cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mitochondrial DNA repair in aging and disease

Mitochondria are organelles which, according to the endosymbiosis theory, evolved from purpurbacteria approximately 1.5 billion years ago. One of the unique features of mitochondria is that they have their own genome. Mitochondria replicate and transcribe their DNA semiautonomously. Like nuclear DNA, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is constantly exposed to DNA damaging agents. Regarding the repair of mtDNA, the prevailing concept for many years was that mtDNA molecules suffering an excess of damage would simply be degraded to be replaced by newly generated successors copied from undamaged genomes. However, evidence now clearly shows that mitochondria contain the machinery to repair the damage to their genomes caused by certain endogenous or exogenous damaging agents. The link between mtDNA damage and repair to aging, neurodegeneration, and carcinogenesis-associated processes is the subject of this review.
Analytic perturbation theory for screened Coulomb potentials: Nonrelativistic case

We have developed an analytic perturbation theory for screened Coulomb radial wave functions, based on an expansion of the potential of the form $V(r)=\ensuremath{-}(\frac{a}{r})[1+{V}_{1}\ensuremath{\lambda}r+{V}_{2}{(\ensuremath{\lambda}r)}^{2}+{V}_{3}{(\ensuremath{\lambda}r)}^{3}+\ensuremath{\cdots}]$, where $\ensuremath{\lambda}\ensuremath{\simeq}\ensuremath{\alpha}{Z}^{\frac{1}{3}}$ is a small parameter characterizing the screening. The coefficients ${V}_{k}$ may be chosen such that the above form converges rapidly and gives a good approximation to realistic numerical potentials, such as those of Herman and Skillman, in the interior of the atom. The screened radial wave functions are obtained as a series in $\ensuremath{\lambda}$ with simple analytic coefficients, owing to the special symmetries of the unperturbed Coulomb problem. Both bound and continuum shapes are correctly treated in the region $\ensuremath{\lambda}rl1$. For inner bound states, this includes all of the region where the wave function is large. Similarly, high-energy continuum wave functions will have completed several oscillations in this interval so that by $r\ensuremath{\simeq}{\ensuremath{\lambda}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ one has reached the asymptotic region. Consequently, expressions for bound-state normalizations can be given as series in $\ensuremath{\lambda}$, which are accurate, in general, for the $K$ shell and for other low-lying levels of high-$Z$ elements. The continuum normalizations which we obtain are valid for energies on the order of the $K$-shell binding energy above threshold. Bound-state energies and continuum phase shifts are also obtained in these circumstances.
Carbon Partitioning and Growth of a Starchless Mutant of Nicotiana sylvestris

We have further characterized the photosynthetic carbohydrate metabolism and growth of a starchless mutant (NS 458) of Nicotiana sylvestris that is deficient in plastid phosphoglucomutase (Hanson KR, McHale NA [1988] Plant Physiol 88: 838-844). In general, the mutant had only slightly lower rates of photosynthesis under ambient conditions than the wild type. However, accumulation of soluble sugars (primarily hexose sugars) in source leaves of the mutant compensated for only about half of the carbon stored as starch in the wild type. Therefore, the export rate was slightly higher in the mutant relative to the wild type. Starch in the wild type and soluble sugars in the mutant were used to support plant growth at night. Growth of the mutant was progressively restricted, relative to wild type, when plants were grown under shortened photoperiods. When grown under short days, leaf expansion of the mutant was greater during the day, but was restricted at night relative to wild-type leaves, which expanded primarily at night. We postulate that restricted growth of the mutant on short days is the result of several factors, including slightly lower net photosynthesis and inability to synthesize starch in both source and sink tissues for use at night. In short-term experiments, increased “sink demand” on a source leaf (by shading all other source leaves) had no immediate effect on starch accumulation during the photoperiod in the wild type or on soluble sugar accumulation in the mutant. These results would be consistent with a transport limitation in N. sylvestris such that not all of the additional carbon flux into sucrose in the mutant can be exported from the leaf. Consequently, the mutant accumulates hexose sugars during the photoperiod, apparently as the result of sucrose hydrolysis within the vacuole by acid invertase.
LIQUID SCINTILLATION COUNTING OF THE POTASSIUM GLUCONATE DERIVATIVE OF BLOOD GLUCOSE

Abstract The conditions for the radioactive assay of the water-soluble potassium gluconate derivative of blood glucose by liquid scintillation have been described. This method is of value when the counting of individual carbon atoms of the glucose molecule is not desired. The decline of blood glucose specific activity has been determined in a normal subject.
Measuring fatigue in persons with multiple sclerosis: creating a crosswalk between the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale and the PROMIS Fatigue Short Form

To create cross-walk tables to associate scores for the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS) with scores for the Patient Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Fatigue Short Form (SF) in persons with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Cross-walk tables were created using equipercentile linking and based on data collected at one time point in a longitudinal study of persons with MS (N = 458). Validation of the tables was conducted using data collected at a subsequent time point (N = 444). Deviations between estimates and actual scores were compared across levels of fatigue. The impact of sample size on the precision of sample mean estimates was evaluated using bootstrapping. Correlations between deviations and fatigue level for the PROMIS Fatigue SF and MFIS were (−0.31) and (−0.30), respectively, indicating moderately greater deviations with lower fatigue scores. Estimated sample means were impacted by sample size. Cross-walk tables allow data from studies using different measures of fatigue to be combined to achieve larger sample sizes and to compare results. These tables are valid for group-level analyses with sample sizes of 150 or greater.
A design model for semi-rigid connections

