cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of Matrix Lipid Chain Length on Liposomes Containing Cholesterol and Ganglioside GM1: Implications in Drug Delivery

Incorporation of ganglioside GM1 into liposomes composed of phosphatidylcholine (PC) and cholesterol significantly increases their blood circulation time. Dipalmitoyl PC (DPPC) and distearoyl PC (DSPC) are the most commonly used saturated phospholipids employed in the preparation of long-circulating liposome formulations. Physical studies were performed on different formulations of these liposomes in an attempt to understand the effects of the matrix lipid chain length and GM1 concentration on the use of these liposomes as long-circulating drug delivery systems. The GM1/PC mixtures existed in different physical states: a lamellar state with components exhibiting miscibility (which is the desired state for drug delivery), a mixed micellar phase, and also a smectic mesophase. GM1 is miscible with DSPC bilayers up to a concentration of 25 mol %, beyond which conversion into the metastable mesophase occurs. By 30 mol %, solubilization into the mixed micellar state occurs. With DPPC, the metastable mesophase occurs at 33–38 mol % of GM1, with mixed micelles being formed at higher concentrations. The addition of cholesterol led to an inhibition of micelle formation. This study also indicates that GM1 stabilizes DPPC bilayers while destabilizing DSPC bilayers. On the basis of the interactions of GM1 with DPPC and DSPC, a new hypothesis for stabilization of PC bilayers is proposed, which also explains the destabilization of PC with C18:0 and higher. The longest circulating GM1 liposome formulations are predicted from this study.
$L^1$-Stability and error estimates for approximate Hamilton-Jacobi solutions

We study the $L^1$ -stability and error estimates of general approximate solutions for the Cauchy problem associated with multidimensional Hamilton-Jacobi (H-J) equations. For strictly convex Hamiltonians, we obtain a priori error estimates in terms of the truncation errors and the initial perturbation errors. We then demonstrate this general theory for two types of approximations: approximate solutions constructed by the vanishing viscosity method, and by Godunov-type finite difference methods. If we let $\epsilon$ denote the `small scale' of such approximations (– the viscosity amplitude $\epsilon$ , the spatial grad-size $\Delta x$ , etc.), then our $L^1$ -error estimates are of ${\cal O}(\epsilon)$ , and are sharper than the classical $L^\infty$ -results of order one half, ${\cal O}(\sqrt{\epsilon})$ . The main building blocks of our theory are the notions of the semi-concave stability condition and $L^1$ -measure of the truncation error. The whole theory could be viewed as a multidimensional extension of the $Lip^\prime$ -stability theory for one-dimensional nonlinear conservation laws developed by Tadmor et. al. [34,24,25]. In addition, we construct new Godunov-type schemes for H-J equations which consist of an exact evolution operator and a global projection operator. Here, we restrict our attention to linear projection operators (first-order schemes). We note, however, that our convergence theory applies equally well to nonlinear projections used in the context of modern high-resolution conservation laws. We prove semi-concave stability and obtain $L^1$ -bounds on their associated truncation errors; $L^1$ -convergence of order one then follows. Second-order (central) Godunov-type schemes are also constructed. Numerical experiments are performed; errors and orders are calculated to confirm our $L^1$ -theory.
'A Native Man Is Still a Man': A Case Study of Intercultural Participation in Social Movements

A case study of a “failed interaction” between a Mohawk Indian women's health group and the Women's Peace Encampment in upstate New York is presented. We focus on a decision-making process that, despite one group's professed interests, nevertheless served to hinder intercultural participation in a social movement We argue for events as the appropriate unit of analysis in the study of complex societies, and suggest that meanings, related to each other as components of interpretive frameworks, play an important role in the trajectory of a social movement
Security analysis of a full-body scanner

Advanced imaging technologies are a new class of people screening systems used at airports and other sensitive environments to detect metallic as well as nonmetallic contraband. We present the first independent security evaluation of such a system, the Rapiscan Secure 1000 full-body scanner, which was widely deployed at airport checkpoints in the U.S. from 2009 until 2013. We find that the system provides weak protection against adaptive adversaries: It is possible to conceal knives, guns, and explosives from detection by exploiting properties of the device's backscatter X-ray technology. We also investigate cyberphysical threats and propose novel attacks that use malicious software and hardware to compromise the the effectiveness, safety, and privacy of the device. Over-all, our findings paint a mixed picture of the Secure 1000 that carries lessons for the design, evaluation, and operation of advanced imaging technologies, for the ongoing public debate concerning their use, and for cyberphysical security more broadly.
A New Role for Pancreatic Insulin in the Male Reproductive Axis

