cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Two short-acting kappa opioid receptor antagonists (zyklophin and LY2444296) exhibited different behavioral effects from the long-acting antagonist norbinaltorphimine in mouse anxiety tests

Prototypical long-acting kappa opioid receptor (KOPR) antagonists [e.g., norbinaltorphimine (norBNI)] have been reported to exert anxiolytic-like effects in several commonly used anxiety tests in rodents including the novelty-induced hypophagia (NIH) and elevated plus maze (EPM) tests. It remains unknown if the short-acting KOPR antagonists (e.g., zyklophin and LY2444296) have similar effects. In this study effects of zyklophin and LY2444296 (s.c.) were investigated in the NIH and EPM tests in mice 1h post-injection and compared with norBNI (i.p.) 48h post-administration. In the NIH test, zyklophin at 3 and 1mg/kg, but not 0.3mg/kg, or LY2444296 at 30mg/kg decreased the latency of palatable food consumption in novel cages, but had no effect in training cages, similar to norBNI (10mg/kg). Zyklophin at 3 or 1mg/kg increased or had a trend of increasing the amount of palatable food consumption in novel cages, with no effects in training cages, further indicating its anxiolytic-like effect, but norBNI (10mg/kg) and LY2444296 (30mg/kg) did not. In the EPM test, norBNI (10mg/kg) increased open arm time and % open arm entries or time, but zyklophin at all three doses and LY2444296 (30mg/kg) had no effects. In addition, zyklophin at 3mg/kg increased numbers of close and total arm entries on EPM, suggesting increased activity; however, norBNI and LY2444296 had no effects on close and total arm entries. Thus, all three KOPR antagonists had anxiolytic-like effects in the NIH test. However, only the long-acting one (norBNI), but not the short-acting ones (zyklophin and LY2444296), demonstrated anti-anxiety like effects in the EPM test. It remains to be investigated if the differences are due to the differences in their durations of action and/or pharmacodynamic properties.
Beam Energy Scan program at RHIC-experimental approach to the QCD Phase Diagram

The Beam Energy Scan (BES) program at RHIC was launched with the specific aim to explore the QCD (Quantum Chromodynamics) Phase Diagram. Particular emphasis was given to the search for phase boundaries and the location of the Critical Point (CP). The first run with AuAu collisions at 7.7, 11.5, and 39 GeV took place in 2010, and the next one, with energies of 18 and 27 GeV, will start in a few months. The results of the first stage of the BES program obtained by the STAR (Solenoidal Tracker at RHIC) experiment are presented and discussed, as well as plans for the future of the program.
Multi-Parametric Growth of Semiconductor Nanowires in a Single Platform by Laser-Induced Localized Heat Sources

Nanoscale-synthesized materials hold great promise for the realization of future generation devices. In order to fulfil this exceptional promise, new techniques must be developed that will enable the precise layout and assembly of the heterogeneous components into functional ‘superblocks’. Direct synthesis of nanostructures via a laser-assisted chemical vapor deposition process is one promising route. In this paper, laser-assisted silicon nanowire growth based on a vapor‐liquid‐solid (VLS) mechanism is studied. Spatial confinement of the nanowire growth region via focused laser beam illumination provides a convenient way to examine multiple growth parameters (temperature, time, illumination direction, gas species composition, and pressure), thereby elucidating fundamental mechanisms of laser-assisted growth in a single sample configuration. Furthermore, the work demonstrates an advanced method for direct synthesis of nanostructures for the purpose of practical rapid patterning. (Some figures in this article are in colour only in the electronic version)
Who to turn to? Help-seeking in response to teen dating violence among Latinos.

Objective: Though Latinos are the largest minority in the United States, they are not well represented in teen dating violence research. The current study fills this gap by using a national sample of Latino teens to examine 1) rates of formal and informal help-seeking among Latino teens who experienced dating violence, 2) reasons for not seeking help, and 3) cultural predictors of help-seeking (i.e., immigrant status, acculturation, and familism). Method: Data came from the Dating Violence among Latino Adolescents (DAVILA) study that surveyed 1,525 Latino teens and their caregivers across the United States, 6.2% (n 95) of which experienced specific forms of physical, sexual and/or stalking dating violence. Telephone interviews were conducted with caregivers and their 12- to 18-year-old Latino teens. Results: Sixty-one percent of victims sought informal help (most commonly from friends) and 16% sought formal help (most commonly from school personnel). The most common reason for not seeking help was “I didn’t think of it.” Logistic regression analyses revealed that girls and those with higher scores on familism were more likely to seek formal help. Conclusions: Efforts to prevent dating violence and/or intervene in dating violence relationships need further development, including addressing the gendered nature of help-seeking, addressing barriers to services when needed, and building on strengths such as familism and positive social networks.
The Motivational Foundations of Political Belief Systems: A Re-Analysis of the Operational Code Construct