Abstract A three-parameter exponential model is proposed to represent the behaviour of top- and seat-angles with or without double web-angle connections. Two of the parameters, the initial stiffness and the mechanism moment, are theoretically defined and extensively compared with those measured from connection test curves. The third parameter, the shape parameter, is determined by a curve-fitting with the connection tests collected in the data bank at Purdue University and is statistically represented by a simple linear expression. As a result, the proposed connection design model becomes independent of test data and can be used directly by designers to assess connection behaviour in a semi-rigid frame analysis.
In Vitro Motility Studies of C-terminal Myosin Regulatory Light Chain Mutants Implicated in Familial Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Muscle thick filaments are primarily composed of the hexameric protein myosin, which is responsible for the generation of force and motion. Myosin consists of an N-terminal globular domain which, among other functions, binds to the thin filament and an α-helical domain, which acts as a lever arm to transmit force and motion. Familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (FHC), the leading cause of sudden cardiac death among young people, is a pathological thickening of the ventricular walls of the heart that has been caused by single point mutations in sarcomeric proteins, including the myosin regulatory light chain (RLC). Based on our recent work with mutations in the N-terminus of the RLC and the RLC location on the lever arm region, we hypothesized that the RLC-FHC mutations in the C-terminus (P95A, K104E and D166V) may disrupt force generation and contractility. To determine the effects of the FHC-RLC mutations we generated beta isoform myosin bearing mutant light chains by exchanging the porcine cardiac native light chain with recombinant mutant light chains and examined the effects of the mutations with the in vitro motility assay. Contrary to our hypothesis, none of the mutants exhibited changes in force production using the frictional loading motility assay, and maximal filament velocity (Vmax) also remained unchanged. Next, we measured regulated actin filament velocity as a function of calcium concentration. The velocity-pCa dependence showed the expected sigmoidal characteristic for all tested mutant myosins, however, the calcium sensitivity (pCa50) increased for K104E and D166V mutants. In addition, D166V and P95A exhibited higher cooperativity. Data for D166V is consistent with previous studies performed in skinned mouse papillary muscle fibers showing an increase in the calcium sensitivity of force and ATPase (Kerrick et al., 2009, FASEB. J. 23:855-65).
The hemagglutinin/esterase gene of human coronavirus strain OC43: Phylogenetic relationships to bovine and murine coronaviruses and influenza C virus☆

The complete nucleotide sequences of the hemagglutinin/esterase (HE) genes of human coronavirus (HCV) strain OC43 and bovine respiratory coronavirus (BRCV) strain G95 were determined from single-stranded cDNA fragments generated by reverse transcription of virus-specific mRNAs and amplified by polymerase chain reaction. An open reading frame of 1272 nucleotides was identified as the putative HE gene by homology to the bovine coronavirus HE gene. This open reading frame encodes a protein of 424 amino acids with an estimated molecular weight of 47.7 kDa. Ten potential N-linked glycosylation sites were predicted in the HE protein of HCV-OC43 while nine of them were present in BRCV-G95. Fourteen cysteine residues were conserved in the HE proteins of both viruses. Two hydrophobic sequences at the N-terminus and the C-terminus may serve as signal peptide and transmembrane anchoring domain, respectively. The predicted HE protein of HCV-OC43 was 95% identical to the HEs of BRCV-G95 and other bovine coronaviruses, and 60% identical to the HEs of mouse hepatitis viruses. Phylogenetic analysis suggests that the HE genes of coronaviruses and influenza C virus have a common ancestral origin, and that bovine coronaviruses and HCV-OC43 are closely related.
A model of software design

In this article we present a preliminary cognitive model of the process of software design. Our goal was to develop a model of expert problem-solving skills for a task in which domain knowledge played an extensive role. In our model the process of design is captured via goals-and-operators interacting with a knowledge base. We have defined the goals and operators as ones which are general to design, rather than specific to the current task. In addition, we have structured the atomic level operators so that they are able to access domain specific knowledge acquired through experience. This structure enables both general processes and domain specific knowledge to play critical roles in producing any particular design artifact. From our protocol analysis we have built a model which unites several recurring behaviors into an interpretable whole. the behaviors we account for include the building of mental models, mental simulation, and balanced development.
Bone strength of caged layers as affected by dietary calcium and phosphorus concentrations, reconditioning, and ash content

1. The effects of preconditioning, dietary calcium and phosphorus concentrations, ash content, body weight, and bone geometry on the shear strength of the radius of caged layers were investigated. 2. Birds that did not lay for three or more weeks before the end of the production period had higher radius bone strengths than the birds producing eggs. 3. Shear breaking force increased with bone ash content. 4. The shear breaking force and stress of the radius were not affected by increasing dietary calcium and phosphorus during the last 8 weeks of production. 5. Freezing and thawing before testing had no effect on bone strength. 6. Body weight cannot be used to predict the breaking force of the radius of caged layers.
Embeddings in Artinian rings and Sylvester rank functions

