cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Hydrostatic Pressure on Trapping Centers in Strained-Layer Superlattice Structures

Studies have recently been initiated of trapping centers in strainedlayer superlattices (SLS’s), a new class of semiconductor structures in which lattice mismatch is accommodated by internal strain1. Of special interest is the comparison of trap parameters in SLS and non-SLS materials of similar compositions, and the possible influence of the builtin strain on these parameters. Herein, we report initial results on one aspect of this work, namely the effects of hydrostatic pressure on the emission energies of two prominent deep levels in gamma-irradiated SLS’s consisting of alternating layers of GaP and GaAsP grown by MOCVD. As the growth of an SLS affects the lattice constants of the individual components, the application of hydrostatic pressure to a semiconductor can also affect the lattice constant and the bulk electronic properties2, 3. This parallel suggests that the properties of the host SLS may have an effect on the response of the trap to pressure. The search for such effects is the objective of this paper.
Event-Triggered Distributed Approximate Optimal State and Output Control of Affine Nonlinear Interconnected Systems

This paper presents an approximate optimal distributed control scheme for a known interconnected system composed of input affine nonlinear subsystems using event-triggered state and output feedback via a novel hybrid learning scheme. First, the cost function for the overall system is redefined as the sum of cost functions of individual subsystems. A distributed optimal control policy for the interconnected system is developed using the optimal value function of each subsystem. To generate the optimal control policy, forward-in-time, neural networks are employed to reconstruct the unknown optimal value function at each subsystem online. In order to retain the advantages of event-triggered feedback for an adaptive optimal controller, a novel hybrid learning scheme is proposed to reduce the convergence time for the learning algorithm. The development is based on the observation that, in the event-triggered feedback, the sampling instants are dynamic and results in variable interevent time. To relax the requirement of entire state measurements, an extended nonlinear observer is designed at each subsystem to recover the system internal states from the measurable feedback. Using a Lyapunov-based analysis, it is demonstrated that the system states and the observer errors remain locally uniformly ultimately bounded and the control policy converges to a neighborhood of the optimal policy. Simulation results are presented to demonstrate the performance of the developed controller.
Effects of primary care physician density, urologist presence, and insurance status on stage of diagnosis for urologic malignancies

Abstract Objective To evaluate effects of PCP density, insurance status, and urologist presence on stage of diagnosis for urologic malignancies. Cancer stage at diagnosis is an important outcome predictor. Studies have shown an inverse relationship to primary care physician (PCP) density and insurance coverage with stage of cancer diagnosis. Methods Data was obtained from OK2Share, an Oklahoma Central Cancer Registry, for bladder, kidney, and prostate cancer from 2000 to 2010. Physician data was obtained through the State Licensing Board. The 2010 national census was used for population data. High PCP density was defined as greater than or equal to the median value: 3.17 PCP/10,000 persons. Chi-square and multivariate logistic regressions were used to analyze effects of PCP density, insurance status, and urologist presence on advanced stage diagnosis. Results 27,086 patients were identified across 77 counties. As PCP density increased by 1 PCP/10,000 persons, the odds ratios (OR) of an advanced stage at diagnosis were 0.383, 0.468, 0.543 for bladder, kidney, and prostate cancer respectively. Compared to private insurance, being uninsured had OR of 1.61 and 2.45 respectively for kidney and prostate cancers. The OR of an advanced stage diagnosis for bladder and prostate cancer were 3.77 and 1.73, respectively, in counties with a urologist. Conclusions Increased PCP density and insurance coverage reduced the odds of an advanced diagnosis. Implementation of policies to improve access to healthcare including through increasing PCP density and reducing the number of uninsured patients should result in diagnosis at an earlier stage, which will likely improved cancer-related outcomes.
Feminist Governance and International Law: From Liberal to Carceral Feminism

Feminist legal theory came to international law and discourse later than it came to many other legal fields. It primarily emerged in international human rights where, in a surprisingly short amount of time, it went from being extremely marginal to relatively mainstream. Not unrelatedly, it has primarily grown, and also developed significant influence, in the doctrinal areas of international humanitarian and criminal law. This piece, written as a chapter in a book on governance feminism, chronicles the trajectory of feminist engagement with international law, paying special attention to how both feminisms and feminists have played governing roles in its development and operation. The chapter provides an account of three distinctive feminist approaches to women’s human rights that developed from the mid-1980s through the mid-1990s. Each of the three approaches is identified according to its distinctive concern: liberal inclusion, structural bias, and the Third World, respectively. During the early period of feminist engagement, these approaches variously competed, complemented, and exchanged with each other in the push for a feminist foothold in human rights law. But the end of the Cold War, a compromise around “culturally sensitive universalism,” the emergence of a preoccupation with sexual violence in conflict, and the pursuit of criminal law as the primary response to it all ultimately functioned to favor a strand of structural bias feminism focused on female sexual subordination and to suppress and sideline the other feminist critiques, especially their material dimensions. Tracing this genealogy, the chapter calls into question a dangerous common sense about sexual violence in conflict, a common sense that bears upon culture, sex, economic distribution, and criminalization, and that still dominates human rights law and discourse today. It seeks to motivate a return to, and reevaluation of, other possibilities of feminist critique that were left by the wayside when the structural bias critique prevailed, and when sexual violence and carceral responses became central to feminist approaches to human rights law.
The impact of prior aortic surgery on outcomes after multibranched endovascular aortic aneurysm repair

