cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Exercise as Adjunct Therapy in Cancer

Data from observational studies indicate that both physical activity as well as exercise (ie, structured physical activity) is associated with reductions in the risk of recurrence and cancer mortality after a diagnosis of certain forms of cancer. Emerging evidence from preclinical studies indicates that physical activity/exercise paradigms regulate intratumoral vascular maturity and perfusion, hypoxia, and metabolism and augments the antitumor immune response. Such responses may, in turn, enhance response to standard anticancer treatments. For instance, exercise improves efficacy of chemotherapeutic agents, and there is rationale to believe that it will also improve radiotherapy response. This review overviews the current preclinical as well as clinical evidence supporting exercise modulation of therapeutic response and postulated biological mechanisms underpinning such effects. We also examine the implications for tumor response to radiation, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy.
A Compact Platform-Based Antenna for an Unmanned Ground Vehicle

This paper presents a design strategy for covert platform-based antennas that operate on electrically-small platforms such as compact unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs). Specifically, we report the design of platform-based antennas operating at the lower end of the very high frequency (VHF) band for a small UGV having electrical dimensions of 0.13λ × 0.09λ × 0.05λ at 40 MHz. To do this without increasing the size or visual signature of the platform, the bottom of the UGV is modified in a nondestructive fashion. Specifically, a quarter-wavelength slot antenna is created in the bottom of the vehicle by placing a false bottom in the undercarriage area. The proposed antenna generates a vertically-polarized, monopole-like radiation pattern as verified through simulations and experiments.
Local Epigenomic Data are more Informative than Local Genome Sequence Data in Predicting Enhancer-Promoter Interactions Using Neural Networks

Enhancer-promoter interactions (EPIs) are crucial for transcriptional regulation. Mapping such interactions proves useful for understanding disease regulations and discovering risk genes in genome-wide association studies. Some previous studies showed that machine learning methods, as computational alternatives to costly experimental approaches, performed well in predicting EPIs from local sequence and/or local epigenomic data. In particular, deep learning methods were demonstrated to outperform traditional machine learning methods, and using DNA sequence data alone could perform either better than or almost as well as only utilizing epigenomic data. However, most, if not all, of these previous studies were based on randomly splitting enhancer-promoter pairs as training, tuning, and test data, which has recently been pointed out to be problematic; due to multiple and duplicating/overlapping enhancers (and promoters) in enhancer-promoter pairs in EPI data, such random splitting does not lead to independent training, tuning, and test data, thus resulting in model over-fitting and over-estimating predictive performance. Here, after correcting this design issue, we extensively studied the performance of various deep learning models with local sequence and epigenomic data around enhancer-promoter pairs. Our results confirmed much lower performance using either sequence or epigenomic data alone, or both, than reported previously. We also demonstrated that local epigenomic features were more informative than local sequence data. Our results were based on an extensive exploration of many convolutional neural network (CNN) and feed-forward neural network (FNN) structures, and of gradient boosting as a representative of traditional machine learning.
Partial leptin deficiency confers resistance to diet-induced obesity in mice.

Abstract Objective Hyperleptinemia per se is sufficient to promote leptin resistance in the obese state. Leptin sensitivity can be restored by reducing circulating leptin levels within a physiologically healthy range and is a viable antiobesity and antidiabetic strategy. However, a previous study suggests that partial leptin deficiency favors diet-induced obesity and related metabolic disorders in mice, arguing that a lower leptin level may indeed promote diet-induced obesity and its associated metabolic disorders. Here, we aim to elucidate what the impact of partial leptin deficiency is on fat mass and insulin sensitivity. Methods We used two different mouse models of partial leptin deficiency: an adipocyte-specific congenital heterozygous leptin knockout mouse line (LepHZ) and the well-established whole body heterozygous leptin knockout mouse (OBHZ). The metabolic studies of OBHZ and LepHZ mice were performed both on normal carbohydrate-rich chow diet and on a high-fat diet (HFD). Male and female mice were included in the study to account for sex-specific differences. Body weight, food intake, glucose tolerance, and insulin tolerance were tested. Histology of adipose tissue and liver tissue allowed insights into adipose tissue inflammation and hepatic triglyceride content. Immunohistochemistry was paired with RT-PCR analysis for expression levels of inflammatory markers. Results Both OBHZ and LepHZ mice displayed reduced circulating leptin levels on the chow diet and HFD. On chow diet, male OBHZ and LepHZ mice showed elevated fat mass and body weight, while their glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity remained unchanged. However, the inability in partially leptin-deficient mice to fully induce circulating leptin during the development of diet-induced obesity results in reduced food intake and leaner mice with lower body weight compared to their littermate controls. Importantly, a strong reduction of adipose tissue inflammation is observed along with improvements in insulin sensitivity and enhanced glucose tolerance. Additionally, partial leptin deficiency protects the mice from fatty liver and liver fibrosis. Chronically HFD-fed OBHZ and LepHZ mice remain more sensitive to exogenous leptin injection, as reflected by their reduced food intake upon an acute leptin treatment. Conclusion In response to HFD feeding, the inability to upregulate leptin levels due to partial leptin deficiency protects mice from diet-induced obesity and metabolic dysregulation. Thus, in an obesogenic environment, maintaining lower leptin levels is highly beneficial for both obesity and diabetes management. Chronic leptin reduction represents a viable preventive strategy whose efficacy awaits clinical testing.
Cognitive bias modification for threat interpretations: Impact on anxiety symptoms and stress reactivity.

