cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract 4279: Human HER2-overexpressing mouse breast cancer cell lines derived from MMTV.f.HuHER2 mice: characterization and use in a model of metastatic breast cancer

Preclinical evaluation of therapeutic agents against metastatic breast cancer require cell lines and animal models that recapitulate clinical metastatic breast cancer as much as possible. We have previously used cell lines derived from the neu-N transgenic model to investigate anti-neu targeting of metastatic breast cancer using an alpha-emitter labeled antibody reactive with the rat variant of HER2/neu expressed by the neu-N model. To investigate alpha-emitter targeting of metastatic breast cancer using clinically relevant, commercially available anti-HER2/neu antibodies, we have developed cell lines derived from HuHER2 mice (MMTV.f.HuHER2 obtained from Genetech). HuHER2 mice develop breast cancer spontaneously and with a higher frequency than normal mice. We extracted primary mammary gland tumors, purified the epithelial breast cancer cells, and established 7 different HuHER2 cell lines. We also established 2 different cell lines from spontaneous lung metastases (HuHER2-L1 and -L2). We evaluated HuHER2 protein expression in the cell lines by western blot analysis. Cell surface receptor expression was evaluated by immunofluorescence (IF) staining. We performed qRT-PCR to assess phenotypic measures of aggressiveness and metastatic propensity. The following were evaluated: ER, PR, Twist1, Vimentin and E-Cadherin. Sensitivity to trastuzumab antibody, in vitro, was also assessed by evaluating changes in cellular metabolism via the MTT assay. HuHER2 protein was overexpressed in all of the isolated cell lines. One of the cell lines (denoted HuHER2-6) had approximately 1.5-8 times more protein expression compared to the other 6 cell lines developed. The two cell lines derived from spontaneous lung metastases showed approximately 1.5-fold greater HER2 protein expression than HuHER2-6. HuHER2-6 cell surface HER2 receptor staining by IF was similar to that of BT-474, a high HuHER2 expressing cell line. The 2 lung cell lines also showed comparable cell-surface staining. ER mRNA levels assessed by qRT-PCR were 20% and 0.05% of the level measured in normal mammary gland for the HuHER2-6 and HuHer2-L2 lines, respectively. The PR levels were also substantially lower ( These lines show all the hallmarks of highly aggressive, metastatic breast cancer and are being used to establish a left cardiac ventricle injection model of widespread HER2/neu positive metastatic breast cancer to evaluate combination therapy with alpha-particle emitter labeled HER2/neu reactive antibodies. Citation Format: Sunju Park, George Sgouros. Human HER2-overexpressing mouse breast cancer cell lines derived from MMTV.f.HuHER2 mice: characterization and use in a model of metastatic breast cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 4279.
Emerging patterns in the landscape

Landscapes are complicated systems that show many different patterns according to the scale of resolution and the components towards which the investigation is directed.
Clostridial toxins: Molecular probes of Rho-dependent signaling and apoptosis

The Rho family small GTPases are members of the Ras superfamily of small GTPases. Rho proteins were first determined to act as key regulators of many types of actin cytoskeletal-dependent cellular functions. Recent work by several investigators indicates that Rho GTPases are also critical modulators of several important intracellular and nuclear signal transduction pathways. Certain clostridial toxins and exoenzymes covalently modify, and thereby inactivate, specific types of Rho family GTPases. As such, these microbial enzymes have proven invaluable in helping to identify structural and functional attributes of Rho GTPases.
Pathways Forward for Embracing Evidence-Based Practice in Group Care Settings:

Evidence-based practices are often discussed but less easily implemented. Almost all the existing manualized, diagnostic-specific evidence-based practices were neither designed for nor tested in re...
HOXA9 Represses Bim Expression in MLL Rearranged Leukemia: Implications for Drug Therapy.

MLL translocations can be found in roughly 10% of acute leukemias, including over 70% of infant leukemias. These leukemias are often associated with a poor prognosis, making new therapeutics for this subtype of leukemias a priority. HoxA cluster genes have been shown to be upregulated by MLL fusion proteins, and make up a portion of a self-renewal associated gene expression signature found in murine models of MLL-AF9-expressing leukemia stem cells. The role of HoxA cluster genes in MLL-fusion mediated leukemia is not clearly understood, mainly due to lack of knowledge of HoxA downstream targets. One possible role for HoxA proteins in MLL-fusion induced leukemia is enhancement of growth and survival pathways. Evidence for this possibility can be found in C.elegans, where the pro-apoptotic BH3-only gene egl-1 is regulated by homeobox genes. Therefore we sought to determine whether a HoxA cluster gene could in fact regulate survival/apoptosis machinery. Here we demonstrate that HoxA9 serves as a repressor of the pro-apoptotic BH3-only family member Bim. Knockdown of HoxA9 using shRNA in the MLL-AF9 expressing AML cell line Molm14 leads to upregulation of Bim, and rapid induction of apoptosis. Interestingly, knockdown of Meis1 or Pbx2, known binding partners of HoxA9, showed only an intermediate effect, with slower growth, but without an increase in Bim levels. Other BH3-only family members Noxa and Puma showed no significant change in expression after HoxA9 suppression as determined by quantitative RT-PCR. Using a FLAG-HOXA9 expressing Molm14 cell line, we were able to determine by chromatin immunoprecipitation that HOXA9 is present at a DNA region containing a canonical HOX-PBX binding site (TGATTTAT) roughly 100bp downstream of the first exon-intron junction in the human Bim gene. As histone deacetylases (HDACs) are generally transcription repressors, it is plausible that HOXA9 recruits HDACs to the Bim gene, thus regulating its expression. Since HDAC inhibitors also activate BIM, we assessed BIM activation in Molm14 cells after treatment with an HDAC inhibitor, and noted similar kinetics of BIM activation, suggesting a possible link between HoxA9 mediated suppression of BIM and HDACs. We are now assessing HOXA9/HDAC interactions in MLL rearranged leukemia cells. These data suggest that HOXA9 ensures survival of leukemia cells by directly inhibiting transcription of the pro-apoptotic gene Bim, and that interfering with this mechanism may improve treatment for MLL-fusion bearing leukemias.
Time Estimation as a Function of Knowledge and Achievement

