cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nanofilm generated non-pharmacological anabolic bone stimulus

Stimulus-responsive nanomaterials have mainly been employed to ablate or destroy tissues or to facilitate controlled release of drugs or biologics. Herein, we demonstrate the potential of stimulus-responsive nanomaterials to promote tissue regeneration via a non-pharmacological and noninvasive strategy. Thin nanofilms of an optically-absorbing organic dye or nanoparticle (single-walled graphene nanoribbons [SWOGNR]) were placed over (without touching the skin) a rodent femoral fracture site. A nanosecond pulsed near-infrared laser diode was employed to generate photoacoustic (PA) signals from the nanofilms. X-ray micro-computed tomography (microCT), histology, and mechanical testing results showed that daily PA stimulations of upto 45 min for 6 weeks (complete fracture healing) do not adversely affect bone regeneration and quality. Further, microCT and histological analysis showed 10 min daily stimulation for 2 weeks significantly increases bone quantity at the fracture sites of rats exposed to the nanoparticle-generated PA signals. In these rats, up to threefold increase in bone volume to callus volume ratio and twofold increase in bone mineral density within the callus were noted, compared to rats that were not exposed to the photoacoustic signals. The results taken together indicate that nanofilm-generated photoacoustic signals serve as an anabolic stimulus for bone regeneration. The results, in conjugation with the ability of these nanofilms to serve as PA contrast agents, present opportunities toward the development of integrated noninvasive imaging and noninvasive or invasive treatment strategies for bone loss due to disease or trauma.
A New Robustness Metric for Robust Design Optimization Under Time- and Space-Dependent Uncertainty Through Metamodeling

Product performance varies with respect to time and space in many engineering applications. This work discusses how to measure and evaluate the robustness of a product or component when its quality characteristics are functions of random variables, random fields, temporal variables, and spatial variables. At first, the existing time-dependent robustness metric is extended to the present time- and space-dependent problem. The robustness metric is derived using the extreme value of the quality characteristics with respect to temporal and spatial variables for the nominal-the-better type quality characteristics. Then a metamodel-based numerical procedure is developed to evaluate the new robustness metric. The procedure employs a Gaussian Process regression method to estimate the expected quality loss that involves the extreme quality characteristics. The expected quality loss is obtained directly during the regression model building process. Three examples are used to demonstrate the robustness analysis method. The proposed method can be used for robustness assessment during robust design optimization under time- and space-dependent uncertainty.
Effectiveness of the saline load test in diagnosis of simulated traumatic ankle arthrotomies.

Abstract Background Limited studies have been conducted to determine the minimum amount and sensitivity of the saline load test of the ankle. Prior studies, only performed in arthroscopic models, have suggested a wide range of volumes necessary to confirm arthrotomy. The purpose of this study was to investigate the amount of fluid required and the sensitivity of the saline load test to identify an intra-articular arthrotomy of the ankle. Using cadavers without prior ankle trauma or surgeries we aim to assess volume needed to detect ankle arthrotomies at varying arthrotomy locations. We hypothesized that the volume needed would vary based on site of arthrotomy. Methods Twenty thawed, fresh-frozen below knee cadavers were divided into four groups based on arthrotomy location. An ankle arthrotomy was made using a 4 mm trochar at the four standard ankle portal sites; anteromedial, anterolateral, posteromedial, and posterolateral. To confirm intra-articular location, a arthroscope was inserted for direct visualization of the ankle joint. An 18-gauge needle was then inserted into the ankle joint, and saline mixed with methylene blue was injected. During the injection, the known arthrotomy site was viewed for extravasation. Amount of saline required to diagnose arthrotomy was recorded. All injections were confirmed as intra-articular by demonstrating methylene blue staining of the anterior joint. Results The saline volume required to achieve extravasation ranged from 3 mL to 11 mL. The mean saline volume required to achieve extravasation was 5.3 mL. A total of 8 mL was required to achieve 90% sensitivity, 10 mL for 95% sensitivity and 11 mL for 99% sensitivity. For the anterolateral, anteromedial, posteromedial, and posterolateral arthrotomy sites the mean saline volume needed to detect a traumatic arthrotomy was 5.2 mL, 6.2 mL, 5 mL, and 4.8 mL respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in volume needed to detect arthrotomies across all four locations (p = 0.69). Conclusion In this cadaveric model, an injection of 10 mL identified 95% of arthrotomies approximately 4 mm in size. No difference in volume needed to detect extravasation was found across all four arthrotomy locations. Prior studies performed in arthroscopic models with patients undergoing ankle arthroscopy may overestimate volume needed to detect arthrotomies. Level of evidence V
Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality especially among young individuals. Severity of traumatic brain injury is determined by a combination of clinical and radiological features. Care during the acute phase of traumatic brain injury is focused on minimizing secondary brain injury by maintaining adequate cerebral perfusion and management of elevated intracranial pressure. Computed tomography (CT) imaging plays a pivotal role in initial diagnosis and monitoring of associated complications. Early placement of an intracranial pressure (ICP) monitor may be indicated if concerned for intracranial hypertension. Timely evacuation of hematoma and surgical decompression can be lifesaving in certain cases. Patients likely to benefit from surgery depend on clinical presentation and CT findings. In this chapter, we discuss the principles of pre-hospital and intensive care management. Role of advanced multimodal neuromonitoring techniques and conflicting evidence of various treatments in traumatic brain injury are also addressed.
4 – Arithmetic Coding

