cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A comparison of rodent models of vertical sleeve gastrectomy.

Abstract Background Although vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) is fashioned in humans by applying multiple staple loads, rodent VSG is generally created through a single-staple load application. Objectives To investigate the impact of a 2-staple load VSG rat model more closely resembling the multistaple load operation done in humans on weight, metabolic outcomes, and the microbiome and how these compare with those obtained with the standard one-staple load model. Setting University research facility, United States. Methods High-fat diet–induced obese male rats were randomized to single-staple load VSG (VSG1), 2-staple load VSG (VSG2), or sham operation (Sham). Outcomes included weight and composition, food intake, glucose metabolism, lipids, bile acids, and intestinal microbiome. Statistical comparisons were performed using analysis of variance. Results Both procedures resulted in substantial weight and body fat loss compared with Sham-treated animals. Weight loss was modestly greater for VSG2 compared with VSG1. Food intake was reduced in both procedures and accounted for the observed weight reduction. Glucose tolerance and plasma and hepatic lipid profiles were improved comparably in VSG1 and VSG2 relative to Sham. Bile acids were higher for VSG2 compared with Sham but not significantly different between VSG1 and VSG2. Neither procedure impacted intestinal microbiome richness and diversity compared with Sham across multiple intestinal sections. Colonic Actinobacteria was more abundant in VSG2 than in Sham. Relative abundances of bacterial phyla did not differ among VSG1, VSG2, and Sham across the remaining intestinal sections. Conclusions Although VSG1 or VSG2 offer effective and overall comparable platforms for the study of obesity, VSG2 resulted in superior weight loss.
DEIMOS observations of WISE-selected, optically obscured AGNs

Author(s): Lam, Anson; Wright, Edward; Malkan, Matthew | Abstract: While there are numerous criteria for photometrically identifying active galactic nuclei (AGNs), searches in the optical and UV tend to exclude galaxies that are highly dust obscured. This is problematic for constraining models of AGN evolution and estimating the AGN contribution to the cosmic X-ray and IR backgrounds, as highly obscured objects tend to be underrepresented in large-scale surveys. To address this, we identify potentially obscured AGNs using mid-IR color colors from the Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE) catalog. This paper presents the results of optical spectroscopy of obscured AGN candidates using Keck DEIMOS, and their physical properties derived from these spectra. We find that a $W1-W2g0.8$ color criterion effectively selects AGNs with a higher median level of $E(B-V)$ extinction compared to the AGNs found in the SDSS DR7 survey. This optical extinction can be measured using SED modeling or by using $r-W1$ as a measure of optical to IR flux. We find that specific, targeted observations are necessary to find the most highly optically obscured AGNs, and that additional far-IR photometry is necessary to further constrain the dust properties of these AGNs.
Rituximab Exhibits Altered Pharmacokinetics in Patients With Membranous Nephropathy

Background: Rituximab (RTX) is a chimeric monoclonal anti-CD20 antibody used off-label in the treatment of membranous nephropathy (MN). Unfortunately, limited information is available on the pharma...
Scavenging of reactive dicarbonyls with 2-hydroxybenzylamine reduces atherosclerosis in hypercholesterolemic Ldlr−/− mice

The pathogenesis of atherosclerosis is accelerated by oxidative stress, which produces lipid peroxidation. Among the products of lipid peroxidation are highly reactive dicarbonyls that covalently modify proteins. We investigated the impact of treatment with the dicarbonyl scavenger, 2-hydroxybenzylamine (2-HOBA) on HDL function and atherosclerosis in hyperlipidemic Ldlr-/- mice, a model of familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). Compared to mice treated with vehicle, 2-HOBA significantly decreased atherosclerosis in hypercholesterolemic Ldlr-/- mice by 31% in the proximal aortas and 60% in en face aortas, in the absence of changes in blood lipid levels. 2-HOBA reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) content in HDL, LDL, and in the atherosclerotic lesions. Consuming a Western diet increased plasma MDA-apoAI adduct levels in Ldlr-/- mice. 2-HOBA inhibited MDA-apoAI formation and increased the capacity of the mouse HDL to reduce macrophage cholesterol stores. Furthermore, 2-HOBA diminished oxidative stress-induced inflammatory responses in macrophages and reduced the number of TUNEL-positive cells in atherosclerotic lesions by 72%. Importantly, 2-HOBA enhanced efferocytosis and promoted characteristics of stable plaque formation in mice as evidenced by a 69% (p<0.01) reduction in necrotic core and by increased collagen content (2.7-fold) and fibrous cap thickness (2.1-fold). HDL from patients with FH had increased MDA content resulting in a reduced ability of FH-HDL to decrease macrophage cholesterol content versus controls. Our results demonstrate that dicarbonyl scavenging with 2-HOBA has multiple atheroprotective effects on lipoproteins and reduces atherosclerosis in a murine model of FH, supporting its potential as a novel therapeutic approach for the prevention and treatment of human atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
A conceptual framework for interdisciplinary education in engineering and nursing health informatics.

