cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of light on in vivo urediniospore germination, lesion development and sporulation of Puccinia hemerocallidis on daylily and Puccinia pelargoniizonalis on geranium

The presence of rusts of daylily and geranium caused respectively by Puccinia hemerocallidis and P. pelargoniizonalis can result in reduced value of these ornamental crops. Experiments were conducted to determine the effects of fluorescent light and sunlight on urediniospore germination, germ tube elongation, lesion development and sporulation of the two fungal pathogens on detached leaves and whole plants. Exposure of dry or hydrated urediniospores of P. hemerocallidis to cool white fluorescent light (600 μmol s(-1) m(-2)) or to sunlight (950-1910 μmol s(-1) m(-2)) for 2 h or 4 h significantly reduced germination and germ tube elongation on detached daylily leaves. Germination but not germ tube elongation of hydrated urediniospores of P. pelargoniizonalis on detached geranium leaves was significantly reduced when exposed to fluorescent light for 2 h or 4 h. A 4 h exposure to either light source significantly reduced lesion development of P. hemerocallidis on detached daylily leaves with fewer lesions developing from hydrated compared to dry urediniospores. Sunlight exposures of 1 h and 2 h of hydrated and dry urediniospores respectively significantly reduced lesion development by either fungus on whole plants. Increasing exposure to fluorescent light negatively affected sporulation of P. hemerocallidis and P. pelargoniizonalis. Complete suppression of sporulation was not observed for either fungus with up to a 24 h exposure to fluorescent light. Light exposure negatively affected disease development by P. hemerocallidis and P. pelargoniizonalis. Exposure to high light intensities may affect spread of rust diseases on ornamental plants.
Deconvolution of atomic force microscopy data for cellular and molecular imaging

The restoration of image features in cellular and molecular images is a crucial problem in nanobiological investigations. Scanning probe microscopy (SPM) offers the potential for direct investigative capability at nanometer resolution necessary for imaging biological units and macromolecular protein control blocks. The distortion of the measured image due to tip-sample interaction is a major challenge for nanoscale metrology, and signal processing solutions are needed for increasing the accuracy and reliability of the data. Two candidate approaches have been described in detail in this article for modeling the tip-sample interaction from a topographical perspective, which is then used for reconstructing the sample surface from known tip geometry. When the aspect ratio of a feature is comparable with that of the tip, the two methods produce similar results, but when the aspect ratio is larger than that of the tip, the MM method produces a sharper estimate than the LT method. When the tip geometry is not known, blind-tip estimations methods are needed for iterative estimations of tip and sample surfaces
Reconstructing Potentials of Mean Force through Time Series Analysis of Steered Molecular Dynamics Simulations

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) experiments and steered molecular dynamics (SMD) simulations have revealed much about the dynamics of protein-ligand binding and unbinding, as well as the stretching and unfolding of proteins. Both techniques induce ligand unbinding or protein unfolding by applying external mechanical forces to the ligand or stretched protein. However, comparing results from these two techniques, such as the magnitude of forces required to unbind ligands, has remained a challenge since SMD simulations proceed six to nine orders of magnitude faster due to limitations in computational resources. Results of simulations and experiments can be compared through a potential of mean force (PMF). We describe and implement three time series analysis techniques for reconstructing the PMF from position and applied force data gathered from SMD trajectories. One technique, based on the WHAM theory, views the unbinding or stretching as a quasi-equilibrium process; the other two techniques, one based on van Kampen's ?-expansion, the second on a least squares minimization of the Onsager?Machlup action with respect to the choice of PMF, assume a Langevin description of the dynamics in order to account for the nonequilibrium character of SMD data. The latter two methods are applied to SMD data taken from a simulation of the extraction of a lipid from a phospholipid membrane monolayer.
Mechanical properties of the elbow joint in spastic hemiparetic stroke subjects

A parallel-cascade system identification technique was used to measure dynamic elbow stiffness in hemiparetic stroke subjects. Modulation of intrinsic and reflex stiffness of elbow flexor muscles was studied by applying perturbations to the elbow at different initial joint angles with subjects' muscles relaxed. Intrinsic stiffness increased smoothly from mid-flexion to mid-extension and increased sharply at the extreme range of motion in both spastic and contralateral (control) sides. However, intrinsic stiffness was significantly larger in spastic than control side. Reflex stiffness increased monotonically from full flexion to mid-extension then decreased at full extension in both sides. However, reflex stiffness was significantly larger on the spastic than control side; the difference reached its maximum at the middle of elbow extension. The intrinsic stiffness estimates were consistent in all stroke subjects, whereas enhanced reflex stiffness was significant in only a portion of the stroke cohort. These findings suggest that enhanced intrinsic stiffness of passive tissues is a major mechanical abnormality in stroke subjects.
Mindfulness Training Targets Neurocognitive Mechanisms of Addiction at the Attention-Appraisal-Emotion Interface

