cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hypothalamic Paraventricular Nucleus Gαq Subunit Protein Pathways Mediate Vasopressin Dysregulation and Fluid Retention in Salt-Sensitive Rats

Central Gαz and Gαq protein-gated pathways play a pivotal role in modulating (inhibiting vs. stimulating, respectively) vasopressin release and urine output; these studies examined the role of brain Gαz/Gαq proteins in the regulation of vasopressin secretion during high-salt challenge. We examined the effects of 21-d normal or high salt intake on plasma vasopressin levels, daily sodium and water balance, and brain Gαz and Gαq protein levels in male Sprague–Dawley (SD), Dahl salt-resistant (DSR), and Dahl salt-sensitive (DSS) rats. Additionally, the effect of central Gαq protein down-regulation on these parameters and the diuretic response evoked by pharmacological [nociceptin/orphanin FQ; 5.5 nmol intracerebroventricularly (icv)] and physiological stimuli (isotonic-saline volume expansion, 5% bodyweight, iv) was examined. After 21 d of high salt intake, DSS, but not SD or DSR rats, exhibited vasopressin dysregulation, as evidenced by elevated plasma vasopressin levels (P < 0.05), marked positive water (an...
The Toronto problem

Abstract A Toronto space is a topological space that is homeomorphic to every one of its full-cardinality subspaces, and the Toronto problem asks whether every Hausdorff Toronto space of size ℵ 1 is discrete. We examine compactness properties, convergence properties, and separation properties of non-discrete Hausdorff Toronto spaces of size ℵ 1 , and we classify the non- T 1 Toronto spaces of any infinite size.
Plant regulated aspects of nodulation and N2 fixation

Abstract. Root nodule organogenesis is described. Plant regulated aspects of nodulation and N2 fixation are reviewed and discussed. Since the effective N2 fixing symbiosis requires the interaction of the host plant and bacterium in an appropriate environment (the rhizosphere and the root nodule) it is essential that research aimed at improving N2 fixation involve a knowledge and understanding of the plant genes that affect nodule development, growth, and function. Current knowledge of host plant genes involved in N2 fixation is summarized. Various experimental approaches to the study of the host plant's contribution to nodulation are noted. The functions of nodule specific proteins (nodulins) in symbiosis are delineated. Future areas of research are suggested.
Temporal integration in nasal lateralization of homologous propionates.

For nasal irritation from volatile chemicals, a version of Haber’s rule (k = CnT) can model the trade-off between concentration (C) and duration of exposure (T) to achieve a fixed sensory impact, e.g. threshold-level irritation or a fixed suprathreshold intensity. The term k is a constant. The exponent, n, represents how well the system integrates over time. An exponent of 1 indicates complete temporal integration: an x-fold increase in stimulus duration exactly compensates for cutting the concentration 1/x. An exponent greater than 1 indicates incomplete temporal integration: more than an x-fold increase in duration is needed. In a previous study of homologous alcohols, n varied systematically with number of methylene units: integration became more complete as the length of the carbon chain increased. To explore the generality of this finding, we tested homologous esters that differ in the number of methylene units: n-ethyl propionate, n-propyl propionate, and n-butyl propionate. Nasal lateralization was...
Ectopic expression of cadherin 8 is sufficient to cause cyst formation in a novel 3D collagen matrix renal tubule culture

While a variety of genetic mutations have been shown to be associated with renal cyst formation, mechanisms of renal cyst formation are largely unknown. In prior communications we described alterations in E-cadherin assembly in cultured cystic epithelial cells (Charron AJ, Nakamura S, Bacallao R, Wandinger-Ness A. J Cell Biol 149: 111–124, 2000). Using the same cell line we assayed cadherin expression by RT-PCR using primer pairs that anneal to highly conserved sequences of cadherin genes but flank informative regions of cadherins. Using this approach we found that autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) cells express cadherin 8, a neuronal cadherin with limited expression in the kidney. Immunohistochemistry confirmed cadherin 8 expression in cystic epithelia. To test the functional significance of cadherin 8 expression in renal epithelial cells, we adapted a three-dimensional collagen culture method in which HK-2 cells form tubule structures and microinjected adenovirus into the matrix space surrounding tubule structures. Adenovirus expressing cadherin 8 under the control of a tet promoter caused cyst structures to grow out of the tubules when coinjected with adenovirus expressing a tet transactivator. Microinjection of single adenovirus expressing either tet transactivator or cadherin 8 failed to cause cyst formation. When doxycycline was added to the culture, following coinjection of adenovirus, there was a dose-response reduction in cadherin 8 expression and cyst formation. Similarly, HK-2 cells transfected with Flag-tagged cadherin 8 form cysts in addition to tubular structures. HK-2 cells transfected with Flag-tagged N-cadherin do not form cysts. These data suggest that ectopic expression of cadherin 8 in renal epithelial cells is sufficient to cause the morphogenic pattern of cyst formation.
Geometry and chaos near resonant equilibria of 3-DOF Hamiltonian systems

In this paper we study the dynamics near resonant elliptic equilibria in three-degree-of-freedom Hamiltonian systems. The resonances we consider have multiplicity two, and the corresponding local normal form for the equilibrium is integrable at cubic order. We prove the existence of families of 3-tori and whiskered 2-tori with nearby chaotic dynamics in the quartic normal form. The whiskers of the 2-tori intersect in a non-trivial way giving rise to multi-pulse homoclinic and heteroclinic connections. These connections survive in the full system as orbits homoclinic to invariant 3-spheres.
Corporate Mergers in the Publishing Industry: Helpful or Intrusive?

