cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Promise of Computerized Feedback Systems for Diabetes Care

Feedback control is an important mechanism for reaching a targeted goal.Biologic examples range from achieving the appropriate blood pressure level to glycemia control. Computer-based feedback cont...
Crystal Structure and Electric Field Gradients of PbZrO3 from Density Functional Calculations

The crystal structure of antiferroelectric PbZrO{sub 3} is reexamined using density functional calculations. These confirm the difference in oxygen positions from early neutron scattering results but are in good agreement with more recent neutron scattering studies. There are small but significant changes in cation positions from previous density functional studies in which they were held fixed. Calculated electric field gradients and pair distribution functions are reported. The results are discussed in relation to the instabilities of the perovskite lattice and the competition between A-site driven ferroelectricity and octahedral rotation.
Baboon (Papio hamadryas) visual preferences for regions of the face.

Preferences for regions of the face were examined in four members of a hamadryas baboon (Papio hamadryas) group. Subjects were presented a series of photographic slides displaying various facial regions and combinations of regions of the dominant male in the group with the use of the method of paired comparison. An apparatus consisting of a two-slide screen/two-push-button arrangement permitted the baboons to control slide selection and viewing duration. Both duration and frequency of slide activation were recorded. Correlations of viewing durations among all subjects were significant (p less than or equal to .05). The eye region alone and in combination with other regions received significantly more attention than did all other regions or combinations. Frequency measures were not significant. The results support findings obtained with rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) and suggest that the eye region may provide a primate with an important source of information, possibly information about intent.
Smoothed particle hydrodynamics pore-scale simulations of unstable immiscible flow in porous media

Abstract We have conducted a series of high-resolution numerical experiments using the Pair-Wise Force Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (PF-SPH) multiphase flow model. First, we derived analytical expressions relating parameters in the PF-SPH model to the surface tension and static contact angle. Next, we used the model to study viscous fingering, capillary fingering, and stable displacement of immiscible fluids in porous media for a wide range of capillary numbers and viscosity ratios. We demonstrated that the steady state saturation profiles and the boundaries of viscous fingering, capillary fingering, and stable displacement regions compare favorably with micromodel laboratory experimental results. For a displacing fluid with low viscosity, we observed that the displacement pattern changes from viscous fingering to stable displacement with increasing injection rate. When a high viscosity fluid is injected, transition behavior from capillary fingering to stable displacement occurred as the flow rate was increased. These observations are also in agreement with the results of the micromodel laboratory experiments.
Examples of K-meson production in 3 Gev π−-collisions

The production of K-mesons by 3 GeV π−-mesons has been studied in an emulsion stack by area scanning for stopped K-mesons and tracing to the originating interactions. Two examples of K-meson production are described which can be analyzed as due to pion-nucleon collisions. In one event a K-meson is produced as the only charged particle. In the other event, a K+-meson and a minimum ionization track are the only secondaries. This event can best be interpreted according to the scheme π− + P → K+ + Σ0 + π− assuming the collision to be with a free proton. Both of the events can be interpreted consistently with the Gell-Mann-Pais scheme.
Monolithic activated carbon sheets from carbonized medium-density fiberboard

Structural monolithic activated carbon sheets were made from carbonized medium-density fiberboard (c-MDF) using a carbon dioxide physical activation process. The activated c-MDF exhibited surface area as high as 1044 m2/g, and appeared to have the potential for even higher surface areas. Large activated c-MDF sheets were cut for evaluating surface area uniformity and mechanical properties (four-point bending). Surface area variation was significant in-plane, but negligible through-thickness. Variations on the activation method demonstrated improvement in in-plane uniformity of surface area. Bending modulus changed little from activation, but peak stress decreased for activations yielding high surface area.
Abstract A63: Tamoxifen effectively suppresses both initiation of intraperitoneal tumors and established ovarian cancer growth in a fluorescent xenograft model

