cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Apolipoprotein A-I Mimetic Peptides in Mouse Models of Cancer

Novel therapeutic approaches, free of secondary side effects, are desperately needed for the treatment of cancers especially recurrent, chemotherapy-resistant cancers. It is now established that inflammation and lipoprotein metabolism play an important role in cancer development and progression. The serendipitous discovery that plasma/serum levels of HDL-associated proteins, apolipoprotein A-I (ApoA-I), transthyretin, and transferrin, are markers for the detection of early-stage ovarian cancer led to the hypothesis that HDL may play a critical role in the development and progression of cancer. Studies in mouse models established that apoA-I has antitumorigenic properties. ApoA-I mimetic peptides administered orally or subcutaneously reduce tumor growth and tumor burden in mouse models of ovarian cancer and colon cancer by suppressing angiogenesis and proliferation. Antioxidant, lipid-binding, and anti-inflammatory properties of apoA-I mimetic peptides appear to be their primary mechanism of action. In vivo and in vitro studies implicate multiple pathways including VEGF, MnSOD, and HIF1-α in mediating the antiangiogenic and antiproliferative properties of apoA-I mimetic peptides. The antiproliferative effects of apoA-I mimetic peptides on the viability of human papillary serous adenocarcinoma cell lines resistant to cis-platinum suggest that apoA-I mimetic peptides may be efficacious for the treatment of at least some of the chemotherapy-resistant types of cancer.
Effects of maturation on adrenergic neurotransmission in ovine cerebral arteries.

The present studies examine the hypothesis that multiple adrenergic neuroeffector mechanisms are not fully developed in fetal, compared with adult, ovine middle cerebral arteries. In arteries denud...
A Model of Chemical Mechanical Polishing: The Role of Inhibitors

A previously presented model of CMP is extended to include the role of inhibitors. In CMP, a chemical reaction forms a surface film which is removed mechanically by abrasives. When inhibitor molecules bond to the surface film, the mechanical abrasion rate is reduced. The general model will be discussed, and then applied to W-CMP explaining differences in the reduction of polishing rates for different inhibitors.
A feminist view of nursing ethics.

Written from a perspective outside of the nursing profession by two feminist psychologists, this article explores feminism as a mode of analysis relevant to current nursing issues, the feminist therapy code of ethics and the code for nurses, self-care and power relationships in the nurse-patient-doctor triad, ethics of nursing embedded with external factors and a feminist process approach model for ethical decision making.
RNA-induced silencing attenuates G protein–mediated calcium signals

Phospholipase Cβ (PLCβ) is activated by G protein subunits in response to environmental stimuli to increase intracellular calcium. In cells, a significant portion of PLCβ is cytosolic, where it binds a protein complex required for efficient RNA-induced silencing called C3PO (component 3 promoter of RISC). Binding between C3PO and PLCβ raises the possibility that RNA silencing activity can affect the ability of PLCβ to mediate calcium signals. By use of human and rat neuronal cell lines (SK-N-SH and PC12), we show that overexpression of one of the main components of C3PO diminishes Ca(2+) release in response to Gαq/PLCβ stimulation by 30 to 40%. In untransfected SK-N-SH or PC12 cells, the introduction of siRNA(GAPDH) [small interfering RNA(glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase)] reduces PLCβ-mediated calcium signals by ∼30%, but addition of siRNA(Hsp90) (heat shock protein 90) had little effect. Fluorescence imaging studies suggest an increase in PLCβ-C3PO association in cells treated with siRNA(GAPDH) but not siRNA(Hsp90). Taken together, our studies raise the possibility that Ca(2+) responses to extracellular stimuli can be modulated by components of the RNA silencing machinery.-Philip, F., Sahu, S., Golebiewska, U., Scarlata, S. RNA-induced silencing attenuates G protein-mediated calcium signals.
Embryology of Lucilia Sericata Meigen (Diptera: Calliphoridae) Part II. the Blastoderm, Yolk Cells and Germ Cells

The writer (1947) has described the embryology of Lucilia sericata from the time of fertilization to the fusion of the cleavage cells with the periplasm, and the consequent formation of the yolk cells. It is the purpose of this paper to present the stages in the development of the blastoderm (primary epithelium) and to describe the formation and fate of certain associated structures: the yolk cells, the germ cells, and the inner periplasm.
Abstract A74: Proteasome subunit RPN13 as a candidate target for treatment of ovarian carcinoma.