Publishers have become important targets for takeovers, domestic and foreign. Has the extensive restructuring of ownership and control had a serious effect on the publication of books and tests of interest to academics? Have these changes been helpful or intrusive? These questions are addressed by examining the restructuring of publishing houses by domestic and foreign owners. Questions of cost and gain in both human and fiscal resources are analyzed in terms of changes in the psychological contracts between employers and employees as well as increased profits. The implications of these takeovers are discussed in terms of accumulated experiences in textbook publishing during the past three decades.
The Psychophysiologic Aspects of Stress in Juvenile Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes Mellitus is the most common endocrine disease found in children, and its reported incidence is increasing. Most investigators now agree that improved diabetic control is effective in decreasing both long and short term complications. The delineation of factors which affect control are, therefore, of importance. Classically, the physician has emphasized insulin dose, presence of infection, diet, and exercise. Emotional factors have long been thought to play a role in diabetes mellitus. The exact nature of this role, however, has been rather elusive and controversial. The authors review this literature, summarize the major viewpoints, and conclude that psychological factors can influence the physiology of the disease.The focus of this paper is the synthesis of recent advances in basic metabolic, endocrinologic, and stress research, relevant to juvenile diabetes, into a psychophysiologic model. The authors discuss future research directions necessary for clarification of the model, as well as its ps...
Plate reconstructions, aseismic ridges, and low-angle subduction beneath the Andes

Low-angle—subduction segments beneath Peru and Chile are believed to represent interaction of the subduction zone with the aseismic Nazca and Juan Fernandez Ridges. On the basis of symmetric sea-floor–spreading models and plate-hotspot reconstructions, predicted continuations of the relatively buoyant ridges correspond well with the limits of the low-angle–subduction segments. Further, the history of interaction of the aseismic ridges with the subduction zone, as predicted by plate reconstructions, is not inconsistent with available information on volcanic episodes of the Andes, if the contemporary correlation of volcanic gaps and low-angle subduction is also applicable to the rest of the late Cenozoic. The occurrence of deep seismicity beneath the eastern flanks of the Andes is also believed to reflect the effects of low-angle subduction. The deep-seismic segments are adjacent to segments which are presently, or were recently, experiencing low-angle subduction. Thus, the deep seismicity is interpreted as representative of remnants of “normal” oceanic lithosphere subducted before interaction of aseismic ridges with the subduction zone. Other geologic phenomena are associated with low-angle subduction beneath South America, including landward shift in loci of tectonism, surficial subsidence, and Laramide-style deformation. The aseismic-ridge—buoyancy hypothesis appears to be a valuable predictive tool for the interpretation of such geologic effects.
Culture and Psychopathology: Foundations, Issues, Directions

The present article offers an overview of the historical influences, conceptual assumptions, and major findings and issues associated with the study of culture and psychopathology. The article trac...
THE COMPOSITION OF BONES OF MICE RECEIVING ESTROGENS AND ANDROGENS

FOLLOWING the injection of large amounts of estrogens, the marrow cavities of the femurs of mice are invaded and largely replaced by bone (5, 13). Similar changes occurred elsewhere in the skeleton except at the pubic symphyses (4). The changes took place more slowly in males and were prevented by large doses of testosterone (6). This investigation was designed to determine whether these anatomical changes were associated with changes in chemical composition of the osseous tissues. Determinations of ash, total calcium and total phosphorus were made on the femurs and pelves of control mice and of mice receiving estradiol bensoate, testosterone propionate and estradiol bensoate plus testosterone propionate. The mice of both sexes were of 4 groups: a), control animals, some of which received injections of cholesterol; b), animals receiving weekly or biweekly injections of 16.6 micrograms of estradiol benzoate; c), animals receiving weekly or biweekly injections of 1.25 mg. testosterone propionate and d), ani...
Management Education and Development: Current Issues and Emerging Trends:

Rapid changes have been occurring in the management education and development area, fueled by the callfor accountability, an increase in experiental techniques, the availability of educational technology, and a recognition of the needfor lifetime learning. This review recognizes some of these changes and trends and suggests implications for practitioners. Recent literature in the field is reviewed according to a three-part typology: content, experience, and assessment/feedback. Research gaps in the field are noted and implications for future researchers are discussed.
Lipoproteins, Liver Disease, and Atherosclerosis

The blood levels of the Sf 10-20 class of giant cholesterol-bearing lipoproteins were studied in a group of patients with cirrhosis. No significant difference was observed between the blood levels of this group and of a similar group of normal individuals of corresponding age and sex. This observation suggests that patients with cirrhosis are as susceptible to atherosclerosis as the general population.
Critical roles for the COOH terminus of the Cu-ATPase ATP7B in protein stability, trans-Golgi network retention, copper sensing, and retrograde trafficking.

