cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Neural Computing with Small Weights

An important issue in neural computation is the dynamic range of weights in the neural networks. Many experimental results on learning indicate that the weights in the networks can grow prohibitively large with the size of the inputs. Here we address this issue by studying the tradeoffs between the depth and the size of weights in polynomial-size networks of linear threshold elements (LTEs). We show that there is an efficient way of simulating a network of LTEs with large weights by a network of LTEs with small weights. In particular, we prove that every depth-d, polynomial-size network of LTEs with exponentially large integer weights can be simulated by a depth-(2d + 1), polynomial-size network of LTEs with polynomially bounded integer weights. To prove these results, we use tools from harmonic analysis of Boolean functions. Our technique is quite general, it provides insights to some other problems. For example, we are able to improve the best known results on the depth of a network of linear threshold elements that computes the COMPARISON, SUM and PRODUCT of two n-bits numbers, and the MAXIMUM and the SORTING of n n-bit numbers.
Comparison of PhoP binding to the tuaA promoter with PhoP binding to other Pho-regulon promoters establishes a Bacillus subtilis Pho core binding site

The phosphate-deficiency response in Bacillus subtilis is regulated by PhoP PhoR, a pair of two-component regulatory proteins. PhoR is a histidine kina and PhoP is a response regulator. Genetic evidence indicates that the Pho-regulon genes, which are induced or repressed under phosphate starvation conditions, are regulated by PhoP and PhoR at the transcriptional level. It has previously been shown that PhoP binds to four Pho-regulon promoters in both unphosphorylated and phosphorylated forms. This study demonstrates that another Pho-regulon gene promoter, the tuaA promoter preceding the operon which is responsible for cell wall teichuronic acid synthesis, is also transcriptionally regulated and is bound by PhoP. The binding affinity for phosphorylated PhoP was about 10-fold higher than that for unphosphorylated PhoP. Both unphosphorylated and phosphorylated PhoP bound upstream of the -20 region in the tuaA promoter. By aligning the Phop binding sites within the Pho-regulon promoters, a consensus core PhoP-binding region composed of four TT(A/T)ACA direct repeats, each separated by 5.2 non-conserved nucleotides was identified. PhoP, phosphorylated or unphosphorylated, binds to such a sequence in all Pho-regulon promoters studied. Phosphorylated PhoP binds to the core binding region with high affinity and to additional regions surrounding this region with similar or lower affinity.
Primary Breast Lymphoma: A Rare Clinical Entity

Localized primary breast lymphoma is very rare. The typical clinical and radiographic presentation of isolated primary breast lymphoma mimics that of breast adenocarcinoma. Histologic diagnosis of primary breast lymphoma relies heavily on Hematoxylin and Eosin pathologic evaluation and immunohistochemical staining. Cytotoxic systemic chemotherapy is the primary treatment for this disease with the occasional need for adjuvant radiation therapy or surgical resection. This case report outlines the diagnosis and management of a patient with primary breast lymphoma.
A Computational- and Storage-Cloud for Integration of Biodiversity Collections

A core mission of the Integrated Digitized Biocollections (iDigBio) project is the building and deployment of a cloud computing environment customized to support the digitization workflow and integration of data from all U.S. non-federal biocollections. iDigBio chose to use cloud computing technologies to deliver a cyber infrastructure that is flexible, agile, resilient, and scalable to meet the needs of the biodiversity community. In this context, this paper describes the integration of open source cloud middleware, applications, and third party services using standard formats, protocols, and services. In addition, this paper demonstrates the value of the digitized information from collections in a broader scenario involving multiple disciplines.
Cefazolin-loaded mesoporous silicon microparticles show sustained bactericidal effect against Staphylococcus aureus

Cefazolin is an antibiotic frequently used in preoperative prophylaxis of orthopedic surgery and to fight secondary infections post-operatively. Although its systemic delivery in a bulk or bolus dose is usually effective, the local and controlled release can increase its effectiveness by lowering dosages, minimizing total drug exposure, abating the development of antibiotic resistance and avoiding the cytotoxic effect. A delivery system based on mesoporous silicon microparticles was developed that is capable of efficiently loading and continuously releasing cefazolin over several days. The in vitro release kinetics from mesoporous silicon microparticles with three different nanopore sizes was evaluated, and minimal inhibitory concentration of cefazolin necessary to eliminate a culture of Staphylococcus aureus was identified to be 250 µg/mL. A milder toxicity toward mesenchymal stem cells was observed from mesoporous silicon microparticles over a 7-day period. Medium pore size-loaded mesoporous silicon microparticles exhibited long-lasting bactericidal properties in a zone inhibition assay while they were able to kill all the bacteria growing in suspension cultures within 24 h. This study demonstrates that the sustained release of cefazolin from mesoporous silicon microparticles provides immediate and long-term control over bacterial growth both in suspension and adhesion while causing minimal toxicity to a population of mesenchymal stem cell. Mesoporous silicon microparticles offer significant advantageous properties for drug delivery applications in tissue engineering as it favorably extends drug bioavailability and stability, while reducing concomitant cytotoxicity to the surrounding tissues.
Children Who Move: Relocation Effects and Their Context

According to the most recent census data, nearly eleven million children in the United States annually change their residence. Residential relocation can be a severely disruptive event for adults, but little is known about its effects on children. After a brief sketch of the dimensions and background of the problem, this article reviews the extant literature to examine whether and how the mobility of children is related to their academic behavior, social relations, and general well-being. The importance of several contextual factors is noted. Finally, limitations of research and the implications for planning are discussed.
Both telomeric and non-telomeric DNA damage are determinants of mammalian cellular senescence.

