cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Mobile Indian Raft: A Reply to Rage and Jaeger

question biotic transfers between Laurasia and India by some route as early as the time of the intertrappean assemblages around the Cretaceous/Tertiary boundary (Sahni and Bajpai, 1991). We did question Briggs's notion that geological evidence suggests biological isolation of subaerial peninsular India from subaerial Asia from 148 million years ago (MYA) until the ear? ly Miocene (Briggs, 1989:322). We also questioned the dubious hypothesis of rap? id earth expansion as an explanation of early contact (Patterson and Owen, 1991). Moreover, we cautioned about overgeneralization based upon fragmentary biologi? cal evidence.
In vivo transient vibration assessment of the normal human thoracolumbar spine

Objective: The objective of this study was to quantify the mobility characteristics (dynamic stiffness and mechanical impedance) of the normal human thoracolumbar spine with a transient vibration analysis technique. Design: This study is a prospective clinical investigation to obtain normative biomechanical data from the human male and female spine in vivo.Setting: Musculoskeletal research laboratory, university setting. Subjects: Twenty asymptomatic subjects (age range, 20-60 years) with no recent history of musculoskeletal complaints. Main Outcome Measures: Mechanical impedance, effective stiffness, and resonant frequency analyses were used to quantify the dynamic stiffness of the thoracolumbar spine in this subject population. Data were obtained from posteroanterior mechanical thrusts delivered with an activator adjusting instrument equipped with a load cell and accelerometer by means of a portable computer. Results: In response to the activator adjusting instrument thrusts, the thoracolumbar spine typically exhibited an impedance minimum at frequencies ranging between 30 and 50 Hz. The maximum posteroanterior impedance and corresponding maximum effective stiffness of the thoracolumbar spine and sacrum was roughly 2 to 8 times greater than the magnitude of the impedance minimum. Statistically significant differences in mobility between male and female subjects were noted, particularly for frequencies corresponding to the maximum mobility (40 Hz) and minimum mobility (10-20 Hz, 70-80 Hz). For most subjects (both male and female), the lumbar region exhibited a higher impedance and stiffness (less mobility) when compared with the thoracic region. Conclusions: The posteroanterior mechanical behavior of the human thoracolumbar spine was found to be sensitive to mechanical stimulus frequency and showed significant region-specific and gender differences. In the frequency range of 30 to 50 Hz, the lumbar spine of this subject population is the least stiff and therefore has the greatest mobility. From a biomechanical point-of-view, the results of this study indicate that dynamic spinal manipulative therapy procedures will produce more spinal motion for a given force, particularly when the posteroanterior manipulative thrust is delivered in frequency ranges at or near the resonant frequency. In this regard, spinal manipulative therapy procedures designed to target the resonant frequency of the spine require less force application. Both magnitude and frequency content of manual and mechanical thrusting manipulations may be critical elements for therapeutic outcome. (J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2000;23:521-30)
Limits at $3 in a New Formulation for Path-Placement in the Workcells of Planar 3-R Robots

Excursion-limits at the third joint of three-hinged planar robot are incorporated into a new systematic formulation for path-placement in which the three-dimensional solution-space is decomposed into a two-dimensional space of variables that strongly control the placement of the path and a one-dimensional space that is much less critical. The new formulation determines all acceptable positions for the first joint of the robot relative to the workpiece. All possible acceptable designs appear in a graphical form that can be readily visualized and be directly measured in a Cartesian frame of reference in the workcell. The method is extended to closed tool-paths, and the method is illustrated with practical examples.
A model for friction in atomic force microscopy

A mass-spring-damper model has been presented to describe the cantilever-sample dynamics in an atomic force microscope (AFM). Friction has been incorporated in this model by using Johnson-Kendall-Roberts (JKR) theory for elastic contacts. It has been validated by exhibiting some characteristic features (such as stick-slip behavior) observed in experiments with AFMs. A control law has been designed so that the piezoelectric tube in an AFM moves in a desired manner in spite of the friction. Simulation results are presented to illustrate the model and performance of the controllers.
Conditioning of bovine muscle. II. Changes in the composition of extracts of myofibrils after conditioning.

Myofibrils from longissimus dorsi muscles conditioned at 4° for 8 days and 15 days, were extracted by Hasselbach-Schneider solution and 5 mM Tris-HCl, pH 8·2. Both extractants removed increasing amounts of protein from the myofibrils as conditioning proceeded. More myosin, actin, tropomyosin and troponin was extracted by the Hasselbach-Schneider solution and 5 mM Tris, pH 8·2, extracted increasing amounts of a complex mixture containing actin and α-actinin. There was no evidence that any particular protein had been degraded or had disappeared and it is suggested that one of the effects of conditioning may have been an alteration in the binding of some of the proteins to each other in the myofibril.
Mechanism of Excitation of Aplysia Neurons by Carbon Dioxide