ATP7A and ATP7B are copper-transporting P-type ATPases that are essential to eukaryotic copper homeostasis and must traffic between intracellular compartments to carry out their functions. Previously, we identified a nine-amino acid sequence (F37–E45) in the NH2 terminus of ATP7B that is required to retain the protein in the Golgi when copper levels are low and target it apically in polarized hepatic cells when copper levels rise. To understand further the mechanisms regulating the intracellular dynamics of ATP7B, using multiple functional assays, we characterized the protein phenotypes of 10 engineered and Wilson disease-associated mutations in the ATP7B COOH terminus in polarized hepatic cells and fibroblasts. We also examined the behavior of a chimera between ATP7B and ATP7A. Our results clearly demonstrate the importance of the COOH terminus of ATP7B in the protein's copper-responsive apical trafficking. L1373 at the end of transmembrane domain 8 is required for protein stability and Golgi retention in low copper, the trileucine motif (L1454–L1456) is required for retrograde trafficking, and the COOH terminus of ATP7B exhibits a higher sensitivity to copper than does ATP7A. Importantly, our results demonstrating that four Wilson disease-associated missense mutations behaved in a wild-type manner in all our assays, together with current information in the literature, raise the possibility that several may not be disease-causing mutations.
Effect of Stereotaxic Intrastriatal Cografts of Autologous Adrenal Medulla and Peripheral Nerve in Parkinson's Disease: Two-Year Follow-up Study

Studies in nonhuman primates with experimental parkinsonism have shown that intrastriatal cografts of autologous adrenal medulla and peripheral nerve yield greater behavioral improvement and graft survival than do adrenal medulla grafts alone. To test these observations, five patients with advanced Parkinson's disease were selected to receive unilateral intrastriatal adrenal medulla-intercostal nerve cografts. They were evaluated using the Core Assessment Program for Intracerebral Transplantation (CAPIT) protocol. Three of these patients also underwent quantitative motor testing for the measurement of upper limb bradykinesia (movement time; MT). Following right flank adrenalectomy, cografts consisting of small fragments of adrenal medullary tissue and minced intercostal nerve were stereotaxically implanted into three targets in the right striatum using computerized tomography guidance. Surgery was uneventful and postoperative magnetic resonance imaging revealed accurate placement of the grafts. No morbidity was encountered. Results of 24 months of clinical and quantitative motor assessments postoperatively are reported. Total UPDRS motor scores in the "off" state improved from a mean preoperative score of 39.5 to 32.1 at 3, 29.7 at 6, 27.6 at 9, 28.5 at 12, 31.4 at 18, and 26.5 at 24 months after surgery. Total timed motor test scores during the "off" state improved 17.9% at 6, 23.3% at 9, 18.2% at 12, 38.2% at 18, and 34.9% at 24 months postoperatively compared to baseline. Movement time showed statistically significant improvement (repeated measures ANOVA, P < 0.05) in the left arm (contralateral to surgery) in all three patients tested. These results indicate that stereotaxic intrastriatal implantation of autologous adrenal medulla-peripheral nerve cografts can be performed safely and clinical improvement from this procedure is sustained for a period of 24 months. The clinical improvement was paralleled by improvement in objective, quantitative motor testing.
Real gas flow through heterogeneous porous media: theoretical aspects of upscaling

We consider the problem of upscaling transient real gas flow through heterogeneous bounded reservoirs. One of the commonly used methods for deriving effective permeabilities is based on stochastic averaging of nonlinear flow equations. Such an approach, however, would require rather restrictive assumptions about pressure-dependent coefficients. Instead, we use Kirchhoff transformation to linearize the governing stochastic equations prior to their averaging. The linearized problem is similar to that used in stochastic analysis of groundwater flow. We discuss the effects of temporal localization of the nonlocal averaged Darcy's law, as well as boundary effects, on the upscaled gas permeability. Extension of the results obtained by means of small perturbation analysis to highly heterogeneous porous formations is also discussed.
The dynamics of memory as a consequence of optimal adaptation to a changing body

There are many causes for variation in the responses of the motor apparatus to neural commands. Fast-timescale disturbances occur when muscles fatigue. Slow-timescale disturbances occur when muscles are damaged or when limb dynamics change as a result of development. To maintain performance, motor commands need to adapt. Computing the best adaptation in response to any performance error results in a credit assignment problem: which timescale is responsible for this disturbance? Here we show that a Bayesian solution to this problem accounts for numerous behaviors of animals during both short- and long-term training. Our analysis focused on characteristics of the oculomotor system during learning, including the effects of time passage. However, we suggest that learning and memory in other paradigms, such as reach adaptation, adaptation of visual neurons and retrieval of declarative memories, largely follow similar rules.
A crystalline Langmuir monolayer designed as a template for selective intercalation of water soluble α-amino acids