Background: Sixty percent of serous ovarian carcinomas express the estrogen receptor (ER). The antiestrogen (AE) Tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors (AI) are common therapies for chemoprevention and treatment of ER+ breast cancers, but have not been routinely employed in ovarian cancer. We propose that AE and AI will prevent the initial growth of intraperitoneal (IP) ovarian cancer implants and decrease the volume of established IP implants in a previously established fluorescent mouse xenograft model. Methods: PEO4 cells were rendered permanently fluorescent with a ZsGreen protein lentivirus. Ovariectomized athymic nude mice (NCI) received IP injections of 10 7 ER+ PEO4 ovarian cancer cells under an approved animal protocol. Subcutaneous implants of control cellulose (C) , 17 β-estradiol (E), tamoxifen (TAM), anastozole (AN), letrozole (LT) or combinations of drugs [E+TAM, E to TAM, AN +E, AN+TAM] (Sigma) were implanted at the time of IP injections. For experimental arms requiring a second surgery to remove or switch a pellet, disease was allowed to grow for 7 weeks, and then estrogen pellets were removed for estrogen withdrawal (EWD) or removed and substituted with tamoxifen (E to TAM) for an additional 7 weeks. Disease growth was monitored biweekly until 14 weeks by Xenogen IVIS fluorescent imaging, converted to photon flux units, and analyzed using GraphPad software. Uterine weights at necropsy were recorded as an assessment of estrogenic potency. Presence of disease detected by IVIS imaging was confirmed at necropsy. Results: E promoted growth of IP ER+ PEO4 cells significantly (p Conclusions: The mixed agonist/antagonist tamoxifen acts as an antagonist when alone, but an agonist in the presence of estrogen in an IP model of ovarian cancer. Antiestrogens such as tamoxifen may be effective adjuvant therapy after removal of endogenous ovarian estrogen in ovarian cancer. Continuous tamoxifen could be investigated as a maintenance therapy after initial ovarian cancer remission through surgery and chemotherapy. Citation Format: Douglas Hicks, Nicole Manning, Monique A. Spillman. Tamoxifen effectively suppresses both initiation of intraperitoneal tumors and established ovarian cancer growth in a fluorescent xenograft model. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Advances in Ovarian Cancer Research: From Concept to Clinic; Sep 18-21, 2013; Miami, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2013;19(19 Suppl):Abstract nr A63.
Tobacco Use Among Male High School Athletes

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare tobacco use among high school male athletes with their nonathlete counterparts. We hypothesized that there was an inverse correlation between the intensity level of the sport and frequency of tobacco use. Methods: Students were surveyed at seven high schools in northwest Louisiana using a 109-item questionnaire. Of the 1,200 males tested, 83% participated in one or more sports. The mean age was 15.8, and mean grade level was 10th. Sixty-seven percent were white, 27% African-American (AA), and 6% other. Results: Forty-one percent of the adolescent males tested used one or more tobacco products, 31% reported cigarette smoking, 21% chewed tobacco, and 18% used snuff. Eleven percent reported using all three tobacco products. Race was a significant determinant of tobacco use, with whites being more likely to use each of the three tobacco products ( P Medium- and high-intensity athletes were significantly ( P P Conclusions: In our study, high school males' sports participation was a predictor of smokeless tobacco use but not overall smoking behavior. Although the probability of AA high school athletes using smokeless tobacco was low compared to whites, the pattern of use was similar across intensity levels of sports.
Recurrent Pseudomonas aortic root abscess complicating mitral valve endocarditis

We report on a man with Pseudomonas aeruginosa endocarditis causing an aortic root abscess. He underwent surgery with a homograft aortic root replacement and insertion of a tissue aortic valve. The patient then manifested recurrent aortic root infection and respiratory arrest, and eventually succumbed to sepsis. This case highlights the aggressive nature of an uncommon pathogen causing an atypical but lethal form of endocarditis, despite modern medical and surgical treatment.
On the degrees of freedom of the compound MISO broadcast channels with finite states

We consider compound multiple-antenna broadcast channels with M transmit antennas and K single-antenna receivers, where the channel of receiver r takes one of J r complex vectors. We show that for any finite J r , the degrees of freedom (DoF) of MK over M+K−1 is achievable. It is in contrary to the commonly believed conjecture that the DoF collapses to one for large J r 's. We also establish the optimality of this result, where J r ≥ M, r = 1, …, K. The achievable scheme relies on using a number theoretic approach of interference alignment, and ignoring the possibility of cooperation among the transmit antennas. Moreover, we show that if J r 's for some of the users are relatively small, then both transmit cooperation and interference alignment are needed. Unlike the conventional schemes, here the transmit precoders are not full rank.
Low-Voltage Universal Capacitive Threshold Logic gate and its application in m-out-of-n functions

A new compact low-voltage implementation of a truly universal capacitive threshold logic (LVUCTL) gate is introduced. This as opposed to previously reported implementations has true rail-to-rail input swing capabilities and for this reason it can be used to compare rail-to-rail input voltages generated from digital input signals ranging from all zeros to all ones. The design of high fan-in programmable m-out-of-n gates are discussed as application example.
Ligand- and pH-induced conformational changes of RNA domain helix 69 revealed by 2-aminopurine fluorescence.

