cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract A24: HDAC inhibition unmasks a microRNA-mediated mechanism of tumor suppression

Genetic lesions resulting in epigenetic dysregulation have a newly appreciated role in tumor initiation and progression. Alterations in epigenetic enzymes, such as histone deacetylases (HDACs), lead to dynamic changes in the epigenetic landscape that are postulated to alter the expression of critical mediators of tumorigenesis. HDACs not only alter the expression of protein-coding genes, but also affect noncoding RNAs, including microRNA (miRNA). Recent evidence suggests that miRNA are one of the largest classes of regulatory molecules and, given their broad impact on gene expression, it is not surprising they have a significant role in tumorigenesis. Although, small molecule inhibitors of HDACs have demonstrated therapeutic utility, the molecular events underlying the observed selective killing of cancer cells are incompletely resolved. We determined that HDAC inhibition in numerous hematopoietic malignancies relieved the Myc-mediated transcriptional repression of miRNA with known tumor suppressive properties, namely the miR-15 and let-7 families. Specifically, following HDAC inhibition, Myc, which normally represses the miR-15 and let-7 families in cancer cells, transcriptionally activated their expression. In addition, we demonstrated that Myc was required for this HDAC inhibition-induced miRNA upregulation. As a result, transcript levels of the miR-15 and let-7 families increased, which subsequently targeted and decreased the expression of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 and Bcl-x L , respectively, inducing apoptosis in multiple hematopoietic malignancies. Unexpectedly, we demonstrated that, in normal cells, dysregulated Myc transcriptionally upregulated these miRNA as a means to prevent cellular transformation, revealing a novel mechanism whereby Myc induces apoptosis independent of the p53 tumor suppressor. Our results expose a previously unknown, and surprisingly general, mechanism of Myc-induced apoptosis that capitalizes on miRNA. Importantly, our data provide insight into the molecular underpinnings following HDAC inhibition and contribute new knowledge that should aid in the development of improved cancer therapeutics. Citation Format: Clare M. Adams, Scott W. Hiebert, Christine M. Eischen. HDAC inhibition unmasks a microRNA-mediated mechanism of tumor suppression. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Noncoding RNAs and Cancer: Mechanisms to Medicines ; 2015 Dec 4-7; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(6 Suppl):Abstract nr A24.
Depression and type 2 diabetes among Alaska Native primary care patients

OBJECTIVES: To assess whether type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) and DM2 complications are associated with presence and severity of depression among Alaska Native and American Indian people (AN/Als). DESIGN: Retrospective, cross-sectional analysis of medical records. SETTING: Southcentral Foundation Primary Care Center (SCF-PCC) in Anchorage, Alaska. PARTICIPANTS: Total of 23,529 AN/AI adults. PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURES: Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ) scores (0-9 negative, 10-14 mild, 15-19 moderate, 20+ severe) and DSM-IV depression diagnosis. RESULTS: DM2 prevalence was 6% (n=1,526). Of those with DM2, 19% (n = 292) had one or more DM2 complications and average HbAlc was 7.1%. Prevalence of depression diagnosis was similar between AN/Als with and without DM2 (P = .124). Among those screened for depression (n = 12,280), there were similar rates of PHQ severity between those without and with DM2; respectively 4% (n = 452) vs 4% (n = 42) mild, 4% (n = 404) vs 3% (n = 29) moderate, and 4% (n = 354) vs 4% (n = 38) severe. In multivariable logistic regression, DM2 was not associated with PHQ severity (OR 1.02, 95% CI 0.81-1.27) or depression diagnosis (OR 1.27, 95% CI 1.00-1.62). Increased odds of depression and higher depression severity were associated with female sex, younger age, being unmarried, substance abuse/dependence, and increased ambulatory visits. Depression was associated with number of other chronic conditions among AN/Als with DM2 but not with number of complications. CONCLUSIONS: Presence and severity of depression among AN/Al primary care patients was not significantly associated with DM2 nor DM2 complications, despite a slightly higher rate of depression diagnosis among those with DM2. Ethn Dis . 2013;23[1]:56–64
Identification and Relative Weight of Cardiovascular Risk Factors

Basic concepts of epidemiology are presented with an update on the more than 270 factors that the authors have found suggested as contributors to cardiovascular disease risk. A comprehensive classification scheme and public health and clinical implications are discussed. Based on predictions from prospective and intervention studies, up to 90 per cent of coronary heart disease could be prevented by optimization of known cardiovascular risk factors.
Directed micro assembly of passive particles at fluid interfaces using magnetic robots

We combine strategies for passive particle assembly in soft matter with robotics to develop new means of controlled interaction. In capillary assembly, particles distort fluid interfaces and move in directions that minimize the surface area. In particular, they move along principle axes on curved interfaces to sites of high curvature via capillary migration. We propose a robot that serves as a programmable source of fluid curvature and allows the collection of passive particles. When settled on a fluid interface, the magnetic robot distorts the interface, which strongly influences curvature capillary migration. The shape of the robot dictates the interface shape. Preferred assembly site can be created by imposing high interface curvature near corners. This freedom to manipulate interface curvature dynamically and to migrate laterally on the interface creates new possibilities for directed bottom-up particle assemblies and precise manipulation of these complex assembled structures. Since the passive particles can be functionalized to sense, report and interact with their surroundings, this work paves the way to new schemes for creation and control of functionalized micro robots.
Context-dependent memory following recurrent hypoglycaemia in non-diabetic rats is mediated via glucocorticoid signalling in the dorsal hippocampus.

