cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Activated Platelet-Derived Antimicrobial Peptides Exhibit Virucidal Properties against Vaccinia Virus in Plasma.

Abstract 2118 Poster Board II-95 Introduction: Contamination of blood and blood components by bacteria, virus, fungi and parasites is a major safety risk in transfusion medicine. While there has been a tremendous success in inactivating virus contamination in blood products through UV-irradiation, new and novel proof-of-concepts for microbial reduction that enhance risk to benefit ratio of the treated products are still a public health need in transfusion medicine. In the present study, we tested four novel synthetic antimicrobial peptides originating from thrombin-induced human platelet-derived antimicrobial proteins named PD1-PD4 against an enveloped virus, Vaccinia Virus (VV) spiked in plasma as a model system. We have recently shown these peptides to be useful in reducing bacterial burden in plasma and platelets. These short synthetic peptides are human platelet-derived and known to cause no immune response in humans and non-hemolytic in nature as reported by others. Methods: The PD1-PD4 peptides were tested on plasma samples spiked with 10-fold dilutions of the wild-type lab strain of Vaccinia Virus (WR strain). Each spiked sample was pre-incubated individually with a peptide (PD1-PD4) for 1 hour at 37°C. Spiked sample without any peptide was included as control. A cell culture-based standard plaque reduction assay method was utilized to monitor the virucidal effectiveness of the peptides. Minimal inhibitory concentration of the peptides was also estimated by testing the peptides at doubling dilutions of 100 μg/ml, 50 μg/ml, 25 μg/ml and 12.5 μg/ml concentrations. Results: Our analysis revealed that peptides PD3 and PD4 were potent against vaccinia virus resulting in reduction of viral titers in the plasma. PD3 peptide demonstrated the highest virucidal activity by bringing about a 2-log reduction of VV titers. PD4 peptide treatment resulted in a 1-1.5 log reduction in viral titers. The minimal inhibitory concentration analysis revealed that at 50 μg/ml concentration both the PD3 and PD4 were able to bring about a log reduction in viral titers. Conclusion: The present study reports a novel antiviral agent for reducing vaccinia virus contamination in plasma. Safety profiles of these peptides as reported by others in conjunction with our current studies, provide a new proof-of-concept that could be useful as safer and simpler alternatives to the viral reduction agents in transfusion medicine. The findings and conclusions in this abstract have not been formally disseminated by the Food and Drug Administration and should not be construed to represent any Agency determination or policy. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
The neglected of eosinophil biology, IL-3 finds sustenance in the basophil.

The understanding of the unique IL‐3 functions on eosinophils and basophils should provide further justification for examining the role of therapies targeting IL‐3 pathway.
Sexual Health in a Social and Cultural Context: a Qualitative Study of Young Latina Lesbian, Bisexual, and Queer Women.

Previous research on sexual minority and Latina women suggests that Latina lesbian, bisexual, and queer (LBQ) women may be at high risk for sexually associated and transmitted infections, but research on the sexual health and practices of this population is limited. This qualitative study explored the knowledge, attitudes, and values related to sexual health among a purposive sample of Latina LBQ women living in Seattle, WA. Latina LBQ women (N = 14) were recruited to participate in in-depth interviews about their sexual health through community organizations, flyers posted on college campuses, email and social media advertisements, and participant referrals. In-person semi-structured interviews were conducted and transcribed; transcripts were coded by two independent coders and reviewed for prominent themes. Four main themes emerged: 1) Latina sexual minorities’ sexual health is shaped by their social and cultural contexts, 2) they lack needed sexual health knowledge, 3) their sexual health behaviors vary depending on the relationship status and gender of their partners, and 4) they value taking responsibility for their own sexual health. Further research is needed to better understand sexual health among Latina LBQ women and to identify ways in which their values can be leveraged to promote positive sexual health outcomes.
The Relationship of Serum Soluble Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products (sRAGE) and Carboxymethyl Lysine (CML) to the Incidence of Diabetic Nephropathy in Persons With Type 1 Diabetes.

We hypothesized that persons with type 1 diabetes with higher serum levels of carboxymethyl lysine (CML) and soluble receptor for advanced glycation end products (sRAGE) are at a higher risk of developing incident diabetic nephropathy (DN). We examined this hypothesis using data from up to four follow-up examinations over a 22-year period in persons with type 1 diabetes participating in the Wisconsin Epidemiologic Study of Diabetic Retinopathy (WESDR). We also examined the relationship of CML and sRAGE to mortality. Descriptions of the cohort, participation statistics, and reasons for nonparticipation have appeared elsewhere (1). Of 1,210 persons with type 1 diabetes receiving care in an 11-county area of south central Wisconsin in 1979–1980, 996 were examined in 1980–1982. The individuals were 3–79 years of age with type 1 diabetes duration of 1–59 years. These persons participated in up to six follow-up examinations in 1984–1986 ( n = 903), 1990–1992 ( n = 816), 1994–1996 ( n = 667), 2000–2001 ( n = 567), 2005–2007 ( n = 520), and 2012–2014 ( n = 414). The tenets of the Declaration of Helsinki were followed, and institutional review board approval was obtained from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Written informed consent was obtained. Starting with the third examination in 1990–1992 and continuing with follow-up examinations, serum was collected, processed, and frozen at −80°C. Serum sRAGE and CML levels were measured …
Fonwizin: od wiary w przeznaczenie do wiary w opatrzność