Cellular senescence is a state reached by normal mammalian cells after a finite number of cell divisions and is characterized by morphological and physiological changes including terminal cell-cycle arrest. The limits on cell division imposed by senescence may play an important role in both organismal aging and in preventing tumorigenesis. Cellular senescence and organismal aging are both accompanied by increased DNA damage, seen as the formation of γ-H2AX foci (γ-foci), which may be found on uncapped telomeres or at non-telomeric sites of DNA damage. However, the relative importance of telomere- and non-telomere-associated DNA damage to inducing senescence has never been demonstrated. Here we present a new approach to determine accurately the chromosomal location of γ-foci and quantify the number of telomeric versus non-telomeric γ-foci associated with senescence in both human and mouse cells. This approach enables researchers to obtain accurate values and to avoid various possible misestimates inherent in earlier methods. Using combined immunofluorescence and telomere fluorescence in situ hybridization on metaphase chromosomes, we show that human cellular senescence is not solely determined by telomeric DNA damage. In addition, mouse cellular senescence is not solely determined by non-telomeric DNA damage. By comparing cells from different generations of telomerase-null mice with human cells, we show that cells from late generation telomerase-null mice, which have substantially short telomeres, contain mostly telomeric γ-foci. Most notably, we report that, as human and mouse cells approach senescence, all cells exhibit similar numbers of total γ-foci per cell, irrespective of chromosomal locations. Our results suggest that the chromosome location of senescence-related γ-foci is determined by the telomere length rather than species differences per se. In addition, our data indicate that both telomeric and non-telomeric DNA damage responses play equivalent roles in signaling the initiation of cellular senescence and organismal aging. These data have important implications in the study of mechanisms to induce or delay cellular senescence in different species.
Influence of Anode Flow Rate and Cathode Oxygen Pressure on CO Poisoning of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells

The anode flow rate of a proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell involving Pt anode electrocatalyst is found to strongly influence the single cell performance when H 2 containing trace amounts of CO is used as the feed. The performance drops dramatically due to CO poisoning as the anode flow rate increases until a large overpotential is reached when it levels off. This effect of the flow rate on the extent of poisoning is found to he reversible and is explained as depending on the actual concentration of CO in the anode chamber which in turn depends on the feed content. the flow rate, and CO oxidation kinetics on Pt. Further. it is found that oxygen permeating across the PEM from the cathode side also appreciably affects the anode overpotential by providing another route for CO oxidation. A CO inventory model is provided that explains the observed phenomena in a PEM fuel cell operating with H 2 /CO as anode feed and a cathode feed with different oxygen pressures.
Local Electronic Properties of Titanocene Chloride Dimer Molecules on a Metal Surface

We have examined the local electronic behavior of titanocene chloride dimer molecules, [Cp2TiCl]2 (Cp = C5H5), on Au(111) using both scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and density functional theory (DFT). Isolated dimeric molecules are seen to decorate gold step edges at low surface coverages and two coexisting monolayer phases are observed at higher coverages. Differential conductance STM spectroscopy shows a variety of structure in the electronic local density of states for single molecules and for the two monolayer phases. DFT calculations modeling an isolated titanocene chloride dimer do not reproduce the wide variations seen in spectral density, suggesting that a fraction of titanocene dimers break apart into metallocene monomers on the Au(111) surface and display magnetic behavior.
Deletion of algK in Mucoid Pseudomonas aeruginosa Blocks Alginate Polymer Formation and Results in Uronic Acid Secretion