Abstract Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of prior aortic surgery on outcomes after multibranched endovascular aneurysm repair (MBEVAR) of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAAs) and pararenal aortic aneurysms (PRAAs). Methods From July 2005 to October 2016, there were 153 patients who underwent elective endovascular repair of TAAA and PRAA using multibranched stent grafts. Data on demographics, procedural details, and outcomes were collected prospectively. Results The mean age was 73 ± 8 years, and 113 of 153 (74%) were men. Mean aneurysm diameter was 67 ± 9 mm. Before MBEVAR, 68 of 153 (44%) patients had undergone a prior aortic surgery; 49 of 68 (72%) had prior open aortic surgery, 15 of 68 (22%) had prior endovascular aortic surgery, and 4 of 68 (6%) had both. There were no significant differences in age, sex, preoperative aneurysm diameter, or medical comorbidities (coronary artery disease, lung disease, diabetes mellitus, or hypertension) in patients with previous aortic surgery compared with those without. Patients with previous aortic surgery had higher fluoroscopy times (131 ± 59 vs 118 ± 54 minutes; P = .18) and procedural times (370 ± 101 vs 345 ± 118 minutes; P = .27) during MBEVAR, but these differences did not reach statistical significance. Patients without previous aortic intervention had higher rates of postoperative paraplegia (9/85 [11%]) vs (0/68 [0%]; P = .005) compared with those with previous aortic surgery. Of 153 patients, 3 (2%) had a postoperative stroke, and this was not different between the two groups. Median follow-up time was 2.5 years (interquartile range, 1.0-4.5 years) and did not differ between those with and those without previous aortic surgery. Kaplan-Meier estimated 5-year freedom from aneurysm-related mortality and overall mortality was 90% and 48%, respectively, and did not differ between the two groups. There was also no difference in branch vessel occlusion between the two groups. Conclusions A high proportion of patients undergoing MBEVAR for TAAA or PRAA have already undergone prior open or endovascular aortic procedures, but this does not appear to increase the complication rate or affect midterm clinical outcomes. Patients with prior aortic surgery who undergo MBEVAR have lower rates of paraplegia compared with those without prior surgery, which may be due to effective recruitment of collateral circulation.
Self-Actualization: A Midlife Problem:

Reevaluation typical of the period around age forty originates in a need for self-actualization in view of the rising awareness of death. Based on new findings about midlife transition, an educatio...
A method for obtaining polymorphonuclear leukocytes from intraperitoneal exudates.

By modification of existing methods, technics have been developed for obtaining polymorphonuclear leukocytes in good yield from intraperitoneal exudates of guinea pigs. The cells were 80-98 per cent viable at the time of harvest and they maintain this viability for at least 24 hours if stored under refrigeration. Good yield, viability and metabolic activity are dependent on careful handling of the cells and the exclusion of extraneous material from the suspending medium. Since the cells are maintained without extraneous material, they are especially suitable for metabolic studies.
Registration and Nucleation of the \(Ag/Si(111)\left( {\sqrt 3 \times \sqrt 3 } \right)R30^\circ \) Structure by Scanning Tunneling Microscopy

Scanning tunneling microscope images showing the lateral registration of the \(Ag/Si(111)\left( {\sqrt 3 \times \sqrt 3 } \right)R30^\circ \) structure relative to the Si(111)7×7 structure demonstrate that protrusions are observed at threefold hollow sites. These protrusions can thus be associated with Ag atoms in the honeycomb structure but not with Si atoms in the embedded-trimer structure. Images of domain boundaries and steps also suggest that the top double layer of Si is intact, in disagreement with another recent model.
In Vivo PET and SPECT Receptor Imaging: New Technology and Tactics for Receptor Measurement

Imaging neurotransmitter receptors has progressed steadily over the past 15 or so years. The earliest studies involved autoradiographic localization following in vivo administration of radiolabelled highly specific, high affinity ligands for specific receptors (Figure 1). Their approach, however, is invasive and therefore applicable to tissues obtained at surgery or at autopsy. Subsequently developed in vitro labelling autoradiographic techniques were more powerful and versatile but still had the limitation of being invasive (1). Thus Positron Emission Tomography (PET) has a remarkable capacity to carry receptor studies to the clinical level (Figure 2). This paper describes some of the advantages of PET and the progress made in several areas. It also shows how PET can be a powerful extension of biochemical, in vitro receptor binding studies in homogenates.
Self-Efficacy and Training of Faculty Who Teach Online

