cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Genetic Mechanisms of Prebiotic Oligosaccharide Metabolism in Probiotic Microbes

Recent insights into the relationship between the human gut and its resident microbiota have revolutionized our appreciation of this symbiosis and its impact on health and disease development. Accumulating evidence on probiotic and prebiotic interventions has demonstrated promising effects on promoting gastrointestinal health by modulating the microbiota toward the enrichment of beneficial microorganisms. However, the precise mechanisms of how prebiotic nondigestible oligosaccharides are metabolized by these beneficial microbes in vivo remain largely unknown. Genome sequencing of probiotic lactobacilli and bifidobacteria has revealed versatile carbohydrate metabolic gene repertoires dedicated to the catabolism of various oligosaccharides. In this review, we highlight recent findings on the genetic mechanisms involved in the utilization of prebiotic fructooligosaccharides, β-galactooligosaccharides, human milk oligosaccharides, and other prebiotic candidates by these probiotic microbes.
Beyond isolation: research opportunities in declarative data-driven coordination

There are many database applications that require users to coordinate and communicate. Friends want to coordinate travel plans, students want to jointly enroll in the same set of courses, and busy professionals want to coordinate their schedules. These tasks are difficult to program using existing abstractions provided by database systems because in addition to the traditional ACID properties provided by the system they all require some type of coordination between users. This is fundamentally incompatible with isolation in the classical ACID properties.In this position paper, we argue that it is time for the database community to look beyond isolation towards principled and elegant abstractions that allow for communication and coordination between some notion of (suitably generalized) transactions. This new area of declarative data-driven coordination (D3C) is motivated by many novel applications and is full of challenging research problems. We survey existing abstractions in database systems and explain why they are insufficient for D3C, and we outline a plethora of exciting research problems.
Assimilation of xylose, mannose, and mannitol for synthesis of glucuronoxylomannan of Cryptococcus neoformans determined by 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

Cryptococcus neoformans NIH 409 was cultured in a defined medium containing d-[1-13C]xylose (Xyl), d-[1-13C]mannose (Man), or d-[1-13C]mannitol as the sole carbon source. The distribution of 13C in the Man, Xyl, glucuronic acid (GlcA), and O-acetyl constituents of native and de-O-acetylated glucuronoxylomannan (GXM) was determined by one-dimensional 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The carbon chain of Man was incorporated intact into GXM since 13C was observed only in carbon 1 of Man, GlcA, and Xyl. The carbon chain of mannitol was incorporated intact into GXM since 13C was observed only in carbons 1 and 6. This was expected since mannitol has an axis of symmetry. The carbon chain of Xyl was identified only in carbons 1 and 3 of Man, GlcA, and Xyl. This pattern of labeling is consistent with the assimilation of Xyl through the pentophosphate pathway.
Understanding legal language: a pragmatic approach

The author discusses how a pragmatic approach for analyzing legal and quasi-legal documents can help one understand the purpose of such documents and why they are so difficult to write. She explores the purpose of legal language in consumer contracts using a pragmatic approach exemplified by J.L. Austin's (1962) theory of performative statements. It is concluded that the difficulties are compounded when the documents are aimed at audiences who lack legal training. Analyzing documents in a pragmatic fashion can help a writer to discern the difference between language that informs and language that creates. This understanding can in turn help one determine the possible tradeoffs involved when one tries to write documents that contain legal language. >
Duchenne dystrophy: Focal alterations in the distribution of concanavalin a binding sites at the muscle cell surface

In 6 patients with Duchenne dystrophy, electron microscopical studies of concanavalin A (Con A) binding sites using the peroxidase labeling technique revealed a population of muscle fibers in which the reaction at the cell surface was irregular and patchy in areas larger than 0.5 mu. In 5 control subjects, such focal alterations were not observed and the reaction appeared continuous and regular. The findings indicate focal abnormalities at the muscle cell surface of Con A receptors in Duchenne dystrophy.
A risk prediction model for xerostomia: a retrospective cohort study.

Objective We investigated the prevalence of xerostomia in dental patients and built a xerostomia risk prediction model by incorporating a wide range of risk factors. Materials and methods Socio-demographic data, past medical history, self-reported dry mouth and related symptoms were collected retrospectively from January 2010 to September 2013 for all new dental patients. A logistic regression framework was used to build a risk prediction model for xerostomia. External validation was performed using an independent data set to test the prediction power. Results A total of 12 682 patients were included in this analysis (54.3%, females). Xerostomia was reported by 12.2% of patients. The proportion of people reporting xerostomia was higher among those who were taking more medications (OR = 1.11, 95% CI = 1.08–1.13) or recreational drug users (OR = 1.4, 95% CI = 1.1–1.9). Rheumatic diseases (OR = 2.17, 95% CI = 1.88–2.51), psychiatric diseases (OR = 2.34, 95% CI = 2.05–2.68), eating disorders (OR = 2.28, 95% CI = 1.55–3.36) and radiotherapy (OR = 2.00, 95% CI = 1.43–2.80) were good predictors of xerostomia. For the test model performance, the ROC-AUC was 0.816 and in the external validation sample, the ROC-AUC was 0.799. Conclusion The xerostomia risk prediction model had high accuracy and discriminated between high- and low-risk individuals. Clinicians could use this model to identify the classes of medications and systemic diseases associated with xerostomia.
Increased fistula risk following palatoplasty in Treacher Collins syndrome.

