cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Measurement of Cohesion and its Relationship to Dimensions of Self-Disclosure in Classroom Settings

It is the purpose of this investigation to assess the relationship between cohesion and dimensions of self-disclosure in small classroom groups. Highly cohesive groups were characterized by individ...
The impact of item clustering on visual search: It all depends on the nature of the visual search

Decades of vision research on how people search for a target item among distractor items have always avoided item clustering. Instead, researchers made sure that items were evenly distributed in search displays. This, however, is rarely the case in our everyday visual environment. Consequently, it is largely unknown how item clustering may impact visual search performance. In this study, I manipulated item clustering in search displays. In an easy feature search, observers looked for a target letter "T" among distractor letters "Os" and reported whether the target was pointing to the left or to the right. In a difficult spatial configuration search, observers searched and reported the orientation of the target letter "T" among distractor letters "Ls". The two types of searches thus had the same target but different distractors. In two experiments, I found that while item clustering slowed down the easy feature search, it speeded up the difficult spatial configuration search. Together, these results show that item clustering significantly affects visual search performance and its exact impact (negative or positive) depends on the nature of the visual search.
Stop Playing with Your Food: A Comparison of For-Profit and Non-Profit Food-Related Advergames

ABSTRACT In response to the rising rate in childhood obesity and the increasing number of child-targeted interactive games employed by food marketers and health advocates, this study examined food-related advergaming content for for-profit and non-profit organizations9 web sites. The authors conducted a content analysis of 80 interactive games (40 for-profit and 40 non-profit). The results showed differences in the interactive-gaming genre types employed by non-profit and for-profit organizations. This research adds considerably to the literature about the ways in which children learn healthy food habits/behaviors. Managerial and practical implications are provided to address the need to advance socially responsible methods for organizations.
Walking ability and foot pressure pattern associated with spinal kyphosis

Background: Although kyphosis and its mobility are reported to be associated with walking ability in elderly people, the causal relationship between them has not been clarified. Purpose:Toclarify the foot pressure pattern in individuals with kyphosis and examine the relationship between spinal kyphosis, mobility, foot pressure pattern, and walking ability. Methods: In 61participants, total inclination and thoracic, lumbar, and sacral anglesweremeasured by the SpinalMouse (IdiagAG,Switzerland). Forty-one of the 61participantswith total inclination >6 degrees and/or lumbar angle < 16 degrees were classified as the kyphosis group (6 men, 35 women; mean age, 78.5 years). The other 20 participants were classified as the control group (3 men, 17 women; 75.5 years). Spinal mobility of the total, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral spine was measured. Walking speed and step length at a comfortable walking speedweremeasured on a flat and straight 10-m course. Simultaneously, the foot pressure pattern was measured by the insole-type foot pressure measurement system (F-Scan II, Nitta, Japan). The anteroposterior length of the center of pressure (COP) path, expressed as the percentage of the foot length (%Long), the transverse width of the COP path, expressed as the percentage of maximum foot width (%Trans), and the partial foot pressure in the heel, central, metatarsal, hallux, and lateral toe area, expressed as the percentage of body weight (%PFP), were calculated. Results: Walking speed (0.8± 0.3 vs. 1.1± 0.3m/s, p= 0.031) and step length (0.4± 0.1 vs. 0.5± 0.1m, p= 0.042) in the kyphosis groupwere significantly lower than those in the control group. Total inclination in the kyphosis group was significantly higher than that in the control group (8.3± 8.2 vs. 1.0± 3.2 degrees, p= 0.007). Lumbar angle (−1.4± 17.2 vs. 24.9± 4.3 degrees, p= 0.008) and sacral inclination (−3.1± 9.3 vs. 9.9± 4.5 degrees, p= 0.008) in the kyphosis group were significantly lower than those in the control group. In the kyphosis group, mobility of the total, lumbar, and sacral spine was significantly lower than that of the control group. The %Long, %Trans, and %PFP of the hallux (4.4± 3.6 vs. 15.1± 6.4%, p= 0.034) and lateral toes (4.2± 3.2 vs. 9.7± 5.4%, p= 0.036) in the kyphosis groupwere significantly lower than those in the control group. A significant correlation was found between spinal inclination and %PFP of the hallux (r=−0.344) and lateral toes (r=−0.310). The %PFP of the hallux (r=0.560) and lateral toes (r= 0.437) also correlated with total spinal mobility. Conclusion(s): In individuals with spinal kyphosis, a decreased walking ability was evident, and severe kyphosis and low mobility of the spine were associated with low toe pressure. Thus, low toe pressure might induce insufficient driving forces, causing decreased walking ability. Implications:We should pay careful attention to the presence of low toe pressure in individuals with spinal kyphosis.
Comparisons of Three Empirical Methods for Partial Factorial Invariance: Forward, Backward, and Factor-Ratio Tests

