cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Novel dual-V th independent-gate FinFET circuits

This paper describes gate work function and oxide thickness tuning to realize novel circuits using dual-V th independent-gate FinFETs. Dual-V th FinFETs with independent gates enable series and parallel merge transformations in logic gates, realizing compact low power alternatives. Furthermore, they also enable the design of a new class of compact logic gates with higher expressive power and flexibility than conventional forms, e.g., implementing 12 unique Boolean functions using only four transistors. The gates are designed and calibrated using the University of Florida double-gate model into a technology library. Synthesis results for 14 benchmark circuits from the ISCAS and OpenSPARC suites indicate that on average, the enhanced library reduces delay, power, and area by 9%, 21%, and 27%, respectively, over a conventional library designed using FinFETs in 32nm technology.
Dependent variables in broad band continuous time series

In this paper we continue our development of new methods for the analysis of broad band time series by deriving quantities which are able to indicate deterministic dependence of an element in one time series on elements in other time series. These methods are very broadly applicable and are particularly well suited to the study of continuous time series, in which the value of the function may depend on derivatives of the function itself, or on other quantities. We apply our methods to a number of mathematical examples including the Lorentz equation, the H6non-Heiles equations, the forced Brusselator and the Mackey-Glass equation. We show that our methods are very successful at indicating deterministic dependencies in these systems, even if the time series are highly chaotic. Statistical aspects of our procedure are discussed, as are a number of interesting and surprising epistomological implications.
The use of small bone screws in the treatment of metacarpal, metatarsal, and phalangeal fractures.

1. The use of small stainless-steel bone screws for maintenance of reduction of selected oblique and spiral fractures of the hand and foot has, in our experience, been justified by the results obtained. 2. When properly applied, the technique can lead to results superior to those of other methods of treatment. 3. There appear to be few-indications for the use of small plates.
Arterial phase CT for the detection of splenic injuries in blunt trauma: would it improve clinical outcomes?

Abstract Objective To determine if the addition of an arterial phase abdominal computed tomography (CT) improves clinical outcomes in patients with blunt splenic injuries. Methods Retrospective review of patients who underwent CT of the abdomen revealing splenic injuries. Clinical management in these patients was determined. Results Fifty-one of three thousand five hundred twenty-five patients had splenic injuries. Twenty-five patients underwent nonsurgical management, and 3 failed. The theoretical additional arterial phase resulted in a 62% increase in mean effective dose compared to the portal venous phase alone. Conclusions Routine use of arterial phase CT in blunt trauma patients may not be warranted as there is minimal improvement in outcomes.
UColorado_SOM: Extraction of Drug-Drug Interactions from Biomedical Text using Knowledge-rich and Knowledge-poor Features

In this paper, we present our approach to SemEval-2013 Task 9.2. It is a feature rich classification using LIBSVM for Drug-Drug Interactions detection in the BioMedical domain. The features are extracted considering morphosyntactic, lexical and semantic concepts. Tools like openDMAP and TEES are used to extract semantic concepts from the corpus. The best F-score that we got for DrugDrug Interaction (DDI) detection is 50% and 61% and the best F-score for DDI detection and classification is 34% and 48% for test and development data respectively.
Looking Forward to CAFTA: The Political Implications of Economic Integration

How do international trade and other transaction flows impact the evolving regional integration system within East Asia? Since the creation of the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) in 1992, and its expansion to include China by 2010 (CAFTA), East Asian intra-regional trade and investment linkages are liable to be impacted significantly, creating additional integration that might not have occurred otherwise. Increasing intra-regional trade and investment, catalyzed in part by the formation of AFTA and the run-up to CAFTA, have the possibility of shifting the core of global economic growth and stability from the developed West to the developing East.
Combination of verteporfin-PDT and PI3K inhibitors enhances cell growth inhibition and apoptosis in endothelial cells

Vascular targeted photodynamic therapy is a promising cancer treatment modality by ablating tumor vasculature. The effectiveness of this treatment is often compromised by regrowth of endothelial cells, which causes tumor recurrence. In this preliminary report, we showed that activated PI3K signaling was involved in endothelial cell regrowth after PDT with verteporfin and combination between verteporfin-PDT and PI3K pathway inhibitor BEZ235 induced more cell apoptosis and greater inhibition in cell proliferation. These results suggest that rational combination of verteporfin-PDT and PI3K inhibitors result in enhanced treatment outcomes.
America the Eusocial

E.J. Dionne in his book "Our Divided Political Heart" argues that the strength of America lies in its ability to paradoxically create "communitarian individualists ---- and individualistic communitarians." Edward O. Wilson in his book 'The Social Conquest" contends that the most successful groups of insects and animals on Earth over the last 4.54 billion years have been those who have been able to achieve a balance of altruism and selfishness.This essay explores how the American experience may be a fractal of what has been the general experience of life in the history of this planet.
The accessory hyperstriatum of the domestic fowl. An electron microscopic study.

