cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Multi-directional force–displacement response of underground pipe in sand1

A methodology is presented to evaluate multi-directional force–displacement relationships for soil–pipeline interaction analysis and design. Large-scale tests of soil reaction to pipe lateral and u...
Screening sunscreens: protecting the biomechanical barrier function of skin from solar ultraviolet radiation damage.

Objective Solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation is ubiquitous in human life and well known to cause skin damage that can lead to harmful conditions such as erythema. Although sunscreen is a popular form of protection for some of these conditions, it is unclear whether sunscreen can maintain the mechanical barrier properties of skin. The objective of this study was to determine whether in vitro thin-film mechanical analysis techniques adapted for biological tissue are able to characterize the efficacy of commonly used UV inhibitors and commercial sunscreens to protect the biomechanical barrier properties of stratum corneum (SC) from UV exposure. Methods The biomechanical properties of SC samples were assayed through measurements of the SC's drying stress profile and delamination energy. The drying stresses within SC were characterized from the curvature of a borosilicate glass substrate onto which SC had been adhered. Delamination energies were characterized using a double-cantilever beam (DCB) cohesion testing method. Successive DCB specimens were prepared from previously separated specimens by adhering new substrates onto each side of the already tested specimen to probe delamination energies deeper into the SC. These properties of the SC were measured before and after UV exposure, both with and without sunscreens applied, to determine the role of sunscreen in preserving the barrier function of SC. Results The drying stress in SC starts increasing sooner and rises to a higher plateau stress value after UVA exposure as compared to non-UV-exposed control specimens. For specimens that had sunscreen applied, the UVA-exposed and non-UV-exposed SC had similar drying stress profiles. Additionally, specimens exposed to UVB without protection from sunscreen exhibited significantly lower delamination energies than non-UV-exposed controls. With commercial sunscreen applied, the delamination energy for UV-exposed and non-UV-exposed tissue was consistent, even up to large doses of UVB. Conclusion In vitro thin-film mechanical analysis techniques can readily characterize the effects of SC's exposure to UV radiation. The methods used in this study demonstrated commercial sunscreens were able to preserve the biomechanical properties of SC during UV exposure, thus indicating the barrier function of SC was also maintained.
Asymptotic efficiency of the BAD algorithm

We study the high-SNR performance of the bi-directional arbitrated DFE (BAD) equalization algorithm. Using asymptotic efficiency analysis, we characterize the performance of BAD as the channel noise variance approaches zero. We consider the case in which the channel is perfectly known to the receiver, as well as the case in which the channel estimate is in error. Asymptotic efficiency analysis allows us to quantify the loss in performance due both to inter-symbol interference (ISI) and imperfect channel estimation. The asymptotic efficiency of BAD is compared to that of a matched filter receiver, a maximum likelihood sequence estimator, and a standard DFE. Our results indicate that for the channel model considered, BAD can achieve gains of up to 3 dB over the standard DFE, even when the channel estimate is in error.
Syk Is a New Target for AML Differentiation.

One of the challenges of phenotype-based small molecule screening has been the difficulty of protein target identification for newly discovered compounds. For example, we previously performed a gene expression-based small molecule library screen, which identified gefitinib, an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor, as an inducer of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) differentiation in cell lines and primary patient cells. Neither EGFR transcript nor protein is expressed in the tested AML cell lines, thus precluding inhibition of this kinase as the mechanism of AML differentiation. However, because multiple EGFR inhibitors induce this phenotype, we hypothesize that a shared off-target kinase is the target in AML differentiation. In order to identify candidate gefitinib targets of AML differentiation, we utilized a proteomics method: peptide immunoprecipitation-HPLC-mass spectrometry. This approach enriches for phospho-tyrosine peptides with immunoprecipitation (IP) after enzyme digestion. In contrast to IP at the protein level, the final mixture following peptide-IP contains primarily phospho-tyrosine-containing peptides. We treated the AML cell line HL-60 with gefitinib versus vehicle and then identified peptide sites with loss of phosphorylation with gefitinib treatment. Spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk) was identified as one of the only kinases with loss of phosphorylation post treatment. Syk is a nonreceptor tyrosine kinase, important in normal B-cell differentiation, and implicated in malignancies such as myelodysplastic syndrome and lymphoma. We first confirmed with IP western immunoblotting the inhibition of Syk phosphorylation with gefitinib treatment in HL-60 cells. We next confirmed with both pharmacological inhibition and genetic loss of Syk the induction of differentiation in the AML cell lines HL-60 and U937. Numerous determinants of myeloid maturation were tested: a complex differentiation gene expression signature, cellular morphology, cell surface proteins CD11b and CD14 expression, and nitro-blue tetrazolium (NBT) reduction, a functional assay for myeloid differentiation. Two reported pharmacological inhibitors of Syk scored positive on all measurements of differentiation. Furthermore, the shRNA construct inducing the most complete loss of Syk also scored the highest on all measurements of differentiation. The most convincing data that Syk is the true target of these inhibitors would be the identification of an inhibitor resistant Syk mutant, analogous to BCR-ABL or c-Kit mutants that confer imatinib resistance. To this end, a Syk random mutagenesis screen is ongoing. In summary, these data identify Syk as a strong candidate target of gefitinib, demonstrate that inhibition of Syk can induce AML differentiation, and identify Syk as a potential target for AML differentiation therapy.
Food Consumption Patterns among U.S. Children from Birth to 23 Months of Age, 2009-2014.

