cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Heatshock Protein (HSP) Family Expression Is Dichotomous and Prognostic in Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML)

Abstract Background. Heat shock family proteins (HSP) are induced by cellular stress, and act as molecular chaperones regulating protein folding, conformation and proteosomal degradation, thereby affecting cell stability, cycling, and apoptosis. High levels of some HSP have been observed in AML and high HSP90 is prognostically adverse. Cell line studies show that HSP protects AML cells against chemotherapy or other stresses and that inhibition of HSP 27, 70 or 90 has antileukemic activity. HSP proteins have typically been studied individually, and in small series. Interactions with multiple signaling and functional pathways are suspected, but the actual relationship in primary AML samples is unknown. We therefore investigated the protein expression of members of the HSPA, B and C groups, HSP 70, 27 and 90, Hugo Names HSPA1A_L, HSPB1 and HSP90AA1_B1, respectively, in a large series of 511 AML patients and compared expression to 228 other simultaneously measured proteins. Methods. We made a reverse phase protein array (RPPA) with protein from leukemia enriched cells from 511 new AML patients. Both bone marrow (BM, n=387) and peripheral blood (PB, n=283) samples were used, with 140 cases having both. The RPPA was probed with 231 strictly validated antibodies, including antibodies against HSP27, 70 and 90. Expression was compared to that of normal bone marrow derived CD34+ cells. Interaction networks with the other 228 proteins were generated from the RPPA data using glasso and supplemented by the literature of known interactions. Results: A heatmap of HSP27, 70 and 90 expression was generated and hierarchical k-and means clustering performed (Fig 1A). Using the “Prototype Clustering” method an optimal division into two clusters C1) characterized by High HSP27 and 70 but low HSP90 and C2) characterized by High HSP90 and low HSP27 and 70 expression. Patients with high HSP90 had significantly higher % BM Blasts (63.6% vs. 42%), WBC (40.8K vs 16.9K), %PB blasts (44 vs. 17%), LDH levels, concurrent infection 34% vs. 12%), FLT3-ITD (25 vs. 13%) or FLT3-D835 mutation (8% vs. 4%) (all P Conclusions. AML is characterized by dichotomous expression of HSP proteins 27, 70 and 90. HSP expression pattern is associated with FLT3 mutation but not cytogenetics. HSP90 expression is prognostically adverse, exclusively among those with intermediate cytogenetics. High HSP90 expression is associated with higher WBC and PB and BM blast percentages, suggesting a proliferative advantage. This may arise through the effects of Myc and through increased gene expression arising from increased histone3K4 trimethylation from ASH2L and decreased histone 3 acetylation due to increased Sirt1 levels. Therapeutics directed at interfering with HSP function will need to consider which HSP pattern a patient exhibits to target the correct family members. Download : Download high-res image (259KB) Download : Download full-size image Figure 1 . Disclosures Borthakur: Tetralogic Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding.
Metal Substitution Modulates the Reactivity and Extends the Reaction Scope of Myoglobin Carbene Transfer Catalysts

Engineered myoglobins have recently emerged as promising scaffolds for catalyzing carbene-mediated transformations. In this work, we investigated the effect of altering the metal center and its first-sphere coordination environment on the carbene transfer reactivity of myoglobin. To this end, we first established an efficient protocol for the recombinant expression of myoglobin variants incorporating metalloporphyrins with non-native metals, including second- and third-row transition metals (ruthenium, rhodium, iridium). Characterization of the cofactor-substituted myoglobin variants across three different carbene transfer reactions (cyclopropanation, N-H insertion, S-H insertion) revealed a major influence of the nature of metal center, its oxidation state and first-sphere coordination environment on the catalytic activity, stereoselectivity, and/or oxygen tolerance of these artificial metalloenzymes. In addition, myoglobin variants incorporating manganese- or cobalt-porphyrins were found capable of catalyzing an intermolecular carbene C-H insertion reaction involving phthalan and ethyl α-diazoacetate, a reaction not supported by iron-based myoglobins and previously accessed only using iridium-based (bio)catalysts. These studies demonstrate how modification of the metalloporphyrin cofactor environment provides a viable and promising strategy to enhance the catalytic properties and extend the reaction scope of myoglobin-based carbene transfer catalysts.
Application of model predictive control for optimal operation of wind turbines

For large-scale wind turbines, reducing maintenance cost is a major challenge. Model predictive control (MPC) is a promising approach to deal with multiple conflicting objectives using the weighed sum approach. In this research, model predictive control method is applied to wind turbine to find an optimal balance between multiple objectives, such as the energy capture, loads on turbine components, and the pitch actuator usage. The actuator constraints are integrated into the objective function at the control design stage. The analysis is carried out in both the partial load region and full load region, and the performances are compared with those of a baseline gain scheduling PID controller. The application of this strategy achieves enhanced balance of component loads, the average power and actuator usages in partial load region.
On the existence of nonoscillatory solutions of three-dimensional time scale systems

We consider a three-dimensional nonlinear system of first order dynamic equations on time scales and show the existence and asymptotic behavior of nonoscillatory solutions by using the most well-known fixed point theorems. Examples are also provided, which validates our theoretical claims.
Validation of the FAMACHA© system in South American camelids