Using Sylvester rank functions it is shown that a right Noetherian algebra, modulo the torsion ideal determined by elements regular modulo its nil radical, is embeddable in a simple Artinian ring. This is used to show that a right Noetherian algebra which is right Krull homogeneous embeds in a simple Artinian ring, and that a right Noetherian affine algebra satisfying a polynomial identity embeds in a simple Artinian ring.
CLASSIFYING LOCAL QUERIES FOR GLOBAL QUERY OPTIMIZATION IN MULTIDATABASE SYSTEMS

A multidatabase system (MDBS) integrates information from multiple pre-existing local databases. A major challenge for global query optimization in an MDBS is that some required local information a...
The Structure, Thermodynamics and Solubility of Organic Crystals from Simulation with a Polarizable Force Field

An important unsolved problem in materials science is prediction of the thermodynamic stability of organic crystals and their solubility from first principles. Solubility can be defined as the saturating concentration of a molecule within a liquid solvent, where the physical picture is of solvated molecules in equilibrium with their solid phase. Despite the importance of solubility in determining the oral bioavailability of pharmaceuticals, prediction tools are currently limited to quantitative structure–property relationships that are fit to experimental solubility measurements. For the first time, we describe a consistent procedure for the prediction of the structure, thermodynamic stability, and solubility of organic crystals from molecular dynamics simulations using the polarizable multipole AMOEBA force field. Our approach is based on a thermodynamic cycle that decomposes standard state solubility into the sum of solid–vapor sublimation and vapor–liquid solvation free energies ΔGsolubility° = ΔGsub° ...
Why are Korean American Physicians Reluctant to Recommend Colorectal Cancer Screening to Korean American Patients? Exploratory Interview Findings

Background Korean Americans have one of the lowest screening rates for colorectal cancer. Although physician recommendation is one of the most important predictors of cancer screening across populations, only few Korean American patients receive such a recommendation. Methods We interviewed 14 Korean American physicians in Los Angeles area who primarily serve Korean Americans to explore why they are reluctant to recommend colorectal cancer screening to their Korean patients. Results Physicians identified barriers attributable to themselves (i.e., lack of knowledge, fear of medicolegal liability), their patients (i.e., patient’s unfamiliarity with the concept of screening), and the health care system (i.e., lack of referral network, poor reimbursement). Discussion Our results suggest the need for multi-faceted interventions directed at the physicians, their patients, and the health care system. Further research is needed to validate our results and to assess the extent to which they apply to physicians from other racial/ethnic groups.
Robust water temperature retrieval using multi-spectral and multi-angular IR measurements

Temperature retrievals over water surfaces are possible because of the almost constant emissivity of water. As an example the authors discuss the channel selection for a robust sea surface temperature retrieval under various atmospheric conditions (water vapor content, cirrus clouds and aerosols). The presented model uses simulated data from MODTRAN runs and detector noise. It is based on a linear regression fit of the measured radiances to the sea surface temperatures. Results indicate that the sea surface temperature can be retrieved to within less than one degree absolute accuracy using the nadir and one off-nadir measurement. The authors compare the procedure to inversion of an analytical model and discuss sensitivities of the model. >
Evolutionary History of the Third Chromosome Gene Arrangements of Drosophila pseudoobscura Inferred from Inversion Breakpoints.

The third chromosome of Drosophila pseudoobscura is polymorphic for numerous gene arrangements that form classical clines in North America. The polytene salivary chromosomes isolated from natural populations revealed changes in gene order that allowed the different gene arrangements to be linked together by paracentric inversions representing one of the first cases where genetic data were used to construct a phylogeny. Although the inversion phylogeny can be used to determine the relationships among the gene arrangements, the cytogenetic data are unable to infer the ancestral arrangement or the age of the different chromosome types. These are both important properties if one is to infer the evolutionary forces responsible for the spread and maintenance of the chromosomes. Here, we employ the nucleotide sequences of 18 regions distributed across the third chromosome in 80‐100 D. pseudoobscura strains to test whether five gene arrangements are of unique or multiple origin, what the ancestral arrangement was, and what are the ages of the different arrangements. Each strain carried one of six commonly found gene arrangements and the sequences were used to infer their evolutionary relationships. Breakpoint regions in the center of the chromosome supported monophyly of the gene arrangements, whereas regions at the ends of the chromosome gave phylogenies that provided less support for monophyly of the chromosomes either because the individual markers did not have enough phylogenetically informative sites or genetic exchange scrambled information among the gene arrangements. A data set where the genetic markers were concatenated strongly supported a unique origin of the different gene arrangements. The inversion polymorphism of D. pseudoobscura is estimated to be about a million years old. We have also shown that the generated phylogeny is consistent with the cytological phylogeny of this species. In addition, the data presented here support hypothetical as the ancestral arrangement. One of the youngest arrangements, Arrowhead, has one of the highest population frequencies suggesting that selection has been responsible for its rapid increase.
Trends, Rhythms, and Aberrations in Global Climate 65 Ma to Present