Abstract This paper discusses a conceptual framework for an interdisciplinary education in engineering and nursing health informatics. A team with diverse scientific backgrounds and perspectives is anticipated to effectively and efficiently address healthcare systems problems, which can be facilitated by highly integrated and interactive team settings. Nursing students, for example, are in the best position to assess the functional health status and technology needs of patients and health professionals given their close interactions with them. On the other hand, engineering students have skills and knowledge needed to develop a fully functioning technology intervention. The students in engineering and healthcare majors will be able to help each other to obtain a deeper understanding about clinical perspective and technology intervention designs to address adequately healthcare systems problems today via the interdisciplinary educational setting.
Care of the species: races of corn and the science of plant biodiversity

John Hartigan Jr.’s Care of the species is a timely contribution to the growing body of literature on the anthropology of life. Hartigan examines plant genetics in Mexico and Spain and delivers a s...
A stilbene - CdZnTe based radioxenon detection system.

Atmospheric monitoring of radioxenon is one of the most widely used methods by the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) to detect elevated levels of 131mXe, 133/133mXe, and 135Xe. The ratios of these radionuclides help discriminate between peaceful use of nuclear technology and nuclear weapon explosions. Radioxenon detection systems often use plastic scintillators in the capacity of an electron detector and a gas cell, plastic gas cells are responsible for introducing high memory effect in these systems. This work presents the design of a new detection system for radioxenon monitoring that utilizes silicon photomultipliers, a stilbene gas cell, and a CdZnTe detector. This detector was evaluated using xenon radioisotope samples produced in the TRIGA reactor at Oregon State University. A 48-h background was collected and calculations of the Minimum Detectable Concentration (MDC) were carried out using the Region of Interest (ROI) approach. An MDC of less than 1 mBq/m3 was obtained for 131mXe, 133Xe, and 133mXe in accordance with the sensitivity limits set by the CTBTO and performs respectably when compared to state-of-the-art radioxenon detection systems. Using 131mXe, this study indicates that the stilbene gas cell exhibits a memory effect of 0.045 ± 0.017%, this is almost a two-order magnitude improvement compared to plastic scintillators. The primary purpose of this work is to explore the use of new stilbene detection media for radioxenon application and addressing the problem of memory effect.
“No seconds for you!”: Exploring a sociocultural model of fat-talking in the presence of family involving restrictive/critical caregiver eating messages, relational body image, and anti-fat attitudes in college women

Abstract In line with sociocultural models of parental influence on body image, we examined the relationship between recall of restrictive/critical caregiver eating messages (RCEM) and current frequency of disclosing self-disparaging fat talk among family in 335 undergraduate women (Mage = 19.4; SD = 1.53; range = 18–27). Additionally, two forms of relational body image (i.e., perceived body acceptance by others, external body image shame) and anti-fat attitudes were tested as potential explanatory pathways. RCEM were positively related to current frequency of self-directed fat talk in the family context. All three proposed mediators helped explain this relationship, with external body image shame demonstrating the largest observed effect. Findings suggest frequent recollections of caregivers’ implied weight-stigmatizing comments surrounding eating may contribute to more frequent self-denigrating body talk with family members at present via both positive and negative dimensions of relational body image and endorsed explicit weight bias. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Differential Patterns of Visual Sensory Alteration Underlying Face Emotion Recognition Impairment and Motion Perception Deficits in Schizophrenia and Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Abstract Background Impaired face emotion recognition (FER) and abnormal motion processing are core features in schizophrenia (SZ) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) that have been linked to atypical activity within the visual cortex. Despite overlaps, only a few studies have directly explored convergent versus divergent neural mechanisms of altered visual processing in ASD and SZ. We employed a multimodal imaging approach to evaluate FER and motion perception in relation to functioning of subcortical and cortical visual regions. Methods Subjects were 20 high-functioning adults with ASD, 19 patients with SZ, and 17 control participants. Behavioral measures of coherent motion sensitivity and FER along with electrophysiological and functional magnetic resonance imaging measures of visual pattern and motion processing were obtained. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging was used to assess the relationship between corticocortical and thalamocortical connectivity and atypical visual processing. Results SZ and ASD participants had intercorrelated deficits in FER and motion sensitivity. In both groups, reduced motion sensitivity was associated with reduced functional magnetic resonance imaging activation in the occipitotemporal cortex and lower delta-band electroencephalogram power. In ASD, FER deficits correlated with hyperactivation of dorsal stream regions and increased evoked theta power. Activation of the pulvinar correlated with abnormal alpha-band modulation in SZ and ASD with under- and overmodulation, respectively, predicting increased clinical symptoms in both groups. Conclusions SZ and ASD participants showed equivalent deficits in FER and motion sensitivity but markedly different profiles of physiological dysfunction. The specific pattern of deficits observed in each group may help guide development of treatments designed to downregulate versus upregulate visual processing within the respective clinical groups.
Discrimination learning in oxycodone-treated nonhuman primates.