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses a popular method of generating variable length codes called “arithmetic coding.” Arithmetic coding is useful when dealing with sources with small alphabets, such as binary sources and alphabets with highly skewed probabilities. It is also very useful approache when the modeling and coding aspect of lossless compression are to be kept separate. This chapter explores the basic ideas behind the arithmetic coding, highlights some of the properties of arithmetic codes, and describes an implementation. In arithmetic coding a unique identifier or tag is generated for the sequence to be encoded. This tag corresponds to a binary fraction, which becomes the binary code for the sequence. In practice, the generation of the tag and the binary code are the same process. In the first phase, a unique identifier or tag is generated for a given sequence of symbols. This tag is then given a unique binary code. A unique arithmetic code can be generated for a sequence of length m without the need for generating codewords for all sequences of length m.
165 Lacrosse-related injuries among boys and girls treated in US emergency departments, 2000–2016

Purpose Lacrosse is one of the fastest growing sports in the United States (US). Research is limited, and there are no known studies utilizing a nationally representative data set to analyze lacrosse injury patterns in the youth population over several years. This study sought to describe the epidemiology of lacrosse-related injuries treated in United States (US) hospital emergency departments (EDs). Methods/Approach We conducted retrospective analysis using the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System data for youth aged 11–18 years who were treated for lacrosse-related injuries in US EDs from 2000–2016. Based on review of the case narratives, we created and coded a new injury mechanism variable. We generated national estimates from 6,408 cases. Results An estimated 206 274 lacrosse-related injuries to youths aged 11–18 years were treated in US EDs from 2000–2016. The rate of injuries per 10,000 youths significantly increased from 1.9 in 2000 to 5.3 in 2012 (p Conclusions Despite additional protective regulations in the sport, injuries still occur and differ by the sex and age of the athlete. This study supports the continuation, modification, and addition of rules aimed to reduce lacrosse injury risk. Significant and contribution to the field Understanding lacrosse-related injuries is critical as lacrosse-related injuries are a significant source of pediatric injury and ED utilization.
Sex differences in changes of protein synthesis with rapamycin treatment are minimized when metformin is added to rapamycin

Loss of protein homeostasis is a hallmark of the aging process. We and others have previously shown that maintenance of proteostasis is a shared characteristic of slowed-aging models. Rapamycin (Rap) exerts sex-specific effects on murine lifespan, but the combination of Rap with the anti-hyperglycemic drug metformin (Rap + Met) equally increases male and female mouse median lifespan. In the current investigation, we compare the effects of short-term (8 weeks) Rap and Rap + Met treatments on bulk and individual protein synthesis in two key metabolic organs (the liver and skeletal muscle) of young genetically heterogeneous mice using deuterium oxide. We report for the first time distinct effects of Rap and Rap + Met treatments on bulk and individual protein synthesis in young mice. Although there were decreases in protein synthesis as assessed by bulk measurements, individual protein synthesis analyses demonstrate there were nearly as many proteins that increased synthesis as decreased synthesis rates. While we observed the established sex- and tissue-specific effects of Rap on protein synthesis, adding Met yielded more uniform effects between tissue and sex. These data offer mechanistic insight as to how Rap + Met may extend lifespan in both sexes while Rap does not.
A Six-Semester Integrated Pharmacy Practice Course Based on Entrustable Professional Activities.

Objective. To describe the design and outcomes of a longitudinal integrated pharmacy course. Methods. The Applications of Pharmacy Practice is a one-credit course that was built into the revised curriculum at Howard University College of Pharmacy. This course is offered during the first six semesters and meets once every three weeks for a total of five sessions per semester. Each session integrates curricular material from all courses running during a given semester into an individual, case-based assessment and a team activity. Team activities are evaluated using rubrics developed based upon the Entrustable Professional Activities for Pharmacy Graduates. Results. First-year students were enrolled into the inaugural course in Fall 2018 and Spring 2019, and the majority of students achieved final course grades that fell between 70% and 89% at the conclusion of each semester. Students reported that the course was helpful in developing their critical thinking skills and helped them keep up with semester material. Although the majority of students believed the addition of the course to the curriculum was beneficial, some also felt the course expectations to keep up with all course material was too high. Conclusion. Applications of Pharmacy Practice appeared to be beneficial to students and faculty, allowing integration of semester material. This integration of material reduced compartmentalization of knowledge between clinical, administrative, and pharmaceutical sciences content within a semester. Future studies investigating the impact of this course on overall student success and standardized assessments such as the NAPLEX and/or Pharmacy Curriculum Outcomes Assessment (PCOA) should be explored.
Una perspectiva situada sobre el conocimiento de la vida cotidiana