Helix 69 (H69) of 23S ribosomal RNA serves as a unique model system for studying the impact of modified bases on RNA structure and function, and for screening potential antibiotics. H69 is located at the functionally important core domain of the bacterial ribosome, participates in key intersubunit bridge B2a interactions, and plays important roles in translation.[1] This helix exists in multiple conformational states,[1] and interacts with a number of translation factors[2] at different stages of protein synthesis. Chemical probing analyses revealed that H69 undergoes structural rearrangements upon ribosome association, particularly at positions A1913 and A1918, with the various conformational states being influenced by solution conditions (e.g., [Mg2+], pH, and temperature) as well as pseudouridine (Ψ) modifications.[3] Residue A1913 is proposed to be important for high-fidelity translation[2c,4] and efficient termination.[2b] Moreover, flexibility of the H69 stem region may help accommodate the twisting energy from subunit rotation.[5] Since H69 is a highly dynamic RNA domain, altering or regulating these important conformational states with small molecules could be a promising way to disrupt bacterial ribosome translation. Development of a method for easily monitoring these changes is therefore important for understanding H69 dynamics in solution, as well as discovering H69-targeting ligands.
Phase transformations in a thermotropic liquid crystalline copolyester and its blends with polyether sulfone

Mesophase transitions in a thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer comprising p-hydroxybenzoic acid (PHB) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) in a copolymer ratio of 60/40 were studied by means of optical microscopy, light scattring, and wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD). According to time-resolved light scattering and optical microscopic studies, at about 250°C, a mesophase transition was evident in which Schlieren texture developed with elapsed time. This transition has been identified as a solid crystal-nematic mesophase transition associated with the melting of PHB-rich crystals. It is concluded that the copolymer sequence may not be random. An isotropic, amorphous blend of PHB-PET/polyether sulfone (PES) was prepared by solvent casting from hexafluoro-2-propanol solution. However, this homogeneous blend appears to be kinetically entrapped during solvent removal. Thermally induced phase separation takes place upon heating slightly above the glass transition temperature of PES. Morphology development within phase-separated domains has been qualitatively examined by light scattering and optical microscopy.
Systematic Review and Cost–Benefit Analysis of Radial Artery Access for Coronary Angiography and Intervention

Background—Radial artery access for coronary angiography and interventions has been promoted for reducing hemostasis time and vascular complications compared with femoral access, yet it can take longer to perform and is not always successful, leading to concerns about its cost. We report a cost–benefit analysis of radial catheterization based on results from a systematic review of published randomized controlled trials. Methods and Results—The systematic review added 5 additional randomized controlled trials to a prior review, for a total of 14 studies. Meta-analyses, following Cochrane procedures, suggested that radial catheterization significantly increased catheterization failure (OR, 4.92; 95% CI, 2.69–8.98), but reduced major complications (OR, 0.32; 95% CI, 0.24–0.42), major bleeding (OR, 0.39; 95% CI, 0.27–0.57), and hematoma (OR, 0.36; 95% CI, 0.27–0.48) compared with femoral catheterization. It added approximately 1.4 minutes to procedure time (95% CI, −0.22 to 2.97) and reduced hemostasis time b...
Pregnancy Weight Gain and Childhood Body Weight: A Within-Family Comparison

Background: Excessive pregnancy weight gain is associated with obesity in the offspring, but this relationship may be confounded by genetic and other shared influences. We aimed to examine the association of pregnancy weight gain with body mass index (BMI) in the offspring, using a within-family design to minimize confounding. Methods and Findings: In this population-based cohort study, we matched records of all live births in Arkansas with statemandated data on childhood BMI collected in public schools (from August 18, 2003 to June 2, 2011). The cohort included 42,133 women who had more than one singleton pregnancy and their 91,045 offspring. We examined how differences in weight gain that occurred during two or more pregnancies for each woman predicted her children’s BMI and odds ratio (OR) of being overweight or obese (BMI$85th percentile) at a mean age of 11.9 years, using a within-family design. For every additional kg of pregnancy weight gain, childhood BMI increased by 0.0220 (95% CI 0.0134–0.0306, p,0.0001) and the OR of overweight/obesity increased by 1.007 (CI 1.003–1.012, p=0.0008). Variations in pregnancy weight gain accounted for a 0.43 kg/m 2 difference in childhood BMI. After adjustment for birth weight, the association of pregnancy weight gain with childhood BMI was attenuated but remained statistically significant (0.0143 kg/m 2 per kg of pregnancy weight gain, CI 0.0057–0.0229, p=0.0007). Conclusions: High pregnancy weight gain is associated with increased body weight of the offspring in childhood, and this effect is only partially mediated through higher birth weight. Translation of these findings to public health obesity prevention requires additional study. Please see later in the article for the Editors’ Summary.
Systematic Assessment of Molecular Selectivity at the Level of Targets, Bioactive Compounds, and Structural Analogues

Through systematic mining of compound activity data, the target selectivity of bioactive compounds was systematically explored. The analysis was facilitated by applying, extending, and combining the concepts of target cliffs, selectivity cliffs, and matched molecular pairs. Selectivity relationships were explored at different levels including targets, individual bioactive compounds, and pairs of structural analogues. A variety of targets were identified for which active compounds were consistently nonselective or, by contrast, exclusively selective, making it possible to prioritize, or de-prioritize, targets for compound development. Furthermore, many chemical modifications were detected that altered compound selectivity in a well-defined manner including small structural changes that converted nonselective into target-selective compounds or inverted the target selectivity of active compounds. A large knowledge base of selectivity relationships across pharmaceutical targets and chemical modifications that alter selectivity was generated; this has been made freely available to the scientific community as a part of this investigation.
Integrated analysis of experimental data sets reveals many novel promoters in 1% of the human genome

