cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
FrzCD, a methyl-accepting taxis protein from Myxococcus xanthus, shows modulated methylation during fruiting body formation.

Abstract The frizzy (frz) genes of Myxococcus xanthus are required to control directed motility during vegetative growth and fruiting body formation. FrzCD, a protein homologous to the methyl-accepting chemotaxis proteins from enteric bacteria, is modified by methylation in response to environmental conditions. Transfer of cells from rich medium to fruiting medium initially caused rapid demethylation of FrzCD. Subsequently, the amount of FrzCD increased, but most remained unmethylated. At about the time of mound formation (9 h), most of the FrzCD was converted to methylated forms. Dispersal of developing cells (10 h) in buffer led to the demethylation of FrzCD, whereas concentration of these cells caused methylation of FrzCD. Some mutants which were unable to form fruiting bodies still modified their FrzCD during incubation under conditions of starvation on a surface.
Can the Professions of Operations Research/Management Science Change and Survive?

The regular reader of Interfaces has been confronted with constant propheses of trouble for the profession. While these constant omens have produced a new specialization in the profession, research on implementation, actual proposals for change have died for general lack of interest. It is time to explicate the institutional mechanisms of this profession as a major part of the problem. The difficulty of such an analysis for the OR/MS member lies in the fact that the profession appeals to and upholds specifically the rational, the quantifiable, the feasible and suppresses the nonrational, nonquantifiable, nonfeasible which form and maintain the institution of the profession.
The contribution of RNA decay quantitative trait loci to inter-individual variation in steady-state gene expression levels.

Recent gene expression QTL (eQTL) mapping studies have provided considerable insight into the genetic basis for inter-individual regulatory variation. However, a limitation of all eQTL studies to date, which have used measurements of steady-state gene expression levels, is the inability to directly distinguish between variation in transcription and decay rates. To address this gap, we performed a genome-wide study of variation in gene-specific mRNA decay rates across individuals. Using a time-course study design, we estimated mRNA decay rates for over 16,000 genes in 70 Yoruban HapMap lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs), for which extensive genotyping data are available. Considering mRNA decay rates across genes, we found that: (i) as expected, highly expressed genes are generally associated with lower mRNA decay rates, (ii) genes with rapid mRNA decay rates are enriched with putative binding sites for miRNA and RNA binding proteins, and (iii) genes with similar functional roles tend to exhibit correlated rates of mRNA decay. Focusing on variation in mRNA decay across individuals, we estimate that steady-state expression levels are significantly correlated with variation in decay rates in 10% of genes. Somewhat counter-intuitively, for about half of these genes, higher expression is associated with faster decay rates, possibly due to a coupling of mRNA decay with transcriptional processes in genes involved in rapid cellular responses. Finally, we used these data to map genetic variation that is specifically associated with variation in mRNA decay rates across individuals. We found 195 such loci, which we named RNA decay quantitative trait loci (“rdQTLs”). All the observed rdQTLs are located near the regulated genes and therefore are assumed to act in cis. By analyzing our data within the context of known steady-state eQTLs, we estimate that a substantial fraction of eQTLs are associated with inter-individual variation in mRNA decay rates.
Time and Architecture in Premodern Italy: A Review of Marvin Trachtenberg’s 'Building-In-Time'

In this significant book, Marvin Trachtenberg constructs a new theory for understanding the structural and operational temporalities of building which gave rise to the monumental constructions of medieval and Renaissance Italy.
Report of the Committee on Snow, 1950–1951

The report of the Committee on Snow consists of a survey of current activities dealing with research on snow compiled by members of the Committee in correspondence with workers listed below. The character of the reports and the comprehensiveness of the subjects attest to the virility of research on snow.
Approximating Equilibria in Sequential Auctions with Incomplete Information and Multi-Unit Demand

In many large economic markets, goods are sold through sequential auctions. Examples include eBay, online ad auctions, wireless spectrum auctions, and the Dutch flower auctions. In this paper, we combine methods from game theory and decision theory to search for approximate equilibria in sequential auction domains, in which bidders do not know their opponents' values for goods, bidders only partially observe the actions of their opponents', and bidders demand multiple goods. We restrict attention to two-phased strategies: first predict (i.e., learn); second, optimize. We use best-reply dynamics [4] for prediction (i.e., to predict other bidders' strategies), and then assuming fixed other-bidder strategies, we estimate and solve the ensuing Markov decision processes (MDP) [18] for optimization. We exploit auction properties to represent the MDP in a more compact state space, and we use Monte Carlo simulation to make estimating the MDP tractable. We show how equilibria found using our search procedure compare to known equilibria for simpler auction domains, and we approximate an equilibrium for a more complex auction domain where analytical solutions are unknown.
Cognitive memory and its applications