The effects of knowledge or lack of knowledge of a grade and achievement level on time estimation were investigated. Ss were 54 college students distributed in six experimental groups. Three conditions of achievement and two conditions of knowledge were employed. Ss estimated the meaning of five time intervals ranging from a very long time to a very short time on the basis of their waiting to see their examination papers. The results of an analysis of variance indicated that Ss knowing their grade gave significantly higher estimates than Ss not knowing their grade. No other variables were significant. The results appear to be complementary to the previous research that under conditions of stress time is overestimated.
Epistemic Justification and the Limits of Pyrrhonism

The argument in “chapter XV” of Book I of the Outlines of Pyrrhonism presenting Agrippa’s five modes leading to suspension of judgment is puzzling. First, it seems to use premises that only a dogmatist should use because they are far from evident, and, second, it relies heavily on the Aristotelian account of epistemic justification. I argue that the two puzzles can be solved by recognizing that the skeptic is dialectically entitled to premises and views that the dogmatist would accept. In particular, the dogmatist that Sextus (or Agrippa) has in mind is Aristotle, and, thus, the Pyrrhonian is entitled to and did, in fact, employ some important features of the Aristotelian account of what, today, we call epistemic justification. But this solution to the puzzle brings with it a price, namely that the generality of the epistemic regress argument is compromised. At best, it is effective only against accounts of epistemic justification that employ the relevant features of the Aristotelian account of epistemic justification. In particular, Aristotle holds that demonstration cannot produce epistemic warrant, it can only transmit it from first principles. If one holds that epistemic justification or at least some aspects of epistemic justification arise or emerge through reasoning, then foundational propositions are not necessary to provide the basis for the origin of warrant (or at least some aspects of it). Thus, infinitism (and contemporary forms of coherentism) can avoid the problems posed by the regress argument.
Epimerization-free access to C-terminal cysteine peptide acids, carboxamides, secondary amides, and esters via complimentary strategies

C-Terminal cysteine peptide acids are difficult to access without epimerization of the cysteine α-stereocenter. Diversification of the C-terminus after solid-phase peptide synthesis poses an even greater challenge because of the proclivity of the cysteine α-stereocenter to undergo deprotonation upon activation of the C-terminal carboxylic acid. We present herein two general strategies to access C-terminal cysteine peptide derivatives without detectable epimerization, diketopiperazine formation, or piperidinylalanine side products.
Abstract 16620: Automated External Defibrillator Awareness in the U.S. Latino Population

Introduction: The prompt use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) by bystanders can greatly improve survival from sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) occurring in public locations, yet use of AEDs is strikingly low, possibly due to lack of public awareness. Previous studies have highlighted disparities in CPR provision and training in Latino communities, yet no studies have assessed AED awareness and associated racial disparities. Hypothesis: We sought to estimate AED awareness and associated racial variation on a national level. We hypothesized that Latinos would be less likely than non-Latinos to be aware of what an AED was and who can use an AED. Methods: As a cross-sectional study, we administered a random digit dial survey to a nationally-representative adult sample, offered in English and Spanish, collecting both demographic information and AED knowledge. Using survey-weighted logistic regression adjusted for location, income, education level, gender, and age, we assessed AED awareness in a Latino population compared to a non-Latino population. Results: From 09/2015-11/2015, 9,022 individuals completed the survey. Of those, 68% had never been AED trained, 24% had been trained, and 8% were unfamiliar with an AED. When assessing for racial variation, 26% of Latinos reported not knowing what an AED was, compared to 5% of non-Latinos. Using logistic regression, Latinos were significantly more likely to not know what an AED was compared to non-Latinos (OR 3.88, 95% CI: 3.17-4.75, p Conclusions: Latinos were significantly less likely to know what an AED was or know who could use an AED compared to non-Latinos. These findings provide important evidence of racial disparities in AED awareness that may impact SCA outcomes, especially in Latino-predominant neighborhoods.
Zinc Oxide–Coated Poly(HIPE) Annular Liners to Advance Laser Indirect Drive Inertial Confinement Fusion

