cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An In Vivo Kras Allelic Series Reveals Distinct Phenotypes of Common Oncogenic Variants

KRAS is the most frequently mutated oncogene in cancer, yet there is little understanding of how specific KRAS amino acid changes affect tumor initiation, progression, or therapy response. Using high-fidelity CRISPR-based engineering, we created an allelic series of new LSL-Kras mutant mice, reflecting codon 12 and 13 mutations that are highly prevalent in lung (KRASG12C), pancreas (KRASG12R), and colon (KRASG13D) cancers. Induction of each allele in either the murine colon or pancreas revealed striking quantitative and qualitative differences between KRAS mutants in driving the early stages of transformation. Furthermore, using pancreatic organoid models, we show that KRASG13D mutants are sensitive to EGFR inhibition, whereas KRASG12C-mutant organoids are selectively responsive to covalent G12C inhibitors only when EGFR is suppressed. Together, these new mouse strains provide an ideal platform for investigating KRAS biology in vivo and for developing preclinical precision oncology models of KRAS-mutant pancreas, colon, and lung cancers. SIGNIFICANCE: KRAS is the most frequently mutated oncogene. Here, we describe new preclinical models that mimic tissue-selective KRAS mutations and show that each mutation has distinct cellular consequences in vivo and carries differential sensitivity to targeted therapeutic agents.See related commentary by Kostyrko and Sweet-Cordero, p. 1626.This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1611.
Grading and localization of histological features for bioengineered kidney constructs

Transplantation and dialysis remain the standard treatment for kidney failure. However, transplantation demands outpace demand, transplants may be rejected, and dialysis limits the patient quality of life. Advances in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine offer an alternative therapeutic option in which patient-derived renal cells can be biopsied, cultured, and expended with a scaffold into a new, therapeutic tissue construct. Histological analyses play an important role in validating such therapies. However, there is currently no method for measuring the histological similarity between bioengineered tissues and their genuine counterparts. Here, we present a preliminary method for scoring the similarity between native and newly formed tissues. Using a dataset of H&E-stained kidneys (n = 116) graded as low, medium, or high similarity to real tissue, a convolutional neural network was trained via 6-fold cross-validation to classify artificial tissues. Results indicate high accuracy across all classes – 98.44% for low, 92.86% for medium, and 84.12% for high. Furthermore, visualizations of these predictions superimposed over original H&E corroborate results. Further experimentation and refinement of our model through the inclusion of real tissue as a high similarity class resulted in 83.72%, 71.43%, and 84.00% accuracy for low, medium, and high similarity.
Artificial intelligence-enabled electrocardiograms for identification of patients with low ejection fraction: a pragmatic, randomized clinical trial.

We have conducted a pragmatic clinical trial aimed to assess whether an electrocardiogram (ECG)-based, artificial intelligence (AI)-powered clinical decision support tool enables early diagnosis of low ejection fraction (EF), a condition that is underdiagnosed but treatable. In this trial ( NCT04000087 ), 120 primary care teams from 45 clinics or hospitals were cluster-randomized to either the intervention arm (access to AI results; 181 clinicians) or the control arm (usual care; 177 clinicians). ECGs were obtained as part of routine care from a total of 22,641 adults (N = 11,573 intervention; N = 11,068 control) without prior heart failure. The primary outcome was a new diagnosis of low EF (≤50%) within 90 days of the ECG. The trial met the prespecified primary endpoint, demonstrating that the intervention increased the diagnosis of low EF in the overall cohort (1.6% in the control arm versus 2.1% in the intervention arm, odds ratio (OR) 1.32 (1.01–1.61), P = 0.007) and among those who were identified as having a high likelihood of low EF (that is, positive AI-ECG, 6% of the overall cohort) (14.5% in the control arm versus 19.5% in the intervention arm, OR 1.43 (1.08–1.91), P = 0.01). In the overall cohort, echocardiogram utilization was similar between the two arms (18.2% control versus 19.2% intervention, P = 0.17); for patients with positive AI-ECGs, more echocardiograms were obtained in the intervention compared to the control arm (38.1% control versus 49.6% intervention, P < 0.001). These results indicate that use of an AI algorithm based on ECGs can enable the early diagnosis of low EF in patients in the setting of routine primary care. In a pragmatic, cluster-randomized clinical trial, use of an AI algorithm for interpretation of electrocardiograms in primary care practices increased the frequency at which impaired heart function was diagnosed.
Tiny Sips and Walmart—A Dream or a Curse?:

For entrepreneurs, being offered a distribution deal by Walmart seems like a dream come true. After all, what better way to have a new product quickly appear in thousands of stores all around the U...
Recording Temporal Signals with Minutes Resolution Using Enzymatic DNA Synthesis