Background Cognitive bias modification for interpretations (CBM-I) is a computerized intervention that has received increasing attention in the last decade as a potential experimental intervention for anxiety. Initial CBM-I trials with clinical populations suggest the potential utility of this approach. However, most CBM-I experiments have been conducted with unaffected samples, few (one or two) training sessions, and have not examined transfer effects to anxiety-related constructs such as stress reactivity. Method This study compared a 12-session CBM-I intervention (n = 12) to an interpretation control condition (ICC; n = 12) in individuals (N = 24) with elevated trait anxiety on interpretation bias, anxiety symptom, and stress reactivity outcomes (electrodermal activity, heart rate, and respiratory sinus arrhythmia). Results Compared to the ICC group, participants assigned to CBM-I experienced significantly greater improvements in interpretation bias and anxiety symptoms by post-intervention 4 weeks later, with impact on anxiety maintained at 1-month follow-up. While CBM-I and ICC groups did not differ in stress reactivity during an acute stressor at pre-intervention, the CBM-I group evidenced improved stress reactivity at post-intervention compared to ICC on two psychophysiological indices, electrodermal activity and heart rate. Conclusions The results of this pilot study suggest that CBM-I may hold promise for reducing anxiety symptoms, as well as impact psychophysiological arousal during an acute stressor.
Reconstructions of local resource procurement networks at Cerro Baúl, Peru using multispectral ASTER satellite imagery and geospatial modeling

Abstract Multispectral remote sensing is increasingly common in archaeology, but is largely oriented towards site-detection applications. A high-resolution approach using ASTER data to map environmental and geological resources in the vicinity of Cerro Baul is outlined here. Spectral mapping evaluates several band ratio and relative band depth image transforms that target diagnostic reflectance/absorption features of earth materials. Available geological resources had a high degree of spatial heterogeneity, which conditioned household strategies for obtaining raw materials. However, some variability cannot be explained by the geological environment alone. Using Minimum Convex Polygons and Kernel Density home-territory estimates, I outline the spatial organization of resource networks that differed from household to household. Differences in household resource networks suggest that socio-economic factors conditioned the use of materials, including locally-available ones. These results demonstrate the utility of multispectral remote sensing to construct palaeoecological models on a scale congruent with archaeological questions.
Ganglioside for hand, foot and mouth disease complicated with central nervous system damage

Objective To explore the efficacy of Ganglioside for hand, foot and mouth disease ( HFMD )complicated with central nervous system damage in pediatric patients.Methods 140 pediatric patients with HFMD complicated with central nervous system damage who were hospitalized into our hospital from Feb.2009 to Feb.2011 were randomly divided into treatment group and control group,70 for each group.All patients in both groups were treated with anti-virus drug and anti-infectious drug and received symptomatic treatment.Besides these,patents in treatment group were intravenously cured with 20 mg ganglioside for 10 days,while patients in control group were intravenously treated with citicoline,0.125-0.25 g/d.The electroencephalogram ( EEG ) and neuron-specific enolase ( NSE ),the duration of main symptoms and signs,time to recover,and hospital stay of the two groups were compared and analyzed.Results 65( 92.8％ ) patients in treatment group recovered in electroencephalogram( EEG )and neuron-specific enolase( NSE ).the duration of the main symptoms and signs,time to recover,and hospital stay were significantly shorter in treatment group than in control group ( P ＜ 0.05 ).Conclusions Ganglioside for hand,foot and mouth disease ( HFMD ) complicated with central nervous system damage is efficacious safe,and reliable and can reduce sequelae incindence. Key words: Hand, foot and mouth disease; Central nervous system; Ganglioside; Citicoline
Who Cares? Russian Public Opinion during Medvedev’s Presidency on the Importance and Politicization of History

Russia’s leaders have sought to craft a narrative about the Soviet period that fosters national solidarity and regime support. How have Russians felt about the enterprise of promoting historical kn...
The schizophrenia-associated variant in SLC39A8 alters N-glycosylation in the mouse brain

A missense mutation (A391T) in the manganese transporter SLC39A8 is strongly associated with schizophrenia in genomic studies, though the molecular connection to the brain remains hypothetical. Human carriers of A391T have reduced serum manganese, altered plasma glycosylation, and brain MRI changes consistent with altered metal transport. Here, using a knock-in mouse model homozygous for A391T, we show that the schizophrenia-associated variant changes protein glycosylation in the brain. N-linked glycosylation was most significantly impaired, with effects differing between regions. RNAseq analysis showed negligible regional variation, consistent with changes in the activity of glycosylation enzymes rather than gene expression. Finally, nearly one third of detected glycoproteins were differentially N-glycosylated in the cortex, including members of several pathways previously implicated in schizophrenia such as cell adhesion molecules and neurotransmitter receptors. These findings provide a mechanistic link between a risk allele and biochemical changes in the brain, furthering our molecular understanding of the pathophysiology of schizophrenia.
Increasing Frailty in Geriatric Emergency General Surgery: A Cause for Concern.

