cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
TRIGGERING SIGNALS FOR T-CELL ACTIVATION

Publisher Summary This chapter describes triggering signals for T-cell activation. The lymphocyte membrane serves as a transmitter of external signals that induce cell proliferation and differentiation. The signals that interact with the cell membrane and trigger these events may be either immunologically specific and may induce a monoclonal proliferation or may be immunologically nonspecific and may induce a polyclonal proliferation. Most T-cell mitogens, agents that induce polyclonal proliferation of T-cells, interact with cell surface polysaccharide moieties. These mitogens include certain lectins and the oxidizing agents sodium metaperiodate and galactose oxidase. The initial step in the triggering event is mitogen binding to, or alteration of, a cell-surface saccharide structure. The nature of this interaction is central to the understanding of the molecular mechanisms responsible for lymphocyte activation. The chapter also describes the structural aspects of the mitogenic site. Although polyclonal agents appear to trigger cells to divide by affecting similar metabolic pathways, different agents selectively affect responses induced by different mitogens.
A Prospective Pilot Study of Pocket-Carried Ultrasound Pre- and Postdischarge Inferior Vena Cava Assessment for Prediction of Heart Failure Rehospitalization

ABSTRACT Background Rehospitalization for heart failure (HF) is common, and subclinical congestion may be present at discharge. Larger inferior vena cava (IVC) size and lower collapsibility at discharge assessed via bedside ultrasound are predictive of rehospitalization; however, the utility of IVC assessment with the use of pocket-carried ultrasound (PCUS) during the transition from discharge to the posthospitalization follow-up visit (FU) has not been investigated. Methods and Results IVCmax and IVCmin were measured with the use of PCUS, and the collapsibility index (IVCCI = [IVCmax − IVCmin]/IVCmax) was determined. The primary outcome was 90-day rehospitalization or death. We prospectively enrolled 49 adults (71 ± 13 years of age, 51% male, 47% black, 43% preserved ejection fraction) hospitalized for HF. Nineteen patients (39%) experienced the outcome. Within the rehospitalized group, discharge and FU mean IVCmax were both >2.1 cm (2.2 ± 0.5 and 2.2 ± 0.7) and IVCCIs 50% at both time points (55 ± 25% and 62 ± 19%; P = NS). FU IVCCI below an optimal cutoff of 42% had modest discrimination alone (c-statistic = 0.73). FU IVCCI Conclusions Posthospitalization IVCCI assessment with PCUS predicts HF rehospitalization and may identify patients in need of intervention.
Role of CCL21 on the Transcriptional Regulation of MHC II in Malignant Glioma Infiltrating Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells

Background and Hypothesis: Glioblastoma (GBM) is a malignant brain tumor characterized by high tumor heterogeneity and an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). Immunomodulation approaches have been investigated, but outcomes remain poor. Several studies describe the functional deregulation of immune cells including, T cells, dendritic cells (DC), and macrophages. Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC), which accumulate in the GBM TME, are shown to have an immunosuppressive phenotype characterized by a lack of IFN-[Symbol] secretion and upregulation of MHC II. MHC II presentation is transcriptionally regulated by several factors produced by tumor cells including, TGFβ, TNFα, and IL10 through the modulation of CIITA, the catalytic component of the enhanceosome. GBM tumor cells secrete several chemokines/cytokines, which may regulate MHC II expression in pDCs. We hypothesize that chemokine CCL21 transcriptionally upregulates MHC II through the activation of CIITA in pDC. Experimental Design/Project methods: We performed experiments using two GBM tumor cells models GL261 and CT2A and used western blot, PCR, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and flow cytometry to determine the levels of CCL21 and its ligands ACKR3/4 in tumor cells and pDC. Results: We observed overexpression of CCL21 in GBM and upregulation of MHCII in tumor associated pDC. We predict that inhibition of CCL21 will lead to downregulation of MHC II in tumor associated pDC which could potentially lead to reversal of the immunosuppressive TME by presenting the antigens to T cells. Conclusions/Potential Impact: The results of this study can elucidate novel mechanisms of MHCII regulation and identify CCL21 as a potential therapeutic target for immunotherapy development in GBM.
Design and Analysis of Pneumatic 2-DoF Soft Haptic Devices for Shear Display

Haptic devices use touch to enable communication in a salient and private manner. While most haptic devices are held or worn at the hand, there is recent interest in developing wearable haptic devices for the arms. This frees the hands for manipulation tasks, but creates challenges for wearability. One approach is to use pneumatically driven soft haptic devices that, compared to rigid devices, can be more readily worn due to their form factor and light weight. We propose a two-degree of freedom (2-DOF) pneumatic soft linear tactor that can be mounted on the forearm and provide shear force. The tactor is comprised of four soft fiber-constrained linear pneumatic actuators connected to a dome-shaped tactor head. The tactor can provide fast, repeatable forces on the order of 1 N in shear, in various directions in the plane of the skin surface. We demonstrate the tradeoffs of two housing schemes, one soft and one rigid, that mount the pneumatic soft linear actuator to the forearm. A user study demonstrated the performance of both versions of the device in providing directional cues, highlighting the challenges and importance of grounding soft wearable devices and the difficulties of designing haptic devices given the perceptual limits of the human forearm.
The most common RNF43 mutant G659Vfs41 is fully functional in inhibiting Wnt signaling and unlikely to play a role in tumorigenesis

