cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Collodion-Particle Agglutinative Tests in Detection of Antigen Derived from Tubercle Bacilli.∗:

Summary1. With a single lot of antiserum which has been artificially produced by injecting defatted tubercle bacilli into horses, a series of comparative immunological tests have been carried out. Results indicate that collodion-particle agglutination-tests are not only satisfactory for this type of immunological determination but are more delicate than precipitin-tests, particularly for the detection of antibody.
Hypoxic Ischaemic Injury in an Immature Brain on MRI

The appearance of the child’s brain on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) differs with age. The manifestations of hypoxic ischaemic injury in the neonate on MRI also depend on the whether the child is premature or term and the duration/severity of injury. This case illustrates the typical MRI brain findings of a neonate who had experienced severe hypoxic ischaemic injury.
Effect of Atmospheric Turbulence on Image Ground-Resolution of Space-Based Remote Sensing System

To all optical imaging systems,resolution is one of the foremost technical indexes.Between imaging system and the object,when atmospheric turbulence exists,it will influence image resolution at different degrees.In space-based remote sensing,the atmospheric turbulence influence to ground sample distance(GSD) of the object is much more concerned.Based on atmospheric turbulence coherent length and arrival angle undulation,through detailed formula ratiocinations and numerical computations,the influences of the turbulence on image ground resolution have been discussed during the imaging process of space-based remote sensing system respectively.The results show,in remote sensing imaging system,while the GSD achieving 0.5 m or much more accurate,the factors of atmospheric turbulence need to be considered.
Physiological properties of primate lumbar motoneurons

1. Intracellular recordings were obtained from 149 motoneurons innervating triceps surae (n = 109) and more distal muscles (n = 40) in 14 pentobarbital-anesthetized monkeys (Macaca nemestrina). The...
Transcriptional coactivators p300/CBP and Type I collagen gene expression

Type I collagen is the major extracellular matrix protein in skin and other tissues. Excessive synthesis and deposition of collagen in the dermal region is the hallmark of skin fibrosis or scleroderma. The multifunctionalcytokine transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) induces the Type I collagen synthesis and has been implicated in tissue fibrosis. The signal transducers Smads and transcriptional coactivators p300/ CBP are major regulators in the TGF-β-induced Type I collagen synthesis. In skin fibroblasts, p300 interacts with Smads and stimulates the Type I collagen synthesis. The intrinsic histone acetyltransferase activity of p300 is essential for maximal stimulation of collagen synthesis. The synthesis of Type I collagen is also negatively regulated by cytokines like interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). While the profibrotic cytokine TGF-β induces the collagen synthesis, antifibrotic cytokines IFN-y and TNF-a abrogate the TGF-β-induced collagen synthesis via activation of STAT1α or STAT1α-induced factor(s) and Jun family members respectively. The IFN-y and TNF-a activated molecules compete with TGF-β signaling molecules Smads for limiting amount of cellular p300/CBP and suppress the TGF-β signaling. The transcriptional coactivators p300/CBP are known to interact with numerous transcription factors and play a pivotal role in the transcriptional regulation of numerous genes whose products control the cell cycle, growth and development. Post-translational modifications of p300/CBP by phosphorylation and/or methylation play a significant role in their functional activities. Abnormality in p300 or CBP activity has been implicated in different diseases, also known as 'Coactivators Diseases'. The present review discusses the significance of transcriptional coactivators p300/CBP in the cytokine modulation of extracellular matrix protein, Type I collagen synthesis, and its relevance to tissue fibrosis like scleroderma.
Behavioral, emotional and neurobiological determinants of coronary heart disease risk in women

Abstract Women have more of the stress-related behavioral profile that has been linked to cardiovascular disease than men. For example, women double the rates of stress-related mental disorders such as depression and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) than men, and have higher rates of exposure to adversity early in life. This profile may increase women’s long-term risk of cardiometabolic conditions linked to stress, especially coronary heart disease (CHD). In addition to having a higher prevalence of psychosocial stressors, women may be more vulnerable to the adverse effects of these stressors on CHD, perhaps through altered neurobiological physiology. Emerging data suggest that young women are disproportionally susceptible to the adverse effects of stress on the risk of cardiovascular disease, both in terms of initiating the disease as well as worsening the prognosis in women who have already exhibited symptoms of the disease. Women’s potential vulnerability to psychosocial stress could also help explain their higher propensity toward abnormal coronary vasomotion and microvascular disease compared with men.
Fetal Assessment Using Biomagnetometry: Neurobehaviors, Cardiac Autonomic Control, and Research Applications

