cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Assessing Recovery and Disability After Physical Trauma: The Pediatric Injury Functional Outcome Scale

OBJECTIVE: To establish reliability and validity of the Pediatric Injury Functional Outcome Scale (PIFOS), a brief injury-specific rating scale covering motor, self-care, communication, social-emotional, cognition, physical, and academic areas. METHODS: In a prospective longitudinal study, the PIFOS structured interview was administered to parents of children 3-15 years of age at 3 and 12 months after hospitalization for traumatic brain injury (TBI) or orthopedic injury (OI). RESULTS: The total score had good internal consistency (α =.90-.93) and inter-rater reliability (α =.90) and correlated significantly with injury severity and neurodevelopmental outcomes. Generalized linear modeling showed the PIFOS was sensitive to the type and severity of injury, showed specific initial and persisting difficulties following TBI and OI, and was responsive to change during the first year after injury. Both groups had residual difficulties with coordination, emotionality, social participation, and discomfort. CONCLUSION: The PIFOS is useful in examining recovery in natural history and intervention studies. Language: en
Regional Specificity of Chlorhexidine Effects on Taste Perception

Chlorhexidine (CHX) gluconate, a bitter bis-biguanide antiseptic, reduces the intensity of the salty taste of NaCl and bitter taste of quinine in humans. This study addresses regional specificity of CHX's effects on taste. Perceptual intensity and quality were measured for separate taste bud containing oral loci innervated either by afferent fibers of cranial nerve (CN) VII or CN IX. Measurements were obtained following three 1-min oral rinses with either 1.34 mM CHX or water, the control rinse. CHX rinse reduced the intensity of NaCl more at the tongue tip and palate than at posterior oral sites. Thus, fungiform and palatal salt-taste receptors may differ from salt-taste receptors of the foliate and circumvallate taste papillae. The intensity of quinine.HCl was reduced equally by CHX at all sites tested but was frequently tasteless on the less sensitive anterior sites, suggesting quinine receptor diversity. In rodents, a portion of NaCl-taste receptors in the receptive field of CN VII is sensitive to the epithelial Na+ channel blocker amiloride and a portion is amiloride insensitive; all CN IX receptors are amiloride insensitive. The current results are the first to suggest that there may also be distinct, regionally specific populations of NaCl-taste receptors in humans.
Genetic Manipulation of the Toxoplasma gondii Genome by Fosmid Recombineering

ABSTRACT Apicomplexa are obligate intracellular parasites that cause important diseases in humans and animals. Manipulating the pathogen genome is the most direct way to understand the functions of specific genes in parasite development and pathogenesis. In Toxoplasma gondii, nonhomologous recombination is typically highly favored over homologous recombination, a process required for precise gene targeting. Several approaches, including the use of targeting vectors that feature large flanks to drive site-specific recombination, have been developed to overcome this problem. We have generated a new large-insert repository of T. gondii genomic DNA that is arrayed and sequenced and covers 95% of all of the parasite’s genes. Clones from this fosmid library are maintained at single copy, which provides a high level of stability and enhances our ability to modify the organism dramatically. We establish a robust recombineering pipeline and show that our fosmid clones can be easily converted into gene knockout constructs in a 4-day protocol that does not require plate-based cloning but can be performed in multiwell plates. We validated this approach to understand gene function in T. gondii and produced a conditional null mutant for a nucleolar protein belonging to the NOL1/NOP2/SUN family, and we show that this gene is essential for parasite growth. We also demonstrate a powerful complementation strategy in the context of chemical mutagenesis and whole-genome sequencing. This repository is an important new resource that will accelerate both forward and reverse genetic analysis of this important pathogen. IMPORTANCEToxoplasma gondii is an important genetic model to understand intracellular parasitism. We show here that large-insert genomic clones are effective tools that enhance homologous recombination and allow us to engineer conditional mutants to understand gene function. We have generated, arrayed, and sequenced a fosmid library of T. gondii genomic DNA in a copy control vector that provides excellent coverage of the genome. The fosmids are maintained in a single-copy state that dramatically improves their stability and allows modification by means of a simple and highly scalable protocol. We show here that modified and unmodified fosmid clones are powerful tools for forward and reverse genetics.
Using microcontact printing to pattern the attachment of mammalian cells to self-assembled monolayers of alkanethiolates on transparent films of gold and silver

This paper describes a convenient methodology for patterning substrates for cell culture that allows the positions and dimensions of attached cells to be controlled. The method uses self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of terminally substituted alkanethiolates (R(CH2)11-15S-) adsorbed on optically transparent films of gold or silver to control the properties of the substrates. SAMs terminated in methyl groups adsorb protein and SAMs terminated in oligo(ethylene glycol) groups resist entirely the adsorption of protein. This methodology uses microcontact printing (microCP)-an experimentally simple, nonphotolithographic process-to pattern the formation of SAMs at the micrometer scale; microCP uses an elastomeric stamp having at its surface a pattern in relief to transfer an alkanethiol to a surface of gold or silver in the same pattern. Patterned SAMs having hydrophobic, methyl-terminated lines 10, 30, 60, and 90 microm in width and separated by protein-resistant regions 120 microm in width were prepared and coated with fibronectin; the protein adsorbed only to the methyl-terminated regions. Bovine capillary endothelial cells attached only to the fibronectin-coated, methyl-terminated regions of the patterned SAMs. The cells remained attached to the SAMs and confined to the pattern of underlying SAMs for at least 5-7 days. Because the substrates are optically transparent, cells could be visualized by inverted microscopy and by fluorescence microscopy after fixing and staining with fluorescein-labeled phalloidin.
Roles for Ca2+ stores release and two Ca2+ influx pathways in the Fc epsilon R1-activated Ca2+ responses of RBL-2H3 mast cells.