This article traces the spiritual development of Denis Fonvizin, an eminent literary personality in Russia. He had a religious upbringing, however, in St. Petersburg he was strongly influenced by freethinker Feodor A. Kozlovskii. He abandoned his views under the influence of Ivan Elagin and his sister, which led him to an intense study of the Bible and to an experience of spiritual conversion. His beliefs have been reflected in his literary work, in particular, in his plays and in some of his political essays. In spite of his crippling illness, Fonvizin believed in the benevolent providence of God to the end of his life.
8 The Male Bisexual Experience

This chapter addresses issues related to bisexual men, including the population size of bisexual men in the USA, bisexual stigma such as stereotypes and erasure, identity development and disclosure, bisexual men’s relationships and health, and mental health resilience among bisexual men. While the reported number of bisexual men is increasing in the USA, they still face considerable levels of stigma from both heterosexual and gay and lesbian populations. In particular, large numbers of nonbisexual people in the US stereotype bisexual men as likely to be HIV-positive or have other sexually transmitted infections. Further, bisexual men are often erased in both scientific research and society at large. Bisexual stigma may have consequences for the identity development, relationships, and health of bisexual men. However, there is some research that highlights the positive experiences and resiliency of this population. Future research should include bisexual men as an independent group and, in particular, attention should be paid to be more inclusive of bisexual men who experience marginalization as a result of race, gender, and disability.
Measuring fertility through mobile-phone based household surveys: Methods, data quality, and lessons learned from PMA2020 surveys

Background: PMA2020 is a survey platform with resident enumerators using mobile phones. Instead of collecting full birth history, total fertility rates (TFR) have been measured with a limited number of questions on recent births. Employing new approaches provides opportunities to test and advance survey methods. Objective: This study aims to assess the quality of fertility data in PMA2020 surveys, focusing on bias introduced from the questionnaire and completeness and distribution of birth month and year, and to estimate TFR adjusted for identified data quality issues. Methods: To assess underestimation from the questionnaire, we simulated births that would be counted using the PMA2020 questionnaires compared to births identified from full birth history. We analyzed the latest Demographic and Health Surveys in ten countries where PMA2020 surveys have been implemented. We assessed the level of reporting completeness for birth month and year and heaping of birth month, analyzing 39 PMA2020 surveys. Finally, TFR were calculated and adjusted for biases introduced from the questionnaire and heaping in birth month. Results: Simple questions introduced minor bias from undercounting multiple births, which was expected and correctable. Meanwhile, incomplete reporting of birth month was relatively high, and the default value of January in data collection software systematically moved births with missing months out of the reference period. On average across the 39 surveys, TFR increased by 1.6% and 2.4%, adjusted for undercounted multiple births and heaping on January, respectively. Contribution: This study emphasizes the importance of enumerator training and provides critical insight in software programming in surveys using mobile technologies.
Erosion of Penile Prostheses: A Complication of Urethral Catheterization

We studied 9 patients with indwelling urethral catheters or who were using intermittent clean catheterization and who had received a penile prosthesis. A 56 per cent (5 of 9) incidence of urethral erosion was found in this population. Urethral erosion was a late complication, 80 per cent (4 of 5) of the time in our series, that usually presented several months after implantation of the prosthesis. We believe that the etiological factors that contributed to this disastrous complication were the friction and inflammation associated with catheterization. We currently construct a perineal urethrostomy in patients who desire a penile prosthesis and who perform intermittent catheterization. If intermittent catheterization is not feasible, insertion of a suprapubic tube is recommended. We additionally recommend insertion of an inflatable penile prosthesis, since this type is relatively soft most of the time and will not cause as much pressure at the end of the penis. Since instituting these procedures we have not encountered any erosion.
Parents as Sex Educators

The traditional view of parents’ responsibilities in educating their children about sex was a simple one. At some point before a child was married, the parent of the same sex was to provide the “secret” information about how to perform sexual intercourse and about the reproductive process. It was also the mother’s responsibility to inform daughters that menarche signaled the onset of “womanhood,” usually a vaguely defined concept. There was also supposed to be a background of mysterious messages emphasizing that doing anything sexual prior to marriage, especially getting pregnant, was wrong. In actual practice, the mother often waited until just before the wedding, when she might ask an embarrassed daughter, “You know what to do, don’t you?” or “Do you want to ask me any questions?” It was usually assumed that the new husband would indeed know what to do, and that was all that was important anyway. For sons, sex education was sometimes even more confusing, since the lack of information and the negative messages were accompanied by the expectation that they would know all about sex, and would understand winks from fathers and other adult men who cautioned that if they could not wait until marriage, they should at least be careful.
Convolution and Maximal Operator Inequalities in Clifford Analysis