Are individuals likely to have political belief systems which allow them to behave in ways consistent with their needs for power, affiliation, and achievement? This question is explored by re-analyzing Holsti's typology of operational code belief systems. An examination of points of consensus and dissensus among the types indicates that Holsti's six-fold typology can be collapsed into four types without much loss of distinction among belief systems. A TAT motivational imagery analysis of these systems reveals that the power motive dominates four of the types; the affiliation motive dominates a fifth type; and the achievement motive is strong in the sixth type. The results support and refine Holsti's contention that his typology identifies belief systems, and they suggest potentially interesting linkages among needs, beliefs and decision-making behavior. At the present time personality and cognitive approaches constitute two major modes of psychological research into the foreign policy behavior of elites. While there has been some investigation of the overlap between these two approaches (Etheredge, 1979), their interrelationships have not received intensive scrutiny. Whatever gaps one finds between the two approaches are primarily based upon differences in conceptualization and methodology. Thus, many disagreements exist among scholars about the relevancy of each approach for understanding political behavior. I propose to investigate the possibilities for closing some of these gaps by examining the relationships between two variants of these approaches: the 'psychological motivations' approach developed by McClelland (1961), Atkinson (1958, 1966), and Winter (1973); and the 'operational code' approach pioneered by Leites (1951, 1953), George (1969), and Holsti (1977). Although these two approaches have evolved independently, they share a common concern for the explanation of several political variables, such as bargaining style, the selection of political goals, the adoption of risk-taking strategies and tactics, and the exercise of political influence (Terhune, 1968; Winter and Stewart 1977; George, 1969; T,-J1ti 1077A
Laboratory Study on Detective Results of Male Homosexuality Population in Urumqi,Xinjiang

ObjectiveTo know infection status of HIV,HCV and syphilis,and estimate HIV incident rate among men who have sex with men(MSM) population in Urumqi.MethodsOne hundred and forty-five volunteers were recruited by network,and 143 blood samples of them collected to carry out preliminary screening of HIV,HCV,and syphilis.The positive samples of HIV were ascertained with WB and detected recent infection with HIV subtypes B,E and D IgG capture enzyme immunoassay(BED-CEIA).ResultsOut of the MSM volunteers,there was HIV positive rate of 5.6%(8/143) with incident rate of 6.74%(CI 0.13%-13.35%) and syphilis positive rate of 9.8%(14/143).For HCV,all of the 143 volunteers were negative.Conclusions(1)HIV positive rate(5.6%) closes to its estimated incident rate(6.74%),which provide effective data for trend prediction of HIV prevalence.(2) Infectious rate of syphilis among MSM population is higher,STI prevention and control is important guarantee for preventing HIV transmission through sex.
Menopacenutrient therapy: an alternative approach to pharmaceutical treatments for menopause.

Considerable controversy surrounds the use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for treatment of peri-menopausal symptoms. Recent publications from three large, prospective randomized studies call the safety of HRT into question, and leave patients searching for answers. Nutrient therapy may provide symptomatic relief without increasing risk of chronic disease. In this study, results of a series of uncontrolled prospective studies of peri-menopausal symptom relief using Menopace® nutrient therapy were combined to provide a broad perspective on the safety and effectiveness of this alternative treatment modality. Data from seven studies with a total of 766 subjects were analyzed. Subjects with specific menopausal symptoms reported improvement after three months of daily use of the therapy, ranging from 87.8% of subjects with hot flashes to 67.5% of subjects with poor concentration reporting improvement. Overall improvement in menopausal symptoms was reported in 93.2% of all subjects. These results provide consistent evidence of the effectiveness of comprehensive, nutritionally balanced nutrient therapy for treatment of menopausal symptoms. While most evidence-based practitioners focus primarily on research results from randomized, controlled clinical trials, other forms of research evidence can also guide clinicians searching for safe and effective treatment options for their patients.
Developing a World Flora Online - a 2020 challenge to the world's botanists from the international community

The Global Strategy for Plant Conservation of the Convention on Biological Diversity adopted as its first target in 2010 the preparation of "An online flora of all known plants" by 2020. This target was subsequently adopted by a broadly-based international consortium of botanical institutions that have committed themselves to undertaking this ambitious project. The preparation of a world flora will be the first modern and large-scale and comprehensive attempt to produce a comprehensive overview and baseline of knowledge on the world's plant diversity. This article outlines previous historic efforts to document the world's known flora. It also describes the ways in which the World Flora Online Consortium was created, how it is organized and its plans to compile diverse datasets available in digital formats into a single online portal available and open to all. Such data are being combined from geographical floristic accounts, such as the Flora of China, the Flora of North America and many other regional and national projects, together with relevant monographic treatments.
Top-of-the-atmosphere shortwave flux estimation from satellite observations:an empirical neural network approach applied with data from the A-trainconstellation

