cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Inhibitory effects of arabitol on caries-associated microbiologic parameters of oral Streptococci and Lactobacilli

The aim of this study was to compare arabitol with its better studied isomer xylitol for their inhibitory effects on cell growth and acid production of oral bacteria. Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus salivarius and Streptococcus sobrinus were used as representatives of oral streptococci and Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus fermentum were used for oral lactobacilli. Growth was followed by measuring the absorbance at 660nm, acid production by pH change. Sensitivity of these oral bacteria to arabitol and xylitol was first compared at 1% (65mM) additive concentration with glucose as sugar substrate. For all bacteria tested, the inhibitory effects of the two polyols were comparable; both were significantly stronger on streptococci (with 20-60% inhibition) than on lactobacilli (with 5-10% inhibition). Effects of arabitol and xylitol were also compared for S. mutans and S. salivarius in media with 1% of different sugar substrates: glucose (55mM), fructose (55mM), galactose (55mM) and sucrose (30mM). Inhibition occurred for all sugars: stronger on glucose and galactose (60-65%) than on fructose and sucrose (40-45%). Inhibition dependency on the arabitol/xylitol concentration from 0.01% (0.65mM) to 2% (130mM) was further determined for S. mutans and S. salivarius. Regardless of the concentration, sugar substrate and bacterial species tested, arabitol showed very similar inhibition effects to its isomer xylitol.
A study of water sorption effects on the microwave dielectric properties of calcium chloride/silica gel composites

The water sorption behavior of a two-phase system of calcium chloride/silica gel composite based on mesoporous and microporous silica gels as host matrices and calcium chloride as a hygroscopic salt was studied. The dielectric properties at microwave frequencies of the composites with different adsorbed water contents were also tested. It is found that the composite exhibits excellent water sorption efficiency. Water sorption increases rapidly with decreasing temperature from 100 1 Ct o 401C. The dielectric constant at microwave frequencies can be predicted approximately by using the mixing model developed by Dobson. When the number of bound water molecules is less than 6, the measured data are in good agreement with the calculated results using the constant shape factor a¼ 0.5. However, when the number of bound water molecules is far more than 6, the measured data are close to the calculated results using a ¼0.65. & 2013 Published by Elsevier B.V.
Recruitment of PLANT U-BOX13 and the PI4Kβ1/β2 Phosphatidylinositol-4 Kinases by the Small GTPase RabA4B Plays Important Roles during Salicylic Acid-Mediated Plant Defense Signaling in Arabidopsis

Protection against microbial pathogens involves the activation of cellular immune responses in eukaryotes, and this cellular immunity likely involves changes in subcellular membrane trafficking. In eukaryotes, members of the Rab GTPase family of small monomeric regulatory GTPases play prominent roles in the regulation of membrane trafficking. We previously showed that RabA4B is recruited to vesicles that emerge from trans-Golgi network (TGN) compartments and regulates polarized membrane trafficking in plant cells. As part of this regulation, RabA4B recruits the closely related phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase (PI4K) PI4Kβ1 and PI4Kβ2 lipid kinases. Here, we identify a second Arabidopsis thaliana RabA4B-interacting protein, PLANT U-BOX13 (PUB13), which has recently been identified to play important roles in salicylic acid (SA)-mediated defense signaling. We show that PUB13 interacts with RabA4B through N-terminal domains and with phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate (PI-4P) through a C-terminal armadillo domain. Furthermore, we demonstrate that a functional fluorescent PUB13 fusion protein (YFP-PUB13) localizes to TGN and Golgi compartments and that PUB13, PI4Kβ1, and PI4Kβ2 are negative regulators of SA-mediated induction of pathogenesis-related gene expression. Taken together, these results highlight a role for RabA4B and PI-4P in SA-dependent defense responses.
Accounting for perception in possibility distributions: an algorithmic approach to solving the problem "How tall is Dan?"

The purpose of this work has been to provide a more realistic response to questions such as "How tall is Dan" based on known characteristics of an observer and the descriptors used for both the observer and the subject. Although this paper addresses only possibility distributions for height based on height-perception relations between a male observer and a male subject, it is readily apparent that other meaningful correlations may be possible in other areas of linguistic attributes such as age (old, young, etc.) and girth (fat, thin, etc.). >
Evaluation of Internal Standards for the Analysis of Amphetamine and Methamphetamine

