cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
OPM database and PPM web server: resources for positioning of proteins in membranes

The Orientations of Proteins in Membranes (OPM) database is a curated web resource that provides spatial positions of membrane-bound peptides and proteins of known three-dimensional structure in the lipid bilayer, together with their structural classification, topology and intracellular localization. OPM currently contains more than 1200 transmembrane and peripheral proteins and peptides from approximately 350 organisms that represent approximately 3800 Protein Data Bank entries. Proteins are classified into classes, superfamilies and families and assigned to 21 distinct membrane types. Spatial positions of proteins with respect to the lipid bilayer are optimized by the PPM 2.0 method that accounts for the hydrophobic, hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interactions of the proteins with the anisotropic water-lipid environment described by the dielectric constant and hydrogen-bonding profiles. The OPM database is freely accessible at http://opm.phar.umich.edu. Data can be sorted, searched or retrieved using the hierarchical classification, source organism, localization in different types of membranes. The database offers downloadable coordinates of proteins and peptides with membrane boundaries. A gallery of protein images and several visualization tools are provided. The database is supplemented by the PPM server (http://opm.phar.umich.edu/server.php) which can be used for calculating spatial positions in membranes of newly determined proteins structures or theoretical models.
Metabolic Programming Due to Alterations in Nutrition in the Immediate Postnatal Period

Altered nutritional experiences such as undernutrition, overnutrition, and modified milk formula in the immediate postnatal life via the phenomenon of metabolic programming have been identified as one of the components in the etiology of metabolic syndrome. We have developed a rat model in which an altered dietary experience in the form of a high-carbohydrate (HC) milk formula in the immediate postnatal life of rat pups results in chronic hyperinsulinemia and adult-onset obesity in these rats. The HC dietary modification causes functional alterations in pancreatic islets and the hypothalamus during the period of the dietary modification. These early adaptations in islets (supporting hyperinsulinemia) and the hypothalamus (supporting hyperphagia and increased body weight gain) persist in the postweaning period despite withdrawal of the HC milk formula at the time of weaning. In female rat pups receiving the HC milk formula, metabolic programming effects translate into an adverse (hyperinsulinemic, hyperleptinemic, and obese) intrauterine environment during pregnancy, causing spontaneous transfer of the maternal phenotype to the progeny (generational effect). Our results suggest that alterations in feeding practices for babies (early introduction of cereals, fruits, etc.) and babies born to obese/hyperinsulinemic mothers may be contributing factors for the obesity epidemic prevalent in developed and developing countries.
Mediators of central nervous system damage during the progression of human T-cell leukemia type I-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis.

Human T-cell leukemia virus type I (HTLV-I)-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP) represents one of the most devastating diseases associated with HTLV-I infection. Despite the delineation of clinical features associated with this neurologic disease, more progress needs to be made with respect to understanding the molecular mechanisms relating to the genesis of HAM/TSP. Several factors have been hypothesized to contribute to whether an HTLV-I-infected individual remains asymptomatic, develops adult T-cell leukemia (ATL), or progresses to HAM/TSP. Among the most intriguing of these factors is the immune response mounted by the host against HTLV-I. Several cell populations are crucial with respect to generating an efficient immune response against the virus. This includes CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, dendritic cells (DCs), monocytes/macrophages, and HTLV-I-infected cells that interact with immune cells to stimulate their effector functions. Although all of these cell types likely play important roles in the etiology of HAM/TSP, this review focuses specifically on the potential function of the CD8+ T-cell population during the progression of HTLV-I-induced neurologic disease. The immune response in HAM/TSP patients may transition from a beneficial response aimed at controlling the viral infection, to a detrimental response that ultimately participates in mediating the pathology observed in HAM/TSP. In this respect, the generation of a hyperactive CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) response primarily targeting the HTLV-I Tax protein likely plays a key role in the genesis of pathologic abnormalities associated with HAM/TSP. The efficiency and activity of Tax-specific CD8+ CTLs may be regulated at a number of levels, and deregulation of Tax-specific CTL activation may contribute to HAM/TSP. This review focuses on potential mechanisms of central nervous system (CNS) damage associated with the genesis of HAM/TSP following HTLV-I infection, focusing on the role of the Tax-specific CTL compartment.
Population Dynamics of Antibiotic Treatment: a Mathematical Model and Hypotheses for Time-Kill and Continuous-Culture Experiments