When factorial invariance is violated, a possible first step in locating the source of violation(s) might be to pursue partial factorial invariance (PFI). Two commonly used methods for PFI are sequential use of the modification index (backward MI method) and the factor-ratio test. In this study, we propose a simple forward method using the confidence interval (forward CI method). We compare the performances of the aforementioned 3 methods under various simulated PFI conditions. Results indicate that the forward CI method using 99% CIs has the highest perfect recovery rates and the lowest Type I error rates. A performance that is competitive with this is that produced by the backward method with the more conservative criterion (MI = 6.635). Consistently delivering the poorest performance, regardless of the chosen confidence level, was the factor-ratio test. Also discussed are the work’s contribution, implications, and limitations.
In Vitro Cytotoxicity of Antimicrobial Conjugated Electrolytes: Interactions with Mammalian Cells

An estimated 19 000 deaths and $3-4 billion in health care costs per year in the United States are attributed to methicillin-resistant Staphlococcus aureus (MRSA) infections. Certain conjugated phenylene ethynylene (CPE)-based polymers (PPE) and oligomers (OPE) have been demonstrated to exhibit dark and light-activated antimicrobial activity. Until recently, the relative cytotoxicity of these PPEs and OPEs toward mammalian cells haas been unknown, limiting the applications for which they may be used (e.g., reducing and/or preventing the spread of untreatable bacterial strains). In this work, we examine the toxicity of CPEs to mammalian cells using cytotoxicity assays of cellular monolayers. Eight CPEs, two PPEs and six OPEs, were selected for these studies based on their biocidal activity, and diversity of repeat unit number and functional groups. Briefly, two cell types were exposed to CPEs at concentrations ranging from 1-100 ug/mL for 24 h. We find that concentration largely determines the resulting viability of cells, although at intermediate concentrations (5-10 ug/mL), the effect of light on light-activated compounds is very important. Furthermore, we find that the longer-chained compounds are cytotoxic at much higher concentrations, and therefore have the widest range of concentrations available for potential applications.
Classical molecular dynamics simulations of crystal lattices with truncated Taylor series-based interatomic potentials

Abstract This article discusses a general method for constructing interatomic potentials based on truncated Taylor series expansion. Specifically, it addresses the scope of application of the method, and demonstrates its practical importance in capturing anharmonicity for a Lennard–Jones solid. In particular, the third-order terms in the truncated potential are shown to accurately approximate the thermal conductivity of the standard interaction Lennard–Jones potential. The paper also describes an efficient algorithm for locating the equilibrium lattice site of an atom in a three-dimensional crystal lattice displaced from its equilibrium position.
Dynamic coupling between a Kriging-based daylight model and building energy model

Abstract Harvesting daylight for improving building energy performance has become an important issue in recent years. Most energy simulation tools use a Daylight Factor (DF) based algorithm to capture the complexity of daylight behaviors. However, DF has a limitation for fully accounting realistic daylight conditions, and several modifications or integrations with other supporting tools were developed to compensate for this limitation. This paper uses the Kriging method to predict daylight conditions for a whole year, and couples this method with energy simulation tools. Kriging is a group of geo-statistical techniques used to interpolate the value of a random field at an unobserved location from discrete observed values at nearby locations. In previous research, the Kriging method showed promising outcomes; that result was significantly better than current daylight modeling in energy simulation tool, and very close to the results from advanced physics-based daylight simulation tool. However, Kriging also comes with certain limitations that require further investigation. One major hurdle was Kriging’s long computational time compared to current daylight models in energy simulation tools. For this reason, this paper aims to find possibilities to reduce computational time to realistic levels that can be applicable in practice. Furthermore, it proposes a method to integrate Kriging-based daylight model with an energy simulation tool that can plot hourly indoor light distribution. This proposal obtains more realistic results than current energy simulation daylight models, while reducing computational expense.
Gaseous Fuels and Bioelectricity Service Learning Projects and Case Studies

Abstract This chapter presents the gaseous biofuel-related service learning projects undertaken by students over many years as part of the University level Bioenergy Program. The students' experiences are described. Particularly three different case studies are presented authored by the respective students who successfully completed their projects. The first case study, “Effect of daily variation in food waste on biogas production during anaerobic digestion,” was conducted in partnership with a local bioenergy business developing scalable anaerobic biodigesters used for biogas and bioelectricity production. The team examined whether daily variation in food waste from breakfast, lunch, and dinner would cause variation in biogas production yields and digester stability, with a purpose to examine whether there is enough balance in nutrient composition of each meal to sustain the microorganisms responsible for biogas production during anaerobic digestion. The second case study, “Potential for anaerobic digestion in meeting statewide energy needs,” determined anaerobic digestion's capacity for offsetting statewide use of fossil fuels, in light of recent legislation, Act 148 in the state of Vermont, requiring diversion of all organics from landfills. The third case study, “Biomass gasification as a strategy for rural electrification in developing nations: lessons from the field,” assessed the environmental and social impacts of Biomass Gasification Energy systems, specifically the necessary supply chains could potentially work well statewide when integrated with working landscape ethic.
Depression and stroke