Haemonchus contortus resistant to multiple anthelmintics threaten the viability of the small ruminant industry in areas where this parasite is prevalent. In response to this situation, the FAMACHA© system was developed and validated for use with small ruminants as a way to detect clinical anemia associated with haemonchosis. Given that H. contortus and multiple anthelmintic resistance is a similar problem in camelids, the FAMACHA© system might also provide the same benefits. To address this need, a validation study of the FAMACHA© system was conducted on 21 alpaca and llama farms over a 2-year period. H. contortus was the predominant nematode parasite on 17 of the 21 farms (10 alpaca and 7 llama farms) enrolled in the study, based on fecal culture results. The FAMACHA© card was used to score the color of the lower palpebral (lower eye lid) conjunctiva on a 1-5 scale. Packed cell volume (PCV) values were measured and compared to FAMACHA© scores using FAMACHA© score cutoffs of ≥3 or ≥4 and with anemia defined as a PCV ≤15%, ≤17%, or≤20%. PCV was significantly associated with FAMACHA© score, fecal egg count (FEC), and body condition score (BCS), regardless of the FAMACHA© cutoff score or the PCV% chosen to define clinical anemia (p<0.01 in all cases). The use of FAMACHA© scores ≥3 and PCV ≥ 15% indicating anemia provided the best sensitivity (96.4% vs 92.9% for FAMACHA© ≥4), whereas FAMACHA scores ≥ 4 and PCV ≤20% provided the best specificity (94.2% vs 69.1% for FAMACHA© ≥3). The data from this study support the FAMACHA© system as a useful tool for detecting clinical anemia in camelids suffering from haemonchosis. Parameters for making treatment decisions based on FAMACHA© score in camelids should mirror those established for small ruminants.
It's positive to be negative: Achilles tendon work loops during human locomotion

Ultrasound imaging is increasingly used with motion and force data to quantify tendon dynamics during human movement. Frequently, tendon dynamics are estimated indirectly from muscle fascicle kinematics (by subtracting muscle from muscle-tendon unit length), but there is mounting evidence that this Indirect approach yields implausible tendon work loops. Since tendons are passive viscoelastic structures, when they undergo a loading-unloading cycle they must exhibit a negative work loop (i.e., perform net negative work). However, prior studies using this Indirect approach report large positive work loops, often estimating that tendons return 2-5 J of elastic energy for every 1 J of energy stored. More direct ultrasound estimates of tendon kinematics have emerged that quantify tendon elongations by tracking either the muscle-tendon junction or localized tendon tissue. However, it is unclear if these yield more plausible estimates of tendon dynamics. Our objective was to compute tendon work loops and hysteresis losses using these two Direct tendon kinematics estimates during human walking. We found that Direct estimates generally resulted in negative work loops, with average tendon hysteresis losses of 2-11% at 1.25 m/s and 33-49% at 0.75 m/s (N = 8), alluding to 0.51-0.98 J of tendon energy returned for every 1 J stored. We interpret this finding to suggest that Direct approaches provide more plausible estimates than the Indirect approach, and may be preferable for understanding tendon energy storage and return. However, the Direct approaches did exhibit speed-dependent trends that are not consistent with isolated, in vitro tendon hysteresis losses of about 5-10%. These trends suggest that Direct estimates also contain some level of error, albeit much smaller than Indirect estimates. Overall, this study serves to highlight the complexity and difficulty of estimating tendon dynamics non-invasively, and the care that must be taken to interpret biological function from current ultrasound-based estimates.
Sidman, M. (1979). Remarks: Behaviorism, 7, 123–126

(2011). Sidman, M. (1979). Remarks. European Journal of Behavior Analysis: Vol. 12, No. 1, pp. 315-318.
Self- and Social-Regulation in Type 1 Diabetes Management During Late Adolescence and Emerging Adulthood.

This paper aims to examine how self-regulation (i.e., cognition, emotion) and social-regulation (i.e., parents, friends, romantic partners) are interrelated risk and protective factors for type 1 diabetes management during late adolescence and emerging adulthood. Problems in cognitive (e.g., executive function) and emotional (e.g., depressive symptoms) self-regulation are associated with poorer management, both at the between- and within-person levels. Better management occurs when parents are supportive and when individuals actively regulate the involvement of others (e.g., seek help, minimize interference). Friends both help and hinder self-regulation, while research on romantic partners is limited. Facets of self- and social-regulation are important risk and protective factors for diabetes management during emerging adulthood. At this time when relationships are changing, the social context of diabetes may need to be regulated to support diabetes management. Interventions targeting those with self-regulation problems and facilitating self- and social-regulation in daily life may be useful.
The Plausibility of the Obesity Paradox in Cancer-Response-Reply to Point.