The main objective of this article is to prove three Hedberg type inequalities for the convolution operator associated with the Euclidean Cauchy kernel in higher dimensions. Each of these inequalities involves a specific maximal operator, and they all provide the best possible constants. A few interesting consequences of the main result and applications in Clifford analysis are highlighted as well. Among them one should single out several higher-dimensional generalizations in the setting of Clifford analysis of a classical inequality in one-variable complex function theory due to Ahlfors and Beurling and some extensions of Alexander’s inequality.
Numerical Modelling in Heat Transfer by Spectral Methods

Spectral methods belong to general class of weighted residual techniques which approximate continuous functions globaliy in terms of a Fourier or polynomial series expansion. For problems with sufficiently smooth solutions, spectral methods provide exponential convergence. The most commonly used series expansions are the Fourier series for periodic problems and Chebyshev and Legendre polynomials series for non-periodic problems. The choice of the basis functions and the manner of computing the expansion coefficients together characterize the method (e.g., Galerkin, Tau, or collocation). The objective here is to discuss the implementation of spectral methods to the numerical solution of heat transfer problems with examples.
Solitary Ulcerated Lesion on the Arm.

A man presented with nevi on his back and a nontender, ulcerated lesion on his upper arm that was heterogenous in color with irregular borders.
CRISPR Gene Editing in Yeast: An Experimental Protocol for an Upper-Division Undergraduate Laboratory Course

Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) are a revolutionary tool based on a bacterial acquired immune response system. CRISPR has gained widespread use for gene editing in a variety of organisms and is an increasingly valuable tool for basic genetic research, with far-reaching implications for medicine, agriculture, and industry. This lab is based on the premise that upper division undergraduate students enrolled in a Life Sciences curriculum must become familiar with cutting edge advances in biotechnology that have significant impact on society. Toward this goal, we developed a new hands-on laboratory exercise incorporating the use of CRISPR-Cas9 and homology directed repair (HDR) to edit two well-characterized genes in the budding yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The two genes edited in this exercise, Adenine2 (ADE2) and Sterile12 (STE12) affect metabolic and developmental processes, respectively. Editing the premature stop codons in these genes results in clearly identifiable phenotypes that can be assessed by students in a standard laboratory course setting. Making use of this basic eukaryotic model organism facilitates a laboratory exercise that is inexpensive, simple to organize, set up, and present to students. This exercise enables undergraduate students to initiate and follow-up on all stages of the CRISPR gene editing process, from identification of guide RNAs, amplification of an appropriate HDR fragment, and analysis of mutant phenotypes. The organization of this protocol also allows for easy modification, providing additional options for editing any expressed genes within the yeast genome to produce new mutations, or recovery of existing mutants to wild type. © 2018 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 46(6):592-601, 2018.
Frontal Sinus Osteoma Presenting with Meningitis and Epilepsy

Background Osteomas are benign lesions of bone, most frequently seen in the paranasal sinuses; however, they are typically asymptomatic and without complication. We report a rare case of large frontal sinus osteoma with intracranial extension, associated with meningitis and the development of seizures. Case Description The patient is a 38-year-old man with a prolonged history of headache and seizures, who was seen by multiple specialists previously, all of whom deferred treatment. After years of worsening seizure activity, he finally underwent surgical resection of the lesion at our institution in a joint operation with neurosurgery and otolaryngology. We examine his course, presentation, and management, and examine the literature for cases of complicated sinus osteomas. Conclusions This represents the fourth reported case of frontal sinus osteoma associated with meningitis. We believe this case demonstrates the value of a robust differential and a multidisciplinary approach.
Characteristics of elderly home health care users: data from the 1994 National Home and Hospice Care Survey.

OBJECTIVE This report presents the demographic characteristics, service utilization, and primary admission diagnosis of elderly current home health care patients and discharges. METHODS The data used for this report are from the National Center for Health Statistics' 1994 National Home and Hospice Care Survey's (NHHCS) sample of current patients and discharges age 65 years and over. The 1994 NHHCS is the third annual survey of home health care agencies and hospices and their current patients and discharges. RESULTS The overall results of the survey indicate that the elderly in both the current patient and discharge samples were predominantly women, 75-84 years old, white, non-Hispanic, widowed, and lived in a private residence with their family. For both elderly men and women, the most commonly used home health care service was skilled nursing services and the primary admission diagnosis was heart disease.
Robot-assisted Therapy for the Upper Limb after Cervical Spinal Cord Injury

Tetraplegia resulting from cervical injury is the most frequent neurologic category after spinal cord injury and causes substantial disability. The residual strength of partially paralyzed muscles is an important determinant of independence and function in tetraplegia. Small improvements in upper extremity function can make a clinically significant difference in daily activities. Major advances in rehabilitation technologies over the past 2 decades have allowed testing of robotic devices in rehabilitation of motor impairments. This literature assessment provides an overview of robotic-assisted training research for improving arm and hand functions after cervical spinal cord injury.
Iberian linguistic elements among the black population in New Netherland (1614–1664)

