cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Longitudinal effects of parental, child and neighborhood factors on moderate-vigorous physical activity and sedentary time in Latino children

Moderate-vigorous physical activity (%MVPA) confers beneficial effects on child musculoskeletal health, cardiovascular fitness, and psychosocial well-being; in contrast, sedentary time (%SED) is emerging as a risk factor for health. This study aimed to identify parental, child and neighborhood factors influencing longitudinal assessments of body mass index (BMI) and activity patterns among Latino children, and to estimate lagged and cross-lagged effects between child BMI, %MVPA and %SED. A longitudinal design with assessments at baseline, 1 and 2 years follow-up (FU) was used to evaluate the effects of maternal and paternal factors (BMI, age, education level, acculturation, household income and household size), child factors (gender, age, BMI, pubertal status) and neighborhood factors (disorder, victimization) on child BMI, %MVPA and %SED, expressed as a percent of awake time, in 282 Latino children ages 8-10 y and their parents. This study was restricted to families with a mother and biological father or father figure in the child's life. Across time, total daily accelerometer counts (p = 0.04) and steps decreased (p = 0.0001), %SED increased (p = 0.0001), and %MVPA decreased (p = 0.02). Moderate lagged effects or tracking was seen for %MVPA and %SED (p = 0.001). %MVPA varied by gender (5.5% higher in boys than girls, p = 0.0001); child age (-0.4% per year, p = 0.03), and child BMI in boys only (-0.22%, p = 0.0002). Negative effects of paternal age, maternal education and maternal changes in BMI on %MVPA also were seen. %SED increased with child age (2.5% higher per year, p = 0.0001). Positive effects of paternal acculturation, maternal change in BMI, paternal age, and negative effects of household size on %SED were observed. A cross-lagged positive effect of BMI at FU1 on %SED at FU2 was observed for boys and girls (p = 0.03). Neighborhood disorder and victimization were not significant predictors of child BMI, %MVPA or %SED. The major child determinants of physical activity (age, gender and BMI) and minor parental influences (maternal BMI and education, paternal age and acculturation) should be considered in designing interventions to promote %MVPA and reduce %SED among Latino children as they approach adolescence.
Human Evolution: Early Radiations

Fossil evidence suggests that African ancestors exclusively ancestral to modern humans (such as the genera Ardipithecus, Australopithecus and Paranthropus) had emerged by at least 4.5 million years ago, and subsequently diversified. Homo habilis and Homo rudolfensis are adaptively and cladistically closer to this early hominin radiation than they are to later Homo taxa. Keywords: hominins; australopithecus; ardipithecus; paranthropus
Five-Year Changes in Periodontal Disease Measures Among Postmenopausal Females: The Buffalo OsteoPerio Study

Background: Understanding of longitudinal characteristics of periodontal disease in older females is limited. This study examined 5-year changes in periodontal disease measures among postmenopausal females.Methods: Participants were 1,025 postmenopausal, 53- to 83-year-old females who completed baseline (1997 to 2001) and 5-year follow-up (2002 to 2006) whole-mouth oral examinations in a study ancillary to the Women’s Health Initiative. Periodontal disease was characterized using probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), alveolar crest height (ACH), and tooth loss. Differences in measures between examinations were used to characterize patterns of change.Results: Baseline prevalence of none/mild, moderate, and severe periodontal disease defined using criteria of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was 27%, 58%, and 15%, respectively. Tooth loss attributable to periodontitis occurred in 13% of females. Mean ± SD changes in whole-mouth mean measures showed progression when based on ACH ...
Public health impact of reemergence of rabies, New York

This report summarizes the spread of a raccoon rabies epizootic into New York in the 1990s, the species of animals affected, and human postexposure treatments (PET). A total of 57,008 specimens were submitted to the state laboratory from 1993 to 1998; 8,858 (16%) animals were confirmed rabid, with raccoons the most common species (75%). After exposure to 11,769 animals, 18,238 (45%) persons received PET, mostly because of contact with saliva or nervous tissue. We analyzed expenditure reports to estimate the cost of rabies prevention activities. An estimated $13.9 million was spent in New York State to prevent rabies from 1993 to 1998. Traditional prevention methods such as vaccinating pets, avoiding wildlife, and verifying an animal’s rabies status must be continued to reduce costly PET. To reduce rabid animals, exposures, and costs, oral vaccination of wildlife should also be considered.
Foot and ankle joint movements inside orthoses for children with spastic CP

We compared the ankle joint and foot segment kinematics of pediatric cerebral palsy (CP) participants walking with and without orthoses. A six segment foot model (6SF) was used to track foot motion. Holes were cut in the study orthoses so that electromagnetic markers could be directly placed on the skin. The Hinged Ankle Foot Orthoses (HAFO) allowed a significant increase in ankle dorsiflexion as compared to the barefoot condition during gait, but significantly constrained sagittal forefoot motion and forefoot sagittal range of motion (ROM) (p < 0.01), which may be detrimental. The Solid Ankle Foot Orthoses (SAFO) constrained forefoot ROM as compared to barefoot gait (p < 0.01). The 6SF model did not confirm that the SAFO can control excessive plantarflexion for those with severe plantarflexor spasticity. The supramalleolar orthosis (SMO) significantly (p < 0.01) constrained forefoot ROM as compared to barefoot gait at the beginning and end of the stance phase, which could be detrimental. The SMO had no effects observed in the coronal plane.
Ethnic differences in knowledge of AIDS transmission and attitudes towards gays and people with AIDS.