Deuterium-labeled analogues are available for a variety of drugs, but the amphetamines (amphetamine and methamphetamine) have more options available than any other drug. The analytical method and circumstances of its use can have a significant impact on the decision of what is the best internal standard to use. More than one method can give acceptable results; however, some circumstances can make a given internal standard a poor choice for a particular analysis. Increased choices of available candidates make the evaluation of an internal standard even more difficult. Thorough evaluation of the available options is a major undertaking and is presented here to assist laboratories in selection of the most appropriate internal standard for their individual needs. All commercially available deuterated analogues to amphetamine and methamphetamine were evaluated as part of this study. in addition, nonisotopically labeled propylamphetamine was also evaluated for comparison purposes. The compounds were analyzed underivatized and derivatized with trifluoroacetic anhydride, pentafluoropropionic anhydride, heptafluorobutyric anhydride, and 4-carbethoxyhexafluorobutyryl chloride on HP-1, HP-5, and DB-I 7 capillary columns. Mass spectral analysis revealed that several of the internal standards were not viable for monitoring ions typically associated with selected ion monitoring analysis of amphetamine and methamphetamine. These included amphetamine-d3 (1-phenyl-2-aminopropane-3,3,3-d3) and amphetamine-d5 (phenyl-d5), neither of which exhibits three unique ions. The d3 standard shares the common ion at m/z 91, acid d5 (phenyl) shares the base peak ion with derivatized amphetamine. Although methamphetamine-d6 and methamphetamine-d10 show three unique ions, they do not allow monitoring of the ion fragments typically used for methamphetamine. Evaluation of the limit of detection, linear range, and within-run and between-run variability was accomplished for each viable internal standard.
The Jury Wants to Take the Podium -- But Even with the Authority to Do So, Can It? An Interdisciplinary Examination of Jurors' Questioning of Witnesses at Trial

This article analyzes the current state of jury questioning, including the extent to which it is required or discretionary; how it has -- or has not -- been used, and of significant importance, why or why not; the degree of correlation between concerns, advantages and disadvantages as predicted on the one hand, and as actually found in statistical research on the other; the body of appellate case law relevant to the particulars of jury questioning and the issues they have raised; and, a new survey on how it is both used and working in criminal and civil cases. Following this introduction, Part I discusses the extent to which jury questioning is now authorized. Part II focuses on major surveys and pilot projects which evidence jury questioning's benefits and problems. Part III presents a 2013 survey, performed by the author, of judges, prosecutors and public defenders of the Ninth Judicial Circuit in Florida with the goal of discovering how those with the best vantage point believe jury questioning is (or is not) working, and why. Part IV discusses the case law of jury questioning, focusing on problems stemming from its use at trial in varying jurisdictions. After the article’s conclusion, Appendix I provides a compendium of how the separate states, as well as the United States Supreme Court and the Circuit Courts, treat jury questioning. Appendices II, III, and IV detail the results of the Ninth Judicial Circuit survey.
Predictability of Quasi-geostrophic Ocean Flow: Sensitivity to Varying Model Vertical Resolution

Abstract Results from a set of 2- and 3-mode quasi-geostrophic simulations are used to estimate the predictability time scale of a Gulf Stream-like flow and investigate the sensitivity of the predictability time scale to changes in model vertical resolution. For this study, two simulations, which differ initially by a specified “small” amount diverge from each other with a doubling time of approximately 16 days for simulations that are resolved by 2 modes and 13 days for simulations that are resolved by 3 modes. On average, higher vertical modes have longer predictability time scales. A spectral analysis of the differences in streamfunctions between a control simulation and a simulation with perturbed initial conditions shows that higher modes have shorter horizontal scales of maximum growth, and the horizontal scale of maximum growth expands at later times for the baroclinic flow. An error energetics budget is calculated to show that transports of error kinetic and error potential energies are initially ...
LPI waveform design using chirplet graphs

The Low Probability of Intercept (LPI) signals are of great interest in underwater acoustics. LPI signals are designed such that their presence is difficult to detect, hence taking countermeasures against them are less likely. The traditional method of LPI waveform design is to spread the signal energy in time and/or frequency thus making it indistinguishable from ambient noise. In this paper, we propose a method of energy dispersal that is based on the formalism of chirplet graphs. The parameters of the chirplet graph constitute the “secret key” for the detection of the signal. Detection is accomplished by accumulating the outputs of a filter bank along the same path used by the source. The idea is that although the signal to noise ratio for any one chirplet may not be enough for reliable detection, their sum along the path used by the source will reach the threshold of detectability based on a required false alarm rate. This accumulated local correlations is then tested in a likelihood ratio test. Unauthorized detectors will most likely follow a wrong path and their accumulated energy will fail detection. We show the strength and limitations of the proposed LPI waveform at various ranges using a simulated underwater acoustic channel.
On the use of Isotropic Parameters λ, E, v, K to Understand Anisotropic Shale Behavior

Summary Most modern seismic imaging of shale resource prospects is done using anisotropic methods, but much of the subsequent subsurface characterization is done using isotropic concepts, for example using the isotropic elastic parameters λ, E,ν , and K. This inconsistency introduces errors because of the neglected anisotropy of the shale. This work gives explicit expressions for these errors, in terms of the anisotropy parameters δ, e, and γ , which are familiar from seismic analysis
Parental Investments and Educational Outcomes: Trivers–Willard in the U.S.