Regarding the workings of the human mind, memory and pattern recognition seem to be intertwined. You generally do not have one without the other. Taking inspiration from life experience, a new form of computer memory has been devised. Certain conjectures about human memory are keys to the central idea. The design of a practical and useful “cognitive” memory system is contemplated, a memory system that may also serve as a model for many aspects of human memory. The new memory does not function like a computer memory where specific data is stored in specific numbered registers and retrieval is done by reading the contents of the specified memory register, or done by matching key words as with a document search. Incoming sensory data would be stored at the next available empty memory location, and indeed could be stored redundantly at several empty locations. The stored sensory data would neither have key words nor would it be located in known or specified memory locations. Sensory inputs concerning a single object or subject are stored together as vectors in a single “file folder” or “memory folder.” When the contents of the folder are retrieved, sights, sounds, tactile feel, smell, etc., are obtained all at the same time. Sensor fusion is a memory phenomenon. The sensory signals are not fused, but they are simply recorded together in the same folder and retrieved together. Retrieval would be initiated by a prompt signal from a current set of sensory inputs or patterns. A search through the memory would be made to locate stored data that correlates with or relates to the present real-time sensory inputs. The search would be done by a retrieval system that makes use of autoassociative artificial neural networks. Applications of cognitive memory systems have been made to visual aircraft identification, aircraft navigation, and human facial recognition. Other applications to speech recognition and control systems are being explored.
Flip-Flop Jet Nozzle

A nozzle development program was undertaken to produce a time-dependent flow at the nozzle exit. The oscillatory character of the flow was achieved without the use of moving parts by incorporating a fluidic feedback loop into the nozzle design. The nozzle thrust efficiencies approached 90% and the half-width spreading rates attained exceeded that of the slot nozzle by a factor of more than three.
A Novel Role for Progesterone and Progesterone Receptor Membrane Component 1 in Regulating Spindle Microtubule Stability During Rat and Human Ovarian Cell Mitosis

The present studies were designed to assess the roles of progesterone (P4) and Progesterone Receptor Membrane Component 1 (PGRMC1) in regulating mitosis of spontaneously immortalized granulosa cells (SIGCs) and ovarian cancer cells, SKOV-3 cells. Because PGRMC1 has been detected among the proteins of the human mitotic spindle, we theorized that P4 and PGRMC1 could affect mitosis through a microtubule-dependent process. The present study confirms that SIGC growth is slowed by either P4 treatment or transfection of a PGRMC1 antibody. In both cases, slower cell proliferation was accompanied by an increased percentage of mitotic cells, which is consistent with a P4-induced prolongation of the M phase of the cell cycle. In addition, P4 increased the stability of the spindle microtubules, as assessed by the rate of beta-tubulin disassembly in response to cooling. Also, P4 increased spindle microtubule stability of SKOV-3 cells. This effect was mimicked by the depletion of PGRMC1 in these cells. Importantly, P4 did not increase the stability of the microtubules over that observed in PGRMC1-depleted SKOV-3 cells. Immunofluorescent analysis revealed that PGRMC1 is distributed to the spindle apparatus as well as to the centrosomes at metaphase. Further in situ proximity ligation assay revealed that PGRMC1 interacted with beta-tubulin. Taken together, these results suggest that P4 inhibits mitosis of ovarian cells by increasing the stability of the mitotic spindle. Moreover, P4's actions appear to be dependent on PGRMC1's function within the mitotic spindle.
Effects of Hypophysectomy and Prolactin Replacement Therapy on Prostatic Response to Androgen in Orchiectomized Rats

The effects of hypophysectomy and prolactin replacement therapy on prostatic response to androgen in orchiectomized rats were studied. Castration 23 days prior to treatment with testosterone propionate (TP) followed by hypophysectomy 13 days before TP treatment and then treatment with 1 mg TP every other day for 16 days caused a greater decrease in body weight prostatic weight and the level of citric acid in the prostate than did TP treatment castration and sham hypophysectomy. This suggests the existence of a pituitary factor in the maintenance of prostatic integrity. Prolactin replacement therapy in hypophysectomized castratedTP-treated rats significantly (p less than .005) increased the prostatic weight and both the content and concentration of citric acid. The results confirm previously reported observations that the prostatic response to androgens is markedly reduced by hypophysectomy in castrated rats and that prolactin acts synergistically wtih testosterone in promoting prostatic growth and the concentration of citric acid in the prostate. The direct effects of both hypophysectomy and prolactin replacement therapy on the ventral and dorsolateral lobes of the prostate were also demonstrated.
Controlling tenaculum: instrument for uterine mobilization during tubal sterilization.