Epidemiological studies in the US have shown disproportionately elevated risk rate of AIDS among Hispanics and blacks particularly among the heterosexual population. Intense prevention education has resulted in dramatic infection reduction among the gay population. Yet these educational efforts aimed at the gay population failed to reach many of the minority population at risk. This study looked at some structural and cultural factors that might be preventing beneficial effects generated from existing educational programs designed to prevent AIDS. The data was drawn from a telephone survey of a cross-sectional sample of the adult population of California conducted in 1985 by the Field Institute. The ethnic composition was 10.4% Hispanic 7.9% black and 76.5% white. The subjects were questioned regarding AIDS transmission and prejudice towards homosexuals. These variables were compared among whites and Hispanics. The research showed that while all groups had a high level of knowledge regarding AIDS transmission Hispanics had many misconceptions about the way AIDS is transmitted. Hispanics were equally tolerant as whites to homosexuals or people with AIDS. Thus AIDS education campaigns directed towards Hispanics need to be designed to address specific misconceptions regarding AIDS transmission. Homophobia does not appear to be an insurmountable barrier preventing Hispanics from dealing with this topic. (authors modified)
PV System Reliability: An Operator's Perspective

The long-term performance of a photovoltaic (PV) system is one of the fundamental sources of its value; the other being the unit value of the energy it is generating. The industry operates under the assumption that a PV system can keep converting photons to electrons quite reliably with minimal interruptions in service for the typical 20–25-year duration of the energy purchase contracts. However, manually assembled macroscopic systems, comprising components with a high quotient of manual labor, and which operate outdoors under noncontrolled conditions, do tend to exhibit issues. The inverter software which is critical for their operation is an additional potential source of failure. In the case of an operator with global presence, relying on local assembly crews and sourcing components from a large number of suppliers, the challenge in keeping hundreds of power plants in optimal operation with regional teams of roving technicians cannot be easily overstated. Outages of mission-critical subsystems comprise 69% of identified service issues and are responsible for 75% of the associated energy losses. Most of the issues manifest at the inverter, but ac subsystem failures and externally caused outages comprise a large share of the biggest losses. Module failures represent a small fraction of identified issues.
Dam-1 Molecular Sieve Forms, Fibers and Films

The evolution of new molecular sieves and associated applications has generated a greater demand for new ways to manipulate and configure nanoporous materials. The required form of a molecular sieve may involve dramatically different length scales, ranging from shaped particles to fibers and continuous coatings. Various examples of these forms based on Dallas Amorphous Materials one (DAM-1), which was synthesized using a water soluble Vitamin E TPGS as the template, will be illustrated. In addition to potential drug delivery applications for this inorganic/organic composite, the hierarchical forms of DAM-1 may be employed in areas ranging from catalysis to sensors. The morphogenesis of DAM-1 shaped particles and its applications in molecular recognition and optical sensing will be described along with a novel process for spinning DAM-1 molecular sieve fibers. Additionally, our patented method for the fabrication of zeolite membranes, using pulsed laser deposition (PLD) will be discussed.
Human DNMT1 transition state structure.

Human DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) maintains the epigenetic state of DNA by replicating CpG methylation signatures from parent to daughter strands, producing heritable methylation patterns through cell divisions. The proposed catalytic mechanism of DNMT1 involves nucleophilic attack of Cys 1226 to cytosine (Cyt) C6, methyl transfer from S -adenosyl-l-methionine (SAM) to Cyt C5, and proton abstraction from C5 to form methylated CpG in DNA. Here, we report the subangstrom geometric and electrostatic structure of the major transition state (TS) of the reaction catalyzed by human DNMT1. Experimental kinetic isotope effects were used to guide quantum mechanical calculations to solve the TS structure. Methyl transfer occurs after Cys 1226 attack to Cyt C6, and the methyl transfer step is chemically rate-limiting for DNMT1. Electrostatic potential maps were compared for the TS and ground states, providing the electronic basis for interactions between the protein and reactants at the TS. Understanding the TS of DNMT1 demonstrates the possibility of using similar analysis to gain subangstrom geometric insight into the complex reactions of epigenetic modifications.
Formation of Self-Organized Gradient Stripes on Precast Poly(methyl methacrylate) Films

A "wire-on-film" template has been developed to construct surface gradient patterns on precast poly(methyl methacrylate) films. Solvent evaporation around a Cu wire leads to the formation of self-organized gradient stripes, with the longitudinal direction of the stripes being parallel to the axis of the Cu wire. Both the spatial wavelength and the amplitude of the stripes near the Cu wire decrease with a decrease of the distance to the center of the Cu wire. The amplitude of the stripes varies linearly with the spatial wavelength for the experimental conditions used, which is a function of the diameter of the Cu wires and the film thickness. Using two parallel copper wires, we demonstrate the possibility of controlling the characteristics of the gradient stripes. A featureless zone is formed between the copper wires, the size of which is dependent on the distance between two wires and the diameter of the copper wires. The results of this study provide a simple method to fabricate gradient gratings on polymer films in an economical and efficient way.
Return on equity-core rate to evaluate the financial management of public hospitals