This study was conducted to determine if a relationship exists between the self-efficacy of faculty members to teach online and the training they received to teach online. In addition, specifics across demographic groups were examined. Data were collected online utilizing a modified version of Robinia’s (Online teaching self-efficacy of nurse faculty teaching in public, accredited nursing programs in the state of Michigan. Dissertations. Paper 811. Retrieved from http://scholarworks.wmich.edu/dissertations/811, 2008) instrument. The sample included College of Education faculty members in a mid-sized university located in the southeast. Findings indicated that few differences in instructional strategy efficacy and computer use efficacy were identified among these groups. The only difference identified was a difference in computer use efficacy between those age 20–49 and those age 50–69. Overall, findings demonstrated a moderate-to-strong correlation between a faculty member’s self-efficacy to teach online and the training he or she received to teach online. In addition, the data did not generally support differences between any of the groups measured. The growth of online education is undeniable and, as it continues to play a major role in post-secondary education, higher education administrators must search for ways to ensure the success of their online programs. Considering that higher levels of self-efficacy can provide higher levels of course quality and student achievement, it is important to contemplate factors that may or may not contribute to higher levels of efficacious teacher behavior.
Chromosome 22q11.2 deletion syndrome and DiGeorge syndrome

Chromosome 22q11.2 deletion syndrome is the most common microdeletion syndrome in humans. The effects are protean and highly variable, making a unified approach difficult. Nevertheless, commonalities have been identified and white papers with recommended evaluations and anticipatory guidance have been published. This review will cover the immune system in detail and discuss both the primary features and the secondary features related to thymic hypoplasia. A brief discussion of the other organ system involvement will be provided for context. The immune system, percolating throughout the body can impact the function of other organs through allergy or autoimmune disease affecting organs in deleterious manners. Our work has shown that the primary effect of thymic hypoplasia is to restrict T cell production. Subsequent homeostatic proliferation and perhaps other factors drive a Th2 polarization, most obvious in adulthood. This contributes to atopic risk in this population. Thymic hypoplasia also contributes to low regulatory T cells and this may be part of the overall increased risk of autoimmunity. Collectively, the effects are complex and often age-dependent. Future goals of improving thymic function or augmenting thymic volume may offer a direct intervention to ameliorate infections, atopy, and autoimmunity.
A Survey of Adult and Pediatric Cardiology Fellows on Training Received in Family Planning Counseling.

Background: This 2016 study aimed to investigate the training in contraception and preconception counseling received by cardiovascular science fellows. Method: The authors surveyed current adult and pediatric cardiology fellows in the United States. Questions assessed the availability of family planning counseling training within their training program, current practices of contraception and preconception counseling, and use of available tools for risk stratification of patients. Bivariate logistic regressions were utilized to predict demographic variables associated with survey responses, and associations between hours of training or perceived preparedness and clinical use of training. Results: There were 101 survey responses. Most participating fellows disagreed that their fellowship training had prepared them to counsel patients on contraception (69%) and preconception planning (62%). Sixty-one percent of participants do not routinely discuss contraception options and 55% do not routinely discuss preconception counseling with reproductive-age female patients at routine visits. Having more than 1 hour of training was predictive of more consistent counseling for both contraception and preconception counseling. Approximately 40% of participants routinely refer patients to an OB/Gyn for contraception or preconception counseling. Conclusion: This study highlights the need for increased training in contraceptive and preconception counseling within adult and pediatric cardiology fellowship programs.
The gene annotated by the locus tag At3g08860 encodes a Î²-alanine/L-alanine aminotransferase in Arabidopsis thaliana

Abstract The aminotransferase gene family in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana consists of 44 genes some of which remain uncharacterized. This study elucidates the function of an uninvestigated aminotransferase annotated by the locus tag At3g08860. The cDNA was shown to functionally complement two E. coli mutants auxotrophic for the amino acids β-alanine (non-proteogenic) and L-alanine (proteogenic). The elucidation of At3g08860 activity has the potential to facilitate experiments for the optimization of plant lines involved in nitrogen utilization efficiency, response to hypoxia, osmo-protection, vitamin B5 and coenzyme A metabolism.
Lieb Concavity and Lieb–Ruskai Strong Subadditivity Theorems, I: Basics

The next four chapters concern some important matrix inequalities originally of significance in quantum statistical mechanics and, more recently, in quantum information theory.
The pattern theory of self in artificial general intelligence: A theoretical framework for modeling self in biologically inspired cognitive architectures

Abstract In an attempt to provide a unified account for a vast literature discussing a multiplicity of selves, Gallagher (2013) has proposed a pattern theory of self. Subsequent discussion on this account has led to a concern that the pattern theory, as originally presented, stands as a mere list of aspects that fails to explain how they are related in real-time. We suggest that one way to address these criticisms, and further develop the pattern theory of self is by exploring how it can be used to aid research on self in artificial general intelligence, especially in the context of biologically inspired cognitive architectures. We furthermore propose a conceptual implementation for actualizing such research in regards to the LIDA (Learning Intelligent Decision Agent) cognitive model.
Amiloride-Sensitive Epithelial Sodium Channels