Cholesteryl-l-glutamate (CLG) thin films were investigated when deposited on pure water and on saturated solutions of water soluble amino acids, to test the capacity of the CLG monolayer to recognize and incorporate amino acids from the subphase. Analysis of grazing incidence X-ray diffraction measurements indicates that the hydrophobic amino acids, leucine, isoleucine, and valine, are adsorbed between the glutamate moieties, within the CLG crystalline monolayer, but also around their domains, forming, for l-Leu and d-Val, crystalline bilayers. The presence of Cu2+ ions in the aqueous subphase enhances the crystallinity of the CLG monolayer without overly affecting the lateral packing, by bridging glutamate moieties on neighbor molecules. When amino acids are injected in a Cu2+ containing solution, the domain size of the mixed monolayers formed with the CLG molecules and hydrophobic amino acids is drastically increased.
Model-Based Analysis of Unbound Lopinavir Pharmacokinetics in HIV-Infected Pregnant Women Supports Standard Dosing in the Third Trimester

Physiological changes during pregnancy can affect drug pharmacokinetics. Here we present a population pharmacokinetic model to describe the longitudinal change of unbound lopinavir/ritonavir (LPV/RTV) PK parameters with gestational age, and to predict unbound LPV concentrations under different dosing regimens. The changes in apparent intrinsic clearances of LPV and RTV during pregnancy are described using an exponential function of gestational age. The unbound fractions of LPV/RTV are not significantly different between pregnancy and postpartum. Simulation reveals that despite increases in LPV intrinsic clearance, effective LPV inhibitory quotient (IQ) values are predicted with the standard dosing (400/100 mg b.i.d.) in >90% of simulations, with ≤4-fold increase in viral IC50. As viral susceptibility decreases, higher doses increase the likelihood of efficacy. With ≥40-fold increases in IC50, IQs suggest alternate regimens be considered. This approach refines previous LPV PK reports, and supports that standard dosing is effective with susceptible virus.
Calculation of three-dimensional, viscous flow through turbomachinery blade passages by parabolic marching

The three-dimensional compressible Navier-Stokes equations are formulated in a rotating coordinate system, so as to include centrifugal and Coriolis forces. The equations are parabolized by using a previously calculated inviscid static pressure field. The thin layer Navier-Stokes approximation, which neglects streamwise diffusion, is used. A body-fitted coordinate system is used. The streamwise momentum equation is uncoupled from the cross-stream momentum equation by using contravariant momentum components, and then using the contravariant velocity components as primary unknowns. To reduce problems with small separated regions, the Reyhner and Flugge-Lotz approximation is used. The energy equation is included to allow for calculation of heat transfer. The flow may be laminar, or a simple eddy-viscosity turbulence may be used. A number of curved ducts and an axial stator were analyzed, including cases for which experimental data are available.
Field and Cage Tests with Polyhedrosis Viruses for Control of the Cabbage Looper

A nuclear polyhedrosis virus isloated from Trichoplusia ni (Hubner) that has virions singly occluded in the polyhedral matrix; a nuclear polyhedrosis virus isolated from the alfalfa looper, Autographa californica (Speyer), that has virions grouped in bundles in the polyhedral matrix; and a cytoplasmic polyhedrosis virus isolated from the cabbage looper were tested in the field and in field cages as controls for the cabbage looper. Looper populations were reduced when the 3 viruses were applied alone or in combination, and in several treatments the degree of control compared favorably with that obtained with chemical treatments of naled or Monitor® ( O, S -dimethyl phosphoroamidothioate). The cytoplasmic polyhedrosis virus reduced the total number of loopers and the pupal weights in caged populations. The virus of the alfalfa looper used at rates of application ranging from 1.5×1013 to 3.6×109 polyhedra per acre often reduced the number of loopers in treated plots below the number in plots treated with the cabbage looper virus.
Reduction Rate Constants for Nitroaromatic Compounds Estimated from Adiabatic Electron Affinities

Nitroaromatic compounds (NACs) are ubiquitous environmental contaminants and predicting their environmental fate is important. Linear free energy relationships (LFERs) have been reported relating o...
The potential of genomics in plant systematics

