cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Identification of genes required for Pseudomonas aeruginosa carnitine catabolism.

Carnitine is a quaternary amine compound prevalent in animal tissues, and a potential carbon, nitrogen and energy source for pathogens during infection. Characterization of activities in Pseudomonas aeruginosa cell lysates has previously shown that carnitine is converted to 3-dehydrocarnitine (3-dhc) which is in turn metabolized to glycine betaine (GB), an intermediate metabolite in the catabolism of carnitine to glycine. However, the identities of the enzymes required for carnitine catabolism were not known. We used a genetic screen of the P. aeruginosa PA14 transposon mutant library to identify genes required for growth on carnitine. We identified two genomic regions and their adjacent transcriptional regulators that are required for carnitine catabolism. The PA5388–PA5384 region contains the predicted P. aeruginosa carnitine dehydrogenase homologue along with other genes required for growth on carnitine. The second region identified, PA1999–PA2000, encodes the α and β subunits of a predicted 3-ketoacid CoA-transferase, an enzymic activity hypothesized to be involved in the first step of deacetylation of 3-dhc. Furthermore, we confirmed that an intact GB catabolic pathway is required for growth on carnitine. The PA5389 and PA1998 transcription factors are required for growth on carnitine. PA5389 is required for induction of the PA5388–PA5384 transcripts in response to carnitine, and the PA1999–PA2000 transcripts are induced in a PA1998-dependent manner and induction appears to depend on a carnitine catabolite, possibly 3-dhc. These results provide important insight into elements required for carnitine catabolism in P. aeruginosa and probably in other bacteria.
Sexual intentions of black preadolescents: associations with risk and adaptive behaviors.

CONTEXT: Adolescent sexual activity in the United States is prevalent and occurring increasingly early, particularly among minority groups. Other risk behaviors (e.g., alcohol consumption) often co-occur with sexual behavior. By examining the association of risk and adaptive behaviors with precursors of sexual behavior—specifically, sexual intentions—it may be possible to identify preadolescents who are at increased risk for early sexual initiation. METHODS: Data from 1,090 black fourth and fifth graders and their parents from the Parents Matter! Program were used in logistic regression analyses to assess covariation between preadolescents’ risk and adaptive behaviors, and their intentions to initiate sexual intercourse in the next year. RESULTS: Risk and adaptive behaviors, as reported by both preadolescents and parents, were associated with sexual intentions; the findings were not qualified by youth’s gender. Alcohol consumption and having been in trouble with the police were the primary youth-reported risk behaviors associated with the odds of intending to have intercourse (odds ratios, 2.3 and 1.8); the preadolescent’s being in trouble at home was the primary parent-reported risk behavior (2.1). In both sets of reports, performing well on schoolwork was associated with reduced odds of intending to engage in sex (0.5‐0.6).
MITOCHONDRIAL GENE GENEALOGY AND GENE FLOW AMONG ISLAND AND MAINLAND POPULATIONS OF A SEDENTARY SONGBIRD, THE GREY-CROWNED BABBLER (POMATOSTOMUS TEMPORALIS).

Distinguishing between ongoing gene flow and purely historical association of populations can be difficult without data on times of population separation and effective population sizes. To help discriminate between these two scenarios, I examined mitochondrial DNA sequence diversity in three geographically close populations of the grey-crowned babbler (Pomatostomus temporalis) separated by water barriers of known age in the Northern Territory, Australia, using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), direct sequencing, and genealogical methods of inference. PCR primers were designed to obtain sequences from region I, a highly variable segment of the control region. Sequence diversity in all populations was consistent with neutrality. In the population on Melville Island, a Pleistocene land-bridge island, sequence variability is as high as on the mainland and consists of two mitochondrial lineages differing by 2%. Phylogenetic analyses of the sequence variation observed among 44 individuals suggest that the number of times lineages in one population trace back to ancestors of a different population (between-population coalescent events) was too high to be compatible with a model of population divergence solely by drift since rising of the water barriers, implying instead recent or ongoing gene flow across water barriers. Similar estimates of Fst , the fraction of genetic diversity apportioned among populations, were obtained when calculated using the divergence times of alleles and when estimated from Nm values derived from trees and ranging from 0.29-0.55. Both the phylogenies and patterns of allelic divergence suggest that the population on Melville Island exchanges migrants with both continental populations, although statistical tests indicated that some alternative phylogenies implying restricted gene flow among the populations could not be discounted.
Over the Falls? Rapid Evolution of Ecotypic Differentiation in Steelhead/Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

Adaptation to novel habitats and phenotypic plasticity can be counteracting forces in evolution, but both are key characteristics of the life history of steelhead/rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Anadromous steelhead reproduce in freshwater river systems and small coastal streams but grow and mature in the ocean. Resident rainbow trout, either sympatric with steelhead or isolated above barrier dams or waterfalls, represent an alternative life-history form that lives entirely in freshwater. We analyzed population genetic data from 1486 anadromous and resident O. mykiss from a small stream in coastal California with multiple barrier waterfalls. Based on data from 18 highly variable microsatellite loci (He 5 0.68), we conclude that the resident population above one barrier, Big Creek Falls, is the result of a recent anthropogenic
Further evidence against the reliability of the human chorionic gonadotropin discriminatory level.