Abstract Objective: Patients with Treacher Collins syndrome have abnormal vascular supply to the palate, yet it is unknown whether there are increased postoperative healing problems following palatoplasty. This study investigated the correlation between Treacher Collins syndrome and postoperative palatal fistula formation. Design: Retrospective chart review was performed. Patients: Children undergoing palatoplasty at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles from 1987 to 2000 were evaluated. Ten children with Treacher Collins syndrome, 92 children with other syndromes and cleft palate, and 458 nonsyndromic patients with isolated cleft palate were studied. Interventions: All children were treated with a one-stage, double-reversing Z-plasty cleft palate repair. Main Outcome Measures: Outcome measures included intraoperative observations of surgical anatomy and postoperative clinic follow-up of fistula formation. Palatal fistula rates between patients with Treacher Collins syndrome, other syndromes, and no syndrome wer...
Germanium Deposition on Silicon: Surface Chemistry of (CH3CH2)2GeH2 and GeC14

Diethylgermane, (CH 3 CH 2 ) 2 GeH 2 , and germanium tetrachloride, GeCl 4 may be useful precursors for chemical vapor deposition (CVD) or atomic layer controlled deposition of germanium. To explore the surface chemistry of these alternative precursors, the adsorption and desorption kinetics of (CH 3 CH 2 ) 2 GeH 2 (DEG) and GeCl 4 on Si(111) 7×7 have been examined using laser-induced thermal desorption (LITD), and temperature programmed desorption (TPD) techniques. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy has also been employed to monitor the decomposition of DEG on porous silicon surfaces. The FTIR spectra revealed that DEG dissociatively adsorbs on porous silicon surfaces at 200 K to form SiH, GeH, and SiCH 2 CH 3 surface species. No spectral features were observed for GeCH 2 CH 3 surface species. The TPD studies following DEG exposures on Si(111) 7×7 observed CH 2 =CH 2 and H 2 desorption products at 700 and 800 K, respectively. The production of CH 2 =CH 2 (ethylene) was consistent with a βhydride elimination mechanism from surface ethyl species, i.e. SiCH 2 CH 3 (ad) → SiH(ad) + CH 2 =CH 2 (g). Similar TPD experiments following GeCl 4 exposures monitored the desorption of only SiCl 2 at approximately 920 K. Desorption of SiCl 2 indicates that the chlorine on GeCl 4 has transferred to the silicon surface. Atomic Ge was also observed to desorb at 1200 K following both DEG and GeCl 4 adsorption. LITD experiments measured initial reactive sticking coefficients of S o ∼0.05 for DEG and S o ∼1.0 for GeCl 4 at 200 K. As expected from a precursor-mediated adsorption model, the sticking coefficients decreased versus increasing surface temperature. The sticking coefficients for these germanium containing precursors were higher than the corresponding sticking coefficients for (CH 3 CH 2 ) 2 SiH 2 and SiCl 4 . Possible recipes for the CVD or atomic layer controlled deposition of germanium on silicon can be proposed based on the surface chemistry and adsorption and desorption kinetics for DEG and GeCl 4 .
The solid-liquid phase diagram for the UO2-PuO2 system☆

Abstract The liquidus and solidus were experimentally determined for the UO2-PuO2 system by a thermal arrest method. The phase diagram is typical of a binary pair with complete solid solution and without maximum or minimum. A melting point of 2840 ± 20° C was observed for UO2, and a melting point of 2390 ± 20° C was observed for PuO2. Calculated theoretical liquidus and solidus curves exhibit remarkably good agreement with the experimental values found.
Resistant Hypertension: Definition, Prevalence, and Therapeutic Approaches

Resistant hypertension (RH) is defined as blood pressure (BP) above goal despite adherence to at least three optimally dosed antihypertensive medications of different classes, one of which is a diuretic. Not all patients with BP that is difficult to control have RH. Evaluation of possible RH begins with assessment of adherence to medications. White-coat effect should be ruled out by out-of-office BP monitoring. Obesity, heavy alcohol intake, and interfering substances all contribute to RH. Lifestyle modifications including exercise and dietary sodium restriction are important to emphasize. RH may be due to secondary causes such as renal disease, obstructive sleep apnea, and/or aldosteronism. Adequate diuretic treatment is a key part of therapy. Chlorthalidone is more potent and longer-lasting than hydrochlorothiazide and may reduce cardiovascular events to a greater extent. For patients with a glomerular filtration rate <30 ml/min, a loop diuretic is usually needed. In addition to a diuretic, patients with RH should usually be on a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker and either an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor or angiotensin II AT1 receptor blocker (ARB). Spironolactone is an evidence-based fourth-line agent for treatment of RH. Other add-on medication options include a beta-blocker, a long-acting nondihydropyridine calcium channel blocker, or clonidine. When BP is not coming under control despite the prescription of four or five agents, referral to a hypertension specialist should be considered.
Registered report: The common feature of leukemia-associated IDH1 and IDH2 mutations is a neomorphic enzyme activity converting alpha-ketoglutarate to 2-hydroxyglutarate.