BACKGROUND Emergency general surgery (EGS) presents a challenge for frail, geriatric individuals who often have extensive comorbidities affecting postoperative recovery. Previous studies have shown an association between increasing frailty and adverse outcomes following elective and EGS; no study has explored the same for the geriatric patient population using the modified 5-item frailty index (mFI-5) score. MATERIALS AND METHODS A retrospective cohort study was performed using the 2012-2017 American College of Surgeons - National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database to identify geriatric patients (≥65 years) undergoing EGS procedures within 48 h of admission. The previously validated mFI-5 score was used to assess preoperative frailty. The study cohort was divided into four groups: mFI-5 = 0, mFI-5 = 1, mFI-5 = 2, and mFI-5 ≥ 3; the impact of increasing mFI-5 score on failure-to-rescue (FTR), 30-day complications, readmissions, reoperations, and mortality was assessed. RESULTS A total of 47,216 patients were included: 27.4% with mFI-5 = 0, 45% with mFI-5 = 1, 22.1% with mFI-5 = 2, and 5.5% with mFI-5 ≥ 3. Following multivariate analyses, increasing mFI-5 score was associated with higher odds of FTR (mFI-5 = 1: odds ratio (OR) 1.48, p=0.003; mFI-5 = 2: OR 2.66, p <0.001; mFI-5 ≥ 3: OR 3.97, p <0.001), 30-day complications (mFI-5 = 1: OR 1.46, p <0.001; mFI-5 = 2: OR 2.48, p <0.001; mFI-5≥3: OR 5.01, p <0.001), reoperation (mFI-5 = 1: OR 1.42, p = 0.020; mFI-5 = 2: OR 1.70, p = 0.021; mFI-5 ≥ 3: OR 2.18, p = 0.009) and all-cause mortality (mFI-5 = 1: OR 1.49, p=0.001; mFI-5 = 2: OR 2.67, p <0.001; mFI-5 ≥ 3: 3.96, p <0.001). CONCLUSIONS Increasing frailty in geriatric EGS patients is associated with significantly higher rates of FTR, 30-day complications, reoperations, and all-cause mortality. The mFI-5 score can be used to assess frailty and better anticipate the postoperative course of vulnerable geriatric patients.
Association of Vascular Risk Scores and Cognitive Performance in a Diverse Cohort: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis.

BACKGROUND Vascular risk scores are associated with incident dementia. Information regarding their association with cognitive performance and decline in racially/ethnically diverse cohorts is lacking. METHODS In 4392 Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis participants (aged 60.1±9.4 years; 53% women; 41% white, 11% Chinese-American, 26% African-American, 21% Hispanic), we compared associations of Exam 1 (2000-02) Cardiovascular Risk Factors, Aging, and Incidence of Dementia (CAIDE), Framingham stroke (FSRP), and atherosclerotic disease pooled cohort equation (ASCVD-PCE) risk scores with Exam 5 (2010-12) Cognitive Abilities Screening Instrument (CASI), Digit Symbol Coding (DSC), and Digit Span (DS) cognitive test performance using multivariable linear regression, and examined racial/ethnic interactions. In 1838 participants with repeat CASI data at Exam 6 (2016-18), we related risk scores to odds of a 1-standard deviation (SD) decline in CASI performance using multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS SD increments in each risk score were associated with worse cognitive performance. CAIDE had stronger associations with CASI performance than the FSRP and ASCVD-PCE, but associations of ASCVD-PCE with the DSC and DS were similar to CAIDE (difference in β [95% CI] = -0.57 [-1.48, 0.34] and -0.21 [-0.43, 0.01], respectively). Race/ethnicity modified associations. For example, associations between CAIDE and CASI were greater in African-Americans and Hispanics than whites (difference in β = 0.69 [0.02, 1.36] and 1.67 [0.95, 2.39], respectively). Risk scores were comparably associated with decline in CASI performance. CONCLUSIONS Antecedent vascular risk scores are associated with cognitive performance and decline in the four most common US racial/ethnic groups, but associations differ among risk scores and by race/ethnicity.
Structural priming in question-answer dialogues.