A controlling tenaculum consisting of a uterine sound with a single tooth tenaculum attached to it in a fixed position was developed to mobilize the uterus during laparoscopic sterilization. The instrument will fully control most multigravid and postabortal uteri. The advantages of the controlling tenaculum are that the instrument is all in one piece sturdy and autoclavable requires no additional attachments and is easily removable after tubal division. Edward Weck and Company Inc. 49-33 31st Place Long Island City New York 11101 plan to manufacture it.
Solving phase appearance/disappearance two-phase flow problems with high resolution staggered grid and fully implicit schemes by the Jacobian-free Newton–Krylov Method

Abstract The phase appearance/disappearance issue presents serious numerical challenges in two-phase flow simulations. Although many existing nuclear reactor safety analysis codes use different kinds of treatments for the phase appearance/disappearance problem, there are no fully consensual solutions. In this paper, a high-resolution spatial discretization scheme on staggered grid mesh and fully implicit time integration methods was used in two-phase flow simulations. Numerical treatments of the momentum equations were introduced for the disappearing phase without the need to use a cut-off value on void fraction. A discretized nonlinear system was solved using the Jacobian-free Newton Krylov (JFNK) method, which does not require expensive and error-prone derivation and implementation of analytical Jacobian matrix. These methods were tested with several two-phase flow problems with phase appearance/disappearance phenomena considered, such as a linear advection problem, an oscillating manometer problem, and a sedimentation problem. The combined methods demonstrated extremely robust and stable behaviors in solving the one-dimensional two-phase flow problems with phase appearance/disappearance. High-resolution spatial discretization and second-order fully implicit method also demonstrated their capabilities in significantly reducing numerical errors.
Abstract TP255: Interferon-Induced Peptide With Tetratricopeptide Repeats 1 Is a Key Mediator of Neuroprotection Induced by Preconditioning

Introduction: Preconditioning is the phenomenon whereby a low dose of a harmful stimulus provides robust protection against injury due to subsequent cerebral ischemia. We have evaluated transcripti...
Estrogen Receptor-β and the Insulin-Like Growth Factor Axis as Potential Therapeutic Targets for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Triple-negative breast cancers (TNBCs) lack estrogen receptor-α (ERα), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2) amplification and account for almost half of all breast cancer deaths. This breast cancer subtype largely affects women who are premenopausal, African-American, or have BRCA1/2 mutations. Women with TNBC are plagued with higher rates of distant metastasis that significantly diminish their overall survival and quality of life. Due to their poor response to chemotherapy, patients with TNBC would significantly benefit from development of new targeted therapeutics. Research suggests that the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) family and estrogen receptor beta-1 (ERβ1), due to their roles in metabolism and cellular regulation, might be attractive targets to pursue for TNBC management. Here, we review the current state of the science addressing the roles of ERβ1 and the IGF family in TNBC. Further, the potential benefit of metformin treatment in patients with TNBC as well as areas of therapeutic potential in the IGF-ERβ1 pathway are highlighted.
Life History of Euschistus tristigmus tristigmus (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) with Information on Adult Seasonal Dimorphism

The life history of Euschistus t. tristigmus (Say) was studied in Union County, Illinois. This subspecies overwintered as adults in leaf litter and became active in late March. Oviposition began in early May. The seasonal occurrence of the various developmental stages is discussed. This stink bug was bivoltine and dimorphic. The 2 forms ( tristigmus and pyrrhocerus ) differed in temporal distribution.
Polyamines influence transglutaminase activity and cell migration in two cell lines

Transglutaminases (TGAs) catalyze the cross-linking of proteins through formation of gamma-glutaminyl-epsilon-lysine bonds and incorporation of small-molecular-weight amines, including polyamines, into the gamma-glutamine sites of proteins. Tissue TGA has been shown to establish covalent cross-links between cytoskeletal proteins using polyamines as substrates, and protein-polyamine conjugates have been identified in a variety of cells. We have shown previously that polyamines are required for cell migration in IEC-6 cells [S. A. McCormack, M. J. Viar, and L. R. Johnson. Am. J. Physiol. 264 (Gastrointest. Liver Physiol. 27): G367-G374, 1993]. In this study, we explored the relationship between cell migration, polyamines, and tissue TGA activity in two cell lines and found that while both IEC-6 and Caco-2 cells required normal levels of polyamines to migrate across a denuded surface, tissue TGA activity responded differently to polyamine deficiency brought about by treatment with alpha-difluoromethylornithine (DFMO). DFMO is a specific and irreversible inhibitor of ornithine decarboxylase, a rate-limiting enzyme of polyamine biosynthesis. In IEC-6 cells, tissue TGA activity decreased significantly with DFMO treatment concurrent with a rise in inactive TGA protein as measured by Western blot analysis. On the other hand, in Caco-2 cells, tissue TGA activity and protein increased significantly with DFMO treatment. In both cell lines, addition of polyamines to the DFMO treatment restored cell migration, tissue TGA activity, and protein to control levels.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Locational Correlates of the Sales Performance of Convenience Food Stores

Marketing scholars and practitioners have devoted much research attention to the analysis of site location factors that influence the sales performance of retail stores. While there have been many studies in this area, the literature is characterized by few replications and generally noncoalescent findings. Much is yet to be learned, and the present study investigates the correlations between site location factors and sales for convenience food stores. The preliminary results of this research in progress indicate that the volume of traffic and the number of traffic lanes for the street of access of the convenience food store were each significantly correlated with sales. Other significant correlates of sales included: the number of nonresidential units, the number of residential units, and the number of multiple-unit residential dwellings within a one-mile radius of the convenience food store.
Why Do Boys Love Frozen, a Disney Princess Movie?