In 2016, as part of the Reproducibility Project: Cancer Biology, we published a Registered Report (Fiehn et al., 2016), that described how we intended to replicate selected experiments from the paper "The common feature of leukemia-associated IDH1 and IDH2 mutations is a neomorphic enzyme activity converting alpha-ketoglutarate to 2-hydroxyglutarate" (Ward et al., 2010). Here, we report the results of those experiments. We found that cells expressing R172K mutant IDH2 did not display isocitrate-dependent NADPH production above vector control levels, in contrast to the increased production observed with wild-type IDH2. Conversely, expression of R172K mutant IDH2 resulted in increased alpha-ketoglutarate-dependent consumption of NADPH compared to wild-type IDH2 or vector control. These results are similar to those reported in the original study (Figure 2; Ward et al., 2010). Further, expression of R172K mutant IDH2 resulted in increased 2HG levels within cells compared to the background levels observed in wild-type IDH2 and vector control, similar to the original study (Figure 3D; Ward et al., 2010). In primary human AML samples, the 2HG levels observed in samples with mutant IDH1 or IDH2 status were higher than those observed in samples without an IDH mutation, similar to what was observed in the original study (Figure 5C; Ward et al., 2010). Finally, we report meta-analyses for each result.
Wave Functions for 1 s 2 s S 1 Helium

The $1s2s^{1}S$ state of He has been treated with a variant of Hylleraas' variational method, and a wave function has been determined which gives an error of only 0.005 ev in the energy of the system. The properties of desirable functions for use in this method are discussed. Wave functions of the Hartree and Fock types, and a more flexible function not involving ${r}_{12}$, are also determined by simple variational processes. The properties of the resulting functions are compared, and are discussed in the light of the polarization method of Hylleraas and Bethe, properly applicable to more highly excited states. The computations by the polarization method have been extended, and the results are compared with those given by the variational procedure.
Electricity market games: How agent-based modeling can help under high penetrations of variable generation

Integrating increasingly high levels of variable generation in U.S. electricity markets requires addressing not only power system and grid modeling challenges but also an understanding of how market participants react and adapt to them. Key elements of current and future wholesale power markets can be modeled using an agent-based approach, which may prove to be a useful paradigm for researchers studying and planning for power systems of the future.
"I write what I like": African Prison Intellectuals and the Struggle for Freedom

In studying the burgeoning prisoners' literature by organic intellectuals from the inside, we may want to look at their analysis, not only in struggling against repressive colonial regimes, but at their contributions to the anti-prison movement. What are their conceptions of freedom, of a just society, democracy and equality? Do they, and other African political prisoners, envision a society that frees itself from the colonial grip of (mass) incarceration? What in effect can be learnt from their struggles and reproducedfor other struggles against the prison industrial complex?
Capillary Discourses, Fissure Points, and Tacitly Confessing the Self: Foucault's Later Work and Educational Research.

This article draws on Foucault’s later work to consider in an exploratory but specific way how that work can inform educational research. It introduces the concepts of capillary discourses and fissure points to show, by way of example, how a regime of truth such as neoliberalism shapes lifelong learning theory, the pedagogy of individualized, self-directed learning in a lifelong learning program, and ultimately a participant’s identity. Capillary discourses facilitate the flow of beliefs and procedures associated with specific regimes of truth. However, because of these discourses’ permeability, discursive flow can break down to reveal fissure points or opportunities for resistance, which can lead to what Foucault called eventalization. Through an analysis of participant interviews and program materials, we identified how fissure points created opportunities for resistance that could offer ways to begin to account for power relation dynamics, including symmetries and contradictions of practice, and to beg...
Evaluation of the effect of fumaric acid and sodium bicarbonate addition on performance of starter pigs fed diets of different types.

Three growth experiments were conducted to assess the effect of fumaric acid (FA) supplementation on the performance of pigs fed different types of diets. These 4-wk experiments involved 550 crossbred pigs weaned at 30 +/- 3 d of age. Pigs in Exp. 1 were fed either a simple corn-soybean meal (SBM) diet or a 75% corn-SBM, 25% dried skim milk (DSM) diet. Zero, 2, or 3% FA were added to the diets to create a 2 x 3 factorial arrangement of treatments. Supplementing diets with DSM improved gain (P less than .05) and gain/feed (P less than .001). Fumaric acid addition improved efficiency of feed utilization (P less than .01). Experiment 2 was conducted to evaluate the effect of protein source (casein or soy protein concentrate [SPC]) on the response to 3% FA. Sodium bicarbonate (BCB; 2.75%) was added to one diet containing casein and FA to negate the effect of FA on growth performance. Addition of FA improved gain and feed efficiency (P less than .05) during the first 2 wk.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
The Protection and Alienation of Religious Minorities: On the Evolution of the Endorsement Test