We explored whether speakers self-prime during question-answer dialogues. Experimenters called restaurants and asked two questions. The first was about the timing of different menu options ((At)What time do you stop serving breakfast?), and the second was about the closing time of the restaurant ((At)What time do you close?). Participants were more likely to use a preposition in their responses (At 7 vs. 7) when experimenters used a preposition in their question. However, the participants’ use of a preposition (or not) in their first response did not prime the use of a preposition in their second response (i.e., no self-priming). The lack of self-priming in these data provide support for error-based theories of structural priming, and against activation-based accounts of priming.
ThIV–Desferrioxamine: characterization of a fluorescent bacterial probe

Diversifying our ability to guard against emerging pathogenic threats is essential for keeping pace with global health challenges, including those presented by drug-resistant bacteria. Some modern diagnostic and therapeutic innovations to address this challenge focus on targeting methods that exploit bacterial nutrient sequestration pathways, such as the desferrioxamine (DFO) siderophore used by Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) to sequester FeIII. Building on recent studies that have shown DFO to be a versatile vehicle for chemical delivery, we show proof-of-principle that the FeIII sequestration pathway can be used to deliver a potential radiotherapeutic. Our approach replaces the FeIII nutrient sequestered by H4DFO+ with ThIV and made use of a common fluorophore, FITC, which we covalently bonded to DFO to provide a combinatorial probe for simultaneous chelation paired with imaging and spectroscopy, H3DFO_FITC. Combining insight provided from FITC-based imaging with characterization by NMR spectroscopy, we demonstrated that the fluorescent DFO_FITC conjugate retained the ThIV chelation properties of native H4DFO+. Fluorescence microscopy with both [Th(DFO_FITC)] and [Fe(DFO_FITC)] complexes showed similar uptake by S. aureus and increased intercellular accumulation as compared to the FITC and unchelated H3DFO_FITC controls. Collectively, these results demonstrate the potential for the newly developed H3DFO_FITC conjugate to be used as a targeting vector and bacterial imaging probe for S. aureus. The results presented within provide a framework to expand H4DFO+ and H3DFO_FITC to relevant radiotherapeutics (like 227Th).
Graphic novels and multimodal literacy: a reader response study, by Heidi Hammond

Graphic Novels and Multimodal Literacy: A Reader Response Study focuses on the difference between comic books and graphic novels. It also lists the different classifications of graphic novels. Grap...
Mid-Holocene Climate Change

The climate change in our current interglacial period, the Holocene, is relatively muted compared to the larger-scale, rapid climate oscillations during the preceding glacial period. Paleoclimatologists are now using their techniques to characterize climate change in the mid-Holocene, around 5000 to 7000 years ago. At this time, land air temperatures declined, atmospheric and ocean circulation patterns changed, and atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations increased. The data help understand Earth9s climate system, but parallels to today9s climate change should be drawn with caution.
6-Mercaptopurine Therapy

6-Mercaptopurine (6-MP) and its parent drug azathioprine (AZA) are well known for their immunosuppressive and lymphocytotoxic properties. These antimetabolite drugs have been shown to suppress disease activity in up to 70% of children with moderate to severe IBD; among these patients, 50% will achieve a clinical response after 4 months of continuous maintenance 6-MP therapy suggesting that inherent differences in drug metabolism or immunomodulation may influence clinical responsiveness to therapy. Moreover, although the overall risk of 6-MP-induced toxicity is low, these same presumed pharmogenomic determinants can only explain in part susceptibility to untoward antimetabolite-associated side effects, including the risk of malignancy. The risk of EBV-associated lymphoma among patients with leukemia on maintenance 6-MP therapy is well known, and now has also been shown in patients with IBD on long-term antimetabolite therapy.
Deep inelastic hadronic scattering in dual-resonance model

where A, B, and X are hadrons. Most of the works in the literature (1) have dealt with special regions near the phase space boundaries of the reaction, in which the general behavior of the cross section can be predicted by a new type of Regge phenomenology, without having to assume a detailed dynamical model. In this respect they are similar to the Regge phenomenology of two-body near-forward scattering.
Pattern of cognitive impairment in older veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder evaluated at a memory disorders clinic.

Author(s): Scott Mackin, R; Lesselyong, Julia A; Yaffe, Kristine | Abstract: BackgroundWe determined the pattern of clinically significant cognitive impairment (CI) among older veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) evaluated in a memory disorders clinic.MethodsData were collected from 19 ethnically diverse veterans. Cognitive functioning in six domains (verbal learning, memory, attention, language, executive functioning, and information processing speed) was assessed.ResultsThe majority of veterans (57%) demonstrated CI on a measure of single trial list learning, 44% exhibited CI on short delay memory for lists, and 31% exhibited CI in long delay memory for lists. CI on measures of memory for stories (14%) and executive functioning (6%) were less common, and none of the participants demonstrated CI on measures of attention, language, or information processing speed.ConclusionsCI on measures of single trial list learning and memory for lists are common in older patients with PTSD evaluated in a memory disorders clinic and are likely to contribute to functional deficits.
Parent Involvement as Ritualized Practice.