Employing DNA as a high-density data storage medium has paved the way for next-generation digital storage and biosensing technologies. However, the multipart architecture of current DNA-based recording techniques renders them inherently slow and incapable of recording fluctuating signals with subhour frequencies. To address this limitation, we developed a simplified system employing a single enzyme, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT), to transduce environmental signals into DNA. TdT adds nucleotides to the 3'-ends of single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) in a template-independent manner, selecting bases according to inherent preferences and environmental conditions. By characterizing TdT nucleotide selectivity under different conditions, we show that TdT can encode various physiologically relevant signals such as Co2+, Ca2+, and Zn2+ concentrations and temperature changes in vitro. Further, by considering the average rate of nucleotide incorporation, we show that the resulting ssDNA functions as a molecular ticker tape. With this method we accurately encode a temporal record of fluctuations in Co2+ concentration to within 1 min over a 60 min period. Finally, we engineer TdT to allosterically turn off in the presence of a physiologically relevant concentration of calcium. We use this engineered TdT in concert with a reference TdT to develop a two-polymerase system capable of recording a single-step change in the Ca2+ signal to within 1 min over a 60 min period. This work expands the repertoire of DNA-based recording techniques by developing a novel DNA synthesis-based system that can record temporal environmental signals into DNA with a resolution of minutes.
A Comparative analysis of comprehension questions in three California state adopted Spanish and English basal readers

Abstract This study’s primary purpose was to determine whether a variation existed in the number and kinds of questions included in parallel Spanish and English basal readers at primary grade levels. A secondary purpose was to determine if questions in parallel Spanish and English series, through fourth grade, facilitated the transition from the Spanish to the English readers. Specifically, the tasks accomplished in the study were: (1) classify reading questions in California state-adopted Spanish and English basal readers utilizing Barrett’s Taxonomy; (2) to determine the number of questions within each taxonomy level; (3) determine if the number of questions within each level differed by reading series, grade, levels or languages; and (4) ascertain the readability level of each reader in this study. Statistical values revealed that differences existed on the number of questions assigned to each taxonomy level among the basal series in both languages and at each grade level. At all grade levels, and in b...
Participation in extracurricular activities by students attending assisted and prestige schools in Trinidad

Participation in 19 extracurricular activities was investigated in 1,312 secondary school students attending assisted and/or prestige schools in Trinidad. The sample was 60 percent male, 21 percent African descent, 41 percent East Indian descent, and 30 percent Mixed descent. Research questions focused on mean number of activities and participation rates in activities by ethnicity and gender, and the relationship between extracurricular participation and student achievement and attitudes. Results indicated that ethnic and gender groups participated in the same number of activities on average, although there were gender-stereotypical rates of participation in some activities. Participation in steelband, solo instruments, debating, and chess were associated with higher student achievement, as was length of time on student council. Females reported playing in steelbands at significantly higher rates than males, and students of East Indian descent reported higher rates of involvement in cricket and lower rates in steelband than their peers of the same gender.
Social Information Processing and Cardiac Predictors of Antisocial Behavior in a Community Sample of Adolescents

The relations among social information processing (SIP), cardiac activity, and antisocial behavior were investigated in adolescents over a 3-year period (from ages 16 to 18) in a community sample of 585 (48% female, 17% African American) participants. Antisocial behavior was assessed in all 3 years. Cardiac and SIP measures were collected between the first and second behavioral assessments. Cardiac measures assessed resting heart rate (RHR) and heart rate reactivity (HRR) as participants imagined themselves being victimized in hypothetical provocation situations portrayed via video vignettes. The findings were moderated by gender and supported a multiprocess model in which antisocial behavior is a function of trait-like low RHR (for male individuals only) and deviant SIP. In addition, deviant SIP mediated the effects of elevated HRR reactivity and elevated RHR on antisocial behavior (for male and female participants).
Emergent Accountability and Structuration Theory: The Implications

Accountability is a fundamentally important but considerably ambiguous and murky concept. Despite its elusive meaning, organizations - governmental or nongovernmental - are constantly called to be more accountable. But what does this accountability expectation exactly mean? How can managers effectively deal with the cross pressure of accountabilities? This essay starts from the belief that we should depart from dichotomist logics and embrace non-dichotomist ones: accountability as both means and ends, with both positive and negative consequences, and being both enabling and constraining. The competing notions may at least enter into some degree of dialogue. Acknowledging that any such attempt to integrate competing ideas is likely to be limited and controversial, this chapter applies Anthony Giddens’ structuration theory and sheds light on the conceptual questions raised above.
Facial recognition employing Transform Domain Mutual Principal Component Analysis

A face recognition algorithm based on a newly developed Transform Domain Mutual Principal Component Analysis (TD-2D-MuPCA) approach is proposed. In this approach, the spatial facial two-dimensional images (2D) and their division into horizontal, vertical and diagonal sub-images halves are generated. The sub-image halves are processed using non-overlapping and overlapping windows. Each face and its processed sub-images are subsequently transformed using a compressing transform such as the two dimensional discrete cosine transform. This produces the TD-2D-MuPCA. The performance of this approach for facial image recognition is compared with the state of the art successful techniques. The test results, for noise free and noisy images, yield recognition accuracy of 97% or higher. The improved recognition accuracy is achieved while retaining notable savings in storage and computational requirements.
Landscape Ecotoxicology of Coho Salmon Spawner Mortality in Urban Streams