The aberrant metabolism of ovarian cancer cells produces an excess of misfolded proteins and particular sensitivity to proteasome inhibition. Blockade of proteasome 19S regulatory particle (RP) deubiquitinase and/or 20S subunit proteolytic function results in a rapid buildup of denatured protein aggregates and triggers a p53-independent cell death. However, treatment of ovarian cancer with the licensed proteasome inhibitor bortezomib did not produce sufficient benefit to warrant further development. This setback led us to develop second generation inhibitors representing a distinct class of molecule and new mechanism of proteasome inhibition. We have developed novel bis-benzylidine piperidones, RA183 and RA190, which bind covalently to the RPN13 subunit of the 19S RP. RPN13 acts as an ubiquitin receptor and promotes the deubiquitinase activity of its binding partner UCH37. RA183 and RA190 cause rapid accumulation of very high molecular weight poly-ubiquitinated proteins, higher and more rapid than seen with bortezomib treatment, suggesting they inhibit RPN13 function, and thus deubiquitination by the 19S regulatory particle and 20S catalytic subunit activity. The accumulation of polyubiquitinated proteins triggered by RA183 or RA190 causes endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and an unresolved unfolded protein response that rapidly triggers apoptosis. RA190 and RA183 are active against multiple high-grade ovarian carcinoma cell lines in vitro and ovarian cancer models in mice. In nude mice carrying intraperitoneal ES2-luciferase xenografts, RA190 treatment (10mg/kg) significantly inhibited tumor growth. RPN13 is amplified in a subset of high grade ovarian cancers (10-20%), but its amplification did not correlate with a change in the sensitivity of ovarian carcinoma cell lines to RPN13 inhibitor. Sensitivity to RA190 also did not correlate with the level of pre-treatment stress or protein poly-ubiquitination. Knockdown of RPN13 expression in mouse ovarian cell line, ID8, increased its sensitivity to RA190. However attempts to generate knockout of RPN13 by CRISPR in NIH:OVCAR-3 failed and appeared to reflect toxicity. RPN13 mRNA was detected by chromogenic RNA in situ hybridization in all high grade serous carcinoma (HGSC) cases tested and matched precursor serous tubal intraepithelial carcinomas(n=16), and was overexpressed in all relative to adjacent normal fallopian tube epithelium. We conclude that RPN13 has promise as a target for treatment of ovarian carcinomas and possibly HGSC precursor STIC lesions, and that further development of RPN13 inhibitors warranted. Citation Format: Rosie T. Jiang, Ravi K. Anchoori, Anna V. Yemelyanova, Chien-fu Hung. Proteasome subunit RPN13 as a candidate target for treatment of ovarian carcinoma. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Advances in Ovarian Cancer Research: Exploiting Vulnerabilities; Oct 17-20, 2015; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2016;22(2 Suppl):Abstract nr A74.
Development and demonstration of precision optical contouring by wet etch figuring

Wet etch figuring (WEF) utilizes surface tension gradients to confine and stabilize the footprint of an etchant solution contacting an optic, and uses real-time optical interferometry for closed-loop control the local dwell time of etchant on the optic. This enables precision figuring of arbitrary continuous contour optical shapes with gradients of up to 0.5 waves/ mm. This stress-free figuring method enables the figuring of ultrathin optics, and allows inexpensive thin sheet glass to become raw material for precision optics such as phase plates, aberration correctors and beam shapers. We present data on surfaces generated and discuss surface smoothness of optics manufactured by WEF.
Extra-Atomic Relaxation Energies from the Auger Parameter and the Manne-Åberg Sum Rule

Core-ionization energies, I, and Auger kinetic energies, K, are affected by both the charge-distribution in the initial state and by relaxation accompanying electron emission. In principle, these can be determined from measurements of the Auger parameter, α = I + K. In the simplest approximation the shift in core-ionization energy, Δ1, between two compounds is given as $$ \Delta = \Delta V - \Delta R $$ (1) where V and R represent, respectively, the contributions from initial- and final-state effects. Because of the cancellation of strictly atomic contributions, ΔR in this case represents the extra-atomic contribution to the relaxation energy. The corresponding expression for the Auger kinetic energy and the Auger parameter, a, are $$ \Delta K = - \Delta V + 3\Delta R $$ (2) $$\Delta \alpha \equiv \Delta I + \Delta K = 2\Delta R $$ (3) The Auger parameter thus provides a direct measurement of the extra-atomic relaxation energy. Combining the Auger parameter with either eq. (1) or (2) gives ΔV, which reflects the initial-state charge distribution. These relationships have, however, been little exploited as a means to determine ΔV and ΔR, perhaps because of uncertainties in the validity of eq. (3).
Die Entwicklung der terrestrischen Planeten

In einer Serie von sechs Landungen erforschten zwischen 1969 und 1972 die geologisch geschulten Astronauten der Apollo-Missionen die Oberflache des Mondes. Sie machten Fotoaufnahmen, kartierten Aufschlusse, fuhrten Experimente durch und sammelten Staub und Gesteinsproben fur spatere Analysen auf der Erde. Diese beispiellose Leistung war nur durch die enge Zusammenarbeit von Ingenieuren, Wissenschaftlern und den Geld gebenden Institutionen moglich, die die Bedeutung der Grundlagenforschung fur die Entwicklung neuer Technologien erkannt hatten. Der vielleicht wichtigste Anreiz war der in allen menschlichen Wesen vorhandene Drang, das Unbekannte zu ergrunden. Der Wunsch, das Universum zu erforschen, besteht schon seit die Menschheit denken kann. Edwin Powell Hubble, ein beruhmter Astronom, fasste die der Weltraumforschung zugrunde liegende Geisteshaltung wohl am besten zusammen, als er bescheiden anmerkte: „Ausgestattet mit seinen funf Sinnen erforscht der Mensch das Universum und nennt dieses Abenteuer Wissenschaft.“
The P2Y2 Nucleotide Receptor in Vascular Inflammation and Angiogenesis