Author(s): Dewulf, J | Abstract: Since the slave population in New Netherland (1614–1664) was small compared to that of other Dutch Atlantic colonies such as Curacao, Dutch Brazil, and Suriname, it has traditionally received little attention by scholars, including creolists. It is, therefore, not well known that traces of Iberian languages can be found among the black population of seventeenth-century Manhattan. While the paucity of sources does not allow us to make any decisive claims with regard to the importance of Spanish and Portuguese for the colony’s black community, this article attempts to reconstruct the language use of this population group on the basis of an analysis of historical sources from New Netherland in a broader Atlantic context.
Tools Used for Predator Recognition

The previous chapter cogently demonstrates that the ability to recognize predators is widespread among birds, involving not only distinguishing predators from the harmless animals but also mutually distinguishing individual groups and predator species from one another. This leads to a question what cues birds use for recognition.
Perturbation Methods in Biology

When organisms reproduce, they pass on to their progeny a partiuclar genetic code that prescribes their chemical composition. This happens in various ways for various organisms. For example, bacteria reproduce by doubling in size, duplicating all of the cell mechanisms, in the process, and then splitting (asexual reproduction), TTie daughter cells, inherit exact copies of the mother's code. On the other hand, for organisms like humans (sexual reproduction) each organism receives half of its, code from each parent. This section focuses on sexually reproducing organisms,.
The Real Estate Academic Leadership (Real) Rankings for 2014–2018

Abstract This is the fourth release of the Real Estate Academic Leadership (REAL) rankings for authors and institutions. Since its inception in 2015, the intent of the rankings is to highlight the ...
Synergistic Effects of Road Closure, Climate and Vegetation Change on Elk Counts: Implications for Management

Increasing our understanding of the effects motor vehicles have on elk populations is vital to their management and past research has consistently shown that elk avoid roads and traffic. However, the fine-scale impact of traffic volume is rarely quantified and the environmental context experienced by elk at the time of disturbance is systematically ignored in these studies. We use an experimental design where roads are opened or closed to motorized traffic at specific times of year, and where motorized traffic has been quantified. We provide an environmental context to the study of the impacts of road closure on elk counts by accounting for climatic and vegetation changes over the course of the study. We specifically quantify the impact of road access, vegetation green-up, and snow dynamics on Rocky Mountain elk (Cervus canadensis nelsoni) counts along the main road in the Gros Ventre River drainage, WY, before and after two gates were sequentially opened to the public during the spring and early summer of 2010–2014. Elk counts increased with snow depth along the main road, and counts decreased as snow receded and vegetation greened over a 5-year period (p < 0.001). An increase in vehicle traffic resulted in a significant decline in elk counts (p < 0.001), which decreased at a rate of 1.42% for each unit increase in vehicle traffic. Our results indicate that gate closures in the Gros Ventre River Drainage decreased vehicle-related anthropogenic disturbance for elk, and that environmental variables affect elk counts and distribution further. Wildlife managers should consider both motorized vehicle traffic and the environmental context elk experience when managing road access in elk habitat.
Parabacteroides Distasonis Attenuates Tumorigenesis, Modulates Inflammatory Markers, and Promotes Intestinal Barrier Integrity in Azoxymethane-treated Mice (OR04-02-19)

Gut dysbiosis or imbalance of the gut microbial community promotes inflammation and contributes to pathogenesis of several conditions such as aging, obesity, and colorectal cancer (CRC). Previously, we demonstrated that feeding Parabacteroides distasonis (Pd) to mice suppressed obesity-driven colorectal tumorigenesis. Here, we investigated if Pd could suppress the development and progression of colon tumors in mice independent of obesity. Six-week old male A/J mice (n = 23/group) were randomly assigned to one of the 3 diet regimens: 1) standard chow diet for 24 weeks (CTR), 2) chow supplemented with 0.04% w/w freeze-dried Pd for 24 weeks (Pd-Early), or 3) chow diet for 19 weeks followed by chow diet supplemented with 0.04% w/w freeze-dried Pd for a further 5 weeks (Pd-Late). All mice were given 6 weekly injections of the colon carcinogen azoxymethane (AOM; 10 mg/kg I.P.) starting after 1 week on diet and were euthanized after 24 weeks on diet. Histologically confirmed neoplastic colonic polyps were observed in 77%, 55%, and 40% in CTR, Pd-Early, and Pd-Late mice, respectively (X2 = 0.047). The expression of IL-4 and TNFα was 58% (P = 0.05) and 55% (P < 0.001) lower, respectively, in Pd-Early compared to CTR mice. Interestingly, Pd-Late mice displayed a 217% (P = 0.05) and 185% (P < 0.001) increase in IL-10 and TGF-β expression, respectively, compared to CTR mice. Both Pd-Early and Pd-Late mice demonstrated an increased expression of tight junction proteins, ZO-1 (P < 0.001) and occludin (P < 0.001), by 2–3 fold, compared to controls. Our results support a protective role for Pd in colonic tumorigenesis and maintenance of intestinal epithelial barrier in AOM-treated mice. Moreover, our data suggest a differential regulation of immune responses by Pd when administered at different stages of tumorigenesis. Future investigation is warranted to delineate the effect of Pd on the immune system and how this may affect tumorigenesis and tumor progression. This study is supported by 2017 HNRCA Pilot Grant and the USDA CRIS fund.
Silicon limitation facilitates virus infection and mortality of marine diatoms