Depression in stroke patients was observed many years ago but only recently has become the subject of systematic study. While estimates of depression vary, some have noted its occurrence in more than half of stroke patients. Our understanding of depression has been facilitated by refinements in diagnostic categories, analysis of contributing factors including the biology of depression, and refinements in evaluation to include cognitive and linguistic impairments that are common after stroke. The ways in which depression may affect rehabilitation and the fate of depression over time have been the subject of recent studies. Management includes sensitizing of caregivers, environmental change, education for patients and families, psychotherapy, and pharmacological interventions.
Physical-Layer discrimination of Power Line Communications

Power Line Communication (PLC) is consistently looked at as a cost effective and elegant solution for many large scale control and automation communication problems. This includes many critical infrastructure Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems. Because of this, PLC is investigated for the purposes of Wired Signal Distinct Native Attribute (WS-DNA) Physical-Layer (PHY) classification and validation as an effective intrusion detection method for PLC networks. This investigation captured intentional PLC messages, extracted WSDNA fingerprints, and utilized Multiple Discriminant Analysis, Maximum Likelihood (MDA/ML) to perform device discrimination. The modulated communication signals of six Insteon Hub devices were investigated to assess the ability to perform device discrimination and validation. For all six devices, an average correct classification of %C = 90% is achieved at Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) ≥ 40 dB and %C = 99% at SNR ≥ 46 dB. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves are used to illustrate rogue detection results with Equal Error Rate (EER) of 10% achieved at SNR = 40 dB.
Zika virus infection reprograms global transcription of host cells to allow sustained infection.

Zika virus (ZIKV) is an emerging virus causally linked to neurological disorders, including congenital microcephaly and Guillain-Barre syndrome. There are currently no targeted therapies for ZIKV infection. To identify novel antiviral targets and to elucidate the mechanisms by which ZIKV exploits the host cell machinery to support sustained replication, we analyzed the transcriptomic landscape of human microglia, fibroblast, embryonic kidney and monocyte-derived macrophage cell lines before and after ZIKV infection. The four cell types differed in their susceptibility to ZIKV infection, consistent with differences in their expression of viral response genes before infection. Clustering and network analyses of genes differentially expressed after ZIKV infection revealed changes related to the adaptive immune system, angiogenesis and host metabolic processes that are conducive to sustained viral production. Genes related to the adaptive immune response were downregulated in microglia cells, suggesting that ZIKV effectively evades the immune response after reaching the central nervous system. Like other viruses, ZIKV diverts host cell resources and reprograms the metabolic machinery to support RNA metabolism, ATP production and glycolysis. Consistent with these transcriptomic analyses, nucleoside metabolic inhibitors abrogated ZIKV replication in microglia cells.
Developing a rear-end crash risk algorithm under fog conditions using real-time data

This study intends to evaluate the rear-end collision risk under fog conditions considering reduced visibility by introducing a new algorithm. Based on the proposed algorithm, the minimum stopping distance of the leading and following vehicles can be calculated with traffic and weather data and compared. According to the relationship between clearance distance between the two consecutive vehicles and visibility distance, the car-following maneuver is divided into different situations and the algorithms to calculate the minimum stopping distances are suggested correspondingly. The visibility distance is collected by a visibility detection system and the clearance distance is obtained from a traffic detector which can provide individual vehicle data. By comparing the minimum stopping distances of the following and leading vehicles, the potential rear-end collision can be identified. Subsequently, statistical tests are conducted to analyze the rear-end collision risk under different situations. Furthermore, logistic and negative binomial models are estimated by using individual and aggregated data, respectively, in order to explore the relationship between the potential rear-end crash and the reduced visibility together with other traffic parameters. The results suggest that the proposed algorithm works well in evaluating rear-end collision risk under fog conditions. It is found that reduced visibility has significant impact on the rear-end collision risk and the impact vary by the different vehicle types and by lane. Further, it is found that the driving maneuver of the leading and following vehicles can affect the rear-end collision risk. It is expected that the proposed algorithm can be implemented in a Traffic Management context to improve road safety under fog conditions. Specifically, it is suggested to implement the proposed algorithm in real-time and integrate it with ITS technologies such as Variable Speed Limit (VSL) and Dynamic Message Signs (DMS) to enhance traffic safety when the visibility declines. This car following algorithm could also be extended to adapt for the advent of Connected Vehicles in Fog conditions.
Carbohydrate Restriction, Dietary Energy Restriction and Weight Loss in Obese Mice: Metabolic Insights