This project involves the analysis of both primary and secondary sources to investigate what caused men from three towns in Indiana to volunteer to fight in the Spanish-American War, a conflict that they had no personal reason to join. The predominantly-used primary sources were newspapers from the three towns in Indiana and speeches by politicians. These three towns were selected after careful analysis of demographic information including population and number of volunteers in the Spanish-American War from every major city in the state. To further expand on these ideas, political leanings and occupations were taken into account. Upon completing this study, it was discovered that both the rhetoric of pro-imperial politicians, the propaganda that filled the newspapers of the time, and the creation of the concept of glory and the valor that could be won through combat had an effect on the men’s decision to register for a conflict in which the soldiers had no personal stake.
Brain Size or Brain Organization and Intelligence

The relationship of head size and intelligence quotient (IQ) to neuroanatomic similarities in young, healthy adult monozygotic (MZ) twins was examined using MRI and quantitative image analysis at the Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.
Up-regulation of miR-203 expression induces endothelial inflammatory response: Potential role in preeclampsia.

Problem To determine whether miR-203 mediates endothelial inflammatory response in preeclampsia. Method of study Maternal vessel miR-203 expression was assessed by in situ hybridization. Suppressor of cytokine signaling-3 (SOCS-3) and ICAM expression was determined by immunostaining. Subcutaneous fat tissue sections from normal and preeclamptic pregnant women were used. miR-203-induced inflammatory response was evaluated by the measurements of IL-6, IL-8, ICAM, and VCAM expression and production and neutrophil adhesion in the endothelial cells (EC) transfected with miR-203 precursor, pre-miR-203. SOCS3 expression was also determined. Results Up-regulation of miR-203 and ICAM expression and down-regulation of SOCS-3 expression were demonstrated in maternal vessel endothelium in preeclampsia. Overexpression of miR-203 resulted in down-regulation of SOCS-3 expression and increases in the production of IL-6, IL-8, ICAM, and VCAM and neutrophil adhesion in ECs. Conclusion As miR-203 is an inflammatory microRNA, increased miR-203 production/expression in ECs could diminish an anti-inflammatory activity and increase the endothelial inflammatory response in preeclampsia.
Multi-objective Robust Operation Model for a Supply Chain with Market Demands and Raw Material Price Uncertainty

In this paper, the operation of a multi-product and multi-period supply chain involving one producer and one supplier with uncertain market demands and raw material price is considered. With variations in the market demands and raw material price described by using an interval uncertainty method, a multi-objective robust optimization model is established using a robust linear programming approach. A numerical example is used to verify the proposed model, and the optimum robust operating strategy is determined for worst case supply chain conditions during an uncertain market demands and raw material price. When robust measures are adopted in the objectives of supply chain coordination and profit was maximized for all participants, the effect of market demands and raw material price uncertainty on objective values decreased significantly.
Esophageal cancer epidemiology: Racial and gender disparities in incidence, mortality and survival.

475 Statement of Purpose: Black/white disparities in esophageal cancer incidence, mortality, relative survival rates and trends were examined for two five year periods (1991-1995 and 1996-2000). Methods: Age-adjusted incidence, mortality, and relative survival rates for esophageal carcinoma were calculated for nine Surveillance Epidemiology End Results (SEER) population-based cancer registries with submission dates 1991-2000. Results: Esophageal cancer age-adjusted incidence rate (IR) in blacks (IR=8.63) was over twice the rate for whites (IR=4.39, p
Alternative Perspectives on Students' Reasoning about Emergent Processes.

This installment of Current Insights highlights two recent and different perspectives on elementary and secondary school students’ reasoning about emergent processes.
Space Use of Yellow-Spotted River Turtles (Podocnemis unifilis) in Yasuni National Park, Ecuador

Abstract The yellow-spotted river turtle (Podocnemis unifilis) plays ecological roles in the Amazonian aquatic ecosystem and has cultural and economic significance for indigenous peoples. Because spatial ecology and movement data are nonexistent for this species, we radio tracked 63 individuals in the Napo River between August 2015 and February 2017. Mean linear range size was 16.2 km (n = 31) and mean home range size was 5.2 km2 (n = 27). Our results are the first range size estimates for P. unifilis and suggest that the species could be treated as a short-distance facultative migrant with local seasonal movements.
Lamb productivity on stockpiled fescue in honeylocust and black walnut silvopastures