Recurrent hypoglycaemia is primarily caused by repeated over-administration of insulin to patients with diabetes. Although cognition is impaired during hypoglycaemia, restoration of euglycaemia after recurrent hypoglycaemia is associated with improved hippocampally mediated memory. Recurrent hypoglycaemia alters glucocorticoid secretion in response to hypoglycaemia; glucocorticoids are well established to regulate hippocampal processes, suggesting a possible mechanism for recurrent hypoglycaemia modulation of subsequent cognition. We tested the hypothesis that glucocorticoids within the dorsal hippocampus might mediate the impact of recurrent hypoglycaemia on hippocampal cognitive processes. We characterised changes in the dorsal hippocampus at several time points to identify specific mechanisms affected by recurrent hypoglycaemia, using a well-validated 3 day model of recurrent hypoglycaemia either alone or with intrahippocampal delivery of glucocorticoid (mifepristone) and mineralocorticoid (spironolactone) receptor antagonists prior to each hypoglycaemic episode. Recurrent hypoglycaemia enhanced learning and also increased hippocampal expression of glucocorticoid receptors, serum/glucocorticoid-regulated kinase 1, cyclic AMP response element binding (CREB) phosphorylation, and plasma membrane levels of α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) and N-methyl-d-aspartic acid (NMDA) receptors. Both hippocampus-dependent memory enhancement and the molecular changes were reversed by glucocorticoid receptor antagonist treatment. These results indicate that increased glucocorticoid signalling during recurrent hypoglycaemia produces several changes in the dorsal hippocampus that are conducive to enhanced hippocampus-dependent contextual learning. These changes appear to be adaptive, and in addition to supporting cognition may reduce damage otherwise caused by repeated exposure to severe hypoglycaemia.
Diffuse Systemic Sclerosis

The concept of a disease which hardens the skin and creates profound disability is one that has been described for centuries. The term “scleroderma generale” was first used by Fantonetti in 1836, although his patient also had features more reminiscent of scleredema. It was not until Maurice Raynaud and Sir William Osler that a clear picture of the features (and burden) of scleroderma developed. Osler eloquently wrote, “In its most aggravated forms, diffuse scleroderma is one of the most terrible of human ills. Like Tithonus, to ‘wither slowly’ and like him to be ‘beaten down and marred and wasted’ until one is literally like a mummy, encased in an ever-shrinking, slowly contracting skin of steel, is a fate not pictured in any tragedy, ancient or modern.” Although current treatments can be helpful and occasionally alter the course of diffuse systemic sclerosis, Osler’s words ring true for some patients with severe progressive disease encased in a skin of steel.
Restoring Sage‐grouse nesting habitat through removal of early successional conifer

Conifer woodlands have expanded into sagebrush (Artemisia spp.) ecosystems and degrade habitat for sagebrush obligate species such as the Greater Sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus). Conifer management is increasing despite a lack of empirical evidence assessing outcomes to grouse and their habitat. Although assessments of vegetation recovery after conifer removal are common, comparisons of successional trends with habitat guidelines or actual data on habitat used by sage-grouse is lacking. We assessed impacts of conifer encroachment on vegetation characteristics known to be important for sage-grouse nesting. Using a controlled repeated measures design, we then evaluated vegetation changes for 3 years after conifer removal. We compared these results to data from 356 local sage-grouse nests, rangewide nesting habitat estimates, and published habitat guidelines. We measured negative effects of conifer cover on many characteristics important for sage-grouse nesting habitat including percent cover of forbs, grasses, and shrubs, and species richness of forbs and shrubs. In untreated habitat, herbaceous vegetation cover was slightly below the cover at local nest sites, while shrub cover and sagebrush cover were well below cover at the nest sites. Following conifer removal, we measured increases in herbaceous vegetation, primarily grasses, and sagebrush height. Our results indicate that conifer abundance can decrease habitat suitability for nesting sage-grouse. Additionally, conifer removal can improve habitat suitability for nesting sage-grouse within 3 years, and trajectories indicate that the habitat may continue to improve in the near future.
Expanding the donor lung pool: how many donations after circulatory death organs are we missing?

