cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Transcriptional dysregulation in striatal projection- and interneurons in a mouse model of Huntington's disease: neuronal selectivity and potential neuroprotective role of HAP1

Transcriptional dysregulation has been described as a central mechanism in the pathogenesis of Huntington's disease (HD), in which medium spiny projection neurons (MSN) selectively degenerate whereas neuronal nitric-oxide-synthase-positive interneurons (nNOS-IN) survive. In order to begin to understand this differential vulnerability we compared mRNA levels of selected genes involved in N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) glutamate receptor and calcium (Ca2+) signaling pathways in MSN and nNOS-IN from 12-week-old R6/2 mice, a transgenic mouse model of HD and wild-type littermates. We undertook a laser capture microdissection (LCM) study to examine the contribution of transcriptional dysregulation in candidate genes involved in these two signaling pathways in discrete populations of striatal neurons. The use of LCM in combination with quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (Q-PCR) allowed us to quantify the neuronal abundance of candidate mRNAs. We found different transcriptional alterations in R6/2 neurons for both MSN and nNOS-IN, indicating that global transcriptional dysregulation alone does not account for selective vulnerability. Further, we observed a striking enrichment of several mRNAs in the nNOS-IN population, including that for the NMDA receptor subunit NR2D, the postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD-95) and the huntingtin-associated protein 1 (HAP1) as well as nitric-oxide-synthase (nNOS) mRNA itself. The higher expression levels of these molecules in nNOS-IN when compared with MSN together with an association of nNOS, NR2D and HAP1 in a protein complex with PSD-95 suggest that these proteins may be involved in protective pathways that contribute to the resistance of this interneuron population to neurodegeneration in HD.
Angiotensin II type 1 receptor–associated protein is an endogenous inhibitor of angiotensin II type 1 receptor action in cardiac hypertrophy: role in check and balance

Angiotensin II (Ang II) type 1 (AT1) receptor is the primary effector of the renin-angiotensin system and mediates many key physiological and pathological actions of Ang II through a complex orchestration of intracellular signaling molecules. As a G protein–coupled receptor, AT1 receptor activation induces the canonical Gq protein–dependent inositol phosphate turnover and intracellular calcium release pathway, as well as receptor phosphorylation by G protein–coupled receptor kinases and the recruitment of β-arrestin as a G protein–independent pathway to mediate the cellular effects of Ang II.1 Recent investigations have highlighted the importance of the AT1 receptor carboxyl-terminal domain that binds to a variety of intracellular proteins, such as G protein–coupled receptor kinases and β-arrestin, and plays a pivotal role on receptor internalization, desensitization, phosphorylation, and coupling to G proteins.1 A relatively new and potentially important player in this orchestra is the AT1 receptor–associated protein (ATRAP) that interacts with the carboxyl-terminal domain of the AT1 receptor. ATRAP was first identified and isolated by yeast 2-hybrid screening from the mouse kidney cDNA library in the Dzau laboratory.2 ATRAP is a relatively small 18-kDa protein with 1 potential N-glycosylation site, 1 potential phosphorylation site for protein kinase C, 1 potential phosphorylation site for casein kinase II, and 3 hydrophobic domains for potential transmembrane binding.2,3 ATRAP localizes in intracellular trafficking vesicles and plasma membrane, including endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi, and endocytic vesicles.3 ATRAP interacts selectively with the carboxyl-terminal domain of the AT1 receptor but not with those of Ang II type 2, m3 muscarinic acetylcholine, bradykinin B2, …
Human polyomavirus JCV and expression of myelin genes.

Myelin basic protein (MBP) is a major component of the myelin sheath of both the central and peripheral nervous systems. A number of neurological diseases in humans are associated with demyelination of the central and/or peripheral nervous systems, including multiple sclerosis and its variants such as acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (AD), acute hemorrhagic leukoencephalopathy, and idiopathic polyneuritis (Guilliame-Barre syndrome), as well as tropical spastic paraparesis (TSP), and progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). Multiple sclerosis (MS) is perhaps the most common demyelinating disease and is one of great importance to the clinical neurologist. The underlying cause of the demyelination seen in multiple sclerosis patients is unknown. However, patients frequently have unusually high antibody titers to a number of common viruses, leading to speculation that viral infections may participate in the pathogenesis of MS. On the other hand, studies on maternal and paternal twins have suggested the involvement of genetic factors in the predisposition of an individual toward developing MS. PML, once a rare demyelinating disease of elderly patients with lymphoproliferative disorders, is now a much more common disease affecting patients of all ages due to the increasingly widespread use of immunosuppressive chemotherapy and the prevalence of AIDS. PML is the result of productive infection of oligodendrocytes, the myelin producing cells of the CNS, with the human polyomavirus, JCV. In this article, we have focused our attention on PML, and the role of JCV in disrupting myelin sheaths by affecting myelin basic gene expression, ultimately leading to demyelination. Journal of NeuroVirology (2000) 6, S92 ‐S 97.
Site-specific sequence-stratigraphic section benchmark charts are key to regional chronostratigraphic systems tract analysis in growth-faulted basins