Abstract Cross-linking the high affinity IgE receptor, Fc epsilon R1, with multivalent antigen induces inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate [Ins(1,4,5)P3]-dependent release of intracellular Ca2+ stores, Ca2+ influx, and secretion of inflammatory mediators from RBL-2H3 mast cells. Here, fluorescence ratio imaging microscopy was used to characterize the antigen-induced Ca2+ responses of single fura-2-loaded RBL-2H3 cells in the presence and absence of extracellular Ca2+ (Ca2+o). As antigen concentration increases toward the optimum for secretion, more cells show a Ca2+ spike or an abrupt increase in [Ca2+]i and the lag time to onset of the response decreases both in the presence and the absence of Ca2+o. When Ca2+o is absent, fewer cells respond to low antigen and the lag times to response are longer than those measured in the presence of Ca2+o, indicating that Ca2+o contributes to Ca2+ stores release. Ins(1,4,5)P3 production is not impaired by the removal of Ca2+o, suggesting that extracellular Ca2+ influences Ca2+ stores release via an effect on the Ins(1,4,5)P3 receptor. Stimulation with low concentrations of antigen can lead, only in the presence of Ca2+o, to a small, gradual increase in [Ca2+]i before the abrupt spike response that indicates store release. We propose that this small, initial [Ca2+]i increase is due to receptor-activated Ca2+ influx that precedes and may facilitate Ca2+ stores release. A mechanism for capacitative Ca2+ entry also exists in RBL-2H3 cells. Our data suggest that a previously undescribed response to Fc epsilon R1 cross-linking, inhibition of Ca2+ stores refilling, may be involved in activating capacitative Ca2+ entry in antigen-stimulated RBL-2H3 cells, thus providing the elevated [Ca2+]i required for optimal secretion. The existence of both capacitative entry and Ca2+ influx that can precede Ca2+ release from intracellular stores suggests that at least two mechanisms of stimulated Ca2+ influx are present in RBL-2H3 cells.
Observation Units as Substitutes for Hospitalization or Home Discharge

Study objective Observation unit admissions have been increasing, a trend that will likely continue because of recent changes in reimbursement policies. The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of the availability of observation units on hospitalizations and discharges to home for emergency department (ED) patients. Methods We studied ED visits with a final diagnosis of chest pain in the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey from 2007 to 2010. ED visits that resulted in an observation unit admission were propensity-score matched to visits at hospitals without an observation unit. We used logistic regression to develop a prediction model for hospitalization versus discharge home for matched patients treated at nonobservation hospitals. The model was applied to matched observation unit patients to determine the likely alternative disposition had the observation unit not been available. Results There were 1,325 eligible visits that represented 5,079,154 visits in the United States. Two hundred twenty-seven visits resulted in an observation unit admission. The predictive model for hospitalization had a c statistic of 0.91; variables significantly associated with subsequent hospitalization included age, history of coronary atherosclerosis, systolic blood pressure less than 115 beats/min, and administration of antianginal medications. When the model was applied to matched observation unit patients, 49.9% of them were categorized as discharge home likely. Conclusion In this study, we estimated that half of ED visits for chest pain that resulted in an observation unit admission were made by patients who may have been discharged home had the observation unit not been available. Increased availability of observation units may result in both decreased hospitalizations and decreased discharges to home.
Orientation relationships of Laves phase and NiAl particles in an AFA stainless steel

The alumina-forming austenitic (AFA) stainless steel, Fe–20Cr–30Ni–2Nb–5Al (in at. %) was solutionized at 1250 °C in order to obtain a fully austenitic microstructure and then aged for up to 1325 h at 800 °C to precipitate the Laves phase and B2-NiAl particles typically found in AFAs. This paper describes detailed analyses of the orientation relationships between these particles and the matrix which were determined by transmission electron microscopy. Four variants of the (1 1 1)m//(0 0 0 1)p, m// orientation relationship proposed by Denham and Silcock (J. Iron Steel Inst. 207 (1969) p.582) were observed for the Laves phase, and six variants of the (1 1 1)m//(0 1 1)p, m// Kurdjumov–Sachs relationship were observed for the B2-NiAl phase.
Adult Rat Model of Meningitis