Objectives The human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) discriminatory level-the maternal serum β-hCG level above which a gestational sac should be consistently visible on sonography in a normal pregnancy--has been reported to be 1000 to 2000 mIU/mL for transvaginal sonography. We assessed whether a woman with a β-hCG above 2000 mIU/mL and no intrauterine fluid collection on transvaginal sonography can subsequently be found to have a live intrauterine gestation and, if so, what the prognosis is for the pregnancy. Methods We identified all women scanned between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2010, who met the following criteria: serum β-hCG testing and transvaginal sonography were performed on the same day; β-hCG was positive and sonography showed no intrauterine fluid collection; and a live intrauterine pregnancy was subsequently documented. We tabulated the β-hCG levels in these cases and assessed pregnancy outcome. Results A total of 202 patients met the inclusion criteria, including 162 (80.2%) who had β-hCG levels below 1000 mIU/mL on the day of the initial scan showing no intrauterine fluid collection, 19 (9.4%) with levels of 1000 to 1499, 12 (5.9%) 1500 to 1999, and 9 (4.5%) above 2000 mIU/mL. There was no significant relationship between initial β-hCG level and either first-trimester outcome or final pregnancy outcome (P > .05, logistic regression analysis and Fisher exact test). The highest β-hCG was 6567 mIU/mL, and the highest value that preceded a liveborn term baby was 4336 mIU/mL. Conclusions The hCG discriminatory level should not be used to determine the management of a hemodynamically stable patient with suspected ectopic pregnancy, if sonography demonstrates no findings of intrauterine or ectopic pregnancy.
A practical target system for accelerator-based BNCT which may effectively double the dose rate

A dose-limiting component of a proton accelerator-based source of epithermal neutrons is the neutron production target. Possible targets are lithium, producing high yield but having low melting point and thermal conductivity, and beryllium, presenting less engineering problems but a much smaller neutron yield. We propose that a hybrid Be-Li target would provide the best of both worlds, with the upstream beryllium component producing neutrons and providing containment to the lithium, and the downstream liquid lithium in turn producing further neutrons as well as cooling the beryllium. The engineering considerations associated with such a target system are within the range of current technology. Calculations suggest a yield of such a practical target that is at least double that from pure beryllium.
When the Complexity of Lived Experience Finds Itself Before a Court of Law

In the final words of his article on race and legal status in British Africa, cited as the title to the present essay, Christopher J. Lee points to the central issue underlying all three essays in this forum: how racial categories that seem clear and obvious to the legislators or judges who propound them run up against societies not amenable to such characterization. The process of differentiating among classes of citizen or subject is not an easy one, and it becomes increasingly complex with the growing complexity of societies. Making such distinctions often involves violence and caprice. Indeed, at the back of one's mind while reading these essays on racial distinctions in law are the huge, "extralegal" actions undertaken over the course of the twentieth century to categorize, to spatially reorganize, and to purge certain groups in Europe, marked especially by the population transfers in the Soviet Union and the Nazi German empire.1
Linking Mother–Father Differences in Parenting to a Typology of Family Parenting Styles and Adolescent Outcomes

Using longitudinal data from a sample of 451 families with a child in eighth grade at the time of study, three research questions have been addressed: First, the study explored the ways in which mothers and fathers differ with regard to four parenting styles. Second, the study examined the manner in which individual parenting styles combine to form family parenting styles. Finally, the study investigated the extent to which these various styles are related to delinquency, depression, and school commitment for adolescents. Regardless of reporter, the most common family parenting styles are those in which both parents display the same style of parenting. Having two authoritative parents is associated with the most positive outcomes for adolescents. In the absence of this optimal family parenting style, there is evidence that having one authoritative parent can, in most cases, buffer a child from the deleterious consequences associated with less optimal styles of parenting.
All-optical interconnects for massively parallel processing

We describe a flexible all-optical interconnect scheme for massively parallel processing, capable of providing 250 channels and an information capacity of 250 Gb/s. Using available and/or demonstrated technologies, we can build fully tunable transmitter arrays and receivers. These essentially act to create a randomly, accessible 250/spl times/250 crossbar switch, connecting up to 500 processors in a single-level system. The multiplexing and de-multiplexing can be done with sufficient speed to satisfy requirements for massive parallel processing. The crossbar switch can provide 250000 1-Mb packet connections per second. A multi-level system can provide thousands to millions of simultaneous connections, at the cost of greater control complexity. A reservation scheme for the control of the one- and two-level switch is illustrated and computer simulation of the scheme demonstrated. We also propose a "pilot" token scheme for the multi-channel Express Bus (E-bus) on which packet switching can be performed. We believe that recent advancements have made the system technically feasible, and (with OEIC integration) practical and cost effective. Other related interconnect/network issues are discussed.
The fear of being eaten reduces energy transfer in a simple food chain.