In the U.S. there is evidence of a Trivers-Willard (T-W) effect in educational attainment, such that the sons of high status fathers attain more education than the daughters, and the daughters of low status fathers attain more education than the sons. This paper seeks to uncover the mechanisms by which this T-W effect occurs. Data are from the High School and Beyond Study by the U.S. National Center for Education Statistics. Results show that the T-W effect is not a result of the fact that fathers are less likely to be present in the homes of children of low status fathers. Other results show that the sons of high status fathers are more likely than daughters to be sent to private high school, while the daughters of low status fathers are more likely than sons to be sent to private high school. These parental investments pay off, as the sex gap in academic GPAS (favoring women) is narrower for the children of high status fathers than the children of low status fathers. In turn, academic GPA in high school helps explain the T-W effect in educational attainment. Parental non-financial investment as measured by student academic expectations as sophomores in high school also helps explain why the sons of high status fathers obtain higher degrees than the daughters. Together, these two factors: student’s academic GPA in high school and his /her expectations of educational attainment, fully explain the T-W effect in educational attainment in the U.S.
A Survey: Non-Cooperative Games and a Model of the Business Cycle

Evidently, our standard of living has declined even with bigger paychecks. Of course this is not too surprising given the continuing high rates of unemployment and inflation that the U. S. has been experiencing for the past 3 to 5 years. We wish to address ourselves to the question: How can the general economic well-being of all participants in an economy (developed) be raised? This broad query is one of the most central which the economist can address.
Advances in Burn Care

While management of burns has been taking place for thousands of years, it has been the last half-century that significant strides have changed the outcome of patients suffering from this devastating injury. The important technological changes that have played an integral part in these advances are many, and include codification of burn center transfer criteria and development of safe systems for transfer through transportation advances. Telemedicine has led to improved ongoing assessment of patients from distances from the burn center. Burn providers have also been leading the vanguard for the increasing use of decision support technologies in resuscitation, provision of nutrition, and detection and treatment of infection. Other recent technologic advances in burns include bioengineering approaches to determination of burn severity through wound depth determination and mapping, novel wound coverage techniques, and new grafting techniques to minimize morbidity in the severely ill. The clinical condition of burns lends itself easily to the development and utilization of new technologies because the clinical event is relatively homogenous and common, which we believe will continue well into the future. This work reviews recent advances and reports on new vistas which should be addressed in the future.
Separation of Americium in High Oxidation States from Curium Utilizing Sodium Bismuthate

A simple separation of americium from curium would support closure of the nuclear fuel cycle, assist in nuclear forensic analysis, and allow for more accurate measurement of neutron capture properties of 241Am. Methods for the separation of americium from curium are however complicated and time-consuming due to the similar chemical properties of these elements. In this work a novel method for the separation of americium from curium in nitric acid media was developed using sodium bismuthate to perform both the oxidation and separation. Sodium bismuthate is shown to be a promising material for performing a simple and rapid separation. Curium is more strongly retained than americium on the undissolved sodium bismuthate at nitric acid concentrations below 1.0 M. A separation factor of ∼90 was obtained in 0.1 M nitric acid. This separation factor is achieved within the first minute of contact and is maintained for at least 2 h of contact. Separations using sodium bismuthate were performed using solid–liquid ex...
Clinical study on neuroendoscope-assisted surgery for clipping the intracranial aneurysms

Objective To evaluate the effect of treatment of intracranial aneurysms with the help of neuro endoscope. Methods 79 intracranial aneurysms of 78 cases were clipped with the help of neuroendoscope, including 73 anterior circulatory aneurysms (in 72 cases) and 6 posterior circulatory aneurysms, from February. 2000 to December. 2002. The diameters of the aneurysms were between 5～40 mm with mean value of 12.5 mm. In Hunt Hess preoperative classification, 32 cases were grade I, 33 cases were grade II and 5 cases were grade III. Results Postoperative complications were observed in 6 cases (7.7%), including hemiplegia in 4 cases (1 case with combination of aphasia), pseudomembranous enteritis in 1 case and hypopsia in 1 case. No neuro endoscope related complications had been observed and no postoperative death in our group. Conclusion The operative effect in aneurysm neurosurgery was obviously improved by the use of neuroendoscope. The more powerful neuro endoscopic equipments are expected in the future.
Hemodialysis and homelessness: a literature review and a call for research.

As the U.S. population ages, the number of persons with chronic conditions increases. Social isolation, declining health status, unemployment, and/or decreased income levels can all contribute to a forced change in residence. People on hemodialysis who are living in precarious housing situations are an under-recognized and silent population. Anecdotal evidence suggests that there is a larger population of hemodialysis patients living in various nontraditional situations than the literature reveals. This article describes both the homeless and chronic renal disease populations and demographic overlay, and issues a call for research.
Cardiovascular CT: Interventional Cardiology Applications

Interventional cardiologists should embrace cardiac CT as a helpful additional to their armamentarium in the treatment of cardiovascular disease. CCTA can improve the discrimination of patients for whom invasive evaluation and treatment will be most helpful. It can be used in lieu of invasive evaluation after coronary and cardiac intervention, and is now mandatory in the evaluation of the structural heart disease patient.
An Energy Harvesting Underwater Acoustic Transmitter for Aquatic Animals