Prominent neuroscience models suggest that addictive behavior occurs when environmental stressors and drug-relevant cues activate a cycle of cognitive, affective, and psychophysiological mechanisms, including dysregulated interactions between bottom-up and top-down neural processes, that compel the user to seek out and use drugs. Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) target pathogenic mechanisms of the risk chain linking stress and addiction. This review describes how MBIs may target neurocognitive mechanisms of addiction at the attention-appraisal-emotion interface. Empirical evidence is presented suggesting that MBIs ameliorate addiction by enhancing cognitive regulation of a number of key processes, including: clarifying cognitive appraisal and modulating negative emotions to reduce perseverative cognition and emotional arousal; enhancing metacognitive awareness to regulate drug-use action schema and decrease addiction attentional bias; promoting extinction learning to uncouple drug-use triggers from conditioned appetitive responses; reducing cue-reactivity and increasing cognitive control over craving; attenuating physiological stress reactivity through parasympathetic activation; and increasing savoring to restore natural reward processing. Treatment and research implications of our neurocognitive framework are presented. We conclude by offering a temporally sequenced description of neurocognitive processes targeted by MBIs through a hypothetical case study. Our neurocognitive framework has implications for the optimization of addiction treatment with MBIs.
Discontinuous self‐excited systems: An asymptotic analysis

In this paper we derive a uniformly valid asymptotic approximation of the periodic solution of a self-excited system given by the differential equation and β1,β2, are positive constants. By uniformly valid asymptotic approximation we mean that no secular terms are present. Our procedure makes use of a nonlinear change of independent variable that transforms the problem from one in which the discontinuities are ϵ dependent to one in which the discontinuities are ϵ independent. We obtain an asymptotic approximation up to order ϵ of the periodic solution and an asymptotic approximation up to order ϵ2 of the period. Some comparisons between our asymptotic results and numerically derived results are given. Application of our technique to other examples of self-excited systems is discussed. The equation is investigated in detail.
The developmental journey of the male college student

Development theories need to be reviewed to better understand and ameliorate the effects of gender role strain on college men.
Wireless channel modeling in foliage environment: UWB versus narrowband

In this paper, we study the wireless channel modeling in foliage environment, a rich scattering and timevarying environment, based on extensive data collected using UWB and narrowband (200 MHz and 400 MHz) radars. We apply two approaches to the wireless channel modeling: Saleh and Valenzuela (S-V) method for UWB channel modeling and CLEAN method for narrowband and UWB channel modeling. We validated that UWB echo signals (within a burst) donpsilat hold self-similarity, which means the future signals canpsilat be forecasted based on the received signals and channel modeling is necessary from statistical point of view. Based on the S-V method for UWB channel modeling, in foliage UWB channel, the multi-path contributions arrive at the receiver are grouped into clusters. The time of arrival of clusters can be modeled as a Poisson arrival process, while within each cluster, subsequent multipath contributions or rays also arrive according to a Poisson process. At different field (near field, medium field, and far field), we observe that the Poisson process parameters are quite different. We also observe that the amplitude of channel coefficient at each path follows Rician distribution for medium and far field, and itpsilas non-stationary for paths from near field (one of two Rician distributions), and these observations are quite different with the IEEE indoor UWB channel model and S-V indoor channel model. Based on the CLEAN method, the narrowband (200 MHz and 400 MHz) and UWB channel impulse responses have many similarities: both can be modeled as linear time-variant filter channel.
Neodymium: Yttrium-Aluminum-Garnet Laser Prostatectomy

Since 1986, benign prostatic hyperplasia has been treated with lasers, but clinical use was not practical until the right-angled fiber was developed in the early 1990s. The neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser is one of four types available for treating the prostate. Laser energy levels can be adjusted to provide coagulation (at lower energy densities) or vaporization (at higher energy densities). In a randomized study of these two techniques, symptom scores were similar at 1-year follow-up, but the peak urinary flow rate was higher and the reoperation rate was lower in the patients who received vaporization treatment. In randomized investigations that have compared laser prostatectomy and transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), symptom scores and urinary flow rates improved in both groups, but results were somewhat better after TURP. Cumulative data for 3-year follow-up after laser prostatectomy have shown that the improved symptom scores and urinary flow are durable. The major disadvantages with use of Nd:YAG prostatectomy are delayed time to voiding, posttreatment dysuria (which occurs in 15 to 30% of patients), and total cost. Overall, Nd:YAG prostatectomy has both pros and cons. In comparison with TURP, the laser procedure is shorter, has fewer complications, can be done on an outpatient basis, and provides quicker recovery and equivalent results.
Fontan operation for hypoplastic left heart syndrome with absent aortic valve.