The abdominal ganglion of Aplysia californica was perfused with artificial seawater equilibrated at different PCOCO2's and pH's for 5 min or less. 5% CO2 dropped perfusate pH from 8.0 to 6.5 and produced depolarization and increased discharge rate in visceromotor neurons. Half the giant cells studied had a similar response, whereas the other half were hyperpolarized. Pacemaker neurons showed little, if any, response to such changes in pH or CO2. Membrane conductance of responsive cells was always increased. The effect of CO2 occurred even when synaptic transmission was blocked by low calcium and high magnesium, and therefore must have been a direct result of CO2 or the concomitant fall in pH. When extracellular pH was lowered to 6.5 using HCl or H2SO4 and no CO2, the same effects were observed. Also, local application of HCl or H2SO4 to the external surface of the cell soma elicited depolarization and spike discharge. When extracellular pH was held constant by continual titration, 5–50% CO2 had no effect. Intracellular pH was probably decreased at least one pH unit under these circumstances. Thus CO2 per se, decreased intracellular pH, and increased bicarbonate ion were without effect. It is concluded that CO2 acts solely through a decrease in extracellular pH.
Maribavir Antagonizes the Antiviral Action of Ganciclovir on Human Cytomegalovirus

The cytomegalovirus (CMV) UL97 kinase inhibitor maribavir antagonized the anti-CMV effect of ganciclovir, increasing the ganciclovir 50% inhibitory concentration against a sensitive strain by up to 13-fold. Antiviral activities of foscarnet and cidofovir were unaffected by maribavir.
Simple and efficient computation of electromagnetic fields in arbitrarily shaped inhomogeneous dielectric bodies using transpose-free QMR and FFT

A simple and efficient numerical method is presented for computing electromagnetic fields in three-dimensional (3-D) inhomogeneous-dielectric bodies. The method employs a two-stage discretization to convert an integro-differential equation into an implicit system of linear algebraic equations. This discrete system is then solved using a transpose-free quasi-minimal residual (TFQMR) algorithm, which avoids the calculation of the multiplication between the transpose of the system matrix and a vector. The simple multiplication between the system matrix and a vector required in the TFQMR algorithm is calculated efficiently using only six fast Fourier transforms (FFTs). Numerical results for strongly inhomogeneous and lossy spheres show that the method has a stable convergence behavior and excellent numerical performance.
The History of Smallpox Vaccination

It has apparently been understood since ancient times that smallpox produces its own natural immunity: anyone who survives a case of the disease is immune to subsequent infection. A technique called variolation was used long ago in India and China to produce artificial resistance to smallpox. This technique consisted of innoculating a susceptible individual with variola virus taken from a smallpox pustule on an active case. If successful, the result of variolation was a very mild case which left the innoculated individual immune. The case of smallpox was usually mild because the ordinary transmission route of the disease through the atmosphere and into the respiratory system of the victim was short-circuited by the direct application of the virus to the skin. If variolation was unsuccessful, the innoculated individual might contract a severe, disfiguring case of smallpox and even die, or might be left with no added immunity from the innoculation. At best, variolation was a risky way to prevent smallpox, but it was the only way.
Translocator Protein (TSPO) Affects Mitochondrial Fatty Acid Oxidation in Steroidogenic Cells

Translocator protein (TSPO), also known as the peripheral benzodiazepine receptor, is a highly conserved outer mitochondrial membrane protein present in specific subpopulations of cells within different tissues. In recent studies, the presumptive model depicting mammalian TSPO as a critical cholesterol transporter for steroidogenesis has been refuted by studies examining effects of Tspo gene deletion in vivo and in vitro, biochemical testing of TSPO cholesterol transport function, and specificity of TSPO-mediated pharmacological responses. Nevertheless, high TSPO expression in steroid-producing cells seemed to indicate an alternate function for this protein in steroidogenic mitochondria. To seek an explanation, we used CRISPR/Cas9-mediated TSPO knockout steroidogenic MA-10 Leydig cell (MA-10:TspoΔ/Δ) clones to examine changes to core mitochondrial functions resulting from TSPO deficiency. We observed that 1) MA-10:TspoΔ/Δ cells had a shift in substrate utilization for energy production from glucose to fatty acids with significantly higher mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation (FAO), and increased reactive oxygen species production; and 2) oxygen consumption rate, mitochondrial membrane potential, and proton leak were not different between MA-10:TspoΔ/Δ and MA-10:Tspo+/+ control cells. Consistent with this finding, TSPO-deficient adrenal glands from global TSPO knockout (Tspo(-/-)) mice also showed up-regulation of genes involved in FAO compared with the TSPO floxed (Tspo(fl/fl)) controls. These results demonstrate the first experimental evidence that TSPO can affect mitochondrial energy homeostasis through modulation of FAO, a function that appears to be consistent with high levels of TSPO expression observed in cell types active in lipid storage/metabolism.
U.S. Tax Reform: Full-Inclusion Over Territorial System Compelling