Chronic pulmonary infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common and serious problem in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). The P. aeruginosa isolates from these patients typically have a mucoid colony morphology due to overproduction of the exopolysaccharide alginate, which contributes to the persistence of the organisms in the CF lung. Most of the alginate biosynthetic genes are clustered in the algD operon, located at 34 min on the chromosome. Alginate biosynthesis begins with the formation of an activated monomer, GDP-mannuronate, which is known to occur via the products of the algA, algC, and algD genes. Polymannuronate forms in the periplasm, but the gene products involved in mannuronate translocation across the inner membrane and its polymerization are not known. One locus of the operon which remained uncharacterized was a new gene called algK between alg44 and algE. We sequenced algK from the mucoid CF isolate FRD1 and expressed it in Escherichia coli, which revealed a polypeptide of the predicted size (52 kDa). The sequence of AlgK showed an apparent signal peptide characteristic of a lipoprotein. AlgK-PhoA fusion proteins were constructed and shown to be active, indicating that AlgK has a periplasmic subcellular localization. To test the phenotype of an AlgK− mutant, the algK coding sequence was replaced with a nonpolar gentamicin resistance cassette to avoid polar effects on genes downstream of algK that are essential for polymer formation. The algKΔ mutant was nonmucoid, demonstrating that AlgK was required for alginate production. Also, AlgK− mutants demonstrated a small-colony phenotype on L agar, suggesting that the loss of AlgK also caused a growth defect. The mutant phenotypes were complemented by a plasmid expressing algK in trans. When the algKΔ mutation was placed in an algJ::Tn501 background, where algA was not expressed due to polar transposon effects, the growth defect was not observed. AlgK− mutants appeared to accumulate a toxic extracellular product, and we hypothesized that this could be an unpolymerized alginate precursor. High levels of low-molecular-weight uronic acid were produced by the AlgK− mutant. When AlgK− culture supernatants were subjected to dialysis, high levels of uronic acids diffused out of the dialysis sac, and no uronic acids were detectable after extensive dialysis. In contrast, the mucoid wild-type strain produced only polymerized uronic acids (i.e., alginate), whereas the algKΔ algJ::Tn501 mutant produced no uronic acids. Thus, the alginate pathway in an AlgK− mutant was blocked after transport but at a step before polymerization, suggesting that AlgK plays an important role in the polymerization of mannuronate to alginate.
Streptomyces turgidiscabies Car8 contains a modular pathogenicity island that shares virulence genes with other actinobacterial plant pathogens.

Streptomyces turgidiscabies Car8 is an actinobacterium that causes the economically impor- tant disease potato scab. Pathogenesis in this species is associated with a mobile pathoge- nicity island (PAISt) that site specifically inserts into the bacA gene in Streptomyces spp. Here we provide the 674,223 bp sequence of PAISt, which consists of two non-overlapping modules of 105,364 and 568,859 bp. These modules are delimited by three copies of an 8 bp palindromic sequence (TTCATGAA), that also is the integration site (att) of the ele- ment. Putative tyrosine recombinase (IntSt) and excisionase (XisSt) proteins are encoded just upstream of att-R. PAISt has regions of synteny to pathogenic, symbiotic and sapro- phytic actinomycetes. The 105,364 bp PAISt module is identical to a genomic island in Streptomyces scabies 87-22, while the 568,859 bp module contains only a short region of synteny to that genome. However, both modules contain previously characterized and can- didate virulence genes.
Attention and Recall of Point-of-sale Tobacco Marketing: A Mobile Eye-Tracking Pilot Study.

Introduction: As tobacco advertising restrictions have increased, the retail ‘power wall’ behind the counter is increasingly invaluable for marketing tobacco products. Objective: The primary objectives of this pilot study were 3-fold: (1) evaluate the attention paid/fixations on the area behind the cash register where tobacco advertising is concentrated and tobacco products are displayed in a real-world setting, (2) evaluate the duration (dwell-time) of these fixations, and (3) evaluate the recall of advertising displayed on the tobacco power wall. Methods: Data from 13 Smokers (S) and 12 Susceptible or non-daily Smokers (SS) aged 180–30 from a mobile eye-tracking study. Mobile-eye tracking technology records the orientation (fixation) and duration (dwell-time) of visual attention. Participants were randomized to one of three purchase tasks at a convenience store: Candy bar Only (CO; N = 10), Candy bar + Specified cigarette Brand (CSB; N = 6), and Candy bar + cigarette Brand of their Choice (CBC; N = 9). A post-session survey evaluated recall of tobacco marketing. Key outcomes were fixations and dwell-time on the cigarette displays at the point-of-sale. Results: Participants spent a median time of 44 seconds during the standardized time evaluated and nearly three-quarters (72%) fixated on the power wall during their purchase, regardless of smoking status (S: 77%, SS: 67%) or purchase task (CO: 44%, CSB: 71%, CBC: 100%). In the post session survey, nearly all participants (96%) indicated they noticed a cigarette brand and 64% were able to describe a specific part of the tobacco wall or recall a promotional offer. Conclusions: Consumers are exposed to point-of-sale tobacco marketing, regardless of smoking status. FDA should consider regulations that limit exposure to point-of-sale tobacco marketing among consumers.
Giant-Resonance Studies with High-Energy Heavy Ions

Evidence is presented for the excitation of giant multipole resonances in inelastic scattering of 315-MeV $^{16}\mathrm{O}$ ions on $^{12}\mathrm{C}$, $^{58}\mathrm{Ni}$, and $^{208}\mathrm{Pb}$ targets. Highly excited modes around 20 MeV of excitation energy in $^{208}\mathrm{Pb}$ exhaust a large fraction of the energy-weighted isoscalar $E3$ and $E5$ sum-rule strengths.
Do Vouchers and Tax Credits Increase Private School Regulation

School voucher and education tax credit programs have proliferated in the United States over the past two decades. Advocates have argued that they will enable families to become active consumers in a free and competitive education marketplace, but some fear that these programs may in fact bring with them a heavy regulatory burden that could stifle market forces. Until now, there has been no systematic, empirical investigation of that concern. The present paper aims to shed light on the issue by quantifying the regulations imposed on private schools both within and outside school choice programs, and then analyzing them with descriptive statistics and regression analyses. The results are tested for robustness to alternative ways of quantifying private school regulation, and to alternative regression models, and the question of causality is addressed. The study concludes that vouchers, but not tax credits, impose a substantial and statistically significant additional regulatory burden on participating private schools.
Regional Heterogeneity of Cerebral Microvessels and Brain Susceptibility to Oxidative Stress.

