cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Lagrangian displacement tracking using a polar grid between endocardial and epicardial contours for cardiac strain imaging

Purpose: Accurate cardiac deformation analysis for cardiac displacement and strain imaging over time requires Lagrangian description of deformation of myocardial tissue structures. Failure to couple the estimated displacement and strain information with the correct myocardial tissue structures will lead to erroneous result in the displacement and strain distribution over time. Methods: Lagrangian based tracking in this paper divides the tissue structure into a fixed number of pixels whose deformation is tracked over the cardiac cycle. An algorithm that utilizes a polar-grid generated between the estimated endocardial and epicardial contours for cardiac short axis images is proposed to ensure Lagrangian description of the pixels. Displacement estimates from consecutive radiofrequency frames were then mapped onto the polar grid to obtain a distribution of the actual displacement that is mapped to the polar grid over time. Results: A finite element based canine heart model coupled with an ultrasound simulation program was used to verify this approach. Segmental analysis of the accumulated displacement and strain over a cardiac cycle demonstrate excellent agreement between the ideal result obtained directly from the finite element model and our Lagrangian approach to strain estimation. Traditional Eulerian based estimation results, on the other hand, show significant deviation from the ideal result. Anin vivo comparison of the displacement and strain estimated using parasternal short axis views is also presented. Conclusions: Lagrangian displacement tracking using a polar grid provides accurate tracking of myocardial deformation demonstrated using both finite element andin vivo radiofrequency data acquired on a volunteer. In addition to the cardiac application, this approach can also be utilized for transverse scans of arteries, where a polar grid can be generated between the contours delineating the outer and inner wall of the vessels from the blood flowing though the vessel.
The ENTPD5/mt-PCPH oncoprotein is a catalytically inactive member of the ectonucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase family.

Expression of the ENTPD5/mt-PCPH onco-protein and overexpression of the normal ENTPD5/PCPH protein contribute to the malignant transformation of diverse mammalian cell types, and PCPH is mutated and/or deregulated in various human tumor types. Expression of PCPH or mt-PCPH caused similar phenotypes, yet the effects promoted by mt-PCPH expression were consistently and substantially greater. ATP depletion and increased stress-resistance are phenotypes commonly associated with PCPH and mt-PCPH expression. It was suggested that the intrinsic nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase (NTPDase) activity of PCPH and mt-PCPH may be responsible for these phenotypes, but direct supporting evidence remains to be established. Results from experiments designed to test such hypothesis demonstrate that, as expected, mt-PCPH expression in human colorectal carcinoma (CRC) cells decreased their ATP levels and conferred resistance to oxaliplatin, a colorectal cancer-relevant chemotherapeutic agent. Using a combination of site-directed mutagenesis, immunoprecipitation methods, in vitro enzyme activity assays and in situ enzyme activity determinations in live cells, this report also demonstrates that the mt-PCPH oncoprotein lacks detectable NTPDase activity, indicating that direct ATP cleavage by mt-PCPH did not cause the ATP depletion observed in mt-PCPH-expressing CRC cells. These results strongly suggest that the mt-PCPH oncoprotein may regulate the cellular energy levels and subsequent chemoresistance by an NTPDase-independent mechanism. Understanding possible alternative mechanisms will be essential to devise strategies for the successful treatment of predictably therapeutically resistant tumors expressing either increased PCPH levels or, particularly, the mt-PCPH oncoprotein.
Distinct Sequence Elements of Cyclin B1 Promote Localization to Chromatin, Centrosomes, and Kinetochores during Mitosis

The mitotic cyclins promote cell division by binding and activating cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs). Each cyclin has a unique pattern of subcellular localization that plays a vital role in regulating cell division. During mitosis, cyclin B1 is known to localize to centrosomes, microtubules, and chromatin. To determine the mechanisms of cyclin B1 localization in M phase, we imaged full-length and mutant versions of human cyclin B1-enhanced green fluorescent protein in live cells by using spinning disk confocal microscopy. In addition to centrosome, microtubule, and chromatin localization, we found that cyclin B1 also localizes to unattached kinetochores after nuclear envelope breakdown. Kinetochore recruitment of cyclin B1 required the kinetochore proteins Hec1 and Mad2, and it was stimulated by microtubule destabilization. Mutagenesis studies revealed that cyclin B1 is recruited to kinetochores through both CDK1-dependent and -independent mechanisms. In contrast, localization of cyclin B1 to chromatin and centrosomes is independent of CDK1 binding. The N-terminal domain of cyclin B1 is necessary and sufficient for chromatin association, whereas centrosome recruitment relies on sequences within the cyclin box. Our data support a role for cyclin B1 function at unattached kinetochores, and they demonstrate that separable and distinct sequence elements target cyclin B1 to kinetochores, chromatin, and centrosomes during mitosis.
Aging of the human lens