Fetal biomagnetometry offers an unprecedented opportunity to study the longitudinal development of the human fetus in a noninvasive manner. Magnetic fields emanating from the electrical currents of the fetal body pass through the maternal body with little distortion, making it possible to distinguish electrophysiologic activity of the heart, diaphragmatic movements associated with hiccup and breathing movements, and oromotor activity associated with nonnutritive suck and swallow. Our research interest is focused on developmental origins and in that regard, we have found fetal biomagnetometry to be superior when measuring the effects of interventions on the development of fetal neurobehaviors and cardiac autonomic control. In this chapter, we first describe our experience characterizing specific fetal neurobehaviors and their associated magnetic field properties along with the effect on cardiac autonomic control. Next, we describe our findings in two separate research studies. The first was designed to determine the impact of maternal physical activity during pregnancy on fetal and infant cardiac autonomic control. The second describes the results of a clinical trial that was designed to determine the effect of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), supplemented to pregnant women during the last two trimesters of pregnancy, on fetal autonomic development. Finally, we discuss the need for a comprehensive analytical approach that takes into account the complex integration of physiologic systems in the developing fetus. We hope that this work serves as a foundation for future studies that will determine how the fetus adapts as an individual to the in utero environment.
Limb Salvage after Failed Initial Operative Management of Bimalleolar Ankle Fractures in Diabetic Neuropathy

Background:Ankle fractures in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) can be difficult to manage, especially in the presence of peripheral neuropathy. In patients who fail initial operative management...
In Situ and Ex Situ Investigations of KF Postdeposition Treatment Effects on CIGS Solar Cells

In situ and ex situ characterization were performed to assess the effects of potassium fluoride postdeposition treatment (KF PDT) on Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) films and solar cells. Real-time spectroscopic ellipsometry enabled the in situ observation of the modification of the CIGS dielectric function and surface roughness thickness during KF PDT. In addition, deep-level transient spectroscopies (DLTS) and deep-level optical spectroscopies and scanning-DLTS enabled the identification of the nature and location of trap levels. Two main traps were present in both films near Ev + 0.56/0.61 eV and Ev + 0.99 eV, but with clearly lower concentrations for the latter in the KF PDT film. Finally, devices were fabricated, and higher efficiencies were found for the KF PDT devices. SCAPS modeling indicates that the traps identified by deep-level spectroscopies are in part responsible for these changes.
Combination of the Proteasome Inhibitor Bortezomib and a Histone Deacetylase Inhibitor PXD101 Results in Synergistic Inhibition of Osteoclastogenesis and Significantly Stronger Inhibition of Multiple Myeloma Growth In Vitro and In Vivo.

Abstract Bortezomib, a proteasome inhibitor, has been known to have in vitro and in vivo activity against multiple myeloma (MM). PXD101, a novel, low molecular weight histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor recently has been recognized to induce growth arrest and apoptosis in MM cells. We hypothesized that these two agents, with different molecular targets, can be combined with a high probability of additive or synergistic effects without exerting cross-resistance. In this study, we investigated the activity of the combination of PXD101 and bortezomib against osteoclast generation and MM cell growth. To evaluate the effects of bortezomib and PXD101 on the formation of osteoclasts from mononuclear hematopoietic precursors, we generated osteoclasts cultured from human bone marrow cells from healthy donors and MM patients using in vitro RANKL/M-CSF stimulation. Proliferation of MM cell lines treated with PXD101, bortezomib, or their combination was determined by measuring 3H-Thymidine incorporation. Annexin V-FITC/PI staining was used to determine the degree of apoptosis, and trypan blue was used to assess cell viability. We utilized a xenograft murine model to test the in vivo synergistic activity of the two agents against MM tumor formation. We found that even though either drug alone significantly inhibited osteoclast formation at concentrations of PXD101 at 25 nM or bortezomib at 1 nM, the combination resulted in synergistic inhibition in osteoclast assays. Treatment of MM cells lines (MM.1S, RPMI-8226, OPM2) with serial dilutions (10–100 nM) of the combination also led to significantly stronger inhibition of proliferation, apoptosis and cell death than single drug treatment. In addition, the combination demonstrated synergistic induction of cell death in primary human CD138+ myeloma cells isolated from patient samples. In vivo, the combination of PXD101 and bortezomib resulted in significantly higher xenograft tumor inhibition compared to either drug treatment alone and was not more toxic. The current study provides the rationale for clinical evaluation of this novel PXD101-bortezomib combination for patients with MM. The data generated here support the hypothesis that simultaneous targeting of different proliferative and anti-apoptotic pathways both in tumor cells and activated osteoclasts avoids cross-resistance and constitutes a dynamic approach to treat MM.
Time to Treatment Initiation Predicts Overall Survival in Hospitalized Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) Patients: A California Population-Based Study