See Point by Park et al., [p. 1898][1] We agree with Park and colleagues that methodologic limitations such as confounding, reverse causation, and collider stratification bias could influence the association between body mass index (BMI) and mortality following a cancer diagnosis. We addressed some
Single pitch perception of multi-frequency textures

This study explores people's ability to distinguish spatial complexity in tactile textures, with the eventual goal of reducing the necessary complexity of texture representation for surface display devices. To this end, we tested subjects' ability to perceptually match a reference texture containing two spatial frequency components by adjusting the frequency and amplitude of a single frequency. All textures consisted of spatially varied friction levels on a glass display screen, where friction was modulated via amplitude of ultrasonic vibrations. Resulting chosen single frequencies were systematic, and suggest subjects can identify a single frequency, or tactile pitch, falling somewhere between those of the reference texture. Subject-adjusted frequency is modeled as a function of the reference texture's frequency components and the ratio of their amplitudes.
Example 1: The Slightly Anharmonic Oscillator

In Chapter 15, we discussed the diatomic molecule, a complicated many-body system. At low energies, however, we can neglect specific treatment of the electron degrees of freedom. The electron cloud can in first approximation be taken as the source of a potential binding the two atomic nuclei into a nearly rigid, vibrating structure. The position of the atomic nuclei of the diatomic molecule in 3-D space can be described by the three coordinates: r, the radial distance between the two atomic nuclei, and θ, and φ, the two angles describing the orientation of the molecule axis in our 3-D space. The electron cloud gives rise to a potential (see Fig. 22.1) with a deep minimum at r = r e , where r e is the equilibrium distance between the two nuclei. For very small values of r, the potential becomes strongly repulsive and rises to ∞. For very large values of r, the potential approaches a constant value of V diss.. If we can raise the energy above this value, i.e., if E > V diss., the molecule will dissociate into two atomic fragments.
Home Schooling in Virginia: An Analysis of the Fiscal Relationship between Home Schooling and Virginia Public School Finances

HOME SCHOOLING IN VIRGINIA: AN ANALYSIS OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HOME SCHOOL ENROLLMENT AND VIRGINIA PUBLIC SCHOOL FINANCES Evelina McIntire Davis, Ph.D. A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at Virginia Commonwealth University Virginia Commonwealth University, 2013 Major Director: Charol Shakeshaft Educational Leadership School of Education The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between Home School Enrollment and Virginia Public School Finances. Enrollment trends were examined from Fall 2001 through Fall 2010 to determine if there was an increase in Home School Enrollment over the ten year examination period. Also, two sets of Virginia Standards of Quality Variables (SOQs), Expenditures (Instructional Salaries, Administrative Salaries, Per Pupil Expenditures) and Revenues (State Portion of Basic Aid, State Portion of ADM funds and Enumerated Funds) were examined in relation with Home School Enrollment to determine if Home School Enrollment influenced Virginia Public School Finances at all. Superintendents’ Region I, one of Virginia’s eight superintendents’ regions, served as the sample population. The study revealed that Instructional and Administrative Salaries were correlated to an increase in Home School Enrollment while Per Pupil Expenditures correlations revealed no relationship. Strong correlations were revealed between an increase in Home School Enrollment and State Portion of Basic Aid while correlations
Naturalism and Evolutionary Epistemologies

Traditional epistemology has its roots in Plato and the ancient skeptics. One strand emerges from Plato’s interest in the problem of distinguishing between knowledge and true belief. His solution was to suggest that knowledge differs from true belief in being justified. Ancient skeptics complained that all attempts to provide any such justification were hopelessly flawed. Another strand emerges from the attempt to provide a reconstruction of human knowledge showing how the pieces of human knowledge fit together in a structure of mutual support. This project got its modern stamp from Descartes and comes in empiricist as well as rationalist versions which in turn can be given either a foundational or coherentist twist. The two strands are woven together by a common theme. The bonds that hold the reconstruction of human knowledge together are the justificational and evidential relations which enable us to distinguish knowledge from true belief.
The Mechanism of Prostaglandin Inhibition on the Cell Cycle

The cells of any organism are subject to accidents as well as to daily wear and tear and these cells must be replaced if the organism is to continue living. The human body requires that millions of cells must replace themselves every minute just to maintain health. Cell reproduction, or cell cycle, was first described in detail in 1953. This model of the cell cycle is now applied throughout the animal and plant kingdom although it originated from plant growth studies by Howard and Pelc (1953) on root meristem cells (Fig. 1).
Using a Canopy Model Framework to Improve Large-Eddy Simulations of the Neutral Atmospheric Boundary Layer in the Weather Research and Forecasting Model

AbstractA canopy model framework is implemented in the Weather Research and Forecasting Model to improve the accuracy of large-eddy simulations (LES) of the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL). The mo...
eHERITAGE Project – Building a Cultural Heritage Excellence Center in the Eastern Europe

eHERITAGE (‘Expanding the Research and Innovation Capacity in Cultural Heritage Virtual Reality Applications’) is a twinning project which was accepted for financing by the European Commission under the topic H2020-TWINN-2015. The coordinating organization of the eHERITAGE project is University Transilvania of Brasov (UTBv). This institution aims to significantly improve its expertise in the field of virtual heritage by collaborating with 2 other organizations, experts in this area: Jožef Stefan Institute from Ljubljana, Slovenia, and Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna from Pisa, Italy.
A solution method for finding dynamic stress intensity factors for arbitrarily oriented cracks in transversely isotropic materials

