cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Recombinant thyroid hormone receptor and retinoid X receptor stimulate ligand-dependent transcription in vitro.

Abstract The thyroid hormone and retinoid X receptors form a heterodimer with each other and mediate thyroid hormone (T3)-dependent transcription. Retinoid X receptor, in addition, forms a homodimer and mediates 9-cis-retinoic acid-dependent transcription. Here, recombinant thyroid hormone receptor and recombinant retinoid X receptor beta expressed from baculovirus vectors have been studied for ligand-mediated activation of transcription in vitro. We show that the two recombinant receptors, most likely as a heterodimer, cooperatively enhance transcription in vitro from a template containing functional T3 responsive elements. The enhancement was specific for the T3 responsive element and was greatest when T3 was added to the reaction (approximately 14-fold increase). Albeit to a lesser degree, the two receptors also directed transcription in the absence of T3. Template competition experiments suggest that the two receptors enhance formation of the preinitiation complex and that activation by T3 occurs when the ligand binds the receptor prior to (or during), but not after, the formation of the preinitiation complex. Although 9-cis-retinoic acid had no effect on the T3-dependent transcription, this ligand activated transcription in vitro directed by recombinant retinoic X receptor beta, most likely as a homodimer. This activation was observed when using nuclear extracts from embryonal carcinoma cells as a source of basal transcription factors, but not those from B lymphocytes. These results demonstrate that transcriptional activation mediated by T3 and 9-cis-retinoic acid can be reconstituted in vitro with the respective recombinant receptors.
Stabilization of Free-Flying Under-Actuated Mechanisms in Space

Under-actuated mechanisms provide low cost automation and can overcome actuator failures. These mechanisms are particularly useful for space applications mainly because of their less weight and lower power consumption. In space under-actuation could be effectively introduced in large space structures and robot manipulators. Such mechanisms would however be difficult to control because of the fewer number of actuators in the system. In this paper, we formulate the dynamics of open chain under-actuated mechanisms in space using Hamilton's canonical equations. Next, we develop a theorem that provides us with sufficient conditions for the asymptotic stabilty of autonomous systems. We use this asymptotic stability theorem to verify the efficacy of control strategies that we develop to stabilize our under-actuated system to equilibrium manifolds. Simulation results provide support to our theoretical claims.
Analysis and extension of zigzag multiuser detection

Simultaneous transmissions from different nodes in a network can result in multiuser interference in which an intended receiver hears the overlapping combination of two or more transmissions. In the case where there are multiple observations with different time offsets of a collision (e.g., if the packet retransmissions also collide, or if there is a cooperating receiver with different propagation delays to the transmitters), zigzag [1] decoding can be employed. In this paper, we analyze the performance of zigzag decoding for the case of two receiving nodes with two simultaneous transmitters in an additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) channel. We also present a soft-decision version of zigzag decoding and show that it is the optimal MAP decision rule.
Modular Self-Assembly of a Microporous Solid Based upon Mercuracarborand-4 and a New Bonding Motif.

Modular units of Li2 [B-octaiodo-12-mercuracarborand-4⋅I2 ] (Li2 [(HgC2 B10 H8 I2 )4 ⋅I2 ]) self-assemble forming infinite one-dimensional chains and microporous channels in the solid state. Self-assembly is directed by a unique B-I⋅⋅⋅Li⋅⋅⋅I-B intermolecular interaction involving electron-rich B-I vertices and electron-deficient lithium cations.
High-energy tests of Lorentz invariance

We develop a perturbative framework with which to discuss departures from exact Lorentz invariance and explore their potentially observable ramifications. Tiny noninvariant terms introduced into the standard model Lagrangian are assumed to be renormalizable (dimension \ensuremath{\leqslant}4), invariant under $\mathrm{SU}(3)\ensuremath{\bigotimes}\mathrm{SU}(2)\ensuremath{\bigotimes}U(1)$ gauge transformations, and rotationally and translationally invariant in a preferred frame. There are a total of 46 independent CPT-even perturbations of this kind, all of which preserve anomaly cancellation. They define the energy-momentum eigenstates and their maximal attainable velocities in the high-energy limit. The effects of these perturbations increase rapidly with energy in the preferred frame, more rapidly than those of CPT-odd perturbations. Our analysis of Lorentz-violating kinematics reveals several striking new phenomena that are relevant both to cosmic-ray physics (e.g., by undoing the Greisen, Zatsepin, and Kuz'min cutoff) and neutrino physics (e.g., by generating novel types of neutrino oscillations). These may lead to new and sensitive high-energy tests of special relativity.
A Second-Moment Closure Model of Langmuir Turbulence

AbstractThe Reynolds stress equation is modified to include the Craik–Leibovich vortex force, arising from the interaction of the phase-averaged surface wave Stokes drift with upper-ocean turbulence. An algebraic second-moment closure of the Reynolds stress equation yields an algebraic Reynolds stress model (ARSM) that requires a component of the vertical momentum flux to be directed down the gradient of the Stokes drift, in addition to the conventional component down the gradient of the ensemble-averaged Eulerian velocity. For vertical and horizontal component fluctuations, the momentum flux must be closed using the form , where the coefficient is generally distinct from the eddy viscosity or eddy diffusivity . Rational expressions for the stability functions , , and are derived for use in second-moment closure models where the turbulent velocity and length scales are dynamically modeled by prognostic equations for and . The resulting second-moment closure (SMC) includes the significant effects of the vo...
Colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF1R) signaling in injured neurons facilitates protection and survival