With the development of private hospitals,the marketing competition that the public hospitals faced is more and more hardly.They have to improve their financial management and promote their financial efficiency for not being eliminated.The proper rates are very important on how can we evaluate a hospital′s financial management.In this paper,the author used the Return on equity as the core rate because of its typical and detachable.According to public hospital′ difference from a corporation,some data should be adjusted while calculating return on equity.Return on equity is a good rate to evaluate financial management,with limit,it also needs to be upgraded.
A study on association between influenza-like illness and meteorology factors

Objective To explore the effects of meteorological factors on the occurrence of influenza- like illness. Methods Data of daily report on influenza- like illness and meteorology during 2007- 2009 in Hangzhou city were collected.Generalized additive models and distributed lag non- linear models were established to study the hysteresis effects and cumulative effects of meteorological factors on the occurrence of influenza- like illness. Results The lowest and highest cumulative relative risk occurred when the average daily temperature was 34. 8 ℃ and 7. 0 ℃ respectively. The same lowest and highest tread of cumulative relative risk occurred when the diurnal temperature range was 0. 6 ℃ and 17. 6 ℃respectively,average daily relative humidity was 64% and 24% respectively,average daily wind speed was 0. 6 m /s and6. 4 m /s respectively. Conclusion The influence of meteorological factors on the occurrence of influenza- like illness is complicated.
Reducing overtreatment: A comparison of lymph node assessment strategies for endometrial cancer

Abstract Objectives To compare the utility of three lymph node (LN) assessment strategies to identify lymphatic metastases while minimizing complete lymphadenectomy rates in women with low-grade endometrial cancer (EC). Methods: Using our institutional standard protocol (SP), patients with complex atypical hyperplasia (CAH) or grade 1/2 EC underwent sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping, hysterectomy, and intraoperative frozen section (FS). Lymphadenectomy was performed if high-risk uterine features were identified on FS. Utilizing SP data, two alternative strategies were applied: a Universal FS Strategy (UFS), omitting SLN mapping and performing lymphadenectomy based on FS results, and a SLN-Restrictive FS Strategy (SLN-RFS) in which FS and lymphadenectomy are performed only if bilateral SLN mapping fails. Results Of 114 patients managed on the SP, SLNs were identified in 86%, with lymphatic metastases detected in eight patients. Six patients recurred after a median follow up of 15months. Most (83%) developed in those who had a negative systematic lymphadenectomy ( n =4; mean LNs: 18) or no lymphadenectomy indication. When applying the alternative lymphatic assessment strategies, the SLN-RFS approach would theoretically result in lower lymphadenectomy rates compared to both the SP and the alternative UFS strategies (9.2% versus 36.8% and 36.8%, respectively; p=0.004), without a reduction in detection of LN metastases (8/8 versus 8/8 and 5/8, respectively). Conclusion In this modeling analysis, an operative strategy omitting universal frozen section and restricting its use to cases with failed SLN mapping may result in lower lymphadenectomy rates and reduce the risk of overtreatment without compromising oncologic outcome for patients with EC.
A survey of the use of propranolol in burn centers: Who, what, when, why.

Abstract Introduction Many burn centers utilize propranolol in both adult and pediatric burn patients to attenuate the hypermetabolic response related to thermal injury despite the relative paucity of data in adults compared to children. The purpose of this study was to identify practice patterns related to propranolol, for which groups it is being used, length of use, and the intended benefit. Methods A 17 question survey regarding the use of propranolol was distributed to burn centers listed in the ABA website with a link to provide anonymous responses. Results A 31% response rate was achieved. Results demonstrated 60.5% use propranolol while 39.5% do not. Use in both adult and pediatric patients was reported in 82% of centers. The majority of centers (60.8%) initiate propranolol in patients with >20% TBSA burns. The drug is continued while inpatient for most adults (43%) with only 10% continuing treatment up to 6 months vs. rates of 17.6% long term outpatient use in pediatric patients. Drug dosing ranged from 10 to 40 mg in adults and 0.1 mg/kg to 5 mg/kg in pediatric patients dosed twice daily to four times daily with 25% and 40% titrating the dose to a reduced heart rate respectively. Propranolol was felt to improve outcomes in 56% of responses while 39% were “unsure”. Conclusion The majority of centers use propranolol for both adult and pediatric patients despise the lack of randomized studies in adult populations. A wide variation of practice patterns highlights the need for further study in regard to patient outcomes, duration of therapy, and dosing to drive consensus guidelines.
Atmospheric ammonia: Issues on transport and nitrogen isotope measurement