Early dietary patterns can have long-term health consequences. This study describes food consumption patterns among US children ≤23 months. We used one 24 h dietary recall from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2009–2014 to estimate the percentage of children ≤23 months who consumed selected food/beverage categories on any given day by age and race/Hispanic origin. Among 0 to 5 month olds, 42.9% (95% Confidence Interval (CI): 37.0%, 49.1%) consumed breast milk, with non-Hispanic blacks less likely (21.2%, 95% CI: 13.2%, 32.2%) compared with non-Hispanic whites (49.0%, 95% CI: 39.0%, 59.1%) (p < 0.001). The percentage of children consuming vegetables was 57.4%, 48.2%, and 45.1% for ages 6 to 11, 12 to 18 and 19 to 23 months, respectively (p < 0.01 for trend). The percentage of children consuming sugar-sweetened beverages was 6.6%, 31.8% and 38.3% for ages 6 to 11, 12 to 18 and 19 to 23 months, respectively (p < 0.01 for trend). Among children aged ≥6 months, lower percentages of non-Hispanic black and Hispanic children consumed vegetables, and higher percentages consumed sugar-sweetened beverages and 100% juice compared with non-Hispanic white children, although differences were not always statistically significant. Compared with children in the second year of life, a higher percentage of children 6 to 11 months of age consumed vegetables and a lower percentage consumed 100% juice, sugar-sweetened beverages, snacks, or sweets; with differences by race/Hispanic origin. These data may be relevant to the upcoming 2020–2025 federal dietary guidelines.
Gdf3 is required for robust Nodal signaling during germ layer formation and left-right patterning

Vertebrate embryonic patterning depends on signaling from Nodal, a TGFβ superfamily member. There are three Nodal orthologs in zebrafish; southpaw directs left-right asymmetries, while squint and cyclops function earlier to pattern mesendoderm. TGFβ member Vg1 is implicated in mesoderm formation but the role of the zebrafish ortholog, Growth differentiation factor 3 (Gdf3), has not been fully explored. We show that zygotic expression of gdf3 is dispensable for embryonic development, while maternally deposited gdf3 is required for mesendoderm formation and dorsal-ventral patterning. We further show that Gdf3 can affect left-right patterning at multiple stages, including proper development of regional cell morphology in Kupffer's vesicle and the establishment of southpaw expression in the lateral plate mesoderm. Collectively, our data indicate that gdf3 is critical for robust Nodal signaling at multiple stages in zebrafish embryonic development.
Targeting cytokines to treat asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Cytokines play a key role in orchestrating and perpetuating the chronic airway inflammation in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), making them attractive targets for treating these disorders. Asthma and some cases of COPD are mainly driven by type 2 immune responses, which comprise increased airway eosinophils, T helper 2 (TH2) cells and group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) and the secretion of IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13. Clinical trials of antibodies that block these interleukins have shown reduced acute exacerbations and oral corticosteroid use and improvements in lung function and symptoms in selected patients. More recent approaches that block upstream cytokines, such as thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), show promise in improving patient outcome. Importantly, the clinical trials in cytokine blockade have highlighted the crucial importance of patient selection for the successful use of these expensive therapies and the need for biomarkers to better predict drug responses.
Tumor acidity, ion trapping and chemotherapeutics. II. pH-dependent partition coefficients predict importance of ion trapping on pharmacokinetics of weakly basic chemotherapeutic agents

Ion-trapping theory predicts that alkalinization of tumor extracellular pH will enhance the anti-tumor activity of weak-base chemotherapeutics. We have previously demonstrated that chronic and acute treatment of tumor-bearing mice with sodium bicarbonate results in tumor-specific alkalinization of extracellular pH. Furthermore, bicarbonate pretreatment enhances the anti-tumor activity of doxorubicin and mitoxantrone in two different mouse tumor models. Previous work has indicated subtle, yet significant differences between the pH sensitivities of the biodistribution and anti-tumor efficacies of doxorubicin and mitoxantrone in vitro. The present study demonstrates that systemic alkalinization selectively enhances tumor uptake of radiolabeled mitoxantrone, but not doxorubicin. Results using these two drugs are quantitatively and qualitatively very different, and can be explained on the basis of differences in the octanol-water partition coefficients of their charged forms. These results suggest that inducing metabolic alkalosis in patients would have a positive effect on response to mitoxantrone therapy. However, the therapeutic index would not increase if sodium bicarbonate also caused increased retention of mitoxantrone in susceptible normal tissues in the host. The major dose-limiting organ systems for mitoxantrone are heart, liver, bone marrow, spleen and blood cells. Bicarbonate was found to have no significant effect on the distribution of mitoxantrone to any of these tissues except for spleen. However, neither spleen weights nor lymphocyte counts were adversely affected by NaHCO(3) pretreatment, indicating that this co-therapy does not enhance myelosuppression due to mitoxantrone therapy. These findings suggest that metabolic alkalosis would produce a net gain in mitoxantrone therapeutic index.
Trouble in Paradise: A Study of Who Is Included in an Inclusion Classroom

