cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Research on measuring the benzoyl peroxide through the oscillopolarography in flour

Objective To research the measurement of the benzoyl peroxide(BPO) through the oscillopolarography in the flour in order to provide suitable methods to measure BPO in the laboratory at basic level.Method BPO,after the reduction,produces benzoicacid,in which a derivative peak was formed at the-0.7 position in the oscillopolarography under the condition of three electrodes in 0.3M in the sodium chloride～1.2M sodium hydroxide bottom fluid after the chemical action with the aqua fortis and the strong sulfuricacid.The peak height had the direct ratio with the density.Results The relevant coefficient of the working curve with this method is between 0.9990～0.9996.In the accuracy and density experiment,the coefficients of variation were respectively 3.6%,2.4% and 1.6%.In accuracy experiment return-rate was between 92.5%～101.9%.Conclusion This method is suitable to the application of measuring BPO in flour in laboratories at the basic level.
Preparation and Characteristics of Electroless Ni-P-nano-SiC Composite Plating

The preparation technique and performance of the Ni-P-nano-SiC electroless composite coating were studied.The results revealed that the nano-powder dispersion and stability in the plating solution were improved by using the ultrasonic dispersing and anion surfactant to disperse the nano-powder.The nano-powders were dispersed in the electroless composite coating.It decreased the coating porosity and improved its hardness.Compare with Ni-P alloy electroless coating,the corrosion resistance and the wear resistance of electroless composite coating are improved.
We All Live in Fabletown: Bill Willingham's Fables—A Fairy-Tale Epic for the 21st Century

Bill Willingham’s Fables comic book series and its spin-offs have spanned fourteen years and reinforce that fairy-tale characters are culturally meaningful, adaptable, subversive, and pervasive. Willingham uses fairy-tale pastiche and syncreticism based on the ethos of comic book crossovers in his redeployment of previous approaches to fairy-tale characters. Fables characters are richer for every perspective that Willingham deploys, from the Brothers Grimm to Disneyesque aesthetics and more erotic, violent, and horrific incarnations. Willingham’s approach to these fairy-tale narratives is synthetic, idiosyncratic, and libertarian. This tension between Willingham’s subordination of fairy-tale characters to his overarching libertarian ideological narrative and the traditional folkloric identities drives the storytelling momentum of the Fables universe. Willingham’s portrayal of Bigby (the Big Bad Wolf turned private eye), Snow White (“Fairest of Them All”, Director of Operations of Fabletown, and avenger against pedophilic dwarves), Rose Red (Snow’s divergent, wild, and jealous sister), and Jack (narcissistic trickster) challenges contemporary assumptions about gender, heroism, narrative genres, and the very conception of a fairy tale. Emerging from negotiations with tradition and innovation are fairy-tale characters who defy constraints of folk and storybook narrative, mythology, and metafiction.
Communicating with your patients online.

This is the first in a two-part series that reviews what the current options are for online communication with patients, how to integrate online communication with patients into a busy practice, and what the relevant guidelines are for privacy and financial success.
Breather Solitons in Microresonators

We present the first observations of breather solitons in microresonators. Our results provide key insight into the evolution towards stable soliton formation in microresonator-based frequency combs.
Real time optimal control of supercapacitor operation for frequency response

Supercapacitors are finding wider applications in modern power systems due to a controllable fast dynamic response. Use of power electronically interfaced supercapacitors for frequency support is a proven technique. In practical applications the heat generated from the Equivalent Series Resistance (ESR) can significantly reduce the life of supercapacitor. Hence thermal issues must be addressed for optimal operation. It is infeasible to use traditional optimization control methods to mitigate the impacts of frequent cycling due to the lack of active thermal management. This paper proposes a Front End Controller (FEC) using Generalized Predictive Control based on real time receding optimization. The constraints in the optimization are based on thermal management to enhance the efficiency of utilization life of the supercapacitors. A rigorous mathematical derivation is provided and supporting simulation results are obtained using Real Time Digital Simulator to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed technique.
8-Oxo-7,8-dihydroadenine and 8-Oxo-7,8-dihydroadenosine-Chemistry, Structure, and Function in RNA and Their Presence in Natural Products and Potential Drug Derivatives.

A description and history of the role that 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroadenine (8-oxoAde) and 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroadenosine (8-oxoA) have in various fields has been compiled. This Review focusses on 1) the formation of this oxidatively generated modification in RNA, its interactions with other biopolymers, and its potential role in the development/progression of disease; 2) the independent synthesis and incorporation of this modified nucleoside into oligonucleotides of RNA to display the progress that has been made in establishing its behavior in biologically relevant systems; 3) reported synthetic routes, which date back to 1890, along with the progress that has been made in the total synthesis of the nucleobase, nucleoside, and their corresponding derivatives; and 4) the isolation, total synthesis, and biological activity of natural products containing these moieties as the backbone. The current state of research regarding this oxidatively generated lesion as well as its importance in the context of RNA, natural products, and potential as drug derivatives is illustrated using all available examples reported to date.
Efficient generation of targeted and controlled mutational events in porcine cells using nuclease-directed homologous recombination

