cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Beyond genetics: focusing on maternal environment for congenital heart disease prevention

Commentary on: Liu S, Joseph KS, Lisonkova S, et al. Association between maternal chronic conditions and congenital heart defects: a population-based cohort study. Circulation 2013;128:583–9.[OpenUrl][1][Abstract/FREE Full Text][2] Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common birth defect, accounting for about one-quarter of birth defects resulting in mortality.1 Aetiology for the majority of CHD remains unknown, but is thought to be multifactorial with genetic and environmental (non-genetic) contributors. Advances in molecular biology and genetic technologies have aided identification of genetic contributors for CHD. Increasing numbers of genomic abnormalities have been discovered in individuals with CHD using next-generation sequencing and array-based methodologies.2 While great strides have been made, genetic aetiologies are identified in only a subset of CHD.2 Epidemiological studies have demonstrated associations … [1]: {openurl}?query=rft.jtitle%253DCirculation%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Adoi%252F10.1161%252FCIRCULATIONAHA.112.001054%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Apmid%252F23812182%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx [2]: /lookup/ijlink?linkType=ABST&journalCode=circulationaha&resid=128/6/583&atom=%2Febmed%2F19%2F2%2Fe8.atom
Estimation of vehicle roll and road bank angle

This work presents a new method for identifying road bank and vehicle roll separately using a disturbance observer and a vehicle dynamic model. The authors have previously shown that vehicle states and parameters of a vehicle model can be precisely estimated using measurements from Global Positioning System (GPS) and Inertial Navigation System (INS) sensors. Based on these results, a dynamic model, which includes vehicle roll as a state and road bank as a disturbance, is first introduced. A disturbance observer is then implemented from the vehicle model using estimated vehicle states. Experimental results verify that the estimation scheme is giving appropriate estimates of the vehicle roll and road bank angles separately.
Special Education Identification of Head Start Children with Emotional and Behavioral Disorders in Second Grade

Underidentification of emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD) appears to be a particular problem for children from low-income families. In the current study, two cohorts of 3,694 second-grade chi...
Unique Biological Properties of Catalytic Domain Directed Human Anti-CAIX Antibodies Discovered through Phage-Display Technology

Carbonic anhydrase IX (CAIX, gene G250/MN-encoded transmembrane protein) is highly expressed in various human epithelial tumors such as renal clear cell carcinoma (RCC), but absent from the corresponding normal tissues. Besides the CA signal transduction activity, CAIX may serve as a biomarker in early stages of oncogenesis and also as a reliable marker of hypoxia, which is associated with tumor resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Although results from preclinical and clinical studies have shown CAIX as a promising target for detection and therapy for RCC, only a limited number of murine monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and one humanized mAb are available for clinical testing and development. In this study, paramagnetic proteoliposomes of CAIX (CAIX-PMPLs) were constructed and used for anti-CAIX antibody selection from our 27 billion human single-chain antibody (scFv) phage display libraries. A panel of thirteen human scFvs that specifically recognize CAIX expressed on cell surface was identified, epitope mapped primarily to the CA domain, and affinity-binding constants (KD) determined. These human anti-CAIX mAbs are diverse in their functions including induction of surface CAIX internalization into endosomes and inhibition of the carbonic anhydrase activity, the latter being a unique feature that has not been previously reported for anti-CAIX antibodies. These human anti-CAIX antibodies are important reagents for development of new immunotherapies and diagnostic tools for RCC treatment as well as extending our knowledge on the basic structure-function relationships of the CAIX molecule.
Utilizing multipath reflections in deeply integrated GPS/INS architecture for navigation in urban environments

This paper investigates the constructive use of multipath reflections of Global Positioning System (GPS) signals for navigation in urban environments. Urban navigation applications are generally characterized by a significant presence of multipath signals. In order to maintain reliable and accurate navigation capabilities, it is critical to distinguish between direct signal and multipath. At the same time, multipath reflections can be exploited as additional measurements for those cases where the number of direct path satellites is insufficient to compute the navigation solution. The paper develops a method for the identification of multipath reflections in received satellite signals: i.e. multipath is separated from direct signal and a line-of-site between the GPS receiver and a multipath reflecting object is determined. Once multipath reflections are identified, they can be used constructively for navigation. The method presented in the paper exploits an open loop batch-processing GPS receiver, laser scanner and inertial navigation system (INS) to identify multipath reflections in received satellite signals. Experimental GPS, inertial and laser scanner data collected in real urban environments are applied to demonstrate identification of multipath reflections.
Teaching objects-first in introductory computer science

An objects-first strategy for teaching introductory computer science courses is receiving increased attention from CS educators. In this paper, we discuss the challenge of the objects-first strategy and present a new approach that attempts to meet this challenge. The new approach is centered on the visualization of objects and their behaviors using a 3D animation environment. Statistical data as well as informal observations are summarized to show evidence of student performance as a result of this approach. A comparison is made of the pedagogical aspects of this new approach with that of other relevant work.
Potential drug interactions associated with treatments for type 2 diabetes and its comorbidities: a clinical pharmacology review.