Food chain length is an important property of ecosystems, but the mechanisms maintaining it remain elusive. Classical views suggest that energetic inefficiencies (the “energy-flow hypothesis”) limit food chain length, but others have argued that better explanations reside in more complex scenarios that consider the stability of food webs or the combined effects of productivity and ecosystem size. We argue that abandonment of the energy-flow hypothesis is premature. For a simple tritrophic rocky intertidal food chain, we show that the efficiency of energy transfer is strongly influenced by predation risk and consumer density. Effects tied to predation risk were particularly strong, explaining 32% of the variation in growth efficiency (compared to 15% for density effects) and reducing it by 44–76%. Hence, the stress (fear of being eaten) that predators impose on prey may be instrumental in limiting energy transfer up the food chain and thus contribute to the shortening of food chains.
Searching Presidential Documents On-Line: Advantages and Limitations

tion Reports 18(17):1-2. Mueller, John E. 1969. "Voting on the Propositions: Ballot Patterns and Historical Trends in California." American Political Science Review 63:1197-1212. National Election Studies, Center for Political Studies, University of Michigan. 1995. Dataset, votes cast for president and house of representatives, 1984-92. Pomper, Gerald M. 1993. "The Presidential Election." In The Election of 1992, ed. Gerald M. Pomper. Chatham, NJ: Chatham House. Verba, Sidney. 1993. "The Voice of the People." James Madison Award Lecture. PS: Political Science & Politics 26:677-86. Wattenberg, Martin P. 1994. The Decline of American Political Parties 1952-1992.
Better Living Through Cyanothece – Unicellular Diazotrophic Cyanobacteria with Highly Versatile Metabolic Systems

Cyanothece sp. ATCC 51142 is a unicellular, diazotrophic cyanobacterium with a versatile metabolism and very pronounced diurnal rhythms. Since nitrogen fixation is exquisitely sensitive to oxygen, Cyanotheceutilizes temporal regulation to accommodate these incompatible processes in a single cell. When grown under 12 h light–dark (LD) periods, it performs photosynthesis during the day and N2 fixation and respiration at night. Genome sequences of Cyanothece sp. ATCC 51142 and that of five other Cyanothece species have been completed and have produced some surprises. Analysis at both the transcriptomic and the proteomic levels in Cyanothece sp. ATCC 51142 has demonstrated the relationship of the metabolic synchrony with gene expression and has given us insights into diurnal and circadian regulation throughout a daily cycle. We are particularly interested in the regulation of metabolic processes, such as H2 evolution, and the way in which these organisms respond to environmental cues, such as light, the lack of combined nitrogen, and changing O2 levels. Cyanothece strains produce copious amounts of H2 under different types of physiological conditions. Nitrogenase produces far more H2 than the hydrogenase, in part because the nitrogenase levels are extremely high under N2-fixing conditions. With Cyanothece 51142 cultures grown in NO3-free media, either photoautotrophically or mixotrophically with glycerol, we have obtained H2 production rates over 150 μmol/mg Chl/h.
Privacy-preserving assessment of location data trustworthiness

Assessing the trustworthiness of location data corresponding to individuals is essential in several applications, such as forensic science and epidemic control. To obtain accurate and trustworthy location data, analysts must often gather and correlate information from several independent sources, e.g., physical observation, witness testimony, surveillance footage, etc. However, such information may be fraudulent, its accuracy may be low, and its volume may be insufficient to ensure highly trustworthy data. On the other hand, recent advancements in mobile computing and positioning systems, e.g., GPS-enabled cell phones, highway sensors, etc., bring new and effective technological means to track the location of an individual. Nevertheless, collection and sharing of such data must be done in ways that do not violate an individual's right to personal privacy.Previous research efforts acknowledged the importance of assessing location data trustworthiness, but they assume that data is available to the analyst in direct, unperturbed form. However, such an assumption is not realistic, due to the fact that repositories of personal location data must conform to privacy regulations. In this paper, we study the challenging problem of refining trustworthiness of location data with the help of large repositories of anonymized information. We show how two important trustworthiness evaluation techniques, namely common pattern analysis and conflict/support analysis, can benefit from the use of anonymized location data. We have implemented a prototype of the proposed privacy-preserving trustworthiness evaluation techniques, and the experimental results demonstrate that using anonymized data can significantly help in improving the accuracy of location trustworthiness assessment.
TIMP1 and SERPIN-A overexpression and TFF3 and CRABP1 underexpression as biomarkers for papillary thyroid carcinoma.