Since 65 million years ago (Ma), Earth's climate has undergone a significant and complex evolution, the finer details of which are now coming to light through investigations of deep-sea sediment cores. This evolution includes gradual trends of warming and cooling driven by tectonic processes on time scales of 10(5) to 10(7) years, rhythmic or periodic cycles driven by orbital processes with 10(4)- to 10(6)-year cyclicity, and rare rapid aberrant shifts and extreme climate transients with durations of 10(3) to 10(5) years. Here, recent progress in defining the evolution of global climate over the Cenozoic Era is reviewed. We focus primarily on the periodic and anomalous components of variability over the early portion of this era, as constrained by the latest generation of deep-sea isotope records. We also consider how this improved perspective has led to the recognition of previously unforeseen mechanisms for altering climate.
A House Fly Gene Homologous to the Zinc Finger Proto-oncogene Gfi-1

Gfi-1 was first cloned from rats (and subsequently from mice, chickens, and humans) and was found to be a 55-kDa protein that bound to DNA in a sequence-specific manner to act as a transcriptional repressor and proto-oncogene. Using PCR, a Gfi-1 homologous cDNA (mdGfi-1) was cloned from the house fly, Musca domestica. Comparison of the mdGfi-1-deduced amino acid sequence with those of vertebrates indicates only moderate overall homology (40.9-43.0% identity). However, these proteins are highly conserved when the zinc finger domains are compared, with mdGfi-1 having 81.0-82.2% identity to the vertebrate homologues. Within each of the six zinc finger domains there are three amino acids that are predicted to contact the DNA and these amino acids are 100% identical for all six domains for all species. Given that Gfi-1 is highly conserved from insects to vertebrates suggests this may be an important transcription factor in many taxa.
Polyethylene glycol immediately repairs neuronal membranes and inhibits free radical production after acute spinal cord injury

Membrane disruption and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) are important factors causing immediate functional loss, progressive degeneration, and death in neurons and their processes after traumatic spinal cord injury. Using an in vitro guinea pig spinal cord injury model, we have shown that polyethylene glycol (PEG), a hydrophilic polymer, can significantly accelerate and enhance the membrane resealing process to restore membrane integrity following controlled compression. As a result of PEG treatment, injury-induced ROS elevation and lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels were significantly suppressed. We further show that PEG is not an effective free radical scavenger nor does it have the ability to suppress xanthine oxidase, a key enzyme in generating superoxide. These observations suggest that it is the PEG-mediated membrane repair that leads to ROS and LPO inhibition. Furthermore, our data also imply an important causal effect of membrane disruption in generating ROS in spinal cord injury, suggesting membrane repair to be an effective target in reducing ROS genesis.
Women Cabinet Ministers and Female‐Friendly Social Policy

A growing literature indicates that the representation of women in legislatures is positively associated with the passage of female-friendly social policy. However, there is little corresponding research concerning the effect of women in cabinet on female-friendly social policy. Yet, almost all advanced industrial democracies are parliamentary democracies, where policies typically originate within the cabinet and governments typically enjoy substantial control over the legislative process. Thus, to the extent that women promote female-friendly policy, women in cabinet positions should be ideally placed to do so, and indeed, possibly be more influential than women in legislatures. We find significant support for this argument in analyses of state guaranteed leave entitlement, in eighteen parliamentary democracies from 1980-2003.
The odd discrete Fourier transform

It is shown that the Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT), when used in the conventional manner with the frequency samples located at zero and integer multiples of 1/T, where T is the signal duration, gives an inaccurate representation of the spectrum of certain frequencies that are located near the top and bottom end of the band. It is further shown that this type of error can be eliminated by using the Odd Discrete Fourier Transform (ODFT) in which the frequency samples are located at odd multiples of 1/2T. An application of the ODFT in two dimensional filtering is also discussed.
COMPETITION BETWEEN AN ALGA AND AN AQUATIC BACTERIUM FOR PHOSPHATE1

Competition for phosphate was studied in Scenedesmus sp. and Pseudomonas sp. grown in pure and mixed cultures. Algal growth was severely limited in the presence of bacteria, but the growth of bacteria was hardly affected by algae. The first sign of competition in mixed cultures (cessation of exponential algal growth) was always observed some time after the external phosphate had been exhausted. The faster growth rate of bacteria accounted for the suppressed growth of the algae in the mixed cultures. The first sign of competition in algae appeared when the concentration of surplus phosphorus within the algal cell dropped to a critical value near zero. The surplus phosphorus appeared to consist of three or all four inorganic polyphosphate fractions.
Acute Coronary Syndromes and Diabetes Mellitus : A Winning Ticket for Prasugrel