Abstract Isotopes of nitrogen (15N) have been used to evaluate N transport in soil–plant systems, but these studies generally ignore the atmospheric component of N balance. Recent studies of atmospheric ammonia (NH3) transport have shown the gaseous N component can be significant due to emission and absorption exchanges with the atmosphere. The purpose of this paper is to review measurements of atmospheric N cycling made by ourselves and others, and investigate how atmospheric transport may influence the conclusions of isotopic N studies. Soil and plant N transport were studied using 15N while simultaneously measuring net atmospheric NH3 transport using micrometeorological techniques. Simultaneous 15N and micrometeorological studies have shown significant gaseous NH3 losses from soils and plants as well as the potential for significant NH3 absorption. These measurements have shown N transport measured by the two techniques to agree closely when there was no plant activity (during drought). With plant activity, and the associated substitution of 15N in the plant by 14N from atmospheric NH3, NH3 losses measured by 15N were 2 to 6 times larger than net NH3 losses measured by micrometeorological techniques. Although 15N studies are valuable for comparison of treatments, caution must be exercised in the use of isotopes where isotope exchange between the plant and atmosphere has not been taken into consideration.
Mapping Out Your Success: Using Mind Maps to Evaluate Youth Development Programs

A primary component of any youth program is documenting and promoting the results through evaluation. Frequently, however, administrators in youth development programs struggle to find meaningful ways of evaluating the impacts they have on the lives of youth. It is often difficult to capture the unique benefits these programs offer to participants, especially when traditional methods such as focus groups and interviews may be too time consuming and questionnaires may yield poor response rates. This article presents a creative form of evaluation targeted at demonstrating the success of programs in outcomes that are historically more difficult to measure. A “mind map” is designed to be a pictorial representation of the impact of programs in areas such as connections to community organization and adult role models. Employing this technique can enable administrators in youth development programs to demonstrate to stakeholders the benefits they provide in a non-traditional, but highly effective, way.
The Origins and Evolution of Conflict in Portland’s Neighborhood Association System: A Case Study of North Portland’s District Coalition Board

Neighborhood associations represent a possible vehicle for broke ring private interests and public welfare within a diverse social context. In order to function at the level hoped for by normative ...
Total syntheses of heliotridane and pseudoheliotridane through nitrodiene–acrylate 6π-electrocyclization/[3+2] cycloaddition

The total syntheses of the pyrrolizidine alkaloids heliotridane and pseudoheliotridane have been accomplished in six steps (overall yields: 24 and 7%, respectively) using, for the first time, the tandem 6π-electrocyclization/[3+2] dipolar cycloaddition of an acyclic nitrodiene, 1-nitro-2-methyl-1,3-butadiene.
Essential Roles for Mef2c in Lymphoid Commitment and B-Cell Function.

Abstract MEF2 transcription factors are well-established regulators of muscle development. Recently, work in murine models has identified one of these factors, Mef2c, as an important regulator in the pathogenesis and the development of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). However, little is know about the molecular mechanism and physiological role of Mef2c in hematopoiesis. Using conditional gene ablation, we have discovered an unexpected role for MEF2c in hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), where it is required for pan-lymphoid commitment. Competitive repopulation experiments using Mef2c-null HSCs deleted by means of the Mx1-Cre/poly(IC) approach, revealed completely normal monocytic, granulocytic and erythroid differentiation capacities by mutant cells. Generation and renewal of myeloid progenitors and HSCs was also normal. However, contribution to lymphoid lineages (T-cells, B-cells and natural killer cells) was dramatically reduced. Mef2c-deleted HSCs were able to generate lymphoid primed multipotent progenitors (LMPPs) and expressed normal levels of Flt-3 and the master lymphoid regulator ikaros. However, expression of the interleukin-7 receptor (IL-7R) and the number of phenotypically defined common lymphoid progenitors (CLPs) were substantially reduced. We have found two conserved Mef2c-binding sites in the promoter of the Il-7R gene, indicating that Mef2c could directly regulate Il-7R transcription. This and other potential molecular mechanisms of Mef2c-mediated lymphoid commitment will be discussed. We have also studied the effects of lineage-specific deletion of Mef2c in both myeloid and lymphoid populations. Whereas deletion in myelomonocytic cells using the LysM-Cre strain resulted in no anomalies, B-cell specific ablation with the CD19-Cre line revealed major phenotypical and functional abnormalities. CD19-Cre:Mef2cf/f mice show impaired germinal center formation and reduced antibody production in response to T-cell dependent antigens. In addition Mef2c-null mature B-cells fail to express the mature marker CD23, the low affinity receptor for IgE, which we show is a direct transcriptional target. As a consequence of CD23 reduction, CD19-Cre:Mef2cf/f mice have increased IgE production, thus indicating a potential role of Mef2c in allergic disease. Our work here sheds new light on the molecular mechanisms of lymphopoiesis and identifies MEF2 factors as critical hematopoietic transcriptional regulators.
Pediatric Nuclear Cardiology

This is the third of a four-part continuing education series on pediatric nuclear medicine. After reading and studying the article, the nuclear medicine technologist will be able to: (1) identify important clinical indications for performing nuclear cardiology procedures in children, (2) identify the radiopharmaceuticals that are used to perform myocardial imaging, first pass angiocardiography, and gated blood pool imaging, (3) discuss important technical considerations for performing these procedures in children, and (4) describe the information derived from computer analysis of data gathered during these procedures. Information about CEU(VOICE) credit appears immediately following this article.
Texture orientation-resolving imaging with structure illumination