Type 2 diabetes is a disease of glucose metabolism that commonly involves multiple comorbidities, including lipid dyscrasias and hypertension. Each concurrent disorder contributes some risk of complications and requires therapeutic intervention. The simultaneous management of so many coexisting illnesses can be complex and commonly results in patients being prescribed multiple medications – referred to as polypharmacy – which may further complicate treatment. To ensure the best patient outcomes, the treating physician must be aware of all the therapeutic agents that a patient is taking to assess possible drug interactions that such a plethora of medications may confer. This article addresses the underlying comorbidites, the drugs commonly used to treat them and the interactions that may arise from concomitant administration.
Conserved domains in DNA repair proteins and evolution of repair systems

A detailed analysis of protein domains involved in DNA repair was performed by comparing the sequences of the repair proteins from two well-studied model organisms, the bacterium Escherichia coli and yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, to the entire sets of protein sequences encoded in completely sequenced genomes of bacteria, archaea and eukaryotes. Previously uncharacterized conserved domains involved in repair were identified, namely four families of nucleases and a family of eukaryotic repair proteins related to the proliferating cell nuclear antigen. In addition, a number of previously undetected occurrences of known conserved domains were detected; for example, a modified helix-hairpin-helix nucleic acid-binding domain in archaeal and eukaryotic RecA homologs. There is a limited repertoire of conserved domains, primarily ATPases and nucleases, nucleic acid-binding domains and adaptor (protein-protein interaction) domains that comprise the repair machinery in all cells, but very few of the repair proteins are represented by orthologs with conserved domain architecture across the three superkingdoms of life. Both the external environment of an organism and the internal environment of the cell, such as the chromatin superstructure in eukaryotes, seem to have a profound effect on the layout of the repair systems. Another factor that apparently has made a major contribution to the composition of the repair machinery is horizontal gene transfer, particularly the invasion of eukaryotic genomes by organellar genes, but also a number of likely transfer events between bacteria and archaea. Several additional general trends in the evolution of repair proteins were noticed; in particular, multiple, independent fusions of helicase and nuclease domains, and independent inactivation of enzymatic domains that apparently retain adaptor or regulatory functions.
Therapeutic alliance and the retention of couples in conjoint alcoholism treatment

Differences were investigated in the degree to which less versus more experienced therapists formed a therapeutic alliance with their clients and how these differences were related to retaining couples in treatment. Two raters, using the Vanderbilt Therapeutic Alliance Scale (VTAS) and the Vanderbilt Negative Indicators Scale (VNIS), coded 15-minute audiotaped segments of the first treatment session for 66 couples participating in a randomized clinical trial of three types of couple therapy for alcoholism. Ten therapists, whose experience ranged from 15 years of postdoctoral practice to a 1 year predoctoral practicum, administered the treatment. Results indicated that the more experienced therapists scored significantly higher on the VTAS and lower on the VNIS than did the less experienced therapists. Therapists' scores on these scales were significantly related to number of treatment sessions attended and number of couples completing treatment, but not to treatment outcomes.
Multiple Developmental Stage–Specific Enhancers Regulate CD8 Expression in Developing Thymocytes and in Thymus-Independent T Cells

We and others have recently identified a CD8 locus enhancer (E8) that directs expression in mature CD8 single-positive thymocytes and peripheral CD8+ T cells and in extrathymically derived intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes (IEL). In this study, we show that deletion of E8, by homologous recombination results in reduced CD8alphaalpha homodimer expression on IEL. Since CD8 expression on thymus-derived T cells was normal, other enhancers regulate CD8 expression in these cells. By exploiting a transgenic reporter expression assay, we identified three additional enhancers that directed expression in diverse thymocyte subsets and mature T cells but not in CD8alphaalpha+ IEL. The results suggest that CD8alpha expression is primarily regulated by E8, in IEL and by the novel enhancers in the thymus-dependent lineages.
Potencial ecológico de la edificación con adobe

A pesar de la creciente tendencia en el desarrollo de sistemas alternativos de construccion con tierra, el uso del adobe sigue vigente en muchas partes del mundo, especialmente en las zonas rurales de los paises menos industrializados. Este sistema ha probado a traves de los siglos su eficiencia desde el punto de vista bioclimatico en regiones frias y calidas, aridas y lluviosas. Parte de la explicacion de la difusion de este sistema, radica tanto en la facilidad de su elaboracion como de su construccion. El reconocimiento del equilibrio con el medio ambiente que presenta la edificacion con adobe a lo largo de todo su ciclo de vida permite conferir un alto valor patrimonial a los inmuebles realizados en el pasado con esta tecnica, asi como a la sabiduria tradicional que ha pervivido hasta nuestros dias, y que se vuelve una fuente de aprendizaje fundamental para ser aplicada en obras contemporaneas sustentables desde la optica social, economica y ecologica.
CO2 Reduction on Transition Metal (Fe, Co, Ni, and Cu) Surfaces: In Comparison with Homogeneous Catalysis