Subbasins composing a larger basin can have similar appearing sediment fills that are diachronous. It is important to construct a chronostratigraphic section for each subbasin to correctly correlate between subbasins. A methodology is presented that incorporates the sequence-stratigraphic interpretation of each subbasin, which improves correlation of systems tracts between adjacent and widely separated subbasins. The growth-faulted subbasins in the Corpus Christi Bay area along the western margin of the Gulf of Mexico are used to demonstrate this methodology. A composite wire-line log created by splicing unfaulted and relatively conformable log segments from the deepest wells in an area provides a stratigraphic record that captures a complete succession of depositional and cyclic history. Site-specific sequencestratigraphic section (S 5 ) benchmark charts are composite logs containing additional data that summarize available geologic information for a subbasin, site-specific area. Color-coded sequences and component systems tracts are basic information displayed on S 5 benchmark charts. This physical framework can then be calibrated with ages (Ma) of sequences and bounding surfaces. Ages are based on geologic time charts representing latest consensus from isotopic, polarity, and microfossil integration. Sequence-bounding unconformities and internal maximum flooding surfaces delineated on S 5 benchmark charts, when correlated with other wire-line logs and placed into the seismic time domain, produce a chronostratigraphic
Knowledge representation systems: syntactic methods

Reasoning about knowledge and knowledge representation has been an issue of concern in Artificial Intelligence for over two decades. More recently, researchers have realized that these issues also play a crucial role in other subfields of computer science, including cryptography, distributed computation, data base theory, and expert systems.
Growth hormone, prolactin and thyrotropin responses to gonadotropin-releasing hormone in depressed patients and healthy volunteers

Growth hormone (GH), prolactin (PRL) and thyrotropin (TSH) release following gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) administration were examined in 56 patients with major affective disorder (37 unipolar, 19 bipolar) and 38 normal healthy subjects. There were no differences in GH, PRL or TSH responses after GnRH infusion between the patients and the normal subjects, in contrast to previously reported abnormalities in depressed patients. Serum GH concentration increased after GnRH in both normal and depressed men; serum TSH increased after GnRH in both normal women and bipolar women, but not in unipolar depressed women. Further studies comparing GnRH to saline infusion will be necessary to determine if the GH and TSH responses seen in this study are due to GnRH or result from the stress of the experimental procedures.
Phenolic content and growth of wetland macrophytes: Is the allocation to secondary compounds driven by nutrient availability?

This study compares soluble phenolics and lignin content in two wetland macrophytes with contrasting life strategies grown under a varying nutrient supply in the field and in a greenhouse experiment. The differences are explained in terms of the protein competition model (PCM) hypothesis relating changes in secondary metabolites to changing nutrient limitation. The two study species, Eleocharis cellulosa (EC) and Typha domingensis (TD), are both widespread in tropical and subtropical freshwater and brackish marshes of the New World, and are often found in P-limited rather than N-limited conditions. TD is a fast-growing competitor with large nutrient requirements. EC is a stress tolerator, quite well adapted to growth in nutrient-limiting environments. In both species, the concentration of phenolics was negatively correlated with increasing growth (due to increasing nutrient levels). This is in agreement with the PCM hypothesis, which predicts an increase in phenolic synthesis when protein synthesis (and consequently growth) is low due to limited resource availability. An interesting difference was found in the correlation between tissue nutrients and phenolics. TD from both the field and the greenhouse showed a negative correlation between tissue P and phenolics, while EC displayed a significant negative correlation between tissue N and phenolics. EC is adapted to low P, and increased tissue P content represents luxury consumption (uptake of P for storage) which is not reflected in increased growth and thus is not correlated with phenolics. These are the first steps in elucidating the relationship among nutrient availability, growth and phenolic content in two important primary producers of tropical and subtropical marshes.
DAC: Distributed Asynchronous Cooperation for Wireless Relay Networks

Cooperative relay is a communication paradigm that aims to realize the capacity of multi-antenna arrays in a distributed manner. However, the symbol-level synchronization requirement among distributed relays limits its use in practice. We propose to circumvent this barrier with a cross-layer protocol called Distributed Asynchronous Cooperation (DAC). With DAC, multiple relays can schedule concurrent transmissions with packet-level (hence coarse) synchronization. The receiver then extracts multiple versions of each relayed packet via a collision-resolution algorithm, thus realizing the diversity gain of cooperative communication. We demonstrate the feasibility of DAC by prototyping and testing it on the GNURadio/USRP software radio platform. To explore its relevance at the network level, we introduce a DAC-based MAC, and a generic approach to integrate the DAC MAC/PHY layer into a typical routing algorithm. Considering the use of DAC for multiple network flows, we analyze the fundamental tradeoff between the improvement in diversity gain and the reduction in multiplexing opportunities. DAC is shown to improve the throughput and delay performance of lossy networks with medium-level link quality. Our analytical results are also confirmed by network-level simulation in ns-2.
CT Enterography in Crohn’s Disease