The recent discovery that insulin is expressed by the rat testis (1) raises questions about whether and how locally produced insulin regulates testicular function. It also raises the question whether pancreatic insulin regulates testicular function, and whether fertility might be impaired as a consequence of insulin deficiency in type 1 diabetes. As reported in this issue of Diabetes , Schoeller et al. (2) have found that pancreatic insulin regulates the male hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and is essential for fertility. In contrast, insulin produced in the testes may not be essential for testicular function. The article by Schoeller et al. provides an important advance toward understanding why fertility may be diminished in men with type 1 diabetes. It has only recently been recognized that diabetes can reduce sperm quality and that the female partners of diabetic men have lower pregnancy rates (3,4). It is not well understood whether hyperglycemia or abnormal insulin signaling is responsible, and what stage(s) of spermatogenesis is affected. Increased nuclear and mitochondrial DNA damage in sperm samples from diabetic men suggests that hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress may be responsible (3,5). However, it is also possible that the adverse effects of diabetes may be due to abnormal insulin signaling in the testis, systemic effects of insulin, or both, and may be separate from insulin’s effects on blood glucose levels. Schoeller et al. (2) have taken advantage of …
AlGaAs/Ge/GaAs heterojunction bipolar transistors grown by molecular beam epitaxy

An N-Al/sub 0.22/Ga/sub 0.78/As emitter, p-Ge base, and n-GaAs collector (AlGaAs/Ge/GaAs) heterojunction bipolar transistor (HBT) in the emitter-up configuration grown by molecular beam epitaxy is discussed. Devices exhibited common-emitter current gains of as high as 300 at a collector current density of 2000 A/cm/sup 2/ and a collector voltage of 4 V. As the device area is reduced from 50*50 to 10*40 mu m, the current gain did not show significant changes, suggesting a low surface recombination velocity in the Ge base. >
Characterization of bone cells isolated on discontinuous percoll gradients: Distribution in sequentially derived populations

Bone cell populations obtained by sequential digestion of newborn mouse calvariae remain morphologically heterogeneous despite well-documented biochemical differences. Fractionation of these populations on Percoll gradient reveal three major cell groups of low, intermediate, and high buoyant density (1.056, 1.070, and 1.095 g/ml) that are present in different ratios in early and late released populations. Cells of low and intermediate density dominate in early released populations. In contrast, late released populations contain mostly high-density cells. Basal levels of alkaline phosphatase are highest in cells of intermediate buoyant density. All cells respond to PTH with cAMP production and morphologic transformation, but biochemical responses to PTH, such as secretion of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) and stimulation of alkaline phosphatase activity, occur mostly in cells of intermediate density. These data suggest that (1) subclasses of osteoblasts can be further separated by density and (2) PTH effects on alkaline phosphatase activity and IGF-I secretion are probably expressed by osteoblasts of a certain subclass and/or stage of development.
1776: Dawn of a New Day in School Mathematics in North America

The 1776 Declaration of Independence announced the dawn of a new day, for North America and, indeed, for the world. But did it herald new a new day for school mathematics? After describing how the term “school” was used in 1776 it is pointed out that at that time only a small proportion of North American adults had studied arithmetic beyond the four operations. The chapter examines the views of Thomas Jefferson on school education, in general, and on school mathematics, in particular. It is argued that it was within Thomas Jefferson’s genius that a key to transforming school mathematics in the United States of America would be found.
Gas-Phase Infrared and NMR Investigation of the Conformers of Diacetone Diperoxide (DADP)

Gas-phase infrared measurements of diacetone diperoxide (DADP) indicate a chair conformation with less than 5% of the predicted twist conformer. Vibrational frequencies are very similar to those previously measured in the solid state. Solution NMR measurements using 2D exchange spectroscopy (EXSY) also set a very low maximum limit on the equilibrium population of the twist conformer, with a room-temperature free-energy difference in excess of 14.5 kJ/mol. These experimental results are in accord with high-level quantum calculations incorporating full thermochemistry and solvation effects, which indicate a free-energy difference in the range of 14.7-17.5 kJ/mol in polar solvents.
Vaginal delivery after cesarean birth: frequently asked questions.

This article addresses these frequently raised questions regarding allowing a trial of labor in selected patients who have undergone a prior cesarean section: What is the risk of a trial of labor to the fetus and to the mother? What is the probability of successful vaginal delivery after a prior cesarean section? How does one manage the labor of such patients? What are the legal risks to the obstetrician who deviates from the previously widely accepted policy of repeat cesarean section? What are the other potential consequences of this change in policy?
Radiation Dosimetry and CT Dose Reduction Techniques

Increasing radiation exposure to the population from widespread use of multi-row detector CT necessitates efforts to limit the x-rays applied in CT procedures. Options are available on CT scanners to modulate the patient dose. This chapter describes the metrics of radiation dose, and the influence of various technical parameters in the scan and dose modulation options on patient dose and image quality. With that information, practitioners of CT will be better prepared to optimize the scan protocols to reduce the patient dose without sacrificing the image quality necessary for interpretation.
Abstract ED03-02: Communication in the context of community-based participatory research