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews the adult rat model of bacterial meningitis. The materials required for this model include anesthetic, hair clippers, skin disinfectant, 1.0 ml tuberulin syringe, catheter with 25 G needle, forceps, and scissors. In this model, rats are anesthetized with intramuscular injections of ketamine (75 mg/kg) and xylazine (5 mg/kg). Complete anesthesia occurs in approximately 10 minutes and lasts for about 30–60 minutes. The achievement of anesthesia is determined by the loss of corneal reflexes. After induction of anesthesia, the dorsal surface of the animal's neck is shaved with electric clippers and cleaned with a skin disinfectant. The animal is then placed dorsal side up on a stable platform with its neck flexed over a small roll of cotton. The successful induction of meningitis is confirmed by the appearance of leukocytes in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). This process generally begins approximately 2 hours after inoculation and the concentration of leukocytes within the CSF is used as the primary indicator of the degree of inflammation. The adult rat model suffers from some significant drawbacks as a discriminative model of human infection. Bacteremia and subsequent invasion of the central nervous system cannot be achieved in this model by intranasal inoculation of bacteria, which necessitates direct inoculation into the SAS. Although the amount of CSF that may be withdrawn is greater than what is possible with the infant rat model, it is still far less than what may be withdrawn in the rabbit model.
Characterization of the Discriminative Stimulus Effects of a NOP Receptor Agonist Ro 64-6198 in Rhesus Monkeys

Nociceptin/orphanin FQ receptor (NOP) agonists have been reported to produce antinociceptive effects in rhesus monkeys with comparable efficacy to μ-opioid receptor (MOP) agonists, but without their limiting side effects. There are also known to be species differences between rodents and nonhuman primates (NHPs) in the behavioral effects of NOP agonists. The aims of this study were the following: 1) to determine if the NOP agonist Ro 64-6198 could be trained as a discriminative stimulus; 2) to evaluate its pharmacological selectivity as a discriminative stimulus; and 3) to establish the order of potency with which Ro 64-6198 produces discriminative stimulus effects compared with analgesic effects in NHPs. Two groups of rhesus monkeys were trained to discriminate either fentanyl or Ro 64-6198 from vehicle. Four monkeys were trained in the warm-water tail-withdrawal procedure to measure antinociception. Ro 64-6198 produced discriminative stimulus effects that were blocked by the NOP antagonist J-113397 and not by naltrexone. The discriminative stimulus effects of Ro 64-6198 partially generalized to diazepam, but not to fentanyl, SNC 80, ketocyclazocine, buprenorphine, phencyclidine, or chlorpromazine. Fentanyl produced stimulus effects that were blocked by naltrexone and not by J-113397, and Ro 64-6198 did not produce fentanyl-appropriate responding in fentanyl-trained animals. In measures of antinociception, fentanyl, but not Ro 64-6198, produced dose-dependent increases in tail-withdrawal latency. Together, these results demonstrate that Ro 64-6198 produced stimulus effects in monkeys that are distinct from other opioid receptor agonists, but may be somewhat similar to diazepam. In contrast to previous findings, Ro 64-6198 did not produce antinociception in the majority of animals tested even at doses considerably greater than those that produced discriminative stimulus effects.
Roadblocks to Recognition and Revolution

It is argued here that the general view, especially in the social sciences, of the specific status of evaluation is still deeply impregnated with completely absurd misrepresentations. A number of t...
Challenges in Educating the Millennial Civil Engineers

The authors discuss some of the challenges encountered in educating the millennial generation of civil engineers. This generation, born during the 1990's, may be characterized by their exposure to smart devices and computers connected to the Internet starting from their toddler years. They have developed a natural affinity and curiosity to take advantage of the computers for play and entertainment, reading, studying, and especially communicating. Meanwhile, most millennial students are proving to be less interested or uninterested in classical math and mechanics, group-thinking and group-studying, and in anything that involves non-virtual media. Alongside their special skills of naturally interfacing with software that promises instant digital and virtual rewards, there are justified concerns in educating this generation due to their general lack of interest in a physical, conceptual grasping of the real world. Without an interest in observation and exploration outside the virtual world, this generation also appears to trust what the virtual world presents to them. These challenges add to the difficulties of the civil engineering profession and education that are among the slowest in introducing technology and innovation.
Visualizing genealogy through a family-centric perspective:

Genealogy is a way to tell a story. Stories tell us who we are, where we came from, and are a foundation for future behavior. Genealogical visualizations are used to help understand and share the s...
STUDIES ON FMN-DEPLETED AND RECONSTITUTED NADPH-CYTOCHROME (P-450) REDUCTASE