AbstractLaser indirect drive is hindered, in part, by two problems: “wall motion” resulting from ablation of the hohlraum inner wall and “preheat” of the fuel capsule. To mitigate wall motion and preheat, a mid-Z–coated high internal phase emulsion, poly(HIPE) foam liner (5.7-mm diameter, 150 μm thick, 2.8 mm long, 33 mg/cm3) was developed and integrated into the hohlraum interior. A zinc oxide coating was applied throughout the poly(HIPE) foam using atomic layer deposition to achieve 149 ± 14 mg/cm3 bulk density. Preliminary data collected from actual shots at the National Ignition Facility suggest the inclusion of the poly(HIPE) liner reduced preheat threefold and stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) fivefold relative to an existing reference shot on a gold hohlraum (wavelength shift also contributed to SBS reduction).
Visual perception based adaptive feature fusion for visual object tracking

To overcome visual object tracking challenges, various feature-based object trackers use feature combination. Each feature component is developed to overcome certain tracking challenges, but the interaction between the components may cause tracking errors. We propose a tracking solution based on human vision principles to reduce combination errors by adaptively fusing each feature using its previous performance. An adaptive fusion technique is developed to determine feature quality using feature likelihood map variance ratios. The proposed method is completely modular, while reducing the risk of tracker failure. Experimental results on the Visual Object Tracking database show the proposed tracker's robustness and its advantage over state-of-the-art trackers.
International Students in Community Colleges: On-Campus Services Used and Its Affect on Sense of Belonging

ABSTRACTWhile the enrollment trends of international students studying in universities and four-year colleges have been well documented over the recent years, there is evidence that international s...
Programmatic 3D Printing of a Revolving Camera Track to Automatically Capture Dense Images for 3D Scanning of Objects

Low-cost 3D scanners and automatic photogrammetry software have brought digitization of objects into 3D models to the level of the consumer. However, the digitization techniques are either tedious, disruptive to the scanned object, or expensive. We create a novel 3D scanning system using consumer grade hardware that revolves a camera around the object of interest. Our approach does not disturb the object during capture and allows us to scan delicate objects that can deform under motion, such as potted plants. Our system consists of a Raspberry Pi camera and computer, stepper motor, 3D printed camera track, and control software. Our 3D scanner allows the user to gather image sets for 3D model reconstruction using photogrammetry software with minimal effort. We scale 3D scanning to objects of varying sizes by designing our scanner using programmatic modeling, and allowing the user to change the physical dimensions of the scanner without redrawing each part.
Two sets of wing homologs in the crustacean, Parhyale hawaiensis

The origin of insect wings is a biological mystery that has fascinated scientists for centuries. Through extensive investigations performed across various fields, two possible wing origin tissues have been identified; a lateral outgrowth of the dorsal body wall (tergum) and ancestral proximal leg structures1,2. With each idea offering both strengths and weaknesses, these two schools of thought have been in an intellectual battle for decades without reaching a consensus3. Identification of tissues homologous to insect wings from linages outside of Insecta will provide pivotal information to resolve this conundrum. Here, through expression analyses and CRISPR/Cas9-based genome-editing in the crustacean, Parhyale hawaiensis, we show that a wing-like gene regulatory network (GRN) operates both in the crustacean terga and in the proximal leg segments, suggesting that (i) the evolution of a wing-like GRN precedes the emergence of insect wings, and (ii) that both of these tissues are equally likely to be crustacean wing homologs. Interestingly, the presence of two sets of wing homologs parallels previous findings in some wingless segments of insects, where wing serial homologs are maintained as two separate tissues4–7. This similarity provides crucial support for the idea that the wingless segments of insects indeed reflect an ancestral state for the tissues that gave rise to the insect wing, while the true insect wing represents a derived state that depends upon the contribution of two distinct tissues. These outcomes point toward a dual origin of insect wings, and thus provide a crucial opportunity to unify the two historically competing hypotheses on the origin of this evolutionarily monumental structure.
Article Commentary: Explaining the Shift to Value-Based Reimbursement in the Setting of Dermatology and Psoriasis:

The Department of Health and Human Services has announced a campaign for transitioning Medicare reimbursement from volume to value. A budget-neutral Value-Based Payment Modifier has been implemented that provides for differential payment to physicians based upon the quality of care delivered. The value modifier will be based partially on physician participation in the Physician Quality Reporting System (PQRS), which allows for reporting of information on quality of care to Medicare. The information reported includes both medical data and patient-reported experiences with health care providers. Starting in 2017, the value modifier payment adjustment will apply to all physicians who make Medicare part B fee-for-service charge claims. Physicians who do not participate in the PQRS and satisfy reporting requirements may be assessed negative adjustments to their payments. Dermatologists in particular will be impacted by these changes, as skin diseases, especially psoriasis, account for a significant economic bu...
Scope and Nature of Pain- and Analgesia-Related Content of the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE).