Reduction of CO2 to CO on Fe, Co, Ni, and Cu surfaces has been studied using density functional theory (DFT) methods. Three reaction steps were studied: (a) adsorption of CO2 (M + CO2 = CO2/M) (M = transition metal surface), (b) decomposition of CO2 (CO2/M = (CO + O)/M), and (c) desorption of CO ((CO + O)/M = O/M + CO). Binding energies and reaction energies were calculated using the generalized gradient approximation (GGA) via the Perdew–Burke–Ernzerhof (PBE) functional. Calculations show an interesting trend for reaction energies and total reaction barriers, as a function of metal: from Fe to Cu, reactions tend to be less exergonic; the metals earlier in the 3d series have lower total barriers for CO2 reduction. However, “overbinding” of CO2 on Fe causes a thermodynamic sink on the reaction coordinate, and Co and Ni are more favorable in terms of a smaller fluctuation in reaction energies/barriers for these elementary catalytic steps. A Bronsted–Evans–Polanyi (BEP) relationship was analyzed for C–O bond...
On controlling aircraft and underwater vehicles

In this paper we make the important observation that the attitude and angular velocity control systems for gas-jet aircraft and underwater vehicles are of a special form: they are affine control systems with constant control distributions and multi-affine drifts. For this general class of systems, we can construct (and check the existence of) bounded controls driving the system from initial to final regions of the state space. This can be used for tasks requiring repositioning or changing the velocity of the vehicle under constraints on both controls and state. We illustrate the procedure by solving the problem of changing the angular velocity of a parallelepiped aircraft under velocity and control constraints imposed by the task. The method should be seen as a "maneuver" procedure, allowing automatic generation of control laws for bringing the system in a desired region of its state space. If stabilization to a point is required, then locally stabilizing control laws can be used after the maneuver.
ENSO and the Spatial Extent of Interannual Precipitation Extremes in Tropical Land Areas

The extreme phases of El Nino–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) are known to dominate the interannual variability of tropical rainfall. However, the relationship between ENSO and the spatial extent of drought and excessively wet conditions is an important characteristic of the tropical climate that has received relatively less attention from researchers. Here, a standardized precipitation index is computed from monthly rainfall analyses and the temporal variability of the spatial extent of such extremes, for various levels of severity, is examined from a Tropics-wide perspective (land areas only, 30°S–30°N). Maxima in the spatial extent of both precipitation extremes are compared across multiple ENSO events that occurred during the period 1950–2003. The focus on tropical land areas is motivated by the numerous, often negative, impacts of ENSO-related precipitation variability on human populations. Results show that major peaks in the spatial extent of drought and excessively wet conditions are generally associated with extreme phases of ENSO. A remarkably robust linear relationship is documented between the spatial extent of drought in the Tropics and El Nino strength (based on Nino-3.4 sea surface temperature anomalies), with a comparatively weaker relationship for La Nina and excessive wetness. Both conditions are found to increase by about a factor of 2 between strong and weak ENSO events, and in several locations they are shown to be more likely during ENSO events than at all other times, especially for severe categories. Relatively stronger El Nino events during recent decades are associated with increased drought extent in tropical land areas with increasing surface temperatures likely acting to exacerbate these dry conditions.
Anti-Stokes photoluminescence from n-type free-standing GaN based on competing two-photon absorption and phonon-assisted absorption

Mechanisms for anti-Stokes photoluminescence observed at room temperature from n-type free-standing GaN have been attributed by us to the competition between two-photon absorption and phonon-assisted absorption.
VITAMIN B COMPLEX AND ADRENALECTOMY1

CONSIDERABLE INTEREST has been recently shown in the possible relationships between the vitamin requirements of adrenalectomized animals and the necessity of the adrenal cortex for the utilisation of some of the members of the vitamin B complex. Most of this interest has been stimulated by the work of Verzar and Laszt, which has been largely summarised in Versar's recent book (1). Verzar and his coworkers have repeatedly emphasized their theory that adrenal insufficiency is in reality a secondary avitaminosis, with particular reference to the necessity of the adrenal cortex for the phosphorylation and subsequent incorporation of riboflavin, thiamin, and nicotinic acid into enzyme-Coenzyme systems (2, 1). The present paper purports to reexamine this question with respect to vitamin therapy, and to present results of various therapies in adrenalectomized rats with thiamin, cocarboxylase, riboflavin, riboflavin phosphate ester, nicotinic acid, pyridoxine (vitamin B6), pantothenic acid, Factor W, various vita...
The structure and function of the bursa copulatrix of the monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus).