Background/ContextThis study is based on prior research regarding the need for explicit social instruction for children with special needs, cooperative educational models, and the goals and relativ...
Diversified Classes of Enzyme Modulators

Enzymatic catalyses are mediated by functional groups present in amino acid side chains. The amino acid side chains of enzymes that are frequently directly involved in enzyme catalytic processes include histidine, serine, cystein, lysine, glutamate, and aspartate. The active site of an enzyme is usually larger than the substrate, since in most cases the substrate is partially surrounded by the active site. The structure of an enzyme is required to stabilize the conformation of the active site for achieving enzymatic function.
Language Pathology in Autism and Childhood Schizophrenia

In his review of the literature on childhood schizophrenia, Kanner (1973), the original diagnostician of autism, points out that, like adult schizophrenia, childhood schizophrenia does not exist as a unitary disease entity. The singularity of the term schizophrenia is misleading; it refers in fact to a group of disorders that share certain common factors. This position is shared by many others, such as Shapiro, who refer to this problem as a spectrum disorder.
Capillarity-Induced Surface Morphologies

Surface energetics is reviewed including expressions for the chemical potential of a curved surface element and the Legendre transform relation between the projected surface free energy as a function of orientation and the Wulff equilibrium shape. A well known equation is derived describing surface evolution by surface diffusion, assuming local equilibrium. Solutions are reviewed including a decaying sinusoid and a developing thermal groove. Breakdown of local equilibrium is considered. The structure, energetics and dynamics of steps on a vicinal surface are discussed. Facet sizes on the Wulff shape and the surface profile at the edge of a facet are related to the step self and interaction free energies respectively. Fourier analysis of step fluctuations is described, revealing the underlying transport processes. Analysis of the decay of a sinusoidal profile on a vicinal surface in terms of step behavior is given. Finally, examples are reviewed of surface evolution below the roughening temperature T R in which case facets move by the lateral spreading of steps. Results differ greatly from those of the continuum theory applicable above T R.
Spelunking Meckel Cave: A 31-Year-Old With Diplopia and Loss of Taste and Smell.

Case Presentation A 31-year-old woman presented to the ED with a loss of taste and smell of 2 months’ duration and a frontal headache, bilateral facial numbness, photophobia, and horizontal diplopia that was worse with far vision of 2 weeks’ duration. A review of systems revealed mild nausea and decreased appetite without weight loss. She denied any cardiopulmonary symptoms, specifically no cough or shortness of breath. Her medical history was notable for arthralgias. The patient was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis, for which she had been taking etanercept for several months. She consumed minimal alcohol and had no history of tobacco or drug use or recent travel. Her family history was unremarkable.
Disparities in Criminal Justice Outcomes After Beginning Treatment for Substance Use Disorders: The Influence of Race/Ethnicity and Place.

Objective:This study examined whether racial/ethnic disparities exist in posttreatment arrests and assessed the extent to which community characteristics account for such disparities.Method:Adminis...
Oculum afficit: Ocular Affect Recognition.

Recognizing human affect and emotions is a problem that has a wide range of applications within both academia and industry. Affect and emotion recognition within computer vision primarily relies on images of faces. With the prevalence of portable devices (e.g. smart phones and/or smart glasses),acquiring user facial images requires focus, time, and precision. While existing systems work great for full frontal faces, they tend to not work so well with partial faces like those of the operator of the device when under use. Due to this, we propose a methodology in which we can accurately infer the overall affect of a person by looking at the ocular region of an individual.
Therapeutic Laquinimod Treatment Restores Axon Myelination, Callosal Conduction and Motor Deficit in a Chronic Mouse Model of Multiple Sclerosis (P05.197)

