cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Steroid Receptor Co-activator-1 Mediates 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D 3 -Stimulated Alkaline Phosphatase in Human Osteosarcoma Cells

For steroid hormone function to occur, nuclear receptors interact with a series of coactivators including steroid receptor coactivator-1 (SRC-1). The SRC-1 binds the vitamin D receptor (VDR) in the presence of ligand in an activation function 2 (AF-2)-dependent manner. In order to understand the role of this interaction in 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3]-mediated gene expression, the level of SRC-1 expression was altered in MG-63 cells. Previous studies had demonstrated that MG-63 cells express the VDR and that 1,25(OH)2D3 regulates expression of alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Analysis of MG-63 cells demonstrated that SRC-1 is expressed. A full-length cDNA coding for SRC-1 was inserted in antisense orientation into an expression vector (anti-SRC-1). The MG-63 cells were transfected with anti-SRC-1 or mock vector and stable transformants were selected. Western blot analysis showed a 95% reduction in SRC-1 protein as compared with mock cells. We determined the effect of normal and reduced SRC-1 expression in MG-63 cells on 1,25(OH)2D3-mediated stimulation of ALP. Whereas 10−8 M 1,25(OH)2D3 produced a 3.6-fold stimulation in ALP in mock cells expressing normal levels of SRC-1, it did not alter ALP in cells expressing reduced levels of SRC-1. Thus, SRC-1 is required for 1,25(OH)2D3-mediated gene expression of ALP by human MG-63 cells.
Optimal fusion rules in team classification under three decision structures

In this paper, we study the performance of a team of dichotomous classifiers, where the classifiers' decisions are combined by logical fusion rules. Three decision structures are derived using the confusion matrix of a single classifier and a priori information, and the performances of the different decision structures are compared. First, we consider the performance of a team of three classifiers with a total of 256 fusion rules. Then, we propose a decision structure that utilizes a moderator, i.e., an entity that exploits Bayesian inference from individual classifiers' decisions and makes final decisions based on maximum likelihood classification. We show the benefits of using a moderator (compared to a decision structure without a moderator). Finally, we propose a decision structure that exploits pairing, i.e., fusing the classifiers' decisions sequentially two-by-two. Two pairing schemes, i.e., incremental and tournament-like, are proposed and we show that incremental pairing is the most effective decision structure among the proposed ones.
Measurements of residual defects and 1/f noise in ion-implanted p-channel MOSFET's

This paper describes the measurements of excess noise and residual defects of extremely low concentrations ( 2 or an Ar ambient for 20 min at various temperatures. For11B+-implanted MOSFET's after annealing above 1000°C, a high residual defect concentration was observed near the conduction band edge; whereas after annealing the defect density as a result of28Si+or31p+implantation was equal to that of control MOSFET's. The density-of-state data agree with the equilibrium measurements of excess ( 1/f ) noise power. The excess noise was measured as a function of the drain current. The distribution of 1/f noise power versus potential minimum of holes in the equilibrium condition is similar to that of interface state density. In nonequilibrium operation, a reduction of excess noise was achieved owing to the presence of buried channel created by ion implant.
Plasma lithium as a marker of lithium chloride in wild Norway rats (R. norvegicus).

Abstract A parametric study was conducted to determine the efficacy of plasma lithium as a marker of lithium chloride ingestion and dose in conditioned taste aversion research with rats. Separate groups of male wild Norway rats were given 60, 120 and 240 mg/kg doses of a lithium chloride solution by gavage. At 0.5, 1, 2, 24, 48 and 72 hr after dosing, 2–3 cc samples of blood were taken from each rat; these were centrifuged and 0.5–1.0 cc specimens of plasma were frozen for later analysis. Flameless atomic absorption spectroscopy was then used to determine quantities (ppm) of lithium in these specimens. Analyses of the data revealed that plasma lithium was both dose and time dependent; however, uptake and elimination of the lithium was rapid (≤48 hr for 60 and 120 mg/kg-dosed rats). Results showed that measurements of plasma lithium has some utility as a marker of lithium chloride ingestion in laboratory studies, but limited potential in field studies, of conditioned taste aversion with rats.
Experimental and Simulation Characterization of Semi-Insulating 6H SIC Photoconductive Switch for Pulsed Power Applications

High resistivity SiC has been shown to be a viable PCSS material [1]. High breakdown field, extreme thermal stability, wide energy band-gap, crystal robustness, and large electron saturation velocity are likely to make devices made from SiC more reliable under extreme operating conditions [2]. Because of its limited use this far, there is a need to study and characterize a SiC PCSS as a viable component of a circuitry for high power generator. In this presentation we discuss the characteristics of a compact SiC PCSS being tested for potential high power applications at the Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) Department, University of Missouri at Columbia (UMC). Specifically we look into the carrier transport properties of high resistivity 6H SiC in light of its usefulness as a PCSS for high power applications. We discuss the material properties, role of traps and propose designs for high power linear mode applications. We also describe the semi-conductor physics modeling of a SI 6H SiC switches in high electric field configuration. The reasons for the breakdown of the switch are discussed. The model results of heavily doped p+ regions along cathode on carrier injection, leakage current, and voltage hold off is discussed The modeling of the transverse injection of optical closure energy is discussed along with the experimental results. The changes in the photoconductivity with below band gap illumination are shown.
The effect of pressure on the optical absorption edge of germanium and silicon

