cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Short-Chain Fatty Acids Alter Metabolic and Virulence Attributes of Borrelia burgdorferi.

Borrelia burgdorferi responds to a variety of host-derived factors and appropriately alters its gene expression for adaptation under different host-specific conditions. We previously showed that various levels of acetate, a short-chain fatty acid (SCFA), altered the protein profile of B. burgdorferi In this study, we determined the effects of other physiologically relevant SCFAs in the regulation of metabolic/virulence-associated proteins using mutant borrelial strains. No apparent increase in the synthesis of outer surface protein C (OspC) was noted when a carbon storage regulator A (csrA of B. burgdorferi, or csrABb ) mutant (mt) was propagated within dialysis membrane chambers implanted within rat peritoneal cavity, while the parental wild type (wt; B31-A3 strain) and csrABb cis-complemented strain (ct) had increased OspC with a reciprocal reduction in OspA levels. Growth rates of wt, mt, ct, 7D (csrABb mutant lacking 7 amino acids at the C terminus), and 8S (csrABb with site-specific changes altering its RNA-binding properties) borrelial strains were similar in the presence of acetate. Increased levels of propionate and butyrate reduced the growth rates of all strains tested, with mt and 8S exhibiting profound growth deficits at higher concentrations of propionate. Transcriptional levels of rpoS and ospC were elevated on supplementation of SCFAs compared to those of untreated spirochetes. Immunoblot analysis revealed elevated levels of RpoS, OspC, and DbpA with increased levels of SCFAs. Physiological levels of SCFAs prevalent in select human and rodent fluids were synergistic with mammalian host temperature and pH to increase the levels of aforementioned proteins, which could impact the colonization of B. burgdorferi during the mammalian phase of infection.
Helicopter routing for maintaining remote sites in Alaska using a genetic algorithm

The Department of Fish and Game keeps observational sites in remote locations for such purposes as counting fish, measuring weather, and various research projects. In Alaska, fishing and natural tourism are vital to the economy of the state, making these measurements all the more important. However, due to large geographic spread with little transportation infrastructure (none, between many villages), helicopters must be used to visit these sites. It is extremely expensive, primarily in fuel costs, to fly helicopters all over the state, so optimal or near-optimal routing of these helicopters is paramount. Currently, the “by-eye” technique is used, in which a route is chosen that simply looks like it would have the lowest total distance.
Global Restructuring, Knowledge and Learning

The influence of globalization on international competitiveness is considered in the article. Two strategies of economic growth are pointed out: the low road, that is producing more at lower cost and lower wages, with increasingly intensive exploitation of labor and environment, and the high road, that is upgrading capabilities in order to produce better basing on knowledge. Restrictions for developing countries trying to reach global competitiveness are formulated. Special attention is paid to the concept of upgrading and opportunities of joining transnational value chains. The importance of learning and forming social and political institutions for successful upgrading of the economy is stressed.
Spatial Analyses of the Impact of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families on Child Neglect Caseloads During the Great Recession

AbstractLoss of market income to families is recognized as a major risk factor of child neglect. In the 2008 recession, some poor families replaced their market incomes with cash assistance from Te...
Emerging role of SIRT3 in endothelial metabolism, angiogenesis, and cardiovascular disease

Sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) a mitochondrial enzyme that plays an important role in energy homeostasis, cardiac remodeling, and heart failure (HF). The expression of SIRT3 declines with advanced age, cardiovascular, and metabolic diseases. Accumulating evidence suggests that SIRT3 plays a critical role in protecting the heart from cardiac hypertrophy, cardiac dysfunction associated with HF, and in the protection of cardiac cells from stress-mediated cell death. Clinical studies have demonstrated that HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) in patients present with abnormalities in coronary microcirculation related to endothelial dysfunction and coronary microvascular rarefaction. Although SIRT3-mediated regulation of mitochondrial homeostasis and heart function has been intensively investigated, the effect of SIRT3 on endothelial cell (EC) glycolytic metabolism and microvascular function has not been well studied. ECs utilize glycolysis for generating ATP rather than oxidative phosphorylation to maintain their normal functions and promote angiogenesis and EC-cardiomyocyte interactions. Emerging evidence indicates that SIRT3 is involved in the regulation of endothelial metabolism and angiogenesis and thus affects the development of cardiovascular diseases associated with aging. This review will discuss the current knowledge of SIRT3 and its functional role on endothelial metabolism, cardiac function, and cardiovascular diseases.
Modes of Processing Trauma: Self-Compassion Buffers Affective Guilt

Self-compassion (SC) entails being kind toward oneself when in pain and holding painful experiences in mindful awareness, and has been associated with lower levels of posttraumatic stress severity. Recent research suggests SC may be more relevant to the current conceptualization of PTSD that is based on the DSM-5 definition, which includes a new symptom cluster focused on alterations of cognitions and mood such as guilt. We examined effects of SC on affective guilt as a function of treatment-relevant processing modes. One week after completing the SC Scale, 63 victimized women were randomly assigned to one of three processing mode induction conditions: “analytic” (brooding), “experiential” (mindful experiencing), or control. Following induction, women completed a trauma-specific perseverative thinking interview to process their trauma. Before induction (T1) and after the interview (T2), women completed a measure of affective guilt. Guilt increased from T1 to T2, and SC was negatively related to increases in guilt. Processing mode conditions moderated the relation between SC and changes in guilt; simple slopes revealed a negative relation among the analytic condition. Components of SC, including greater self-kindness and mindfulness, were related to diminished increases in guilt. Results suggest SC can buffer feelings of guilt, especially in those who process their trauma analytically. Implications for research are discussed.
Escaping isn't what it used to be: Review of Ana Menendez's Adios, Happy Homeland!