RNF43 is an E3 ligase that inhibits Wnt signaling by ubiquitinating Wnt receptors for degradation. It is mutated in various cancer types with the most recurrent mutation being the frameshift G659Vfs41 with frequencies of ~5-8% in colon, stomach and endometrial cancers. The mutation has always been assumed to be loss-of-function that would lead to increased Wnt signaling and tumorigenesis, yet no functional characterization has been reported. We analyzed the distribution of the G659Vfs41 mutation and its association with other cancer gene mutations, and found that the mutation occurred nearly exclusively in tumors with low expression of the DNA mismatch repair gene MLH1. Mutant RNF43-G659Vfs41 was no different from wild type RNF43 in expression, localization, R-spondin binding, promotion of Wnt receptor degradation, and inhibition of Wnt signaling. We also found that colon tumors with RNF43-G659Vfs41 had low expression of Wnt/β-catenin signaling markers and were frequently mutated in BRAF. A colon cancer cell line with RNF43-G659Vfs41 and BRAF-V600E mutations was uniquely sensitively to activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. These findings indicate that RNF43-G659Vfs41 is likely a passenger mutation in MLH1-down regulated tumors, not a loss-of-function driver mutation that facilitates tumorigenesis. Tumors with RNF43-G659Vfs41 and BRAF-V600E may be susceptible to activators of Wnt signaling.
Clinical Massively Parallel Sequencing

Background: The newest advances in DNA sequencing are based on technologies that perform massively parallel sequencing (MPS). Since 2006, the output from MPS platforms has increased from 20 Mb to >7 Tb. First-generation MPS platforms amplify individual DNA molecules to multiple copies and then interrogate the sequence of those molecules. Second-generation MPS analyzes single unamplified molecules to generate much longer sequence reads but with less output than first-generation MPS and lower first-pass accuracy. With MPS technologies, it is now possible to analyze genomes, exomes, a defined subset of genes, transcriptomes, and even methylation across the genome. These technologies have and will continue to completely transform the clinical practice. Content: The major first- and second-generation MPS platforms and how they are used in clinical practice are discussed. Summary: The ability to sequence terabases of DNA per run on an MPS platform will dramatically change how DNA sequencing is used in clinical practice. Currently, MPS of targeted gene panels is the most common use of this technology clinically, but as the cost for genome sequencing inches downward to $100, this may soon become the method of choice (with the caveat that, at least in the near term, clinical-grade genome sequencing with interpretation may cost much more than $100). Other uses of this technology include sequencing of a mixture of bacterial and viral species (metagenomics), as well as the characterization of methylation across the genome.
Do stock prices reflect undisclosed financial statement information? Evidence from the OTCBB

Abstract I exploit a regulatory change that mandated that Over-the-Counter Bulletin Board (OTCBB) firms must comply with the reporting requirements of the 1934 Securities Exchange Act. I use this change to examine the association between equity values and financial statement data in voluntary and mandatory disclosure environments. Before the change, disclosure of financial statement information was voluntary for most of these firms. I study firms that initiate SEC filing after the change and classify them as disclosing and nondisclosing based on whether they voluntarily disclosed financial statement information before the regulatory change. In these firms’ initial SEC filings after the eligibility rule, they retroactively disclose financial statement information for the year prior to compliance with the rule. Thus I can observe previously withheld financial data. I find that the choice to voluntarily disclose is negatively associated with firm characteristics related to proprietary costs and with situations in which accounting information plays a less important role in resolving information asymmetry. For nondisclosing firms, I find evidence that equity values reflect financial statement data, even though this information was not publicly available, and that compliance with mandatory SEC disclosure requirements strengthens this association. For disclosing firms, I find evidence that suggests investors viewed their voluntary disclosure of financial statement data as credible and fail to find evidence that compliance with mandatory reporting requirements enhances this association.
Traffic influences nutritional quality of roadside plants for monarch caterpillars

Roadside habitats are increasingly being targeted for restoration and conservation. Roadside habitats often exhibit altered soil and plant chemistry due to pollution from maintenance (e.g. de-icing salt), car deterioration, and exhaust. Roadside plants may attract animals due to elevated levels of sodium or nitrogen, but high concentrations of heavy metals and sodium can be toxic, potentially setting an ecological trap. In this study, we determine how roads influence the chemistry of common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) as it is the primary roadside host plant for the declining monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) in the eastern United States. Even though road salt is applied during the winter, we detect enhanced sodium along roads the following growing season. Road salts increase soil sodium, which in turn elevates host-plant foliar sodium (occasionally to toxic levels in <10% of plants) and sodium content in monarch caterpillars feeding on these plants. Sodium levels of milkweed leaves are highest close to the edge of busy roads. Some heavy metals (lead, zinc) are also elevated in roadside soils or plants. Nitrogen content was affected by adjacent agricultural use, but not traffic volume or proximity to a road. Other potential road pollutants (e.g. nickel) were not elevated in soil or plants. Despite a clear signature of road pollution in the chemistry of milkweed, most plants are likely still suitable for developing monarchs. Nonetheless, restoration investments in snowy regions should prioritize sites with lower-traffic density that are further from the road edge to minimize toxic impacts of high sodium. To extend this research to other insects of conservation concern, future work should characterize the nutritional quality of nectar, pollen, and other species of host-plants in roadside habitats.
NF-κB and tPA Signaling in Kidney and Other Diseases