Abstract. Estimates of top-of-the-atmosphere (TOA) radiative flux are essential for the understanding of Earth's energy budget and climate system. Clouds, aerosols, water vapor, and ozone (O3) are among the most important atmospheric agents impacting the Earth's shortwave (SW) radiation budget. There are several sensors in orbit that provide independent information related to these parameters. Having coincident information from these sensors is important for understanding their potential contributions. The A-train constellation of satellites provides a unique opportunity to analyze data from several of these sensors. In this paper, retrievals of cloud/aerosol parameters and total column ozone (TCO) from the Aura Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) have been collocated with the Aqua Clouds and Earth's Radiant Energy System (CERES) estimates of total reflected TOA outgoing SW flux (SWF). We use these data to develop a variety of neural networks that estimate TOA SWF globally over ocean and land using only OMI data and other ancillary information as inputs and CERES TOA SWF as the output for training purposes. OMI-estimated TOA SWF from the trained neural networks reproduces independent CERES data with high fidelity. The global mean daily TOA SWF calculated from OMI is consistently within ±1 % of CERES throughout the year 2007. Application of our neural network method to other sensors that provide similar retrieved parameters, both past and future, can produce similar estimates TOA SWF. For example, the well-calibrated Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer (TOMS) series could provide estimates of TOA SWF dating back to late 1978.
Improving the climate for LGBTQ students at an Historically Black University

ABSTRACTAfrican American lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) students attending an Historically Black College or University (HBCU) may experience bullying. Using snowball sampling, the authors recruited six LGBTQ students for a focus group to learn how they perceived their HBCU campus atmosphere toward LGBTQ students. Thirty faculty members, with unknown sexual orientation, were recruited through e-mail. All groups reported bullying but that the LGBTQ student activity group had improved the atmosphere during the past several years and that faculty needed sensitivity training and administration should take the lead. A curriculum is introduced to provide training to faculty and students to increase support of LGBTQ students.
Modulation Design for MIMO-CoMP HARQ

Modulation diversity (MoDiv) is a simple and practical transmission enhancement technique that utilizes different modulation mappings to reduce packet loss rate and achieve higher link throughput. MoDiv is particularly meaningful and effective in Hybrid-Automatic Repeat reQuest (HARQ) systems. We study the deployment and optimization of MoDiv for HARQ in a MIMO-coordinated multi-point scenario under Rician fading channel to mitigate packet loss. We formulate the design optimization of MoDiv into a quadratic 3-D assignment problem, then solve it using a modified iterated local search method. Numerical results demonstrate clear performance gain over simple retransmissions and over a heuristic design under fading channels.
Patterns of Waterpipe Tobacco Smoking Among U.S. Young Adults, 2013-2014.

Introduction Patterns of waterpipe smoking and associated other tobacco use were assessed among U.S. young adults (aged 18–24 years). Methods A descriptive analysis of baseline data (2013–2014) from the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health Study was conducted in 2016. Results The study included 9,119 young adults—44% ever and 11% past−30 day waterpipe smokers (12% of men and 9% of women were past−30 day smokers). Among past−30 day smokers, waterpipe smoking frequency was distributed as follows: 4% daily, 23% weekly, 36% monthly, and 37% less than monthly. The average session exceeded 30 minutes for 79% of respondents. In this age group, 29% were exclusive waterpipe smokers, 16% were dual (waterpipe/cigarette) smokers, 8% were dual (waterpipe/e-cigarette) users, 19% were waterpipe/cigarette/e-cigarette users, and 28% presented with other combinations of poly use. Conclusions Waterpipe smoking is widespread among U.S. young adults. Although waterpipe patterns are predominantly intermittent, the average smoking session provides prolonged exposure. Waterpipe smoking among young adults is primarily characterized by the use of flavored tobacco, the cafe culture, and poly tobacco use. Rising trends in waterpipe smoking among U.S. youth warrant a strong regulatory response to prevent future waterpipe-related morbidity and mortality.
Uncertainties from long range effects in B-->K* gamma.

We reconsider the ``long-range'' component of the radiative transition B\ensuremath{\rightarrow}${\mathit{K}}^{\mathrm{*}}$\ensuremath{\gamma}. A careful analysis of the vector dominance amplitude B\ensuremath{\rightarrow}${\mathit{V}}_{1}$${\mathit{V}}_{2}$\ensuremath{\rightarrow}${\mathit{V}}_{1}$\ensuremath{\gamma} is carried out, with emphasis on the role of gauge invariance. The procedure for incorporating phenomenological B\ensuremath{\rightarrow}${\mathit{V}}_{1}$${\mathit{V}}_{2}$ data is identified, and polarization data, only recently available, is employed to estimate the magnitude of the vector dominance effect. We summarize uncertainties in the B\ensuremath{\rightarrow}${\mathit{K}}^{\mathrm{*}}$\ensuremath{\gamma} radiative transition produced by long-range effects and provide suggestions for further experimental work.
The Theory of Local Public Goods

The purpose of this paper is to develop the broad outlines of the general theory of local public goods. The theory of local public goods is differentiated from the conventional theory of public goods in one important respect: in the latter, the population of each community is assumed fixed, while the theory of local public goods is concerned with the determination of the allocation of the population among the different communities.
Distinct Mechanisms of Biotic and Chemical Elicitors Enable Additive Elicitation of the Anticancer Phytoalexin Glyceollin I