Author(s): Fishman, Scott M; Carr, Daniel B; Hogans, Beth; Cheatle, Martin; Gallagher, Rollin M; Katzman, Joanna; Mackey, Sean; Polomano, Rosemary; Popescu, Adrian; Rathmell, James P; Rosenquist, Richard W; Tauben, David; Beckett, Laurel; Li, Yueju; Mongoven, Jennifer M; Young, Heather M | Abstract: Background:"The ongoing opioid crisis lies at the intersection of two substantial public health challenges-reducing the burden of suffering from pain and containing the rising toll of the harms that can result from the use of opioid medications" [1]. Improved pain education for health care providers is an essential component of the multidimensional response to both still-unmet challenges [2,3]. Despite the importance of licensing examinations in assuring competency in health care providers, there has been no prior appraisal of pain and related content within the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE). Methods:An expert panel developed a novel methodology for characterizing USMLE questions based on pain core competencies and topical and public health relevance. Results:Under secure conditions, raters used this methodology to score 1,506 questions, with 28.7% (432) identified as including the word "pain." Of these, 232 questions (15.4% of the 1,506 USMLE questions reviewed) were assessed as being fully or partially related to pain, rather than just mentioning pain but not testing knowledge of its mechanisms and their implications for treatment. The large majority of questions related to pain (88%) focused on assessment rather than safe and effective pain management, or the context of pain. Conclusions:This emphasis on assessment misses other important aspects of safe and effective pain management, including those specific to opioid safety. Our findings inform ways to improve the long-term education of our medical and other graduates, thereby improving the health care of the populations they serve.
PhotoReply: Automatically Suggesting Conversational Responses to Photos

We introduce the problem of automatically suggesting conversational responses to photos and present an intelligent assistant called PhotoReply that solves the problem in the context of a messaging application. For example, when a user receives a photo showing a dog, PhotoReply suggests responses such as "Aww»» and "Cute terrier!»» This simplifies composing responses on constrained mobile keyboards, and delights users with uncanny insights into the photos they receive. PhotoReply is an integral part of the Allo chat application, being its predictive assistance feature with highest click-through rate. We formalize the problem of suggesting responses to images as an instance of multimodal learning which is akin to caption generation models, a topic that has recently received significant attention \citeKarpathy2015,Vinyals2015,Xu2015. We then present a system that "translates»» image pixels to text responses. The system includes a conditioned language model, based on an LSTM, which, given an embedding of image pixels and the previous predicted words, calculates the probability of all words in a vocabulary of being the next word in the generated response and a triggering model trained with image embeddings and concept labels from a large concept taxonomy. We describe training of the models and a thorough experimental evaluation based on crowdsourced datasets and live traffic.
Effects of time alignment errors in coherent distributed radar

Coherent distributed operation between multiple radar systems requires wireless coordination to align the phases and clocks of each node in the distributed array. In this paper, we analyze the effects of time alignment error in distributed radar for three general radar waveforms: continuous-wave pulse, phase-coded, and linear frequency modulated waveforms. The relative matched filter gain as a function of timing error is analyzed through Monte Carlo simulation for arrays of up to 20 nodes. To achieve 90% of the ideal coherent gain with a probability of 0.9, the standard deviation of the timing error between nodes must be ≤ 10% of the pulse width for the continuous-wave pulse, ≤ 3% for a 3-element Barker phase code, ≤ 1.5% for a 7-element Barker phase code, ≤ 0.5% for a 13-element Barker phase code, and ≤ 2% for a linear-frequency modulated pulse with a modulation rate of 5% of the carrier frequency.
Effect of hypoxia on parathyroid hormone in lactating and neonatal rats: interaction with halothane.

Low oxygen in the blood (hypoxemia) may occur in the neonate or women in the postpartum period. Administration of inhalation anesthetic may be required in this period. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of 7 d of hypoxia on the neonatal rat pup and lactating dam without or with acute halothane anesthesia on serum calcium and calciotropic hormones. Ionized calcium was not altered by hypoxia or halothane administration. Hypoxia from birth had no effect on serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) in 7-d-old rat pups (48±4 pg/mL). Halothane increased PTH in rat pups (74±8 pg/mL). The effect of halothane was not augmented in hypoxic pups. Hypoxia for 7 d had no effect on serum PTH in lactating dams (23±3 pg/mL). Halothane resulted in an increase in PTH (106±17 pg/mL). When halothane was administered to hypoxic lactating dams, a striking increase in serum PTH was observed (401±50 pg/mL). We hypothesize that halothane and hypoxia alter parathyroid gland function by a direct effect on cellular calcium dynamics. This interaction may have clinical significance in hypoxic patients requiring general anesthesia.
Virus Particle Structure: Nonenveloped Viruses