The objectives of the study were to develop a quantitative framework for generating hypotheses for and interpreting the results of time-kill and continuous-culture experiments designed to evaluate the efficacy of antibiotics and to relate the results of these experiments to MIC data. A mathematical model combining the pharmacodynamics (PD) of antibiotics with the population dynamics of bacteria exposed to these drugs in batch and continuous cultures was developed, and its properties were analyzed numerically (using computer simulations). These models incorporate details of (i) the functional form of the relationship between the concentrations of the antibiotics and rates of kill, (ii) the density of the target population of bacteria, (iii) the growth rate of the bacteria, (iv) byproduct resources generated from dead bacteria, (v) antibiotic-refractory subpopulations, persistence, and wall growth (biofilms), and (vi) density-independent and -dependent decay in antibiotic concentrations. Each of the factors noted above can profoundly affect the efficacy of antibiotics. Consequently, if the traditional (CLSI) MICs represent the sole pharmacodynamic parameter, PK/PD indices can fail to predict the efficacy of antibiotic treatment protocols. More comprehensive pharmacodynamic data obtained with time-kill and continuous-culture experiments would improve the predictive value of these indices. The mathematical model developed here can facilitate the design and interpretation of these experiments. The validity of the assumptions behind the construction of these models and the predictions (hypotheses) generated from the analysis of their properties can be tested experimentally. These hypotheses are presented, suggestions are made about how they can be tested, and the existing statuses of these tests are briefly discussed.
2-Amino-6-bromopyridinium bromide

The title compound, C5H6BrN2+·Br−, crystallizes in the centrosymmetric space group Cmca with all atoms lying on a crystallographic mirror plane at (0, y, z). The ion pairs pack as ribbons through N—H⋯Br hydrogen bonds and Br⋯Br halogen interactions. The ribbons are linked through weak C—H⋯Br interactions to form layers which stack perpendic­ular to the a axis.
ISLAM IN CALIFORNIA: VIEWS FROM THE MINARET

Le Minaret est la publication mensuelle du Centre islamique de Californie du Sud aux Etats-Unis depuis pres de 10 ans. La mission de cette publication est de guider les musulmans dans leur interaction avec la societe americaine et ceci, sans perdre leurs valeurs. Il s'agit d'aider les musulmans a vivre leur foi dans le monde occidental, mais egalement d'en finir avec les problemes lies au colonialisme et au racisme. Les redacteurs du Minaret appartiennent en general aux classes moyennes de la communaute musulmane. Ce n'est pas une revue d'universitaires
Nutrient environments influence competition among Aspergillus flavus genotypes.

ABSTRACT The population dynamics of Aspergillus flavus, shaped in part by intraspecific competition, influence the likelihood and severity of crop aflatoxin contamination. Competition for nutrients may be one factor modulating intraspecific interactions, but the influences of specific types and concentrations of nutrients on competition between genotypes of A. flavus have not been investigated. Competition between paired A. flavus isolates on agar media was affected by varying concentrations of carbon (sucrose or asparagine) and nitrogen (nitrate or asparagine). Cocultivated isolate percentages from conidia and agar-embedded mycelia were quantified by measurements of isolate-specific single-nucleotide polymorphisms with quantitative pyrosequencing. Compositions and concentrations of nutrients influenced conidiation resulting from cocultivation, but the percentages of total conidia from each competing isolate were not predicted by sporulation of isolates grown individually. Success during sporulation did not reflect the outcomes of competition during mycelial growth, and the extents to which isolate percentages from conidia and mycelia differed varied among both isolate pairs and media. Whether varying concentrations of sucrose, nitrate, or asparagine increased, decreased, or had no influence on competitive ability was isolate dependent. Different responses of A. flavus isolates to nutrient variability suggest genotypes are adapted to different nutrient environments that have the potential to influence A. flavus population structure and the epidemiology of aflatoxin contamination.
Kif18A Uses a Microtubule Binding Site in the Tail for Plus-End Localization and Spindle Length Regulation

Summary The mitotic spindle is a macromolecular structure utilized to properly align and segregate sister chromatids to two daughter cells. During mitosis, the spindle maintains a constant length, even though the spindle microtubules (MTs) are constantly undergoing polymerization and depolymerization [1]. Members of the kinesin-8 family are important for the regulation of spindle length and for chromosome positioning [2–9]. Kinesin-8 proteins are length-specific, plus-end-directed motors that are proposed to be either MT depolymerases [3, 4, 8, 10, 11] or MT capping proteins [12]. How Kif18A uses its destabilization activity to control spindle morphology is not known. We found that Kif18A controls spindle length independently of its role in chromosome positioning. The ability of Kif18A to control spindle length is mediated by an ATP-independent MT binding site at the C-terminal end of the Kif18A tail that has a strong affinity for MTs in vitro and in cells. We used computational modeling to ask how modulating the motility or binding properties of Kif18A would affect its activity. Our modeling predicts that both fast motility and a low off rate from the MT end are important for Kif18A function. In addition, our studies provide new insight into how depolymerizing and capping enzymes can lead to MT destabilization.
Electronic structure and optical transitions in InAsSb/InGaAs quantum dots