The accessory hyperstriatum of normal domestic fowl (Gallus domesticus) was fixed with aldehydes followed by osmication and studied by electron microscopy. The relationships among neurons, neuroglia, and their processes is reported. Large and smaller neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendroglia are identified and their fine structure described. Most axonal endings contain spheroidal presynaptic vesicles, but a few terminals with flattened vesicles also are seen. Symmetrical and asymmetrical synaptic specializations of axon terminals are observed.
Influence of Temperature on Oviposition and Adult Longevity of Bracon mellitor Reared on Boll Weevils

Adults of the parasite Bracon mellitor Say were held under constant temperatures (15.6, 21.1, 26.7, 32.2 and 37.8°C), day/night temperature extremes (37.8/15.6°C and 32.2/21.1°C) and 2 regimes simulating field temperatures. Daily oviposition and mortality data were collected and used to calculate “capacity for increase” (rc), net reproductive rate (Ro), mean generation time (Tc) and finite rate of natural increase (λ). Values of rc increased with temperatures from 15.6–32.2°C, then rapidly fell to zero as no adults survived to oviposit at 37.8°C. The large increase observed between 15.6 and 21.1°C was evidence for a minimum threshold effect. Generally, rc was not significantly higher at variable temperatures, and a maximum rc value of 0.26 occurred at a constant temperature of 32.2°C and under one of the field simulations. Adult longevity decreased with increasing temperature from a mean of 99.2 days at 15.6°C to a mean of 7 days at 37.8°C. Females lived shorter lives under the variable temperature regimes.
A Two-Antenna Single RF Front-End DOA Estimation System for Wireless Communications Signals

Both adaptive beamforming methods and interference management systems improve the capacity of wireless communications systems, however they may require direction of arrival (DOA) information of signals. On the other hand, most of the DOA estimation systems suffer from computational complexity, high costs, and bulky size which prevents mobility. Antenna array inflexibility of DOA estimation systems also prevents prevalence over the whole wireless spectrum. In this paper, a solution to these problems which benefits from the advantages of switched antenna systems along with the time-variant sequential sampling process is proposed: a two-antenna, single radio-frequency (RF) front-end DOA estimation system which extends the measurements to different locations by shifting the antenna tuple together as a single entity. The system adjusts the antenna spacing for adaptive spectrum coverage. An extension to total measurement time is introduced, however, when compared to DOA estimation systems which have separate RF front-end for each antenna, the system has moderate complexity and size. A measurement setup is developed and performance of the proposed system is provided for extensive set of wireless standards and measurement parameters. Multiple signal classification is selected as DOA method for the proposed system and the DOA estimation performance is compared with the pseudo-Doppler system.
Fenoprofen-induced immune hemolysis. Difficulties in diagnosis and complications in compatibility testing.

A 70-year-old man developed severe immune intravascular hemolysis and renal failure following ingestion of fenoprofen, a nonsteroidal, anti-inflammatory drug. The patient’s red blood cells were sensitized with both IgG and C3d. The serum reacted with normal red blood cells in the presence and absence of the drug. Addition of albumin to the serum inhibited the reactivity with both neat and drug-treated serum. These atypical serologic findings for drug-related immune hemolytic anemia were explained by (1) the measurement of fenoprofen by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) in the neat serum; and (2) solid-phase adsorption studies showing that albumin can bind drug, leading to the disappearance of agglutination when albumin is added. This case demonstrates the utility of drug levels and adsorption techniques to confirm the diagnosis of drug-induced immune hemolytic anemia despite the anomolous serologic results which obscured the diagnosis and management of the patient.
Big-time sports in American Universities

In his book Big-Time Sports in American Universities, Charles T. Clotfelter examines the relationship between the educational mission of the largest universities in the United States and the athlet...
Epidemiological investigations following an outbreak of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome in Greece.

Abstract : Epidemiological investigations were conducted following an outbreak of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) which occurred in the state of Epirus, north-western Greece, in July and August 1983. A total of 8 patients were hospitalized during the outbreak; 3 were severely ill and 1 died. A serosurvey made in May 1984 sampled 184 of the approximately 400 residents of the village of Tsepelovo, where 4 patients resided, and found 12 (6.5%) persons, including convalescent sera from 4 patients, with antihantaviral antibody by immunofluorescent antibody (IFA) tests. Small mammal collections found house rats common in the village, but none exhibited anti-hantaviral antibody. Collections in nearby fields and mountains found Apodemus flavicollis rodents common, and 2 (6%) of 33 captured had high IFA anti-hantavirus antibody. Virus isolation attempts from rodent tissues were unsuccessful. Testing of convalescent patients' sera by IFA and plaque reduction neutralization tests indicated that the etiological agent was neither Puumala virus nor Seoul virus, but appears to be a strain of Hantaan virus or perhaps a new virus. The rodent host of this virus may be A. flavicollis, and the distribution of this species corresponds with previously reported cases of severe HFRS described elsewhere in central Europe.
Discontinuous electrical discharges from charged glass samples