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) has revolutionized molecular systematics as well as population and conservation genetics. It is now possible to obtain enormous amounts of gene sequence data from any species in a short time at low cost. More technological advances are on the horizon, ensuring that this trend will continue throughout the coming decade. These rapid advances provide unprecedented opportunities in systematics; they also pose new challenges, requiring that the next generation of systematists be well-versed in new skill sets (e.g., bioinformatics). As examples of the potential of NGS, it is now possible to develop genetic resources for any plant system that poses intriguing evolutionary questions. During the next decade many new "evolutionary model systems" will become available as systematists rapidly develop the necessary genetic/genomic frameworks for many previously unstudied plants. Phylogenetic reconstruction will be conducted at an unprecedented pace at both deep and fine scales with datasets of numerous taxa and genes—this includes rapid progress on assembling a more com- prehensive Tree of Life for green plants. For example, complete plastid genome sequencing is now routinely facilitating analyses of hundreds of taxa at deep levels, as well as enabling complete plastid genome phylogeographic analyses at the population level. Gene capture methods hold enormous promise for the rapid and inexpensive analyses of complete plastid genomes, as well as studies of hundreds of selected (targeted) nuclear loci. NGS has also had a big impact on population genetics, initially by dramatically simplifying microsatellite marker development, but more recently by opening new possibilities through vari- ous genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) approaches that have great potential to expand on the types of questions that can be addressed at the population level. Transcriptome sequencing has enabled the construction of large datasets of nuclear genes while also providing a wealth of plastid and mitochondrial genes. NGS has also facilitated probe development for studies of chromosomes using FISH (fluorescence in situ hybridization). NGS is also making the rapid sequencing of complete nuclear genomes routine, thus transforming our field and opening up new avenues of systematic endeavor in comparative genomics. However, even as sequencing costs drop and technological advances make complete nuclear genome sequencing more com - monplace, genome assembly will remain a major challenge.
Valve-in-Valve Transcatheter Valve Implantation in the Nonaortic Position.

Background Transcatheter valve-in-valve (VIV) procedures are an alternative to standard surgical valve replacement in high risk patients. Methods Cases in which a commercially approved transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) device was used for a nonaortic VIV procedure between November 2013 and September 2015 are reviewed. Clinical, echocardiographic, and procedural details, patient survival, and symptom severity by NYHA class at follow-up were assessed. Results All patients were heart-team determined high risk for conventional redo surgery (mean STS PROM = 6.8 ± 2.2%). Five patients underwent VIV replacement in the nonaortic position, four for bioprosthetic mitral valve dysfunction, and one for bioprosthetic tricuspid valve dysfunction. Bioprosthetic failure was due to stenosis in three patients and regurgitation in two others. A balloon-expandable device was used for all patients (Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, CA, USA). Transcatheter VIV replacement was accomplished by the transapical (mitral) and transfemoral venous (tricuspid) approaches. Median postoperative length of stay was five days (range 3-12). No deaths occurred at a mean follow-up of 21 months. NYHA class at follow-up decreased from class IV at baseline to class I or II for all patients. No paravalvular leaks greater than trivial were encountered. Median mean gradient following mitral replacement was 6.5 mmHg (range 6-13 mmHg), and following tricuspid replacement was 4 mmHg. Postoperative complications included hematuria, epistaxis, acute kidney injury, and atrial fibrillation. Conclusions Transcatheter VIV implantation in the nonaortic position for dysfunctional bioprostheses can be performed safely with favorable clinical outcomes using a balloon expandable TAVR device. doi: 10.1111/jocs.12745 (J Card Surg 2016;31:282-288).
Analysis on HIV voluntary counseling and testing in Qinhuangdao from 2009-2011

[Objective]To understand the status of HIV voluntary counseling and testing(VCT) service in Qinhuangdao area from 2009-2011,provide a basis for further enhancing the quality of VCT work.[Methods]The data of VCT cases and results of HIV preliminary screening in Qinhuangdao area from 2009-2011 were collected through the national HIV/AIDS direct reporting network system,and were analyzed statistically.[Results]The male enquirers were more than female enquirers,a major of enquirers were people aged 20-39 years old.Most of the cases were married and had a spouse.People with unmarried heterosexual sex behavior accounted for the highest percentage in 2009,while the commercial heterosexual sex behavior was the main reason for counseling from 2010-2011.The proportion of MSM behavior to male enquirers increased from 8.90% in 2009 and 15.08% in 2010 to 16.00% in 2011.The positive rate of HIV antibody in preliminary screening was respectively 0.16%,0.13% and 0.31% in the three years.The top three types of enquirers in positive rate were positive history of mate/stable sex partners(4.55%),MSM behavior(2.17%) and drug injection(2.02%).Among all of those who had positive results in HIV screening test,people with MSM behavior accounted for the highest percentage(75.00%).[Conclusion]The positive rate of HIV antibody is high in VCT service in Qinhuangdao area.HIV/AIDS cases have increased year by year among MSM population,so VCT service should strengthen the publicity and education in this population.
Abstract IA11: Understanding and overcoming cancer disparities in the U.S. and abroad