Self-assembled InAsSb/InGaAs quantum dots are candidates for optical detectors and emitters in the 2-5 micron band with a wide range of applications for atmospherical chemistry studies. While photoluminescence peaks at wavelengths as high as 2.2 /spl mu/m have been measured in InAsSb dots (Qiu and Uhl, 2004), the present study aims at determining the maximum wavelength theoretically achievable. The energy band gap of unstrained bulk InAs/sub 1-x/Sb/sub x/ is smallest for x=0.62 but biaxial strain for bulk InAs/sub 1-x/Sb/sub x/ grown on In/sub 0.53/Ga/sub 0.47/As shifts the energy gap to higher energies and the smallest band gap is reached for x=0.51, which seems therefore to be the preferred concentration for long wavelength optical devices. We next examine how the electronic confinement in the quantum dots modifies these simple considerations. We have calculated the electronic structure of lens shaped InAs/sub 1-x/Sb/sub x/ quantum dots with diameter 37 nm and height 4 nm embedded in a In/sub 0.53/Ga/sub 0.47/As matrix of thickness 7 nm and lattice matched to an InP buffer. The relaxed atomic positions were determined by minimizing the elastic energy obtained from a valence force field description of the inter-atomic interaction. The electronic structure was calculated with an empirical tight binding approach with the parameters obtained from (Jancu et al., 1998). We will further show the variation of the exciton energy and oscillator strength as a function of Sb concentration throughout the region where the electron is confined in the In/sub 0.53/Ga/sub 0.47/As buffer material.
Contemporary Archaeology in Transit: The Artifacts of a 1991 Van

This article uses an assemblage of recently abandoned material culture as a medium for exploring the world in which we all live. First it is suggested that if we are to study contemporary material culture, then our methodology must be collaborative, multivocal, and innovative. Next, an assemblage of materials recovered from a 1991 Ford Transit van, used by archaeologists in the field for 8 years, is investigated as a case study. The vehicle is epistemologically dismantled, and it is demonstrated that the car part should be treated as a diagnostic artifact. A close investigation of the recovered small finds uncovers explicit information about how the van was used and by whom. As with all people in every era, archaeologists too, leave material evidence of their passing. This evidence can be subversive and brings up questions about how archaeology is practiced today. Additionally, it is found that limitations to contemporary material culture also arise and esoteric knowledge can sometimes trump archaeological inquiry.
Characterization of the lactococcal conjugative element pRS01 using IS946-mediated mutagenesis

Conjugation is a common mode of genetic transfer among the lactic acid bacteria. In an effort to exploit conjugation as a means of lactococcal strain development, we have characterized the transfer regions of pRS01 by insertional mutagenesis via IS946-mediated cointegration with the lactococcal-Escherichia coli shuttle plasmid pTRK28. In this work we will discuss our use of pTRK28-mediated cointegration to identify, clone, and characterize the pRS01 transfer regions including the conjugative origin of transfer.
Perceptions of Domestic Violence in Lesbian Relationships: Stereotypes and Gender Role Expectations

In light of evidence suggesting that violence between lesbian couples is oftentimes dismissed as “mutually combative,” expectations that support this perception were examined. Participants (N = 287) evaluated a domestic violence situation within the context of a lesbian partnership. As physical appearance may be used to support gender- and heterosexist-based stereotypes relating to lesbians, participants evaluated a domestic violence incident wherein the physical appearance of both the victim and perpetrator were systematically varied. Overall, women perceived the situation as more dangerous than did men. However, among women, the plausibility of the victim's claim, and blame assigned to the perpetrator and victim, varied as a function of the physical appearance of the couple. Implications of this research as well as future directions are discussed.
Neurite Aggregation and Calcium Dysfunction in iPSC-Derived Sensory Neurons with Parkinson's Disease-Related LRRK2 G2019S Mutation.

Mutations in leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) are the most-common genetic determinants of Parkinson’s disease (PD). The G2019S mutation is detected most frequently and is associated with increased kinase activity. Whereas G2019S mutant dopamine neurons exhibit neurite elongation deficits, the effect of G2019S on other neuronal subtypes is unknown. As PD patients also suffer from non-motor symptoms that may be unrelated to dopamine neuron loss, we used induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to assess morphological and functional properties of peripheral sensory neurons. LRRK2 G2019S iPSC-derived sensory neurons exhibited normal neurite length but had large microtubule-containing neurite aggregations. Additionally, LRRK2 G2019S iPSC-derived sensory neurons displayed altered calcium dynamics. Treatment with LRRK2 kinase inhibitors resulted in significant, but not complete, morphological and functional rescue. These data indicate a role for LRRK2 kinase activity in sensory neuron structure and function, which when disrupted, may lead to sensory neuron deficits in PD.
The Constitutional Status of Public Protest Activity in Britain and the United States

Defining the constitutional status of public protest activity has for many decades been a matter of great urgency and complexity in Britain and the United States. This paper will examine the history and current status of the right to demonstrate and to engage in other forms of public expressive activity in Britain and the United States.
Relational implications of communication skill evaluations and love styles