Abstract Background The number of patients with end-stage pulmonary disease awaiting lung transplantation is at an all-time high, while the supply of available organs remains stagnant. Utilizing donation after circulatory death (DCD) donors may help to address the supply-demand mismatch. The objective of this study is to determine the potential donor pool expansion with increased procurement of DCD organs from patients who die at hospitals. Material and methods The charts of all patients who died at a single, rural, quaternary-care institution between August 2014 and June 2015 were reviewed for lung transplant candidacy. Inclusion criteria were age Results A total of 857 patients died within a 1-year period and were stratified by age: pediatric n = 32, 4%), young 15-64 y ( n = 328, 38%), and old >65 y ( n = 497, 58%). Those without cancer totaled 778 (90.8%) and 512 (59%) did not have lung pathology. This leaves 85 patients qualifying for DCD lung donation (pediatric n = 10, young n = 75, and old n = 0). Potential donors were significantly more likely to have clear chest X-rays (24.3% versus 10.0%, P versus 197.9, P Conclusions A significant number of DCD lungs are available every year from patients who die within hospitals. We estimate the use of suitable DCD lungs could potentially result in a significant increase in the number of lungs available for transplantation.
A Point Sink Superposition Method for Predicting Droplet Interaction Effects During Vapor-Diffusion-Driven Dropwise Condensation in Humid Air

Abstract During dropwise condensation from the ambient environment, water vapor present in air must diffuse to the surface of each droplet. The spatial distribution of water vapor in the local surroundings of each individual droplet determines the total condensation rate. However, available models for dropwise condensation in humid air assume that such systems of droplets grow either as an equivalent film or that the growth of each droplet is completely isolated; the interactions between droplets are poorly described and, consequently, predictions of total condensation rates may mismatch experimental observations. This paper presents a reduced-order analytical method to calculate the condensation rate of each individual droplet within a group of droplets on a surface by resolving the vapor concentration field in the surrounding air. A point sink superposition method is used to account for the interaction between droplets without requiring solution of the diffusion equation for a full three-dimensional domain containing all of the droplets. For a simplified scenario containing two neighboring condensing droplets, the rates of growth are studied as a function of the inter-droplet distance and the relative droplet size. For representative systems of condensing droplets on a surface, the total condensation rates predicted by the reduced-order model match numerical simulations to within 15%. The results show that assuming droplets grow as an equivalent film or in a completely isolated manner can severely overpredict condensation rates.
Living Up to the Hype: Protein Synthesis Promotes Hypertranscription in Embryonic Stem Cells.

The rapid proliferation and unlimited self-renewal of embryonic stem cells depends upon a permissive chromatin landscape that enables hypertranscription. In this issue of Cell Stem Cell, Bulut-Karslioglu et al. report that euchromatin and transcriptional output are enhanced by protein synthesis in embryonic stem cells (Bulut-Karslioglu et al., 2018).
Performance and reliability of a 5G smartphone RF-antenna system: Influence of temperature field

The last decade has seen a rapid evolution of wireless systems and smart devices. The advent of fifth generation (5G) wireless standards in the near future will undoubtedly accelerate the pace of this advance. 5G wireless presents a new challenge in that its devices must be scalable to a mass commercial market at suitably low costs. Thus, a significant tradeoff must be made between performance and cost — more so than was necessary for many previous generations of mm-wave devices. Simulation will become increasingly more important in helping to balance this tradeoff in a multitude of mass-produced 5G devices. This paper presents a simulation workflow and case study that illustrates the importance of a comprehensive multi-physics approach to designing wireless systems, with a view towards expected developments in future 5G and mm-wave designs. The electrical performance of the antenna under “ideal” (i.e. room-temperature) conditions is determined first. The electromagnetic (EM) results are then incorporated in a thermal analysis to determine the spatial variation of steady-state temperature when the amplifier and antenna are in a constant “on” state. The thermal solution is then fed back to the EM simulation to re-compute the antenna's electrical performance under the influence of radio frequency (RF) heating. The key in this last step is to not only account for the temperature-dependent material properties of the 3D model via spatially-varying thermal feedback, but also to account for the temperature dependent properties of the components in the driving circuit schematic. This comprehensive multi-physics approach shows the true potential for performance degradation of the antenna transmitting system. In particular, the effect on the important antenna performance metrics of impedance match, radiative efficiency, and tuned resonant frequency are considered.
Dunes as Physical Systems

The balance of complexity and regularity is something that human beings, a species adapted to exploit niches in a dynamic environment, are attuned to detect. Dunes are often rather regular landforms, but rarely exactly regular, a feature that our brains are evolved to trigger pleasure from.
The Effect of Adults on Peer Interactions

William Golding in his classic novel examines the behavioral and emotional disruption observed in a group of English schoolboys who find themselves confronted with the need to live together and survive in the absence of the adult society to which they are accustomed. The situation he created and the reactions he envisioned dramatically illuminate many of the basic issues with which this chapter will deal. While the novel has many levels of interpretation, it does suggest that in the absence of adults and the structured interaction that generally characterizes their behavior, the behavior of young children may become more disorderly, less focused, and—perhaps as a by-product of these factors and their consequent emotional impact— ultimately highly aggressive. Except during the ravages of war (Freud & Dunn, 1951) in both primitive and technologically advanced societies, it is quite unusual for children to function and attempt to survive without adults. In most instances in which children are observed interacting with one another, they are deeply immersed in the characteristic social patterns of their society or have only been briefly and temporarily separated from it.
Surgical Management of Traumatic Colon and Rectal Injuries