Computed tomography (CT) enterography has become a vital tool in the noninvasive assessment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This has largely been driven by the need for objective Crohn’s disease evaluations, noting its predilection for small bowel involvement. CT enterography (CTE) utilizes a large volume of neutral oral contrast along with enteric phase intravenous contrast to perform both intestinal and extra-intestinal interrogations. It has a high sensitivity and specificity for active luminal inflammation, and it can detect stricturing and penetrating complications. Robust data now demonstrates that CTE alters physician management plans. Emerging procedural modifications will likely keep CTE as an integral part of future Crohn’s disease diagnostic and management algorithms.
Predictive value of negative 3T multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging of the prostate on 12-core biopsy results.

Objectives To evaluate the cancer detection rates for men undergoing 12-core systematic prostate biopsy with negative prebiopsy multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) results. Materials and Methods Clinical data from consecutive men undergoing prostate biopsy who had undergone prebiopsy 3T mpMRI from December 2011 to August 2014 were reviewed from an institutional review board-approved prospective database. Men with negative prebiospy mpMRI results (negMRI) before biopsy were identified for the present analysis. Clinical features, cancer detection rates and negative predictive values were summarized. Results Seventy five men with negMRI underwent systematic 12-core biopsy during the study period. In the entire cohort, men with no previous biopsy, men with previously negative biopsy and men enrolled in active surveillance protocols, the overall cancer detection rates were 18.7, 13.8, 8.0 and 38.1%, respectively, and the detection rates for Gleason score (GS) ≥7 cancer were 1.3, 0, 4.0 and 0%, respectively. The NPVs for all cancers were 81.3, 86.2, 92.0, and 61.9, and for GS ≥7 cancer they were 98.7, 100, 96.0 and 100%, respectively. Conclusions A negative prebiopsy mpMRI confers an overall NPV of 82% on 12-core biopsy for all cancer and 98% for GS ≥7 cancer. Based on biopsy indication, these findings assist in prebiopsy risk stratification for detection of high-risk disease and may provide guidance in the decision to pursue biopsy.
Hydrodynamic chromatography online with single particle-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry for ultratrace detection of metal-containing nanoparticles.

Nanoparticle (NP) determination has recently gained considerable interest since a growing number of engineered NPs are being used in commercial products. As a result, their potential to enter the environment and biological systems is increasing. In this study, we report on the development of a hyphenated analytical technique for the detection and characterization of metal-containing NPs, i.e., their metal mass fraction, size, and number concentration. Hydrodynamic chromatography (HDC), suitable for sizing NPs within the range of 5 to 300 nm, was coupled online to inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS), providing for an extremely selective and sensitive analytical tool for the detection of NPs. However, a serious drawback when operating the ICPMS in its conventional mode is that it does not provide data regarding NP number concentrations and, thus, any information about the metal mass fraction of individual NPs. To address this limitation, we developed single particle (SP) ICPMS coupled onlin...
Abstract 167: Identification of differentially methylated genes in normal prostate tissues from African American and Caucasian men

Proceedings: AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010‐‐ Apr 17‐21, 2010; Washington, DC BACKGROUND. Prostate cancer (PCa) is a common malignancy and a leading cause of cancer deaths among men in the United States. African American men have both a higher incidence and significantly higher mortality rates than Caucasian men. Abundant evidence has accumulated to suggest that epigenetic DNA methylation changes may appear earlier during PCa development than genetic changes, as well as more commonly and consistently. Most studies have emphasized DNA hypermethylation as an important mechanism for inactivation of key regulatory genes in prostate cancers. Thus methylated genes can serve as biomarkers for the detection of cancer from clinical specimens such as tissue biopsies or body fluids. However, very few studies have investigated differences in DNA methylation pattern in different ethnic groups or their application as ethnic sensitive biomarkers for disease detection. We hypothesize that differential methylation patterns maybe associated with ethnicity and could potentially contribute to the incidence and mortality of prostate cancer. METHODS. We have identified several genes to be differentially methylated in human prostate cancer cell line using methylated CpG island amplification coupled with CpG promoter microarray. Pyrosequencing was used to quantitatively measure the methylation levels of CDH11, FOXN4, PAX9, TIMP3, RPRM, SPARC, TCF3,CYP27B1, RARβ2, AR, GSTP1, NKX2-5, RASSF1A and TIMP3 genes in prostate cell lines, matched pairs of benign and prostate cancer tissues from individual prostate cancer patients, and normal prostate biopsies from African American and Caucasian men. Real time PCR was used to determine gene expression at the RNA transcript level. RESULTS. DNA hypermethylation was observed for NKX2-5, FOXN4, TIMP3, RPRM, TCF, SPARC, GSTP1, RASSF1A, RARβ2 and SPARC in prostate cancer cells and prostate cancer tissues samples. Higher frequency of methylation was observed for several genes including NKX2-5, GSTP1, RASSF1A, and RARβ2 genes in punch biopsies of normal prostate samples obtained from African American men in comparison to samples from Caucasian men. CONCLUSION. Our observations suggest a genome wide differential methylation patterns in prostate tissue samples obtained from African American men versus Caucasian men. Such alterations could account for some of the biological differences underlying prostate cancer disparity. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 167.
Sub-to-Supercritical Mixing and Core Length Analysis of a Single Round Jet