The activation of the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway plays a central role in the initiation and progression of inflammation, which contributes to the pathogenesis and progression of various human diseases including kidney, brain, and other diseases. Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), a serine protease regulating homeostasis of blood coagulation, fibrinolysis, and matrix degradation, has been shown to act as a cytokine to trigger profound receptor-mediated intracellular events, modulate the NF-κB pathway, and mediate organ dysfunction and injury. In this review, we focus on the current understanding of NF-κB and tPA signaling in the development and progression of kidney disease. Their roles in the nervous and cardiovascular system are also briefly discussed.
Multi-group multi-time point confirmatory factor analysis of the triadic structure of temperament: A nonhuman primate model.

Attempts to describe the latent structure of human infant temperament have led some to suggest the existence of three major dimensions. An earlier exploratory factor analysis (EFA) supported a triadic structure of temperament in week-old rhesus monkey infants, paralleling the structure in human infants. This study sought to confirm the latent triadic structure of temperament across the first month of life in a larger sample of rhesus monkey infants (N = 668), reared by their mothers or in a neonatal nursery. A weekly behavioral assessment was obtained during the first month of life using a subset of items from the widely utilized Infant Behavioral Assessment Scale (IBAS), an instrument designed to measure temperament in infant monkeys. Using the latent constructs proposed by the earlier EFA (Orienting/Regulation, Negative Affectivity, Surgency/Extraversion), multi-group, multi-time point confirmatory factor analyses were conducted to confirm the latent temperament structure across rearing groups at each time point (weeks 1-4). Results confirm and extend those of the earlier EFA: latent Orienting/Regulation, Negative Affectivity, and Surgency/Extraversion constructs were present across the rearing groups at each time point, with the IBAS items consistently loading onto the latent factors to a similar degree across rearing groups at each time point. These findings suggest foundational evolutionary roots for the triadic structure of human infant temperament, but that its behavioral manifestations vary across maturation and rearing condition. Similarities in latent temperament structure in humans and a representative nonhuman primate highlights the potential for utilizing translational nonhuman primate models to increase understanding of human temperament.
A vapor exposure method for delivering heroin alters nociception, body temperature and spontaneous activity in female and male rats.

Abstract Background The ongoing crisis related to non-medical use of opioids makes it of continued importance to understand the risk factors for opioid addiction, the behavioral and neurobiological consequences of opioid exposure and to seek potential avenues for therapy. Pre-clinical rodent models have been critical to advancing understanding of opioid consequences for decades, but have been mostly limited to drug delivery by injection or by oral dosing. Inhalation, a significant route for many human users, has not been as well-established. Method We adapted an e-cigarette based exposure system, previously shown efficacious for delivery of other drugs to rats, to deliver heroin vapor. Effectsin vivo were assessed in male and female Sprague-Dawley rats using a warm-water assay for anti-nociception and an implanted radiotelemetry system for evaluating changes in body temperature and spontaneous activity rate. Results Inhalation of vapor created by heroin 100 mg/mL in the propylene glycol (PG) vehicle significantly slowed tail-withdrawal from a 52 °C water bath, bi-phasically altered activity, and increased temperature in male and female rats. Inhalation of heroin 50 mg/mL for 15 min produced significant effects, as the lower bound on efficacy, whereas inhalation of heroin 100 mg/mL for 30 min produced robust effects across all endpoints and groups. Conclusions This work shows that e-cigarette devices deliver psychoactive doses of heroin to rats, using concentrations of ∼50−100 mg/mL and inhalation durations of 15−30 min. This technique may be useful to assess the health consequences of inhaled heroin and other opioid drugs.
An Investigation of Consumer Subjective Knowledge in Frontline Interactions

ABSTRACT It is no secret that the consumer journey produces retail consumers who have varying levels of subjective knowledge about a purchase prior to a retail interaction. This observation leads to a common conclusion that the need for frontline employees (FLEs) in retail environments is diminishing. Nevertheless, retailers invest heavily in staffing and training FLEs. As such, understanding pre-encounter subjective knowledge and how FLEs should address it is critical, yet the topic is largely overlooked in the marketing literature. Thus, we investigate consumer subjective knowledge via an information diagnosticity lens to provide guidance on how subjective knowledge operates when the information in question is scarce/known, tacit/explicit, and specific/general. The results of three experiments reveal consumers can be classified as traditional, well-calibrated, or poorly-calibrated based on their subjective knowledge prior to meeting with an FLE – with each type requiring different FLE approaches to improve both consumers’ willingness to buy and acceptance of FLE recommendations.
Accuracy of Subclassification and Grading of Renal Tumors on Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology Alone.