Clinical Summary A 6-year-old boy was referred to our hospital after initially having cyanosis and respiratory distress at birth after an uneventful term pregnancy. On first admission, echocardiography showed mitral valve atresia and an absent aortic valve with a small and thick left ventricular cavity wall. Cardiac catheterization performed at 8 days of age had revealed a hypoplastic left ventricle with severe hypokinesis and severe aortic regurgitation. At 9 days of age, the patient underwent the Norwood procedure with a 4-mm polytetrafluoroethylene graft for a Blalock-Taussig shunt. In the findings of the Norwood operation, the aortic annulus formed a mild narrowing with completely absent aortic valve. The aortic annulus was not closed because the coronary circulation would be maintained as a result of the severely hypokinetic small left ventricle. At the age of 6 months, the patient successfully underwent a bidirectional Glenn operation. Cardiac catheterization after the Glenn procedure showed a gradually dilated left ventricle with improved contraction (Figure 1). Because the dilated ventricle had the possibility of coronary steal, a balloon occlusion test in the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) was performed during cardiac catheterization before the Fontan operation to determine the necessity of intervention to the aortic annulus and left ventricle. The echocardiographic results obtained during the balloon occlusion test showed that cardiac output measured on the basis of the flow velocity at the abdominal aorta had no relationship to the rate of occlusion in the LVOT. In addition, the left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) was almost the same as the diastolic pressure in the ascending aorta, regardless of the occlusion in the LVOT. On the basis of these findings, we performed a total cavopulmonary connection procedure with an 18-mm polytetrafluoroethylene graft without any repair for the aortic annulus and left ventricle at the age of 6 years. The patient’s postoperative course was uneventful. He has been followed up and has remained in New York Heart Association class I status, showing a strong ability for normal exercise.
Ca2+- and voltage-dependent inactivation of Ca2+ channels in nerve terminals of the neurohypophysis

Ca2+ channel inactivation was investigated in neurohypophysial nerve terminals by using patch-clamp techniques. The contribution of intracellular Ca2+ to inactivation was evaluated by replacing Ca2+ with Ba2+ or by including BAPTA in the internal recording solution. Ca2+ channel inactivation during depolarizing pulses was primarily voltage-dependent. A contribution of intracellular Ca2+ was revealed by comparing steady-state inactivation of Ca2+ channels with Ca2+ current and with intracellular [Ca2+]. However, this contribution was small compared to that of voltage. In contrast to voltage-gated Ca2+ channels in other preparations, in the neurohypophysis Ba2+ substitution or intracellular BAPTA increased the speed of inactivation while reducing the steady-state level of inactivation. Ca2+ channel recovery from inactivation was studied by using a paired-pulse protocol. The rate of Ca2+ channel recovery from inactivation at negative potentials was increased dramatically by Ba2+ substitution or intracellular BAPTA, indicating that intracellular Ca2+ inhibits recovery. Stimulation with trains of brief pulses designed to mimic physiological bursts of electrical activity showed that Ca2+ channel inactivation was much greater with 20 Hz trains than with 14 Hz trains. Inactivation induced by 20 Hz trains was reduced by intracellular BAPTA, suggesting an important role for Ca2+-dependent inactivation during physiologically relevant forms of electrical activity. Inhibitors of calmodulin and calcineurin had no effect on Ca2+ channel inactivation, arguing against a mechanism of inactivation involving these Ca2+-dependent proteins. The inactivation behavior described here, in which voltage effects on Ca2+ channel inactivation predominate at positive potentials and Ca2+ effects predominate at negative potentials, may be relevant to the regulation of neuropeptide release.
Compressibility and Variable Density Effects in Turbulent Boundary layers

Two compressible turbulent boundary layers have been calculated by using direct numerical simulation. One case is a subsonic turbulent boundary layer with constant wall temperature for which the wall temperature is 1.58 times the free stream temperature and the other is a supersonic adiabatic turbulent boundary layer subjected to a supersonic freestream with a Mach number 1.8. The purpose of this study is to test the strong Reynolds analogy (SRA), the Van Driest transformation, and the applicability of Morkovin 's hypothesis. For the first case, the influence of the variable density effects will be addressed. For the second case, the role of the density fluctuations, the turbulent Mach number, and dilatation on the compressibility will be investigated. The results show that the Van Driest transformation and the SRA are satisfied for both of the flows. Use of local properties enable the statistical curves to collapse toward the corresponding incompressible curves. These facts reveal that both the compressibility and variable density effects satisfy the similarity laws. A study about the differences between the compressibility effects and the variable density effects associated with heat transfer is performed. In addition, the difference between the Favre average and Reynolds average is measured, and the SGS terms of the Favre-filtered Navier-Stokes equations are calculated and analyzed.
Signal‐to‐noise ratio for magneto‐optic readout from quadrilayer structures

We present an experimental investigation of our earlier theoretical predictions regarding the signal‐to‐noise ratio for magneto‐optic readout from quadrilayer structures in a differential detection scheme. Using quadrilayer structures employing amorphous Tb‐Fe alloys as the magnetic material, quartz as the dielectric material, and aluminum as the reflecting material, we show that the signal enhancement predicted for quadrilayers occurs even when the numerical aperture of the readout system is large, a crucial result for their effectiveness in magneto‐optic storage applications. We also show that the signal‐to‐noise ratios measured are in quantitative agreement with theory.
Mandatory School Vaccinations: The Role of Tort Law