Background. No molecular pathways or specific genes are consistently associated with sporadic cases of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), despite that it is the most common thyroid malignancy. Nodular goiter is an enlargement of the thyroid that is a compensatory response to a perturbation in normal thyroid homeostasis. It has been disputed in the literature that patients presenting with goiter have a higher incidence of PTC. The identification of molecular events that are common to both goiter and PTC could explain the overlap of these two disorders. Methods. We used high-density oligonuleotide arrays to perform molecular profiling of PTC and nodular goiter with paired normal samples. Results. Specifically, increased expression of SERPIN-A (proteinase inhibitor-alpha antitrypsin) and TIMP 1 (tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1) identified these as candidate molecular biomarkers for PTC. Decreases in the CRABP1 (cellular retinoic acid binding protein 1) and TFF3 (trefoil factor 3) expression levels identified these as candidate molecular biomarkers as well. The same analysis was performed to identify genes showing specific alterations in goiter tissues. Conclusions. This is the first report to our knowledge that compares the gene expression profiles of PTC and goiter. Our results suggest that PTC and goiter share very limited overlap in transcript expression. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck26: 1069–1083, 2004
Isolation and characterization of human and rat cardiac microvascular endothelial cells

Although reciprocal intercellular signaling may occur between endocardial or microvascular endothelium and cardiac myocytes, suitable in vitro models have not been well characterized. In this report, we describe the isolation and primary culture of cardiac microvascular endothelial cells (CMEC) from both adult rat and human ventricular tissue. Differential uptake of fluorescently labeled acetylated low-density lipoprotein (Ac-LDL) indicated that primary isolates of rat CMEC were quite homogeneous, unlike primary isolates of human ventricular tissue, which required cell sorting based on Ac-LDL uptake to create endothelial cell-enriched primary cultures. The endothelial phenotype of both primary isolates and postsort subcultured CMEC and their microvascular origin were determined by characteristic histochemical staining for a number of endothelial cell-specific markers, by the absence of cells with fibroblast or pericyte-specific cell surface antigens, and by rapid tube formation on purified basement membrane preparations. Importantly, [3H]-thymidine uptake was increased 2.3-fold in subconfluent rat microvascular endothelial cells 3 days after coculture with adult rat ventricular myocytes because of release of an endothelial cell mitogen(s) into the extracellular matrix, resulting in a 68% increase in cell number compared with CMEC in monoculture. Thus biologically relevant cell-to-cell interactions can be modeled with this in vitro system.
Hemoglobin FHouston: A Fetal Variant

A fetal hemoglobin variant, designated hemoglobin FHouston, was found in the cord blood sample of a healthy, term Negro infant. The variant, comprising about 15 per cent of the total cord blood hemoglobin, diminished concomitantly with hemoglobin F, and it was barely detectable in the blood when the infant was 4 months old. The hemolysates of the parents and two siblings resolved into the usual adult pattern, but a trace amount of a fraction similar to hemoglobin FHouston was present in the father’s hemolysates and not in the mother’s. The ultraviolet absorption spectrum indicates that hemoglobin FHOUSTON contains γ polypeptide chains, and immunologic studies reveal the presence of both α and γ chains. In hybridization tests the alteration appears in the γ chain. Peptide chromatograms of hemoglobin FHouston indicated the presence of α and γ chains, but failed to reveal an abnormality. Amino acid analyses suggest that there may be a substitution of an alanyl for a glutamyl residue.
Associations Between Parental Health Literacy, Use of Asthma Management Plans, and Child’s Asthma Control

Background. There are some studies demonstrating the effectiveness of the provision of written asthma action plans in improving asthma outcomes. There exist little data on the ability of parents to use these plans to make asthma care decisions. Objective. To assess the associations between parental health literacy (HL), parental ability to use a written asthma management plan (WAMP), and child’s asthma control. Methods. Parents completed a survey with questions related to WAMPs and child’s asthma, a HL screening tool, and 5 asthma vignettes. For vignettes, parents identified asthma control zone and then made decisions about asthma management. WAMP scores were totaled (0-32) and converted to a percent correct score. Associations between parental HL, WAMP scores, child’s asthma control, and demographics were determined with independent t tests or 1-way analysis of variance, and chi-square tests. Variables significantly associated with WAMP scores or asthma control were included in multiple logistic regressi...
Gene expression patterns in transgenic mouse models of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy caused by mutations in myosin regulatory light chain

Using microarray and bioinformatics, we examined the gene expression profiles in transgenic mouse hearts expressing mutations in the myosin regulatory light chain shown to cause hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). We focused on two malignant RLC-mutations, Arginine 58→Glutamine (R58Q) and Aspartic Acid 166 → Valine (D166V), and one benign, Lysine 104 → Glutamic Acid (K104E)-mutation. Datasets of differentially expressed genes for each of three mutants were compared to those observed in wild-type (WT) hearts. The changes in the mutant vs. WT samples were shown as fold-change (FC), with stringency FC ≥ 2. Based on the gene profiles, we have identified the major signaling pathways that underlie the R58Q-, D166V- and K104E-HCM phenotypes. The correlations between different genotypes were also studied using network-based algorithms. Genes with strong correlations were clustered into one group and the central gene networks were identified for each HCM mutant. The overall gene expression patterns in all mutants were distinct from the WT profiles. Both malignant mutations shared certain classes of genes that were up or downregulated, but most similarities were noted between D166V and K104E mice, with R58Q hearts showing a distinct gene expression pattern. Our data suggest that all three HCM mice lead to cardiomyopathy in a mutation-specific manner and thus develop HCM through diverse mechanisms.
Efficient Computation of the Total Solvation Energy of Small Molecules via the R6 Generalized Born Model