espanolEste ensayo tiene como proposito fundamentar teoricamente el caracter situado del conocimiento de la vida cotidiana. Como punto de partida, apoyandonos en la nocion de “forma de vida” de Ludwig Wittgenstein, postulamos que nuestras decisiones son, fundamentalmente, usos practicos de sistemas de reglas historicamente construidas y, por consiguiente, irreductibles a procedimientos algoritmicos de evaluacion racional costo-beneficio. Posteriormente, para abordar la cuestion sobre las condiciones que hacen posible la incorporacion subjetiva de estas reglas y, con ello, nuestro sentido practico, recuperamos algunos planteamientos de las tesis del “trasfondo” de John Searle y habitus de Pierre Bourdieu. Luego de esta discusion, a partir de la perspectiva de los conocimientos situados de Donna Haraway, proponemos que la conformacion de dicho sentido es siempre parcial, esto es, sujeto a practicas articulatorias encarnadas. Finalmente, tras exponer sucintamente los principales aspectos criticos de las tesis “trasfondo” y habitus, argumentamos que la perspectiva de los conocimientos situados representa una alternativa plausible para fundamentar teorica y metodologicamente una nueva aproximacion al conocimiento de la vida cotidiana. EnglishThis essay argues for a situated character of knowledge of everyday life. As a starting point, relying on Ludwig Wittgenstein's notion of “form of life”, we propose that our decisions are fundamentally practical uses of historically constructed rules systems and, therefore, those are irreducible to algorithmic procedures of rational cost-benefit evaluation. Later, to address the question of the conditions that make possible the subjective incorporation of these rules and, with it, our practical sense, we recover some approaches from the “background” thesis of John Searle and habitus by Pierre Bourdieu. After this discussion, from Donna Haraway's perspective of situated knowledge, we propose that the conformation of that sense is always partial; that is, related to embodied articulatory practices. Finally, we argue that the perspective of situated knowledge represents a plausible alternative to theoretically and methodologically support an approach to knowledge of everyday life
Deep-Time Architecture: Building as Material-Event

Despite our tendency to conceive, perceive, and represent buildings as static objects, buildings are, in their abundant reality, matter and energy in flux. As Heraclitus famously remarked in his pa...
Epistasis produces an excess of invariant sites in neutral molecular evolution.

Substitution rate variability among sites is a common feature of protein evolution. This variability is frequently modeled by a gamma (Γ) distribution (1), which is proposed to be an emergent property of epistasis by de la Paz et al. (2). However, the conclusion of de la Paz et al. (2) is based on the analysis of highly divergent sequences, as many as 24 substitutions per site. We examined if this conclusion holds for more biologically realistic sequence divergences (0.1 to 5 substitutions per site) (3). Instead, we found that creation of a class of invariant sites is an emergent property of epistasis, and the sequence divergence level dictates whether an equal- or a variable-rate model will best fit the data. In de la Paz et al. (2), neutral molecular evolution was simulated for protein families with a fitness function defined by a model inferred via direct coupling analysis (e.g., Fig. 1 A ). We counted the number of sites that experienced zero, one, two, three, and more substitutions directly from the generation by generation simulated sequences (e.g., Fig. … [↵][1]1To whom correspondence may be addressed. Email: s.kumar{at}temple.edu. [1]: #xref-corresp-1-1
Climate adaptation planning for cultural heritages in coastal tourism destinations: A multi-objective optimization approach

Abstract Substantial climate change impacts threaten the persistence of cultural resources globally. The need exists for conceptualizing decision support tools that focus on quantifying and optimizing the managerial priorities to leverage historic preservation and adaptation actions that enhance the continuity of heritage values and sites. Informed by the Structured Decision Making (SDM) approach, this study advances the singular objective Optimal Preservation (OptiPres) Model, a decision support tool for climate adaptation planning of historic buildings by considering three tourism management objectives: (a) maximize accumulated resource value, (b) maximize cost-efficiency, and (c) minimize vulnerability. These objectives are tested under different budget scenarios using a 30-year planning horizon with a subset of buildings located in two historic districts of Cape Lookout National Seashore (CALO), United States. The multi-objective approach demonstrates the OptiPres Model is transformative, transparent, and transferable for providing cultural resource decision support and enhancing the sustainability of cultural heritage globally.
Escherichia coli thioredoxin confers processivity on the DNA polymerase activity of the gene 5 protein of bacteriophage T7.

Bacteriophage T7 gene 5 protein has been purified to apparent homogeneity from cells overexpressing its gene several hundred-fold. Gene 5 protein is a DNA polymerase with low processivity; it dissociates from the primer-template after catalyzing the incorporation of 1-50 nucleotides, depending on the salt concentration. Escherichia coli thioredoxin, a host protein that is tightly associated with the gene 5 protein in phage-infected cells, is not required for this activity. Thioredoxin acts as an accessory protein to bestow processivity on the polymerizing reaction; DNA synthesis catalyzed by the gene 5 protein-thioredoxin complex on a single-stranded DNA template can polymerize thousands of nucleotides without dissociation. Conditions that increase the stability of secondary structures in the template (i.e., low temperature or high ionic strength) decrease the processivity. E. coli single-stranded DNA-binding protein stimulates both the rate of elongation and the processivity of the gene 5 protein-thioredoxin complex.
Influences of dietary protein level, amino acid supplementation and environmental temperature on performance, body composition, organ weights and total heat production of growing pigs.