The Endorsement test is one of the tests used by the Court to determine whether Establishment Clause guarantees have been violated. While a variety of authors have noted that the test is difficult to apply and may result in relevantly similar cases being decided differently, commentators have paid too little attention to some of the ways that the test itself has evolved over the years. Currently, the test is often used not to protect minority religious viewpoints but, instead, to undermine the reasonableness of those individuals who are offended when their religious views are ignored or undermined. While once appearing to offer an approach whereby religious pluralism might be promoted, the Endorsement test now seems more likely to be used to oppress than to further tolerance and respect for diverging religious and secular views. This article suggests that the test as used currently seems to be doing little if any independent work and, instead, is all too often simply used to rationalize results reached in other ways and to impugn the judgment or knowledge of those who disagree.
A numerical model of acoustic choking, Part I: Shock free solutions

Abstract The one dimensional gas dynamic equations for an ideal gas are utilized to investigate the phenomenon of acoustic choking in near sonic flows. This approach eliminates the need to make the classical small disturbance assumption. A finite difference scheme was developed to approximate these equations. Care was taken to use boundary conditions that correctly model the physics of the acoustics problem. Continuous solutions have been sought and these are compared with the Fubini solution and some results of Myers and Callegari.
Bone Marrow Stem Cell Transplantation Restores Heme Oxygenase and Antioxidants Genes and Pancreatic Function in Type 1 Diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes is caused by the autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta(β)cells has been linked to a decrease in circulating stem cells and increased superoxide (O2)secondary to a decrease in heme oxygenase (HO) activity. Decrease HO-1 increases oxidative stress, resulting in β-cell destruction. O2 and β-cell destruction. Nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice (2 months old), which undergo pancreatic T-cell infiltration resulting in elevated were irradiated and reconstituted with bone marrow stem cells from BALB/c mice(<2 months old) using a perfusion technique, exhibited neither insulitis nor overt diabetes. The newly developed T-cells in BMT recipients were tolerant to both donor and host major histocompatability complex determinants. After six months, BMT-treated mice showed the same glucose tolerance as age-matched controls, HO activity was restored to the level of age-matched controls, and EC-SOD protein levels returned to normal. The increased HO activity after BMT was accompanied by a significant elevation of HO-1 protein and a significant decrease in O2-levels(μmol/mg protein 1.16±0.37 μmol/mg protein versus 2.81±0.37 in nontransplant mice). These results demonstrate that bone marrow-derived stem cell transplant restored the antioxidant genes HO-1 and EC-SOD as well as pancreatic function. In addition, we demonstrate that combining BMT and islet cell transplant can restore insulin production in severely diabetic animals. We have thus demonstrated in this animal model of type 1 diabetes that BMT is effective as both a preventive and therapeutic treatment.
Visualizing and understanding l'hopital's rule

This article uses dynamic software in Excel to demonstrate several ways in which graphical and numerical approaches can be introduced both to enhance student understanding of l'Hopital's Rule and to explain why the Rule actually works to give the ‘right’ answers. One of the approaches used is to visualize what is happening by examining the limits with both l'Hopital's Rule and the associated Taylor approximation to the function. The dynamic software allows students to experiment with the ideas.
Analysis of a space debris laser removal system

As long as man ventures into space, he will leave behind debris, and as long as he ventures into space, this debris will pose a threat to him and his projects. Space debris must be located and decommissioned. Lasers may prove to be the ideal method, as they can operate at a distance from the debris, have a theoretically infinite supply of energy from the sun, and are a seemingly readily available technology. This paper explores the requirements and reasoning for such a laser debris removal method. A case is made for the negligibility of eliminating rotational velocity from certain systems, while a design schematic is also presented for the implementation of a cube satellite proof of concept.
The Biochemical and Functional Nature of the Nicotine Receptor in Rat Brain

An investigation has been undertaken of the biochemical nature and neuroanatomical localization of the sites involved in nicotine’s action on the brain. The present report describes studies aimed at 1) the characterization and purification of the nicotine receptor in rat brain; 2) elucidating the psychopharmacologic nature of the receptor using various nicotine analogues and other psychotropic agents; and 3) determining the particular brain regions directly involved in the behavioral effects (e.g., prostration and seizures) of nicotine. The nicotine receptor, which has been purified by affinity chromatography and consists of a major protein with a molecular weight of 58 kdalton and minor components ranging from 47 to 83 kdaltons, does not appear to resemble the nicotinic cholinergic receptor purified from the electric fish. The functional significance of the nicotine receptor has been confirmed by correlating the psychotropic potency of various nicotine analogues with their affinity for the receptor. Evidence is presented for the existence of multiple forms of both the nicotine and nicotinic cholinergic receptors by comparing the binding and psychotropic characteristics of some carbamate esters, nicotine analogues, and various unrelated drugs acting as antagonists to nicotine. In order to determine its neuroanatomical site of psychotropic action, nicotine was injected into cannulae chronically implanted into various brain regions of conscious, freely moving rats. It appears that the primary locus is the vestibular system, particularly that component linked to the cerebellar nodule. Lesioning the cerebellar nodule or inhibiting it with a local anesthetic abolishes the nicotine-induced prostration and increases the number of nicotine and muscarinic cholinergic receptors in hypothalamus and caudate nucleus. It is proposed that the vestibular system, which plays a major role in the processing of sensory-motor information may be involved in the reinforcing and other affective effects of nicotine in man.
Graphene as an Efficient and Reusable Adsorbent Compared to Activated Carbons for the Removal of Phenol from Aqueous Solutions