The regulation of transcriptional initiation in the human genome is a critical component of global gene regulation, but a complete catalog of human promoters currently does not exist. In order to identify regulatory regions, we developed four computational methods to integrate 129 sets of ENCODE-wide chromatin immunoprecipitation data. They collectively predicted 1393 regions. Roughly 47% of the regions were unique to one method, as each method makes different assumptions about the data. Overall, predicted regions tend to localize to highly conserved, DNase I hypersensitive, and actively transcribed regions in the genome. Interestingly, a significant portion of the regions overlaps with annotated 3-UTRs, suggesting that some of them might regulate anti-sense transcription. The majority of the predicted regions are >2 kb away from the 5-ends of previously annotated human cDNAs and hence are novel. These novel regions may regulate unannotated transcripts or may represent new alternative transcription start sites of known genes. We tested 163 such regions for promoter activity in four cell lines using transient transfection assays, and 25% of them showed transcriptional activity above background in at least one cell line. We also performed 5-RACE experiments on 62 novel regions, and 76% of the regions were associated with the 5-ends of at least two RACE products. Our results suggest that there are at least 35% more functional promoters in the human genome than currently annotated.
Commentary: Important Advances in Understanding the Relationship Between Acculturation and Risk for Obesity

Understanding risk factors related to acculturation and the risk of developing obesity is important, given the increasing number of immigrants in the United States. A summary of key findings from the ‘‘Generation of Immigration and Body Mass Index (BMI) in Canadian Youth’’ article in this issue are presented, and the implications for future research and health promotion efforts are discussed in this commentary. An emphasis is placed on the importance of understanding cultural issues and linking social factors to better understand the barriers and facilitators of obesity risk in immigrants. Recommendations for developing culturally tailored weight-control programs matched to the ethnicity of immigrant populations are provided. The study investigating the role of acculturation, as measured by generational status, on BMI in Canadian youth reported that first-generation immigration was significantly related to higher BMI z-scores in adolescents as compared to second and third generations. Specifically, first-generation immigrants had more weight gain compared to other generation groups in adolescence. These findings expand on a growing literature demonstrating that generational timing of immigration may be a risk factor for obesity, and that maintaining traditional cultural orientation is associated with lower rates of obesity (Renzaho, Swinburn, & Burns, 2008). Although the relationship between first-generation immigration and higher prevalence of overweight has shown mixed results in some previous studies, findings in the article in this issue showed that race and ethnicity were also important factors to consider in understanding these complex relationships. Specifically, analyses stratified by race showed that this relationship tended to be stronger in Black, South Asian, and other first-generation immigrant groups. These findings suggest that first-generation youth may be at greater risk for developing unhealthy lifestyle patterns, such as poor dietary and physical activity habits. However, further research should explore how acculturation and race may be related to barriers for engaging in healthy lifestyle habits. For example, a recent qualitative study by Shelton and colleagues (2011) showed that both African American and Latina women reported having many stressors, including economic hardships, demanding caretaking relationships, inflexible work policies, and mistrust of health care providers. Those who were immigrants also reported that they experienced social isolation and were experiencing high levels of stress in general. Thus, health promotion efforts should take into account the additional stressors experienced by ethnic minority women and their families, and how immigration challenges may further impact these
Phase Transitions of Soy Globulins and the Development of State Diagrams

Soy is an important agricultural material which is used in a wide variety of food products. 7S and 11S globulins are the main storage soy proteins and have been reported to be key components in determining functional properties of soy products (1–6) and to be distinctly different in their functional properties. 11S protein was reported to make harder gels, to form larger aggregates, and to expand more on heating than 7S (7). Ning and Villota (8) found that 11S protein favored expansion and water holding capacity of extruded products.
Retrospective forecasting — evaluating performance of stock projections for New England groundfish stocks

Projections are used to explore scenarios for catch advice and rebuilding and are an important tool for sustainably managing fisheries. We tested each projection specification for 12 groundfish sto...
Using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles to Conduct Site Inspections of Erosion and Sediment Control Practices and Track Project Progression

Construction activities increase the erosion potential of a site through earth-disturbing processes of vegetative grubbing, topsoil stripping, and grading. Receiving waters become susceptible and vulnerable to the process of sedimentation, which degrades the overall water quality. Federal, state, and local regulations require the use of erosion and sediment controls to help manage stormwater discharge from construction sites. Regulations further require regular inspections, monitoring, and maintenance of employed erosion and sediment control practices. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are an emerging remote sensing tool capable of acquiring high resolution spatial and sensing data. Remote sensing with UAVs has the potential to provide high-quality aerial imagery and data that can assist in site inspections of erosion and sediment control practices and monitoring project progression. UAVs are economical and flexible in acquiring aerial data and can be preprogrammed with flight paths to capture data over con...
Characterization of the Bacterioferritin/Bacterioferritin Associated Ferredoxin Protein-Protein Interaction in Solution and Determination of Binding Energy Hot Spots.