Diatoms are among the most globally distributed and ecologically successful organisms in the modern ocean, contributing upwards of 40% of total marine primary productivity1,2. By converting dissolved silicon into biogenic silica, and photosynthetically fixing carbon dioxide into particulate organic carbon, diatoms effectively couple the silicon (Si) and carbon cycles and ballast substantial vertical flux of carbon out of the euphotic zone into the mesopelagic and deep ocean3–5. Viruses are key players in ocean biogeochemical cycles6,7, yet little is known about how viral infection specifically impacts diatom populations. Here, we show that Si limitation facilitates virus infection and mortality in diatoms in the highly productive coastal waters of the California Current Ecosystem. Using metatranscriptomic analysis of cell-associated diatom viruses and targeted quantification of extracellular viruses, we found a link between Si stress and the early, active and lytic stages of viral infection. This relationship was also observed in cultures of the bloom-forming diatom Chaetoceros tenuissimus, where Si stress accelerated virus-induced mortality. Together, these findings contextualize viruses within the ecophysiological framework of Si availability and diatom-mediated biogeochemical cycling. Using metatranscriptomics of diatom-associated viruses and quantification of extracellular viruses in coastal water samples, the authors link silicon limitation to increased virus-induced mortality of diatoms, which could have implications for marine biogeochemical cycling.
Downregulation of Brain Gα12 Attenuates Angiotensin II-Dependent Hypertension

Background Angiotensin II (Ang II) activates central Angiotensin II type 1 receptors to increase blood pressure via multiple pathways. However, whether central Gα proteins contribute to Ang II-induced hypertension remains unknown. We hypothesized that Angiotensin II type 1 receptors couple with Gα12 and/or Gαq to produce sympatho-excitation and increase blood pressure and downregulation of these Gα-subunit proteins will attenuate Ang II-dependent hypertension. Methods and results After chronic infusion of Ang II (s.c. 350 ng/kg/min) or vehicle for 2 weeks, Ang II evoked an increase in Gα12 expression, but not Gαq in the rostral ventrolateral medulla of Sprague-Dawley rats. In other studies, rats that received Ang II or vehicle infusion s.c. were simultaneously infused i.c.v. with a scrambled (SCR) or Gα12 oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN; 50 µg/day). Central Gα12 ODN infusion lowered mean blood pressure in Ang II infused rats compared with SCR ODN infusion (14-day peak; 133 ± 12 vs. 176 ± 11 mm Hg). Compared to the SCR ODN group, Ang II infused rats that received i.c.v. Gα12 ODN showed a greater increase in heart rate to atropine, an attenuated reduction in blood pressure to chlorisondamine, and an improved baroreflex sensitivity. In addition, central Gα12 and Gαq ODN pretreatment blunted the pressor response to an acute i.c.v. injection of Ang II (i.c.v., 200 ng). Conclusions These findings suggest that central Gα12 protein signaling pathways play an important role in the development of chronic Ang II-dependent hypertension in rats.
FluSense: A Contactless Syndromic Surveillance Platform for Influenza-Like Illness in Hospital Waiting Areas

We developed a contactless syndromic surveillance platform FluSense that aims to expand the current paradigm of influenza-like illness (ILI) surveillance by capturing crowd-level bio-clinical signals directly related to physical symptoms of ILI from hospital waiting areas in an unobtrusive and privacy-sensitive manner. FluSense consists of a novel edge-computing sensor system, models and data processing pipelines to track crowd behaviors and influenza-related indicators, such as coughs, and to predict daily ILI and laboratory-confirmed influenza caseloads. FluSense uses a microphone array and a thermal camera along with a neural computing engine to passively and continuously characterize speech and cough sounds along with changes in crowd density on the edge in a real-time manner. We conducted an IRB-approved 7 month-long study from December 10, 2018 to July 12, 2019 where we deployed FluSense in four public waiting areas within the hospital of a large university. During this period, the FluSense platform collected and analyzed more than 350,000 waiting room thermal images and 21 million non-speech audio samples from the hospital waiting areas. FluSense can accurately predict daily patient counts with a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.95. We also compared signals from FluSense with the gold standard laboratory-confirmed influenza case data obtained in the same facility and found that our sensor-based features are strongly correlated with laboratory-confirmed influenza trends.
GNRFET based Ternary Logic – Prospects and Potential Implementation

Graphene Nano Ribbon Field Effect Transistors (GNRFET) have recently started drawing attractions due to its’ unique electrical properties. The possibility of controlling threshold voltage by controlling the width of the Ribbon presents us with a great advantage of using GNRFET into a Multi-Valued Logic (MVL). In this paper, different electrical aspect like threshold voltage, on-off characteristics of GNRFET has been studied. And based on these, the scope of using it into a ternary logic has been projected.
Chapter 3 – Water and the Hydrophobic Effect