The bursa compulatrix of the Monarch butterfly was investigated utilizing light microscopy, histochemistry, and scanning and transmission electron microscopy in order to relate its morphology to the release of sperm from the spermatophore. The bursa has a row of large chitinous teeth on either side of the organ. The dorsal and ventral surfaces are covered with chitinous plates, the plates having bristles on one side. A single layer of cells lies under both the plates and teeth, one columnar cell under each plate, one cuboidal cell under each tooth. The toothed area has no muscle cells. However, the dorsal and ventral hemispheres of the bursa each have a crescent-shaped packet of muscle fibers that traverse the organ; there are no longitudinal fibers. Spermatophores with thick walls were found in the bursal lumen. Morphological evidence suggests that the presence of the spermatophores is sensed by the bristles and that the packets are opened by contraction of the muscles bringing the large teeth into contact with the spermatophore wall.
The Preparation, Modification and Applications of Nonfunctional Liquid Polybutadienes

Abstract This review will be restricted to the applications of liquid polybutadienes (BR) which, as prepared, are devoid of functional groups other than the unsaturation left after polymerization. These products should not be confused with the so called telechelic BRs in which terminal functional groups are deliberately introduced during preparation. The preparative techniques and applications relating to the latter polymers have been described both by French and more recently by Athey. For many applications, it is necessary to introduce functional groups into the “nonfunctional” liquid BRs as a subsequent stage to polymerization. However, such chemical modification is often carried out to yield a relatively high level of functionality and, more significantly, the functional groups are randomly distributed along the polymer backbone. Therefore, there is still a clear distinction between chemically modified, nonfunctional BRs and the telechelic polymers. Whereas the latter have often been included under th...
Hematopoietic Transcriptional Regulation by the Myeloid Zinc Finger Gene, MZF-1

Transcriptional regulators control much of hematopoiesis. One such transcriptional regulator is the myeloid zinc finger gene MZF-1. MZF-1 has been localized to the telomere of chromosome 19q, where a large number of related zinc finger genes reside. It has been found to be essential in granulopoiesis. It is a bi-functional transcriptional regulator, repressing transcription in non-hematopoietic cells, and activating transcription in cells of hematopoietic origins. Its consensus DNA binding site has been isolated, and sites in several promoters of myeloid-specific genes, such as CD34, lactoferrin, and myeloperoxidase, have been defined. In co-transfection experiments MZF-1 has been found to regulate transcription from the CD34 promoter.
Urinary excretion of choline and trimethylamines after intravenous administration of choline in liver diseases.

Abstract Intravenous administration of choline did not result in a significant increase of the urinary excretion of total trimethylamines in contrast to choline administered orally. This suggests that the bulk of urinary trimethylamines originate in the intestine from ingested choline and not from its transformation in the tissues. This observation also supports the previous conclusion that the greatest part of orally administered choline is transformed in the intestine. Of intravenously administered choline, approximately 9 per cent is lost in the urine in controls whereas in acute hepatitis (but not in cirrhosis) this loss is almost doubled. This finding was tentatively explained by the interplay of two opposing tendencies, (a) reduced utilization of choline in liver disease, and (b) increased choline demands caused by a choline deficiency in cirrhosis. For a given dose of choline, less is lost through the urine after intravenous administration than is destroyed by intestinal bacteria after oral intake. Intravenous administration of 1 or 2 Gm. of choline base diluted in 500 or 1000 ml. of isotonic glucose solution is a safe procedure for investigative or therapeutic purposes.
Validation of Capturing Sleep Diary Data via a Wrist-Worn Device

Paper sleep diaries are the gold standard for assessment of sleep continuity variables in clinical practice as well as research. Unfortunately, paper diaries can be filled out weekly instead of daily, lost, illegible or destroyed; and are considered out of date according to the newer technology savvy generations. In this study, we assessed the reliability and validity of using a wrist-worn electronic sleep diary. Design. A prospective design was used to compare capturing 14 days of sleep continuity data via paper to a wrist-worn electronic device that also captured actigraphy data. Results. Thirty-five healthy community dwelling adults with mean (sd) age of 36 (15), 80% Caucasians, and 74% females were enrolled. All sleep continuity variables via electronic and paper diary capture methods were significantly correlated with moderate, positive relationships. Assessment of validity revealed that electronic data capture had a significant relationship with objective measure of sleep continuity variables as measured by actigraphy. Paper diary variables were not significantly associated with objective measures. Conclusions. The use of a wrist-worn device to capture daily sleep diary data is as accurate as and for some variables more accurate than using paper diaries.
Games for Health: Design Cognition-Focused Interventions to Enhance Mental Activity

Older adults want to proactively protect their aging cognition with various possible ways. Cognitive intervention has been proposed as an effective way to improve memory loss problems. In this paper, we present the CogStim Game, an iPad application for older adults to exercise their memory. For example, by practicing name-face matches through the medium of a game, older adults would have a chance to stimulate their cognition. Together with the game description, we will also present our design rationale behind the game development. The CogStim Game would provide a more accessible and effective way to address our society’s concerns due to an increasing aging population.
Behavioral states and their ontogeny: animal studies.