Mobilization of iron stored in the interior cavity of BfrB requires electron transfer from the [2Fe–2S] cluster in Bfd to the core iron in BfrB. A crystal structure of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa BfrB:Bfd complex revealed that BfrB can bind up to 12 Bfd molecules at 12 structurally identical binding sites, placing the [2Fe–2S] cluster of each Bfd immediately above a heme group in BfrB [Yao, H., et al. (2012) J. Am. Chem. Soc., 134, 13470–13481]. We report here a study aimed at characterizing the strength of the P. aeruginosa BfrB:Bfd association using surface plasmon resonance and isothermal titration calorimetry as well as determining the binding energy hot spots at the protein–protein interaction interface. The results show that the 12 Bfd-binding sites on BfrB are equivalent and independent and that the protein–protein association at each of these sites is driven entropically and is characterized by a dissociation constant (Kd) of approximately 3 μM. Determination of the binding energy hot spots was car...
Degradation of topoisomerase cleavable complexes

DNA topoisomerases are important enzymes involved in maintaining proper DNA topology during various DNA metabolic processes such as DNA replication, RNA transcription, chromosomal condensation/ decondensation and chromosome segregation (Castano et al., 1996; Champoux and Dulbecco, 1972; Liu, 1989; Wang, 1985; Wang, 1996; Zhang et al., 2000). So far, six human DNA topoisomerases, hTOPl, hTOP2a, hTOP2β, hTOP3a, hTOP3β and mitochondrial hTOPl, have been identified (Liu, 1989; Chen and Liu, 1994; Hsiang and Liu, 1988; Zhang et al, 2001; Li and Liu, 2001; Mao et al., 1999; Nitiss and Wang, 1996). Three of them, hTOPl, hTOP2a and hTOP2β, have been demonstrated to be important molecular targets for anticancer drugs (Liu, 1989; Wang, 1985; Wang, 1996; Chen and Liu, 1994; Hsiang and Liu, 1988; Zhang et al, 2001; Li and Liu, 2001; Mao et al., 1999; Nitiss and Wang, 1996; Kingma and Oscheroff, 1998).
Just Scholarship! Publishing Academic Research with a Social Justice Focus

AbstractThis article provides support to academics who are committed to engaging in scholarly activities in ways that promote an explicit social justice focus. Moreover, this article provides a broad overview of how to pursue social justice purposes in the field of education throughout the process of scholarly production and dissemination.
Alcoholic heart disease. The hemodynamic effects of digitalis on exercise.

Thirteen chronic alcoholic male patients with normal cardiovascular findings and minimal or no liver disease underwent right and left heart catheterizations. Cardiac pressures and cardiac outputs were obtained at rest and during exercise. An abnormal alteration in pressure or flow was demonstrated in 12 of the 13 subjects. Thirty minutes after the administration of 0.3mg. of ouabain a repeat exercise was performed. The abnormal rise in cardiac pressures observed in the pre-ouabain exercise state was now prevented. The cardiac index and stroke index fell in 6 patients while it rose in the other 7 patients. This varying response of the cardiac output is seen in normal subjects.Digitalis, with its positive inotropic action on the left ventricle, can prevent the rise in the cardiac pressures. This may have clinical application in preventing congestive heart failure in the alcoholic patient undergoing surgery or any type of severe stress.
Tricorynus confusus (Coleoptera: Anobiidae) in Tobacco Warehouses, with Notes on Natural Hosts

Collections of Tricorynus confusus (Fall) in tobacco warehouses indicate potential economic significance of this insect to the tobacco industry. T. confusus was first recorded from a tobacco warehouse (as Catorama confusum ) in 1962 (Anonymous 1962, p. 12). This note provides additional data on this species.
Alkaloids from Alangium javanicum and Alangium grisolleoides that mediate Cu2+-dependent DNA strand scission.

Crude CH2Cl2−MeOH extracts prepared from Alangium javanicum and A. grisolleoides were found to induce DNA strand breakage in the presence of Cu2+ and were subjected to bioassay-guided fractionation to permit identification of the active principle(s). Javaniside (1), a novel alkaloid possessing an unusual monoterpenoid oxindole skeleton, was identified as an active principle contributing to the DNA cleavage activity observed for the crude extract of A. javanicum. Alangiside (2), a tetrahydroisoquinoline monoterpene glucoside widely distributed in the genus Alangium, was also isolated from A. grisolleoides as a new type of Cu2+-dependent DNA cleavage agent. The relative configuration of the asymmetric centers in javaniside was established by analysis of 1H−1H coupling constants and NOESY correlations. Semisynthesis of javaniside from secologanin (3) established the absolute stereochemistry of javaniside.
Epidemiology of cardiovascular disease: recent novel outlooks on risk factors and clinical approaches