This article examines parent involvement (PI) as a ritual system using Turner's concept of root paradigms. Through a twofold analysis, I argue that the highly ritualized nature of PI practices creates a group identity among mainstream parents and schools that marginalizes diverse families. First, I point out three root paradigms in the ritual system of PI. Second, I provide an empirical example using the experiences of Haitian immigrant parents in greater Boston. [parent involvement, schools, rituals, immigrants, social class]
Structure development during polymer processing: Studies of the melt spinning of polyethylene and polypropylene fibers

Experimental studies of structure development in melt spinning of polyethylene and polypropylene fibers are described. Emphasis is given to the influence of applied stresses on the rates of crystallization and on the development of crystalline morphology. The relationship of fiber morphology to mechanical properties, especially “hard elastic fibers” is considered. The relevance of such studies to other polymer processing operations such as film extrusion is discussed.
Teacher, teach thyself Teacher research as ethnographic practice

This ethnography examines the potential of having teachers study their own practice in order to ‘liberate’ them as an oppressed and ‘voiceless’ group and to raise issues within their discourse comm...
Merging for Particle-Mesh Complex Particle Kinetic modeling of the multiple plasma beams

We suggest a merging procedure for the Particle-Mesh Complex Particle Kinetic (PMCPK) method in case of inter-penetrating flow (multiple plasma beams). We examine the standard particle-in-cell (PIC) and the PMCPK methods in the case of particle acceleration by shock surfing for a wide range of the control numerical parameters. The plasma dynamics is described by a hybrid (particle-ion-fluid-electron) model. Note that one may need a mesh if modeling with the computation of an electromagnetic field. Our calculations use specified, time-independent electromagnetic fields for the shock, rather than self-consistently generated fields. While a particle-mesh method is a well-verified approach, the CPK method seems to be a good approach for multiscale modeling that includes multiple regions with various particle/fluid plasma behavior. However, the CPK method is still in need of a verification for studying the basic plasma phenomena: particle heating and acceleration by collisionless shocks, magnetic field reconnection, beam dynamics, etc.
Factor Va alters the conformation of the Na+-binding loop of factor Xa in the prothrombinase complex.

Structural and mutagenesis data have indicated that the 220-loop of thrombin is stabilized by a salt-bridge between Glu-217 and Lys-224, thereby facilitating the octahedral coordination of Na+ with contributions from two carbonyl O atoms of Arg-221a and Lys-224. All three residues are also conserved in fXa and the X-ray crystal structure of fXa indicates that both Glu-217 and Lys-224 are within hydrogen-bonding distance from one another. To investigate the role of these three residues in the catalytic function of fXa and their contribution to interaction with Na+, we substituted them with Ala and characterized their properties in both amidolytic and proteolytic activity assays. The results indicate that the affinity of all three mutants for interaction with Na+ has been impaired. The mutant with the greatest loss of affinity for Na+ (E217A or E217Q) also exhibited a dramatic impairment (∼3−4 orders of magnitude) in its activity toward both synthetic and natural substrates. Interestingly, factor Va (fVa) r...
Rare-earth doped microlasers for microphotonic applications

Sol gels provide a highly flexible technique for preparation of both planar and non-planar oxide thin films. They also enable the incorporation of various dopants into the films. In this work we describe the application of erbium-doped solgel films to surface functionalize optical microresonators. The resulting microlaser devices are especially interesting because their emission band falls in the important 1.5 μm window used for optical fiber communications. Both microsphere and ultra-high-Q microtoroid resonators-on-a-chip were functionalized into lasers and then characterized [1]. The erbium-doped sol-gel films were applied to the resonator surface and subsequently a CO 2 laser was used to induce flow and densification of the sol-gel film on the surface. Optical quality thin films were obtained after the CO 2 laser induced anneal. By varying the doping concentration and thickness of the applied sol-gel layers in microsphere resonators, we can vary the laser dynamics so that both continuous-wave and pulsation operation are possible. Single mode performance with high differential quantum efficiency was also obtained using the ultra-high-Q microtoroid resonator. These chip-based microlasers enable integration with other optical or electronic functions [2-3].
Integration of law with accouting: A more comprehensive learning experience

Abstract Since accounting principles is often a surrogate for an introduction to business course, it is an ideal medium for introducing students to many aspects of commercial, civil, and criminal law. When using the approach suggested in this article, care must be taken not to detract from the accounting course or diminish the course content in any way. The accounting course may, however, be greatly enhanced by the allusions and references made by the accounting professor to the various laws. This approach to instructing accounting offers a number of benefits. Students are not only assisted in their immediate course work, but also throughout their entire business program. The accounting course is enhanced by comprehensive handout materials which are provided to the students and which can be retained by the students as ready references during the course and thereafter. (Examples of such supplemental materials are presented.) Upon conclusion of several terms of accounting, the students have obtained an otherwise unavailable exposure to the interrelationship of accounting and law.
MRI-Derived 3-D-Printed Breast Phantom for Microwave Breast Imaging Validation

We propose a 3-D-printed breast phantom for use in preclinical experimental microwave imaging studies. The phantom is derived from an MRI of a human subject; thus, it is anthropomorphic, and its interior is very similar to an actual distribution of fibroglandular tissues. Adipose tissue in the breast is represented by the solid plastic (printed) regions of the phantom, while fibro glandular tissue is represented by liquid-filled voids in the plastic. The liquid is chosen to provide a biologically relevant dielectric contrast with the printed plastic. Such a phantom enables validation of microwave imaging techniques. We describe the procedure for generating the 3-D-printed breast phantom and present the measured dielectric properties of the 3-D-printed plastic over the frequency range 0.5-3.5 GHz. We also provide an example of a suitable liquid for filling the fibroglandular voids in the plastic.
Methionine sulfoxide reductase A (MsrA) deficiency affects the survival of Mycobacterium smegmatis within macrophages