The United States is on the verge of a public health crisis. For decades, all 50 states have required that parents vaccinate their children against various diseases, including polio and measles, as a prerequisite to enrolling them in public schools [1]. While virtually all states have tailored their immunization statutes to exempt those with religious (and sometimes philosophical) objections to vaccines from these requirements [2], widespread use of these exemptions threatens to undermine many of the benefits of mandatory vaccinations, such as preserving “herd immunity” [3]. Since it is unlikely that state governments will eliminate such exemptions outright, society must consider other methods of providing incentives for vaccination and compensating those who have suffered due to a disease outbreak caused by a community’s loss of herd immunity. This essay will propose using tort law as a mechanism for prevention and victim compensation while still preserving religious and philosophical exemptions to mandatory school vaccinations. Part I will provide a short overview of mandatory school vaccinations and the dangers posed by widespread use of religious and philosophical exemptions. Part II will explore the potential role of tort law, with a particular emphasis on private causes of action against specific individuals and the possibility of defendant class action lawsuits. Part III will examine whether tort law is an appropriate remedy.
Supporting Unemployed, Middle‐Aged Men: A Psychoeducational Group Approach

This article presents a comprehensive group counseling approach to support unemployed, middle-aged men. An inclusive group curriculum designed to provide support and address potential mental health issues related to unemployment is introduced. The focus of the group is divided into 6 major areas that research has shown to have a significant impact on unemployed men in particular: expressing feelings; reducing depression, anger, and anxiety; building social support; improving interpersonal communication; confronting unrealistic role expectations associated with the male gender; and providing an improved sense of control. Practical strategies for counselors working with this population are presented.
Cysteine‐rich protein 61 (CCN1) mediates replicative senescence‐associated aberrant collagen homeostasis in human skin fibroblasts

Dermal fibroblasts produce a collagen-rich extracellular matrix, which confers mechanical strength and resiliency to human skin. During aging, collagen production is reduced and collagen fragmentation is increased, which is initiated by matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1). This aberrant collagen homeostasis results in net collagen deficiency, which impairs the structural integrity and function of skin. Cysteine-rich protein 61 (CCN1), a member of the CCN family, negatively regulates collagen homeostasis, in primary human skin dermal fibroblasts. As replicative senescence is a form of cellular aging, we have utilized replicative senescent dermal fibroblasts to further investigate the connection between elevated CCN1 and aberrant collagen homeostasis. CCN1 mRNA and protein levels were significantly elevated in replicative senescent dermal fibroblasts. Replicative senescent dermal fibroblasts also expressed significantly reduced levels of type I procollagen and increased levels of MMP-1. Knockdown of elevated CCN1 in senescent dermal fibroblasts partially normalized both type I procollagen and MMP-1 expression. These data further support a key role of CCN1 in regulation of collagen homeostasis. Elevated expression of CCN1 substantially increased collagen lattice contraction and fragmentation caused by replicative senescent dermal fibroblasts. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) further revealed collagen fibril fragmentation and disorganization were largely prevented by knockdown of CCN1 in replicative senescent dermal fibroblasts, suggesting CCN1 mediates MMP-1-induced alterations of collagen fibrils by replicative senescent dermal fibroblasts. Given the ability of CCN1 to regulate both production and degradation of type I collagen, it is likely that elevated-CCN1 functions as an important mediator of collagen loss, which is observed in aged human skin.
Making Progress on Progression in Metastatic Prostate Cancer

Determiningclinicalbenefittotherapyisamongthemostcritical aspects of oncology care. At the individual level, this determination influences cessation or continuation of therapy and can dramatically affect patient and family perceptions of hope and optimism. At the trial level, these determinations affect regulatory approvals, optimal care delivery, and the chance of a therapy reaching the clinic. In men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC),anumberofchallengesexistinassessingclinicalbenefitto therapies. First, the vast majority of men have metastatic disease confined predominantly to bone, making response challenging to assess using traditional RECIST criteria 1 that were developed for other cancer types. Second, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) as a marker of response may be valuable in some contexts such as with androgen-receptor directed therapies, 2 but in other settings, PSA may not drop to arbitrary degrees despite the use of chemotherapies or immunotherapies known to prolong life. 3-6 Pain responses are valuable, particularly if durable, and patient-reported outcomes are certainly helpful, but these outcomes are highly subjective, hard to quantify across a trial, and heterogeneous and dependent on baseline symptoms. 4,7 Technetium-99 methylene diphosphonate bone scans have traditionally been used to quantify progression in bone, but this nuclear tracer only indirectly measures the tumor and instead more likely images osteoblastic activity in the tumor microenvironment. The problem of imaging bone metastases with traditional bone scans becomes apparent during the common observation of bone scan flare (new lesions seen during response) during treatment with novel hormonal therapies, such as abiraterone acetate or enzalutamide. 8
Onset dynamics of type A botulinum neurotoxin-induced paralysis.