The transient elastodynamic response of a transversely isotropic material containing a semi-infinite crack under uniform impact loading on the faces is examined. The crack lies in a principle plane of the material, but the crack front does not coincide with a principle direction. Rather, the crack front is at an angle to a principle direction and thus the problem becomes more three-dimensional in nature. Three loading modes are considered, i.e., opening, in-plane shear and anti-plane shear. The solutions for the stress intensity factor history around the crack tip are found. Laplace and Fourier transforms together with the Wiener-Hopf technique are employed to solve the equations of motion directly. The asymptotic expression of stress near the crack tip leads to a closed-form solution for the dynamic stress intensity factor for each loading mode. It is found that the stress intensity factors are proportional to the square root of time as expected. Results given here converge to known solutions in transversely isotropic materials with a crack oriented along a principle direction and isotropic materials as special cases. The results of this analysis are used to find approximate strain energy release rates for dynamically loaded penny shaped cracks.
Deconstructing higher-order interactions in the microbiota: A theoretical examination

The animal gut is a complex ecosystem containing many interacting species. A major objective of microbiota research is to identity the scale at which gut taxa shape hosts. However, most studies focus solely on pairwise interactions and ignore higher-order interactions involving three or more component taxa. Higher-order interactions represent non-additive effects that cannot be predicted from first-order or pairwise interactions. Possible reasons as to why studies of higher higher-order interactions have been scarce is that many host-associated systems are experimentally intractable, gut microbiota are prohibitively species rich, and the influence of any given taxon on hosts is often context-dependent. Furthermore, quantifying emergent effects that represent higher-order interactions that are not simply the result of lower-order interactions, present a combinatorial challenge for which there are few well-developed statistical approaches in host-microbiota studies. In this perspective, our goal is to quantify the existence of emerging higher-order effects and characterize their prevalence in the microbiota. To do so, we adapt a method from evolutionary genetics used to quantify epistatic effects between mutations and use it to quantify the effects of higher-order microbial interactions on host infection risk. We illustrate this approach by applying it to an in silico dataset generated to resemble a population of hosts with gut-associated microbial communities. We assign each host a pathogen load, and then determine how emergent interactions between gut taxa influence this host trait. We find that the effect of higher-order interactions generally increases in magnitude with the number of species in the gut community. Based on the average magnitude of interaction for each order, we find that 9th order interactions have the largest non-linear effect on determining host infection risk. Our approach illustrates how incorporating the effects of higher-order interactions among gut microbiota can be essential for understanding their effects on host infection risk. We conclude that insofar as higher-order interactions between taxa may profoundly shape important organismal phenotypes (such as susceptibility to infection), that they deserve greater attention in microbiome studies.
Telescopic dissection versus balloon dissection for laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair (TEP): a registry-based randomized controlled trial

Laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair (TEP) can be performed using either telescopic (TD) or balloon dissection (BD). The use of a disposable balloon dissector increases the cost of TEP. However, it remains unclear whether BD saves enough time to justify its cost. We hypothesized that BD would consistently save 15 min in operative time. To test this hypothesis, we designed a registry-based randomized controlled trial (RB-RCT) embedded into the Americas Hernia Society Quality Collaborative. A single-blinded, parallel, RB-RCT was conducted. Adults with inguinal hernias presenting for elective repair were screened. Patients with unilateral hernias deemed fit to undergo TEP were eligible; those with bilateral hernias (BIH) or undergoing open repair were excluded. Individuals were randomized to TD or BD with a disposable device. TEP was performed with synthetic mesh and tacks. Subjects were blinded and followed up for 30 day. Main outcome was operative time. 207 patients were screened: 166 were excluded and 41 were randomized (21 BD, 20 TD). One patient (TD group) was excluded due to the incidental finding of BIH. 40 patients were analyzed (median age 56, median BMI 26 kg/m2, 98% males). Hernias were 72% indirect, 17% direct, 10% pantaloon, and 8% recurrent. Other than obesity (26.5% vs. 0, p = 0.018), there were no baseline differences between the groups. Median operative times were similar (TD 43 min, IQR 33–63; BD 46 min, IQR 35–90, p = 0.490). There were 2 seromas and 2 hematomas in the BD group, and none in the TD (p = 0.108). BD does not consistently result in 15-min time saving during TEP. Use of a disposable balloon dissector can be deferred in the experienced hands. ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03276871).
The history of IgG glycosylation and where we are now.

IgG glycosylation is currently at the forefront of both immunology and glycobiology, likely due in part to the widespread and growing use of antibodies as drugs. For over four decades, it has been recognized that the conserved N-linked glycan on asparagine 297 found within the second Ig domain of the heavy chain (CH2) that helps to comprise Fc region of IgG plays a special role in IgG structure and function. Changes in galactosylation, fucosylation and sialylation are now well-established factors, which drive differential IgG function, ranging from inhibitory/anti-inflammatory to activating complement and promoting antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity. Thus, if we are to truly understand how to design and deploy antibody-based drugs with maximal efficacy and evaluate proper vaccine responses from a protective and functional perspective, a deep understanding of IgG glycosylation is essential. This article is intended to provide a comprehensive review of the IgG glycosylation field and the impact glycans have on IgG function, beginning with the earliest findings over 40 years ago, in order to provide a robust foundation for moving forward.
Recurrent Painful Hashimoto Thyroiditis Successfully Treated by Thyroidectomy

ABSTRACT Objective: Painful Hashimoto thyroiditis (HT) is a rare HT variant characterized by neck pain. The clinical differentiation between painful HT and subacute thyroiditis is challenging, as t...
Open Reduction Internal Fixation of Distal Radius Fractures: Retrospective Cohort Analysis of the Geriatric Population Using the NSQIP Database:

Background: Distal radius fractures (DRFs) are the most common upper extremity fractures with more than 600 000 cases per year in the United States and account for up to 18% of fractures in the ger...
Necroptotic-susceptible dendritic cells exhibit enhanced antitumor activities in mice.