Methionine sulfoxide reductase A (MsrA) is an antioxidant repair enzyme which reduces oxidized methionine to methionine. Since oxidation of methionine in proteins impairs their function, an absence of MsrA leads to abnormalities in different organisms, including alterations in the adherence patterns and in vivo survival of certain pathogenic bacteria. To understand the role of MsrA in intracellular survival of bacteria, we disrupted the gene encoding MsrA in Mycobacterium smegmatis through homologous recombination. The msrA mutant strain of M. smegmatis exhibited significantly reduced intracellular survival in murine J774A.1 macrophages compared to the survival of its wild-type counterpart. Furthermore, immunofluorescence and immunoblotting of phagosomes containing M. smegmatis strains revealed that the phagosomes with the msrA mutant strain acquired both p67(phox) of phagocyte NADPH oxidase and inducible nitric oxide synthase much earlier than the phagosomes with the wild-type strain. In addition, the msrA mutant strain of M. smegmatis was observed to be more sensitive to hydroperoxides than the wild-type strain was in vitro. These results suggest that MsrA plays an important role in both extracellular and intracellular survival of M. smegmatis.
Neuropsychological changes in asymptomatic persons with Alzheimer disease neuropathology.

Objective: To determine whether asymptomatic persons with Alzheimer disease (AD) neuropathologic change differ in the trajectory of their cognitive performance compared to asymptomatic persons without AD neuropathologic change. Methods: Longitudinal performance on standard neuropsychological tests was examined in participants who died within 2 years of their last cognitive assessment and who were never diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment or dementia (Clinical Dementia Rating global score of 0 at all assessments). Using cognitive and neuropathologic data collected between 2005 and 2013 from the 34 National Institute on Aging–sponsored Alzheimer9s Disease Centers, cognitive trajectories were compared for persons with and without evidence of AD neuropathologic change. We evaluated rates of decline in 4 domains (episodic memory, language, attention/working memory, executive function). The significance of the differences (β) in rates of decline was tested using linear regression, adjusting for age, education, sex, and other neuropathologic lesions. Results: Participants who had low to high levels of AD neuropathologic change (n = 131) showed a greater rate of decline on the attention/working memory domain score (β = −0.11; 95% confidence interval = −0.19, −0.02; p = 0.02) when compared to 80 participants who died without evidence of AD neuropathologic change. Conclusions: Clinically normal individuals who come to autopsy with AD neuropathologic change exhibit subtle evidence of declining cognitive trajectories for attention/working memory.
Decomposition of Senescent Blades of the Seagrass Halodule wrightii in a Subtropical Lagoon

Senescent blades from the seagrass Halodule wrightii Aschers were suspended in the water column of Laguna Madre (Texas, USA) for a period of 419 d , representing the longest seagrass decomposition study to date. The initial stage of decomposition was characterized by a rapid loss of organic matter (36 % in 24 d ) attributed to leaching. A total of 76 % of the organic matter from seagrass tissues was lost by the end of the decomposition period. Of the major bulk constituents measured, neutral sugars were most abundant and accounted for 23 % of the ash-free dry wt of the initial senescent material. A complete and early loss of the cyclitol, myo-inositol, a reduction in glucose yields, and a relative enrichment in mannose were the most dynamic features of the neutral sugar fraction. An overall stability series: mannose > fucose > arabinose = rhamnose = galactose = xylose > glucose, reflects patterns of selective degradation of the polymers from which these sugars are derived. Soluble and ester-bound phenolic acids were lost from tissues at relatively high rates. Susceptibility of individual phenolic acids to removal from bulk tissue upon treatment with weak base correlated well to initial losses in the field. Early changes in total CuO oxidation phenol yields from H. wrightii were caused pnmarlly by the relatively rapid loss of soluble and ester-bound phenolic acids. Therefore, we took a new approach to quantlfy lignin-derived phenols by subtracting soluble and ester-bound phenols from total CuO oxldat~on ylelds. When these losses were taken Into account, lignin-derived phenol yields were similar from freshly senescent and highly degraded detntus. Cutln, although initially selectively preserved relative to bulk tissue, was also found at near initial yields In the highly degraded detritus. Overall, the distribution of polymeric constituents (cellulose, hem~cellulose, lignin and cutin) was similar in freshly senescent and highly degraded tissues suggesting that the compounds which comprise the ultrastructure of H, wrightij are degraded at similar rates Photobleached H. wriglitii blades were characterized by a much higher neutral sugar content, slmilar levels of cutin acids and a nearly complete absence of phenols con~pared to freshly senescent tissue. Photobleaching appears to be an important degradative mechanism which yields a polysaccharide-rich detritus that is devoid of the lignin signature characteristic of vascular plant tissues.
Global What? Control Possibilities of CO2 and Other Greenhouse Gases