The territorial system strongly lobbied for by U.S. multinational corporations that stand to benefit from that system is not what’s best for our country or our society. It is bad tax policy for many reasons, including the strong motivation it provides our multinational corporations to continue moving operations, jobs, risks, and assets outside the United States to achieve double non-taxation. A worldwide full-inclusion system would severely curtail or completely eliminate that strong motivation because double nontaxation would no longer be possible because of a current federal tax on all earnings that cannot be eliminated through any tax schemes or creative avoidance. A worldwide system also would increase the tax base and help make possible the lower overall corporate tax rate that both political parties desire.
Use of transient elastography in patients with HIV-HCV coinfection: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND AIM Patients with HIV-hepatitis C virus (HCV) coinfection progress towards liver fibrosis and cirrhosis more rapidly compared with HCV mono-infected individuals. This necessitates an accurate assessment of liver stiffness with transient elastography to guide treatment. METHODS Searches of PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library databases were performed through January 2016 to assess the diagnostic accuracy of transient elastography for liver stiffness in the HIV-HCV population. Included studies were analyzed according to the Cochrane DTA Working Group methodology. Bivariate and hierarchical models were used to compute pooled sensitivity and specificity. Positive and negative likelihood ratios were also determined. A Fagan nomogram was constructed. Meta-regression analysis was performed with assessment of publication bias using Deeks' funnel plot asymmetry testing. RESULTS A total of six studies (n = 756) met the inclusion criteria. The diagnostic accuracy of elastography for the diagnosis of moderate (≥F2) fibrosis was 88% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.85-0.90). The pooled sensitivity and specificity of moderate fibrosis was 97% (95% CI, 0.82-0.91) and 64% (95% CI, 0.45-0.79), respectively. The diagnostic accuracy of elastography for the assessment of cirrhosis was 94% (95% CI, 0.91-0.95). The pooled sensitivity and specificity for cirrhosis was 90% (95% CI, 0.74-0.97) and 87% (95% CI, 0.80-0.92), respectively. Meta-regression analysis demonstrated that CD4 cell count did not impact diagnostic accuracy of elastography. CONCLUSIONS Transient elastography is a noninvasive imaging modality with excellent ability to assess for cirrhosis in patients with HIV-HCV coinfection.
Laboratory Technique for Studying Flight of Cabbage Looper Moths and the Effects of Age, Sex, Food, and Tepa on Flight Characteristics

A modified technique has been successfully adapted for flight studies of the cabbage looper moth, Trichoplusia ni (Hubner). The equipment automatically records total flight distance, velocity of flight, time and duration of flight, and rest periods of individual moths. The mechanical aspects and electronic circuitry are detailed. In preliminary studies, the maximum flight distance of individual cabbage looper moths ranged from 0 to 196 km. Maximum continuous duration of flight was about 7 hr during which the insect traveled 4.8 km. The average velocity was 4.9 km per hour, with a maximum of 9.7 km/hr. Moths 3-4 days old flew more consistently than 0-(newly emerged) to 2-day-old moths. Moths utilized food as a source of energy for flight, whether directly and/or indirectly has not been ascertained; those that were starved or fed distilled water were capable of flight, though to lesser extent than those fed 10% sucrose. The distance flown by moths fed or sprayed with 1% tepa decreased by 76 and 52%, respectively.
Decreased incidence of restraint-stress induced gastric erosions in rats treated with bovine growth hormone.

SummaryRestraint-stress was induced in female CFE rats weighing between 150 and 200 g by stapling them in envelopes made of aluminum wire screening. Five mg of bovine growth hormone dissolved in 1 ml of buffer was administered subcutaneously immediately after stapling and again 10 hr later. Controls received injections of buffer or bovine serum albumin. The animals were sacrificed at 24 hr and the number of animals developing gastric erosions, the number per animal and the severity of erosions were determined with a dissecting microscope. Growth hormone provides partial but significant protection against the production of restraint-stress produced erosions, both in terms of incidence of erosions and their severity.
Associations between levels of sex steroid hormones and inflammatory cytokines by hormone replacement therapy (HRT) status in ethnic minority postmenopausal women

OBJECTIVE: Menopause is defined as the permanent cessation of menses. Although several previous studies demonstrated that there was a slight production of androgens and estrogens by the postmenopausal ovaries, the impact of the hormone production on vascular protection is still uncertain. DESIGN: Prospective observational study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Serum specimens were collected from the ovarian veins of 21 premenopausal females (mean age 43.4 years), 12 early-menopausal females with less than 10 years of amenorrhea (56.8 years) and 15 late-menopausal females with more than 10 years of amenorrhea (69.0 years), undergoing total hysterectomy and bilateral oophorectomy (BSO). Serum specimens were also collected from the peripheral veins preoperatively and postoperatively. Estrone (E1), estradiol (E2), testosterone (Ts) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) were measured in all serum samples by an electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. The flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) of the brachial artery was measured before and one week after surgery to evaluate the vascular endothelial damage. Comparisons of the hormone levels were made using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Differences with P<0.05 were considered to be statistically significant. RESULTS: Statistically significant gradients were seen between the ovarian venous and peripheral samples for E2 and Ts, but not for DHEAS, in all groups. In premenopausal and early-menopausal females, the postoperative levels of E1, but not E2, Ts or DHEAS, were lower than the preoperative levels. The ovarian vein level of E2 showed a decline with age after menopause, and E2 production was seen until about the age of 65. However, ovarian vein levels of E1, Ts and DHEAS showed no significant changes with age after menopause. Significant decreases in the FMD were observed one week after BSO in premenopausal and early-menopausal females. CONCLUSION: The postmenopausal ovary is hormonally active, thereby contributing to the maintenance of the vascular endothelium.
Year distribution and their correlation of academic papers citation frequency and download frequency——Take Fujian Journal of Agricultural Sciences for Example