Abstract The shift of the optical absorption edge with pressure has been measured in germanium and silicon to over 100,000 atmospheres. In germanium there is an initial blue shift which reverses at 50,000 atm at α ≅ 20 cm −1 (35,000 arm at α = 0). Silicon exhibits a continuous red shift. The data in the low pressure region are consistent with those of other investigators. Evidently the minimum in the conduction band in the 〈111〉 direction shifts to higher energy with increasing pressure, while the minimum in the 〈100〉 direction shifts to lower energies (relative to the valence band). At one atmosphere the minimum in 〈111〉 direction in germanium lies about 0.2 eV above the minimum in the 〈100〉 direction which is consistent with previous estimates.
Application of kohonen self-organizing map for urban structure analysis

Kohonen Self-organizing Map (SOM) has been widely used to discover clusters in datasets of various real world applications. Urban structure, as characterized by various social, economic, and environmental features, can be explored with SOM. In this paper, we present a case study of applying SOM for urban structure analysis to the city of New Orleans. One novel aspect of this work is the inclusion of environmental data from satellite imagery for clustering. Ten social-economic variables from Census 2000 data and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) from Landsat 7 Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus (ETM+) imagery were used as inputs to SOM to group 482 census block groups of New Orleans into 9 clusters. The clustering results show that block groups with high economic status and environmental quality tended to cluster at 3 major outer locations, while block groups with low economic status and environmental quality were concentrated in the mid-city area, which is a well known pattern due to the suburbanization process. Three major components were extracted by a principal component analysis, and they were compared with the clustering results from SOM. Fisher's linear discriminant analysis shows a good separability result among 9 clusters discovered by the SOM.
Geomagnetism and paleomagnetism 1979–1983

My function, in writing these notes, is to bring you up to date in Geomagnetism and Paleomagnetism, in as painless a manner as possible—without tears, as the French language texts for tourists used to promise. In writing this account of progress in the past quadrennium, I must first acknowledge that it is a personal and subjective viewpoint;; another reporter would surely emphasize other developments. Yet, there is some virture in writing of things, about which one knows something, so I leave to future reporters the task of redresssing the balance in matters covered. At the outset, one very sad event must be recorded. On April 3, 1981, Sir Edward Bullard died. His published work alone marks him as one of the leaders of geomagnetism in our times. Yet his contribution was much greater; many an American geophysicist, as well as a whole generation of British colleagues, have felt the benefit of his perceptive advice on their research. To those who saw him in the last few months of his life, his courage in the face of his illness was a remarkable example of fortitude. It is by now well known that the definitive paper, which he wrote with Malin, on secular variation at London, was only completed immediately before his death. The transmittal letter had been typed, but death prevented him from signing it. Bullard returned in this final paper to a topic to which he had contributed much. In it, he notes the role of Halley, who first described the phenomenon of westward drift, to which Bullard gave a new numerical precision, two and a half centuries later. I seem to remember Bullard saying in a lecture years ago that, while the Newtons of this world seem other than mortal, Halley was a scientist whose life and acheivements could encourage one's own efforts. Bullard, like Halley, inspires and encourages us.
A THREE-KINETIC-STATE MODEL OF AXONAL TRANSPORT DRUG DELIVERY

This paper develops a model of axonal transport drug delivery that includes three populations (kinetic states) of pharmaceutical agent complexes (PACs), namely PACs transported by dynein motors, PACs freely suspended in the cytosol, and PACs accumulated at the Nodes of Ranvier. The number of model parameters is minimized by recasting governing equations into the dimensionless form. The obtained equations are solved numerically. The dependencies of the three PAC concentrations as well as the diffusion-driven, motor-driven, and total PAC fluxes on the PAC diffusivity and the length of the axon are investigated. Two situations are analyzed: when all kinetic constantans are the same (in this case the dynein-driven PAC flux exceeds the diffusion flux by a large amount) and when kinetic constants describing PAC transition from the freely suspended state are small (in the this case the diffusion-driven flux is the major component of the total flux, but since the diffusion transport mechanism is highly inefficien...
Abolition of Crypticity of Arthrobacter pyridinolis Toward Glucose and α-Glucosides by Tricarboxylic Acid Cycle Intermediates