The optical density of the human lens changes during life. Literature concerning both the spectral density function and the rate of such changes is reviewed. Analysis indicates that two components govern the spectral lens density function, with one increasing gradually during life. The average lens density increases linearly at 400 nm by 0.12 density unit per decade between the ages of 20 and 60 and by 0.40 density unit per decade above age 60. A tabulation of the two components of the average 32-yr old lens is given, as are equations to derive the average spectral lens density functions for observers aged 20–80.
The importance of mathematics in health and human judgment: Numeracy, risk communication, and medical decision making

Abstract Mathematics achievement is important in its own right, and is increasingly recognized as crucial to the nation's economy [ National Mathematics Panel, 2006 . National Mathematics Advisory Panel: Strengthening Math Education Through Research. Accessed September 29, 2006 from http://www.ed.gov/about/bdscomm/list/mathpanel/factsheet.html .; National Science Board, 2006 . National Science Board Commission on 21st Century Education in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Accessed September 29, 2006 from http://www.nsf.gov/nsb/edu_com/ .]. National surveys suggest that Americans are not proficient in mathematics and lack the kinds of numeracy skills that would seem to be necessary for tasks of everyday life such as informed medical decision making. Recent research on numeracy in medical decision making has shown that many adults fail to solve simple ratio and decimal problems, concepts that are prerequisites for understanding health-relevant risk communications. Along with research in education and cognitive development, this work demonstrates that adults have difficulty with a broad range of ratio concepts (including fractions, proportions, and probability judgments). Research confirms that this difficulty, as measured by content-neutral numeracy tests, predicts poorer health outcomes, less accurate perception of health risks, and a compromised ability to make medical decisions. We conclude that numeracy, so-called on analogy with literacy, is similarly essential for making health and other social judgments in everyday life, and that a new focus on explanatory theory is needed to address common errors in understanding and applying numerical information.
Vulnerability in the transition to adulthood: Defining risk based on youth profiles

Abstract In spite of an extended transition to adulthood for many segments of the population, many youth still struggle considerably with transition outcomes. With data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth ( N = 8984), this study uses latent class analysis to identify patterns of youth development in emerging adulthood based on education level and social outcomes. These classes are used to identify risk and protective factors for class membership. Four profiles of youth were identified with two groups showing positive outcomes and two groups struggling considerably. Bivariate and cumulative logit analysis shows that demographic characteristics, childhood home environment, and psychosocial resources predict class membership. Involvement in youth-serving government systems is associated with poorer outcomes and remains salient when considered with other risk factors. The emergence of this new developmental stage requires a reexamination of vulnerability and how we understand risk and resiliency during this period.
Development Models, Economic Adjustment, and Occupational Composition: Ecuador, 1982-1990

This paper considers the appropriateness of development model perspectives compared to cyclical frameworks of economic change, particularly for periods of economic decline. As a touchstone of broader processes, an occupational composition scale is employed. This represents human capital aspects of change, and includes as components occupation and economic activity of employment. Empirical focus is on mutations between 1982 and 1990 at the national level, by gender, and for regions within Ecuador. Results indicate that understanding change during periods of economic devolution is better achieved with economic cycle, than with development perspectives, but both offer critical insights. This implies an opportunity to meld these frameworks to more fully embrace ongoing processes in Third World settings.
The Heart of Humanistic Psychology Human Dignity Disclosed Through a Hermeneutic of Love

Through a philosophical analysis, guided by phenomenology, humanistic psychology is interpreted as a way of knowing that is guided by an interpretive stance of love. Hermeneutics, the study of inte...
Glucose transport across ocular barriers of the spiny dogfish, Squalus acanthias

Evidence is presented demonstrating that in the dogfish, Squalus acanthias, D-glucose is transported from the blood to the ocular fluid compartments by a mechanism that is consistent with carrier-facilitated transport. Across the dogfish aqueous barrier D-glucose is transported 8.4 times faster than L-glucose, whereas this D/L transport ratio is only 5.5 in the rat. Similarly, the D/L transport ratio is 12.7 across the dogfish vitreous barrier and only 6.1 across this barrier in the rat. It is estimated that per unit area of vitreous barrier, the rat transports D-glucose faster than the dogfish but also has a greater passive permeability, as measured by L-glucose, and transport is therefore less efficient. Urea transport was found to be faster than L-glucose transport, suggesting a transport mechanism for urea other than simple diffusion. The sectional analysis of frozen vitreous humor indicated that the lens of the dogfish is supplied with D-glucose from both the ciliary epithelium and across the retinal pigment epithelium, while the retina receives D-glucose primarily across the pigment epithelium.
Parental Efficacy, Self-Control, and Delinquency: a Test of a General Theory of Crime on a Nationally Representative Sample of Youth

Criminologists have recently begun examining Gottfredson and Hirschi's (1990) proposition that parenting is the primary influence on children's levels of self-control. The few existing studies on the subject, however, have typically been based on small, nonrandom samples. The current study examines the relationships between parental efficacy, self-control, and delinquent behavior using data from a nationally representative sample of adolescents (the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health). The results indicate that although parental efficacy is an important precursor to self-control, contrary to Gottfredson and Hirschi's proposition, self-control does not completely mediate the relationship between parental efficacy and delinquency. The implications for future research and theoretical development are discussed.
Fast MR Imaging of Fetal CNS Anomalies in Utero