As values placed by individuals on communication skills may associate with experiences of romantic love, this study explores relationships between communication values and the adoption of six major love styles (Lee, 1973). Two hundred and seventy‐two participants (119 males and 153 females) completed an expanded version of Burleson and Samter's (1990) Communication Functions Questionnaire, which generates judgments about the importance of several communication skills, and Hendrick and Hendrick's (1986) Love Attitudes Scale, which provides assessments of love styles. Results indicated numerous significant associations between communication values and love styles, sex differences in the evaluation of some communication values and in the adoption of some love styles, and that sex moderates relationships between some of the communication values and love styles.
Prosecutorial Guidelines and the New Terrain in New Jersey

This symposium essay chronicles the efforts of the New Jersey courts and legislature over the last two decades to promote more uniform and accountable decisions from prosecutors in the state. Three features of these doctrines make them worth considering as a model elsewhere, as a way to scrutinize and regularize prosecutorial discretion. First, these prosecutor accountability doctrines were targeted to the charging decisions with the most direct effects on the traditional judicial functions in sentencing, such as the use of mandatory minimum sentences. The courts interpreted this subset of criminal laws to require the attorney general to draft statewide charging guidelines to promote more uniform prosecutorial choices throughout the state. Second, the doctrines promoted more transparency in prosecutorial decisions as the key strategy to more consistent and less arbitrary charging. Courts required New Jersey prosecutors in particular cases under these specialized statutes to submit a written explanation of how the prosecutor planned to apply the charging guidelines in the case at hand. Third, the courts pushed the prosecutors to defend their charging policies periodically, both in particular cases and at the systemic level. This innovative doctrine could reorient our thinking about what is possible and desirable for the control of prosecutorial discretion. The judge-centered strategy of constitutional litigation to develop rules of criminal procedure, a strategy that transformed the practices of police departments during the middle of the twentieth century, is not a promising model for controlling the prosecutor. Instead, a recent school of legal scholarship has begun to explore an internal alternative, tracking the impact of prosecutorial office structures and policies on the consistency and accessibility of charging and dispositions. Developments in New Jersey could contribute to this line of inquiry by showing how judicial opinions and legislation can promote more and better internal prosecutorial regulation.
Towards high‐resolution 4D flow MRI in the human aorta using kt‐GRAPPA and B1+ shimming at 7T

PURPOSE To evaluate the feasibility of aortic 4D flow magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 7T with improved spatial resolution using kt-GRAPPA acceleration while restricting acquisition time and to address radiofrequency (RF) excitation heterogeneities with B1+ shimming. MATERIALS AND METHODS 4D flow MRI data were obtained in the aorta of eight subjects using a 16-channel transmit/receive coil array at 7T. Flow quantification and acquisition time were compared for a kt-GRAPPA accelerated (R = 5) and a standard GRAPPA (R = 2) accelerated protocol. The impact of different dynamic B1+ shimming strategies on flow quantification was investigated. Two kt-GRAPPA accelerated protocols with 1.2 × 1.2 × 1.2 mm(3) and 1.8 × 1.8 × 2.4 mm(3) spatial resolution were compared. RESULTS Using kt-GRAPPA, we achieved a 4.3-fold reduction in net acquisition time resulting in scan times of about 10 minutes. No significant effect on flow quantification was observed compared to standard GRAPPA with R = 2. Optimizing the B1+ fields for the aorta impacted significantly (P < 0.05) the flow quantification while specific B1+ settings were required for respiration navigators. The high-resolution protocol yielded similar flow quantification, but allowed the depiction of branching vessels. CONCLUSION 7T in combination with B1+ shimming allows for high-resolution 4D flow MRI acquisitions in the human aorta, while kt-GRAPPA limits total scan times without affecting flow quantification. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2016;44:486-499.
Double Taxation Reliefs: Definition and Applications Through Different Countries

This paper is drafted to be presented in regard to a class of International Trading that is concerned with trading business across countries with a focus on the concerns of the investors and the legal methods that satisfy the investors’ needs. In this regard, one of the main concerns of the international investors is the taxing issues related to the international trading; accordingly, this paper will be focused on the applicable methods for double taxation reliefs, and its effect on the foreign investment.
Live Holographic TV: From Misconceptions to Engineering

Futurists have recently proposed that “holographic telepresence” will be one of the life-changing technologies of the next few years. But what exactly do we mean by holographic TV? Did Al Gore really appear as a hologram at Live Earth Tokyo? What technologies and processes would it require to display live holograms of real scenes? Do we have to capture directly and transmit actual holographic diffraction patterns or can we use a camera array or a rangefinding camera (like a Kinect) and compute the hologram from that? And what does holographic TV have to do with standardization efforts for other sorts of 3-D TV? In this presentation I answer these questions and more.
Prioritization of mental health services in Oregon