Experimental studies have demonstrated that botulinum neurotoxin serotype A (BoNT/A) causes flaccid paralysis by a multi-step mechanism. Following its binding to specific receptors at peripheral cholinergic nerve endings, BoNT/A is internalized by receptor-mediated endocytosis. Subsequently its zinc-dependent catalytic domain translocates into the neuroplasm where it cleaves a vesicle-docking protein, SNAP-25, to block neurally evoked cholinergic neurotransmission. We tested the hypothesis that mathematical models having a minimal number of reactions and reactants can simulate published data concerning the onset of paralysis of skeletal muscles induced by BoNT/A at the isolated rat neuromuscular junction (NMJ) and in other systems. Experimental data from several laboratories were simulated with two different models that were represented by sets of coupled, first-order differential equations. In this study, the 3-step sequential model developed by Simpson (J Pharmacol Exp Ther 212:16–21,1980) was used to estimate upper limits of the times during which anti-toxins and other impermeable inhibitors of BoNT/A can exert an effect. The experimentally determined binding reaction rate was verified to be consistent with published estimates for the rate constants for BoNT/A binding to and dissociating from its receptors. Because this 3-step model was not designed to reproduce temporal changes in paralysis with different toxin concentrations, a new BoNT/A species and rate (kS) were added at the beginning of the reaction sequence to create a 4-step scheme. This unbound initial species is transformed at a rate determined by kS to a free species that is capable of binding. By systematically adjusting the values of kS, the 4-step model simulated the rapid decline in NMJ function (kS ≥0.01), the less rapid onset of paralysis in mice following i.m. injections (kS = 0.001), and the slow onset of the therapeutic effects of BoNT/A (kS < 0.001) in man. This minimal modeling approach was not only verified by simulating experimental results, it helped to quantitatively define the time available for an inhibitor to have some effect (tinhib) and the relation between this time and the rate of paralysis onset. The 4-step model predicted that as the rate of paralysis becomes slower, the estimated upper limits of (tinhib) for impermeable inhibitors become longer. More generally, this modeling approach may be useful in studying the kinetics of other toxins or viruses that invade host cells by similar mechanisms, e.g., receptor-mediated endocytosis.
Design of Neural Networks for Pavement Rutting

In this study, 3-layer and 4-layer neural networks are designed to determine the rutting performance of asphalt concrete. A total of 519 sets of processed data obtained from mix design information and laboratory tests are used for developing this NN model. Finally, the NN selected has 11 neurons in each hidden layer, whereas the output layer uses a total of 7 neurons. Using a total of 21 inputs, the developed model produces outputs (rut depths) at 7 different cycles. The time series of deformation recorded over 8000 cycles are determined by an interpolation with piecewise linear elements, using these few outputs. Preprocessing and principal component analyses are applied, and the network trained using the Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm. Using randomly generated weight factors to initialize the training algorithm, histograms are compiled and outputs estimated using statistical estimators. An excellent agreement is observed between test data and simulations. It is believed that the developed NN design procedure will be a useful tool in the study of pavement design and wear.
Physiological responses and balance ability are affected by physical workload and heat exposure in workers

Japan is experiencing high temperatures and relative humidity (rh) during the summer months, which lead to increases in the incidence of heat stroke among outdoor workers. According to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare in Japan, between 2010 and 2012, approximately 86 deaths were caused by heat stroke, of which 40% occurred at construction sites [1]. This study aimed to determine whether physical performance, especially balance ability, deteriorates with increased physical workload and heat exposure. In addition, we aimed to determine the relationship of physiological responses and balance function with heat exposure.
FROM GABAA RECEPTOR DIVERSITY EMERGES A UNIFIED VISION OF GABAergic INHIBITION