There is compelling evidence for increased neovascularization of blood vessel walls at sites of intimal hyperplasia in models of arterial stenting, angioplasty, and venous bypass graft failure. We have shown that activation of the P2Y2 nucleotide receptor (P2Y2R) in vascular endothelial cells in vitro induces VCAM-1 (vascular cell adhesion molecule-1) expression and promotes the adherence of monocytes. VEGF, a pleiotropic factor that regulates endothelial cell survival, proliferation, and migration through its interaction with two receptor tyrosine kinases, Flt-1 or VEGF receptor-1 and Flk-1/KDR or VEGF receptor-2 also stimulates the expression of VCAM-1 in endothelial cells. Interestingly, our studies indicate that P2Y2R activation promotes the VEGF-independent activation of Flk-1/KDR via Src binding to Src homology (SH3) binding domains in the C-terminal tail of the P2Y2R leading to the up-regulation of VCAM-1. The P2Y2R also contains an arginine-glycine-aspartate domain that mediates interactions with αvβ3/β5 integrins that enable nucleotides to increase cell migration, an important event in inflammation and tumor angiogenesis. Taken together, these findings indicate that P2Y2Rs can stimulate multiple signaling pathways to promote a variety of pathological responses underlying chronic inflammation, angiogenesis in tumors and atherosclerosis.
Improving Nutrient and Water-Holding Capacity in Sandy Regosol by Applying Locally Available Amendments

A pot experiment was carried out at the agronomy farm Eastern University, Chenkalady, Batticaloa, to study the impact of locally available organic manures on the nutrient and water holding capacity of sandy regosol. Three organic sources integrated with different rates of recommended chemical fertilizer and were evaluated with sole recommended chemical fertilizer. Twelve treatments including integrated organic manures with chemical fertilizers at different rates, sole organic manure treatment, sole chemical fertilizer treatment at recommended level and at half the recommended level and no fertilizer control. Completely Randomized Design with 3 replicates was used as layout. Soil analysis for available soil nitrogen content, moisture retention, cation exchange capacity and organic matter content were carried out at planting (red onion), just before top dressing and at the time of harvest. Integration of organic manure with chemical fertilizer favorably influenced nitrogen availability in soil. Among the organic manures poultry manure had the greatest influence on soil available nitrogen : content. Organic manures increased the soil moisture retention capacity, with tank silt (Organic deposit in dry mud) ranking first. Soil cation exchange capacity was favorably influenced by organic manure application. Cation exchange capacity was higher in tank silt treatment than other organic sources. Cation exchange capacily was increased from planting stage to just before top dressing and decreased at harvest stage. The soil organic matter content also followed a similar trend. AGRIEAST 2009 (8) p.30-38
The Cortical Bone Trajectory for Lumbar Spine Fusion

Cortical bone trajectory, also called cortical screw trajectory, is a novel, less invasive fusion alternative for disorders affecting the lumbar spine. Cortical screw constructs have several touted advantages over traditional pedicle screw constructs. First, the surgical exposure required for instrumentation placement is less than that required for traditional pedicle screw placement. This reduced exposure can help reduce blood loss and other approach-related morbidity. Second, the unique screw trajectory, along with a cortically threaded screw, allows for increased cortical bone purchase within the lamina and pedicle. This improved bone purchase can result in improved screw pullout strength, and possibly reduce the chance of screw loosening. Finally, cortically placed screw heads rest on top of the vertebral lamina, which is significantly more medial than traditional pedicle screws, making them more accessible and rod placement more straightforward. Cortical bone trajectory has been validated with several biomechanical cadaveric studies and shows promise with early clinical testing. The cortical screw trajectory may provide patients with lumbar spine pathology a less invasive fusion alternative. This article serves to describe the operative technique and provides a current review of the literature.
Conclusion: Writing Center Scholarship as Case Study

This final chapter opens with anecdotes that describe the major implications of the current digital/print publication spectrum. The major takeaway is that authors at all levels should seek to be more transparent about the intricacies of publishing. Mentors should embolden students to not just publish, but to seek out open-access venues that challenge their abilities as composers. If teachers encourage students to read and publish in innovative formats early in their careers, they will likely develop less resistance to reading and publishing in these new venues when they enter the academy. Writing center scholars, in particular, must ask what “access for all” as a guiding principle means in light of the many barriers to accessing the resources that define and sustain writing center studies’ disciplinarity.
The Subnuclear Distribution of 5-HT1A Receptors in the Human Nucleus of the Solitary Tract and Selected Structures of the Caudal Medulla

The distribution of 5-HT1A receptors in the subnuclei of the human caudal nucleus of solitary tract and adjacent structures in the dorsal vagal complex was studied using [3H]8-OH-DPAT, a highly selective 5-HT1A receptor agonist. The highest binding of the labeled ligand was found in the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus, followed by the medial, intermediate, and subpostremal subnuclei of the nucleus of solitary tract. Previous animal studies suggest an important role for these structures in the regulation of visceral function, particularly for the gastrointestinal and cardiovascular systems. The results of this study suggest the possibility of an analogous role for 5-HT1A receptors in the regulation of these autonomic pathways in humans as well.
Early Enteral Nutrition Is Associated With Significantly Lower Hospital Charges in Critically Ill Children.