The management of traumatic colonic and rectal injuries is an interesting study in the evolution of trauma care in general. The care for patients suffering from colorectal trauma has been influenced by what we have learned from experience during wartime. As will be covered, diversion of colorectal trauma through the liberal use of ostomies has fallen out of favor of late – and the trend is now favoring increased use of primary repair of these injuries.
Cytocompatibility and mechanical properties of surgical sealants for cardiovascular applications.

Abstract Objectives The present study compared physical, mechanical, and biologic characteristics of 4 clinically available surgical sealants for cardiovascular repair. Methods BioGlue (Cryolife Inc, Kennesaw, Ga), PreveLeak (Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals, St Louis, Mo), Tridyne VS (BD, Franklin Lakes, NJ), and Coseal (Baxter Healthcare Corporation, Westlake Village, Calif) were compared for the following properties: hydrated swelling, cytocompatibility, burst strength, biaxial stretching (elasticity), and in vitro degradation. Results Sealants showed a wide range of swelling upon hydration. By gravimetric and volumetric measurement, swelling was greatest for Coseal followed by Tridyne VS, BioGlue, and PreveLeak. Tridyne VS was the most cytocompatible based on Alamar Blue assay results, supporting 85% cell survival compared with 36% to 39% survival with the other sealants. All sealants withstood pressure above mean arterial pressure (70-110 mm Hg) and physiologic systolic blood pressure (90-140 mm Hg) in an ex vivo arterial flow burst model; lowest peak pressure at failure was PreveLeak at 235 ± 48 mm Hg, and highest peak pressure at failure was BioGlue at 596 ± 72 mm Hg. Biaxial tensile testing showed no differences in elasticity between ex vivo porcine aorta and carotid arteries and Tridyne VS or Coseal, and BioGlue and PreveLeak were significantly stiffer. In vitro degradation time for Coseal was 6 days and 21 days for Tridyne VS. No degradation was observed in BioGlue or PreveLeak for 30 days. Conclusions Although all sealants withstood supraphysiologic arterial pressure, there were differences in characteristics that may be important in clinical outcome. Coseal degradation time was short compared with other sealants, whereas BioGlue and PreveLeak showed a significant compliance mismatch with native porcine carotid artery. Tridyne VS was significantly more cytocompatible than the other 3 sealants.
Exhibiting Reform: MoMA and the Display of Public Housing (1932–1939)

While the explicit aestheticization of modern architecture during MoMA’s first decade of exhibitions is well known, it is too often forgotten that this interpretation was countered from the beginning by exhibitions advancing an understanding of architecture that emphasized its social effects. Coinciding with America’s first large-scale public housing projects, part of the New Deal’s attempt to end the Great Depression through relief, recovery, and reform, MoMA installed several shows advocating for public housing during the 1930s — an overlooked facet of the museum’s well-documented history. This article explores how MoMA was instrumental in introducing and promoting the concept of public housing to the American public by cooperating on several exhibitions with local and federal public housing authorities, such as Housing Exhibition of the City of New York (1934), Architecture and Government Housing (1936) and Houses and Housing (1939). Figures involved in several of these exhibitions such as self-acclaimed ‘housing expert’ Catherine Bauer were also active as part of governmental and non-governmental housing organizations, creating the laws that radically reformed housing in the United States. And yet, these exhibitions simultaneously presented housing as a distinct subcategory of architecture — a category in which quantity and affordability were valued over excellent design. The housing exhibitions made the living environments of the poor visible but perpetuated the divide between a prized elitist modernized aesthetics and built environments for the working-class masses.
Atomic layer deposition of non-conformal low dimensional ZnO thin films (Conference Presentation)

Ultra-thin ZnO films were grown by atomic layer deposition (ALD) at a temperature of 60C on Si substrates and Si substrates coated with ~20nm of Al2O3 also deposited via ALD at 60C. Ellipsometry indicated ZnO films ranging in thickness from ~0.5 nm to ~7 nm. Atomic force microscopy results showed ZnO nano-islands formed prior to the completion of conformal atomic layers. AFM scans of 1um and 10um areas were employed in this study. This low dimensional ZnO islanding phenomenon was observed in both substrate types but with different incubation periods. The ZnO nano-islands on both substrates varied in diameter from ~20nm to ~100nm, island height variation ranged from ~2nm to ~9nm. ZnO nano-island formation had little to no incubation period on the Si substrates treated with ~20nm of Al2O3, and island formation was observed within 10 ZnO ALD cycles and nano-island density peaked around 20 to 30 ZnO ALD cycles. The highest rms roughness measurement obtained was of 0.7756 nm and is attributed to high nano-island density. While on bare Si the incubation period is significantly longer with nano-islands taking greater than 50 ZnO ALD cycles to form and achieving highest rms roughness of 0.25 nm around 60-70 ZnO ALD cycles. These results demonstrate non-conformal ultra-thin film growth by ALD, a deposition method expected to yield conformal thin films.
Ablative Techniques for Colorectal Cancer Liver Metastases