Global what? is a frequent response by those who first hear of the potential for global warming, global climate change, and global catastrophe, potentially brought on by excessive greenhouse gases in the upper atmosphere. The principal greenhouse gas, CO2 , is joined by methane, N2 O, and other trace gases in absorbing infrared radiation, which would otherwise escape into space, a process thought to be responsible for gradual increase in temperature that will melt ice caps and raise ocean levels. This paper discusses control possibilities that could be considered once there is agreement that CO2 must be controlled. Many of the responses to the energy crisis of 1974 are applicable for CO2 control. A variety of technologies, energy sources, and ideas are offered that, in combination, could be the basis for a global energy policy. Conversion and replacement of coal, oil, and eventually natural gas fired electric power plants with other energy sources such as nuclear, solar, wind, tidal, and geothermal, could significantly reduce CO2 emissions. There are, however, no good alternatives to fossil fuels used in transportation that significantly reduce CO2 emissions. Of all the fossil fuels, natural gas has the least CO2 production. Electric vehicles and hydrogen-fueled engines are future possibilities, but the electricity for the electric cars and for making hydrogen must be from nonfossil fuel driven generators. Conservation, efficiency, and tax incentives are other parts of a control strategy, once the amount of control considered necessary is established. Renewed interest in nonfossil fuel energy sources and their research and development is obviously needed.
Changing the Energy Density of the Diet as a Strategy for Weight Management

A growing body of laboratory-based, clinical, and epidemiological data suggests that low-energy-dense diets are associated with better diet quality, lower energy intakes, and body weight. Dietary energy density can be lowered by adding water-rich fruits, vegetables, cooked grains, and soups to the diet, and by reducing the diet's fat content. Low-energy-dense diets can be successfully incorporated into clinical dietetics since they help lower energy intake without reducing food volume and thus help individuals avoid feeling hungry and deprived. There are multiple steps that could be taken by nutrition professionals and food manufacturers to encourage the consumption of low-energy-dense diets. The goal is to develop reduced-calorie eating plans that meet personal food preferences and also provide satisfying food portions. Since using energy density to guide food choices leads to food patterns consistent with dietary guidelines, policy level initiatives should be devised to help ensure that low-energy-dense diets are affordable and accessible to all.
Interactive and evaluative correlates of dialogue sequence: a simulation study applying the RIAS to turn taking structures.

Abstract Objective This study explores novel characterizations of turn taking structure and its interaction and evaluative correlates. Methods The Roter Interaction Analysis System (RIAS) was applied to videotapes of 51 physicians with a simulated patient (SP) to create a variety of novel turn taking measures including turn frequency, rate of interactivity, density, duration, and statement pacing. Results Visits averaged 52 speaker turns with an interactivity rate of 3.9 turns per visit minute. For physicians, turn duration averaged 13.7 s with a turn density of 4.2 statements paced at one statement every 3 s. For the SP, turn duration was 3 s with a turn density of 1.4 statements paced at one statement every 2 s. More turns, briefer turn duration and faster physician pacing were significantly related to positive ratings of affective demeanor, interpersonal satisfaction and collaborative decision-making. These measures, and interactivity, were also associated with a RIAS-based patient-centeredness score and more overall patient talk. Conclusion Turn taking structures can be characterized in novel ways lending depth and richness to our understanding of dialogue, relationships to the patient-centeredness of a visit, and evaluative judgments of physician performance. Practice implications The study findings suggest specificity to the interviewing admonishment “talk less and listen more” by enhancing the interactivity of the dialogue and guarding against doctors tendency toward long monologues.
A comparative study of plasma enhanced chemically vapor deposited SiOH and SiNCH films using the environmentally benign precursor diethylsilane

Abstract The environmentally benign precursor diethylsilane (DES) was used with either N 2 O or NH 3 to synthesize SiOH or SiNCH films by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD). The growth rates were observed to decrease with higher temperature while increasing with total pressure. Oxide films with optimal properties were synthesized at a deposition temperature of 300 °C, total pressure of 0.3 Torr, DES flow rate of 15 sccm, and N 2 O/DES flow rate ratio of 16. Comparative values of refractive index, stress, hardness and Young's modulus are presented as a function of processing variables and related to film density and resulting film compositions.
Scalable bottom-up fabrication of colloidal photonic crystals and periodic plasmonic nanostructures

Photonic crystals and plasmonics are two key techniques that could ultimately enable all-optical integrated circuits and quantum information processing. Unfortunately, the development and implementation of these techniques have been greatly impeded by expensive and painstaking top-down nanofabrication (e.g., electron-beam lithography). By contrast, bottom-up colloidal self-assembly and subsequent templating nanofabrication provide a much simpler, faster, and inexpensive alternative to nanolithography in creating highly ordered photonic crystals and plasmonic nanostructures. However, traditional colloidal self-assembly and templating nanofabrication approaches suffer from low throughput, incompatibility with standard microfabrication, and limited crystal structures which greatly hamper the mass-production and on-chip integration of practical nanooptical devices. In this feature article, we review the recent advances of a versatile spin-coating technological platform that enables rapid production of wafer-scale colloidal photonic crystals with unusual non-close-packed structures and a large variety of periodic metal nanostructures with tunable plasmonic properties.
Lentiviral vector transduction of male germ line stem cells in mice

