cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
DC-SIGN Mediates Cell-Free Infection and Transmission of Human T-Cell Lymphotropic Virus Type 1 by Dendritic Cells

Despite the susceptibility of dendritic cells (DCs) to human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) infection and the defined role of these cells in disease pathogenesis, the mechanisms of viral binding to DCs have not been fully delineated. Recently, a glucose transporter, GLUT-1, heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs), and neuropilin-1 (NRP-1) were demonstrated to facilitate HTLV-1 entry into T cells. DCs express their own array of antigen receptors, the most important being the DC-specific intercellular adhesion molecule-3 (ICAM-3)-grabbing nonintegrin (DC-SIGN) with respect to retrovirus binding. Consequently, the role of DC-SIGN and other HTLV-1 attachment factors was analyzed in viral binding, transmission, and productive infection using monocyte-derived DCs (MDDCs), blood myeloid DCs, and B-cell lines expressing DC-SIGN. The relative expression of DC-SIGN, GLUT-1, HSPGs, and NRP-1 first was examined on both DCs and B-cell lines. Although the inhibition of these molecules reduced viral binding, HTLV-1 transmission from DCs to T cells was mediated primarily by DC-SIGN. DC-SIGN also was shown to play a role in the infection of MDDCs as well as model B-cell lines. The HTLV-1 infection of MDDCs also was achieved in blood myeloid DCs following the enhancement of virus-induced interleukin-4 production and subsequent DC-SIGN expression in this cell population. This study represents the first comprehensive analysis of potential HTLV-1 receptors on DCs and strongly suggests that DC-SIGN plays a critical role in HTLV-1 binding, transmission, and infection, thereby providing an attractive target for the development of antiretroviral therapeutics and microbicides.
Evaluation of a social support measure that may indicate risk of depression during pregnancy

Abstract Background Strong social support has been linked with positive mental health and better birth outcomes for pregnant women. Our aim was to replicate the psychometric properties of the Kendler Social Support Interview modified for use in pregnant women and to establish the inventory's relationship to depression in pregnancy. Methods The modified Kendler Social Support Interview (MKSSI) was evaluated using principal components analysis. The association with depression was used as an indicator of external validity and was assessed by logistic regression. Results Data from 783 subjects were analyzed. One large principal component, termed “global support,” (eigenvalue = 6.086) represented 22.5% of the total variance. However, 6 of the 27 items (frequency of contact with spouse, siblings, other relatives, and friends, and attendance at church and clubs) had low levels of association ( Limitations The ability of this social support scale to predict future depression in pregnancy has not yet been established due to cross-sectional design. Conclusion The MKSSI is reliable and valid for use in evaluating social support and its relationship to depression in pregnant women.
Dexamethasone suppression of corticosteroid secretion: evaluation of the site of action by receptor measures and functional studies.

Abstract A dose of dexamethasone was determined in rats (50 μg/kg SC) that suppressed the corticosterone response to restraint stress by 80%. Corticosteroid receptor occupancy estimates found that the 50 μg/kg SC dose of dexamethasone had no significant effect on available glucocorticoid receptor (GR) or mineralococrticoid receptor (MR) binding in brain regions (hypothalamus, hippocampus and cortex); on the other hand dexamethasone produced a selective and significant decrease in available GR in peripheral tissues (pituitary and spleen). Functional studies showed that the 50 μg/kg SC dose of dexamethasone completely blocked the effects of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH; 0.3–3.0 μg/kg IP) on corticosterone secretion, but did not inhibit the corticosterone response to an adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH; 2.5 I.U./kg IP) challenge. These studies indicate that this dose of dexamethasone exerts its inhibitory effects on the HPA axis primarily by acting at GR in the pituitary. The plasma dexamethasone levels produced by this dose of dexamethasone are similar to those present in humans the afternoon after an oral dexamethasone suppression test (DST), a time at which many depressed patients escape from dexamethasone suppression. These results support and extend other studies which suggest that the DST provides a direct test of the effects of increased GR activation in the pituitary on ACTH and cortisol secretion.
ACare: A communication training program for shared decision making along a life-limiting illness

Objective: This article describes an innovative 8-h training program that provides clinicians with the competencies necessary to conduct efficient, effective, and compassionate advance care planning discussions throughout the trajectory of life-limiting illnesses. Method: The Advance Care Training Program ~ACare! include s6ho f group workshops and 2ho fone-on-one faculty–learner interaction. In this article, we describe the ~1! objectives of ACare; ~2! structure, training procedures, and educational rationale of ACare training; and ~3! educational outcome studies in progress. Results: ACare training in various forms has already been provided to over 100 medical professionals ~medical students, medical residents, oncology and geriatric fellows, medical attendings, social workers, and nurses!. Formative outcome data indicate considerable trainee satisfaction. Emerging summative outcome data indicate improved skills. Significance of results: Widespread adoption of the program could increase the frequency and quality of advance care planning discussions between patients with life-limiting illnesses, their health care providers, and families.
Ethnic differences in forearm vasodilator capacity