Ana Menendez’s latest collection of short stories, Adios, Happy Homeland! is a labyrinthine metafictional construction of cultural and literary references that responds to the appropriation of Cuban literature.
Predicting Autism Diagnosis using Image with Fixations and Synthetic Saccade Patterns

Signs of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) emerge in the first year of life in many children, but diagnosis is typically made much later, at an average age of 4 years in the United States. Early intervention is highly effective for young children with ASD, but is typically reserved for children with a formal diagnosis, making accurate identification as early as possible imperative. A screening tool that could identify ASD risk during infancy offers the opportunity for intervention before the full set of symptoms is present. In this paper, we propose two machine learning methods, synthetic saccade approach and image based approach, to automatically classify ASD given the scanpath data from children on free viewing of natural images. The first approach uses a generative model of synthetic saccade patterns to represent the baseline scan-path from a typical non-ASD individual and combines it with the input scanpath as well as other auxiliary data as inputs toa deep learning classifier. The second approach adopts a more holistic image based approach by feeding the input image and a sequence of fixation maps into a state-of-the-art convolutional neural network. Our experiments indicate that we can get 65.41% accuracy on the validation dataset.
Heparin-Induced Pituitary Apoplexy Presenting as Isolated Unilateral Oculomotor Nerve Palsy: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Introduction. Pituitary apoplexy (PA) is a rare and potentially life-threatening clinical syndrome resulting from pituitary gland hemorrhage and/or infarction. Anticoagulation is a risk factor for triggering PA. Isolated oculomotor nerve palsy is an atypical presentation of PA. Case Presentation. A 65-year-old African American female with no past medical history of pituitary disease presented to the emergency department (ED) with nonspecific abdominal pain that was thought to be secondary to fecal stasis and subsequently improved with laxatives. She also reported atypical chest pain that was concerning for unstable angina. She was started on aspirin, clopidogrel, and intravenous (IV) heparin. Later, coronary catheterization showed no significant coronary artery disease (CAD). Twelve hours after the procedure, the patient developed acute complete left oculomotor nerve palsy with a severe headache. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the head showed a large pituitary mass. Pituitary apoplexy was suspected and the patient eventually underwent a successful trans-sphenoidal pituitary resection. Discussion. We report a case of PA manifesting as isolated left oculomotor nerve palsy without visual field defects in the setting of using dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) and IV heparin for acute coronary syndrome. To the best of our knowledge, this unique combination has not been previously reported.
Purification and partial characterization of human liver alpha-galactosidase: is alpha-galactosidase B an alpha-N-acetylgalactosaminidase?

One of the most interesting aspects of lysosomal glycolipid hydrolases is the specificity (or lack thereof) of their interactions with artificial substrate analogs and glycosphingolipid substrates. This is of particular importance with respect to multiple forms of these glycosidases, which may arise as artifacts from partial degradation during purification or may be due to chemical differences such as subunit composition or microheterogeneity of the carbohydrate moieties.
Abstract IA01: Molecular control of the gut microbiome to improve cancer chemotherapy

The diverse and complex communities of GI microbiota play important roles in human health, particularly with respect to cancer chemotherapy. We focused on systems where gut bacteria catalyze reactions that exert a profoundly negative impact on intestinal tissues and prove to be dose limiting for chemotherapy. The anticancer drug irinotecan is used to treat colon and pancreatic cancers and is eliminated as an inactivated drug-glucuronide by the phase II drug metabolism. Irinotecan’s dose-limiting toxicity is severe delayed diarrhea hypothesized to arise from the reactivation of the inactive irinotecan metabolite in the gut. We pinpointed the molecular basis of this reactivation to the beta-glucuronidase sugar-scavenging enzymes present in gut bacteria. We further developed potent, selective, and nonlethal inhibitors to bacterial beta-glucuronidase (GUS) enzymes and demonstrated that they prevented GI injury in mouse models of irinotecan-induced intestinal damage. Bacterial GUS inhibitors also prevent these sites of intestinal damage in mice treated with NSAIDs, which are glucuronidated and used to control cancer-related inflammation. We have since extended this work to the tyrosine kinase inhibitor regorafenib and to a probe-enabled activity-based proteomics pipeline to discover the enzymes driving the production of toxic metabolites. Together, our data demonstrate that enzyme targets in the GI microbiota can be inhibited to improve cancer care in a manner that can advance the promise of personalized medicine. Furthermore, our results shed significant light on the mammalian-microbial axes of chemical communication ongoing between two domains of life in the “higher-order” human superorganism. Citation Format: Matthew Redinbo. Molecular control of the gut microbiome to improve cancer chemotherapy [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on the Microbiome, Viruses, and Cancer; 2020 Feb 21-24; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(8 Suppl):Abstract nr IA01.
Mo oxide supported on sulfated hafnia: Novel solid acid catalyst for direct activation of ethane & propane