Trees in silvopastures can provide forage-livestock systems with multiple goods and services, including shade, shelter, and browse, but the provision of browse has received little exploration in temperate systems. Honeylocust trees (Gleditsia triacanthos) produce nutritious pods that could serve as supplemental fodder for livestock grazing stockpiled tall fescue (Schedonorus arundinaceus). This study compared lamb performance in honeylocust (cv. Millwood) and black walnut (Juglans nigra) silvopastures with productivity on open pastures during a six week winter grazing trial. Treatment pastures were rotationally stocked with three (walnut) or six (honeylocust and open) lambs per experimental unit based on forage availability. Lambs were naive to pods and did not readily consume the fodder until four weeks into the trial. Forage availability did not differ (P = 0.7580) between honeylocust silvopastures and open pastures (mean = 5090 ± 90 kg ha−1) but was greater (P < 0.0001) than forage availability in the black walnut silvopastures (3790 ± 90 kg ha−1). Average daily gains did not differ (P = 0.3763) among treatments over the six weeks of study. However, lambs within the honeylocust silvopastures began consuming pods at about week four of the study and had greater (P = 0.0251) average daily gains in the final period (0.12 ± 0.02 kg day−1) than lambs within the open pastures (0 ± 0.02 kg day−1). These data suggest that honeylocust pods may support greater lamb weight gains, but previous exposure and longer study periods may be necessary to see their nutritional benefit when grazing high quality forages.
Engaging Public Policy: The Substantive Importance of Diversity

There are several reasons why diversity should become a key focus of concern in the study of human development (Lerner, 1991, 1992, 1998) and in the applications of such scholarship to the policy making process. As noted by McLoyd (1994), by 1990 about 25% of all Americans had African, Asian, Latino, or Native American ancestry. Moreover, the proportion of Americans from other than European backgrounds will continue to grow; for example, more than 80% of legal immigrants to America continue to be from non-European backgrounds (Barringer, 1991; McAdoo, 1998a, 1998b, 1999).
Efficiency of S2 recurrent selection for improvement of exotic and semi-exotic populations in maize (Zea mays L.)

The main objective in recurrent selection is to increase the frequency of favorable alleles for a trait, which will be reflected in a desired change in the mean and the maintenance of genetic variability to support future improvement. S2 recurrent selection is expected to result in a large response per cycle due to the utilization of high proportions of additive variance. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the response to S2 recurrent selection in populations involving exotic germplasm, and to relate changes in the population means to changes in additive and dominance gene effects and inbreeding using different genetic models. The study involved three populations with different proportions of exotic germplasm, BS16 (100%), BS2 (50%), and BSTL (25%) . The original populations, an intermediate and advanced cycles of selection were evaluated per se. selfed, and in crosses among them. The genetic models proposed by Smith (1983), and Hanson (1983) were used to investigate the relationship of different genetic parameters with the observed response to selection. The response to selection in grain yield was significant in the intermediate cycles, but no further response was obtained for BS2 and BSTL, and decreased for BS16 in later cycles. Changes in the frequency of alleles with additive effects were significant for the intermediate cycle. A significant coefficient due to inbreeding depression was
Analysis of carbenoxolone by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry in mouse brain and blood after systemic administration.

Carbenoxolone is a derivative of glycyrrhetinic acid found in the root of Glycyrrhiza glabra, colloquially known as licorice. It has been used as a treatment for peptic and oral ulcers. In recent years, carbenoxolone has been utilized in basic research for its ability to block gap junctional communication. Better understanding the distribution of carbenoxolone after systemic administration can lead to a better understanding of its potential sites of action. Presented is an ultra high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometer (UHPLC-MS/MS) method for the identification and quantification of carbenoxolone in mouse blood and brain tissue. Twenty mice were injected intraperitoneally with 25 mg/kg carbenoxolone and brain tissue and blood were collected for analysis. Blood concentrations (mean ± SD) at 15, 30, 60 and 120 min were determined to be (n = 5) 5394 ± 778, 2636 ± 836, 1564 ± 541 and 846 ± 252 ng/mL, respectively. Brain concentrations (mean ± SD) at 15, 30, 60 and 120 mins were determined to be (n = 5) 171 ± 62, 102 ± 35, 55 ± 10 and 27 ± 9 ng/g, respectively. The analysis of these specimens at the four different time points resulted in blood and brain half-lives in mice of ~43 and 41 min, respectively. The UHPLC-MS/MS method was determined to be sensitive and robust for quantification of carbenoxolone.
How professional development program features impact the knowledge of science teachers

This national study of 1858 teachers participating in professional development(PD) summer programs in the United States encompasses a wide range of science subjects and grades. It was conducted to ...
Recipes and everyday knowledge: medicine, science, and the household in early modern England: by Elaine Leong, Chicago, IL, University of Chicago Press, 2018, 288 pp., 19 halftones, $90.00 (cloth); $32.50 (paper), ISBN 9780226583662

Recipes and Everyday Knowledge argues that the household was an important site of knowledge production in early modern England. Recent scholarship has expanded our understanding of what it meant to...
US-Mexico cross-border health visitors: how Mexican border cities in the state of Baja California address unmet healthcare needs from US residents

Millions of uninsured and underinsured individuals in the United States (US) face considerable barriers to care access. To address some of them, many cross the southern border with Mexico to utilis...
The Role of Interventional Radiology in the Pretransplant Management of Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Portal Vein Thrombosis