Colony-stimulating factor 1 (CSF1) and interleukin-34 (IL-34) are functional ligands of the CSF1 receptor (CSF1R) and thus are key regulators of the monocyte/macrophage lineage. We discovered that systemic administration of human recombinant CSF1 ameliorates memory deficits in a transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease. CSF1 and IL-34 strongly reduced excitotoxin-induced neuronal cell loss and gliosis in wild-type mice when administered systemically before or up to 6 h after injury. These effects were accompanied by maintenance of cAMP responsive element–binding protein (CREB) signaling in neurons rather than in microglia. Using lineage-tracing experiments, we discovered that a small number of neurons in the hippocampus and cortex express CSF1R under physiological conditions and that kainic acid–induced excitotoxic injury results in a profound increase in neuronal receptor expression. Selective deletion of CSF1R in forebrain neurons in mice exacerbated excitotoxin-induced death and neurodegeneration. We conclude that CSF1 and IL-34 provide powerful neuroprotective and survival signals in brain injury and neurodegeneration involving CSF1R expression on neurons.
Application of Value Focused Thinking and Fuzzy Systems to Assess System Architecture

Abstract Since a majority of resources are obligated during the design phase of a system lifecycle, critical assessment of candidate functional and system architectures is vital to identify optimal architectures before proceeding to subsequent lifecycle phases. Common challenges associated with generation and evaluation of system functional architectures include search of the expansive design space and assessment of key performance attributes that are particularly “fuzzy” and qualitative in early architecture development. Several assessment approaches have been presented in the literature to address the assessment challenge to include Quality Function Deployment (QFD), Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), Value-Focused Thinking (VFT), and fuzzy logic. In this research we combine the use of value functions and fuzzy assessment to assess a functional and system architecture. There are several benefits of a methodology that combines value-focused thinking and fuzzy assessment. A distinct advantage of the methodology presented is the explicit inclusion of the customer in the assessment process through validation of the TPM value functions Involving the customer in TPM value function development and validation ensures the customer has direct input regarding the TPMs and their associated value across the range of discourse The methodology presented is flexible enough to assess architectures early in the process when things are “fuzzy” as well as later when subsystem and component performance are well defined. The methodology can also be used to analyze and assess impacts of interface changes within the system architecture. . The methodology is domain independent and can be coupled with executable models linked to scenarios. The assessment methodology is applied to the architecture for a soldier knowledge acquisition system for which the key performance attributes are affordability, performance, flexibility, updateability, and availability.
Requirement for a zinc motif for template recognition by the bacteriophage T7 primase

Abstract Gene 4 of bacteriophage T7 encodes two proteins, a 63 kDa and a colinear 56 kDa protein. The coding sequence of the 56 kDa protein begins at the residues encoding an internal methionine located 64 amino acids from the N-terminus of the 63 kDa protein. The 56 kDa gene 4 protein is a helicase and the 63 kDa gene 4 protein is a helicase and a primase. The unique 7 kDa N-terminus of the 63 kDa gene 4 protein is essential for primer synthesis and contains sequences with homology to a Cys4 metal binding motif, Cys-X2-Cys-X17-Cys-X2-Cys. The zinc content of the 63 kDa gene 4 protein is 1.1 g-atom/mol protein, while the zinc content of the 56 kDa gene 4 protein is < 0.01, as determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. A bacteriophage deleted for gene 4, T7 delta 4-1, is incapable of growing on Escherichia coli strains that contain plasmids expressing gene 4 proteins with single amino acid substitutions of Ser at each of the four conserved Cys residues (efficiency of plating, 10(-7)). Primase containing a substitution of the third Cys for Ser has been overexpressed in E. coli and purified to homogeneity. This mutant primase cannot catalyze template-directed synthesis of oligoribonucleotides although it is able to catalyze the synthesis of random diribonucleotides in a template-independent fashion. The mutant primase has reduced helicase activity although it catalyzes single-stranded DNA-dependent hydrolysis of dTTP at rates comparable with wild type primase. The zinc content of the mutant primase is 0.5 g-atom/mol protein.
Filling in the Gaps: Natural History and Conservation of Bolitoglossine Salamanders in Central Panama

The goal of this study was to document the natural history of salamanders in central Panama and assess their response to drought conditions, which are predicted to become more common as a result of climate change. We conducted 123 transect surveys at night along a concrete trail in a natural area protected by the Panamanian national environmental authority Autoridad Nacional Ambiente (ANAM.) We marked 122 individuals, including two genera and three species, Bolitoglossa biseriata, Oedipina complex, and Oedipina parvipes, from 1 June to 30 July 2013, 10 December 2013 to 6 January 2014, and 1 June to 30 July 2014. All three field seasons took place during a long-term Central American drought. The mean mass of B. biseriata, the most common species of salamander encountered, was 0.8±0.4 g with an average snout–vent length (SVL) of 31.45±5.30 mm. A principal component analysis indicated that B. biseriata utilized all of the available ground-level habitats where surveys were conducted. Bolitoglossa biseriata mo...
Japygidae of North America, 8. Postembryonic Development of Parajapyginae and Evalljapyginae (Insecta, Diplura)