Background Previous studies have shown that early enteral nutrition (EEN) is associated with lower mortality in critically ill children. The purpose of this study was to determine the association between EEN (provision of 25% of goal calories enterally over the first 48 hours) and pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) and hospital charges in critically ill children. Methods We conducted a supplementary study to our previous multicenter retrospective study of nutrition and outcomes in critically ill patients who had a PICU length of stay (LOS) ≥96 hours for the years 2007-2008. From 2 centers, we obtained additional data for all charges incurred during the PICU and hospital stay, respectively, from administrative data sets at each institution. Results We obtained data for 859 patients who met the inclusion criteria (615 from the first center and 244 from the second center). In the combined data from both centers, total (P = .0006, adjusted for Pediatric Index of Mortality-2 [PIM-2] and center) and daily hospital charges (P Conclusion In critically ill children who stay in the PICU >96 hours, EEN is associated with significantly lower hospital charges.
Kant on Theory and Practice

Immanuel Kant’s 1793 essay “Theory and Practice” is his attempt to defend his own moral and political theory against the charge that it is simply an idle academic exercise that cannot be brought to bear upon the real world in any useful way.1 He is concerned, in particular, to answer two charges—the charges that his theory is (1) motivationally unrealistic, involving an account of moral motivation that is at odds both with scientific psychology and with all plausible philosophical accounts of rational deliberation and (2) not usable in either the design ors critique of actual social institutions. Following a general discussion of what may be meant by the topic “theory and practice,” Kant structures his essay as a response to the challenges to his own theories that are to be found in the writings of three other thinkers: Christian Garve, Thomas Hobbes, and Moses Mendelssohn.
Dexmedetomidine and intravenous acetaminophen for the prevention of postoperative delirium following cardiac surgery (DEXACET trial): protocol for a prospective randomized controlled trial

Postoperative delirium is common in elderly cardiac surgery patients. It is multifactorial and is influenced by the patient’s baseline status and the nature of the medical and surgical interventions that the patient receives. Some of these factors are potentially modifiable, including postoperative sedation and analgesia protocols. This study has been designed to evaluate the effectiveness of postoperative intravenous acetaminophen in conjunction with either dexmedetomidine or propofol in decreasing the incidence of delirium. This is a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded, factorial trial that includes patients who are at least 60 years old and who are undergoing cardiac surgeries involving cardiopulmonary bypass, including coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) and combined CABG/valve surgeries. Patients are randomly assigned to receive one of four postoperative analgesic-sedation regimens: (1) acetaminophen and dexmedetomidine, (2) acetaminophen and propofol, (3) dexmedetomidine and placebo, or (4) propofol and placebo. The primary outcome, incidence of delirium, will be assessed with the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM or CAM-ICU). The secondary outcome, postoperative cognitive decline, will be assessed with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment. Additional secondary outcomes, including duration of delirium, postoperative analgesic requirement, length of stay, and incidence of adverse events, will also be reported. Data will be analyzed in 120 randomly assigned patients who received at least one dose of the study medication(s) on a modified intention-to-treat basis. This study has been approved by the institutional review board at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, and the trial is currently recruiting. This study will systematically examine the implications of modification in postoperative sedative/analgesic protocols after cardiac surgery, specifically for short- and long-term cognitive outcomes. Any positive outcomes from this study could direct simple yet effective practice changes aimed to reduce morbidity. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02546765 , registered January 13, 2015.
Frequency Analysis: Pitch

Since nearly all the sounds useful to the auditory system are complex sounds, the ability of the system to separate these sounds into their separate frequency constituents is one of its most important attributes. Immediately, however, we face a dilemma. Any spectrum analyzer that accomplishes fine frequency resolution will be correspondingly slow in following temporal changes in the signal. We sometimes encounter this accidentally in a loudspeaker system. If the speaker has any sort of resonant peak in the range of interest, signals in that part of the frequency range will be smeared in time—we are apt to say it loses clarity. The sharper the peak the worse it muddles the time pattern at that frequency.
West Nile and St. Louis encephalitis viruses.