In the Pacific Northwest of the United States, adult coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) returning from the ocean to spawn in urban basins of the Puget Sound region have been prematurely dying at high rates (up to 90% of the total runs) for more than a decade. The current weight of evidence indicates that coho deaths are caused by toxic chemical contaminants in land-based runoff to urban streams during the fall spawning season. Non-point source pollution in urban landscapes typically originates from discrete urban and residential land use activities. In the present study we conducted a series of spatial analyses to identify correlations between land use and land cover (roadways, impervious surfaces, forests, etc.) and the magnitude of coho mortality in six streams with different drainage basin characteristics. We found that spawner mortality was most closely and positively correlated with the relative proportion of local roads, impervious surfaces, and commercial property within a basin. These and other correlated variables were used to identify unmonitored basins in the greater Seattle metropolitan area where recurrent coho spawner die-offs may be likely. This predictive map indicates a substantial geographic area of vulnerability for the Puget Sound coho population segment, a species of concern under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. Our spatial risk representation has numerous applications for urban growth management, coho conservation, and basin restoration (e.g., avoiding the unintentional creation of ecological traps). Moreover, the approach and tools are transferable to areas supporting coho throughout western North America.
Control of rat liver glycogen synthetase and phosphorylase activities by glucose.

Abstract In the perfused rat liver, hyperglycemia causes a rapid inactivation of phosphorylase and a conversion of glycogen synthetase from a glucose-6- P dependent form to a glucose-6- P independent form. This effect is similar in the presence or in the absence of added insulin, but is absent following adrenalectomy and fasting when glycogen synthetase phosphatase activity is not detectable. Under conditions where phosphatase activity is low, glucose increases its activity. The effect of glucose occurs in the absence of detectable alterations in tissue concentration of adenosine 3′,5′-monophosphate, the primary intracellular regulator mediating hormonal control of the activity of these enzymes. Circulating glucose levels also directly modify the effects of glucagon on the activities of these enzymes supporting the possibility that glucose levels may be important in moderating the control of liver glycogen metabolism in vivo .
Electrically pumped, edge-emitting, large-area photonic crystal lasers with straight and angled facets

We propose and demonstrate electrically pumped, edge-emitting, large-area photonic crystal lasers. Effective index-guided and Bragg-guided lasing modes are obtained depending on the design of photonic crystal and facets.
Abstract B97: The role of JNK isoforms in adenovirus-induced autophagy: Implications for cancer immunotherapy using oncolytic adenoviruses.

Glioblastoma multiforme is the most common and lethal form of primary brain tumor in adults. Targeted immunotherapy using recombinant oncolytic viruses is a promising strategy for the treatment of brain tumors. Delta-24-RGD is a highly selective and potent oncolytic adenovirus that induces autophagy in malignant gliomas. Data from our ongoing clinical trial suggested Delta-24-RGD initiated an anti-tumor immune response in patients. Importantly, autophagy promotes the presentation of viral antigens for activation of immune cells; therefore, we sought to elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which adenoviruses induce autophagy. Adenoviral replication induced phosphorylation of JNK that was required for autophagy. Our results indicated that JNK regulates autophagy through Bcl-2 phosphorylation and consequent dissociation of Bcl-2 and beclin 1. Contrary to starvation-induced autophagy, adenovirus-mediated autophagy was facilitated by both JNK1 and JNK2 isoforms of JNK. Moreover, our data indicated that adenoviral antigens were presented at the cell surface, which was ablated upon down-regulation of JNK or autophagy. We propose a JNK/autophagy-dependent mechanism for the immune presentation of viral antigens that can be leveraged when developing recombinant adenoviruses for the advancement of anti-tumor immunotherapy. Thus, we developed a genetically-modified Delta-24 adenovirus expressing an EGFRvIII epitope that is aberrantly expressed in gliomas. The majority (>80%) of cells infected with Delta-24-FvIII presented the fiber-bound EGFRvIII epitope on their surface, an effect that was diminished upon inhibition of autophagy. Our data demonstrated that oncolytic adenoviruses can be modified to present cancer antigens for an anti-tumor immune response that may be enhanced by positively regulating autophagy. Citation Format: Sarah R. Klein, Hong Jiang, Sujan Piya, Zhimin Lu, Candelaria Gomez-Manzano, Juan Fueyo. The role of JNK isoforms in adenovirus-induced autophagy: Implications for cancer immunotherapy using oncolytic adenoviruses. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Tumor Immunology: Multidisciplinary Science Driving Basic and Clinical Advances; Dec 2-5, 2012; Miami, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(1 Suppl):Abstract nr B97.
Thoracic FDG PET: State of the Art

The D-glucose analogue 2-(fluorine-18) fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG) is the most commonly used radionuclide in positron emission tomography (PET) of the thorax. Increased glucose metabolism by malignant cells allows physiologic differentiation between benign and malignant abnormalities. FDG PET is consequently useful in characterizing indeterminate pulmonary nodules and in staging and assessing the response to treatment of lung cancer. FDG PET is accurate in classification of indeterminate pulmonary nodules as benign. Nodules with low FDG uptake are followed up radiographically; nodules with increased FDG uptake should be evaluated with biopsy or resected. In the staging of lung cancer, FDG PET is useful in evaluating local disease and pleural and chest wall involvement. The accuracy of FDG PET in demonstrating intrathoracic metastatic nodal disease is greater than that of computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. Whole-body PET is useful in detection of extrathoracic metastases. Conventional im...
Characterization of the peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptors in cultured astrocytes: evidence for multiplicity.

