cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Predictors of fear of hypoglycemia in adolescents with type 1 diabetes and their parents.

Objectives: This study tested the hypothesis that both trait anxiety and hypoglycemic history contribute to fear of hypoglycemia (FOH) both in adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and in their parents, and relationships between FOH and other variables including metabolic control, symptom perception, and use of insulin pump therapy. Study Design: Thirty-nine parent–adolescent pairs completed questionnaires assessing background and clinical information, hypoglycemic episodes, FOH, and trait anxiety. Adolescent blood was also sampled for glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) measurement. Results: In adolescents, both trait anxiety and frequency of severe hypoglycemic episodes were significant predictors of FOH, together accounting for almost 50% of the variance. Parental FOH was not predicted by their own trait anxiety or their child’s hypoglycemic history but by whether they believed that their child carried emergency glucose. FOH was not related to metabolic control, although adolescents who experienced recent severe hypoglycemia (SH) with unconsciousness had significantly higher HbA1c. Parental trait anxiety significantly correlated with child trait anxiety, but parent–child levels of FOH were unrelated. Neither trait anxiety nor FOH related to reported symptoms, and FOH was not lower in parents with insulin pump therapy. Conclusions: Consistent with findings from adult patient populations, trait anxiety levels and recent experiences with hypoglycemia predict FOH in adolescents with T1DM. In parents, however, beliefs about their adolescents’ ability to cope with hypoglycemic episodes predicted FOH. FOH in adolescents with T1DM and their parents is a complex construct influenced by multiple personality and situational and behavioral factors, and its impact on diabetes management remains unclear.
Content-Based Privacy for Consumer-Produced Multimedia

We contend that current and future advances in Internet scale Multimedia analytics , global Inference , and linking can circumvent traditional Security and Privacy barriers. We therefore are in dire need of a new research field to address this issue and come up with new solutions. We present the privacy risks, Attack vectors , details for a preliminary experiment on Account linking , and describe mitigation and educational techniques that will help address the issues.
Recognition of Composite Human Activities through Context-Free Grammar Based Representation

This paper describes a general methodology for automated recognition of complex human activities. The methodology uses a context-free grammar (CFG) based representation scheme to represent composite actions and interactions. The CFG-based representation enables us to formally define complex human activities based on simple actions or movements. Human activities are classified into three categories: atomic action, composite action, and interaction. Our system is not only able to represent complex human activities formally, but also able to recognize represented actions and interactions with high accuracy. Image sequences are processed to extract poses and gestures. Based on gestures, the system detects actions and interactions occurring in a sequence of image frames. Our results show that the system is able to represent composite actions and interactions naturally. The system was tested to represent and recognize eight types of interactions: approach, depart, point, shake-hands, hug, punch, kick, and push. The experiments show that the system can recognize sequences of represented composite actions and interactions with a high recognition rate.
DNA-binding domain of bovine papillomavirus type 1 E1 helicase: structural and functional aspects.

Abstract The E1 protein of bovine papillomavirus type 1 is a multifunctional enzyme required for papillomaviral DNA replication. It assists in the initiation of replication both as a site-specific DNA-binding protein and as a DNA helicase. Previous work has indicated that at limiting E1 concentrations, the E2 protein is required for efficient E1 binding to the replication origin. In this study, we have defined the domain of the E1 protein required for site-specific DNA binding. Experiments with a series of truncated proteins have shown that the first amino-terminal 299 amino acids contain the DNA-binding domain; however, the coterminal M protein, which is homologous to E1 for the first 129 amino acids, does not bind origin DNA. A series of small internal deletions and substitution mutations in the DNA-binding domain of E1 show that specific basic residues in this region of the protein, which are conserved in all E1 proteins of the papillomavirus family, likely play a direct role in binding DNA and that a flanking conserved hydrophobic subdomain is also important for DNA binding. A region of E1 that interacts with E2 for cooperative DNA binding is also retained in carboxy-terminal truncated proteins, and we show that the ability of full-length E1 to complex with E2 is sensitive to cold. The E1 substitution mutant proteins were expressed from mammalian expression vectors to ascertain whether site-specific DNA binding by E1 is required for transient DNA replication in the cell. These E1 proteins display a range of mutant phenotypes, consistent with the suggestion that site-specific binding by E1 is important. Interestingly, one E1 mutant which is defective for origin binding but can be rescued for such activity by E2 supports significant replication in the cell.
Isolation of Salmonella enterica and Shiga-Toxigenic Escherichia coli O157 from Feces of Animals in Public Contact Areas of United States Zoological Parks

The fecal prevalence of subclinical Salmonella enterica and Shiga-toxigenic Escherichia coli O157 among animals in human-animal contact exhibits at institutions in the United States accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums was estimated to assess public health risk. The prevalence was less than 0.6% for both zoonotic pathogens among 997 animals sampled at 36 exhibits.
23Na rotating frame imaging in the perfused rabbit heart using separate transmitter and receiver coils.