Our objective was to compare weight loss, body composition, and key metabolic changes in response to carbohydrate restriction (modeling the Atkins diet) relative to dietary energy restriction (DER). Male C57BL/6 mice were randomized into five groups of 20. Group HC mice consumed a high carbohydrate diet and group HF consumed a high fat diet for 14 weeks. The remaining three groups consumed the HF diet for seven weeks to induce obesity and during weeks 8–14 were switched to either: a) an Atkins-like low carbohydrate diet similar to the induction phase of the Atkins diet; b) pair-feeding (PF) with the HC diet to match the energy intake of the Atkins group; or c) a high carbohydrate DER regimen providing 70% of the energy intake consumed by the HF group. At 14 weeks, body weights of the Atkins (40.3 ± 1.1 g) and HF (40.2 ± 1.1 g) groups were greater than the HC (33.0 ± 0.8 g), PF (31.5 ± 0.8 g) and DER (22.7 ± 0.6 g) groups. The Atkins (47.3 ± 1.2 %) and HF (46.8 ± 1.2 %) groups exhibited higher percent fat ...
Ice nucleation rates near ∼225 K.

We have measured the ice nucleation rates, Jice, in supercooled nano-droplets with radii ranging from 6.6 nm to 10 nm and droplet temperatures, Td, ranging from 225 K to 204 K. The initial temperature of the 10 nm water droplets is ∼250 K, i.e., well above the homogeneous nucleation temperature for micron sized water droplets, TH ∼235 K. The nucleation rates increase systematically from ∼1021 cm−3 s−1 to ∼1022 cm−3 s−1 in this temperature range, overlap with the nucleation rates of Manka et al. [Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys. 14, 4505 (2012)], and suggest that experiments with larger droplets would extrapolate smoothly the rates of Hagen et al. [J. Atmos. Sci. 38, 1236 (1981)]. The sharp corner in the rate data as temperature drops is, however, difficult to match with available theory even if we correct classical nucleation theory and the physical properties of water for the high internal pressure of the nanodroplets.
The Role of Preah Vihear in Hun Sen’s Nationalism Politics, 2008–2013

From 2003 to 2013, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen benefitted politically from promoting nationalism through the Preah Vihear dispute between Cambodia and Thailand. In contrast, Thai con-servatives had mixed results when they laid claim to Preah Vihear and tried to use the temple to bolster their political positions. When it came to media coverage of the temple and border issue, Thailand’s domestic and foreign politics, rather than Cambodia’s, dominated the narrative. As a result, both countries engaged in a war of words and several military clashes between 2008 and 2013. Thailand was widely viewed as the instigator and Cambodia as the victim. However, a closer look at Cambodia’s reactions to Thailand’s provocations reveals an important part of the story. These quarrels and conflicts seemed to arise before major elections in Cambodia. Behind the front lines, Hun Sen used Preah Vihear and a conflict with a historical adversary to build political prestige, nationalism, and anti-Thai sentiments, co-opting it as a part of his political platform. Hun Sen employed the temple and the border dispute in his rhetoric and created public relations events celebrating the government’s protection of Cambodia’s sovereignty and national prestige. Among other factors, Preah Vihear helped Hun Sen win elections and maintain political power by vilifying Thailand and using nationalism. The temple became a powerful nationalistic symbol.
A new and unique bodyplan in fossil Bryopsidales, with description of Jaffrezocodium bipennatus n. gen., n. sp., an ( ?) Albian-Cenomanian calcareous green alga

Abstract This short contribution deals with a fossil calcareous alga found in (?) Albian and Cenomanian strata of N Spain and S France. This taxon is characterized by its uncommon and previously misinterpreted bodyplan. Its rhombic sections were first ascribed to a puzzling form of Dasycladales, but they prove to belong to Bryopsidales.
The Connectivity of Large Genetic Networks

I review evolutionary explanations of broad-tailed connectivity or degree distributions observed in metabolic networks and protein interaction networks. Self-assembled chemical reaction networks show degree distributions similar to those observed for metabolic networks, which argues against the postulated role of natural selection in maintaining this degree distribution. In addition, metabolic networks contain traces of their ancient history in the form of highly connected metabolites. Similarly to the degree distribution of metabolic networks, that of protein interaction networks can be explained without resorting to natural selection on the network level. I present data suggesting that highly connected proteins are not distinguishably older than other proteins, and explain this finding with a simple model of how a proteins degree changes in evolutionary time.
An Information Modeling Framework to Support Design Databases and Repositories

This paper introduces an information modeling framework to support representation of design artifacts for design databases and repositories. While most artifact representations consist primarily of geometric information, the object-oriented design modeling language developed through this work enables repre- sentation of not only form, but also function and behavior. This research has resulted in the implementation of a design artifact database as well as an information browser that provides the user interface to information contained therein. The imple- mentation is demonstrated using the representation of a power drill as an example.
Influence of dietary protein on Dahl salt-sensitive hypertension: a potential role for gut microbiota.

High blood pressure affects 1.39 billion adults across the globe and is the leading preventable cause of death worldwide. Hypertension is a multifaceted disease with known genetic and environmental...
Comparison of the Financial Burden of Survivors of Head and Neck Cancer With Other Cancer Survivors.