The use of extreme temperatures to treat tumors dates back over a century [1]. However, in parallel with the dramatic evolution of liver surgery, the last three decades have seen an accelerated expansion of techniques and indications for liver tumor ablation, and they are currently considered complementary strategies in the treatment of primary and secondary liver malignancies. Moreover, ablation has become an accepted alternative to hepatic resection in a select group of patients with both primary and metastatic liver neoplasms. Indications for ablative therapies include patients considered unfit for surgery due to either location of the lesion or poor health, those with smaller lesions, or those in whom a small amount of remnant liver parenchyma precludes resection [2, 3]. These techniques have also been advocated as a bridge to transplantation in patients facing a long waiting list for a liver allograft [4, 5].
What is ACEC? FR-PM-1 -1

Introduction 防This presentation will describe the role of the Advisory Committee on Electromagnetic Compatibility (ACEC) within the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 防The presentation will begin with the history of ACEC and will mention some of the major accomplishments over the years 防While the terms of reference of ACEC have been modified by the IEC over more than 20 years, the current objectives of the organization are to oversee the development of EMC standards within the IEC and to support product committees in their use of basic and generic EMC standards as described by IEC Guide 107 防At the end of the presentation, some of the “hot topics” will be mentioned
North-South Asymmetry in the Geographic Location of Auroral Substorms correlated with Ionospheric Effects.

Energetic particles of magnetospheric origin constantly strike the Earth’s upper atmosphere in the polar regions, producing optical emissions known as the aurora. The most spectacular auroral displays are associated with recurrent events called magnetospheric substorms (aka auroral substorms). Substorms are initiated in the nightside magnetosphere on closed magnetic field lines. As a consequence, it is generally thought that auroral substorms should occur in both hemispheres on the same field line (i.e., magnetically conjugated). However, such a hypothesis has not been verified statistically. Here, by analyzing 2659 auroral substorms acquired by the Ultraviolet Imager on board the NASA satellite “Polar”, we have discovered surprising evidence that the averaged location for substorm onsets is not conjugate but shows a geographic preference that cannot be easily explained by current substorm theories. In the Northern Hemisphere (NH) the auroral substorms occur most frequently in Churchill, Canada (~90°W) and Khatanga, Siberia (~100°E), up to three times as often as in Iceland (~22°W). In the Southern Hemisphere (SH), substorms occur more frequently over a location in the Antarctic ocean (~120°E), up to ~4 times more than over the Antarctic Continent. Such a large difference in the longitudinal distribution of north and south onset defies the common belief that substorms in the NH and SH should be magnetically conjugated. A further analysis indicates that these substorm events occurred more frequently when more of the ionosphere was dark. These geographic areas also coincide with regions where the Earth’s magnetic field is largest. These facts suggest that auroral substorms occur more frequently, and perhaps more intensely, when the ionospheric conductivity is lower. With much of the magnetotail energy coming from the solar wind through merging of the interplanetary and Earth’s magnetic field, it is generally thought that the occurrence of substorms is externally controlled by the solar wind and plasma instability in the magnetotail. The present study results provide a strong argument that the ionosphere plays a more active role in the occurrence of substorms.
Influence maximization with partial feedback

Abstract The goal of Influence maximization (IM) is to select a set of most influential users in a social network subject to a budget constraint. In this work, we propose to study the adaptive IM problem under partial-feedback model. Our main contribution in this paper is to introduce a novel adaptive policy with bounded approximation ratio. One nice feature of our policy is that we can balance the delay and performance tradeoff by adjusting the value of a controlling parameter.
Pheromone Composition and Chemical Ecology of Six Species of Cerambycid Beetles in the Subfamily Lamiinae