One-dimensional spatial localization of sodium absorption in the perfused rabbit heart was obtained using 23Na rotating frame imaging. A Dadok-type coil was used as the receiver and a circular surface coil as the transmitter allowing regularly shaped slices and homogeneous reception sensitivity. The short time of spatial labeling in this technique results in minimal intensity losses due to relaxation processes. © 1987 Academic Press, Inc.
Ecological Predictors of Traumatic Stress Symptoms in Caucasian and Ethnic Minority Children Exposed to Intimate Partner Violence

Traumatic stress symptoms were assessed for 218 children ages 5 to 13 following exposure to intimate partner violence: 33% of Caucasian and 17% of minority children were diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder. A risk and protective factors model was used to predict traumatic stress symptoms. For Caucasian children, the best predictors were mothers’ mental health and low self-esteem. For minority children, the amount of violence, mothers’ low self-esteem, and low income predicted traumatic stress. Social support to the mother, inclusive of friends, relatives, and religion, was a protective element. Implications for assessment and intervention are discussed in light of each group’s experiences.
Insults, Injury, and Injustice: Rethinking State Intervention in Domestic Violence Cases

Since its inception, the battered women’s movement has struggled with how to reconcile the state’s indispensable role in securing safety, support, and liberty for victims with its equally undeniable role in perpetuating the patterns of discrimination and privilege from which it continues to derive legitimacy. This dilemma is most vivid in low-income and minority communities where preexisting vulnerabilities magnify the effects on personal, family, and community life of both woman battering and government support for services and equal protection. Since the introduction of shelters and mandatory arrest policies, severe and fatal violence have dropped far more sharply among Black couples than any other group (Gelles, 1997; Rennison & Welchans, 2000; Stark, 2003). At the same time, all state intervention in these communities is infused with a bias that disadvantages men as well as women and raises the specter that in any particular instance, protection can be more harmful than abuse (Stark, 1993). As concerns about these issues mount, conservative opponents of sanctions in domestic violence cases have been joined in their criticism by a range of progressive scholars including a number who laid the initial groundwork for current policies (Coker, 2001; Gelles, 1996;
Immunohistochemistry in the diagnosis of soft tissue tumours

Immunohistochemistry is particularly important in the field of soft tissue tumours because of their variety and the frequent difficulty of diagnosis. The first part of this paper discusses useful or new antibodies, together with others that are no longer of use. The second part is devoted to the role of immunohistochemistry in the diagnosis of soft tissue tumours: identification of some rare or atypical benign lesions, identification of non-mesenchymal malignant tumours, and classification of sarcomas. The respective roles of immunohistochemistry and molecular biology are underlined.
The JEC Revisited: Did Debt Undermine Stability?

The Joint Executive Committee (JEC), one of the most studied cartels in all of economics, was at best partially successful at maintaining collusion. The railroad cartel faced frequent breakdowns and re-contracting efforts. This paper considers the effects that large capital debt may have had on the members of the JEC. The JEC is compared to the express cartel of the period in which all firms were creditors. The latter had no breakdowns during the same period. It is shown through a small modification in an oligopolistic supergame that debt-burdened firms are less likely to maintain a stable cartel agreement than a cartel of creditors, a result that is consistent with the experience of these two cartels.
Aromatic cluster mutations produce focal modulations of β-sheet structure

Site-directed mutagenesis is a powerful tool for altering the structure and function of proteins in a focused manner. Here, we examined how a model β-sheet protein could be tuned by mutation of numerous surface-exposed residues to aromatic amino acids. We designed these aromatic side chain “clusters” at highly solvent-exposed positions in the flat, single-layer β-sheet of Borrelia outer surface protein A (OspA). This unusual β-sheet scaffold allows us to interrogate the effects of these mutations in the context of well-defined structure but in the absence of the strong scaffolding effects of globular protein architecture. We anticipated that the introduction of a cluster of aromatic amino acid residues on the β-sheet surface would result in large conformational changes and/or stabilization and thereby provide new means of controlling the properties of β-sheets. Surprisingly, X-ray crystal structures revealed that the introduction of aromatic clusters produced only subtle conformational changes in the OspA β-sheet. Additionally, despite burying a large degree of hydrophobic surface area, the aromatic cluster mutants were slightly less stable than the wild-type scaffold. These results thereby demonstrate that the introduction of aromatic cluster mutations can serve as a means for subtly modulating β-sheet conformation in protein design.
Identification of DNA Repair Pathways That Affect the Survival of Ovarian Cancer Cells Treated with a Poly(ADP-Ribose) Polymerase Inhibitor in a Novel Drug Combination