In this paper,download frequency and citation frequency of every paper published in Fujian journal of agricultural sciences from 1986 to 2009 were used as samples to calculate the 24-year distribution,the correlation between the various indicators of the journal were explored by using the large sample for the first time.Here are the main conclusions drawn from the analysis:(1) Download frequency and citation frequency of every paper published in Fujian journal of agricultural sciences are very different in different years,which mean that scholars express high or low degrees of concern about the papers published in Fujian journal of agricultural sciences in different years,therefore,it is unreasonable to judge the quality of a published paper only by the journal it’ s published in.(2) Overall,there are significant or highly significant positive correlation between download frequency and citation frequency of the papers.Traditional methods of information dissemination should be changed;open access publishing models should be adopted to improve the influence of the journal.(3) There is significant positive correlation between annual number of articles published and annual total citation frequency;appropriate increasing the amount of papers published in the journal can improve the influence of the journal;accordingly,expanding the journal should not be blindly opposed.
A Case of Stiff Skin Syndrome

A 9-year-old boy with stony-hard skin on his bilateral buttocks was first noted at 9 months postnatal age.Then,the stony-hard skin was gradually found on his bilateral hips,lumbar region and legs.Moreover,excess and thick vellus hairs were presented on his upper buttocks,lateral buttocks and lateral thighs.Histological examination showed deposits of mucopolysaccharides in the dermis by alcian blue staining.The diagnosis was stiff skin syndrone.
Study on the resistance gene of Culex pipiens pallens to insecticides in Jinhua city

Objective To study the resistance gene of Culex pipiens pallens to insecticides and to analyze the mechanism of insect resistance,so as to provide basis for reasonable use of insecticide. Methods The PCR technology was used to detect the related resistance genes in the field strains and susceptible strains of Culex pipiens pallens. Then the vector sequence analysis software was used for comparative analysis of the two categories of strains. Results The vssc gene sequences showed large differences between the field strains and susceptible strains of Culex pipiens pallens from Jinhua,with only 84. 1% gene sequence similarity. While the Est-2 gene,ace1 gene and cyp6f1 gene in the field strains and susceptible strains showed difference of 4 nucleotides,2 nucleotides and 1 nucleotide respectively. The gene sequence of NYD-GBE gene and NYD-MLC2gene had no difference. Through comparing the amino acid sequences which were translated from the point mutation gene sequences,it was found that the point mutations of the Est-2 gene,ace1 gene and cyp6f1 gene were nonsense mutations,leading to no changes in amino acid sequence. Conclusion The field strains and susceptible strains of Culex pipiens pallens showed the identical amino acid sequence in Jinhua through the study on six gene fragments.
Developed and Taught Course Modules to Enhance Cloud Computing Education

Cloud computing (CC) is emerging as a promising solution to businesses and individual users. In order to effectively teach knowledge of CC we have developed three course modules, one education tool, and one real world project. These modules have been successfully taught in COMP 621 Web Security course in Spring 2011, Spring 2012 and Spring 2013 in the Department of Computer Science at XXXX. Our experience exhibits that teaching these modules helped students not only understand the need of CC, but also gained significant knowledge of CC and security architecture. Through a laboratory exercise and a real world project students gained hands-on experience. Studentsâ survey and feedback reflected that these modules and the laboratory exercise are very valuable in their educational experience. These modules and hands-on laboratory exercise could be used in software engineering, networking, Web security and other first year graduate level courses.
Neuromorphic computing with integrated photonics and superconductors

We present a hardware platform combining integrated photonics with superconducting electronics for large-scale neuromorphic computing. Semiconducting few-photon light-emitting diodes work in conjunction with superconducting-nanowire single-photon detectors to behave as spiking neurons. These neurons are connected through a network of waveguides, and variable weights of connection can be implemented using several approaches. These processing units can operate at 20 MHz with fully asynchronous activity, light-speed-limited latency, and power densities on the order of 1 mW/cm2. The processing units achieve an energy efficiency of 20 aJ/synapse event, an improvement of six orders of magnitude over recent CMOS demonstrations [1]. We present calculations showing this approach could scale to interconnectivity near that of the human brain, and could surpass the brain in speed and efficiency.
Short-Form Audit Instrument for Assessing Corner Store Healthfulness

Purpose:To develop a valid and feasible short-form corner store audit tool (SCAT) that could be used in-store or over the phone to capture the healthfulness of corner stores.Design:Nonexperimental....
Lipid Droplet Biogenesis and Function in the Endothelium.