The study was conducted to determine the effects of feeding a 16% CP diet, a 12% CP diet, or a 12% CP diet supplemented with crystalline Lys, Trp, and Thr (12% CP + AA diet) in a thermal-neutral (23 degrees C) or heat-stressed (33 degrees C) environment on various body and physiological measurements in growing pigs. Heat-stressed pigs were given a 15% lower daily feed allowance than thermal-neutral pigs to remove the confounding effect of feed intake caused by high temperature. No diet x temperature interaction was observed for any variables (P > 0.09) except for pig activity and pancreas weight. At 33 degrees C, pig activity and pancreas weight did not differ among dietary treatments (P > 0.05). In contrast, at 23 degrees C, pigs fed the 12% CP diet had greater activity than those fed the 16% CP diet or the 12% CP + AA diet (P 0.10). Pigs fed the 12% CP + AA diet had lower serum urea plus ammonia nitrogen concentrations (P < 0.01) and total heat production (P < 0.05) compared with those fed the 16% CP diet or the 12% CP diet. These results confirm that, with crystalline AA supplementation, growing pigs fed a 12% CP diet will perform similar to pigs fed a 16% CP diet. The data further indicate that lowering dietary CP and supplementing crystalline AA will decrease total heat production in growing pigs whether they are housed in a thermal-neutral or heat-stressed environment.
A sharp bound for an eigenvalue moment of the one-dimensional Schrödinger operator

We give a proof of the Lieb-Thirring inequality in the critical case d=1, γ = 1/2, which yields the best possible constant.
5-Year Evaluation of a Course Model for Student-Initiated Engineering Service Learning

Student-initiated projects in engineering service learning represent an opportunity to educate engineering students on topics of sustainability, motivate new engineers to work on humanitarian focused projects, and provide impact on projects for underserved populations in partnership with community organizations. Based on iterations of an engineering design course operated by student participants of Engineers for a Sustainable World at Stanford University, we provide an analysis and discussion of the structural and operational components of a student-initiated engineering design course created to support international service projects. Course ratings demonstrate overall improvement through time in student satisfaction, indicating continued improvement of the course structure and execution despite yearly turnover in personnel. The current two-part course model consists of a one-unit lecture series followed by a three-unit design course, with classroom components complemented by opportunities for international service including project and community assessments and a summer internship program. Overall, course evaluation results were comparable to or better than faculty-led engineering design courses in mechanical, civil and environmental engineering at Stanford. While concerns over consistency persist, overall performance demonstrates successful integration of student-initiated design into the engineering curriculum.
A fast algorithm for online placement and reorganization of replicated data

As storage systems scale to thousands of disks, data distribution and load balancing become increasingly important. We present an algorithm for allocating data objects to disks as a system as it grows from a few disks to hundreds or thousands. A client using our algorithm can locate a data object in microseconds without consulting a central server or maintaining a full mapping of objects or buckets to disks. Despite requiring little global configuration data, our algorithm is probabilistically optimal in both distributing data evenly and minimizing data movement when new storage is added to the system. Moreover, our algorithm supports weighted allocation and variable levels of object replication, both of which are needed to permit systems to efficiently grow while accommodating new technology.
Atrial fibrillation and survival in colorectal cancer.

Background Survival in colorectal cancer may correlate with the degree of systemic inflammatory response to the tumour. Atrial fibrillation may be regarded as an inflammatory complication. We aimed to determine if atrial fibrillation is a prognostic factor in colorectal cancer.
Effects of macroeconomic conditions on the incidence of motor vehicle accidents

The economic recession has been suggested as a probable cause of the significant decline in traffic casualties in the U.S. in the early 1980s. The present study was designed to identify the underlying relationship between changes in economic conditions, as reflected in the rate of unemployment, and motor vehicle crash involvement. The potentially intervening influence of vehicle miles traveled was also examined. ARIMA and dynamic regression time-series modeling procedures were used to assess the direction, magnitude, and lag structure of the relationships. Results revealed a significant concurrent inverse relationship between the rate of unemployment and the frequency of crash involvement, and a significant lag 1 positive relationship between these two variables. Vehicle miles traveled was not a significant intervening influence between un-employment and crash involvement. Summing the concurrent and lagged effects indicated a net negative relationship between unemployment and crash involvement. However, the magnitude of the effect is quite small, accounting for only a small portion of the total decline in traffic casualties in recent years.
Howell designs of type H(P − 1, P + 1)

If p > 3 is a prime, it is shown that a Howell design of type H(p − 1, p + 1) can be constructed. When p = 5 or p > 3 and p ≡ ±3, ±13 (mod 40), the construction can be accomplished by an extension of the familiar strong starter method used to build Room squares.
Introduction to translation of V. W. Ekman's “Outline of a Unified Ocean Current Theory”