In mammalian brain peripheral benzodiazepine (PBZD) receptors are predominantly localized on astroglial cells. Previous studies utilizing whole membrane preparations from brain and peripheral organs of various species have indicated several distinctions between the drug-receptor interactions of the two prototypic PBZD receptor ligands, PK 11195 and Ro5-4864. The present study was undertaken to determine whether putative differences in the binding of PBZD receptor ligands in homogenates of primary astrocyte cultures can be interpreted as the labeling of PBZD receptor subtypes. Equilib-rium competition and saturation binding experiments in homogenate preparations of primary astrocytes from cerebral cortex of new born rats revealed that [3H]PK 11195 labels twice the number of [3H]Ro5-4864 binding sites. Unlabeled Ro5-4864 competes for [3H]PK 11195 binding in a manner suggesting the existence of multiple PK 11195 bind-ing sites. The competition binding experiments, using various benzodiazepines, indicate that one binding component of PK 11195 corresponds to Ro5-4864 binding sites, whereas the second is different. The latter binding site does not correspond to the central BZD receptor but displays the pharmacological properties of the PBZD receptor. Further differences between the binding of PK 11195 and Ro5-4864 in astrocytes were detected in the presence of ethanol which was more effective in inhibiting the binding of the latter. Subcellular distribution studies indicated, however, that the binding of both [3H]PK 11195 and [3H]Ro5-4864 is associated primarily with the mitochondrial fraction of astro-cytes. Taken together, the present study indicates the existence of non-overlapping PBZD binding sites in astrocytes and thus suggests the existence of PBZD receptor subtypes. It appears, however, that there is no distinction in the subcellular localization of the putative subtypes of the PBZD receptor. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Esophageal cancer: adenocarcinoma in populations dominated by squamous cell histology

Background Esophageal adenocarcinoma (AC) predominates in the United States but remains uncommon in African Americans and Japanese patients. To gain insight into the behavior of AC in African American and Japanese patients, we evaluated clinical and molecular features of AC in both.
Amplified fragment length polymorphism markers linked to a major quantitative trait locus controlling scab resistance in wheat.

Bai, G.-H., Kolb, F. L., Shaner, G., and Domier, L. L. 1999. Amplified fragment length polymorphism markers linked to a major quantitative trait locus controlling scab resistance in wheat. Phytopathology 89:343-348. Scab is a destructive disease of wheat. To accelerate development of scab-resistant wheat cultivars, molecular markers linked to scab resistance genes have been identified by using recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived by single-seed descent from a cross between the resistant wheat cultivar Ning 7840 (resistant to spread of scab within the spike) and the susceptible cultivar Clark. In the gree nhouse, F5, F6, F7, and F10 families were evaluated for resistance to spread of scab within a spike by injecting about 1,000 conidiospores of Fusarium graminearum into a central spikelet. Inoculated plants were kept in moist chambers for 3 days to promote initial infection and then transferred to greenhouse benches. Scab symptoms were evaluated four times (3, 9, 15, and 21 days after inoculation). The frequency distribution of scab severity indicated that resistance to spread of scab within a spike was controlled by a few major genes. DNA was isolated from both parents and F 9 plants of the 133 RILs. A total of 300 combinations of amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) primers were screened for polymorphisms using bulked segregant analysis. Twenty pairs of primers revealed at least one polymorphic band between the two contrasting bulks. The segregation of each of these bands was evaluated in the 133 RILs. Eleven AFLP markers showed significant association with scab resistance, and an individual marker explained up to 53% of the total variation ( R 2 ). The markers with high R 2 values mapped to a single linkage group. By interval analysis, one major quan titative trait locus for scab resistance explaining up to 60% of the genetic variation for scab resistance was identified. Some of the AFLP markers may be useful in marker-assisted breeding to improve resistance to scab in wheat.
The other NEC (BSC) an asymptotic complement