Rationale: Fatty acids (FA) are transported across the capillary endothelium to parenchymal tissues. However, it is not known how endothelial cells (EC) from large vessels process a postprandial surge of FA. Objective: This study was designed to characterize lipid droplet (LD) formation in EC by manipulating pathways leading to the formation and degradation of LD. In addition, several functions of LD-derived FA were assessed. Methods and Results: LD were present in EC lining the aorta after the peak in plasma triglycerides initiated by a gavage of olive oil in mice, in vivo. Similarly, in isolated aorta, oleic acid treatment generates LD in EC ex vivo. Cultured EC readily form LD largely via the enzyme DGAT (diacylglycerol O-acyltransferase 1) and degrade LD via ATGL (adipocyte triglyceride lipase) after FA loading. Functionally, LD-derived FA are dynamically regulated and function to protect EC from lipotoxic stress and provide FA for metabolic needs. Conclusions: Our results delineate endothelial LD dynamics for the first time in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, LD formation protects EC from lipotoxic stress, regulates EC glycolysis, and provides a source of FA for adjacent cells in the vessel wall or tissues.
Draft Genome Sequences of Escherichia coli Strains Isolated at Calving from the Uterus, Vagina, Vulva, and Rectoanal Junction of a Dairy Cow That Later Developed Metritis

ABSTRACT Escherichia coli is involved in the pathogenicity of metritis in cows. We report here the genome sequences of E. coli strains isolated at calving from the uterus, vagina, vulva, and rectoanal junction of a dairy cow that later developed metritis. The genomic similarities will give an insight into phylogenetic relationships among strains.
Minimally Invasive Surgery for Rectal Cancer: Current Trends

Purpose of the Review The literature regarding minimally invasive surgical approaches to rectal adenocarcinoma is reviewed, and techniques introduced over recent decades are assessed for oncological and patient-centered outcomes.
Mucin 1, a signal transduction membrane-bound mucin, is present in human disc tissue and is downregulated in vitro by exposure to IL-1ß or TNF-α

Back pain and disc degeneration have a growing socioeconomic healthcare impact. Mucin 1 (MUC1) is a transmembrane glycoprotein whose extracellular and intracellular domains participate in cellular signaling. Little is currently known about the presence or role of MUC1 in human disc degeneration. In this IRB-approved research study, 29 human disc specimens were analyzed for MUC1 immunohistochemical localization and gene expression, and annulus fibrosus (annulus) cells were also isolated and cultured in 3D. Microarray analysis assessed expression levels of MUC1 in healthy and degenerated disc tissue and in cells exposed to proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1s or TNF-α). MUC1 was shown to be present in annulus cells at the protein level using immunochemistry, and its expression was significantly upregulated in annulus tissue from more degenerated grade V discs compared to healthier grade I-II discs (p = 0.02). A significant positive correlation was present between the percentage of MUC1-positive cells and disc grade (p = 0.009). MUC1 expression in annulus cells cultured in 3D was also analyzed following exposure to IL-1s or TNF-α; exposure produced significant MUC1 downregulation (p = 0.0006). Here we present the first data for the constitutive presence of MUC1 in the human disc, and its altered expression during disc degeneration. MUC1 may have an important role in disc aging and degeneration by acting as a regulator in the hypoxic environment, helping disc cells to survive under hypoxic conditions by stabilization and by activation of HIF-1α as previously recognized in pancreatic cancer cells.
Transmit pattern synthesis for uniform circular arrays with active reflection constraints

Circular arrays offer many advantages over traditional linear and planar arrays in modern radar systems. The circular geometry facilitates design of omnidirectional, sector, and/or directional radiation patterns that can cover a full 360 degrees without the need for mechanical scanning and without degradation to beamwidth, gain, or sidelobe level. However, the design of these patterns is complicated by the need to account for unique embedded element patterns for all elements within the array and the sensitivity of the active reflections to the density of the array elements around the circle. In this paper we describe circular array pattern synthesis approaches that enable array pattern flexibility with bounds on the reflected power.
GABA type a receptor trafficking and the architecture of synaptic inhibition

Ubiquitous expression of GABA type A receptors (GABAA R) in the central nervous system establishes their central role in coordinating most aspects of neural function and development. Dysregulation of GABAergic neurotransmission manifests in a number of human health disorders and conditions that in certain cases can be alleviated by drugs targeting these receptors. Precise changes in the quantity or activity of GABAA Rs localized at the cell surface and at GABAergic postsynaptic sites directly impact the strength of inhibition. The molecular mechanisms constituting receptor trafficking to and from these compartments therefore dictate the efficacy of GABAA R function. Here we review the current understanding of how GABAA Rs traffic through biogenesis, plasma membrane transport, and degradation. Emphasis is placed on discussing novel GABAergic synaptic proteins, receptor and scaffolding post-translational modifications, activity-dependent changes in GABAA R confinement, and neuropeptide and neurosteroid mediated changes. We further highlight modern techniques currently advancing the knowledge of GABAA R trafficking and clinically relevant neurodevelopmental diseases connected to GABAergic dysfunction. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 78: 238-270, 2018.
Organoids model distinct Vitamin E effects at different stages of prostate cancer evolution

