porous Silicon,

The realization of practical, Si-based light-emitting devices would have a significant impact on numerous key technologies such as optoelectronic integrated circuits, optical interconnects, optical memories and logic, and advanced display systems. Previously, Si has exhibited extremely weak emission owing to its indirect bandgap. Recently, however, observations of efficient room-temperature, visible photoluminescence (PL) from porous silicon [l-3], have stimulated research and extensive debate on the physical mechanisms responsible for this luminescence. To date, the explanations that have been proffered include (1) quantum size effects in highly porous Si [1, 2], (2) the formation of wide-bandgap material such as a-Si:Hx, [4] or siloxene [5] during anodization, and (3) a local increase in the bandgap energy due to the presence of dihydride species on the surface [6]. Previously, we have utilized photoluminescence (PL) and transmission Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy to demonstrate that hydrogen desorption from the dihydride surface species on porous Si is correlated to a decrease in the emission intensity [3, 7]. In this paper, we show that changes in the surface chemistry achieved by changing the compositon of the electrolyte in which the anodized wafer is immersed result in large shifts in the PL spectra. Using this approach we have repeatedly cycled the emission between red and green. These results are inconsistent with a quantum-confinement interpretation for the emission process.
Marc B. Shapiro, Changing the Immutable: How Orthodoxy Rewrites Its History (The Littman Library of Jewish Civilization, Oxford, England, 2015)

What’s at stake in the writing of history? The belief that narratives of the past shape the contours of the present remains paramount throughout much of Western culture. History, consequently, is o...
Regret around fertility choices is decreased with pre-treatment counseling in gynecologic cancer patients.

Data have demonstrated an association between regret and lack of fertility counseling among patients undergoing treatment for non-gynecologic cancers. We sought to determine if fertility-related regret is reduced with pre-treatment counseling or fertility-sparing surgery (FSS) in patients with gynecologic cancers. A cross-sectional survey was administered to 593 reproductive-age survivors (18–40 years old at diagnosis) of localized cervix, ovarian, or endometrial cancers that were eligible for FSS. A validated decision regret score was used to evaluate regret in patients. Four hundred seventy women completed the survey. Forty-six percent received pre-treatment counseling about treatment’s effects on fertility. Having received counseling (adjusted s-coefficient of −1.24, 95 % CI = −2.29 to −0.18, p = 0.02), satisfactory counseling (adjusted s-coefficient of −2.71, 95 % CI = −3.86 to −1.57, p 0.05). While 50 % of women reported desiring more children after diagnosis, desire for children after treatment was associated with increased regret (adjusted s-coefficient of 3.97, 95 % CI = 2.92–5.02, p < 0.001). Though less than half of study participants received counseling about the effect of cancer treatment on future fertility, both fertility counseling and FSS were associated with decreased regret in reproductive-aged women with gynecologic cancers. The desire for more children after treatment was associated with increased regret. Inquiring about fertility desires and providing counseling regarding reproductive outcomes following cancer treatment should be implemented as part of the treatment process.
Reduced skeletal muscle fiber size following caloric restriction is associated with calpain-mediated proteolysis and attenuation of IGF-1 signaling

Caloric restriction decreases skeletal muscle mass in mammals, principally due to a reduction in fiber size. The effect of suboptimal nutrient intake on skeletal muscle metabolic properties in neon...
Tumor physiological changes during hypofractionated stereotactic body radiation therapy assessed using multi-parametric magnetic resonance imaging.

// Heling Zhou 1 , Zhang Zhang 2 , Rebecca Denney 1 , Jessica S. Williams 3 , Jeni Gerberich 1 , Strahinja Stojadinovic 2 , Debabrata Saha 2 , John M. Shelton 3 and Ralph P. Mason 1 1 Department of Radiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, United States 2 Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, United States 3 Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, United States Correspondence to: Ralph P. Mason, email: Ralph.Mason@UTSouthwestern.edu Keywords: hypofractionated stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), oxygen-sensitive MRI, blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD), dynamic contrast enhanced (DCE), treatment response Received: June 30, 2016 Accepted: March 02, 2017 Published: March 21, 2017 ABSTRACT Radiation therapy is a primary treatment for non-resectable lung cancer and hypoxia is thought to influence tumor response. Hypoxia is expected to be particularly relevant to the evolving new radiation treatment scheme of hypofractionated stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT). As such, we sought to develop non-invasive tools to assess tumor pathophysiology and response to irradiation. We applied blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) and tissue oxygen level dependent (TOLD) MRI, together with dynamic contrast enhanced (DCE) MRI to explore the longitudinal effects of SBRT on tumor oxygenation and vascular perfusion using A549 human lung cancer xenografts in a subcutaneous rat model. Intra-tumor heterogeneity was seen on multi-parametric maps, especially in BOLD, T 2 * and DCE. At baseline, most tumors showed a positive BOLD signal response (%ΔSI) and increased T 2 * in response to oxygen breathing challenge, indicating increased vascular oxygenation. Control tumors showed similar response 24 hours and 1 week later. Twenty-four hours after a single dose of 12 Gy, the irradiated tumors showed a significantly decreased T 2 * (-2.9±4.2 ms) and further decrease was observed (-4.0±6.0 ms) after 1 week, suggesting impaired vascular oxygenation. DCE revealed tumor heterogeneity, but showed minimal changes following irradiation. Rats were cured of the primary tumors by 3x12 Gy, providing long term survival, though with ultimate metastatic recurrence.