Scientists and healthcare providers have begun to recognize that addressing prevention and treatment in the context of health and wellness, requires consideration of complex non-clinical issues not entirely familiar to them. These issues are social, economic, political, and environmental, together known as the Social Determinants of Health. In addition, communities have become more aware of the importance of biological determinants of health. Community-based participatory research (CBPR) is a collaborative approach to address these determinants. This collaborative approach to health care and research equitably involves all partners in the process and recognizes the unique strengths that each partner brings. It aims to combine scientific knowledge with interventions to improve health and ultimately brings social change. CBPR then poses new challenges regarding communication among health care providers, academia and communities. The intervention begins with a brief socio-cultural contextualization of communication between two stakeholders: communities and health professionals. Then the intervention discusses some case studies, challenges, and reflections around communication in the context of CBPR. Finally, the presentation ends with practical recommendations for considering the adoption of methodologies and processes to bring balance to communication between these two communities. Citation Format: John J. Estrada. Communication in the context of community-based participatory research. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Sixth AACR Conference: The Science of Cancer Health Disparities; Dec 6–9, 2013; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2014;23(11 Suppl):Abstract nr ED03-02. doi:10.1158/1538-7755.DISP13-ED03-02
The ‘Doubling’ Life of John Florio: Revaluating his Influence on Shakespeare’s Style

This essay argues for a re-evaluation of John Florio’s status as a native speaker of Italian and of his influence on Shakespeare. Examining the scant biographical record, the author notes that Florio was born in London, lived in England most of his life, and probably never set foot in Italy. He suggests that in translating James VI’s Basilicon Doron Florio ‘wrote with an English accent’ through his characteristically British use of synonymic doubling. The author then suggests that Shakespeare’s well-documented penchant for hendiadys likely derived from an emulation of Florio. The essay concludes that, rather than an authentic provider of ‘local colour’ from an Italy that he likely never visited, Florio is better understood as a fellow countryman whose literary style affected the playwright.
Survival and care advantage in patients with AJCC T1 stage hepatocellular carcinoma in transplant centers: UNOS and SEER population studies.

e15113 Background: To compare overall survival (OS) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) Stage T1 patients listed for orthotopic liver transplant (OLT) with or without bridging locoregional therapy (L...
A supervision training program for school counseling site supervisors

Most school counseling site supervisors have not received training in clinical supervision despite regularly serving as supervisors for school counseling students. In this article, we describe how ...
Transforming Growth Factor- β1 Signaling in Vascular Endothelial Cells Inhibits Hematopoietic Stem Cell Regeneration

Endothelial cells (EC) are known to be essential for hematopoietic regeneration; however, little is known about the pathways that regulate this activity. By modeling endothelial-dependent HSC interactions in vitro, we found that human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) had a markedly reduced capacity to regenerate functional CD150+LSK cells (HSC) compared to other sources of arterial and venous EC. Transcriptional profiling revealed the overexpression of transforming growth factor- β1 (TGF-β1) in HUVEC and indicated that TGF-β1 driven transcriptional programs are highly active in these cells, a finding consistent with autocrine TGF-β1 signaling. Functional studies demonstrated that HSC regeneration by EC was potently inhibited by TGF-β1 and augmented by the ALK5 inhibitor SB431542, in a dose-dependent manner. Importantly, exposure of EC alone to TGF- β1 was sufficient to attenuate subsequent HSC self-renewal. Transcriptome analysis also identified hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) as a candidate EC-derived factor with the potential to enhance hematopoietic regeneration. HGF treatment of HUVEC activated endothelial Akt signaling and led to a >10-fold increase in HSC regeneration that could be blocked by the c-Met inhibitor PF04217903. HGF treatment also dramatically increased long-term multi-lineage hematopoiesis from HUVEC regenerated HSC. Our findings reveal a novel suppressive role for TGF-β1 in the vascular niche and demonstrate that EC-derived growth factors such as HGF have the potential to attenuate this suppression and significantly enhance HSC regeneration. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
HOLDS AND POSITIONS: COMPARING TWO MODELS OF SEGMENTATION IN ASL

Publisher Summary This chapter presents a comparison of two models of segmentation in ASL, the signed language of the American Deaf. Predicting the locations of holds in running discourse is problematic. H-deletion is a variable rule whose application is probably correlated with the formality of the signing. Perlmutter takes an almost entirely different view, in which signs are segmented according to different principles. Signs are segmented into movement and position segments, and hold segments do not exist. This segmentation is combined with a moraic syllable structure, which is said to account for the presence and absence of holds, which result when a P occupies a full mora. In this model, holds result from two sources, namely, from underlying monomoraic P syllables and through the application of the rule of mora insertion, which produces holds in phrase-final position.
Georgian foreign fighter deaths in Syria and Iraq: what can they tell us about foreign fighter mobilization and recruitment?