Efficient and accurate methodologies to compute solvation free energies of small molecules are relevant for many biological and industrial research areas including rational drug design. In this work we test the performance of a recently developed generalized Born method, GB_NSR6 (Aguilar et al. J. Chem. Theory Comput. 2010, 6, 3613-3639) on a common benchmark set of 504 small molecules. The computed solvation energies are compared with those obtained previously by explicit solvent models and experiment. The dominant polar component of the solvation energy is computed by GB_NSR6 with no adjustable parameters, producing a root mean square deviation (RMSD) of 0.89 kcal/mol with respect to explicit solvent (TIP3P). The relatively small nonpolar contribution is estimated using the Gallicchio et al. (J. Comput. Chem. 2005, 25, 479-499) approach. Our results show that GB_NSR6 offers a reasonable balance between efficiency and accuracy: the RMSD from the experiment of computed solvation energies is 1.2 kcal/mol, which is essentially the same as the accuracy of the much more computationally expensive explicit solvent treatment. The average computational time needed to compute the total solvation energy per molecule via GB_NSR6 is only tens of milliseconds on a commodity PC for a typical molecule of about 20 atoms. All of the software developed in this work is freely available from http://people.cs.vt.edu/onufriev/software.php .
Economic implications of the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology embryo transfer guidelines: healthcare dollars saved by reducing iatrogenic triplets

Objective To estimate the national cost savings resulting from reductions in higher-order multiple (HOM) live births (defined as three or more fetuses), following the initial publication of the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART) guidelines on ET in 1998. Design Descriptive use and cost analysis. Setting Not applicable. Patient(s) Not applicable. Intervention(s) Not applicable. Main Outcome Measure(s) Estimates of the total number of HOM deliveries prevented (from 1998–2012) following the publication of SART guidelines; the associated healthcare savings (2014 US dollars). Result(s) A singleton live birth was estimated to cost $17,100–$24,200. A twin live birth was estimated at $66,000–$117,500. A triplet live birth was estimated at $190,800–$456,300. The percentage of HOM gestations among all ART pregnancies decreased from 11.4% in 1997 to 2.0% in 2012, with the sharpest year-over-year decline of 20.3% occurring in the year following the publication of the guidelines. The number of prevented HOM deliveries from 1998 through 2012 was estimated to be between 13,500 and 16,300, corresponding to cost savings of $6.02B (billion) (range, $2.35B–$7.03B, 2014 US dollars). Conclusion(s) Iatrogenic HOM gestations represent a substantial economic burden to our healthcare system. The introduction of guidelines for ET in 1998 coincided with a dramatic decrease in the HOM rate in subsequent years and an associated cumulative cost savings of more than $6B. Further reductions in HOM gestations could save up to an additional $2B annually.
Sources of the Suburban Population: 1955—1960 and 1965—1970

The beginnings of this project go back at least a decade. At some point I became unhappy with both the popular and professional assumption that America's suburban population has come from the nation's central cities. Clearly, the geographic spread of many urbanized areas did result from the outward mobility of people-primarily whites-from the inner city to the outer city, to the suburban ring, and sometimes to the metropolitan fringe. The unanswered question was: how many suburbanites did not come from the Center City? As the study progressed, other questions arose and came to predominate. These new topics included 1) the changes in suburban population patterns from the decade of the 1950's to the 1960's, 2) the geographic distribution of various metropolitan growth patterns across the nation, and 3) the possibility of developing an historical theory of metropolitan growth from these data. The investigation focused on twenty-eight major metropolitan areas.' The 1960 and 1970 SMSA Census Tract Reports provide data on where people lived five years earlier-i.e., where people lived in 1955 when questioned in 1960, etc. Four useful kinds of responses to this question were reported: percent of people over five years of age living in the same place as before (the Residentially Stable Population), the percentage who previously lived in the Center City of the same metropolitan area (the Center City Migrants), the percentage who lived five years before in some other suburban or fringe location within the same metropolitan area (the Intra-Suburban Migrants),
101 Vitamin D3 cryosensitization in androgen insensitive prostate cancer