Arthrobacter pyridinolis cannot grow on glucose as sole carbon source, although the cells possess catabolic enzymes of the Embden-Meyerhof and pentose phosphate pathways as well as a complete tricarboxylic acid cycle. Crypticity toward glucose is abolished by a period of growth in a medium containing malate, succinate, citrate, or fumarate in addition to glucose. Other carbon sources, which support as rapid growth as does malate (e.g. asparagine), do not enable the cells to use glucose. Malate, succinate, citrate, and fumarate abolish crypticity toward glucose only in the second phase of diauxic growth after the tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediate has been depleted. This sequence of events, first observed in growth curves, has been verified by experiments in which the incorporation of radioactive substrates into trichloroacetic acid-insoluble cellular material was followed. The tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates which confer the ability to utilize glucose also enhance the utilization of the alphaglucosides sucrose and maltose. The mechanism whereby growth on certain tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates confers the subsequent ability to grow on glucose is related to a transport system for glucose and alpha-glucosides. This transport system has been assayed by measuring the uptake of [1-(14)C]-2-deoxyglucose. Cells grown for varying periods of time in asparagine, asparagine plus glucose, or malate do not transport 2-deoxyglucose. Cells from malate-glucose cultures that are in the exponential phase of growth on glucose can transport 2-deoxyglucose. Transport of 2-deoxyglucose shows Michaelis-Menten kinetics with a K(m) of 2.9 x 10(-4) M. It is competitively inhibited by glucose, alpha-methylglucopyranoside, and maltose. The transport of 2-deoxyglucose is inhibited by cyanide, dinitrophenol, azide, and N-ethylmaleimide, but not by malonate or fluoride. No phosphoenolpyruvate: d-glucose phosphotransferase activity has been detected, and the 2-deoxyglucose transported into the cell is not phosphorylated.
Constructing the Heterocyclic Core of Viridin and Wortmannin

Abstract The furanosteroids are a class of novel fungal metabolites, several of which are potent inhibitors of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI-3 kinase), an enzyme that plays a key role in the life cycle of cells. The inhibitory activity of these compounds stems from their ability to selectively block certain intracellular signaling pathways, in particular those associated with cell growth and development. As such they hold promise as a new class of therapeutic agents for diseases characterized by rapid cell proliferation, as is the case in cancer. However, the known members of this class are far too toxic and nonselective for development as antitumor agents. Because of this there is intense interest in developing new synthetic pathways to both the naturally occurring compounds, and simpler analogs, in order to better evaluate structure-activity relationships. This chapter outlines a concise synthetic approach to the furanosteroid skeleton that should apply equally well to preparing the biologically important natural products as well as structural analogs.
Characterization of γ-Aminobutyric Acid-Benzodiazepine Receptor Complexes by Protection Against Inactivation by Group-Specific Reagents

: The chemical topography of the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and benzodiazepine (BZ) receptors was investigated in a thoroughly washed cortical membrane preparation of the rat. Chemical modification by several amino- and tyrosyl-selective reagents and the protection from it by direct and allosteric ligands of the GABA-BZ receptor complex were used to identify the residues at the binding sites. Inhibition of specific GABA binding by p-diazobenzenesulfonic acid (DSA), tetrani-tromethane (TNM), and N-acetylimidazole and the selective and complete protection from it by GABA and muscimol suggest the presence of a tyrosine residue at the GABAA site. TNM, like DSA, selectively decreased the number of the low-affinity GABA receptors, and this could be completely protected only by GABA concentrations that can saturate the low-affinity sites. TNM pre-treatment also abolished the muscimol enhancement of [3H]diazepam binding, which suggests that the low-affinity GABA receptor sites are responsible for this enhancement. Inhibition of GABA binding by pyridoxal-5-phosphate (PLP) and the selective protection by GABA and muscimol support the presence of a lysine residue at the GABAA receptor site. Complete and selective protection from diethylpyrocarbonate (DEP) inhibition of [3H]diazepam binding by flurazepam suggests the presence of a histidine residue at the BZ site. Flurazepam selectively protected from inhibition of [3H]diazepam binding by N-bromosuccinimide and N-acetylimidazole, but not that by DSA and TNM, which does not allow a unanimous conclusion regarding the presence of tyrosine or tryptophan residues at the BZ site.
Retrospective observational study of pulmonary hypertension patients dosed with greater than 9 breaths qid of inhaled treprostinil

Purpose: The objective of this retrospective cohort study was to determine the tolerability and safety of inhaled treprostinil (iTRE) dosed at a higher target maintenance dosage than previously studied in pulmonary hypertension (PH). Methods: World Health Organization (WHO) Group I-V PH patients treated at Duke prior to 8/2012 that have been prescribed iTRE at higher than target maintenance dose of 9 breaths qid (54mcg) were included in this analysis. Tolerability and safety parameters were assessed. Data were collected by chart abstraction and verified against source documents. Baseline data were collected at least 3 months prior to the increased dose. Follow up data were collected 3 to 6 months after the elevated dose. Results: 75 patients were analyzed; 67% female, 67% Caucasian, 51% WHO Group I and 35% Group III. Of the 75 patients, 73 received 12 breaths qid (72 mcg) while 2 only reached 10-11 breaths. Cough (41%) was the most common side effect at baseline decreasing to 18% at follow-up. Headache was present in 28% patients and decreased over time. Throat irritation was present in 8% patients and disappeared subsequently. One patient was hypotensive but did not discontinue. Another had a syncopal episode at baseline and later discontinued. Overall 20 of 75 (25%) patients discontinued iTRE; 9 transitioned to parenteral therapy, 4 stopped due to side effects, 3 died (worsening PH, post-op complications), and 4 had other reasons. Conclusions: Overall, inhaled iTRE dosed at a higher target maintenance dose than previously studied appeared safe and well-tolerated. These results warrant further investigation into the risk/benefit of elevated dosages.
Mutations of the SBDS gene are present in most patients with Shwachman-Diamond syndrome

Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome (SDS) is a rare multisystem disorder characterized by exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, bone marrow dysfunction, and metaphyseal chondrodysplasia. Recent studies show that mutations of SBDS, a gene of unknown function, are present in the majority of patients with SDS. In the present study, we show that most, but not all, patients classified based on rigorous clinical criteria as having SDS had compound heterozygous mutations of SBDS. Full-length SBDS protein was not detected in leukocytes of SDS patients with the most common SBDS mutations, consistent with a loss-of-function mechanism. In contrast, SBDS protein was expressed at normal levels in SDS patients without SBDS mutations. These data confirm the absence of SBDS mutations in this subgroup of patients and suggest that SDS is a genetically heterogeneous disorder. The presence (or absence) of SBDS mutations may define subgroups of patients with SDS who share distinct clinical features or natural history.
Age-adjusted baseline data for women with hallux valgus undergoing corrective surgery.

Background: Functional and health-related quality-of-life data on a population of patients with hallux valgus are lacking. Similarly, the correlation of the severity of the deformity with these measures is unknown.Methods: Two hundred and eighty-five women with an average age of forty-nine years who
Performance of state estimate fusion in long-haul sensor networks with message retransmission

We consider a long-haul network in which sensors are remotely deployed and tasked to send state estimates of a dynamic target to the fusion center via satellite links. Due to severe loss and delay inherent in satellite channels, the number of estimates successfully arriving at the fusion center can be quite limited. A certain retransmission-based transport protocol can be applied so that lost messages can be recovered over time. However, excess delay may be incurred with message retransmission that can potentially violate the deadline for reporting the estimate. In this work, we analyze the recovery rate and the arrival time performances of the state estimates with message retransmission and time cutoff. We are particularly interested in exploring the extent to which message retransmission can potentially improve the system performance. Results of simulation studies of a ballistic target tracking application are shown in the end to complement our analysis.
The eag domain regulates hERG channel inactivation gating via a direct interaction.

Human ether-a-go-go (eag)-related gene (hERG) potassium channel kinetics are characterized by rapid inactivation upon depolarization, along with rapid recovery from inactivation and very slow closing (deactivation) upon repolarization. These factors combine to create a resurgent hERG current, where the current amplitude is paradoxically larger with repolarization than with depolarization. Previous data showed that the hERG N-terminal eag domain regulated deactivation kinetics by making a direct interaction with the C-terminal region of the channel. A primary mechanism for fast inactivation depends on residues in the channel pore; however, inactivation was also shown to be slower after deletion of a large N-terminal region. The mechanism for N-terminal region regulation of inactivation is unclear. Here, we investigated the contributions of the large N-terminal domains (amino acids 1–354), including the eag domain (amino acids 1–135), to hERG channel inactivation kinetics and steady-state inactivation properties. We found that N-deleted channels lacking just the eag domain (Δ2–135) or both the eag domain and the adjacent proximal domain (Δ2–354) had less rectifying current–voltage (I-V) relationships, slower inactivation, faster recovery from inactivation, and lessened steady-state inactivation. We coexpressed genetically encoded N-terminal fragments for the eag domain (N1–135) or the eag domain plus the proximal domain (N1–354) with N-deleted hERG Δ2–135 or hERG Δ2–354 channels and found that the resulting channels had more rectifying I-V relationships, faster inactivation, slower recovery from inactivation, and increased steady-state inactivation, similar to those properties measured for wild-type (WT) hERG. We also found that the eag domain–containing fragments regulated the time to peak and the voltage at the peak of a resurgent current elicited with a ramp voltage protocol. The eag domain–containing fragments effectively converted N-deleted channels into WT-like channels. Neither the addition of the proximal domain to the eag domain in N1–354 fragments nor the presence of the proximal domain in hERG Δ2–135 channels measurably affected inactivation properties; in contrast, the proximal region regulated steady-state activation in hERG Δ2–135 channels. The results show that N-terminal region-dependent regulation of channel inactivation and resurgent current properties are caused by a direct interaction of the eag domain with the rest of the hERG channel.
Challenges with afucosylation content in antibody-based drugs: Guidance provided by mathematical modeling