Planar Laser Induced Fluorescence (PLIF) is used to investigate sub-to-supercritical liquid jet injection into a gaseous atmosphere, such that the entire system is a single component diffusion process. A calibration is performed to determine the absorption coefficients of the gaseous phase of the fluid at various densities. A novel method was developed for the detection of detailed structures throughout the entire jet center plane. Density distribution is measured and density gradient profiles are inferred from the experimental data. Finally, a comparison has been made between the single component diffusion and binary component diffusion processes.
Model for the phase transfer of nanoparticles using ionic surfactants.

Ionic surfactants are widely used for the phase transfer of nanoparticles from aqueous to organic phases; however, a model that can be used to select ionic surfactants based on the nanoparticle solution properties has yet to be established. Here, we have studied the phase transfer of a variety of nanoparticles and have identified hydrophobicity, steric repulsion, and interfacial tension as key factors in determining whether or not phase transfer will occur. Based on these studies, we have developed a simple model for phase transfer wherein the success of the surfactant depends only on three criteria. The phase transfer agents must (i) efficiently load onto or cross the interface, (ii) solubilize the nanoparticles in the receiving phase, and (iii) sterically stabilize the nanoparticles to prevent aggregation due to van der Waals forces between the inorganic cores. Using these criteria, the effectiveness of ionic surfactants could be predicted based on their molecular geometry and the properties of the nano...
Effect of 2, 4-dinitrophenol on sea-urchin sperm.

SummaryLow concentrations of DNP did not stimulate respiration or affect motility of sea-urchin sperm suspended in sea water; high concentrations of DNP inhibited sperm respiration and motility, the inhibition of motility being reversible. Dinitrophenol stimulated the respiratory rate of sperm in the presence of Versene and caused respiration to be partially dissociated from motility. Versene, as compared with sea water, prolonged the motile life and respiration of sperm treated with high concentrations of DNP. Dinitrophenol and dilution have similar effects on sea-urchin sperm, raising the possibility that both act through similar mechanisms.
Near‐surface void identification using MASW and refraction tomography techniques

Subsurface voids may manifest themselves as natural or anthropogenic dissolution features, illegal cross-border tunnels, or abandoned mines. Detection of these voids using geophysical methods has often proven difficult due to multiple factors including depth-to-diameter ratio, lack of resolution, non-uniqueness, etc. Experiments were conducted at a test site with a known subsurface void to determine the capability of multiple near-surface seismic methods as applied to void detection. In this study, refraction tomography and multichannel analysis of surface wave methods successfully identified a man-made void approximately three meters deep. Results of these experiments correlated well with the expected results, exhibiting decreased velocity, the absence of seismic ray coverage, and a high shear-wave velocity halo above the void.
A Performance Test to Assess Strategies to Transfer Weight During Knee Flexion and Extension With Rotation for Individuals With a Total Knee Replacement

Stability has been defined as the ability to transfer the vertical projection of the center of gravity to the supporting base and keep the knee as still as possible1. The transfer of weight (load) to a single limb while still in double-stance is functional and simulates every day activities such as loading the dishwasher, transferring laundry, or reaching to pick up an item. Adding rotation in a transverse plane to this weight shift challenges knee stability, especially those with a total knee replacement (TKR). A clinical sign of laxity in mid-flexion indicates a risk for developing symptomatic instability; a common reason for TKR revision2. Laxity is usually measured clinically in a single plane (anterior-posterior) and functionally with added turning maneuvers. Single-leg weight acceptance has been analyzed during athletic activities such as hopping, landing with cutting as well as in the older population with stair ascent and descent3–5. Although single-leg performance tests are a good indicator of knee stability, weight shift during double-stance may be more functional for individuals with a TKR. A functional double-stance test should include both flexion/extension with rotation and loading. Our study utilizes a novel approach (Target Touch Task) in order to facilitate transfer of load to one extremity during squatting or extending while still in double-stance. The objective of this study was to identify strategies utilized by individuals with a TKR while in double-stance transferring load during rotational activities.© 2012 ASME
Pathways of hepatic oxalate synthesis and their regulation