Vitamin E increased prostate cancer risk in the Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial (SELECT) through unknown mechanisms while Selenium showed no efficacy. We determined the effects of the SELECT supplements on benign (primary), premalignant ( RWPE-1) and malignant (LNCaP) prostate epithelial organoids. While the supplements decreased proliferation and induced cell death in cancer organoids, they had no effect on the benign organoids. In contrast, Vitamin E enhanced cell proliferation and survival in the premalignant organoids in a manner that recapitulated the SELECT results. Indeed, while Vitamin E induced a pro-proliferative gene expression signature, Selenium alone or combined with Vitamin E produced an anti-proliferative signature. The premalignant organoids also displayed significant downregulation of glucose transporter and glycolytic gene expression pointing to metabolic alterations. Detached RWPE-1 cells had low ATP levels due to diminished glucose uptake and glycolysis which was rescued by Vitamin E through the activation of fatty acid oxidation (FAO). FAO inhibition abrogated the ATP rescue, diminished survival of the inner matrix detached cells, restoring the normal hollow lumen morphology in Vitamin E treated organoids. Organoid models therefore clarify the paradoxical findings from SELECT and demonstrate that Vitamin E promotes tumorigenesis in the early stages of prostate cancer evolution.
Critiquing Concubinage: Sumiya Koume and Changing Gender Roles in Modern Japan

ABSTRACTIn 1893, Sumiya Koume (1850–1920) wrote an essay for the prominent women’s journal Jogaku zasshi (Women’s Education Magazine) entitled ‘I Recommend Against Becoming a Geisha or Concubine’. In it, she critiqued both roles and exhorted women who were serving as geisha not to become concubines. She did not mention that she herself had worked as both a geisha and a concubine (tekake or mekake). By the time she wrote her essay, she had also served as a political activist as well as a social reformer and missionary. Sumiya’s life sheds light on the transitional nature of the early Meiji era, specifically the period of flux between the formal abolition of concubinage in 1882 and the advent of the state-sponsored ‘good wife, wise mother’ (ryōsai kenbo) paradigm in 1899.
Design of a quasioptical gyrotron experiment with large mirror separation

The design of a quasioptical gyrotron resonator with large mirror separation is presented. The large mirror separation reduces the peak ohmic heating density on the resonator mirrors to 400 W/cm 2 , well within the limits for cw operation. The longitudinal mode density in the resonator is also reduced to 0.2p by increasing the mirror separation, with approximately 20 modes within the interaction bandwidth of the resonator. This design will allow the rf radiation to propagate out of the vacuum system without any reflections, allowing relatively simple diagnosis and analysis of the output power. The large mirror separation also leaves room for a beam splitter to be inserted into the interior of the resonator to reflect a small amount of power out a side port for diagnosis. This will allow direct measurement of the resonator modes including any trapped harmonic modes.
Foucault, Carter, and Trump? Neoliberalism and US Foreign Policy

An introductory chapter that argues for considering a neoliberal foreign policy nexus beginning to take shape in the late 1970s and becoming increasingly important through subsequent presidential administrations. The chapter contains an overview of the argument, methodology, categories of analysis, and key cases used to explain the utility of moving beyond comparing the current foreign policy moment with earlier eras and the value of foregrounding neoliberalism in order to reconsider the workings of institutions, partisanship, public opinion, and media.
Psychopathology, everyday behaviors, and autonomic activity in daily life: an ambulatory impedance cardiography study of depression, anxiety, and hypomanic traits

Discrepancies regarding the link between autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity and psychopathology may be due in part to inconsistent measurement of non-psychological factors, including eating, drinking, activity, posture, and interacting with others. Rather than sources of noise, behaviors like being active and being with others may be the behavioral pathways that connect psychopathology symptoms to autonomic activity. The present study examined whether behaviors mediate the association of depression, anxiety, and hypomanic traits with ANS by using experience sampling methodology and ambulatory impedance cardiography. Participants (n?=?49) completed measures of affect and one day of experience sampling and ambulatory impedance cardiography. The association of hypomanic traits with heart rate variability and heart rate was mediated by physical activity, and social activity mediated the association of depressive symptoms and respiration. These results highlight the importance of considering the pathways between psychopathology and ANS and the mediating role that everyday behaviors play.
Baryons in the Nuclear Medium

Many QCD-based models predict changes in the structure of the bound nucleon in the nuclear medium. The changes of the nucleon wave function lead to changes in nucleon structure functions and electromagnetic form factors. While these in-medium form factors are not experimental observables, they provide a natural explanation of a variety of experimental results. I will review some of these findings and discuss upcoming experiments.
EPIDEMIOLOGIC OBSERVATIONS ON TRACHOMA IN THE UNITED STATES.