Cerambycid beetles of the subfamily Lamiinae use male-produced aggregation-sex pheromones that are attractive to both sexes. Terpenoid pheromones have been identified from species in the tribes Acanthoderini and Acanthocinini native to North and South America, comprised of (E)-6,10-dimethyl-5,9-undecadien-2-one (geranylacetone), the structurally related 6-methylhept-5-en-2-one (sulcatone), and/or specific enantiomers or nonracemic ratios of enantiomers of the related compounds (E)-6,10-dimethyl-5,9-undecadien-2-ol (fuscumol), its acetate ester, (E)-6,10-dimethyl-5,9-undecadien-2-yl acetate (fuscumol acetate), and 6-methylhept-5-en-2-ol (sulcatol). Here, we present new information about the chemical ecology of six acanthoderine and acanthocinine species native to the eastern USA. The pheromone of Astyleiopus variegatus (Haldeman) previously was identified as a blend of (S)-fuscumol and (S)-fuscumol acetate, and we report here that geranylacetone is a synergistic component. Males of Aegomorphus modestus (Gyllenhal), Lepturges angulatus (LeConte), and Lepturges confluens (Haldeman) were found to produce similar blends composed of the enantiomers of fuscumol acetate and geranylacetone, whereas males of Astylidius parvus (LeConte) and Sternidius alpha (Say) produced both enantiomers of fuscumol together with (R)-fuscumol acetate and geranylacetone. Field experiments with synthesized chemicals revealed that species with similar pheromone composition nevertheless differed in their responses to individual components, and to various blends of components, and in how attraction was influenced by chemicals that were pheromone components of other species. Sulcatone and/or sulcatol antagonized attraction of some species to pheromones of the geranylacetone class, suggesting that there is an adaptive advantage in an ability to detect these heterospecific compounds, such as in avoiding cross attraction to other cerambycid species, as yet unknown, that use pheromones composed of both chemical classes.
Social Influence Analysis : An Index of Tactics

One of the defining attributes of all species of eusocial insects and social animals is a distinct means of social influence – a way for one or more members of the species to direct, coordinate, and influence other members of the species. Such social influence tactics determine the allocation of resources within a community of the species and also provide an evolutionary advantage to eusocial and social species in their quest to gain the resources needed for survival. The chapter looks at the social influence tactics used by a species of social organisms known as Homo sapiens. Social influence tactics are present in all eusocial and social species. For example, Pogonomyrmex barbatus use pheromones to signal such things as alarms and food trails. With the rise of the industrial revolution, commercial interests sought new and improved manners of influence. At the turn of the 20th century, academics began preparing lists of influence tactics to be used in sales and advertising.
Predicting Small Molecule Transfer Free Energies by Combining Molecular Dynamics Simulations and Deep Learning.

Accurately predicting small molecule partitioning and hydrophobicity is critical in the drug discovery process. There are many heterogeneous chemical environments within a cell and entire human bod...
Sclerotherapy as treatment of a branchial cleft fistula in a pediatric patient

Abstract Branchial cleft fistulae are benign congenital tracts in the neck that connect the pharynx to the skin resulting from improper involution of the branchial apparatus. Surgical excision is the most common treatment. While alternative treatments exist, there is a paucity of literature detailing nonsurgical managements. We describe a branchial cleft fistula successfully treated with sclerotherapy to suggest this alternative management. A seven-week-old boy presented to our hospital with daily fluid drainage from a punctate skin opening at the anterior base of his neck. At one year of age, this was confirmed to be a second branchial cleft fistula and treated with sclerotherapy in Interventional Radiology (IR). The entire tract was catheterized from the skin opening to the pharynx and then sclerosed with doxycycline in an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia. There were no complications and his clinical symptoms resolved completely post-procedure suffering no recurrence as of his last follow-up 26 months later. This case demonstrates branchial cleft fistulae can be eradicated with sclerotherapy making it a clinically feasible minimally invasive alternative to surgical excision.
Dual Modality Instruction & Programming Environments: Student Usage & Perceptions

Dual-modality blocks-text programming environments have shown promise in helping students learn programming and computational thinking. These environments link blocks-based visualizations to text-based representations, which are more typical of production languages. Since prior work shows that some students who learn in dual-modality environments outperform those who learn in text on assessments, we sought to understand specifically how students use dual-modality environments and what support these environments provide to the learning process. We analyzed survey responses and tool logs collected during a study at a large public university in a CS1 course (N=425). We found that students from all prior programming experience backgrounds made use of the ability to visualize code structures by using blocks. Students with prior experience in blocks or no prior experience said they felt the dual-modality instruction helped them understand code structure and meaning. As students progressed through the class, we found that they made more use of the blocks mode's reference palettes than to its drag-and-drop facilities or mode-switching features. By identifying how students interact with dual-modality tools and how they impact student understanding, this work provides guidance for classroom instructors.
Correlation of total reference air-kerma (TRAK) to prescription isodose surface volume in vaginal cylinder high-dose-rate brachytherapy