D. C. voltage fields up to 2.5 million volts per inch were applied to glass samples. It was discovered that the resultant discharge current was modulated by an extremely large number of small individual discharges. These small discharges were monitored on an oscilloscope, and their quantity was recorded by an electronic counter.
What Would Make a Free Product an Even Better Deal? Zero Price Effects on End User Choice

Zero priced products and an expanding set of choices in software have emerged as significant new features of software markets. These new features present an opportunity to understand and address the mechanisms that shape consumer choice in the presence of free and paid software products. We jointly investigate the moderating role of zero price effects on three dimensions of choice:(1) product features, (2) consumer characteristics, and (3) context effects. We investigate the three choice dimensions using the anchoring, assimilation and ego involvement mechanisms of social judgment theory (SJT). Using a stated preference approach, we designed and implemented a discrete choice experiment and modeled choice through a mixed multinomial logit model that allowed us to control for differences in user tastes without imposing restrictive assumptions. Our results revealed complementarities between zero price effect and utilitarian product features, yet no such effect was observed for product features that did not act directly on utility. On consumer characteristics dimension, we found that consumers’ price perceptions influenced demand for zero price software. Finally, market context influenced demand significantly - zero price products were more desirable in high price market context. Our study contributes to the IS literature on software product markets by investigating the mechanisms shaping the competition between free products, and by quantifying the role of product features, consumer characteristics, and context effects from a demand side perspective.
Multisensor fusion of FLGPR and thermal and visible-spectrum cameras for standoff detection of buriedobjects

Buried targets pose a serious threat to modern soldiers and civilians alike, thus detecting them from a safe standoff distance is an important step in their remediation. Many successful vehicle-based detection systems have been designed to utilize forward-looking ground penetrating radar (FLGPR) for buried target detection at a distance, however, FLGPR has an inherently low signal-to-clutter-ratio (SCR) so its performance is limited. To address this limitation, suites of sensors have been added to some of these vehicle-based systems. In this work we utilize data from these various sensors to improve the buried target classification accuracy. Specifically, we present features extracted from FLGPR, lidar, and thermal- and visible-spectrum camera data, then fuse the various features using a kernel-based classifier. Our results indicate that fusing these multimodal features yields a higher classification performance than utilizing data from the FLGPR alone. We also analyze each sensor's incremental improvement of classification accuracy by performing numerous experiments with different permutations of the sensors.
A Connection Between Transport Phenomena and Thermodynamics

Although students take courses in transport phenomenaand thermodynamics, they probably do not ask whether these twosubjects are related. Here we give an answer to that question.Specifically we give relationships between the equations of changefor total energy, internal energy, and entropy of transportphenomena and key equations of equilibrium thermodynamics. It isrevealing to see how the irreversible processes of heat conductionand viscous flow in going from one thermodynamic state to anotherare accommodated in the derivation of dUTdSpdV.
Developing a Mass Media Campaign to Promote Mammography Awareness in African American Women in the Nation’s Capital

This study developed and examined the reach and impact of a culturally appropriate mass media campaign pilot, designed to increase awareness about the importance of mammography screening and the available community mammography services for low-income African American women ages 40 and above. We conducted formative research using focus groups to inform campaign development, resulting in five emergent themes—good breast health, holistic views of healthiness, cancer fatalism, fear of mammogram machines, and mammogram affordability. The campaign targeted specific low-income African American communities in the District of Columbia via print ads in Metro stations and on buses, print ads in the Washington Informer, and online ads on a local TV network website. Data were collected before, during, and after campaign implementation to assess reach and impact. Reach was measured by number of impressions (number of people exposed to the campaign), while impact was assessed via online ad click-through rates, website use and referrals, and mammography center calls. The campaign was successful in reaching the target audience, with a total combined reach from all media of 9,479,386 impressions. In addition, the mammography center received significant increases in new website visitors (1482 during the campaign, compared to 24 during the preceding period) as well as 97 calls to the dedicated phone line. Further research involving a more long-term investment in terms of funding and campaign run time, coupled with a more robust evaluation, is needed to assess if culturally appropriate mass media campaigns can generate increased mammography screening rates and decrease breast-cancer-related mortality.
Biomass and buffer management practice effects on soil hydraulic properties compared to grain crops for claypan landscapes