Trachoma, by virtue of its poor immunizing properties and chronicity, bears a certain epidemiologic resemblance to tuberculosis and leprosy and is in consequence difficult to eradicate. In the United States, as in most areas of the world, trachoma is a disease of the family. Infection open takes place in early life as a result of close contact between mother or grandmother and child, or between preschool siblings. No true carrier state has been demonstrated in trachoma but the frequency of minimal disease subject to periodic exacerbation is believed to be an important factor in its epidemiology. In addition to close contact in the family, other factors with a bearing on the epidemiology of trachoma include poverty, poor personal hygiene related to deficient water supply, low educational standards, inadequate housing, and tropical or subtropical conditions conducive to fly proliferation and seasonal epidemics of bacterial conjunctivitis. Sporadic cases of trachoma in adults still occur in the United States and are probably related to existing foci of trachoma in the communities concerned. An understanding of the epidemiology of trachoma is essential if its eradication is to be accomplished.
Oxygen performance of a prototype nonconventional hydrogel.

UNLABELLED INTRODUCTION. Oxygen permeability (Dk) of available hydrogel materials used for soft contact lenses is currently restricted by the oxygen permeability of water at 80 Dk units. A predicted upper limit for conventional hydrogels amenable for use as a contact lens, has been 37 Dk units obtained with a water content of 80%. Methods for increasing oxygen permeability beyond that determined by water content must be explored, in order to further advance the physiological compatibility of hydrogel contact lenses. METHODS Oxygen transport characteristics of a prototype nonconventional hydrogel contact lens material were derived in terms of human equivalent oxygen percentage (EOP) and thickness (L). The oxygen permeability of the material and oxygen transmissibilities (Dk/L) of various thicknesses were computed on the bases of a recently published nonlinear EOP vs. Dk/L relationship. RESULT The material's oxygen permeability (Dk) was determined to be approximately 35 Dk units compared to 12.7 Dk units calculated for a conventional gel material having the same water content (52% H2O). Oxygen permeability equivalent to that obtained with high-water conventional gels was achieved using this mid-water nonconventional hydrogel. The prototype material was apparently also capable of low critical thicknesses typical of low-water conventional gels. DISCUSSION Should new gel materials be durable with critical thicknesses in the "ultra-thin" range, nonconventional gel lenses could be capable of super and perhaps even hyper transmissibility with central minus lens EOP between 15-18.5% and Dk/L between 50-90 Dk/L units. The conventional relationships between water content and oxygen transmissibility of hydrogel contact lenses appear to have been surpassed. However, significant additional hurdles have yet to be overcome before nonconventional hydrogel materials can be ready for the ophthalmic marketplace.
Potential safety benefits of lane departure prevention technology

Abstract Motor vehicles with advanced safety technologies are rapidly entering the marketplace and the impact of new features are transforming safety on roadways. Among the several safety related technologies currently available in the market, this paper aims to forecast the reduction in crashes with gradual adoption of vehicles with lane departure prevention (LDP) technology. Crash data for the state of Alabama from 2014 to 2016 were used to evaluate the safety benefits of LDP technology. In Alabama, 75% of single-vehicle crashes are the result of lane departure. A 20% effective LDP system implies, whereby an LDP system would prevent a vehicle from exiting a roadway on 20% of applicable instances, would reduce 2.7% and 16.4% of the relevant single-vehicle lane departure (SVLD) crashes by 2020 and 2045 respectively. With increase in the effectiveness of the technology, a greater reduction in crashes was observed. With 100% effectiveness, this technology can prevent 66.5% of SVLD crashes by year 2045. This study presents the first estimations of the number of crashes that could be reduced using LDP and therefore could have significant impacts on public and industry adoption rates of the technology. The results of this study influence policy making and regulatory approaches to improving motor vehicle safety and further recommend education and outreach activities to increase awareness on the benefits of LDP technology.
Dural Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide Produces Female-Specific Responses in Rodent Migraine Models

Migraine is the second leading cause for disability worldwide and the most common neurological disorder. It is also three times more common in women; reasons for this sex difference are not known. Using preclinical behavioral models of migraine, we show that application of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) to the rat dura mater produces cutaneous periorbital hypersensitivity. Surprisingly, this response was observed only in females; dural CGRP at doses from 1 pg to 3.8 μg produce no responses in males. In females, dural CGRP causes priming to a pH 7.0 solution after animals recover from the initial CGRP-induced allodynia. Dural application of interleukin-6 causes acute responses in males and females but only causes priming to subthreshold dural CGRP (0.1 pg) in females. Intracisternal application of BDNF also causes similar acute hypersensitivity responses in males and females but only priming to subthreshold dural CGRP (0.1 pg) in females. Females were additionally primed to a subthreshold dose of the NO-donor sodium nitroprusside (0.1 mg/kg) following dural CGRP. Finally, the sexually dimorphic responses to dural CGRP were not specific to rats as similar female-specific hypersensitivity responses were seen in mice, where increased grimace responses were also observed. These data are the first to demonstrate that CGRP-induced headache-like behavioral responses at doses up to 3.8 μg are female-specific both acutely and following central and peripheral priming. These data further implicate dural CGRP signaling in the pathophysiology of migraine and propose a model where dural CGRP-based mechanisms contribute to the sexual disparity of this female-biased disorder.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) has long been implicated in the pathophysiology of migraine, and CGRP-based therapeutics are efficacious for the treatment of migraine in humans. However, the location of action for CGRP in migraine remains unclear. We show here that application of CGRP to the cranial meninges causes behavioral responses consistent with headache in preclinical rodent models. Surprisingly, however, these responses are only observed in females. Acute responses to meningeal CGRP are female-specific and sensitization to CGRP after two distinct stimuli are also female-specific. These data implicate the dura mater as a primary location of action for CGRP in migraine and suggest that female-specific mechanisms downstream of CGRP receptor activation contribute to the higher prevalence of migraine in women.
Improving healthcare service quality through performance management.