Phytoalexins are metabolites biosynthesized in plants in response to pathogen, environmental, and chemical stresses that often have potent bioactivities, rendering them promising for use as therapeutics or scaffolds for pharmaceutical development. Glyceollin I is an isoflavonoid phytoalexin from soybean that exhibits potent anticancer activities and is not economical to synthesize. Here, we tested a range of source tissues from soybean, in addition to chemical and biotic elicitors, to understand how to enhance the bioproduction of glyceollin I. Combining the inorganic chemical silver nitrate (AgNO₃) with the wall glucan elicitor (WGE) from the soybean pathogen Phytophthora sojae had an additive effect on the elicitation of soybean seeds, resulting in a yield of up to 745.1 µg gt-1 glyceollin I. The additive elicitation suggested that the biotic and chemical elicitors acted largely by separate mechanisms. WGE caused a major accumulation of phytoalexin gene transcripts, whereas AgNO₃ inhibited and enhanced the degradation of glyceollin I and 6″-O-malonyldaidzin, respectively.
Metabolic heterogeneity of eosinophils from normal and hypereosinophilic patients

Eosinophils, which may be associated with allergic, parasitic, or neoplastic disease, have a potent oxidative burst that may be activated by particulate or soluble stimuli. Eosinophils from normal persons and patients with hypereosinophilia were compared with respect to their ability to produce the active oxygen product, superoxide anion. Normal eosinophils produced large amounts of superoxide anion under resting conditions (0.53 +/- 0.15 nmoles cyto-c/10(5) eos/hr) and when stimulated by preopsonized zymosan (0.85 +/0 1.10 nmoles cyto-c/10(5) eos/hr) or phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) (2.38 +/- 0.46 nmoles cyto- c/10(5) eos/hr). Considerable variation was observed in superoxide production by eosinophils from patients with hypereosinophilia. Eosinophils from a group of four patients with hypereosinophilia associated with neoplastic disease produced less superoxide anion than normal eosinophils when stimulated by preopsonized zymosan or PMA (p less than or equal to 0.05). Eosinophils from a group of 5 patients with other causes of hypereosinophilia produced more superoxide anion than normal eosinophils when stimulated by PMA (p less than or equal to 0.01). These studies demonstrate metabolic heterogeneity of eosinophils from patients with hypereosinophilia, and further emphasize that normal eosinophils and eosinophils from hypereosinophilic patients are not functionally equivalent.
Prosthetic Joint Infections in Elderly Patients

Although prosthetic joint infections (PJIs) occur in a small proportion of patients following total joint arthroplasty, they have catastrophic consequences on morbidity and joint function and carry a high economic burden in the elderly patients.
Natural mortality factors acting on citrus leafminer, Phyllocnistis citrella, in lime orchards in South Florida

Seasonal mortality of the citrusleafminer, Phyllocnistis citrellaStainton, was studied from 1994 through 1998 in`Tahiti' lime, Citrus aurantifolia (Christm.) Swingle,in Homestead, Florida. Survival of eachdevelopmental host stage and the proportionattacked by indigenous and introduced naturalenemies were determined. Before the recovery ofthe introduced parasitoid, Ageniaspiscitricola Logvinovskaya, in 1995, thethird-instar host had the highest averageproportion of parasitized individuals (0.14)followed by the prepupa (0.11) while the firstinstar had the lowest proportion parasitized(0.02). After the first recovery andestablishment of A. citricola, theproportion of pupae parasitized increased to0.56 followed by the prepupa (0.14) and thethird instar (0.11). Before the introduction ofA. citricola, the highest proportion ofhosts killed by predation was observed insecond instar (0.17) and third instar (0.15).After the establishment of the introducedspecies, the proportion of dead individuals dueto predation was greater for second instar(0.31) and third instar (0.21) larvae.Mortality caused by indigenous natural enemieswas significantly correlated with increases ofP. citrella density. Parasitism ofP. citrella by the exotic parasitoid,A. citricola, correlated less well to hostdensity over the season (r2 = 0.12) thandid mortality caused by indigenous naturalenemies (r2 = 0.76). Moreover, a higherpercent mortality in population of P. citrellawas obtained from predation by theindigenous natural enemies than the introducedparasitoid as shown in the mortality estimatesfrom 1995 to 1998.
Postmodern Parody of The Enchanted Cottage in El beso de la mujer araña: Molina Leaves the Woods

Marting examines the interior monologue of Luis Alberto Molina regarding the Hollywood movie The Enchanted Cottage, directed by John Cromwell in 1945, in the novel by Manuel Puig, El beso de la mujer arana (Kiss of the Spider Woman). This neglected movie-story marks the point of greatest distance between Luis Alberto Molina and his cellmate Valentin Arregui Paz, as well as several important points of transition in the Molina character. Using Linda Hutcheon’s concept of parody as “ironic transcontextualization,” Marting finds that Molina’s version parodies the movie by making it conform to his state of mind and situation. Molina’s parody of traditional concepts of gender identity and sexuality is postmodern because the verbal imitation affirms heteronormative dominance while simultaneously undercutting it.
Goal orientation, sport identities, and risky sexual behavior

Guided by toxic jock theory and achievement goal theory, the purpose of this study was to examine goal orientations and sport identities as predictors of risky sexual behavior. The participants (N ...
Mass Spectrometric Analysis of Mucin Core Proteins

Mucins are difficult to handle for their identification and characterization via proteomic applications due to their heavily glycosylated nature (up to 90%), high molecular weight (200 kDa-200 MDa), and size (Rg 10-300 nm). Their core proteins are extremely large and highly substituted with oligosaccharides, which only allow access to a highly restricted portion of their protein. For this reason, conventional 1D or 2D polyacrylamide gel-based proteomic approaches are not effective for identification and characterization of mucin molecules. In this chapter, we present our current protocol employing a modified shotgun proteomic approach to identify these complex glycoproteins.
Discoveries of the phosphatidate phosphatase genes in yeast published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry.