Background Fine needle aspiration (FNA) of renal masses can distinguish between benign and malignant neoplasms in 73-94% of cases. Previous studies suggested the correct subclassification of renal cell carcinomas (RCCs) by cytomorphology can be achieved in up to 80% of cases. However, as RCCs become increasingly subclassified by molecular signatures, correct subclassification based on cytology alone is increasingly difficult. Design Two FNA passes (2 stained with Diff-Quik® and 2 with the Papanicolaou method) were performed on all fresh nephrectomy specimens for a 1-year period. There were 30 cases in this study, with 29 primary renal tumors and 1 case of metastatic lung adenocarcinoma. Each case was assigned a random number and came with 2 slides (1 from each staining method). Eight cytopathologists were asked to provide a diagnosis and the World Health Organization/International Society of Urological Pathology (WHO/ISUP) grading if applicable. Fleiss' Kappa and Cohen's Kappa equations were used to look at inter-rater variability. Results When compared to the surgical pathology diagnosis, the average percent correct diagnosis for all cytopathologist was 35%. Chromophobe RCCs had the best average percent accuracy at 72% followed by clearcell RCC at 48%. Average accuracy for grading RCCs was 40%. Inter-rater variability among the cytopathologists for all RCC diagnoses was fair with a Fleiss' Kappa coefficient of 0.28. For the WHO/ISUP grade, the weighted coefficient for each pathologist ranged from 0.11 to 0.45, ranging from fair to moderate, respectively. Conclusions Renal tumors are difficult to classify on cytopathology alone. Core needle biopsy and ancillary studies are necessary if diagnosis will change management.
“Plan for the Worst, Hope for the Best, but Realistically, Expect a Combination of Both”: Lessons and Best Practices Emerging From Community-Engaged Teaching During a Health Crisis

This article outlines a framework that I implemented when delivering a community-engaged course during the earlier days of COVID-19. I argue that this framework's guiding principles—centering the community-partners' needs, assessing and remaining flexible to students' circumstances, and cautiously mapping and selectively making use of existing institutional resources to deliver the course—allowed me to provide a community-engaged course despite challenges posed by pandemic restrictions. At the same time, I ensured that the intersectional feminist and critical ethos of the class was not compromised or that the commitment to the community partners' sustainability was cast aside. Additionally, I share two detailed exemplars of community-based learning projects highlighting the possibilities, challenges, and limitations when applying this framework. I close this piece with several points of departure to stimulate future conversations among educators, researchers, and practitioners on the role of community-based service-learning during times of societal crisis.
Peer Production of Online Learning Resources: A Social Network Analysis

This paper describes methods for collecting user activity data in a peer production educational system, the Instructional Architect (IA), and then takes a social network perspective in analyzing these data. In particular, rather than focusing on content produced, it focuses on the relationship between users (teachers), and how they can be analyzed to identify important users and likeminded user groups. Our analyses and results provide an example for how to select the most important factors in analyzing the dynamics of an online peer production community using social network analysis metrics, such as in-degree, out-degree, betweenness, clique, and community. In this way, this paper contributes both to process and outcomes research.
Core–Shell Magnetic Nanomaterials in Medical Diagnosis and Therapy

The sections in this article are Introduction Synthesis Formation of the Magnetic Core Coprecipitation from Solution Thermal Decomposition Microemulsions Pyrolysis Formation of the Core–Shell Structure Inorganic Core with Organic Shell Inorganic Core with Inorganic Shell Applications: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Applications: Hyperthermia and Thermal Ablation Passive Targeting Dextran-Coated Magnetite Aminosilan-Coated Magnetic Particles Magnetic Cationic Liposomes Active Targeting Antibodies Peptides Folic Acid Laser-Induced Hyperthermia/Thermal Ablation Therapy Application: Drug Delivery Summary and Perspectives Acknowledgments Keywords: nanomaterials; core–shell structure; magnetic resonance imaging; thermal ablation; targeting; drug delivery
Modulation of adipocyte lipogenesis by octanoate: involvement of reactive oxygen species.

Octanoate is a medium-chain fatty acid (MCFA) that is rich in milk and tropical dietary lipids. It also accounts for 70% of the fatty acids in commercial medium chain triglycerides (MCT). Use of MCT for weight control tracks back to early 1950s and is highlighted by recent clinical trials. The molecular mechanisms of the weight reduction effect remain not completely understood. The findings of significant amounts of MCFA in adipose tissue in MCT-fed animals and humans suggest a direct influence of MCFA on fat cell functions. 3T3-L1 adipocytes were treated with octanoate in a high glucose culture medium supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum and 170 nM insulin. The effects on lipogenesis, fatty acid oxidation, cellular concentration of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and the expression and activity of peroxisome proliferator receptor gamma (PPARγ) and its associated lipogenic genes were assessed. In selected experiments, long-chain fatty acid oleate, PPARγ agonist troglitazone, and antioxidant N-acetylcysteine were used in parallel. Effects of insulin, L-carnitine, and etomoxir on β-oxidation were also measured. β-oxidation of octanoate was primarily independent of CPT-I. Treatment with octanoate was linked to an increase in ROS in adipocytes, a decrease in triglyceride synthesis, and reduction of lipogenic gene expression. Co-treatment with troglitazone, N-acetylcysteine, or over-expression of glutathione peroxidase largely reversed the effects of octanoate. These findings suggest that octanoate-mediated inactivation of PPARγ might contribute to the down regulation of lipogenic genes in adipocytes, and ROS appears to be involved as a mediator in this process.
Nicotine Enhances the Biosynthesis and Secretion of Transthyretin from the Choroid Plexus in Rats: Implications for β-Amyloid Formation