The adsorption capacity of graphene for removing phenol from aqueous solutions was evaluated and compared to those obtained for three different commercial activated carbons. In this study, graphene, W-35 activated carbon, RB2H2 activated carbon, and Nuchar granular activated carbon were investigated. Various techniques such as X-ray diffraction, BET surface analysis, and scanning electron microscopy were used to characterize the adsorbents. The adsorption of phenol onto graphene was investigated under different experimental conditions including temperature, solution pH, adsorbent dosage, and initial concentration of phenol. For comparison, adsorption experiments of phenol onto the activated carbons were also conducted. The adsorption of phenol onto graphene and activated carbons could be described by the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and the Langmuir equilibrium isotherm. The maximum adsorption capacities predicted by the Langmuir isotherm for graphene, W-35, RB2H2, and Nuchar granular activated carbons were found to be 233, 200, 91, and 167 mg/g, respectively. The thermodynamic study demonstrated that the adsorption of phenol onto graphene and activated carbons is a spontaneous and exothermic process. Regeneration of graphene was found to be possible using sodium hydroxide or methanol as eluents over five adsorption-desorption cycles.
Pollination needs of arrowleaf balsamroot, Balsamorhiza sagittata (Heliantheae: Asteraceae)

Arrowleaf balsamroot, Balsamorhiza sagittata (Pursh) Nutt, is a common, sometimes dominant, longlived forb that flowers early in spring from the foothills to upper-montane areas of the northern Rocky Mountains and Intermountain West. Public land managers desire its seed for rangeland rehabilitation. Through manual pollination field trials, the species was found to have a mixed pollination system. It is primarily xenogamous (46% of ovules yielded plump achenes) but partially self-compatible (31% of achenes were plump). Unvisited flower heads formed virtually no mature achenes; only plump achenes contained seeds with endosperm. Freely visited flower heads in 2 populations produced as many achenes as manual outcross pollinations of flower heads, suggesting that seed production was not pollinator limited. Two species of Osmia bees rely mostly on Balsamorhiza and its close relative, Wyethia , for pollen. At least 165 females per hectare will need to be stocked to achieve thorough flower visitation in cultivated seed production fields.
Advancements and Dilemmas in the Management of Allergy

Recent advances in the diagnosis and management of allergic disease also lead to new clinical decisions for providers. Advances in component (or molecular) diagnostic testing for allergy continue to build in the literature, but diagnosing inhalant allergy remains largely unchanged clinically. Prevention of allergy has been demonstrated by preventing peanut allergy in high-risk infants by intentional oral exposure to promote tolerance. Immunotherapy options have increased, with literature supporting sublingual drops, sublingual tablets, and subcutaneous immunotherapy. Expanded options create clinical questions such as the role of monotherapy in polysensitized patients. This article explores recent advances and their clinical implications.
Cold & hot tests of an S-band antenna for high power microwave systems

We present results of simulation, fabrication, and testing of an S-band narrow-wall longitudinal slot antenna designed for high-power-microwave (HPM) systems. A key aspect of the proposed antenna structure is the use of longitudinal slots in the narrow-wall of a rectangular waveguide as elements of the slot array to enhance the power handling capability of the antenna. Cold test of the antenna showed excellent agreement with the simulated return loss and radiation patterns. The radiation pattern measured in high power testing with a source power of 0.8MW also demonstrated good agreement with the simulated radiation pattern. This source power level is slightly below the predicted maximum input power handling capability of 1.15MW, at high elevation (in Albuquerque, NM). This work demonstrates that this narrow-wall longitudinal slot antenna is well suited to HPM applications.
Enzymatic degradation of luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH)/[D-ala6]-LHRH in lung pneumocytes

Purpose. To investigate the cellular proteolytic activities of various lung pneumocytes using luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH) and [D-Ala6]-LHRH as model peptide substrates. Methods. HPLC analysis was used to investigate the degradation kinetics of LHRH/[D-Ala6]-LHRH and to identify their degradation products in isolated lung pneumocytes. Results. Pulmonary macrophages exhibited the strongest proteolytic activity against LHRH)/[D-Ala6]-LHRH. followed by type II and type I-like pneumocytes. Three major degradation products of LHRH, namely LHRH 4−10, LHRH 6−10, and LHRH 7−10, were identified in macrophages and type II pneumocytes, whereas in type I-like pneumocytes only the LHRH 7−10 was found. Co-incubation of the cells with known enzyme inhibitors including captopril (an ACE inhibitor), thiorphan (an EP24.11 inhibitor), and EDTA (an EP24.15 inhibitor) inhibited the formation of LHRH 4−10, LHRH 7−10, and LHRH 6−10 respectively. In all cell types, the degradation rate of [D-Ala6]-LHRH was about 3−8 times lower than that of LHRH. This peptide analog was resistant to degradation by EP24.15 and EP24.11. but was susceptible to ACE. Conclusions. ACE, EP24.11, and EP24.15 are the major enzymes responsible for the degradation of LHRH in macrophages and type II pneumocytes. The magnitude of peptidase activities in these cell types are: EP24.15 > EP24.11 ≈ ACE. No EP24.15 or ACE activity was observed in type I-like pneumocytes and only a weak EP24.11 activity was detected.
A Pediatrician's Day in Immigration Court.