Abstract Background Nuclease-based genome editing has rapidly sped the creation of new models of human disease. These techniques also hold great promise for the future of clinical xenotransplantation and cell-based therapies for cancer or immunodeficient pathology. However, to fully realize the potential of nuclease editing tools, the efficiency and precision of their application must be optimized. The object of this study was to use nonintegrating selection and nuclease-directed homologous recombination to efficiently control the genetic modification of the porcine genome. Methods Clustered randomly integrating spaced palindromic repeats and associated Cas9 protein (CRISPR/Cas9)-directed mutagenesis with a single-guide RNA target was designed to target the alpha-1,3-galactosyltransferase locus (GGTA1) of the porcine genome. A vector expressing a single-guide RNA, Cas9 protein, and green fluorescent protein was used to increase plasmid-delivered mutational efficiency when coupled with fluorescence sorting. Single and double-strand DNA oligonucleotides with a restriction site replacing the start codon were created with variable homology lengths surrounding the mutational event site. Finally, a transgene construct was flanked with 50 base pairs of homology directed immediately 5′ to a nuclease cut site. These products were introduced to cells with a constant concentration of CRISPR/cas9 vector. Phenotype-specific mutational efficiency was measured by flow cytometer. Controlled homologous insertion was measured by Sanger sequence, restriction enzyme digest and flow cytometry. Results Expression of a fluorescence protein on the Cas9 vector functioned as a nonintegrating selection marker. Selection by this marker increased phenotype-silencing mutation rates from 3.5% to 82% (P = 0.0002). Insertion or deletion mutation increased from 11% to 96% (P = 0.0007). Co-transfection with homologous DNA oligonucleotides increased the aggregate phenotype-silencing mutation rates up to 22% and increased biallelic events. Single-strand DNA was twice as efficient as double-strand DNA. Furthermore, nuclease-mediated insertion by homology-directed repair successfully drove locus-specific transgene expression in the porcine genome. Conclusions A nonintegrating selection strategy based on fluorescence expression can increase the mutational efficiency of the CRISPR/Cas9 system. The precision of this system can be increased by the addition of a very short homologous template sequence and can serve as a method for locus-specific transgene delivery. Together these strategies may be used to efficiently control mutational events. This system may be used to better use the potential of nuclease-mediated genomic editing.
Comparison of HER2 gene amplification (AMP) in primary esophageal and gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinomas (EAC) and their metastatic regional lymph nodes (MLNs).

4059 Background: The status of HER2 AMP in primary EACs compared to their MLNs is unknown. This is clinically important since selection of patients for HER2-targeted therapy is usually based on HER...
Management of colorectal hepatic metastases in the Veterans Affairs medical system: Opportunities for curative intent surgery.

e14541 Background: Surgical resection of isolated liver metastases in colon cancer offers the greatest chance of long-term survival. An initial 15-20% of patients are resectable with an additional ...
Renal transplantation in children: Current status and challenges

Abstract Renal transplantation is the treatment of choice for children with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) since it decreases morbidity and mortality and improves quality of life. Potent immunosuppressive medications have significantly improved the short and medium-term outcomes while long-term outcomes continue to remain a challenge. This article reviews the current practices involved in the care of pediatric renal transplant recipients and challenges faced by them. Here, we provide a brief overview of various aspects of care for pediatric renal transplant recipients that include indications and contraindications, immunologic workup, pre-transplant evaluation, currently used immunosuppressive therapies, long-term complications and graft survival.
Functional near-infrared spectroscopy assessment of reward perception based on visual self-expression: Coloring, doodling, and free drawing.

Abstract Visual self-expression helps with attention and improves health and well-being. Few studies have examined reward pathway activation during different visual art tasks. This pilot study is the first to examine brain activation via functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) during three distinct drawing tasks—coloring, doodling, and free drawing. Participants (11 men, 15 women; 8 artists, 16 non-artists) engaged in each task separated by equal intervals of rest in a block design experimental protocol. Additional data included a pre- and post survey of self-perceptions of creativity, prior experience with drawing tasks, and reflections on study participation. Overall, the three visual arts tasks resulted in significant activation of the medial prefrontal cortex compared to the rest conditions. The doodling condition resulted in maximum activation of the medial prefrontal cortex compared to coloring and free drawing; however, differences between the drawing conditions were not statistically significant. Emergent differences were seen between artists and non-artists for coloring and doodling. All three visual self-expression tasks activated the medial prefrontal cortex, indicating potential clinical applications of reward perception through art making. Participants improved in their self-perceptions of problem solving and having good ideas. Participants found the drawing tasks relaxing but wanted more time per task. Further study with varied art media and longer time on tasks are needed to determine potential interactions between participants’ backgrounds and reward activation.
Test p 1 = p 2, Binomial Populations

In this chapter we have two binomial populations: Pop I and Pop II. In Pop I (II) let p 1 (p 2) be the probability of a “success”. We want a do the following test $$\mathop H\nolimits_0 :\mathop p\nolimits_1 - \mathop p\nolimits_2 = 0$$ (18.1) verses $$\mathop H\nolimits_1 :\mathop p\nolimits_1 - \mathop p\nolimits_2 \ne 0$$ (18.2)
EVALUATION OF CERTAIN HYPOTENSIVE AGENTS. VI. TETRAMETHYLPIPERIDINE DERIVATIVES.