Floxuridine (5-fluorodeoxyuridine, FdUrd), a U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved drug and metabolite of 5-fluorouracil, causes DNA damage that is repaired by base excision repair (BER). Thus, poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors, which disrupt BER, markedly sensitize ovarian cancer cells to FdUrd, suggesting that this combination may have activity in this disease. It remains unclear, however, which DNA repair and checkpoint signaling pathways affect killing by these agents individually and in combination. Here we show that depleting ATR, BRCA1, BRCA2, or RAD51 sensitized to ABT-888 (veliparib) alone, FdUrd alone, and FdUrd + ABT-888 (F+A), suggesting that homologous recombination (HR) repair protects cells exposed to these agents. In contrast, disabling the mismatch, nucleotide excision, Fanconi anemia, nonhomologous end joining, or translesion synthesis repair pathways did not sensitize to these agents alone (including ABT-888) or in combination. Further studies demonstrated that in BRCA1-depleted cells, F+A was more effective than other chemotherapy+ABT-888 combinations. Taken together, these studies 1) identify DNA repair and checkpoint pathways that are important in ovarian cancer cells treated with FdUrd, ABT-888, and F+A, 2) show that disabling HR at the level of ATR, BRCA1, BRCA2, or RAD51, but not Chk1, ATM, PTEN, or FANCD2, sensitizes cells to ABT-888, and 3) demonstrate that even though ABT-888 sensitizes ovarian tumor cells with functional HR to FdUrd, the effects of this drug combination are more profound in tumors with HR defects, even compared with other chemotherapy + ABT-888 combinations, including cisplatin + ABT-888.
A Comparison of Antihypertensive Medication Utilization before and after Guideline Changes Using the Department of Defense Prescription Database

OBJECTIVE:To determine changes in the proportion of antihypertensive medication utilization, distributed by medication classes, associated with the Fifth Report of the Joint National Committee (JNC V) guideline changes and the Department of Defense Pharmacoeconomic Center's recommendations to follow JNC V guidelines in presumed newly treated hypertensive patients.DESIGN:A 43-month, longitudinal, retrospective analysis using data from the Department of Defense Uniformed Services Prescription Database.SETTING:Seven outpatient US military sites.PATIENTS:Eligible patients (n = 7277) included those from seven military sites, aged 20–49 years, who were: (1) active-duty members of the US Armed Forces, (2) active-duty members' family members, (3) retired members of the US Armed Forces, and (4) US Armed Forces retired members' family members.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE:Proportion of antihypertensive medication utilization, distributed by medication class over the 43-month study period.METHODOLOGY:Segmented time series an...
Diagnosis of the Zollinger–Ellison Syndrome

Clinical Scenario A man is referred to you for evaluation of possible Zollinger–Ellison syndrome (ZES).1 He gives an 8-year history of heartburn, for which he has been receiving increasing doses of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy. Over the past few months he has noted worsening symptoms of heartburn and regurgitation, especially at night or after large meals. His primary care physician increased his maintenance PPI dose of omeprazole from 40 mg once daily to 40 mg twice daily but his symptoms have persisted and now he also is complaining of abdominal pain that wakens him from sleep. Open-access, upper-gastrointestinal endoscopy was unrevealing but his fasting serum gastrin level was 465 pg/mL (normal, 100 pg/mL). When this result was obtained his primary care physician ordered an Octreoscan (Mallinckrodt Inc., St Louis, MO) (which was normal) and a serum chromogranin A level (which was increased at 492 pg/mL [normal, 375 pg/mL]). The patient describes no recent change in bowel habits and there is no history of anemia, weight loss, bleeding, jaundice, or dysphagia. Physical examination is within normal limits.
LARGE-SCALE MOVEMENTS AND HABITAT CHARACTERISTICS OF KING EIDERS THROUGHOUT THE NONBREEDING PERIOD

Abstract ABSTRACT King Eiders (Somateriaspectabilis) breeding inwestern Canada and Alaska molt wing feathers andspend the winter in remote areas of the Bering Sea,precluding direct observation. To characterizetiming of migration and habitat used by King Eidersduring the nonbreeding period, we collectedlocation data for 60 individuals (27 femalesand 33 males) over three years from satellitetelemetry and utilized oceanographic informationobtained by remote sensing. Male King Eidersdispersed from breeding areas, arrived at wing moltsites, and dispersed from wing molt sites earlierthan females in all years. Males arriving earlierat wing molt sites molted flight feathers at higherlatitudes. Distributions of molt and winterlocations did not differ by sex or among years. Ofthe variables considered for analysis, distance toshore, water depth, and salinity appeared to bestdescribe King Eider habitat throughout thenonbreeding period. King Eiders were located closerto shore, in shallower water with lower salinitytha...
Racial Steering in Bankruptcy