Previous studies have demonstrated significant ethnic differences in left ventricular structure in both normotensive and hypertensive subjects. To determine if these differences in ventricular geometry are associated with differences in vascular structure, we measured the minimum forearm vascular resistance in 30 healthy young African-American adults and in 30 whites matched for age, gender, and blood pressure. Average daytime blood pressure was determined by ambulatory monitoring during a typical work day. Minimum forearm vascular resistance was measured by plethysmography after 10 minutes of forearm ischemia. Indexed left ventricular mass and relative wall thickness were measured by 2-dimensional-directed M-mode echocardiography. The mean (+/-SD) ambulatory pressure was 126 +/- 11/79 +/- 8 mm Hg in African-Americans and 126 +/- 11/79 +/- 7 mm Hg in whites. The 2 groups were similar in body mass index and in family history of hypertension. African-Americans had a higher minimum forearm vascular resistance than did whites (2.39 +/- 0.75 vs 2.03 +/- 0.55 mm Hg, p <0.05). There was a trend toward a greater left ventricular relative wall thickness in African-Americans (0.38 +/- 0.07 vs 0.35 +/- 0.06, p=0.09). These results suggest that early vascular remodeling is present in African-Americans who do not have established hypertension, and that this ethnic difference in vascular structure is associated with a difference in ventricular geometry.
Nuclear Radiation Detectors

Nuclear radiation detectors are required in all the major fields of nuclear science and technology. They fall into two principal categories, single element detectors and imaging detectors. Single element detectors can be classified into four types, based upon their physical mode of operation. These are 1) Scintillation counters, 2) Gas ionization detectors, a) Ionization chambers, b) Proportional counters, c) Geiger-Mueller counters, 3) Semiconductor detectors, and 4) Chemical detectors. The limitations of these detectors are discussed in terms of sensitivity, energy resolution, speed, and ability to discriminate against background radiations. This gives some indication of the directions along which future developments must proceed. Imaging detectors include both area imaging, such as radioautography and scintillation counter scanning, and track imaging. The various techniques of track imaging from the Wilson cloud chamber and bubble chamber through scintillation track imaging and spark chambers are discussed.
Critical behaviour and vapour-liquid coexistence of 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)amide ionic liquids via Monte Carlo simulations

Atomistic Monte Carlo simulations are used to compute vapour–liquid coexistence properties of a homologous series of [Cnmim][NTf2] ionic liquids, with n = 1, 2, 4, 6. Estimates of the critical temperatures range from 1190 K to 1257 K, with longer cation alkyl chains serving to lower the critical temperature. Other quantities such as critical density, critical pressure, normal boiling point, and accentric factor are determined from the simulations. Vapour pressure curves and the temperature dependence of the enthalpy of vapourisation are computed and found to have a weak dependence on the length of the cation alkyl chain. The ions in the vapour phase are predominately in single ion pairs, although a significant number of ions are found in neutral clusters of larger sizes as temperature is increased. It is found that previous estimates of the critical point obtained from extrapolating experimental surface tension data agree reasonably well with the predictions obtained here, but group contribution methods and primitive models of ionic liquids do not capture many of the trends observed in the present study
Arrays of Addressable Microcavity Plasma Devices

Addressable microcavity plasma devices with two- or three-electrode, dielectric barrier designs have been fabricated in 20 times 20 or 50 times 50 device arrays in Si(100) and characterized in the rare gases. Each device comprises a metal/Si electrode structure, a dielectric stack, and an inverted square pyramid microcavity having an emitting aperture of 50times50 mum2 or 100times100 mum2. Arrays with filling factors of 11% and 25% [for (100 mum)2 and (50 mum)2 device arrays, respectively] and a crossed electrode (passive matrix) geometry exhibit operating voltages in Ne of ~220-300 V (RMS) when driven by a 20-kHz sinusoidal driving voltage. Displacement currents are ~50% of those for previous Si microplasma device arrays, and when exciting the array with 100-140-V pulses, the rise time of the wavelength-integrated fluorescence is observed to be < 600 ns for pure Ne or Ne/5%Xe gas mixtures at a pressure of 700 torr. A full address and sustain pulse sequence has also been demonstrated with a symmetrical three-electrode device structure
“Anywhere Augmentation”: Towards Mobile Augmented Reality in Unprepared Environments

We introduce the term “Anywhere Augmentation” to refer to the idea of linking location-specific computing services with the physical world, making them readily and directly available in any situation and location. This chapter presents a novel approach to “Anywhere Augmentation” based on efficient human input for wearable computing and augmented reality (AR). Current mobile and wearable computing technologies, as found in many industrial and governmental service applications, do not routinely integrate the services they provide with the physical world. Major limitations in the computer’s general scene understanding abilities and the infeasibility of instrumenting the whole globe with a unified sensing and computing environment prevent progress in this area. Alternative approaches must be considered.
You Can Make a Difference: Increasing Breasifeeding Rates in an Inner-City Clinic