Cryoablation is increasingly utilized as both a primary and salvage treatment option for prostate cancer (PC). The dynamic nature of a cryolesion provides a temperature gradient which correlates with complete cell death at the core of the iceball to a heterogeneous zone of live cells at the elevated temperatures near the periphery. The utilization of molecular adjuvants aims to achieve an increased ablative zone at these warmer isotherms. Previous studies have confirmed the synergistic effects of chemotherapeutic drugs in combination with freezing temperatures associated with the periphery of a cryogenic lesion (−10 °C through −25 °C). More recently we have utilized the active metabolite of vitamin D3 (calcitriol) as a cryosensitizing agent in numerous in vitro models. In both murine and human studies we found that calcitriol pre-treatment yielded a significant increase in cell death over freezing alone. Additionally, both androgen sensitive (AS) and androgen insensitive (AI) human PC models respond to calcitriol cryosensitization. Given the difficulty in treating AIPC clinically, we further investigated the sensitization capabilities of calcitriol in this model. Specifically, in the AIPC line PC-3, 24 h calcitriol pre-treatment yielded a 36% increase in cell death at the −15 °C isotherm compared to temperature-matched controls (60% viable vs. 96%, respectively). In addition to 2D in vitro modeling, studies were also conducted using a novel 3D prostate tissue engineered model (pTEM) system. PC-3 cells grown in this 3D matrix were frozen using a novel supercritical nitrogen (SCN) device in the presence or absence of calcitriol as a cryosensitizer and the effectiveness of calcitriol pre-treatment was evaluated. Results indicate that the zone of cellular ablation was increased by 20% with the addition of calcitriol as compared to non-treated frozen samples, illustrating an increase in cell death while simultaneously reducing the need for an enlarged positive freeze margin. These studies demonstrate the in vitro effectiveness of a combinatorial approach to AIPC treatment utilizing calcitriol and cryotherapy and thus illustrate the potential for future clinical applications. Source of funding: CPSI Biotech. Conflict of interest: None declared. ksantucci@cpsibiotech.com
Characterization of bulk and chromophoric dissolved organic matter in the Laurentian Great Lakes during summer 2013

The Laurentian Great Lakes contain ~ 21% of the Earth's surface freshwater and are experiencing dramatic decadal-scale changes to their water quality, biogeochemistry and ecosystem functions.We report here the first data set of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and chromophoric dissolved organic matter (DOM), including UV–visible absorbance and derived optical properties and fluorescence excitation–emission matrices (EEMs), for open-lakesurface waters from each of the Great Lakes. Concentrations of DOC ranged from 86 to 240 μmol/L and the absorption coefficient at 254 nm (a254) varied from 2.67 to 10.47 m− 1 in Great Lakes waters.UV–visible and fluorescence characterization indicated that the DOM in open-lake waters in all the Great Lakes was primarily autochthonous. Both DOC and a254 increased from Lake Superior to Lakes Erie and Ontario where aromaticity, molecular weight and humification degree of DOM were also higher.These variations are consistent with both the water transport pathway and the trend of increasing human population and relative watershed drainage area along the Great Lakes. Parallel factor analysis on fluorescence-EEM data revealed three terrestrial humic-likeDOM components (C1, C2 and C4) and one protein-likeDOM component (C3). Open Lake Huron had the highest protein-like/humic-like DOM ratio (C3/C1), while sites in Lakes Erie and Ontario had lower C3/C1 ratios, indicating a greater proportional influence of terrestrial DOM. Changes in DOM composition along the water transport pathway in the Great Lakes indicate varying impacts from terrestrial inputs and human activities in the different lake systems.
Serving capacity of crossbred yearling beef bulls. I. Single-sire mating behavior and fertility during average and heavy mating loads at pasture.

Eighty crossbred, virgin, yearling beef bulls were subjected to three serving capacity (SC) tests. Ten low SC (LSC) and 10 high SC (HSC) bulls similar in weight (avg wt = 452 kg), testicular size and seminal traits but differing in average services were selected. Objectives were to evaluate the mating behavior and fertility of LSC and HSC bulls at pasture when exposed to an average and a heavy mating load and to determine the effect of sexual activity on body weight and testicular characteristics. One LSC and one HSC bull per block were exposed single-sire to 25 naturally cyclic (N) cows for 3 d and to 9 estrus-synchronized (S) cows for 1 d in a randomized complete block design consisting of 10, 4-d blocks. Bulls were fitted with pedometers to record distance travelled. Behavioral data were collected by periodic visual observation. During the N cow treatment, LSC bulls had fewer (P less than .05) services per cow, total services and a higher mount to service ratio than HSC bulls. During the S cow treatment, LSC bulls showed increased sexual activity, though they achieved fewer (P less than .09) services per cow. Pregnancy rates for LSC and HSC bulls did not differ (P greater than .20) and across SC groups averaged 53.6% for N cows and 31.9% for S cows. Distance travelled also was similar (P greater than .20) between SC groups for both treatments. Sexual activity during pasture exposure had no effect (P greater than .20) on testicular characteristics but resulted in an average decline in body weight of 25.7 kg across SC groups during the 4-d period. Post-exposure SC tests found that LSC bulls had increased (P less than .05) services, decreased mounts and mount to service ratio compared to pre-exposure measurements, but LSC were still lower (P = .06) than HSC bulls for average services. These results suggest that LSC virgin, yearling bulls should be offered sexual experience and retested before their inherent SC can be determined.
Deactivation of Au/CeOx water gas shift catalysts