Epidemiological studies indicated that cigarette smoking protects against the development of several neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the molecular mechanism(s) underlying this is poorly understood. To gain insight into these protective effects, we used differential display PCR (DD-PCR) to amplify RNA from various brain regions of rats self-administering (SA) nicotine compared with yoked-saline controls. We found that the transthyretin (TTR) gene, whose product has been shown to bind to amyloid β (Aβ) protein and prevent Aβ aggregation, was more abundantly expressed (∼1.5- to 2.0-fold) in the brainstem and hippocampus (areas containing choroid plexus) of nicotine SA rats. Subsequently, quantitative reverse transcription-PCR analysis confirmed these DD-PCR findings and demonstrated that nicotine increased TTR mRNA levels in these regions in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Significantly higher TTR protein concentrations were also detected in the ventricular CSF of nicotine-treated rats. In contrast, no differences either in plasma TTR or in CSF and plasma retinol-binding protein were detected. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that immunoreactive TTR was 41.5% lower in the choroid plexus of nicotine-treated rats compared with the saline controls. On the basis of these data, we speculate that the protective effects of nicotine on the development of AD may be attributable, in part, to the increased biosynthesis and secretion of TTR from the choroid plexus. These findings also point toward new approaches that may take advantage of the potentially novel therapeutic effects of nicotinic agonists in patients with AD.
Breaking the gridlock: Regulation of dietary supplements in the United States

Despite increasing use of dietary supplements by millions of consumers, regulation of these products has not kept pace with changes and risks in the market. A major reason for this policy gridlock is the inability of different parties to come to an agreement on a path forward. The purpose of this paper is to set out a new framework for regulation in which consumers, industry, and regulators can all find common ground. This framework is based on a conceptual shift from 'benefit versus risk', the model for prescription drugs, to 'access with safety'. Steps should include registration of all dietary supplements to permit easier enforcement against rogue products, a stronger disclaimer explaining the limited role of FDA in evaluating structure/function product claims, the establishment of standard laboratory techniques for characterization of products, and more clear authority for the agency when safety concerns arise. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A nonlinear lumped model for ultrasound systems using CMUT arrays

We present a nonlinear lumped model that predicts the electrical input-output behavior of an ultrasonic system using CMUTs with arbitrary array/membrane/electrode geometry in different transmit-receive configurations and drive signals. The receive-only operation, where the electrical output signal of the CMUT array in response to incident pressure field is calculated, is included by modifying the boundary elementbased vibroacoustic formulation for a CMUT array in rigid baffle. Along with the accurate large signal transmit model, this formulation covers pitch-catch and pulse-echo operation when transmit and receive signals can be separated in time. In cases when this separation is not valid, such as CMUTs used in continuous wave transmit-receive mode, pulse-echo mode with a nearby hard or soft wall or in a bounded space such as in a microfluidic channel, an efficient formulation based on the method of images is used. Some of these particular applications and the overall modeling approach have been validated through comparison with finite element analysis on specific examples including CMUTs with multiple electrodes. To further demonstrate the capability of the model for imaging applications, the two-way response of a partial dual-ring intravascular ultrasound array is simulated using a parallel computing cluster, where the output currents of individual array elements are calculated for given input pulse and compared with experimental results. With its versatility, the presented model can be a useful tool for rapid iterative CMUT-based system design and simulation for a broad range of ultrasonic applications.
Hyperhemolysis syndrome in a patient without a hemoglobinopathy, unresponsive to treatment with eculizumab

Background Hyperhemolysis is a serious transfusion reaction, most often described in patients with hemoglobinopathies. Hyperhemolysis is characterized by the destruction of host red blood cells (RBCs), in addition to donor RBCs, via an unknown mechanism. Study Design and Methods We present the case of a 58-year-old woman with treated human immunodeficiency virus and a normal hemoglobin (Hb) electrophoresis who developed hyperhemolysis in the setting of a delayed hemolytic transfusion reaction (DHTR). Results The patient was ABO group B and had a previously identified anti-Fyb alloantibody. After transfusion of Fyb– RBCs, she developed a DHTR and was found to have anti-E, anti-Cw, anti-s, and an additional antibody to an unrecognized high-frequency RBC alloantigen. Subsequent transfusion of ABO-compatible RBCs that were negative for Fyb, E, Cw, and s antigens resulted in immediate intravascular hemolysis. In the absence of bleeding, her hematocrit (Hct) decreased to 10.2%. An extensive serologic evaluation failed to identify the specificity of the high-frequency antibody. Severe hemolytic reactions also occurred despite pretransfusion conditioning with eculizumab. The Hct and clinical symptoms slowly improved after the cessation of transfusions and treatment with erythropoietin and steroids. This case demonstrates several noteworthy features including hyperhemolysis in a patient without a Hb disorder, the development of an antibody to an unknown RBC antigen, and the failure of eculizumab to prevent intravascular hemolysis after transfusion. Conclusion Hyperhemolysis is not restricted to patients with hemoglobinopathies. Whether eculizumab offers any benefit in the hyperhemolysis syndrome or in the prevention of intravascular hemolysis due to RBC alloantibodies remains uncertain.
Effects of normal aging on the performance of motor-vehicle operational skills