What is so special about water? It is colorless, tasteless, odorless, and extremely abundant. At first glance it would appear that water is as bland and ordinary as any compound could possibly be. Yet water is the most studied material on Earth and has been for a very long time. It is evident from early historical records that water was known to be the most important biochemical required for life. Hidden by its deceptively unexciting cloak, water houses a plethora of subtle, but extraordinary properties. The basic properties of water can be found in any basic Biology or Biochemistry book, and are summarized nicely in Wikipedia [1].
Reliabilism and the New Evil Demon Problem

Internalists who argue against reliabilism usually construct thought experiments designed to show how reliability is not necessary or sufficient for justification. Defenders of reliabilism have responded with debunking explanations of the intuitions that people are expected to have when considering anti-reliabilist thought experiments. One defender is Jennifer Nagel, who argues that internalist counterexamples to reliabilism play off of a shift between belief-formation processes that are unconscious and those that involve self-reflection on the contents of one’s conscious states (Nagel 2016). Nagel aims to show how thought experiments commonly appealed to by internalists rest on a mistake by carefully examining some of the most well-known examples in the literature. However, Nagel’s analysis does not apply on certain counterexamples to reliabilism, such as Cohen’s New Evil Demon (NED) (Cohen 1984). In this paper, I will show that when applied to NED-intuitions, Nagel’s analysis fails, so her argument does not extend to all anti-reliabilist counterexamples.
Alleviating concerns of misappropriation in corporate venture capital: Creating credible commitments and calculative trust

Ventures are often hesitant to accept corporate venture capital due to concerns of intellectual property misappropriation. This is likely to be especially true with startup stage ventures operating...
Marijuana Use Among Justice-Involved Youths After California Statewide Legalization, 2015-2018.

Objectives. To determine the impact of California’s recreational marijuana legalization on marijuana use among justice system–involved (JSI) adolescents and young adults, and to distinguish whether...
Rejoinder to Hou, Liu and Hsu.

We appreciate the thoughtful comments of Huo, Liu and Hsu. They mentioned their previous paper1 comparing 11 HCC staging systems, suggested from our C-index results "it should not be interpreted that the HepatoScore-14 significantly augment(s) the prognostic accuracy of the current systems," and wondered how our cohort characteristics impacted results. We make four comments in response.
The Two Social Psychologies of Creativity: From Historiometric to Experimental (and the Latter to Stay)

Dean Simonton recounts in his chapter the genesis of the term “the social psychology of creativity,” focusing on the context within social psychology prior to both his and Amabile’s pioneering work. Simonton argues in his chapter that, although Amabile and others have credited Simonton with coining the term “the social psychology of creativity,” Amabile deserves the credit for establishing creativity as an accepted area of research in social psychology.
Social Security privatization: Lessons from the United Kingdom

This study draws lessons for the debate about the proposed partial privatization of Social Security in the United States based on evidence from the United Kingdom. The British case suggests that privatization may lead to a reduction in the pension burden on the national budget if combined with substantial cuts in benefits. Such reforms may have positive effects on the economy, but any such benefits would come at the cost of increased inequality and lower pension benefits for many low-wage workers, particularly women. Because Social Security is a path dependent process, policy history differences make it less likely that Americans will easily accept the level of privatization found in Britain.
Mental Health Parity Legislation: Implications for Children and Youth With Serious Emotional Disturbance

Ensuring access to appropriate treatment for children and adolescents with mental health needs is a major policy concern. Recent legislation in the form of the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 (MHPAEA) offers hope for mental health care to a large number of families; however, the lack of a federal definition of mental illness and state differences in coverage, often excluding children's diagnoses, are major limitations in coverage that perhaps might not meet the needs of youth with serious emotional disturbances. Implications of this parity legislation for children and youth are discussed with a particular focus on children and youth with Severe Emotional Disturbance.
An ab initio study of the reaction mechanism of Co++NH3

To investigate the mechanism for N–H bond activation by a transition metal, the reactions of Co+(3F,5F) with NH3 have been studied with complete active space self-consistent field (CASSCF), multireference configuration interaction (MR-SDCI), and multireference many body perturbation theory (MRMP) wave functions, using both effective core potential and all-electron methods. Upon their initial approach, the reactants yield an ion–molecule complex, CoNH3+(3E,5A2,5A1), with retention of C3ν symmetry. The Co+=NH3 binding energies are estimated to be 49 (triplet) and 45 (quintet) kcal/mol. Subsequently, the N–H bond is activated, leading to an intermediate complex H–Co–NH2+ (C2ν symmetry), through a three-center transition state with an energy barrier of 56–60 (triplet) and 70–73 (quintet) kcal/mol. The energy of H–Co–NH2+, relative to that of CoNH3+, is estimated to be 60 to 61 (triplet) and 44 (quintet) kcal/mol. However, the highest levels of theory employed here (including dynamic correlation corrections) s...
Bulk solvent extraction of biomass slurries using a lipid trap