Breastfeeding is endorsed in the United States as the ideal infant feeding method, but initiation rates are far behind U.S. national goals, and are generally lower in poorer socioeconomic groups. The goal of the project described was to increase breastfeeding rates in an inner-city clinic. The intervention consisted of prenatal breastfeeding education for all pregnant women, postpartum gift packs, and support groups. During the study, the breastfeeding initiation rate rose from 36% to 66% (p<0.05) and the proportion still breastfeeding at 2 weeks postpartum increased from 35% to 57% (p<O.O5). The cost of the project was minimal. The biggest expense was the discharge packets. We conclude that relatively inexpensive interventions can have a significant impact on breastfeeding initiation, even in a population at high risk of not breastfeeding.
Telephone assessment of depression severity.

Abstract This report describes the adaptation of three common measures of depression severity, the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-III-R, and selected items of the Symptom Checklist-90 for follow-up assessment by telephone. In a sample of 30 patients beginning antidepressant treatment, telephone and in-person assessment of current symtom severity produced nearly identical results for all three instruments.
Establishing primordia in the Drosophila eye-antennal imaginal disc: the roles of decapentaplegic, wingless and hedgehog

The eye-antennal imaginal discs of Drosophila melanogaster form the head capsule of the adult fly. Unlike the limb primordia, each eye-antennal disc gives rise to morphologically and functionally distinct structures. As a result, these discs provide an excellent model system for determining how the fates of primordia are specified during development. In this study, we investigated how the adjacent primordia of the compound eye and dorsal head vertex are specified. We show that the genes wingless (wg) and orthodenticle (otd) are expressed throughout the entire second instar eye-antennal disc, conferring a default fate of dorsal vertex cuticle. Activation of decapentaplegic (dpp) expression in the posterior eye disc eliminates wg and otd expression, thereby permitting eye differentiation. We also demonstrate that otd is activated by wg in the vertex primordium. Finally, we show that early activation of dpp depends on hedgehog (hh) expression in the eye anlage prior to morphogenetic furrow formation.
The Development of Fluorescence Microscopy

The fluorescence microscope (wide-field, scanning, confocal, one-photon excitation, multiphoton excitation) is an extremely useful and ubiquitous instrument in biological and medical laboratories. The fluorescence microscope provides enhanced contrast, single protein specificity and single molecule sensitivity. Progress in the technical development over more than 100 years of instrument design and fluorescent probe synthesis has contributed to the continuing widespread utility of the fluorescence microscope. Modern advances in instrumentation include the use of continuous wave and pulsed laser light sources, dichroic filters, photomultipliers, avalanche photodetectors and charge-coupled device detectors. The invention of the two-photon excitation microscope provides for microscopic imaging of live cells and whole organisms. The development of specific dyes, physiological probes and molecular probes (intrinsic and extrinsic) stimulated the widespread use of fluorescence microscopy in the life sciences. Recently, genetically expressedfluorescentproteinsandquantumdotsprovide new research capabilities for the intravital fluorescence microscope.
Cytokines and glucocorticoids differentially regulate APN/CD13 and DPPIV/CD26 enzyme activities in cultured human dermal fibroblasts

Cultured human dermal fibroblasts coexpress two cell surface ectopeptidases, aminopeptidase N (APN/CD13) and dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPPIV/CD26). These enzymes catalyze the removal of a single amino acid or a dipeptide from the N-termini of oligopeptides, respectively. They are also localized in a differential pattern in normal, non-sun-exposed, adult skin, a finding that supports the supposition that these enzymes might have different functions in the skin, but relatively little is known about their functions in the skin. A better understanding of how the activities of these enzymes are regulated should increase our understanding of their functions in the skin. APN/CD13 was routinely expressed at higher levels on cultured fibroblasts than was DPPIV/CD26. Treatment of cultured fibroblasts with specific factors differentially modulated the activities of these enzymes. APN/CD13 was significantly upregulated by treatment with interleukin-4 (IL-4), interferon γ (IFNγ), and the glucocorticoids dexamethasone and hydrocortisone. In contrast, the regulation of DPPIV/CD26 activity was found to be different and more complex. This enzyme was consistently upregulated by IL-1α and IL-1β, but consistently downregulated by glucocorticoids, tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) and transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1). Thus, although these two enzymes are expressed on the same populations of cultured cells, their activities are differentially regulated. This finding, along with their differential distribution in normal skin, suggests that APN/CD13 and DPPIV/CD26 have different functions in the skin.
Reduced Oxidant Stress and Extended Lifespan in Mice Exposed to a Low Glycotoxin Diet : Association with Increased AGER1 Expression