Abstract Background: The impact of time from diagnosis to chemotherapy initiation (time to treatment, TTT) for AML has been a topic of ongoing debate. A prior study reported that TTT ≥5 days adversely impacted overall survival in younger ( 10 days) and older patients (>5 days). Prior data also showed no impact of TTT on early mortality. Given these conflicting findings, consensus on the impact of TTT on survival is lacking and warrants further study. Using prospectively collected population-based data, we analyzed a large cohort of adult AML patients to examine the effect of TTT on overall survival. Methods: Using data from the California Cancer Registry and Patient Discharge Dataset between 1999-2012, patients≥15years diagnosed with de novo AML and who received inpatient treatment between 1-90 days from diagnosis were identified (n=5337). Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with TTT>5 days vs 1-5 days with data presented as odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). The effect of TTT on overall and 60-day survival was estimated using multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression with TTT (1-5, 6-10,>10 days)considered as a time-dependent variable. Patients were stratified by age group ( Results: Of the 2659 patients 5 days increased with age in both younger and older patients. Across both age groups, patients requiringleukapheresis(age 5 days. Younger (age 5 days (OR 1.43, CI 1.04-1.97). Delaying chemotherapy >10 days (vs 1-5 days) adversely impacted overall survival in both age groups (age 10 days (vs 1-5 days) (Table). Conclusions: In a large cohort of patients with de novo AML, TTT of up to 10 days did not have a negative impact on overall survival in patients over the age of 60. In younger patients ( 5 days was associated with decreased overall survival. Delaying chemotherapy over 5 days adversely impacted 60-day survival in both age groups. Our observation that patients were more likely to have a shorter TTT at non-NCI designated hospitals may relate to delays associated with transfer to or clinical trial enrollment at NCI centers. Our results suggest that waiting to get results of ancillary testing, such as cytogenetic and molecular mutation analyses, in order to inform treatment decisions for AML patients, may be feasible in some patients with AML. In an era of rapidly evolving prognostic and treatment landscapes for AML, our findings may have implications for personalized therapy, including novel targeted therapies, and clinical trial design for patients withAML. Download : Download high-res image (242KB) Download : Download full-size image Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Case 22: Focal Radiation Atrophy

25-year-old woman with history of metastatic Ewing sarcoma to the spine underwent routine follow-up imaging.
Use of the sea hare (Aplysia fasciata) in marine pollution biomonitoring of harbors and bays

Our study evaluated heavy metal concentrations in soft tissues of sea hare, Aplysia fasciata, from the Lower Laguna Madre, Texas. Heavy metals in tissues followed Se>As>Pb>Cd. Concentrations ranged As (BDL-28.08), Cd (BDL-5.50), Pb (BDL-12.85) and Se (4.25-93.43ppm). Median As, Cd, Pb, and Se tissue levels exceeded exposure levels. Significant relationships occurred in metal-metal (AsCd, AsPb, CdPb, CdSe, and PbSe), metal-tissue (significant Se uptake by inhalant and exhalant siphons and As in the hepatopancreas), and metal-metal within tissue (AsPb in the hepatopancreas and CdPb in the digestive cecum) analyses (p<0.05). Bioaccumulation factors (BAF) suggested the inhalant siphon, hepatopancreas, and digestive cecum function as macroconcentrators of Cd, hepatopancreas and digestive cecum as macroconcentrators of Pb, and all tissues were deconcentrators for As and Se. As a bioaccumulator of heavy metals, Aplysia was evaluated as a bioindicator of marine pollution in harbors and bays.
Factorlink: a visual analysis tool for sales performance management

Sales Performance Management (SPM) solutions for enterprise-grade businesses generate large volumes of multi-dimensional data, including temporal event sequences and tabular attributes. Among attributes of different data structures, it is difficult to find clear connections between factors and outcomes. Discovering key factors and their influences from multivariate data can provide instructional advice to help sales representatives (SR) maintain healthy relationships with customers and achieve sales goals. This paper describes the FactorLink approach for 1) correlating temporal event sequences, multi-dimensional tabular data with their outcomes, 2) interactively assisting users to find key factors and understand their influences, and 3) exploring potential outcomes by reviewing and comparing the patterns found in the integrated SPM data. We conducted several case studies, and the results demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach.
Evaluation of Interference-Cancellation Based MAC Protocol for Vehicular Communications

We evaluate a new MAC layer algorithm based on slotted ALOHA with successive interference cancellation(SIC) for IEEE 802.11p vehicular communications standard and test it by taking into consideration the performance of underlying physical layer in the presence of a realistic empirical fading channel model. The performance of slotted ALOHA-SIC MAC scheme with respect to average packet loss ratio, throughput, and channel access delay is studied. This scheme can significantly improve the channel access delay and throughput performance in vehicular networks when compared to the carrier sense multiple access scheme proposed in 802.11.
Association of Obesity With Severity of Heart Failure Exacerbation: A Population-Based Study.

Background Obesity and heart failure (HF) are important public health problems in the United States. Although studies have reported the association between obesity and higher chronic morbidity of HF, little is known about the relations of obesity with severity of HF exacerbation and in‐hospital mortality; therefore, we aimed to investigate the associations of obesity with severity of HF exacerbation and in‐hospital mortality. Methods and Results This retrospective cohort study of adults hospitalized for HF exacerbation used population‐based data sets (the State Inpatient Databases) of 7 US states from 2012 to 2013. The outcomes were acute severity measures—use of positive pressure ventilation and hospital length of stay—and in‐hospital mortality. We determined the associations between obesity and these outcomes, including adjustment for sociodemographic factors and comorbidities. We identified 219 465 patients hospitalized for HF exacerbation. Of those, 37 539 (17.1%) were obese. Obese patients had a significantly higher risk of positive pressure ventilation use compared with nonobese patients (13.6% versus 8.8%), with a corresponding adjusted odds ratio of 1.61 (95% confidence interval, 1.55–1.68; P P P =0.002). Conclusions Based on large population‐based data sets of patients with HF exacerbation, obesity was associated with higher acute severity measures but lower in‐hospital mortality.
Energy-Efficient and High-Throughput Nanophotonic Neuromorphic Computing