Abstract A series of CeO 2 -supported gold catalysts were prepared and demonstrated to possess very high activities for the water gas shift reaction—a critical step in the production of H 2 for use in petroleum refining, chemicals synthesis, and proton exchange membrane fuel cells. While some of these catalysts were more active than a commercial Cu-based catalyst, they were susceptible to deactivation. Characterization using techniques including X-ray photoelectron and infrared spectroscopies indicated that the deactivation was caused primarily by blockage of the active sites by carbonates and/or formates. These species appeared to be formed by CO and H 2 , and their formation was facilitated by oxygen deficient sites on ceria. The catalytic activity was fully recovered by calcination of the deactivated materials in flowing air at elevated temperatures. Details concerning the deactivation–regeneration behavior and microstructure of the Au/CeO 2 catalysts are discussed.
Comparison of self-reported quality of vision outcomes after myopic LASIK with two femtosecond lasers: a prospective, eye-to-eye study.

Purpose To compare self-reported quality of vision (QoV) outcomes after myopic LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) with two femtosecond lasers.
Goodwill Missions for Castoff Missiles

US and Soviet arms control negotiators were able to agree, with relative ease, on the general outline for deep reductions in strategic arms (START). But it has proved more difficult for them to decide what to do with all the missiles that will be decommissioned as a consequence of the treaty. Neither the US nor the Soviet Union is inclined to follow the INF Treaty precedent in which all the costly intermediate-range missiles were destroyed - a wasteful, if straightforward and readily verifiable, approach. Instead, START negotiators are considering plans to convert treaty-prohibited missiles into peaceful space-lauch vehicles. To date, however, the two sides have been unable to agree on what constitutes peaceful uses. An increasingly sharp dispute has arisen over whether the START missiles should be used only for civilian purposes, or whether some military uses would be permitted. There is little doubt about the technical and economic feasibility of conversion. Converted missiles have carried non-weapons payloads into space from the dawn of the space age. Despite the extensive experience both superpowers have in converting military missiles to space launchers, no missile conversion has yet been undertaken as a consequence of any arms reduction accord. 7 refs.
The Link Between Child Abuse and Neglect and Delinquency: Examining the Mediating Role of Social Bonds

This article draws on previous research and social bonding theory to examine the child maltreatment–delinquency relationship. Using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult ...
Polymorphism in ANRIL is associated with relapse in patients with multiple myeloma after autologous stem cell transplant

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a hematologic malignancy characterized by clonal proliferation of plasma cells and overproduction of monoclonal immunoglobins. Treatment with melphalan is currently standard of care for younger and fit patients when followed by hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), and in transplant ineligible patients when used in combination regimens. It has been previously shown that changes in the p53 pathway are associated with melphalan efficacy, but the regulatory role of the p14ARF-MDM2-p53 axis has yet to be fully explored. Recently, a non-coding RNA, ANRIL (antisense non-coding RNA in the INK4-ARF locus) has been shown to negatively regulate the transcription of the entire INK4-ARF locus and simultaneously modulate the p53 and pRb pathways. Moreover, some single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in ANRIL have previously been associated with susceptibility to several malignancies. Here we investigated select ANRIL SNPs in DNA from patient-derived peripheral blood mononuclear cells obtained from 108 MM patients treated with high-dose melphalan followed by HSCT. Our results show that the rs2151280 (CaT) SNP in ANRIL was associated with worse progression-free survival (TC/CC vs TT: HR = 0.53, 95%CI, [0.26, 1.07], P = 0.07; adjusted HR = 0.39, 95%CI, [0.18, 0.84], P = 0.016), and the TT variant had higher ANRIL expression and lower p15, p14ARF, and p16 expression compared to the TC/CC variants. Our results indicate that ANRIL may be involved in melphalan-mediated apoptosis via down-regulating p14ARF and subsequent p53, and that the rs2151280 polymorphism may be a potential prognostic biomarker for relapse in melphalan-treated MM patients.
Chinese undergraduates’ sources of self-efficacy differ by sibling status, achievement, and fear of failure along two pathways

This mixed-methods study investigated the sources of self-efficacy reported by Chinese undergraduate students and the related role of individual differences. One hundred and fifty-six Chinese students completed a questionnaire and open-ended responses, citing the factors that contributed to feelings of greater confidence and lesser confidence. After qualitatively coding their responses, we found that students shared diverse perspectives regarding antecedents of what made them more and less confident. Quantitative analyses revealed differences in the types and frequencies of sources of self-efficacy when considering increases or decreases in confidence, and individual characteristics such as GPA, only child status, and fear of failure. Implications for theory and practice are discussed.
Challenges and opportunities from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) research summit on improving diagnosis: a proceedings review