Electrically high-resistance epithelia actively transport sodium from the luminal side to the blood (Macknight et al., 1980). The first step in this transepithelial movement of Na+ is the facilitated diffusion of this ion across the luminal or apical membrane down its electrochemical potential energy gradient. This particular transport pathway is rate limiting for the overall transport, is regulated hormonally, and is inhibited by the diuretic drug amiloride. Single-site turnover numbers deduced from current-noise experiments (106 ionsJsec) are consistent with a channel or pore-type mechanism (Lindemann and Van Driessche, 1977). Fuchs et al. (1977) and Van Driessche and Lindemann (1979) found that under their experimental conditions, Na+ permeation through these channels could be adequately described by an electrodiffusion model in which the passive movement of Na+ obeys the independence principle.
Association Between Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Mortality Among Responders and Civilians Following the September 11, 2001, Disaster.

Importance Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been associated with increased mortality, primarily in studies of veterans. The World Trade Center Health Registry (Registry) provides a unique opportunity to study the association between PTSD and mortality among a population exposed to the World Trade Center attacks in New York, New York, on September 11, 2001 (9/11). Objectives To assess whether 9/11-related probable PTSD (PTSD) is associated with increased mortality risk, as well as whether this association differs when including repeated measures of PTSD over time vs a single baseline assessment. Design, Setting, and Participants A longitudinal cohort study of 63 666 Registry enrollees (29 270 responders and 34 396 civilians) was conducted from September 5, 2003, to December 31, 2016, with PTSD assessments at baseline (wave 1: 2003-2004) and 3 follow-up time points (wave 2: 2006-2007, wave 3: 2011-2012, wave 4: 2015-2016). Data analyses were conducted from December 4, 2018, to May 20, 2019. Exposures Posttraumatic stress disorder was defined using the 17-item PTSD Checklist–Specific (PCL-S) self-report measure (score ≥50) at each wave (waves 1-4). Baseline PTSD was defined using wave 1 PCL-S, and time-varying PTSD was defined using the PCL-S assessments from all 4 waves. Main Outcomes and Measures Mortality outcomes were ascertained through National Death Index linkage from 2003 to 2016 and defined as all-cause, cardiovascular, and external-cause mortality. Results Of 63 666 enrollees (38 883 men [61.1%]; mean [SD] age at 9/11, 40.4 [10.4] years), 6689 (10.8%) had PTSD at baseline (responders: 2702 [9.5%]; civilians: 3987 [12.0%]). Participants who were middle aged (2022 [12.5%]), female (3299 [13.8%]), non-Latino black (1295 [17.0%]), or Latino (1835 [22.2%]) were more likely to have PTSD. During follow-up, 2349 enrollees died (including 230 external-cause deaths and 487 cardiovascular deaths). Among all enrollees in time-varying analyses, PTSD was associated with all-cause, cardiovascular, and external-cause mortality, with adjusted hazard ratios (AHRs) of greater magnitude compared with analyses examining baseline PTSD. Among responders, time-varying PTSD was significantly associated with increased risk of all-cause (AHR, 1.91; 95% CI, 1.58-2.32), cardiovascular (AHR, 1.95; 95% CI, 1.25-3.04), and external-cause (AHR, 2.40; 95% CI, 1.47-3.91) mortality. Among civilians, time-varying PTSD was significantly associated with increased risk of all-cause (AHR, 1.54; 95% CI, 1.28-1.85), cardiovascular (AHR, 1.72; 95% CI, 1.15-2.58), and external-cause (AHR, 2.11; 95% CI, 1.06-4.19) mortality. Conclusions and Relevance The risk of mortality differed in examination of baseline PTSD vs repeated measures of PTSD over time, suggesting that longitudinal data should be used where possible. Comparable findings between responders and civilians suggest that 9/11-related PTSD is associated with an increased mortality risk.
Antecedents of esports gameplay intention: Genre as a moderator

Abstract The purpose of this study was to identify three categories (i.e., imagination, physical enactment, and sport simulation) of esports game genres and to examine the impact those genres have on the relationship that exists between antecedents and consumers’ esports gameplay intention. The hypothesized model was based on the esports consumption (ESC) model (Jang & Byon, 2020), which is grounded in the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 (UTAUT2) (Venkatesh, Thong, & Xu, 2012). Data (N = 978) were collected via Amazon M-Turk from participants who had prior experience playing esports games. The findings indicated that the imagination group was statistically different when compared to the physical enactment and the sport simulation groups. However, the physical enactment group and the sport simulation group were found to be similar. The findings of the current study contributed to a better understanding of what drives esports consumers’ esports gameplay intention across game genres.
Vancomycin during delivery hospitalizations for women with group B streptococcus.