Transmitter receptor diversity often indicates differences in transmitter receptor transduction mechanisms. This is not the case for gamma-aminobutyric acid subtype A (GABAA) receptor subtypes despite the presence of 16 genes to encode the 5 families of native GABAA receptor subtypes. Similar considerations apply to GABAC receptors and GABAB receptors. Both GABAA and GABAB receptors cause hyperpolarization of neuronal membranes and inhibition of neuronal excitability, but their mechanisms differ. GABAB receptors involve an efflux of K+ rather than an influx of Cl-, as in the case of GABAA and GABAC receptors. The stimulation of GABAA receptors can sometimes cause depolarization by Cl- efflux; this efflux is not the result of a transduction mechanism modification, but of Cl(-)-concentration gradient modification. Presumably, GABAA receptor diversity is directly linked to the inhibitory activity of basket cells and other interneuron axons, each innervating several postsynaptic neurons (cortical and hippocampal pyramidal cells for instance). Since the role of this inhibition is to entrain hippocampal and cortical pyramidal neurons into columnary activity, the GABAA receptor diversification may be a mechanism expressed by these postsynaptic neuron populations that uses different GABA potencies to synchronize pyramidal neurons into columnary activity. Thus, GABA potency variability, which emerges from GABAA receptor diversity, plays a unifying role in the intrinsic functional mechanism of laminated structures. GABAA receptor structural differences also play a role in diazepam tolerance, which is a mechanism operative in neuronal circuit adaptation to the extreme amplification of GABA-gated Cl- current intensities. Partial agonists (such as imidazenil), which modestly amplify GABA action at many GABAA receptor subtypes, fail to cause tolerance, dependence, ataxia, or ethanol and barbiturate potentiation. Partial agonists might become a new class of anxiolytic and anticonvulsant drugs that are virtually devoid of the side effects that cause serious concerns in the clinical use of full allosteric positive modulators of GABA action, such as diazepam, alprazolam, triazolam, and others. None of the above can be used as anticonvulsants because of an extremely high tolerance liability. When there is tolerance to diazepam, signs of sensitization to proconvulsive action are exhibited simultaneously. After tolerance, associated changes in GABAA recepter subtype expression are virtually reversed in 72 h. Also, 96 h after termination of long-term diazepam treatment, rats exhibit anxiety and are more sensitive to kainic acid-elicited convulsions. At the same time, these rats have an increase in brain expression of GLuR1, R2, and R3. It is believed that the supersensitivity to kainic acid, convulsions and anxiety, and the increased expression of GLuR1, R2, and R3 may be parts of the mechanism of diazepam dependence.
Prevalence and correlation of abnormal flow reserve by stress CMR and coronary artery plaque by cardiac CTA in symptomatic diabetics

Background Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a source of significant mortality and morbidity in diabetes mellitus (DM). Abnormal myocardial perfusion reserve (MPR) has been shown to predict worse outcome in patients with diabetes, but limited data is available using CMR. The correlation of MPR derived from Cardiac Magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) with plaque burden on cardiac computed tomography angiography (CTA) has not been previously evaluated. We aim to look at this correlation in patients undergoing vasodilator stress CMR.
Glutathionyl systems and metabolic dysfunction in obesity

Oxidative stress is associated with obesity. However, glutathione (GSH), one of the body's most abundant antioxidants, plays dual and seemingly contradictory roles in the development of obesity and its comorbidities. Glutathione has complex metabolic and biochemical fates and is a cofactor for several enzymes that function in modifying obesity-related responses. For example, depletion of GSH increases energy metabolism and reduces adipose accretion, while elevation of GSH peroxidase activity induces insulin resistance. This review summarizes the literature linking GSH and its related enzymes, GSH peroxidase, glutaredoxins, and glutathione S-transferases, to obesity and its pertinent endpoints (e.g., energy metabolism, inflammation, and insulin resistance).
The irritant role of feces in the genesis of perianal itch.

Summary To learn more about the role of feces in producing perianal pruritus, autogenous fresh feces were applied to the perianal skin of 27 subjects. Itching or definite discomfort developed in 12 (four from a group of 12 with a prior history of anal pruritus, plus eight of 15 with no such history), usually within minutes to a few hours, suggesting an "irritant" rather than "allergic" mechanism. Visible changes did not occur. In 10 "psychological control" subjects, no distress was produced. The therapeutic function of careful but gentle postdefecaLion cleansing is stressed. Other fecal samples adjusted to p H 5.0 and 8.0 were used in conventional and plastic-occluded patch tests on the inner arms. Only a few, mild objective changes occurred and no subjective symptoms, thus confirming the relative sensitivity of perianal skin. Additional observations were also made concerning p H values of perianal skin and casual stool specimens, incidence of yeasts in normal stools, and buffering ability of normal skin.
Synthetic Graft Augmentation in Vaginal Prolapse Surgery: Long-Term Objective and Subjective Outcomes.

Abstract Objective To report long-term objectives and subjective outcomes in women who underwent prolapse surgery with a synthetic graft augmentation. Design Retrospective analysis (Canadian Task Force classification II-3). Setting University hospital in the southeastern United States. Patients Women with symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse who underwent transvaginal graft augmentation using the Prolift mesh system between July 2006 and December 2008 for a minimum 5-year follow-up. Interventions Subjects completed the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (PFDI-20), the Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire (PFIQ-7), the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Function Questionnaire (PISQ), and the Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire. Subjects also underwent postoperative physical examination with Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q) and vaginal pain/stricture assessment. Long-term postoperative findings were compared with preoperative baseline data. Measurements and Main Results Of 208 eligible subjects, 70 completed the questionnaires only, and 48 of these 70 provided both postoperative examination and questionnaire data. The mean duration of follow-up was 7.0 ± 0.7 years (range, 5.8–8.1 years). POP-Q measurements of Ba (point B anterior), Bp (B posterior), C (cervix), GH (genital hiatus), PB (perineal body), and overall pelvic organ prolapse stage were significantly improved (all p 5-year follow-up (all p > .05). Satisfaction rates were 15.7% for not at all, 35.7% for somewhat, and 48.6% for completely satisfied. Complications included graft exposure (n = 3; 6%) and dyspareunia (n = 25; 36%). Conclusion Women undergoing transvaginal prolapse surgery using a synthetic graft continue to have positive objective and subjective outcomes, leading to significantly improved quality of life at a minimum 5-year follow-up.
Enhancing cytokinin synthesis by overexpressing ipt alleviated drought inhibition of root growth through activating ROS-scavenging systems in Agrostis stolonifera