Vagn Walfrid Ekman’s classical paper on the “spiral” (Ekman, 1905) is well known to the oceanographers, but his other contributions to the theory of the general oceanic circulation, several of which were written in German and Swedish, have escaped notice even of some experts in this field. The paper “Uber Horizontalzirkulation bei windezeugten Meeresstromungen” (Ekman, 1923) gives, for the first time, a complete formulation of the problem of the steady wind-driven circulation in a homogeneous sea, when variable topography, bottom friction, and the Peffect are included. The final equation, when written in terms of a transport stream function, takes essentially the same form as the model equations of the oceanic circulation given later by Stommel’ (1948), which lead to the explanation of the westward intensification of ocean currents. DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0870.1985.tb00434.x
A note on symmetric connections

In this paper we analyze a reciprocal of the fundamental theorem of Riemannian geometry. We give a condition for a symmetric connection to be locally the Levi-Civita connection of a metric. We also construct a couple of natural examples of connections on the n-dimensional torus and investigate the global problem.
Differential sensitivity of Pak5, Pak6, and Pak5/Pak6 double-knockout mice to the stimulant effects of amphetamine and exercise-induced alterations in body weight.

AbstractObjectivesPAK5 and PAK6 are protein kinases highly expressed in the brain. Previously, we observed that Pak6 knockout mice gained significantly more weight during development than Pak5 knockout mice as well as wild-type controls and double-knockout mice lacking both Pak5 and Pak6. In this study, we assessed the effects of exercise on food intake and weight gain of these mice as well as their sensitivity to the stimulant effects of amphetamine.MethodsMice of each genotype were placed in cages with free access to run wheel exercise or in cages without run wheels for a total of 74 days. Food and fluid intake as well as body weight of each mouse were measured on a weekly basis. Finally, mice were given a high dose of amphetamine and activity levels were observed immediately thereafter for 90 minutes. Brains and testes of mice were assayed for protein levels of the estrogen alpha and progesterone receptors.ResultsWhile run wheel mice consumed significantly more food, they weighed less than non-run whee...
Treatment of Experimental Staphylococcus aureus Abscesses: Comparison of Cefazolin, Cephalothin, Cefoxitin, and Cefamandole

Cefazolin (CZ), cephalothin (CF), cefoxitin (CX), and cefamandole (CM) were evaluated in therapy of Staphylococcus aureus infection produced in perforated table tennis balls placed intraperitoneally in rabbits. Four weeks after placement of two balls in each rabbit, a beta-lactamase producing strain of S. aureus was injected into one of the balls. Twenty-four hours later therapy was initiated with 40 mg of CZ or 80 mg of CF, CX, or CM per kg intramuscularly every 6 h. After 24 h of treatment, the mean log 10 colony-forming units per ml were 7.1 for CZ, 6.7 for CF, 6.5 for CX, and 7.2 for CM. After 72 h the mean log 10 colony-forming units per ml were 5.0 for CZ, 4.1 for CF, 3.6 for CX, and 5.6 for CM. After 8 days, the titers were 1.6/ml for CZ, 1.0 for CF, 1.9 for CX, and 3.6 for CM. CZ serum levels were about double CF and CX levels and about two-thirds of CM levels. In sterile ball fluid CZ and CM levels were more than double CF or CX concentrations. Concentrations of all four antibiotics were lower in infected balls.
Infection control: the role of disinfection and sterilization

Many articles that document infections after improper decontamination of patient-care items have emphasized the necessity for appropriate disinfection and sterilization procedures. This paper provides recommendations on the preferred method for disinfection and sterilization of patient-care items based on the intended use of the item (i.e., critical, semicritical, noncritical). The chemical disinfectants recommended for patient-care items and instruments include glutaraldehyde, hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid, sodium hypochlorite, alcohol, iodophors, phenolics, and quaternary ammonium compounds. The choice of disinfectant, concentration, and exposure time is based on the risk of infection associated with the use of the item. The sterilization methods briefly discussed include steam sterilization, ethylene oxide, new low-temperature sterilization technologies and dry heat. When properly used, these disinfection and sterilization processes can ensure the safe use of invasive and noninvasive medical devices. However, this requires strict adherence to current cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization guidelines.
Synthesis and screening of a cyclic peptide library: Discovery of small-molecule ligands against human prolactin receptor

Abstract Prolactin receptor is involved in normal lactation and reproduction; however, excessive prolactin levels can cause various reproductive disorders such as prolactinomas. Small-molecule antagonists against the human prolactin receptor (hPRLr) thus have potential clinical applications and may serve as useful molecular probes in biomedical research. In this work, we synthesized a large, support-bound cyclic peptide library (theoretical diversity of 1.2 × 107) on 90-μm TentaGel beads and screened it against the extracellular domain of hPRLr. To facilitate hit identification, each TentaGel bead was spatially segregated into outer and inner layers, with a cyclic peptide displayed on the bead surface while the bead interior contained the corresponding linear peptide. The identity of a positive bead was revealed by sequencing the linear encoding peptide within the bead by partial Edman degradation/mass spectrometry. Screening of the library resulted in 20 hits, two of which were selected for further analysis and shown to bind to hPRLr with dissociation constants of 2–3 μM.
HDAC1 in axonal degeneration: A matter of subcellular localization.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease characterized by inflammatory demyelination and a strong neurodegenerative component.
Hormonal control of invertebrate behavior