Abstract Shale gas revolution has opened opportunities for conversion of light alkanes to value-added chemicals like ethylene and propylene. Literature suggests the use of bifunctional catalyst, consisting of a solid acid such as HZSM-5 and a metal oxide for direct conversion [ 7 ]. Here, we demonstrate a catalyst consisting of a novel Mo oxide-doped sulfated hafnia (SH) solid acid to convert ethane and propane. Mo-SH was synthesized via impregnation and characterized using BET, XPS, SEM-EDS, DRIFTS, NH3-TPD, XANES and TPO. Catalyst acidity was measured with NH3-TPD and DRIFTS. SEM-EDS and XPS were used to ensure the target loading of Mo on SH. XANES showed that Mo oxides are converted to Mo carbides with time, which are known as the active sites for dehydrogenation, the initial reaction step. Selectivity for ethane is 40–50 % to ethylene and for propane is 70–90 % to propylene at 550−600°C.No significant deactivation was observed for ∼16 h on stream.
ECTOPIC THYROID TISSUE MASQUERADING AS A FUNCTIONAL CAROTID BODY PARAGANGLIOMA.

ABSTRACT Objective: Ectopic thyroid tissue (ETT) is a rare entity resulting from thyroid gland dysembryogenesis. We present a case of ETT confirmed by histopathology that was misdiagnosed clinicall...
Glioneuronal Hamartomas in the Central Nervous System of Two Goats.

Summary Two goats (6 months old and 5 years old) were evaluated for neurological signs including laboured breathing, stiffness and obtundation. Solitary masses were noted in the brainstem and spinal cord, respectively. Histopathology of both cases revealed the lesions were composed of a mixture of glial and neuronal cells, consistent with glioneuronal hamartomas. The cause of death was attributed to the mass in the 6-month-old, while the cause of death in the 5-year-old was attributed to listeriosis. Hamartomas of neural origin are rarely described in veterinary species, and this report represents the first report of glioneuronal hamartomas in goats.
Genome Sequences of 42 Bacteria Isolated from Sorghum bicolor Roots

Forty-two bacterial strains were isolated from root samples of Sorghum bicolor The strains spanned 17 genera, including Dechloromonas, Duganella, Dyella, Flavobacterium, Herbaspirillum, Lutibacter, Mucilaginibacter, Novosphingobium, Paraburkholderia, Pedobacter, Pleomorphomonas, Rhizobacter, Rhizobium, Rhizomicrobium, Rugamonas, Variovorax, and Xanthobacter Their whole-genome sequences revealed diverse metabolic processes, including biological nitrogen fixation, in sorghum root microbiota.
Favorable asymptotic solutions of the Graetz problem employing two dissimilar methods, each method engages three eigenvalues: Vestiges of history

Abstract The present study focuses on the determination of an asymptotic Graetz series for the demanding upstream sub-region of the Graetz problem where the Graetz series converges slowly. The Method Of Lines (MOL) is the computational procedure that transforms the descriptive two–dimensional energy equation in the axial and radial variables into an allied system of ordinary differential equations of first order in the axial variable. An allied system of ordinary differential equations of first order having three equations is deduced and solved analytically with the robust eigenvalue method of linear algebra theory. The strategy to follow revolves around the level of difficulty in the determination of the eigenquantities with MOL as compared to the level of difficulty confronted by Nusselt and Jakob in the past. From a qualitative perspective, the obtained three-term MOL series representative of the asymptotic mean bulk temperature in the sub-region near the origin exhibits good convergence patterns. The three-term MOL series supplements the truncated three-term Graetz series depictive of the asymptotic mean bulk temperature in the downstream sub-region far from the origin.
Cluster Origin of Triple Star HD 188753 and its Planet

The recent discovery by M. Konacki of a ``hot Jupiter'' in the hierarchical triple star system HD 188753 challenges established theories of giant-planet formation. If the orbital geometry of the triple has not changed since the birth of the planet, then a disk around the planetary host star would probably have been too compact and too hot for a Jovian planet to form by the core-accretion model or gravitational collapse. This paradox is resolved if the star was initially either single or had a much more distant companion. It is suggested here that a close multi-star dynamical encounter transformed this initial state into the observed triple, an idea that follows naturally if HD 188753 formed in a moderately dense stellar system--perhaps an open cluster--that has since dissolved. Three distinct types of encounters are investigated. The most robust scenario involves an initially single planetary host star that changes places with the outlying member of a pre-existing hierarchical triple.
Fungi associated with galleries of the emerald ash borer