Nonenveloped viruses provide model systems for high-resolution structural study of whole virus capsids (and their components) and the principles of large-scale nucleoprotein tertiary and quaternary interactions. The structures of viruses ranging from 200 to 5000 A in diameter have now been determined at moderate to near atomic resolution, revealing a complicated array of architectures that conform to both predicted theories and show previously unobserved and completely unexpected types of associations. We organize a selection of these structures into various classifications based on their overall symmetry and size, and begin by examining common and uncommon coat protein folds, followed by detailed exploration of a few of the particles into which they assemble. Both past and present studies have found common features between viruses infecting different domains of life; yet a number of their structural features are not only unique among viruses, but all known protein structures.
Review of the Hydraulics of Nonrotating, Homogeneous Flow

Hydraulic behavior is closely related to wave propagation tendencies. This does not imply that waves need to be present; indeed, most ‘textbook’ examples are based on steady flow. Rather, hydraulic behavior in a steady flow is related to the routing of information, potentially carried by waves through the fluid domain. Analyses of steady flows that appear throughout this book are often preceded or accompanied by discussions of linear and nonlinear waves. Linear wave dynamics are important in understanding the structure of steady flows and of regions of influence. Nonlinear wave dynamics are essential in the formation of hydraulic jumps and bores, and can be important in the establishment of hydraulically controlled steady states as the result of evolution from simple initial conditions. Some of our students skip through the material on waves and proceed directly to the discussions of steady flows; we encourage you to resist this temptation.
ONE WAY CROSS TOLERANCE FROM MORPHINE TO NANTRADOL - A POTENT, NON-OPIOID ANALGETIC

Summary Nantradol, a recently described cannabinoid-related analgetic, exhibits potent analgetic, antidiarrheal and antitussive effects in common with opioids. Unlike the opioids, however, nantradol's analgetic action is not reversed by the antagonist naloxone. Furthermore, nantradol does not displace 3 H-dihydromorphine and is not discriminated as morphine in rats. However, animals made tolerant to morphine do exhibit one-way analgetic cross tolerance to nantradol. Plasma level determinations indicate that this cross tolerance can not be explained by morphine-induced alterations in pharmacokinetics. These findings, which extend earlier reports of morphine cross tolerance to δ 9 -tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), suggest that opioid and certain cannabinoid analgetics may share a common ultimate mechanism of analgetic action.
Reduced sensitivity of the N-methyl-D-aspartate component of synaptic transmission to magnesium in hippocampal slices from immature rats.

Abstract This study describes the measurement of N- methyl- d -aspartate (NMDA)-mediated excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) of the CA1 subregion of transverse hippocampal slices from immature and adult rats. Our methods permit extracellular measurement of NMDA-mediated depolarizations in the presence of magnesium (Mg2+) ions. In comparison to slices from adult rats (75–90 days old), NMDA EPSPs in hippocampus from immature rats (25–35 days old) were of significantly greater amplitude and were significantly less sensitive to magnesium. It is suggested that developmental plasticity may be related to changes in magnesium regulation of the NMDA channel complex.
Depth zonation and metabolic adaptation in Dover sole, Microstomus pacificus, and other deep-living flatfishes: factors that affect the sole.

Flatfishes of Monterey Bay, central California, undergo species replacements with increasing depth along a transect from 100 m on the continental shelf down to a depth of 1400 m on the continental slope. The Dover sole, Microstomus pacificus, differs from the other local flatfish species by undergoing an extensive ontogenetic vertical migration, occupying all depth zones at different life stages, and having its maximum spawning biomass in the oxygen minimum zone between 600 and 1000 m. Size-activity relationships and depth-activity relationships for the glycolytic enzyme lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and for two enzymes associated with aerobic metabolism, malate dehydrogenase and citrate synthase (CS), were examined in white-muscle tissue of shallow-living, deep-living and ontogenetically-migrating species. Scaling coefficients (b) for weight-specific enzyme activity (log activity)=a+b (log wet weight), varied in sign as well as magnitude for fishes living at different depths. In the shallow-living California halibut Paralichthys californicus, LDH scaled positively (0.39) and CS scaled negatively (-0.15) with size, a pattern observed previously for most shallow-water fish species. The permanently deep-living species, the deepsea sole Embassichthys bathybius, differed in that both LDH and CS scaled strongly negative (-2.0 and-1.5, respectively). For the ontogenetically migrating Dover sole Microstomus pacificus, there was a shelf-slope transition. For the shelf specimens (≤200 m), LDH scaled positive (0.11) and CS negative (-0.29) and for the slope specimens (≥400 m), LDH scaled negative (-0.65) and CS strongly negative (-0.63). Rex sole, Glyptocephalus zachirus, showed a similar shelf-slope transition. Intraspecific depth-enzyme activity differences were not incremental, but changed abruptly between the continental shelf stations (100 to 200 m) and the continental slope (400 to 1400 m). Based on comparisons with laboratory-maintained individuals, the decline in the metabolic capacity of the white muscle of Dover sole is a phenotypic response to the low food and oxygen conditions of the continental slope. Contrary to expectation, anaerobic capacity (LDH activity) decreased in response to low oxygen conditions, suggesting that in a permanently hypoxic environment such as the oxygen minimum zone the metabolic strategy may be to not incur an oxygen debt that would be difficult to pay back.
Mechanistic Studies on the Radical SAM Enzyme Tryptophan Lyase (NosL)