Importance Head and neck cancer (HNC) is more common among socioeconomically disenfranchised individuals, making financial burden particularly relevant. Objective To assess the financial burdens of HNC compared with other cancers. Design, Setting, and Participants In this retrospective review of nationally representative, publicly available survey, data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey were extracted from January 1, 1998, to December 31, 2015. A total of 444 867 adults were surveyed, which extrapolates to a population of 221 503 108 based on the weighted survey design. Data analysis was performed from April 18, 2018, to August 20, 2018. Exposures Of 16 771 patients with cancer surveyed (weighted count of 10 083 586 patients), 489 reported HNC (weighted count of 261 631). Main Outcomes and Measures Patients with HNC were compared with patients with other cancers on demographics, income, employment, and health. Within the HNC group, risk factors for total medical expenses and relative out-of-pocket expenses were assessed with regression modeling. Complex sampling methods were accounted for with weighting using balanced repeated replication. Results A total of 16 771 patients (mean [SD] age, 62.3 [18.9] years; 9006 [53.7%] female) with cancer were studied. Compared with patients with other cancers, patients with HNC were more often members of a minority race/ethnicity, male, poor, publicly insured, and less educated, with lower general and mental health status. Median annual medical expenses ($8384 vs $5978; difference, $2406; 95% CI, $795-$4017) and relative out-of-pocket expenses (3.93% vs 3.07%; difference, 0.86%; 95% CI, 0.06%-1.66%) were higher for patients with HNC than for patients with other cancers. Among patients with HNC, median expenses were lower for Asian individuals compared with white individuals ($5359 vs $10 078; difference, $4719; 95% CI, $1481-$7956]), Westerners ($8094) and Midwesterners ($5656) compared with Northwesterners ($10 549), and those with better health status ($16 990 for those with poor health vs $6714 for those with excellent health). Higher relative out-of-pocket expenses were associated with unemployment (5.13% for employed patients vs 2.35% for unemployed patients; difference, 2.78%; 95% CI, 0.6%-4.95%), public insurance (5.35% for those with public insurance vs 2.87% for those with private insurance; difference, 2.48%; 95% CI, −0.6% to 5.55%), poverty (13.07% for poor patients vs 2.06% for high-income patients), and lower health status (10.2% for those with poor health vs 1.58% for those with excellent health). Conclusions and Relevance According to this study, HNC adds a substantial, additional burden to an already financially strained population in the form of higher total and relative expenses. The financial strain on individuals, assessed as relative out-of-pocket expenses, appears to be driven more by income than by health factors, and health insurance does not appear to be protective.
Supramolecular Strategy Effects on Chitosan Bead Stability in Acidic Media: A Comparative Study

Chitosan beads attract interest in diverse applications, including drug delivery, biocatalysis and water treatment. They can be formed through several supramolecular pathways, ranging from phase inversion in alkaline solutions, to the ionic crosslinking of chitosan with multivalent anions, to polyelectrolyte or surfactant/polyelectrolyte complexation. Many chitosan bead uses require control over their stability to dissolution. To help elucidate how this stability depends on the choice of supramolecular gelation chemistry, we present a comparative study of chitosan bead stability in acidic aqueous media using three common classes of supramolecular chitosan beads: (1) alkaline solution-derived beads, prepared through simple precipitation in NaOH solution; (2) ionically-crosslinked beads, prepared using tripolyphosphate (TPP); and (3) surfactant-crosslinked beads prepared via surfactant/polyelectrolyte complexation using sodium salts of dodecyl sulfate (SDS), caprate (NaC10) and laurate (NaC12). Highly variable bead stabilities with dissimilar sensitivities to pH were achieved using these methods. At low pH levels (e.g., pH 1.2), chitosan/SDS beads were the most stable, requiring roughly 2 days to dissolve. In weakly acidic media (at pH 3.0–5.0), however, chitosan/TPP beads exhibited the highest stability, remaining intact throughout the entire experiment. Beads prepared using only NaOH solution (i.e., without ionic crosslinking or surfactant complexation) were the least stable, except at pH 5.0, where the NaC10 and NaC12-derived beads dissolved slightly faster. Collectively, these findings provide further guidelines for tailoring supramolecular chitosan bead stability in acidic media.
Incorporating Health Behavior Theory into mHealth: an Examination of Weight Loss, Dietary, and Physical Activity Interventions