In the United States, although differences in cancer-associated mortality rates between various minority groups have decreased somewhat, substantial disparities remain for several cancer types. Groups with these disparities are, therefore, high-risk populations whose risk factors need to be understood and overcome when feasible. Several factors – including biology, lifestyle, and health care access/utilization – contribute to these differences. For a given cancer type, research can, in principle, determine the relative importance of each factor, the mechanisms, and the potential for short-term and long-term intervention to mitigate them. The National Cancer Institute is committed to supporting research with the potential to make substantial advances in this important field. In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), cancer incidence and mortality rates are projected to increase for the foreseeable future. Many factors contribute to these increases. They include success against acute infectious diseases, increased life expectancy, increased tobacco consumption, limited resources, and inadequate infrastructure. There are many opportunities for research to advance understanding and mitigation of cancer in LMICs. Here, I highlight how technological advances and ongoing research – with HPV vaccination and cervical cancer screening – can lead to the cost-effective ability in LMICs to drastically reduce the incidence and mortality from cervical cancer, which remains the third most common cancer of women worldwide and is the most common female cancer in many LMICs. Citation Format: Douglas R. Lowy. Understanding and overcoming cancer disparities in the U.S. and abroad. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Eighth AACR Conference on The Science of Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; Nov 13-16, 2015; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2016;25(3 Suppl):Abstract nr IA11.
Discussion of “The Discrete Infinite Logistic Normal Distribution for Mixed-Membership Modeling”

Mixed-membership models (e.g. “topic models”) are inarguably popular; especially latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA) [Blei et al., 2003] and its variants. Such models have become a fundamental tool in the analysis and exploration of many types of data. Originally designed to model text documents as per-word draws from a document-specific weighting of a finite collection of “topics” (distributions over words), mixedmembership models now are applied very broadly. Example usage includes applications in information retrieval, image processing, audio classification, and more. Because of the wide applicability of mixedmembership modeling, improving models of this type has the potential to have significant impact. The discrete infinite logistic normal distribution (DILN) for mixed-membership modeling is a significant advance in mixed-membership modeling.
Cloning and tissue-specific expression of the gene for mouse C-reactive protein

C-reactive protein is a serum acute-phase reactant that increases several thousand-fold in concentration during inflammation in most mammals. However, mouse C-reactive protein is considered to be a minor acute-phase reactant, since its blood level increases only from approx. 0.1 to 1-2 micrograms/ml. A mouse genomic clone of approximately 5 kb was obtained to determine the molecular basis for the regulation of the expression of mouse C-reactive protein. Several cis-acting elements in the 5' flanking region that potentially regulate transcription were identified: two glucocorticoid-responsive elements, two CCAAT-enhancer-binding protein C (C/EBP) consensus elements that are required for the interleukin-1 responsiveness of some acute-phase reactant genes, an interleukin-6-responsive element, two hepatocyte nuclear factor-1 (HNF-1) elements and a single heat-shock element. Transfection of the hepatoma cell line Hep 3B.2 with a pCAT expression vector containing the 5' flanking sequence from -1083 to -3 bp from the transcriptional start site, and truncations of this sequence, localized elements that control the tissue-specific expression of mouse C-reactive protein to the two HNF-1 elements and a C/EBP, interleukin-1-responsive element located between -220 and -153, and -90 and -50 bp from the transcriptional start site. A constitutive nuclear protein from mouse-liver hepatocytes specifically binds to the HNF-1 elements. These findings explain the tissue-specific expression of the gene, as well as its limited expression during the acute-phase response.
From HHMI: Doubling Down on Diversity

In spite of modest gains in the past four decades, the United States has not been able to substantially improve on the pervasive underrepresentation of minorities in postsecondary science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) pathways. We suggest a way to guide a national effort to double the persistence of underrepresented minorities in STEM in the next decade.
Minimax Lower Bound and Optimal Estimation of Convex Functions in the Sup-Norm

Estimation of convex functions finds broad applications in science and engineering; however, the convex shape constraint complicates the asymptotic performance analysis of such estimators. This technical note is devoted to the minimax optimal estimation of univariate convex functions in a given Holder class. Particularly, a minimax lower bound in the supremum norm (or simply sup-norm) is established by constructing a novel family of piecewise quadratic convex functions in the Holder class. This result, along with a recent result on the minimax upper bound, gives rise to the optimal rate of convergence for the minimax sup-norm risk of convex functions with the Holder order between one and two. The present technical note provides the first rigorous justification of the optimal minimax risk for convex estimation on the entire interval of interest in the sup-norm.
Spatio-spectral anomalous change detection in hyperspectral imagery

Because each pixel of a hyperspectral image contains so much information, many (successful) algorithms treat those pixels as independent samples, despite the evident spatial structure in the imagery. One way to exploit this structure is to incorporate spatial processing into pixel-wise anomalous change detection algorithms. But if this is done in the most straightforward way, a contaminated cross-covariance is produced. A spatial processing framework is proposed that avoids this contamination and enhances the performance of anomalous change detection algorithms in hyperspectral imagery.
On the design of debond-resistant bimaterials: Part II: A comparison of free-edge and interface crack approaches

Abstract In Part I of this paper, the authors have adopted a fracture mechanics-type approach to characterize the intensity of the free-edge stress singularity governing initiation of debonding for the general plane elasticity problem of a bimaterial strip under uniform edge loadings. In this study, the same global problem configuration is used to provide an extensive comparison between the free-edge singularity and interface crack approaches to bimaterial design. While similar trends in the intensities of the free-edge and interface crack singularities are shown to be largely governed by trends in the global interface stress resultants, fundamental differences in the local singular fields are shown in some cases to result in competing design implications. As a result, design guidelines are provided with respect to both free-edge debonding and steady-state interface crack extension over a wide range of practical material properties and relative layer thicknesses. Finally, the methods discussed herein are applied to a four-layer bimaterial configuration, for which the three interfaces are compared with respect to both free-edge debonding and subsequent interface crack extension over a wide range of elastic mismatches.
Abstract 510: Morphometrics of Calcification in Carotid Endarterectomy Tissue