Background The Improving Diagnosis in Health Care report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM) provided an opportunity for many groups to reflect on the role they could play in taking actions to improve diagnostic safety. As part of its own process, AHRQ held a research summit in the fall of 2016, inviting members from a diverse collection of organizations, both inside and outside of Government, to share their suggestions regarding what is known about diagnosis and the challenges that need to be addressed. Content The goals of the summit were to learn from the insights of participants; examine issues associated with definitions of diagnostic error and gaps in the evidence base; explore clinician and patient perspectives; gain a better understanding of data and measurement, health information technology, and organizational factors that impact the diagnostic process; and identify potential future directions for research. Summary and outlook: Plenary sessions focused on the state of the new diagnostic safety discipline followed by breakout sessions on the use of data and measurement, health information technology, and the role of organizational factors. The proceedings review captures many of the key challenges and areas deserving further research, revealing stimulating yet complex issues.
Electronic cigarette use among US adults in the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study, 2013–2014

Background Electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use in the USA is increasing. As such, it is critical to understand who uses e-cigarettes, how e-cigarettes are used and what types of products are prevalent. This study assesses patterns of current e-cigarette use among daily and non-daily adult users in the 2013–2014 Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study. Methods We examined the proportion of current adult e-cigarette users (n=3642) reporting infrequent use (use on ‘some days’ and use on 0–2 of the past 30 days), moderate use (use on ‘some days’ and use on >2 of the past 30 days) and daily use. We examined demographic characteristics, use of other tobacco products and e-cigarette product characteristics overall and by use category. Adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) were calculated using Poisson regression to assess correlates of daily e-cigarette use. Results Among the 5.5% of adult current e-cigarette users in the PATH Study, 42.2% reported infrequent use, 36.5% reported moderate use and 21.3% reported daily use. Cigarette smokers who quit in the past year were more likely to report daily e-cigarette use, compared with current smokers (aPR=3.21, 95% CI=2.75 to 3.76). Those who reported using rechargeable or refillable devices were more likely to report daily use compared with those who did not use these devices (aPR=1.95, 95% CI=1.44 to 2.65 and aPR=2.10, 95% CI=1.75 to 2.52, respectively). Conclusions The majority of e-cigarette users in this study reported less than daily use. Compared with non-daily use, daily use was associated with being a former smoker; however, cross-sectional data limits our ability to establish the temporality or directionality of such associations.
Hegemonic stories in environmental advocacy testimonials

Abstract Several environmental advocacy organizations have emerged that use narrative persuasion techniques to change climate change opinions and overcome climate change inaction. Written from the perspective of parents and grandparents (particularly mothers), the narratives in these testimonials use socio-cultural values and relatable images to motivate environmental concern. This article identifies pernicious hegemonic themes in the testimonial stories that have been featured on the websites of environmental advocacy organizations and critically analyzes these narratives using feminist and queer theoretical frameworks. Two themes are highlighted for analysis: first, themes about the special knowledges, powers, emotions, and duties of motherhood; and second, themes about the importance of preserving the environment for children and their offspring in the future. The oppressive influence of these particular narratives has been argued at length in previous research. Efforts to mitigate climate change are important, but attempts to shape public opinion should not simultaneously reproduce harmful myths about women and motherhood.
Single Cell PCR Coupled with Electrophysiology

A fundamental characteristic of the central nervous system is its enormous cellular heterogeneity. Understanding the genetic underpinnings of this diversity demands that we know how gene expression is coordinated in individual neurons and how this pattern of gene expression is translated into neuronal function. One strategy to achieve this goal combines whole cell electrophysiology and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Using the patch pipette to both harvest mRNA from an individual neuron and measure neuronal electrical activity, this approach has successfully demonstrated how genes determine function. This article outlines the strengths and weaknesses of this strategy and discusses new methods on the horizon.
On-Line Quality Control in Clinical Chemistry

An on-line system for quality control in Clinical Chemistry has been developed to overcome certain problems which emerged during the replacement of a Technicon SMA 12/60 with a Technicon SMAC. The system which has been running successfully for over a year is described and the various problems and their solutions represented.
On Empirical Knowledge

Tom Lehrer has a song which begins “Whatever Happened to Hubert?”. I should like to change that to “whatever happened to empirical knowledge?”. By empirical knowledge I mean, to borrow phrases of David Hume, knowledge of matters of fact based on experience. Hume, as you know, declared that all knowledge of matters of fact is based on experience, and I am inclined to believe that almost all philosophers hold the converse, namely that all knowledge based on experience is knowledge of matters of fact. Yet a perusal of the recent literature leads one to wonder whether either of these generalizations can be maintained, and whether there is indeed any interesting empirical knowledge. Where by interesting empirical knowledge I mean what Hume called knowledge of matters of fact “beyond the present testimony of our senses, or the records of our memory”.1 Let me hasten to assure you, however, that despite these references to Hume my concern is not with scepticism.