Publisher Summary This chapter presents studies on FMN-depleted and reconstituted NADPH-cytochrome c (P-450) reductase. Preferential removal of FMN from the hepatic flavoprotein NADPH-cytochrome c (P-450) reductase and reconstitution with FMN and 1-and 5-deazaflavin analogs has permitted an investigation of the role of the two flavins on the enzyme toward various electron acceptors. The enzyme (EC 1.6.2.4) contains one mole each of FAD and FMN per mole protein and functions physiologically in the transfer of electrons from NADPH to cytochrome P-450 in the oxidative metabolism of many substrates. Distinct roles for the flavins during catalysis are proposed and supported by spectrophotometric and potentiometric data, which indicate that FAD and FMN have different oxidation–reduction properties. The studies presented in this chapter were conducted to elucidate the role of the two flavins using purified pig liver reductase and to compare the physicochemical and catalytic properties of FMN-depleted and the reconstituted enzymes to those of holoenzyme. The results show that FMN can be removed and reconstituted on the steapsin- or detergent-solubilized NADPH-cytochrome c (P-450) reductase with restoration of chemical, physical, and catalytic properties.
Computing in Engineering Practice What Will the Future Hold

The rapidly advancing software technology is having an increasingly significant impact on the way engineering is practiced in a structural design office, and on the education that will be required of the next generation of engineers. The emerging structural engineering design software will relieve engineers of a number of tasks for which they have been trained in the past. Large segments of traditional structural engineering will be automated away. As a result, large numbers of design engineers involved in more or less routine activities will be replaced by fewer engineers with broadened educational requirements, which can be met only by professional schools. They will be supported by technicians, technologists, and other support staff with special knowledge and skills. The computer revolution will be driven by software developers, who will automate more and more of todays’s engineering design activities.
Chronological Review on Scientific Findings of Bonghan System and Primo Vascular System

In 1962, Bonghan Kim in North Korea published a report on a new vascular system in mammals, which he claimed as the acupuncture meridian. He soon named it the Bonghan System. Between 1962 and 1965, he published five reports, with detailed descriptions on the system. Kim also described the self-regenerating nature of a unique cell type Sanals in the system and these cells are now confirmed to be a type of stem cells. According to his findings, the system appears to have vital roles in maintaining mammalian lives. Kim disappeared in around 1965 and the research on this system also completely stopped. In 2002, Kwang-Sup Soh reported re-discovery of the system and, since then, his team has been leading the research on the system. The Soh team has confirmed many of Kim's findings to be valid, although so many of Kim's results are still to be verified. In 2010, the system was renamed the Primo Vascular System (PVS). Soh and researchers trained by Soh have also been reporting new scientific facts on the system. The PVS exists throughout the entire body, including inside the blood and lymphatic vessels. Recent reports revealed more evidence for it to be the acupuncture meridian, where some acupuncture therapies are applied for the blood pressure control. Thus, the PVS is expected to have roles in the oxygen transport in tissues. Many study results also suggest that the PVS may have roles in body homeostasis and regeneration. This article chronologically reviews Kim's scientific findings on the Bonghan System, which were verified by the PVS scientists (after 2000), and also the new findings reported by the PVS scientists.
Photophysical Characterization of Enhanced 6-Methylisoxanthopterin Fluorescence in Duplex DNA

The structure and dynamic motions of bases in DNA duplexes and other constructs are important for understanding mechanisms of selectivity and recognition of DNA-binding proteins. The fluorescent guanine analogue, 6-methylisoxanthopterin 6-MI, is well suited to this purpose as it exhibits an unexpected 3- to 4-fold increase in relative quantum yield upon duplex formation when incorporated into the following sequences: ATFAA, AAFTA, or ATFTA (where F represents 6-MI). To better understand some of the factors leading to the 6-MI fluorescence increase upon duplex formation, we characterized the effect of local sequence and structural perturbations on 6-MI photophysics through temperature melts, quantum yield measurements, fluorescence quenching assays, and fluorescence lifetime measurements. By examining 21 sequences we have determined that the duplex-enhanced fluorescence (DEF) depends on the composition of bases adjacent to 6-MI and the presence of adenines at locations n ± 2 from the probe. Investigation o...
Other Ways of Knowing.

Background. Patients with advanced-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may suffer severe respiratory exacerbations and need to decide between accepting life-sustaining treatments versus foregoing these treatments (choosing comfort care only). We designed the InformedTogether decision aid to inform this decision and describe results of a pilot study to assess usability focusing on participants’ trust in the content of the decision aid, acceptability, recommendations for improvement, and emotional reactions to this emotionally laden decision. Methods. Study participants (N = 26) comprising clinicians, patients, and surrogates viewed the decision aid, completed usability tasks, and participated in interviews and focus groups assessing comprehension, trust, perception of bias, and perceived acceptability of InformedTogether. Mixed methods were used to analyze results. Results. Almost all participants understood the gist (general meaning) of InformedTogether. However, many lower literacy partici...
Draft Genome Sequence of Arthrobacter sp. Strain UCD-GKA (Phylum Actinobacteria).