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Although sonography is the primary imaging technique for evaluating the developing fetus, significant limitations exist in the sonographic prenatal diagnosis of many brain disorders. Fast MR imaging is increasingly being used to determine the underlying cause of nonspecific fetal CNS abnormalities detected sonographically and to confirm or provide further support for such anomalies. Our goal was to determine the value of MR imaging in establishing the diagnosis of fetal CNS anomalies, to ascertain how this information might be used for patient counseling, and to assess its impact on pregnancy management. METHODS: We prospectively performed MR examinations of 73 fetuses (66 pregnancies) with suspected CNS abnormalities and compared these with available fetal sonograms, postnatal images, and clinical examinations. Retrospectively, the impact on patient counseling and pregnancy management was analyzed. RESULTS: Images of diagnostic quality were routinely obtained with in utero MR imaging, which was particularly valuable in detecting heterotopia, callosal anomalies, and posterior fossa malformations, and for providing excellent anatomic information. We believe that 24 (46%) of 52 clinical cases were managed differently from the way they would have been on the basis of sonographic findings alone. In every case, the referring physicians thought that MR imaging provided a measure of confidence that was not previously available and that was valuable for counseling patients and for making more informed decisions. CONCLUSION: Sonography is the leading technique for fetal assessment and provides reliable, inexpensive diagnostic images. Fast MR imaging is an important adjunctive tool for prenatal imaging in those instances in which a complex anomaly is suspected by sonography, when fetal surgery is contemplated, or when a definitive diagnosis cannot be determined.
Routh-Hurwitz design software

The Routh-Hurwitz tabulation is a method for determining the absolute stability of a linear time-invariant system. The Routh-Hurwitz criterion is an algebraic method for determining the location of the roots of the characteristic equation without having to solve the characteristic equation. The Routh-Hurwitz tabulation is a method for applying the Routh-Hurwitz criterion. The tabulation design software determines the absolute stability of systems with characteristic equations of up to tenth order. The software determines the number of roots of the characteristic equation in the right half of the s-plane and displays the table generated. It does not give any information regarding the values of the roots, nor does it distinguish between real and complex roots. The procedure for using the software and its evaluation are discussed. Three examples are examined in detail. The design software yields the correct root distribution in all cases. >
Transcallosal non-pyramidal cell projections from visual cortex in the cat

Non-pyramidal cells with transcallosal projections were identified in the area 17/18 border region of the cat by retrograde transport of horseradish peroxidase injected into border region of the opposite hemisphere. From several hundred neurons filled with a Golgi-like diaminobenzidine (DAB) reaction product, seven cells were identified by their radially oriented smooth dendrites as possible non-pyramidal cells. Following thin-sectioning and examination with the electron microscope, four of the neurons proved to be layer IV spiny stellate cells with incompletely filled dendritic spines, and two proved to be layer III pyramidal cells with an incompletely labelled apical dendrite and dendritic spines. The remaining neuron was a non-pyramidal cell whose essentially smooth dendrites were covered with synapses, and whose cell body formed both symmetric and asymmetric synapses with presynaptic terminals. To better assess how many non-pyramidal cells might be labelled, thin sections of the area 17/18 border were surveyed using material processed with tetramethylbenzidine (TMB), and another five labelled non-pyramidal cells with transcallosal projections were identified by the needle-like crystals of TMB reaction product they contained. During the study it became evident that both the DAB and TMB reaction products in the lightly labelled neurons tended to be associated with granules that are 0.5 microns or larger in diameter and that had the characteristics of lysosomes. These granules are also visible in the light microscope as dark puncta. The numbers of puncta in profiles of pyramidal and of non-pyramidal cells in layers II/III and IVa of the area 17/18 border region and in the control acallosal region of area 17 were counted and compared. These comparisons revealed that labelled transcallosally projecting non-pyramidal cells may constitute 10-32% of the non-pyramidal cell population at the area 17/18 border region. Similar values were also obtained for pyramidal cells in this region. Consequently, it is concluded that significant numbers of non-pyramidal cells have axons that project through the corpus callosum to the contralateral hemisphere.
Macroautophagy is dispensable for intracellular replication of Legionella pneumophila in Dictyostelium discoideum.

Summary The Gram-negative bacterium Legionella pneumophila is a facultative intracellular pathogen of free-living amoebae and mammalian phagocytes. L. pneumophila is engulfed in phagosomes that initially avoid fusion with lysosomes. The phagosome associates with endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and mitochondria and eventually resembles ER. The morphological similarity of the replication vacuole to autophagosomes, and enhanced bacterial replication in response to macroautophagy-inducing starvation, led to the hypothesis that L. pneumophila infection requires macroautophagy. As L. pneumophila replicates in Dictyostelium discoideum, and macroautophagy genes have been identified and mutated in D. discoideum, we have taken a genetic and cell biological approach to evaluate the relationship between host macroautophagy and intracellular replication of L. pneumophila. Mutation of the apg1, apg5, apg6, apg7 and apg8 genes produced typical macroautophagy defects, including reduced bulk protein degradation and cell viability during starvation. We show that L. pneumophila replicates normally in D. discoideum macroautophagy mutants and produces replication vacuoles that are morphologically indistinguishable from those in wild-type D. discoideum. Furthermore, a green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged marker of autophagosomes, Apg8, does not systematically co-localize with DsRed-labelled L. pneumophila. We conclude that macroautophagy is dispensable for L. pneumophila intracellular replication in D. discoideum.
1142280946 Effect of estradiol and PAMPs on class II mediated antigen presentation and immunomodulatory molecule expression in the mouse female reproductive tract