In choosing a title for this paper, it was difficult to decide how to fit a high frequency asymptotic method based computer code into discussions primarily focused on a method of moments code. In considering the possibilities, the title chosen seems appropriate. Based on Webster's dictionary, "complement" means "that which completes or brings to perfection". That lofty ideal certainly has been the goal from the onset. The latter may not have been entirely achieved yet, but still much progress has been made in 30 years. The paper gives an overview of the development of an electromagnetic computational engineering design tool from the high frequency electrically large structure point of view. The NEC-basic scattering code (NEC-BSC) can act in its own right to predict the antenna pattern distortion due to the presence of large complex structures or the spatial coupling between antennas in such an environment. In addition, it can synergize with a full wave code, like NEC-MoM or MiniNEC, to provide even more versatility. Some recent results illustrate the concepts.
Relativistic electron scattering by large amplitude electromagnetic ion cyclotron waves: The role of phase bunching and trapping

[1] Test particle computations are performed to study the interactions of relativistic electrons with electromagnetic ion cyclotron waves propagating parallel to the background magnetic field in a homogeneous plasma. In addition to their pitch angle scattering, electrons experience phase bunching and trapping and become clustered in gyrophase angle when the wave amplitude is sufficiently large. The concepts of electron phase bunching and trapping are defined and first illustrated for electrons interacting with a monochromatic wave. When the wave amplitude is sufficiently large, the electrons in or nearly in resonance with the wave are mainly phase trapped while the off-resonance electrons are only phase bunched. Phase trapping of electrons leads to nonlinear advection of the electrons toward the resonant pitch angle, at which the electrons with a specified kinetic energy are in resonance with the wave. For a broadband spectrum of incoherent waves, these general trends of electron phase bunching and trapping remain qualitatively the same, but they are not as evident as in the monochromatic wave case due to phase mixing of the electrons. The pitch angle diffusion coefficient and advection rate are evaluated from test particle computations of relativistic electron scattering by broadband waves. The results agree well with quasi-linear results when the waves are sufficiently weak, as expected. When the waves become strong, however, the diffusion coefficient and advection rate deviate from the predictions of quasi-linear theory, due to electron phase bunching and trapping. The diffusion coefficient is a flatter function of pitch angle than that predicted by quasi-linear theory. Electron phase bunching and trapping introduce nonlinear advection of the electrons, which is additional to the inherent advection included in the diffusion equation of quasi-linear theory and shifts the electrons toward the pitch angle at which the electrons with a specified kinetic energy are in resonance with the wave at the spectral peak. Finally, our results suggest that electron phase bunching and trapping by large amplitude waves flatten the pitch angle distribution and reduce the loss rate for relativistic electrons trapped in the radiation belts, compared to the predictions of quasi-linear theory. The present study focuses only on local electron scattering in a homogeneous background magnetic field and the results are therefore subject to possible modification after bounce averaging.
Dlustrations in Text: a Retentionai Role

Abstract The use of illustrations in instructional texts is a problem of practical concern for the educational technologist as well as for the learning theorist, and as such, it is amenable to research investigation. In the study reported here, illustrations in text were hypothesized to fulfil a retentionai role which would enhance long‐term memory of the text itself. An experiment was conducted in which were varied the availability of illustrations (an illustrated prose passage versus a nonillustrated passage) and delay of retention (immediate‐recall tests versus recall tests given two weeks later). The passage was a short text on history and the participants were 15‐year‐old students from a secondary school. An interaction between illustrations and delay of retention was obtained on a cued‐recall test examining specific details from the passage, but not on a free‐recall test examining topical ideas. The detailed results were not fully supportive of the theory being tested, but clarify avenues for furthe...
Converging Runway Display Aid in the NAS: Challenges, successes and outlook

The Converging Runway Display Aid (CRDA) is a simple, passive visualization tool that has been available in the terminal automation systems in the National Airspace System (NAS) for about 20 years. CRDA is geared towards simplifying the use of intersecting or converging approaches and paths. Its simplicity has often prompted aviation enthusiasts to hypothesize wider use in the NAS to improve both the safety and capacity of the system. Even so, the tool has not realized wide-spread use in the NAS. Recently, RTCA Task Force V recommended that it be implemented at more sites in the NAS. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has incorporated its wider use as one of its flight plan goals. This has helped its deployment at several new key sites. This paper explores basic factors that contribute to the challenges in deploying CRDA and how they could be addressed. It presents the example of the recent CRDA deployment at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to document and illustrate how this process can and has been applied successfully. It describes the impact of the CRDA use at EWR by analyzing one year of operational data. It concludes with a report on the outlook for CRDA deployment in the NAS.
Attenuated second-order Møller-Plesset perturbation theory: performance within the aug-cc-pVTZ basis.

Attenuated second-order Moller–Plesset perturbation theory (MP2) within the finite aug-cc-pVTZ (aTZ) basis set is developed for inter- and intra-molecular non-bonded interactions. A single attenuation parameter is optimized on the S66 database of 66 intermolecular interactions, leading to a very large RMS error reduction by a factor of greater than 5 relative to standard MP2/aTZ. Attenuation introduces an error of opposite sign to basis set superposition error (BSSE) and overestimation of dispersion interactions in finite basis MP2. A variety of tests including the S22 set, conformer energies of peptides, alkanes, sugars, sulfate–water clusters, and the coronene dimer establish the transferability of the MP2(terfc, aTZ) model to other inter and intra-molecular interactions. Direct comparisons against attenuation in the smaller aug-cc-pVDZ basis shows that MP2(terfc, aTZ) often significantly outperforms MP2(terfc, aDZ), although at higher computational cost. MP2(terfc, aDZ) and MP2(terfc, aTZ) often out-perform MP2 at the complete basis set limit. Comparison of the two attenuated MP2 models against each other and against attenuation using non-augmented basis sets gives insight into the error cancellation responsible for their remarkable success.
Knowledge and practice of dust mite control by specialty care.