Objective: Vancomycin use for intrapartum GBS prophylaxis is not well characterized. The objective of this study was to describe trends in the use of vancomycin among women undergoing vaginal delivery with group B Streptococcus (GBS) colonization.Methods: An administrative inpatient database that includes medications was analyzed to evaluate antibiotic use in women undergoing vaginal delivery hospitalizations complicated by GBS colonization from January 2006 to March 2015. Patients with other obstetric or infectious indications for antibiotics were excluded. Frequency of use of individual antibiotic agents was determined. The Cochran-Armitage test was used to assess temporal trends. An adjusted log-linear regression model accounting for demographic and hospital factors with vancomycin receipt as the outcome was performed with adjusted risk ratios (aRR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) as the measure of effect. Hospital level variation in administration of vancomycin was also evaluated.Results: 469,717 deliveries met inclusion criteria and were included in this analysis. Use of vancomycin increased from 0.8% of patients in 2006 to 3.8% of patients in the first quarter of 2015. Comparing 2015 to 2006 both the unadjusted (relative risk 4.89 95% CI 4.26-5.60) and adjusted (aRR 4.52 95% 3.94-5.19) models demonstrated significantly increased likelihood of vancomycin administration. In evaluating hospital level vancomycin use, variation was noted with 8.0% of centers administering vancomycin to ≥6.0% of patients.Conclusions: Vancomycin is becoming increasingly commonly used for intrapartum GBS prophylaxis. Further research and quality improvements initiatives are indicated to optimize intrapartum GBS antibiotic prophylaxis.
Managing Disputes in West Africa’s Petroleum Industry

The oil industry is one of the most conflict-prone natural resource extraction environments in the world. The sheer scale of the investment, the complexities and protracted nature of the various agreements, the plethora of stakeholders and the bewildering number of interests both domestic and international all coalesce to make disagreements and disputes of all sorts inevitable in the oil industry. This chapter explores the nature and types of conflicts and the mechanisms used to produce successful mutually beneficial agreements in the region’s nascent oil industry. This chapter highlights the scope of the conflict and “peace” challenges faced by West Africa as a result of the insertion of commercial oil into its political economy. The chapter is divided into three main parts. The first section discusses the nature and types of oil-related conflicts in West Africa. Here I explore both the external as well as the internally induced factors that exacerbate such conflicts. The second part examines the nature of conflict resolution mechanisms that have been employed to resolve West Africa’s oil conflicts. In the third and final parts, I outline the limitations of the current approach and proffer solutions for managing myriad oil-fueled conflicts.
Analyzing Relative Flow Speeds in Diabetic Retinopathy Using Variable Interscan Time Analysis OCT Angiography.

Purpose Further insight into the flow characteristics of the vascular features associated with diabetic retinopathy (DR) may improve assessment and treatment of disease progression. The variable interscan time analysis (VISTA) algorithm is an extension of OCT angiography (OCTA) that detects relative blood flow speeds, which then can be depicted on a color-coded map. This study used VISTA to analyze relative blood flow speeds in the microvascular changes associated with DR. Design Cross-sectional study. Participants Thirteen patients with varying severities of DR treated at New England Eye Center, Boston, Massachusetts. Methods OCT angiography images centered at the fovea were obtained on a prototype swept-source OCT device, and the VISTA algorithm was applied to visualize relative blood flow speeds. Main Outcome Measures Descriptive flow analysis of the retinal vascular features of DR was conducted on the VISTA-generated images. Results Twenty-six eyes were included in this study. Of these, 3 eyes had mild nonproliferative DR (NPDR), 6 eyes had moderate NPDR, 4 eyes had severe NPDR, 9 eyes had proliferative DR, and 4 eyes were normal controls. Microaneurysms, intraretinal microvascular abnormalities (IRMAs), and neovascularization appeared to originate from areas of relatively slow blood flow speeds. Microaneurysms showed relatively slower flow, IRMAs showed turbulent, intermediate to slow flow, and venous beading and looping presented with relatively high flow speeds that tapered progressively. Neovascularization of venous origin demonstrated slower flow speeds, whereas that of arterial origin showed relatively high flow speeds. Additionally, increased disease severity was associated with globally slower flow speeds, with particularly slower flow around the foveal avascular zone. Conclusions The VISTA algorithm seems to be a useful extension of OCTA that overcomes some of the limitations of normal gray-scale OCTA. It seems to have some potential in providing relevant insight into the pathogenesis of the microvascular changes associated with DR. These findings may assist in improving our understanding of the pathogenic changes that take place in DR.
Gold Nanostars in Biology and Medicine: Understanding Physicochemical Properties to Broaden Applicability

Over the past few years, gold nanostars have gained significant relevance in biology and medicine, in particular, in imaging and photothermal therapy, also owing to their biocompatibility. Furtherm...
Using Classic Movie Chemistry Scenes to Introduce Classroom Activities