Important features of hepatic oxalate synthesis remain uncertain despite its clinical significance. To clarify the terminal steps of the biosynthetic pathway and their modulation, we have examined oxalate and glyoxylate synthesis in vitro using isolated guinea pig peroxisomes and purified lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Glycolate was rapidly oxidized to glyoxylate by isolated peroxisomes followed by a slower conversion of glyoxylate to oxalate. The glycolate oxidase (GO)-catalyzed conversion of glyoxylate to oxalate was strongly inhibited by physiological concentrations of glycolate and lactate. In contrast, the LDH-catalyzed conversion of glyoxylate to oxalate was only marginally affected by physiological concentrations of lactate and unaffected by physiological glycolate concentrations. This inhibition pattern suggests that LDH, not GO, catalyzes this conversion in vivo. Alanine inhibited oxalate synthesis by converting the bulk of the glyoxylate to glycine. On exposure to high alanine concentrations, however, inhibition was not complete and peroxisomes were able to convert sufficient glycolate to oxalate to account for daily endogenous oxalate production. NADH was a potent inhibitor of oxalate production by LDH by increasing glycolate formation from glyoxylate. Glycine was an ineffective source of glyoxylate, and an alkaline pH, a high-glycine concentration, and a prolonged incubation time were required to obtain a detectable synthesis. These results suggest that oxalate synthesis will be modulated by the metabolic state of the liver and resultant changes in NADH, lactate, and alanine levels.
The repertoire, not the archive: The 1950 Life and Time coverage of the Korean War:

Journalists plunge into a social drama in which they interact with other actors, witness an event, and translate their observations into sensible texts to communicate with audiences who are not ‘on...
Nipah Virus C and W Proteins Contribute to Respiratory Disease in Ferrets

UNLABELLED Nipah virus (NiV) is a highly lethal paramyxovirus that recently emerged as a causative agent of febrile encephalitis and severe respiratory disease in humans. The ferret model has emerged as the preferred small-animal model with which to study NiV disease, but much is still unknown about the viral determinants of NiV pathogenesis, including the contribution of the C protein in ferrets. Additionally, studies have yet to examine the synergistic effects of the various P gene products on pathogenesis in animal models. Using recombinant NiVs (rNiVs), we examine the sole contribution of the NiV C protein and the combined contributions of the C and W proteins in the ferret model of NiV pathogenesis. We show that an rNiV void of C expression resulted in 100% mortality, though with limited respiratory disease, like our previously reported rNiV void of W expression; this finding is in stark contrast to the attenuated phenotype observed in previous hamster studies utilizing rNiVs void of C expression. We also observed that an rNiV void of both C and W expression resulted in limited respiratory disease; however, there was severe neurological disease leading to 60% mortality, and the surviving ferrets demonstrated sequelae similar to those for human survivors of NiV encephalitis. IMPORTANCE Nipah virus (NiV) is a human pathogen capable of causing lethal respiratory and neurological disease. Many human survivors have long-lasting neurological impairment. Using a ferret model, this study demonstrated the roles of the NiV C and W proteins in pathogenesis, where lack of either the C or the W protein independently decreased the severity of clinical respiratory disease but did not decrease lethality. Abolishing both C and W expression, however, dramatically decreased the severity of respiratory disease and the level of destruction of splenic germinal centers. These ferrets still suffered severe neurological disease: 60% succumbed to disease, and the survivors experienced long-term neurological impairment, such as that seen in human survivors. This new ferret NiV C and W knockout model may allow, for the first time, the examination of interventions to prevent or mitigate the neurological damage and sequelae experienced by human survivors.
Clinical study of glutamine in the prevention of necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm infants

Objective To assess the role of glutamine in the prevention of necrotiziting enterocolitis (NEC) in preterm infants. Methods Two thousand seven hundred and seventeen preterm infants hospitalized in our NICU from Oct 2007 to Mar 2010 were assigned in either receiving prophylactic use of glutamine (prevention group, n = 1389) or without glutamine supplementation(control group, n = 1328). The incidence of NEC was compared between the two groups. Results There were no significant differences in sex,gestation age, birth weight, neonatal asphyxia, pneumonia, septicemia and cerebral hemorrhage between the two groups (P ＞ 0. 05). Sixty-eight infants occurred NEC in the control group(5. 12%) ,but only 35 infants occurred NEC in the prevention group(2. 52%) (x2 = 12. 590,P ＜0. 01). Conclusion The prophylactic use of glutamine may reduce the incidence of NEC in preterm infants. Key words: Glutamine; Necrotiziting enterocolitis; Preterm infants
Comparative life cycle assessment of sport utility vehicles with different fuel options