The postembryonic development of Evalljapyx facetus L. Smith (Evalljapyginae) was found similar to that of Japyginae as reported by various authors and summarized hero; in these two families the female lays a cluster of eggs hanging from a single stalk. In Parajapyx isabellae (Grassi) (Parajapyginae) the development differs from that in the other subfamilies, and here the female lays eggs singly, each suspended from its own stalk.
Fernão de Loronha and the Rental of Brazil in 1502: A New Chronology

In July, 1502, the fleet which Dom Manuel I had dispatched following Cabral's discovery of Brazil returned to Lisbon with news of Portugal's New World possession. The findings were incorporated into an official report and geographical observations were placed on the sea charts of the day, including the famous Cantino map of September, 1502. The three vessels in this expedition had sailed along the Brazilian coast for over a thousand miles, exploring and charting the major landfalls, from the northeastern tip around Cape Calcanhar to at least as far south as Cape Frio at 23° S. Lat. But no products of any great commercial wealth which could compare with the riches being obtained in the Orient had been discovered, and the dispatch of further royal expeditions to Brazil seemingly was not justified. There were, however, private parties in Portugal who showed an interest in the slight commercial possibilities that were offered by this new land. The leader of this group was Fernao de Loronha, a wealthy merchant with a family business in Lisbon and sufficient capital to outfit several ships a year in overseas ventures. Moreover, Loronha had a first-hand acquaintance with this new land. He had been the overall commander of the fleet of 1501-1502 which had just returned from Brazil. There was one item of value in Brazil which particularly attracted Loronha. This was the dyewood trees growing in great abundance there. A large market for this commodity existed in northern Europe, for the dye extracted from the wood of the Asian variety of this tree had been a staple in the finishing of fine cloths produced by the weavers of Bruges, Liege, and other cities in the Low Countries since the twelfth century.
A Cryogenic Magnetostrictive Actuator Using a Persistent High Temperature Superconducting Magnet, Part 1: Concept and Design

Cryogenic magnetostrictive materials, such as rare earth zinc crystals, offer high strains and high forces with minimally applied magnetic fields, making the material ideally suited for deformable optics applications. For cryogenic temperature applications, such as Next Generation Space Telescope (NGST), the use of superconducting magnets offer the possibility of a persistent mode of operation, i.e., the magnetostrictive material will maintain a strain field without power. High temperature superconductors (HTS) are attractive options if the temperature of operation is higher than 10 degrees Kelvin (K) and below 77K. However, HTS wires have constraints that limit the minimum radius of winding, and even if good wires can be produced, the technology for joining superconducting wires does not exist. In this paper, the design and capabilities of a rare earth zinc magnetostrictive actuator using bulk HTS is described. Bulk superconductors can be fabricated in the sizes required with excellent superconducting properties. Equivalent permanent magnets, made with this inexpensive material, are persistent, do not require a persistent switch as in HTS wires, and can be made very small. These devices are charged using a technique which is similar to the one used for charging permanent magnets, e.g., by driving them into saturation. A small normal conducting coil can be used for charging or discharging. Very fast charging and discharging of HTS tubes, as short as 100 microseconds, has been demonstrated. Because of the magnetic field capability of the superconductor material, a very small amount of superconducting magnet material is needed to actuate the rare earth zinc. In this paper, several designs of actuators using YBCO and BSCCO 2212 superconducting materials are presented. Designs that include magnetic shielding to prevent interaction between adjacent actuators will also be described. Preliminary experimental results and comparison with theory for BSSCO 2212 with a magnetostrictive element will be discussed.
Application Study on the Working State Test of Sintering Kiln

The paper discusses the importance of monitoring and measuring the operating axis of the rotary kiln,recommends research results of monitoring and measuring the operating axis of the rotary kiln,In this method,the rotary center of the kiln cross section will be obtained by means of the key phase measure of 15 degree direction, and the working center line will be obtained through measuring the cross section outside of support wheels. The measuring system developed has properties of simple structure,running reliable, high measuring precision,convenient in operation and maintenance and has been used in production successfully.
Autosomal Recessive Bestrophinopathy Is Not Associated With the Loss of Bestrophin-1 Anion Channel Function in a Patient With a Novel BEST1 Mutation.

