cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Caspase-2 deficiency protects mice from diabetes-induced marrow adiposity

Type I (T1) diabetes is an autoimmune and metabolic disease associated with bone loss. Bone formation and density are decreased in T1-diabetic mice. Correspondingly, the number of TUNEL positive, dying osteoblasts increases in bones of T1-diabetic mice. Moreover, two known mediators of osteoblast death, TNFα and ROS, are increased in T1-diabetic bone. TNFα and oxidative stress are known to activate caspase-2, a factor involved in the extrinsic apoptotic pathway. Therefore, we investigated the requirement of caspase-2 for diabetes-induced osteoblast death and bone loss. Diabetes was induced in 16-week old C57BL/6 caspase-2 deficient mice and their wild type littermates and markers of osteoblast death, bone formation and resorption, and marrow adiposity were examined. Despite its involvement in extrinsic cell death, deficiency of caspase-2 did not prevent or reduce diabetes-induced osteoblast death as evidenced by a twofold increase in TUNEL positive osteoblasts in both mouse genotypes. Similarly, deficiency of caspase-2 did not prevent T1-diabetes induced bone loss in trabecular bone (BV/TV decreased by 30 and 50%, respectively) and cortical bone (decreased cortical thickness and area with increased marrow area). Interestingly, at this age, differences in bone parameters were not seen between genotypes. However, caspase-2 deficiency attenuated diabetes-induced bone marrow adiposity and adipocyte gene expression. Taken together, our data suggest that caspase-2 deficiency may play a role in promoting marrow adiposity under stress or disease conditions, but it is not required for T1-diabetes induced bone loss. J. Cell. Biochem. 112: 2403–2411, 2011. © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Pocket Epithelium Removal via Crestal and Subcrestal Scalloped Internal Bevel Incisions

This study assessed the extent of pocket epithelium removal by crestal and subcrestal scalloped inverse bevel incisions during mucoperiosteal flap surgery. Fifty-six gingival biopsies were obtained from 52 participants, who had extractions of periodontally involved teeth. Sulcular incisions which severed the epithelial attachment served as controls. Experimental scalloped internal bevel incisions were made: (1) at the gingival crest extending apical to the osseous crest (crestal incision) and (2) 1 to 2 mm apical to the gingival margin extending apical to the osseous crest (subcrestal incision). In the two procedures the initial incisions were followed by sulcular incisions to sever the epithelial attachment. After both crestal and subcrestal incisions full thickness flaps were reflected, pocket contents were removed, and flaps were replaced against the teeth. Gingival biopsies were then obtained from control and experimental sites followed by extraction of teeth. All specimens were processed, embedded in paraffin, sectioned, stained with hematoxylin and eosin and examined for residual pocket epithelium. Control incisions eliminated pocket epithelium in two of 20 specimens. Crestal incisions eliminated pocket epithelium in 11 of 25 areas, while subcrestal incisions eliminated pocket epithelium in 13 of 25 areas. All 10 papillary areas treated by crestal incisions and 8 of the 10 papillary areas treated by subcrestal incisions displayed residual pocket epithelium. Neither crestal nor subcrestal scalloped internal bevel incisions consistently eliminated all pocket epithelium.
The Absorption Spectrum of Water Vapor Beyond 10μ

The absorption spectrum of water vapor has been remeasured in the region 10-25\ensuremath{\mu}, the dispersing agent being a 60\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} KBr prism with a Wadsworth-Littrow mounting. The recording vacuum spectrograph is described. The necessary amplification is obtained by means of the Moll or the Firestone amplifier. The increased dispersion of this spectrograph shows the spectrum to be very complicated in this region and not yet fully resolved. No decision has been reached as to the nature of this spectrum, whether it is a vibration-rotation band, the near end of the rotation spectrum, or an overlapping of the two.
Preparation of siloxycarbenemanganese complexes including a chelated siloxycarbene-alkene complex

Abstract Reaction of Li{(η 5 -C 5 H 4 Me)Mn(CO) 2 ]C(O)Ph]} with one equivalent of RSiMe 2 Cl yields (η 5 -C 5 H 4 Me)Mn(CO) 2 [C(Ph)(OSiMe 2 R)] for R  CH 3 , CHCH 2 , and CH 2 CHCH 2 ( 1a–c , respectively). Low temperature photolysis of the vinyl derivative, 1b , results in formation of a chelated manganese siloxycarbene-alkene complex, (η 5 -C 5 H 4 Me)MN(CO)[C(Ph)(η 2 -OSiMe 2 CHCH 2 )]. ( 2 ). Photolysis of the allyl derivative, 1c , under similar conditions leads to uncharacterized decomposition products. Infrared, 1 H, 13 C, and 29 Si NMR data are reported for these new siloxycarbenemanganese derivatives.
Enantiomeric composition of ipsdienol: A chemotaxonomic character for north American populations ofIps spp. in thepini subgeneric group (coleoptera: Scolytidae)