Numerous trials have demonstrated a worse outcome for diabetic patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) compared with their nondiabetic counterparts.1 Because our knowledge of the influence of diabetes mellitus on ACS outcomes is based on subgroup analyses of randomized trials that are often post hoc and underpowered, most clinicians have not entertained the concept that we might consider approaching the diabetic patient differently. ACS trials, from the Platelet Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa in Unstable Angina: Receptor Suppression Using Integrilin Therapy (PURSUIT) trial to the Acute Catheterization and Urgent Intervention Triage Strategy (ACUITY) trial, have suggested that whereas diabetic patients may have a higher event rate, the relative risk with the use of the conventional antithrombotic therapies is comparable to that observed in the nondiabetic cohort. Article p 1626 Numerous mechanisms may explain this increased risk. Diabetic patients are more likely to have other comorbidities, such as renal insufficiency and hypertension, that lead to worse outcomes. Diabetic patients often have early signs of heart failure, particularly diastolic heart failure, which can lead to increasing morbidity and mortality.2 Perhaps the most important difference is that type 2 diabetes mellitus is associated with a proinflammatory and a prothrombotic state.3,4 Of interest, in the insulin-resistant state, perhaps through glycosylation, an upregulation of platelet membrane proteins such as the P2Y12 receptor/pathway takes place, which is the target of the active metabolite of clopidogrel.5 Thus, treatment with insulin may identify a group of subjects at particular risk for poor response to platelet inhibitors such as clopidogrel. Furthermore, glycosylation may increase oxidative stress and impair endothelial function, presumably resulting in more platelet reactivity as well as procoagulant activity. Within the context that diabetic patients may …
Specific Interactions with TBP and TFIIB in Vitro Suggest That 14-3-3 Proteins May Participate in the Regulation of Transcription When Part of a DNA Binding Complex

The 14-3-3 family of multifunctional proteins is highly conserved among animals, plants, and yeast. Several studies have shown that these proteins are associated with a G-box DNA binding complex and are present in the nucleus in several plant and animal species. In this study, 14-3-3 proteins are shown to bind the TATA box binding protein (TBP), transcription factor IIB (TFIIB), and the human TBP-associated factor hTAF(II)32 in vitro but not hTAF(II)55. The interactions with TBP and TFIIB were highly specific, requiring amino acid residues in the box 1 domain of the 14-3-3 protein. These interactions do not require formation of the 14-3-3 dimer and are not dependent on known 14-3-3 recognition motifs containing phosphoserine. The 14-3-3-TFIIB interaction appears to occur within the same domain of TFIIB that binds the human herpes simplex virus transcriptional activator VP16, because VP16 and 14-3-3 were able to compete for interaction with TFIIB in vitro. In a plant transient expression system, 14-3-3 was able to activate GAL4-dependent beta-glucuronidase reporter gene expression at low levels when translationally fused with the GAL4 DNA binding domain. The in vitro binding with general transcription factors TBP and TFIIB together with its nuclear location provide evidence supporting a role for 14-3-3 proteins as transcriptional activators or coactivators when part of a DNA binding complex.
Purism vs. compromise in language revitalization and language revival

Conservative attitudes toward loanwords and toward change in grammar often hamper efforts to revitalize endangered languages (Tiwi, Australia); and incompatible conservatisms can separate educated revitalizers, interested in historicity, from remaining speakers interested in locally authentic idiomaticity (Irish). Native-speaker conservatism is likely to constitute a barrier to coinage (Gaelic, Scotland), and unrealistically severe older-speaker purism can discourage younger speakers where education in a minority language is unavailable (Nahuatl, Mexico). Even in the case of a once entirely extinct language, rival authenticities can prove a severe problem (the Cornish revival movement in Britain). Evidence from obsolescent Arvanitika (Greece), from Pennsylvania German (US), and from Irish in Northern Ireland (the successful Shaw's Road community in Belfast) suggests that structural compromise may enhance survival chances; and the case of English in the post-Norman period indicates that restructuring by intense language contact can leave a language both viable and versatile, with full potential for future expansion. (Revival, purism, attitudes, norms, endangered languages, minority languages, contact)*
Gastroparesis From Concepts to Management

While the symptoms of gastroparesis are common, an accurate diagnosis is based on a combination of those symptoms with a documented delay in gastric emptying. Typical symptoms include nausea, vomiting, early satiety, postprandial fullness, bloating, and abdominal discomfort. Patients with gastroparesis face many diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. The most common origins of gastroparesis are idiopathic causes and diabetes mellitus. The increased use of certain medications in medicine today, including opiates and drugs with anticholinergic properties, can alter gastrointestinal functions and mimic symptoms of gastroparesis. Accordingly, alternative explanations for symptoms and altered gastrointestinal function need to be considered. Numerous clinical sequelae, including weight loss and severe protein-calorie malnutrition, may be seen in advanced stages of gastroparesis. This article provides an overview of gut sensorimotor function to help the reader better understand the clinical presentation of patients with dyspepsia and those who may have accompanying delayed gastric emptying that meets criteria for gastroparesis. Techniques available for diagnosing motor dysfunction and the principles of gastroparesis management are reviewed. Nutrition recommendations and a review of pharmacologic agents, nonpharmacologic techniques, and novel treatment modalities are provided.
On the Role of Long-Chain Aldehydes in Mammalian Plasmalogen Biosynthesis