This JBC Review on the discoveries of yeast phosphatidate (PA) phosphatase genes is dedicated to Dr. Herbert Tabor, Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Biological Chemistry (JBC) for 40 years, on the occasion of his 100th birthday. Here, I reflect on the discoveries of the APP1, DPP1, LPP1, and PAH1 genes encoding all the PA phosphatase enzymes in yeast. PA phosphatase catalyzes PA dephosphorylation to generate diacylglycerol; both substrate and product are key intermediates in the synthesis of membrane phospholipids and triacylglycerol. App1 and Pah1 are peripheral membrane proteins catalyzing an Mg2+-dependent reaction governed by the DXDX(T/V) phosphatase motif. Dpp1 and Lpp1 are integral membrane proteins that catalyze an Mg2+-independent reaction governed by the KX6RP–PSGH–SRX5HX3D phosphatase motif. Pah1 is PA-specific and is the only PA phosphatase responsible for lipid synthesis at the nuclear/endoplasmic reticulum membrane. App1, Dpp1, and Lpp1, respectively, are localized to cortical actin patches and the vacuole and Golgi membranes; they utilize several lipid phosphate substrates, including PA, lyso-PA, and diacylglycerol pyrophosphate. App1 is postulated to be involved in endocytosis, whereas Dpp1 and Lpp1 may be involved in lipid signaling. Pah1 is the yeast lipin homolog of mice and humans. A host of cellular defects and lipid-based diseases associated with loss or overexpression of PA phosphatase in yeast, mice, and humans, highlights its importance to cell physiology.
Abstract 4095: Active Kras induced metaplasia progression toward gastric neoplasia is suppressed by MEK inhibition during gastric carcinogenesis

Intestinal type gastric cancer develops within metaplastic mucosal fields and development of gastric neoplasia represents the most prominent example of gastric cancer developing within the morphologic changes of metaplasia. Recent investigations have noted activation of Ras activity in up to 40% of human gastric cancers and suggest. Our recent study has suggested that chief cells might be an origin of gastric cancer using a mouse model, Mist1-CreERT2;LSL-KRas(G12D) mouse (Mist1-Kras). The Mist1-Kras mice rapidly developed SPEM and IM within 3 months and invasive metaplasia within 4 months following induction of constitutively-active Kras(G12D) expression in the chief cells in the mouse stomach. We also observed regression of metaplasia by targeting downstream mediators of Kras signaling using a MEK inhibitor, Selumetinib. We therefore have now investigated how the progression and proliferation of metaplasia can be controlled. In this study, we have established metaplastic organoid lines (Meta3 and Meta4) from Mist1-Kras mouse stomach mucosa at 3 or 4 months after tamoxifen induction. We examined these organoids to understand the mechanisms of metaplasia progression through MEK inhibition. Both Meta3 and Meta4 organoids have formed distinguishable glandular structures in 3D cultures and maintained a stable phenotype observed in metaplastic glands in the Mist1-Kras mouse stomachs. The MEK inhibition with Selumetinib in the metaplastic organoids inhibited growth, but promoted differentiation of metaplastic cells toward intestinal absorptive cells with elaboration of an apical brush border. Single cell RNA sequencing data revealed that Meta-4 have distinct characteristics that differ from Meta3. In 3D culture, Meta4 organoids developed more aggressive phenotypes than Meta3 and expressed Cortactin, which has critical roles in cancer cell migration and metastasis. Cortactin localized at the lamellipodia in monolayer culture of Meta4. Meta4 organoids treated with Selumetinib produced significantly fewer colonies in soft agar and resulted in loss of lamellipodia localization of Cortactin. Our results indicate that gastric carcinogenesis can be controlled by a MEK inhibitor, Selumetinib, and support the concept that growth of pre-neoplastic metaplasia and early stage gastric cancer in humans might be controlled with administration of Selumetinib. Citation Format: Eunyoung Choi, Amy C. Engevik, James R. Goldenring. Active Kras induced metaplasia progression toward gastric neoplasia is suppressed by MEK inhibition during gastric carcinogenesis [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 4095.
Childhood Executive Functioning Predicts Young Adult Outcomes in 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome.

Objective While individuals with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11DS) are at increased risk for a variety of functional impairments and psychiatric disorders, including psychosis, not all individuals with 22q11DS experience negative outcomes. Efforts to further understand which childhood variables best predict adult functional outcomes are needed, especially those that investigate childhood executive functioning abilities. Methods This longitudinal study followed 63 individuals with 22q11DS and 43 control participants over 9 years. Childhood executive functioning ability was assessed using both rater-based and performance-based measures and tested as predictors of young adult outcomes. Results Childhood global executive functioning abilities and parent report of child executive functioning abilities were the most consistent predictors of young adult outcomes. The study group moderated the relationship between child executive functioning and young adult outcomes for several outcomes such that the relationships were stronger in the 22q11DS sample. Conclusion Rater-based and performance-based measures of childhood executive functioning abilities predicted young adult outcomes in individuals with and without 22q11DS. Executive functioning could be a valuable target for treatment in children with 22q11DS for improving not only childhood functioning but also adult outcomes. (JINS, 2018, 24, 905-916).
Alterations in glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) mRNA levels in the hamster facial motor nucleus: effects of axotomy and testosterone.