Abstract Background Prescription opioid abuse continues to be a public health concern of epidemic proportions. Notwithstanding the extensive literature regarding opioid action, there has been little systematic research regarding the effects of opioid dependence and withdrawal on aspects of cognition-related behavior in laboratory animals. The present studies examined the effects of the prescription opioid oxycodone on learning processes in nonhuman primates. Methods The ability of subjects to repeatedly learn novel touchscreen-based visual discriminations was examined during three conditions of opioid exposure. Discrimination learning was examined, first, during oxycodone self-administration (3-hr sessions, 0.1 mg/kg/injection) and, next, during non-contingent chronic treatment with oxycodone (10 mg/kg/day). Finally, discrimination learning was re-examined during antagonist-precipitated opioid withdrawal (0.001-0.1 mg/kg naltrexone) and, subsequently, following abrupt discontinuation of oxycodone treatment. Results Although motoric behavior was disrupted by oxycodone, neither the development of discrimination learning nor steady-state performance were impaired following oxycodone self-administration or during non-contingent chronic oxycodone treatment. However, discrimination learning was substantially impaired during oxycodone withdrawal, whether elicited by naltrexone or by abrupt oxycodone discontinuation. Moreover, these learning impairments were concordant with autonomic signs of opioid withdrawal. Conclusions Taken together, the present studies indicate that impairment of learning processes can accompany the unconditioned signs of opioid withdrawal.
Genistein Represses HOTAIR/Chromatin Remodeling Pathways to Suppress Kidney Cancer.

Background/aims Genistein, a soy isoflavone, has been shown to have anti-cancer effects in various cancers including renal cancer. Long non-coding RNA, HOX transcript antisense RNA (HOTAIR), is involved in cancer progression and metastasis, such as renal cancer. Our aim was to investigate the effects of genistein on HOTAIR chromatin remodeling functions. Methods We used MTS assays and Transwell migration assays to study the effects of genistein on cell proliferation and migration respectively in human renal cell carcinoma (RCC) cell lines. We used Western blots to analyze SNAIL and ZO-1 expression. We performed chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays to study recruitment of the polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) to the ZO-1 promoter. We performed RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays to study interaction between HOTAIR and PRC2, SMARCB1 or ARID1A. We also performed transfection experiments to overexpress EED, HOTAIR and knockdown SMARCB1. Results Genistein reduced cell proliferation and migration of human renal cell carcinoma cell lines. ChIP assays indicated that genistein reduces recruitment of the PRC2 to the ZO-1 promoter and increased its expression. RIP assays showed that genistein inhibits HOTAIR interaction with PRC2, leading to tumor suppression. Immunoprecipitation also revealed that genistein reduced EED levels in PRC2, suggesting that decreased EED levels suppress HOTAIR interaction with PRC2. EED overexpression in the presence of genistein restored PRC2 interaction with HOTAIR and reduced ZO-1 transcription, suggesting genistein activates ZO-1 by inhibiting HOTAIR/PRC2 functions. RIP assays also showed that HOTAIR interacts with SMARCB1 and ARID1A, subunits of the human SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex and genistein reduces this interaction. Combination of HOTAIR overexpression and SMARCB1 knockdown in the presence of genistein revealed that genistein inhibits SNAIL transcription via the HOTAIR/SMARCB1 pathway. Conclusion Genistein suppresses EED levels in PRC2 and inhibits HOTAIR/PRC2 interaction. Genistein suppresses HOTAIR/PRC2 recruitment to the ZO-1 promoter and enhances ZO-1 transcription. Genistein also inhibits SNAIL transcription via reducing HOTAIR/SMARCB1 interaction. We demonstrate that the reduction of HOTAIR interaction with chromatin remodeling factors by genistein represses HOTAIR/chromatin remodeling pathways to suppress RCC malignancy.
Metabolic defects cause hyperactive mitochondria and Parkinson’s disease-like traits

Metabolic dysfunction is a facet of many age-related neurodegenerative diseases, yet its role in disease etiology remains poorly understood (1). We recently discovered a potential causal link between the branched-chain amino acid transferase, BCAT-1, and the neurodegenerative movement disorder, Parkinson disease (PD) (2). Knockdown of C. elegans bcat-1 recapitulates PD-like features, including progressive motor deficits and neurodegeneration with age (2). Using transcriptomic, metabolomic, and imaging approaches, we show that bcat-1 knockdown increases mitochondrial activity and induces oxidative damage in neurons through mTOR-independent mechanisms. We recently developed a high-throughput screening platform to identify drugs that may be repurposed for PD, and found that metformin, the leading type 2 diabetes medication, significantly improves motor function in bcat-1(RNAi) worms (3). Late-in-life metformin treatment restores normal mitochondrial activity levels and protects against bcat-1-associated neurodegeneration. Our results suggest that PD may originate as a metabolic disorder, and highlight metformin as a promising new drug candidate for PD treatment.
The use and effectiveness of colorful, contextualized, student-made material for elementary mathematics instruction