February 23, 2017. It was a courtroom in miniature. On the left, there were 2 children (an 8-year-old girl and a 9-year-old boy) seated next to a young, friendly attorney from the South Texas Pro Bono Asylum Representation Project. On the right, there was an attorney representing the government. Toward the back of the room, there were rows of hardwood benches where another 2 children were seated. I sat down next to the 12-year-old boy in the first row. It was quiet, but the atmosphere was uneasy. I looked at the boy sitting next to me. He was biting his lip. His hands were clenched tight. His body was stiff, but somehow he also seemed to be shaking. “Are you okay?” I asked, trying to ease the tension that permeated the room. He shook his head. Thinking that he may not have understood my question, I asked again. This time, though, he replied, “No,” as he leaned forward and buried his head in his palms without looking at me. Of course he was not okay. How could he be as he waited for the immigration judge, not knowing … Address correspondence to Pei-Yuan Tsou, MD, AMITA Health Alexian Brothers Women & Children's Hospital, 1555 Barrington Rd, Hoffman Estates, IL 60169. E-mail: peiyuan.tsou{at}gmail.com
Delta ferrite is ubiquitous in type 304 stainless steel: Consequences for magnetic characterization

Abstract Using a vibrating-sample magnetometer with a maximum field of 20.5 kOe, we have measured over 50 samples of annealed 304 stainless steel, which is usually considered to be non-magnetic. In almost every case, we observe the presence of a small, usually less than 0.01, fraction of a ferromagnetic phase, which we believe to be equilibrium bcc delta ferrite. The consequences of this observation for the measurement and specification of the magnetic properties of annealed 304 stainless are discussed. Our measurements also establish the most likely value for the magnetic permeability of the fcc austenitic phase in 304 stainless steel austenite as 1.0033 ± 0.0003.
Minimally Invasive Treatment of Greater Tuberosity Fractures

The proximal humerus tends to fracture into four distinct fragments: the humeral shaft, the greater and lesser tuberosities, and the articular surface.1 Neer based his classification system on displacement of these fragments by greater than 1 cm or angulation of more than 45°. In a retrospective review, Neer found that 85% of fractures were considered to be minimally displaced and nonoperative management led to satisfactory results. Displaced two-part greater tuberosity fractures, according to the above criteria, were treated with open reduction and internal fixation.1,2
Plant Genetics: Two Steps on the Path to Maize Adaptation

Two distinct variations in the promoter of a key flowering time gene were selected during the spread of maize from its tropical origin to northern North America.
Comparison of proinsulin and C-peptide secretion in healthy versus long-standing type 1 diabetes mellitus cohorts: A pilot study.

Aims Increased proinsulin (PI) compared to C-peptide (CP) concentrations have been reported, both prior to type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) onset, as well as early in disease. In this pilot study, we sought to define the normal PI secretion in a healthy cohort and compare this to a local T1D cohort and a separate well-defined nationally representative T1D cohort with measurable CP. Methods Thirteen healthy subjects and 12 T1D subjects with T1D >3 years from the local T1D cohort completed mixed meal tolerance tests (MMTT) with PI and CP measured over 90 and 240 minutes. The change in CP (maximum versus baseline, ΔCP) during MMTT in the T1D Exchange T1D cohort was stratified according to non-fasting PI concentrations, based on a fasting PI threshold, as defined by the healthy control group. Results The maximum fasting PI in the control group was 6 pmol/L. Individuals from the T1D Exchange with a non-fasting PI ≥ 6 pmol/L had a lower ΔCP during a MMTT, compared to those with a PI < 6 pmol/L. While only three individuals from the local T1D cohort had measurable CP and PI during the MMTT, those with a greater ΔCP had lower PI secretion. Conclusion While all T1D subjects from the T1D Exchange secreted measurable non-fasting PI, those with a greater non-fasting PI demonstrated a decrease in ΔCP during the MMTT. PI may be preferentially secreted compared to CP in some individuals with long standing T1D.
Moisture buffering in buildings: A review of experimental and numerical methods

Abstract Moisture buffering in buildings is well known to influence material durability, building-scale energy efficiency, and indoor environmental quality. In this work, we present a comprehensive meta-analysis of experimental studies and a review of numerical approaches concerning the moisture buffering capacity of common building materials. More specifically, we synthesize and analyze reported moisture buffering values (MBVs) of materials from >180 unique characterization experiments. In addition, we classify, compare, and critically discuss experimental methods employed to measure MBV, along with numerical methods that have been used to quantify building-scale benefits. Experimental data indicate that biotic and chemically hydrophilic (e.g., cellulosic) materials exhibit higher MBVs than porous, abiotic (e.g., cementitious) materials, which suggests new opportunities for engineering natural, synthetic, and/or hybrid hydrophilic materials that display hyperactive MBVs. In addition, moisture buffering effects have been shown to yield up to 30% energy savings in certain climates. However, our analysis reveals that more consistent experimental and numerical methodologies are still needed to accurately quantify building-scale benefits. To this end, we identify specific gaps in scientific and technical knowledge and offer suggestions for experimental and theoretical research that is required to advance the collective understanding of moisture buffering and its effects on the energy consumption and indoor environmental quality of residential and commercial buildings.
Current and Emerging Payment Models for Spine Pain Care: Evidence-Based, Outcomes-Based, or Both?