Drought stress limits root growth and inhibits cytokinin (CK) production. Increases in CK production through overexpression of isopentenyltransferase (ipt) alleviate drought damages to promote root growth. The objective of this study was to investigate whether CK-regulated root growth was involved in the alteration of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and ROS scavenging capacity under drought stress. Wild-type (WT) creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L. ‘Penncross’) and a transgenic line (S41) overexpressing ipt ligated to a senescence-activated promoter (SAG12) were exposed to drought stress for 21 d in growth chambers. SAG12-ipt transgenic S41 developed a more extensive root system under drought stress compared to the WT. Root physiological analysis (electrolyte leakage and lipid peroxidation) showed that S41 roots exhibited less cellular damage compared to the WT under drought stress. Roots of SAG12-ipt transgenic S41 had significantly higher endogenous CK content than the WT roots under drought stress. ROS (hydrogen peroxide and superoxide) content was significantly lower and content of total and free ascorbate was significantly higher in S41 roots compared to the WT roots under drought stress. Enzymatic assays and transcript abundance analysis showed that superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase, and dehydroascorbate reductase were significantly higher in S41 roots compared to the WT roots under drought stress. S41 roots also maintained significantly higher alternative respiration rates compared to the WT under drought stress. The improved root growth of transgenic creeping bentgrass may be facilitated by CK-enhanced ROS scavenging through antioxidant accumulation and activation of antioxidant enzymes, as well as higher alternative respiration rates when soil water is limited.
A New Species of Platygloea Occurring on Peniophora Tamaricicola in Arizona

(1974). A New Species of Platygloea Occurring on Peniophora Tamaricicola in Arizona. Mycologia: Vol. 66, No. 4, pp. 702-706.
A Conjugated Polymer Network Approach to Anticorrosion Coatings: Poly(vinylcarbazole) Electrodeposition

The fabrication and characterization of poly(vinylcarbazole) (PVK)-conjugated polymer network (CPN) anticorrosion coatings on flat surfaces, steel coupons or indium tin oxide (ITO) glass substrates, is reported. Electrochemical deposition methods (potentiostatic and potentiodynamic) were employed by anodic oxidation of the carbazole side units in the PVK chains, resulting in electrodeposition of a cross-linked or network macromolecular structure. This is different from traditional conjugated polymer (CP) coatings made up of mostly linear species derived from direct electropolymerization of small molecule monomers. The coating composition was characterized by attenuated total reflection infrared spectroscopy (ATR-IR) and photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Atomic force microscopy (AFM) allowed morphological comparison between the coatings in terms of deposition technique and surface roughness. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was subsequently carried out on PVK-coated steel coupons to evaluate th...
Production of octadecenoic acid in plasma by Staphylococcus aureus.

SummaryMacroscopically visible lipid plaques were produced on the surface of human blood agar plates and on 10% plasma agar plates when they were inoculated centrally with certain strains of coagulase-positive S. aureus or exposed to active sterile agar segments (ASA). Similar lipid plaques covered the surface of liquid media containing plasma when activated sterile agar segments were suspended in the media. Staphylococcus antitoxin prevented the appearance of the lipid plaques. The lipid plaques consist primarily of octadecenoic acid, both free and in triglycerides. Lesser amounts of stearic, palmitic and various shorter chain acids are also present. The most likely explanation for the phenomenon is that a lipase released by certain strains of staphylococci acts upon the lipids in human plasma.
Study of students' myopia between different races

Objective To investigate the prevalence of myopia for several races and analyze the significant difference of myopia with races among primary school students.Methods Myopia status and the students' race were investigated among 45 414 students in Tianzhu county and Yongdeng county.Results The prevalence of myopia of Han,Tibetan and other races were 15.89%,13.88% and 11.48%,respectively.There had significant difference between Han and Tibetan(P0.016).The similar result appeared between of Han and other races(P0.016).But there had no statistically different between Tibetan and other races(P0.016).Conclusion The prevalence and development of myopia are different in varied races.And race plays a key role in causing myopia.
Research on the Tracing System of Agricultural Products

The traditional agricultural products traceability system is not detailed enough,which is with narrow breadth.To solve these problems,a traceability system of agricultural products has been proposed,based on the project "Characteristics of tropical agricultural products traceability system" and the technology of Radio Frequency Identification.Also the overall quality of system architecture and the main design flow are proposed,The key technology of label conversion and data synchronization is given in detail.
Trophoblastic Disease:: Clinical Pathology of Hydatidiform Moles