The theory of competitive ligand–receptor binding has been used to analyze the effect of afucosylation-based antibody heterogeneity on Fc-FcγRIIIa ligand–receptor binding activity. In vitro activity is found to represent a linear combination of the component antibody activities, weighted by the relative concentrations of the different afucosylated antibody forms. An analysis of ELISA binding activity data has allowed for the dissection of the activity contributions of the different afucosylated antibodies, revealing that the heterogeneous afucosylated antibody exhibits greater activity, on a per mole basis, when compared to the homogeneous afucosylated antibody. The ratio of the afucosylated antibody equilibrium dissociation constants is computed to be KAF/KA ≈ 0.6–0.9, where KAF and KA denote the dissociation equilibrium constant of the heterogeneous and the homogeneous afucosylated antibodies, respectively. Our analysis also reveals that, in general, activity scales quadratically with the afucosylated glycan content of a sample. Linear activity–afucosylated glycan fraction correlations reported in the literature are shown to represent specific cases of this general scaling and result from oversimplifying the underlying antibody concentration distributions. The implications of our findings for drug development are also discussed. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 31:775–782, 2015
Retinoid regulation of heparin‐binding EGF‐like growth factor gene expression in human keratinocytes and skin*

Retinoic acid (RA) has profound effects on epidermal homeostasis; however, the molecular mechanisms by which retinoids regulate keratinocyte cell proliferation and differentiation are not well understood. Here we report that mRNA expression of heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor (HB-EGF), a member of the EGF family of growth factors, is induced by RA in human keratinocytes and skin, and is overexpressed in the context of epidermal hyperplasia in vivo. Treatment of normal adult human keratinocytes with micromolar concentrations of RA significantly induced the expression of HB-EGF. The response was efficiently blocked by specific inhibitors of ErbB tyrosine kinase activity, MAP kinase kinase (MEK), or p38 stress-activated protein kinase. RA also enhanced the induction of HB-EGF mRNA in human skin organ culture, an ex vivo model system displaying many similarities to wound healing in vivo. HB-EGF transcripts were markedly increased in human skin by topical treatment with RA under conditions known to provoke epidermal hyperplasia. HB-EGF transcripts were also markedly overexpressed in the hyperplastic epidermis of psoriatic lesions, relative to normal skin. These results support the hypothesis that the effects of RA on epidermal hyperplasia are mediated at least in part by HB-EGF, and suggest that signal transduction mechanisms other than or in addition to nuclear RA receptors contribute to this effect.
An Energy-Balance Analysis of Deep Convective Self-Aggregation above Uniform SST

Abstract The spatial organization of deep moist convection in radiative–convective equilibrium over a constant sea surface temperature is studied. A 100-day simulation is performed with a three-dimensional cloud-resolving model over a (576 km)2 domain with no ambient rotation and no mean wind. The convection self-aggregates within 10 days into quasi-stationary mesoscale patches of dry, subsiding and moist, rainy air columns. The patches ultimately merge into a single intensely convecting moist patch surrounded by a broad region of very dry subsiding air. The self-aggregation is analyzed as an instability of a horizontally homogeneous convecting atmosphere driven by convection–water vapor–radiation feedbacks that systematically dry the drier air columns and moisten the moister air columns. Column-integrated heat, water, and moist static energy budgets over (72 km)2 horizontal blocks show that this instability is primarily initiated by the reduced radiative cooling of air columns in which there is extensive...
The Cornell Jaguar project: adding mobility to PREDATOR

The Cornell Jaguar Project is exploring a variety of issues related to mobility and query processing. One broad theme is to break down the traditional client and server boundaries, leading to ubiquitous query processing. Another theme is to extend database and query processing techniques to small-scale and mobile devices. The project builds on and extends the Cornell PREDATOR database engine.
A Reviews of: “Control and Freedom: Power and Paranoia in the Age of Fiber Optics”

The essential paranoid tension between freedom and control that is the subject of Wendy Chun's book sees perfect expression in a recent Fox blurb buffering viewers against one of their more graphic...
Consumers' Recommendations to Improve Satisfaction with Rehabilitation Services: A Qualitative Study.

Understanding consumers' concerns about vocational rehabilitation services is important because of the current emphasis on empowerment and consumer-directed services. This study focused on particip...
Dynamical Transition Observed in Lysozyme Solutions at THz Frequencies

Temperature-dependent THz dielectric response of hen egg-white lysozyme (HEWL) solution was measured using THz-TDS. We observe a dynamical transition at 200K, corresponding to greater protein flexibility as a function of increasing temperature.
White matter heritability using diffusion tensor imaging in neonatal brains

Understanding genetic and environmental effects on white matter development in the first years of life is of great interest, as it provides insights into the etiology of neurodevelopmental disorders. In this study, the genetic and environmental effects on white matter were estimated using data from 173 neonatal twin subjects. Diffusion tensor imaging scans were acquired around 40 days after birth and were non-rigidly registered to a group-specific atlas and parcellated into 98 ROIs. A model of additive genetic, and common and specific environmental variance components was used to estimate overall and regional genetic and environmental contributions to diffusion parameters of fractional anisotropy, radial diffusivity, and axial diffusivity. Correlations between the regional heritability values and diffusion parameters were also examined. Results indicate that individual differences in overall white matter microstructure, represented by the average diffusion parameters over the whole brain, are heritable, and estimates are higher than found in studies in adults. Estimates of genetic and environmental variance components vary considerably across different white matter regions. Significant positive correlations between radial diffusivity heritability and radial diffusivity values are consistent with regional genetic variation being modulated by maturation status in the neonatal brain: the more mature the region is, the less genetic variation it shows. Common environmental effects are present in a few regions that tend to be characterized by low radial diffusivity. Results from the joint diffusion parameter analysis suggest that multivariate modeling approaches might be promising to better estimate maturation status and its relationship with genetic and environmental effects.
Filtration of spermatozoa through L4 membrane: a new method