Testosterone propionate (TP) administered at the time of facial nerve injury in the hamster accelerates the rate of regeneration. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that the mechanism by which TP augments peripheral nerve regeneration involves regulation of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) mRNA in the facial motor nucleus. Castrated male hamsters were subjected to right facial nerve transection, with half the animals implanted subcutaneously with Silastic capsules containing exogenous TP and the remainder sham implanted. Postoperative survival times were 0.25, 1, 2, 4, 7, and 14 d. Qualitative/quantitative analyses of both film and emulsion autoradiograms were accomplished. Axotomy, with or without TP, resulted in a dramatic increase in GFAP mRNA levels by 1 d postoperative on the axotomized side, relative to controls. GFAP mRNA levels remained elevated throughout all postoperative times in both the nonhormone- and TP-treated animals. Qualitative examination of the film autoradiograms indicated a generalized decrease in the amount of GFAP mRNA in the control and axotomized nuclei of TP-treated animals when compared to the control and axotomized nuclei, respectively, of nonhormone-treated animals. Statistical comparison of the values obtained for both the film and emulsion autoradiograms confirmed this impression. Thus, while the injury-induced increases in GFAP mRNA expression were not blocked by TP, the overall extent of the increase was significantly tempered by steroid treatment. These data suggest that hormonal modulation of the astrocytic response to peripheral nerve injury may be a contributing factor in the ability of steroids to enhance the regenerative capacities of injured motor neurons.
High intensity resistance training improves sleep quality and anxiety in individuals who screen positive for posttraumatic stress disorder: A randomized controlled feasibility trial

Abstract Purpose Posttraumatic stress is disorder (PTSD) is a disabling psychological condition that often causes chronic sleep issues. Exercise has beneficial effects on sleep in healthy individuals. However, little is known about the effects exercise on sleep in individuals with PTSD. The purpose of this pilot study was to assess the feasibility of a resistance training intervention on sleep quality, PTSD, anxiety and depression symptoms in individuals who screened positive for PTSD. Methods While blocking for gender participants were randomly assigned to either a 3-week resistance training intervention (i.e., 9 total sessions), or a time-matched attention control. Results A total of 22 participants were randomized into the study. The mean age was 33.0 years (SD = 13.3), 82% were women, and 77% identified as a racial minority. Over 90% of sessions were attended by both groups. Results demonstrated that the resistance training group reported significantly improved global sleep quality F(1, 16) = 12.04, p 0.05). Conclusions The findings of this study suggest that three weeks of high intensity resistance training can improve aspects of sleep and reduce anxiety in individuals who screen positive for PTSD. The results further support the safety, feasibility, and acceptability of resistance training for this population. These results are preliminary, and should be further verified by larger adequately powered trials.
Room and elevated temperature sliding wear behavior and mechanisms of additively manufactured novel precipitation strengthened metallic composites

Abstract Laser Engineered Net Shaping (LENS™) is an additive manufacturing technique used to fabricate complex 3-D components directly from a CAD model. LENS™ permits the processing of novel, tailored hybrid materials with unique microstructures spanning across multiple length scales that are not possible to achieve via conventional melt or solid-state powder processing techniques. Such novel microstructures include solid solution/precipitation strengthened metallic matrices with a refined uniform distribution of reinforcing in situ formed hard ceramic and solid lubricant phases. In this work, two such novel composites composed of Ni-18Al-11Cr-9C and Ni-14Al-8Cr-29C (at%) were processed via LENS™. The tribological properties of the composites were assessed at room temperature (RT) and 500 °C to determine the chemical and microstructural evolution during wear. Due to the variation in graphite (C) content in the composites, different microstructures of nickel aluminide and chromium carbide phases were formed during solidification that affect the dry sliding wear behavior. It was determined with SEM/EDS and Raman spectroscopy that NiO and Cr2O3 are the predominate phases on the room temperature wear surfaces, while at 500 °C, NiCr2O4 (spinel structure) becomes the main tribochemical phase, forming an oxide glaze layer at the sliding interface that further mitigates friction and wear. Overall, the increase from 9 at% to 29 at% C in the composite did not lower the dry sliding friction coefficient; however, there was a reduction in the 500 °C sliding wear rate to 7.1 × 10−6 mm3/N·m and increase in the micro- and macro-hardness of the composite to HV0.3 = 539 and HRC = 48, respectively.
The effects of a novel bicarbonate loading protocol on serum bicarbonate concentration: a randomized controlled trial