Abstract The emerald ash borer (EAB) is an exotic forest pest that has killed millions of ash trees in the United States and Canada, resulting in an ecological disaster and billions of dollars in economic losses of urban landscape and forest trees. The beetle was first detected in Michigan in 2002 and has spread through much of the Eastern and Midwestern U.S., reaching Minnesota in 2009. Since then, it has spread across the state and poses a great risk to the more than 1 billion ash trees in Minnesota. The larval stage of EAB creates wounds on trees as they feed on the inner bark, causing disruption of water and sap flow that results in tree death. The fungal community associated with EAB larval galleries is poorly understood and the role these fungi may play in tree death is not known. This study describes fungi isolated from EAB larval galleries sampled throughout the main geographic areas of Minnesota where ash is affected by EAB. Fungal cultures were identified by extracting genomic DNA and sequencing the ITS region of the rDNA. Results from 1126 isolates reveal a diverse assemblage of fungi and three functional guilds comprised of canker pathogens, wood decay, and entomopathogenic fungi. The most common canker-associated genera were Cytospora followed by Phaeoacremonium, Paraconiothyrium, Coniothyrium, Nectria, Diplodia, and Botryosphaeria. Fungi in the Basidiomycota were nearly all wood decay causing fungi and many were species of pioneer colonizing genera including Sistotrema, Irpex, Peniophora, Phlebia and Ganoderma. Some of these fungi seriously affect urban trees, having the potential to cause rapid wood decay resulting in hazardous tree situations. Several entomopathogenic genera with the potential for biological control of EAB were also isolated from galleries. Purpureocillium was the most commonly isolated genus, followed by Beauveria, Clonostachys, Lecanicillium, Akanthomyces, Cordyceps, Microcera, Tolypocladium, and Pochonia. The results identify important fungal functional guilds that are occupying a new niche in ash trees resulting from EAB and include fungi that may accelerate decline in tree health, increase hazard tree situations, or may provide options for biological control of this destructive invasive insect.
pKa and isomer determinations of cobalt(III) imidazole and histidine complexes by NMR and X-ray crystallography

La coordination metallique modifie le pK a de l'imidazole et l'amplitude de la variation de deplacement chimique. Des coordinats differents, une charge sur le complexe, la geometrie du complexe et l'ionisation de l'eau coordinee ont un effet plus petit sur la resonance C(2)-H de l'imidazole coordinee que la coordination
Sensitivity analysis for assumptions of general mediation analysis

Mediation analysis is widely used to identify significant mediators and estimate the mediation (direct and indirect) effects in causal pathways between an exposure variable and a response variable....
Opioid analgesic use after ambulatory surgery: a descriptive prospective cohort study of factors associated with quantities prescribed and consumed.

Objectives To prospectively characterise: (1) postoperative opioid analgesic prescribing practices; (2) experience of patients undergoing elective ambulatory surgeries and (3) impact of patient risk for medication misuse on postoperative pain management. Design Longitudinal survey of patients 7 days before and 7–14 days after surgery. Setting Academic urban safety-net hospital. Participants 181 participants recruited, 18 surgeons, follow-up data from 149 participants (82% retention); 54% women; mean age: 49 years. Interventions None. Primary and secondary outcome measures Total morphine equivalent dose (MED) prescribed and consumed, percentage of unused opioids. Results Surgeons postoperatively prescribed a mean of 242 total MED per patient, equivalent to 32 oxycodone (5 mg) pills. Participants used a mean of 116 MEDs (48%), equivalent to 18 oxycodone (5 mg) pills (~145 mg of oxycodone remaining per patient). A 10-year increase in patient age was associated with 12 (95% CI (−2.05 to –0.35)) total MED fewer prescribed opioids. Each one-point increase in the preoperative Graded Chronic Pain Scale was associated with an 18 (6.84 to 29.60) total MED increase in opioid consumption, and 5% (−0.09% to –0.005%) fewer unused opioids. Prior opioid prescription was associated with a 55 (5.38 to –104.82) total MED increase in opioid consumption, and 19% (−0.35% to –0.02%) fewer unused opioids. High-risk drug use was associated with 9% (−0.19% to 0.002%) fewer unused opioids. Pain severity in previous 3 months, high-risk alcohol, use and prior opioid prescription were not associated with postoperative prescribing practices. Conclusions Participants with a preoperative history of chronic pain, prior opioid prescription, and high-risk drug use were more likely to consume higher amounts of opioid medications postoperatively. Additionally, surgeons did not incorporate key patient-level factors (eg, substance use, preoperative pain) into opioid prescribing practices. Opportunities to improve postoperative opioid prescribing include system changes among surgical specialties, and patient education and monitoring.
Wireless Sensor Networks for Pharmaceutical Lyophilization: Quantification of Local Gas Pressure and Temperature in Primary Drying.

Abstract Wireless sensor networks have become prolific in a wide range of industrial processes and offer several key advantages over their wired counterparts in terms of positioning flexibility, modularity, interconnectivity, and data routing. We demonstrate their utility in pharmaceutical lyophilization by developing a series of wireless devices to measure spatial variations in gas pressure and temperature during primary drying. The influence of shelf temperature, chamber pressure, excipient concentration, and dryer configuration are explored for various representative cycles using a laboratory-scale pharmaceutical lyophilizer. Pressure and temperature variations across the shelf for these cases are shown to vary up to 1.2 Pa and 10 °C, respectively. Experimental measurements are supported by computational fluid dynamics simulations to reveal the mechanisms driving the vapor flow. The measurements and simulation data are then combined to estimate the shelf-wise sublimation rate in the inverse sense to within a deviation of 3% based on comparison with gravimetric data. We then apply the sublimation rate profile to obtain the vial heat transfer coefficient and product mass transfer resistance for a 5% w/v mannitol formulation. Finally, these parameters are applied to a one-dimensional quasi-steady heat transfer model to predict the evolution of the product temperature over the course of primary drying. Thermocouple measurements of product temperature are compared directly to the simulated data and demonstrate accuracy comparable to existing published one-dimensional models.
Urine Biomarkers of Kidney Tubule Health, Injury, and Inflammation are Associated with Progression of CKD in Children.