OBJECTIVE: Therapeutic strategies that induce effective neuroprotection and enhance the intrinsic repair mechanism are central goals for future therapy of multiple sclerosis (MS) . The aim of this study was to assess the therapeutic effects of laquinimod on axon myelination, callosal axon conduction and motor function in the chronic experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mouse model of MS. BACKGROUND: Laquinimod is an orally administered CNS-active immunomodulator. Phase III data in RRMS patients indicate clear effects of laquinimod 0.6mg on clinical disease activity as evidenced by slowing the progression of disability, reducing the rate of MRI-measured brain volume loss and reducing relapse rates, all coupled with a favorable safety and tolerability profile. DESIGN/METHODS: 8-week-old PLP_EGFP C57BL/6 mice were treated with 5mg or 25 mg/kg/day of laquinimod. Treatment groups received daily oral gavages of laquinimod dissolved in water starting on day 15 or day 21 after first MOG immunization. EAE clinical scores and rotorod was performed throughout the disease course. Immune analysis of splenocytes, electrophysiology conduction of corpus callosum axons, and immunohistochemistry of brain and spinal cord was performed. RESULTS: Therapeutic Laquinimod treatment during EAE significantly improved EAE disease scores and Rotorod motor performance. Laquinimod treatment reduced Th1 cytokines: IFN-λ, TNF-α, and IL-17; Th2 cytokine IL-5; and MMP9. This was supported by a significant decrease in reactive astrocytes, activated microglia and T cells in the brain. Numbers of myelinated axons and mature oligodendrocytes was increased in the spinal cord and brain of Laquinimod-treated groups. Laquinimod treatment in EAE group significantly improved callosal conduction and restored axon refractoriness closer to normal levels. CONCLUSIONS: Therapeutic laquinimod treatment has beneficial effects in the EAE model due to its anti-inflammatory and positive effects on oligodendrocyte numbers and myelin density. These results further support laquinimod potential role in the treatment of MS. Supported by: Teva Pharmaceutical Industries. Disclosure: Dr. Moore has nothing to disclose. Dr. Hannsun has nothing to disclose. Dr. Yoon has nothing to disclose. Dr. Patel has nothing to disclose. Dr. Yoo has nothing to disclose. Dr. Khalaj has nothing to disclose. Dr. Tiwari-Woodruff has received personal compensation for activities with Teva Pharmaceuticals as a participant on an adviosry board. Dr. Tiwari-Woodruff has received research support from Teva Pharmaceuticals.
Assessing feedback response with a wearable electroencephalography system.

Background: Event related potential (ERP) components, such as P3, N2, and FRN, are potential metrics for assessing feedback response as a form of performance monitoring. Most research studies investigate these ERP components using clinical or research-grade electroencephalography (EEG) systems. Wearable EEGs, which are an affordable alternative, have the potential to assess feedback response using ERPs but have not been sufficiently evaluated. Feedback-related ERPs also have not been scientifically evaluated in interactive settings that are similar to daily computer use. In this study, a consumer-grade wearable EEG system was assessed for its feasibility to collect feedback-related ERPs through an interactive software module that provided an environment in which users were permitted to navigate freely within the program to make decisions. Methods: The recording hardware, which costs less than $1500 in total, incorporated the OpenBCI Cyton Board with Daisy chain, a consumer-grade EEG system that costs $949 USD. 17 participants interacted with an oddball paradigm and an interactive module designed to elicit feedback-related ERPs. The features of interests for the oddball paradigm were the P3 and N2 components. The features of interests for the interactive module were the the P3, N2, and FRN components elicited in response to positive, neutral, and two types of negative feedback. The FRN was calculated by subtracting the positive feedback response from the negative feedback responses. Results: The P3 and N2 components of the oddball paradigm indicated statistically significant differences between infrequent targets and frequent targets which is in line with current literature. The P3 and N2 components elicited in the interactive module indicated statistically significant differences between positive, neutral, and negative feedback responses. There were no significant differences between the FRN types and significant interactions with channel group and FRN type. Conclusion: The OpenBCI Cyton, after some modifications, shows potential for eliciting and assessing P3, N2, and FRN components, which are important indicators for performance monitoring, in an interactive setting.
73. IMPLEMENTING A CARE TEAM ASSISTANT PROGRAM: LESSONS LEARNED

Introduction Excessive administrative tasks have been associated with adverse consequences for doctors and their patients. Furthermore, this burden of non-clinical tasks has been linked to depersonalization, a major component of physician burnout. The Care Team Assistant (CTA) program, established in Nov 2016, provides administrative support for the inpatient medical teams to help optimize patient care and promote wellness. Objective To share the acceptability, feasibility, sustainability, and effectiveness of implementing a CTA program. Approach The program was established in a large, urban, academic, tertiary medical center. A needs assessment included time-motion studies, resident surveys, and drafting of a key driver diagram. Highest impact goals were identified by clinicians, nursing leadership, and administrative stakeholders. A physician lead and project manager were designated, and 5 CTAs were initially hired. Once didactic/clinical training was completed, the CTAs were incorporated into inpatient resident teams and assigned various non-clinical tasks. Program leaders met regularly to discuss the program's development and to ensure quality assurance for the CTAs. Outcomes Acceptability: Resident surveys showed CTAs completing a large percentage of daily administrative tasks with promotion of job satisfaction and time spent in direct clinical care. Feasibility: Initial challenges included a lack of benchmark and guidelines for CTA training. These were iteratively refined with input from CTAs and physician partners. Some CTAs were terminated given inability to meet established markers for competency. Another major challenge was the lack of familiarity with the role and sub-optimal utilization of the CTAs, requiring significant efforts to raise awareness. Effectiveness: The initiative has shown concrete positive impacts on various measures including PCP communication and family-centered rounds. CTAs have also helped address institutional needs relating to capacity management by facilitating earlier discharges. Sustainability: CTAs have become integral members of inpatient teams with involvement in multiple interdisciplinary initiatives. The program continues to grow with 12 current CTAs and expansion to the PICU. Conclusions CTAs provide an effective means of reducing administrative burden and improving not only care delivery metrics. Rigorous implementation of a CTA program should include a needs assessment and identification of key target areas of impact. Thoughtful design and expansion informed and supported by stakeholders is key to achieving acceptability, sustainability, and operational success.
Normative feedback and intentions to help friends with bulimic symptoms.