A one-shot multi-directional ultra-small angle X-ray scattering imaging successfully resolves the fiber orientation of a wood sample. This 2D structured illumination enables the retrieval of scattering signals in multiple directions simultaneously.
Laminin-Dependent Interaction between Astrocytes and Microglia: A Role in Retinal Angiogenesis

Retinal vascular diseases are among the leading causes of acquired blindness. In recent years, retinal microglia have been shown to influence vascular branching density and endothelial cell proliferation. However, how microglial recruitment and activation are regulated during development remains unclear. We hypothesized that microglial recruitment, activation, and down-stream signaling are modulated by components of the mural basement membrane. We used a reverse genetic approach to disrupt laminin expression in the vascular basement membrane and demonstrate that microglia respond to the mural basement membrane in an isoform-specific manner. Microglial density is significantly increased in the laminin γ3-null (Lamc3−/−) retinal superficial vascular plexus and consequently the vascular branching density is increased. Microglia also respond to astrocyte-derived matrices and become hyperactivated in the Lamc3−/− retina or when tested in vitro with cell-derived matrix. Pharmacological activation of microglia in the wild-type retina produced an Lamc3−/−-like vascular phenotype, whereas pharmacological blocking of microglial activation in the Lamc3−/− retina rescued the wild-type vascular phenotype. On the molecular level, microglial transforming growth factor-β1 expression is down-regulated in the Lamc3−/− retina, and SMAD signaling decreased in endothelial cells with a consequent increase in endothelial proliferation. The reverse effects were seen in the Lamb2−/− retina. Together, our results demonstrate a novel mechanism by which laminins modulate vascular branching and endothelial cell proliferation during retinal angiogenesis.
Abstract 3728: Imaging biomarkers of aromatase-inhibitor induced joint pain

Estrogen receptor positive (ER+) breast cancer patients undergoing treatment with aromatase inhibitors (AI) tend to discontinue the supplement when to painful side effects appear. It is believed that women with AI-induced musculoskeletal syndrome (AIMSS) have specific physiological conditions that differentiate them from women with normal aging-related inflammatory processes (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis or RA). Ultrasound shear wave elastography (USWE) provides a real-time, quantitative assessment of the elastic modulus of soft tissue, which is a potential biomarker that is altered in women with AIMSS. Because USWE is a completely noninvasive technique available on state-of-the-art clinical ultrasound scanners, it can be readily applied to study patients who undergo AI treatment and help predict adverse effects during therapy. A Siemens s3000 clinical scanner and 9 MHz linear probe were used for USWE of the hands and wrists in postmenopausal women on AI, postmenopausal women with RA and healthy postmenopausal women. The scans included an evaluation of major wrist tendons, nerve, and joints with shear wave velocities ranging from 0.5 to 15 m/s, which are directly related to the local shear modulus – an absolute measure of tissue stiffness. The ultrasound images and raw shear wave data were then analyzed in MATLAB-TM using a custom graphical user interface (GUI) to calculate the distribution of velocities (or shear moduli) in a user-defined region of interest (ROI). The results were exported to a spreadsheet in Excel for further analysis and comparison among the different groups. Initial results suggest the shear wave velocity and estimated Young’s modulus (λ) were significantly higher in AI patients (14.6 ± 0.2 m/s, λ=642 ± 17 kPa) compared to RA (6.84 ± 1.1 m/s, λ=143 ± 43 kPa) and healthy (7.58 ± 0.9 m/s, λ=174 ± 42 kPa) patients. These values suggest that the mechanical properties of tendons in the wrist may change during treatment with AI and contribute to joint pain in these subjects. It is critical that ER+ patients on AI complete their full treatment. As a potential biomarker of AIMSS and associated pain, USWE may help predict which patients are most susceptible to these side effects, promote early intervention to reduce or eliminate symptoms, and help increase adherence to AI therapy. Citation Format: Brian A. Goldstein, Mihra Taljanovic, Pavani Chalasani, C. Kent Kwoh, Amanda Hadden, Russell Witte, Jessica Martinez. Imaging biomarkers of aromatase-inhibitor induced joint pain [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 3728. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-3728
Abstract 2775: CPS1 as a therapeutic target and prognostic indicator in LKB1-inactivated lung adenocarcinoma