Biomass production systems as well as agroforestry and grass buffers have been found to improve soil hydraulic properties and water quality relative to row crop management for temperate regions. Objectives of this study were to assess the effects of biomass crops, agroforestry buffers, and grass buffers grown on claypan soils relative to a traditional corn (Zea mays L.)–soybean (Glycine max L.) rotation for hydraulic properties which included saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat), soil water retention, bulk density, and pore size distributions. Experiment was conducted in northeastern Missouri, USA. Buffers and biomass crops were established in 1997 and 2012, respectively. Grain crop production watersheds were established in 1991. Agroforestry buffers consisted of grasses and forbs with pin oak (Quercus palustris Muenchh.) trees. Redtop (Agrostis gigantea Roth), brome grass (Bromus spp.), and birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus Corniculatus L.) were planted in grass buffer areas. Biomass crops included switchgrass (Panicum Virgatum L.) and native grasses. Undistributed soil cores (7.6 cm diam. by 7.6 cm long) were taken by 10 cm depth increments with six replications from the surface to the 40 cm depth. Samples were measured and evaluated for bulk density, Ksat, water retention, and pore size distributions. Results illustrated that bulk density values were significantly lower (P 1000 µm effective diam.) and coarse mesopores (60–1000 µm effective diam.) were significantly higher for the biomass treatment than the other treatments for the first depth 0–10 cm. Although the claypan soil horizon dominates hydrology in northeastern Missouri, this study showed that biomass crops as well as agroforestry and grass buffer practices improve soil hydraulic properties relative to row crop management; they also have valuable economic and environmental benefits.
New Techniques Used with Far-Infrared Measurements

Recently, several new techniques have been used with far-infrared measurements. That the use of other physical tools complements measurements made in the mid-infrared region has been well documented in the literature. Examples of the use of diffraction techniques, nuclear magnetic resonance, chromatographic methods, Raman scattering, visible and ultraviolet spectroscopy, mass spectroscopy, electron spin resonance, and others in conjunction with infrared spectroscopy are numerous. No attempt will be made to discuss these. Only the complementation of the newest techniques, such as the slow-neutron scattering (SNS) and high-pressure methods with far-infrared spectroscopy, will be discussed in this chapter.
Physics of DNA Threading through a Nanometer Pore and Applications to Simultaneous Multianalyte Sensing

Polymer transport is central to many biological processes, including protein translocation, bacterial gene transduction and some modes of viral infection. To better understand the mechanisms of macromolecular transport, we are studying the ability of polymers to partition into and thread through single protein ion channels. It was recently shown in our laboratory that individual molecules of single-stranded DNA and RNA can be detected and characterized as they are driven electrophoretically through a single channel formed by Staphylococcus aureus α-hemolysin. We demonstrate that polynucleotides partition more readily into one entrance of this channel than the other and that the rate at which the polymer enters the pore increases exponentially with the magnitude of the applied electrostatic potential. A simple model provides an estimate for both the height of the energy barrier that limits polynucleotide entry into the channel and the number of charges on polyanionic ssDNA that initiate voltage-driven transport through the pore. We show that polynucleotides can be used to probe the geometric properties of an ion channel, and that the interaction between the polynucleotides and a nanopore can be used to estimate the concentration of analytes in solution. A statistical analysis of the current blockades provides information about the structures of both the polymer and the nanopore.
C.3 – Surfactant Action on Skin and Hair: Cleansing and Skin Reactivity Mechanisms

The effectiveness of cleaning soils typically found on human skin and hair is dependent upon the nature of the soils. Oily soils like sebum generally require mixtures of surfactants and cosurfactants and foam boasters to “roll up” and lift the soil from the surface of the skin and hair. Solubilization of the oil and formation of an emulsion also participates in cleaning, especially when fatty acids are present in the cleansing solution. Emulsification involves breaking a large oily droplet into smaller particles, followed by formation of a stable suspension in the aqueous cleansing solution. Two parameters are considered in this chapter in relation to surfactant interactions with stratum corneum: binding to the membrane and membrane swelling. Within these contexts, the impact of surfactant solution properties, the role of pH, and interactions in mixed surfactant systems with stratum corneum are discussed with relevance to skin irritation. The strategies to balance cleaning and mildness to the skin are challenging at best. The trend has been to move to ether sulfates and milder cosurfactants like nonionics and amphoterics in skin cleansing formulations. Manipulation of the monomer composition to potentiate inclusion of the irritating surfactant species within the micelle using additives is a future strategy that needs investigation.
Timekeeping in an Expanding Universe

The time-keeping property of a model ‘electric’ clock in an Einstein-deSitter universe is examined. The dynamics of such a clock is derived from the Einstein-Maxwell field equations using a modified version of the Einstein-Infeld-Hoffmann (EIH) surface integral method for obtaining equations of motion for compact sources of the gravitational and electromagnetic fields. The results show that such a model is only approximately an ‘ideal’ clock and differs from one by terms of the order of (clock period/Hubble time)2
The Nature of Information Technology Managerial Work: The Work Life of Five Chief Information Officers