Health behavior interventions are effective for many modifiable lifestyle behaviors. In some cases, remotely-delivered behavioral interventions, particularly those that include some form of contact with a clinician and strong behavioral strategies, have been shown to be as effective as traditional in-person interventions; they are also more flexible, disseminable, and cost-effective. With ubiquitous increases in mobile phone use, opportunities for remote delivery of health interventions (mHealth) have grown exponentially, particularly in the use of behavioral smartphone applications. Despite research suggesting that mHealth interventions can be effective at initiating and maintaining behavior changes, many mHealth interventions are not theoretically-based, and evidence-based behavioral strategies are not often adapted into the mobile format. Thus, there is a need for clear summaries of behavioral change theories and examples of theoretically driven behavioral strategies to unify and improve the field of mHealth. The authors review the existing literature on theories of behavior change, intervention, and systems for evaluating theoretical content. Specifically, the authors briefly summarize both traditional and contemporary theories of behavior change, evidence-based behavioral strategies, and the methods for evaluating the degree to which they are included in existing mHealth behavioral interventions, with an emphasis on weight loss, dietary, and physical activity interventions. Authors also include examples of integration of theory into both research and clinical practice. This research highlights the importance of incorporation of theory into behavior change interventions. The authors suggest specific theoretical considerations for the development of mHealth interventions within collaborative, interdisciplinary environments, and recommend future research areas.
Functional and structural basis of E. coli enolase inhibition by SF2312: a mimic of the carbanion intermediate

Many years ago, the natural secondary metabolite SF2312, produced by the actinomycete Micromonospora, was reported to display broad spectrum antibacterial properties against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Recent studies have revealed that SF2312, a natural phosphonic acid, functions as a potent inhibitor of human enolase. The mechanism of SF2312 inhibition of bacterial enolase and its role in bacterial growth and reproduction, however, have remained elusive. In this work, we detail a structural analysis of E. coli enolase bound to both SF2312 and its oxidized imide-form. Our studies support a model in which SF2312 acts as an analog of a high energy intermediate formed during the catalytic process. Biochemical, biophysical, computational and kinetic characterization of these compounds confirm that altering features characteristic of a putative carbanion (enolate) intermediate significantly reduces the potency of enzyme inhibition. When SF2312 is combined with fosfomycin in the presence of glucose-6 phosphate, significant synergy is observed. This suggests the two agents could be used as a potent combination, targeting distinct cellular mechanism for the treatment of bacterial infections. Together, our studies rationalize the structure-activity relationships for these phosphonates and validate enolase as a promising target for antibiotic discovery.
Degrees of Freedom at the Start of the Second 100 Years: A Pedagogical Treatise:

Degrees of freedom is a critical core concept within the field of statistics. Virtually every introductory statistics class treats the topic, though textbooks and the statistical literature show mo...
Sodium Glucose Co-Transporter 2 Inhibition Does Not Favorably Modify the Physiological Responses to Dietary Counselling in Diabetes-Free, Sedentary Overweight and Obese Adult Humans.

Sedentary obesity is associated with increased risk of many cardio-metabolic diseases, including type 2 diabetes. Weight loss is therefore a desirable goal for sedentary adults with obesity. Weight loss is also a well-documented side effect of sodium glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibition, a pharmaceutical strategy for diabetes treatment. We hypothesized that, compared with placebo, SGLT2 inhibition as an adjunct to out-patient dietary counselling for weight loss would lead to more favorable modification of body mass and composition, and greater improvement in glucose regulation and lipid profile. Using a randomized, double-blind, repeated measures parallel design, 50 sedentary men and women (body mass index: 33.4 ± 4.7 kg/m2; mean ± SD) were assigned to 12 weeks of dietary counselling, supplemented with daily ingestion of either a placebo or SGLT2 inhibitor (dapagliflozin: up to 10 mg/day). Dietary counselling favorably modified body mass, body fat, glucose regulation, and fasting concentrations of triglyceride and very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (main effects of counselling: p 0.05). However, SGLT2 inhibition when combined with dietary counselling led to greater loss of fat-free mass (counselling × medication interaction: p = 0.047) and attenuated the rise in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (counselling × medication interaction: p = 0.028). In light of these data and the health implications of decreased fat-free mass, we recommend careful consideration before implementing SGLT2 inhibition as an adjunct to dietary counselling for weight loss in sedentary adults with obesity.
Myopathies featuring early or prominent dysphagia

Background Limited data exist regarding myopathies with early or prominent dysphagia. Methods A retrospective study was performed (January 2003 to August 2019) to identify myopathy patients in whom dysphagia was the initial symptom or was disproportionately severe compared with limb weakness. Results Thirty-two patients were identified. The median age at diagnosis was 65 y (range, 36-80 y). Inclusion body myositis (IBM) (n = 15), immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy (IMNM) (n = 5), and oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy (n = 4), were the most common diagnoses. In 4 patients (3 IMNM and 1 nonspecific myositis) dysphagia evolved rapidly. At evaluation, 21 patients required diet alterations, 5 required feeding tubes, and 8 had aspiration pneumonia. Follow-up data were available for 20 patients (median, 24 mo). Eight patients received immunosuppressive therapies with improvement in 7, including 3 of 4 with rapidly progressive dysphagia. Conclusions IBM and IMNM accounted for approximately two-thirds of patients with early or prominent dysphagia at our institution. Rapidly progressive dysphagia may predict immunotherapy responsiveness.
Codes of Good Governance Worldwide: What is the Trigger?