Thirty-five populations ofIps pini (Say) and one population each ofIps avulsus (Eichhoff) andIps bonanseai (Hopkins) were analyzed for the enantiomeric composition of ipsdienol (2-methyl-6-methylene-2,7-octadien-4-ol). Populations ofI. pini occur as at least two distinct regional pheromone variants: New York type [32%-(−) to 56%-(−)-ipsdienol] and California type [94%-(−) to 98%-(−)-ipsdienol]. A third phenotype may occur in southeastern British Columbia, Idaho, and Montana [91%-(−) to 95%-(−)], possibly indicating a zone of hybridization. Populations of the New York type occur in southwestern British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin suggesting a continuum through the Canadian provinces and Lake States. The presence of the New York type in western Canada is likely linked to the Quaternary history of the transcontinentally distributed host,Pinus banksiana Lamb. MaleI. avulsus [∼25%-(−)] and maleI. bonanseai [−29%-(−)] both produce ipsdienol, but not ipsenol. Production of ipsdienol by maleI. pini was evaluated in six differentPinus spp. hosts. Following transfer of maleI. pini to hosts other than the host of origin, the percentage of the (−)-enantiomer of ipsdienol declined when compared to production in the host of origin.
Novel braking resistor models for transient stability enhancement in power grid system

Braking resistor (BR) is one of the effective methods to improve the transient stability of synchronous generators. In this work, two new braking resistor models, one consisting of thyristor rectifier and the other consisting of a combination of diode rectifier and chopper, are proposed, and their performance is compared with the existing thyristor controlled braking resistor. Comparison is made in terms of the speed performance indices, number of components used, heat loss and harmonics analysis for each proposed model and the existing model. The effectiveness of the proposed methodology is tested through Matlab/Simulink simulations considering both balanced and unbalanced temporary and permanent faults in a single generator power grid system. Simulation results indicate that the transient stability performance of the proposed methods is comparable to that of the existing model. Moreover, the proposed models use a single unit of BR that might lead to cost reduction of BR. Therefore, the proposed models can be considered as an alternative to the existing model for improving the transient stability of the power system.
Surrogate Model-Based Self-Calibrated Design for Process and Temperature Compensation in Analog/RF Circuits

Analog circuits designed in submicrometer nodes suffer from process variations, typically requiring calibration in order to center their performance parameters and to recover yield loss. This article presents a design flow to find appropriate tuning knob settings to compensate for different process variation scenarios.
Catalytic activity of an evaporated platinum film progressively poisoned with arsine

Abstract The activity of an evaporated platinum film catalyst for the hydrogenolysis of cyclopropane was a linear function of the amount of arsine adsorbed on the surface. The adsorption of poison was measuerd directly by suspending the catalyst from a microbalance. The mechanism of the poisoning as determined from catalytic activity, from kinetics of adsorption, from activation energies with progressive poisoning, and from the BET area appears to be the sintering of the platinum by arsine, probably to form platinum arsenide. A simplified model is proposed to interpret the data.
On Transfer Functions and Control of a Flexible Slewing Link

An unconstrained mode expansion (UMM) for the solution to the linear equations of motion of a flexible slewing link is used to obtain single-input/single-output transfer functions for tip-position control purposes. Attention is given to the zero locations of the tip-position to hub-torque transfer function in terms of the flexible-to-rigid inertia ratio. We define a local tip-position to hub-torque transfer function and find that it is minimum-phase and not passive. A sequential root locus design approach is then used to determine suitable stabilizing hub angle, hub rate and local tip position feedback gains. Simulations indicate that for certain gain values, a constrained-mode expansion (CMM) leads to erroneous conclusions regarding system performance and even stability. Based on these results, it is suggested that the UMM be used for all future controller designs.
Brittle fracture in a ductile material with application to hydrogen embrittlement

A physical model of fracture in materials is developed which features a brittle crack imbedded in a plastically deformed medium. This model is presented as an alternative to fully ductile failure by hole growth, and general criteria for the two alternatives are discussed. One of these criteria for the existence of an atomically sharp crack is that the dislocation content near the crack tip be limited by the inhomogeneous character of dislocation slip in the crystal. With the dislocation distribution characteristic of Mode III fracture, we derive expressions for the fracture toughness as a function of material parameters. We have extended the theory to the case of hydrogen embrittlement in steels and compare our theoretical predictions with experimental work by others.
Quantum fluctuation effects in a single electron

Abstract Quantum fluctuation effects in a single electron ☐ are analyzed by considering the gate voltage fluctuations with the use of the quantum Langevin model. At T=0, we derive an analytic expression for the junction charge as a function of the gate voltage and its fluctuations. It is shown that, at T=0, the sawtooth shape of the junction charge, as predicted by existing theories, is rounded off by the quantum fluctuation effects. At finite temperature, the theory is compared with experiments, and a good fit is obtained at all the relevant temperatures.
Power handling and related frequency scaling advantages in piezoelectric AlN contour-mode MEMS resonators

This paper reports on the analytical modeling and experimental verification of the mechanically-limited power handling and nonlinearity in piezoelectric aluminum nitride (AlN) contour-mode resonators (CMR) having different electrode configurations (thickness field excitation, lateral field excitation, one-port and two-port configurations) and operating at different frequencies (177–3047 MHz). Despite its simplicity, the one-dimensional analytical model fits the experimental behavior of AlN CMRs in terms of power handling capabilities. The model and experiment also confirm the advantage of scaling (i.e. miniaturizing) the AlN CMRs to higher frequencies at which higher critical power density can be more easily attained up to values in excess of 10 µW/µm3.
Commentary on “The Entrepreneurial City: Fabricating Urban Development in Syracuse, New York”