The information technology manager's role has changed significantly over the past decade. The performance of an organization is increasingly dependent on the performance of the information technology unit and its top executive. Here the author offers a fly on the wall view of the executive level activities of five Chief Information Officers (CIOs), operating in different industries. Profiles of these CIOs provide valuable insights into the strategic impact of this new role. Profiles of these CIOs, developed from over 200 hours of direct observation, provide valuable insights into the strategic impact of this new role. Other CIOs, executives, information technology researchers, information technology students in upper level or graduate courses, managers of technology and innovation, systems managers, and those interested in organizational behavior will all gain a greater understanding of the CIO's critical role within today's organizations. The day-to-day work habits of each CIO are observed for one work week, including meetings, mail, phone calls, and travel. The CIOs represent five distinct industries: utilities, manufacturing, government agency, insurance, and university. Despite very different work cultures, all demonstrate a remarkable ability to think on their feet and remain detached from highly charged turf battles. These high tech executives have the playwright's high touch; they are keenly aware of the power of figurative language and the timing of events.
Neutron Repulsion Confirmed as Energy Source

Systematic properties of heavy nuclides reveal a fine structure in Coulomb energy that parallels variations in mass arising from n-n interactions between neutrons. These results confirm an earlier suggestion that n-n interactions in the nucleus are repulsive. Neutron emission may release up to 1.1%–2.4% of the nuclear rest mass as energy. By comparison, 0.8% of the rest mass is converted to energy in hydrogen fusion and 0.1% is converted to energy in fission. Neutron emission in the core of the Sun may trigger a series of reactions that collectively produce the Sun's luminosity and an outpouring of protons and neutrinos from its surface.
Ultrasound Assessment of the Change in Carotid Corrected Flow Time in Fluid Responsiveness in Undifferentiated Shock.

OBJECTIVES Adequate assessment of fluid responsiveness in shock necessitates correct interpretation of hemodynamic changes induced by preload challenge. This study evaluates the accuracy of point-of-care Doppler ultrasound assessment of the change in carotid corrected flow time induced by a passive leg raise maneuver as a predictor of fluid responsiveness. Noninvasive cardiac output monitoring (NICOM, Cheetah Medical, Newton Center, MA) system based on a bioreactance method was used. DESIGN Prospective, noninterventional study. SETTING ICU at a large academic center. PATIENTS Patients with new, undifferentiated shock, and vasopressor requirements despite fluid resuscitation were included. Patients with significant cardiac disease and conditions that precluded adequate passive leg raising were excluded. INTERVENTIONS Carotid corrected flow time was measured via ultrasound before and after a passive leg raise maneuver. Predicted fluid responsiveness was defined as greater than 10% increase in stroke volume on noninvasive cardiac output monitoring following passive leg raise. Images and measurements were reanalyzed by a second, blinded physician. The accuracy of change in carotid corrected flow time to predict fluid responsiveness was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic analysis. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Seventy-seven subjects were enrolled with 54 (70.1%) classified as fluid responders by noninvasive cardiac output monitoring. The average change in carotid corrected flow time after passive leg raise for fluid responders was 14.1 ± 18.7 ms versus -4.0 ± 8 ms for nonresponders (p < 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic analysis demonstrated that change in carotid corrected flow time is an accurate predictor of fluid responsiveness status (area under the curve, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.80-0.96) and a 7 ms increase in carotid corrected flow time post passive leg raise was shown to have a 97% positive predictive value and 82% accuracy in detecting fluid responsiveness using noninvasive cardiac output monitoring as a reference standard. Mechanical ventilation, respiratory rate, and high positive end-expiratory pressure had no significant impact on test performance. Post hoc blinded evaluation of bedside acquired measurements demonstrated agreement between evaluators. CONCLUSIONS Change in carotid corrected flow time can predict fluid responsiveness status after a passive leg raise maneuver. Using point-of-care ultrasound to assess change in carotid corrected flow time is an acceptable and reproducible method for noninvasive identification of fluid responsiveness in critically ill patients with undifferentiated shock.
Experiences of adults participating in infertility support groups: a qualitative systematic review protocol.

OBJECTIVE The objective of this review is to identify and synthesize the best available evidence on the experiences of adults participating in infertility support groups to understand the value of support groups for this population. INTRODUCTION Infertility can impact a person physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually and financially. Infertility support groups may represent a beneficial tool that these adults can utilize to improve their quality of life. The findings may inform or promote more effective and appropriate health care and, based on the results, a change in the standard of care for the treatment of infertility. INCLUSION CRITERIA This review will consider studies that include infertile women, men and couples of any age, race or marital status, in any geographic region and with any co-morbidity who participate in infertility support groups. Studies published in English that focus on qualitative data, without any restriction of year of publication, will be considered. This review will consider studies that utilize any media of material for infertility support groups. METHODS The key information sources to be searched are: CINAHL, PubMed, PsycINFO, Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection, Scopus, MedNar and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses. A three-step search strategy will be undertaken to find both published and unpublished studies and will include searching of reference lists within articles selected for critical appraisal. Each of the included studies will be assessed for methodological quality independently by two reviewers, and findings will be extracted and synthesized.
Creative Change: The Life and Work of Four Novelists: Jane Austen, E. M. Forster, Barbara Pym, and Henry Roth