Problem: Antigen presenting cells (APC) in the female reproductive tract play important roles in innate immune defense and activation of the adaptive immune responses. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of estradiol and PAMP on antigen presentation in the female reproductive tract. Method of Study: DO11.10 T cell antigen receptor transgenic mice specific for the MHC class II-restricted OVA323–339peptide were used to study the effects of estradiol and PAMP on antigen presentation of OVA by uterine epithelial (EC) and stromal cells as well as vaginal cells to OVA specific memory-T cells. Results: Estradiol inhibited antigen presentation of OVA by uterine EC, uterine stromal cells and vaginal cells to OVA specific memory-T cells. When ovariectomized animals were treated with estradiol for 1 or 3 days, antigen presentation decreased by 20–80%. In contrast, incubation with TLR agonists increased antigen presentation by EC (Poly (I:C), Pam3Cys), stromal cells (PGN, Pam3Cys) and vaginal cells (LPS, Pam3Cys). Analysis of mRNA expression by real time RT-PCR indicated that estradiol inhibited CD40, CD80/86 and class II in the uterus and vagina. In contrast, stimulation of antigen presentation by PAMP did not correlate with changes in costimulatory molecule mRNA expression. Conclusions: These results indicate that APC in the uterus and vagina are responsive to estradiol, which inhibits antigen presentation and costimulatory molecule expression. These findings suggest that whereas APC in the uterus and vagina respond to TLR agonists with increased antigen presentation, which initiates an adaptive immune response, their effects appear to be at levels other than the expression of costimulatory molecules. Acknowledgement: Supported by AI-13541 from NIH.
Capillary electrochromatography of methylated benzo[a]pyrene isomers: I. Effect of mobile phase tuning

It is of increasing importance that chromatographic methods be developed for the separation and identification of biological and environmentally harmful compounds such as methylated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). Capillary electrochromatography (CEC) is fast becoming a useful technique for analysis of PAH, as it offers both high efficiency and superior resolution. The separation of 12 methylated benzo[a]pyrene (MBAP) isomers is a challenge due to the extreme hydrophobicity and structural similarity of these compounds. In this work, we present Part I of our ongoing study, a method for the systematic mobile phase tuning for CEC separation of the 12 MBAP isomers. The CEC experiments were conducted utilizing a CEC-octadecylsilica (ODS) stationary phase and fused-silica capillary [(75 microm I.D., 363 microm O.D.) 36.5 cm total length, 25.0 cm effective length] which was slurry pressure packed in our laboratory. Several mobile phase parameters were manipulated to provide optimum separation. These included acetonitrile (ACN) concentration, tris(hydroxymethyl) aminomethane (Tris) concentration, pH, and addition of a tertiary buffer constituent such as tetrahydrofuran (THF) and isopropanol (IPA) to ACN-aqueous buffer mixtures. Optimum CEC separation conditions were achieved using 75% (v/v) ACN-25% (v/v) 12.5 mM Tris, pH 8.0, and 30 kV at 25 degrees C. These mobile phase conditions were then utilized for Part II of our study, the CEC stationary phase optimization for the separation of 12 MBAP isomers.
Budget Cuts: Friend or Foe to Population Health Collaboration?

A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article {Population Health, Public Health, and Accountable Care: Emerging Roles and Relationships" by Richard C. Ingram, Julia F. Costich, and F. Douglas Scutchfield, along with a response from the authors.
Abstract 26: CD4+T Cells Play a Critical Role in Mediating Hypertension in Response to Placental Ischemia

Similar to preeclamptic women, hypertension in the chronic reduced uterine perfusion pressure rat model of preeclampsia (RUPP) is associated with increased CD4+ T cell activation, cytokines, sFlt-1 and agonistic autoantibodies to the AngII receptor (AT1-AA). Although we have shown that adoptive transfer of RUPP CD4+ Tcells into normal pregnant (NP) recipients rats causes hypertension and the release of above mentioned factors, the role of endogenous CD4+T cells in mediating the pathophysiology of preeclampsia was unknown. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that activation of CD4+ T cells causes hypertension and increased sFlt-1, TNF-alpha and AT1-AA. We first examined the effect CD4+ T cell blockade in NP and RUPP rats treated with Orencia, (abatecept, 250mg/kg, infused iv at gestation day 13), clinically used to inhibit T cell activation. RUPP surgical procedure was performed on day 14. On day 19 MAP increased from 94+/-2 mmHg in NP to 123+/-3 mmHg in RUPP control rats. This response was attenuated by CD4+ Tcell blockade, MAP was 104+/-2 mmHg in Orencia treated RUPPs, and 96 +/-2 mmHg Orencia treated NPs. Circulating CD4+ T cells were 66+/-3 in RUPPs compared to 55+/-3 NP rats (p
Development and field tests of a narrowband all-reflective spatial heterodyne spectrometer