(1994). Commentary on “The Entrepreneurial City: Fabricating Urban Development in Syracuse, New York”. The Professional Geographer: Vol. 46, No. 2, pp. 250-252.
Modulation of Integrin Activation by an Entropic Spring in the β-Knee

We show that the length of a loop in the β-knee, between the first and second cysteines (C1-C2) in integrin EGF-like (I-EGF) domain 2, modulates integrin activation. Three independent sets of mutants, including swaps among different integrin β-subunits, show that C1-C2 loop lengths of 12 and longer favor the low affinity state and masking of ligand-induced binding site (LIBS) epitopes. Shortening length from 12 to 4 residues progressively increases ligand binding and LIBS epitope exposure. Compared with length, the loop sequence had a smaller effect, which was ascribable to stabilizing loop conformation, and not interactions with the α-subunit. The data together with structural calculations support the concept that the C1-C2 loop is an entropic spring and an emerging theme that disordered regions can regulate allostery. Diversity in the length of this loop may have evolved among integrin β-subunits to adjust the equilibrium between the bent and extended conformations at different set points.
Inoculation Herpes Simplex Virus Infections in Patients with AIDS: Unusual Appearance and Location of Lesions

Two patients with AIDS developed protracted infection due to autoinoculation of herpes simplex virus in the great toe and the external ear, respectively, both unusual areas for inoculation. The appearances of the lesions were also unusual; severe hyperkeratosis was noted in both cases and a mass lesion in the external ear in one case. Both patients' conditions responded to acyclovir, although one patient required amputation of a digit due to intractable pain. In each case, the diagnosis was delayed despite the presence of mucocutaneous lesions, resulting in inappropriate treatment and prolonged discomfort. Inoculation disease due to herpes simplex virus should besuspected in patients with AIDS who have unusual skin lesions, particularly if oral and/or perianal lesions are also present. Recurrent and persistent herpes simplex virus (HSV) infec­ tions are common occurrences in HIV-infected patients [1-3]. In these patients, herpetic whitlow can be atypical, with the appearance of hyperkeratosis or gangrene [4-6]. The unusual appearance may lead to misdiagnosis and improper treatment resulting in prolonged discomfort and consideration ofamputa­ tion. We describe two cases of severe herpetic whitlow with atypical appearances and secondary sites of inoculation that involved patients with AIDS.
Hydration and Cation Exchange during Subgrade Hydration and Effect on Hydraulic Conductivity of Geosynthetic Clay Liners

AbstractExperiments were conducted to evaluate cation exchange during hydration of geosynthetic clay liners (GCLs) used in composite hydraulic barriers and the effect on their hydraulic conductivity. GCLs arranged in a composite barrier configuration were hydrated by contact with moist compacted subgrades (two clays, one silt, and one sand) under a confining stress of 10 kPa for 30 days to 1 year. No measurable exchange occurred in GCLs hydrated for 30 days. For hydration periods longer than 30 days, the exchange increased as the duration of hydration increased. The exchange during subgrade hydration had no measurable effect on the hydraulic conductivity to deionized (DI) water. However, if the GCL was desiccated after hydration, the hydraulic conductivity increased more than 1,000-fold. Dissolution of calcite within the bentonite during permeation with DI water also induced the replacement of sodium by calcium; however, this additional exchange had no measurable effect on the hydraulic conductivity to DI...
Immediate countershock versus cardiopulmonary resuscitation before countershock in a 5-minute swine model of ventricular fibrillation arrest

Abstract Study Objective: Prior laboratory and clinical studies demonstrate that cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) preceding countershock of prolonged ventricular fibrillation (VF) increases the likelihood of successful cardiac resuscitation. The lower limit of VF duration at which time preshock CPR provides no benefit has not been specifically studied. The purpose of this study was to compare countershock and cardiac resuscitation outcome between immediate countershock of VF of 5-minute duration and CPR without drug therapy before countershock in a swine model. Methods: VF was induced in anesthetized and instrumented swine. After 5 minutes of VF, animals received 1 of 2 treatments. Animals in group 1, a "historical" control group (n=20), received immediate countershock followed by CPR and repeated shocks if needed. Group 2 animals (n=11) received CPR for 90 seconds preceding countershock, then continued CPR and repeated countershock if necessary. Drugs were not administered to either group, and resuscitation efforts were discontinued if a perfusing rhythm was not restored within 10 minutes of the first countershock. First shock success rate (defined as termination of VF), the number of shocks required to terminate VF, and the cardiac resuscitation rate were compared between groups. Results: The first shock terminated VF in 13 of 20 group 1 animals and 2 of 11 group 2 animals ( P =.023). All but 1 animal in group 1 developed pulseless electrical activity after countershock. All but 1 animal in group 1 were eventually successfully resuscitated with CPR and repeated shocks if necessary. Four group 2 animals could not be resuscitated ( P =.042). Conclusion: Although effective in improving outcome of prolonged VF, CPR preceding countershock of VF of 5-minute duration does not improve the response to the first shock, decrease the incidence of postshock pulseless electrical activity, or the rate of return of circulation. In this study, CPR preceding countershock resulted in a significantly lower cardiac resuscitation rate. [Niemann JT, Cruz B, Garner D, Lewis RJ. Immediate countershock versus cardiopulmonary resuscitation before countershock in a 5-minute swine model of ventricular fibrillation arrest. Ann Emerg Med. December 2000;36:543-546.]
Protein targeting to flagella of trypanosomatid protozoa.