Aging is accompanied by increased oxidative stress (OS) and accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). AGE formation in food is temperature-regulated, and ingestion of nutrients prepared with excess heat promotes AGE formation, OS, and cardiovascular disease in mice. We hypothesized that sustained exposure to the high levels of pro-oxidant AGEs in normal diets (RegAGE) contributes to aging via an increased AGE load, which causes AGER1 dysregulation and depletion of anti-oxidant capacity, and that an isocaloric, but AGE-restricted (by 50%) diet (LowAGE), would decrease these abnormalities. C57BL6 male mice with a life-long exposure to a LowAGE diet had higher than baseline levels of tissue AGER1 and glutathione/oxidized glutathione and reduced plasma 8-isoprostanes and tissue RAGE and p66shc levels compared with mice pair-fed the regular (RegAGE) diet. This was associated with a reduction in systemic AGE accumulation and amelioration of insulin resistance, albuminuria, and glomerulosclerosis. Moreover, lifespan was extended in LowAGE mice, compared with RegAGE mice. Thus, OS-dependent metabolic and end organ dysfunction of aging may result from life-long exposure to high levels of glycoxidants that exceed AGER1 and anti-oxidant reserve capacity. A reduced AGE diet preserved these innate defenses, resulting in decreased tissue damage and a longer lifespan in mice.
Restriction fragment length polymorphisms in plant breeding and genetics

The usefulness of restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) in plant breeding and genetics is discussed, with particular emphasis on tagging genes, map-based cloning, the assessment of genetic variability and distances, and comparative genome mapping.The Department of Plant Breeding and Biometry has currently established tight linkages between RFLPs and more than 20 genes of economic importance. Approximately half of these genes confer resistance to major pathogens including nematodes, bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Other genes tagged are involved in various aspects of crop quality.Locating genes with respect to DNA markers on an RFLP map provides a starting point for cloning the genes by chromosome walking. This strategy is currently being pursued for three disease-resistance genes that have been placed on the tomato RFLP map; Pto (resistance to Pseudomonas syringae), Mi (resistance to root-knot nemotodes) and Tm2a (resistance to tobacco mosaic virus). Further discussion will include the construction of a yeast artificial chromosome library and the collection of additional DNA markers in the regions of interest through RAPD analysis of nearly isogenic lines.The assessment of genetic variability and fingerprinting varieties based on RFLP data will be briefly discussed.Comparative genome mapping in the family Solanaceae has allowed the relationships among tomato, potato, and pepper to be unravelled. Tomato and potato share a near perfect conservation of gene order throughout their genomes. In contrast, while pepper shares most of its single copy DNA with tomato and potato, the order of these markers is highly rearranged compared with the other two species.
Usability of the Self‐Mini Nutritional Assessment® among Older Adults Receiving Home‐delivered Meals in Texas

Self-screening tools for nutritional risk may be used to encourage older adults at risk of malnutrition to seek out preventive care. A recently available nutritional risk self-screening tool, the Self-Mini Nutritional Assessment® (Self-MNA®), had not been tested among diverse groups of older adults. The initial goal of this study was to compare results of the Self-MNA® to those of the Mini Nutritional Assessment®-Short Form among a sample of homebound older adults who were newly enrolled in a Meals on Wheels program. Results suggest that the Self-MNA® screening tool was not practical for this sample, as evidenced by low rates of completion. Fewer than 80% completed the front of the form on the first attempt, and only 40% recorded a final screening score on the back of the form. The screening score is needed for successful utilization of the Self-MNA®. To increase usability of the Self-MNA® among older adults, it may be necessary to modify instructions and formatting to improve clarity.
High-Dose, Single-Fraction Irradiation Rapidly Reduces Tumor Vasculature and Perfusion in a Xenograft Model of Neuroblastoma.

Purpose To characterize the effects of high-dose radiation therapy (HDRT) on neuroblastoma tumor vasculature, including the endothelial cell (EC)–pericyte interaction as a potential target for combined treatment with antiangiogenic agents. Methods and Materials The vascular effects of radiation therapy were examined in a xenograft model of high-risk neuroblastoma. In vivo 3-dimensional contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (3D-CEUS) imaging and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were performed. Results HDRT significantly reduced tumor blood volume 6 hours after irradiation compared with the lower doses used in conventionally fractionated radiation. There was a 63% decrease in tumor blood volume after 12-Gy radiation compared with a 24% decrease after 2 Gy. Analysis of tumor vasculature by lectin angiography showed a significant loss of small vessel ends at 6 hours. IHC revealed a significant loss of ECs at 6 and 72 hours after HDRT, with an accompanying loss of immature and mature pericytes at 72 hours. Conclusions HDRT affects tumor vasculature in a manner not observed at lower doses. The main observation was an early reduction in tumor perfusion resulting from a reduction of small vessel ends with a corresponding loss of endothelial cells and pericytes.
Synthesis of Fe2O3/TiO2 nanorod–nanotube arrays by filling TiO2 nanotubes with Fe