Despite their small number, foreign fighters in jihadist groups from the country of Georgia fighting in Syria and Iraq have played a significant role in the formation and leadership of several militant organizations. This study utilizes a sample of 29 Georgian citizens who died in the Syrian and Iraqi conflicts to ascertain the overall dynamics that shape foreign fighter mobilization and recruitment in Georgia. Notably, the study finds that substantial percentages of the foreign fighters originally came from small, isolated rural villages in various regions of Georgia, had family or friendship ties to other foreign fighters prior to leaving for the Middle East, and spent time in a country outside Georgia before progressing onwards to Syria and Iraq. Close, in-person connections and similar experiences and demographics amongst the fighters in the sample provide strong evidence for the thesis that offline personal networks determine foreign fighter mobilization rather than any large-scale socio-econ...
DNA Damage Emanating From a Neutral Purine Radical Reveals the Sequence Dependent Convergence of the Direct and Indirect Effects of γ-Radiolysis

Nucleobase radicals are the major intermediates generated by the direct (e.g., dA•+) and indirect (e.g., dA•) effects of γ-radiolysis. dA• was independently generated in DNA for the first time. The dA•+/dA• equilibrium, and consequently the reactivity in DNA, is significantly shifted toward the radical cation by a flanking dA. Tandem lesions emanating from dA• are the major products when the reactive intermediate is flanked by a 5'-dGT. In contrast, when dA• is flanked by dA, the increased dA•+ pKa results in DNA damage arising from hole transfer. This is the first demonstration that sequence effects lead to the intersection of the direct and indirect effects of ionizing radiation.
Gait Patterns in HIV: Effects of Age, Gender and Disease (S16.004)

OBJECTIVE: To establish normative data by age and sex for selected gait variables in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) -infected persons, then assess aging versus disease effects on gait performance. Finally, we examined the relationship of individual gait parameters with cognitive stages in HIV participants. BACKGROUND: There is a paucity of information on early clinical markers for progression of aging in HIV -infected persons, a rapidly growing disease population. While motor and cognitive dysfunctions are common, occurring early in infection, a comprehensive examination of gait parameters in HIV has been lacking. DESIGN/METHODS: We conducted quantitative gait assessments in 125 HIV-infected patients aged 22 to 79 years. We compared the gait performance on eight selected parameters in 45 HIV participants age 50 and older versus 80 younger participants. We also compared gait in 23 HIV participants 65 and older versus 50 age and sex matched non-HIV controls. Finally, we examined gait characteristics in 125 HIV-infected patients by HIV dementia stages. RESULTS: We generated normative data by age and sex in HIV-infected patients on eight gait variables. Velocity (older 85.1 vs. younger 99.55 cm/s) and stride length (older 108.45 vs. younger 119.55 cm) were the only gait variables among the eight examined that showed age group differences. Mean stride length (100.51 vs. 122.94), double support time (0.56 vs. 0.35) and stride length variability (4.95 vs. 2.50) were worse in the HIV-infected group compared to the non-HIV-infected controls. Participants showed a significant difference towards declining velocity and stride length across HIV dementia stages. CONCLUSIONS: The normative gait data provided here could be utilized to improve detection of early gait impairment in HIV-infected patients, may be useful in the future in improving staging of HIV infection related dementia, and warrants further study as predictors of cognitive and mobility outcomes. Supported by: Center for AIDS Research grant from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (P30AI051519-09s). Disclosure: Dr. Parihar has nothing to disclose. Dr. Mahoney has nothing to disclose. Dr. Peyser has nothing to disclose. Dr. Zingman has received research support from Gilead Sciences, Inc., ViiV Healthcare, Pfizer Inc., and Siemens. Dr. Verghese has received personal compensation for activities with Pfizer Inc. Dr. Verghese has received research support from the National Institute on Aging.
Neapolitan Leopardi and the Naples of Mario Martone

To make a biopic of any writer is an effort almost inevitably doomed to failure. Filming the life of Leopardi was a hard challenge. During the study of Il giovane favoloso, however, something unexp...
Chopped rate-to-digital FM gyroscope with 40ppm scale factor accuracy and 1.2dph bias

Present implementations of MEMS gyroscopes measure rate indirectly by first converting it to a displacement [1,2]. In this case, the scale factor is a complex function of the transducer and readout circuits. Changes of any of the underlying parameters result in measurement errors.
Sustainability and Natural Landscape Stewardship: A US Conservation Case Study

The terms “natural” and “landscape” encompass a range of interpretations and definitions, particularly when discussed in terms of sustainability. Key issues center on the complexity and lack of consistency in geographic, biologic, or temporal boundaries and scales for what defines a particular ecosystem condition, and dynamics of the presence and influence of humans. This evolving exchange about “what is natural” illustrates the changing cognizance and values of society for maintaining ecosystems. The roots of sustainability can be traced to early forestry, and the policies of the US Forest Service provide a case study for examining the coalescence of the domains of sustainability into the agency’s mission today. The environmental policies of the US government reflect the country’s struggle toward an ecological conscience.
Using High-Resolution Measurements to Update Finite Element Substructure Models