Arterial calcification plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of carotid atherosclerotic plaques development. The aim of this study was to provide a detailed analysis of calcification morphology based on histological features in carotid endarterectomy (CEA) specimens. In particular, the emphasis is on calcium nodule size/shape and its relation to tissue and lumen morphologies. These studies will help elucidate the mechanisms of the arterial calcification process. Representative frozen sections were cut from the common, bifurcation, internal and external segments obtained from 9 CEA samples. Histological stains were used to show the calcified particles, tissue compositions and lipids deposition. The digitized images of sections were warped when necessary to achieve closure of the vessel wall. Image analysis was applied to 2 samples to determine the morphologies of calcium particles (size, shape and perimeter), lumen (area and perimeter) and tissue (area and compositions) using ImageJ. Total non-collagen protein and collagen protein were semi-quantitatively analyzed in one sample. Calcification occurred predominantly in the bifurcation and internal segments of the CEA, occupying up to 17% of the cross-sectional tissue area. Occassionally, calcification was found in the external branch. The lipids distribution is quite patchy. All calcified particles were contained in the intimal layer of the carotid wall. The lumen area was increased in the bifurcation segment, but it deviated from a patent circular shape. The amount of calcific particles was positively correlated with the tissue area (R2=0.8365, p=0.0015). As the calcium particle increase in size, the shape became more elongated. Collagen accounted for up to 5% of the total non-collagen protein. Different stages of calcification progression occur at the same time, while the very small sized calcium particle grow in size in all directions, the medium sized particle coalescing with its neighbors to form larger particles. The calcification is accompanied by increase in tissue size and distortion of lumen. Presumably, the kinetics of calcification is determined by the composition of the extracellular matrix and the interstitial cells may play a role in the process.
How often are conservation developments managed for biodiversity protection? A case study in Colorado, USA

Abstract Conservation Development (CD) is a strategy for conserving private lands with the potential to protect biodiversity while meeting growing demands for housing. Although CD is increasingly common, little is known about how CDs are implemented, and whether developers and homeowners follow best practices and achieve conservation objectives. We formally assessed the presence and content of management plans and conservation easements for CD subdivisions (n = 302) in six Colorado counties and documented the land uses and stewardship activities that are prohibited, permitted, encouraged, or required in the protected open space of each CD. We found that a majority (69%) of CDs had management documents on file, but their prevalence varied from 0 to 82% among the six counties. Fewer than one-third (29%) of the management documents stated a value or purpose for preserving the land, and objectives associated with human values (e.g., preservation of scenic or agricultural values), were far more prevalent (65–78% of documents with stated reasons for preservation) than objectives associated with conservation goals (e.g., preservation of wildlife, ecological/environmental values) (12–46%). Restrictions on land subdivision and regulation regarding the number and type of structures were most frequently included in management documents (84%), whereas guidelines for wildlife habitat improvement, species-specific monitoring and management, homeowner education, and access to the open space by domestic pets were rarely mentioned (all
A FPGA-based feature extraction using reconfigurable rotated wavelet transform for various classification schemes

A novel approach of an embedded FPGA-based design for feature extraction using reconfigurable rotated wavelet transform (RWT) for various classification schemes is proposed. A new set of filter bank coefficients is generated by rotating a standard 1D discrete wavelet filter (DWF) in order to overcome shortcomings inherent in conventional ways of feature extraction such as discrete wavelet transform (DWT). We tested our approach by conducting a fault classification experiment using DWT and RWT for feature extraction. The DWT yields an accurate classification efficiency of 73.33%, while the RWT yields 86.67%. The proposed architecture consists of a datapath module, a controller module and ROM, which contains filter coefficients and input image pixel data. The datapath module performs the feature extraction in four orientations using only four multipliers and adders irrespective of the DWF employed. Despite being slightly more complex to execute, the results of the proposed RWT architecture are comparable with the existing DWT architectures in various aspects such as hardware resources, computational time and power consumption.
Adductor focal laryngeal Dystonia: correlation between clinicians’ ratings and subjects’ perception of Dysphonia