Abstract Despite numerous attempts in describing the many underlying events correlated with changes in behavioral states, the biological significance of state alternation remains unknown. There does not yet exist a satisfactory explanation for the biological need for such state changes, nor does there exist sufficient physiological evidence to explain the underlying processes leading to these state transitions. Nonetheless, the study of the ontogeny of behavioral states is important because it shows the progressive ability of the organism to integrate multiple neuronal systems. Available literature suggests that some rudimentary form of behavioral state is established in fetal life throughout the animal kingdom, although there is substantial difference in the degree and rate of development of organized behavioral states among the different animal species. Highly organized behavioral states that involve concurrence of many physiologic systems are present in the third trimester in the fetal lamb, while they are not seen until 2 to 3 weeks postnatally in the rat, rabbit, and cat. Subsequent maturation consists primarily of increased cycle length in all species. In addition, there is some evidence that a circadian rhythm may be superimposed on the ultradian rhythm of behavioral states in immature animals, but there is currently no information on the ontogenesis of this circadian rhythm. It is currently hypothesized that behavioral states cycling in the adult is generated by the interaction of multiple, anatomically distributed sets of neurons. 40 Electrophysiological and pharmacological studies have suggested that both the cholinergic and aminergic neuronal systems play important roles in the maintenance of state cycling. Studies in the fetal lamb also support these proposed mechanisms in early development. 41, 42 However, there is little evidence to indicate that changes in transmitter release or receptor sensitivity occur in the course of sleep deprivation in the adult. A number of other neuropeptides may also be involved in this complicated control system. The progressive organization of behavioral states in early development and the agerelated changes in cycle duration may provide valuable insight in understanding the neurobiological events that underlie state alternation and homeostasis.
Causes of injury deaths in Jinshan district and control measures

Objective] To comprehend the extent of harmfulness and time trend of injury posed upon population of different age group, and to explore measures for prevention and control. [Method] The ninth edition of international classification of diseases (ICD-9) was used in classification of causes of death. Mortality and years of potential life lost (YPLL) of injury of all population in Jinshan district were analyzed. [Results] Injury was the fourth usual cause of all deaths. It was only lower them disease of circulatory system, respiratory system and tumor, and accounted for 7.03～8.77percent of the total deaths. Of all causes of injury death the first 4 were traffic accident (34.21%), suicide (20.10%), accidental fall (14.18%) and drowning (13.75%) . The standardized mortality of unintentional injury was 40.71 per 100,000, and that of intentional injury was 9.95 per 100,000 of total population. The YPLL indicated that the injuries and poisonings had rose from the fourth to the first. The YPLL index in children aged 1～14 years old was 64.61 years per 1000, and it ranked the first among all age groups. [Conclusion] The threat of injury deaths to people and its YPLL should not be overlooked. Information management system of injury reports should be ste up, and community based strategy and measures should be taken to control injuries.
Evaluation of Polydimethylsiloxane as an Alternative in the Endoscopic Treatment of Vesicoureteral Reflux

AbstractEndoscopic correction of vesicoureteral reflux is an attractive alternative to open repair. In terms of effectiveness and long-term successful results polytetrafluoroethylene (Polytef) is the most reliable injectable product. However, legitimate concerns regarding particle migration still exist for polytetrafluoroethylene. Polydimethylsiloxane (Macroplastique) was evaluated as an alternative to polytetrafluoroethylene. Seven mongrel female dogs underwent endoscopic suburothelial injections of 0.35 to 0.50 cc polydimethylsiloxane paste by the O’Donnell technique to a unilateral nonrefluxing ureteral orifice. To facilitate migratory surveillance the paste was mixed with 57carbon monoxide radiolabeled 80pm. microspheres and injected in 5 of the 7 animals. Animals were sacrificed at 1, 3 and 6-month intervals. All major organs were retrieved and processed.After intensive histological evaluation the remaining tissue underwent dissolution and centrifugation in sodium hypochlorite. The resulting insolubl...
Poly(acrylic acid) Bridged Gadolinium Metal-Organic Framework-Gold Nanoparticle Composites as Contrast Agents for Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Bimodal Imaging

Imaging contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) have received significant attention in the development of techniques for early stage cancer diagnosis. Gadolinium (Gd)(III), which has seven unpaired electrons and a large magnetic moment, can dramatically influence the water proton relaxation and hence exhibits excellent MRI contrast. On the other hand, gold (Au), which has a high atomic number and high X-ray attenuation coefficient, is an ideal contrast agent candidate for X-ray-based CT imaging. Gd metal–organic framework (MOF) nanoparticles with tunable size, high Gd(III) loading and multivalency can potentially overcome the limitations of clinically utilized Gd chelate contrast agents. In this work, we report for the first time the integration of GdMOF nanoparticles with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) for the preparation of a MRI/CT bimodal imaging agent. Highly stable hybrid GdMOF/AuNPs composites have been prepared by using poly(acrylic acid) as a bridge between t...
Synthesis and Sulfur Electrophilicity of the Nuphar Thiaspirane Pharmacophore