Background Dust mites are the primary indoor allergen risk for increasing asthma attacks and morbidity. Adherence to allergen avoidance recommendations decreases bronchial reactivity and asthma morbidity. Objective This study compared the knowledge and practice of environmental control advice of families of children with asthma seen by an allergist or a pediatrician. Studies suggest that knowledge and practice of environmental control recommendations is inconsistent. Methods Subjects were aged 6 to 17 years, diagnosed with asthma, and had positive skin test to dust mites. There were 114 eligible pediatric patients, and 69 had also seen an allergist before the study. An in-home evaluation was completed during which parents were asked about environmental control knowledge and practice. An environmental technician then completed a walk-through evaluation to observe which recommendations were implemented in the home. Results Families who saw an allergist demonstrated significantly greater awareness of environmental control recommendations for dust mite allergens than those who had not. Knowledge and placement of allergen-proof mattress and pillow covers was significantly higher in these families. However, 30% of families who saw an allergist reported no knowledge of any environmental control recommendations for dust mites. Less than half of the allergist families (48%) who were advised to use mattress encasements actually had encasements on their children's beds. Conclusions The parents of dust mite-sensitive, asthmatic children who saw an allergist were more aware of dust mite allergen control recommendations and made more indoor environmental changes.
Drainage galleries in the Iberian Peninsula during the Islamic period

The aim of this paper is to outline the research on drainage galleries in the Iberian Peninsula from an archaeological point of view, specifically in relation to the Islamic period. The literature review section begins by addressing some theoretical questions regarding the importance of studying each drainage gallery as part of a hydraulic system, which is additionally composed by the peasants and the organisation of production. A large portion of this paper is then dedicated to the definition and classification of the most common typologies of drainage gallery. Following this, the relation between the different typologies of drainage gallery and the environment in which they are inserted is examined. I next consider the spread and diffusion of this technique across the Iberian Peninsula and contrast my findings to previous theories on the role of Romans in this process. Finally, I conclude with a discussion of the weaknesses in this field and stress the significance of drainage galleries to both Iberian cultural heritage and sustainable development.
Continuous control of microring weight banks

We demonstrate a continuous range of complementary (+/−) weights in a bank of silicon microrings. Continuously configurable weighted addition is a key function for multivariate analog signal processing and could enable scalable analog networking approaches in silicon photonics.
Salvage of Lisfranc's Tarsometatarsal Joint by Arthrodesis:

Sixteen patients with fractures or fracture-dislocations of the tarsometatarsal (Lisfranc) joint who failed initial treatment were salvaged by arthrodesis using a technique of rigid internal fixati...
Cholesterol flux in vitro in aortas of cholesterol-fed and non-cholesterol-fed pigeons

Abstract Aortas and serum of cholesterol-fed (test) and non-cholesterol-fed (control) pigeons were labeled in vivo by daily administration of 2 μC [1,2-3H]cholesterol. Influx and efflux of labeled cholesterol was studied in vitro by a technique in which aortas labeled in vivo were perfused with unlabeled serum; unlabeled arteries were perfused with serum labeled in vivo . Rates of uptake and release of cholesterol across the aortic intima in vitro are 2-fold higher in atherosclerotic aortas than in normal aortas; there is a high positive correlation ( r > 0.800) between aorta sterol content and the rates of uptake and release. Uptake of cholesterol by adventitial tissue in vitro appeared to result from entrapment or imbibition of perfusion serum rather than by other means. Evidence is presented to suggest that cholesteryl esters are transferred directly into the aortic intima from serum in vivo and in vitro and from the intima into serum in vitro .
Kinetic Differences in a Subject With Two Different Prosthetic Knees While Performing Sitting and Standing Movements

Advanced prostheses are currently being sold in consumer markets. The development of these advanced prostheses is largely a result of a better understanding of the biomechanics of human locomotion [1]. Powered and microprocessor controlled prostheses are offering better performance in a variety of movements and in the gait cycle. However the focus in lower limb prosthetics has been largely on locomotion (e.g. walking, stair gait and running). This study focuses on the sit and stand cycles of an individual with an Otto Bock C-leg and an Ossur Power Knee prosthesis, comparing his ability to utilize each prosthesis and comparing his cycle to that of a healthy (non-amputee) control subject. This study is part of a larger ongoing study of the sit and stand cycles seen in a large population of unilateral transfemoral prosthetic users of various kinds. The purpose of this study is to compare the difference in method of standing, and assistance provided by the prosthesis. With the knowledge gained from this study we hope to better understand the biomechanics of the sit and stand cycles, leading to better prostheses in the future.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Electron transport system in Fusarium lini.