Background Novel urine biomarkers may improve identification of children at greater risk of rapid kidney function decline, and elucidate the pathophysiology of CKD progression. Methods We investigated the relationship between urine biomarkers of kidney tubular health (EGF and α-1 microglobulin), tubular injury (kidney injury molecule-1; KIM-1), and inflammation (monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 [MCP-1] and YKL-40) and CKD progression. The prospective CKD in Children Study enrolled children aged 6 months to 16 years with an eGFR of 30-90ml/min per 1.73m2. Urine biomarkers were assayed a median of 5 months [IQR: 4-7] after study enrollment. We indexed the biomarker to urine creatinine by dividing the urine biomarker concentration by the urine creatinine concentration to account for the concentration of the urine. The primary outcome was CKD progression (a composite of a 50% decline in eGFR or kidney failure) during the follow-up period. Results Overall, 252 of 665 children (38%) reached the composite outcome over a median follow-up of 6.5 years. After adjustment for covariates, children with urine EGF concentrations in the lowest quartile were at a seven-fold higher risk of CKD progression versus those with concentrations in the highest quartile (fully adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 7.1; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 3.9 to 20.0). Children with urine KIM-1, MCP-1, and α-1 microglobulin concentrations in the highest quartile were also at significantly higher risk of CKD progression versus those with biomarker concentrations in the lowest quartile. Addition of the five biomarkers to a clinical model increased the discrimination and reclassification for CKD progression. Conclusions After multivariable adjustment, a lower urine EGF concentration and higher urine KIM-1, MCP-1, and α-1 microglobulin concentrations were each associated with CKD progression in children.
Skeleton of an Elderly Woman from the Crow Creek Site and Its Implications for Paleodemography

The skeleton of an elderly woman, excavated from a mound near the Crow Creek Village (39BF11), is described. From all indications, the skeleton is the oldest individual reported of the thousands of skeletons recovered from archaeological sites in the Middle Missouri region. Based on this skeleton, and ethnohistoric and other evidence, it appears that elderly individuals have either not been recovered archae ologically, hence are under-enumerated, or have been recovered but under-aged. The results of under enumeration and under-ageing of these elderly in dividuals on the life table approach to paleodemography are explored. Under-ageing has relatively little influence on the resulting life table, but under-enumeration may have a pronounced effect.
Relating Worry and Executive Functioning During Childhood: The Moderating Role of Age

The associations between worry and executive functioning across development have not been previously explored. Examining the interrelationships between these variables in childhood may further elucidate the cognitive nature of worry as well as its developmental course. Hypotheses predicted that difficulties with executive functioning would correlate with child worry; based on extant literature, age-related hypotheses were proposed for particular aspects of executive functioning. Children (N = 130) participated in the present study. Difficulties with executive functioning and child worry were assessed. Results demonstrated that each executive functioning subscale correlated with worry. The relations between worry and several facets of executive functioning were no longer significant at older ages, while the relations between worry and the facets of inhibition, shifting, and emotional control did not demonstrate age-related interaction effects. Overall, the findings suggest that worry is associated with executive functioning at young ages and that this association takes distinct forms during different childhood stages.
Genome-based technologies useful for aquaculture research and genetic improvement of aquaculture species.

Abstract: In spite of the relatively late start of aquaculture genome research, significant progress has been made in aquaculture genomics. Many of the genomic resources, tools, and technology developed from genomics have wide applications for aquaculture research and genetic improvements of aquaculture species. The major genome technologies include DNA marker technologies, novel sequencing technologies, gene discovery technologies, genome mapping technologies, and technologies for analysis of genome expression. This chapter was written to provide basic information such as theories behind the technologies, principles of the technologies, and potential applications of each of these genome technologies relevant to aquaculture. In some cases, research and technology development trends are discussed such that the readers are aware of the direction of future research. For instance, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) are clearly the markers of choice in the future even though microsatellites are currently the predominant type of markers in aquaculture research and applications; the next generation of sequencing technologies will not only play a dominant role in sequencing, but also may replace the traditional genome expression analysis technologies such as microarrays.
Salivary microbiota reflects changes in gut microbiota in cirrhosis with hepatic encephalopathy