We describe the design, development, and performance of a narrowband, all-reflective, unaliased spatial heterodyne spectrometer (SHS) that has been tested in observations at the focus of the 1.6 m main telescope of the McMath–Pierce solar telescope on Kitt Peak. The all-reflective SHS described herein is a highly robust common-path Fourier transform spectrometer without moving parts that, over a limited spectral region, combines the large field of view and high resolving power characteristic of interference spectrometers but at substantially reduced instrument size and optical tolerances. The self-scanned region of wavelength space and resolving power of the SHS are determined by the beam size, the diffraction grating groove density, the number of detector elements, and the fixed orientation of a set of pilot mirrors. The results presented here represent the first successful implementation of this reflective SHS design for field use. We discuss concepts behind the unaliased reflective SHS design and report the performance of the instrument when used to observe terrestrial airglow and absorption features, the solar spectrum, and the Jovian spectrum near λ=6300 Å, at the achieved resolving power (R=λ/δλ) of R>100,000. The results confirm that reflective SHS instruments can deliver effective interferometric performance in the visible to the far-ultraviolet wavelengths with commercial optics of moderate surface quality.
Implementation of Wireless Sensor Networks for Irrigation Control in Three Container Nurseries

Water quality and quantity are increasingly important concerns for agricultural producers and have been recognized by governmental and nongovernmental agencies as focus areas for future regulatory efforts. In horticultural systems, and especially container production of ornamentals, irrigation management is challenging. This is primarily due to the limited volume of water available to container-grown plants after an irrigation event and the resultant need to frequently irrigate to maintain adequate soil moisture levels without causing excessive leaching. To prevent moisture stress, irrigation of container plants is often excessive, resulting in leaching and runoff of water and nutrients applied to the container substrate. For this reason, improving the application efficiency of irrigation is necessary and critical to the long-term sustainability of the commercial nursery industry. The use of soil moisture sensing technology is one method of increasing irrigation efficiency, with the on-farm studies described in this article focusing on the use of capacitance-based soil moisture sensors to both monitor and control irrigation events. Since on-farm testing of these wireless sensor networks (WSNs) to monitor and control irrigation scheduling began in 2010, WSNs have been deployed in a diverse assortment of commercial horticulture operations. In deploying these WSNs, a variety of challenges and successes have been observed. Overcoming specific challenges has fostered improved software and hardware development as well as improved grower confidence in WSNs. Additionally, growers are using WSNs in a variety of ways to fit specific needs, resulting in multiple commercial applications. Some growers use WSNs as fully functional irrigation controllers. Other growers use components of WSNs, specifically the web-based graphical user interface (GUI), to monitor grower-controlled irrigation schedules.
Virology: The X-Files of hepatitis B

The HBx protein of hepatitis B virus has been found to co-opt a host-cell enzyme that targets the Smc5/6 protein complex for degradation. The finding identifies Smc5/6 as a cellular antiviral factor.
A Study of Russula Types, II

This paper is a second report of studies on North American types of Russula species. An earlier publication (Hesler, 1960) treated one hundred fifty-nine types of species of this genus; in this account thirty-four additional North American types are reported. In each of these papers, attention has been given to the spores (size and ornamentation), to the pleurocystidia and cheilocystidia, and to the epicutis and its component elements. Drawings to represent the characteristics of these structures are presented for each species. Acknowledgment is made to the National Science Foundation for a grant supporting these studies, and to The New York Botanical Garden Herbarium for a loan of types. The drawings, originally prepared by the author, were traced for publication by Mr. M. B. Yeligar, a graduate student in botany. In the illustrations, the spores are figured at a magnification x 1500; and other structures X 500.
A Sea Urchin Cell-Free System to Study Male Pronuclear Assembly and Activation.

Typically sperm nuclei are genetically inert and contain extremely compacted chromatin. Following fertilization, the first steps in their conversion to somatic nuclei (male pronuclei) which will support further development involve chromatin decondensation and the formation of a new nuclear envelope. We have studied the reactivation of sea urchin sperm nuclei in a cell-free system derived from homogenates of activated sea urchin egg cytoplasm. The cell-free system has provided several novel insights including requirements for sperm-specific histone phosphorylation on N- and C-terminal extensions and disassembly of the sperm nuclear lamina for decondensation, the utilization of remnant regions of the sperm nuclear envelope to direct polarized binding and fusion of egg membranes to form the new nuclear envelope, and a role for phosphoinositide metabolism in initiation of membrane fusion through binding of a minor membrane fraction enriched in PtdIns (4,5)P2, PLCγ and SFK1 which locally produces a fusigenic lipid, diacylglycerol.
Influence on susceptibility to lead toxicity in repair genes XRCC1 and XPDwith polymorphisms and interaction