Synthesis of hematite (α-Fe(2)O(3)) nanostructures on a titania (TiO(2)) nanotubular template is carried out using a pulsed electrodeposition technique. The TiO(2) nanotubes are prepared by the sonoelectrochemical anodization method and are filled with iron (Fe) by pulsed electrodeposition. The Fe/TiO(2) composite is then annealed in an O(2) atmosphere to convert it to Fe(2)O(3)/TiO(2) nanorod-nanotube arrays. The length of the Fe(2)O(3) inside the TiO(2) nanotubes can be tuned from 50 to 550 nm by changing the deposition time. The composite material is characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and diffuse reflectance ultraviolet-visible studies to confirm the formation of one-dimensional Fe(2)O(3)/TiO(2) nanorod-nanotube arrays. The present approach can be used for designing variable one-dimensional metal oxide heterostructures.
Single-particle distribution in the hydrodynamic and statistical thermodynamic models of multiparticle production

We find that the single-particle distribution $\frac{\mathrm{EdN}}{{d}^{3}p}$ for an expanding relativistic gas described by a distribution function obeying the Boltzmann transport equation is not of the form of an integral over collective motions of a velocity weight function times a "Lorentz-transformed" rest-frame distribution function. This casts doubt on the algorithms of Milekhin and Hagedorn for determining the single-particle distribution function in their models of particle production. For the hydrodynamic model, the correct algorithm is presented.
Speed-sensorless vector control of surface-mounted PMS motor based on modified interacting multiple-model EKF

This paper proposed Interacting Multiple Model EKF (IMM-EKF) for estimating the angular speed and rotor position of surface-mounted PMS motor in presence of wide range of process and measurement noises. In this algorithm, four IMM-EKF groups are built based on different noise levels. Appropriate model is selected by a switch function, which get good performance at stable state and robust ability. By this method, on-line and accurate speed and position estimation could be performed to implement sensorless vector control. The simulation results validate the accuracy, stability and robustness of proposed scheme in noisy condition.
Auctions as a Threat to American Business in the Eighteen Twenties and Thirties

In the history of business one finds a universal inclination to oppose new techniques which threaten to undermine established enterprise. Today this tendency is seen in the United States in the fight against chain stores and mail-order houses; a hundred years ago the new auction system of wholesaling was under fire.
Invasive vs conservative management of non-Q-wave myocardial infarction.

In the Veterans Affairs Non-Q-Wave Infarction Strategies in Hospital (VANQWISH) trial, most patients with non-Q-wave myocardial infarction (MI) fared no better with early invasive management (i.e., diagnostic angiography within 2 to 3 days, followed by revascularization if indicated) than with a more conservative approach (i.e., radionuclide ventriculography and thallium stress testing as initial diagnostic tests). These results should not be construed to diminish the value of early diagnostic angiography, which in patients with non-Q-wave MI provides essential information for determining the need, timing, and method of revascularization. Until more information is available that incorporates contemporary practices and outcomes in patients with non-Q-wave MI, early coronary angiography should remain an acceptable method of risk stratification and should be followed by appropriate medical therapy or revascularization.
Risk factors of smoking among health care professionals.

Background: Health care professionals (HCPs) play a vital role at various levels of smoking cessation programs to reduce tobacco use in general populations. However, their smoking habits may limit ...
Advancing Student Learning of Design for Additive Manufacturing Principles Through an Extracurricular Vehicle Design Competition

A lack of knowledge of how to design products specifically for Additive Manufacturing (AM, also referred to as “3D Printing”) is often viewed as a barrier to industrial adoption of the technology. To advance the AM workforce, the author hosted a 10-week university-wide extracurricular competition that challenged students to design, build, and operate remotely piloted ground and air vehicles made entirely via AM and a standardized electronics kit. The context of the competition was guided by the Department of Defense’s shared vision for forward deployment of AM systems to provide agile on-site part production and reduction of supply chain complexity. The competition vehicles were designed to allow future deployed military or civilian engineers to fabricate remotely-piloted vehicles while in battlefield or austere environmental conditions, such as the site of a natural disaster to search for survivors or to carry out reconnaissance missions. The competition served as unique informal learning environment that engaged over 200 students in the emerging principles of “design for Additive Manufacturing” (DfAM). In this paper, the author presents an overview of the competition structure, and the results of preliminary assessment of the students’ gains in design learning.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Early warning of quality safety for primary agricultural products in Liaoning

Objective:To establish monitoring system of the contaminants for the primary agricultural products and the early warning platform of the food risks.Methods:By way of continuous monitoring,we know the kands and levels of the contaminants in the primary agricultural products and establish a basic database of the primary contaminants about the primary agricultural products.We can research the morbidity and change trends of foodborne illness by chemical continuous.Meanwhile,we send them to the decision-making body.Results:Promoting the capability of the early warning to the important food contamination events,reduce and avoid the morbidity of foodborne illness is important.
Building an Alliance for Biotechnology in Africa