Extraction of lipids and hydrophobic metabolites from microbial sources remains an obstacle in the production of these compounds at the laboratory and industrial scale. Analytical techniques for the total extraction of non-polar metabolites from biological material are well established, but rely on expensive and time consuming processes. This makes these techniques unsuitable for direct translation to continuous or large volume systems, unable to move beyond proof-of-concept studies, and leaves a major gap in the translation of new bio-products requiring a purified extract. Here we attempt to bridge that gap by demonstrating the use of a semi-continuous liquid–liquid extraction system capable of bulk lipid extraction from wet, untreated biomass, and simultaneous concentration of the unmodified extract in a lipid trap. A 1.8 L model was used to evaluate system dynamics with bacterial, fungal, algal, and plant feedstock, prior to scaling the system by an order of magnitude to demonstrate large-scale viability. Extraction efficiency was above 90% for each feedstock compared to standard Bligh and Dyer extraction. Following scale-up, extraction was performed on upwards of 4 kg of slurry (660 g dry weight), yielding an average efficiency of 96%, and allowing generation of a crude extract at a scale not previously possible in a laboratory setting. The resulting system allows for direct and high-throughput extraction of biomass sources without pretreatment, specialized instrumentation, or intensive user input.
Use of modelling and simulation techniques to support decision making on the progression of PF‐04878691, a TLR7 agonist being developed for hepatitis C

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT • While several clinical studies have been published on toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) agonists, there is no information on the quantitative link between 2′,5′-oligoadenylate synthetase (OAS) and antiviral efficacy (viral load). WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS • This study provides the only quantitative dynamic clinical relationship between the pharmacokinetics (PK) of PF-04878691 and OAS and lymphocyte levels, together with the only published clinical relationship between markers of anti-viral pharmacology (OAS) and antiviral efficacy (viral load). This study highlights how modelling and simulation can be used to impact compound progression decisions in clinical development. AIM To use non-linear mixed effects modelling and simulation techniques to predict whether PF-04878691, a toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) agonist, would produce sufficient antiviral efficacy while maintaining an acceptable side effect profile in a ‘proof of concept’ (POC) study in chronic hepatitis C (HCV) patients. METHODS A population pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic (PKPD) model was developed using available ‘proof of pharmacology’ (POP) clinical data to describe PF-04878691 pharmacokinetics (PK) and its relationship to 2′,5′-oligoadenylate synthetase (OAS; marker of pharmacology) and lymphocyte levels (marker of safety) following multiple doses in healthy subjects. A second model was developed to describe the relationship between change from baseline OAS expressed as fold change and HCV viral RNA concentrations using clinical data available in HCV patients for a separate compound, CPG-10101 (ACTILON™), a TLR9 agonist. Using these models the antiviral efficacy and safety profiles of PF-04878691 were predicted in HCV patients. RESULTS The population PKPD models described well the clinical data as assessed by visual inspection of diagnostic plots, visual predictive checks and precision of the parameter estimates. Using these relationships, PF-04878691 exposure and HCV viral RNA concentration was simulated in HCV patients receiving twice weekly administration for 4 weeks over a range of doses. The simulations indicated that significant reductions in HCV viral RNA concentrations would be expected at doses >6 mg. However at these doses grade ≥3 lymphopenia was also predicted. CONCLUSIONS The model simulations indicate that PF-04878691 is unlikely to achieve POC criteria and support the discontinuation of this compound for the treatment of HCV.
Analysis of the non-thermal equilibrium condensing flow of a gas through a packed bed

In this paper, the transient forced convective condensing flow of a gas through a packed bed is analyzed. The model developed for this analysis does not employ any local thermal equilibrium assumption between the solid and the fluid phases. Inertial as well as viscous effects are considered in the vapor phase momentum equation by using the Ergun-Forchheimer relation. Thermal charging of the packed bed for two different types of boundary conditions and the condensation in the vapor phase are studied. Qualitative comparisons of the effects of different parameters on condensation reveal that the pressure difference applied across the packed bed, the particle size of the solid phase, and the heat capacity of the solid phase are very influential on condensation. It is observed that although two-dimensional modeling is essential for accurate results in the case of constant wall temperature boundary conditions, one.dimensional model- ing would be quite satisfactory in the case of insulated boundary conditions.
SU-E-I-25: Determining Tube Current, Tube Voltage and Pitch Suitable for Low- Dose Lung Screening CT