Abstract West Nile virus (WNV) and St. Louis encephalitis virus (SLEV) are arthropod-borne flaviviruses that belong to the Japanese encephalitis virus antigenic complex. SLEV transmission is limited to North and South America, whereas WNV infection occurs on six continents. WNV is now the most common cause of epidemic viral meningoencephalitis in the United States and greater than 30 000 human cases have been reported since its emergence in New York City in 1999. Both viruses are maintained in the natural environment in a cycle between mosquitoes and birds. Human infection is an incidental, non-amplifying, dead-end occurrence in the lifecycle of these enzoonitic viruses and neither WNV nor SLEV is naturally transmitted from person to person. The majority of infections are asymptomatic (80%) and most clinical illness manifests as a self-limited, febrile, flu-like syndrome. However, a small percentage of individuals (
TESTING OF 304L STAINLESS STEEL IN NITRIC ACID ENVIRONMENTS WITH FLUORIDES AND CHLORIDES

Impure radioactive material processed in nitric acid solutions resulted in the presence of chlorides in a dissolver fabricated from 304L stainless steel. An experimental program was conducted to study the effects of chloride in nitric acid/fluoride solutions on the corrosion of 304L stainless steel. The test variables included temperature (80, 95, and 110 C) and the concentrations of nitric acid (6, 12, and 14 M), fluoride (0.01, 0.1, and 0.2 M) and chloride (100, 350, 1000, and 2000 ppm). The impact of welding was also investigated. Results showed that the chloride concentration alone was not a dominant variable affecting the corrosion, but rather the interaction of chloride with fluoride significantly affected corrosion.
Genetic variation in the eastern spotted skunk (Spilogale putorius) with emphasis on the plains spotted skunk (S. p. interrupta)

We assessed the genetic variability of the eastern spotted skunk (Spilogale putorius) throughout the range of the species, with an emphasis on the potentially endangered plains spotted skunk subspecies (S. p. interrupta). Tissue samples from a variety of sources including field surveys, state agencies, and museum tissue collections allowed a detailed assessment of the genetic variability in S. putorius using both microsatellite markers and cytochrome b (Cytb) gene sequences. Our analysis of 118 specimens established that genetic patterns were consistent with the currently accepted taxonomy of the 3 recognized subspecies: S. p. putorius, S. p. ambarvalis, and S. p. interrupta. The differentiation between S. p. putorius and S. p. ambarvalis was less pronounced (FST = 0.178; Cytb sequence divergence = 1.2%) than between these subspecies and the plains spotted skunk (average FST = 0.278; Cytb sequence divergence = 2.9%). Overall, genetic variability in the plains spotted skunk was lower than that seen in common carnivores (e.g., striped skunks, Mephitis mephitis, and raccoons, Procyon lotor), but slightly higher than in the endangered black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes). The heterozygosity levels more closely resemble those found within the island spotted skunk (S. gracilis amphiala) from the Channel Islands of California and other vertebrates that have a “threatened” conservation status.
Metaanalysis of the relationship between violent video game play and physical aggression over time

To clarify and quantify the influence of video game violence (VGV) on aggressive behavior, we conducted a metaanalysis of all prospective studies to date that assessed the relation between exposure to VGV and subsequent overt physical aggression. The search strategy identified 24 studies with over 17,000 participants and time lags ranging from 3 months to 4 years. The samples comprised various nationalities and ethnicities with mean ages from 9 to 19 years. For each study we obtained the standardized regression coefficient for the prospective effect of VGV on subsequent aggression, controlling for baseline aggression. VGV was related to aggression using both fixed [β = 0.113, 95% CI = (0.098, 0.128)] and random effects models [β = 0.106 (0.078, 0.134)]. When all available covariates were included, the size of the effect remained significant for both models [β = 0.080 (0.065, 0.094) and β = 0.078 (0.053, 0.102), respectively]. No evidence of publication bias was found. Ethnicity was a statistically significant moderator for the fixed-effects models (P ≤ 0.011) but not for the random-effects models. Stratified analyses indicated the effect was largest among Whites, intermediate among Asians, and nonsignificant among Hispanics. Discussion focuses on the implications of such findings for current debates regarding the effects of violent video games on physical aggression.
The Acute Effects of Foam Rolling on Fatigue-Related Impairments of Muscular Performance

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of self-myofascial release (MFR) via foam rolling immediately following strenuous activity on acute fatigue-related impairments of muscular performance. Healthy male (n = 16) and female (n = 9) subjects visited the laboratory three separate times. During visit 1, subjects were familiarized with performance testing procedures and the foam rolling and fatigue protocols. For visits 2 and 3, subjects were (T1) assessed for vertical jump height, velocity, and power and dynamic reaction time (DRT). Subjects then performed the exercise fatigue protocol, followed by either a foam rolling treatment (MFR) or seated rest (CON). Immediately after, subjects repeated the performance tests (T2). CON resulted in a greater percent decline from T1⁻T2 for average power (p = 0.03), average velocity (p = 0.02), and peak power (p = 0.03) than the MFR treatment. No between-treatment differences were detected for %∆ vertical jump height (p = 0.14) or DRT (p = 0.20). According to magnitude-based inference analysis, MFR is likely beneficial in attenuating fatigue-induced kinematic decrements (i.e., power and velocity). Based on magnitude-based inference analysis, MFR is "possibly beneficial" with respect to mitigating acute fatigue-related impairment of jump height and dynamic reaction time. Results demonstrate the plausible short-term benefits of foam rolling on muscular performance decrements associated with acute muscular fatigue from exercise.
Exploring the relationship between Endothelin-1 and peripheral inflammation in multiple sclerosis.