High-efficient bio-inspired nanophotonic neuromorphic computing is discussed. Using reconfigurable photonic interconnects combined by optical 2D and 3D integrated circuits, more than 500× improvement in energy consumption is predicted compared to the state-of-the-art implementations of SNNs.
Breaking the silence surrounding childhood sexual abuse: consequences for our practice and selves as teacher educators

AbstractThis collaborative self-study describes the efforts and consequences for two teacher educators including childhood sexual abuse (CSA) as a topic in their respective preservice courses. Surv...
When Good Intentions Only Go So Far: White Principals Leading Discussions About Race

This cross-case case study explores how two White principals took the first steps to engage in racial conversations. Using the constructs of race consciousness and antiracism, race neutrality, and resistance to racial dialogue to frame our findings, we illustrate how both principals broached the topic of race with staff members. We demonstrate how the structures of whiteness hindered the principals’ progress toward addressing systemic racial inequities within their respective schools. Our article concludes with recommendations and strategies for principal preparation programs and practicing school leaders.
Performance of a fast maximum likelihood algorithm for fully 3D PET reconstruction

The maximum likelihood expectation maximization (ML-EM) is an attractive approach for image reconstruction in positron emission tomography (PET) since it considers the Poisson character of the emission data and it converges to the maximum likelihood solution. However, the algorithm possesses a very slow rate of convergence, and in practical applications it has to be terminated well before approaching the maximum likelihood solution. Recently, a row action maximum likelihood algorithm (RAMLA) was proposed for maximizing the Poisson likelihood at a considerably faster rate of convergence. We examine the performance of this new algorithm for fully 3D PET reconstruction since it enables us to study, within a reasonable amount of computer time, the images produced at much higher likelihood than would be produced by the standard ML-EM within the same period of time.
NOS inhibitors exhibit antinociceptive properties in the rat formalin test

To assess the systemic and nociceptive effects of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitors in the modulation of acute pain in rats subjected to the formalin test. Formalin 5% was injected in the hind paw in the presence and absence of NOS inhibitors (e.g., 7-nitro indazole, N-nitro-L-arginine and aminoguanidine). Catheters were chronically implanted to continuously record mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR). MAR HR and paw lifting time were recorded at control and every five minutes for 35 min following formalin and NOS inhibitors. Formalin injected into the rat hind paw induced a biphasic nociceptive behaviour: an initial acute phase (phase 1 : during zero to five minutes after the formalin injection) followed by a prolonged tonic response (phase 2: beginning about ten minutes after the formalin injection). Aminoguanidine, an inhibitor of the inducible NOS and 7-nitro indazole, an inhibitor of the neuronal NOS, did not affect phase 1, whereas N-nitro-L-arginine, a non-selective NOS inhibitor decreased it (49%). All three NOS inhibitors diminished nociceptive behaviours during phase 2. L-arginine reversed antinociceptive effects of N-nitro-L-arginine in phase 1 and in phase 2. Pressor effects induced by formalin in phase 1 were abolished following all three NOS inhibitors. During phase 2, formalininduced pressor effects remained unaffected by N-nitro-L-arginine and aminoguanidine but were inhibited by 7-nitro indazole. Our data demonstrate that NO is predominantly generated by vascular endothelial NOS in phase 1 and phase 2, whereas the neuronal NOS and the inducible NOS exhibit antinociceptive effects through a non-NO related pathway in phases 1 and 2 in rats subjected to the formalin test.
A Methodology for Promoting Reliable Human-System Interaction

A qualitative methodology is proposed that can help both designers and managers anticipate problems, which are often manifest as human errors, that people will have in interacting with various products and systems. The methodology adapts a number of well-known hazard evaluation techniques so that they can be applied to human performance, and combines them in a way that increases the analytical team’s ability to predict the possibility for human performance failures and their consequences. A basis is also provided for examining explanations for these failures, and for providing categorical severity and likelihood assessments of these consequences. The importance of assessing the impact of barriers on adverse consequences is also discussed.
CRYO-ELECTRON MICROSCOPY DATA DENOISING BASED ON THE GENERALIZED DIGITIZED TOTAL VARIATION METHOD

The energy functional used in digitalized total variation method is expanded to a general form and a generalized digitized total variation (GDTV) denoising method is obtained. We further expand this method from 2-dimensional (2D) image to 3-dimensional (3D) image processing field. Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo EM) and single particle reconstruction are becoming part of standard collection of structural techniques used for studying macromolecular assemblies. Howerver, the 3D data obtained suffers greatly from noise and degradation for the low dose electron radiation. Thus, image enhancement and noise reduction are theoretically necessary to improve the data for the subsequent segmentation and/or structure skeletonization. Although there are several methods to tackle this problem, we are pleased to find that GDTV method is very efficient and can achieve better performance. Comparative experiments are carried out to verify the enhancement achieved by the GDTV method.
Somatic tumor profiling of DNA mismatch repair (MMR) deficient endometrial cancers (EC).