Many methods have been proposed for updating finite element matrices using experimentally derived modal parameters. By using these methods, a finite element model can be made to exactly match the experiment. These techniques have not achieved widespread use in finite element modeling because they introduce non-physical matrices. Recently, Scanning Laser Doppler Vibrometery (SLDV) has enabled finer measurement point resolution and more accurate measurement point placement with no mass loading compared to traditional accelerometer or roving hammer tests. Therefore, it is worth reinvestigating these updating procedures with high-resolution data inputs to determine if they are able to produce finite element models that are suitable for substructuring. A rough finite element model of an Ampair Wind Turbine Blade was created, and a SLDV measurement was performed that measured three-dimensional data at every node on one surface of the blade. This data was used to update the finite element model so that it exactly matched test data. A simple substructuring example of fixing the base of the blade was performed and compared to previously measured fixed-base data.
Practical Calibration of Cryogenic LWIR Systems

This chapter provides an overview of the practical calibration of cryogenic longwave Infrared systems. This includes all the basic problems of the calibration of optical sensors in general and those of vacuum and cryogenic operation in particular. Therefore, the application of the theory to the problem of calibration is relatively general except the complications associated with vacuum cryogenic technology. The calibration consists of two phases: an engineering or optical bench test calibration and a final calibration in a suitable cold chamber. The chapter also discusses engineering calibration and final calibration. Engineering calibration is the final step in the fabrication of a system or of a performance evaluation test of an existing system and provides documentary proof of performance. The major compromises involved in the engineering calibration of a cryogenic sensor are that this calibration requires several extrapolations to derive either an extended area source calibration or a distant small-area calibration and that insufficient data are obtained to provide an estimate of the uncertainty. The two factors that distinguish the final calibration are: the calibration is designed to approximate the conditions under which the measurements are to be made so that the source can be qualified independently of the instrument parameters and similar target geometry and power spectral density characteristics and sufficient data must be collected to provide for an estimate of the calibration uncertainty. The final calibration is accomplished in accordance with these factors as far as it is economically and practically possible.
Perioperative Cardiac Monitoring with Transesophageal Echocardiography

Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) has become a valuable adjunct in the diagnosis and treatment of thoracic aortic disease. Perioperatively, it serves as both a hemodynamic monitoring tool and a technique for assessment of surgical and endovascular therapy. TEE can be used to evaluate intravascular volume status, ventricular function, and valvular lesions. The ability of TEE to accurately diagnose thoracic aortic dissection is comparable to other imaging modalities, such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). It is used not only to diagnose thoracic aortic dissection, but also to evaluate associated pathology (aortic insufficiency, pericardial and pleural effusion, myocardial ischemia secondary to coronary artery involvement). It can be used to quantify aneurysmal and atheromatous disease. For endovascular repair, TEE is a valuable adjunct to fluoroscopy and intravascular ultrasonography for determining the extent of disease, evaluation of the potential landing zones of the graft, and (perhaps most importantly) is a very sensitive tool for detection of endoleaks.
Introduction to Asset Pricing and Portfolio Performance: Models, Strategy, and Performance Metrics

This paper provides an introduction to the collection of reading in the volume titled Asset Pricing and Portfolio Performance: Models, Strategy, and Performance Metrics.
Comparative antiviral efficacies of cidofovir, trifluridine, and acyclovir in the HSV-1 rabbit keratitis model.

PURPOSE. TO determine the relative antiviral inhibitory activity of topical 1% and 0.5% cidofovir, topical trifluridine (Viroptic; Burroughs-Wellcome, Research Triangle Park, NC), and topical acyclovir (Zovirax; The Wellcome Foundation, London, UK) during a 7-day period for the treatment of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) keratitis and HSV-1 replication in the New Zealand rabbit ocular model. METHODS. In a series of four experiments using a two-eye design, a total of 80 New Zealand rabbits were inoculated in both eyes with HSV-1 McKrae after epithelial scarification. Forty-eight hours after inoculation, the rabbits were randomly assigned to a treatment group. Five treatment groups (16 rabbits/group) were evaluated: I, 1% cidofovir, twice daily for 7 days; II, 0.5% cidofovir, twice daily for 7 days; III, 3% acyclovir ointment, five times daily for 7 days; IV, 1% trifluridine, nine times daily for 3 days, then 4 times daily for 4 days; and V, control vehicle twice daily for 7 days. HSV-1 dendritic keratitis was graded in a masked fashion by slit-lamp examination on days 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, and 14. Ocular viral cultures were obtained after slit-lamp examination on days 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, and 14. RESULTS. Compared with the control group, all four treatment groups demonstrated significantly lower viral titers, fewer HSV-1-positive eyes/total during the treatment period, lower keratitis scores, fewer eyes with keratitis/total, and a shorter time to resolution of keratitis. Within the treatment groups, the 1% and 0.5% cidofovir treatments were significantly more effective than acyclovir and trifluridine as measured by the previous viral and keratitis parameters. CONCLUSIONS. Topical 1% and 0.5% cidofovir both appeared to be significantly more efficacious than topical trifluridine and acyclovir, during a 7-day course, in the treatment of experimental HSV-1 ocular disease in the New Zealand rabbit keratitis model. (Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 1999;40: 378-384)
Transformation from Publications to Diabetes Ontology using Topic-based Assertion Discovery