Altered gut microbiome is associated with systemic inflammation and cirrhosis decompensation. However, the correlation of the oral microbiome with inflammation in cirrhosis is unclear. Our aim was to evaluate the oral microbiome in cirrhosis and compare with stool microbiome. Outpatients with cirrhosis (with/without hepatic encephalopathy [HE]) and controls underwent stool/saliva microbiome analysis (for composition and function) and also systemic inflammatory evaluation. Ninety-day liver-related hospitalizations were recorded. Salivary inflammation was studied using T helper 1 cytokines/secretory immunoglobulin A (IgA), histatins and lysozyme in a subsequent group. A total of 102 patients with cirrhosis (43 previous HE) and 32 age-matched controls were included. On principal component analysis (PCA), stool and saliva microbiome clustered far apart, showing differences between sites as a whole. In salivary microbiome, with previous HE, relative abundance of autochthonous families decreased whereas potentially pathogenic ones (Enterobacteriaceae, Enterococcaceae) increased in saliva. Endotoxin-related predicted functions were significantly higher in cirrhotic saliva. In stool microbiome, relative autochthonous taxa abundance reduced in previous HE, along with increased Enterobacteriaceae and Enterococcaceae. Cirrhotic stool microbiota demonstrated a significantly higher correlation with systemic inflammation, compared to saliva microbiota, on correlation networks. Thirty-eight patients were hospitalized within 90 days. Their salivary dysbiosis was significantly worse and predicted this outcome independent of cirrhosis severity. Salivary inflammation was studied in an additional 86 age-matched subjects (43 controls/43 patients with cirrhosis); significantly higher interleukin (IL)−6/IL-1β, secretory IgA, and lower lysozyme, and histatins 1 and 5 were found in patients with cirrhosis, compared to controls. Conclusions: Dysbiosis, represented by reduction in autochthonous bacteria, is present in both saliva and stool in patients with cirrhosis, compared to controls. Patients with cirrhosis have impaired salivary defenses and worse inflammation. Salivary dysbiosis was greater in patients with cirrhosis who developed 90-day hospitalizations. These findings could represent a global mucosal-immune interface change in cirrhosis. (Hepatology 2015;62:1260-1271)
SPACE: online tools for supporting formative instruction

Modern pedagogies offer considerable promise for supporting improved student learning. Formative assessment can improve teaching and learning by using evidence of student understanding to adapt instruction. However, the current social and technical infrastructure of schooling often makes the teacher workload associated with such practices difficult to scale and sustain. We describe SPACE, an online tool for teachers and students to plan, do, formatively and summatively assess project-based Inquiry.
Mathematical Models for Perishable Inventory Control

This article is intended to provide the reader with the fundamentals underlying the theory of managing perishable inventories. The emphasis is on the mathematical models for perishable inventory control, rather than on the application of these models. Perishable inventories constitute a huge portion of the world economy. These include virtually all foodstuffs and pharmaceuticals and many others. If we view obsolescence as a type of perishability, then most electronic items would be included in this list as well. We hope this article provides the reader with a basic understanding of the issues and mathematics underlying these models, and the tools to pursue further reading on his or her own. Keywords: state space; exponential decay; curse of dimensionality; critical number policy; fixed order quantity
Targeting tumor hypoxia: a third generation 2-nitroimidazole-indocyanine dye-conjugate with improved fluorescent yield

Tumor hypoxia is associated with the rapid proliferation and growth of malignant tumors, and the ability to detect tumor hypoxia is important for predicting tumor response to anti-cancer treatments. We have developed a class of dye-conjugates that are related to indocyanine green (ICG, ) to target tumor hypoxia, based on in vivo infrared fluorescence imaging using nitroimidazole moieties linked to indocyanine fluorescent dyes. We previously reported that linking 2-nitroimidazole to an indocyanine dicarboxylic acid dye derivative () using an ethanolamine linker (ethanolamine-2-nitroimidazole-ICG, ), led to a dye-conjugate that gave promising results for targeting cancer hypoxia in vivo. Structural modification of the dye conjugate replaced the ethanolamine unit with a piperazineacetyl unit and led a second generation dye conjugate, piperzine-2-nitroimidazole-ICG (). This second generation dye-conjugate showed improved targeting of tumor hypoxia when compared with . Based on the hypothesis that molecules with more planar and rigid structures have a higher fluorescence yield, as they could release less absorbed energy through molecular vibration or collision, we have developed a new 2-nitroimidazole ICG conjugate, , with two carbon atoms less in the polyene linker. Dye-conjugate was prepared from our new dye (), and coupled to 2-nitroimidazole using a piperazine linker to produce this third-generation dye-conjugate. Spectral measurements showed that the absorption/emission wavelengths of 657/670 were shifted ∼100 nm from the second-generation hypoxia dye of 755/780 nm. Its fluorescence quantum yield was measured to be 0.467, which is about 5 times higher than that of (0.083). In vivo experiments were conducted with balb/c mice and showed more than twice the average in vivo fluorescence intensity in the tumor beyond two hours post retro-orbital injection as compared with . These initial results suggest that may significantly improve in vivo tumor hypoxia targeting.
Effects of 14 d of covert substitution of olestra for conventional fat on spontaneous food intake

We conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled, within-subject crossover study to investigate the effects of covert substitution of olestra, a non-energy-containing fat replacer, for conventional fat on food selection and energy intake in lean and obese men and women. Fifty-one subjects [BMI (kg/m2): 19-36; age: 25-63 y] were studied during two 14-d treatment periods (olestra and placebo), with a 7-d washout between feeding periods. During the intervention periods all foods were provided to the subjects. The aim was to produce a 10% dilution of total energy intake by replacing conventional triacylglycerol with olestra. To accomplish this, subjects were required to consume core foods providing 20-35 g olestra (depending on estimated energy needs) or the same foods containing placebo triacylglycerol. Additional items could be selected from foods that varied in macronutrient composition. When the two treatment periods were compared, total energy intake was 8% lower and fat intake 11% lower during the olestra period than during the placebo treatment period (P < 0.0001). Overall, subjects compensated for 15% of the fat and 20% of the total energy replaced by olestra. In absolute terms, subjects consumed 32% of total energy from fat during the placebo period and 27% of total energy from fat during the olestra period. Neither carbohydrate nor protein intake (g/d) differed between periods. The results did not differ as a function of BMI (lean compared with obese) or sex. Over a 2-wk period, covert substitution of olestra for conventional fat led to reductions in dietary fat intake and total energy intake in all subjects.
Regulation of IL-1 Family Cytokines IL-1α, IL-1 Receptor Antagonist, and IL-18 by 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 in Primary Keratinocytes

IL-1 family cytokines are key mediators of inflammatory response. Excessive production of these cytokines by keratinocytes has been implicated in inflammatory and hyperproliferative skin diseases. Given the immunosuppressive role of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) (1,25(OH)(2)D(3)) and its clinical application in treatment of psoriasis, we investigated the effect of 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) on the expression of IL-1alpha, intracellular IL-1 receptor antagonist (icIL-1Ra), and IL-18 in mouse primary keratinocytes. Treatment of keratinocytes with 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) increased the expression of IL-1alpha and icIL-1Ra and decreased the expression of IL-18 in dose- and time-dependent manners. The magnitude of icIL-1Ra induction was much greater than that of IL-1alpha so that the ratio of icIL-1Ra to IL-1alpha was markedly increased, leading to repression of IL-1 activity. The regulation of these three cytokines by 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) was mediated by vitamin D receptor (VDR), as 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) had no effect in VDR(-/-) keratinocytes, whereas the effect was restored in cells derived from VDR(-/-) mice expressing human VDR. 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) appeared to use different mechanisms to regulate the biosynthesis of IL-1alpha and icIL-1Ra: it increased IL-1alpha mRNA stability whereas it enhanced icIL-1Ra gene transcription. The basal IL-18 expression and activity were much higher in VDR(-/-) keratinocytes and skin, underscoring the importance of the repressive role of vitamin D in IL-18 production. Similar regulation of these cytokines was also seen in primary human keratinocytes. Collectively, these results suggest that vitamin D modulates cutaneous inflammatory reactions, at least in part, by increasing the IL-1Ra to IL-1alpha ratio and suppressing IL-18 synthesis in keratinocytes.
Enol ethers by methylenation of esters: 1‐Phenoxy‐1‐Phenylethene and 3,4‐Dihydro‐2‐Methylene‐2H‐1‐Benzopyran

Enol ethers by methylenation of esters: 1-Phenoxy-1-Phenylethene and 3,4-Dihydro-2-Methylene-2H-1-Benzopyran product: 1-phenoxy-1-phenylethene product: 3,4-dihydro-2-methylene-2H-1-benzopyran Keywords: addition, to CO; alkenylation, methylenation; pentane; tetrahydrofuran; aluminum alkyls
Number of oligodendrocyte progenitors recruited to the lesioned spinal cord is modulated by the levels of the cell cycle regulatory protein p27Kip-1.

Remyelination is a critical step for recovery of function after demyelination and defines the ability to generate new myelin. This repair process is dependent on the presence of resident oligodendrocyte progenitors (OLPs) that have been shown to remyelinate axons after demyelination. We have previously shown that the levels of the cell cycle inhibitor p27Kip-1 modulate the number of neonatal cortical OLPs. We now asked whether this cell cycle molecule plays also a role in regulating the number of adult OLP in the spinal cord after demyelination induced by lysolecithin injection. The proliferative response of OLP in the spinal cord of injected wild-type (wt) and p27Kip-1 null mice was evaluated 3 days after lesion. In vivo labeling with bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) was used to identify cells in S phase. Double immunofluorescence for the OLP marker NG2, and for BrdU was used to count the number of proliferating progenitors. Consistent with a role of p27Kip-1 in regulating the number of adult OLP in the injured spinal cord, a larger number of proliferating OLPs was observed in p27Kip-1null mice compared with wild-type controls. These cells were able to differentiate as assessed by the presence of MBP+ cells in the spinal cord 14 days after injury. We conclude that the cellular levels of the cell cycle inhibitor p27Kip-1 modulate the repair response of OLPs to injury in the adult spinal cord. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Medialization Thyroplasty for Unilateral Vocal Cord Paralysis

Unilateral vocal cord paralysis causes disturbances with vocal function and swallowing, to include aspiration. Thyroplasty type I has become one of the preferred surgical treatments for unilateral vocal cord paralysis. It is tolerated better by the patient, improves predictability of surgical results, and provides good voice results when compared to more traditional procedures, such as teflon injection. Use of a premade thyroplasty implant has made it possible to accomplish permanent medial displacement of a paralyzed vocal cord, avoiding the complications of other surgical options.
Evaluation of Cyanothece sp. ATCC 51142 as a candidate for inclusion in a CELSS