There is anecdotal evidence that many elementary teachers integrate mathematics lessons and art activities by having students first make colorful, rich material that is subsequently used in an instructional activity. However, it is unclear whether such activities effectively promote learning and transfer of mathematical concepts. The goal of the present research was to examine the use and effectiveness of such “math-and-art” activities on children’s ability to acquire basic fraction knowledge. We report the results of a survey of practicing elementary school teachers in the United States, their use of activities involving physical material, and the resources they use for ideas to supplement the standard curriculum. Two experiments examined first-grade students’ learning, transfer, and recognition of fraction knowledge from rich, contextualized material versus simple, generic material. The survey results confirm that many U.S. teachers use math-and-art activities and are often inspired by informal sources, such as Pinterest and YouTube. Experiment 1 examined the effectiveness of colorful, contextualized student-constructed material (paper pizzas) versus simple, pre-made material (monochromatic paper circles) in an instructional activity on fractions. Students who used the pre-made circles scored higher than those who used the student-made pizzas on pre-instruction tests of basic fraction knowledge, immediate tests of learning, and delayed tests of transfer. Experiment 2 tested students’ ability to spontaneously write fractions to describe proportions of pizzas and circles. Students who answered generic circle questions first were markedly more accurate than those who answered pizza questions first. These findings suggest that rich, contextualized representations, including those made by the student, can hinder students’ learning and transfer of mathematical concepts. We are not suggesting that teachers never integrate mathematics and colorful, contextualized material, and activities. We do suggest that elementary students’ mathematics learning can benefit when initial instruction involves simple, generic, pre-made material and opportunities for students to make and use colorful, contextualized representations come later.
Twentieth-Century Jeffersonian Intervention: John Dewey and the Predicaments of American Democracy

The chapter examines John Dewey’s understanding of the centrality of Jefferson’s thought to the American political and educational tradition. It describes how Dewey’s later writings reveal a great deal about his attitude toward Jefferson, which was overwhelmingly positive. A broad outline of their shared interests and moral ideals demonstrates how Dewey provided a twentieth century update to Jefferson’s legacy during the crisis of the 1930s. Finally, the case is made that both the Jeffersonian and Deweyan interpretation of human identity as something essentially social and moral provides a sound philosophical justification for reconstructing the purposes of public schools on a civic basis.
Vibrio cholerae adapts to sessile and motile lifestyles by cyclic di-GMP regulation of cell shape

The cell morphology of rod-shaped bacteria is determined by the rigid net of peptidoglycan forming the cell wall. Alterations to the rod shape, such as the curved rod, occur through manipulating the process of cell wall synthesis. The human pathogen Vibrio cholerae typically exists as a curved rod, but straight rods have been observed under certain conditions. While this appears to be a regulated process, the regulatory pathways controlling cell shape transitions in V. cholerae and the benefits of switching between rod and curved shape have not been determined. We demonstrate that cell shape in V. cholerae is regulated by the bacterial second messenger cyclic dimeric guanosine monophosphate (c-di-GMP) by posttranscriptionally repressing expression of crvA, a gene encoding an intermediate filament-like protein necessary for curvature formation in V. cholerae. This regulation is mediated by the transcriptional cascade that also induces production of biofilm matrix components, indicating that cell shape is coregulated with V. cholerae's induction of sessility. During microcolony formation, wild-type V. cholerae cells tended to exist as straight rods, while genetically engineering cells to maintain high curvature reduced microcolony formation and biofilm density. Conversely, straight V. cholerae mutants have reduced swimming speed when using flagellar motility in liquid. Our results demonstrate regulation of cell shape in bacteria is a mechanism to increase fitness in planktonic and biofilm lifestyles.
The move to open: medical library leadership in scholarly communication.

Over the years, health sciences librarians have been change agents, leading the charge on issues of importance to the profession and the communities we serve. From its founding in 1898 with the Exchange, the Medical Library Association (MLA) has been dedicated to improving access to health information. In 2003, the Board of Directors published a statement supporting open access to information generated from federally funded scientific and medical research and maintained that having access to timely, relevant, and accurate information is vital to the health of the nation and its education and research programs. At some financial risk, the association made the Journal of the Medical Library Association (JMLA) open access and published the entire archive of JMLA and its predecessor, the Bulletin of the Medical Library Association, in PubMed Central. Nearly two decades later, the promise of open access and open science finally seems to be coming to fruition. In the 2020 Janet Doe Lecture, Chris Shaffer, AHIP, described the ways that MLA has led the profession, standing behind a shared vision and “walking the walk.” In challenging listeners to embrace open science, he affirmed that, as leaders in improving access to health sciences information since 1898, medical librarians must work in the open science arena to realize our vision “that quality information is essential for improved health.”
Definitions of Acronyms Used

This chapter provides a list of Acronyms used in equations throughout the book, and their definitions.
Dissolved Organic Matter Dynamics in Reference and Calcium Silicate-Treated Watersheds at Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest, NH, USA