Operational skills involved in controlling a motor vehicle were measured in two groups of very healthy elderly drivers and a young control group to test the hypothesis that there are age-related declines in operational performance that may influence driver safety. An actual behind-the-wheel, standardized road test was employed using a motor vehicle equipped with sensors to record speed, braking activity, and lane position, as well as direction and magnitude of front-wheel and eye-movement excursions. The data from these sensors were used as dependent measures of operational performance. Older drivers made fewer steering and eye-movement excursions and drifted across the center line more frequently than the young control group. Younger drivers drove significantly faster and executed more braking applications than did their older counterparts. The motor-vehicle operational performance of older healthy drivers was related to visual-spatial attentional declines and the useful field of vision associated with the normal aging process.
An experimental study on local interfacial parameters in a horizontal bubbly two-phase flow

Abstract The internal phase distribution of cocurrent, air-water bubbly flow in a 50.3 mm dia transparent pipeline has been experimentally investigated by using a double-sensor resistivity probe. Liquid and gas volumetric superficial velocities ranged from 3.74 to 5.71 and 0.25 to 1.37 m/s, respectively, and average void fractions ranged from 4.30 to 22.5%. The local values of void fractions, interfacial area concentration, mean bubble diameter and bubble interface velocity, chord-length and frequency distributions were measured. The experimental results indicate that the void fraction, interfacial area concentration and bubble frequency have local maxima near the upper pipe wall, and the profiles tend to flatten with increasing void fraction. The observed peak void fraction can reach 0.65, the peak interfacial area can go to 900–1000 m2/m3, and the bubble frequency can reach a value of 2200/s. These ranges of values have never been reported for vertical bubbly flows. It is found that either decreasing the liquid flow rate or increasing the gas flow would increase the local void fraction, the interfacial area concentration and the bubble frequency. The axial bubble interface velocity and the Sauter mean diameter profiles show a relatively uniform distribution except near the upper pipe wall, where a sharp reduction in the velocity and mean diameter occurs. The local bubble velocity and the mean diameter generally increase with the gas flow rate.
Morphology-property relationships in polycarbonate-based blends. II. Tensile and impact strength

Abstract The tensile and Izod impact strength of polycarbonate (PC) based polyethylene (PE) and polystyrene (PS) blends has been examined. The tensile strength can best be described as being proportional to an exponential function of the volume fraction of PE and the first power of volume fraction of PS. The variation of Izod impact strength with composition also differs considerably for the two blends, a small amount of PS causing a marked drop in impact strength. The impact strength of the PE/PC blend is related to the area under the tensile stress-strain curve, whereas for PS/PC blends no correspondence is found. The variation in properties is related to the composition, morphology, interfacial adhesion at the phase boundary and failure surfaces of the various blends.
Learning from others' mistakes: a paradox revisited

Some researchers have reported the paradoxical finding of enhanced social learning when naive observers learn from unskilled rather than skilled demonstrators, particularly in discrimination tasks. In two experiments with starlings,Sturnus vulgaris, I considered whether this enhanced learning is because the observer (1) sees incorrect responses only, (2) sees both correct and incorrect responses or (3) sees an increase in the proportion of correct responses over trials. In experiment 1, individual starlings observed a demonstrator bird perform multiple simultaneous discrimination tasks. In one group, the demonstrator always picked the correct stimulus; in another group, the demonstrator always picked the incorrect stimulus; in a third group, the demonstrator consistently picked the correct stimulus 50% of the time. Those subjects that observed only incorrect choices performed significantly better than the other two groups, but none of the birds achieved the 90% correct performance criterion. Experiment 2 involved a single discrimination task; thus, a fourth group was added to control for individual learning. Again, subjects that observed only incorrect responses learned the discrimination significantly more quickly than the other three groups. Subjects that observed the demonstrator make both correct and incorrect responses were equally likely to select the same (correct) or opposite (incorrect) stimulus when the demonstrator picked the correct stimulus. When the demonstrator picked the incorrect stimulus, however, these subjects were significantly more likely to pick the opposite (correct) stimulus. These findings suggest that when learning a discrimination problem, observing a foraging companion's lack of success is more informative than observing its success.
ISOLATED WOLF-RAYET STARS AND O SUPERGIANTS IN THE GALACTIC CENTER REGION IDENTIFIED VIA PASCHEN-α EXCESS