This article is part of a symposium sponsored by The American Bankruptcy Institute and the St. John’s University School of Law entitled “Bankruptcy and Race: Is There a Relation.” This article comments on the findings in a recent article, Race, Attorney Influence, and Bankruptcy Chapter Choice. That article found that black debtors are disproportionately placed in chapter 13 (which is more expensive and more burdensome than chapter 7) and that bankruptcy lawyers systematically steer whites away from chapter 13. While noting that the recent article’s findings are explosive, newsworthy, and ground breaking, I nonetheless characterize the findings as utterly unsurprising because of the pervasiveness of racial biases in U.S. legal processes, including the bankruptcy system. This article argues that racial steering in bankruptcy cases should not be surprising since blacks are routinely steered away from the most favorable outcomes in financial services transactions and also because most people in this country harbor negative stereotypes and biases against blacks though many may not even be aware of these implicit biases. The article ends by presenting a fictional memo to bankruptcy lawyers that urges them to confront their biases to ensure that they comply with their ethical obligations to render legal advice that is not colored by racial prejudices or biases.
Gene Discovery Using the Serial Analysis of Gene Expression Technique: Implications for Cancer Research

Cancer is a genetic disease. As such, our understanding of the pathobiology of tumors derives from analyses of the genes whose mutations are responsible for those tumors. The cancer phenotype, however, likely reflects the changes in the expression patterns of hundreds or even thousands of genes that occur as a consequence of the primary mutation of an oncogene or a tumor suppressor gene. Recently developed functional genomic approaches, such as DNA microarrays and serial analysis of gene expression (SAGE), have enabled researchers to determine the expression level of every gene in a given cell population, which represents that cell population's entire transcriptome. The most attractive feature of SAGE is its ability to evaluate the expression pattern of thousands of genes in a quantitative manner without prior sequence information. This feature has been exploited in three extremely powerful applications of the technology: the definition of transcriptomes, the analysis of differences between the gene expression patterns of cancer cells and their normal counterparts, and the identification of downstream targets of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes. Comprehensive analyses of gene expression not only will further understanding of growth regulatory pathways and the processes of tumorigenesis but also may identify new diagnostic and prognostic markers as well as potential targets for therapeutic intervention.
Diets, feeding specialization, and predatory role of two lynx spiders, Oxyopes salticus and Peucetia viridans (Araneae: Oxyopidae), in a Texas cotton agroecosystem

The predation ecology of the striped lynx spider, Oxyopes salticus Hentz, and green lynx spider, Peucetia viridans (Hentz), was studied during 108 h of visual observation in an insecticide-free cotton field in central Texas. Evidence obtained during this study indicates that lynx spiders were the dominant arthropod predators (among 134 cases of arthropod predation observed, 94 were attributable to lynx spiders). P. viridans is a powerful species (10.08 ± 0.52 mm [mean ± SEM] body length) compared with the significantly smaller O. salticus (4.24 ± 0.16 mm). The O. salticus individuals fed on small-sized prey (2.41 ± 0.17 mm average prey length). In contrast, the P. viridans individuals fed over a broader range of prey size classes and captured a higher proportion of the larger prey organisms (7.04 ± 0.73 mm average prey length). However, the smallest P. viridans (≤ mm spider length) and the largest O. salticus (≥4.5 mm spider length) selected prey of similar average length (=3 mm). The lynx spiders are polyphagous insectivores that feed on a variety of prey species predominantly in the insect orders Heteroptera, Hymenoptera, and Diptera. They also frequently eat other spiders. The most frequently captured prey of O. salticus were small Heteroptera (predominantly cotton Aeahopper, Pseudatomoscelis seriatus [Reuter]), whereas P. viridans most frequently seized large stinging Hymenoptera (e.g., honey bee, Apis mellifera L.). The degree of the feeding specialization of the two spider species was mathematically assessed (niche breadth coefficients) and statistically compared; computed coefficients indicate that P. viridans is a significantly more polyphagous predator than the smaller-sized O. salticus . O. salticus , therefore, shows a better fit to the “model predator” of classical biological control because of its relative specialization.
Glomerular endothelin receptors during initiation and maintenance of ischemic acute renal failure in rats