Much exciting research has been done on the co-translational and post-translational targeting ofspeciﬁc classes of proteins to membrane-boundedorganelles using targeting sequences or motifslocated within the proteins themselves. In contrast,cilia and ﬂagella have not always been consideredas organelles in the same sense as rough endoplas-mic reticulum, mitochondria or the nucleus; theyhave been seen partly as cell surface specializationsand partly as an extension of the cytoskeleton, bothof which are true. However, despite the fact thatthese organelles are not totally enclosed by a mem-brane, there is good reason to view them as rela-tively ‘closed’ compartments. If this view is correct,one would expect cilia and ﬂagella to utilize speciﬁctargeting and import mechanisms for both mem-brane proteins being delivered via a vesicular trans-port pathway from the Golgi and cytoskeletalproteins that are synthesized on free polyribo-somes. Cilia and ﬂagella can be viewed as tubularextensions of the plasma membrane, ‘plugged’ attheir proximal end by a very complex cytoarchitec-ture (including the basal body and transition zone)tightly associated with the adjacent plasma mem-brane by structures referred to as ciliary necklaces.These basal structures clearly serve as selective bar-riers; for instance, the soluble compartment of ciliaand ﬂagella does not have the same composition asthe general cytoplasm. In terms of comparisonswith other cellular compartments with known tar-geting systems, cilia and ﬂagella can best be com-pared with the nucleus. Entry into and exit from thenucleus does not require passage across a mem-brane but rather occurs through a complex cytoar-chitecture (the nuclear pore) that allows proteinsbelow a certain size to diﬀuse through an aqueousspace while utilizing a complex mechanism for im-port and export of larger proteins. Cilia and ﬂagellamay need to utilize similar targeting and uptakemechanisms involving targeting sequences ormotifs in the proteins destined for cilia and ﬂagella,along with an active translocation apparatus. Forthe ﬁrst time, a recent group of papers have re-ported the presence of speciﬁc targeting sequencesor motifs in both membrane and cytoskeletal pro-teins destined for ﬂagella of trypanosomatids, afamily of ﬂagellated, parasitic protozoa.Cilia and ﬂagella can be viewed as organellescontaining three ‘domains’: a membrane domain, ahighly structured cytoskeleton (the axoneme) and asoluble compartment. This latter compartment hasbeen variously referred to as the ‘matrix’ compart-ment or ‘ﬂagelloplasm’ or ‘cilioplasm’. The ciliaryor ﬂagellar membrane is a specialized domain ofthe plasma membrane with a protein and lipidcomposition distinct from that of the rest of theplasma membrane (Bloodgood, 1990). A numberof membrane proteins are known to be speciﬁcallylocalized to various ciliary or ﬂagellar membranes;among the trypanosomatids, these include speciﬁcisoforms of glucose transporters (Snapp andLandfear, 1997), adenylate cyclases (Paindavoine
A new look at cancer detection.

CANCER detection clinics in the United States are few in number. For the most part, cancer detection procedures are performed by physicians as part o f their examination of symptomatic patients. The performance of comprehensive cancer detection examinations is not a widespread practice. However, the rate o f cancer detection at the Preventive Medicine Institute Strang Clinic is approximately 2009/oo greater than the reported cancer incidence for a population of the same age group in New York State (excluding New York City). Although the two population groups may not be completely comparable this is a fair indication that determined efforts to detect cancer will be rewarding. Table I shows the
Advances in genetically modified Aedes aegypti to control transmission of dengue viruses

ABSTRACT Dengue viruses (DENV) are mosquito-borne viruses that infect millions of humans each year. DENVs are endemic in tropical regions of the world and maintained in a transmission cycle between mosquito vectors (Aedes aegypti) and humans. DEN disease control relies on vector control approaches that have had limited success and are difficult to sustain. Genetically modified mosquitoes (GMM) may be an alternative control strategy to limit DENV transmission. GMM-based control strategies include: conditional expression of a dominant lethal gene (RIDL) to reduce vector populations; and introgression of antipathogen (AP) genes into wild-type vectors for population replacement. In this review, we describe novel GMM-based strategies to limit DENV transmission and discuss potential hurdles to their successful implementation in the field.
How Do Hollywood Movies Portray Muslims and Arabs after 9/11? “Content Analysis of The Kingdom and Rendition Movies”