Transgenesis can be achieved in mice by retroviral transduction of male germ line stem cells (GSCs). However, the transduction efficiency by a Moloney murine leukemia virus (MMLV)-based vector is low, probably due to the characteristically slow cell cycle of stem cells. Since lentiviral vectors can transduce non-dividing cells, they have the potential to efficiently transduce GSCs. Here we report that male GSCs of mice can be transduced in vitro by a lentiviral vector and generate complete spermatogenesis when transplanted into infertile host testes. Transduction efficiencies were comparable to those for MMLV transduction using similar experimental conditions. The results suggest that both lentiviral and MMLV vectors could be effective in transducing GSCs of other species. In addition, these and previous studies suggest that transduction of immature donor stem cells transplanted into immature recipient testes will provide the most efficient system for male germ line modification.
Applications of solid-state multiple quantum NMR

Abstract Multiple quantum (MQ) NMR has been applied to study the distribution of nuclei in solids ranging from thin films to catalysts to polymers. Small ( A ) aggregates can be differentiated from uniform dispersions. Linear, surface, and bulk arrangements can be distinguished. Correlated motion from groups of nuclei can also be observed.
Modeling and Fabrication of Heterogeneous Three-Dimensional Objects Based on Additive Manufacturing

Heterogeneous object modeling and fabrication has been studied in the past few decades. Recently the idea of digital materials has been demonstrated by using Additive Manufacturing (AM) processes. Our previous study illustrated that the mask-image-projection based Stereolithography (MIP-SL) process is promising in fabricating such heterogeneous objects. In the paper, we present an integrated framework for modeling and fabricating heterogenous objects based on the MIP-SL process. Our approach can achieve desired grading transmission between different materials in the object by considering the fabrication constraints of the MIP-SL process. The MIP-SL process planning of a heterogeneous model and the hardware setup for its fabrication are also presented. Test cases including physical experiments are performed to demonstrate the possibility of using heterogeneous materials to achieve desired physical properties. Future work on the design and fabrication of objects with heterogeneous materials is also discussed.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Patents and standards in the telecommunications industry

The goal of standardization is to allow/ the interoperability of products made by different equipment manufacturers based on open technical specifications. The goal of patenting a technical innovation is to have the exclusive rights for commercial exploitation of the invention for a period of time. This article elaborates on the compilation by F. Ramirez-Mireles in 2006, describing the general guidelines used by international standardization bodies to incorporate patented technology into the standard, and also to license this patented technology to other members of the standardization committee. It also discusses some of the issues arising from patent abuse and noncompliance of those guidelines.
Blood cell capture in a sawtooth dielectrophoretic microchannel.

Biological fluids can be considered to contain information-rich mixtures of biochemicals and particles that enable clinicians to accurately diagnose a wide range of pathologies. Rapid and inexpensive analysis of blood and other bodily fluids is a topic gaining substantial attention in both science and medicine. One line of development involves microfluidic approaches that provide unique advantages over entrenched technologies, including rapid analysis times, microliter sample and reagent volumes, potentially low cost, and practical portability. The present study focuses on the isolation and concentration of human blood cells from small-volume samples of diluted whole blood. Separation of cells from the matrix of whole blood was accomplished using constant potential insulator-based gradient dielectrophoresis in a converging, sawtooth-patterned microchannel. The channel design enabled the isolation and concentration of specific cell types by exploiting variations in their characteristic physical properties. The technique can operate with isotonic buffers, allowing capture of whole cells, and reproducible capture occurred at specific locales within the channel over a global applied voltage range of 200–700 V.
Adolescent exergame play for weight loss and psychosocial improvement: A controlled physical activity intervention†

Overweight and obese youth, who face increased risk of medical complications including heart disease and type II diabetes, can benefit from sustainable physical activity interventions that result in weight loss. This study examined whether a 20-week exergame (i.e., videogame that requires gross motor activity) intervention can produce weight loss and improve psychosocial outcomes for 54 overweight and obese African-American adolescents. Participants were recruited from a public high school and randomly assigned to competitive exergame, cooperative exergame, or control conditions. All exergame participants were encouraged to play the Nintendo Wii Active game for 30-60 min per school day in a lunch-time or after-school program. Cooperative exergame participants worked with a peer to expend calories and earn points together, whereas competitive exergame participants competed against a peer. Control participants continued regular daily activities. Outcome measures included changes in weight, peer support, self-efficacy, and self-esteem, measured at baseline, and at ~10 and 20 weeks. Growth curve analysis revealed that cooperative exergame players lost significantly more weight (mean = 1.65 kg; s.d. = 4.52) than the control group, which did not lose weight. The competitive exergame players did not differ significantly from the other conditions. Cooperative exergame players also significantly increased in self-efficacy compared to the control group, and both exergame conditions significantly increased in peer support more than the control group. Exergames, especially played cooperatively, can be an effective technological tool for weight loss among youth. Language: en