Abstract Background Identifying pathways linking neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration is essential to help prevent disability progression in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is a potent vasoconstrictor thought to contribute to cerebral hypoperfusion and tissue damage in MS. Its link with the neuroinflammatory process remains poorly investigated. Objectives To determine plasma ET-1 levels in treatment-naive people with MS and controls, and the relationship between ET-1 and other peripheral immune mediator levels as potential markers of the disease process. Methods This is a retrospective study that included specimens previously collected from 35 treatment-naive patients with clinically isolated syndrome highly suggestive of MS or definite MS and 35 sex- and age-matched controls. ET-1 plasma levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and plasma cytokine levels [interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12(p70), IL-13, interferon (IFN)-γ and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α] were simultaneously measured by Multiplex assay. Results ET-1 levels were significantly increased in MS patients compared to controls. No significant difference in cytokine levels between the groups were found. However, a significant increase in IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio was observed in patients with MS in comparison with controls, suggestive of Th1 skewed response. Binary logistic regression was performed to ascertain the effects of age, sex, ET-1 and cytokine levels on the likelihood of MS diagnosis. In the final model, ET-1, IL-4 and IFN-γ levels remained as predictors of MS. There was no significant correlation between ET-1 and cytokine levels. Conclusions Patients with MS presented increased levels of ET-1 and an immune response biased towards a Th1 profile. Although both ET-1 and Th1 cytokine profile were predictors of MS diagnosis, ET-1 levels were not associated with peripheral immune markers, suggesting that these changes may occur independently.
Examining the relationship between neuroticism and post-concussion syndrome in mild traumatic brain injury.

Objective: We sought to examine the relationship between personality traits and post-concussion symptom reporting in individuals with and without a self-reported history of concussion.Methods: Data...
Rapid trajectory design in complex environments enabled by reinforcement learning and graph search strategies

Abstract Designing trajectories in dynamically complex environments is challenging and easily becomes intractable. Recasting the problem may reduce the design time and offer global solutions by leveraging phase space mapping patterns available as accessible regions, and the application of search techniques from combinatorics. A computationally efficient search process produces potential trajectory concepts to meet unique design requirements over a broad range of mission types, including low-thrust scenarios. A successful framework is summarized in terms of four components: (i) Accessible regions — establishing reachable regions within the design space for a given thruster/engine capability: (ii) Database exploitation — discretization of well known dynamical structures to form a searchable 2D or 3D volume or map: (iii) Automated pathfinding — exploiting machine learning techniques to determine the transport sequence to deliver an efficient path: (iv) Convergence/optimization — once the transport sequence is determined as a globally efficient concept, it is optimized locally by traditional numerical strategies.
Bamboo bridges or barriers? Exploring advantages of bilingualism among Asians in the U.S. labor market through the lens of superdiversity

ABSTRACTThe number of Asian immigrants in the United States has increased remarkably over the past decades and now accounts for nearly 30% of all immigrants in the country. However, the umbrella term Asians includes a wide range of variety. Acknowledging diversity among Asians, this study explores advantages of Asian bilingualism in the American labor market by attending to employment status and personal earnings through the lens of superdiversity. A series of logistic and ordinary least squared regression analyses of the 2011–2015 American Community Survey (ACS) data shows that substantial differences exist across different ethnic groups among Asians. Bilingual advantages appear in most Asian groups when predicting both employment status and personal earnings, and the benefits tend to be more salient in the results of earnings analysis. The findings indicate that native-language literacy skill is a more momentous variable than the other variables in the model and that bilingual advantages stand out among...
A Software Radio Based Satellite Communications Simulator for Small Satellites Using GNU Radio

In this paper, we present the architecture for an open source satellite communication simulator that accurately models communications channels between a ground station and satellite. The simulator is implemented using software defined radio (specifically the GNU Radio framework) which allows for an extremely flexible and customizable system. The simulator provides a low-cost platform for testing satellite communication systems that can be used for multiple different scenarios or use-cases throughout the entire development cycle. Examples include: initial mission planning, satellite and ground systems verification, system research and development, mission training and simulation, and education. It can also be integrated into a larger framework for simulating a mission's command and control structure and/or an entire network of ground stations. The simulator is designed as a module for the GNU Radio framework which allows the end-user to easily customize the toolkit as needed and integrate it into existing frameworks and systems to fit their specific mission objectives. Several flowgraphs are provided that model the communications channel for a satellite in Low Earth Orbit. A simple user interface allows a user to execute these flowgraphs to simulate the pass for a specific satellite. Given the orbital parameters of a satellite, the simulator can model both the uplink and downlink channels for upcoming passes over a specific ground station. The channel flowgraphs themselves model different properties of the communications channel between a satellite and ground station, such as: Doppler shift, path loss, propagation delay, and hardware impairments. Each of these properties is implemented on a per-sample basis within the flowgraph. Different data fitting techniques are used to simulate the channel effect as realistically as possible.
In situ silanization for continuous stationary phase gradients on particle packed LC columns