This research paper is basically a content analyses paper of two Hollywood Movies ( The Kingdom and Rendition ). Both movies were released on 2007 after 9/11 attacks and that is because the paper focusing on the era after 9/11. It consists of two parts: The literature review part where the author looked into numerous articles and studies that aim at explaining the situation on how Hollywood films depicted the Muslim community after the September 11th attack. In addition, the author looked at different articles and books that studied the history of Muslims and Arabs depiction in the Western media in general and Hollywood movies specifically to find out how theses portrayals and stereotypes have changed after 9/11 attacks. The second part involves the analysis of both movies to find out how Hollywood portrays Arabs and Muslims after 9/11. I analyzed and criticized most of the movies’ scenes with regard to the language they used, the places where the scenes of both movies took place and other minor details such as how the directors narrated and articulated different events and scenes with different Islamic symbols.
Optimal generation of high harmonics in the water-window region by synthesizing 800-nm and mid-infrared laser pulses

We propose a method to optimally synthesize a strong 800-nm Ti:sapphire laser pulse and a relatively weak mid-infrared laser pulse to enhance harmonic yields in the water-window region. The required wavelength of the mid-infrared laser is varied from about 2.0 to 3.2 μm. The optimized waveforms generate comparable harmonic yields as the waveforms proposed in [Sci. Rep.4, 7067 (2014)], but with much weaker intensity for the mid-infrared laser. This method provides an alternative scheme based on the available laser technology to help realize tabletop light source in the water-window region by high-order harmonic generation.
Two-Dimensional Magnetic Recording at 10 $\hbox{Tbits/in}^{2}$

A shingled recording head design is proposed that makes use of a saturation magnetization gradient to focus flux into the corner of the writing pole. This design yields field gradients of 800 Oe/nm and can write more than 2.5 Tbits/in2 of user data onto a 10 nm thick ECC recording layer with 6 nm Voronoi grains. Maximum user densities are predicted to be over 4.66 Tbits/in2 with 8 nm grains and 12 Tbits/in2 with 5 nm grains using a perfect read and write scheme at a 1:1 bit aspect ratio. For read back, three contact dual differential MR head designs that have two independent free layers with magnetization pointing oppositely are examined for the purpose of extending magnetoresistive technology. The differential head shows good cross track resolution that will be advantageous at the low bit aspect ratios likely for two-dimensional magnetic recording. Results show that an array of three dual differential heads can successfully resolve an 8 nm track surrounded by adjacent tracks that have pseudo random bit sequences written to them, even though each head is wider than the track.
Low-threshold current is major calcium current in chick ventricle cells

Single myocytes were dissociated from the apical ventricles of 14-day-old chick embryos and were maintained in culture for 24 h. Isolated rounded cells, 13-18 microns in diameter with input capacitance averaging 5.2 pF, were selected for whole cell patch-clamp analysis of calcium current (ICa). Two current components, T-type (IT) and L-type (IL), were identified by differences in their voltage thresholds and pharmacological sensitivity, IL was activated by depolarizing steps from -40 mV and was selectively blocked by 1 microM D 600 (methoxyverapamil). IT was obtained by subtracting IL from total ICa and was blocked by 120 microM Ni2+. Identified by threshold potential, sensitivity to Ni2+, or resistance to D 600, IT had a greater current density than has been reported in any adult cardiac tissue. It was also larger than IL and was therefore the major contributor to ICa in this preparation.
Influence of air movement, facemask design and exercise on upper airway, transpulmonary, and transdiaphragmatic pressures in thoroughbred horses

The influences of facial airflow, exercise and wearing a facemask on gas exchange and upper airway (Pu), transpulmonary (PTP) and transdiaphragmatic (PTD) pressures were investigated in 6 horses performing an incremental exercise test on an inclined (10%) treadmill. The test consisted of a 2 min walk followed by two 2 min exercise bouts at intensities which produced 40% and 80% of maximal oxygen consumption. Horses performed the test 4 times, once for each of 4 protocols, which involved not wearing a facemask (A), wearing a mask with either no biased flow through it (B), with an expiratory bias of 6300 L/min through it (C), or with an inspiratory bias of the same magnitude (D). Although no statistically significant differences in arterial blood gases, Pu, PTP, or PTD could be attributed to the various protocols, trends that may have been physiologically important were detected. Hypoxemia and hypercapnia associated with exercise were most marked with protocol B and least severe with protocols A or D. PTP was lowest for all tests with protocol D. Of the 3 conditions that required the wearing of a mask, protocol D was associated with the lowest Pu. While impelling air into the respiratory tract, as presumedly occurs with horses exercising over ground, may enhance respiratory function during exercise, this preliminary study does not clearly demonstrate this. Because this is an important consideration when conducting studies involving horses on treadmills, further investigations at higher exercise intensities and with additional methodologies are needed to clarify the issue.
Geriatric Conditions in a Population-Based Sample of Older Homeless Adults