The hypotensive activity of a series of 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine derivatives was investigated in anesthetized rats and dogs. The piperidine compounds were derivatives of pempidine (1,2,2,6,6-pentamethylpiperidine), an orally effective potent ganglionic blocking compound. N -Amino- N -[ β -(2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidino-)-ethyl]-guanidine sulfate (EX 4510) appeared to be slightly more active than pempidine. All of the active hypotensive compounds in this series which were tested against pressor challengers in anesthetized dogs potentiated the epinephrine and angiotensin II pressor responses and depressed or blocked the bilateral carotid occlusion pressor response. Preliminary data suggest that the active compounds, like pempidine, are ganglionic blockers.
Abstract P343: Exercise-induces Mitochondrial Remodeling Prevents Angiotensin II-induced High Blood Pressure

Objective: Regular practice of exercise is one of the most effective non-pharmacological interventions that improve vascular health, which is thought to be mediated by a repeated exposure of vessel walls to increased hemodynamic shear stress. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of exercise preconditioning on endothelial mitochondria in an Ang II-induced hypertension model. Methods: In in vitro experiments, human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) pre-exposed to laminar shear stress (LSS) (20 dyne/cm 2 , 48h) or situated under static flow were incubated with Ang II (100 nM, 2-6 h). In in vivo experiments, mice were singly housed with or without a voluntary running wheel for 7 weeks. Ang II (1 mg/kg per day) was infused using an osmotic pump for the last 2 weeks. Saline was used as a control. Results: Significant increase in the expression levels of key genes related to mitochondrial biogenesis and dynamics were observed under shear stress conditions. Mitochondrial content determined by mtDNA content and immunostaining were higher (2-fold, P en face staining showed significantly higher mitochondrial content in the conduit and muscle feed arteries from exercise-trained mice compared with sedentary controls ( N = 10, P Conclusion: Taken together, high-magnitude LSS improves endothelial function by enhancing mtDNA integrity and mitochondrial function. These findings further support the idea that aerobic exercise is a prominent life-style modification strategy to prevent hypertension by targeting dysfunctional mitochondria in the vessel wall.
Anthracycline Cardiotoxicity: Worrisome Enough to Have You Quaking?

In this issue, Gupta et al1 describe a novel mechanism, mediated through alterations in the RNA-binding protein QKI (Quaking), responsible for anthracycline-mediated cardiotoxicity. Performing global transcriptional profiling in murine hearts exposed to doxorubicin, they identified 5 differentially expressed RNA-binding proteins: 4 of which were upregulated and 1 QKI which was downregulated. QKI expression was decreased both in vitro (in rodent cardiomyocytes and in human induced pluripotent stem cell–derived cardiomyocytes) and in vivo in doxorubicin-treated mice. To confirm the role of QKI in mediating doxorubicin cardiotoxicity, Gupta et al1 showed that QKI small interfering RNA knockdown in primary cardiomyocytes increased doxorubicin-induced apoptosis; in contrast, lentiviral overexpression decreased apoptosis. Translating their findings to an in vivo model, they overexpressed Qki5 , the most abundant cardiac isoform, in murine hearts using AAV9 (adeno-associated virus) and showed a decrease in apoptosis as well as improved echocardiographic cardiac function. Finally, to further explore the mechanism of QKI’s modulation of cardiotoxicity, they identified QKI-regulated expression of several circular RNAs and demonstrated that inhibition of one, Ttn-derived circular RNA, increased doxorubicin cardiotoxicity. Thus, Gupta et al1 have demonstrated a role for the RNA-binding protein QKI as a mediator of anthracycline cardiotoxicity, suggesting a potential new target for intervention to prevent this life-threatening complication of anticancer treatment. Article, see p 246 The anthracyclines are some of the oldest anticancer agents in use today. First discovered in the 1950s, anthracyclines, such as doxorubicin, are still widely used in treating a range of malignancies and are included in half of breast cancer and two thirds of all childhood chemotherapy protocols. Anthracyclines have contributed to the dramatic increase in 5-year survival rates for childhood cancer, now >80%. However, as their use became widespread, the occurrence of a dose-dependent cardiotoxicity was recognized. The incidence of clinically significant left ventricular …
Provider Trends in Atherectomy Volume between Office-Based Laboratories and Traditional Facilities