Abstract Invertebrates show a wide variety of behaviors that are influenced by hormones. In insects the involvement of hormones at a particular life stage is directly correlated with the complexity of the behavioral repertoire at that stage. In larval stages, the steroid hormone, ecdysone, when present with juvenile hormone, apparently causes the behaviors observed during the periodic molts. At the end of larval life, ecdysone in the absence of juvenile hormone triggers the onset of premetamorphic behaviors such as wandering behavior and cocoon-spinning behavior. In insects having complete metamorphosis, the emergence (eclosion) of the adult from the pupal case is accomplished by a stereotyped program of movements that are triggered by a peptide hormone. In moths, injection of this “eclosion hormone” into competent recipients will cause the release of the eclosion program. Also this program can be elicited by the hormone from the isolated abdominal central nervous system (CNS). The onset of reproductive behavior in females of various species requires juvenile hormone. In addition, certain peptides are then involved in the transition from virgin to mated behaviors. Also, pupatitive peptide factors trigger specific stereotyped behaviors such as those involved in mate attraction and in oviposition. In males, the control is simpler. Juvenile hormone is required for the maturation of sexual behavior in only a few species. But in at least one insect group, the cockroaches, a neurosecretory hormone serves to release directly copulatory behavior. Social behavior and migratory behavior in certain insects are also under hormonal influence. Hormones play a prominent role in regulating the behavior of gastropod mollusks. The best studied examples involve the hormonal stimulation of egg-laying behavior by CNS peptides. Also, peptide hormones cause stereotyped changes in specific identified neurons in the CNS of various gastropods. In at least some cases, these latter changes are related to arousal from aestivation. With their simple nervous systems, invertebrates are especially suited for studies on the mode of action of hormones on the nervous system. In most cases the behavioral effects of these hormones appear to be due to their direct action on the CNS. Indeed, the isolated moth CNS will respond to the eclosion hormone by generating the motor program that gives rise to the emergence behavior, and various isolated molluscan preparations will respond to hormones with stereotyped neural responses. By the direct application of hormone to the surface of identified nerve cells in mollusks it has been possible to localize target cells for specific hormones. Little is known of the mode of action of ecdysone or juvenile hormone in altering behavior. Peptide hormones appear to have effects which long outlast the actual presence of the hormone. In at least two cases, cyclic AMP has been implicated as a mediator of the hormonal response.
Avian thymic hormone treatment of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from young chicks stimulates acute graft-versus-host reaction in chicken embryos

Abstract Avian thymic hormone (ATH) is a parvalbumin produced by epithelial cells in the thymic cortex of chickens and circulates in the blood on a 5-day cycle. It stimulates precocious development of cell-mediated immunity. The effect of partially purified extracts of thymus (TE) and purified ATH were tested for their effect on the acute graft-versus-host reaction (GVHR). Treatment of chicks for their first 3-days of life did not enhance the acute GVHR produced by their PBMC in 14-day-old embryos. PBMC from 3-day-old chicks were treated in vitro with TE, ATH, thymosin fraction 5 or thymosin α1 for 2 h and injected into 14-day-old embryos. Bone marrow cells and thymic lymphocytes were treated with TE. Only PBMC treated with TE or ATH produced an enhanced acute GVHR. Because ATH targets γδ T cells, the data implicate participation of donor γδ T cells in the acute GVHR.
Proposed grading system to predict the extent of resection and outcomes for cranial base meningiomas.

OBJECTIVE: This investigation was performed to construct a grading system for cranial base meningiomas that augments the current system of topographic labeling. This new system classifies cranial base meningiomas based on predicted surgical resection and patient outcomes. METHODS: Two hundred thirty-two consecutive patients with cranial base meningiomas were surgically treated by the two senior authors between April 1993 and August 1997. Using standard statistical tests, a large number of preoperative, intraoperative, and follow-up findings were analyzed for correlation with the extent of resection. These included the presence of previous radiotherapy, Cranial Nerve III, V, and VI palsies, multiple fossa involvement, and vessel encasement. RESULTS: Analysis revealed that each variable tested was independently and inversely correlated with total tumor resection (P < 0.002). We were able to construct a grading system based on these variables; when more variables are present, the grade is higher. With the grading system, lower-grade tumors were correlated with increased probabilities of total resection (r 2 = 0.9947) and better patient outcomes, as measured by Karnofsky performance scale scores (r 2 = 0.9291). We also found that, as a group, patients who underwent subtotal resection exhibited worse Karnofsky performance scale scores and had longer hospital stays. CONCLUSION: The current system of classifying cranial base meningiomas provides no information regarding the tumor except location and no information concerning patient prognosis. We present a more useful system to categorize these tumors. Our scheme must be tested at other centers to corroborate our findings. This new grading system should serve to guide surgical treatment, inform patients, and improve communication among surgeons.
The Productivity and Impact of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Scholar Program: The Apparent Positive Effect of Peer Review