Hydatidiform moles are divided into two syndromes: those of complete and partial moles. Both forms are genetically, morphologically, and clinically distinct. Choriocarcinoma can be associated with the complete mole that has not been described for the partial syndrome. Residual trophoblastic disease, on the contrary, can be found with either syndrome, the substrate being locally invasive (nonembolic) behaviour.
Letter by Bouatou et al Regarding Article, "Polypharmacy and the Efficacy and Safety of Rivaroxaban Versus Warfarin in the Prevention of Stroke in Patients With Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation"

In a post hoc analysis of the ROCKET AF trial (Rivaroxaban Once Daily Oral Direct Factor Xa Inhibition Compared With Vitamin K Antagonism for Prevention of Stroke and Embolism Trial in Atrial Fibrillation), Piccini et al1 reported an increased number of comedications associated with a higher risk of bleeding without differential outcomes in those treated with ≥1 combined CYP3A4 (cytochrome P450 3A4) and P-gp (P-glycoprotein) moderate inhibitors. Despite the package insert warning and precautions for rivaroxaban use with P-gp and CYP3A inhibitors, Piccini et al considered their outcome analysis sufficiently reassuring for clinicians to use rivaroxaban with combined inhibitors. …
The Role of Vitamin D in the Transcriptional Program of Human Pregnancy.

BACKGROUND Patterns of gene expression of human pregnancy are poorly understood. In a trial of vitamin D supplementation in pregnant women, peripheral blood transcriptomes were measured longitudinally on 30 women and used to characterize gene co-expression networks. OBJECTIVE Studies suggest that increased maternal Vitamin D levels may reduce the risk of asthma in early life, yet the underlying mechanisms have not been examined. In this study, we used a network-based approach to examine changes in gene expression profiles during the course of normal pregnancy and evaluated their association with maternal Vitamin D levels. DESIGN The VDAART study is a randomized clinical trial of vitamin D supplementation in pregnancy for reduction of pediatric asthma risk. The trial enrolled 881 women at 10-18 weeks of gestation. Longitudinal gene expression measures were obtained on thirty pregnant women, using RNA isolated from peripheral blood samples obtained in the first and third trimesters. Differentially expressed genes were identified using significance of analysis of microarrays (SAM), and clustered using a weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). Gene-set enrichment was performed to identify major biological pathways. RESULTS Comparison of transcriptional profiles between first and third trimesters of pregnancy identified 5839 significantly differentially expressed genes (FDR<0.05). Weighted gene co-expression network analysis clustered these transcripts into 14 co-expression modules of which two showed significant correlation with maternal vitamin D levels. Pathway analysis of these two modules revealed genes enriched in immune defense pathways and extracellular matrix reorganization as well as genes enriched in notch signaling and transcription factor networks. CONCLUSION Our data show that gene expression profiles of healthy pregnant women change during the course of pregnancy and suggest that maternal Vitamin D levels influence transcriptional profiles. These alterations of the maternal transcriptome may contribute to fetal immune imprinting and reduce allergic sensitization in early life. TRIAL REGISTRATION clinicaltrials.gov NCT00920621.
Challenges in conducting multicentre, multidisciplinary, longitudinal studies in children with chronic conditions.

OBJECTIVES Conducting longitudinal, multicentre, multidisciplinary research for individuals with chronic conditions can be challenging. Despite careful planning, investigative teams must adapt to foreseen and unforeseen problems. Our objective is to identify challenges encountered and solutions sought in a recently completed observational, longitudinal study of youth with cleft lip and palate as well as their caregivers. METHODS Data for analysis were derived from a 6-year, multicentre, prospective, longitudinal study of youth with cleft conducted from 2009 to 2015 that examined oral health-related quality of life and other related clinical observations over time in youth who had cleft-related surgery compared to those who did not. Youth and their caregivers participating in this study were followed at one of six geographically diverse, multidisciplinary cleft treatment centres in the USA. RESULTS Establishing effective communication, ensuring protocol adherence, safeguarding data quality, recognizing and managing differences across sites, maximizing participant retention, dealing with study personnel turnover, and balancing/addressing clinical and research tasks were particularly exigent issues that arose over the course of the study. Attending to process, ongoing communication within and across sites, and investigator and clinician commitment and flexibility were required to achieve the stated aims of the research. CONCLUSION Studying children with cleft and their caregivers over time created both foreseen and unforeseen challenges. Solutions to these challenges are presented to aid in the design of future longitudinal research in individuals with chronic conditions.
Estate of Clack: Adding Insult to Injury, or More Problems with the QTIP Tax Provisions

The article reviews Estate of Clack v. Commissioner. First, the article explains how that case was wrongly decided both in terms of the statute and in the fact that it is inconsistent with most tax elections and determination dates. Second, the article shows how this case adds insult to injury to the "women-deserve-only-income" attitude of the QTIP provisions. Third, the article explains the lack of a justifiable policy goal in giving a special tax break to remarried men with children from an earlier marriage. Fourth, the article explains how Clack has created a multitude of fiduciary liability problems when an executor makes an election under these circumstances.