e17121Background: Approximately 20% of EC have loss of MMR (MSH2, MSH6, MLH1, PMS2) protein expression by immunohistochemistry (IHC). The majority have somatic MLH1/PMS2 loss, driven by MLH1 promot...
Technology in Relational Systems: Roles, Rules, and Boundaries

Technology’s role in couple and family life is of acute importance in advancing the work of psychotherapists with couples and families. The Internet’s contribution to the development and maintenance of maladaptive relationship dynamics is now a predominate feature in our lives. In this chapter, I describe the impact of new media and technologies on individuals, couples, and families. I discuss how families organize around technology in ways that are adaptive and of assistance to them, as well as in ways that interfere with their development and functioning. Finally, I provide ways in which couples and families can use technology to their advantage, as members adapt roles, rules, and boundaries to evolving technology.
The Irony of International Letters of Credit: They Aren’t Secure, But They (Usually) Work

Because payment under a letter of credit depends upon presentation by the seller-beneficiary of documents that comply strictly with the documents required by the letter of credit, the slightest discrepancy in the documents relieves the bank of its obligation to pay. Indeed, most presentations are discrepant. Yet buyers typically waive the discrepancies in the documents, thereby permitting the seller to be paid by the bank under the letter of credit. This article shows how the seller, by controlling the goods through use of a negotiable bill of lading, consigned to the bank, can protect itself from the potential opportunism of the buyer.Recently published scholarship has attempted to explain why buyers waive discrepancies since they have no obligation to do so and since seller's presentation of discrepant documents provides buyer an opportunity to avoid payment under the letter of credit. This article will add to the discussion by showing how the seller, by controlling the goods through the use of a negotiable bill of lading, consigned to the bank, can protect itself from the potential opportunism of the buyer. When the seller maintains control of the goods, the buyer has an incentive to waive the discrepancies in the documents, and therefore permit the bank to pay the seller under the letter of credit.This article first describes how letters of credit are thought to work. It will then show the reality of how the system works. It next focuses on explanations proposed in recent scholarship as to why buyers tend to waive discrepancies, even though they have no duty to do so. Finally, it explains the role of the bill of lading as a control mechanism.
The molecular and cellular basis of olfactory response to tsetse fly attractants.

Dipteran or “true” flies occupy nearly every terrestrial habitat, and have evolved to feed upon a wide variety of sources including fruit, pollen, decomposing animal matter, and even vertebrate blood. Here we analyze the molecular, genetic and cellular basis of odor response in the tsetse fly Glossina morsitans, which feeds on the blood of humans and their livestock, and is a vector of deadly trypanosomes. The G. morsitans antenna contains specialized subtypes of sensilla, some of which line a sensory pit not found in the fruit fly Drosophila. We characterize distinct patterns of G. morsitans Odor receptor (GmmOr) gene expression in the antenna. We devise a new version of the “empty neuron” heterologous expression system, and use it to functionally express several GmmOrs in a mutant olfactory receptor neuron (ORN) of Drosophila. GmmOr35 responds to 1-hexen-3-ol, an odorant found in human emanations, and also alpha-pinene, a compound produced by malarial parasites. Another receptor, GmmOr9, which is expressed in the sensory pit, responds to acetone, 2-butanone and 2-propanol. We confirm by electrophysiological recording that neurons of the sensory pit respond to these odorants. Acetone and 2-butanone are strong attractants long used in the field to trap tsetse. We find that 2-propanol is also an attractant for both G. morsitans and the related species G. fuscipes, a major vector of African sleeping sickness. The results identify 2-propanol as a candidate for an environmentally friendly and practical tsetse attractant. Taken together, this work characterizes the olfactory system of a highly distinct kind of fly, and it provides an approach to identifying new agents for controlling the fly and the devastating diseases that it carries.
Dysregulated In Psychiatric Disorders Circular RNAs Interact With Rna Binding Proteins To Regulate Synaptic Plasticity