Scholars and activists working from within a political economy perspective often fail to explore the distinct motives, interests and behaviours of powerful actors who appear to be working ‘as one’ on a common agenda. Such is the case in recent analyses of efforts to promote the use of biotechnology in Africa. While the critical literature largely focuses on the attempt to create what Peter Newell calls ‘bio-hegemony’, the present paper explores the diverse interests and tensions that have to be worked out in order to build such pro-biotechnology coalitions. I analyse the formation of an organization called the African Agricultural Technology Foundation to show how differences between two major pro-biotech actors – the Rockefeller Foundation and the agricultural biotechnology industry – were negotiated, so that these actors could work together towards the goal of getting GM technologies used and accepted in Africa. In the process, I reveal the inward projection of power that occurred as the biotech companies effectively determined the structure and terms of this alliance.
Whole Field Measurements on an Excited Premixed Flame Using On-Line PIV

A novel shear layer control technique used to enhance the mixing of heated jets has been the subject of study in our laboratory (Strykowski et al., 1993; 1996). The technique is based on the self excitation of a countercurrent shear layer which is established by the introduction of a reverse flow around the perimeter of an axisymmetric or rectangular jet. Because of its effectiveness, it is suggested that such an active shear layer control technique may also enhance the combustion processes in jet flames. To evaluate this hypothesis, an ON-LINE PIV system is used to characterize the velocity field, in both the cold reactant flow and the hot post-flame regions, of an excited, premixed jet flame issuing from a modified round nozzle burner.
Accuracy of name and age data provided about network members in a social network study of people who use drugs: implications for constructing sociometric networks.

Abstract Purpose Network analysis has become increasingly popular in epidemiologic research, but the accuracy of data key to constructing risk networks is largely unknown. Using network data from people who use drugs (PWUDs), the study examined how accurately PWUD reported their network members' (i.e., alters') names and ages. Methods Data were collected from 2008 to 2010 from 503 PWUD residing in rural Appalachia. Network ties (n = 897) involved recent (past 6 months) sex, drug cousage, and/or social support. Participants provided alters' names, ages, and relationship-level characteristics; these data were cross-referenced to that of other participants to identify participant-participant relationships and to determine the accuracy of reported ages (years) and names (binary). Results Participants gave alters' exact names and ages within two years in 75% and 79% of relationships, respectively. Accurate name was more common in relationships that were reciprocally reported and those involving social support and male alters. Age was more accurate in reciprocal ties and those characterized by kinship, sexual partnership, recruitment referral, and financial support, and less accurate for ties with older alters. Conclusions Most participants reported alters' characteristics accurately, and name accuracy was not significantly different in relationships involving drug-related and/or sexual behavior compared to those not involving these behaviors.
The complex role of NRF2 in cancer: A genomic view

Abstract Heterotrophs are regularly exposed to harmful xenobiotics from their diet and from environmental exposure. As such, systems to counteract the negative consequences brought on by this exposure have evolved since the dawn of heterotrophic nutrition. In mammalian cells, the CNC transcription factor, NRF2, plays a crucial role in counteracting the harmful effects of xenobiotics exposure. In response to increased electrophilic and oxidative stresses, NRF2 upregulates a wide array of target genes involved in various cellular processes to restore cellular homeostasis. Consequently, NRF2 activation is traditionally regarded as cancer preventative and cytoprotective. However, recent cancer genome sequencing efforts have uncovered a significant overrepresentation of somatic mutations that drive a sustained NRF2 activation phenotype in cancer. These mutations share similar features to somatic mutations in tumor suppressors and oncogenes, indicating that NRF2 activation is positively selected for during tumor growth. Additionally, genome wide determination of NRF2 target genes identified new target genes involved in proliferation and differentiation, metabolism, apoptosis, and DNA damage repair. NRF2 activation in cancer cells has also been correlated with chemo- and radio- therapy resistance and an overall poorer patient prognosis. Taken together, these characteristics of NRF2 function have established a need to better understand the full scope of the NRF2 regulatory network. In this review we discuss recent discoveries in the NRF2 field that were enabled by advances in genomic and computational biology methods and outline possible future endeavors.
The Most Predictive Energy Search Terms

Internet search activity data has been widely used as an instrument to approximate trader attention in different markets. This method has proven effective in predicting market indices in the short-term. However, little attention has been paid to comparing various search keywords and finding the most effective terms representing attention in different markets. This study attempts to build the best practically possible proxy for attention in the market for major energy commodities using Google search data. Specifically, first we confirm that Google search activity for energy-related keywords are significant predictors of energy price volatility. We show that search trends data have incremental predictive power beyond the conventional GARCH models. Next, starting with a set of ninety terms used in the energy sector, the study uses a multistage filtering process to create combinations of keywords that best predict the volatility of crude oil (Brent and West Texas Intermediate), conventional gasoline (New York Harbor and US Gulf Coast), Heating Oil (New York Harbor), and natural gas prices. For each commodity, combinations that enhance GARCH most effectively are established as proxies of attention. The results indicate investor attention is widely reflected in internet search activities. The results also demonstrate search data for what keywords best reveal the direction of concern and attention in energy markets.
Stuck! The Law and Economics of Residential Stability