Purpose Mutations in BEST1, encoding bestrophin-1 (Best1), cause autosomal recessive bestrophinopathy (ARB). Encoding bestrophin-1 is a pentameric anion channel localized to the basolateral plasma membrane of the RPE. Here, we characterize the effects of the mutations R141H (CGC > CAC) and I366fsX18 (c.1098_1100+7del), identified in a patient in our practice, on Best1 trafficking, oligomerization, and channel activity.
Nutritional supplements in the Ambulatory Elderly Population: Patterns of Use and Requirements

Older persons are thought to be the most frequent consumers of vitamin and mineral supplements. In this review, the use of nutritional supplements by the elderly was found to be common but was not greatly different from other age groups. Elderly persons living in Dunedin, Florida, reported nutritional supplement use less frequently than a random sample of registered nurses. Neither the Food and Nutrition Board of the National Academy of Sciences/National Research Council nor the World Health Organization has recognized the need for increasing the vitamin and mineral allowances for healthy elderly adults above those recommended for healthy young adults. It is important to recognize, however, that the elderly are at greater risk of developing nutritional deficiencies as a result of acute and chronic diseases, drug use, and social isolation, and they require careful monitoring.
Clinical Preceptors' Perspectives on Clinical Education in Post-Professional Athletic Training Education Programs

Context: Clinical education is the interaction between a clinical preceptor and student within the clinical setting to help the student progress as a clinician. Post-professional athletic training ...
Radiosensitivity of Listeria monocytogenes Using Split Dose Application of Gamma Irradiation

The purpose of this study was to determine if split dose application of gamma radiation would alter the radiosensitivity of L. monocytogenes. Concentrations of 10 6 and 10 9 CFU L. monocytogenes per ml were suspended in tryptic soy broth and exposed to 0 to 5 kGy gamma radiation at 20, 4, and -80°C with equal split doses at 0- to 2-h time intervals (times between fractions, TBFs). Regression analyses of survival plots were used to calculate irradiation D values. Irradiation D values for split doses with 1- and 2-h TBFs were significantly lower than the control value and the values for 0.25- and 0.50-h TBFs (P <.05) at 20°C but this was not true at 4 or -80°C. With 1- and 2-h TBFs at 20°C the bacterium was near its generation time of 1.2 h, possibly accounting for the increased sensitivity. Results of this study indicated that split dose application increased the sensitivity of Listeria under certain conditions and that further investigation into this method is warranted.
Abstract 5019: Characterization of sentinel node-derived antibodies from breast cancer patients

Lymph nodes are one of the important sites in the body where immune responses to antigens are initiated. The tumor-draining lymph node or sentinel node is the first site where cancer cells and cancer-related antigens are most likely to spread. In response to antigen exposure and immune activation, the lymph node B cells undergo clonal expansion and somatic hypermutation, leading to the affinity-matured populations of effector B cells secreting antibodies that bind to the tumor. The cancer-draining node is therefore an ideal source of B cells that produce anticancer antibodies. In the present investigation, we have characterized the antibodies derived from immortalization of sentinel node B cells from 29 breast cancer patients. The antibodies were screened for their isotypes and for binding to breast cancers classified as luminal A, luminal B, HER2, and basal/normal subtypes, based on the expressions of estrogen, progesterone and HER2 receptors. The isotype analysis showed a higher percentages of antibodies belong to IgG (48%) and IgM (34%) isotypes along with a smaller share of IgA (18%). The cell-binding studies were conducted using ELISA, immunofluorescence microscopy, and flow cytometry techniques. Of the studied antibodies, about 28% showed binding to the tumor cells. The comparative studies of antibody-binding to breast tumor cells and non-cancer breast cells identified several antibodies showing differential binding profile. The binding analyses also demonstrated that all of the tumor-binding antibodies belonged to IgM isotype. It is evident from the results that the tumor-reactive antibodies are generated in the sentinel nodes of breast cancer patients; however, the absence of class-switched anti-tumor antibodies in the repertoire raises a possibility of tumor-induced node suppression leading to an inefficient humoral immune response towards tumor antigens. The results are important in assessing the tumor immune response/lymph node suppression, and the possible role of the autoantibodies in diagnosis and therapy of breast cancer. Citation Format: Girja S. Shukla, Stephanie C. Pero, Yu-Jing Sun, Chelsea L. Carman, David N. Krag. Characterization of sentinel node-derived antibodies from breast cancer patients. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 5019. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-5019
Factors influencing and modifying the decision to pursue genetic testing for skin cancer risk

Background Across cancers, the decision to pursue genetic testing is influenced more by subjective than objective factors. However, skin cancer, which is more prevalent, visual, and multifactorial than many other malignancies, may offer different motivations for pursuing such testing. Objectives The primary objective was to determine factors influencing the decision to receive genetic testing for skin cancer risk. A secondary objective was to assess the impact of priming with health questions on the decision to receive testing. Methods We distributed anonymous online surveys through ResearchMatch.org to assess participant health, demographics, motivations, and interest in pursuing genetic testing for skin cancer risk. Two surveys with identical questions but different question ordering were used to assess the secondary objective. Results We received 3783 responses (64% response rate), and 85.8% desired testing. Subjective factors, including curiosity, perceptions of skin cancer, and anxiety, were the most statistically significant determinants of the decision to pursue testing ( P P P = .01). Age and family history of skin cancer did not influence this decision. Participants increasingly chose testing if first queried about health behaviors ( P Limitations The decision to pursue hypothetical testing may differ from in-clinic decision-making. Self-selected, online participants may differ from the general population. Surveys may be subject to response bias. Conclusion The decision to pursue genetic testing for skin cancer is primarily determined by subjective factors, such as anxiety and curiosity. Health factors, including skin cancer history, also influenced decision-making. Priming with consideration of objective health factors can increase the desire to pursue testing.
Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) Associated with Pulmonary Embolism (PE): A Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS)