The hippocampus is one of the earliest and most affected regions in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), followed by the cortex while the cerebellum is largely spared. Importantly, endothelial dysfunction is a common feature of cerebral blood vessels in AD. In this study, we sought to determine if regional heterogeneity of cerebral microvessels might help explain the susceptibility of the hippocampus and cortex as compared to the cerebellum. We isolated microvessels from wild type mice from the cerebellum, cortex, and hippocampus to characterize their vascular phenotype. Superoxide anion was significantly higher in microvessels isolated from the cortex and hippocampus as compared to the cerebellum. Importantly, protein levels of NADPH oxidase (NOX)-2 and NOX-4 were significantly higher in the cortical and hippocampal microvessels as compared to microvessels from the cerebellum. In addition, expression of manganese superoxide dismutase protein was significantly lower in microvessels from the cortex and hippocampus as compared to cerebellum while other antioxidant enzymes were unchanged. There was no difference in eNOS protein expression between the microvessels of the three brain regions; however, bioavailability of tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4), an essential cofactor for eNOS activity, was significantly reduced in microvessels from the hippocampus and cortex as compared to the cerebellum. Higher levels of superoxide and reduced tetrahydrobiopterin bioavailability may help explain the vulnerability of the hippocampus and cortical microvessels to oxidative stress and development of endothelial dysfunction.
Adrenergic control of transmural coronary blood flow.

Tachycardia and an increase in myocardial metabolism result from the sympathetic activation that occurs during baroreceptor reflexes, emotion, and exercise. Paradoxically, a concomitant adrenergic α-receptor-mediated coronary vasoconstriction competes with the local metabolic coronary vasodilation that occurs during these conditions, and thereby limits metabolic hyperemia. Measurements of transmural blood flow in α-receptor blocked and α-receptor intact regions of the left ventricle during exercise demonstrate that adrenergic vasoconstriction helps maintain blood flow to the vulnerable subendocardium during tachycardia. This may be the explanation as to why paradoxical adrenergic coronary vasoconstriction has evolved. During controlled conditions of constant coronary flow, an anti-transmural steal effect due to adrenergic vasoconstriction in the subepicardium can be demonstrated during ischemic conditions. These observations demonstrate unexpected beneficial effects of adrenergic coronary vasoconstriction during tachycardia and cardiovascular stress.
Neprilysin inhibition with sacubitril/valsartan in the treatment of heart failure: mortality bang for your buck.

SummaryWhat is known and objective Heart failure remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Advanced therapies have prolonged survival in patients with advanced heart failure, but pharmacotherapeutic optimization remains the mainstay of treatment. It has been over 10 years since the last mortality-reducing medication has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. This article reviews the background, current knowledge and data supporting the use of sacubitril/valsartan (Entresto®), the newly FDA-approved medication that dually inhibits angiotensin and neprilysin, in the treatment of heart failure. Methods A literature search was performed (January 1980 to August 2015) using PubMed and the search terms were as follows: neprilysin inhibitor, heart failure, endopeptidase, natriuretic peptides, angiotensin, omapatrilat, LCZ696, valsartan and sacubitril. Peer-reviewed, published clinical trials, review articles, relevant treatment guidelines and prescribing information documents were identified and reviewed for relevance. Additionally, reference citations from publications identified were reviewed. Results and discussion The inhibition of endopeptidases has been an area of extensive study for the treatment of heart failure. Previously published literature with the endopeptidase inhibitor omapatrilat failed to demonstrate a sufficient balance between clinical efficacy and safety to justify its approval. Omapatrilat blocked three pathways that break down bradykinin, leading to high rates of angioedema. Sacubitril, on the other hand, is metabolized to a form that is highly selective for neprilysin without possessing activity for the other two peptidases, ACE and APP. The combination of sacubitril with valsartan in a single formulation offers the benefit of concurrent blockade of the renin angiotensin aldosterone system and the inhibition of neprilysin while minimizing angioedema risk. When compared to ACE inhibitor therapy in systolic heart failure patients, sacubitril/valsartan demonstrated reductions in all-cause mortality and hospitalization due to heart failure while maintaining a similar safety profile. What is new and conclusion A formulation that contains both sacubitril and valsartan was manufactured and approved by the FDA in July 2015 for the reduction of mortality and hospitalization in systolic heart failure patients. The new medication offers a potentially superior alternative to ACE inhibitor therapy in the management of systolic heart failure. The effects of treatment with sacubitril/valsartan in the setting of diastolic heart failure are currently under investigation in clinical trials.
Commentary on "Perioperative hypothermia: turning up the heat on the conversation".