Background As patient care is being increasingly transitioned out of the hospital and into the outpatient setting, there is a growing interest in developing office-based angiography suites, that is, office-based laboratories. Office-based care has been associated with increased efficiency and greater patient satisfaction, with substantially higher reimbursement directly to the physicians providing care. Prior studies have demonstrated a shift of revascularization procedures to office-based laboratories with a concomitant increase in atherectomy use, a procedure with disproportionately high reimbursement in comparison to other peripheral revascularization techniques. We sought to determine provider trends in endovascular procedure volume, settings, and shifts in practice over time, specific to atherectomy. Methods Using Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Provider Utilization and Payment Data Public Use Files from 2013 to 2015, we identified providers who performed diagnostic angiography (DA), percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA), stent placement (stent), and atherectomy, and procedures were aggregated at the provider level. Trends in procedures performed in office-based laboratory and facility-based settings were analyzed. Atherectomy was specifically analyzed using the total number and proportion of office-based laboratory procedures, and providers were stratified into quintiles by case volume. Results Between 2013 and 2015, 5,298 providers were identified. Over this time period, the number of providers performing atherectomy increased 25.7%, with the highest quintile of atherectomy providers performing an average of 263 cases (range 109–1,455). The proportion of physicians who performed atherectomy only in the office increased from 39.8% to 50.7% from 2013 to 2015, whereas only 20.8% of physicians who performed DA, PTA, or stent in 2015 did so only in an office-based laboratory. Of the physicians with the highest atherectomy volume, 77.8% operated only in the office in 2015, and these physicians increased their atherectomy volume to 114.1% during the study period. Of those physicians who transitioned to a solely office-based laboratory practice over the study period, atherectomy volume increased 63.4%, which was disproportionate compared with the growth of their DA, PTA, and stent volume. Conclusions Over this short study period, a rapid shift into the office setting for peripheral intervention occurred, with a concomitant increase in atherectomy volume that was disproportionate to the increase in other peripheral interventions. This increase in office-based laboratory atherectomy occurred in the setting of increased reimbursement for the procedure and despite a lack of data supporting superiority over PTA/stent.
CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS OF COMMINUTED PRODUCTS | Emulsions and Batters

Comminuted meat products are an important sector of meat processing and a method to utilize and add value to the carcass. Manufacturing of these products requires meat, salt, and mechanical action to extract proteins and reduce particle size. Combining these with spices, flavorings, and inclusions in a casing, loaf pan, or press, processors manufacture a large variety of comminuted products found worldwide. This article explains the scientific reasoning behind the processing steps and ingredients used in these products, a discussion of factors that influence product quality, and the methods used to manipulate the process to meet consumer trends.
TMEV and neuroantigens: Myelin genes and proteins, molecular mimicry, epitope spreading, and autoantibody-mediated remyelination

The Theiler’s murine encephalomyelitis (TMEV) model has been used to study the interactions of virus, myelin and anti-neuroantigen autoimmunity, TMEV and myelin can interrelate during virus entry and persistence. On virus entry, TMEV might use peripheral myelin P0 protein as a virus receptor. For persistence, TMEV seems to require myelin functional proteins or structural myelin itself. Here, myelin and oligodendrocyte loss and downregulation of myelin genes would lead to demyelination, but might limit virus spread in the central nervous system. Unlike experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE), a pathogenic role of anti-myelin autoimmunity is unclear in TMEV infection. Anti-myelin autoantibodies have been detected in TMEV infection. Among them, only anti-galactocerebroside (GC) antibody is shown to be myelinotoxic, and has molecular mimicry with TMEV. Myelin-specific T cells play no role in initiation or progression of demyelination in the first two to three months after TMEV infection. However, cellular autoimmunity against several myelin antigens (epitope spreading) can be detected during the late chronic stage. Using the TMEV model, epitope spreading and autoantibody-mediated remyelination have been investigated by recombinant TMEV and anti-neuroantigen (natural) antibodies, respectively
Role of endogenous estrogen in the hirsutism paradigm

The study of women with androgen excess as a biologic experiment in nature may improve our understanding of hormonal determinants of cardiovascular risk. These women, who have androgen and estrogen excess, also have altered apolipoprotein metabolism, which correlates with insulin resistance. They often have android obesity, which appears to aggravate their metabolic alterations. Insulin resistance seems to have more of an influence on altered apolipoprotein metabolism than does endogenous ovarian androgen or estrogen, at least in hirsute women who are obese. It is hypothesized that adrenal dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate may modify the effects of insulin resistance, as reflected in androgen and apolipoprotein lipid metabolism. These hormonal interactive influences, which require further investigation, may hold clues to why men and women differ in the time of onset of the multifactorial problem of coronary vascular disease.
Association of multiple primary melanomas with malignancy risk: a population-based analysis of the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program database from 1973-2014.

Abstract: Background Genetic and environmental risk factors have been associated with the development of multiple primary melanomas (MPM). We hypothesized that individuals with MPM may have increased predisposition to developing internal malignancies. Objective To identify the risk of subsequent malignancies in MPM patients. Methods Multiple primary standardized incidence ratios were analyzed for individuals with ≥1, ≥2 and ≥3 primary melanomas (PM) in the SEER database from 1973-2014. Results 223,799 individuals with ≥1, 19,709 with ≥2 and 3,995 with ≥3 PM were identified. Risks of subsequent internal malignancy increased with number of PM, with observed to expected (O/E) ratios of 0.99, 1.14, and 1.23 (p Limitations SEER records limited information about pigmentation phenotypes, histology, and treatments. Conclusion Patients with MPM have increased risk of subsequent internal and cutaneous malignancies and may benefit from tight adherence to age-specific cancer screening.
Investigation on Relationship Between Microstructural Characteristics and Mechanical Properties of Wire-Arc-Sprayed Zn-Al Coating