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Cardiovascular (CVD) risk assessment with traditional risk factors (age, sex, blood pressure, lipids, smoking and diabetes) has remained relatively invariant over the past decades despite some inaccuracies associated with this approach. However, the search for novel, robust and cost-effective risk markers of CVD risk is ongoing.Areas covered: A large share of the major developments in CVD risk prediction during the past five years has been made in large-scale biomarker discovery and the so called ‘omics’ – the rapidly growing fields of genomics, transcriptomics, epigenetics and metabolomics. This review focuses on how these new technologies are helping drive primary CVD risk estimation forward in recent years, and speculates on how they could be utilized more effectively for discovering novel risk factors in the future.Expert commentary: The search for new CVD risk factors is currently undergoing a significant revolution as the simple relationship between single risk factors and dise...
MURAMIDASE ACTIVITY OF KIDNEY AND SPLEEN IN SWISS MICE CHALLENGED WITH B.C.G., ZYMOSAN AND BACTERIAL ENDOTOXINS.

SummaryElevation of muramidase activity occurs in the spleens and kidneys of normal mice treated with RES stimulators such as BCG infection, zymosan and bacterial endotoxins. This confirms that the increase in muramidase level in kidneys and spleens of tumor-bearing animals is not directly associated with tumor growth but is the result of stimulation of the RES.
THz Spectroscopic Study of Iron Oxide Layers within Steel-Reinforced Structural Components

In this study, we use THz spectroscopy in the energy range between 45 GHz to 3000 GHz (1.5 cm -1 and 100 cm -1 ) as a non-destructive diagnostic tool to characterize the corrosion by-products (rust) on aged steel structural components that are usually embedded in concrete. The THz radiation has been shown to penetrate concrete with extinction coefficients between (1.0 to 2.3) x 10 -2 GHz -1 cm -1 , depending on the composition and the moisture content of the concrete. The previously reported antiferromagnetic resonance (AFR) near 140 GHz in iron oxide composites was found to be less than our current detection sensitivity (fractional absorbance sensitivity of >10%). However, a strong transition centered near 725 GHz (24 cm -1 ) has been observed for the first time. This feature has appeared in reflection from several different samples of mildly corroded steel plates and has been tentatively attributed to a broad phonon density of states commonly referred to as the “Boson peak” found in disordered materials. By taking advantage of this strong transition and a powerful excitation sources in the AFR region, we expect THz spectroscopy and imaging to be an effective diagnostic tool with broad applications in corrosion diagnostics and inspection.
ELAVL2-regulated transcriptional and splicing networks in human neurons link neurodevelopment and autism

The role of post-transcriptional gene regulation in human brain development and neurodevelopmental disorders remains mostly uncharacterized. ELAV-like RNA-binding proteins (RNAbps) are a family of proteins that regulate several aspects of neuronal function including neuronal excitability and synaptic transmission, both critical to the normal function of the brain in cognition and behavior. Here, we identify the downstream neuronal transcriptional and splicing networks of ELAVL2, an RNAbp with previously unknown function in the brain. Expression of ELAVL2 was reduced in human neurons and RNA-sequencing was utilized to identify networks of differentially expressed and alternatively spliced genes resulting from haploinsufficient levels of ELAVL2. These networks contain a number of autism-relevant genes as well as previously identified targets of other important RNAbps implicated in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) including RBFOX1 and FMRP. ELAVL2-regulated co-expression networks are also enriched for neurodevelopmental and synaptic genes, and include genes with human-specific patterns of expression in the frontal pole. Together, these data suggest that ELAVL2 regulation of transcript expression is critical for neuronal function and clinically relevant to ASD.
The Conformation of Aβ-Peptide Aggregates on 2D Surfaces is Different than in Solution: A Molecular Dynamics Study

Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is an important and increasingly prevalent neurodegenerative disease. Aggregation of Aβ-peptides is important in etiology of AD. It has been shown experimentally that Aβ-peptides self assemble to form fibrils on 2D surfaces at much faster rates than they form fibrils in the 3D environment of solutions. However, the molecular mechanism of the fibril formation and the conformation of the fibril on 2D surfaces remain unknown. We have run long molecular dynamics simulations of Aβ (1-40) monomers on Alkanethiol self-assembled monolayers (SAM) with different functional head groups and also in bulk water solution. We began with Aβ-peptides pre-adsorbed on SAMs (∼ 5A from the surface). SAM-CH3 and -COOH restricted Aβ-peptide motion, leading to inter-monomer β-strand formation within orders of 100s of nanoseconds. The same effect was not observed in bulk solution. Unlike the SAM-CH3 and -COOH surfaces, Aβ-monomer adsorption on the SAM-OH surface was weak, causing monomers to leave the surface and move into solution. These results indicate the importance of the combination of hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions for mediating Aβ self-assembly on the SAM. A simulation in which Aβ-peptides were initiated 15A above the SAM-CH3 surface further supported our result. Aβ-peptides initially showed low β-content, but once they were adsorbed (∼ 170 ns) the β-content increased to values similar to our simulations of pre-adsorbed monomers. The β-sheet formation was both inter- and intra-peptide though mostly parallel to the surface in contrast to the NMR data in bulk solution where the Aβ-monomers stacked on top of each other. The residues involved in β-sheet formation were somewhat different from those observed in the NMR data. These observations suggested that Aβ-peptides could possibly blanket the cell surface disrupting cell communication with the outside.
Thermal Death of Third Instars of the Caribbean Fruit Fly (Diptera: Tephritidae) Treated in Different Substrates