We describe a general method to synthesize the iminium tetrahydrothiophene embedded in the dimeric Nuphar alkaloids. In contrast to prior studies, the sulfur atom of the thiaspirane pharmacophore is shown to be electrophilic. This α-thioether reacts with thiophenol or glutathione at ambient temperature to cleave the C–S bond and form a disulfide. Rates of conversion are proportional to the corresponding ammonium ion pKa and exhibit half-lives less than 5 h at a 5 mM concentration of thiol. A simple thiophane analogue of the Nuphar dimers causes apoptosis at single-digit micromolar concentration and labels reactive cysteines at similar levels as the unsaturated iminium “warhead”. Our experiments combined with prior observations suggest the sulfur of the Nuphar dimers can react as an electrophile in cellular environments and that sulfur-triggered retrodimerization can occur in the cell.
Radiative double electron capture by bare ions in collisions with gas targets

Radiative double electron capture (RDEC) is a fundamental atomic process in ion-atom collisions, in which two electrons are captured to bound states of the projectile with the simultaneous emission of a single photon. To date, RDEC has been successfully measured only in collisions of bare O8+ and F9+ ions with thin-foil carbon targets. In this work we report progress on investigating RDEC in collisions with gas targets.
Development of Cell-Based High-Throughput Chemical Screens for Protection Against Cisplatin-Induced Ototoxicity

Various compounds have been tested in recent years for protection against cisplatin-induced hearing loss, but no compound has yet been FDA approved for clinical use in patients. Towards this goal, we developed an unbiased, high-throughput, mammalian cochlear cell-based chemical screen that allowed quantification of the protection ability of bioactive compounds and ranked them for future testing ex vivo in cochlear explant cultures and in vivo in animal models. In our primary screens, protection in the HEI-OC1 organ of Corti immortalized cell line was measured by the ability of each compound to inhibit caspase-3/7 activity triggered by cisplatin treatment (50 μM cisplatin for 22 h). A total of 4385 unique bioactive compounds were tested in a single dose of 8 μM and promising compounds were validated by dose response curves covering ten, 1:3 serial diluted concentrations. Primary hits were defined as having more than 60 % inhibition of the caspase-3/7 activity. Toxicity of the top compounds was measured by a CellTiter-Glo (CTG) assay that measured the viability of the cells in the presence of compound alone in similar dose responsive analysis. A combination of the caspase-3/7 inhibition activity assay (as measured by IC50) and the CTG viability assay (as determined by LD50) identified the top protective compounds in the HEI-OC1 cells. In the future, the top hits in our screens will be tested for their protective ability ex vivo in mouse cochlear explants and in vivo in animal models. Our mammalian cochlear cell-based, high-throughput chemical screening assays described here can be further modified and represent an initial successful step towards therapeutic intervention of hearing disorders, an unmet medical need of our society.
Disentangling Webb: Governmental Intimidation of Defense Witnesses and Harmless Error Analysis

In the days leading up to a criminal trial, the prosecutor contacts a potential defense witness and threatens to charge her with a crime if she testifies on the defendant's behalf. The witness declines to testify, and the defendant is convicted. Such governmental intimidation of a potential defense witness violates the criminal defendant's rights to compulsory process and due process of law.1 However, this violation might not trigger a reversal of conviction. In some cases, the silenced testimony of the intimidated witness may have been wholly cumulative, and the evidence of the defendant's guilt may be overwhelming. Should an appellate court then declare that the intimidation of the potential witness was harmless error, and uphold the conviction? Under current law, the question appears open. Some constitutional violations of a defendant's rights require the automatic reversal of any subsequent conviction, whether or not the violation contributed causally to the verdict.2 Per se reversal, however, is the "exception and not the rule."3 A court will generally not reverse a conviction if it deems the error "harmless"-if the error did not actually prejudice the defendant by affecting the outcome of the trial. The Supreme Court has applied the harmless error doctrine in recent years to an increasing variety of trial errors, including most constitutional violations.4 However, the boundaries of the doctrine remain ambiguous. In particular, it is unclear whether harmless error analysis applies to the government's intimidation of a potential defense witness.
Reversal of Chemoresistance in Ovarian Cancer by Co-Delivery of a P-Glycoprotein Inhibitor and Paclitaxel in a Liposomal Platform