Acoustic telemetry is the primary method to actively track aquatic animals for behavioral studies. However, the small storage capacities of the batteries used in the transmitters limit the time that the implanted animals can be studied. In this research, we developed and implemented a battery-free acoustic transmitter that uses a flexible piezoelectric beam to harvest energy from fish swimming as the power source. The transmitter sends out a unique identification code with a sufficiently strong signal (150 dB, ref: 1 μPa at 1 meter) that has a detection range of up to 100 meters. Two prototypes, 100 mm and 77 mm long, respectively, weighing only about 1 gram or less in air, were sub-dermally implanted in two species of live fish. Transmissions were successfully detected as the fish swam in a natural manner. This represents the first known implanted energy-harvesting transmitter demonstrated in vivo. Successful development of this transmitter greatly expands the potential for long-term studies of the behaviors of aquatic animals and for subsequently developing strategies to mitigate the environmental impacts of renewable energy systems.
A Phase I Study of Arsenic Trioxide (Trisenox), Ascorbic Acid, and Bortezomib (Velcade) Combination Therapy in Patients with Relapsed/Refractory Mulitple Myeloma

Abstract Abstract 5129 Purpose: Bortezomib is a well recognized standard therapy, however it is not curative for multiple myeloma. New agents and approaches are needed to overcome resistance in multiple myeloma. Arsenic trioxde (ATO) induces apoptosis of plasma cells through a number of mechanisms, including down regulation of gene overexpression, activating cell cycle arrest by inducing p21 cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor protein, and by triggering apoptosis through caspase-3 in a dose dependent manner. This phase I study assessed the feasibility and tolerability of concomitant administration of arsenic trioxide (ATO), ascorbic acid (AA), and bortezomib (VelcadeO) (AAV) in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. Experimental Design: A standard dose of ATO (0.25 mg/kg IV infused over 1–2 hours) and AA (1g IV infused over 15 minutes after infusion of ATO) were given once weekly × 2 with an escalating dose of bortezomib (cohort 1: 1 mg/m2 or cohort 2: 1.3 mg/m2 IV bolus on days 1, 8) of a 21 day cycle). ATO was given at least 1 hour prior to bortezomib and patients were allowed up to a maximum of 6–8 cycles. Results: A total of ten patients (median age, 62 years old) were enrolled with a median follow up of survivors of 25 months. Patients had an average of 4 prior failed therapies. Seven (70%) patients were refractory to bortezomib when previously administered. Despite our patient population being heavily pre-treated, objective responses were observed, with one partial response (Cohort 2), two minimal response (Cohort 1 and 2), and one stable disease (Cohort 2). To date, three of the 10 patients are continuing maintenance therapy 13–43 months from initiating this study. Conclusion: Of the patients that completed the treatment, objective responses were observed despite suboptimal dosing and previous bortezomib treatment failure. Tolerability was observed in most patients as discontinuation was not due to treatment toxicities, but due to aggressiveness of disease. Further studies are warranted with a larger patient population to effectively determine the effectiveness of AAV in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. Disclosures: Rizzieri: Cephalon: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau. Long: Millennium: Speakers Bureau. Gasparetto: Millennium: Speakers Bureau.
Rings and Polynomials

A ring R is a generalization of a field. It has operations of addition and multiplication, and R must be an abelian group under addition (just as for a field). However, the only requirement for multiplication is that it distribute over addition: $$ a(b + c) = ab + ac, and (a + b)c = ac + bc. $$ (1)
Urinary Tract Infection Rates and Mechanisms After OnabotulinumtoxinA Bladder Injection: a Review

Purpose of Review Intradetrusor onabotulinumtoxinA therapy has proven effective in decreasing episodes of urgency urinary incontinence and improving quality of life in patients with refractory idiopathic and neurogenic detrusor overactivity. While the definition and reporting of urinary tract infections as well as dosing of onabotulinumtoxin varied across trials, there was a demonstrated increased risk of developing a urinary tract infection with onabotulinumtoxinA injections when compared to placebo injection.
Selective Modulation of the Cardiac Autonomic Nervous System: A New Strategy for Treatment of Cardioinhibitory Syncope.

> The enlightened ruler is heedful and the good general full of caution . > > —Sun Tzu Neurally mediated syncope (NMS) encompassing a reflex mechanism resulting in bradycardia or vasodilation, is the most common cause of syncope in the general population. Recurrent NMS has an adverse impact on quality of life1 and is associated with increasing healthcare costs. See Article by Rivarola et al Pharmacological or invasive therapies for NMS are only marginally effective as the conditions ripe for the reflex response are only transient and often have unintended side effects or consequences when the reflex response is inactive. Among older patients (age >40 years) with marked cardioinhibitory response, pacing seems to be helpful in reducing recurrent syncope.2 The lack of evidence for pacing in young patients, magnitude of the problem and the impact of NMS on quality of life in a young population, as well as risks associated with initial and subsequent pacemaker surgeries makes this arena a fertile ground for investigation. Several investigators have proposed autonomic modulation to blunt the vasodepressor3 or cardioinhibitory responses4,5 as an alternative solution to management of NMS. Rivarola et al6 present the findings of their single-center study of patients with recurrent syncope and predominantly a cardioinhibitory response on tilt table study or transient sinus arrest or AV block on a Holter recording. The patient population was heterogenous as 4 patients had a positive tilt test, 1 had sinus …
Lincoln and the Democrats: The Politics of Opposition in the Civil War