Abstract 1148 Background: Factor V Leiden ( F5 rs6025) has been suggested as a disease-susceptibility SNP for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) but not PE. Given the significantly reduced survival after PE, identifying individuals at risk for PE is important for targeting prophylaxis and improving survival. Objectives: To identify PE disease-susceptibility genes. Methods: We performed in silico GWAS analyses of VTE cases using genotype data imputed to ∼2.5 million SNPs from adults with objectively-diagnosed PE ± DVT (n=745), and DVT only (n=758). We tested these SNPs for an association with PE ± DVT after adjusting for age, sex, stroke and/or myocardial infarction, and USA state of residence using unconditional logistic regression. Results: Of all SNPs, three were most strongly associated with PE ± DVT: one at BDH1 on chromosome (chr) 3q29 (rs1309873, OR=1.56, p=4.02E-07) and two at SLC39A10 on chr 2q32.3 (rs7578216, OR=2.55, p=4.57E-07; and rs4589778, OR=2.49, p=7.52E-07). Individually adjusting for F5 rs6025 (chr 1), F2 rs1799963 (prothrombin G20210A; chr 11) and ABO rs8176719 (ABO blood type O allele; chr 9) did not materially affect these associations. None of these three SNPs associated with PE were intragenic. BDH1 encodes for 3-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase 1, a key mitochondrial enzyme in fatty acid catabolism, and SLC39A10 encodes for solute carrier family 39, member 10, an important protein for zinc transport. Conclusions: Chromosomes 3q29 ( BDH1 ) and 2q32.2 ( SLC39A10 ) may harbor PE disease-susceptibility gene regions (genes). These findings require independent confirmation. If confirmed, additional studies addressing the biologic mechanisms through which these genes and/or gene regions operate to increase PE risk also will be required. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Murine Model of Suppressed Intrinsic Pathway Using a FX Variant: FX Roma.

The complex interplay between the intrinsic and extrinsic pathways of coagulation is incompletely understood. The existence of Factor X variants that can be asymmetrically activated through one but not both of these pathways affords one strategy for analyzing the relationship of the two pathways. The Factor X Roma (FX Roma ) variant, originally described in a patient with mild bleeding tendency (severe following trauma, De Stefano et al. , Br J Haematol.1988, 69(3):387–91), is due to a missense mutation (Thr318→Met) in exon 8. Coagulation testing revealed markedly decreased activity (1–3%) in the intrinsic pathway as measured by aPTT, but substantially higher activity (30–50%) in the extrinsic pathway as measured by PT. Using site-directed mutagenesis and transient transfection in HEK 293 cells, we confirmed this differential activity in extrinsic and intrinsic pathways for a variant human Factor X (FX) recombinant protein with a Thr318→Met change. FX antigen was assessed by ELISA as previously described (Larson PJ et al. , Biochemistry.1998, 37(14):5029–38) and FX activity by PT or aPTT; analysis of conditioned medium from FX wild-type and FX Thr318→Met showed respectively: antigen 100%, 82%; intrinsic activity 120 U/mg (100%), 1.8 U/mg (1.5%); extrinsic activity 190 U/mg (100%), 81 U/mg (41%). To further study this variant, we constructed a mouse homozygous for the analogous mutation (Thr318→Met) in the murine FX gene. This residue is conserved in human, murine and canine FX. We utilized mouse ES cells in which exon 8 of the murine FX gene had previously been deleted and replaced with a neomycin resistance gene and a partial HPRT gene through a targeted recombination event. These cells were used for a second electroporation event with a targeting construct carrying an exon 8 cassette containing the Thr318→Met substitution, and the missing portion of the HPRT gene. After selection on HAT medium, correctly targeted ES cells were micro-injected into blastocysts and implanted into pseudopregnant mice to generate chimeric mice. Heterozygous offspring of chimeric males were intercrossed to obtain animals homozygous for the FX Roma mutation. Coagulation testing revealed that FX Roma heterozygotes showed the expected 52.1±5.9% intrinsic activity and 142.8±25.1% extrinsic activity. More importantly, FX Roma homozygotes showed 8.5±2.7% intrinsic activity and 107.7±41.1% extrinsic activity. Thus the murine FX Roma mutation demonstrates a coagulation profile similar to that observed with the human variant. Thus the FX Roma mouse can model the effect of impeded intrinsic pathway more accurately than e.g. a FIX knockout mouse, because both FX and FIX can act as substrates for the Factor VIIa-Tissue Factor complex and all the components of the Xase complex will be essentially at normal or near-normal levels. The ability to carry out studies of long-term effects of an impeded pathway, and to analyze the response of these animals to prothrombotic stimuli, will allow us to determine the safety and efficacy of therapeutic approaches based on impeding the intrinsic pathway.
Pediatric Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis in the United States