Here we present the draft genome of Arthrobacter sp. strain UCD-GKA. The assembly contains 4,930,274 bp in 33 contigs. This strain was isolated from the handle of a weight bar in the UC Davis Activities and Recreation Center.
Vehicle position and context detection using V2V communication with application to pre-crash detection and warning

In recent years, there has been growing interest in the design of intelligent transportation systems (ITS) using vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication technologies. These systems allow vehicles to share GPS-based information, such as latitude, longitude, speed and heading, as well as important vehicle data such as brake events, throttle position, turn signal status, etc. A pre-crash detection and warning system in a host vehicle (i.e. vehicle of interest) needs to accurately determine not only the position of each remote vehicle in its vicinity, but also the context of the driving environment because the context can provide important information about whether or not the remote vehicle poses a threat to the host. For example, remote vehicles in the same lane or one lane over typically pose more of a threat than remote vehicles two or more lanes over. In this paper, we propose a real-time algorithm that computes the relative position and driving context of all remote vehicles within a region of interest of the host vehicle. Experimental results on real-world V2V data show that the proposed method can effectively compute the position and context of remote vehicles in real time.
Riemann: Die Geometrie des Raumes (10.6.1854)

Bernhard Riemann hat in seinem Habilitationsvortrag vom 10.6.1854 die Geometrie neu begrundet. Bis dahin waren geometrische Begriffe, z.B. Entfernungen, mit dem Raum fest verbunden. Riemann entwarf eine neue Geometrie, die die Wirklichkeit besser abbildet: Entfernungen werden durch vielfaches Aneinanderlegen von Masstaben gemessen, die an jeder Stelle vorhanden sein mussen. Wird die Lange der Masstabe irgendwo verandert, bekommt die Entfernung einen anderen Wert. Riemann lasst beliebige Masstabe zu unter der Bedingung, dass im Kleinen annahernd der Lehrsatz des Pythagoras gilt, also die euklidische Geometrie. Die so definierte ”Riemannsche“ Geometrie verhalt sich zur euklidischen wie die Geometrie einer krummen Flache zu der der Ebene: Lokal nahert sie sich der euklidischen an, aber im Grosen kann sie unzahlige verschiedene Moglichkeiten realisieren. Wie bei Flachen unterscheiden sich euklidische und Riemannsche Geometrie lokal durch die ”Krummung“; dieser von Riemann definierte Begriff stimmt fur Flachen mit der anschaulichen Krummung uberein.
Relationships Between Instructional Quality and Classroom Management for Beginning Urban Teachers

This mixed-methods study explores the differences in 1st-year urban teachers’ classroom management beliefs and actions. The teachers in this study were in their first year of teaching in an urban context concurrent with their participation in a teacher education program offered at a large public university. Using program-wide surveys of 89 elementary and secondary teachers and qualitative data from five case participants, this study explores teachers’ behavioral, academic, and relational beliefs and how these beliefs shape the actions used in managing their classrooms. Specifically, the participants focused on both student behavior and academics when managing classrooms and did not singularly consider enforcing behavioral systems for obtaining teacher authority. Even with this focus, some of the participants were more relational in their classroom management approach and actively searched for ways to build relationships with students. More relational classroom managers were associated with higher ratings ...
Improved Success Rate of Arterial Puncture for Blood Gas Analysis Through Standardization.

Background Arterial puncture for blood gas analysis is a common procedure in hospitals. The aim of the study is to determine if standardizing technique elements of the arterial puncture process could improve the success rate of technicians through the full scope of an academic medical center. Methods The study is conducted by the Blood Gas Laboratory at University of Utah Health's main campus. During the baseline period, technicians tallied whether arterial puncture attempts were successful or unsuccessful from December 2014 through February 2015. A small team reviewed the steps of performing arterial puncture and selected segments of the process for standardization. Starting in March 2015, staff were trained individually in the standard processes. All staff continued to tally outcomes of puncture attempts through March 2017. Results During the baseline period, the puncture success rate was 83.6%. From April 2015 through March 2017 the success rate was 89.2%. Conclusion Standardizing arterial puncture technique for blood gas analysis leads to fewer punctures.
Minimally Invasive Management of Calculi in Augmented/Neuropathic Bladders

Calculi in the augmented bladder is a well-reported and troublesome complication of augmentation cystoplasty and neurogenic bladders. Its incidence has been quoted as low as 8%1 and as high as 52%.2 Within either limit, it is safe to say bladder stone management is a common component of the practicing pediatric urologist.
Protein kinase Cε targets respiratory chain and mitochondrial membrane potential but not F 0 F 1 -ATPase in renal cells injured by oxidant

We have previously shown that protein kinase Ce (PKCe) is involved in mitochondrial dysfunction in renal proximal tubular cells (RPTC). This study examined mitochondrial targets of active PKCe in RPTC injured by the model oxidant tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP). TBHP exposure augmented the levels of phosphorylated (active) PKCe in mitochondria, which suggested translocation of PKCe to mitochondria after oxidant exposure. Oxidant injury decreased state 3 respiration, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production, ATP content, and complex I activity. Further, TBHP exposure increased ΔΨm and production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and induced mitochondrial fragmentation and RPTC death. PKCe activation by overexpressing constitutively active PKCe exacerbated decreases in state 3 respiration, complex I activity, ATP content, and augmented RPTC death. In contrast, inhibition of PKCe by overexpressing dnPKCe mutant restored state 3 respiration, respiratory control ratio, complex I activity, ΔΨm , and ATP production and content, but did not prevent decreases in F0 F1 -ATPase activity. Inhibition of PKCe prevented oxidant-induced production of ROS and mitochondrial fragmentation, and reduced RPTC death. We conclude that activation of PKCe mediates: (a) oxidant-induced changes in ΔΨm , decreases in mitochondrial respiration, complex I activity, and ATP content; (b) mitochondrial fragmentation; and (c) RPTC death. In contrast, oxidant-induced inhibition of F0 F1 -ATPase activity is not mediated by PKCe. These results show that, in contrast to the protective effects of PKCe in the heart, PKCe activation is detrimental to mitochondrial function and viability in RPTC and mediates oxidant-induced injury.
The effects of housing supply restrictions on partisan geography