[1-3H, 1-14C]Palmitaldehyde (3H:14C = 15) was injected intracerebrally to 18-day-old rats and incorporation of radioactivity into brain lipids was followed over a 24-h period. The substrate was metabolized primarily by oxidation to palmitic acid with loss of tritium and, to a lesser extent, by reduction to hexadecanol. The alkyl moieties of the ethanolamine phospholipids showed considerably lower 3H:14C ratios than the substrate, indicating a substantial participation in either lipid synthesis by tritium-free alcohols derived from 14C-labeled fatty acids. Virtually no 3H radioactivity was found in alkenyl moieties, indicating stereospecificity of both reduction of aldehyde and dehydrogenation of alkyl to alkenyl glycerolipid. The data are consistent with the general concept that plasmalogen biosynthesis proceeds exclusively through fatty alcohols and alkyl glycerolipids and that fatty aldehydes cannot be utilized directly.
Oscillatory motion in a side-heated cavity

Direct numerical simulations of the transient flow in a side-heated cavity have been conducted for a Rayleigh Number of 2 × 10 9 , an aspect ratio of 1 and a Prandtl Number of 7.1. The results show the presence of both long-period and short-period oscillations. The long-period oscillation is a cavity-scale mode produced by the tilting of the isotherms. The short-period oscillations are shown to be the result of two distinct boundary-layer instabilities. Whereas the latter oscillations can produce large deviations in the observed temperature records, they are relatively shortlived and have only a minor influence on the evolution of the flow towards steady state. The suggestion of the existence of an internal hydraulic jump in such flows has been investigated and found to be incorrect.
From Quantum Photosynthesis to the Sentient Brain

Energy harvesting by photosynthesis in “brainless” plants and green algae is identified as the root non-trivially quantum process powering neural correlates of consciousness in humans and other “brainy” animals. Thermofield attributes of solar energy flow through the biosphere’s food chain are suggested as a “bottom up” mediator between quantum-coherent aspects of photosynthesis and emergent dynamical architectonics of transmembrane electrical potentials in neurons. This quantum-ecological approach to energetics of brain function as part of an open dissipative world system offers a segue, experimentally grounded by empirical evidence for photosynthetic coherence, into qualitatively gauged links between quantum tunneling and the Hard Problem of consciousness.
Walmart and Other Food Retail Chains: Trends and Disparities in the Nutritional Profile of Packaged Food Purchases

Introduction Proliferation of food retail chains has created an environment in which a few food retailers account for the majority of U.S. packaged food purchases (PFPs). Despite the major potential for these food retail chains (FRCs) to impact what U.S. consumers buy and eat, little is known about the nutritional profile of PFPs from these retailers, particularly PFPs from Walmart, the largest U.S. grocer. Methods A data set of household PFPs from Nielsen Homescan was linked to data from the Nutrition Facts Panel (N=164,315), analyzed in 2014. Fixed effects models and inverse probability weights accounting for selectivity of shopping at a retailer were used to examine shifts in nutrient densities and key food groups purchased at Walmart and other FRCs from 2000 to 2013, and whether these changes differed for low-income or racial/ethnic-minority households. Results There were substantial declines in energy (–73 kcal/100 g); total sugar (–8 g/100 g); and sodium density (–33 mg/100 g) of Walmart PFPs, coupled with decreases in percentage volume purchased from sweets (–11%); grain-based desserts (–2%); and savory snacks (–3%) and increases in fruits (+3%) and vegetables (+1%). PFPs from other FRCs had a more favorable nutritional profile than Walmart PFPs in 2000, but demonstrated smaller shifts over time. Disparities in the nutritional profile of Walmart PFPs by race/ethnicity but not by income level shrank over time. Conclusions The nutritional profile of Walmart purchases has improved over time and in 2013 was similar to PFPs from other FRCs.
Delayed-Coincidence Study of O + + Ne Collisions at 50-200 keV

Delayed-coincidence techniques have provided measurements of the distributions in values of $Q$, the energy transferred to inelastic processes, during ${\mathrm{O}}^{+}$ + Ne collisions at 50-200 keV. The average values $\overline{Q}$ of the $Q$ distributions remain almost constant as a function of ${r}_{0}$, the distance of closest approach of the colliding particles. For fixed ${r}_{0}$, the $\overline{Q}$ values vary slowly with bombarding energy and lie, for example, approximately 40 eV higher at 100 keV than at 50 keV. The flatness of the $\overline{Q}({r}_{0})$ functions is reflected in a similar independence of ${r}_{0}$ found in measurements of the average charges of the particles after collision. These results indicate that the collisions produce excitations only among $L$-shell electrons. However, some data describing the widths of certain $Q$ distributions indicate that $K$-shell excitations may occur infrequently among collisions that produce ${\mathrm{O}}^{+4}$ ions. Supplementing the data for inelastic energy transfers are determinations of average ionic charge states after collision, measurements of angular distributions of scattering cross sections, and calculations of inelastic energy-loss cross sections deduced from the $\overline{Q}$ data.
The Practice of Pastoral Care: A Postmodern Approach

As a longtime fan of Carrie Doehring's ability to bring interdisciplinary depth and breadth to the theory, practice, and pedagogy of pastoral care, I am among those who had literally been counting ...
Investigating the risk factors associated with pedestrian injury severity in Illinois.