Author(s): Zhao, Zhanran; Zhang, Guangzhi; Sun, Yuefang; Winoto, Astar | Abstract: IntroductionPriming of tumor-specific T cells is a key to antitumor immune response and inflammation, in turn, is crucial for proper T-cell activation. As antigen-presenting cells can activate T cells, dendritic cells (DCs) loaded with tumor antigens have been used as immunotherapeutics against certain cancer in humans but their efficacy is modest. Necroptosis is a form of programmed cell death that results in the release of inflammatory contents. We previously generated mice with DC deficiency in a negative regulator of necroptosis, Fas-associated death domain (FADD), and found that these mice suffer from systemic inflammation due to necroptotic DCs. We hypothesize that FADD-deficient DCs could serve as a better vaccine than wild-type (WT) DCs against tumors.Materials and methodsFADD-deficient and WT mouse DCs loaded with the relevant tumor peptide were injected onto mice before or after the syngeneic tumor challenge. DC vaccinations were repeated two more times and anti-PD-1 antibodies were coinjected in some experiments. Tumor sizes were measured by caliper, and the percentages of tumor-free mice or mice survived were examined over time. The cytometric analysis was carried out to analyze various immune populations.ResultsIn two separate tumor models, we find that mice receiving FADD-deficient DCs as vaccine rejected tumors significantly better than those receiving a WT DC vaccine. Tumor growth was severely hampered, and survival extended in these mice. More activated CD8 T cells together with elevated cytokines were observed in mice receiving the FADD-deficient DC vaccine. Furthermore, we observed these effects were potent enough to protect against tumor challenge postinjection and can work in conjunction with anti-PD-1 antibodies to reduce the tumor growth.ConclusionsNecroptotic-susceptible DCs are better antitumor vaccines than WT DCs in mice. Our findings suggest that necroptosis-driven inflammation by DCs may be a novel avenue to generating a strong adaptive antitumor response in the clinical setting.
Disasters, Disaster Aid, and Bankruptcy Filings in the United States

AbstractThe authors measure the extent to which disasters triggered by natural hazards are important adverse events that trigger bankruptcy. To accomplish this, the authors construct a new panel of...
The year in review: : economics at the antitrust division 2012-2013

During 2012–2013, the Antitrust Division brought a wide range of litigated matters to successful conclusions. Litigation puts the economic analysis of an antitrust investigation to the ultimate test, and the Division continues to rely on its first-rate economic staff to help explain a wide range of matters to the courts. The four cases discussed below demonstrate the diverse set of issues the Division examines every year.
Mid-infrared (3–8 μm) Ge1−ySny alloys (0.15 < y < 0.30): Synthesis, structural, and optical properties

Ge1−ySny alloys with compositions in the 0.15 < y < 0.30 range have been grown directly on Si substrates using a chemical vapor deposition approach that allows for growth temperatures as high as 290 °C. The films show structural properties that are consistent with results from earlier materials with much lower Sn concentrations. These include the lattice parameter and the Ge-Ge Raman frequency, which are found to depend linearly on composition. The simplicity of the structures, directly grown on Si, makes it possible to carry out detailed optical studies. Sharp absorption edges are found, reaching 8 μm near y = 0.3. The compositional dependence of edge energies shows a cubic deviation from the standard quadratic alloy expression. The cubic term may dramatically impact the ability of the alloys to cover the long-wavelength (8–12 μm) mid-IR atmospheric window.
Preconception Diet Quality Is Associated with Birth Weight for Gestational Age Among Women in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos.