Eight substrates (air, water, artificial diet, and fruit pulp blends of guava, grapefruit, orange, mango, and orange) were examined for their impact on survival of third-instar Caribbean fruit fly,...
Subwavelength angle sensing photodetector

By mimicking internally coupled ears directional hearing capability of small animals, we demonstrate subwavelength angle sensing using coupled optical resonators in extremely small distance.
Making Augmented Reality a Reality

Augmented Reality has attracted interest for its potential as a platform for new compelling usages. This paper provides an overview of technical challenges in imaging and optics encountered in near-eye optical see-through AR display systems.
Vitamin D Modulation of TRAIL Expression in Human Milk and Mammary Epithelial Cells

The vitamin D levels in mothers affect the health status of both the mother and breastfeeding infant. Vitamin D deficient mothers’ infants are prone to rickets. While tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis inducing ligand (TRAIL) has been implicated in cellular growth/apoptosis, immune cell function and bone-resorbing osteoclast formation, the expression of TRAIL in human milk as a function of vitamin D status in mothers remains unknown. We hypothesized that vitamin D deficiency alters TRAIL protein levels in human breast milk and mammary epithelial cells. Milk from vitamin D deficient mothers showed high levels of TRAIL (α and β) proteins compared to milk from vitamin D replete women. Western blot analysis of total cell lysate obtained from normal human mammary epithelial (HME-1) cells treated with variable doses (0–20 nM) of vitamin D for 24 h demonstrated that low levels (0.5 to 5 nM) significantly increased the TRAIL α but no change in β expression. In contrast, vitamin D at 20 nM concentration suppressed the expression of both TRAIL α and β proteins. Consistently, vitamin D regulated TRAIL mRNA expression in HME-1 cells. Our results indicate that vitamin D status in mothers modulates TRAIL expression in breast milk, which may have implications for both mother and infant health.
Predicting Permeability in the Target Reservoirs on the Rock Springs Uplift, Southwest Wyoming

Estimates of permeability in carbonate rocks from porosity alone are highly uncertain but can be improved when pore geometry information is incorporated. We developed a permeability model for a 400-ft-thick carbonate reservoir on the Rock Springs Uplift, Wyoming, with the objective of increasing the accuracy of flow simulation during CO2 sequestration. Core data was used to identify hydraulic flow units within the reservoir and to further distinguish them through lithofacies analysis of thin sections. We used both the Flow Zone Indicator (FZI) and Winland’s R 35 method to identify the flow units. FZI and pore throat radius values were obtained from the log-of-permeability-versus-porosity crossplot of the core sample measurements. For the rock types composing the Madison Limestone on the Rock Springs Uplift, both the FZI and R35 methods proved to be effective techniques for rock-type classification. We found that acoustically derived porosity estimates within the Madison Limestone stratigraphic interval correlate well with those derived from the FZI. Sonic velocity in carbonates is a function not only of total porosity but also of the predominant pore type that determines the permeability of the rock. Hence our permeability estimation used both the density porosity and calibrated sonic porosity from conventional wireline logs. In the Madison Limestone, vug development within dolomitized sparitic carbonates has resulted in layered structures of super-permeable zones sandwiched between non-vuggy, less permeable micritic dolostones. Among the various vuggy zones of the Madison stratigraphic interval, permeability was found to vary by two to three orders of magnitude.
Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy precipitated by opiate withdrawal

Abstract Introduction Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy is a transient non-ischemic cardiomyopathy usually characterized by apical ballooning of the left ventricle, with electrocardiographic changes and enzyme release, without evidence of obstructive coronary artery disease. Typically seen in stress induced situations, in post-menopausal females, this condition may have a predilection for patients with dependency disorders. Case The following is a case in which Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy was induced by withdrawal from opiate medications. Followed by resolution of symptoms after restarting maintenance opioid therapy. Discussion We feel health care professionals should be aware of this possibility in such a patient population especially when they have demonstrated cardiovascular symptomatology. Given the prevalence of opiate use both recreational and iatrogenic, the index of suspicion for opiate-withdrawal induced cardiomyopathy should be high in the presence of cardiac symptomatology.
Cytosolic Uptake of Large Monofunctionalized Dextrans