We appreciate the thoughtful commentary by Dr. Mehta (1) reviewing our publication “Association of perioperative hypothermia during colectomy with surgical site infections (SSI)” (2). His commentary brings up some excellent discussion topics on the subject of hypothermia in the operating room.
Analysis of the Three-Dimensional Nanoscale Relationship of Ge Quantum Dots in a Si Matrix Using Focused Ion Beam Tomography

It is well documented that buried layers in quantum dot (QD) superlattices influence the position of quantum dots in the subsequently grown layers through strain field interactions (e.g.1,2, 3,4). Using the Focused Ion Beam (FIB) tomographic technique we have reconstructed the 3D relationship of successive layers of coherent Ge QDs separated by epitaxial Si capping layers - a “QD superlattice”. Techniques such as Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Scanning Tunneling Microscopy (STM) can only look at a single surface layer of QDs or, in the case of Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), look at a two-dimensional projection of a three-dimensional volume so that 3D relationships need to be inferred. Since the strain interactions are complex, an enhanced fundamental understanding of these self-organization mechanisms can more directly be obtained from full 3D reconstructions of these structures. By capping with Si at 300°C we were able to grow QD superlattices with QDs tens of nanometers in height. This places them within the resolution of the FIB tomographic technique to reconstruct. Using the FIB we performed in-situ serial sectioning of the QD superlattice and then reconstructed the QD superlattice. The reconstruction was then analyzed to investigate the ordering of the QDs. Results from a reconstruction of a superlattice matrix will be presented with analysis of the self-ordering of the QDs. Observations of a novel self-limiting (in height) morphology, the quantum mesa, associated with the capping technique used will also be discussed.
Structural and functional information

Fernandes and Simon propose to examine decision making in complex and ambiguous situations by inviting various professionals (architects, doctors, engineers, and lawyers) to contemplate a paradoxical case, but the thoughts which this exercise generates are then summarized in terms of categories proposed a priori (structural information). A functional approach, by way of contrast, endeavors to examine a phenomenon as closely as possible in terms of its intrinsic character. An alternative is presented using Q methodology and factor analysis as a way to reveal functional responses to the same decision making scenario employed by Fernandes and Simon.
Eight unique basal bodies in the multi-flagellated diplomonad Giardia lamblia

Giardia lamblia is an intestinal parasitic protist that causes significant acute and chronic diarrheal disease worldwide. Giardia belongs to the diplomonads, a group of protists in the supergroup Excavata. Diplomonads are characterized by eight motile flagella organized into four bilaterally symmetric pairs. Each of the eight Giardia axonemes has a long cytoplasmic region that extends from the centrally located basal body before exiting the cell body as a membrane-bound flagellum. Each basal body is thus unique in its cytological position and its association with different cytoskeletal features, including the ventral disc, axonemes, and extra-axonemal structures. Inheritance of these unique and complex cytoskeletal elements is maintained through basal body migration, duplication, maturation, and their subsequent association with specific spindle poles during cell division. Due to the complex composition and inheritance of specific basal bodies and their associated structures, Giardia may require novel basal body-associated proteins. Thus, protists such as Giardia may represent an undiscovered source of novel basal body-associated proteins. The development of new tools that make Giardia genetically tractable will enable the composition, structure, and function of the eight basal bodies to be more thoroughly explored.
Effect of obesity on the response to acute adrenocorticotropin stimulation in eumenorrheic women

Objective Alterations in adrenocortical biosynthesis, as measured by the steroid response to acute adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation, have frequently been reported in female hyperandrogenism. These patients are also commonly obese, which may account for some of these abnormalities. The object of this study was to test the hypothesis that obesity alters the adrenal response to acute adrenal stimulation. Design A prospective study of healthy premenopausal women of varying weights. Setting University-based clinical research center. Patients Fifty-seven healthy, eumenorrheic, nonhirsute female volunteers were studied, 30 weighing between 90% and 110% (normal-weight) and 27 weighing >120% (obese) their ideal body weight. Interventions All subjects underwent a 60-minute acute intravenous ACTH-(1-24) stimulation test in the follicular phase (days 3 to 8) of the menstrual cycle. Main Outcome Measures The basai levels of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), total and free testosterone (T), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), estrone, estradiol, prolactin, and the luteinizing and follicle-stimulating hormone ratio were measured. Basai and poststimulation levels of androstenedione (A), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), 17 α -hydroxyprogesterone (17 α -OHP), 17-hydroxypregnenolone (17-PREG), 11-deoxycortisol (S), andcortisol (F) were also obtained, and the net increments after stimulation were calculated. Results Normal-weight and obese women did not differ in age, height, or waist-hip ratio. Obese volunteers demonstrated lower circulating SHBG, 17-PREG, and S levels, and S/F ratio, but a higher free T and DHEAS/DHEA levels. No other differences were observed in either basai or adrenal response measures, with the exception of the net increment in A, which was almost twofold higher in obese volunteers (P Conclusions Obesity in eumenorrheic nonhirsute women is associated with lower circulating SHBG activity and higher free T and DHEAS/DHEA levels. No significant difference in adrenocortical response to acute ACTH-(1-24) stimulation was observed between obese and normal-weight women, with the exception of a higher net adrenal output of A. It does not appear that the abnormal adrenal stimulation results frequently observed in hyperandrogenic women are a consequence of their obesity.
Pruning and depth first search