Background Little is known about the epidemiology of Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) in children. Objective We sought to determine the morbidity, mortality, and comorbid health conditions of SJS and TEN in US children. Methods This was a cross-sectional study of the 2009 to 2012 Nationwide Inpatient Sample, which contains a representative 20% sample of all US hospitalizations. Sociodemographics, inflation-adjusted cost, length of stay, comorbidities, and mortality were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multivariate regression analyses. Results The incidences of SJS, SJS-TEN, and TEN were a mean 5.3, 0.8, and 0.4 cases per million children per year in the US, respectively. Prolonged length of stay and higher costs of care (SJS: 9.4 ± 0.6 days, $24,947 ± $3171; SJS-TEN: 15.7 ± 1.5 days, $63,787 ± $8014; TEN: 20.4 ± 6.3 days, $102,243 ± $37,588) were observed compared with all other admissions (4.6 ± 0.1 days, $10,496 ± $424). Mortality was 0% for SJS, 4% for SJS-TEN, and 16% for TEN. In regression models, predictors of mortality included renal failure (adjusted OR [aOR] 300.28, 95% confidence interval [CI] 48.59->999.99), malignancy (aOR 54.33, 95% CI 9.40-314.22), septicemia (aOR 30.45, 95% CI 7.91-117.19), bacterial infection (aOR 20.38, 95% CI 5.44-76.36), and epilepsy (aOR 5.56, 95% CI 1.37-26.2). Limitations Data regarding treatment were not available. Date of diagnosis of comorbidities was not present, precluding temporal analysis. Conclusions Pediatric SJS/TEN poses a substantial health burden in the United States.
Percutaneous transport of psychotropic agents

Abstract Treatment rates for mental and substance abuse disorders are low, particularly in low and middle-income countries (LMICs), where treatment gaps of more than 90% have been documented [1]. Psychiatric disorders are particularly debilitating. One of the ways of improving pharmacotherapy of patients suffering from schizophrenia, depression, bipolar disorder and other psychiatric conditions is through the use of transdermal drug delivery systems (TDDS). The advantages of TDDS include avoidance of first-pass effect, the possibility of providing sustained release and improving patient compliance. There are several techniques available for facilitating the percutaneous transport of medications across the skin. These include prodrugs, chemical penetration enhancers, transfersomes and proniosomes. This review discusses advances made in the transdermal delivery of psychotropic medications.
A Dimensionally Aligned Signal Projection for Classification of Unintended Radiated Emissions

Characterization of unintended radiated emissions (URE) from electronic devices plays an important role in many research areas from electromagnetic interference to nonintrusive load monitoring to information system security. URE can provide insights for applications ranging from load disaggregation and energy efficiency to condition-based maintenance of equipment-based upon detected fault conditions. URE characterization often requires subject matter expertise to tailor transforms and feature extractors for the specific electrical devices of interest. We present a novel approach, named dimensionally aligned signal projection (DASP), for projecting aligned signal characteristics that are inherent to the physical implementation of many commercial electronic devices. These projections minimize the need for an intimate understanding of the underlying physical circuitry and significantly reduce the number of features required for signal classification. We present three possible DASP algorithms that leverage frequency harmonics, modulation alignments, and frequency peak spacings, along with a two-dimensional image manipulation method for statistical feature extraction. To demonstrate the ability of DASP to generate relevant features from URE, we measured the conducted URE from 14 residential electronic devices using a 2 MS/s collection system. A linear discriminant analysis classifier was trained using DASP generated features and was blind tested resulting in a greater than 90% classification accuracy for each of the DASP algorithms and an accuracy of 99.1% when DASP features are used in combination. Furthermore, we show that a rank reduced feature set of the combined DASP algorithms provides a 98.9% classification accuracy with only three features and outperforms a set of spectral features in terms of general classification as well as applicability across a broad number of devices.
Assessment of Students With Sensory Disabilities: Evidence-Based Practices:

This article presents an overview of recommended practices for assessing students who are deaf/hard of hearing, visually impaired, or deafblind. These recommendations were originally derived from a...
Conclusion and Future Directions

It is an exciting time for the field of the health effects of air pollution. Every month one hears of new, creative research designed to help understand the associations between ambient outdoor pollutants and human health.
Bundled Payments in Total Joint Replacement: Keeping Our Care Affordable and High in Quality

The purpose of this review was to evaluate the literature regarding bundle payment reimbursement models for total joint arthroplasty (TJA). From an economic standpoint, TJA are cost-effective, but they represent a substantial expense to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Historically, fee-for-service payment models resulted in highly variable cost and quality. CMS introduced Bundled Payments for Care Improvement (BPCI) in 2012 and subsequently the Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement (CJR) reimbursement model in 2016 to improve the value of TJA from the perspectives of both CMS and patients, by improving quality via cost control. Early results of bundled payments are promising, but preserving access to care for patients with high comorbidity burdens and those requiring more complex care is a lingering concern. Hospitals, regardless of current participation in bundled payments, should develop care pathways for TJA to maximize efficiency and patient safety.
Metabolic recycling of ammonia via glutamate dehydrogenase supports breast cancer biomass