Objective: To explore the possibility of using the L4 membrane filtration device for processing of spermatozoa for intrauterine insemination and other assisted reproductive techniques. Design, Setting, Patients: Semen samples from 15 patients attending an infertility clinic of a tertiary referral institution and from seven fertile donors were used for the study. Main Outcome Measures: The effect of L4 membrane filtration was studied on the following semen parameters: sperm motility, velocity, percentage of normal and abnormal sperm forms, and percentage and concentration of round cells in semen. Results: The statistical analysis of data from both the subfertile patient population and the normal fertile donor group showed similar improvement in semen quality after L4 membrane filtration. Therefore, the results for these two groups were combined for statistical purposes. Our findings demonstrate a significant increase in normal sperm forms and a decrease in abnormal forms after filtration of specimens through the L4 membrane. In all subjects, the mean sperm motility increased from 47% to 77% (P < 0.0001); velocity increased from 30 to 48 μm/seconds (P < 0.0001); normal sperm forms increased from 53% to 84% (P < 0.0001); abnormal forms decreased from 28% to 10% (head defects) (P < 0.0001); neck defects from 3.5% to 1% (P < 0.0006); tail defects from 8% to 3.5% (P < 0.005); and undifferentiated round cells decreased from 6% to <1% (P < 0.002) after filtration. The concentration of round cells counted by the Makler chamber (Sefi Medical, Haifa, Israel) decreased significantly from 6 X 10 6 /mL to 0.2 X 10 6 /mL (P < 0.0003). Similarly, white blood cell counts measured by the Endtz test also decreased from 3.4 X 10 6 /mL to <0.1 X 106 (P < 0.043). Conclusion: We conclude that the filtration of the semen specimens through L4 membrane results in a significant improvement in semen parameters and should be considered as an adjunct in sperm processing. Fertil Steril
Is Seeing The Same As Knowing: The Dilemma of Imaging.

Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted. —Attributed to Albert Einstein [(1)][1] Traditionally, many diseases have been defined by their morphology and what better technique is there to demonstrate morphology in the living individual than imaging
Dynamic characteristics of the human spine during -Gx acceleration

Spinal kinematics and kinetics of human cadaveric specimens subjected to minus G//x acceleration are reported along with an attempt to design a surrogate spine for use in an anthropomorphic test device (ATD). There were a total of 30 runs on 9 emblamed and 2 unemblamed cadavers which were heavily instrumented. External photographic targets were attached to T1, T12 and the pelvis to record spinal kinematics. The subjects were restrained by upper and lower leg clamps attached to an impact seat equipped with a six-axis load cell. A rigid link 486 mm long and pinned at both ends was proposed for use in an ATD as a surrogate spine. An optimization method was used to obtain the location and length of a linkage which followed the least squares path of T1 relative to the pelvis. Language: en
ICP in the Elderly Head Injury Population

In 1979, Jennett et al. reported that age and Glasgow Coma Score (GCS) independently influence outcome of head injured patients. Pitts et al. (1980) reported a linear relationship between ICP measured between 6–24 hours after severe head injury and outcome. Teasdale (1986) suggests that ICP measurement is useful in all patients with mass lesions, occult hematoma, postoperative swelling and in patients with a normal CT scan and any of the following risk factors: an abnormal motor response, hypotension, or over 40 years old. Although age was not reported, Seelig et al. (1986) found that patients with an ICP≥30 torr within 72 hours of head injury and were also hypotensive (systolic BP≤90 mm Hg) had a mortality rate of 79%. Luerssen et al. (1988) reported that an increasing mortality rate in head injury patients correlated with age in the adult population and with severity of admission GCS. ICP monitoring in head injured patients has been studied extensively, but little specific information is available concerning ICP monitoring in the elderly. This study was done to explore the relationship of ICP to outcome in the elderly head injured population
The shortfalls of "Obamacare".

Since the Affordable Care Act ignores the structural problems in the organization and reimbursement of care, even if it succeeds in providing insurance coverage to more Americans, it won't solve the problems of unaffordable health care costs and inadequate quality of care.
Time-resolved spectroscopic measurements of shock-wave induced decomposition in cyclotrimethylene trinitramine (RDX) crystals: anisotropic response.