Abstract Schizophrenia (SCZ) and Bipolar Disorder (BD) are heterogeneous psychiatric disorders with severe socioeconomic impacts and unknown pathogenesis, despite the plethora of genomics and genetic studies focused on protein-coding genes. However, the emerging consensus is that protein-coding genes are only the tip of the iceberg of the mammalian transcriptome, given the plethora of actively transcribed non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a novel category of ncRNAs that are derived from the back-splicing and covalent joining of exons, yet lack the capacity to become translated into protein. Recent studies have suggested that circRNAs are enriched in the brain, are preferentially generated from brain plasticity-associated genes, and are abundant in dendrites and synapses. However, very little is known about the function of circRNAs in the human brain and their potential involvement in neuropsychiatric disease. Here we carried out systematic profiling of circRNA expression in a large cohort of human postmortem brains from subjects with SCZ and BD disorder and uncovered a subset of differentially expressed circRNAs produced from genes with known links to synaptic plasticity and neuronal excitability. We validated the expression of psychiatric disease-altered circRNAs in human postmortem brain with qRT-PCR and uncovered a subset of circRNAs that were also dysregulated in induced pluripotent stem cell-derived human neuronal progenitor and immature neuronal cultures from subjects with BD and SCZ. Analysis of RNA-Binding proteins (RBPs) that could bind to psychiatric disease-associated circRNAs revealed interactions with RBPs that affect alternative splicing and control of local translation in synapses. Ongoing experiments using circRNA shRNA knockdown in human stem cell-derived neuronal cultures are attempting to elucidate the function of SCZ- and BD-associated circRNAs in human neuronal development and maturation and their interplay with RBPs and disease-related molecular pathways. Collectively, our experiments will shed light into the unexplored role of circRNAs in brain function and disease.
Relevant updates in systemic mastocytosis

Systemic Mastocytosis (SM) is a rare myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) that is characterized by a clonal proliferation of mast cells (MCs). The symptoms and clinical presentation of SM are the result of both MC proliferation as well as activation and degranulation, causing hyperactive and over-exaggerated hypersensitivity responses, as well as organ infiltration by pathogenic MCs. The clinical presentation and course of SM is varied and organ involvement can lead to significant morbidity and mortality in some cases. The subtypes of SM include indolent SM (ISM), smoldering SM (SSM), aggressive SM (ASM), SM with associated hematologic neoplasm (SM-AHN) and mast cell leukemia (MCL) and survival can range from normal in the case of ISM to months in MCL. The treatment of indolent forms of SM is largely focused on addressing symptom burden (B findings), while cytoreductive agents and more recently molecularly targeted agents are employed to reduce MC burden and reverse associated organ dysfunction (C findings). Although the pathogenesis of SM is multi-factorial, the acquisition of KIT D816 V is a relatively frequent mutational event and serves as the target of novel agents. The recent approval of midostaurin for the treatment of advanced SM has brought awareness to this disease and energized further drug development efforts. Expanding our understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms of SM will continue to inform future therapeutic approaches.
The Cognitivity of Religious Language

Religious language has been challenged by verificationists as not cognitive, and so religious claims have no meaning. This challenge fails, because even limited versions of verificationism are untenable. Some have granted that religious language has meaning, but does not make assertions, so is neither true nor false. Some have argued that religious language belongs to a different practice from ordinary language, and so should not be assessed according to ordinary understandings of rationality. Both of these charges have untenable consequences.
Abstract 092: Fine-Tuning of G I/o Signaling by Rgs2 and 5 is Critical to Ensuring Normal Ventricular Rhythm

Cardiac arrhythmia is attributed partly to abnormal G protein signaling that may result from the loss of signaling regulation by regulators of G protein signaling (RGS) proteins. RGS proteins act a...
Data-Driven Modeling of Normal and Pathological Oscillations in the Hippocampus

Epilepsy is a disorder caused by abnormalities at all levels of neural organization that often have complex and poorly understood interactions. Physiologically detailed computational models provide valuable tools for evaluation of possible clinical treatments of neural disorders because every parameter can be changed and many experimentally inaccessible variables can be observed. We present our recently developed full-scale model of the CA1 subfield in the rodent hippocampus and highlight its role in the study of biophysical neural oscillations, which are important biomarkers of cognitive processes as well as abnormal neural dynamics in epilepsy. This model provides an integrative framework that unifies experimentally derived knowledge about the hippocampus on multiple scales and can yield insight into the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying the dynamical regimes of the brain. Such a framework can be useful in studying cellular mechanisms of multitarget pharmacological treatments of neural disorders.
Comparison between Catechol- and Thiol-Based Adhesion Using Elastin-like Polypeptides

Different chemistries have been utilized for adhesive materials to achieve adhesion in a humidified environment. l-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) found in marine mussel adhesive proteins has gen...
The Health of African American Grandmothers Raising Grandchildren: A Growing Social Problem:

The study explored the experiences of African-American grandmothers residing in rural communities caring for their grandchildren, while suffering from chronic health issues. The research examined t...
Epigenetic Targets for Oligonucleotide Therapies of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Arterial wall remodeling underlies increased pulmonary vascular resistance and right heart failure in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). None of the established vasodilator drug therapies for PAH prevents or reverse established arterial wall thickening, stiffening, and hypercontractility. Therefore, new approaches are needed to achieve long-acting prevention and reversal of occlusive pulmonary vascular remodeling. Several promising new drug classes are emerging from a better understanding of pulmonary vascular gene expression programs. In this review, potential epigenetic targets for small molecules and oligonucleotides will be described. Most are in preclinical studies aimed at modifying the growth of vascular wall cells in vitro or normalizing vascular remodeling in PAH animal models. Initial success with lung-directed delivery of oligonucleotides targeting microRNAs suggests other epigenetic mechanisms might also be suitable drug targets. Those targets include DNA methylation, proteins of the chromatin remodeling machinery, and long noncoding RNAs, all of which act as epigenetic regulators of vascular wall structure and function. The progress in testing small molecules and oligonucleotide-based drugs in PAH models is summarized.
Towards a More Standardized Candle Using GRB Energetics and Spectra