Dissolved organic matter (DOM) can serve as an indicator of watershed carbon cycling, and links terrestrial to aquatic ecosystems. The extent DOM is microbially processed before it enters aquatic ecosystems is expected to change with soil depth and landscape position, and as some research suggests, in response to recovery from chronic acidification. Here we examined DOM within freely flowing soil pore water and stream water collected from reference and calcium silicate-treated watersheds at the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest, New Hampshire, USA. Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and nitrogen (DON) concentrations as well as, absorption and fluorescence properties were analyzed to assess patterns in DOM quantity and quality. Parallel factor analysis was used to identify three predominant fluorescing DOM components (C1-3). All three components were terrestrial in origin, however C3 exhibited spectral properties previously linked to the microbial processing of humic material. Distinct horizonal patterns emerged between genetic soil horizons. DOC quantity decreased with soil depth, so too did, the plant derived lignin-like fraction (C2), while the C3 fraction increased. High-elevation coniferous zones with shallow bedrock contributed to higher DOC concentrations in soil and stream water, while high and low-elevation mineral soils exhibited greater C3 fractions and fluorescence indicators of microbially processed DOM. This pattern suggests these mineral soils are important organic carbon sinks, due to greater rates of microbial DOM processing. DOC in forest floor solutions, C3 fractions, and indicators of smaller molecular size (E2:E3) were all higher in the calcium silicate-treated watershed, suggesting greater microbial processing of DOM.
Delayed traumatic small bowel obstruction diagnosed by point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS).

Abstract Delayed small bowel obstruction is a rare complication of blunt abdominal trauma and is typically diagnosed by computed tomography (CT) imaging. A 22-year-old man initially presented to Emergency Department 12 h after a motor vehicle collision and CT imaging was unrevealing for any intra-abdominal injury. The patient returned 4 days later with new abdominal pain, vomiting, and watery stool. His exam demonstrated only suprapubic tenderness without guarding. A point-of-care ultrasound was performed by the emergency physician given recent abdominal trauma which showed dilated loop of small bowel with a “to-and-fro” sign raising the concern for small bowel obstruction. A repeat CT scan of the abdomen/pelvis confirmed the presence of small bowel obstruction with a transition point at the distal ileum caused by focal mesenteric edema. This case highlights a rare complication of blunt abdominal trauma that emergency physicians should consider in their differential diagnosis and not be misled by recent negative imaging. Additionally, the case illustrates the role of POCUS in evaluating not only intra-abdominal free fluid but also alternative traumatic abdominal pathology.
Morphosyntactic Influence of L1 (Punjabi) on L2 English: A Study of Possessive Adjectives

The paper investigates the Morphosyntactic influence of L1 (Punjabi) on L2 (English) in the use of possessive adjectives by intermediate level students in ESL Class room setting. It also focuses how the difference between the possessive adjectives of both the languages creates hurdles in the process of learning of second language. It further suggests effective procedure to control the erroneous constructions of second language learners in the use of possessive adjectives. It also concentrates on improving the writing and speaking skills of the learners by removing the chances of errors in the use of possessive adjectives of second language. It also implies that the effective teaching of possessive adjectives promotes the process of second language learning. For the study, a questionnaire was distributed among randomly selected 36 students of intermediate level to record their second language constructions in which they were to use possessive adjectives. In the light of evidence found in this research, it is concluded that for aggrandizing the process of L2 learning and for developing the writing and speaking skills of the learners, the appropriate use of possessive adjectives of L2 cannot be ignored.
Integration of Functional Oxides on SrTiO3/Si Pseudo-Substrates

In this chapter, we review selected key developments in the integration of functional complex oxides on silicon by means of an MBE-grown epitaxial SrTiO3 buffer. Materials that are high-k dielectric, ferroelectric, ferromagnetic, photocatalytic, and multiferroic have been integrated on silicon. The properties exhibited by these materials are similar in quality to bulk, showing the high degree of crystallinity and robustness of the STO/Si pseudo-substrate even under somewhat high temperatures and oxygen pressures needed to grow some of these materials. We focus on molecular beam epitaxial (MBE) growth and very briefly mention some recent work involving atomic layer deposition (ALD). Detailed discussion of the integration of anatase TiO2, strained LaCoO3, Co-doped SrTiO3, BaTiO3, LaAlO3, and BiFeO3 are included.
Measurement of the radiation patterns of navy shipboard High Frequency (HF) antennas on a large warship

Abstract Warships use strategic and tactical communications to be connected with national command headquarters and other units around the world. Therefore vessels need a communication system to be able to provide line-of-sight and long-haul communications. High Frequency (HF) communications can meet this requirement. Thus the ship needs to know the behavior of HF communications systems, for example, if they have any null in the radiation pattern. This article describes the measurements of the radiation patterns of HF whips in different places and with different polarizations (2–30 MHz) on a large vessel. Theoretically, HF shipboard antennas are close to be omnidirectional, so that the transmission and reception do not depend on where the ship is heading. We need to know the patterns at different frequencies first, to evaluate if the place where the antennas have been placed is adequate and second, to detect the possible nulls in the radiation pattern.
Retinal vessel abnormalities as a possible biomarker of brain volume loss in obese adolescents