The Oregon Health Plan is an approach to health care reform that increases access to mental health and chemical dependency services. A key feature is the integration of mental and physical health care. The mental health community had to educate policy makers about the importance of mental health and chemical dependency services. They constructed a prioritized list of mental health and chemical dependency services and interdigitated the list with the set of physical health services. The result is a unique attempt to develop a seamless health care system that minimizes discrimination against persons affected by mental illness. The opportunity to achieve parity for mental health must not be delayed or compromised; to do so would worsen the lives of persons already affected by the trauma and stigma associated with mental illness.
Description of the Larval Stages and Bionomics of the Tule Beetle, Tanystoma maculicolle (Coleoptera: Carabidae)

The described and illustrated structural features of the larval stages of Tanystoma maculicolle are typical of the tribe Platynini, except for segmented urogomphi. A developmental scheme is hypothesized in which setal induction is associated with the formation of membrane to account for parallel development of segmented urogomphi in Platynini, and various subtribes of the Lebiini (Carabidae). T. maculicolle occurs in areas with Mediterranean climate in Baja California, California, and Oregon. It is a winter-breeding species, with teneral adults present from November to June. The time from hatching to adult eclosion averages 66 days, at between 18 and 22°C and a photoperiod of approximately LD12:12 photoperiod. Winter breeding also occurs in carabid species from North Africa and in Elaphrus viridis , a carabid of vernal pools in the Central Valley of California.
Reducing Gender-Based Violence in Public Transportation: Strategy Design for Mexico City, Mexico

Gender-based violence on public transportation in Mexico City, Mexico, is a growing concern. Current efforts to counteract the violence have focused on transit vehicles for exclusive use by women and children and campaigns to promote the report of offenses. To characterize the problem, this study conducted a transit user survey, workshops with transit users, interviews with operators, and interviews with experts in the field. The study found that, even though transit users believed that the gender-exclusive transport service reduced problematic encounters, they did not view the service as a solution to the problem of gender-based violence. Transit users would prefer to see the problem addressed through a combination of interventions including social marketing, mobile phone reporting systems, and transit service upgrades. Government agencies acknowledged that gender segregation and current reporting systems were only partially successful, and nongovernmental organizations and private operators agreed. Thos...
Theoretical and experimental correlation of mechanical wave formation on beams

Mechanical waves can be broadly categorized into traveling waves and standing waves. In this study, the nature of the waves in a finite solid medium is investigated to reveal the excitation parameters that influence their behavior. Theoretical and experimental analysis is conducted to find the conditions for generating traveling waves using piezoelectric ceramics as the actuation agent in piezo-structural-coupled systems. A continuous electromechanical model is developed in order to predict the structural dynamics and is validated through experiments. The results from this study provide the fundamental physics behind the generation of mechanical waves and their propagation through finite mediums.
Experimental models of chronic focal epilepsy: a critical review of four models.

Abstract A number of experimental (i.e., animal) models have been developed to induce chronic focal epilepsy. Three of the most commonly employed are the alumina cream, kainic acid, and the electrical kindling techniques. A fourth approach involving the application of minute quantities of tetanus toxin to discrete brain sites, although relatively under-utilized, may be favorably compared to the aforementioned models.
[17-OR]: Histone deacetylase inhibition promotes chymase activation in endothelial cells: A potential mechanism of increased angiotensin II generation in preeclampsia

Objectives Chymase is a non-ACE angiotensin II generating enzyme. Increased chymase expression was found in maternal vessel endothelium in preeclampsia (PE). However, the mechanism of chymase activation in PE is unknown. The objective of this study is to investigate if epigenetic regulation is involved in endothelial chymase activation. Effects of histone deacetylase (HADC) inhibition on chymase activation were studied. Methods To specifically study effects of chymase activation in ECs, a vector containing human chymase gene was constructed and transfected into ECs. ECs, with or without the transfected chymase gene, were treated with HDAC inhibitor valproic acid (VPA) at different doses for 24 h. Chymase expression was determined by Western blot. β -actin expression was used as internal control. Chymase activity was evaluated by measuring angiotensin II generation. ACE expression was also determined. Data were expressed as mean ± SE and analyzed by ANOVA. A probability levels Results Cells transfected with chymase gene exhibited dose-dependent increases in chymase protein expression when treated with VPA. In contrast, ACE expression showed a dose-dependent reduction in cells treated with VPA. Compared to cells without chymase gene transfer, transfected cells produced significantly more angiotensin II after VPA treatment, p Conclusions HDAC inhibition promotes chymase activation and increases angiotensin II generation in ECs. Because both ACE and chymase are angiotensin II generating enzymes, the finding that increased chymase expression is inversely associated with ACE expression in ECs suggests that there is an intrinsic balance between ACE and chymase in ECs, which determines which is the dominant regulator of angiotensin II generation within the vasculature. Our data also suggests histone modification could be a molecular mechanism that mediates chymase induction and increases angiotensin II production/sensitivity in vascular ECs in PE. (Supported by grant from NIH R21HD076289). Disclosures Y. Gu: None. L.J. Groome: None. Y. Wang: None.
Operative Techniques for Adrenal Neoplasms