Ammonia is a ubiquitous by-product of cellular metabolism; however, the biological consequences of ammonia production are not fully understood, especially in cancer. We found that ammonia is not merely a toxic waste product but is recycled into central amino acid metabolism to maximize nitrogen utilization. In our experiments, human breast cancer cells primarily assimilated ammonia through reductive amination catalyzed by glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH); secondary reactions enabled other amino acids, such as proline and aspartate, to directly acquire this nitrogen. Metabolic recycling of ammonia accelerated proliferation of breast cancer. In mice, ammonia accumulated in the tumor microenvironment and was used directly to generate amino acids through GDH activity. These data show that ammonia is not only a secreted waste product but also a fundamental nitrogen source that can support tumor biomass.
Spectroscopy of Negative Ions

This paper is concerned with the spectroscopy of negative ions — ions which have either a permanent or temporary excess of negative charge. Negative ions which retain their extra electron for an indefinite period of time are considered stable: additional energy is required to remove the electron. Negative ions which hold on to their extra electron for 10-6 seconds are metastable: this period of time is long enough for the ion to be useful for a laboratory experiment. Negative ions which last 10-12 sec. are a noticeable entity decaying predominately by electron emission. Shorter lived species, 10-15 sec., having a fleeting moment of existence, can be readily observed as a broad resonance in electron scattering measurements. An atom which is brushed by an electron as it passes by in 10-17 sec. is not granted the distinction of being called a negative ion.
Ideas and Interests in Africa

This chapter draws the analysis from the cases studies to propose a synthesis of how regime formation is shaped by ideas and interests, and still to a lower degree, institutions. Each can be affected as the role of China and her influence reshapes the construction of economic and national interests. The chapter also elaborates on China’s unique association with the historical anti-mercenary norm, her development model, use of PMSCs, and participation in United Nations and Montreux.
PROPERTIES OF H2, Kr, and Xe INSULATOR HYDRIDES

A theoretical description of the properties of dilute atomic hydrogen impurities in quantum and classical solids has been developed and applied to H atom impurities in solid H 2 , Kr, and Xe at pressures 0≤P ∼ 140 kbars. Results indicate that H atoms should remain substitutionally trapped in solid Kr and Xe up to near melting temperature, whereas dilute H impurities in solid H 2 will remain trapped for temperatures T<<30 K. Calculated properties of the atomic impurities are their r.m.s. fluctuations about their equilibrium position, the binding energy, the single particle distribution function, and the lattice distortion.
Bacterial superoxide dismutases.

Superoxide dismutase (SOD) has played a major role in establishing the biological relevance of oxyradicals. To many oxyradical researchers, “superoxide dismutase” connotes a copper-zinc SOD (CuZnSOD), the first dismutase to be purified and the form of prime interest clinically. However, superoxide dismutases containing manganese or iron as cofactor are also known and are widespread among bacteria. The manganese and iron SODs (MnSOD and FeSOD) are homologous in primary and three-dimensional structure and have clearly evolved from a common ancestor.2,3 Although structurally homologous, the Mn- and FeSODs are functionally distinct. Only in rare instances can the endogeneous Mn (or Fe) be replaced by Fe (or Mn) with retention of catalytic activity. The Mn- and FeSODs are further distinguished in their distribution among bacterial species. Strict anaerobes contain one SOD, an FeSOD. Bacterial aerobes usually contain an MnSOD or both Mn- and FeSODs. (The MnSOD is also widely found in eukaryotes. The FeSOD is also found in primitive eukaryotes and some green plants. Distributions of the Mn- and FeSODs among eukaryotes have been discussed elsewhere.1,4)
Run-through stabilization: an MPI proposal for process fault tolerance

The MPI standard lacks semantics and interfaces for sustained application execution in the presence of process failures. Exascale HPC systems may require scalable, fault resilient MPI applications. The mission of the MPI Forum's Fault Tolerance Working Group is to enhance the standard to enable the development of scalable, fault tolerant HPC applications. This paper presents an overview of the Run-Through Stabilization proposal. This proposal allows an application to continue execution even if MPI processes fail during execution. The discussion introduces the implications on point-to-point and collective operations over communicators, though the full proposal addresses all aspects of the MPI standard.
Reovirus receptors, cell entry, and proapoptotic signaling.