Lincoln and the Democrats describes the vexatious behavior of a two-party system in war and points to the sound parts of the American system which proved to be the country's salvation: local civic pride, and quiet nonpartisanship in mobilization and funding for the war, for example. While revealing that the role of a noxious 'white supremacy' in American politics of the period has been exaggerated - as has the power of the Copperheads - Neely revives the claim that the Civil War put the country on the road to 'human rights', and also uncovers a previously unnoticed tendency toward deceptive and impractical grandstanding on the Constitution during war in the United States.
Chronic exposure to low doses of estradiol-17ß increases blood pressure in young female rats: A possible role for central Endothelin-1

Previously, we demonstrated that chronic exposure to low levels of estradiol-17β (E2) increases mean arterial pressure (MAP) in young female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats, however, the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Since endothelin-1 (ET-1) is implicated in blood pressure (BP) regulation, we hypothesized that E2's effects on MAP are mediated through central ET-1. To test this, young female SD rats were either sham implanted or implanted s.c. with slow-release E2 pellets (20 ng/day for 90 days). BP was monitored by telemetry. After 75 days of E2 exposure, ETA antagonist or vehicle was administered i.c.v. After 90 days of E2 exposure, rats were sacrificed, and the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) were microdissected for gene expression and protein analysis of ET-1 and its receptors. E2 exposure increased MAP after pellet implantation. Gene expression of ET-1 and ETA but not ETB receptors were upregulated in the PVN and RVLM of E2 treated animals. Further, the protein levels of ETA receptor were also increased in the PVN of E2 treated animals. However, i.c.v. infusion of the ETA antagonist did not completely block the increase in blood pressure. Our results suggest that increases in central ET-1 activity could possibly play a role in chronic E2-induced increase in BP but further studies are needed to completely understand the contribution of ET-1 in this phenomenon.
Does Social Work Need a Good Spanking? The Refusal to Embrace BDSM Scholarship and Implications for Sexually Diverse Clients

One of my favorite things about the field of social work has been its strong interconnections with other fields of study, including a full range of social and behavioral sciences. Social work formally utilizes a generalist approach, thus workers are trained to be able to respond effectively to a variety of client needs and potential problems. In doing so, ethical practice is emphasized, and social workers are admonished to challenge injustice, promote client self-determination, embrace human diversity, and practice with cultural competence (National Association of Social Workers, 2008). Since 2008, the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), which accredits all social work education programs in the United States, has required that social work students demonstrate mastery of specific competencies, referred to as Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS). These competencies include a focus on ethical behavior (competency 1), embracing diversity and difference (competency 2), social injustice and human rights (competency 3), and the interconnectedness of research and practice (competency 4) (CSWE, 2015). EPAS competencies are designed to apply across social work education and practice. In this paper, I will summarize scholarship on consensual bondage and discipline – dominance and submission – sadomasochism (BDSM) and briefly explain why this topic is relevant to social work practice. I will then discuss my frustrations in attempting to publish work on this topic within the field of social work. Apart from a notable exception in the journal Canadian Social Work (Williams, 2013), the topic of BDSM is absent from the social work literature. However, what is particularly surprising and disturbing to me, based on personal experience, has been the refusal of journal editors and reviewers to accept an accumulating empirical research literature on BDSM, which then results in manuscript rejection. I will discuss my experiences of manuscript rejection and editor/reviewer biases concerning BDSM shortly. Contemporary social work, after all, is predicated on EPAS core competencies, including those mentioned above, and also emphasizes evidence-based practice (CSWE, 2008, 2015; Rubin & Babbie, 2014). While I have occasionally encountered difficulty in getting specific manuscripts published, including on the topic of BDSM, it is only in the field of social work that I have faced consistent rejection.
Slow antegrade excitation and delayed retrograde activation through an "inexcitable zone": A basis for arrhythmia formation in infarcted myocardium ex vivo.