Abstract Economists have scrutinized the effects of residential building restrictions on the cost of housing, growth, and migration in recent years. More strictly zoned states and metro areas have lost population to less strictly zoned areas in the United States, but have seen per capita incomes rise, because lower-income households are disproportionately likely to seek out locations with affordable housing. By changing the geographic distribution of population, housing supply restrictions should also affect political geography. This paper estimates those effects with a variety of methods and data. There are consistently sized, statistically significant effects at the state, county, and subcounty levels. Jurisdictions with greater housing supply restriction gradually and subsequently become more Democratic; there is no evidence that Democratic-moving areas subsequently become more regulated or costly. U.S. housing supply restrictions select for education. Areas with more costly housing see their college-educated share of the population rise, and the college-educated have become more Democratic than the non-college population.
One-dimensional drift-flux correlation for vertical upward two-phase flow in a large size rectangular channel

Abstract The study of two-phase flow in rectangular channels is of great importance due to their use in marine reactors, chemical reactors, test reactors, and neutron spallation sources. Due to the practical importance of the drift-flux correlation for two-phase flow analysis in industrial systems, distribution parameter and drift velocity have been studied for vertical upward two-phase flow in a large size rectangular channel. Due to the presence of liquid recirculation in the bubbly flow regime in large size rectangular channels, the distribution parameter, drift velocity, and flow regime transition criteria are different from those found in small or medium size rectangular channels. The use of hydraulic equivalent diameter as the characteristic length scale in channels with significant asymmetry and its effect on interfacial area concentration prediction are also discussed. Under these considerations a new drift-flux correlation has been developed for upward two-phase flow in large size rectangular channels. Comparison of the newly developed correlation with several datasets shows reasonable agreement.
Simulation of the mechanics of actin assembly during endocytosis in yeast

We formulated a spatially resolved model to estimate forces exerted by a polymerizing actin meshwork on an invagination of the plasma membrane during endocytosis in yeast cells. The model is a continuous approximation tightly constrained by experimental data. Simulations of the model produce forces that can overcome resistance of turgor pressure in yeast cells. Strong forces emerge due to the high density of polymerized actin in the vicinity of the invagination and because of entanglement of the meshwork due to its dendritic structure and crosslinking. The model predicts forces orthogonal to the invagination that would result in a flask shape that diminishes the net force due to turgor pressure. Simulations of the model with either two rings of nucleation promoting factors as in fission yeast or a single ring of nucleation promoting factors as in budding yeast produce enough force to elongate the invagination against the turgor pressure.
Chapter 14 Media for detecting and enumerating yeasts and moulds

Abstract Dilution plating techniques are designed to determine populations of viable fungal propagules per unit weight or volume of food. Direct plating techniques, on the other hand, are designed to assess the internal mycoflora of individual pieces of foods, e.g., seeds or dried fruits, and results are expressed as a percentage of infected pieces. Both techniques are used by industry and regulatory agencies to monitor levels of fungal contamination at various stages of food handling, storing, processing and marketing. Peptone (0.1%) water is commonly used as a diluent for samples to be homogenized or blended. Buffered diluents containing up to 30% glucose or 60% sucrose are recommended for enumerating xerophiles. No one medium is satisfactory for detection or enumeration of yeasts and moulds in all foods. Dichloran rose bengal chloramphenicol agar, oxytetracycline glucose yeast extract agar and rose bengal chloramphenicol agar are superior to acidified potato dextrose agar for enumeration of yeasts and moulds. Dichloran 18% glycerol agar performs well for enumerating moderately xerophilic yeasts and moulds. Fastidious xerophiles require media containing high concentrations of sugars and/or sodium chloride. Media have been formulated to detect potentially aflatoxigenic aspergilli and mycotox-igenic strains of penicillia and fusaria, but increased selectivity and specificity of media for detecting mycotoxigenic moulds are needed. Heat-resistant mould ascospores often require heat treatment prior to plating in order to activate the germination process. The spread-plate technique is strongly preferred over the pour-plate technique for enumerating yeasts and moulds. The recommended incubation temperature is 25°C, but incubation time between plating and counting colonies ranges from 5 days for determination of general populations of mycoflora to 4 weeks or more for fastidious xerophiles. There is a need for new and improved media for selectively isolating various groups, genera, species and/or strains of fungi capable of growing only under specific environmental conditions, e.g., low aw or, in the case of sublethally injured cells, under conditions which facilitate resuscitation. Improved media are needed which accurately detect moulds producing specific mycotoxins in a wide range of food types.
Is Doppler echocardiography useful for estimating left ventricular filling pressures in pediatric heart transplant recipients