Wire arc spraying is a cost-effective thermal spraying technology to deposit a protective coating layer on the surface of industrial components. Mechanical properties of wire arc spraying coatings are mainly influenced by their heterogeneous microstructure, resulting in complex and anisotropic mechanical properties. The objective of this investigation is to characterize the mechanical behavior of wire-arc-sprayed Zn-15Al alloy using an efficient micromechanical–computational scheme. Scanning electron microscopy images were imported to an object-oriented finite element scheme and distinguished into various phases, and then subsequently discretized into finite elements. To examine the validity of this technique, experimental studies, such as Knoop and Vickers microhardness, resonance frequency, and nanoindentation, were conducted on the freestanding coating samples. The elastic modulus of the coating was also calculated using well-known analytical methods. Comparison of the results obtained in this study was used to investigate the relationship between the microstructural features and mechanical properties in coating materials. Image-based finite element analysis showed good agreement with the experimental measurements and proved the effect of splat boundaries on the reduction in mechanical strength between coating layers and, consequently, lower elastic modulus of the wire-arc-sprayed Zn-15Al coating in the longitudinal direction compared to the transversal one.
CONCOMITANT PULMONARY VEIN ISOLATION AND LEFT ATRIAL APPENDAGE OCCLUSION FOR ATRIAL FIBRILLATION: A META-ANALYSIS OF SAFETY AND EFFICACY OUTCOMES

Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is an effective treatment for symptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF) with 50% to 90% freedom from recurrent AF. Percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) has emerged as an alternative therapy for stroke risk reduction in patients with non-valvular AF who cannot
A Place‐Based Investigation of the United Nations SDGs: Case Report on a Course Assignment for Undergraduate Sustainability Science Majors

Abstract Students in an undergraduate class for sustainability science majors engaged in a semester‐long project using ESRI ArcGIS Story Maps to conduct a place‐based investigation of the United Na...
Skin Directed Therapy in Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma

Skin directed therapies serve important roles in the treatment of early stage cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL)/mycosis fungoides (MF), as well as managing symptoms and improving quality of life of all stages. There are now numerous options for topical therapies that demonstrate high response rates, particularly in early/limited MF. Phototherapy retains an important role in treating MF, with increasing data supporting efficacy and long-term safety of both UVB and PUVA as well as some newer/targeted methodologies. Radiation therapy, including localized radiation and total skin electron beam therapy, continues as a cornerstone of therapy for all stages of MF.
Automated detection and removal of capillary electrophoresis artifacts due to spectral overlap

While DNA detection using capillary electrophoresis has enabled improvements in both resolution and throughput, the use of CE - particularly with multiple dye channels - can introduce artifacts that can complicate analyses. Undetected pull-up artifacts can pose a challenge to investigators, especially in low-level samples, while partial pull-up peaks can distort peak height balance within a locus and impact the downstream likelihood ratio. Current methods for addressing pull-up are typically manually implemented. This study presents an effective alternative: a series of mathematical models, created using symbolic regression achieved through genetic programming. The models estimate the amount of pull-up expected in a peak from a true allele for a given dye-dye relationship and instrument type. This leads to the removal of artifactual pull-up peaks and peak height corrections when pull-up is present within true alleles. When models are used in conjunction with a dynamic threshold, pull-up peaks were automatically detected and removed with an accuracy rate of 96.1%. The removal of partial pull-up from true allele peaks led to a more accurate heterozygote balance for the affected locus. These models have been optimized for use with any analytical threshold and can be implemented by any lab using a 3100 or 3500 instrument series.
Biopores from mole crickets (Scapteriscus spp.) increase soil hydraulic conductivity and infiltration rates

Abstract Soil organisms can seasonally and temporally influence many factors of soil formation and structure. Burrowing insects create biopores resulting in preferential flow through the soil profile. Most insect species have one or more life stages in soil, however, social insects are the primary taxa studied in context of soil function and structures. Soil-inhabiting southern mole cricket, Scapteriscus borellii Giglio-Tos and tawny mole cricket, Scapteriscus vicinus Scudder (Orthoptera: Gryllotalpidae), create subterranean tunnels and likely alter soil infiltration and hydraulic conductivity. X-ray CT scans were used to generate three-dimensional images of tunnel characteristics of Scapteriscus mole cricket in different soils and for various life stages. One mole cricket was introduced to a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) cylindrical arena filled with soil and allowed to construct their tunnels for 7 days under controlled conditions in the greenhouse. X-ray CT scans produced high resolution, three-dimensional renderings of tunnel architecture. Greenhouse trials also compared the hydraulic conductivity of saturated soil ( K sat ) infested with mole crickets to soil columns with earthworms. Additionally, infiltration and runoff rates were compared under field conditions in bermudagrass ( Cynodon dactylon (L.) × Cynodon transvaalensis (Burtt-Davy)) in the presence and absence of mole crickets. Both species produce tunnels generally ≥2.5 times their body in width. Southern mole cricket tunnels produce twice as many tunnels branches near the surface compared to lower in the soil profile. Immature and adult mole crickets produce tunnels that are similarly constructed yet adults displace about three times the amount of soil during immatures. Mole crickets construct tunnels 64.1 cm long with 208.8 cm 3 volume in loamy soils, which is about double the length and volume of tunnels in clay soils. The K sat was similar when mole crickets or earthworms were present, but both were greater relative to arenas with no soil invertebrates. Under field conditions, plots in bermudagrass where mole crickets were active had 41% reduction in runoff and a 12% greater infiltration relative to un-infested turfgrass. Biopores created by mole crickets in turfgrass and pastures create preferential flow through soil that may increase the movement of water and solutes from the soil to groundwater. This work highlights the interconnections between biodiversity in soils and soil function, and the importance of expanding studies on soil invertebrates beyond the few candidate taxa already studied.
Effects of Multiple Doses of Dichloroacetate on GSTZ1 Expression and Activity in Liver and Extrahepatic Tissues of Young and Adult Rats