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver tumor and is currently the leading indication for liver transplantation in the United States. Liver transplantation may provide a curative option for patients with HCC, but some present outside of the transplant criteria. Additionally, as the criteria for liver transplant eligibility in HCC are expanded and the incidence of disease increases, waitlist times are becoming progressively longer, which increases the chance of a patient suffering from disease progression while awaiting an organ becoming ineligible for transplant. Multiple studies have demonstrated the successful use of locoregional therapies, including trans-arterial chemoembolization and trans-arterial radioembolization, in downstaging HCC to within transplant criteria, as well as in preventing progression of disease in patients already listed for transplant. Cirrhotic patients also commonly develop portal vein thrombosis (PVT), which is a contraindication to transplantation at many centers. PVT can lead to worsened outcomes after transplant depending on the type of portal venous reconstruction that is performed. The purpose of this article is to discuss the integral role of interventional radiology in the care of these patients, including the role of transarterial therapies in the pretransplant treatment of HCC and the use of endovascular techniques to recanalize thrombosed portal veins in order to establish or maintain transplant eligibility.
280 : Essential role of the phosphatase PP1 in the RIG-I and MDA5 mediated antiviral interferon response

Innate sensing of viral infection and the subsequent activation of signaling pathways are essential for an effective antiviral immune response. Retinoic acid-inducible gene-I (RIG-I; also called DDX58) and melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (MDA5; also known as IFIH1) have emerged as key cytosolic sensors for the detection of RNA viruses. Upon viral RNA binding, the N-terminal caspase recruitment domains (CARDs) of RIG-I and MDA5 initiate downstream signaling, resulting in the production of type-I interferon (IFN) and proinflammatory cytokines. Recent studies highlighted the important role of multisite posttranslational modification for controlling RIG-I antiviral activity; in contrast, the regulation of MDA5 signaling activity remains largely undetermined. Here, we show that MDA5 signal-transducing activity is regulated by a dynamic balance between phosphorylation and dephosphorylation of its N-terminal CARDs, and further identify the phosphoprotein phosphatase 1 α (PP1α) and PP1γ as essential activators of both MDA5 and RIG-I antiviral signal transduction. Using mass spectrometry and a phosphorylation state-specific MDA5 antibody, we identified that MDA5 is robustly phosphorylated at S88 under normal conditions; upon viral infection, however, MDA5 is rapidly dephosphorylated, allowing CARD-mediated downstream signaling. Employing a phosphatome RNA interference (RNAi) screen, we identified PP1 α and PP1γ as primary phosphatases responsible for the MDA5 and RIG-I CARD dephosphorylation, which leads to their activation. Depletion of endogenous PP1α and PP1γ markedly enhanced the CARD phosphorylation of the sensors MDA5 and RIG-I, and strongly reduced antiviral IFN-β production. Furthermore, cells in which PP1α and PP1γ had been silenced using specific siRNAs were impaired in their ability to induce the expression of various IFN-stimulated genes, which correlated with an enhanced RNA virus replication in these cells. Collectively, this work identifies PP1α and PP1γ as critical regulators of antiviral innate immune responses to a wide range of RNA viruses, including paramyxoviruses, orthomyxoviruses, dengue virus and picornaviruses.
The relationship between grit and selected personality measures in medical students.

Objectives To test the hypothesis that scores on a Grit scale are positively associated with personality measures that are conducive to relationship building (Empathy, Self-Esteem, Activity, and Sociability), but inversely associated with personality measures that are detrimental to interpersonal relationships (Neuroticism-Anxiety, Aggression-Hostility, Impulsive Sensation Seeking, and Loneliness). Methods Convenient sampling was used that included 241 medical students at Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University who participated in this ex post facto research. Validated instruments were used to measure Grit, Empathy, Self-Esteem, Activity, Sociability, Neuroticism-Anxiety, Aggression-Hostility, Impulsive Sensation Seeking, and Loneliness. Bivariate correlations and multivariate regression were used to examine relationships between scores on the Grit scale and personality measures. Results Results of bivariate correlational analyses showed that scores on the Grit scale were positively and significantly (p<0.01) correlated with measures of Self-Esteem (r=0.35), Empathy (r=0.26), and Activity (r=0.17); but negatively and significantly (p<0.01) correlated with measures of Loneliness (r=-0.28), Aggression-Hostility (r=-0.23), Neuroticism-Anxiety (r=-0.22), and Impulsive Sensation Seeking (r=-0.18). Regression analysis indicated that in a multivariate model, higher scores on Self-Esteem and Empathy and lower scores on Aggression-Hostility were uniquely and significantly associated with Grit scores (R=0.43, p<0.01). Conclusions Research hypothesis was partially confirmed, suggesting that medical students with higher Grit scores were likely to have higher empathic orientation in patient care and greater Self-Esteem. Conversely, those with higher degrees of Grit displayed lower levels of Aggression-Hostility and Impulsive Sensation Seeking. The Implications of these findings for medical education are discussed.
Body weight perception and physical activity among young adults: Analysis from the national longitudinal study of adolescent to adult health

To identify the young adults’ perception of their weight and examine the associations between young adults’ weight perception and physical activities. Participants: A total of 4,882 participants’ r...
Core–Shell Microfibers via Bioorthogonal Layer-by-Layer Assembly

A new technique is described for the construction of core–shell microfibers for biomedical applications. Fibrous scaffolds were fabricated by electrospinning, followed by covalent layer-by-layer de...
Treatment of Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder Among Women: General Considerations and Pharmacological Options.

Hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) is a persistent or recurrent absence of sexual fantasies and desire for sexual activity, causing marked personal distress or interpersonal difficulties. HSD...
Abdominal pain and haematochezia in a 45-year-old woman with rheumatoid arthritis receiving adalimumab treatment.

A 45-year-old woman presented to the emergency department (ED) with severe pain in the left lower abdomen, which was characterised as sharp, cramping, non-radiating and precipitated by food intake. She had experienced constipation for 3 days, which she treated with over-the-counter laxatives. She
Does cognitive dysfunction correlate with dizziness severity in patients with vestibular migraine

Abstract Objective To characterize the relationship between dizziness severity and cognitive dysfunction in vestibular migraine (VM) patients. Methods Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) and Cognitive Failures Questionnaire (CFQ) scores were compared pre- and post-treatment in a cohort of definite VM patients who underwent evaluation in a multidisciplinary clinic from 2016 to 2020. Results 44 patients were included. DHI reduction of 11.96 (SD 11.49) (p Conclusions Cognitive dysfunction in VM patients is correlated with dizziness severity. The DHI may fail to thoroughly assess cognitive dysfunction in VM patients. Additionally, multidisciplinary treatment of VM reduces both dizziness severity and cognitive dysfunction.
Explicit Solutions and Stability Properties of Homogeneous Polynomial Dynamical Systems via Tensor Orthogonal Decomposition.

In this paper, we investigate the explicit solutions and stability properties of certain continuous-time homogeneous polynomial dynamical systems via tensor algebra. In particular, if a system of homogeneous polynomial differential equations can be represented by an orthogonal decomposable tensor, we can write down its explicit solution in a simple fashion by exploiting tensor Z-eigenvalues and Z-eigenvectors. In addition, according to the form of the explicit solution, we explore the stability properties of the homogeneous polynomial dynamical system. We discover that the Z-eigenvalues from the orthogonal decomposition of the corresponding dynamic tensor can offer necessary and sufficient stability conditions, similar to these from linear systems theory. Finally, we demonstrate our results with numerical examples.
A Medium-Voltage SiC Flying Capacitor Converter Design for 25-kV Distribution Systems

Grid-connected medium-voltage (MV) distribution flexible ac transmission systems (D-FACTS) can be used to perform many functions such as improving the quality of electric power in distribution systems. This paper provides a design methodology for a 2-MVA MV D-FACTS based on a flying-capacitor converter (FCC) topology for three-phase four-wire 25-kV distribution systems. By considering the breakdown and utilization voltages of the available power modules as the main design factor, 10-kV silicon-carbide (SiC) MOSFET half-bridge power modules was chosen with 73% utilization factor. Then, sizing of the flying capacitor cells, dc-bus capacitance, and output LCL filter was performed. Thereafter, the required parts for these components were selected to show the feasibility of fabrication. The power losses of switching modules were investigated for one phase of the converter. Finally, the envisioned MV-FCC functions of compensating for three-phase unbalanced currents and injecting reactive power complementing switched capacitor banks are illustrated through simulations.
Performance Evaluation of Bioengineered Recyled Asphalt Materials

In this study, asphalt mixtures were engineered with bio-renewable soybean oil-derived modifiers, and then used for pavement demonstration projects in the U.S. states of Iowa and Minnesota in the s...
Monolithic, 3D-Printed Lab-on-Disc Platform for Multiplexed Molecular Detection of SARS-CoV-2

Multiplexed detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) rather than detection targeting a single gene is crucial to ensure more accurate coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) diagnostics. Here, we develop a monolithic, 3D-printed, lab-on-disc platform for multiplexed molecular detection of SARS-CoV-2. The centrifugal lab-on-disc is fabricated in one step using simple 3D printing technology, circumventing the need for aligning and binding multiple layers. By combining isothermal amplification technology, this lab-on-disc platform is capable of simultaneously detecting the nucleoprotein and envelope genes of SARS-CoV-2 as well as an internal control of the human POP7 gene. Within a 50-minute incubation period, 100 copies SARS-CoV-2 RNA can be detected through visual detection according to color and fluorescence changes in the disc. Further, we clinically validated the lab-on-disc platform by testing 20 nasopharyngeal swab samples and demonstrated a sensitivity of 100% and an accuracy of 95%. Therefore, the monolithic, 3D-printed, lab-on-disc platform provides simple, rapid, disposable, sensitive, reliable, and multiplexed molecular detection of SARS-CoV-2, holding promise for COVID-19 diagnostics at the point of care.
The Stapled AKAP Disruptor Peptide STAD-2 Displays Antimalarial Activity through a PKA-Independent Mechanism