Purpose The purpose of this technical note was to investigate correlation of total reference air-kerma (TRAK) with volume enclosed by the prescription isodose surface in vaginal cylinder high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy. Material and methods Treatment plans of 175 gynecological cancer patients treated at our institution with iridium-192 (192Ir) HDR brachytherapy using a single-channel vaginal cylinder applicator were retrospectively reviewed. Applicator size in diameter ranged from 20 mm to 40 mm. Treatment length ranged from 30 mm to 90 mm (median, 50 mm). Brachytherapy fractional dose was 5 Gy (DoseRef) prescribed to 5 mm distance from cylinder surface. Parameters TRAK (cGy), source activity during treatment (Ci), total treatment time (s), and prescription isodose surface volume ISVRef (cm3) were recorded from individual treatment plans. In each case, vaginal tissue volume (VVT) enclosed by prescription isodose was calculated by subtracting cylinder volume enclosed by the prescription isodose from ISVRef. Results Total reference air-kerma correlated with the total volume enclosed by the prescription isodose via ISVRef = 4768 × (TRAK/DoseRef)1.47. TRAK related linearly to the volume of vaginal tissue enclosed by the prescription dose via VVT = ((138.3 × TRAK) - 8.2). Secondarily, TRAK related to the treatment time through time (s) = 882 (s/cGy) × TRAK (cGy), where 882 is (1/air-kerma strength) for 10 Ci apparent activity of 192Ir source. Conclusions The correlation of TRAK to the vaginal tissue volume encompassed by the prescription dose surface yields a useful predictive equation. The TRAK treatment time relationship enables quick verification of planned treatment time by knowing TRAK in any HDR brachytherapy application.
Metalens Array with Controllable Angle of View for Compact, Large Field-of-View Microscopy

We present an innovative metalens array design with a controllable angle of view. Our design leverages the angular dependent transmission of the metastructure, and enables a compact system for large field-of-view microscopic imaging.
Relation among EGFL7, ITGB3, and KLF2 and their clinical implication in multiple myeloma patients: a prospective study.

Objective We aimed to investigate the relationship among epidermal growth factor-like protein-7 (EGFL7), integrin subunit beta 3 (ITGB3), and Kruppel-like factor 2 (KLF2) expressions and their clinical implication in multiple myeloma (MM). Methods This prospective study enrolled 72 de novo symptomatic MM patients and 30 controls, and then collected their bone marrow plasma cell samples. Subsequently, the EGFL7, ITGB3, and KLF2 expressions were carried out by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Results EGFL7, ITGB3, and KLF2 expressions were increased in MM patients compared to controls. Besides, EGFL7, ITGB3, and KLF2 inter-correlated with each other in MM patients but not in controls. In MM patients, EGFL7 and ITGB3 (but not KLF2) expressions were positively correlated with ISS stage, while ITGB3 and KLF2 (but not EGFL7) expressions were correlated with increased R-ISS stage. Interestingly, ITGB3 and KLF2 were decreased in induction-treatment complete remission (CR) MM patients compared to non-CR MM patients, while EGFL7 only showed a trend but without statistical significance. Furthermore, ITGB3 high expression was correlated with worse progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS), while EGFL7 and KLF2 high expressions only associated with pejorative PFS but not OS. Conclusion EGFL7, ITGB3, and KLF2 may serve as potential prognostic indicators in MM patients.
Gene expression profiles of cholinergic nucleus basalis neurons in Alzheimer's disease.

Cholinergic neurons of the nucleus basalis (NB) are selectively vulnerable in Alzheimer's disease (AD), yet the molecular mechanisms associated with their dysfunction remain unknown. We used single cell RNA amplification and custom array technology to examine the expression of functional classes of mRNAs found in anterior NB neurons from normal aged and AD subjects. mRNAs encoding neurotrophin receptors, synaptic proteins, protein phosphatases, and amyloid-related proteins were evaluated. We found that trkB and trkC mRNAs were selectively down-regulated in NB neurons, whereas p75NTR mRNA levels remained stable in end stage AD. TrkA mRNA was reduced by approximately 28%, but did not reach statistical significance. There was a down-regulation of synaptophysin, synaptotagmin, and protein phosphatases PP1α and PP1β mRNAs in AD. In contrast, we found a selective up-regulation of cathepsin D mRNA in NB neurons in AD brain. Thus, anterior NB neurons undergo selective alterations in gene expression in AD. These results may provide clues to the molecular pathogenesis of NB neuronal degeneration during AD.
Malignant Melanoma in Early-Treated Parkinson's Disease: The NET-PD Trial

It has been repeatedly shown that the risk for malignant melanoma (melanoma) is increased in Parkinson's disease (PD), although the risk for cancer in general is decreased compared to the general population.1 A meta-analysis found that the pooled overall odds ratio for melanoma in PD was 2.11 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.26-3.54).2 The first large-scale clinical trial to assess the melanoma risk in PD was the Deprenyl and Tocopherol Antioxidative Therapy for Parkinson's Disease (DATATOP) study in the late 1980s. Secondary data analysis showed that the risk for developing melanoma during a total of 3691 person-years was higher in trial participants compared with the general population (standardized event ratio 3.3; 95% CI, 1.1-7.8). The study was not specifically designed to investigate cancer occurrences in a PD cohort; information about melanoma was retrieved from routinely collected adverse events and medical history data.3 A second similar trial was the Parkinson Research Examination of CEP1347 Trial (PRECEPT), enrolling between 2002 and 2004. A total of 806 subjects with early PD were monitored for an average of 1.8 years (1467 person-years total). The incidence of melanoma was 20.9 (95% CI, 9.6-39.7) times higher than expected in the general population. All subjects were required to undergo routine cancer screening examinations within 12 months prior to enrollment and were annually evaluated by a dermatologist during the trial.4 The present study aims to investigate the risk for melanoma in PD using data from a third, contemporary, and recently terminated clinical trial: the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Exploratory Trials in PD (NET-PD) Long-term Study 1 (LS-1) (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00449865). Being conducted in consecutive roughly 10-year intervals, in comparable PD cohorts, the results from these 3 separate trials offer a unique opportunity to investigate trends and to evaluate whether the passage of time and the dissemination of knowledge has had any impact on the reported risk for melanoma in PD.
Chemometric Analysis of NMR Spectroscopy Data: A Review