America has become a nation of homebodies. Rates of inter-state mobility, by most estimates, have been falling for decades. Even research that does not find a general decline finds that inter-state mobility rates are low among disadvantaged groups and are not increasing despite a growing connection between moving and economic opportunity. Perhaps more important than changes in overall mobility rates are declines in mobility in situations and places where it is particularly important. People are not leaving areas hit by economic crises, with unemployment rates and low wages lingering in these areas for decades. And people are not moving to rich regions where the highest wages are available. This Article advances two central claims. First, declining inter-state mobility rates create problems for federal macroeconomic policy-making. Low rates of inter-state mobility make it harder for the Federal Reserve to meet both sides of its “dual mandate” of stable prices and maximum employment; impair the efficacy and affordability of federal safety net programs that rely on state and local participation; and reduce both levels of wealth and rates of growth by inhibiting agglomeration economies. While determining an optimal rate of inter-state mobility is difficult, policies that unnaturally inhibit inter-state moves worsen national economic problems.Second, the Article argues that governments, mostly at the state and local levels, have created a huge number of legal barriers to inter-state mobility. Land-use laws and occupational licensing regimes limit entry into local and state labor markets; differing eligibility standards for public benefits, public employee pension policies, homeownership subsidies, state and local tax regimes, and even basic property law rules reduce exit from states and cities with less opportunity; and building codes, mobile home bans, federal location-based subsidies, legal constraints on knocking down houses and the problematic structure of Chapter 9 municipal bankruptcy all limit the capacity of failing cities to “shrink” gracefully, directly reducing exit among some populations and increasing the economic and social costs of entry limits elsewhere. Put together, the Article shows that big questions of macroeconomic policy and performance turn on the content of state and local policies usually analyzed using microeconomic tools. Many of the legal barriers to inter-state mobility emerged or became stricter during the period in which inter-state mobility declined. While assigning causality is difficult, public policies developed by state and local governments more interested in local population stability than in ensuring successful macroeconomic conditions either generated or did not push back against falling mobility rates. The Article concludes by suggesting ways the federal government could address falling mobility rates.
Stability of Dexmedetomidine in 0.9% Sodium Chloride in Two Types of Intravenous Infusion Bags.

Dexmedetomidine is a frequently used sedative in the critical care setting. It is commercially available as a 4-mg/mL premixed compound or as 200-mcg/2-mL vials that must be further diluted prior to administration. However, limited data exist regarding the stability of dexmedetomidine admixtures compounded from the 200-mcg/2-mL vials, particularly for durations greater than 48 hours. Therefore, we performed stability testing on compounded dexmedetomidine prepared in two types of intravenous infusion bags for 14 days. Dexmedetomidine is available as 200-mcg/2-mL vials for dilution, 80-mcg/20-mL single-dose vials, and as 200-mcg/50-mL and 400-mcg/100-mL glass bottles. The stability of dexmedetomidine admixtures has previously been tested for 48 hours. The purpose of this analysis was to test the stability of dexmedetomidine admixtures for 14 days. Six dexmedetomidine admixtures of 200 mcg/50 mL were compounded in polyvinyl chloride and non-polyvinyl chloride bags, three of which were stored under refrigeration and three of which were kept at room temperature. High-performance liquid chromatography testing was performed to determine the concentration at Days 1 through 14. Stability was determined by taking the mean concentration of samples taken from each bag. All samples were tested in duplicate. A sample was considered stable if the concentration was greater than 90% of the original concentration. All samples retained over 90% of the drug under their respective storage conditions for the duration of the study. At time 0, the concentration of dexmedetomidine was between 3.99 mcg/mL and 4.01 mcg/mL. On Day 14, the mean concentration was between 95.8% and 98.9%, depending on the bag type and storage condition. The pH remained between 4.7 and 5.8 during the study period as has previously been reported in the literature. Dexmedetomidine admixtures of 200 mcg/50 mL were stable in both polyvinyl chloride bags and non-polyvinyl chloride bags for 14 days under refrigeration and 48 hours at room temperature. This represents the longest time allowable under United States Pharmacopeia Chapter without the need for sterility testing.
Modeling a new electrical generator utilizing waste heat and magnetic susceptibility