The overexpression of permeability-glycoprotein (P-gp), an ABC transporter involved in the cellular exclusion of chemotherapeutic drugs, is a major factor in paclitaxel-resistant ovarian cancer. However, in clinical trials, co-administration of P-gp inhibitors and anticancer drugs has not resulted in the efficient reversal of drug resistance. To improve administration, we encapsulated the third-generation P-gp inhibitor tariquidar (XR-9576, XR), alone or in combination with paclitaxel (PCT) in liposomes (LP). After optimization, the liposomes demonstrated favorable physicochemical properties and the ability to reverse chemoresistance in experiments using chemosensitive/chemoresistant ovarian cancer cell line pairs. Analyzing publicly available datasets, we found that overexpression of P-gp in ovarian cancer is associated with a shorter progression-free and overall survival. In vitro, LP(XR) significantly increased the cellular retention of rhodamine 123, a P-gp substrate. LP(XR,PCT) synergistically inhibited cell viability, blocked proliferation, and caused G2-M arrest in paclitaxel-resistant SKOV3-TR and HeyA8-MDR cell lines overexpressing P-gp. Holographic imaging cytometry revealed that LP(XR,PCT) treatment of SKOV3-TR cells induced almost complete mitotic arrest, whereas laser scanning cytometry showed that the treatment induced apoptosis. In proof-of-concept preclinical studies, LP(XR,PCT), when compared with LP(PCT), significantly reduced tumor weight (43.2% vs. 16.9%, P = 0.0007) and number of metastases (44.4% vs. 2.8%, P = 0.012) in mice bearing orthotopic HeyA8-MDR ovarian tumors. In the xenografts, LP(XR,PCT) efficiently induced apoptosis and impaired proliferation. Our findings suggest that co-delivery of a P-gp inhibitor and paclitaxel using a liposomal platform can sensitize paclitaxel-resistant ovarian cancer cells to paclitaxel. LP(XR,PCT) should be considered for clinical testing in patients with P-gp-overexpressing tumors. Mol Cancer Ther; 15(10); 2282-93. ©2016 AACR.
The Preparation of a Mathematics Educator: The Case of Carey

There are many paths to becoming an active researcher in mathematics education. This article describes one ideal path. It begins with identifying a useful educational background prior to entering a doctoral program. Then it offers some suggestions for selecting an institution to pursue a doctoral program. The article outlines some academic knowledge and intern experiences that will help prepare the next generation of researchers inmathematics education once a doctoral program has been entered.
A Self-Confined Single-Cell Loading Platform Combining PDMS Mesh and Patterned Cytop for Non-invasive Studies of Single Cell Secretions

Single cell analysis provides information of individual cells that is lost in measurements of large cell populations. There is a growing demand on the capability of characterizing the properties of individual single cells. Since transient and temporal studies of single cells require continuous monitoring of the cell behaviors, an effective single-cell assay that can support time lapsed studies in a high throughput manner is highly desirable. Currently, most single-cell technology platforms do not provide optimal in vitro micro-environments to sustain cell growth yet allow continuous studies of single cell behaviors based on the quantitative analysis of their molecular marker signals. In this study, we present a highly versatile single-cell assay to accommodate different cellular types and culturing conditions and to allow studies of single cell responses to environmental factors. Our assay is non-invasive and can collect and survey single cell secretions at different time points. It provides a convenient, low-cost, and enabling tool to investigate single cell properties in a high-throughput manner, generating accurate temporal and quantitative information unachievable in other methods.
Social resource foraging is guided by the principles of the Marginal Value Theorem

Optimality principles guide how animals adapt to changing environments. During foraging for nonsocial resources such as food and water, species across taxa obey a strategy that maximizes resource harvest rate. However, it remains unknown whether foraging for social resources also obeys such a strategic principle. We investigated how primates forage for social information conveyed by conspecific facial expressions using the framework of optimal foraging theory. We found that the canonical principle of Marginal Value Theorem (MVT) also applies to social resources. Consistent with MVT, rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) spent more time foraging for social information when alternative sources of information were farther away compared to when they were closer by. A comparison of four models of patch-leaving behavior confirmed that the MVT framework provided the best fit to the observed foraging behavior. This analysis further demonstrated that patch-leaving decisions were not driven simply by the declining value of the images in the patch, but instead were dependent upon both the instantaneous social value intake rate and current time in the patch.
A comprehensive overview on the impact of widespread deployment of electric vehicles on power grid

Scarcity of fossil fuels and pressing environmental concerns are the main driving factors towards the paradigm shift from conventional to contemporary means of energy harnessing. Likewise, transportation sector is also undergoing a tantamount change with electric vehicles now seen as an alternate to conventional internal combustion engine vehicles with the additional advantage of supplying power to the grid during non-driving hours. However, their widespread deployment can cause serious problems to the operation of power grid like power quality issues and overloading of distribution transformers if proper corrective decisions and optimal charging strategies of these vehicles is not followed. This paper presents a comprehensive review on the impacts of widespread deployment of electric vehicles on the power grid and proposes remedies for avoiding congestion caused by the charging of Electric Vehicles.
Primary osteosarcoma of bone. Clinicopathologic investigation of 243 cases, with necropsy studies in 54.