Introduction : The electrophysiologic mechanism for rate-dependent premature ventricular beats associated with double potentials (DPs) was investigated in infarcted canine hearts using bipolar and intracellular microelectrode recordings. Methods and results : Dogs exhibiting rate-related ventricular ectopic beats (coupling interval, 390 ± 54 msec) during sinus rhythm or atrial pacing were studied 4–5 days (N = 63) or 25 days (N = 16) following anterior descending coronary artery ligation. Sites of DP and rate-dependent arrhythmia formation were identified in vivo using bipolar recordings for subsequent ex vivo studies. Rate-dependent conduction delays with increasing duration isoelectric intervals representing very slow conduction were observed at sites of DP formation, frequently provoking both manifest and concealed reentry (non-stimulated beats) over a narrow range of paced cycle lengths. Both slow antegrade and retrograde activation across an inexcitable gap (reflection) were integral components of extrasystole formation. Retrograde reflection to a region of very slow conduction (mid-potential) during antegrade activation was routinely observed at 4–5 days (42 of 63 preparations, 67%) and 25 days (22 of 26 preparations, 85%) post coronary artery ligation. Reflection and premature re-activation of the proximal site was then observed in 6 of 63, (9%), and 3 of 26 preparations, (12%). Conclusion : The present experiments demonstrate DP formation and rate-dependent constant-coupled late epicardial premature beats in infarcted dog hearts. Microelectrode recordings at DP sites demonstrating prolonged isoelectric intervals display very slow conduction preceding distal activation and “reentrant” re-activation of more proximal sites, representing reflection as an arrhythmia mechanism in ischemically-injured epicardium during subacute myocardial infarction. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved
Taiwan and China: A geostrategic reassessment of U.S. policy

Located offshore of Asia and Mainland China, Taiwan possesses strategic significance because of its location between Japan and The Philippines. Current U.S. policy dates from conditions existent du...
Integration of pro- and anti-angiogenic signals by endothelial cells

Angiogenesis or neovascularization is a complex multi-step physiological process that occurs throughout life both in normal tissues and in disease. It is tightly regulated by the balance between pro-angiogenic and anti-angiogenic factors. The angiogenic switch has been identified as the key step during tumor progression in which the balance between pro-angiogenic and anti-angiogenic factors leans toward pro-angiogenic stimuli promoting the progression of tumors from dormancy to dysplasia and ultimately malignancy. This event can be described as either the outcome of a genetic event occurring in cancer cells themselves, or the positive and negative cross-talk between tumor-associated endothelial cells and other cellular components of the tumor microenvironment. In recent years, the mechanisms underlying the angiogenic switch have been extensively investigated in particular to identify therapeutic targets that can lead to development of effective therapies. In this review, we will discuss the current findings on the regulatory pathways in endothelial cells that are involved in the angiogenic switch with an emphasis on the role of anti-angiogenic protein, thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) and pro-angiogenic factor, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).
Kinetic insights into the reduction of ceria facilitated via the partial oxidation of methane

Abstract A kinetic relaxation study of the partial oxidation of methane over ceria in the absence of gas-phase oxygen, a promising pathway for syngas production, was performed under atmospheric pressure between 750 °C and 1100 °C. Using a thermogravimetric analyzer, the effect of cyclability, gas/solid diffusion, reactant/product composition, and surface contaminants on the measured rate of ceria reduction was addressed. Reaction kinetics were described by an apparent activation energy that was extracted from Arrhenius-type plots as a function of composition. Determined via two isoconversional methods, apparent activation energy was shown to vary with reaction extent between 20 kJ mol −1 and 80 kJ mol−1, increasing mostly for large reduction extents (δ > 0.15). Interestingly, this range is lower than the discrete values presented in literature and supports the idea that reaction rates are not limited by bulk diffusion. Further, although deposited carbon was not experimentally detected, evidence of surface adsorbates , such as carbonates and hydroxyls, was observed, as the reaction rate was impacted by the length of subsequent oxidation in O 2. The reaction rate was also proportional to the methane partial pressure and weakly inhibited by additional hydrogen (only at large nonstoichiometries), in agreement with equilibrium thermodynamic predictions. Experimental repeatability upon isothermal cycling increased with increasing operating temperature, contrary to higher-temperature, ceria-based thermochemical cycles. Overall, this work provides new experimental insights that affect the partial oxidation of methane over ceria and help guide the immediate development of larger scale systems.
Resonance Ionization Spectroscopy and a New Venture in Analysis

Resonance ionization spectroscopy is a newly developed technology enabling the counting of single atoms of materials. It is uniquely suited for use as an analytical tool for ultrasensitive elementa...
New approaches to influenza chemotherapy. Neuraminidase inhibitors.

Epidemic influenza continues to be associated with significant morbidity in the general population, and mortality in the elderly and other high risk patients. Although the case fatality rate averages less than 0.01%, tens of thousands of deaths occur each year. Control through immunisation programmes has not been possible due to incomplete protective efficacy and antigenic variations that occur frequently.
Erectile dysfunction in renal failure and transplant patients

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a prevalent and pertinent condition in the chronic kidney disease (CKD) population. It has a multifactorial etiology, including disruptions of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, the endothelial paracrine signaling system, calcium and vitamin D homeostasis, along with several other factors. Efficacy of treatment of ED in the CKD population is comparable to non-CKD patients across multiple modalities, including PDE5 inhibitors, vacuum erectile devices, intracavernosal injections and penile prostheses. Renal transplant improves the contributing comorbid conditions that lead to ED in CKD patients; thus rates of ED are improved post-transplant. It is important to note that there is a small percentage of patients with persistent ED after renal transplantation.
Fluorination‐Induced Evolution of Columnar Packing in Fluorous Triphenylenes and Benzotriphenylenes