Objective To explore the influence on susceptibility to lead toxicity in repair genes XRCC1and XPD with polymorphisms and interaction.Methods Totally 326blood and urine samples of lead-exposed workers occupationally were collected from a storage battery factory.Lead and ZPP level in blood and lead level in urine were detected.The genotype polymorphisms of the XRCC1,XPDgene were detected by PCR-RFLP method.The influence on susceptibility to lead toxicity of the gene polymorphisms and interaction were analyzed.Results The blood lead level of XRCC1-194CT+TT genotype was higher than that of XRCC1-194CC genotype.The proportion of XRCC1-194CT+TT genotype in case groups was higher than that of XRCC1-194CC genotype,and the risk of chronic lead poisoning was higher than that of XRCC1-194CC genotype.Conclusion With the same occupationally lead exposure workplace,the workers with XRCC1-194CT+TT genotype shows higher risk of chronic lead poisoning.The XPDAsp312Asn and XPDLys751Gln polymorphisms is not one factor of susceptible to lead toxicity.There is no obvious interaction for lead poisoning in XRCC1 Arg194Trp,XPD Asp312Asn and XPDLys751Gln genotype.
Ballutes for supersonic deceleration at Mars

Mars landers are mass limited by the available entry, descent, and landing technology. The Mars Science Laboratory rover pushed the boundaries of EDL technology to land 900 kg of rover at an elevation of −4.5 km MOLA (Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter) on Mars. A ballute, a portmanteau of parachute and balloon, is a ram-air pressurized isotensoid trailing aerodynamic drag device. Unlike a parachute, the ballute can be deployed and is stable at higher Mach numbers because of the closed quasi-rigid structure. The NASA Low Density Supersonic Decelerators project developed a 4.4 meter diameter isotensoid ballute and successfully deployed it at Mach 2.8 at the top of the Earth's stratosphere and used it as a pilot device for a main parachute. The design and performance of that ballute is discussed, as well as possible infusion into a future Mars landing mission. The advantages of a ballute as a parachute deployment device are discussed, as well as the capability of ballutes as primary supersonic aerodynamic decelerators. Potential Mars Sample Return-class mission concepts can realize mass savings by using a ballute, rather than an attached Supersonic Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerator (SIAD), in combination with a parachute. Future entry vehicles with high ballistic coefficients can utilize ballutes as the sole supersonic aerodynamic decelerator to realize retropropellant savings. A ballute mass model was developed to assess the limit of scaling. A number of technology developments still remain for future users of ballutes for Mars missions.
Permutations realized by shifts

A permutation $\pi$ is realized by the shift on $N$ symbols if there is an infinite word on an $N$-letter alphabet whose successive left shifts by one position are lexicographically in the same relative order as $\pi$. The set of realized permutations is closed under consecutive pattern containment. Permutations that cannot be realized are called forbidden patterns. It was shown in [J.M. Amigo, S. Elizalde and M. Kennel, $\textit{J. Combin. Theory Ser. A}$ 115 (2008), 485―504] that the shortest forbidden patterns of the shift on $N$ symbols have length $N+2$. In this paper we give a characterization of the set of permutations that are realized by the shift on $N$ symbols, and we enumerate them with respect to their length.
Gallbladder Disease in the Bariatric Surgery Patient

Obesity, a major nutrition-related health problem in the United States, is a well-known risk factor for the development of cholesterol gallstones. The reported incidence of biliary tract disease in the morbidly obese varies from 28% to 45.2% (1, 2, 3), three to four times greater than in the general population (4).
Seasonal Predictions and Monitoring for Sahel Region

Although seasonal forecast applications are still in an early stage of development there is now enough collective experience from research efforts around the world to induce some meaningful considerations.
Predictable zone for phase-resolved reconstruction and forecast of irregular waves

Abstract Our interest is the phase-resolved reconstruction and forecast of multidirectional irregular gravity wave fields based on specific wave measurements. We consider the theoretical predictable zone P in space–time within which the phase-resolved wave field can be fully reconstructed/forecasted based on the given measurements. Using linearized wave theory and reasonable assumptions of the frequency and directional extent of the wave field, we obtain closed-form expressions for P in terms of set theory expressions involving the individual measurement. We derive and illustrate P obtained for measurements at one or more fixed locations over time, for moving probes, for whole-area wave measurements, and combinations of these. We also consider the problem of optimal deployment of these measurements to maximize the volume of P in space–time. For J probes under optimal deployment, we show that the volume of P relative to that of a single probe scales as J 3 for large J .
A CYP2B6-humanized mouse model and its potential applications.