Abstract Background The nutritional status of women in the preconception period is of paramount importance due to its role in reproduction. Objective Our aim was to assess overall diet quality during the preconception period and its association with infant birth weight adjusted for gestational age (GA). Design This is an observational longitudinal cohort of Hispanic people living in the United States. Participants/setting Data are from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos baseline (2008-2011) and second clinic examinations (2014-2017). Included are the first 497 singleton live-born infants among the 2,556 women (younger than 45 years) who attended the second visit. Field sites were located in Miami, FL; Bronx, NY; Chicago, IL; and San Diego, CA, and represent individuals with heritage from Cuba, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Central and South America. Main exposure Diet assessment included two 24-hour recalls from baseline. The 2010 Healthy Eating Index (HEI-2010) was used to measure diet quality, with higher scores indicating better quality. Statistical analyses performed Complex survey linear regression estimated the association between HEI-2010 scores (continuous variable and categorized into tertiles) and birth-weight z score and birth weight for GA percentile. Results Mean (standard deviation) age of women was 25.8 (5.2) years and 36.4% were classified as underweight or normal weight, 30.0% were overweight, and 33.6% had obesity at baseline. Mean (standard deviation) HEI-2010 score was 56.5 (13.4), and by weight classifications was 54.4 (14.1) for underweight or normal weight and 57.7 (12.8) for overweight or obesity. Median (interquartile range) birth-weight z score was 0.5 (interquartile range [IQR], –0.2 to 1.3) overall and 0.2 (IQR, –0.5 to 1.0), 0.6 (IQR, –0.2 to 1.3), and 0.5 (IQR, –0.2 to 1.4) for the first, second, and third HEI-2010 tertile, respectively. Median birth weight for GA percentile was 68.2 (IQR, 40.2 to 89.7) overall, and 56.8 (IQR, 29.6 to 85.0), 71.5 (IQR, 42.8 to 90.0), and 70.1 (IQR, 42.9 to 91.2) by HEI-2010 tertile. In adjusted models, the highest tertile of the HEI-2010 score was associated with a higher birth-weight z score and birth weight for GA percentile, and the continuous HEI-2010 score was only associated with birth weight for GA percentile. Preconception body mass index (calculated as kg/m2) did not modify these associations. Conclusions Overall diet quality, as measured by the HEI-2010, in the preconception period is associated with infant birth weight adjusted for GA among US Hispanic and Latina women.
Titration of Parameters in Shared Ventilation With a Portable Ventilator.

Background Dual-patient single ventilator protocols may be required in times of crisis. These are protocols to ventilate two patients with a single conventional ventilator. This study demonstrates a means to titrate peak inspiratory pressure (PIP), positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP), and fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) for test lungs ventilated via a dual-patient single ventilator circuit. Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted using a ventilator connected to two test lungs. Changes in PIP, PEEP, and FiO2 were made to the experimental lung, while no changes were made to the control lung. Measurements were obtained using NICO2 Respiratory Profile Monitor simultaneously measuring each test lung. PIP was titrated using 3D-printed resistors added to the inspiratory circuit. PEEP was titrated using LTV 900 expiratory circuit tubing with an attached manual PEEP valve. FiO2 was titrated by using a 3D-printed T-splitter added to the ventilator tubing. Results: PIP, PEEP, and FiO2 were reliably and incrementally titratable in the experimental lung with some notable but manageable pressure and FiO2 changes documented in the control lung during these titrations. Similar results were measured in lungs of identical and different compliances. Conclusions: Individual pressures and fraction of inspired oxygen can be reliably adjusted when utilizing a dual-patient single ventilator circuit with simple, low-cost modifications to the circuit. This innovation could potentially be lifesaving in a resource-limited or crisis setting. Understanding the interactions of these circuits is imperative towards making their use safer.
Biological Effective Dose as a Predictor of Hypopituitarism After Single-Fraction Pituitary Adenoma Radiosurgery: Dosimetric Analysis and Cohort Study of Patients Treated Using Contemporary Techniques

BACKGROUND Hypopituitarism is the most frequent complication after pituitary adenoma stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and is correlated with increasing radiation to the pituitary gland. Biological effective dose (BED) is a dosimetric parameter that incorporates a time component to adjust for mechanisms of deoxyribonucleic acid repair activated during treatment. OBJECTIVE To assess mean gland BED as a predictor of post-SRS hypopituitarism, as compared to mean gland dose, in a contemporary cohort study of patients undergoing single-fraction SRS for pituitary adenoma. METHODS Cohort study of 97 patients undergoing single-fraction SRS from 2007 to 2014. Eligible patients had no prior pituitary irradiation, normal pre-SRS endocrine function, and >24 mo of endocrine follow-up. Cox proportional hazards analysis was used to assess mean gland dose and BED as predictors of new post-SRS hypopituitarism. RESULTS Median post-SRS follow-up was 48 mo (interquartile range [IQR], 34-68). A total of 27 patients (28%) developed new hypopituitarism at a median 22 mo (IQR, 12-36). Actuarial rates of new endocrinopathy were 17% at 2 yr (95% CI 10%-25%) and 31% at 5 yr (95% CI 20%-42%). On univariate analysis, sex (P = .02), gland volume (P = .03), mean gland dose (P 45 Gy2.47 and mean gland dose > 10 Gy were significantly associated increased risk of hypopituitarism (hazard ratio [HR] = 14.32, 95% CI = 4.26-89.0, P < .0001; HR = 11.91, 95% CI = 3.54-74.0, P < .0001). CONCLUSION BED predicted hypopituitarism more reliably than mean gland dose after pituitary adenoma SRS, but additional studies are needed to confirm these results.
Local structure and distortions of mixed methane-carbon dioxide hydrates