Adrenal masses require a stepwise approach to determine whether surgical or medical intervention or no intervention is warranted. Patients with adrenal masses may have functional tumors that hypersecrete cortisol, aldosterone, virilizing/feminizing hormones, or vasoactive catecholamines. Nonfunctional adrenal masses, however, may harbor either a primary or secondary malignancy. Functional status and the potential for malignancy are assessed to decide if surgical intervention is indicated. The optimal surgical approach is dependent on the underlying disease process. In patients with benign adrenal disease, a transabdominal or retroperitoneal laparoscopic approach is ideal. In patients who may harbor malignancy, the current literature supports an open approach with a negative gross and microscopic margins. The extent of resection is also dependent on the underlying disease process. Patients with unilateral primary hyperaldosteronism or unilateral ACTH-independent hypercortisolism should undergo a total adrenalectomy. Patients with sporadic pheochromocytomas or those with SDHB mutations should undergo a total adrenalectomy. Patients with hereditary syndromes such as von Hippel Linda or multiple endocrine neoplasia 2A should undergo a partial adrenalectomy to preserve adrenocortical function as the risk of malignancy is low and the risk of developing or having a contralateral pheochromocytoma is high. Patients with adrenocortical carcinoma should undergo an en bloc resection. The outcome for patients with benign adrenal disease is excellent with many patients having a resolution of metabolic complications. Patients with malignancy, unfortunately, continue to have a poor outcome with a high rate of recurrence and mortality. In this chapter, the indications for surgery, the approaches and techniques, extent of resection, and the outcomes of surgical intervention are summarized.
Sabic and the Saudi Arabian Petrochemical Industry: Anatomy of a Leader

On behalf of Saudi Basic Industries Corporation — more commonly known as SABIC — I want to express appreciation to the Conference organizers for providing SABIC the opportunity to participate in this Third International Conference on Polymers, Malaysia.
Hindbrain DPP-IV inhibition improves glycemic control and promotes negative energy balance

The beneficial glycemic and food intake-suppressive effects of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) have made this neuroendocrine system a leading target for pharmacological approaches to the treatment of diabetes and obesity. One strategy to increase the activity of endogenous GLP-1 is to prevent the rapid degradation of the hormone by the enzyme dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV). However, despite the expression of both DPP-IV and GLP-1 in the brain, and the clear importance of central GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) signaling for glycemic and energy balance control, the metabolic effects of central inhibition of DPP-IV activity are unclear. To test whether hindbrain DPP-IV inhibition suppresses blood glucose, feeding, and body weight gain, the effects of 4th intracerebroventricular (ICV) administration of the FDA-approved DPP-IV inhibitor sitagliptin were evaluated. Results indicate that hindbrain delivery of sitagliptin improves glycemic control in a GLP-1R-dependent manner, suggesting that this effect is due at least in part to increased endogenous brainstem GLP-1 activity after sitagliptin administration. Furthermore, 4th ICV injection of sitagliptin reduced 24h body weight gain and energy intake, with a selective suppression of high-fat diet, but not chow, intake. These data reveal a novel role for hindbrain GLP-1R activation in glycemic control and also demonstrate that DPP-IV inhibition in the caudal brainstem promotes negative energy balance.
Effects of Metal Particle Size and Carbon Fouling on the Rate of Heptane Oxidation Over Platinum

Abstract A series of platinum catalysts, with metal dispersions ranging from 10 to 81%, have been tested for heptane oxidation in 5% excess oxygen and at temperatures between 90 and 140°C. The rate of reaction declines exponentially with time because carbon fouls the metal surface. The deactivation rate is first order in the concentration of active sites. The rate of coke formation depends on the metal particle size, the support composition, and the density of metal particles on the support. Small particles are inactive for carbon deposition. On large particles, the amount of carbon deposited per surface platinum atom is higher on alumina than on zirconia, and increases as the number of particles decreases. Most of this carbon resides on the support. The rate of catalyst deactivation follows a trend opposite to that of coke formation. Small particles deactivate very slowly. On large particles, the deactivation rate is higher on zirconia than on alumina, and increases as the number of particles increases. Evidently, the faster the metal transfers carbon to the support, the slower it deactivates. The turnover frequency for heptane oxidation on sites not fouled by carbon (A sites) depends on metal particle size. On average, large crystallites are 23 times more active than small ones. At long reaction times, the turnover frequency for heptane oxidation is obscured by carbon fouling, and the rate appears insensitive to particle size.
Molecular characterisation of protistan species and communities in ships’ ballast water across three U.S. coasts