Author(s): Brown, Rebecca T; Hemati, Kaveh; Riley, Elise D; Lee, Christopher T; Ponath, Claudia; Tieu, Lina; Guzman, David; Kushel, Margot B | Abstract: Purpose of the studyOlder homeless adults living in shelters have high rates of geriatric conditions, which may increase their risk for acute care use and nursing home placement. However, a minority of homeless adults stay in shelters and the prevalence of geriatric conditions among homeless adults living in other environments is unknown. We determined the prevalence of common geriatric conditions in a cohort of older homeless adults, and whether the prevalence of these conditions differs across living environments.Design and methodsWe interviewed 350 homeless adults, aged 50 and older, recruited via population-based sampling in Oakland, CA. We evaluated participants for common geriatric conditions. We assessed living environment using a 6-month follow-back residential calendar, and used cluster analysis to identify participants' primary living environment over the prior 6 months.ResultsParticipants stayed in 4 primary environments: unsheltered locations (n = 162), multiple locations including shelters and hotels (n = 88), intermittently with family/friends (n = 57), and, in a recently homeless group, rental housing (n = 43). Overall, 38.9% of participants reported difficulty performing 1 or more activities of daily living, 33.7% reported any falls in the past 6 months, 25.8% had cognitive impairment, 45.1% had vision impairment, and 48.0% screened positive for urinary incontinence. The prevalence of geriatric conditions did not differ significantly across living environments.ImplicationsGeriatric conditions were common among older homeless adults living in diverse environments, and the prevalence of these conditions was higher than that seen in housed adults 20 years older. Services that address geriatric conditions are needed for older homeless adults living across varied environments.
Deviant Ink: A Meta-Analysis of Tattoos and Drug Use in General Populations

ABSTRACTThe relation between tattoos and drug use among respondents in general populations raises important questions about the etiology of a pattern of deviant behavior that declines in adulthood and is stronger in collective versus individually oriented cultures. Nineteen studies (N = 44,110) have a combined effect size using Cohen’s d of .51 (95% CI .44, .59). Adolescents from cultures characterized by a collective orientation have the largest combined effect size (d = .91; 95% CI .69, 1.12). Gender does not moderate the relation between tattoos and drug use. Results are interpreted using theories of maturation, strain, control, and labeling.
Effect of Postchill Washing on Bacterial Counts of Broiler Chickens

Abstract THE presence of spoilage microorganisms and organisms of public health significance on the surface of processed poultry has resulted in continued research directed toward minimizing microbial incidence and development. Through the years in-plant chlorination (Goresline et al., 1951; Somers, 1951; Miller, 1953; Drewniak et al., 1954; Ziegler and Stadelman, 1955; and Mercer, 1964), antibiotics (summarized by Ayres, 1962), polyphosphates (Spencer and Smith, 1962; Elliot et al., 1964; and Steinhauer and Banwart, 1964) and changes in processing procedures (Ziegler and Stadelman, 1955; Essary et al., 1958; Thomson and Kotula, 1959; Essary and Howes, 1960; May, 1961; Kotula and Kinner, 1964; and Salzer, 1965) have been advocated for the control of these organisms. Chilling in continuous chillers has also been shown to reduce bacterial counts on chickens (Kotula et al., 1962). Because with water chilling, birds are placed in a common bath, the numbers of organisms on the birds’ surface is affected . . .
Judicial Review of Personal Injury Claims by Federal Civilian Employees: Navigating between the Shoals of FECA and the Crest of the FTCA

The Supreme Court has characterized the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) as “waiv[ing] the Government’s immunity from suit in sweeping language.” But the Federal Employees Compensation Act (FECA) provides that compensation under that statute “with respect to the injury or death of an employee is exclusive.” Moreover, FECA provides that the determination of the Secretary of Labor with respect to FECA benefits is “final and conclusive” and is “not subject to review . . . by a court by mandamus or otherwise.”What then is a federal court to do when presented with an FTCA suit by a federal civilian employee that may or may not be covered by FECA? Is there an approach by which the court can avoid casting off every FTCA suit whenever there is the remotest possibility that the matter is within the scope of FECA or steaming ahead heedless to the Secretary’s exclusive jurisdiction over FECA matters? This article offers suggestions for navigating between the shoals of FECA and the crest of the FTCA.
Temozolomide resistance in glioblastoma multiforme

Temozolomide (TMZ) is an oral alkylating agent used to treat glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and astrocytomas. However, at least 50% of TMZ treated patients do not respond to TMZ. This is due primarily to the over-expression of O6-methylguanine methyltransferase (MGMT) and/or lack of a DNA repair pathway in GBM cells. Multiple GBM cell lines are known to contain TMZ resistant cells and several acquired TMZ resistant GBM cell lines have been developed for use in experiments designed to define the mechanism of TMZ resistance and the testing of potential therapeutics. However, the characteristics of intrinsic and adaptive TMZ resistant GBM cells have not been systemically compared. This article reviews the characteristics and mechanisms of TMZ resistance in natural and adapted TMZ resistant GBM cell lines. It also summarizes potential treatment options for TMZ resistant GBMs.
Chemical Aspects Of Environmentally Processed Asphalt

Several aspects of asphalt such as road pavement properties, sensitivity to moisture damage, leaching behavior and functional group analysis and asphalt composition have been discussed. These investigations indicate that the asphalted contaminated soil exhibits high stability and adequate performance as an end product. Asphalt with high contents of pyridinic, phenolic and ketone groups exhibits best chemical stability and performance. It is recommended that the use of monovalent salts and high ionic strength solutions in asphalt cements is avoided because the decrease in chemical stability of the asphalt cement due to disruption of the functional group-aggregate bonds resulting increase in overall permeability.
Surveillance strategy for viral zoonotic diseases