Controlled ecological life support systems (CELSS) have been proposed to make long-duration manned space flights more cost-effective. Higher plants will presumably provide food and a breathable atmosphere for the crew. It has been suggested that imbalances between the CO2/O2 gas exchange ratios of the heterotrophic and autotrophic components of the system will inevitably lead to an unstable system, and the loss of O2 from the atmosphere. Ratio imbalances may be corrected by including a second autotroph with an appropriate CO2/O2 gas exchange ratio. Cyanothece sp. ATCC 51142 is a large unicellular N2-fixing cyanobacterium, exhibiting high growth rates under diverse physiological conditions. A rat-feeding study showed the biomass to be edible. Furthermore, it may have a CO2/O2 gas exchange ratio that theoretically can compensate for ratio imbalances. It is suggested that Cyanothece spp. could fulfill several roles in a CELSS: supplementing atmosphere recycling, generating fixed N from the air, providing a balanced protein supplement, and protecting a CELSS in case of catastrophic crop failure.
Septicemia in association with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Fifty consecutive episodes of septicemia were studied in 41 children who has acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Seventy-six percent of these episodes occurred when the absolute granulocyte count was 200/mm 3 or less and were caused by gram-negative enteric and gram-positive mucocutaneous bacteria. In eight patients, Streptococcus pyogenes was isolated at the time when ALL was diagnosed. Multiple anaerobic and aerobic isolates from a single blood culture were associated with abdominal distress, whereas Streptococcus pneumoniae and Hemophilus influenzae septicemia occurred in association with respiratory illnesses. When patients with severe compromise of anatomic barriers or respiratory disease were excluded, 94% of all patients with septicemia had an AGC of less than 200/mm 3 . The data provide guidelines for treatment for febrile patients with ALL based upon the AGC, the phase of the disease, and on the presence of associated respiratory or abdominal findings.
Using Personal Robots and Myro/Java in the First Computer Science Course

Myro/Java is an implementation of the Python-based Myro API for controlling personal robots used in introductory Computer Science courses. This paper describes the author's experience using Myro/Java in his Computer Science 1 courses over eight semesters.
Time-Limited Feeding of Leghorn Layers in California Open Housing

Abstract Ad libitum feeding of laying hens was compared with two 2-hr (2-2hr) and three 1-hr (3-1hr) feeding times per day in terms of rate of lay, feed efficiency, body weight, mortality, egg size, and quality. Two strains of commercial layers were housed in a conventional California-type open house at a density rate of three hens per 30.5 × 45.7 cm wire cage. The study continued through two lay cycles. Average feed restriction, relative to ad libitum-fed hens, was 11% and 8% during the first lay cycle and 12% and 10% during the second cycle for the 3-1hr and 2-2hr groups, respectively. Both time-limited feeding (TLF) programs significantly improved feed efficiency during each lay cycle. Average body weight gain for both TLF programs was less than ad libitum gain during the first lay cycle but greater during the second cycle. Unusually high mortality (cause undetermined) occurred during the first lay cycle but was not treatment related. Nonsignificant depressions in rate of lay among TLF groups were observed during both cycles. Decreased egg size, as measured by percent large, and an increased shell thickness due to TLF treatments occurred during both lay cycles. No egg quality differences were observed. Some strain differences were observed, which may indicate that strain should be considered along with environment, management, and flock health conditions when using TLF as a method of feed restriction.
On the shape of a rotating liquid drop in an electric field

The axisymmetric relative equilibrium shape of a finite dielectric liquid mass held together by surface tension and rotating uniformly in a uniform axial electric field is determined by expressing the slope of its tangent in terms of confluent hypergeometric functions and following a numerical integration.
TRANSPIRATION AND HYDRAULIC STRATEGIES IN A PINON-JUNIPER WOODLAND

Anthropogenic climate change is likely to alter the patterns of moisture availability globally. The consequences of these changes on species distributions and ecosystem function are largely unknown, but possibly predictable based on key ecophysiological differences among currently coexisting species. In this study, we examined the environmental and biological controls on transpiration from a pinon–juniper (Pinus edulis–Juniperus osteosperma) woodland in southern Utah, USA. The potential for climate-change-associated shifts in moisture inputs could play a critical role in influencing the relative vulnerabilities of pinons and junipers to drought and affecting management decisions regarding the persistence of this dominant landscape type in the Intermountain West. We aimed to assess the sensitivity of this woodland to seasonal variations in moisture and to mechanistically explain the hydraulic strategies of P. edulis and J. osteosperma through the use of a hydraulic transport model. Transpiration from the w...
Spectrofluorometric analysis of hydrogen peroxide

Abstract The pH of maximum fluorescence (above pH 7) and the optimal excitation and emission wavelengths (468 nm and 519 nm, respectively) were determined for 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescein (DCF). The stoichiometry after hydrolysis of the oxidation of the stable nonfluorescent compound 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescin diacetate (LDADCF) was determined and found to be 2 moles of DCF produced per mole of hydrogen peroxide used.