We report the discovery of 19 hot, evolved, massive stars near the Galactic center region (GCR). These objects were selected for spectroscopy owing to their detection as strong sources of Paschen-α (Pα) emission-line excess, following a narrowband imaging survey of the central 0°.65 × 0°.25 (l, b) around Sgr A* with the Hubble Space Telescope. Discoveries include six carbon-type (WC) and five nitrogen-type (WN) Wolf-Rayet stars, six O supergiants, and two B supergiants. Two of the O supergiants have X-ray counterparts having properties consistent with solitary O stars and colliding-wind binaries. The infrared photometry of 17 stars is consistent with the Galactic center distance, but 2 of them are located in the foreground. Several WC stars exhibit a relatively large infrared excess, which is possibly thermal emission from hot dust. Most of the stars appear scattered throughout the GCR, with no relation to the three known massive young clusters; several others lie near the Arches and Quintuplet clusters and may have originated within one of these systems. The results of this work bring the total sample of Wolf-Rayet (WR) stars in the GCR to 88. All sources of strong Pα excess have been identified in the area surveyed with HST, which implies that the sample of WN stars in this region is near completion, and is dominated by late (WNL) types. The current WC sample, although probably not complete, is almost exclusively dominated by late (WCL) types. The observed WR subtype distribution in the GCR is a reflection of the intrinsic rarity of early subtypes (WNE and WCE) in the inner Galaxy, an effect that is driven by metallicity.
Linear chain structure in cubic KNbO3 and BaTiO3

Both KNbO3 and BaTiO3 systems, in their cubic, tetragonal or orthorhombic phases, were reported to show two-dimensional (2D) diffuse scattering intensity sheets in the reciprocal space, thus indicating the presence of one-dimensional correlation in the real space. Two models have been proposed to explain the origin of the diffuse intensities: 1) static chain model by Comes, Lambert and Guinier, and 2) dynamical model by Huller. The current investigation presents some new results regarding the anomalous 2D diffuse scattering sheets. High-resolution synchrotron x-ray measurements have been undertaken to resolve fine features in the 2D diffuse intensity distribution at several temperatures above the Curie point. Intensity profile fittings and simulations have been performed to test against the two models. Our results support the concept put forth by Huller which is based upon a shallow, soft phonon mode. This paper, however, does not address the physical mechanism governing the structural transformations in ...
Single item measures of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization are useful for assessing burnout in medical professionals.

BACKGROUND Burnout has negative effects on work performance and patient care. The current standard for burnout assessment is the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), a well-validated instrument consisting of 22 items answered on a 7-point Likert scale. However, the length of the MBI can limit its utility in physician surveys.
Abbreviated Case Studies in Organizational Communication

Objective: Upon completion of this activity, students, based upon their personal and professional experiences, should be able to develop abbreviated case studies for use in organizational communication classes Course: Organizational Communication
Systems approaches to the networks of aging

The aging of an organism is the result of complex changes in structure and function of molecules, cells, tissues, and whole body systems. To increase our understanding of how aging works, we have to analyze and integrate quantitative evidence from multiple levels of biological organization. Here, we define a broader conceptual framework for a quantitative, computational systems biology approach to aging. Initially, we consider fractal supply networks that give rise to scaling laws relating body mass, metabolism and lifespan. This approach provides a top-down view of constrained cellular processes. Concomitantly, multi-omics data generation build such a framework from the bottom-up, using modeling strategies to identify key pathways and their physiological capacity. Multiscale spatio-temporal representations finally connect molecular processes with structural organization. As aging manifests on a systems level, it emerges as a highly networked process regulated through feedback loops between levels of biological organization.
3D direct-write waveguides in diffusion photopolymers

Three-dimensional direct-write lithography can be used to pattern waveguides into diffusion photopolymer using low-power CW lasers as an alternative to femtosecond writing in glass. We show that polymer chemistry permits significant control of waveguide shape.
An adenosine 3′:5′ monophosphate dependent protein kinase from sea urchin spermatozoa☆

A cyclic AMP dependent protein kinase (EC 2.7.1.37) from sea urchin sperm as purified to near homogeneity and characterized. A 68-fold purification of the enzyme was obtained. This preparation had a specific activity of 389 000 units/mg protein with protamine as the substrate. On the basis of the purification required, it may be calculated that the protein kinase constitutes as much as 1.5% of the soluble protein in sperm. There appeared to be a single form of the enzyme in sea urchin sperm, based on the behavior of the enzyme during DEAE-cellulose and Sephadex G-200 column chromatography. Magnesium ion was required for enzyme activity. The rate of phosphorylation of protamine was stimulated 2.5-fold by an optimal concentration of 0.9 M NaCl. The Km for ATP (minus cyclic AMP) was 0.119 +/- 0.013 (S.D.) and 0.055 mM +/- 0.009 (S.D.) in the presence of cyclic AMP. The specificity of the enzyme toward protein acceptors, in decreasing order of phosphorylation, was found to be histone f1 protamine, histone f2b, histone f3 and histone f2a; casein and phosvitin were not phosphorylated. The holoenzyme was found to have an apparent molecular weight of 230 000 by Sephadex G-200 chromatography. In the presence of 5 - 10(-6) M cyclic AMP, the holoenzyme was dissociated on Sephadex G-200 to a regulatory subunit of molecular weight 165 000 and a catalytic subunit of Mr 73 000. The dissociation could also be demonstrated by disc gel electrophoresis in the presence and absence of cyclic AMP.
Effective-mass theory of simple surface states