Healthcare service quality in the USA has gained importance under value-based payment models. Providing feedback to front-line staff is a vital component of managing service performance, but complex organizational dynamics can prevent effective communication. This work explored the performance management of appointment desk staff at Mayo Clinic Arizona, identified barriers to effective management and sought to standardize the process for monitoring service performance.,Multiple data sources, including qualitative inquiry with 31 employees from the primary care and surgery departments, were used. The research was conducted in two phases – facilitated roundtable discussions with supervisors and semi-structured interviews with supervisors and staff six months after implementation of service standards. Participants were probed for attitudes about the service standards and supervisor feedback after implementation.,While all staff indicated a positive work environment, there was an unexpected and pervasive negative stigma surrounding individual feedback from one’s supervisor. Half the participants indicated there had been no individual feedback regarding the service standards from the supervisor. Presenting service standards in a simple, one-page format, signed by both supervisor and the patient service representative (PSR), was well received.,Combining rapid-cycle quality improvement methodology with qualitative inquiry allowed efficient development of role-specific service standards and quick evaluation of their implementation. This unique approach for improving healthcare service quality and identifying barriers to providing individual feedback may be useful to organizations navigating a more value- and consumer-driven healthcare market.
Ectopic expression of L1CAM ectodomain alters differentiation and motility, but not proliferation, of human neural progenitor cells.

Abstract Adult human neural progenitor and stem cells have been implicated as a potential source of brain cancer causing cells, but specific events that might cause cells to progress towards a transformed phenotype remain unclear. The L1CAM (L1) cell adhesion/recognition molecule is expressed abnormally by human glioma cancer cells and is released as a large extracellular ectodomain fragment, which stimulates cell motility and proliferation. This study investigates the effects of ectopic overexpression of the L1 long ectodomain (L1LE; ˜180 kDa) on the motility, proliferation, and differentiation of human neural progenitor cells (HNPs). L1LE was ectopically expressed in HNPs using a lentiviral vector. Surprisingly, overexpression of L1LE resulted in reduced HNP motility in vitro, in stark contrast to the effects on glioma and other cancer cell types. L1LE overexpression resulted in a variable degree of maintenance of HNP proliferation in media without added growth factors but did not increase proliferation. In monolayer culture, HNPs expressed a variety of differentiation markers. L1LE overexpression resulted in loss of glutamine synthetase (GS) and β3-tubulin expression in normal HNP media, and reduced vimentin and increased GS expression in the absence of added growth factors. When co-cultured with chick embryonic brain cell aggregates, HNPs show increased differentiation potential. Some HNPs expressed p-neurofilaments and oligodendrocytic O4, indicating differentiation beyond that in monolayer culture. Most HNP-L1LE cells lost their vimentin and GFAP (glial fibrillary acidic protein) staining, and many cells were positive for astrocytic GS. However, these cells rarely were positive for neuronal markers β3-tubulin or p-neurofilaments, and few HNP oligodendrocyte progenitors were found. These results suggest that unlike for glioma cells, L1LE does not increase HNP cell motility, but rather decreases motility and influences the differentiation of normal brain progenitor cells. Therefore, the effect of L1LE on increasing motility and proliferation appears to be limited to already transformed cells.
Vectors of CT-ification: Integrating Computational Activities in STEM Classrooms

While the Next Generation Science Standards set an expectation for developing computer science and computational thinking (CT) practices in the context of science subjects, it is an open question as to how to create curriculum and assessments that develop and measure these practices. In this poster, we show one possible solution to this problem: to introduce students to computer science through infusing computational thinking practices ("CT-ifying") science classrooms. To address this gap, our group has worked to explicitly characterize core CT-STEM practices as specific learning objectives and we use these to guide our development of science curriculum and assessments. However, having these learning objectives in mind is not enough to actually create activities that engage students in CT practices. We have developed along with science teachers, a strategy of examining a teacher's existing curricula and identifying potential activities and concepts to "CT-ify", rather than creating entirely new curricula from scratch by using the concept of scale as an "attack vector'' to design science units that integrate computational thinking practices into traditional science curricula. We demonstrate how we conceptualize four different versions of scale in science, 1. Time, 2. Size, 3. Number, and 4. Repeatability. We also present examples of these concepts in traditional high school science curricula that hundreds of students in a large urban US school district have used.