Glutathione transferase zeta 1 (GSTZ1), expressed in liver and several extrahepatic tissues, catalyzes dechlorination of dichloroacetate (DCA) to glyoxylate. DCA inactivates GSTZ1, leading to autoinhibition of its metabolism. DCA is an investigational drug for treating several congenital and acquired disorders of mitochondrial energy metabolism, including cancer. The main adverse effect of DCA, reversible peripheral neuropathy, is more common in adults treated long-term than in children, who metabolize DCA more quickly after multiple doses. One dose of DCA to Sprague Dawley rats reduced GSTZ1 expression and activity more in liver than in extrahepatic tissues; however, the effects of multiple doses of DCA that mimic its therapeutic use have not been studied. Here, we examined the expression and activity of GSTZ1 in cytosol and mitochondria of liver, kidney, heart, and brain 24 hours after completion of 8-day oral dosing of 100 mg/kg per day sodium DCA to juvenile and adult Sprague Dawley rats. Activity was measured with DCA and with 1,2-epoxy-3-(4-nitrophenoxy)propane (EPNPP), reported to be a GSTZ1-selective substrate. In DCA-treated rats, liver retained higher expression and activity of GSTZ1 with DCA than other tissues, irrespective of rodent age. DCA-treated juvenile rats retained more GSTZ1 activity with DCA than adults. Consistent with this finding, there was less measurable DCA in tissues of juvenile than adult rats. DCA-treated rats retained activity with EPNPP, despite losing over 98% of GSTZ1 protein. These data provide insight into the differences between children and adults in DCA elimination under a therapeutic regimen and confirm that the liver contributes more to DCA metabolism than other tissues. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Dichloroacetate (DCA) is one of few drugs exhibiting higher clearance from children than adults, after repeated doses, for reasons that are unclear. We hypothesized that juveniles retain more glutathione transferase zeta 1 (GSTZ1) than adults in tissues after multiple DCA doses and found this was the case for liver and kidney, with rat as a model to assess GSTZ1 protein expression and activity with DCA. Although 1,2-epoxy-3-(4-nitrophenoxy)propane was reported to be a selective GSTZ1 substrate, its activity was not reduced in concert with GSTZ1 protein.
Sympathetic activation of splenic T-lymphocytes in hypertension of adult offspring programmed by maternal high fructose exposure

Whereas neuroimmune crosstalk between the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and immune cells in the pathophysiology of hypertension is recognized, the exact effect of SNS on T-lymphocyte in hypertension remains controversial. This study assessed the hypothesis that excitation of the SNS activates splenic T-lymphocytes through redox signaling, leading to the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and the development of hypertension. Status of T-lymphocyte activation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and pro-inflammatory cytokines expression in the spleen were examined in a rodent model of hypertension programmed by maternal high fructose diet (HFD) exposure. Maternal HFD exposure enhanced SNS activity and activated both CD4+ and CD8+ T-lymphocytes in the spleen of young offspring, compared to age-matched offspring exposed to maternal normal diet (ND). Maternal HFD exposure also induced tissue oxidative stress and expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the spleen of HFD offspring. All those cellular and molecular events were ameliorated following splenic nerve denervation (SND) by thermoablation. In contrast, activation of splenic sympathetic nerve by nicotine treatment resulted in the enhancement of tissue ROS level and activation of CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells in the spleen of ND offspring; these molecular events were attenuated by treatment with a ROS scavenger, tempol. Finally, the increase in systolic blood pressure (SBP) programmed in adult offspring by maternal HFD exposure was diminished by SND, whereas activation of splenic sympathetic nerve increased basal SBP in young ND offspring. These findings suggest that excitation of the SNS may activate splenic T-lymphocytes, leading to hypertension programming in adult offspring induced by maternal HFD exposure. Moreover, tissue oxidative stress induced by the splenic sympathetic overactivation may serve as a mediator that couples the neuroimmune crosstalk to prime programmed hypertension in HFD offspring.
Remdesivir Approved to Treat COVID-19 Amid Controversy.