AbstractObjective: The current study examined accuracy in estimating campus norms for eating disorder (ED) pathology and the impact of normative feedback on intentions to help friends. Participants...
The cingulate cortex and spatial neglect

Abstract Spatial neglect is asymmetric attention, orienting, and action causing functional disability. It is linked to higher-order cortical sensory processing; however, spatial motor “Aiming” processing is critical to fundamental, adaptive environmental movement and daily life function. The cingulate cortex, in particular the anterior cingulate and anterior midcingulate cortex, is strongly linked to spatial Aiming deficits and likely to predict daily life disability in spatial neglect. The authors review the impact and mechanisms of spatial neglect and then describe specific symptoms associated with spatial neglect that are theoretically linked to cingulate cortical functions or associated with lesions extending to cingulate regions in a well-characterized spatial neglect cohort. The treatment implications for a link between cingulate cortex spatial Aiming neglect and therapies that improve spatial action, arousal, and persistence are discussed. Clinicians may want to consider theoretically motivated treatments targeted at specific symptoms as well as use treatments supported for spatial neglect based on unselected and uncharacterized groups.
Impact of asthma severity on long-term asthma control.

Background: Asthma is a common childhood disease with significant morbidity. Severe asthma accounts for just 4–6% of patients, but this group is more difficult to treat and is responsible for up to...
Synthesis and spectroscopic characterization of actinyl(VI) tetrahalide coordination compounds containing 2, 2′-bipyridine

Abstract A series of three new actinide tetrahalide coordination compounds containing 2,2′-bipyridinium (H2bpy) have been synthesized by room temperature evaporation and characterized via single crystal X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and infrared spectroscopy. The solid-state compounds (Np1, U1, and U2) contain the AnO22+ cation coordinated to four halide (chloride or bromide) atoms to form the anionic tetrahalide molecular unit [AnO2X4]2− (X = Cl, Br) and are charge balanced by the 2,2′-bipyridinium cations that engage in electrostatic interactions with the actinyl complex. Np1 (N2C10H10)[NpO2Cl4] contains 2,2′-bipyridine in the cis conformation where both the nitrogen atoms are directed towards the [NpO2Cl4]2− monomer. Within U1 (N2C10H9)[UO2Cl4], the 2,2′-bipyridine is in a trans conformation, and found in the same orientation in the isomorphous structure U2 (N2C10H9)[UO2Br4]. The compounds were further characterized by vibrational spectroscopy with specific interest in the actinyl cation. Raman spectroscopy provided information on the actinyl symmetric stretch (ν1) whereas IR spectroscopy is used to determine the location of the asymmetric stretch (ν3). Spectral similarities are observed between the two isomorphous structures, but slight variations across the series of structures are found to be associated with bipyridine bands in the various conformations. Additional analysis of these vibrational features in U1 and U2 provided information on the actinyl force constants, allowing insight into the relative uranyl bond strength that was compared to similar tetrahalide compounds.
Selective inflammatory propensities in adopted adolescents institutionalized as infants

Abstract This study examined whether early life adversity (ELA) limited to infancy was associated with an increase in circulating levels of proinflammatory cytokines and cellular cytokine responses to three stimulants [lipopolysaccharide (LPS), phytohemagglutinin (PHA), and phorbol myristate acetate plus ionomycin (PMA/IO)]. Participants were previously institutionalized (PI) youth (N = 45, 56 % female) who had spent their first years in institutional care (e.g., orphanages, baby homes) before being adopted into well-resourced homes (median age at adoption = 13 mos) and non-adopted comparisons (NA; N = 38, 55 % female). Their age range was 13.3–21.2 years (M = 16.3 years). This analysis followed up an earlier report on these youth (Reid et al., 2019a) that identified an increase in terminally differentiated CD8 + CD57 T cells among the PI relative to the NA youth. Cytokine levels in circulation were not highly correlated and thus examined separately. PI youth had higher circulating levels of Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNFα), but not Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) or Interleukin-6 (IL-6). Cytokine responses to in vitro activation within each stimulant condition were highly correlated and were thus combined to generate an index of the inflammatory reaction to each stimulant. Using Multivariate Analysis of Covariance, there was a highly significant multivariate effect of group, which was carried primarily by the PMA/IO condition, with PI youth exhibiting a larger inflammatory response than NA youth. Tests of mediation showed that both the early rearing effects on circulating TNFα and the composite inflammatory index of PMA/IO responsiveness were mediated in the statistical model by the percentage of CD8 + CD57+ TEMRA cells in circulation, a marker of replicative senescence in T cells. Sex differences were also found in circulating levels of IL-6 and TNFα, with males having higher levels than females.
PG67 Acute surgical emergency patient (ASEP) simulation course