A list of classic movies containing chemistry-related scenes is provided for instructors to use when introducing a variety of general chemistry topics. Most of these movies have not been previously discussed in this context. The scenes can be legally copied for use in classroom PowerPoint lectures, and steps for doing this are discussed. The clips can be used alongside suggested activities for demonstrations, laboratory experiments, classroom discussions, and problem-solving or essay assignments to complement the film scenes.
Beta-guanidinopropionic acid has age-specific effects on markers of health and function in mice

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a central regulator of both lifespan and health across multiple model organisms. β-Guanidinopropionic acid (GPA) is an endogenous AMPK activator previously shown to improve metabolic function in young and obese mice. In this study, we tested whether age of administration significantly affects the physiological outcomes of GPA administration in mice. We report that intervention starting at 7-8 months (young) results in activation of AMPK signaling and a phenotype consisting of lower body mass, improved glucose control, enhanced exercise tolerance, and altered mitochondrial electron transport chain flux similar to previous reports. When GPA treatment is started at 18-19 months (old), the effect of GPA on AMPK signaling is blunted compared to younger mice despite similar accumulation of GPA in skeletal muscle. Even so, GPA administration in older animals delayed age-related declines in lean mass, improved measures of gait performance and circadian rhythm, and increased fat metabolism as measured by respiratory exchange ratio. These results are likely partially driven by the relative difference in basal function and metabolic plasticity between young and old mice. Our results suggest that age-related declines in AMPK sensitivity may limit potential strategies targeting AMPK signaling in older subjects and suggest that further research and development is required for AMPK activators to realize their full potential.
In-silico screening and microsecond molecular dynamics simulations to identify single point mutations that destabilize β-hexosaminidase A causing Tay-Sachs disease.

β-hexosaminidase A (HexA) protein is responsible for the degradation of GM2 gangliosides in the central and peripheral nervous systems. Tay-Sachs disease occurs when HexA within Hexosaminidase does not properly function and harmful GM2 gangliosides begin to build up within the neurons. In this study, in silico methods such as SIFT, PolyPhen-2, PhD-SNP, and MutPred were utilized to analyze the effects of nonsynonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (nsSNPs) on HexA in order to identify possible pathogenetic and deleterious variants. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations showed that two mutants, P25S and W485R, experienced an increase in structural flexibility compared to the native protein. Particularly, there was a decrease in the overall number and frequencies of hydrogen bonds for the mutants compared to the wildtype. MM/GBSA calculations were performed to help assess the change in binding affinity between the wildtype and mutant structures and a mechanism-based inhibitor, NGT, which is known to help increase the residual activity of HexA. Both of the mutants experienced a decrease in the binding affinity from -23.8 kcal/mol in wildtype to -20.9 and -18.7 kcal/mol for the P25S and W485R variants of HexA, respectively.
Breathing new life into nitric oxide signaling: A brief overview of the interplay between oxygen and nitric oxide.

Nitric oxide (•NO, nitrogen monoxide) is one of the most unique biological signaling molecules associated with a multitude of physiologic and pathological conditions. In order to fully appreciate its numerous roles, it is essential to understand its basic biochemical properties. Most signaling effector molecules such as steroids or proteins have a significant life-span and function through classical receptor–ligand interactions. •NO, however, is a short-lived free-radical gas that only reacts with two types of molecules under biological conditions; metals and other free radicals. These simple interactions can lead to a myriad of complex intermediates which in turn have their own phenotypic effects. For these reasons, responses to •NO often appear to be random or contradictory when outcomes are compared across various experimental settings. This article will serve as a brief overview of the chemical, biological, and microenvironmental factors that dictate •NO signaling with an emphasis on •NO metabolism. The prominent role that oxygen (dioxygen, O2) plays in •NO metabolism and how it influences the biological effects of •NO will be highlighted. This information and these concepts are intended to help students and investigators think about the interpretation of data from experiments where biological effects of •NO are being elucidated.
Idiotype network interactions in tumor immunity.

Publisher Summary This chapter explains idiotype network interactions in tumor immunity. Experimental studies have shown that immune responses to tumor-specific antigens (TSA) can be specifically suppressed or stimulated by the interaction between complementary lymphocyte clones. The relative balance between each tumor-specific clone and its complementary anti-idiotypic clones determines the outcome of the growth of malignant cells. Several conditions may occur. (1) The anti-TSA clone is dominant over suppressive complementary antiidiotypic clones, in which case the tumor expressing such TSA is strongly immunogenic and rejected. (2) Suppressive antiidiotypic complementary clones may dominate over the anti-TSA clone, which leads to the suppression of the anti-TSA response and permits tumor growth. Such suppression may either be preexisting, induced during tumor development and growth, or be induced exogenously by experimental and therapeutic manipulations..(3) The suppression of preexisting antiidiotypic and the internal image lymphocyte clones by anti-(antiidiotypic) or idiotypic immunity may lead to the reversion of immune suppression and result in the rejection of a tumor otherwise considered to be poorly immunogenic. (4) Simultaneous activation of lymphocyte clones specific for multiple independent TSA on a tumor may prevent immune escape of the tumor. Idiotype-specific reagents, procedures, and principles will become indispensable tools for suppressing the growth of cancers.
The Effect of Corticosterone on the Growth of Perinatal Rat Lung Fibroblasts in Culture: Modulation by the Extracellular Matrix. (Cell culture/endothelial cells/extracellular matrix/fibroblasts/glucocorticoids)