Sport utility vehicles typically have lower fuel economy due to their high curb weights and payload capacities as well as their potential to cause serious environmental impacts. In light of this fact, a life cycle assessment is carried out in this study to assess their cradle-to-grave environmental impacts for life cycle phases ranging from manufacturing to end-of-life recycling. A hybrid economic input-output life cycle assessment (EIO-LCA) method is used in this research paper to estimate the environmental impacts (greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption, and water withdrawal) of sport utility vehicles. This life cycle assessment is also supplemented with a sensitivity analysis, using a Monte Carlo simulation to estimate the possible ranges for total mileage of operation and fuel economy, and to account for the sensitivity of the EIO-LCA output. The operation phase is the major contributor to the overall life cycle impact of sport utility vehicles in each fuel/power category. Furthermore, among the selected vehicles in this study, the battery electric vehicle has the lowest greenhouse gas emissions (77.2 tonnes) and the lowest energy consumption (1046.8 GJ) even though the environmental impact indicators for the battery manufacturing process are significantly large. The plug-in hybrid vehicle, on the other hand, demonstrates an optimal performance between energy use and water withdrawal (1172.9 GJ of energy consumption and 1370 kgal of water withdrawal). In addition, all of the fuel-powered vehicles demonstrated similar environmental performances in terms of greenhouse gas emissions, which ranged between 100 and 110 tonnes, but the hydrogen fuel cell vehicle had a significantly large water withdrawal (2253.2 kgal). Since the majority of the overall impact stems from the operation of the vehicle in question, their complete elimination of tailpipe emissions and their high energy efficiency levels make battery electric vehicles a viable green option for sport utility vehicles. However, there are certain uncertainties beyond the scope of this study that can be considered in future studies to improve upon this assessment, including (but not limited to) regional differences in source of electricity generation and socio-economic impacts.
The Neural Code and Integrative Processes of Taste

Publisher Summary This chapter summarizes current views of coding in the gustatory system. Gustatory afferent input provides at least three types of information that are interrelated in complex ways. How taste intensity, quality, and hedonic value are represented in the nervous system is the problem of gustatory neural coding. Neurobiological research has approached the coding of these three dimensions as separate issues with little attention to how they interrelate. The gustatory system extracts three types of information from chemical stimuli: quality, intensity, and hedonic value. The unique perception of taste quality is the defining feature of this sense. The organization of the gustatory system is largely determined by genetic and developmental factors that configure the system and produce many “hardwired” functions. However, there are also mechanisms allowing experiential and physiologic factors to influence gustatory neural processing and perception. Species-specific predispositions regarding the hedonic value of a stimulus can be overcome via learned preferences or aversions. Taste quality coding, although the coding of intensity and hedonic value are briefly addressed, is dealt with in the chapter.
Increasing the stability of DNA nanostructure templates by atomic layer deposition of Al2O3 and its application in imprinting lithography

We present a method to increase the stability of DNA nanostructure templates through conformal coating with a nanometer-thin protective inorganic oxide layer created using atomic layer deposition (ALD). DNA nanotubes and origami triangles were coated with ca. 2 nm to ca. 20 nm of Al2O3. Nanoscale features of the DNA nanostructures were preserved after the ALD coating and the patterns are resistive to UV/O3 oxidation. The ALD-coated DNA templates were used for a direct pattern transfer to poly(L-lactic acid) films.
Some Probabilistic Aspects of the Boltzmann-Equation

Discussion of the probabilistic nature of the Boltzmann equation centered around the Master Equation approach. Some purely mathematical implications as well as some recent work on adding fluctuating terms to the Boltzmann equation will also be reviewed briefly.
Coexisting Basal Cell Carcinoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Congenital Nevus Sebaceous

Nevus sebaceous is a congenital epidermal hamartoma characterized by hyperplastic changes to the epidermis and adnexa. Nevus sebaceous is associated with an elevated risk of cutaneous neoplasms, most often benign; however, malignant neoplasms, most notably basal cell carcinoma, can also present in these patients. Although a rare occurrence, more often affecting adult patients, squamous cell carcinomas have also been reported to arise at the site of pre-existing nevus sebaceous. Herein we report a unique case of a patient with basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma arising concurrently in the same nevus sebaceous.
Advances and controversies in the classification and grading of pituitary tumors.