Abstract CYP2B6 is a human microsomal cytochrome P450 enzyme with broad substrate selectivity. CYP2B6 is the only functional member of the human CYP2B gene subfamily, which differs from the situation in rodents, such as mouse, where multiple functional Cyp2b genes are expressed. Recent studies with Cyp2b knockout or knockdown mouse models have yielded insights into the in vivo roles of mouse CYP2B enzymes in drug disposition and xenobiotic toxicity. A CYP2B6-humanized mouse model (CYP2A13/2B6/2F1-transgenic/Cyp2abfgs-null), which expresses human CYP2B6 in the liver, and human CYP2A13 and CYP2F1 in the respiratory tract, but not any of the mouse Cyp2b genes, has also been established. In the CYP2B6-humanized mouse, the CYP2B6 transgene is expressed primarily in the liver, where it was found to be active toward prototype CYP2B6 substrate drugs. The regulatory elements of the CYP2B6 transgene appear to be compatible with mouse nuclear receptors that mediate CYP2B induction. Therefore, the CYP2B6-humanized mouse is a valuable animal model for studying the impact of CYP2B6 expression or induction on drug metabolism, drug efficacy, drug-drug interaction, and drug/xenobiotic toxicity. In this mini-review, we provide a brief background on CYP2B6 and the Cyp2b-knockout and CYP2B6-humanized mice, and discuss the potential applications and limitations of the current models.
The Protective Circle: Queer Fathers and Counselors

This article provides a review of the literature addressing the unique needs and experiences of queer fathers. Despite the growing number of queer fathers and families, and increasing scholarship o...
OXYGEN–HEMOGLOBIN DISSOCIATION CURVE

The oxygen equilibrium curve of red blood cells is the relationship between the concentration of oxygen in solution and the fractional saturation of hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a complex protein, made up of four subunits, each one with an iron-containing pyrrole group, heme. At the center of each heme group is an iron atom, the site of ligation of one oxygen molecule. Thus each molecule of hemoglobin can reversibly bind four molecules of oxygen. The mechanism of oxygen binding and release by hemoglobin is a result of interaction of the peptide subunits. The simplest model of this interaction involves two fundamental conformations, corresponding to a low-affinity deoxyhemoglobin (T or tense) and a high-affinity oxyhemoglobin (R or relaxed). As hemoglobin binds oxygen molecules sequentially, the conformation shifts from T to R, thereby increasing the affinity, a process called ‘cooperativity’. The physiologic consequence of cooperativity is that oxygen is bound to hemoglobin until red blood cells reach tissue capillary beds where it is released and available to participate in oxidative phosphorylation.
Health Outcomes of Infants and Toddlers with Down Syndrome

Abstract Reviewing large-scale, population-based studies, this chapter summarizes three health outcomes for young children with Down syndrome: (1) adverse birth outcomes (e.g., prematurity, low birthweight); (2) in-patient hospitalizations; and (3) early mortality. Prematurity and low birthweight occur several times more often among newborns with (vs. without) Down syndrome, and account for 14–25% of all newborns with the syndrome. From 1/2 to 3/4 of these infants experience nonbirth hospitalizations within their first 3 years, most beginning during their first year. Those infants with congenital heart defects experience hospitalization more often, earlier, and for longer periods; respiratory problems constitute the main reason for hospitalizations among children with (and without) heart defects. Newborns with Down syndrome die before their first birthday from 4 to 24 times more often than other newborns; congenital heart defects, African American mothers, and prematurity are the major risk factors. Future studies need to identify child, parent, and family risk factors for early health outcomes, tie health outcomes to medical services, and determine the influence on early health of pollution and other environments. Better data and data-linkage are also needed. With an expanded research base, physicians will be able to provide more precise anticipatory guidance to parents, early interventionists, and others who care for young children with Down syndrome.
Ignition of fires

This paper discusses the mechanisms that lead to ignition of fires and the reasons behind the experimental correlations available in the literature. The objective is to understand and quantify the ...
Teaching Multicultural Counseling with Mindfulness: a Contemplative Pedagogy Approach

Training in multiculturalism and social justice is pivotal to the growth and development of future counselors. Nonetheless, counselor educators tasked with teaching courses on multiculturalism and social justice must contend with several challenges due to the emotionally charged nature of the course content. In recent years, contemplative pedagogy, which entails the use of mindfulness-based practices in higher education, has emerged as a potential tool for promoting emotional balance and multicultural competence in students. This article reviews the extant literature on contemplative pedagogy and provides suggestions for utilizing mindfulness to promote the development of multicultural counseling competence amongst counseling students.
Detection and Forensics against Stealthy Data Falsification in Smart Metering Infrastructure

False power consumption data injected from compromised smart meters in Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) of smart grids is a threat that negatively affects both customers and utilities. In particular, organized and stealthy adversaries can launch various types of data falsification attacks from multiple meters using smart or persistent strategies. In this paper, we propose a real time, two tier attack detection scheme to detect orchestrated data falsification under a sophisticated threat model in decentralized micro-grids. The first detection tier monitors whether the Harmonic to Arithmetic Mean Ratio of aggregated daily power consumption data is outside a normal range known as safe margin . To confirm whether discrepancies in the first detection tier is indeed an attack, the second detection tier monitors the sum of the residuals (difference) between the proposed ratio metric and the safe margin over a frame of multiple days. If the sum of residuals is beyond a standard limit range, the presence of a data falsification attack is confirmed. Both the ‘safe margins’ and the ‘standard limits’ are designed through a ‘system identification phase’, where the signature of proposed metrics under normal conditions are studied using real AMI micro-grid data sets from two different countries over multiple years. Subsequently, we show how the proposed metrics trigger unique signatures under various attacks which aids in attack reconstruction and also limit the impact of persistent attacks. Unlike metrics such as CUSUM or EWMA, the stability of the proposed metrics under normal conditions allows successful real time detection of various stealthy attacks with ultra-low false alarms.
Weighted Tensor Completion for Time-Series Causal Inference.