Abstract Tryptophan lyase (NosL) is a radical SAM enzyme that catalyzes the formation of 3-methyl-2-indolic acid from l -tryptophan in the biosynthesis of the antibiotic nosiheptide. NosL is the newest addition to the radical SAM-dependent aromatic amino acid lyase subfamily which includes ThiH, HydG, and CofH. The recently solved crystal structure of NosL challenged the previously accepted mechanistic hypothesis and spurred a renewed interest in investigating the reaction. This led to a series of studies that unraveled several fascinating aspects of the fragmentation–recombination reaction. This chapter describes the various methodologies used for the overexpression of NosL, its purification, in vitro reconstitution, preparation of isotopically labeled substrates, and chemoenzymatic synthesis of substrate analogs. The methods described here can be used to further investigate other aromatic amino acid lyases as well as reactivity of fleeting radicals in enzymology.
Detection and quantification of trace airborne transfluthrin concentrations via air sampling and thermal desorption gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

Abstract A rapid thermal desorption-gas chromatography-electron ionization-mass spectrometry (TD-GC-EI-MS) method for airborne transfluthrin detection is studied. Active air sampling of 9 L over 1 h at 23 °C through a Tenax®-loaded tube resulted in efficient capture of airborne transfluthrin. Subsequent thermal desorption was employed to achieve an LOD of 2.6 ppqv (parts per quadrillion by volume). A minimum primary desorption temperature of 300 °C is necessary for optimal recovery of sample from the Tenax® adsorbent. The matrix effects of indoor air lead to an error of 10.9% and 10.5% recovery of sample (10 pg and 100 pg loaded tubes, respectively). The linear range was 74–74,000 ppqv with a correlation coefficient of 0.9981. Active air sampling of a novel passive release device revealed a ∼150 pg/L airborne concentration gradient over 1 m, providing spatial characterization of the device’s performance. This efficient method allows for the remote collection of samples and rapid analysis of airborne transfluthrin from industrial applications, optimization studies of commercial products as well as domestic/household monitoring.
Numerical Evaluation of the Safety of Self-Driving Vehicles: Functionality Involving Vehicle Detection

Due to recent accidents, safety has surfaced as the number one concern for the acceptance and adoption of autonomous vehicles. The development of safety systems in selfdriving vehicles has some of the most complex requirements. How does one know when a self-driving vehicle is safe enough? And equally important, how do we measure the safety level of a given vehicle design? In this paper we present a mathematical model that is used to numerically evaluate the safety level of five different self-driving vehicle designs, in terms of important parameters related to the design process. The main results show that strict adherence to safety standards, and the use of faulttolerant techniques, particularly for the perception system, can considerably improve the safety level of a self-driving vehicle.
ACC/AHA Versus ESC Guidelines for Diagnosis and Management of Peripheral Artery Disease: JACC Guideline Comparison

Peripheral artery disease is a common yet underdiagnosed cause of morbidity worldwide. Significant recent advances in management have resulted in new guideline creation for the diagnosis and management of peripheral artery disease in the United States and Europe. Here, we analyze each set of guidelines with special attention to those areas where the 2 groups disagree. Both groups emphasize the importance of risk factor reduction, including smoking cessation, lipid lowering, blood pressure management, and glucose control. The U.S. guidelines place additional attention on lifestyle factors, including regular physical activity and supervised exercise. The European guidelines offer a number of recommendations for revascularization in patients with limb-threatening ischemia. Both agree that more evidence is needed to understand which patients are at highest risk for tissue loss. A consistent charge to each committee fostering a similar approach to available data and more randomized studies would align recommendations across both organizations.
Integration of 3D-Printing Processes with a Cloud Manufacturing Platform

Cloud manufacturing represents an approach for manufacturing companies to integrate their resources and establish a collaborative and flexible infrastructure for improving resource utilization and gathering new business opportunities. In this context, additive manufacturing with its core process 3D printing is a well-suited modern production paradigm to be integrated into cloud manufacturing as it offers manufacturing design freedom not only for rapid prototyping but nowadays also for producing the actual product series.This paper introduces an approach that involves the usage of an ontology for representing knowledge of 3D printing processes. This knowledge is used by a cloud manufacturing platform when orders are placed by users to determine material or type of a 3D printing process as well as for allocating the order to a suitable factory possessing the required capability.
How Cancer Patients Benefit from Support Networks Offline and Online: Extending the Model of Structural-to-Functional Support.

Although social support is an indispensable resource for coping with illness, the connections among the structural properties of one’s support network, received social support from offline and onli...
Hepatic CT attenuation differs in three species of freshwater turtles and hepatic Hounsfield units increase with folliculogenesis in wild Blanding's turtles (Emydoidea blandingii).