This paper contrasts two algorithms for finding a fundamental set of cycles for a connected graph. The first algorithm based on a PRUNING technique is known to have complexity 0(β(G)|V|2). The second algorithm based on a DEPTH FIRST SEARCH is shown to have complexity 0(β(G)|V|).
Optimizing the Physician-Patient Relationship and Educating the Patient About Adherence

Optimizing the physician-patient relationship is perhaps the most fundamental piece of the adherence challenge. Physicians who evoke feelings of trust, confidence, and empathy from their patients are more likely to observe good patient adherence [1]. Although the term “compliance,” based on a paternalistic view of the clinical encounter, is now considered outdated, the regimen is still suggested by the physician more often than not. Patients who want to please their physician are likely to be more willing to make an honest attempt to perform the treatment regimen correctly. Starting off well, and consequently seeing early improvement in disease, is likely to lead to higher satisfaction and long-term adherence [1, 2]. In contrast, patients with negative feelings toward their physician are likely to be more influenced by fears, temporary setbacks (such as side effects), and gradual loss of patience with the regimen, which are all major reasons for poor adherence and early discontinuation. Trust is also a two-way street, influencing the reliability of communication from the patient to the physician as well [3]. With a better rapport, it is more likely that patients will honestly admit areas of concern, and physicians will gain better information to produce good decisions.
Greenhouse Gas Accounting of Rural Agrarian Regions: The Case of San Luis Valley

Rural regions, with a dominant agricultural economic base, have a vastly different greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions profile than urban regions and hence require a unique accounting method. This paper presents a GHG inventorying methodology tailored specifically for rural agricultural regions. The methodology was applied to San Luis Valley (SLV) in south central Colorado with an intent to establish a clear emissions baseline and to analyze, in fine detail, the regions emission profile. The results show that SLV has an annual per capita emission of 30.5 MT CO2e while the average for the United States is about 21 MT CO2e. The higher per capita emissions can be attributed to the production of agricultural goods and services that are primarily exported rather than consumed in the region. Since per capita emissions might not paint an accurate picture for export based economies, we recalibrated the data on per dollar GDP basis. We find that, on this basis, SLV emissions are almost twice that of the national averag...
Au13: CO Adsorbs, Nanoparticle Responds

Nanoparticle properties are strongly correlated with their morphologies, such as shape and size. By combining density functional theory calculations with ab initio molecular dynamics simulations, we investigated the CO adsorption behavior on Au13 nanoparticles of Ih, Oh, and planar symmetries. Our results revealed a shape-specific adsorption response of the nanoparticles. Contrary to the behavior in bulk, we observe a symmetry-dependent d-band center shift on the nanoparticles with CO coverage, which affects the overall electronic stability of the nanoparticles. As a result, we observe 2D to 3D (planar to Ih) transition at high CO coverage. Because of the interactions with the adsorbed CO molecules, the 3D nanoparticles can accommodate more charge in their core than the 2D. All of these effects result in observing an unconventional, stronger CO adsorption on Ih Au13 nanoparticles that expose higher surface coordination number (CN = 6) than the peripheral atoms of the planar Au13 (peripheral CN = 3.4). Thi...
Carbamazepine-Induced Juvenile Myoclonic Seizures

The risk of aggravation of juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME) among 40 of 170 consecutive patients who had received carbamazepine (CBZ) or phenytoin (PHT) was determined at the Centre Saint Paul, Marseille, and the Clinique Neurologique, Hopital Pasteur, Nice, France.
Speaking of forgetting

The right to be forgotten is contentious partly because it highlights the difference between U.S. and E.U. prioritization of information privacy and freedom of expression. Recently, a moderate amount of research has been undertaken to explore the conceptual issues underlying the right to be forgotten and how the right conflicts with the U.S. first amendment, but little has been written about its impending implementation and interoperability issues. While this is an E.U. Data Protection Regulation proposing to grant rights only to E.U. citizens, the world has a stake in this right for a number of reasons. This article will analyze the options for non-E.U. countries and data controllers, namely the U.S., to react to the establishment of such a right, now called "The Right to Erasure". These options are the following: (1) adopt the same right to erasure for themselves, (2) ignore right to erasure claims, (3) comply with erasure take down requests, or (4) seek to establish a modified version of the right to erasure. In assessing these options, the article will first address the reality of a right to erasure under U.S. law. Second, it will discuss compliance and jurisdictional issues if the right is ignored. Third, the article will look at the impact of full acceptance of the take-down regime, focusing on the potential chilling effects and abuse. Finally, it will propose that non-E.U. countries encourage a right to erasure that is less disruptive: a right to erasure that allows data subjects to directly request removal of data held privately by data controllers and a right to oblivion for publicly available information that is enforced similarly to defamation claims, requiring a court order. Analyzes possible responses to the right to erasure to assess international interoperability.Argues for separate procedural treatment of the two forms of erasure currently intertwined.Provides a compromised version of the right that should be considered as it continues to develop.
Tyrosine Phosphatases in Cell Cycle and Transformation