INTRODUCTION: Pedestrians are known as the most vulnerable road users, which means their needs and safety require specific attention in strategic plans. Given the fact that pedestrians are more prone to higher injury severity levels compared to other road users, this study aims to investigate the risk factors associated with various levels of injury severity that pedestrians experience in Illinois. METHOD: Ordered-response models are used to analyze single-vehicle, single-pedestrian crash data from 2010 to 2013 in Illinois. As a measure of net change in the effect of significant variables, average direct pseudo-elasticities are calculated that can be further used to prioritize safety countermeasures. A model comparison using AIC and BIC is also provided to compare the performance of the studied ordered-response models. RESULTS: The results recognized many variables associated with severe injuries: older pedestrians (more than 65years old), pedestrians not wearing contrasting clothing, adult drivers (16-24), drunk drivers, time of day (20:00 to 05:00), divided highways, multilane highways, darkness, and heavy vehicles. On the other hand, crossing the street at crosswalks, older drivers (more than 65years old), urban areas, and presence of traffic control devices (signal and sign) are associated with decreased probability of severe injuries. CONCLUSIONS AND PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The comparison between three proposed ordered-response models shows that the partial proportional odds (PPO) model outperforms the conventional ordered (proportional odds-PO) model and generalized ordered logit model (GOLM). Based on the findings, stricter rules to address DUI driving is suggested. Educational programs need to focus on older pedestrians given the increasing number of older people in Illinois in the upcoming years. Pedestrians should be educated to use pedestrian crosswalks and contrasting clothing at night. In terms of engineering countermeasures, installation of crosswalks where pedestrian activity is high seems a promising practice.Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd and National Safety Council. All rights reserved. Language: en
MHz few-body frequency shift detected in a cold 85 Rb Rydberg gas

We have observed a density-dependent frequency shift of more than 4 MHz in a cold ${}^{85}$Rb Rydberg gas trapped in a magneto-optical trap. A one-dimensional linearly aligned four-body model is proposed to explain the experimental data, and the calculation matches the experimental data. The calculation also shows that if the energy detuning between the two coupled states, the $nsnsns(n+1)s$ and $nsnsnpnp$ states in this case, is small, the lowest level of the $nsnsnpnp$ manifold has the maximum mixing probability, causing a frequency shift instead of line broadening. The results reported may be used for few-body blockade, Rydberg single-atom imaging, studying few-body to many-body transitions and interactions, and few-body ionization as well as quantum metrology.
In Vitro Cultivation of an Endoparasitic Wasp, Pteromalus puparum,

Pteromalus puparum (L.) (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae), an endoparasite of lepidopteran pupae, was successfully reared in vitro from egg to adult. Emerging adults mated and produced normal progeny. Hemolymph from a host and stage (Heliothis zea (Boddie) larvae) not normally parasitized by Pteromalus was used as the growth medium. Hemolymph concentrations 25% or lower would not support complete development of Pteromalus.
Integrated Micro-Fluorescence-Activated Cell Sorter (µFACS)

The developed microfabricated fluorescence-activated cell sorters (FACS) employs optical illumination using liquid-core waveguides, fluorescent detection using space-time coding architecture, and cell manipulation using piezoelectric (PZT) actuator. We demonstrate sorting of beads, mammalian cells, and bacteria.
BMET-30ACCURACY OF SCREENING FOR BRAIN METASTASES WITH WHOLE-BODY FDG PET IN INITIAL STAGING OF NON-CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM MALIGNANCY.

BACKGROUND: Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) is often used in the initial staging of non-CNS primaries to detect distant metastases. Previous studies suggested moderate sensitivity in detecting brain metastasis; however, samples sizes were small to modest. We chose to evaluate FDG-PET in a larger sample of patients to better assess the sensitivity in detecting brain metastases. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 172 adult patients with a variety of non-CNS primaries undergoing FDG-PET of the whole body (from vertex to at least mid-thigh) and MRI of the brain with a maximum interval of 30 days. Studies were acquired between January-2010 to March-2015. The presence of brain metastases for each imaging method was assessed. We excluded primary CNS malignancies, lymphoma, H&N primaries(except melanoma) and test intervals greater than 30 days. No patients were treated with surgery, radiation or chemotherapy in between the studies. Statistical analysis was done by Pearson chi-square test. RESULTS: Of 172 patients majority were: non-small cell(65) and small cell(23) lung carcinoma, melanoma(39), breast(13), unknown primaries(4) and renal cell carcinoma (3). PET and MRI revealed 47 and 75 cases with brain metastasis respectively. Overall sensitivity and specificity of PET in detecting brain metastases with the reference of MRI brain was 54.7% and 93.8% respectively. PPV and NPV of PET were 87.2% (95%CI: 74.8%- 94%) and 72.8% (64.4%-79.8%) respectively. Pre-test probability (prevalence) was 43.6% and accuracy of the PET was 76.7%. Pearson chi-square test is 50.06 and it is statistically significant with p-value < 0.00001. Pearson correlation coefficient between tests is 0.54. CONCLUSION: Sensitivity of FDG-PET in our evaluation is 54.7% sensitivity for brain metastasis compared to MRI brain. Our finding is similar to previously reported sensitivities. More sensitive screening FDG-PET protocols need to be employed (such as dedicated brain table position and/or MR/PET registration) to rely on FDG-PET as a screening method for the brain.
Investigation on the Hygiene of Shopping Appliance in Supermarket in Jining City