Use of D3h -symmetrical triphenylene (TRPH) as a substrate for high-temperature radical reactions with C4 F8 I2 under varying conditions resulted in the introduction of four types of fluorinated substituents: ω-C4 F8 H, c-C4 F8 , c-C4 F4 , and c-C4 HF3 . In contrast to the previous work on direct (poly)substitutions with RF groups in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), in this work regiospecificity, selectivity, and high yield were achieved for TRPH(C4 F8 ) and TRPH(C4 F8 )3 . New single-crystal structural data for seven compounds combined with literature crystallographic data allowed for the first detailed and precise analysis of the effects of fluorous substituent types, their number, and their position(s) on the TRPH core on the solid-state packing, and more specifically, the degree of π-π overlap between neighboring molecules, which is linked to charge transport properties. Comparison of isostructural partially fluorinated benzotriphenylenes, 2,3-TRPH(C4 F4 ) and 2,3-TRPH(C4 HF3 ), revealed an unexpectedly large (30 %) drop of π-π overlap, when only one fluorine atom was replaced with the hydrogen atom in a C4 F4 moiety. Theoretical and potentially practical implications of this work may include further testing and elaboration of computational methods describing solid-state interactions and predictions of transport properties of organic semiconductors, and further advances in the molecular design of high-performing TRPH-based organic materials and supramolecular architectures for organic optoelectronics.
The Impacts of Integrating Introductory Composition, Communication, and Design Thinking Courses.

Much recent STEM research indicates that course integration improves the student learning experience and fosters stronger connections among concepts and skills; this study attempts to evaluate whether or not students learn the design process more fully in the integrated version of a required first-year course, Design Thinking in Technology. Drawing from an ongoing assessment of an Integrated First-Year Experience at Purdue University, this article reports on the challenges of teaching design thinking and analyzes whether students in an interdisciplinary course integration can demonstrate the work of their design processes more completely and effectively compared to students in a non-integrated version of the course. We employ a modified version of the Engineering Design Process Portfolio Scoring Rubric (EDPPSR) as a method of evaluating students’ design portfolios. Our initial and follow-up analyses show that students in both versions of the course struggle to complete design journal assignments satisfactorily. We assess and analyze the impact of STEM-humanities integration on students’ abilities to document and contextualize the design process using journals, and also offer discussion and suggestions about our findings.
A Longitudinal Evaluation of the Listerine Corrective Advertising Campaign

Four waves of telephone interviews with adult mouthwash users were conducted to examine the impact of a corrective advertising campaign on levels of deception. A small, significant relationship was...
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Trial Fails to Confirm Earlier Observations of Rituximab's Effectiveness.

Fluge and colleagues' randomized double-blind trial evaluated the efficacy of rituximab as treatment for myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome. The editorialist discusses why the trial...
Concordances from the standard surface in S2 × S2

In this paper, we combine the recent four-dimensional light bulb theorem of David Gabai and a construction of concordances for knots in S2 × S1 due to Eylem Zeliha Yildiz to construct an explicit c...
Phenylpropanoid Glycerol Glucosides Attenuate Glucose Production in Hepatocytes.

Open in a separate window An activity-guided fractionation approach revealed several phenylpropanoid glycerol glucosides isolated from the bulbs of Lilium longiflorum Thunb. (Easter lily) with gluconeogenesis inhibitory activities. The strongest activity was observed for (2S)-1-O-p-coumaroyl-2-O-β-d-glucopyranosylglycerol (3), (2S)-1-O-caffeoyl-2-O-β-d-glucopyranosylglycerol (1), and (2R)-1-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-2-O-p-coumaroylglycerol (2) with inhibitions of 51.2, 39.2, and 36.8%, respectively. The p-coumaroyl-based (3) and its acetylated derivative (5) exhibited differential inhibition activity (51.2% as compared to 3.6%), suggesting that natural acetylation decreases the hypoglycemic activity of these compounds. Direct structure–activity analysis of phenylpropanoid glycerol glucosides indicated that the hydroxylation pattern of the hydroxy cinnamic acid moiety and acetylation were responsible for the differences in activity. This is the first report of phenylpropanoid glycerol glucosides as a phytochemical class of hepatic glucose production inhibitors.
Structural degradation of layered cathode materials in lithium-ion batteries induced by ball milling

Author(s): Pan, T; Alvarado, J; Zhu, J; Yue, Y; Xin, HL; Nordlund, D; Lin, F; Doeff, MM | Abstract: Layered LiNi0.4Mn0.4Co0.18Ti0.02O2 cathode powders were ball-milled for various lengths of time. The structural properties of the pristine and milled powders, which have different particle sizes were examined with X-ray diffraction, soft X-ray absorption spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy to determine the effect of milling on structure. Electrochemical testing in halfcells was also carried out and shows that milling plays an important role in the performance of these cathode materials; as milling time increases, there is a decrease in initial discharge capacity. The first cycle irreversible capacity also increases for milled samples, as does capacity loss upon cycling under some regimes.The electrochemical degradation is strongly correlated with damage to the lamellar structure of cathode particles induced by milling, and lithium carbonate formation.
Why Terrorists Quit: The Disengagement of Indonesian Jihadists

The rise and decline of ISIS have brought a renewed focus on the study of terrorism within academia and the policy community. Although the majority of studies have previously focused on why individ...
C-MYC and NF-E2 Genes Regulate Proplatelet Formation in Cultured Megakaryocytes with Different Levels of Polyploidization.