The first part of this article is devoted to a historical overview of cellular regulation by protein phosphorylation. The field originated with a study of glycogen phosphorylase and the cascade system by which this enzyme can be activated. Reversible protein phosphorylation can be considered today as one of the most prevalent mechanism of control of biological systems. The second part will be devoted to protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs), an expanding family of intracellular and receptor-linked enzymes, and their involvement in cell cycle and transformation. Most transmembrane forms contain two catalytic domains but highly variable external segments. Likewise, the low Mr PTPs display a great variety of regulatory segments either preceding or following highly conserved catalytic domains. Deletion of the regulatory segment from a T-cell PTP and overexpression of the truncated enzyme in BHK cells results in multinucleation and asynchronous nuclear division. Furthermore, growth on soft agar and tumor formation in nude mice is inhibited. Similar results are obtained with rat-2 cells transformed with v-fms. The data indicate that, depending on the type of phosphatases involved and their localization within the cells, PTPs can act either synergistically or antagonistically with the tyrosine kinases to elicit a particular physiological response.
Do Herbal Supplements Create Unnecessary Risk for Patients

As the resident anesthesiologist preparing for a scheduled total thyroidectomy on a Friday morning, I hurried into the preoperative ward to assess my patient. We were already behind on the day, and a palpable angst hung thick in the operating room (OR) as we headed into a holiday weekend. I ran through the patient’s medications with her at the bedside. Her past medical history included coronary artery disease with a bare metal stent (BMS) placed a little over a year ago. She assured me that, as instructed, she hadn’t taken her aspirin or clopidogrel for 7 days. When she reached into her purse for the slip of paper with her medication timetable, I noticed a green prescription bottle with what appeared to be tables of indications, adverse reactions and the like listed upon it.
Abstract 1097: Knockdown of splicing factor ESRP1 affects multiple splicing factors

Introduction: Tissue-specific alternative splicing (AS) is an important mechanism for regulating gene expression. Epithelial Splicing Regulatory Proteins 1 and 2 (ESRP1 and ESRP2), two RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) that promote splicing, are potential candidates that contribute to breast cancer recurrence and resistance to therapies. In our prior studies, we have shown that ESRPs are associated with endocrine resistance. In this study, we seek to investigate the impact of the ESRP1 knockdown in endocrine resistant breast cancer cells. Methods: Expression of ESRP1 was analyzed in endocrine resistant-LCC2 and LCC9 cells. Knockdown of ESRP1 expression in LCC2 and LCC9 cells was achieved using lenti-viral based shRNA approach (Mission TRC human shRNA constructs, Sigma). We next performed paired-end RNA-sequencing of LCC2 and LCC9 cells transfected with control and two clones representative of shRNA knockdown (Illumina HiSeq platform, SeqWright Genomic Services) according to the manufacturer9s instructions. After processing and quality check of raw FASTQ data (Illumina CASAVA, FASTQ and FASTX toolkits), reads were aligned, and quantified using bioinformatics software tools (Tophat/Cufflinks and Sailfish). Results: Expression of ESRP1 is significantly elevated in ERα-positive endocrine -resistant cells (LCC2 and LCC9 cells). ESRP1 knockdown was confirmed using qRT-PCR analysis in LCC2 cell lines (clone1 - 80% reduction and clone 3- 95% reduction) and in LCC9 cells (clone 2- 90% reduction and clone 3- 50% reduction). RNA-seq analysis identified 5153 differentially regulated genes between ESRP1 knockdown and control LCC2 cell lines. Of the 5153 genes, 1117 and 2109 genes were unique to clone 1 and clone 3, respectively, while 1927 genes were common in both clones. Targeted RNA-seq analysis also revealed that ESRP1 regulates the expression of several genes including other splicing factors. Furthermore, a functional enrichment analysis of these genes revealed a possible role of altering important pathways such as cell-cell adhesion and cell signaling. Additionally, it was observed that neither ESR1 nor any of its downstream genes were affected by the knockdown of ESRP1. This data was similar to that obtained in knockdown of LCC9 cells. Conclusions: ESRP1 regulates splicing of multiple genes in ER+ breast cancer. The process is independent of ER pathway. Targeting splicing could be a novel modality for treating endocrine therapy resistant breast cancer. Citation Format: Yesim Gokmen-Polar, Yaseswini Neelamraju, Xiaoping Gu, Gouthami Nallamothu, Sarath C. Janga, Sunil Badve. Knockdown of splicing factor ESRP1 affects multiple splicing factors. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 1097. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-1097
The effect of soil inoculants on seed germination of native and invasive species