Liver Kinase B1 (LKB1), encoded by STK11, is a tumor suppressor and somatically mutated in approximately 20% of lung adenocarcinoma. Aside from the effects of LKB1 inactivation on tumor initiation, LKB1-mutant cancers are biologically distinct from cancer with functional LKB1, and the loss of LKB1 uniquely confers invasive and metastatic properties in genetically engineered mouse models of cancer. While various pathways, including energy metabolism, cell polarity, and cell growth, are regulated by LKB1 and can play a pleiotropic role in cancer initiation and progression, no therapies are currently available for clinical use that specifically target LKB1 inactivation. Therefore, elucidation of the functional mechanisms associated with LKB1 inactivation has translational relevance. We analyzed proteomic profiles of 45 lung adenocarcinoma cell lines with and without LKB1 inactivation to identify molecular features associated with LKB1 inactivation. Carbamoyl phosphate synthase 1 (CPS1) was identified as a markedly overexpressed protein in LKB1-inactivated lung adenocarcinoma cell lines. CPS1 is the first rate-limiting mitochondrial enzyme in the urea cycle, and plays an intricate role in arginine and pyrimidine metabolism. CPS1 knockdown reduced cell growth, decreased levels of metabolites associated with nucleic acid biosynthesis pathway, and contributed an additive effect when combined with conventional chemotherapy agents including gemcitabine, pemetrexed, or CHK1 inhibitor AZD7762. Tissue microarray analysis using 305 lung adenocarcinoma tumors revealed that CPS1 was expressed in 65.7% of LKB1-negative and only 5.0% of LKB1-positive lung adenocarcinomas. In addition, CPS1 expression was significantly and independently associated with poor overall survival of lung adenocarcinoma patients (P Citation Format: Muge Celiktas, Ichidai Tanaka, Satyendra Chandra Tripathi, Johannes F. Fahrmann, Clemente Aguilar-Bonavides, Pamela Villalobos, Oliver Delgado, Dilsher Dhillon, Jennifer B. Dennison, Edwin J. Ostrin, Hong Wang, Carmen Behrens, Kim-Anh Do, Adi F. Gazdar, Samir M. Hanash, Ayumu Taguchi. CPS1 as a therapeutic target and prognostic indicator in LKB1-inactivated lung adenocarcinoma [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 2775. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-2775
Anti-HERV-K (HML-2) capsid antibody responses in HIV elite controllers

Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) comprise approximately 8% of the human genome and while the majority are transcriptionally silent, the most recently integrated HERV, HERV-K (HML-2), remains active. During HIV infection, HERV-K (HML-2) specific mRNA transcripts and viral proteins can be detected. In this study, we aimed to understand the antibody response against HERV-K (HML-2) Gag in the context of HIV-1 infection. We developed an ELISA assay using either recombinant protein or 164 redundant “15mer” HERV-K (HML-2) Gag peptides to test sera for antibody reactivity. We identified a total of eight potential HERV-K (HML-2) Gag immunogenic domains: two on the matrix (peptides 16 and 31), one on p15 (peptide 85), three on the capsid (peptides 81, 97 and 117), one on the nucleocapsid (peptide 137) and one on the QP1 protein (peptide 157). Four epitopes (peptides 16, 31, 85 and 137) were highly immunogenic. No significant differences in antibody responses were found between HIV infected participants (n = 40) and uninfected donors (n = 40) for 6 out of the 8 epitopes tested. The antibody response against nucleocapsid (peptide 137) was significantly lower (p < 0.001), and the response to QP1 (peptide 157) significantly higher (p < 0.05) in HIV-infected adults compared to uninfected individuals. Among those with HIV infection, the level of response against p15 protein (peptide 85) was significantly lower in untreated individuals controlling HIV (“elite” controllers) compared to untreated non-controllers (p < 0.05) and uninfected donors (p < 0.05). In contrast, the response against the capsid protein (epitopes 81 and 117) was significantly higher in controllers compared to uninfected donors (p < 0.001 and <0.05 respectively) and non-controllers (p < 0.01 and <0.05). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from study participants were tested for responses against HERV-K (HML-2) capsid recombinant peptide in gamma interferon (IFN-γ) enzyme immunospot (Elispot) assays. We found that the HERV-K (HML-2) Gag antibody and T cell response by Elispot were significantly correlated. HIV elite controllers had a strong cellular and antibody response against HERV-K (HML-2) Gag directed mainly against the Capsid region. Collectively, these data suggest that anti-HERV-K (HML-2) antibodies targeting capsid could have an immunoprotective effect in HIV infection.
Risk Factors for Severe Hypoglycemia in Black and White Adults With Diabetes: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study

OBJECTIVE Severe hypoglycemia is a rare but important complication of type 2 diabetes. Few studies have examined the epidemiology of hypoglycemia in a community-based population. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We included 1,206 Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study participants with diagnosed diabetes (baseline, 1996–1998). Severe hypoglycemic events were identified through 2013 by ICD-9 codes from claims for hospitalizations, emergency department visits, and ambulance use. We used Cox regression to evaluate risk factors for severe hypoglycemia. RESULTS The mean age of participants was 64 years, 32% were black and 54% were female. During a median follow-up period of 15.2 years, there were 185 severe hypoglycemic events. Important risk factors after multivariable adjustment were as follows: age (per 5 years: hazard ratio [HR] 1.24; 95% CI 1.07–1.43), black race (HR 1.39; 95% CI 1.02–1.88), diabetes medications (any insulin use vs. no medications: HR 3.00; 95% CI 1.71–5.28; oral medications only vs. no medications: HR 2.20; 95% CI 1.28–3.76), glycemic control (moderate vs. good: HR 1.78; 95% CI 1.11–2.83; poor vs. good: HR 2.62; 95% CI 1.67–4.10), macroalbuminuria (HR 1.95; 95% CI 1.23–3.07), and poor cognitive function (Digit Symbol Substitution Test z score: HR 1.57; 95% CI 1.33–1.84). In an analysis of nontraditional risk factors, low 1,5-anhydroglucitol, difficulty with activities of daily living, Medicaid insurance, and antidepressant use were positively associated with severe hypoglycemia after multivariate adjustment. CONCLUSIONS Poor glycemic control, glycemic variability as captured by 1,5-anhydroglucitol, kidney damage, and measures of cognitive and functional impairments were strongly associated with increased risk of severe hypoglycemia. These factors should be considered in hypoglycemia risk assessments when individualizing diabetes care for older adults.
Biochemical Characterization of Naloxone-Resistant Receptors for B-Endorphin on a Human Mononuclear Cell Line (U937) and Murine Splenocytes