Objective: Endothelial dysfunction in childhood obesity may precede cerebrovascular damage and cognitive impairment in adulthood. A noninvasive proxy of microvascular health is required to identify the risk for microvascular damage in obese children. Design and Methods The associations of hippocampal volumes and global cerebral atrophy were assessed with retinal vessel caliber in 40 normal BMI controls and 62 obese age-matched nondiabetic adolescents and the contribution of inflammation, obesity, and insulin resistance to retinal vessel caliber was evaluated. Results Compared to controls, obese adolescents had smaller retinal arterioles (8.3% decrease, P < 0.05) and wider venules (5.4% increase, P < 0.01). Larger retinal arteriole diameters were associated with less global cerebral atrophy (B = −0.24 [95% confidence interval, CI: −0.48, −0.002]) and larger hippocampal volumes (B = 0.01 [95% CI: 0, 0.02]). Venule diameters (B = 84.2 [95% CI: 30.3, 138.1]) were predicted by inflammation (fibrinogen). Arteriolar diameters were predicted by insulin resistance, indicated by logHOMA (homeostatic model assessment, HOMA) values (B = −17.03 [95% CI: −28.25, −5.81)] and body mass index (BMI) (B = −.67 [95% CI: −1.09, −0.24)]. All analyses were adjusted for mean arterial pressure, sleep apnea, and vessel diameter. Conclusions Measures of brain health, BMI, and insulin resistance are associated with retinal vessel caliber. If confirmed in larger studies, retinal arteriolar caliber may serve as a possible noninvasive proxy for brain atrophy in obese adolescents, and the identification of elevated risk for cerebral microvascular disease in adulthood.
Courts as Causes of Dramatic Policy Change

Can courts cause dramatic policy change? And if courts can, are there institutional features of courts and/or conditions under which they operate that make them particularly able and likely to change policy dramatically? Public law scholars would generally answer “no” to the first question, and consequently see no reason to try to answer the second, while public policy scholars studying so-called “punctuated equilibria” in policy change have answered “yes” to the first question in two studies that they have done, but have barely begun to answer the second, and, with respect to Ninth Circuit injunctions to protect the Northern Spotted Owl and orders to manage ecosystems in the Pacific Northwest, have mis-specified why a “punctuated equilibrium” occurred where this article will argue courts played a significant role due to institutional features and operating conditions that are common to courts.
Morpholino Injection in Xenopus

The study of gene function in developmental biology has been significantly furthered by advances in antisense technology made in the early 2000s. This was achieved, in particular, by the introduction of morpholino (MO) oligonucleotides. The introduction of antisense MO oligonucleotides into cells enables researchers to readily reduce the levels of their protein of interest without investing huge financial or temporal resources, in both in vivo and in vitro model systems. Historically, the African clawed frog Xenopus has been used to study vertebrate embryological development, due to its ability to produce vast numbers of offspring that develop rapidly, in synchrony, and can be cultured in buffers with ease. The developmental progress of Xenopus embryos has been extensively characterized and this model organism is very easy to maintain. It is these attributes that enable MO-based knockdown strategies to be so effective in Xenopus. In this chapter, we will detail the methods of microinjecting MO oligonucleotides into early embryos of X. laevis and X. tropicalis. We will discuss how MOs can be used to prevent either pre-mRNA splicing or translation of the specific gene of interest resulting in abrogation of that gene’s function and advise on what control experiments should be undertaken to verify their efficacy.
Arabic Literature into English

Since the events of 11 September 2001, there has been greater interest in translating Arabic literature into English in order to enhance understanding of the Arab–Muslim world. However, much focus has been placed on writers whose works substantiate western preconceptions of Arab Others, and hence are of interest to English readers and can as such be marketed and promoted. By focusing on such works, the process of translating and creating a canon of Arabic literature into English can result not in better understanding but in consolidating identitarian and reductive stereotypes of Arab Others. This essay looks at the extra-literary parameters that condition the translation and reception of Arabic literature into English, taking as a case study the contemporary Egyptian novelist Alaa Al-Aswany, whose bestseller The Yacoubian Building has been translated and celebrated as providing a credible portrayal of the social and political malaise in Egypt, and as enabling understanding of the making of a terrorist. Ho...
Sporotrichosis in childhood.

Sporotrichosis, a world-wide disease caused by Sporotrichium schenckii, occurs as a subacute or chronic infection, usually of the skin and subcutaneous tissues, but may on rare occasions undergo extracutaneous dissemination. Sex and race may be less important than age in its genesis. Children are rarely attacked. The organism occurs as a saprophyte on various plants and has been isolated from the soil. Direct person-to-person transmission probably does not occur, although infection has followed the handling of bandages from clinical lesions,1 and from animals.2 The majority of the cases of sporotrichosis are of the localized lymphangitic type. There is usually a history of minor trauma (i.e., scratch, prick, or insect bite) followed within 1 to 4 weeks by the appearance of a small, painless papule or pustule.
Regulation of the nuclear genes encoding the cytoplasmic and mitochondrial leucyl-tRNA synthetases of Neurospora crassa.