Glomerular endothelin (ET) receptors were studied in normal Sprague-Dawley rats and in rats with ischemic acute renal failure (ARF) induced by a 60-min occlusion of the left renal artery (right kidney intact). In normal rats ET bound to specific glomerular receptor sites [equilibrium affinity constant (Kd), 46.6 +/- 5.8 pM; receptor number (Ro), 1,167 +/- 160 fmol/mg (n = 7)]. ET infusion (90 ng.kg-1.min-1, intra-arterially) raised mean arterial pressure by 32 +/- 4 mmHg, lowered renal blood flow (RBF) by 62% and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) by 49%, and reduced the number of glomerular ET receptor sites by 62%. Reduced ET binding could not be explained by prior occupancy, because acid treatment (which dissociates bound ET from its receptors) did not increase receptor number. If elevated ET levels contributed to decreased RBF and GFR in ARF, glomerular ET receptors would be expected to down-regulate. In rats with ischemic ARF there were no differences in the number or affinity of glomerular ET receptors in the clamped or contralateral kidneys. Additional studies demonstrated that the downregulation response to ET infusion was intact in ARF. The data demonstrate that glomerular ET receptors are unaltered in ischemic ARF and do not support a role for increased glomerular ET in the alterations of renal hemodynamics in this model.
The Role of Leucine-Rich Repeat Containing Protein 10 (LRRC10) in Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Leucine-rich repeat containing protein 10 (LRRC10) is a cardiomyocyte-specific member of the Leucine-rich repeat containing (LRRC) protein superfamily with critical roles in cardiac function and disease pathogenesis. Recent studies have identified LRRC10 mutations in human idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and Lrrc10 homozygous knockout mice develop DCM, strongly linking LRRC10 to the molecular etiology of DCM. LRRC10 localizes to the dyad region in cardiomyocytes where it can interact with actin and α-actinin at the Z-disc and associate with T-tubule components. Indeed, this region is becoming increasingly recognized as a signaling center in cardiomyocytes, not only for calcium cycling, excitation-contraction coupling, and calcium-sensitive hypertrophic signaling, but also as a nodal signaling hub where the myocyte can sense and respond to mechanical stress. Disruption of a wide range of critical structural and signaling molecules in cardiomyocytes confers susceptibility to cardiomyopathies in addition to the more classically studied mutations in sarcomeric proteins. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying DCM remain unclear. Here, we review what is known about the cardiomyocyte functions of LRRC10, lessons learned about LRRC10 and DCM from the Lrrc10 knockout mouse model, and discuss ongoing efforts to elucidate molecular mechanisms whereby mutation or absence of LRRC10 mediates cardiac disease.
A GATA-1-Regulated microRNA Cluster That Is Essential for Erythropoiesis.

The nuclear factor GATA-1 controls erythropoiesis by regulating transcription of numerous protein-encoding genes. Here we show that GATA-1 also activates the expression of a critical erythroid microRNA (miR) locus. MicroRNAs regulate gene expression and tissue differentiation by binding the 3′ untranslated regions of mRNA transcripts to inhibit their translation or stability. We used an oligonucleotide-based microarray to analyze miR expression in G1E cells, a GATA-1-null erythroid line that undergoes terminal maturation when GATA-1 activity is restored. We identified 8 miRs that are significantly upregulated during GATA-1-induced erythroid maturation. Two of the most highly induced miRs, 144 and 451, are encoded in tandem on mouse chromosome 11 and are transcribed on the same primary microRNA transcript. Northern blot studies showed that the miR144/451 locus is strongly induced by GATA-1 and specifically expressed at high levels in human and murine erythroid precursors. Bioinformatic analysis of the miR144/451 locus identified a conserved region containing three closely-spaced GATA binding motifs located about 2.7 kb upstream of the transcriptional start. In erythroid cells, this region exhibits enhancer activity and binds GATA-1 and its cofactor FOG-1, as determined by chromatin immunoprecipitation studies. MicroRNAs 144 and 451 are conserved between mammals and zebrafish, facilitating further in vivo studies. Whole mount in situ hybridization of zebrafish embryos showed both miRs to be exclusively expressed in the developing blood islands (intermediate cell mass) at 24h post-fertilization (hpf), colocalizing with gata-1 and β -globinE1 expression. Both miRs are deficient in the gata-1 null mutant, vlad tepes , consistent with their epistatic relationship to gata-1 . Transient inactivation of miR-451 function using anti-sense morpholino oligomers selectively ablated hemoglobin staining cells in embryos at 48 hpf. These morphant embryos also exhibited dramatically reduced β-globinE1 mRNA expression. In contrast, there were no quantitative effects on thrombocytes (platelet-equivalent cells) in morphant embryos. Together, our data define a new regulatory axis through which GATA-1 promotes red cell development by directly activating the transcription of miR144/451 , a critical erythroid-specific microRNA locus.
Improving Lower Extremity Functioning in Peripheral Artery Disease: Exercise, Endovascular Revascularization, or Both?

Lower extremity peripheral artery disease (PAD) now affects approximately 8.5 million adults 40 years and older in the United States and approximately 202 million adults worldwide.1 PAD is atherosclerotic disease of the arteries supplying the legs, resulting in impaired oxygen delivery to leg muscles during walking activities. Most people with PAD will never experience critical limb ischemia, which includes pain at rest, nonhealing leg ulcers, or gangrene. However, even without critical limb ischemia, patients with PAD have significant functional impairment that is manifest as poor walking endurance, poor physical activity, and faster functional decline than people without PAD. Among 666 participants (412 with PAD) in the Walking and Leg Circulation Study, participants with severe PAD were 4.2 times more likely and those with mild PAD were 3.2 times more likely to become unable to walk one-quarter of a mile or walk up 1 flight of stairs without assistance compared with people without PAD at 5-year follow-up, independently of age, comorbidities, and other confounders.2
The Genus Harpa (Mollusca: Gastropoda) in the New World