β -Endorphin and the opiate alkaloids affect a variety of leukocyte functions which are involved in host defense and immunity. These effects can be separated according to their sensitivity vs resistance to inhibition by naloxone. Modulation of monocyte (1) and stimulation of polymorphonuclear leukocyte superoxide generation (2,3), inhibition of lymphocyte gamma-interferon secretion in response to concana-valin A (4), enhancement of natural killer (NK) cell activity (5,6), and opioid-induced inhibition of the antibody response to sheep erythrocytes (7) are all reversed by the opiate receptor antagonist, naloxone. These responses may depend on the activation of opiate receptors such as the mu-like (8) and delta opiate receptors (9) which have been partially characterized on murine splenocytes and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The mu-like site was sensitive to displacement by naloxone or morphine and completely resistant to s-endorphin and leucine or methionine enkephalin. In contrast to these responses which are apparently mediated by opiate receptors, the effects of β-endorphin on mononuclear cell proliferative responses (10–12), interleukin-2 production (13), and calcium uptake (14) are resistant to inhibition by naloxone.
Data mining and web-based reporting software for power, IR drop and EM analysis in VLSI design

VLSI chip complexity keeps increasing due to Moore's law. Power, IR voltage drop and EM analysis become the essential tasks to a successful VLSI design. With so many devices, simulation corners and operation conditions, designers need to check carefully and fix every issue in Power, IR voltage drop and EM analysis report files. It is a timing consuming and error prone process if done by eyeball checks for thousands of lines and many report files. We developed the software to do the data mining on Power, IR voltage drop and EM analysis report files. The output formats are two-level web pages and concise forms for users to review tables of key statistics and graphical map files from analysis results. This paper presents the research work in the data mining or data warehousing applications that collect, sort and manage big data from multiple sources to a central form in order to make the wise decision for VLSI power distribution network designs.
Optical Methods in Studies of Olfactory System

The olfactory receptor (OR) comprises the largest multi-gene G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) family by playing a critical role in recognizing thousands of odorant molecules. Odorant-OR pairs have been characterized using various functional assays, and have provided an understanding of molecular basis in olfaction as well as characterizing specificity between agonist and antagonist. This chapter introduces the most commonly employed, labeled or label-free optical techniques employed to identify the odorant-OR pairs on a cellular and molecular level, and reviews recent developments in odorant binding assays to ORs with optical methods such as Ca2+ imaging, reporter-gene technology, surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and so on. For OR and GPCR study, a set of optical technologies including—but not limited to—Raman spectroscopy, photonic crystal, and total internal reflection (TIR) are also discussed in an analytical science point of view.
Ultrasound simulation utilization among point of care ultrasound users: Results of a survey

Purpose While ultrasound simulation devices have long been available as adjuncts to ultrasound education, it is unclear how they are used. We conducted a survey to determine the current utilization of emergency point-of-care ultrasound simulation and describe the current trends in the use of ultrasound simulation. Methods A survey was sent to 1270 members of the American College of Emergency Physicians Ultrasound Section via email. The survey listed 23 questions that queried how survey participants used ultrasound simulation devices. Results One hundred and fifty-one survey responses were collected. The majority of survey respondents (83%) indicated that ultrasound simulation devices are available at their institution, with nearly half (45%) survey participants reporting both high- and low-fidelity ultrasound simulators available, and fewer describing low-fidelity simulators only (33%) or high-fidelity simulators only (5%). Most respondents (84%) with ultrasound simulators use them for training residents, students, fellows, and faculty. Only 20% of survey participants use ultrasound simulators for credentialing purposes. Conclusions Ultrasound simulation devices are widespread amongst our survey respondents, who represent a small percentage of the ACEP ultrasound section. Ultrasound simulators are used to help ultrasound learners at various levels of training.
Poly-product drug use disparities in adolescents of lower socioeconomic status: Emerging trends in nicotine products, marijuana products, and prescription drugs.