During the last decade, we have seen an explosive growth in the number of bio-medical publications. In this paper, we present an Assertion Discovery framework that aims to transform from PubMed publications (diabetes domain) to an ontology, called Diabetes Publication Ontology (DPO). The assertions in the DPO ontology were mapped and integrated with ones in existing diabetes ontologies. The Assertion Discovery framework consists of three main components: (i) Assertion Discovery, (ii) Assertion Alignment, and (iii) Assertion Integration. The proposed approach for ontology generation was based on Stanford CoreNLP for Natural Language Processing, OpenIE (Open Information Extraction) for relation extraction, LDA (Latent Dirichlet Allocation) for topic modeling, and OWL API for ontology generation on the Spark parallel engine. We presented a web-based application for searching diabetes publications as well as retrieving the assertions from the diabetes publications through the DPO ontology.
Thermodynamic assessment of the Na2O-Al2O3-SiO2-B2O3 pseudo-binary and -ternary systems

Abstract Thermodynamic assessments of the pseudo-binary and -ternary systems formed by B2O3 with Na2O, Al2O3, and SiO2 were conducted according to the CALPHAD methodology. The compound energy formalism and two-sublattice partially ionic liquid models were used to thermodynamically represent the solid solutions malinkoite and mullite and the liquid phase of each system, respectively. A comprehensive literature review of available phase equilibria and thermodynamic experimental data as well as a detailed discussion of the modeling approaches implemented to optimize each system is provided. Assessment results are then presented and discussed, and the future path forward is outlined. The addition of B2O3 to the Na2O-Al2O3-SiO2 system contributes to the development of a thermodynamic database that will ultimately predict the equilibrium behavior of nepheline formation in high-level radioactive waste glass.
Remote tropical island colonization does not preclude symbiotic specialists: new evidence of mycorrhizal specificity across the geographic distribution of the Hawaiian endemic orchid Anoectochilus sandvicensis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS For symbiotic organisms, their colonization and spread across remote oceanic islands should favour generalists. Plants that form obligate symbiotic associations with microbes dominate island ecosystems, but the relationship between island inhabitance and symbiotic specificity is unclear, especially in the tropics. To fill this gap, we examined the mycorrhizal specificity of the Hawaiian endemic orchid Anoectochilus sandvicensis across multiple populations encompassing its entire geographic distribution. METHODS By molecular phylogenetic approaches we identified the mycorrhizal fungi associated with A. sandvicensis across its entire geographic distribution and determined the relationship of these fungi to others found elsewhere around the globe. With richness estimators, we assessed the mycorrhizal specificity of A. sandvicensis within and among islands. We then tested whether geographic proximity of orchid populations was a significant predictor for the presence of particular mycorrhizal fungi and their community composition. KEY RESULTS We found that each population of A. sandvicensis forms specific associations with one of three fungi in the genus Ceratobasidium and that the closest relatives of these fungi are globally widespread. Based on diversity indices, A. sandvicensis populations were estimated to partner with one to four mycorrhizal taxa with an estimated total of four compatible mycorrhizal fungi across its entire distribution. However, the geographic proximity of orchid populations was not a significant predictor of mycorrhizal fungal community composition. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that the colonization and survival of plant species on even the most remote oceanic islands is not restricted to symbiotic generalists, and that partnering with few, but cosmopolitan microbial symbionts is an alternative means for successful island establishment. We suggest that the spatial distribution and abundance of symbionts in addition to island age, size and isolation should also be taken into consideration for predictions of island biodiversity.
Implicit Identification with Death Predicts Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors in Adolescents.

Prior research indicates that adults’ implicit identification with death can be used to predict suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs) in the community. However, no studies have examined whether th...
Ischemic Optic Neuropathy Following Spine Surgery: Case Control Analysis and Systematic Review of the Literature.

Study Design.Case–control analysis and systematic literature review.Objective.To illustrate the prognosis and perioperative risk factors associated with this condition.Summary of Background Data.Ischemic optic neuropathy (ION) is the most common pathological diagnosis underlying postoperative vision
Highly Active Au(I) Catalyst for the Intramolecular exo-Hydrofunctionalization of Allenes with Carbon, Nitrogen, and Oxygen Nucleophiles

Reaction of benzyl (2,2-diphenyl-4,5-hexadienyl)carbamate (4) with a catalytic 1:1 mixture of Au[P(t-Bu)2(o-biphenyl)]Cl (2) and AgOTf (5 mol %) in dioxane at 25 °C for 45 min led to isolation of benzyl 4,4-diphenyl-2-vinylpyrrolidine-1-carboxylate (5) in 95% yield. The Au(I)-catalyzed intramolecular hydroamination of N-allenyl carbamates tolerated substitution at the alkyl and allenyl carbon atoms and was effective for the formation of piperidine derivatives. γ-Hydroxy and δ-hydroxy allenes also underwent Au-catalyzed intramolecular hydroalkoxylation within minutes at room temperature to form the corresponding oxygen heterocycles in good yield with high exo-selectivity. 2-Allenyl indoles underwent Au-catalyzed intramolecular hydroarylation within minutes at room temperature to form 4-vinyl tetrahydrocarbazoles in good yield. Au-catalyzed cyclization of N-allenyl carbamates, allenyl alcohols, and 2-allenyl indoles that possessed an axially chiral allenyl moiety occurred with transfer of chirality from the...
A 50-bp enhancer of the mouse acrosomal vesicle protein 1 gene activates round spermatid-specific transcription in vivo†.