Aim We characterised protistan taxa in ships’ ballast water (BW) arriving to port systems across three U.S. coasts. Our goals were to compare (1) diversity and (2) community composition of protists in BW among and between port systems. Location Chesapeake Bay in Virginia (Port of Hampton Roads), Galveston Bay in Texas (Ports of Texas City, Houston and Bayport) and Prince William Sound in Alaska (Port of Valdez). Methods We collected 61 BW samples from 39 vessels from May to August 2013. We conducted amplicon-based high-throughput sequencing (HTS) using the hypervariable V4 domain of the small subunit (SSU) gene of the ribosomal RNA (rRNA) complex to identify protistan taxa. Results We detected 8,561 OTUs from protistan taxa, including 35 taxonomic groups. We found high protistan diversity in the BW entering all three port systems, with the dominant taxa belonging to the Alveolata, Rhizaria and Stramenopiles. Thirty-eight taxa were found in high relative abundance (>10,000 sequences), and some were recovered from multiple samples within and across ports, indicating both a high relative abundance and frequency of introduction events. The composition of the protistan communities entering each of the port systems appeared to vary depending on BW source, with those entering Valdez being consistently more similar to each other than those entering other port systems. Main conclusions This study is the most comprehensive assessment of protistan diversity in BW and has important implications for microbial biogeography and invasions. Ships’ BW is importing distinct and diverse protistan communities to U.S. coasts with high propagule pressure for some taxa, creating opportunity for invasion by novel taxa. Further, our results demonstrate the broad-scale movement of marine protists that has occurred through BW, highlighting a discrepancy between the large magnitude of introductions and limited number of known microbial invasions.
Field evaluation of the circadian stimulus potential of daylit and non-daylit spaces in dementia care facilities

Abstract Lack of sufficient exposure to high-intensity light during the morning can negatively affect the health and well-being of residents in dementia care facilities. The objective of this study was to evaluate the circadian stimulus potential of daylight provided by windows in dementia care facilities in southern California. A mobile spectrometer cart was used to measure eye-level light exposures in 9 daylit and 4 non-daylit spaces. A total of 579 spectrometer measurements, acquired over a period of 13 weeks, were analyzed in units of equivalent melanopic lux and compared to dose-response models and emerging threshold criteria for circadian lighting. Comparison between daylit and non-daylit spaces revealed significant benefits of daylit spaces in regard to circadian stimulus potential and circadian efficacy. This study is a first step in addressing the need to measure and evaluate light exposures in biologically-meaningful units to better support the care of people living with dementia in long-term care facilities. Outcomes of the study contribute to a body of evidence that can be used to inform clinically significant decisions related to the current use and future design of dementia care facilities.
Dual screen sandwich configurations for digital radiography

Motivated by recent advances in TFT array technology for display, this study develops a theoretical treatment of dual granular scintillating screens sandwiched around a light detector and applies this to investigate possible improvements in imaging performance of indirect active-matrix flat-panel imagers (AMFPI’s) for x-ray applications, when dual intensifying screen configurations are used. Theoretical methods, based on previous studies of granular intensifying screens, are developed and applied to calculate modulation transfer function (MTF), normalized noise power spectrum (NNPS), Swank factor (As), Lubberts function L(f), and spatial frequency-dependent detective quantum efficiency (DQE(f)) for a variety of detector configurations in which a pair of screens are sandwiched around a light sensing array. Single-screen front illuminated (FI) and back illuminated (BI) configurations are also included in the analysis. DQE(f) is used as a performance metric to optimize and compare the performance of the various configurations. Large improvements in performance in MTF and DQE(f) are found possible, when the substrate layer between the light sensing array and the intensifying screen is optically thin. The ratio of the thicknesses of the two screens which optimizes DQE performance is generally asymmetric with the thinner screen facing the incident flux, and the ratio depends on the x-ray attenuation length in the phosphor material.
Use of extracranial radiation therapy in metastatic melanoma patients receiving immunotherapy.

Abstract Purpose Explore the patterns of use of extracranial radiation therapy (RT) in metastatic melanoma patients receiving immunotherapy, its potential association with OS, the impact of the site and timing of RT on clinical outcomes when combined with immunotherapy. Materials and methods Patients with extracranial metastatic melanoma who received immunotherapy with or without extracranial RT from 2004 to 2013 were obtained from the National Cancer Database. Multivariable Cox regression analysis was used to evaluate factors associated with overall survival (OS). Subset analyses comparing outcomes in patients receiving RT to bone metastases versus soft tissue metastases were also performed. OS was compared using the Kaplan–Meier and log-rank statistics. Results A total of 1675 patients were identified: 1387 received immunotherapy alone and 288 received immunotherapy plus RT. An increase in the utilization of RT as well as SBRT was noted over time. The rate of RT use was 11.5% (0% with SBRT) in 2004 and gradually rose to 19.8% (27.0% with SBRT) in 2013 (P = 0.04). The median OS was 15.4 vs. 19.4 months in the immunotherapy plus RT and immunotherapy alone groups, respectively (P = 0.02). However, on multivariable analysis, RT was not associated with worse OS. The poor OS in the RT group was confined to the patients who received RT to bone metastases, but not in patients who received RT to soft tissue metastases. In subset analyses of patients irradiated to soft tissue, RT administered at least 30 days before immunotherapy was associated with a higher OS than RT administered within 30 days or 30 days after immunotherapy: median 26.1 months vs. 16.0 months (P = 0.009) vs. 15.4 months (P = 0.004), respectively. Conclusions This study demonstrates that extracranial RT plays an increasing role in the management of metastatic melanoma patients in the era of immunotherapy. The site and the timing of RT may have important interaction with immunotherapy, and need to be carefully considered in future clinical trials.
Ignition delay times for jet and diesel fuels: Constant volume spray and gas-phase shock tube measurements