This chapter describes two major payment models relevant to the diagnosis and treatment of spine pain. The first is the assessment of the actual outcomes of care delivered, with emphasis on patient-reported outcomes such as pain and functional capacity (“outcomes-based”). The second comprises aggregated past observations in patient groups comparable to the current patient scheduled to receive a treatment (“evidence-based”). Payment decisions are then based upon whether differences were observed in the outcomes of treatment and control groups in the prior studies, preferably conducted as prospective randomized controlled trials. In practice, these two approaches are linked: evidence is typically gathered to assess specific outcomes, and findings of effects upon outcomes contribute to selecting one among many possible treatments and strategies to monitor that treatment’s effectiveness. We further describe a widely used computerized adaptive testing instrument (the Patient-Reported Outcomes Information System, “PROMIS”). We note actions underway by the US Federal insurance system to apply financial, merit-based performance incentives (“MIPS”) to encourage systematic collection and comparisons of treatment outcomes in a range of patient care settings. We conclude by touching on blockchain technology, an innovation that may grow in importance in health care by virtue of its facilitation of collection and pooling of individual patients’ detailed characteristics, care received, and outcomes achieved while maintaining their anonymity.
Feasibility and treatment effect of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia in individuals with multiple sclerosis: A pilot randomized controlled trial.

Abstract Background At least 40% of individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) exercise chronic insomnia, and the prevalence is likely higher due to underdiagnosis. Poor sleep quality has been associated with increased fatigue, anxiety, depression, and risk of relapse in individuals with MS. While cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is the recommended treatment for chronic insomnia, the treatment effect of CBT-I in people with MS is unclear. Objective This pilot randomized control trial (RCT) assessed the feasibility and treatment effect of CBT-I to improve sleep quality and fatigue in individuals with MS with symptoms of insomnia. Methods Thirty-three individuals with MS (30 females, 3 males; 30 relapsing-remitting; 3 secondary-progressive; 53.0 ± 9.4 years old) with symptoms of insomnia were randomized into one of three arms: 1. 6-week CBT-I program, 2. 6-week active control, or 3. Single session of sleep education. Participants completed surveys to assess sleep quality, fatigue, sleep self-efficacy, depression, and anxiety. Results CBT-I in individuals with MS is feasible with high retention and adherence rate. All groups experienced a large magnitude of improvement in insomnia symptoms. The CBT-I and brief education groups experienced a large magnitude of improvement in sleep quality and fatigue. Only the CBT-I group demonstrated a large magnitude of improvement in sleep self-efficacy and depression. Conclusion This is the first study to prospectively demonstrates that CBT-I is feasible in people with MS and produces promising improvements in insomnia severity, sleep quality, sleep self-efficacy and comorbid symptoms of fatigue, depression, and anxiety. Future studies are needed to determine mechanisms for these improvements and expand the scope of individuals with MS who may benefit from CBT-I. Furthermore, considering the moderate to large improvements experienced by the brief education group and the limited number of CBT-I providers, a stepped-care approach warrants consideration.
An Analytic Synthesis Method for Two-Element Biomimetic Antenna Arrays

An analytic technique for synthesizing two-element biomimetic antenna arrays (BMAAs) is presented. This method addresses the shortcomings of previous methods used to design such arrays, which uniformly relied on using a numerical optimization procedure to find acceptably suboptimal solutions for the design of the coupling networks of such arrays. We first present an analytic method for determining all possible S-parameters that satisfy the requirements of the four-port external coupling network (ECN) of a two-element BMAA. Subsequently, all possible lumped element implementations of the ECNs are presented. Finally, we present a method for determining the values of the reactive elements constituting the ECN from its S-matrix. We demonstrate the proposed design procedure for a BMAA consisting of two 10.3 cm-long monopole antennas separated by 5 cm. The design procedure is used to determine the reactive elements constituting the ECNs for two (out of infinity) S-matrices and 13 different ECN architectures. Two representative coupling networks were also fabricated and the responses of the BMAAs using them were experimentally characterized. The measurement results are found to be in good agreement with the simulations, verifying the validity of the proposed synthesis technique.
007 (x2)-3-3: 14-3-3 Targeted Compounds as Double Agents.

14-3-3 Proteins enact a range of cellular functions through protein–protein interactions (PPIs) with client proteins. Kaplan and colleagues recently demonstrated that a semisynthetic compound was able to selectively stabilize or disrupt specific interactions, depending on the binding partner. This finding presents an exciting possibility of designing other 14-3-3 compounds to regulate critical 14-3-3 interactions.
Racial Disparities in Cognitive Function among Middle-Aged and Older Adults: The Roles of Cumulative Stress Exposures Across the Life Course.