The nassarioid gastropod genus Trajana s.s. includes those species with a closed siphonal canal and a circular aperture, surrounded by a raised peristome. There are but four species in the fossil record of the New World, occurring in the upper Miocene of North Carolina, Florida, Mexico, and Peru, and the Pliocene of Ecuador. One of these four is a new species: T. veracruzana E. H. Vokes, from the upper Miocene Agueguexquite Formation of Mexico, and represents the first record of the genus in the "Tertiary Caribbean Province," linking the eastern United States and the western South American occurrences. Another new species, from the middle Miocene Gatun Formation of Panama, is believed to be ancestral to the Trajana s.s. group as it possesses an open siphonal canal and denticulations within the subcircular aperture with a raised peristome like that of Trajana s.s. Because of the fundamental differences this new species is made the type of a new subgenus with the name Trajana (Nerva) woodringi E. H . Vokes. In addition to the fossil species, there are two Recent species of Trajana s.s. found off the coast of western Mexico. All species are treated systematically.
EXERCISE-ASSOCIATED SELF-EFFICACY AND BEHAVIORAL CHANGES AND THEIR IMPACT ON HEALTH-RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE OF MIDDLE-AGED WOMEN OF KLANG VALLEY, MALAYSIA

Objectives: This study aims to elucidate the impacts of self-efficacy and behavioral changes on exercise that may affect health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of middle - aged Malaysian women. Methods: A questionnaire-based data collection was performed from October 2013 to March 2014 in the Klang Valley, Malaysia. SPSS (v. 21.0) was used to analyze the data after recording body mass index, general health, physical health status, self-efficacy and self-awareness associated to HRQoL. Correlation between the parameters was calculated using Pearson’s correlation coefficients, and the reliability test was conducted using Cronbach’s alpha (α). Results are mentioned as significant when P values are found to be <0.05. Results: Findings of the study indicated, though women of Klang Valley suffer from few health problems, they prefer exercise to maintain their HRQoL. It has been observed that self-efficacy and behavioral changes for exercise related quality of life are affected by several factors, such a s education, monthly income, marital status , and even ethnicity. Conclusions: This study portrays that women of Klang Valley, Malaysia , are inflicted with quite a good self-efficacy to exercise, which impacts their HRQoL.
Persistent Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals and Fatty Liver Disease.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most prominent chronic liver disease in Western countries, affecting approximately 25% of the population worldwide. Sex-specific differences in the development of NAFLD are apparent. While obesity and insulin resistance are major contributors to the increasing prevalence of NAFLD, a growing body of literature suggests that exposure to persistent endocrine-disrupting chemicals (pEDCs) may also play a role. This review summarizes recent (2011 and later) scientific literature investigating exposures to pEDCs, specifically persistent organic pollutants (POPs), and NAFLD, with a focus on sex-specific associations. The overwhelming majority of studies were conducted in single-sex animal models and provide biological evidence that exposures to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin polychlorinated biphenyls, and other POPs or POP mixtures are negatively associated with liver health. There were four cross-sectional epidemiological studies in humans that reported associations for several POPs, including polychlorinated biphenyls and perfluorinated chemicals, with elevated liver enzymes. Only one of these studies, using a sample of gastric bypass surgery patients, examined sex-specific associations of POPs and liver enzymes, finding adverse associations among women only. The noticeable lack of studies investigating how differences (i.e., biochemical, physiological, and behavioral) between men and women may influence associations of pEDCs and NAFLD represents a large research gap in environmental health. Sexual dimorphism in metabolic processes throughout the body, including the liver, is established but often overlooked in the designs and analyses of studies. Other factors identified in this review that may also act to modulate associations of environmental chemicals and NAFLD are reproductive status and dietary nutrient intakes, which also remain understudied in the literature. Despite knowledge of sexual dimorphism in the actions of pEDCs, as well as in metabolic processes related to NAFLD development, few experimental or epidemiological studies have investigated sex-dependent associations. Future studies, especially those in humans, should be designed to address this research need. Consideration of other factors, such as reproductive status, dietary intakes, and mixtures of chemicals with varying endocrine-disrupting capabilities, should be explored.
Antioxidants in the Treatment of Cancer

Several clinical trials have produced conflicting results regarding the benefit of antioxidants in cancer therapy thus questioning the incorporation of these substances in standard treatment regimens. Vitamins E and C, selenium, carotenoids, lycopene, soy products, and green tea extract are a few substances with antioxidant properties that have been studied in detail. This article reviews the results generated over the last 20 years through in vitro and in vivo studies in various types of cancers and stages of cancer treatment. Despite the commercial popularity and the multitude of studies examining antioxidant therapy, the true role of antioxidants is yet to be determined, requiring further investigation into its propagative, causal, or protective nature.
In situ detection of stage-specific genes and enhancers in B cell differentiation via gene-search retroviruses.