Although considerable research has focused on the etiology and symptomology of adductor focal laryngeal dystonia (AD-FLD), little is known about the correlation between clinicians’ ratings and patients’ perception of this voice disturbance. This study has five objectives: first, to determine if there is a relationship between subjects’ symptom-severity and its impact on their quality of life; to compare clinicians’ ratings with subjects’ perception of the individual characteristics and severity of AD-FLD; to document the subjects’ perception of changes in dysphonia since diagnosis; to record the frequency of voice arrest during connected speech; and, finally, to calculate inter-clinician reliability based on results from the Unified Spasmodic Dysphonia Rating Scale (USDRS) (Stewart et al, J Voice 1195-10, 1997). Sixty subjects with AD-FLD who were receiving ongoing injections of BoNT participated in this study. Subjects’ mean age was 60.78 years and their mean duration of symptoms was 16.1 years. Subjects completed the Disease Symptom Questionnaire (DSQ) (specifically designed for this study) and the Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10) (Jacobson et al, Am J Speech Lang Pathol 6:66–70, 1997) to measure the symptoms of their dysphonia and the impact of the disease on their quality of life. Two speech-language pathologists and two laryngologists used the Voice Arrest Measure (VAM) (specifically designed for this study) and the USDRS to independently rate voice recordings of 56/60 subjects. The mean VHI-10 score was 21.3 which is clinically significant. The results of the DSQ and the USDRS were highly correlated. The most severe symptoms identified by both subjects and clinicians were roughness, strain-strangled voice quality, and increased expiratory effort. Voice arrest, aphonia, and tremor were uncommon. Subjects rated their current voice quality at the time of reinjection (i.e., at the time of the study) as significantly better than at the time of their initial AD-FLD diagnosis (p < 0.0001). Inter-clinician reliability on the USDRS was significant at the 0.001 level. The findings from the VHI-10 suggest that AD-FLD has a profound impact on quality of life. The results of the DSQ and the USDRS suggest that there is a strong correlation between subjects’ perception and clinicians’ assessment of the individual symptoms and the severity of the dysphonia. The findings from the VAM suggest that voice arrests are infrequent in subjects with AD-FLD who are receiving ongoing BoNT injections. The strong inter-clinician reliability on the USDRS suggests that it is an appropriate measure for identifying symptoms and severity of AD-FLD.
Stretchable electrically conductive and high gas barrier nanocomposites

An electrically conductive and stretchable polymer nanocomposite, with high gas barrier behavior, is achieved by depositing trilayers (TL) of polyethylene oxide (PEO), double-walled carbon nanotubes (DWNTs) stabilized with polyacrylic acid (PAA), and graphene oxide (GO) via a layer-by-layer assembly technique. A 40 TL thin film (∼900 nm thick), comprised of this PEO/DWNT-PAA/GO sequence, exhibits an electrical conductivity of 1.3 S cm−1 and a two orders of magnitude reduction in the oxygen transmission rate (OTR) relative to a 1 mm thick polyurethane (PU) rubber substrate. Low temperature thermal reduction of this system further improves the electrical conductivity to 67 S cm−1 and this nanocoating remains crack-free up to 15% strain and maintains a 30 times lower OTR than uncoated polyurethane. This 15% stretch increases resistance by ∼30%. The electrical properties of this unique polymer nanocomposite remain constant after 1000 cycles of bending and twisting. These attributes are provided by the composite's constituents. Elastomeric mechanical properties come from the PEO/PAA layers, electrical conductivity comes from the conjugated network between carbon nanofillers, and the gas barrier is from the GO nanobrick wall structure. This synergistic combination of stretchability, conductivity, and high gas barrier is unprecedented, making this composite interesting for applications in electronics and packaging.
Multivariable Control of Glucose Concentration

The complexity of glucose homeostasis presents a challenge for tight control of blood glucose concentrations (BGC) in response to major disturbances. The nonlinearities and time-varying changes of the BGC dynamics, the occurrence of nonstationary disturbances, time-varying delays on measurements and insulin infusion, and noisy data from sensors provide a challenging system for the AP. In this chapter, a multimodule, multivariate, adaptive AP system is described to deal with several of these challenges simultaneously. Adaptive control systems can tolerate unpredictable changes in a system, and external disturbances by quickly adjusting the controller parameters without any need for knowledge of the initial parameters or conditions of the system. Physiological variables provide additional information that enable feedforward action for measurable disturbances such as exercise. Integration of control algorithms with hypoglycemia alarm module reduces the probability of hypoglycemic events.
Identification of anti-norovirus genes in mouse and human cells using genome-wide CRISPR activation screening

Noroviruses (NoVs) are a leading cause of gastroenteritis world-wide, yet host factors that restrict NoV replication are not well understood. Here, we use a CRISPR activation (CRISPRa) genome-wide screening to identify host genes that can inhibit murine norovirus (MNoV) replication in either mouse or human cells. Our screens identified with high confidence 57 genes that can inhibit MNoV infection when overexpressed. A significant number of these genes are in interferon and immune regulation signaling networks, but surprising, the majority of the genes identified are not associated with innate or adaptive immunity nor with any antiviral activity. Confirmatory studies of eight of the genes in validate the initial screening data. Mechanistic studies on TRIM7 demonstrated a conserved role of the molecule in mouse and human cells in restricting MNoV in a step of infection after viral entry. Furthermore, we demonstrate that two isoforms of TRIM7 have differential antiviral activity. Taken together these data provide a resource for understanding norovirus biology and demonstrate a robust methodology for identifying new antiviral molecules across cell types and species.