Mobile phase gradients are ubiquitous in liquid chromatography (LC); stationary phase gradients are not. Variation in the ligand density along the length of column can provide an important means to optimize separations. However, a major impediment relates to the development of methodologies to fabricate continuous gradient stationary phases, particularly on particle packed columns. For the first time, we demonstrate an in situ silanization approach based on the controlled rate infusion method to create a stationary phase gradient. This was accomplished by infusing a phenylbutyltrimethoxysilane solution through an in-house particle packed column for 1 h, with one end of the column being exposed longer than the other. Raman spectroscopy reveals a steep gradient over the first centimeter of the column followed by a plateau, indicating successful in situ modification. N2 sorption experiments confirm the organosilane does not block the pores of the silica. The reversed phase (RP) and hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) nature of the gradient stationary phase were evaluated using hydrophobic and hydrophilic probe analytes. The stability of the retention factors (RSD < 6%) and the column-to-column reproducibility (4% < RSD < 9%) were satisfactory. Surprising differences were observed in the amount of modification and the peak shapes for the gradient versus uniform stationary phases, which are partially attributed the nature of the on-column modification procedure. This work serves as a proof-of-concept for the constructive fabrication of continuous stationary phase gradients on particle packed columns and will hopefully stimulate future developments.
Resource Letter: GP-1: Gender and Physics

This Resource Letter introduces issues which influence the representation and participation of women in physics. It is intended for all physicists, regardless of subfield, who teach, advise, or work in research groups with other people. We start with reports, statistics, and literature reviews, give a theoretical framework, and address the intersection of gender with additional identities. Then, we review several factors that impact the participation of women at all levels. We continue with the literature about scientific careers and then talk about “what works” and how women can be supported as physics students and as physicists. We conclude with a call to action.
Prevalence of hearing loss among noise-exposed workers within the Mining and Oil and Gas Extraction sectors, 2006-2015.

Background The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence of hearing loss (HL) among noise-exposed US workers within the Mining, and Oil and Gas Extraction (OGE) sectors. Methods Audiograms of 1.9 million workers across all industries (including 9389 in Mining and 1076 in OGE) from 2006 to 2015 were examined. Prevalence and adjusted risk as compared to a reference industry (Couriers and Messengers) were estimated for all industries combined and the Mining and OGE sectors and subsectors. Results The prevalences of HL in Mining and OGE were 24% and 14%, respectively, compared with 16% for all industries combined. Many Mining and one OGE subsector exceeded these prevalences and most had an adjusted risk (prevalence ratio) significantly greater than the reference industry. Some subsectors, particularly in OGE, could not be examined due to low sample size. The prevalences in Construction Sand and Gravel Mining and Natural Gas Liquid Extraction were 36% and 28%, respectively. Workers within Support Activities for Coal Mining had double the risk of HL than workers in the reference industry. Conclusions The many subsectors identified with high prevalences and/or worker risks for HL well above risks in the reference industry need critical attention to conserve worker hearing and maintain worker quality of life. Administrative and engineering controls can reduce worker hazardous noise exposures. Noise and ototoxic chemical exposure information is needed for many subsectors, as is audiometric testing results for OGE workers. Additional research is also needed to further characterize exposures and improve hearing conservation measures.
STFT-Based Event Detection and Classification for a DC Pulsed Load

This paper proposes a load monitoring algorithm that exploits the observed time frequency characteristics of a laboratory pulsed load current and uses it to detect events and characterize them into desirable transitions or faults. An electromagnetic gun is assembled at a low voltage lab setup to provide multiple iterations of pulsed load events with a few instances of faults. Detailed analysis of the load profile is followed by a simulation using measured data to demonstrate the effectiveness of the Short Time Fourier Transform based algorithm to identify key events in the current profile and detect faults.
Road Gradient Estimation Using Smartphones: Towards Accurate Estimation on Fuel Consumption and Air Pollution Emission on Roads

Accurate estimations on vehicle fuel consumption and pollution emission on roads are important for vehicle velocity optimization and driving route planning. Existing methods for such estimations only consider vehicle driving speed and acceleration but neglect the influence of road gradient. This is mainly because the road gradients for most road networks are not available and none of existing methods for road gradient estimation can be conducted inexpensively in practice and keep high road gradient estimation accuracy simultaneously. Thus, how to estimate the road gradient conveniently and accurately is an important but challenging problem. To handle this challenge, we propose a new road gradient estimation system which estimates the road gradient only using a smartphone. When a vehicle is driving, a smartphone in the vehicle continuously measures vehicle states (velocity, acceleration, steering rate, position), which are used to estimate the road gradient. To eliminate measuring noise and drift noise, the deviation between the measured value and estimated value is used to adjust the estimated value. Since measured vehicle states when a vehicle changes lane adversely influence the accuracy of road gradient estimation, we design lane change detection to eliminate such influences. Finally, given a group of road gradient estimates for a given route, we use the track fusion algorithm to further eliminate measuring noise and drift noise and improve road gradient estimation accuracy. We conducted driving experiments in a city area to evaluate our system. The experimental results show that our system's estimation error is reduced by 22% compared with existing methods. The results also demonstrate the accuracy of our lane change detection. Finally, we integrated the road gradient values into vehicle fuel consumption and air pollution emission model to estimate fuel consumption and air pollution emission and found that the estimation values increase by 33.4% compared with the values without considering road gradient.
Statistical Forecasting of Bridge Deterioration Conditions

AbstractThe United States has more than 615,000 bridges. US national bridge inspection standards developed by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) require routine inspections of these bridges ...
An in vitro hyaluronic acid hydrogel based platform to model dormancy in brain metastatic breast cancer cells.