Two hundred forty-three patients who had pathologically verified primary osteosarcomas of bone, treated at The University of Texas System Cancer Center, M. D. Anderson Hospital and Tumor Institute over a 24-year period, form the basis of this study. These cases provide a basis for comparison of those patients currently receiving adjuvant chemotherapy with those who did not receive such treatment. Anatomic findings in 54 cases subjected to complete postmortem examinations were analyzed. Three significant findings emerged: pulmonary metastases were observed in all but one case, lymphnode metastases were found in only four cases, and in all metastases the histologic pattern reproduced that of the primary lesion. In addition, patients less than 26 years old had a significantly earlier appearance of pulmonary metastases than patients past this age. Patients with osteoblastic tumors had the poorest survival rate, followed by those with chondroblastic lesions. Those with fibroblastic tumors survived longest. In the overall study of 243 cases, tumors in the distal end of the femur and the proximal end of the tibia accounted for 147 cases, representing 60.5% of the cases. The highest incidence of the tumor was in the second decade of life, with 76.5% of the cases occurring in patients less than 25 years old. Three-year survival for the series was 21.7%, with only 12.6% surviving five years. Persons with primary lesions in the facial bones had the highest survival rate. Those with lesions in the humerus, tibia, and distal end of the femur had decreasingly lower survival rates. The lowest survival rates were for patients with lesions of the torso. In the femoral cases, size was a factor in survival; no patient with a tumor larger than 10 cm survived longer than five years. The surgery, irradiation, and chemotherapy employed—individually or in combination—did not alter appreciably the mortality rate for this tumor; only 12.6% of the patients survived five years or longer. Survivals were directly attributable to surgical procedures, including resection of pulmonary metastases. The data analyzed in this study provide a firm baseline of experience in analyzing results of treatment for osteosarcoma prior to the use of adjuvant chemotherapy, which is currently producing a vastly improved therapeutic response.
Multiplatform software tool to disaggregate and adjust value-added learning scores

URL: https://tazzben.github.io/WW/In 2016, Walstad and Wagner released an article that suggested practitioners should disaggregate value-added learning scores into four categories: positive, negati...
Syntatic and Semantic Taxonomy of Preferential Voting Methods

Preferential voting where the voters rank candidates in order of preference plays an important role in many decision making problems and have been studied intensively. Yet there are too many variations and many popular methods are promulgated differently in different regions. Hence, some iconic conventional methods are reviewed for syntactic patterns and categorized. A nomenclature for these voting methods is suggested to reveal their syntactic patterns. Over a thousand of voting methods are devised from the conventional procedural patterns. Over 60 representative voting methods are used to reveal their semantic relationship in the form of hierarchical clustering tree. All preferential voting methods perform significantly different from the simplest plurality method.
Power and Practice in Academic Library Materials Selection Paradigms

Follow this and additional works at: http://scholarworks.sjsu.edu/slissrj Part of the Library and Information Science Commons Acknowledgements I would like to thank Dr. David Gross of SJSU for guiding me and the rest of my class through the process of writing academic articles, Dr. Afshin Marashi and Dr. Erika Gasser of CSUS for introducing me to Foucault, my supervisor Jennifer Ware, MLS, for encouraging me to think critically about the collection development process, and my family and boyfriend for tolerating with my maunderings about power and the library.
Transplant waitlisting attenuates the association between hemodialysis access type and mortality.

Prior studies have shown that beginning hemodialysis (HD) with a hemodialysis catheter (HC) is associated with worse mortality than with an arteriovenous fistula (AVF) or arteriovenous graft (AVG). We hypothesized that transplant waitlisting would modify the effect of HD access on mortality, given waitlist candidates’ more robust health status. Using the US Renal Data System, we studied patients with incident ESRD who initiated HD between 2010 and 2015 with an AVF, AVG, or HC. We used Cox regression including an interaction term for HD access and waitlist status. There were 587,607 patients that initiated HD, of whom 82,379 (14.0%) were waitlisted for transplantation. Only 26,264 (4.5%) were transplanted. Among patients not listed, those with an AVF had a 34% lower mortality compared to HC [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 0.66, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.65–0.67] while those with an AVG had a 21% lower mortality compared to HC (aHR 0.79, 95% CI 0.77–0.81). Transplant waitlisting attenuated the association between hemodialysis access type and mortality (interaction p < 0.001 for both AVF and AVG vs. HC). Among patients on the waitlist, those with an AVF had a 12% lower mortality compared to HC (aHR 0.88, 95% CI 0.84–0.93), while those with an AVG had no difference in mortality (aHR 0.95, 95% CI 0.84–1.08). While all patients benefit from AVF or AVG over HC, the benefit was attenuated in waitlisted patients. Efforts to improve health status and access to healthcare for non-waitlisted ESRD patients might decrease HD-associated mortality and improve rates of AVF and AVG placement.