Pituitary tumors are common lesions, and they represent the second most frequent primary brain tumor. Their classification has undergone several changes over time. The World Health Organization conducts periodic expert review/consensus meetings and publishes the results as recommendations for changes in classification, based on advances in molecular and genetic advances. This paper summarizes the results of the 2017 WHO Classification, which recommends several important changes. This paper provides a review of the major changes and issues leading to an understanding of the basis for a new pituitary tumor classification. They include the rejection and modification of prior conceptual and pathological characteristics of these neoplasms. There is also considerable concern related to invasive and recurrent pituitary tumors which follow a less benign course than the typical pituitary adenoma. A review of the outcome data for the previously designated “atypical” pituitary tumor category revealed that the former criteria were not adequate to support their ability to predict with accuracy the clinical course of a given tumor. A similar review was accomplished regarding the role of the p53 tumor suppressor mutation. Again, there was no reliable contribution of p53 status to tumor aggressiveness. Other changes have occurred regarding the cytogenetic lineage of the various subtypes of pituitary adenoma. The transcription factors Pit-1, SF-1, and TPit play a major role in determining tumor subtypes and have become part of the classification criteria. These advances now help provide the background for more reliable and consistent classification of pituitary adenomas. Further definition of aggressive characteristics such as cavernous sinus and dural invasion remain to be considered in the quest to make more accurate prognostic projections based on histopathological analysis. The 2017 WHO Classification of Pituitary Tumors provides a more solid basis for accurate and reliable prognostic assessment of these lesions. Further progress undoubtedly will be made as the recommendations of this update are incorporated in to routine use.
The Underrepresentation of women in interscholastic sport leadership: A qualitative study on the effects of role incongruity

The purpose of this study was to investigate the underrepresentation of women in interscholastic sport leadership positions by analyzing perceptions of state association administrators and athletic directors of the function, if any, that role congruity theory plays in the underrepresentation women. Previous research has examined potential causes for this underrepresentation but no previous study had examined this phenomenon from a prejudice toward women in a leadership role perspective. Data were collected through indepth, semi-structured interviews involving nine women leaders in interscholastic athletics. The criteria for participation placed them into one of three categories: (1) participants who were currently working as state association athletic administrators as either an executive director or associate director; (2) participants who were currently working as a high school athletic director in addition to a leadership role in their state athletic directors association; (3) participants who were working in interscholastic athletic administration at the national level. Using role congruity theory as a conceptual framework, the current study sought to give voice to a few select women who have broken the glass ceiling in the hegemonic masculine field of sport. The interview questions focused on the participants' career path, perceptions of the current representation of women in interscholastic athletics, experiences inherent to role congruity, and their perceptions of the function of role congruity theory in the underrepresentation of women in leadership positions in interscholastic sport. The data collected from the interviews were analyzed and five themes emerged: (1) formative career experiences; (2) perceived barriers for advancement; (3) perceptions of role congruity; (4) experiences associated with role congruity; and (5) strategies to overcome prejudice associated with role congruity. All nine of the women interviewed perceived representation of women in interscholastic athletics as a problem that exists at the leadership position as well as other positions in interscholastic sport. The participants described barriers including work-life conflict, self efficacy, and effects of symbolic interactionism that they perceived as factors contributing to the current state of underrepresentation. Eight of the nine participants interviewed believed role congruity plays a part in the underrepresentation of women in interscholastic athletic administration. Based on the lived experiences of the participants the degree of impact varied. The results suggest despite the many advances that have taken place for women, there are still many limitations, based on role congruity theory, that exist in interscholastic sport leadership. Mentoring, networking, and avoiding professional limitations were consistent strategies the participants advised for women to progress into leadership positions. Future research is recommended to continue to study women in interscholastic leadership positions and develop an understanding of what…
Primary photoreceptor degenerations: Terminology

Retinitis pigmentosa is caused by a large number of genetic defects that result in a characteristic pattern of degeneration of the rod and cone photoreceptors and the retinal pigment epithelium.
Prior Median Sternotomy Results in Increased Mortality Following LVAD Implantation

Introduction Patients who have undergone a previous cardiovascular surgery prior to implantation of a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) is extremely common. Limited data are available as to the outcomes of these patients following LVAD implantation. We hypothesized that patients with a history of prior median sternotomy are at an increased risk of mortality following LVAD implantation. Methods All patients who underwent LVAD implantation at the University of Nebraska Medical Center between July 2005 and November 2017 underwent retrospective chart review evaluating for pre-operative risk factors and post-operative outcomes. Patients were censored at the time of heart transplantation and LVAD explantation/defunctionalization. Cox regression models were used to perform univariate and multivariate analyses. Overall survival curve was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared using the log-rank test. Results A total of 309 patients underwent LVAD implantation. The average age was 56.7 years old (12.9), 240 patients (77.7%) were male sex, 163 patients (52.8%) had a history of ischemic cardiomyopathy, and a total of 100 patients (32%) had a history of prior median sternotomy at the time of LVAD implantation. Prior median sternotomy was associated with increased mortality compared to those without prior sternotomy (Figure 1). On multivariate analysis, history of prior median sternotomy remained an independent predictor of mortality with a HR of 2.3 (95%CI 1.41-3.62, p Discussion Patients who have undergone prior median sternotomy have an increased risk of mortality following LVAD implantation. Pre-operative risk factor modification is essential in these patients to try and optimize post-operative outcomes as much as possible.
The Use of Health Information Exchange to Augment Patient Handoff in Long-Term Care: A Systematic Review