Freshwater turtle species are suffering from anthropocentric-caused population declines, making preservation of professionally managed populations increasingly important. Turtles under professional care have an increased risk to develop hepatic lipidosis, potentially resulting in early death. Computed tomography can provide an antemortem screening for increased fatty liver composition. A goal of this prospective analytical cross-sectional study was to assess the hepatic attenuation measured as Hounsfield units (HU) in a wild population of a freshwater turtle species, and then compare hepatic HU to freshwater turtles under professional care. Ninety-five wild Blanding's turtles (BT; Emydoidea blandingii) as well as 10 Vietnamese Pond turtles (VPT; Mauremys annamensis) and six Northern Snake-Necked turtles (NSNT; Chelodina oblonga) under professional care underwent CT with quantification of hepatic HU. Hepatic HU were correlated to serum chemistry findings and the presence of follicles was recorded in BT. The mean (±SD) hepatic attenuation for 95 wild BT was 97.5 HU ±9.6. There were significant differences in hepatic attenuation among VPT, NSNT, and BT, with median HU values (range) of 5.39 HU (-6.45 to 61.50), 71.74 HU (59.44-94.49), and 95.43 HU (74.41-124.56), respectively. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) values had a weak negative correlation to HU with a coefficient of -0.85 (P < .001). The hepatic attenuation was significantly higher for individuals undergoing folliculogenesis (P = .007). The decreased HU values were significantly negatively correlated with AST values. Findings supported the use of CT as an aid for guiding future management practices in freshwater turtles.
Sleep’s Role in Effortful Performance and Sociability

How we perform at home, at work, with our families and with others is a function of many factors. Often the role of sleep in those activities is overlooked. Although people may anecdotally recognize that poor sleep makes them ill-tempered or easily distracted, the full scope of impairment associated with lack of sleep is rarely appreciated. Yet, as a growing literature shows, sleep quality and duration affect the ability to engage in effortful cognitive and behavioral tasks, including navigating and understanding social interactions. In addition, since sleep need varies, individual differences also impact the effect sleep or sleep loss has on our decisions to expend energy and on what activities those critical resources will be used. In the present chapter, we provide an overview of research exploring the role of sleep in the availability and use of psychological resources and energy, both in performance domains (e.g., academic and workplace) and in social behavior. Additionally, we discuss open questions and future research directions with an emphasis on gaps in our knowledge of how sleep impacts human performance and sociability.
Simulated polarization as a signature of aerosol type

Abstract We present a technique for determining aerosol type using simulated values of degree of linear polarization as a function of scattering angle. The simulated polarization is determined from retrieved values of the indices of refraction and size parameters as determined from AERONET data sets for aerosols at various sites which we characterize as Urban/Industrial, Biomass-burning, Dust, Maritime and Mixed. We find that each type of aerosol has a characteristic simulated polarization “signature”. The calculated simulated degree of polarization for a particular aerosol observation is compared with a set of standard simulated polarizations using the Frechet distance between the curves. The aerosol type is given by the minimum Frechet distance. We emphasize that the simulated polarization is not the same as the measured polarization.
Effects of selected deubiquitinating enzyme inhibitors on the proliferation and motility of lung cancer and mesothelioma cell lines

The post‑translational modification of proteins by ubiquitinating enzymes plays a central role in a number of cellular functions, such as cell proteolysis, DNA repair, and cell signaling and communication. Deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) disassemble ubiquitin chains and remove ubiquitin moieties from proteins. Targeting DUBs in cancer models has revealed an important role for these enzymes in tumorigenesis, and they therefore have emerged as attractive therapeutic targets. In the present study, the effects of three DUB inhibitors, PR‑619, RA‑9 and LDN‑91946, on a non‑small cell lung cancer cell line (A549) and a mesothelioma cell line (H2373) were investigated. PR‑619 significantly inhibited cell adhesion and the proliferation of both cell lines. RA‑9 exerted an inhibitory effect on the adhesion and proliferation of H2373 cells, whereas it had no effect on A549 cells. Notably, however, while PR‑619 attenuated the proliferation of both cell lines, it exerted an opposite effect on cell motility; in the case of A549 cells, there was a significant increase in cell motility, while for the H2373 cells, there was a significant decrease. Furthermore, protein phosphorylation kinetic analyses revealed that the effects were cell line‑specific. In H2373 cells, the phosphorylation of only one peptide corresponding to the P85A protein was significantly affected, and while LDN‑91946 treatment increased phosphorylation, treatment with RA‑9 or PR‑619 decreased its phosphorylation compared to the DMSO control. By contrast, in the case of A549 cells, the phosphorylation of 21 peptides was significantly affected by the same compounds. In light of the potential for the negative side‑effects of DUB inhibition, such as increased cancer cell motility, the data presented herein underscore the dire need for the development of specific DUB inhibitors and to elucidate the individual role of DUB family members in cancer biology before they can be specifically pharmacologically targeted.
Smartphone Monitoring of Mood Instability in Young Depressed Patients: A Latent-class Analyses.