Abstract Greater diversification of nicotine products, marijuana products, and prescription drugs have contributed to increasing trends in adolescent poly-product use—concurrent use of 2 or more drugs—within these drug classes (e.g., nicotine use via e-cigarettes, hookah, cigars). Extant work suggests that poly-product drug use disparities may be disproportionately heightened among youth from lower socioeconomic status (SES) backgrounds, however, it is unknown whether indicators of objective SES or subjective SES differentially increase risk of poly-product use including these newly emerging drugs. This study examined associations of parental education and subjective social status (SSS: perceptions of social standing compared to society [societal SSS] or school [school SSS]) with poly-product use of nicotine products, marijuana products, and prescription drugs among adolescents (N = 2218). Lower parental education and school SSS were associated with increased odds of past or current single, dual, or multiple product use of nicotine, marijuana, and prescription drugs. Findings suggest that risk for poly-product use of emerging drugs are higher for adolescents who endorse lower perceived social standing relative to peers at school and who were from a lower parental SES background.
Identifying Distinct Latent Classes of Adverse Childhood Experiences Among US Children and Their Relationship with Childhood Internalizing Disorders

This study aimed to determine the relationship between latent classes of adverse childhood experience (ACEs) and internalizing disorders (anxiety and depression) among US children. The 2016 National Survey of Children's Health data for children aged 6-17 was used. Latent class analysis was performed to identify distinct sub-types of ACE exposures and survey-weighted logistic regression models were employed to determine whether these classes were associated with any or comorbid childhood internalizing disorders, after controlling for meaningful covariates. Four latent classes were identified: income hardship, divorce, mental health or substance abuse exposure, and high ACEs overall. Children in three of the four classes were significantly more likely to have any childhood internalizing disorder when compared to children reporting no ACEs, while children in all classes were significantly more likely to have a comorbid history of anxiety and depression. Thus, children exposed to ACEs should receive necessary mental health screenings and treatments.
Cofactor selectivity in methylmalonyl-CoA mutase, a model cobamide-dependent enzyme

Abstract Cobamides, a uniquely diverse family of enzyme cofactors related to vitamin B12, are produced exclusively by bacteria and archaea but used in all domains of life. While it is widely accepted that cobamide-dependent organisms require specific cobamides for their metabolism, the biochemical mechanisms that make cobamides functionally distinct are largely unknown. Here, we examine the effects of cobamide structural variation on a model cobamide-dependent enzyme, methylmalonyl-CoA mutase (MCM). The in vitro binding affinity of MCM for cobamides can be dramatically influenced by small changes in the structure of the lower ligand of the cobamide, and binding selectivity differs between bacterial orthologs of MCM. In contrast, variations in the lower ligand have minor effects on MCM catalysis. Bacterial growth assays demonstrate that cobamide requirements of MCM in vitro largely correlate with in vivo cobamide dependence. This result underscores the importance of enzyme selectivity in the cobamide-dependent physiology of bacteria.
Depressive symptoms, psychological flexibility, and binge eating in individuals seeking behavioral weight loss treatment

Depressive symptoms and binge eating are both prevalent in weight management populations and may be associated with reduced benefit from behavioral weight loss, including higher attrition, more perceived barriers, lower weight loss, and increased weight regain. These two potential risk factors for poor behavioral weight loss outcomes may also be associated with each other as depressive symptoms may trigger binge eating, and binge eating-related distress could increase depressive symptoms. The depressive symptom-binge eating link has not been well studied in weight management samples, and psychological processes involved in this relationship have not yet been elucidated. Psychological flexibility, an individual's ability to be connected with and conscious of the present moment and to engage in values-consistent behavior even in the presence of difficult internal experiences, may be one psychological process that changes the depressive symptom-binge eating relationship. High psychological flexibility may be a protective factor in the association of depressive symptoms with binge eating. This study examined the relationship between depressive symptom and binge eating and a potential interactive role of psychological flexibility. Participants (N = 468, 76% female) completed self-report questionnaires of binge eating, depressive symptoms, and psychological flexibility at baseline prior to initiating behavioral weight loss. Depressive symptoms were positively associated with binge eating (B = 1.00, p < 0.001). Psychological flexibility had an interactive role (B = -0.03, p = 0.005). Among participants with minimal to mild depressive symptoms, those with higher psychological flexibility had less severe binge eating. Findings suggest that psychological flexibility may be a protective factor in the association between depressive symptoms and binge eating in the majority of individuals initiating behavioral weight loss. Psychological flexibility is a psychological process to consider targeting for enhancing efficacy of weight loss treatment, especially among individuals with minimal to mild depressive symptoms and binge eating behavior.
Reciprocal regulation of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma growth and molecular subtype by HNF4α and SIX1/4

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an aggressive malignancy with a five-year survival of less than 5%. Transcriptomic analysis has identified two clinically relevant molecular subtypes of PDAC: Classical and Basal-like. The Classical subtype is characterized by a more favorable prognosis and better response to chemotherapy than the Basal-like subtype. The Classical subtype also expresses higher levels of lineage specifiers that regulate endodermal differentiation, including the nuclear receptor HNF4α. Using in vitro and in vivo PDAC models, we show that HNF4α restrains tumor growth and drives tumor cells toward an epithelial identity. Gene expression analysis from murine models and human tumors shows that HNF4α activates expression of genes associated with the Classical subtype. Although HNF4α loss is not sufficient for complete conversion to the Basal-like subtype gene expression profile, HNF4α directly represses SIX4 and SIX1, mesodermal lineage specifiers expressed in the Basal-like subtype. Finally, HNF4α-negative PDAC cells rely on expression of SIX4 and SIX1 for proliferation in vitro and in vivo. Overall, our data show that HNF4α regulates the growth and molecular subtype of PDAC by multiple mechanisms, including activation of the Classical gene expression program and repression of SIX4 and SIX1, which may represent novel dependencies of the Basal-like subtype.