Effective-mass theory is applied within the multiple-reflection framework to predict the properties of simple surface states located in the sp manifold of copper. The results are generally similar to those calculated previously with the use of nearly-free-electron theory, and are also in semiquantitative accord with experimental results. The sensitivity to input parameters is also investigated, and various improvements in the model are suggested. In particular, use of an improved surface-barrier phase change and a larger effective-mass basis set will be important in producing a more unified treatment of surface-state intrinsic properties.
Salmonella Derby Contamination of Eggs from Inoculated Hens

SUMMARY Twelve hens were inoculated weekly for 11 weeks with Salmonella derby in peptone water. Another 12 were fed continuously on feed which had been contaminated with Salmonella derby. Another group of birds served as controls. Both the shell surface and interior of 2 eggs per bird each week were examined for salmonellae. Chicks hatched from 5 selected hens were also examined for salmonellae. Neither the shells nor the egg meats from the 622 eggs sampled yielded positive S. derby cultures during the trial. The feces of 2 birds receiving contaminated feed, and of 4 birds receiving the weekly inoculation contained the S. derby. S. derby was not recovered from any of the hens upon sacrifice or in any of the chicks from these hens.
Assured information sharing: concepts and issues

The need to share information across organization is an imperative for many organizations, in both the private and public sectors. Sharing must not however undermine privacy and confidentiality of information. Accountability about the use of information, integrity, and support for compliance with respect to organizational policies are also crucial requirements. In this paper we introduce the notion of assured information sharing lifecycle as a framework for reasoning about approaches and techniques for securely sharing of information. We then focus on policies relevant in the context of secure information sharing and discuss tools for policy management.
Structural health monitoring techniques for detecting incipient buckling

Among different failure modes observed in structures, loss of stability due to buckling is a major concern. Buckling may be induced because of overload or as a consequence of other types of failures in the structure. This paper examines two techniques, namely, vibration based analysis, and stress wave propagation analysis for detecting this onset of instability. The responses of a bar and a plate are used to illustrate the effectiveness of the two approaches. These analyses were performed through finite element simulations and limited experiments. Changes in vibration frequencies and mode shapes are found to provide good indications of the impending failure as well as its progress. Changes in the wave propagation characteristics showed some limited success in detecting the incipient buckling.
Genesis of superconductivity in the layered cuprates: (ACuO2.5)2(ATiO3)m; 2 ≤ m ≤ 4

Abstract The internal chemistry of the quadruple perovskite Ln′Ln″Ba 2 Cu 2 Ti 2 O 11 (Ln′Ln″ = NdDy), such as solid solution behavior, stable defect species, and oxidation behavior, has been investigated by structural and physical property measurements and related to the inner architecture of these interesting layered compounds.
The influence of IVF, multiple gestation and miscarriage on the acceptance of genetic amniocentesis

OBJECTIVES: To determine the effect of in vitro fertilization (IVF), multiple gestation, and history of unkaryotyped miscarriage on the acceptance of genetic amniocentesis. METHODS: We studied women expected to be at least 35 years of age at the estimated date of delivery without family history of chromosomal abnormalities or fetal structural anomalies. The influence of IVF, multiple gestation, and history of miscarriage on the acceptance rate of genetic amniocentesis was evaluated. Chi-square test and logistic regression were used for analysis. RESULTS: In singleton pregnancies, the acceptance rate of genetic amniocentesis was 70.7% (58/82) in the IVF group compared to 77.9% (1837/2356) (P = 0.14) in the women who conceived spontaneously. The corresponding values in multiple gestation pregnancies were 71.1% (37/52) and 62.9% (34/54) respectively (P = 0.41). There was no difference in the acceptance rate of amniocentesis between singletons (70.7%) and multiple gestations (71.1%) after IVF (P = 0.96), while in women who conceived spontaneously, the acceptance rate of 78% in singletons was significantly higher than the acceptance rate of 63% in multiple gestations (P = 0.008). Adjusting for confounding variables, women with multiple gestations were about 40% less likely to accept genetic amniocentesis (OR = 0.63, 95% CI = 0.39-1.00, P = 0.05), while women with a history of miscarriage were about 17% less likely to accept genetic amniocentesis (OR = 0.83, 95% CI = 0.68-1.00, P = 0.05). Adjusting for multiple gestation and previous miscarriage, IVF was not independently associated with acceptance of genetic amniocentesis (OR = 0.84, 95% CI = 0.54-1.29, P = 0.42). CONCLUSIONS: There is no difference in the acceptance rate of genetic amniocentesis among women with IVF pregnancies compared with those who conceive spontaneously, after adjusting for multiple gestation and previous miscarriage. Unlike women who conceive spontaneously, the decision to accept amniocentesis appears not to be influenced by the presence of multiple gestation in women with IVF pregnancies.