Background Legislation aimed at increasing the use of a health information exchange (HIE) in healthcare has excluded long-term care facilities, resulting in a vulnerable patient population that can benefit from the improvement of communication and reduction of waste. Objective The purpose of this review is to provide a framework for future research by identifying themes in the long-term care information technology sector that could function to enable the adoption and use of HIE mechanisms for patient handoff between long-term care facilities and other levels of care to increase communication between providers, shorten length of stay, reduce 60-day readmissions, and increase patient safety. Methods The authors conducted a systematic search of literature through CINAHL, PubMed, and Discovery Services for Texas A&M University Libraries. Search terms used were (“health information exchange” OR “healthcare information exchange” OR “HIE”) AND (“long term care” OR “long-term care” OR “nursing home” OR “nursing facility” OR “skilled nursing facility” OR “SNF” OR “residential care” OR “assisted living”). Articles were eligible for selection if they were published between 2010 and 2017, published in English, and published in academic journals. All articles were reviewed by all reviewers and literature not relevant to the research objective was excluded. Results Researchers selected and reviewed 22 articles for common themes. Results concluded that the largest facilitator and barrier to the adoption of HIE mechanisms is workflow integration/augmentation and the organizational structure/culture, respectively. Other identified facilitator themes were enhanced communication, increased effectiveness of care, and patient safety. The additional barriers were missing/incomplete data, inefficiency, and market conditions. Conclusion The long-term care industry has been left out of incentives from which the industry could have benefited tremendously. Organizations that are not utilizing health information technology mechanisms, such as electronic health records and HIEs, are at a disadvantage as insurers switch to capitated forms of payment that rely on reduced waste to generate a profit.
Glioblastoma-related gene mutations and over-expression of functional epidermal growth factor receptors in SKMG-3 glioma cells

Amplification of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene is found in about 40% of glioblastomas (GBMs) but is rarely detected in GBM cell lines. We confirmed that the exceptional SKMG-3 GBM cell line retained amplified EGFR genes in vitro, and found that these sequences were concentrated on extra-chromosomal DNA particles similar to double-minute chromosomes. The cells contained two other gene mutations that are associated with high-grade astrocytic tumors: extra-chromosomal amplification of the cyclin-dependent kinase-4 (CDK4) gene and a homozygous mutation within the PTEN tumor suppressor gene. Immunoblots revealed very high levels of EGFR, moderately increased expression of CDK4, and no detectable PTEN protein. The over-expressed SKMG-3 EGFRs responded to exogenous ligand and resembled normal rather than mutant receptors. A heterozygous mutation of the p53 gene (p53R282W) correlated with failure of radiation to induce the expression of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21waf1 or an early G1 cell cycle arrest. Although each of these gene mutations occurs in GBMs, SKMG-3 cells had an unusual genotype in that a p53 gene mutation co-existed with amplified EGFR genes. Nonetheless, the SKMG-3 cell line can be exploited as a model to study how oncogenic EGFR signals in GBM cells interact with over-expressed CDK4 and loss of PTEN to confer the malignant phenotype.
Activation of C-H, N-H, and O-H Bonds via Proton-Coupled Electron Transfer to a Mn(III) Complex of Redox-Noninnocent Octaazacyclotetradecadiene, a Catenated-Nitrogen Macrocyclic Ligand

Reaction of 1,3-diazidopropane with an electron-rich Mn(II) precursor results in oxidation of the metal center to a Mn complex with concomitant assembly of the macrocyclic ligand into the 1,2,3,4,8,9,10,11-octaazacyclotetradeca-2,9-diene-1,4,8,11-tetraido (OIM) ligand. Although describable as a Werner Mn(V) complex, analysis by X-ray diffraction, magnetic measurements, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and density functional theory calculations suggest an electronic structure consisting of a Mn(III) metal center with a noninnocent OIM diradical ligand. The resulting complex, (OIM)Mn(NH tBu), reacts via proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) with phenols to form phenoxyl radicals, with dihydroanthracene to form anthracene, and with (2,4-di tert-butyltetrazolium-5-yl)amide to extrude a tetrazyl radical. PCET from the latter generates the isolable corresponding one-electron reduced compound with a neutral, zwitterionic axial 2,4-di tert-butyltetrazolium-5-yl)amido ligand. Electron paramagnetic resonance and density functional theoretical analyses suggest an electronic structure wherein the manganese atom remains Mn(III) and the OIM ligand has been reduced by one electron to a monoradical noninnocent ligand. The result indicates PCET processes whereby the proton is transferred to the axial ligand to extrude tBuNH2, the electron is transferred to the equatorial ligand, and the central metal remains relatively unperturbed.