Abstract We show that the nuclear genes for the cytoplasmic and mitochondrial leucyl-tRNA synthetase (LeuRS) of Neurospora crassa are distinct in their encoded proteins, codon usage, mRNA levels, and regulation. The 4.2-kilobase-pair region representing the structural gene for cytoplasmic LeuRS and flanking regions has been sequenced. The positions of the 5' and 3' ends of mRNA and of a single 62-base-pair intron have been mapped. The methionine-initiated open reading frame encoded a protein of 1,123 amino acids and displayed a strong codon bias. Although cytoplasmic LeuRS shares with mitochondrial LeuRS some general features common to most aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, there is little amino acid sequence similarity between them, mRNA levels for cytoplasmic LeuRS were much higher than those for mitochondrial LeuRS. This observation and the strong codon bias in the cytoplasmic LeuRS gene may contribute to a greater abundance of cytoplasmic LeuRS than mitochondrial LeuRS. The genes for cytoplasmic and mitochondrial LeuRS are regulated independently. The cytoplasmic LeuRS gene is regulated by the cross-pathway control system in N. crassa, which is analogous to general amino acid control in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The cytoplasmic LeuRS mRNA levels are induced by amino acid starvation resulting from the addition of aminotriazole. Part of this increase is due to utilization of new transcription start sites. In contrast, the mitochondrial LeuRS gene is not induced by amino acid limitation. However, the mitochondrial LeuRS mRNA levels did increase dramatically upon inhibition of mitochondrial protein synthesis by chloramphenicol or ethidium bromide or in the temperature-sensitive strain leu-5 carrying a mutation in the mitochondrial LeuRS structural gene.
GUIDING INTRAMUSCULAR DIAPHRAGM INJECTIONS USING REAL-TIME ULTRASOUND AND ELECTROMYOGRAPHY

Introduction: We describe a unique method that combines ultrasound and electromyography to guide intra- muscular diaphragm injections in anesthetized large animals. Methods: Ultrasound was used to visualize the diaphragm on each side of spontaneously breathing, anesthetized beagle dogs and cynomolgus macaques. An electromyography (EMG) needle was introduced and directed by ultrasound to confirm that the needle entered the muscular portion of the diaphragm, and methylene blue was injected. Injection accuracy was con- firmed upon necropsy by tracking the spread of methylene blue. Results: All methylene blue injections were confirmed to have been placed appropriately into the diaphragm. Conclusions: This study demonstrates the feasibility and accuracy of using ultrasound and EMG to guide injections and to reduce compli- cations associated with conventional blind techniques. Ultra- sound guidance can be used for clinical EMG of the diaphragm. Future applications may include targeted diaphragm injections with gene replacement therapy in neuromuscular diseases. Muscle Nerve 51: 287-289, 2015 Needle electromyography (EMG) of the dia- phragm is usually done blindly using techniques guided only by anatomic landmarks. 1 It can be challenging due to the thinness of the diaphragm muscle and its proximity to the lung and liver. The possible complications include pneumothorax caused by inadvertent lung puncture or liver hema- toma. 2 Ultrasound imaging provides excellent non- invasive direct and real-time visualization of soft tis- sue with good distinction of anatomic landmarks, fascial planes, and neurovascular structures adja- cent to the intended target. Recent advances in technology have made high-resolution ultrasound machines affordable, portable, and widely available for a variety of clinical applications. Direct visual- ization of the diaphragm in real time using ultraso- nography can be particularly helpful, given the dynamic nature of the diaphragm muscle. The util- ity of diaphragm ultrasound has been reported recently in animals. 3-5 We describe a unique method that combines real-time ultrasound and EMG to guide intramuscular diaphragm injections in anesthetized large animals. METHODS
The inefficient transfer of maternally fed alcohol to nursing rats.

Abstract The growth of rat pups nursed by ethanol-drinking mothers or pups exposed dally to ethanol/vapor was monitored for the first three weeks of life, Pups nursed by mothers fed either a 6% ethanol containing liquid dlet or a 10% ethanol/water mixture had signifleantly lower body weights after the 2nd postnatal week than controls. This decrease in pup growth occurred despite pup blood alcohol levels that did not exceed 20 mg%. Only a small fraction of the alcohol fed to mothers ever reached suckling animals. In contrast, pups exposed dally to ethanol vapor regularly achieved blood alcohol concentrations in excess of 250 mg%, but experienced only minimal growth retardation. These results suggest that maternal alcohol feeding cannot be used to study the effects of ethanol upon postnatal development.
It’s What’s Inside that Matters

The histological identification of intracellular secretory granules was first made in the exocrine acinus of the pancreas, with the coincident disappearance of granules with the appearance of digestive enzymes in the pancreatic juice (1). However, the adrenal medullary chromaffin has been instrumental in elucidating concomitant cellular secretion of catecholamine and other granular contents without loss of lipids or cholesterol. Secretory granules originate from post-Golgi vesicles that coalesce and fuse with excess membrane removal during a condensation stage where granules mature to objects with increased osmium staining (2) that are actually heavier than postsecretory granular membranes (3).
Biophysical cueing and vascular endothelial cell behavior