Third passage lung fibroblasts from rat pups between the ages of fetal day 17 and postnatal day 15 were allowed to attach onto either tissue culture plastic or an endothelial cell-derived matrix, and were then exposed to different concentrations of corticosterone in culture medium containing 1% charcoal-stripped serum. The effect of the hormone on growth of these cells was assessed after 48 hours of exposure by radiothymidine incorporation into DNA. Lung fibroblasts on plastic responded to the hormone in an age-dependent manner; thus, cells which were obtained during late gestation (days 19–21) and after the third day of extrauterine life were consistently growth-inhibited by corticosterone, whereas those which were obtained from fetal donors prior to day 19 and from neonatal donors (days 0–3 after birth) were stimulated to grow in response to the hormone. On the other hand, cells that were plated onto an endothelial cell-derived matrix showed a different age-related response to the hormone. Thus, lung fibroblasts from all fetal donors and from postnatal donors up until 4–5 days of age were stimulated to grow in response to corticosterone. This modulatory effect of the matrix on the fibroblast response to corticosterone was also seen in early passage fibroblasts. In an attempt to identify the modulatory agent(s) in the extracellular matrix, fibroblasts from day 19 fetal rat lung were challenged with corticosterone in the presence of laminin, fibronectin, type IV collagen, type I collagen, heparin, or chondroitin sulfate. None of these agents exerted a modulatory effect resembling that seen with the extracellular matrix. These results suggest the existence during lung development of a fibroblast-endothelial interaction, the nature of which remains to be elucidated, which may serve to modify the effects of circulating hormones.
Model-based human body tracking

Visual tracking of human body movement is a key technology in a number of areas. We present a 2-D model-based method of human body tracking from a monocular video sequence. Morris and Rehg (1998) put forward a 2-D scaled prismatic model for figure registration which has far fewer singularity problems than 3-D models. Here we extend it in a 2-D cardboard human body model with one additional DOF of width change. We set tip a mixture motion model for body movements and then solve body motion parameters using EM in a statistical framework, where the model-based kinematic constraints are incorporated in a linear form. Tracking results from real video sequences are encouraging.
Which Psoriasis Patients Develop Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis is a major comorbidity of psoriasis that significantly impairs quality of life and physical function. Because skin lesions classically precede joint symptoms, dermatologists are in a unique position to identify patients at risk for psoriatic arthritis before irreversible joint damage occurs. Here we review the literature to identify the clinical and genetic factors most highly associated with development of psoriatic arthritis, with the goal of assisting dermatologists in risk-stratifying their psoriasis patients.
Hypercyclic operators that commute with the Bergman backward shift

The backward shift B on the Bergman space of the unit disc is known to be hypercyclic (meaning: it has a dense orbit). Here we ask: "Which operators that commute with B inherit its hypercyclicity?" We show that the problem reduces to the study of operators of the form 9p(B) where So is a holomorphic self-map of the unit disc that multiplies the Dirichlet space into itself, and that the question of hypercyclicity for such an operator depends on how freely 9p(z) is allowed to approach the unit circle as lz -s 1-.
The Paradox of Legitimacy: Resilience, Successes, and the Multiple Identities of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party in Turkey

Legitimacy is widely recognized as necessary for the resilience and success of revolutionary groups, yet successful revolutionary groups are frequently viewed as illegitimate during the course of conflicts. I examine this paradox through the case of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) in Turkey. Combining historical research with analysis of the discourse used by the group to frame their goals and to cultivate expectations among constituents, I detail how the PKK took advantage of the benefits of legitimacy from various audiences over time until the associated expectations became unwanted constraints. I show how multiple shifting sources of legitimacy allowed the PKK to be perceived as illegitimate by various audiences without compromising their capacity for resilience and success as they retained support within a broadly legitimated movement for Kurdish rights in Turkey. This research offers broad new insights into the cumulative effects of multiple sources of legitimacy, the relationality of legitimacy, and the benefits of illegitimacy.
Cross-correlation of electromyographic (EMG) signals from consecutive arm movements

Functional electrical stimulation (FES) has been used in several recent studies to help hemiplegics regain control of limb movement. The EMG (electromyographic) patterns associated with the movement of the unafflicted limb are used to obtain the FES pattern, which is applied to the afflicted limb to cause similar movement during the training period. To refine the technique further, experiments were conducted to define the most repeatable and pertinent small set of EMG parameters. Preliminary results from consecutive arm movements of three healthy subjects are presented. >
On strength of microalloyed steels: an interpretive review