Abstract The application of chemometric or multivariate analysis techniques to nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopic data is reviewed. Descriptions of the different processing and data manipulation procedures being utilized to produce reproducible input data sets for chemometric analysis are discussed. A brief review of some of the standard supervised and unsupervised chemometric classification methods as applied to NMR data is presented. The application of spectral resolution algorithms in the decomposition of NMR data to obtain pure component spectra and concentrations is also described. Specific examples of the use of chemometrics in NMR for a wide range of different fields are presented. The limitations, advantages and future directions of chemometric analysis in NMR are also discussed.
An Unusual Mutant Affecting the Frequency of Organelle Mutation

A mutant of Euglena gracilis Z is described that spontaneously produces irreversibly bleached mutants at a high frequency. Bleaching only occurs during exponential growth under highly aerobic conditions. The kinetics for bleaching and growth of bleached and nonbleached cells suggest that mutation is induced by segregation of a cellular component that becomes limiting after several culture generations. The properties of spontaneous bleaching closely resemble the properties of induced organelle mutagenesis in E. gracilis and yeast.
Changing households' investments and aspirations through social interactions : evidence from a randomized transfer program

This brief summarizes the results of a gender impact evaluation study, entitled Changing households' investment and aspirations through social interactions : evidence from a randomized transfer program, conducted between November 2005 and December 2006 in Nicaragua. The study observed the impact of social interactions in determining aspirations in the context of a program aimed at increasing households' investments on the household head. Participants who were in close proximity to leaders who received the largest program substantially increased the on human capital investment, income diversification, and attitudes towards the future. Participants increased aspirations were driven by increased communication and motivation by female leaders. Having an additional leader with a productive investment package increases school attendance by about 2.5 percent, reduces absences by about 0.85 days per month, increases income from non-agricultural activities by about 3.3 dollar and increases the value of the animal stock by about 12 dollar. Funding for the study derived from the Gender Action Plan, Environmentally and Socially Sustainable Development (ESSD) Trust Fund, Regional Rural Bank (RRB) grant, BASIS-AMA, and Bank Netherlands Partnership Program.
Emission, plasma formation, and brightness of a PZT ferroelectric cathode

We have measured a current emission density of 36 A-cm/sup -2/ over an 11.4-cm/sup 2/-area lead-titanate-zirconate (PZT) ferroelectric cathode with a pulsed anode-cathode (A-K) potential of 50 kV. We have also observed currents above those predicted by classical Child-Langmuir formula for a wide variety of cases. Since a plasma within the A-K gap could also lead to increase current emission we are attempting to measure the properties of the plasma near the cathode surface at emission time. In other measurements, we have observed strong gap currents in the absence of an A-K potential. Further, we continue to make brightness measurements of the emitted beam and observe spatially non-uniform emission and large shot-to-shot variation. Measurements show individual beamlets with a brightness as high 10/sup 11/ A m/sup -2/ rad/sup -2/.
Analysis and synthesis of 3D shape families via deep-learned generative models of surfaces

We present a method for joint analysis and synthesis of geometrically diverse 3D shape families. Our method first learns part-based templates such that an optimal set of fuzzy point and part correspondences is computed between the shapes of an input collection based on a probabilistic deformation model. In contrast to previous template-based approaches, the geometry and deformation parameters of our part-based templates are learned from scratch. Based on the estimated shape correspondence, our method also learns a probabilistic generative model that hierarchically captures statistical relationships of corresponding surface point positions and parts as well as their existence in the input shapes. A deep learning procedure is used to capture these hierarchical relationships. The resulting generative model is used to produce control point arrangements that drive shape synthesis by combining and deforming parts from the input collection. The generative model also yields compact shape descriptors that are used to perform fine-grained classification. Finally, it can be also coupled with the probabilistic deformation model to further improve shape correspondence. We provide qualitative and quantitative evaluations of our method for shape correspondence, segmentation, fine-grained classification and synthesis. Our experiments demonstrate superior correspondence and segmentation results than previous state-of-the-art approaches.
Flame Retardants: An Overview

Flame retardant additives are ubiquitous in commercial products. They reduce fire losses by decreasing the likelihood of ignition and the rate of heat release of the products in which they are compounded. This article outlines the definition, applications, and functions of fire retardant additives. It also presents the classes of these chemicals and their market presence and risks. Keywords: fire; fire retardant; flame retardant; fire safety