We demonstrate that infection of an LPS-responsive pre-B cell line with transcription-ally-defective retroviruses containing a reporter gene (lacZ) can result in viral integrations where expression of lacZ is differentiation stage-dependent. Because expression of lacZ is dependent upon flanking cellular sequences these retroviral integrations represent in situ gene fusions with cellular enhancers (Enhsrl) and genes (Gensrl) which are either induced or repressed during LPS-stimulated differentiation. One of the well-documented effects of LPS upon pre-B cells is the induction of κ light chain transcription via NF-κB. The identification of LPS-stimulated gene repression during B cell differentiation indicates that LPS has multiple effects upon gene expression during the pre-B to B cell transition. The identification of cellular enhancers and genes which are downregulated during the transition from the pre-B to the B cell stage indicates that other transcription factors, in addition to NF-ACB, are required for this step in differentiation. Finally, we present some initial experiments which indicate the gene-search retroviruses can introduce expression of lacZ into normal hematopoietic cells in vitro and in vivo.
Evo-ROS: integrating evolution and the robot operating system

In this paper, we describe the Evo-ROS framework, which is intended to help bridge the gap between the evolutionary and traditional robotics communities. Evo-ROS combines an evolutionary algorithm with individual physics-based evaluations conducted using the Robot Operating System (ROS) and the Gazebo simulation environment. Our goals in developing Evo-ROS are to (1) provide researchers in evolutionary robotics with access to the extensive support for real-world components and capabilities developed by the ROS community and (2) enable ROS developers, and more broadly robotics researchers, to take advantage of evolutionary search during design and testing. We describe the details of the Evo-ROS structure and operation, followed by presentation of a case study using Evo-ROS to optimize placement of sonar sensors on unmanned ground vehicles that can experience reduced sensing capability due to component failures and physical damage. The case study provides insights into the current capabilities and identifies areas for future enhancements.
Conformational Effects in Heterogeneous Catalysis

Abstract The importance of conformation of a molecule for its interaction with solid catalysts is discussed. The contributions of conformational enthalpy and entropy are examined. For molecules having a large number of conformations the entropy term can dominate the reaction. Cracking of paraffins on small and medium-pore zeolites is entropy-controlled; a simple molecular sieve effect (shape selectivity) cannot explain the higher reactivity of normal isomers.
Effects of Very Low (12/13mg) and Low Dose (24/26mg) Sacubitril/Valsartan on N-Terminal Pro-B-Type Natriuretic Peptide

Introduction Sacubitril/valsartan (S/V) has been shown to decrease N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-pro BNP) levels. Reduction of NT-proBNP is associated with lower morbidity and mortality rates. However, there is very little data with the effects of low dose S/V on NT-proBNP. Methodology This was a retrospective study conducted between October 2015 and January 2018 of patients who received either low dose or very low dose S/V. Patients were divided into 3 groups based on S/V dosing. Group 1 patients received very low dose, group 2 patients received very low dose titrated to low dose, and group 3 patients received low dose. The primary endpoint was the change in NT-proBNP levels between baseline and the most recent obtained value. Results A total of 293 patients were reviewed and 45 patients met inclusion criteria. Across all S/V dosing groups, there was a statistically significant reduction in NT-proBNP levels. The average days of therapy between NT-proBNP values were 108, 149, and 196 in group 1, 2, and 3, respectively. 71% of patients were on loop diuretics prior to S/V with an average furosemide equivalent dose of 73mg which decreased by 27% to 53mg after receiving S/V. Conclusion Low doses of S/V, including half of the lowest dose clinically available, appears to have substantial benefit in terms of NT-proBNP which can be seen within 3 to 6 months. Despite a reduction in loop diuretic dose, there was still a significant reduction in NT-proBNP which may be attributed to the natriuretic effect of S/V. Although reductions in NT-proBNP levels are associated with improvements in survival, these data cannot be used to infer that a similar reduction in mortality would be expected. However, they do suggest that very low doses of S/V appear to have a biochemical effect and perhaps should be studied in future trials since not all patients can be titrated to the maximum dose of S/V. While patients should be titrated to guideline recommended doses, low doses seem to be beneficial in terms of reducing NT-proBNP levels.
Chimeric Mouse Generation by ES Cell Blastocyst Microinjection and Uterine Transfer

The ability to generate chimeric mice through microinjecting embryonic stem (ES) cells into blastocysts is a critical step for the conventional ES cell-mediated knockout technology. In recent years, designer nuclease-based methods, especially the CRISPR technology, have substantially decreased the needs for blastocyst microinjection. However, this method has still remained as a valuable technique for generating sophisticated genetic models as well as for stem cell research. In this chapter, we describe the detailed procedures used in our laboratory on how to use ES cells to produce chimeric mice, including derivation and inactivation of MEF feeder cells, culturing and handling of mouse ES cells, collection and microinjection of blastocysts, and finally implantation of injected blastocysts into the uteri of pseudopregnant surrogate mothers.
Effects of the Timing of Acute Exercise and Movement Complexity on Young Adults' Psychomotor Learning.