Introduction Many surgical healthcare professionals feel inadequately prepared in dealing with acutely unwell surgical patients (1). Simulation can give doctors and nurses the confidence in managing these patients (2). Currently there is no high-fidelity simulation focusing on human factors in the field of surgery. Our aim was to run a full day interprofessional surgical simulation course for healthcare professionals. This is the only surgical interprofessional simulation currently being offered to healthcare professionals. Methods We ran three full day interprofessional surgical simulation courses. Scenarios included managing acutely unwell surgical patients and being called when scrubbed in theatre. Each scenario had a surgical doctor and nurse, and this led to discussion on relevant human factors and clinical learning points. Results Candidates who attended the course found that their confidence increased in managing acutely unwell surgical patients (4.5/10 to 8.2/10), doing an A-E assessment (6.6/10 to 8.4/10) and providing a good handover (6/10 to 8.3/10). Candidates rated the course as 9.6/10. Some of the comments from the course were ‘teaching, excellent feedback in a safe environment’ and ‘much more confident in assessing and managing acutely unwell patients’. All the candidates who attended the course said that they would recommend this course to a colleague and felt it should be made available to all healthcare professionals. Discussion and Conclusion This novel, high fidelity, interprofessional surgical simulation course was both well received and led to improved confidence in the management of acutely unwell surgical patients. The course allowed candidates to work in an interprofessional team. All the candidates would recommend this course to their colleagues. We would therefore recommend that this course be made available to all healthcare professionals working in surgery. References Isherwood, J., Mughal, Z. and Yeung, J., 2013. Can simulation training improve foundation doctors’ assessment and management of acutely unwell surgical patients?. BMJ, 346. Carling, J., 2010. Are graduate doctors adequately prepared to manage acutely unwell patients?. The clinical teacher;7(2): pp.102–105.
Effect of storage of wet brewer's grains with incremental levels of salt on apparent total-tract nutrient digestibility and purine derivative excretion in dairy heifers.

Objectives of this study were to evaluate apparent total tract nutrient digestibility and purine derivative (PD) excretion in dairy heifers limit-fed diets containing wet brewer's grains (WBG) treated with salt. A 12-wk replicated 4 × 4 Latin square was conducted using 8 Holstein heifers of 224.5 ± 19.4 d of age, and body weight (BW) of 219.2 ± 28.1 kg (mean ± SD). Fresh WBG were treated with 0%, 0.8%, 1.6%, and 2.4% salt and stored for 4 d before being fed. Salt was added either to the WBG or separately to equalize the amount of salt in the diet. The diet contained 9% grass silage, 47% corn silage, 19% corn meal, 17.6% WBG and salt, 2% soybean meal, and 3% mineral mix. Diets were formulated to be limit-fed at 2.15% of BW, provide 14% crude protein (CP) and 2.27 Mcal metabolizable energy (ME)/kg of dry matter (DM). Heifers were adapted to diets for 14 d followed by a 7-d collection period. Dry matter intake (DMI) was recorded daily during the collection week while BW was recorded once a week. Urine and fecal samples were collected during the last 4 d of the collection period. Acid insoluble ash was used as an internal marker to determine apparent nutrient digestibility. Weight loss of WBG during storage was determined from days 1 to 11 and initial and final yeast and mold counts were determined. Final yeast counts were similar among treatments while final mold counts tended to be lesser (P = 0.07) for the 0.8% and 1.6% salt treatments. Urinary volume was similar among treatments while allantoin (P = 0.14), and uric acid (P < 0.01) and total PD excretion tended to increase (P = 0.13) quadratically. DMI was varied by treatment (linear, quadratic, and cubic effects P < 0.01). Heifers fed the 0.8% treatment had the least DMI. Nonfiber carbohydrate (NFC) digestibility linearly decreased (P < 0.04) as salt increased. Digestibilities of DM, and organic matter (OM), tended to decrease (P < 0.10) with increasing levels of salt added to WBG. Fat digestibility was quadratic with the greatest value for the 1.6% treatment. Treating WBG with salt reduced its deterioration based on lesser mold counts for the 0.8% and 1.6% treatments. These treatments had resulted in greater fat digestibility and tended to have increased PD excretion suggesting improved microbial protein synthesis.
Abdominal mass with pulmonary nodules in a miliary pattern

A middle-aged woman presented with a 6-week history of persistent abdominal pain and weight loss. She underwent endoscopy with biopsy for an abdominal mass but developed fever after the procedure. Chest imaging revealed a diffuse micronodular pattern (figure 1). She did not have any respiratory symptoms, any recent travel, exposure to animals or sick contacts. The patient was placed into respiratory isolation, and sputum acid-fast bacilli smears were negative for tuberculosis. A subsequent bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage …
Review of Bioaccumulation, Biomagnification, and Biotransformation of Engineered Nanomaterials

Engineered nanomaterial manufacturing and utilization has been increasing in both consumer and commercial products. As stated by the Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies, there are 1814 nanotechnology consumer products available in the market as of Mach 2015. In Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies’ consumer product inventory list, nanoproducts are categorized into eight main categories; house appliances, automotive, cross-cutting, electronics and computers, food and beverage, goods for children, health, and fitness, and home and garden. Nanomaterials provide numerous advantages over conventional materials, even though their small size, shape and related properties may likewise expand their toxicity levels. The bioaccumulation of nanomaterials begins with nanoparticle accumulation in the organism, and then biomagnification follows the toxins accumulated by the predatory organism. Bioconcentration is the last stage, whereby the chemical concentration of toxins in the organism exceeds that in the environment. Here, we have reviewed the interaction of nanomaterials with biological substances focusing on bioaccumulation, biomagnification, and bioconcentration, in order to determine the effect of each nanomaterial on the microorganism as well as the environment from beginning to end. It has been observed that the effects of nanomaterials begin at the bottom of the food chain and move all the way through the human body.
Segmentation of individual donors to charitable organizations