Remdesivir (Veklury) is the first antiviral drug approved to treat patients ages 12 and older who are hospitalized with COVID-19.The drug is administered via slow IV infusion.Elevated liver enzymes are common with treatment. Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, are possible.
Race-Based Differences in MCI And Dementia: A Propensity Score Matching Study

Introduction Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia are characterized by objective deficits in several cognitive domains. These cognitive disorders are prevalent in the fast-growing older population worldwide. There are several modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors for these cognitive disorders. Research has shown that the African American race is predictive of incident dementia. However, the African-American race is confounded by other risk factors which may explain much of the racial disparity in cognitive disorders, most notably education, socio-economic status and lack of access. The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence of MCI and Dementia between African-American and Caucasian community-dwelling older Veterans after matching of baseline characteristics. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study using propensity score matching (PSM) among community-dwelling Veterans aged ≥50 years enrolled in VA primary care clinics from July 1, 2019 to May 31, 2020. Participants with baseline dementia diagnosis were excluded. Patients received mailed questionnaires including sociodemographic, information about exercise, education and an assessment of cognitive status using the validated Self-Administered Gerocognitive Examination (SAGE). We complemented the information with data from the electronic health records (EHR). To assess frailty, we used a 31-item VA Frailty Index (VA-FI) generated from claims-based data matched to the study date. The VA-FI categorizes patients into robust ( Results We obtained a response rate of 19.75% (n =1073) out of 5,432 mailed surveys. After propensity score matching of those Veterans who responded, 202 Caucasians and 202 African-Americans were selected and compared. Participants had a mean age of 68.57(SD=7.9) years, 50.2% were married, 90.6% non-Hispanic and 96% male. Almost all patients had achieved at least 10 years of education (91.8%), 39.9% were obese and 34.9% had OSA. The mean ADI score was 98.29 (SD=20.16) and 37.9% were found to be in the high ADI tertile. Regarding frailty status, 23.5%, 36.1%, and 40.3% were robust, pre-frail and frail respectively. After matching, all the baseline clinical characteristics were comparable between the two groups. Using a Chi-Square test after PSM, we found that the proportions of MCI (43.8%) and Dementia (40.3%) in Caucasian patients were not significantly different from that of African-Americans (MCI=56.3%, Dementia=59.7%), p=.087. Conclusions This study results suggest that race alone is not independently associated with MCI or Dementia. Even though some studies have shown that African-Americans are more likely to develop cognitive impairment, this association may be due to other socio-demographic factors that are more prevalent in the African-American population. Funding Bruce W. Carter VA Medical Center - Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center (GRECC)
Health Research Priority Setting: Do Grant Review Processes Reflect Ethical Principles?

Most public and non-profit organisations that fund health research provide the majority of their funding in the form of grants. The calls for grant applications are often untargeted, such that a wi...
Quasi-Static Analysis of Round LaRC THUNDER Actuators

An analytic approach is developed to predict the shape and displacement with voltage in the quasi-static limit of round LaRC Thunder Actuators. The problem is treated with classical lamination theory and Von Karman non-linear analysis. In the case of classical lamination theory exact analytic solutions are found. It is shown that classical lamination theory is insufficient to describe the physical situation for large actuators but is sufficient for very small actuators. Numerical results are presented for the non-linear analysis and compared with experimental measurements. Snap-through behavior, bifurcation, and stability are presented and discussed.
Speech research in telecommunications: a Bell-centric view

Summary form only given. Speech research aimed at developing technologies to enhance telecommunications has produced many remarkable results in the past five decades. In various branches of the field, many breakthrough technologies have been brought about due to courageous paradigm shifts advocated by a few. In this paper, we highlight the progress in speech processing technologies, particularly from an historical perspective as seen from Bell Laboratories, and point out these paradigm shifts in the hope to inspire more technical breakthroughs.
A Three-Phase Task Scheduling Scheme in a Hard Real-Time Distributed Environment

The incentive of the local task scheduling scheme developed here is to guarantee a maximum number of unpredictable critical tasks locally. In order to guarantee the execution of a critical task within a requested time frame, a Safety Time Factor (STF) is defined based on the estimated worst-computation time of the task and added to its execution time. A three-phase local task scheduling is designed to take advantage of accumulative safety times and provide alternatives for scheduling the critical tasks locally. At each phase a different class of critical tasks is scheduled. The performance of the model has been ested using the most recent task scheduling scheme as a baseline model.
Reactivity and activation of dioxygen-derived species in aprotic media (a model matrix for biomembranes)