Abstract ABSTRACT A study was conducted to compare the “productivity” of a cohort of research grant applicants selected by peer review to be scholars of The Leukemia Society of America (now The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society) with a matched cohort of applicants not so selected during the period 1981 to 1990. One hundred and twenty-four scholars and 124 nonfunded applicants were studied. Two bibliometric variables and their derivatives were examined from the Institute of Scientific Information database: the number of papers published and the number of citations to those papers. Published papers were measured through December 31, 1999, and citation counts to these papers through December 31, 2000. Scholars published 10,301 papers through the period of observation and nonfunded applicants published 6442 papers. Scholars' papers were cited 419,798 times, whereas nonfunded applicants' papers were cited 245,586 times. The mean citations per paper were 52 for scholars and 38 for nonfunded applicants. The papers published per scholar, citations per scholar, and citations per paper per scholar were significantly greater than the corresponding measures for nonfunded applicants ( P
Distribution, morphological description, and molecular characterization of Xiphinema and Longidorous spp. associated with plants (Miscanthus spp. and Panicum virgatum) used for biofuels

Longidorid plant pathogens, specifically Longidorus and Xiphinema, are known to reduce the biomass and seed yields of several monocotyledonous host plants and may serve as vectors for certain plant viruses. The occurrence and densities of species in these genera in the Midwestern United States may be of concern in the production of two biofuel plant species - Miscanthus (Miscanthus x giganteus) and Panicum virgatum. Here we present results from a morphological and molecular survey of plant parasitic nematodes in which two species of Xiphinema (X. americanum and X. rivesi) and one species of Longidorus (L. breviannulatus) were detected. A total of 73 soil samples were collected from 19 sites (nine Miscanthus and 10 P. virgatum) in three states during 2008. Xiphinema spp. was found in 36% of the Miscanthus plots and in 26% of the P. virgatum plots with a population density range of 22-857/100 cm 3 soil. L. breviannulatus was detected in association with Miscanthus plot in Havana, IL, in large numbers (54/100 cm 3 soil). The occurrence of this species was associated with severe damage to the fibrous root system, including stunting and necrosis. Short notes, measurements, illustrations and molecular data are given to the species level.
The opsin shift and mechanism of spectral tuning in rhodopsin

Molecular dynamics simulations and combined quantum mechanical and molecular mechanical calculations have been performed to investigate the mechanism of the opsin shift and spectral tuning in rhodopsin. A red shift of -980 cm(-1) was estimated in the transfer of the chromophore from methanol solution environment to the protonated Schiff base (PSB)-binding site of the opsin. The conformational change from a 6-s-cis-all-trans configuration in solution to the 6-s-cis-11-cis conformer contributes additional -200 cm(-1), and the remaining effects were attributed to dispersion interactions with the aromatic residues in the binding site. An opsin shift of 2100 cm(-1) was obtained, in reasonable accord with experiment (2730 cm(-1)). Dynamics simulations revealed that the 6-s-cis bond can occupy two main conformations for the β-ionone ring, resulting in a weighted average dihedral angle of about -50°, which may be compared with the experimental estimate of -28° from solid-state NMR and Raman data. We investigated a series of four single mutations, including E113D, A292S, T118A, and A269T, which are located near the PSB, along the polyene chain of retinal and close to the ionone ring. The computational results on absorption energy shift provided insights into the mechanism of spectral tuning, which involves all means of electronic structural effects, including the stabilization or destabilization of either the ground or the electronically excited state of the retinal PSB.
The protein binding of some drugs in plasma from patients with alcoholic liver disease

The binding of 5 drugs to plasma proteins from patients with alcoholic liver disease has been studied by in vitro techniques and compared to that from normal subjects. The binding of quinidine is decreased in such patients. For this reason, if in patients with alcoholic liver disease treated for coincidental arrhythmias with quinidine, plasma quinidine concentrations are measured, allowance for the decreased binding must be made in interpreting the concentration measurements. Diphenylhydantoin binding was normal or near normal in most of the patients' plasma samples. The other drugs tested, fluorescein, dapsone, and triamterene, had decreased binding in the patients' plasma samples.
Disproportionation channel of self-reaction of hydroxyl radical, OH + OH → H2O + O, studied by time-resolved oxygen atom trapping.