Public health surveillance is the ongoing systematic collection, analysis, interpretation, and dissemination of health data. In fact, public health surveillance has been defined quite succinctly as "information for action". Recently, many outbreaks of virus zoonoses are reported in the world, which include West Nile virus disease, avian influenza and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). Public health surveillance is a powerful tool for prevention. However establishing of public health surveillance systems are very difficult for random sampling, sample size and cost. The surveillance of Japanese encephalitis virus activity has been effectively conducted by using seroprevalence of pigs for more than 20 years in Japan. Polio acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) surveillance has been also effectively conducted, although polio cases are decreasing in the world. It is important to understand the character of disease for constructing effective public surveillance systems.
One low-dose exposure of gold nanoparticles induces long-term changes in human cells

We report the in vitro long-term (20 wk) changes in cells exposed to well-characterized gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) with varying shapes and surface coatings under both chronic (exposure to Au NPs continuously over 20 wk) and nonchronic (initial acute cell exposure to Au NPs, followed by 20 wk in NP-free cell media) conditions. Both chronic and nonchronic Au NPs exposures at low dose induce modifications at the gene level after long periods. In attempt to overcome from the injuries caused by nanoparticle exposure, genes related to oxidative stress, cell cycle regulation, and inflammation are among those presenting differential expression levels. Surprisingly, the nonchronic exposure induced more gene expression changes than its chronic counterpart and the stress effects caused by this type of exposure were sustained even after 20 wk without any additional NP exposure. NP surface chemistry played an important role in the alteration of gene regulation. Overall, our data suggest that (i) cells can adaptively respond to chronic, low-level NP insults; (ii) the cell stress response is not reversible over time upon removal of NPs upon acute, nonchronic exposure; and (iii) polyethylene glycol is not as benign a surface chemistry as is generally supposed.
Decrease of Alpha-fetoprotein in Patients with Cirrhosis Treated with Direct-acting Antivirals.

Background and Aims: The lack of specificity has limited the role of serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) screening among patients with cirrhosis related to hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. We sought to examine whether AFP may decrease after achieving a sustained virological response (SVR) in patients with HCV-related cirrhosis. Methods: We performed a retrospective study of patients with HCV-related cirrhosis who were cured with direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy at the University of California, Los Angeles. Laboratory values, including serum AFP, were measured before and after completing the DAA treatment. Results: Fifty-six patients met the inclusion criteria, with median (interquartile range [IQR]) age of 67 (58-69) years and with 51.8% being male. All patients received DAA therapy without interferon. AFP decreased from median (IQR) 7.2 (4.2-13.4) ng/mL before DAAs to 4.2 (2.7-6.3) ng/mL at the end of treatment and 4.2 (2.9-6.8) ng/mL at 12 weeks after treatment (p < 0.001). Model for end-stage liver disease (MELD), fibrosis-4 (FIB4), and aspartate transaminase (AST) to platelet ratio index (APRI) scores at baseline were not significantly associated with AFP reduction. On multivariate analysis, platelet count, AST and total bilirubin at baseline were significantly correlated to AFP reduction (p = 0.04, 0.009 and 0.04, respectively). The higher the baseline AFP, the greater the reduction in AFP. There was no statistically significant correlation between baseline AFP and MELD, FIB4 or APRI scores. Conclusion: There was a significant decrease in AFP in patients with cirrhosis who achieved a SVR with DAAs. Given a reduction in AFP after DAA treatment, AFP should be further studied as a screening modality for HCC in patients with cirrhosis.
Scaffold Repurposing of Nucleosides (Adenosine Receptor Agonists): Enhanced Activity at the Human Dopamine and Norepinephrine Sodium Symporters

We have repurposed (N)-methanocarba adenosine derivatives (A3 adenosine receptor (AR) agonists) to enhance radioligand binding allosterically at the human dopamine (DA) transporter (DAT) and inhibit DA uptake. We extended the structure–activity relationship of this series with small N6-alkyl substitution, 5′-esters, deaza modifications of adenine, and ribose restored in place of methanocarba. C2-(5-Halothien-2-yl)-ethynyl 5′-methyl 9 (MRS7292) and 5′-ethyl 10 (MRS7232) esters enhanced binding at DAT (EC50 ∼ 35 nM) and at the norepinephrine transporter (NET). 9 and 10 were selective for DAT compared to A3AR in the mouse but not in humans. At DAT, the binding of two structurally dissimilar radioligands was enhanced; NET binding of only one radioligand was enhanced; SERT radioligand binding was minimally affected. 10 was more potent than cocaine at inhibiting DA uptake (IC50 = 107 nM). Ribose analogues were weaker in DAT interaction than the corresponding bicyclics. Thus, we enhanced the neurotransmitter tra...
A sticky situation

The whirling helical structure obtained when pouring honey onto toast may seem like an easy enough problem to solve at breakfast. Specifically, one would hope that a quick back-of-the-envelope scaling argument would help rationalize the observed behaviour and predict the coiling frequency. Not quite: multiple forces come into play, both in the part of the flow stretched by gravity and in the coil itself, which buckles and bends like a rope. In fact, the resulting abundance of regimes requires the careful numerical continuation method reported by Ribe (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 812, 2017, R2) to build a complete phase diagram of the problem and untangle this sticky situation.
Optimizing clinical thresholds for PTSD: Extending the DSM-5 preschool criteria to school-age children