Abstract: Human vascular endothelial cells (VEC) line the vessels of the body and are critical for the maintenance of vessel integrity and trafficking of biochemical cues. They are fundamental structural elements and are central to the signaling environment. Alterations in the normal functioning of the VEC population are associated with a number of vascular disorders among which are some of the leading causes of death in both the United States and abroad. VECs attach to their underlying stromal elements through a specialization of the extracellular matrix, the basement membrane. The basement membrane provides signaling cues to the VEC through its chemical constituents, by serving as a reservoir for cytoactive factors and through its intrinsic biophysical properties. This specialized matrix is composed of a topographically rich 3D felt-like network of fibers and pores on the nano (1–100 nm) and submicron (100–1,000 nm) size scale. The basement membrane provides biophysical cues to the overlying VECs through its intrinsic topography as well as through its local compliance (relative stiffness). These biophysical cues modulate VEC adhesion, migration, proliferation, differentiation, and the cytoskeletal signaling network of the individual cells. This review focuses on the impact of biophysical
Effects of delays on human performance on a temporal discrimination procedure: Evidence of a choose-short effect

Studies of temporal discrimination in non-human subjects have reliably shown a choose-short effect: higher matching accuracy on short-duration-sample trials than on long-duration-sample trials. This effect occurs as a function of increasing the delay between the onset of sample and comparison stimuli in a delayed matching-to-sample procedure. The present experiment investigated whether the choose-short effect could be demonstrated in human subjects under conditions which paralleled those used with non-human subjects. Subjects responded under a discrete-trial procedure in which they were required to push one of two buttons depending on the duration of a sample stimulus (a blue square on a computer monitor). Delays (0, 8, 16, and 32 s) separated sample and comparison stimuli (two white boxes) and were tested both within and across several sessions. Intermediate durations (probe stimuli between 2 and 4 s) were also presented. The addition of a delay between the sample and comparison stimuli produced a bias to judge intervals as short when the 8 and 32-s delays were tested across sessions and when the 0, 16, and 32-s delays were tested within the same session. Thus, the choose-short effect was produced in human subjects using the interval bisection procedure regardless of delay length.
CGRP-immunoreactive primary afferent nerve fibers in the rat urinary bladder: effects of dorsal rhizotomy and MK-801.

Abstract A transection lesion of the suprasacral spinal cord results in a decreased density of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)-immunoreactive (I) primary afferent nerve fibers in the rat urinary bladder. The fiber density can be restored by postsurgical treatment with the N-methyl- d -aspartate receptor antagonist MK-801. We are attempting to determine the level of the primary afferent neuron at which MK-801 might have a restorative effect on CGRP immunostaining. Thus, the purpose of this study was to determine if MK-801 had a similar restorative effect on immunostaining for CGRP in bladder nerves after a direct lesion of the sacral afferent system, i.e., rhizotomy of the L6 and S1 dorsal roots. To assess the effect of the lesion, the mean length and number of bladder CGRP-I nerve fibers, as well as the number of CGRP-I perikarya in the L6 and S1 dorsal root ganglia (DRG), were measured following bilateral L6 and S1 dorsal rhizotomies. Both the mean length and the numbers of CGRP-I bladder fibers were significantly decreased by the lesion. However, the number of CGRP-I primary afferent perikarya in the L6 and S1 DRG was unchanged from control values. Rats which received rhizotomies and subsequent treatment with MK-801 did not exhibit restoration of the density of CGRP-I bladder fibers nor an alteration in the number of CGRP-I primary afferent perikarya. These data suggest that MK-801-induced restoration of bladder CGRP-I primary afferent nerve fibers may rely on an intact central process.
Completing the incomplete: a defense of positive obligations to distant others

Global justice is, at its core, about moral obligations to distant others. But which obligations ought to be included is a matter of considerable debate. In the discussion that follows I will explicate and challenge two objections to the inclusion of foundationally positive obligations in our account of global justice. The first objection is based on the proposition that negative obligations possess and positive obligations lack a property necessary for a moral demand to be a matter justice. The second objection is that even the most trivial positive obligation becomes overly burdensome when applied to the global arena. And, though I do not offer any particular substantive account of positive obligations to distant others; I assess some of the implications that would arise were positive obligations to distant others to be included in our account of global justice.
EFFICIENCY OF EXTRACTION AND SEPARATION OF CERTAIN AP HORMONES1

SINCE 1930 this laboratory has been engaged in a study of the physiological and chemical properties of the lactogenic hormone of the anterior pitui′ tary (1-5). In 1935 the use of 60 to 70‰ alcohol at pH 9 to 10 as an extract′ ing agent and the precipitation of the lactogenic hormone at pH 5.5 to 6.0 at an alcohol concentration greater than 86‰ was suggested (6). This ex′ traction method was observed by Bergman and Turner (7) to recover the lactogenic hormone far more efficiently than earlier methods. As preliminary assays indicated that other AP hormones were also being extracted by this method, it seemed desirable to determine more precisely what hormones were included in this initial extract and how efficiently they were being recovered. Recently a method for the separation of the lactogenic and carbohydrate metabolism hormones from the initial extract was described (8). Each of these fractions was shown to contain relatively little of the other hormone.