In the mid-1950s, hot rolled carbon steels exhibited high carbon contents, coarse ferrite-pearlite microstructures, and yield strengths near 300 MPa. Their ductility, toughness and weldability were poor. Today, a half-century later, hot rolled steels can exhibit microstructures consisting of mixtures of ferrite, bainite and martensite in various proportions. These structures are very fine and can show yield strengths over 900 MPa, with acceptable levels of ductility, toughness and weldability. This advancement was made possible by the combination of improved steelmaking, microalloying technology and better rolling and cooling practices. The purpose of this paper is to chronicle some of the remarkable progress in steel alloy and process design that has resulted in this impressive.
Counterantigonadotropic Effect of Melatonin Administered via the Drinking Water

Plasma melatonin levels in Syrian hamsters were augmented by the addition of melatonin to the drinking water. Preliminary experiments in pinealectomized hamsters indicated that doses in the range of 2–5 μg/ in the drinking water would produce variable levels of plasma melatonin, approximately in the physiological range (10–100 pg/ml). Two protocols were used, one to demonstrate the antigonadotropic effect of melatonin and the other to elicit the counterantigonadotropic effect. In the antigonadotropic protocol, 100-g intact male hamsters were housed under a 14-h light, 10-h dark cycle for 10 weeks. Contrary to our hypothesis, there was no effect of melatonin in the drinking water on testis mass (dose range, 0.059–50 μg/ml). The counterantigonadotropic protocol involved the use of 100-g male hamsters that were blinded and housed under conditions similar to those of the first protocol. They received melatonin in concentrations ranging from 1.8–320 μg/ml. At 10 weeks, the blinded hamsters receiving no melaton...
A lumped heat-transfer coefficient for periodically heated hollow cylinders

Abstract A lumped heat-transfer coefficient has been developed for periodically heated and subsequently cooled hollow cylinders of infinite extent. This corrected heat-transfer coefficient incorporates the effect of the wall resistance and preserves the heat transferred per period. The treatment has been generalized by considering the heating or cooling to take place at the inside or at the outside surface of the hollow cylinder. To evaluate the lumped heat-transfer coefficient, all the necessary time-mean temperatures have been determined analytically. The subsequent expressions for numerical answers were evaluated on a IBM 7094 digital computer. The results are presented graphically in the form of a correction factor for the heat-transfer coefficient. Finally, an example is presented to show the practical application of the results.
Primary Care — The Best Job in Medicine?

Changes in our health care system have made primary care medicine less satisfying for practitioners and less attractive to students and residents. But, Dr. Beverly Woo writes, with all the changes in our health care system, one thing remains constant: the needs of patients.
Capacity for decision-making in Alzheimer's disease: selfhood, positioning and semiotic people

The aim of this article is to explore some of the ethical issues surrounding the assessment and determination of capacity of people with dementia in light of their meaning-making ability as shown through discourse. Discourse analysis, two illustrative cases, social construction theory and positioning are used to highlight some of the ethical dilemmas involved in basing a determination of capacity on the diagnosis of dementia and neuropsychological tests of cognitive function. Although neuropsychological tests have their place in assessing some aspects of cognitive function, aspects cognition such as meaning-making ability and selfhood cannot be assessed in a standard format. In dementia, there can be a differential impairment of recall memory while the personality, values and substantial long-term memory remain intact, as does implicit memory for recent events. People with dementia are vulnerable to being negatively positioned, thereby unfairly undermining their rights to make decisions about aspects of their lives. Assessing the capacity of a person with dementia to engage in decision-making is presently in need of examination so as to take into account the person's meaning-making ability and selfhood. Incorrect negative positioning, based on the diagnosis and defects in recall memory, can obscure intact cognitive abilities that allow a person to make decisions about aspects of living, creating the possibility of lasting harm being inflicted on the person with dementia.
Effects of Fire on Germination of Ericameria fasciculata (Asteraceae), a Rare Maritime Chaparral Shrub

Abstract Knowledge gaps regarding the greenhouse propagation of rare, fire-adapted plant species can impede community level conservation efforts that require fire and active revegetation as management tools. Ericameria fasciculata is a rare shrub endemic to the maritime chaparral community of the central California coast and a listed species of concern. Prescribed burning is actively used in maritime chaparral to maintain community composition and conserve several species of concern with known affinities for fire-related conditions. No study has investigated the seed viability and germination requirements for E. fasciculata. The goal of this study was to ascertain the (1) greenhouse propagation potential of E. fasciculata for planned restoration efforts and (2) to determine if fire-related conditions inhibit or promote E. fasciculata germination. Seed dissection and viability testing indicated that a large percentage of seed were empty or inviable. A greenhouse study examined the potential for fire-relate...