Objective To understand the hygiene of appliance shopping in supermarket in JiNing City and give the basis to enact hygiene and management regulation and disinfection measures for supermarket. Methods Random sampling methods were taken in 5 large-scale supermarkets in JiNing City in 2007,20 shopping carts and baskets were investigated,and the coli group,mildew and Staphylococcus aureus were detected. Results The positive rate of the coli group,mildew and Staphylococcus aureus in shopping basket handle and the basket were 30%,70%,0 and 45%,75%,10%,while the rate of shopping cart handle and the cart were 15%,5%,0 and 10%,65%,10% respectively. Conclusion Shopping carts and baskets investigated were contaminated to some extent. Measures shouled be taken by department in charge and supermarket to insure the safety of the consumer.
What’s a parent to do? A review of four books about feeding children

ABSTRACTBooks advising parents on how to get their children to lose weight and/or prevent weight gain have become ubiquitous, thanks to the escalating rhetoric about the “childhood obesity epidemic.” This review looks at four books, each of which represents a common archetype of such books: Why Can’t My Child Stop Eating? A Guide to Helping Your Child Overcome Emotional Overeating by Debbie Danowski; Ending the Food Fight: Guide Your Child to a Healthy Weight in a Fast Food/Fake Food World by David S. Ludwig; A Parent’s Guide to Childhood Obesity: A Road Map to Health by the American Academy of Pediatrics; and Your Child’s Weight: Helping Without Harming, Birth Through Adolescence by Ellyn Satter.
Matrix metalloproteinases in the brain and blood–brain barrier: Versatile breakers and makers:

Matrix metalloproteinases are versatile endopeptidases with many different functions in the body in health and disease. In the brain, matrix metalloproteinases are critical for tissue formation, neuronal network remodeling, and blood-brain barrier integrity. Many reviews have been published on matrix metalloproteinases before, most of which focus on the two best studied matrix metalloproteinases, the gelatinases MMP-2 and MMP-9, and their role in one or two diseases. In this review, we provide a broad overview of the role various matrix metalloproteinases play in brain disorders. We summarize and review current knowledge and understanding of matrix metalloproteinases in the brain and at the blood-brain barrier in neuroinflammation, multiple sclerosis, cerebral aneurysms, stroke, epilepsy, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and brain cancer. We discuss the detrimental effects matrix metalloproteinases can have in these conditions, contributing to blood-brain barrier leakage, neuroinflammation, neurotoxicity, demyelination, tumor angiogenesis, and cancer metastasis. We also discuss the beneficial role matrix metalloproteinases can play in neuroprotection and anti-inflammation. Finally, we address matrix metalloproteinases as potential therapeutic targets. Together, in this comprehensive review, we summarize current understanding and knowledge of matrix metalloproteinases in the brain and at the blood-brain barrier in brain disorders.
Strategies for Reducing Drinking Problems among Youth: College Programs

Drinking by college students in the United States has received increased attention from society over the past decade. The focus has become especially strong since the publication of the Second Special Report to the U.S. Congress on Alcohol and Health (U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare, 1974), in which the increasing prevalence of drinking by junior-high- and high-school-aged youth and the high rate of drinking problems among college-aged youth were highlighted. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism responded by designing and implementing a series of activities called “The University ‘50 + 12’ Project” (Kraft, 1976, 1977). At the same time, many colleges and universities began their own programs to study the drinking practices and problems of students and to intervene effectively. As a result, many college and university campuses in the United States now have alcohol program activities designed to provide treatment for problem-drinking students, and some also seek to educate students about how to use alcoholic beverages in a safe manner.
SOX2 Determines Lineage Restriction: Modeling Lung Squamous Cell Carcinoma in the Mouse

In this issue of Cancer Cell, Ferone et al. demonstrate that SOX2 not only drives lung tumor formation but also restricts tumor lineage to squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC), regardless of cell of origin. This novel LSCC model should facilitate identification of key oncogenic drivers and treatment strategies for this lung cancer subtype.
The Influence of Weight Change on Physical Fitness from Childhood to Adolescence

ABSTRACTThe study aimed to explore how weight changes from childhood to adolescence influenced the performances of physical fitness. The participants (N = 115) were pre-tested when they were in kindergarten, first, or second grades (mean age = 7.25). The same participants were post-tested again after 6 years. The President’s Challenge test battery was used in the study. A repeated measure multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was conducted to examine the effects of time and body mass index (BMI) change on participants’ fitness performances. Results showed that participants who maintained normal weight made greater improvements in the performances of sit-ups, flexed-arm hang, and shuttle run tests than those who became or maintained overweight/obese weight status. Additionally, children who maintained normal weight were 6.21 times more likely to achieve healthy fitness zone (HFZ) standards for the 1-mile run post-test. The findings highlight the importance of maintaining normal body weight during elem...
AI profiles: an interview with Jim Kurose

This column is the second in a new series profiling senior AI researchers. This month focuses on Jim Kurose.