The use of GRB energetics for cosmography has long been advanced as a means to probe out to high redshifts, to the epoch of deceleration. However, the prompt energy release in GRBs, even when corrected for jetting geometry, is far from being a standard candle. We explore the cosmographic potential of a GRB standard candle based on the newly-discovered relation by Ghirlanda et al. between the apparent geometry-corrected energies (E_gamma) and the peak of the prompt burst spectrum (E_p). We present an explicit, self-consistent formalism for correcting GRB energies with a thorough accounting for observational uncertainties. In contrast to other work, we demonstrate that the current sample of 19 GRBs is not yet cosmographically competitive with results from other studies (e.g., SNe Ia). Although the E_p-E_gamma relation is a significant correlation across a range of cosmologies, the goodness of fit of the data to a power law, depends strongly on input assumptions -- especially the unknown density of the circumburst medium. Independent of assumptions, with very few low-z bursts, the current sample is most sensitive to Omega_M but essentially insensitive to Omega_Lambda. The proper use of the relation clearly brings GRBs an impressive step closer toward a standardizable candle, but until the physical origin of the E_p-E_gamma relation is understood, calibrated with a training set of low redshift bursts, and the major potential systematic uncertainties and selection effects are addressed, we urge caution concerning claims of the utility of GRBs for cosmography (abridged).
Effectiveness and safety of single transseptal ablation for atrial fibrillation in real-word practice

BACKGROUND We have previously reported that unilateral groin-single transseptal (ST) ablation in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) was safe and significantly reduced patient discomfort compared with bilateral groin-double transseptal (DT) ablation. HYPOTHESIS In the present study, we hypothesized that ST ablation would be as effective and safe as DT ablation in real-world practice like previous study. Among the 1765 consecutive patients in the Yonsei AF ablation cohort from October 2015 to January 2020, 1144 patients who underwent radiofrequency ablation were included for the analysis. Among them, 450 underwent ST ablation and 694 underwent DT ablation. RESULTS The total procedure time, ablation time, and fluoroscopy time were longer in the ST group than in the DT group (p < .05 for all). The hospital stay after catheter ablation was 1.3 ± 1.1 days which was longer in DT group than ST group (p = .001). No significant difference was observed in the complication rate (p = .263) and AF-free survival rate (log-rank p = .19) between the groups. However, after excluding patients who used antiarrhythmic drugs when AF recurred, the AF-free survival rates were lower in the DT group than in the ST group before and after propensity score matching (log-rank p = .026 and .047, respectively). CONCLUSION Although the ST approach increases the procedure time compared with the DT approach owing to the need for more frequent catheter exchanges, the ST approach is a feasible and safe strategy for AF ablation in terms of rhythm outcomes and risk of complications.
Aicardi-Goutières syndrome may present with positive newborn screen for X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy.

We report three unrelated probands, two male and one female, diagnosed with Aicardi-Goutieres syndrome (AGS) after screening positive on California newborn screening (CA NBS) for X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) due to elevated C26:0 lysophosphatidylcholine (C26:0-LPC). Follow-up evaluation was notable for elevated C26:0, C26:1, and C26:0/C22:0 ratio, and normal red blood cell plasmalogens levels in all three probands. Diagnoses were confirmed by molecular sequencing prior to 12 months of age after clinical evaluation was inconsistent with X-ALD or suggestive of AGS. For at least one proband, the early diagnosis of AGS enabled candidacy for enrollment into a therapeutic clinical trial. This report demonstrates the importance of including AGS on the differential diagnosis for individuals who screen positive for X-ALD, particularly infants with abnormal neurological features, as this age of onset would be highly unusual for X-ALD. While AGS is not included on the Recommended Universal Screening Panel, affected individuals can be identified early through state NBS programs so long as providers are aware of a broader differential that includes AGS. This report is timely, as state NBS algorithms for X-ALD are actively being established, implemented, and refined.
Baryons in partially-quenched chiral perturbation theory

Abstract I discuss the inclusion of baryons into partially-quenched chiral perturbation theory and describe one-loop calculations that have been performed.
SiNx:H Films for Efficient Bulk Passivation of Nonconventional Wafers for Silicon Heterojunction Solar Cells

Hydrogenated silicon nitride films (SiNx:H) deposited by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) have been studied to passivate defects with hydrogen in the bulk of multicrystalline silicon wafers. Extensive analysis of the PECVD process was carried out to identify the parameters that control the SiNx:H material composition and that mainly influence its mass density and hydrogen content. In addition, the incorporation of a hydrogen gas flow is presented as a strategy to increase the refractive index while enhancing the mass density. Satisfactory results in terms of the effective minority-carrier lifetime of the wafers have been achieved with highly hydrogenated SiNx:H films and with slightly hydrogenated films densified by introducing a hydrogen flow, evincing the importance of the mass density in the passivation process. These hydrogenated wafers could be employed in silicon heterojunction solar cell fabrication, improving their quality, reducing their costs, and enhancing their sustainability.
Evaluating the translational value of postmortem brain reperfusion technology.