A vast source of methane is found in gas hydrate deposits, which form naturally dispersed throughout ocean sediments and arctic permafrost. Methane may be obtained from hydrates by exchange with hydrocarbon byproduct carbon dioxide. It is imperative for the development of safe methane extraction and carbon dioxide sequestration to understand how methane and carbon dioxide co-occupy the same hydrate structure. Pair distribution functions (PDFs) provide atomic-scale structural insight into intermolecular interactions in methane and carbon dioxide hydrates. We present experimental neutron PDFs of methane, carbon dioxide and mixed methane-carbon dioxide hydrates at 10 K analyzed with complementing classical molecular dynamics simulations and Reverse Monte Carlo fitting. Mixed hydrate, which forms during the exchange process, is more locally disordered than methane or carbon dioxide hydrates. The behavior of mixed gas species cannot be interpolated from properties of pure compounds, and PDF measurements provide important understanding of how the guest composition impacts overall order in the hydrate structure. Natural gas can be collected from hydrate deposits by exchange with CO2, but the ensuing mixed hydrates and the path to a complete exchange are not fully understood. Here, computational analyses of neutron pair distribution functions of CH4, CO2 and mixed CH4-CO2 hydrates at 10 K reveal that the behavior of mixed gas species cannot be interpolated from properties of pure compounds.
Numerical investigation of bipolar plates manufactured using hydroforming process

Simulations of forming processes using LS-DYNA and other nonlinear finite element software packages enables manufacturers to optimise processes without the attending waste associated with performing multiple actual processes. The goal of this study was to use finite element analysis to investigate microscale sheet hydroforming (MSSH) of annealed AISI 304 stainless steel for producing bipolar plates for proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) based on the material properties of the blank that were obtained from hydraulic bulge testing. Two die geometries were used to investigate the effect of hydroforming pressure and channel width on the distribution of stress and strain across the flow field of the hydroformed channels, sheet thinning and the thickness distribution for the annealed AISI 304 sheet metal blanks. The simulation results were verified using experimental results. The results show that FEA technique accurately predicts the behaviour of the AISI 304 bank formed using MSSH.
Transport across two membrane bilayers in E. coli by efflux pumps of different dimensions.

AcrAB-TolC and CusBAC are two of the most well-studied Resistance-Nodulation-Division (RND) family tripartite efflux pumps in E. coli. AcrAB-TolC is a multidrug efflux system, while CusBAC transports Cu(I), Cu(II) and Ag(I). The RND pump complexes span both the inner membrane (IM) and the outer membrane (OM). The long axis dimension of the fully assembled AcrAB-TolC is ∼3 nm longer than that of CusBAC. To probe if these two efflux systems with different dimensions affect each other when they need to work simultaneously in the same cell, two real-time assays were used to monitor the efflux activities of these two pumps and their impact on each other. The results showed that the presence of AcrAB-TolC substrates accelerated the accumulation of Cu(I) in BW25113 but not in BW25113ΔcusBA or BW25113ΔtolC strains. Similarly, the presence of Ag(I) slowed down the Nile red efflux in the parent strain more significantly than in the CusBA deficient mutant. To further investigate the impact of the OM/IM distance on the function of these tripartite complexes, we experimented with strains lacking the lipoprotein Lpp or containing Lpp mutant of different lengths. Data from efflux/accumulation assays and susceptibility tests revealed that mutation of Lpp resulted in functional deficiency of both AcrAB-TolC and CusBAC. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that when AcrAB-TolC and CusBAC functioned simultaneously, it took the cell a few minutes to adjust. Furthermore, the presence of Lpp of proper length is important to support full efflux activity of transporters spanning both membrane layers in E. coli.
HIGHWAY ACCIDENT DATA ANALYSIS: ALTERNATIVE ECONOMETRIC METHODS

The past decade has seen significant advances in econometric modeling including the analysis of disaggregate data, the structure of discrete response models, the treatment of simultaneity in linear models, the specification of models based on pooled time series-cross sectional data, and the estimation of models in truncated and censored samples. Furthermore, the data sets available in the field of highway safety include significant amounts of detailed information. However, to date, highway safety analyses using these data sets have not fully exploited state-of-the-art econometric methodologies. The applicability of recently developed econometric methods to the field of highway safety analysis is illustrated. It is anticipated that such applications will improve the accuracy of traffic accident models and lead to more effective policies and investment decisions in the area of highway safety.
Metabolic and neurophysiological roles of gamma-aminobutyric acid.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a substance that has a unique occurrence in the central nervous system (CNS). The chapter focuses on those aspects of the problem in which chemically understandable phenomena are related to normal or abnormal function in the CNS. GABA has inhibitory effects in both invertebrate and vertebrate systems and may play an important role in the regulation of neuronal activity. Although experimental difficulties existed in studying GABA because of the failure of this substance to penetrate the blood–brain barrier readily, the findings that convulsant hydrazides could lower GABA in the brain and that hydroxylamine could increase the content have given potent tools with which to manipulate the intracellular levels of GABA and to study the electrophysiological correlates of the induced changes. Aside from the theoretical importance of the understanding of the role of an inhibitory substance that seems to be formed and located almost entirely in the gray matter of the CNS, some practical aspects of possibilities in the treatment of human disease are apparent. Decreases in brain levels of GABA are associated with the occurrence of paroxysmal discharges, and some types of convulsive disorders in humans might be related to malfunctioning of the GABA system.
Phospholipid metabolism during development of the brine shrimp Artemia salina: II. Synthesis of phosphatidyl choline by a microsomal enzyme system from nauplii