This study involves a modeling of an active linear generator that utilizes waste heat to produce electrical energy by means of electromagnetic induction. The system utilizes Gadolinium (Gd) as an active heat carrier, as well as to cause the change of the magnetic flux in the vicinity of a coil. Gd has been chosen because of its Curie temperature (Tc) and its unique properties near this point where the magnetic and thermal properties change. This system works when there is an enough temperature difference between two surfaces where Gd works to gain the heat from the high level and dissipates it to low level. The Gd movement up and down is caused by magnetic and gravitational forces after a change in its temperature. COMSOL Multiphysics 5.2a software is used in this study to find the simulation results. Results are focused on two axes, the first one is what is the voltage generated in the coil due to Gd movement and the other is how much heat is dissipated by that movement. Voltage induction and heat transfer are achieved in this study through simulation results. This technique is suitable for many applications where heat dissipation improves performance such as engines, electronic devices etc.
The effects of specialized treatment on the recidivism of juvenile sex offenders: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Specialized treatment programs for juvenile sex offenders (JSOs) are commonly used in juvenile justice systems. Despite their popularity, the evidence base for the effectiveness of these specialized programs is limited in both scope and quality. This systematic review and meta-analysis updates previous meta-analyses while focusing on studies of relatively high methodological quality. A vigorous literature search guided by explicit inclusion criteria was conducted. Descriptive and statistical information for each eligible study was coded independently by two coders and disagreements resolved by consensus. Odds ratio effect sizes were computed for sexual recidivism and general recidivism outcomes. Mean effect sizes and their heterogeneity were examined with both fixed and random effects meta-analysis. Only eight eligible studies were located, seven of which were quasi-experiments. The mean effect size for the seven studies reporting sexual recidivism favored treatment but was not statistically significant (OR = 0.74, 95% CI 0.40, 1.36). The mean effect size for general recidivism was significant and also favored treatment (OR = 0.58, 95% CI 0.42, 0.81). Remarkably little methodologically credible research has been conducted on specialized programs for JSOs despite their prevalence. The best available evidence does not support a confident conclusion that they are more effective for reducing sexual recidivism than general treatment as usual in juvenile justice systems. Future research should not only use randomized designs but should also distinguish generalist offenders who are at low risk of sexual recidivism from specialist offenders who are at higher risk of committing future sexual offenses.
Sustainability of integrated energy systems: A performance-based resilience assessment methodology

Abstract One of the key elements of any community or facility is the integrated energy system (IES) which consists of utility power plants, distributed generation systems, and building heating and cooling systems. Assessing the sustainability of an IES would be of great value to decision-making relevant to design, future growth planning, and operation of such systems. This paper addresses one of the basic issues in this regard, i.e. resilience assessment and quantification of IES. A new performance-based method for characterizing and assessing resilience of multi-functional demand-side engineered systems is proposed in this study. Through modeling of system response to potential internal and external failures (called failure modes) during different operational temporal periods (such as different diurnal and seasonal periods of the year), the proposed methodology quantifies resilience of the system based upon loss in the services which the system is designed to deliver. A three-dimensional matrix, called Loss Matrix, is introduced whose elements represent the undelivered system services under different scenarios, i.e. combinations of failure modes and different operational temporal periods. Assigning monetary penalty costs to such losses and including them in the objective function of an optimization model of the entire system allows the three-dimension loss matrix to be reframed into a two-dimensional Consequence Matrix where individual elements represent the imposed penalty costs to the system stakeholders due to undelivered services and/or non-optimal system performance. Normalizing the individual elements results in the Resilience Matrix of the system for different scenarios. The developed methodology is illustrated for IES of a large office building serves to satisfy critical and noncritical electrical, heating, and cooling loads. The resilience assessment framework proposed in this paper would serve as a mean to identify critical components of a particular IES, thereby facilitating resilient design and operation, and also to evaluate cost-effective resilience enhancement strategies.
Stem Cells in the Skin

In the skin, several distinct stem cell populations have been shown to exist in different compartments. The more extensively studied epidermal stem cells consist of hair follicle bulge epithelial stem cells and, distinct populations of stem cells in the interfollicular epidermis and sebaceous glands. More recently, mesenchymal stem cells have also been identified in the dermis and adipose tissue. The self-renewal capacity of these populations of stem cells in conjunction with their ability to undergo multi-lineage differentiation is being exploited therapeutically for tissue repair, regenerative medicine, and stem cell transplantation.
Activation of Toll like receptor-4 induces MMP-9 in cardiomyocytes during hyperhomocysteinemia.

Clinical and experimental settings suggested hyperhomocysteine (HHcy) as a graded and independent risk factor for cardiac dysfunction. Substantial evidences support the critical role played by MMP-...
Population and Community Interactions

The law of mass conservation constrains the dynamics of interacting populations. These stoichiometric constraints facilitate and provide a unified framework for theoretical studies of species interactions such as competition for resources, allelopathy, commensalism, mutualism, and predation. In theory, stoichiometry affects conditions for the coexistence and stability of interacting populations, and generates predictions of population persistence in relation to nutrient supplies in a habitat. Experimental studies support many predictions of stoichiometric theory as applied to interacting populations. Stoichiometric signatures are also predicted for the assembly of diverse communities. Ecological stoichiometry provides important insights into the biological mechanisms behind population persistence and community diversity.