Enhancers are cis-elements that activate transcription and play critical roles in tissue- and cell type-specific gene expression. During spermatogenesis, genes coding for specialized sperm structures are expressed in a developmental stage- and cell type-specific manner, but the enhancers responsible for their expression have not been identified. Using the mouse acrosomal vesicle protein (Acrv1) gene that codes for the acrosomal protein SP-10 as a model, our previous studies have shown that Acrv1 proximal promoter activates transcription in spermatids; and the goal of the present study was to separate the enhancer responsible. Transgenic mice showed that three copies of the -186/-135 fragment (50 bp enhancer) placed upstream of the Acrv1 core promoter (-91/+28) activated reporter expression in testis but not somatic tissues (n = 4). Immunohistochemistry showed that enhancer activity was restricted to the round spermatids. The Acrv1 enhancer failed to activate transcription in the context of a heterologous core promoter (n = 4), indicating a likely requirement for enhancer-core promoter compatibility. Chromatin accessibility assays showed that the Acrv1 enhancer assumes a nucleosome-free state in male germ cells (but not liver), indicating occupancy by transcription factors. Southwestern assays (SWA) identified specific binding of the enhancer to a testis nuclear protein of 47 kDa (TNP47). TNP47 was predominantly nuclear and becomes abundant during the haploid phase of spermatogenesis. Two-dimensional SWA revealed the isoelectric point of TNP47 to be 5.2. Taken together, this study delineated a 50-bp enhancer of the Acrv1 gene for round spermatid-specific transcription and identified a putative cognate factor. The 50-bp enhancer could become useful for delivery of proteins into spermatids.
Genetic Markers of Extreme Human Longevity

We review issues related to studying the genetics of extreme human longevity, including the definition of the phenotype, the choice of appropriate controls, the effect of population structure and assortative mating. We then discuss the important contributions to the genetics of extreme human longevity of the last few years that have arisen from genome-wide association studies and the work that is needed to discover additional longevity genes.
Design of a space channel simulator using virtual instrumentation software

The ability to simulate satellite channels gives protocol designers the ability to test design options prior to their use in space communications. Here we describe a software-based space channel simulator with variable channel error-rate, channel delay, and user bit error rate. This simulator is used to model the communications channel for testing various Internet-type protocol options for space communications.
Auctioning Spectrum Access to Commercial Broadcasters - A Human Rights Perspective

The auction system is the one preferred for the assignment of spectrum access rights by those who prioritize economic efficiency. However, commentators who are primarily concerned with freedom of expression or human rights in general tend to be more wary of the use of auctions. This article argues that the use of auctions in the assignment of broadcasting licences is not necessarily incompatible with State obligations under international human rights law, and that instead it may actually assist States in the fulfillment of those obligations, provided the use of the system is limited only to commercial licences and an adequate number of frequencies is separately reserved for non-commercial purposes and assigned through different mechanisms.
Weight Loss in Underserved Patients — A Cluster-Randomized Trial

Abstract Background Evidence of the effectiveness of treatment for obesity delivered in primary care settings in underserved populations is lacking. Methods We conducted a cluster-randomized trial ...
Navigating the Monetary Sanctions Maze: Understanding and Confusion Among Criminal Legal Debtors:

Monetary sanctions in the criminal legal system are legally and procedurally complex. If not paid in a timely manner, a single conviction can result in multiple legal financial obligations, varying...
Embedding Quantum Statistical Excitations in a Classical Force Field.

Quantum-mechanically driven charge polarization and charge transfer are ubiquitous in biomolecular systems, controlling reaction rates, allosteric interactions, ligand-protein binding, membrane transport, and dynamically driven structural transformations. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of these processes require quantum mechanical (QM) information in order to accurately describe their reactive dynamics. However, current techniques-empirical force fields, subsystem approaches, ab initio MD, and machine learning-vary in their ability to achieve a consistent chemical description across multiple atom types, and at scale. Here we present a physics-based, atomistic force field, the ensemble DFT charge-transfer embedded-atom method, in which QM forces are described at a uniform level of theory across all atoms, avoiding the need for explicit solution of the Schrodinger equation or large, precomputed training data sets. Coupling between the electronic and atomistic length scales is effected through an ensemble density functional theory formulation of the embedded-atom method originally developed for elemental materials. Charge transfer is expressed in terms of ensembles of ionic state basis densities of individual atoms, and charge polarization, in terms of atomic excited-state basis densities. This provides a highly compact yet general representation of the force field, encompassing both local and system-wide effects. Charge rearrangement is realized through the evolution of ensemble weights, adjusted at each dynamical time step via chemical potential equalization.
Critical literacies in a digital age: current and future issues

Resurgent social, political, cultural, and economic tensions, in part facilitated by emerging information and communication technologies, underscore the need to cultivate new forms of critical lite...
Quality of life and other patient-reported outcomes in adult Lebanese patients with type 2 diabetes during COVID-19 pandemic.