Dextrans are a versatile class of polysaccharides with applications that span medicine, cell biology, food science, and consumer goods. Here, we report on a new type of large monofunctionalized dextran that exhibits unusual properties: efficient cytosolic and nuclear uptake. This dextran permeates various human cell types without the use of transfection agents, electroporation, or membrane perturbation. Cellular uptake occurs primarily through active transport via receptor-mediated processes. These monofunctionalized dextrans could serve as intracellular delivery platforms for drugs or other cargos.
Multiscale systems pharmacological analysis of everolimus action in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Dysregulation of mTOR pathway is common in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). A translational quantitative systems pharmacology (QSP), pharmacokinetic (PK), and pharmacodynamic (PD) model dissecting the circuitry of this pathway was developed to predict HCC patients’ response to everolimus, an mTOR inhibitor. The time course of key signaling proteins in the mTOR pathway, HCC cells viability, tumor volume (TV) and everolimus plasma and tumor concentrations in xenograft mice, clinical PK of everolimus and progression free survival (PFS) in placebo and everolimus-treated patients were extracted from literature. A comprehensive and multiscale QSP/PK/PD model was developed, qualified, and translated to clinical settings. Model fittings and simulations were performed using Monolix software. The S6-kinase protein was identified as critical in the mTOR signaling pathway for describing everolimus lack of efficacy in HCC patients. The net growth rate constant (kg) of HCC cells was estimated at 0.02 h−1 (2.88%RSE). The partition coefficient of everolimus into the tumor (kp) was determined at 0.06 (12.98%RSE). The kg in patients was calculated from the doubling time of TV in naturally progressing HCC patients, and was determined at 0.004 day−1. Model-predicted and observed PFS were in good agreement for placebo and everolimus-treated patients. In conclusion, a multiscale QSP/PK/PD model elucidating everolimus lack of efficacy in HCC patients was successfully developed and predicted PFS reasonably well compared to observed clinical findings. This model may provide insights into clinical response to everolimus-based therapy and serve as a valuable tool for the clinical translation of efficacy for novel mTOR inhibitors.
Interviews of living kidney donors to assess donation-related concerns and information-gathering practices

Efforts are underway to improve living kidney donor (LKD) education, but current LKD concerns and information-gathering preferences have not been ascertained to inform evidence-based resource development. As a result, prior studies have found that donors desire information that is not included in current informed consent and/or educational materials. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 50 LKDs who donated at our center to assess (1) concerns about donation that they either had personally before or after donation or heard from family members or friends, (2) information that they had desired before donation, and (3) where they sought information about donation. We used thematic analysis of verbatim interview transcriptions to identify donation-related concerns. We compared the demographic characteristics of participants reporting specific concerns using Fisher’s exact test. We identified 19 unique concerns that participants had or heard about living kidney donation. 20% of participants reported having had no pre-donation concerns; 38% reported no post-donation concerns. The most common concern pre-donation was future kidney failure (22%), post-donation was the recovery process (24%), and from family was endangering their family unit (16%). 44% of participants reported being less concerned than family. 26% of participants wished they had had additional information prior to donating, including practical advice for recovery (10%) and information about specific complications (14%). Caucasian participants were more likely to hear at least one concern from family (76% vs. 33%, p = 0.02). The most commonly consulted educational resources were health care providers (100%) and websites (79% of donors since 2000). 26% of participants had had contact with other donors; an additional 20% desired contact with other LKDs. Potential donors not only have personal donation-related concerns but frequently hear donation-related concerns from family members and friends. Current gaps in donor education include an absence of practical, peer-to-peer advice about donation from other prior donors and materials directed and potential donors’ family members and friends. These findings can inform the development of new educational practices and resources targeted not only at LKDs but at their social networks.
Identifying Psychosocial Problems Among Children and Youth in the Child Welfare System Using the PSC-17: Exploring Convergent and Discriminant Validity with Multiple Informants

Youth who enter foster care are at risk of mental health need, but questions arise as to the validity of their self-reported symptomatology. This study examines the screening validity of the youth-report version of the Pediatric Symptom Checklist-17 (PSC-17) in a child welfare population. Data come from 2389 youth who completed a version of the PSC-17 adapted for youth report, and their biological and foster parents who completed the parent-report version. Youth also completed a shortened version of the Screen for Child Anxiety Related Disorders (SCARED). Convergent and discriminant validity of the PSC-17 was assessed using multi-trait multi-method matrices. The PSC-17's internalizing subscale was strongly correlated, attention subscale was moderately correlated, and externalizing subscale was weakly correlated with the SCARED's anxiety and PTSD subscales. Comparing youth and foster parent scores, the PSC-17 had moderate convergent validity and weak/fair discriminant validity. Comparing youth, foster parent, and biological parent scores, the PSC-17 had moderate convergent validity and weak/fair discriminant validity. The current study provides some support for the validity of the PSC-17 for the population of youth in foster care.