Purpose: The quality of a computed tomography (CT) image and the dose delivered during its acquisition depend upon the acquisition parameters used. Tube current, tube voltage, and pitch are acquisition parameters that potentially affect image quality and dose. This study investigated physicians' abilities to characterize small, solid nodules in low-dose CT images for combinations of current, voltage and pitch, for three CT scanner models. Methods: Lung CT images was acquired of a Data Spectrum anthropomorphic torso phantom with various combinations of pitch, tube current, and tube voltage; this phantom was used because acrylic beads of various sizes could be placed within the lung compartments to simulate nodules. The phantom was imaged on two 16-slice scanners and a 64-slice scanner. The acquisition parameters spanned a range of estimated CTDI levels; the CTDI estimates from the acquisition software were verified by measurement. Several experienced radiologists viewed the phantom lung CT images and noted nodule location, size and shape, as well as the acceptability of overall image quality. Results: Image quality for assessment of nodules was deemed unsatisfactory for all scanners at 80 kV (any tube current) and at 35 mA (any tube voltage). Tube current of 50 mA or more at 120 kV resulted in similar assessments from all three scanners. Physician-measured sphere diameters were closer to actual diameters for larger spheres, higher tube current, and higher kV. Pitch influenced size measurements less for larger spheres than for smaller spheres. CTDI was typically overestimated by the scanner software compared to measurement. Conclusion: Based on this survey of acquisition parameters, a low-dose CT protocol of 120 kV, 50 mA, and pitch of 1.4 is recommended to balance patient dose and acceptable image quality. For three models of scanners, this protocol resulted in estimated CTDIs from 2.9–3.6 mGy.
Women in Retirement: A Review and Critique of Empirical Research Since 1976

This article reviews empirical research on women in retirement since 1976. The articles studied are categorized into four main areas: Women's Attitudes and Orientations Toward Retirement, Women's Preparation and Planning for Retirement, Women's Retirement Timing: Factors Related to Decisions to Retire, and Women's Adjustments to and Experiences in Retirement. Omissions and problems in the literature are identified and examined. Special attention is given to theoretical and methodological issues. The authors suggest new emphases and directions to strengthen research in this area.
Pulmonary hypertension: A cellular basis for understanding the pathophysiology and treatment

Much of the understanding of hypertensive pulmonary vascular disease comes from studies of primary pulmonary hypertension. The three subtypes of primary pulmonary hypertension, plexogenic pulmonary arteriopathy, thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension and venoocclusive disease, have served as a basis to understand the mechanisms and to develop treatments of all forms of pulmonary hypertension. However, many inconsistencies regarding presumed pulmonary vasoconstriction and recurrent embolization remain. With newer data on the influence of the endothelium on vascular responsiveness and thrombosis, it appears that older concepts regarding the pathophysiology of pulmonary hypertension need to be revised. Recent studies have shown that plexogenic pulmonary arteriopathy is associated with abnormalities of endothelial structure and function that could result in impaired release of endothelial derived relaxing factors. Thromboembolic pulmonary arteriopathy, or more properly thrombotic pulmonary hypertension, appears to be the result of endothelial cell injury that creates a procoagulant environment in the pulmonary vascular bed with the development of widespread eccentric intimal proliferation and thrombosis in situ. It is possible that the effectiveness of vasodilator or anticoagulant therapy depends on the nature of the endothelial injury. Secondary pulmonary hypertension without endothelial injury, such as that which occurs with hypoxic lung disease or mitral stenosis, appears more satisfactorily treated when the primary cause is reversed.
Suppression by dynorphin A-(1-13) of the expression of opiate withdrawal and tolerance in mice.

Dynorphin A-(1–13) has been shown to suppress the expression of opiate withdrawal and tolerance dose dependently in morphine-dependent mice when administered i.v. The ED50 of naloxone to precipitate withdrawal jumping was increased by 1.5- and 7-fold when morphine-dependent mice were pretreated with 2.5 and 5.0 μmol/kg of dynorphin A-(1–13), respectively. When dynorphin A-(1–13) (5.0 μmol/kg, i.v.) was administered after the precipitation of withdrawal with naloxone, the ED50 of naloxone was still increased by over 2-fold. Also, the expression of tolerance which was estimated by noting the antinociceptive ED50 of morphine, was inhibited by over 70% with a dynorphin A-(1–13) dose of 2.5 μ mol/kg and completely suppressed by pretreatment with 5.0 μmol/kg of dynorphin A-(1–13) i.v. The mechanism by which dynorphin A-(1–13) produces these effects when given i.v. remains to be elucidated.
Prospectively Gated CBCT for Volumetric Image Guidance in SBRT

Two techniques for PG-CBCT have been implemented on a traditional LINAC geometry, and shown effective in the suppression of respiratory motion artifacts. Relative to retrospective 4D-CBCT techniques, PG-CBCT enables reduction of the CBCT imaging dose by acquisition of projections only at desired phases. Based on this work, a continuous method is recommended for clinical applications due to current mechanical limitations in sequential gantry rotation. Upper: A conventional non-gated CBCT scanner reconstruction of the moving phantom. Lower: Reconstruction of the moving phantom with the continuous prospectively gated implementation for the materials section (left) and resolution section (right) of the CATPHAN 504. Arrows indicated the finest discernable resolution of 6 lp/mm which is only resolved in the gated reconstruction. Using a triggered LINAC based kilovoltage OBI, two general methods for PG-CBCT were implemented and crossevaluated: 1) a sequential method, in which gantry rotation and acquisition only occur during an active gating window, and 2) a continuous method, in which the gantry continuously rotates at a slow speed throughout all portions of the breathing cycle and the source pulsed on during valid gates. As currently no clinical system allows for such PG-CBCT acquisition, custom XML scripts in conjunction with the Developer Mode functionality of the Varian TrueBeam STx’s were utilized to implement the techniques.