Successful reintroduction of native species through ecological restoration requires understanding the complex process of seed germination. Soil microbes play an important role in promoting native establishment and are often added to restoration sites during seed sowing. We tested the role of soil- and lab-grown bacterial inoculants on germination timing and percent germination for 19 species of plants commonly found in coastal California. Each species exhibited a different response to the inoculant treatments, but overall time-to-germination was longer and percent germination was lower with the soil inoculant compared with the control or other treatments. The invasive species in our study had the highest percent germination of all species and germinated faster than all native shrubs. Germination timing was negatively correlated with percent germination and with seed mass. Our results suggest that lab-grown inoculant and chemical treatment are effective at increasing germination in some native species, whe...
Mourning Nature: The Work of Grief in Radical Environmentalism

Radical environmental and animal rights activists mourn nonhuman others in a variety of ways that express their kinship with these others and strengthen their commitments to radical causes. Grief is a central motivating factor in conversion and commitment to activism. It is both an expression of deeply felt kinship bonds with other species and a signilcant factor in creating those bonds. Nearly all environmental and animal rights protests reference some kind of loss, including mass extinction. Activists’ very participation in protests is part of an ongoing process of remembering the dead and disappearing, including those who were intimately known, as well as the more abstract dead of mass extinction and deforestation. For these reasons, radical environmental and animal rights protests themselves can be understood as rites of mourning, as they are so frequently motivated by loss and grief.
Electrocatalytic intramolecular oxidative annulation of N-aryl enamines into substituted indoles mediated by iodides

An electrocatalytic reaction protocol is developed for achieving intramolecular dehydrogenative annulation of N-aryl enamines. It offers a simple and efficient way for the synthesis of indoles in an undivided cell. Good to excellent yields are obtained under oxidant-free and transition-metal-free conditions. Moreover, imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines could also be produced when N-pyridyl enamines were used as the substrates.
Clinically Feasible Stratification of 3-Year Chronic Disease Risk in Primary Care: The Mental Health Integration Risk Score.

Background Depression is a common illness that imposes a disproportionately large health burden. Depression is generally associated with a higher prevalence of chronic disease risk factors and may contribute to higher chronic disease risk. Objective This study aimed to create and validate sex-specific Mental Health Integration Risk Scores (MHIRS) that predict 3-year chronic disease diagnosis. Methods MHIRS was created to predict the first diagnosis of any of the 10 chronic diseases in patients completing a Patient Health Questionnaire-9 Depression Survey who were free at baseline from those 10 chronic disease diagnoses. MHIRS used sex-specific weightings of Patient Health Questionnaire 9 results, age, and components of the complete metabolic profile and complete blood count in randomly chosen derivation (70%) and validation (30%) groups. Results Among females ( N = 10,162, age: 48 ± 16), c-statistics for the composite chronic disease end point were 0.746 (0.725, 0.767) for the derivation group and 0.717 (0.682, 0.753) for the validation group, whereas males ( N = 4615, age: 48 ± 15) had 0.755 (0.727, 0.783) and 0.742 (0.702, 0.782). In the validation group, MHIRS strata of low-, moderate-, and high-risk categories had hazard ratios (HR) for any 3-year chronic disease diagnosis among females of HR=3.42 for moderate vs low and HR=9.75 for high vs low, whereas males had HR=4.80 and HR=10.68, respectively (all p Conclusion A clinical decision tool comprised by depression severity and common laboratory tests, and MHIRS provides very good stratification of a 3-year chronic disease diagnosis. Designed to be calculated electronically by an electronic health record, MHIRS can be efficiently obtained by clinicians to identify patients at higher chronic disease risk who require further evaluation and more precise clinical management.
Pulmonary Function Testing

Spirometry can confirm the presence and severity of obstructive and restrictive lung disease. An obstructive pattern is usually seen in COPD or asthma. The response to bronchodilator can assist to differentiate asthma from COPD and is useful to assess progression and response to therapy. Restrictive pattern is seen in parenchymal disease such as pulmonary fibrosis. Extraparenchymal causes include chest wall deformity such as scoliosis, obesity, pleural effusion, and neuromuscular disorder. Spirometry is not routinely necessary in preoperative testing for non-thoracic surgery.
Emulsions: Simple shaking yields bicontinuity.

A macroscopically homogeneous emulsion with bicontinuous microstructure is created by simple shaking of a mixture containing polymers, nanoparticles and two immiscible fluids.
Necessary illusions: Fetishism and the becoming of subsoil resources

Abstract The extraction of resources entails processes of transformation and rupture, the creation of new landscapes, communities, mining companies, as well as nations. Such processes involve varying forms of agency. In the promotion of both particular projects and national economies that encompass them, the language and locus of change often falls onto the resource itself. The inscription of agency and inordinate power onto subsoil resources represents a distinct form of resource fetishism. In this paper, I analyze the relationship between mineral boosterism and resource fetishism by examining imagery associated with Ecuador’s promotion of mineral exploration and extraction. I call attention to the ways that fetishism infuses the ubiquitous, yet often taken-for-granted imagery of mining promotion. I demonstrate how patterns of fetishism are an inherent part of the subsoil imagination, and relevant for on-going debates about the materiality and becoming of mineral resources.