Background/Objective: To examine the effect of using the DSM-5 preschool criteria to diagnose posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in school-age children (ages 7-11). Method: Children exposed to Hurricane Ike (N = 327) were assessed for symptoms of PTSD and other trauma-related factors eight months post-disaster. Results: About twice as many children were identified as having PTSD using the DSM-5 preschool criteria compared to the DSM-5 adult criteria. The preschool criteria identified all children diagnosed by the adult criteria and many additional children. Although children who met both the adult and the preschool criteria reported the most functional impairment, children identified by the preschool criteria only reported greater impairment than children not diagnosed. The effect of including impairment in the diagnostic criteria was more marked for the preschool criteria than for the adult criteria. Additionally, PTSD defined by the preschool criteria was significantly associated with more PTSD risk factors than PTSD as defined by the adult criteria. Model fit was similar for both sets of criteria. Conclusions: The preschool criteria may be advantageous for screening for PTSD risk in school-age children. Further research is needed to optimize developmentally-appropriate PTSD criteria for school-age children.
Chronic Ethanol Metabolism Inhibits Hepatic Mitochondrial Superoxide Dismutase via Lysine Acetylation.

Background Chronic ethanol (EtOH) consumption is a major cause of liver disease worldwide. Oxidative stress is a known consequence of EtOH metabolism and is thought to contribute significantly to alcoholic liver disease (ALD). Therefore, elucidating pathways leading to sustained oxidative stress and downstream redox imbalances may reveal how EtOH consumption leads to ALD. Recent studies suggest that EtOH metabolism impacts mitochondrial antioxidant processes through a number of proteomic alterations, including hyperacetylation of key antioxidant proteins. Methods To elucidate mechanisms of EtOH-induced hepatic oxidative stress, we investigate a role for protein hyperacetylation in modulating mitochondrial superoxide dismutase (SOD2) structure and function in a 6-week Lieber–DeCarli murine model of EtOH consumption. Our experimental approach includes immunoblotting immunohistochemistry (IHC), activity assays, mass spectrometry, and in silico modeling. Results We found that EtOH metabolism significantly increased the acetylation of SOD2 at 2 functionally relevant lysine sites, K68 and K122, resulting in a 40% decrease in enzyme activity while overall SOD2 abundance was unchanged. In vitro studies also reveal which lysine residues are more susceptible to acetylation. IHC analysis demonstrates that SOD2 hyperacetylation occurs near zone 3 within the liver, which is the main EtOH-metabolizing region of the liver. Conclusions Overall, the findings presented in this study support a role for EtOH-induced lysine acetylation as an adverse posttranslational modification within the mitochondria that directly impacts SOD2 charge state and activity. Last, the data presented here indicate that protein hyperacetylation may be a major factor contributing to an imbalance in hepatic redox homeostasis due to chronic EtOH metabolism.
How the “Machinery” of Sense Production Changes Over Time

In the current chapter, we seek to document how differences in practice across different occasions can in some cases evidence change in the underlying “machinery” of sense production and, in this way, demonstrate a change in member competence. We track two students, Dana and Stephanie, as they work through a mathematical story problem, first in the second grade and then again in the third. We argue that changes over time to the “machinery” of sense production constitute changes in what counts as competence and studying such changes represents a valid approach to producing a “developmental sociology”. And, in this way, we seek to show how change across time can be studied in an ethnomethodologically informed fashion.
Targeted Sampling and Target Capture: Assessing Phylogeographic Concordance with Genome-wide Data

Comparative phylogeography provides the necessary framework to examine the factors influencing population divergence, persistence, and change over time. Avise (2000) outlined four aspects of concordance that result when data exhibit significant phylogeographic signal: concordance among sites within a locus, among multiple loci within a species, among multiple species within a region, and between genetic patterns and established biogeographic provinces. To fully address each aspect of concordance, we combined target capture of a set of orthologous loci with targeted geographic sampling of multiple species, thus removing any variability introduced by using different genetic markers and heterogeneous sampling distributions. We used hybrid enrichment and high-throughput sequencing of four anuran species sampled from 36 congruent localities in the Southeastern United States Coastal Plain, a region that represents one of the classic systems in phylogeography. In total, we recovered > 375 of the same nuclear loci across species and assembled mitochondrial genomes, resulting in one of the most comprehensive comparative phylogeographic datasets in any region or taxon to date. We used these data to evaluate concordance, compare genetic structure across species, and test previously described biogeographic features in the region including major river drainages and suture zones. We then applied a recently-developed framework to quantify concordance across species using phylogeographic concordance factors. For the four species examined, which have higher dispersal and potentially limited structure compared to many amphibians, we found poor resolution in individual nuclear gene trees even with long (~ 1400 bp) nuclear sequences. The mitochondrial and multi-locus nuclear datasets, however, produced similar patterns within species, indicated high discordance among species, and suggested little correspondence of genetic patterns with putative biogeographic barriers. Variation in the phylogeographic structure detected may be related to differences in natural history, in that the two habitat generalists exhibited less structure. Our study demonstrates the utility of combining target capture, which is highly repeatable and produces comparable datasets, with a targeted sampling strategy to quantify phylogeographic concordance across diverse taxa in a region with a complex history.