BACKGROUND Racial disparities in cognitive function are well documented, but factors driving these disparities remain underexplored. This study aims to quantify the extent to which cumulative stress exposures across the life course explain Black-White disparities in executive function and episodic memory in middle-aged and older adults. METHODS Data were drawn from the 2004-2006 wave of the Midlife Development in the United States Study (MIDUS 2) and the MIDUS Refresher study (N = 5,947; 5,262 White, 685 Black). Cumulative stress exposures were assessed by 10 domains (i.e., childhood stress, stressful life events in adulthood, financial stress, work psychological stress, work physical stress, work-family conflicts, neighborhood disorder, relationship stress, perceived inequality, perceived discrimination). Cognitive function was assessed using the Brief Test of Adult Cognition by Telephone. Marginal structural models were used to quantify the proportion of the effect of race/ethnicity status on cognitive function mediated through cumulative stress exposures. RESULTS After adjusting for age, sex, and sample, on average, Black participants had lower levels of executive function (difference: -0.83 standard deviation units, 95% CI -0.91, -0.75) and episodic memory (difference: -0.53 standard deviation units, 95% CI -0.60, -0.45) scores than White participants. Cumulative stress exposures accounted for 8.4% of the disparity in executive function and 13.2% of the disparity in episodic memory. CONCLUSIONS Cumulative stress exposures across the life course explained modest proportions of Black-White disparities in cognitive function in this large cross-sectional study.
Disrupting Death: How Dedicated Capital Defenders Broke Virginia's Machinery of Death

Virginia’s repeal of capital punishment in 2021 is arguably the most momentous abolitionist event since 1972, when the Supreme Court invalidated capital punishment statutes nationwide. In part, this is because Virginia’s repeal marks the first time a Southern state abolished the death penalty. And in part, it is because even among Southern states, Virginia was exceptional in its fealty to capital punishment. Virginia had the broadest death penalty statute in the country, coupled with a post-conviction review process that was lightning fast and turned death sentences into executions at a rate five times the national average. Virginia holds the record for the most executions in the history of the United States, so how did it go from all-in on the death penalty to abolition? A critical piece of the puzzle was the fact that Virginia had not seen a new death sentence in ten years, and had only two people left on death row. The death penalty was dying on the vine, and how that came to be owes largely to Virginia’s dedicated capital defenders, who literally worked themselves out of a job by disrupting the machinery of death at every turn. In this Article, we (a law professor and a former regional capital defender) tell the story behind the story of Virginia’s plunging death sentences—what was happening in the trenches that the transcripts and plea deals don’t show. This is the backstory as we know it, and we share it here both to better understand Virginia’s journey, and to serve as a resource for others still navigating theirs.
Effect of Alkali Treatment to Improve Fiber-Matrix Bonding and Mechanical Behavior of Sisal Fiber Reinforced Cementitious Composites

The current use of dispersed fibers in cementitious matrices is focused on the enhancement in structural performance and mitigation of the effects of shrinkage, which results in microcracks in the cementitious matrix. Natural fibers appear as a low cost and eco-friendly alternative. However, these fibers are degradable in alkaline environments, resulting in changes in the mechanical performance of the composite. These fibers are also susceptible to volume variation with moisture presence, which results in interface degradation. Therefore, the main goal of this work is to evaluate the effect of alkali treatment in order to overcome these limitations and successfully utilize these materials in several applications. For this purpose, sisal fibers with 50 mm length were subjected to 1, 5 and 10 wt.% alkali solutions for chemical modification. The effect of the treatment was evaluated by pullout tests on untreated and treated fibers on a free calcium hydroxide matrix. Additionally, the mechanical performance of fiber reinforced concrete was analyzed through three-point bending tests. Treated fibers presented a brittle behavior in the pullout test. The alkali treatment did not contribute to an increase in the flexural performance of the composite. Similar values of residual strength in the post-cracking region were reached for untreated and treated fiber reinforced cementitious composites.
Examining Mendeley: Designing Learning Opportunities for Digital Scholarship

Researchers have widely adopted computer programs for reference management, such as Mendeley, due to their ability to support a variety of research practices, including organization and storage of pdfs. These programs also afford participation and networking within new scholarly information landscapes. This paper uses a survey and semi-structured interviews to explore use of Mendeley at the University of Colorado and to provide an initial snapshot of scholars’ adoption of new digital practices. Because these new practices call for different capacities, the authors then used the results to design meaningful learning opportunities for scholars and students.
c.w. NMr of He3 On Graphite

Recently there has been considerable interest in the study of helium films adsorbed on graphite. For helium coverages in the first monolayer early specific heat (1) and NMR measurements (2) gave a consistent and rather detailed picture of adatom behavior. Recent results (3), however, have indicated that the situation with respect to the NMR may be somewhat more complex than originally envisioned. In hopes of gaining greater insight into this problem the early NMR results are here reviewed with particular attention given to the experimental details.