Plate impact experiments on the (210), (100), and (111) planes were performed to examine the role of crystalline anisotropy on the shock-induced decomposition of cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine (RDX) crystals. Time-resolved emission spectroscopy was used to probe the decomposition of single crystals shocked to peak stresses ranging between 7 and 20 GPa. Emission produced by decomposition intermediates was analyzed in terms of induction time to emission, emission intensity, and the emission spectra shapes as a function of stress and time. Utilizing these features, we found that the shock-induced decomposition of RDX crystals exhibits considerable anisotropy. Crystals shocked on the (210) and (100) planes were more sensitive to decomposition than crystals shocked on the (111) plane. The possible sources of the observed anisotropy are discussed with regard to the inelastic deformation mechanisms of shocked RDX. Our results suggest that, despite the anisotropy observed for shock initiation, decomposition pathwa...
Age and gender differences and factors related to change in health-related quality of life from before to 6 months after left ventricular assist device implantation: Findings from Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support.

Background Gaps in the literature exist regarding health-related quality of life (HRQOL) early after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) surgery. The purposes of our study were to describe HRQOL over time, by age and gender, and identify risk factors for poor HRQOL early after LVAD implant. Methods Patients ( n = 7,353) from the Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support (INTERMACS) database received a continuous-flow LVAD as a primary implant at 133 United States hospitals. Of these, 5,640 patients had pre-LVAD HRQOL data, 3,353 patients had 6-month post-LVAD HRQOL data, and 2,748 patients had data at both times. HRQOL was measured using the EQ-5D-3L (Euro-Qol) instrument. Data were collected pre-implant and 3 and 6 months post-operatively. Statistical analyses included chi-square test, t -test, Pearson correlation coefficients, and multiple regression analysis. Results Overall HRQOL and dimensions of HRQOL improved from before to 6 months after device implant when examined by age and gender. However, younger patients and women reported significantly more problems regarding all dimensions before implant and significantly more problems regarding pain/discomfort and anxiety/depression at 3 and 6 months after implant. An increase in overall HRQOL from before to 6 months after implant was related to pre-implant INTERMACS Level 1. Factors related to a decrease in HRQOL from before to 6 months after implant were listed for heart transplant before surgery, comorbidities, better preoperative HRQOL, adverse events within 6 months after implant, bridge to transplant moderately likely and unlikely, and New York Heart Association Functional Classification IV at 6 months after LVAD ( R 2 = 41%). Conclusions Overall HRQOL and dimensions of HRQOL improve in sub-groups of patients from before to 6 months after surgery, although differences in improvement exist. Adverse events are risk factors for decreased HRQOL across time and support the ongoing need to improve device technology with the aim of reducing adverse events.
High-Occupancy Toll Lane Decision Making: Income Effects on I-85 Express Lanes, Atlanta, Georgia:

The I-85 express lanes were the first value pricing facility in the Atlanta, Georgia, metropolitan region. This study investigated the behavior and decision making of users and nonusers of those high-occupancy toll (HOT) lanes. The study used a unique combination of express lane data and household demographic data, obtained from a private marketing firm, to examine decision making at the trip level for users from different income segments and demographic clusters. Trip characteristics (e.g., toll amount and trip length, operating conditions on HOT and general purpose lanes) and socioeconomic characteristics (e.g., household income and size) were incorporated into the choice models. This study also provided a summary of express lane use characteristics by income segments and investigated trip speeds by lane types and income categories. Lane choice decisions were modeled with binary logit methods to examine potential determinants of HOT lane use. Households were segmented into lower-, medium-, and higher-in...
Examining the transcriptional response of overexpressing anthranilate synthase in the hairy roots of an important medicinal plant Catharanthus roseus by RNA-seq

Clinically important anti-cancer drugs vinblastine and vincristine are solely synthesized by the terpenoid indole alkaloid (TIA) pathway in Catharanthus roseus. Anthranilate synthase (AS) is a rate-limiting enzyme in the TIA pathway. The transgenic C. roseus hairy root line overexpressing a feedback insensitive ASα subunit under the control of an inducible promoter and the ASβ subunit constitutively was previously created for the overproduction of TIAs. However, both increases and decreases in TIAs were detected after overexpressing ASα. Although genetic modification is targeted to one gene in the TIA pathway, it could trigger global transcriptional changes that can directly or indirectly affect TIA biosynthesis. In this study, Illumina sequencing and RT-qPCR were used to detect the transcriptional responses to overexpressing AS, which can increase understanding of the complex regulation of the TIA pathway and further inspire rational metabolic engineering for enhanced TIA production in C. roseus hairy roots. Overexpressing AS in C. roseus hairy roots altered the transcription of most known TIA pathway genes and regulators after 12, 24, and 48 h induction detected by RT-qPCR. Changes in the transcriptome of C. roseus hairy roots was further investigated 18 hours after ASα induction and compared to the control hairy roots using RNA-seq. A unigene set of 30,281 was obtained by de novo assembly of the sequencing reads. Comparison of the differentially expressed transcriptional profiles resulted in 2853 differentially expressed transcripts. Functional annotation of these transcripts revealed a complex and systematically transcriptome change in ASαβ hairy roots. Pathway analysis shows alterations in many pathways such as aromatic amino acid biosynthesis, jasmonic acid (JA) biosynthesis and other secondary metabolic pathways after perturbing AS. Moreover, many genes in overall stress response were differentially expressed after overexpressing ASα. The transcriptomic analysis illustrates overexpressing AS stimulates the overall stress response and affects the metabolic networks in C. roseus hairy roots. The up-regulation of endogenous JA biosynthesis pathway indicates the involvement of JA signal transduction to regulate TIA biosynthesis in ASαβ engineered roots and explained why many of the transcripts for TIA genes and regulators are seen to increase with AS overexpression.
The Discussion of Several Issues on Selenium Sequential Chemical Extraction for Environmental Samples