Mammalian orthoreoviruses (reoviruses) are members of the Reoviridae. Reoviruses contain 10 double-stranded (ds) RNA gene segments enclosed in two concentric protein shells, called outer capsid and core. These viruses serve as a versatile experimental system for studies of viral replication events at the virus-cell interface, including engagement of cell-surface receptors, internalization and disassembly, and activation of the innate immune response, including NF-κB-dependent cellular signaling pathways. Reoviruses also provide a model system for studies of virus-induced apoptosis and organ-specific disease in vivo.
Post-Colonialism, Europe and Africa: Changing Policyscapes

This chapter takes a different trajectory: it examines “other” Great Powers (or countries that have been Great Powers and that have been linked with Africa through history), by focusing on Europe, after the end of colonialism. It examines this relationship in the context of whether this has been a partnership, continued dependency, or continued exploitation. The chapter examines the role of Europe in the formation of states in Africa and questions whether the example provided by Europe as colonists can explain some of the weak states to be found all over Africa. It examines institutional-level cooperation between Europe and Africa, and the trajectories of the formation of the two continental bodies, and how their differences (may) have accounted for the difference in levels of success of their members, in insuring statehood. It questions whether African Union (OAU)’s design created the conditions for its failure by eliminating countries’ responsibilities to good governance as conditions for membership.
Science, Democracy, and Curriculum Studies

In this short introduction I describe using vignettes the connection between various disciplines such as art, philosophy, and anthropology to science and then suggest curriculum studies needs to develop a similar relationship with science. I briefly discuss the meaning of a democracy and describe that interludes will introduce each section. The sections include a chapter on the history of science studies writing, two chapters on rhetoric and science, a chapter on the rise of neoliberalism and the need to change our understanding of expertise, two chapters on (post)colonial science, a chapter on feminism and science, and a final chapter on Nietzsche’s philosophy of science. References appear after each chapter.
Imperfect vaccine and hysteresis

Addressing vaccine compliance problems is of particular relevance and significance to public health. Despite resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases and public awareness of vaccine importance, w...
Plk3 functions as a tumor suppressor and is a negative regulator of HIF-1α under hypoxic conditions

2042 Polo-like kinase 3 (Plk3) is an important mediator of the cellular responses to genotoxic stresses. In mammals, the Plk family consists of four members; namely, Plk1, Plk2, Plk3 (also termed Prk and Fnk), and Plk4. Besides the kinase domain at the amino-terminus, Plks share a highly conserved amino acid sequence at the carboxyl terminus termed the Polo-box domain (PBD). To understand the role of Plk3 in controlling cell proliferation and oncogenesis, we generated and characterized Plk3 knockout mice. Whereas there was no significant difference in body weight between newborn Plk3-/- mice and their wild-type littermates, Plk3-/- mice displayed an increase in weight and developed tumors in various organs at advanced age. Plk3-/- mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) were hyper-sensitive to the induction of HIF-1α under hypoxic conditions or by nickel and cobalt ion treatments. Ectopic expression of the Plk3 kinase domain, but not its polo-box domain or a Plk3 kinase domain mutant, suppressed the nuclear accumulation of HIF-1α induced by nickel or cobalt ions. Moreover, hypoxia-induced HIF-1α expression was tightly associated with a significant down-regulation of Plk3 expression in HeLa cells. Given the importance of HIF-1α in mediating the activation of the "survival machinery" in cancer cells, these studies strongly suggest that enhanced tumorigenesis in Plk3-null mice is at least partially mediated by a deregulated HIF-1 pathway. Further studies on the mode of action of Plk3 will provide additional mechanistic insights that can guide the design of anti-cancer drugs tailored against the HIF-VHL pathway.
Children's Authentication: Understanding and Usage

With the widespread infusion of technology into society, children (ages 5-11) not only interact with technology but are also required to create and use credentials in order to authenticate and use various platforms. My primary goal with this research is to investigate children's understanding and practices in terms of creating and using credentials -- across the globe. I describe an initial study conducted via semi-structured interviews with children and an online survey with adults (parents and teachers), that help us to understand the adult's understanding of authentication and the role they play in children's credential creation and usage. Results shows that children have limited knowledge and understanding of credential creation and usage and that there is also a gap in adult's theoretical knowledge and practical implementations.
Magnetic stochasticity and diffusion.

We develop a quantitative relationship between magnetic diffusion and the level of randomness, or stochasticity, of the diffusing magnetic field in a magnetized medium. A general mathematical formulation of magnetic stochasticity in turbulence has been developed in previous work in terms of the ${\mathcal{L}}_{p}$ norm ${S}_{p}(t)=\frac{1}{2}{\ensuremath{\parallel}1\ensuremath{-}{\stackrel{\ifmmode \hat{}\else \^{}\fi{}}{\mathbf{B}}}_{l}\ifmmode\cdot\else\textperiodcentered\fi{}{\stackrel{\ifmmode \hat{}\else \^{}\fi{}}{\mathbf{B}}}_{L}\ensuremath{\parallel}}_{p}, p\mathrm{th}$-order magnetic stochasticity of the stochastic field $\mathbf{B}(\mathbf{x},t)$, based on the coarse-grained fields ${\mathbf{B}}_{l}$ and ${\mathbf{B}}_{L}$ at different scales $l\ensuremath{\ne}L$. For laminar flows, the stochasticity level becomes the level of field self-entanglement or spatial complexity. In this paper, we establish a connection between magnetic stochasticity ${S}_{p}(t)$ and magnetic diffusion in magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) turbulence and use a homogeneous, incompressible MHD simulation to test this prediction. Our results agree with the well-known fact that magnetic diffusion in turbulent media follows the superlinear Richardson dispersion scheme. This is intimately related to stochastic magnetic reconnection in which superlinear Richardson diffusion broadens the matter outflow width and accelerates the reconnection process.