The disproportionation channel of the self-reaction of hydroxyl radicals, OH + OH → H2O + O (1a) was studied using pulsed laser photolysis coupled to transient UV–vis absorption spectroscopy over the 298–414 K temperature and 3–10 bar pressure ranges (bath gas He). To distinguish channel 1a from the recombination channel 1b, OH + OH → H2O2 (1b), time-resolved trapping of oxygen atoms, produced in channel 1a, was used. The ozone produced in the reaction of oxygen atoms with molecular oxygen was measured using strong UV absorption at 253.7 nm. The results of this study (k1a = (1.38 ± 0.20) × 10–12 (T/300)−0.76 confirm the IUPAC recommended value of Bedjanian et al. (J. Phys. Chem. A1999, 103, 7017–7025), as well as the negative temperature dependence over the temperature range studied, and do not confirm the ca. 1.8 higher value obtained in the most recent study of Bahng et al. (J. Phys. Chem. A2007, 111, 3850–3861). The V-shaped temperature dependence of k1a based on combined current and previous studies i...
Positron annihilation in gold between 27K and 592K

The temperature dependences of the Doppler-broadening lineshape parameter W and the positron lifetime have been measured for positron annihilation taking place in Au in the prevacancy temperature range 27K to 592K. The results are consistent with a linear temperature dependence of these annihilation parameters. It is suggested that this observation represents correctly the intrinsic behaviour of the positron in the Au lattice. The results are compared with earlier work over similar temperature ranges, which has shown additional contributions to these annihilation characteristics.
Effect of resident postgraduate year on outcomes after laparoscopic appendectomy for appendicitis in children.

Abstract Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine if the postgraduate level of resident in the operating room correlates with outcomes for pediatric patients undergoing laparoscopic appendectomy. Subjects and Methods: The charts of all children who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy for appendicitis from 2007 to 2011 at a free-standing children's hospital were reviewed. Outcomes of interest were compared between patient groups based on postgraduate level of the junior-most surgeon in the operating room: (1) junior resident (postgraduate year [PGY]-1, -2, and -3); (2) senior resident (PGY-4 or -5); (3) fellow (PGY-6 or -7); or (4) attending surgeon only. Results: Junior resident (n=327), senior resident (n=129), fellow (n=246), and attending (n=73) groups were similar in terms of age (P=.69), gender distribution (P=.51), race (P=.08), and perforation status (P=.30). Operative time was shorter for senior residents (P=.002), fellows (P<.001), and attending surgeons operating without a resident (P...
Episodic hypoxia exacerbates respiratory muscle dysfunction in DMDmdx mice

Many patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) are eventually diagnosed with sleep-disordered breathing (SDB). SDB is associated with reduced ventilation, decreased arterial oxygen tension, and increased respiratory muscle recruitment during sleep, factors that could be especially detrimental to respiratory muscles in DMD. To assess whether SDB impacts dystrophin-deficient respiratory muscle function and fibrosis, diaphragm strength, and collagen content were evaluated in dystrophic mice (Dmdmdx) exposed to experimental SDB. Diurnal exposure to episodic hypoxia resulted in a 30% reduction in diaphragm strength without affecting collagen content. Episodic hypoxia secondary to SDB can exacerbate respiratory muscle dysfunction in DMD. Muscle Nerve, 2007
Thiaminase activity in native freshwater mussels

Abstract Thiamine (vitamin B 1 ) deficiency in the Great Lakes has been attributed to elevated levels of thiaminase I enzyme activity in invasive prey species; however, few studies have investigated thiaminase activity in native prey species. Some of the highest levels of thiaminase activity have been measured in invasive dreissenid mussels with little understanding of background levels contributed by native freshwater mussels (Bivalvia: Unionidae). In this study, thiaminase activity was measured in two freshwater mussel species, Elliptio complanata and Strophitus undulatus , from the Delaware and Susquehanna River drainage basins located in north eastern United States. Thiaminase activity was also measured in gravid and non-gravid S. undulatus . Average thiaminase activity differed significantly between species (7.2 and 42.4 μmol/g/min, for E. complanata and S. undulatus respectively) with no differences observed between drainage basins. Gravid S. undulatus had significantly lower thiaminase activity (28.0 μmol/g/min) than non-gravid mussels (42.4 μmol/g/min). Our results suggest that a suite of factors may regulate thiaminase activity in freshwater mussels and that native freshwater mussel thiaminase activity is within the range observed for invasive dreissenids. These results add to our understanding of the complexities in identifying the ecological conditions that set the stage for thiamine deficiency.
Invariance principles for Gaussian sequences

An almost sure invariance principle is proved for stationary Gaussian sequences whose covariances r(n) satisfy r(n) = O (n−1−ɛ)for some ɛ>0.
Allelic heterogeneity within allozymes separated by electrophoresis in Drosophila pseudoobscura

Electrophoretic separation of esterase-5 allozymes of Drosophila pseudoobscura in gels of different acrylamide concentrations and in different buffer systems has revealed the existence of six different alleles within the most frequent class, esterase-5(1.00), and three alleles in the other most frequent class, esterase-5(1.07). Two of the alleles affect subunit binding. Esterase-5 allozyme classes based on electrophoresis in 5% acrylamide gels are therefore highly heterogeneous.
The configurational contribution to the free energy of small face centered cubic clusters

In calculating thermodynamic properties of clusters of i atoms, it is necessary to consider all possible configurations of these atoms. We show that the single configuration approximation is not justified and that the errors introduced by this approximation are quite important.