Abstract The enzymatic synthesis of phosphatidyl choline using CDP-[ 14 C]choline as a substrate was studied in microsomal preparations from nauplii of the brine shrimp Artemia salina . Incorporation of the choline moiety from CDP-choline into phosphadityl choline was linear over a 60-min interval and was dependent upon addition of either Mg 2+ , Mn 2+ , or Co 2+ . Maximal incorporation was achieved at concentrations of 20 mM Mg 2+ or 0.5 mM Mn 2+ . Optimal concentrations of CDP-choline were 250 and 5 μM for Mg 2+ and Mn 2+ , respectively. Enzyme activity was maximal at about pH 7 when Mg 2+ was present but shifted to approx. pH 8 when Mn 2+ was used as a cofactor. Incorporation into phosphatidyl choline was stimulated by the addition of solubilized, 1,2-diglycerides derived from soybean lecithin. Maximal incorporation was observed at a diglyceride concentration of 10 μg/ml. The enzyme activity was inhibited by Ca 2+ in the presence of Mg 2+ , but little inhibition by Ca 2+ was observed when Mn 2+ was used as cofactor. P -Chloromercuribenzoate inhibited the reaction, while iodoacetate had no effect. Under optimal conditions for each, the rate of synthesis of CDP-choline from phosphatidyl choline was about twice the rate of synthesis of phosphatidyl choline from CDP-choline.
Simulation of electromagnetic radiation and scattering using a finite difference-time domain technique

The finite difference-time domain FD-TD technique is applied to the solution of Maxwell's equations. A computer program, which can be used to simulate and study numerous electromagnetic phenomena, is developed and implemented on an IBM 386 compatible personal computer. The FD-TD technique is a useful tool for students in electromagnetics. The technique is flexible and can be applied to many basic EM scattering and radiation problems. Because field solutions are found as a function of time, visualization of the propagation of the EM fields is possible. The FD-TD technique is implemented for a two-dimensional rectangular grid in conjunction with a second-order absorbing boundary condition. Both E- and H-field polarizations are analyzed. Finite objects consisting of dielectric, magnetic and conducting materials, and perfectly conducting infinite ground planes are modeled. Plane wave and line current sources are implemented. In addition to the capability of animating the propagation of the EM fields, radiation and scattering patterns can be generated.
Computational organization theory

Contents: R.M. Cyert, Foreword. K.M. Carley, M.J. Prietula, Introduction: Computational Organization Theory. R.E. Levitt, G.P. Cohen, J.C. Kunz, C.I. Nass, T. Christiansen, Y. Jin, The "Virtual Design Team": Simulating How Organization Structure and Information Processing Tools Affect Team Performance. K. Crowston, Evolving Novel Organizational Forms. H. Verhagen, M. Masuch, TASCCS: A Synthesis of Double-AISS and Plural-Soar. K.M. Carley, M.J. Prietula, ACTS Theory: Extending the Model of Bounded Rationality. D. Krackhardt, Graph Theoretical Dimensions of Informal Organizations. Z. Lin, A Theoretical Evaluation of Measures of Organizational Design: Interrelationship and Performance Predictability. M. Verkama, R.P. Hamalainen, H. Ehtamo, Modeling and Computational Analysis of Reactive Behavior in Organizations. H.H. Baligh, R.M. Burton, B. Obel, Validating an Expert System That Designs Organizations. T.K. Lant, Computer Simulations of Organizations as Experiential Learning Systems: Implications for Organization Theory. N.S. Glance, B.A. Huberman, Social Dilemmas and Fluid Organizations. D.K. Gode, S. Sunder, Human and Artificially Intelligent Traders in Computer Double Auctions. P. Shi, P.B. Luh, D.L. Kleinman, Team Coordination Under Individual and Team Goals. G.E.G. Beroggi, W.A. Wallace, A Decision Logic for Operational Risk Management.
Attentional Processes in Autism.

Attentional processes in individuals with high-functioning autism were compared with a matched control group. Participants for the study were 103 children and adults with autism and 103 control subjects. Measures administered corresponded to Mirsky et al.'s (1991) factor analysis of tests of attention. Diminished performance was noted on measures that loaded on the Focus-Execute and Shift factors, but not on the Sustain and Encode factors. For tests in which psychomotor speed was used as the score, and the difference between groups was significant, covariance analyses were performed, using tests of basic motor functions as covariates. This procedure led to attenuation to the point of nonsignificant differences in the case of some of the attention tests. Thus, this comprehensive analysis of attention in individuals with high-functioning autism only found differences on measures in which the task placed demands on cognitive flexibility or psychomotor speed. Thus, purported attention deficits in autism may actually be primary deficits in complex decision making or psychomotor abilities.
A near-field modulation chopping stabilized injection-locked oscillator sensor for protein conformation detection at microwave frequency

A near-field modulation chopping technique is implemented in an injection-locked oscillator sensor for the detection of protein conformation changes. With the addition of shielding electrodes, the signal is chopped by electronically switching the paths of the displacement sensing currents while minimizing the up-conversion of the 1/f noise. To maximize the dynamic range, feedback-around-sensor utilizing embedded varactors is applied. A 16-GHz prototype in 65-nm CMOS demonstrates the techniques lower the 1/f corner frequency from 10 to 0.25 kHz while achieving 74.5 dB of dynamic range. Bio-molecular sensing is validated with thermal-cycled bovine serum albumin (BSA) solutions at different conditions.