Robert Kastenbaum has argued that we need to take a life-span approach to the lives of artists in order to determine what factors affected their creativity. To that end, I briefly review the lives of four writers, Jane Austen, E. M. Forster, Barbara Pym, and Henry Roth. Each followed a different pattern: Austen wrote productively until her early death; Forster ceased to write novels after his midlife success; Barbara Pym continued to write until her death from cancer; and Henry Roth restarted his moribund career in his seventies. These differences suggest that creativity is closely connected to life events and the artist's psychological state of mind.
Obesity, Dietary inflammation, and Frailty among Older Adults: Evidence from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

Knowledge related to the relationship between obesity and frailty is limited. This study aimed to investigate associations between obesity, dietary inflammation, and frailty among older adults. Stu...
Associations between soil-transmitted helminthiasis and viral, bacterial, and protozoal enteroinfections: a cross-sectional study in rural Laos.

Humans are susceptible to over 1400 pathogens. Co-infection by multiple pathogens is common, and can result in a range of neutral, facilitative, or antagonistic interactions within the host. Soil-transmitted helminths (STH) are powerful immunomodulators, but evidence of the effect of STH infection on the direction and magnitude of concurrent enteric microparasite infections is mixed. We collected fecal samples from 891 randomly selected children and adults in rural Laos. Samples were analyzed for 5 STH species, 6 viruses, 9 bacteria, and 5 protozoa using a quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) assay. We utilized logistic regression, controlling for demographics and household water, sanitation, and hygiene access, to examine the effect of STH infection on concurrent viral, bacterial, and protozoal infection. We found that STH infection was associated with lower odds of concurrent viral infection [odds ratio (OR): 0.48, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.28–0.83], but higher odds of concurrent bacterial infections (OR: 1.81, 95% CI: 1.06–3.07) and concurrent protozoal infections (OR: 1.50, 95% CI: 0.95–2.37). Trends were consistent across STH species. The impact of STH on odds of concurrent microparasite co-infection may differ by microparasite taxa, whereby STH infection was negatively associated with viral infections but positively associated with bacterial and protozoal infections. Results suggest that efforts to reduce STH through preventive chemotherapy could have a spillover effect on microparasite infections, though the extent of this impact requires additional study. The associations between STH and concurrent microparasite infection may reflect a reverse effect due to the cross-sectional study design. Additional research is needed to elucidate the exact mechanism of the immunomodulatory effects of STH on concurrent enteric microparasite infection.
Abstract 2929: Radiosensitization of head and neck cancer by FGFR inhibition

Objective: Fibroblast growth factor receptors are frequently amplified or overexpressed in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC). We assessed the potential of a selective FGFR-kinase inhibitor, AZD4547, to act as a radiosensitizer in head and neck cancer cell lines and xenografts. Methods: A panel of head and neck cancer (n=10) and normal oral mucosa (HTE) cell lines were screened for FGFR1, 2, and 3 gene copy number, RNA expression, and protein. Sensitivity to the FGFR inhibitor AZD4547, alone or in combination with radiation, was assessed using proliferation and clonogenic survival assays. Putative mechanisms of radiosensitization were investigated by immunoblot and by assessing for DNA repair capacity, cell cycle effects, apoptosis, senescence, and autophagy. Tumor response of cell line xenografts and patient derived xenografts was assessed in vivo. Results: Cells demonstrated varying responses to FGFR inhibition but this did not correlate with FGFR gene copy number, mRNA expression, or protein expression. Three cell lines which responded to AZD4547 alone (CCL30, Tu-138, and SCC6) were selected for further investigation. TU-138 and CCL30 featured high FGFR expression and were radiosensitized by AZD4547 in vitro. SCC6 was not. Cell lines which were insensitive to FGFR inhibition (including HTE) did not demonstrate radiosensitization by AZD4547. In the sensitive cell lines, enhanced p-MAPK inhibition was seen in a time-dependent manner following drug treatment. When added to radiation, AZD4547 resulted in increased apoptosis, autophagy, and senescence but did not alter the kinetics of DNA repair as assessed by resolution of gH2AX foci. No difference in the cell cycle distribution for irradiated cells treated with or without the addition of AZD4547 was seen. Treatment of two in vivo tumor xenografts with AZD4547 and radiation showed significant delay in tumor growth compared to treatment with radiation or drug alone. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that AZD4547 can augment the response of FGFR expressing HNSCC to radiation both in vitro and in vivo. Improved approaches to identify tumors most likely to benefit from FGFR inhibition could enable the selection of patients for combination therapy and has the potential to improve outcomes in these difficult to treat cancers. Citation Format: Gopika SenthilKumar, Margot Miller, Michael Fisher, Sean Brennan, Saakshi Kaushik, Lindsey Able, Paul M. Harari, Gopal Iyer, Randall J. Kimple, Andrew M. Baschnagel. Radiosensitization of head and neck cancer by FGFR inhibition [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 2929.
A Novel Idea to Discriminate Strain and Temperature Variations of Fiber Bragg Grating Sensor

Wavelength variation of fiber Bragg grating sensor is caused by strain and temperature. We propose a method to discriminate between these two parameters by measuring full width half maxima at different strain and temperature values.
Renal Denervation in the Management of Hypertension: A Meta-Analysis of Sham-Controlled Trials.