Abstract Abstract 2289 Introduction: One of the goals of stem cell medicine is the production of platelets from stem cells for transfusion therapy. The process of platelet production from megakaryocytes is complex and depends on a wide spectrum of internal and external stimuli. The degree of cell polyploidization, amount of demarcation membrane system (DMS), and the cells capacity to form proplatelets are major determines of the quantity of platelets released by each megakaryocyte. Both polyploidization and proplatelet formation depend on the synchronous function of microtubules and actin/myosin. This complex machinery is regulated in part by the actions of the C-Myc and NF-E2 promoters. These promoters play a crucial role during polyploidization and proplatelet formation. We have examined the potential role of these promoters in the efficacy of various chemical and cell culture-based methods of driving hematopoietic stem cells to megakaryocyte differentiation and platelet production. Methods: Human cord blood derived CD34+ cells were isolated and 5×104cells were cultured with thrombopoietin (TPO) and stem cells factor (SCF) for 12 days. Megakaryocytes were cultured along with reagents that inhibit distinct mechanisms of the cytokinesis process: Rho-Rock inhibitor, Y27632 (RRI); Src-inhibitor, SU6656 (SI); Nicotinamide (NIC); Aurora-B inhibitor, ZM447439 (ABI); and Myosin Light Chain Kinase Inhibitor (MLCKI). Combinations of reagents were used in order to determine their interactions and to maximize megakaryocyte ploidy. The DMS was analyzed and quantified with Di-8 ANEPPS in flow cytometry and morphology was studied with Electron Microscopy (EM). On day 12 proplatelets were analyzed with an inverted microscope and platelets were counted with an Advia 120 cell counter. Total RNA was extracted and analyzed for C-Myc and NF-E2 mRNA by QRT-PCR. Results: All treatments increased megakaryocyte ploidy, except MLCKI. RRI reached the highest ploidy (p=0.0007), followed by NIC (p=0.003), SI (p=0.026) and ABI (p=0.018). Combinations all significantly increased polyploidization; however the only combination that equaled RRI alone was the combination of all of the other inhibitors (p Conclusion: RRI proved to be the most effective agent in driving megakaryocyte polyploidization. The summation of effects of all of the other cytokinesis inhibitors increased polyploidization only to the same extent as RRI. Light and EM imaging showed that the cultured megakaryocytes were morphologically normal. Higher ploidy megakaryocytes with an extended DMS were able to extend more proplatelets and release more platelets in culture, especially after treatment with RRI-NIC. Gene expression analysis showed that down-regulation of C-Myc in late stages of development was correlated with increased proplatelet formation and platelet release. NF-E2 up-regulation on day 12 was associated with ABI treatment and decreased proplatelet formation in cultured megakaryocytes. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
ASD symptoms in toddlers and preschoolers: An examination of sex differences

Although considerable work has documented higher prevalence rates of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in boys, fewer studies have focused on sex differences within samples of young children at-risk for ASD. This study examined sex differences in ASD symptom domains and ASD screening outcomes among toddlers (18-35 months) and preschoolers (36-72 months) with ASD-related concerns. Participants included 480 children between 18 and 72 months evaluated by university-based ASD specialty clinics. Results revealed significant sex differences in severity of social communication (SC) deficits across age groups. Within the toddler group, girls diagnosed with ASD displayed greater SC deficits according to standardized observation and clinician severity ratings. Within the preschool group, girls diagnosed with ASD were rated by parents as having more severe SC deficits, but these differences were not corroborated by standardized observations or clinician ratings. No sex differences emerged for severity of restricted repetitive behaviors (RRBs) for either age group. Across the entire referred sample, boys and girls did not differ in terms of scores on commonly used screening instruments. Importantly, results suggest that two of the most commonly used ASD screeners (i.e., Modified-Checklist for Autism in Toddlers-Revised with Follow-up and Social Communication Questionnaire ) may underidentify RRBs in toddler and preschool-aged girls as screening scores were only influenced by severity of SC deficits. Greater SC deficits in young girls with ASD along with its impact on screening status suggests greater attention be placed on the under-identification of ASD in girls as well as current screening measures' ability to tap into the topography of ASD symptoms across genders. Autism Res 2020, 13: 157-166. © 2019 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc. LAY SUMMARY: In this study, we found that young girls diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder tend to have greater social communication deficits than young boys and that these differences vary by age. Specifically, toddler-aged girls receive higher clinician ratings of social communication deficits when compared to boys, while preschool-aged girls receive higher parent ratings of social communication deficits. For girls, current screening tools seem to be more highly influenced by severity of social communication deficits than by restricted repetitive behaviors.