This article examines the mechanisms underlying the worldwide diffusion of organizational practices. We suggest that the two main theoretical explanations in the diffusion literature, efficiency and legitimation, can be complementary. More specifically, we argue that endogenous forces seek to enhance the efficiency of existing systems, while exogenous forces seek to increase legitimation. To assess our argument, we explore the worldwide diffusion of codes of good governance. These codes are a set of ‘best practice’ recommendations regarding the behavior and structure of a firm’s board of directors issued to compensate for deficiencies in a country’s corporate governance system regarding the protection of shareholders’ rights. We have collected data on codes of good governance for 49 countries. We operationalize efficiency needs in terms of the characteristics of shareholder protection, and legitimation pressures in terms of government liberalization, economic openness, and presence of foreign institutiona...
SEYMOUR SARASON AND THE CREATION OF SETTINGS

One of Seymour Sarason's most original and important works was his book, The Creation of Settings and the Future Societies (Sarason, 1972). In it, he offered numerous insights about what goes wrong when “two or more people come together in new relationships over a sustained period of time in order to achieve certain goals.” His hope in writing the book was that greater knowledge and understanding of the setting-creation process would help people create more effective and humane settings and prevent “organizational craziness.” This article first describes how and why Sarason became interested in the problem. It then summarizes a few of his most important insights about the process. The article concludes by considering the impact and legacy of Sarason's work on the creation of settings.
Cocaine exposure and children: the meaning of subtle effects

Lester et al. report the results of a meta-analysis, which shows that prenatal cocaine exposure is associated with statistically significant but subtle effects on child IQ and language performance. Even these subtle effects will result in a substantial number of children annually who will need additional special education services at a considerable financial burden to society.
Racial/ethnic health disparities in South Carolina and the role of rural locality and educational attainment.

AbstractBackground.The prevalence of selected health indicators were compared among the Catawba Indians, African Americans, and whites in South Carolina, considering the possible role of rural locality and education.Methods.Catawba members were respondents of a 1998 survey (N = 808). Other South Car
Pathobiology of colorectal cancer hepatic metastases with an emphasis on prognostic factors

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer related death in the United States. The majority of these deaths are due to metastasis, with the liver easily accounting as the most common site of deposit. While there are multiple steps in the CRC hepatic metastatic cascade, this review attempts to summarize the different processes involved, focusing on the most recent discoveries, as well as the associated effects in relation to prognosis. J. Surg. Oncol. 2010;102:898–908. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
MERO: A Statistical Approach for Hardware Trojan Detection

In order to ensure trusted in---field operation of integrated circuits, it is important to develop efficient low---cost techniques to detect malicious tampering (also referred to as Hardware Trojan ) that causes undesired change in functional behavior. Conventional post--- manufacturing testing, test generation algorithms and test coverage metrics cannot be readily extended to hardware Trojan detection. In this paper, we propose a test pattern generation technique based on multiple excitation of rare logic conditions at internal nodes. Such a statistical approach maximizes the probability of inserted Trojans getting triggered and detected by logic testing, while drastically reducing the number of vectors compared to a weighted random pattern based test generation. Moreover, the proposed test generation approach can be effective towards increasing the sensitivity of Trojan detection in existing side---channel approaches that monitor the impact of a Trojan circuit on power or current signature. Simulation results for a set of ISCAS benchmarks show that the proposed test generation approach can achieve comparable or better Trojan detection coverage with about 85% reduction in test length on average over random patterns.
Predictability of Mesoscale Atmospheric Motions

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the predictability of mesoscale atmospheric motions. The advances in scientific understanding and technology have made it possible to envisage significant improvements in predicting mesoscale atmospheric events. Two properties of the atmosphere are considered important in limiting atmospheric predictability. First is the existence of instabilities that cause neighboring trajectories in phase space to diverge. Surface inhomogeneities including elevation and surface characteristics generate many mesoscale phenomena and modulate their behavior. When global models are used in classic predictability studies, the likelihood of possible errors in the overall estimate of synoptic-scale predictability is minimized by the consideration of the entire earth, which is likely to have a full complement of representative weather patterns over the period of the predictability experiment.
3D reconstruction of small underwater objects using high-resolution sonar data

A high-resolution, very compact acoustic lens sonar was used to investigate how well small underwater objects can be reconstructed in 3D. The purpose was to develop an acoustic snapshot approaching photographic quality in turbid water where cameras and lens are ineffective. In-water experiments have provided data from an 8-by-8 array of acoustical beams with 1.5 degree conical resolution. Algorithms have been developed to interpolate the conical grid onto a grid. Once gridded, a volume rendering algorithm was applied to produce a full 3D rendering of the object. The sensitivity of this process to different gridding algorithms is evaluated. It is shown that objects can be quantified in size quite precisely. The degree to which shape can be extracted and small details made visible is discussed. The authors also consider how well the reconstruction can be improved by using multiple passes over the object. Registration algorithms are presented, and it is shown that the alignment process can be done with enough accuracy to improve the image and provide greater detail about the object. >
Urban Expansion and Sea-Level Rise Related Flood Vulnerability for Mumbai (Bombay), India Using Remotely Sensed Data