Abstract Introduction Sympathetic renal denervation (RD) can potentially reduce blood pressure (BP) in people with resistant hypertension (RH) and uncontrolled hypertension (UH). While a large sham-controlled trial (SCT) showed similar outcomes of RD vs. sham control, in the recent trials, RD was effective in reducing BP in hypertensive people. We performed a meta-analysis of SCTs of RD vs. sham in hypertensive patients. Methods Multiple electronic databases were searched since inception through September 2018 for SCTs that compared RD vs. sham. Change in 24-hour, daytime and nighttime ambulatory and office BP were efficacy outcomes. Various adverse events were safety outcomes. Results A total of 7 SCTs were included in the analysis. RD vs. sham significantly reduced 24-hour ambulatory SBP by 3.45 mmHg [95% CI (−5.01, −1.88); P Conclusions Current meta-analysis shows that RD reduces ambulatory BP and office DBP in patients with hypertension. Future trials with longer follow-up should confirm these findings.
Trends in Solid Adsorbent Materials Development for CO2 Capture

A recent report from the United Nations has warned about the excessive CO2 emissions and the necessity of making efforts to keep the increase in global temperature below 2 °C. Current CO2 capture t...
Erk1/2 inactivation promotes a rapid redistribution of COP1 and degradation of COP1 substrates.

Anthrax lethal toxin (LT) is a protease virulence factor produced by Bacillus anthracis that is required for its pathogenicity. LT treatment causes a rapid degradation of c-Jun protein that follows inactivation of the MEK1/2-Erk1/2 signaling pathway. Here we identify COP1 as the ubiquitin E3 ligase that is essential for LT-induced c-Jun degradation. COP1 knockdown using siRNA prevents degradation of c-Jun, ETV4, and ETV5 in cells treated with either LT or the MEK1/2 inhibitor, U0126. Immunofluorescence staining reveals that COP1 preferentially localizes to the nuclear envelope, but it is released from the nuclear envelope into the nucleoplasm following Erk1/2 inactivation. At baseline, COP1 attaches to the nuclear envelope via interaction with translocated promoter region (TPR), a component of the nuclear pore complex. Disruption of this COP1–TPR interaction, through Erk1/2 inactivation or TPR knockdown, leads to rapid COP1 release from the nuclear envelope into the nucleoplasm where it degrades COP1 substrates. COP1-mediated degradation of c-Jun protein, combined with LT-mediated blockade of the JNK1/2 signaling pathway, inhibits cellular proliferation. This effect on proliferation is reversed by COP1 knockdown and ectopic expression of an LT-resistant MKK7-4 fusion protein. Taken together, this study reveals that the nuclear envelope acts as a reservoir, maintaining COP1 poised for action. Upon Erk1/2 inactivation, COP1 is rapidly released from the nuclear envelope, promoting the degradation of its nuclear substrates, including c-Jun, a critical transcription factor that promotes cellular proliferation. This regulation allows mammalian cells to respond rapidly to changes in extracellular cues and mediates pathogenic mechanisms in disease states.
Translating the brain.

A new study shows that mapping neural signals directly to word sequences produces lower error rates in speech decoding than previous methods that use motor or auditory based features. This suggests that using higher-level language goals can aid decoding algorithms for neural speech prostheses.
Ownership of plant genetic material

Free international exchange of germplasm has been essential to the remarkable record of success achieved by U.S. plant breeders. The application of intellectual property rights to plant materials has evolved through four identifiable time periods. Prior to 1930, there were no intellectual property rights for plant materials. In 1930, plant patents became available for most vegetatively propagated material and in 1970, the Plant Variety Protection Act offered final product protection for most seed crops. In neither of these cases, however, was germplasm exchange seriously inhibited. Since 1985, utility patents have been applied to plants — although this interpretation of use of the utility patent has yet to be challenged in court. The current manner in which utility patents are being applied to plant material is estimated to have a significant impact on the free exchange, use, and control of plant germplasm worldwide.
The Lick-Carnegie exoplanet survey: Gliese 687 b—A Neptune-mass planet orbiting a nearby red dwarf