Our article examines market segments within the broader category of individual donors to charity and cause related organizations. This is an area of research in which considerable conflicting results have been produced. In our study, we find that while similarities between these segments exist along demographic factors and donation behaviour (e.g., frequency of donating), important distinctions exist along motivational factors, thereby suggesting differentiated promotion messaging. Surveys were administered to 680 subjects. Their responses along twenty-seven motivational variables were subjected to factor analysis. Cluster analysis was then applied to the factor scores that yielded three donor segments. We find six key motivating factors influencing the donation decision: organizational criteria, external inducements, intrinsic motivators, charity organization attributes, egocentric rewards and economic considerations. We also find three distinct segments of individual donors: intrinsics, sceptics and impressionable. Donations by the intrinsic group members are more influenced by selfless altruistic reasons for donating. Decisions made by members of the skeptic segment result from the examination of charitable organization along such criteria as the clarity of its mission and the efficiency of its management practice. The impressionable segment members are most likely to be influenced by the impact of external factors in the donation decision such as marketing measures employed by the charity and the encouragement of others.
Crosslinking mass spectrometry unveils novel interactions and structural distinctions in the model green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii.

Interactomics is an emerging field that seeks to identify both transient and complex-bound protein interactions that are essential for metabolic functions. Crosslinking mass spectrometry (XL-MS) has enabled untargeted global analysis of these protein networks, permitting largescale simultaneous analysis of protein structure and interactions. Increased commercial availability of highly specific, cell permeable crosslinkers has propelled the study of these critical interactions forward, with the development of MS-cleavable crosslinkers further increasing confidence in identifications. Herein, the global interactome of the unicellular alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii was analyzed via XL-MS by implementing the MS-cleavable disuccinimidyl sulfoxide (DSSO) crosslinker and enriching for crosslinks using strong cation exchange chromatography. Gentle lysis via repeated freeze–thaw cycles facilitated in vitro analysis of 157 protein–protein crosslinks (interlinks) and 612 peptides linked to peptides of the same protein (intralinks) at 1% FDR throughout the C. reinhardtii proteome. The interlinks confirmed known protein relationships across the cytosol and chloroplast, including coverage on 42% and 38% of the small and large ribosomal subunits, respectively. Of the 157 identified interlinks, 92% represent the first empirical evidence of interaction observed in C. reinhardtii. Several of these crosslinks point to novel associations between proteins, including the identification of a previously uncharacterized Mg-chelatase associated protein (Cre11.g477733.t1.2) bound to seven distinct lysines on Mg-chelatase (Cre06.g306300.t1.2). Additionally, the observed intralinks facilitated characterization of novel protein structures across the C. reinhardtii proteome. Together, these data establish a framework of protein–protein interactions that can be further explored to facilitate understanding of the dynamic protein landscape in C. reinhardtii.
'VT Sweet': A vegetable soybean cultivar for commercial edamame production in the mid-Atlantic USA

USDA-NIFAUnited States Department of Agriculture (USDA) [2018-51181-28384, 237 436 1016465]
Locally specific matrices of domination: Towards a global theory of Intersectionalities

Abstract Intersectionality has been one of the primary paradigm shifts in contemporary feminist scholarship, but inadequate attention to the different social contexts in which the “matrix of domination” is formed has created profusion of overlapping variations on the theory and may create western biases ( Collins, 1990 ). I begin by reviewing select discussions of intersectionality and discussing the theoretical lacunae evinced by their profusion. I then detail research in Brazil, Israel, and India as examples where the U.S.-based conceptualizations of intersectionality may distort research. Finally, I argue for an expansion of intersectionality to address these concerns and suggest approaches which I find promising for conducting empirical, intersectional analyses outside of a Western context. Because the multiplicity of intersectionality can be synthesized into a coherent framework by linking each theorization to the specific local conditions and questions of interest, it may be more appropriate to speak of Matrices of Domination and Intersectionalities.
The foraging brain

Foraging theory is a branch of behavioral ecology that deals with how animals seeking nourishment (foragers) make decisions. Neuroscientists have begun to study foraging decisions because of their ethological relevance and their unique ability to give a glimpse of decision-making as it was evolved to happen. Here we provide a brief introduction to the field, with a focus on two organisms selected to emphasize the breadth of foraging theory: nematodes and monkeys. Despite the obvious differences between these animals, it is clear that several basic principles, especially in the domain of regulation and control of sensory-motor transformations, apply to foraging decisions across taxa. These principles include the importance of the foreground/background structure in foraging decisions and the coordination of multiple input and output modalities to make beneficial long-term choices.
Non-Perturbative Field Theory – From Two Dimensional Conformal Field Theory to QCD in Four Dimensions, by Yitzhak Frishman and Jacob Sonnenschein: Scope: review. Level: postgraduate, early career researcher, researcher