Rapid growth and expansion of the developing world’s urban areas has both social and biophysical consequences such as increased population density, inadequate infrastructure and services, the expansion of impermeable surfaces, and habitat fragmentation with a loss of green space. Data from NASA’s Landsat and Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) programs are employed to examine urban patterns between 1973 and 2004 for the coastal mega-city of Mumbai (formerly Bombay), India. By 2015 Mumbai is expected to be the world’s second largest city containing 22.6 million people with one of the highest population densities (UN Population Division 2006). This chapter considers the city’s ongoing and future vulnerability to flood hazards in the light of climate change models predicting an increased intensity of monsoonal storms, as well as a 0.38−0.59 m sea level rise by the end of the 21st century. Landsat MSS and ETM+ data are used to map change in urban patterns, while an unsupervised classification produces a land use map for the city and its environs. SRTM data are used to build an elevation model which is analyzed in conjunction with the land use map. Zones of vulnerability to floods are identified for the city and its environs. The results suggest that the predicted consequences of climate change will exacerbate the city’s ongoing vulnerability to flooding if urgent measures are not taken to improve storm water drainage systems and shore up other flood control defenses.
A microstrip patch antenna manufactured with flexible graphene-based conducting material

In this paper, a unique process for fabricating microstrip patch antennas with flexible graphene-based conductors is presented. In particular, this manufacturing process uses a commercially available micro-cutter to cut the outline of the patch antenna from the flexible graphene-based conductors, and then this piece is attached to a grounded FR4 substrate using adhesive to create a unique printed antenna. The design was modeled using a commercial simulator, and a prototype was fabricated and measured. Overall, it was shown that the S-parameter simulations agreed fairly well with measurements, and that this manufacturing process has the potential to develop more complicated designs, such as meander-line dipoles for example, that are difficult to cut-out manually.
Sequence of cDNA comprising the human pur gene and sequence-specific single-stranded-DNA-binding properties of the encoded protein

Abstract The human Pur factor binds strongly to a sequence element repeated within zones of initiation of DNA replication in several eukaryotic cells. The protein binds preferentially to the purine-rich single strand of this element, PUR. We report here the cloning and sequencing of a cDNA encoding a protein with strong affinity for the PUR element. Analysis with a series of mutated oligonucleotides defines a minimal single-stranded DNA Pur-binding element. The expressed Pur open reading frame encodes a protein of 322 amino acids. This protein, Pur alpha, contains three repeats of a consensus motif of 23 amino acids and two repeats of a second consensus motif of 26 amino acids. Near its carboxy terminus, the protein possesses an amphipathic alpha-helix and a glutamine-rich domain. The repeat region of Pur cDNA is homologous to multiple mRNA species in each of several human cell lines and tissues. The HeLa cDNA library also includes a clone encoding a related gene, Pur beta, containing a version of the 23-amino-acid consensus motif similar, but not identical, to those in Pur alpha. Results indicate a novel type of modular protein with capacity to bind repeated elements in single-stranded DNA.
Matrix inequalities: A symbolic procedure to determine convexity automatically

This paper presents a theory of noncommutative functions which results in an algorithm for determining where they are “matrix convex”. Of independent interest is a theory of noncommutative quadratic functions and the resulting algorithm which calculates the region where they are “matrix positive”. This is accomplished via a theorem (a type of Positivstellensatz) on writing noncommutative quadratic functions with noncommutative rational coefficients as a weighted sum of squares. Furthermore the paper gives an LDU algorithm for matrices with noncommutative entries and conditions guaranteeing that the decomposition is successful.
Static Dielectric Constant of Rutile (Ti O 2 ), 1.6-1060°K

The static dielectric constant $\ensuremath{\epsilon}$ of rutile has been measured as a function of temperature from 1.6 to 1060\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. Rutile does not appear to be ferroelectric or antiferroelectric in this temperature range. At low temperatures, $\ensuremath{\epsilon}$ approaches a limiting value of 257 in the $c$ direction and 111 in the $a$ direction. ${\ensuremath{\epsilon}}_{300\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}\mathrm{K}}=170 \mathrm{and} 86$, respectively, and ${\ensuremath{\epsilon}}_{1000\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}\mathrm{K}}=97 \mathrm{and} 58$. The ionic polarizability of titanium is calculated using the previously derived Lorentz correction in the rutile structure. The polarizability at all temperatures is very close to the critical value for a ferroelectric polarization catastrophe. The temperature variation of the ionic polarizability is explained qualitatively on the basis of other properties of the crystal.