Abstract The over-all aspect of electron transport in Fusarium lini was studied. Spectrophotometric analysis showed the presence of cytochrome oxidase, cytochrome a, cytochrome c, and a cytochrome b component. The cytochrome b component was similar to cytochrome b 3 in its spectral properties. Diaphorase, DPNH- and TPNH-cytochrome c reductases and succinic dehydrogenase activities were shown to be present in cell-free extract. The mitochondrial DPNH- or TPNH-cytochrome c reductases were found to differ in the pH optimum and K m values from the microsomal reductases. The polyphenol oxidase and ascorbic acid oxidase activities could not be demonstrated in the crude extract. The principal system of terminal respiration in Fusarium lini appears to be the cytochrome system.
Effect of nutrient deprivation on ribosomal RNA and ribosomal protein mRNA in cultured mosquito cells

The effect of nutrient deprivation on RNA and protein synthesis in cultured Aedes albopictus mosquito cells was investigated by replacing the culture medium with phosphate-buffered saline. After a 2 h starvation treatment, incorporation of radiolabeled precursor into total RNA was inhibited by 50%, and after 4 h, incorporation of amino acids into protein was inhibited by 50%. To investigate directly the effects of starvation on rRNA synthesis, ribosomal subunits were prepared from treated cells by sucrose density gradient centrifugation. After 4 h in saline, incorporation of [3H]uridine into ribosomal subunits had declined to baseline levels. Even after 8 h starvation, however, the effect was reversed by refeeding with complete medium, in which cells resumed rRNA synthesis and ribosomal subunit assembly. During 8 h starvation, total amounts of rRNA detected by northern blot remained stable. Ribosomal protein mRNA abundance was measured on northern blots, using probes corresponding to L8 and L31 ribosomal protein genes. The content of these ribosomal protein mRNAs was unchanged during starvation, or during treatment with actinomycin D. These results suggest that ribosomal protein mRNAs belong to a long-lived mRNA population, and suggest that post-transcriptional regulation of ribosomal protein synthesis is an important regulatory mechanism in growing mosquito cells.
Optical efficiency of feedhorn-coupled TES polarimeters for next-generation CMB instruments

The next generation of Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) experiments probing for signals of inflation and small angular scale polarization anisotropies require higher sensitivity and better control of systematics. We are developing monolithic arrays of orthomode transducer (OMT) coupled transition edge sensor (TES) polarimeters designed for operation at 150 GHz to address these requirements. OMT coupling allows for simultaneous and independent detection of two orthogonal linear polarization states incident on a single pixel. We present measurements of optical efficiencies η op of single pixels with on-chip band-defining filters, with η op = 57±4 stat±9 sys %. We also provide evidence for an out-of-band blue leak and address possible sources as well as mitigation techniques. Additionally, we discuss methods for increasing efficiency being implemented in the next generation of pixels, currently in fabrication. Still under development, these pixels are produced as monolithic polarimeter arrays and are slated for use in the Atacama Cosmology Telescope Polarization (ACTpol) and South Pole Telescope Polarization (SPTpol) experiments, while single-pixel polarimeters are to be deployed in the Atacama B-mode Search (ABS) experiment.
Steinernema feltiae (= Neoaplectana carpocapsae): effect of sterols and hypolipidemic agents on development.

The structure and concentration of sterol in a lipid-defined artificial medium affected the development of the entomogenous nematode, Steinernema feltiae (= Neoaplectana carpocapsae). The nematode grew normally in vitro when the medium was supplemented with delta 5-desalkylsterol (cholesterol) or delta 5-desalkylsteryl ester (cholesterol oleate). The minimum amount of cholesterol in the medium that was necessary to support the development of S. feltiae to the climax population (i.e., dauer stage) was 0.0025%. The nematode also completed its life cycle normally when delta 0- or delta 7-desalkylsterols (cholestanol and lathosterol) were substituted for cholesterol. In contrast, development was inhibited when the medium contained delta 5,7-desalkylsterol (7-dehydrocholesterol); however, the nematode population reached the climax stage, in medium containing this sterol, when cholesterol was also present. S. feltiae was able to utilize delta 5- and delta 0-24 alpha-ethylsterols (sitosterol and sitostanol) as dietary sterols; however, when a delta 22-bond was introduced into the side chain (stigmasterol) the rate of development of the nematode slowed significantly. The growth of the nematode was also retarded when the medium contained delta 5,7,22-24 beta-methylsterol (ergosterol). The nematode population reached the climax stage in medium containing delta 8,24-4,14 alpha-trimethylsterol (lanosterol) only when cholesterol was also present. When S. feltiae was exposed to certain hypolipidemic agents, which are known to lower the level of lipids in human plasma (clofibrate, cholestyramine resin, niacin, and D-thyroxine), all but D-thyroxine affected the growth and development of the nematode in vivo (in Heliothis zea) and/or in vitro. Therefore further studies are warranted to determine how these drugs affect the lipid biochemistry of this nematode.
Recurrent urethro-vaginal fistula following urethral injury and repair at the time of transobturator tape sling insertion.