Several studies have shown that COVID-19 pandemic has a negative impact on type 2 diabetic mellitus (T2DM) patients’ quality of life (QoL). However, very few studies were performed in Middle Eastern countries. The aim of the current study was to assess, the QoL and diabetes-specific QoL, treatment satisfaction and psychological distress of Lebanese patients with T2DMs using: the Audit of Diabetes-Dependent Quality of Life (ADDQoL), Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire status version (DTSQs) and Kessler 10 (K10) questionnaires and to compare results to those obtained during the pre-COVID-19 period. 461 patients with T2DM participated in the study; 52.6% men, 47.4% women; median age 59 years old. The respective median ADDQoL and DTSQs scores were − 2.2 (interval interquartile range (IQR) − 3.9, − 0.8) (range from − 9 maximum negative impact to + 3 maximum positive impact) and 30(IQR22-36) (range from 0 maximum dissatisfaction to 36 maximum satisfaction). K10 median score was 26(IQR18-35) (range from minimum score of 10 indicating no distress to maximum score of 50 indicating severe distress). Rural dwelling, lack of exercise, current smoking, diabetic complications, injectable diabetes treatment, and previous COVID-19 infection were all associated with significantly worse ADDQoL, DTSQs, and K10 score indicating greater distress. A significant worsening of ADDQoL scores followed onset of the pandemic with no significant change in DTSQs scores. During the COVID-19 pandemic, T2DM Lebanese patients experienced more negative impact of diabetes on QoL and mental health. Those infected with COVID-19 also reported worse QoL, treatment satisfaction and mental health. This highlights the need for community and individual support.
Parameter Uncertainty Reduction for SWAT Using Grace, Streamflow, and Groundwater Table Data for Lower Missouri River Basin1

: This study incorporates the newly available Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) water storage data and water table data from well logs to reduce parameter uncertainty in Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) calibration using a SUFI2 (sequential uncertainty fitting) framework for the Lower Missouri River Basin. Model evaluations are performed in multiple stages using a multiobjective function consisting of multisite streamflow and GRACE water storage data as well as a groundwater component. Results show that (1) a model calibrated with both streamflow and GRACE data simultaneously can maintain the water balance for the whole basin, but may improperly partition surface flow and base flow. Additional inclusion of the groundwater constraint can significantly improve the model performance in groundwater hydrological processes. In our case, the estimation of specific yield of shallow aquifers has been increased to 10−2 from previous much underestimated level (<10−3). (2) The daily streamflow data are needed to confine the parameters related to water flow in channels such as the Manning’s coefficient, which are less sensitive to the monthly simulations. (3) Parameters are nonuniformly sensitive for different goal variables, and thus, proper specification of a prior distribution of parameters may be the key factor for global optimization algorithms to obtain stable and realistic model performance.
The Cohomology of Algebras Over Moduli Spaces

The purpose of this paper is to introduce the cohomology of various algebras over an operad of moduli spaces including the cohomology of conformal field theories (CFT’s) and vertex operator algebras (VOA’s). This cohomology theory produces a number of invariants of CFT’s and VOA’s, one of which is the space of their infinitesimal deformations.
Caspase 8: the killer you can't live without.

The proto-oncogene MYCN, a regulator of cell proliferation and cell death, is amplified in aggressive neuroblastomas, whereas expression of the apoptotic effector caspase 8 is suppressed. Understanding why this nervous system tumor should choose to up or down regulate these particular apoptotic factors may provide important information about oncogenesis and indicate new strategies for the treatment of neuroblastoma ( pages 529–535 ).
Life‐Cycle Assessment as a Tool for Sustainable Transportation Infrastructure Management

This chapter describes how the efficient and effective asset management is critical for the long-term sustainability of transportation infrastructure systems and networks. On one hand, sound transportation infrastructure systems (e.g., highway, rail, aviation, and maritime) play a vital role in encouraging a more productive and competitive national economy. On the other hand, increasing demands, shrinkage financial and human resources, and increased infrastructure deterioration have made the task of maintaining the transportation infrastructure systems more challenging than ever before. The nation’s transportation infrastructure systems are reaching the end of their service lives. Infrastructure systems have gradually deteriorated with age as a result of environmental action and use that, in many cases, significantly exceeds the design expectation. Shortfalls in funding and changing population patterns have placed an even larger burden on aging power plants, water systems, airports, bridges, highways, and school facilities.