In aprotic media the electrochemical reduction of dioxygen yields superoxide ion (O 2 ), which is an effective Bronsted base, nucleophile, one-electron reductant, and one-electron oxidant of reduced transition metal ions. With electrophilic substrates (organic halides and carbonyl carbons) O 2 displaces a leaving group to form a peroxy radical (ROO*) in the primary process. Superoxide ion oxidizes the activated hydrogen atoms of ascorbic acid, catechols, hydrophenazines and hydroflavins. Combination of O 2 with 1,2-diphenylhydrazine yields the anion radical of azobenzene, which reacts with O 2 to give azobenzene and O 2 (an example of O 2 -induced autoxidation). With phenylhydrazine, O 2 produces phenyl radicals. The situ formation of HO 2 (O 2 plus a proton source) results in H-atom abstraction from allylic and other groups with weak heteroatom—H bonds (binding energy (b.e.) less than 335 kJ). This is a competitive process with the facile second-order disproportionation of HO 2 to H 2 O 2 and O 2 ( k bi « 10 4 mol -1 s -1 in Me 2 SO). Addition of [Fe II (MeCN) 4 ] (ClO 4 ) 2 to solutions of hydrogen peroxide in dry acetonitrile catalyses a rapid disproportionation of H 2 O 2 via the initial formation of an adduct [Fe II (H 2 O 2 ) 2+ ↔Fe(O)(H 2 O) 2+ ], which oxidizes a second H 2 O 2 to oxygen. In the presence of organic substrates such as 1,4-cyclohexadiene, 1,2- diphenylhydrazine, catechols and thiols the Fe II - H202/M eCN system yields dehydrogenated products; with alcohols, aldehydes, methylstyrene, thioethers, sulphoxides, and phosphines, the Fen (H2O 2 )2+ adduct promotes their monoxygenation. The product from the Fe02+-H 2O 2 reaction, [FeII(H 2 O 2 ) 2+ 2 ], exhibits chemistry that is closely similar to that for singlet oxygen ( 1 O 2 ), which has been confirmed by the stoichiometric dioxygenation of diphenylisobenzofuran, 9,10- diphenylanthracene, rubrene and electron-rich unsaturated carbon-carbon bonds (Ph 2 C = CPh 2 , PhC = CPh and cis -PhCH =CHPh). In dry ligand-free acetonitrile (MeCN), anhydrous ferric chloride (Fe III Cl 3 ) activates hydrogen peroxide for the efficient epoxidation of alkenes. The Fe III Cl 3 further catalyses the dimerization of the resulting epoxides to dioxanes. These observations indicate that strong Lewis acids that are coordinatively unsaturated, [Fe II (MeCN) 4 ] 2+ and [Fe III Cl 3 ], activate H 2 O 2 to form an effective oxygenation and dehydrogenation agent. When catalytic quantities of superoxide ion are introduced into a dry acetonitrile solution that contains excess substrate (Ph 2 SO or PhCH 2 OH), ambient air, 1,2- diphenylhydrazine and iron (II) , the substrate is rapidly and efficiently monoxygenated, the combination provides a catalytic system for the autoxidation of organic substrates via reaction cycles that closely mimic cytochrome P 450 monoxygenase enzymes.
Interferon Production and Host Resistance to Type II Avian (Marek's) Leukosis Virus (JM Strain)

Interferon production in both susceptible S- and resistant K-line chickens infected with type II leukosis virus of JM strain and turkey herpesvirus was studied. The resistant line of chickens produced higher levels of interferon than did the susceptible with JM virus infection during the experimental period. When both susceptible S-and resistant K-line chicks were vaccinated with turkey herpesvirus, the interferon production was quantitatively similar in the two lines.
A repeated game approach for interference mitigation of priority-based Body Area Networks

In this paper, we address the issue of interference between Wireless Body Area Networks(WBANs) with different medical emergency levels. The inter-WBAN interference could potentially degrade the Quality of Service (QoS) performance of sensor nodes. Furthermore, such interference leads to a fatal situation when WBANs belong to patients with different emergency condition. A game-theoretic scheme is proposed to tackle the inter-WBAN interference issue and improve the reliability of data for WBANs with different emergency levels. We formulate the interference between WBANs as “infinite repeated game” and model the emergency levels using the heterogeneous discount factors. We propose a “grim” strategy for the repeated game and investigate the conditions in which this strategy holds “Subgame Perfect Equilibrium” property. Finally, we evaluate the performance of our approach using simulation model.
The major phosphorylation site of nucleophosmin (B23) is phosphorylated by a nuclear kinase II

Nucleophosmin (B23) was phosphorylated in vitro with [gamma-32P]ATP and a nuclear kinase (type II) purified from HeLa cells. The phosphorylation was inhibited by heparin and by 2,3-diphosphoglycerate. Peptide mapping analysis indicated that the phosphorylation site in vitro was identical to that in vivo. Purified nucleoli have a similar kinase that phosphorylated nucleophosmin at the same site. These results indicated that nucleophosmin is phosphorylated in vivo by a nucleolar kinase (type II).
Accelerated testing of liquid crystal components for use in optical networking devices

Liquid crystal components developed for optical networking devices were exposed to accelerated environments. These components survived the equivalent of 22dBm/channel. Contrast ratio was stable at the 40dB level after 1250 hours of 85/85 exposure.
The Worst Allies, Except for All the Others: US-European relations in the age of George W. Bush

Any nuanced assessment of current transatlantic tensions requires an awareness of their historical context. An understanding of the legacy of the Cold War in particular helps to answer the following questions: (1) What are the sources of current US-European tensions? (2) Has the transatlantic connection sustained mortal damage, or can it endure? (3) What changes of attitude and of focus might help the transatlantic relationship in the future? The argument is as follows: The US–European relationship is under assault not just because of recent US military actions but also because of a longer-term shift away from a successful US Cold War grand strategy that still had much to offer the post-Cold War world. However, cause for alarm is limited, because the history of cooperation, the lack of alternative partners, and the very real nature of external threats means that neither the US nor the Europeans have any realistic alternative to cooperation with each other.