LV E/E' ratio obtained using Doppler echocardiography is considered a surrogate for LV filling pressure in adults but has performed poorly in children. We hypothesized that LV E/E' ratio Z-score, adjusted for age, will relate more strongly to LV filling pressures than LV E/E' ratio in pediatric HT recipients. We analyzed 751 echocardiograms performed within 24 hours of a heart catheterization in 122 pediatric HT recipients (median age at HT 13 years, median 6 studies per patient). The primary end-point was PCWP, assessed both as a continuous and a binary variable. Associations with LV E/E' ratios and z-scores were assessed using generalized estimating equations models. PCWP, LV E/E' ratios (using E' from LV free wall, septum, and their average), and LV E/E' ratio Z-scores, all declined over time after HT. LV E/E' ratios and their Z-scores were significantly associated with PCWP assessed as a continuous variable (P < 0.001 for all); however, the relationship was weak (R2 range, 0.083 to 0.121). LV E/E' ratios and their Z-scores were also significantly associated with PCWP as a binary variable (P < 0.001 for all) but with only modest ability to discriminate PCWP ≥15 mm Hg (c-statistic range, 0.660 to 0.695). The association between LV E/E' ratio and PCWP in pediatric HT recipients is modest. Using a LV E/E' ratio Z-score did not result in significantly improved association with PCWP. Current Doppler echocardiographic methods are unreliable for estimating LV filling pressures in pediatric HT recipients.
Nicotine Use Disorders in Adolescents

Rates of certain tobacco products have decreased over the past decade, but nicotine use disorder is still prevalent among adolescents. New trends in tobacco use, such as in the use of electronic cigarettes, are creating alarm. This article reviews nicotine addiction and measurement in adolescents, along with potential health risks and comorbidities. Various psychosocial and pharmacologic interventions are reviewed along with novel interventions that show promise for reducing tobacco use in this vulnerable population.
Histamine-Releasing Factor, a New Therapeutic Target in Allergic Diseases

Histamine-releasing activities on human basophils have been studied as potential allergy-causing agents for four decades. An IgE-dependent histamine-releasing factor (HRF) was recently shown to interact with a subset of immunoglobulins. Peptides or recombinant proteins that block the interactions between HRF and IgE have emerged as promising anti-allergic therapeutics, as administration of them prevented or ameliorated type 2 inflammation in animal models of allergic diseases such as asthma and food allergy. Basic and clinical studies support the notion that HRF amplifies IgE-mediated activation of mast cells and basophils. We discuss how secreted HRF promotes allergic inflammation in vitro and in vivo complex disease settings.
Health Intervention Evaluation Using Semantic Explainability and Causal Reasoning

As serious public health problems require complex responses, health interventions often involve multiple components implemented by groups including policy experts, social workers, and health practitioners. The success or failure of an intervention depends on many different factors, ranging from available resources to characteristics of the targeted public health issue and community to the complex mechanics relating cause and effects of the actions performed. In this paper, we present a novel formal methodology to evaluate public health interventions, policies, and programs. Our method uses the theory of change (TOC) approach along with logic models that define the intervention under consideration to generate a causal diagram and an ontology-based inference model for causal description. The resulting causal diagram will then be compared to existing knowledge and data to determine whether the intervention is coherent, internally consistent and its goals are achievable in the allotted time with the resources provided. The contextual knowledge and semantics provided by the ontology will generate a more explainable, understandable, and trustworthy approach to compare and assess different interventions based on their shared goals. Depending upon the quality and quantity of data available we perform a mix of qualitative and quantitative evaluation of the interventions. This study uses smoking cessation interventions to showcase the proposed methodology in action.
Non-Coding RNAs in Lung Tumor Initiation and Progression

Lung cancer is one of the deadliest forms of cancer affecting society today. Non-coding RNAs, such as microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs), through the transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and epigenetic changes they impose, have been found to be dysregulated to affect lung cancer tumorigenesis and metastasis. This review will briefly summarize hallmarks involved in lung cancer initiation and progression. For initiation, these hallmarks include tumor initiating cells, immortalization, activation of oncogenes and inactivation of tumor suppressors. Hallmarks involved in lung cancer progression include metastasis and drug tolerance and resistance. The targeting of these hallmarks with non-coding RNAs can affect vital metabolic and cell signaling pathways, which as a result can potentially have a role in cancerous and pathological processes. By further understanding non-coding RNAs, researchers can work towards diagnoses and treatments to improve early detection and clinical response.
The potential role of zinc supplementation on pressure injury healing in older adults: A review of the literature