A 48-year-old patient was referred to us at the Department of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery at the University Hospital, due to continuous urinary leakage for the past 8 months. ...
Asymptomatic production of ACTH. Radio immunoassay in squamous cell, oat cell and adenocarcinoma of the lung.

Twenty-six patients with carcinoma of the lung and normal electrolytes were studied at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Hospital. The most significant findings were: elevated plasma ACTH, lack of diurnal rhythm, and failure of dexamethasone to suppress plasma ACTH in eight patients. Two patients had oat cell carcinoma, three had squamous cell carcinoma and three had adenocarcinoma of the lung. ACTH-like material was found in the tumor tissue of one patient with squamous cell carcinoma. Plasma corticoids were elevated in 76% of the patients due to the effect of severe disease on the pituitary-adrenal axis and increased binding of plasma corticoids to plasma proteins. It is suggested that increased production of estrogen from the adrenal cortex may play an important role in the binding of cortisol to plasma protein. Plasma ACTH is the most reliable index in diagnosing “non-endocrine” Cushing's syndrome; it is an effective indicator of response to treatment or in determining the emergence of functioning metastasis.
A semiotic analysis of artistic American sign language and a performance of poetry

Research has shown that English and American Sign Language (ASL) are distinct languages and communicative forms. Because English is an auditory‐vocal language and ASL is a visual‐gestural language, the translation process from one to the other is complicated. This essay explores the intersemiotic translation and performance of a written poem to artistic ASL, focusing specifically on the visual nature of ASL and the function of its manual and nonmanual components. The value of the analysis is in the recognition of the centrality of the image, or icon, in ASL, and in studying ASL's unique blend of language and gesture for its impact on performance studies.
Adjustable Gastric Banding as a Revisional Bariatric Procedure after Failed Gastric Bypass

Background Inadequate weight loss after proximal gastric bypass presents a clinical challenge to bariatric surgeons. Pouch size, stoma size and limb length are the variables that can be surgically altered. Aside from conversion to distal bypass, which may have significant negative nutritional sequelae, revisional surgery for this group of patients has not often been reported. The addition of adjustable silicone gastric banding (ASGB) to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP) may be a useful revision strategy because it has potential safety benefits over other revisional approaches. Materials and methods We report on 8 patients who presented with inadequate weight loss or significant weight regain after proximal gastric bypass. All patients underwent revision with the placement of an ASGB around the proximal gastric pouch. Bands were adjusted at 6 weeks postoperatively and beyond as needed. Complications and weight loss at the most recent follow-up visit were evaluated. Results Mean age and body mass index (BMI) at the time of revision were 39 +/- 9.9 years and 44.0 +/- 4.5 kg/m2 respectively. No patients were lost to follow-up, and they lost an average of 38.1 +/- 10.4% and 44.0 +/- 36.3% of excess weight and 49.1 +/- 20.9% and 52.0 +/- 46.0% of excess BMI in 12 and 24 months respectively. Patients lost an average of 62.0 +/- 20.5% of excess weight from the combined surgeries in 67 (48-84) months. The only complication was the development of a seroma overlying the area of the port adjustment in one patient. There have been no erosions or band slippages to date. Conclusions These results indicate that the addition of an ASGB causes significant weight loss in patients with poor weight loss outcome after RYGBP. The fact that no anastomosis or change in absorption is required may make this an attractive revisional strategy. Long- term evaluation in a larger population is warranted.
Peptide Nanoparticles as Novel Immunogens: Design and Analysis of a Prototypic Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Vaccine

Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is an infectious disease caused by a novel coronavirus that cost nearly 800 lives. While there have been no recent outbreaks of the disease, the threat remains as SARS coronavirus (SARS-CoV) like strains still exist in animal reservoirs. Therefore, the development of a vaccine against SARS is in grave need. Here, we have designed and produced a prototypic SARS vaccine: a self-assembling polypeptide nanoparticle that repetitively displays a SARS B-cell epitope from the C-terminal heptad repeat of the virus' spike protein. Biophysical analyses with circular dichroism, transmission electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering confirmed the computational design showing alpha-helcial nanoparticles with sizes of about 25 nm. Immunization experiments with no adjuvants were performed with BALB/c mice. An investigation of the binding properties of the elicited antibodies showed that they were highly conformation specific for the coiled-coil epitope because they specifically recognized the native trimeric conformation of C-terminal heptad repeat region. Consequently, the antisera exhibited neutralization activity in an in vitro infection inhibition assay. We conclude that these peptide nanoparticles represent a promising platform for vaccine design, in particular for diseases that are characterized by neutralizing epitopes with coiled-coil conformation such as SARS-CoV or other enveloped viruses.