The bioavailability,toxicity,mobility and biological effect of selenium are more controlled by chemical speciation than total selenium in the environment.Sequential chemical extraction technology is one of the practical tools for selenium speciation analysis.Base soluble,elemental,sulfide/selenide selenium are stressly discussed based on seven-steps sequential chemical extraction protocol.The influence of solution/solid ratio and extracted reagents on extraction is studied,and other fractionations are also discussed.The results showed that appropriate solution/solid ratios range from 20 to 50 in extraction procedure.0.1～0.5M NaOH can effectively extract base solution selenium under heated water bath.1M Na2SO3 is a better reagent for elemental selenium extraction.600～700mL/min airflow flux ensures that H2Se reducted by sulfide/selenide selenium is fully sorbed.
Survey on Salmonella-carrier state in individuals in foods and service industries of Xiacheng District

Objective: To understand and analyze Xiacheng Hangzhou Salmonella food service employees to bring distribution and characteristics of bacteria,drug resistance.Methods:By Salmonella isolation and identification methods for detection,WHO recommended the K-B sensitivity test method.Results:73,601 employees in catering services in 217 Salmonella detection,the detection rate of 0.30%,distributed in seven serogroups,serotype 29,which accounted for the highest proportion of group B,followed by B group,E1 group E4 group,C1 group,D group,C2 group,E2 group,there are five serotypes were detected for the first time in our region.Salmonella 217 on amoxicillin/Carat vera,ampicillin/sulbactam,cefotaxime,cefoperazone,ciprofloxacin,ofloxacin is more sensitive,94 percent are more than tobramycin,amikacin,gentamicin sensitivity is slightly lower,and cotrimoxazole,ampicillin resistance rate of up to 16.59%.Conclusion:The results of this article our region for the study of Salmonella food service employees in the health-based distribution of carriers of bacteria and their sensitivity to antibiotics for reference.
~1H MRS quantification of ectopic fat accumulation in pancreas and its relationship with islet beta-cell function in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus

Objective: To in vivo quantify the pancreatic fat content in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM) by applying 1H MRS, and investigate its relationships with liver fat content, serum triglyceride(TG) and islet beta-cell function. Materials and Methods: Fifty-eight T2 DM subjects and thirty-two volunteers without T2 DM were included in this study. All T2 DM subjects were newly diagnosed according to the clinical criteria without any therapy. The pancreatic spectroscopy of at least one location(head, body, and tail) and liver spectroscopy at right lobe were acquired by single-voxel PRESS sequence on 3.0 T MR scanner. The pancreas fat content(PFC) and liver fat content(LFC) were calculated in each case. Spearman correlations between PFC and LFC, TG, the body mass index(BMI), the fasting bloodglucose(FBG), the fasting serum insulin(FINS), the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance(HOMA-IR), the homeostasis model assessment-β(HOMA-β) and the Lee-Bennett islet beta cell function index(MBCI) were performed in order to visualize their relationships. Results: The mean values of PFC in 58 T2 DM subjects and 32 volunteers without T2 DM were(16.09±6.27)% and(14.56±7.97)%, respectively, there is no statistically difference(P0.05). The LFC in 32 T2 DM subjects and all volunteers without T2 DM was successfully measured, the mean values were(21.13±14.44)% and(12.43±12.19)%, respectively, there was statistically significant differences(P=0.006). Moderate to low correlations were found between PFC and LFC(r=0.502, P=0.003), TG(r=0.467, P=0.007), and BMI(r=0.362, P=0.042) in volunteers without T2 DM, but no statistical correlation was found between PFC and LFC, TG, BMI, FBG, FINS, HOMA-IR, HOMA-β, and MBCI(r0.15, P0.05) in T2 DM subjects. Conclusions: No correlation was found between PFC and LPF, TG, and islet beta-cell function in patients with newly diagnosed T2 DM.
Graduate Intern Exchange: Increasing Competencies and Awareness through Professional Development.

In this article, the authors describe a student affairs graduate student internship exchange program between Florida International University, a large, urban, Hispanic-serving institution, and Bowling Green State University, a rural, residential, midwestern university, and present findings from a survey of past participants. Results indicate significant growth in functional area knowledge and growth in diversity-related outcomes. The authors propose strategies for enhancing multicultural competencies within the exchange program and curriculum and describe ways others might incorporate similar experiences.