Abstract Ignition delay times for conventional and alternative jet and diesel fuels were measured in a constant volume spray combustion chamber and a shock tube in homogenous gas-phase reflected shock experiments. Experiments were performed in the spray environment for injection of liquid fuel sprays into hot air at 1.0, 2.14, and 4.0 MPa and 620–830 K. Shock tube experiments were performed for homogenous stoichiometric fuel/air mixtures at pressures around 2, 4, and 8 MPa and for 660–1310 K. These experiments characterize relative fuel reactivity, the dependence of reactivity on temperature and pressure, and allow for correlation of reactivity under spray and homogenous gas-phase conditions. Important results include the observation of three temperature regimes for reactivity in the shock tube experiments: high- and low-temperature regimes with positive overall activation energy connected by a negative-temperature-coefficient (NTC) regime. While increasing pressure was shown to result in decreasing ignition delay in all regimes, pressure was shown to have an appreciably larger influence in the NTC regime. Spray ignition experiments exhibited decreasing temperature dependence with increasing temperature from the low-temperature regime towards the entrance to the NTC. Fuel reactivity trends from spray ignition experiments, quantified using the derived cetane number (DCN), were found to correlate via a power law relationship with ignition delay times measured in the shock tube at NTC conditions, suggesting that DCN is primarily sensitive to NTC gas-phase chemical kinetic reactivity. The extensive experimental database reported here for jet and diesel fuels at high-pressure engine-like combustion conditions should be valuable for the future development of real fuel chemical kinetic modeling.
Could use of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors During Lactation Cause Persistent Effects on Maternal Bone

The lactating mammary gland elegantly coordinates maternal homeostasis to provide calcium for milk. During lactation, the monoamine serotonin regulates the synthesis and release of various mammary gland-derived factors, such as parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP), to stimulate bone resorption. Recent evidence suggests that bone mineral lost during prolonged lactation is not fully recovered following weaning, possibly putting women at increased risk of fracture or osteoporosis. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants have also been associated with reduced bone mineral density and increased fracture risk. Therefore, SSRI exposure while breastfeeding may exacerbate lactational bone loss, compromising long-term bone health. Through an examination of serotonin and calcium homeostasis during lactation, lactational bone turnover and post-weaning recovery of bone mineral, and the effect of peripartum depression and SSRI on the mammary gland and bone, this review will discuss the hypothesis that peripartum SSRI exposure causes persistent reductions in bone mineral density through mammary-derived PTHrP signaling with bone.
A Systems View of Restructuring Education

Education is viewed more broadly than schools only. An educational system consists of four basic kinds of components: teachers, students, content and contexts. Six types of diadic relationships exist among these four components, as well as those between an educational system and its environment. To restructure an educational system is to change one or more of these seven basic relationships. Extant examples of these relationships are described, which are followed by examples of how they might be changed. Since form follows function and function follows aim, communities should begin by addressing the content component. Once content aims are clarified, then each community should ask: Who are the teachers, who are the students, and what are the contexts needed to bring about those aims?
Performance and Portability in Parallel Computing: A Weather Forecast View

We have developed a high level library, the Nearest Neighbor Tool (NNT), to facilitate the coding of finite difference approximation weather prediction models on parallel computers. NNT provides portability and ease of programming and at the same time optimizes performance by allowing the overlap of computation and communication to tolerate the latency of remote data moves. In this paper we describe NNT and the implementation of the Well Posed Topographic model (WPT), a finite difference approximation weather prediction model. We present a qualitative study of the performance of the code on various multiprocessors and evaluate the effectiveness of NNT.
Acquired Tumors of Childhood and Posttraumatic Events

Children can develop benign tumors during childhood and adolescence, including keloids, an overly-aggressive healing response seen especially in children of color, dermatofibromas, a benign fibrous response to trauma, which will appear extremely dark in individuals of color and mastocytomas. This chapter reviews differences in incidences and appearance of these lesions based on race and/or ethnicity.
An extremum relationship for lepton masses

It is suggested that the muon and electron have mass values which maximize the dimensionless quantity $\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Gamma}}/Q$ (decay rate/Q-value) for classes of meson decays and $\mathrm{\ensuremath{\beta}}$ decays, respectively. As a consequence, ${M}_{{\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Xi}}}^{\text{\ensuremath{-}}}}$. $\ensuremath{-}{M}_{{\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Xi}}}^{0}}$ is predicted to be $\mathit{5.2}\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}\mathit{0.3}$ MeV.