Precision radial velocities from the Automated Planet Finder (APF) and Keck/HIRES reveal an Msin (i) = 18 ± 2 M{sub ⊕} planet orbiting the nearby M3V star GJ 687. This planet has an orbital period P = 38.14 days and a low orbital eccentricity. Our Stromgren b and y photometry of the host star suggests a stellar rotation signature with a period of P = 60 days. The star is somewhat chromospherically active, with a spot filling factor estimated to be several percent. The rotationally induced 60 day signal, however, is well separated from the period of the radial velocity variations, instilling confidence in the interpretation of a Keplerian origin for the observed velocity variations. Although GJ 687 b produces relatively little specific interest in connection with its individual properties, a compelling case can be argued that it is worthy of remark as an eminently typical, yet at a distance of 4.52 pc, a very nearby representative of the galactic planetary census. The detection of GJ 687 b indicates that the APF telescope is well suited to the discovery of low-mass planets orbiting low-mass stars in the as yet relatively un-surveyed region of the sky near the north celestial pole.
Evaluation of actin and desmin expression by immunohistochemistry to determine the time since death in dogs

The estimation of the time since death can be of vital importance in a forensic investigation. Several different methods are available to the forensic investigator for estimation of time since death, including temperature- and molecular-based methods, and entomology. The use of immunohistochemical (IHC) methods has rarely been studied for estimation of time since death. To determine whether IHC staining can be used for estimation of time since death in dogs, we selected skeletal muscle as it is abundantly available and slower to decay compared to other tissues. Euthanized dogs (Canis familiaris) were allowed to decompose for up to 30 days in a walk-in refrigeration unit. Thigh muscle tissue was collected from a single dog on postmortem days 0, 2, 4, 6,…, 28, 30. Tissues were formalin-fixed and IHC-stained for muscle-specific actin and desmin. IHC staining was evaluated using the immunoreactive score (IRS) system. Skeletal muscle from all dogs stained positive for the duration of this study. Desmin staining was negative at days 10 and 26. The results show that immunohistochemistry can be performed on dog skeletal muscle for at least 30 days postmortem and support the further investigation of the use of immunohistochemistry for muscle markers to investigate the time since death for periods longer than 30 days.
An mRNA SARS-CoV-2 vaccine employing a novel delivery vehicle with a TLR-9 agonist induces neutralizing antibodies and T cell memory

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has necessitated the rapid development of prophylactic vaccines. Two mRNA vaccines have been approved for emergency use by the FDA and have demonstrated extraordinary effectiveness. The success of these mRNA vaccines establishes the speed of development and therapeutic potential of mRNA. These authorized vaccines encode full-length versions of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. They are formulated with Lipid Nanoparticle (LNP) delivery vehicles that have inherent immunostimulatory properties. Different vaccination strategies and alternative mRNA delivery vehicles would be desirable to ensure flexibility of future generations of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines and the development of mRNA vaccines in general. Here, we report on the development of an alternative mRNA vaccine approach using a delivery vehicle called Charge-Altering Releasable Transporters (CARTs). Using these inherently nonimmunogenic vehicles we can tailor the vaccine immunogenicity by inclusion of co-formulated adjuvants such as oligodeoxynucleotides with CpG motifs (CpG-ODN). Mice vaccinated with the mRNA-CART vaccine developed therapeutically relevant levels of RBD-specific neutralizing antibodies in both the circulation and in the lung bronchial fluids. In addition, vaccination elicited strong and long lasting RBD-specific TH1 T cell responses including CD4+ and CD8+ T cell memory.
Targeting Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase and Cyclooxygenases Enhance Joint Pain Control, Stimulate Collagen Synthesis, and Protect Chondrocytes From Cytokine-Induced Apoptosis

Objective: To determine the symptomatic and disease-modifying capabilities of sEH and COX inhibitors during joint inflammation. Methods: Using a blinded, randomized, crossover experimental design, 6 adult healthy horses were injected with lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 3 μg) from E. coli in a radiocarpal joint and concurrently received the non-selective cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitor phenylbutazone (2 mg/kg), the sEH inhibitor t-TUCB (1 mg/kg) or both (2 mg/kg phenylbutazone and 0.1, 0.3, and 1 mg/kg t-TUCB) intravenously. There were at least 30 days washout between treatments. Joint pain (assessed via inertial sensors and peak vertical forces), synovial fluid concentrations of prostanoids (PGE2, TxB2), cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α) and biomarkers of collagen synthesis (CPII) and degradation (C2C) were measured at pre-determined intervals over a 48-h period. The anti-apoptotic effect of COX and sEH inhibitors was determined via ELISA technique in primary equine chondrocytes incubated with TNF-α (10 ng/ml) for 24 h. Apoptosis was also determined in chondrocytes incubated with sEH-generated metabolites. Results: Combined COX and sEH inhibition produced significantly better control of joint pain, prostanoid responses, and collagen synthesis-degradation balance compared to each compound separately. When administered separately, pain control was superior with COX vs. sEH inhibition. Cytokine responses were not different during COX and/or sEH inhibition. In cultured chondrocytes, sEH inhibition alone or combined with COX inhibition, but not COX inhibition alone had significant anti-apoptotic effects. However, sEH-generated metabolites caused concentration-dependent apoptosis. Conclusions: Combined COX and sEH inhibition optimize pain control, attenuate loss of articular cartilage matrix during joint inflammation and cytokine-induced chondrocyte apoptosis.