Abstract Breast cancer cells (BCCs) can remain dormant at the metastatic site, which when revoked leads to formation of metastasis several years after the treatment of primary tumor. Particularly, awakening of dormant BCCs in the brain results in breast cancer brain metastasis (BCBrM) which marks the most advanced stage of the disease with a median survival period of ~4–16 months. However, our understanding of dormancy associated with BCBrM remains obscure, in part, due to the lack of relevant in vitro platforms to model dormancy associated with BCBrM. To address this need, we developed an in vitro hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogel platform to model dormancy in brain metastatic BCCs via exploiting the bio-physical cues provided by HA hydrogels while bracketing the normal brain and metastatic brain malignancy relevant stiffness range. In this system, we observed that MDA-MB-231Br and BT474Br3 brain metastatic BCCs exhibited a dormant phenotype when cultured on soft (0.4 kPa) HA hydrogel compared to stiff (4.5 kPa) HA hydrogel as characterized by significantly lower EdU and Ki67 positivity. Further, we demonstrated the nuclear localization of p21 and p27 (markers associated with dormancy) in dormant MDA-MB-231Br cells contrary to their cytoplasmic localization in the proliferative population. We also demonstrated that the stiffness-based dormancy in MDA-MB-231Br cells was reversible and was, in part, mediated by focal adhesion kinases and the initial cell seeding density. Finally, RNA sequencing confirmed the dormant phenotype in MDA-MB-231Br cells. This platform could further our understanding of dormancy in BCBrM and could be adapted for anti-metastatic drug screening. Statement of Significance Our understanding of dormancy associated with BCBrM remains obscure, in part, due to the lack of relevant in vitro platforms to model dormancy associated with BCBrM. Herein, we present a HA hydrogel-based platform to model dormancy in brain metastatic BCCs while recapitulating key aspects of brain microenvironment. We demonstrated that the biophysical cues provided the HA hydrogel mediates dormancy in brain metastatic BCCs by assessing both proliferation and cell cycle arrest markers. We also established the role of focal adhesion kinases and initial cell seeding density in the stiffness-mediated dormancy in brain metastatic BCCs. Further, RNA-seq. confirmed the dormant phenotype in brain metastatic BCCs. This platform could be utilized to further our understanding of microenvironmental regulation of dormancy in BCBrM.
2.14 – Ultrasonic Transduction

Piezoelectricity has long been the dominant transduction mechanism to detect and generate ultrasound. Recently, capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducers (cMUTs) based on electrostatic transduction have emerged as an alternative to piezoelectric transducers. Wide bandwidth in immersion operation, ease of fabricating large arrays, and potential for integration with electronics are some of the advantages offered by cMUT technology. This chapter explains the theory and modeling of this modern type of electrostatic transducers. Both analytical and numerical models are presented. Fabrication processes based on surface and bulk micromachining techniques are explained. Examples of imaging systems based on this new technology are also described.
Application of Brown Cotton-Supported Palladium Nanoparticles in Suzuki–Miyaura Cross-Coupling Reactions

A simple method was developed to deposit palladium (Pd) nanoparticles (NPs) within an inexpensive substrate, nonwoven brown cotton fabric, using naturally occurring polyphenols contained within the...
Periosteal stripping in high ankle sprains: An association with osteonecrosis

Abstract Objective We present a series of 20 cases of a sleeve-type injury of the distal tibia characterized by traumatic periosteal stripping caused by a high ankle sprain. We characterize the magnetic resonance imaging findings associated with this injury and highlight its association with distal tibial osteonecrosis. Materials and methods We collected 20 cases of high ankle sprains with periosteal stripping of the distal tibia through teaching files and a search through our PACS database. We recorded the presence and pattern of syndesmotic ligamentous injury and the presence or absence of syndesmotic widening in patients with periosteal stripping. The presence or absence of associated fractures and osteonecrosis was noted and characterized by location. Results The most commonly torn ligament was the anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament. 25% (5/20) of the patients in our series developed osteonecrosis. Osteonecrosis developed as early as 3–4 weeks following the initial injury. Of the patients with osteonecrosis, 40% (2/5) had fractures of the posterior malleolus. All patients with osteonecrosis had widening of the syndesmosis. Two of the five patients with osteonecrosis were in the pediatric age group. Conclusion In contrast to conventional syndesmotic and interosseous ligamentous tearing, high ankle injuries with tibial periosteal stripping may result in avulsion of the extra-osseous vasculature supplied by the periosteum, leading to osteonecrosis. This pattern of injury has not been emphasized in the literature. Our findings underscore the importance of the integrity of the periosteum for maintaining adequate vascularity of the distal tibia.