This study captured daily and weekly mood ratings using a smartphone from bipolar disorder (BD) and unipolar major depression disorder (MDD) subjects at high (HRMDD) and low risk (LRMDD) for developing Bipolar Disorder (BD) and healthy controls (HC). Method 40 subjects (18 - 30 yr) (6 BD, 13 HRMDD, 16 LRMDD and 5 HC) were studied and a total of 2401 daily and 744 weekly ratings were collected. HRMDD and LRMDD subjects were naturalistically treated with antidepressants. We investigate if latent-class analyses of ratings can detect mood instability among MDD and BD groups. Results Our analyses revealed four underlying mood states correlating with clinical mood states. There was a trend for greater number of state changes in BD and HRMDD subjects compared to LRMDD and HC groups. Conclusion Smartphone ratings may adequately capture mood instability in BD subjects and at risk HRMDD subjects and offers a prudent way for monitoring development of serious manic symptoms.
Multidimensional Models of Perfectionism and Procrastination: Seeking Determinants of Both

Background: Perfectionism is currently conceptualized using a multidimensional model, with extensive research establishing the presence of both maladaptive and adaptive forms. However, the potential adaptability of procrastination, largely considered as a maladaptive construct, and its possible developmental connection to perfectionism remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to examine the individual differences of the multidimensional models of both perfectionism and procrastination, as well as investigating potential links between the two constructs. Methods: A convenience sample of 206 undergraduate students participated in this study. Participants completed a questionnaire consisting of 236 questions regarding the variables under investigation. Results: The adaptive model of procrastination yielded largely insignificant results and demonstrated limited links with adaptive perfectionism, while maladaptive procrastination was consistently associated with maladaptive perfectionism, lending further evidence of a unidimensional model of procrastination. Conclusions: Many previous findings regarding the multidimensional model of perfectionism were replicated, along with new contributions focusing on the dual-process model and temporal orientation.
MAINTAINING PROFESSIONAL ENCOUNTERS AND ENHANCING TELEMEDICINE INTERACTIONS WITH CORE VIRTUAL-CLINICAL VALUES.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has increased telemedicine usage at a dramatically rapid rate.1 Current estimates predict that telehealth will continue to have a lasting impact on health care delivery even after the pandemic ceases.2 Recent evidence suggests that patients with certain pre-existing medical conditions may be more susceptible to COVID-19–related complications,3 making telemedicine a vital tool for vulnerable populations to safely receive medical care. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, endocrine-related conditions, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity, are 2 of the 8 pre-existing conditions that put patients of any age at an increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19.4 Furthermore, patients with adrenal insufficiency are likely to suffer from COVID-19–related complications secondary to stress-induced adrenal crises, which require increased glucocorticoid replacement therapy. Steroid dose adjustments and education on “sick day” rules are appropriate topics for telemedicine encounters.5 It has also been recommended that patients with endocrine neoplasms should appropriately participate in telemedicine consultations to minimize the risk of COVID-19 infection.6 Therefore, endocrinologists play a vital role in the care of these vulnerable patients in both the management of chronic conditions and minimization of COVID-19 exposure. Virtual encounters add another layer of unfamiliarity in providing quality medical care to this at-risk population. While endocrinologists have demonstrated an impressive adaptability over the past several months, many are overwhelmed by the seemingly ever-changing virtual standard of care, making it easy to lose touch with the interpersonal skills necessary to maintain a provider-patient relationship. Here, we introduce core virtual-clinical values, with a focus on appropriate appearance, verbal and nonverbal communication skills, and the physical environment surrounding a virtual encounter (Table ). We believe that these recommendations will strengthen provider-patient relationships, enhance virtual interactions, and ultimately better patient care in the era of telemedicine. Table Overview of Appearance, Communication, and Environmental Considerations for Providers and Patients During a Telemedicine Visit
Clinical and echocardiographic results of AVR in the failing ventricle: do AS and AR differ?

Abstract Background We hypothesized that long-term clinical and echocardiographic recovery of the impaired ventricle from pressure (AS) and volume (AR) overload would be different following aortic valve replacement (AVR). Methods We compared the results of AVR in patients with a pre-operative ejection fraction (EF) of 0.35 or less due to AS, AR or mixed disease. We constructed a mixed-effects model of EF and left ventricular end diastolic diameter (LVEDD) to understand ventricular recovery over the short (in-hospital), intermediate (3-6 month) and longer (>24 months) terms. We sought to identify factors associated with clinical and echocardiographic recovery using multivariable analysis. Results Between July 2011 and 2017, 136 patients with pre-operative EF of 0.35 or less and severe AS (83), severe AR (18) or mixed AS and AR (35) underwent AVR. There were 2 early deaths in the AS group (1.5%). Survival at 1, 2 and 5 years did not differ between groups. Baseline EF did not differ between the groups but improved with markedly different trajectory and time course in AS, AR and mixed groups over time. LVEDD regressed in all patient cohorts, following a different pattern for AS and AR. Baseline EF and LVEDD predicted long term fate of the LV but did not determine survival. We identify factors associated with long term survival. Conclusions The pattern of LV recovery appears to be early in AS and delayed in AR. Baseline clinical factors, rather than echocardiographic status of the LV, appear to determine late survival.