A novel pulsatile-perfusion technology, dubbed BrainEx, has been shown to restore microcirculation and cellular functions in the pig brain, 4 h postmortem. This technology has generated enthusiasm for its translational value for human neuroresuscitation. I offer a critical analysis of the study and its methodology, providing several reasons for skepticism. This includes: all phenomena were observed at different degrees of hypothermia; the physiological and biochemical milieu of the experimental preparation is radically different than the clinical setting of hypoxic-ischemic brain injury; and the study is confounded by uncontrolled traumatic brain injury and lifelong stress in all the animals.
Sweetpotato Leaves Inhibit Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammation in RAW 264.7 Macrophages via Suppression of NF-κB Signaling Pathway.

Limited information is available regarding the health-promoting activities of sweetpotato leaves (SPL). The present study investigated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, and phenolic contents in 29 SPL cultivars harvested in 2018 and 2019. Extracts showed total phenolic contents 9.4–23.1 mg gallic acid equivalent/g, and DPPH radical scavenging activity indicated 36.6–247.3 mM of Trolox equivalent/g. SPL extracts were identified to contain bioactive components such as, chlorogenic acid (11.7–22.1 μg/mg), 3,4-dicaffeoylquinic acid (16.3–59.9 μg/mg), 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid (50.9–72.7 μg/mg), chlorophyll B (6.1–12.3 μg/mg), lutein (1.9–4.9 μg/mg), chlorophyll A (2.7–4.3 μg/mg) and β-carotene (0.1 ≤ μg/mg). RAW 264.7 murine macrophage cells were pretreated with 100–200 μg/mL of SPL extracts and 20 μM of dexamethasone, and inflammation was stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 100 ng/mL) treatment for 24 h. In LPS-treated cells, prostaglandin E2 production and COX-2 expression were not downregulated by pretreatment of SPL extracts. However, SPL pretreated cells showed significant suppression of nitric oxide (NO), TNF-α, and IL-1β levels under the LPS-induced inflammatory condition. In addition, SPL extracts induced an anti-inflammatory effect in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells through suppression of NF-κB nuclear translocation, IKK-α and IκB-α phosphorylation, and iNOS expression. These results indicate that SPL extract can be utilized as a functional food ingredient.
Bioethical problems in pharmacogenetics and ecogenetics.

Many societal and bioethical problems are raised when our knowledge of genetic variation is translated into public policy. The various dilemmas faced by imperfect knowledge are discussed. The difficulties of issuing regulations in the face of uncertain scientific knowledge are considerable. Potential variation in nutritional requirements due to biochemical variation needs to be faced by nutritional scientists and policy makers. The problems of discrimination against carriers of the currently testable genetic traits are discussed. Screening of workers susceptible to industrial injury for genetic reasons is being started. However, industry may escape its responsibilities for industrial hygiene by concentrating on susceptibility testing- often in the face of poor data. A variety of other issues such as the ‘false positive’ test and genetic identity cards are discussed. Public policy dealing with human genetic variation must be based on accurate genetic data. At that point, careful assessment of the societal impact of the policy needs to be considered before implementation. Problems of coping with human genetic variation are of increasing importance for developed societies but remain a low priority item for developing societies that face current problems of malnutrition and infectious disease.
Unconventional Quantum Computing Devices

This paper investigates a variety of unconventional quantum computation devices, including fermionic quantum computers and computers that exploit nonlinear quantum mechanics. It is shown that unconventional quantum computing devices can in principle compute some quantities more rapidly than `conventional' quantum computers.
Diverticular disease of the colon. New observations and revised concepts.

Two different advanced types of diverticulosis can be distinguished, different in gross appearance, distribution, and pathogenesis. One is simple massed diverticulosis usually involving the descending and sigmoid colon and distorting the colon by rearrangement of the tissues. The other is diverticulosis associated with spastic sigmoid or "myochosis." It is suggested that both are late sequelae of different types of the irritable colon syndrome. The gross changes of the sigmoid seen in myochosis are not inflammatory or cicatricial in nature but are sequelae of hypermotility, rearrangement, or hypertrophy of the musculature. The clinical entity of acute and chronic diverticulitis is not inflammation in a diverticulum, but has as its pathologic substratum a microperforation or macroperforation of diverticula with sequelae, such as deep sigmoiditis, perisigmoiditis, or frank peritonitis. If the postulated causal relation of irritable colon syndrome and diverticulosis turns out to be correct, the incidence of diverticulosis could be reduced by successful treatment of patients with irritable colon. As a result, the incidence of perforation or diverticulitis, a serious disease of the elderly, would be lessened.