Marginal Structural Models (MSM) are the most popular models for causal inference from time-series observational data. However, they have two main drawbacks: (a) they do not capture subject heterogeneity, and (b) they only consider fixed time intervals and do not scale gracefully with longer intervals. In this work, we propose a new family of MSMs to address these two concerns. We model the potential outcomes as a three-dimensional tensor of low rank, where the three dimensions correspond to the agents, time periods and the set of possible histories. Unlike the traditional MSM, we allow the dimensions of the tensor to increase with the number of agents and time periods. We set up a weighted tensor completion problem as our estimation procedure, and show that the solution to this problem converges to the true model in an appropriate sense. Then we show how to solve the estimation problem, providing conditions under which we can approximately and efficiently solve the estimation problem. Finally we propose an algorithm based on projected gradient descent, which is easy to implement, and evaluate its performance on a simulated dataset.
Crystallization of interesterified soybean oil using a scraped surface heat exchanger with high intensity ultrasound

Abstract The aim of this research is to crystallize a low saturated interesterified soybean oil (IESBO) using a scraped surface heat exchanger (SSHE) combined with high intensity ultrasound (HIU). The SSHE operated at a flow rate of 3.125 mL/s, crystallization temperature of 32 °C, pressure of 2 bars, and barrels/pin worker speed of 344/208 rpm, respectively. HIU was applied at amplitudes between 20 and 80% using continuous, 5 s or 10 s pulses. The microstructure, melting behavior, rheology, hardness, and oil binding capacity (OBC) of the samples were evaluated. Non-sonicated sample resulted in a crystalline network characterized by 8.9 μm diameter crystals, elasticity values of 25,255Pa, hardness values of 1.3N and OBC values of 61%. Sonication using 50% amplitude for 5 s was the most efficient condition and resulted in a decrease in crystal size to 4.5 μm, an increase in elasticity values to 100,238Pa, and an increase in hardness and OBC values to 3.7N and 81.3%, respectively.
Corrosion-Related Magnetostatic Field Analysis

A surface integral equation method for computing the corrosion-related magnetostatic field is presented. An integral equation is solved for the corrosion-related electrostatic field in a homogeneous electrolyte from which the corrosion-related magnetostatic field is determined. The surface integral equation is discretized using the locally-corrected Nystrom method. The field analysis is validated through comparison to analytical and published results.
Textile-Based Ultra-Wideband Tightly Coupled Dipole Array

There is an emerging potential concerning textile electronics that combine the comfort, flexibility, and durability of textiles, with the functionality, connectivity, and intelligence of electronics. In this regard, the implementation of an ultra-wideband (UWB) antenna on textile will bring the advantages of a multi-functional system to a structure that will allow for a range of compressible/stretchable operations. In this paper, we present, for the first time, a low profile and low-cost UWB Tightly Coupled Dipole Array (TCDA) on a textile (i.e denim) substrate. A full-wave simulation of an infinite array, complete with textile and conductive thread characteristics, shows VSWR < 3 for scanning down to 60° from boresight in both E and H planes across a 6.5:1 bandwidth (0.9 GHz – 5.85 GHz). A near-theoretical realized gain value was also analyzed across the whole operating band.
Predicting selectivity of paracellular pores for biomimetic applications

Biological systems exhibit diverse examples of controlled solute permeability and selectivity in cell and tissue barriers. The epithelial and endothelial cells lining each organ confer selectivity via tight junctions, physical fence-like structures that regulate paracellular transport, whose primary functional component is a claudin. Members of the claudin family of proteins undergo cis and trans assembly to control paracellular selectivity. However, based on the type of claudin and its expression level in a tissue, the tight junction selectivity varies from cationic to anionic or permeability changes from zero to leaky. In vitro and in vivo characterization of tight junction macroassemblies is a challenge, especially when molecular-level precision is essential for using nature's design principle for biomimetic applications, such as ion separation platforms and nanosensors. In the present work, we use a recently developed method, protein association energy landscape (PANEL), to exploit the cis architecture of claudin proteins to explain their paracellular selectivity. Using PANEL, we generated millions of claudin–claudin dimer geometries and analyzed the amino acid residue contacts. We demonstrate that a rigorous analysis of cis architectures can not only predict the critical residues responsible for tight junction selectivity, but the cis structures obtained can also provide putative tight junction pore configurations. A deeper understanding of tight junction architecture at a molecular level has been possible using specially designed computational tools and techniques. This approach has promise in determining the selectivity of tight junction proteins and their subsequent use in biomimetic ultrafiltration devices.