Non-Perturbative Field Theory – From Two Dimensional Conformal Field Theory to QCD in Four Dimensions, by Yitzhak Frishman and Jacob Sonnenschein, Cambridge, Cambridge University Press, 2010, 456 p...
A mouse Y box protein, MSY1, is associated with paternal mRNA in spermatocytes

We have isolated a mouse cDNA clone, which encodes the protein MSY1 (mouse Y box protein 1), a new member of the Y box family of proteins. Northern analysis indicates that MSY1 mRNA accumulates over 100-fold more in testis than in other tissues. Moreover, MSY1 mRNA is developmentally regulated, initially appearing at the pachytene stage of spermatogenesis. This is the stage of maximal transcription and translation in the spermatocyte. In Xenopus laevis, homologous Y box proteins, FRGY1 and FRGY2, positively regulate transcription from promoters containing a Y box (CTGATTGGCCAA). In addition, the germ cell-specific Y box protein FRGY2 binds maternal mRNA within 60-80 S mRNP storage particles and in doing so regulates translation in the developing oocyte and embryo (Smith, L. D., Richter, J. D., and Taylor, M. A. (1984) in Molecular Biology of Development (Davidson, E. R., and Firtel, R. A., eds) pp. 129-141, Alan R. Liss, New York). The MSY1 protein can be isolated from a 60-80 S mRNP fraction of testis which like the frog oocyte contains stored, untranslated mRNAs. Furthermore, cross-linking experiments demonstrate that MSY1 is bound to mRNAs of this fraction. Finally, mobility shift analysis performed using the isolated protein indicates that MSY1 has nucleic acid binding properties similar to those of the FRGY proteins. These data suggest that the mouse Y box protein, MSY1, functions similarly to the FRGY2 protein in regulating the storage and translation of germ cell RNAs.
Quench detection by fluid dynamic means in cable-in-conduit superconductors

The tight confinement of the helium in cable-in-conduit superconductors creates protection problems because of the substantial pressure rise that can occur during a quench. But the same pressure rise offers the useful possibility of a non-electrical means of detecting incipient quenches by monitoring the outflow from the various hydraulic paths of the magnet. If the method is to work, (1) the signal must be large enough to be detected unambiguously at an early enough time, and (2) the signal must not depend too strongly on the length, Joule power density, or rate of growth of the initial normal zone (because these things are not entirely within our control). This paper explores by calculation the degree to which these conditions can be met. The Westinghouse coil for the Large Coil Task (LCT) is used as the basis for illustrative examples.
A Critique of ATM from a Data Communications Perspective

Fast Packet Switching (FPS) is emerging as the preferred technology for future high speed, integrated networks. Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) is an approach to FPS that is in the process of standardization and is the preferred approach of the carrier community. Concurrently, alternative approaches to FPS based on variable sized packets have been proposed by segments of the data communication industry. These approaches include Frame Relay and an approach developed by IBM called PARIS. The purpose of this paper is to examine the suitability of ATM for data communications relative to some of these alternative approaches.
The carboxyl terminus of RAP30 is similar in sequence to region 4 of bacterial sigma factors and is required for function.

Transcription factor beta gamma (RAP30/74) from rat liver was previously shown in biochemical studies to control the binding of RNA polymerase II to promoters by a mechanism analogous to that utilized by bacterial sigma factors, by decreasing the affinity of polymerase for nonpromoter sites on DNA and by increasing the affinity of the enzyme for the preinitiation complex (Conaway, R. C., Garrett, K. P., Hanley, J. P., and Conaway, J. W. (1991) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 88, 6205-6209). By constructing and analyzing mutants of beta gamma, we have identified a novel functional domain located in the carboxyl terminus of the gamma (RAP30) subunit. This domain shares sequence similarity with region 4 of bacterial sigma factors; in particular, it exhibits striking similarity to the carboxyl-terminal regions 4.1 and 4.2 of SpoIIIC (Bacillus subtilis sigma k). Evidence from biochemical studies argues that a mutant gamma (RAP30), lacking amino acid sequences similar to sigma homology region 4.2, is able to assemble with the beta (RAP74) subunit to form a mutant beta gamma (RAP30/74) with impaired ability to interact with RNA polymerase II.
A robust estimator for direction finding with hierarchical prior

Summary form only given. An estimator that can maintain acceptable performance for the hard conditions on which the maximum-likelihood estimator fails, i.e. when the signal-to-noise ratio falls below a certain threshold, is derived by introducing the prior information into the estimation. The prior information may be the approximate signal powers and the noise power. Because the available prior information is always vague, a robust way to incorporate it is developed. Simulation results showing the significant performance improvement are given. >
City Recorder: Virtual City Tour Using Geo-referenced Videos

Dashboard cameras are increasingly used these days worldwide to record driving videos. These devices generate a vast amount of geo-referenced videos. However, most of this valuable data is lost due to loop recording. We present the City Recorder, a platform to provide street level video tours based on user-uploaded driving videos. We demonstrate here how to get a smooth route previewing experience using the best available videos. We show several use cases in a real urban environment.