Previous studies have shown that sodium bicarbonate ingestion may enhance intense exercise performance, but may also cause severe gastrointestinal distress. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a modified sodium bicarbonate (SB) ingestion protocol would elevate serum bicarbonate concentration more than previous methods without causing gastrointestinal distress. In randomized order, seven (5 men, 2 women) elite middle-distance runners ingested either placebo, Modified SB (600 mg·kg− 1 over 19.5 h), or Acute SB (300 mg·kg− 1) in opaque gelatin capsules. Baseline and post-ingestion blood samples were analyzed for bicarbonate, pH, sodium, hematocrit, and lactate. Repeated measures ANOVA (2 time points × 3 conditions) were analyzed to determine differences in serum bicarbonate, lactate, sodium, blood pH, and hematocrit. Gastrointestinal distress was assessed via self-report on a Likert scale of 1–10. Simple (condition) and repeated (time) within-participant contrasts were used to determine the location of any statistically significant main and interaction effects (p ≤ 0.05). Both Modified SB (7.6 mmol·L− 1, p < 0.01) and Acute SB (5.8 mmol·L− 1, p < 0.01) increased serum bicarbonate concentration compared to the placebo (p ≤ 0.05). Post-ingestion serum bicarbonate concentration was significantly higher for the Modified SB (34.7 ± 2.2 mmol·L− 1, 28.0% increase) trials than the Acute SB (33.5 ± 2.0 mmol·L− 1, 20.9% increase) trials (p = 0.05). There was no reported severe GI distress in the Modified SB trials, but two cases in the Acute SB trials. Modified SB elevated serum bicarbonate concentration more than Acute SB, without any severe gastrointestinal side effects. Consequently, it is recommended that future experimentation involving SB by researchers and athletes use the novel ingestion protocol described in this study due to its potential for improved effectiveness and reduced gastrointestinal impact. , NCT03813329 . Registered 23 January 2019 - Retrospectively registered,
Mapping the Spatio-Temporal Functional Coherence in the Resting Brain

Human brain functions are underlined by spatially and temporally coherent activity. Characterizing the spatio-temporal coherence (STC) of brain activity is then important to understand brain function, which however is still elusive in the literature. In this study, we proposed a new method to measure the spatio-temporal incoherence (STIC) by segmenting the fMRI time series of neighboring voxels into a series of continuous 4-dimensional elements and recording the similarity of every element to all others. STIC was then calculated as the log differential of the similarity sum of all elements and that when the time window is increased by 1 – a process similar to and directly extended from the time-embedding based approximate entropy calculation. Experiment results showed that STIC revealed the correct irregularity difference between random noise and spatio-temporally coherent signal. STIC was less sensitive to noise than a multi-variate entropy measure. When applied to 917 young health subjects’ resting-state fMRI, we identified highly replicable STIC maps with very fine cortical structures. Females and more matured brain (older here) had higher STIC. Higher STIC in putamen showed a trend of correlations with better mental examination outcome. These data showed STIC as a potential functional brain marker.
Lactate as a fulcrum of metabolism.

Mistakenly thought to be the consequence of oxygen lack in contracting skeletal muscle we now know that the L-enantiomer of the lactate anion is formed under fully aerobic conditions and is utilized continuously in diverse cells, tissues, organs and at the whole-body level. By shuttling between producer (driver) and consumer (recipient) cells lactate fulfills at least three purposes: 1] a major energy source for mitochondrial respiration; 2] the major gluconeogenic precursor; and 3] a signaling molecule. Working by mass action, cell redox regulation, allosteric binding, and reprogramming of chromatin by lactylation of lysine residues on histones, lactate has major influences in energy substrate partitioning. The physiological range of tissue [lactate] is 0.5-20 mM and the cellular Lactate/Pyruvate ratio (L/P) can range from 10 to >500; these changes during exercise and other stress-strain responses dwarf other metabolic signals in magnitude and span. Hence, lactate dynamics have rapid and major short- and long-term effects on cell redox and other control systems. By inhibiting lipolysis in adipose via HCAR-1, and muscle mitochondrial fatty acid uptake via malonyl-CoA and CPT1, lactate controls energy substrate partitioning. Repeated lactate exposure from regular exercise results in major effects on the expression of regulatory enzymes of glycolysis and mitochondrial respiration. Lactate is the fulcrum of metabolic regulation in vivo.
Selection for cold chipping genotypes from three early generations in a potato breeding program

Chipping potatoes are an important market for the processing industry. Of the traits influencing chip quality,chip color is market limiting since other traits have diminished value without light chip color. Cold (4 °C) storage can reduce storage losses and cultivars producing light colored chips directly from cold storage are needed for this reason. Selection for cold chipping cultivars is traditionally practiced by visual evaluation of progeny the first few years in the field, followed by selection for cold chipping in years 4–5. Early generation selection for cold chipping may reduce cultivar development time by identifying good chipping progeny, families and parents earlier in the breeding cycle. Progeny from 175 4x × 4x families were evaluated from three early generations. They were greenhouse grown tubers (GGT) evaluated after6 mo. storage using randomly selected progeny, and field grown single hills propagated from either seedling transplants (FTR), or from greenhouse grown tubers (FGT). Progeny from field grown generations were selected first by visual evaluation, and then by random selection and chipped after6 mo. (visual selections) or 3 and 6 mo. storage (random selections). Cold chipping progenies were found in all three early generations. The earliest generations for selection are GGT or FTR, but may be less efficient than FGT. Correlations suggest that reliable parent and family selection is possible using GGT data. Visual selection eliminated 4/5 of the good chipping progeny, while identifying 8 of 11,714 genotypes combining visual merit and cold chipping potential. Increased genetic variation and sexual polyploidization are possible strategies for increasing the number of desirable genotypes.
Association of APOE e2 genotype with Alzheimer's and non-Alzheimer's neurodegenerative pathologies.

The apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene contains both the major common risk variant for late onset Alzheimer’s disease (AD), e4, and the major neuroprotective variant, e2. Here we examine the association of APOE e2 with multiple neurodegenerative pathologies, leveraging the NACC v. 10 database of 1557 brains that included 130 e2 carriers and 679 e4 carriers in order to examine potential neuroprotective effects. For AD-related pathologies of amyloid plaques and Braak stage, e2 had large and highly significant protective effects contrasted with e3/e3 and e4 carriers with odds ratios of about 0.50 for e3 contrasts and 0.10 for e4 contrasts. When we separately examined e2/e4 carriers, risk for AD pathologies was similar to that of e4 carriers, not e2 carriers. For multiple fronto-temporal lobar pathologies and tauopathies, e2 was not significantly associated with pathology. In sum, we found that e2 was associated with large but circumscribed protective effects. The apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene contains both the major common risk variant associated with clinically diagnosed late onset Alzheimer’s disease (AD), APOE e4, and a neuroprotective variant, APOE e2. Here the authors confirm that the e2 allele is protective against Alzheimer’s disease neuropathologies, but show that it is not protective against other neurodegenerative disorders.
1GHz Wireless Power Transfer to 5V Devices

This paper presents a wireless power receiver circuit that integrates a tripler circuit and a boost converter with a supercapacitor. This circuit has had its impedance matched to a received 1 GHz signal, which energy is being captured for the purpose of delivering power wirelessly to low-power devices that require 5 V to operate.
Of Foxes and Hen Houses: Legislated Rights and American Founding Era Thought About Legislative Authority to Define the Scope of Fundamental Rights

This essay is an invited contribution to the 2018 Faulkner Law Review Symposium reviewing Webber et al., Legislated Rights: Securing Human Rights Through Legislation (Cambridge University Press, 2018). The essay describes the experiences and thoughts of prominent American Founders regarding the need for limitations on legislative power, and regarding judicial review as one necessary mechanism for limiting legislative power. These experiences and ideas are contrasted with the arguments for legislative primacy presented by the authors of Legislated Rights.
Implant Rupture: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Management

Despite advances in breast implant design and technology, rupture continues to be a significant complication and increases with time. The exact incidence of implant rupture varies by the implant model, age, and purpose (augmentation vs. reconstruction, primary vs. secondary) and may be calculated using the Kaplan-Meier analysis. One should be cautious in making direct comparisons of the data from different manufacturers. The most common cause of implant rupture is iatrogenic damage by surgical instruments. Magnetic resonance imaging is the gold standard for diagnosing and confirming suspected ruptures. Ultrasound may be a useful adjunct under appropriate circumstances. The US Food and Drug Administration recommends MRI surveillance of implant rupture starting 3 years after implantation and recurring every 2 years afterward. Compliance with this recommendation remains poor. Saline implant rupture is easy to diagnose, as there is a noticeable decrease in volume shortly after rupture. Management includes surgical removal of the implant and capsulectomy with or without replacement. Most silicone implant ruptures are silent and intracapsular. To avoid conversion to extracapsular rupture or avoid an inflammatory stimulus that may lead to capsular contracture, elective explantation is still indicated. Extracapsular ruptures can be symptomatic and are managed by surgical removal and capsulectomy with or without replacement.
Racism, Health Equity, and Crisis Standards of Care in the COVID-19 Pandemic

Long-standing and deeply embedded institutional racism, notably anti-Black racism in US health care, has provided a solid footing for the health inequities by race evident in the COVID-19 pandemic. Inequities in susceptibility, exposure, infection, hospitalization, and treatment reflect and reinforce this racism and cause incalculable and preventable suffering in and loss of Black lives. This paper identifies multiple expressions of racism evident in the crisis standards of care (CSC) created by states and health care institutions to guide the ethical allocation of scarce critical care resources including ventilators. Contextualized within the broad landscape of health inequities pre-COVID-19 as well as during the pandemic, the paper analyzes two manifestations of racism in CSC: 1) the scarce participation of Black health care and public health professionals as well as of Black communities in CSC creation, and 2) the ostensible “objectivity” and “race irrelevancy” of features of CSC. This ethical analysis leads to a proposal for dismantling racism in CSC by embracing antiracism as health equity at the outset of CSC policy-making. An initial exploration of the nature of health equity and related policies and practices in this COVID-19 era support a concluding outline of distinctive “first steps” toward antiracist pro-health equity CSC.
Identification of epitopes in the α and β subunits of soybean β-conglycinin immunogenic in chickens

Soy meal is a valuable protein supplement for humans and animals. An abundant proteins in soy meal is the seed storage protein β-conglycinin, a trimer composed of different combinations of β, α and...