The role of acute bouts of exercise on young adults’ psychomotor learning was assessed in two experiments. In Experiment 1, 10 min of exercise performed immediately following pursuit-rotor training...
When Do Imposed Economic Sanctions Work? A Critical Review of the Sanctions Effectiveness Literature

ABSTRACTThere is growing policy consensus in Washington and other Western capitals that economic sanctions are powerful tools to cope with major foreign policy crises. Are sanctions, particularly t...
Shedding Light: Integrating Bioimaging Technologies into the Design of an Interactive Museum Exhibit

In the past decades the field of bioimaging has experienced an explosion of technologies that have revolutionized the study of the microscopic world. Through iterative prototyping and evaluation with museum visitors, we shed light on how these technologies, specifically image recognition techniques, can be incorporated into an interactive museum exhibit to help the visiting public gain insights and make sense of dynamic, live specimens as they use a research-grade microscope. Our work indicates that the technology needs to be carefully positioned as an aid to observation rather than an infallible source of expertise in order to support and sustain visitors' explorations. This paper contributes to our understanding of design considerations in integrating emerging imaging technologies and techniques into museum exhibits to enrich visitors' interactive learning experiences.
Improving Dental Health for Homeless Children

Program Goals: Dental caries is the most common chronic disease of childhood with a multidimensional impact on quality of life. Despite improvements in insurance access, disparities in pediatric dental caries persist by race, income, and parental education. There is evidence that education and motivational interviewing with parents, fluoride varnish, and establishing a dental home can reduce the risk for dental caries. In the past decade, these interventions have been established as part of the routine pediatric well-child visit. Due to an American Academy of Pediatrics Community Access to Child Health …
5.516 – Biomaterials in Cartilage Tissue Engineering

Articular cartilage repair remains a challenging clinical issue because of the poor intrinsic ability of this tissue for repair. The inefficiency of current repair strategies has prompted research into tissue engineering approaches combining cells, scaffold materials, and growth factors. The objective of this chapter is to discuss the emerging trends in cartilage tissue engineering with an emphasis on research moving forward toward clinical applications.
Maxwell’s Demons in Channelled Metabolism: Paradoxes and their Resolution

The second law of thermodynamics demands, among other things, that in an isolated system heat does not flow from a compartment at low to a compartment at high temperature. Maxwell (1871) pointed out that a “being” that could deal with individual molecules, when positioned at a trap door between two compartments at different temperatures, might open the door whenever a molecule with much higher than average kinetic energy would approach from the cold compartment, and whenever a kinetically “cold” molecule would approach from the “hot” compartment (see also Brush, 1976). Consequently, such a “Maxwell’s demon” would cause heat to flow from the cold to the hot compartment and violate the second law. For quite some time, the validity of the second law of thermodynamics seemed to depend on the absence of Maxwellian demons from the systems under consideration. Also, it was deemed plausible that the special property long sought for living systems, was nothing but the presence of Maxwellian demons within than. Whilst Maxwell already argued that beings, other than supernatural, would lack the knowledge about the positions and velocities of the molecules, Szilard (1929), Demers (1945) and Brillouin (1956) have since resolved this paradox: the demon would require a continuous influx of information, which should be counted as a kind of work-input and would violate the required isolation of the system. In fact, the collection of this information would always cost more than could be obtained by having the displaced heat drive an engine. Thus, the second law of thermodynamics does apply to all physical chemical systems, living and inanimate alike. Whenever an apparent (or, even, potentially real) violation of the second law of thermodynamics arises, one may indicate this by invoking a Maxwellian demon.
Design and Implementation of a Lab Level Active Distribution AC Multi-Agent Testbed

With the increasingly connection of distributed energy resources and IoT, distribution systems are becoming more heterogeneous and complex with bidirectional power flow. This requires autonomous control and management systems for the power distribution that can enable bidirectional power flow and communications of real-time data for both endusers and distribution system operators. This paper focuses on the development of a hardware test bed that includes a distribution network in conjunction with real-time communications, control and data exchange. This AC microgrid test bed has been built with lab-level voltages, and a multiagent control system using the VOLTTRON platform to study real-time control to manage demand and for energy price optimization. Some operational scenarios are presented in the paper to illustrate how this system work.
An efficient proper orthogonal decomposition based reduced-order model for compressible flows

Abstract This paper presents a novel, more efficient proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) based reduced-order model (ROM) for compressible flows. In this POD model the governing equations, i.e., the conservation of mass, momentum, and energy equations were written using specific volume instead of density. This substitution allowed for the pre-computation of the coefficients of the system of ODEs that make up the reduced-order model. Several methods were employed to enhance the stability of the ODE solver: the penalty method to enforce boundary conditions, artificial dissipation, and a method that modifies the number of modes used in the POD approximation. This new POD-based reduced-order model was validated for two cases: a two-dimensional channel and a three-dimensional axisymmetric nozzle. The speedup obtained by using the POD-based ROM vs. the full-order model exceeded four orders of magnitude in all cases tested.