Introduction Compromised nutritional status is common among older adults (aged ≥ 65 years) and is a risk factor for pressure injuries (PIs), which may lead to poor clinical outcomes. The aim of this review was to determine whether or not poor PI healing in older adults is a result of suboptimal zinc status. Methods A literature search was performed in PubMed from 2001 to 2016 using the key words: "zinc status," "pressure ulcer," "pressure ulcers in older adults," "wound healing," and "zinc sulfate." Inclusion criteria consisted of adequate sample size, nonacute setting, clinical trial or observational study, sound methodology, and generalizable findings for primary and secondary outcomes, which included food intake, oral nutritional supplement (ONS) consumption, risk for malnutrition, nutrient loss from wound exudate, and lab values. Results Of 41 total studies, 10 satisfied the inclusion criteria and investigated PI in older adults versus nutritional intake. Both standard and specialty ONS interventions, which contain additional fortification, improve outcomes, though findings are inconsistent regarding formulations preferable for the treatment of older adults. Monitoring for nutritional deficiencies, including Zn, is essential for optimal patient outcomes. Discussion Recently, Zn in combination with ONS containing additional kilocalories, protein, and other trace elements, has been investigated for PIs. Although both standard and specialty ONS interventions improve outcomes, findings are inconsistent regarding preferable formulations for the treatment of older adults. Monitoring for nutritional deficiencies, including Zn, is essential for optimal patient outcomes. Unreliability of biomarkers for frank Zn deficiency make diagnosis uncommon, and oral Zn sulfate administration has not shown significant effects on PI outcomes in the past. Conclusion This population benefits from the clinical application of supplementation with preparations containing Zn, added calories, protein, and other trace elements. This improves outcomes, decreases healing time, and mitigates comorbidities.
Evolution of anisotropic and negative thermal expansion in rolled equiatomic nickel-titanium martensite

Abstract Martensitic phase of NiTi shape memory alloys has been shown to exhibit anisotropic coefficients of thermal expansion (CTEs) after severe plastic deformation; however, the evolution of this anisotropy has not been examined as a function of deformation. Here, equiatomic NiTi was incrementally rolled down to 30% thickness reduction and the evolution of CTEs was measured. NiTi samples exhibited maximum CTE anisotropy after only 5% rolling reduction with a range of -10 to 27 ppmK−1, as a result of rapid crystallographic texture evolution. Due to martensite stabilization, the CTE anisotropy persisted up to 125°C with CTE magnitude being enhanced by reverse transformation.
Coronavirus and PARP expression dysregulate the NAD Metabolome: a potentially actionable component of innate immunity

Abstract SARS-CoV-2 is a coronavirus (CoV) and cause of COVID-19, which is much more lethal in older people and those with comorbid conditions for unknown reasons. Innate immune responses to CoVs are initiated by recognition of double-stranded RNA and induction of interferon, which turns on a gene expression program that inhibits viral replication. Here we show that SARS-CoV-2 infection of cells, ferrets and a person strikingly dysregulates the NAD gene set by inducing a set of PARP family members that includes enzymes required for the innate immune response to CoVs. CoV infection also induces a severe attack on host cell NAD. Overexpression of one induced enzyme, PARP10, is sufficient to depress host NAD. Gene expression and pharmacological data suggest that boosting NAD through the nicotinamide and nicotinamide riboside kinase pathways may restore antiviral PARP functions to support innate immunity to CoVs, whereas PARP1,2 inhibition does not restore PARP10 activity. Impact statement Specific disturbances in the NAD gene set, NAD metabolome and PARP activity were discovered as a defining feature of coronavirus infection that may lead to methods to boost innate immunity.
O18 Impacting Food Parenting: A Randomized Control Trial Comparing In-Person and Online Delivery

Background The majority of parents engage in 1 or more ineffective food parenting practices. Digital program delivery eliminates several barriers parents identify for attending in-person classes and may be a platform to engage larger numbers of parents if found to be as effective as in-person content delivery. Objective The purpose of the study was to compare parent behavioral outcomes for in-person and online delivery of food parenting content embedded in a nutrition education program. Study Design, Setting, Participants The study was a randomized control trial conducted with participants attending EFNEP classes in 2 western states. Subjects were randomized to 1 of 3 conditions (in-person or online intervention or control group). All participants received the Eating Smart • Being Active curriculum; those in the intervention groups also received feeding content through videos and related activities. Classes were offered in both English and Spanish. Measurable Outcome/Analysis Caregivers completed a series of questionnaires before and after completing the program to assess feeding knowledge; food parenting practices and styles; and feeding efficacy. Preliminary data from 345 participants were utilized for a multilevel analysis nesting participants within classes as a function of condition (control, in-person, online). Results Results showed that caregivers in the in-person and online conditions were more likely to: 1) demonstrate knowledge about the number of servings it takes for children to begin to accept a new food, 2) report serving new foods to their child, 3) report involving their child in food preparation, and 4) show higher responsiveness in feeding (ie, the use of child-centered feeding practices). Few differences between the online and in-person conditions were found. Conclusion Integrating feeding content into a nutrition education curriculum is an effective strategy for impacting both knowledge and behavior of caregivers. Moreover, online and in-person delivery of feeding content are equally effective in producing positive changes Funding NIFA.