Drug resistance poses a significant threat to ongoing malaria control efforts. Coupled with lack of a malaria vaccine, there is an urgent need for the development of new antimalarials with novel mechanisms of action and low susceptibility to parasite drug resistance. Protein Kinase A (PKA) has been implicated as a critical regulator of pathogenesis in malaria. Therefore, we sought to investigate the effects of disrupted PKA signaling as a possible strategy for inhibition of parasite replication. Host PKA activity is partly regulated by a class of proteins called A Kinase Anchoring Proteins (AKAPs), and interaction between HsPKA and AKAP can be inhibited by the stapled peptide Stapled AKAP Disruptor 2 (STAD-2). STAD-2 was tested for permeability to and activity against Plasmodium falciparum blood stage parasites in vitro. The compound was selectively permeable only to infected red blood cells (iRBC) and demonstrated rapid antiplasmodial activity, possibly via iRBC lysis (IC50 ≈ 1 μM). STAD-2 localized within the parasite almost immediately post-treatment but showed no evidence of direct association with PKA, indicating that STAD-2 acts via a PKA-independent mechanism. Furosemide-insensitive parasite permeability pathways in the iRBC were largely responsible for uptake of STAD-2. Further, peptide import was highly specific to STAD-2 as evidenced by low permeability of control stapled peptides. Selective uptake and antiplasmodial activity of STAD-2 provides important groundwork for the development of stapled peptides as potential antimalarials. Such peptides may also offer an alternative strategy for studying protein-protein interactions critical to parasite development and pathogenesis.
Flow Cytometry in the Evaluation of Hematologic Malignancies

The chapter reviews the procedures and analysis techniques used in flow cytometry studies for the diagnosis and follow-up of residual disease in lymphomas and leukemias. The particular antibodies used are summarized, and the basics of staining, gating, and reporting are outlined. Pitfalls that can be encountered are discussed. Also covered is the use of flow cytometry in T-cell subset analysis, blast enumeration, cell cycle/DNA ploidy determination, as well as in quantitative assessment of marker expression.
Mechanisms of Thrombolysis

The pharmacological use of plasminogen activators is associated with symptomatic improvement in patients with coronary artery thrombosis, peripheral arterial occlusions, and thrombosis of the venous system. Based on prospective angiographic studies and planned programs (1, 2, 3, 4, 5), thrombolysis is the only approved treatment of acute ischemic stroke (6, 7, 8) under limited circumstances. Currently, recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) is licensed in the United States and several other countries for the treatment of ischemic stroke within 3 h of onset (6).
Fine Structure of Poly-β-Hydroxybutyric Acid Granules in a Blue-Green Alga, Chlorogloea fritschii

Granules characterized as poly-beta-hydroxybutyric acid are described in Chlorogloea fritschii, a blue-green alga. They are generally spherical inclusions of slight electron density which are limited by a membrane approximately 3 nm in thickness.
Seed weight and rooting depth of seedlings of Costa Rican wet forest trees

Se comparo el largo de la raiz y la tasa de crecimiento de las plantulas de nueve especies de arboles tropicales con semillas de tamanos diferentes, con el fin de probar la hipotesis de que las plantulas de semillas grandes emiten raices mas profundas que las pequenas. El peso seco de la semilla estuvo debilmente correlacionado con el largo promedio de la raiz; la correlacion entre peso seco de la semilla y el largo maximo de la raiz para cada especie fue aun mas debil, particularmente a los dos meses. En contraste, el tamano de la semilla correlaciono inversamente y en forma significativa con la tasa relativa de crecimiento. A pesar de tener menos reservas almacenadas, las plantulas de especies de semillas pequenas pueden extender sus raices tan profundo como las especies de semillas grandes, como resultado de su rapido crecimiento y de sus raices finas
A Low-Power Encoder For Pyramid Vector Quantization of Subband Coefficients

A real-time, low-power video encoder design for pyramid vector quantization (PVQ) has been presented. The quantizer is estimated to dissipate only 2.1 mW for real-time video compression of images of 256 × 256 pixels at 30 frames per second in standard 0.8-micronCMOS technology with a 1.5 V supply. Applying this quantizer to subband decomposed images, the quantizer performs better than JPEG on average. We achieve this high level of power efficiency with image quality exceeding that of variable rate codes through algorithmic and architectural reformulation. The PVQ encoder is well-suited for wireless, portable communication applications.
Renormalization of the Lorentz-Abraham-Dirac equation for radiation reaction force in classical electrodynamics

Dirac’s analysis of radiation reaction force in classical electrodynamics suggested that a 4-momentum not collinear with 4-velocity could be introduced for a radiating electron. This would be equivalent to renormalization of the electron mass as an operator relating these 4-vectors. Dirac also pointed to an arbitrary choice made in deriving the Lorentz-Abraham-Dirac (LAD) equation. It was shown that renormalization substantially modifies the LAD equation under the additional requirement that the standard relativistic relation ℰ2 = p2c2 + m2c4 holds for the renormalized energy and momentum. The renormalized LAD equation is more rigorous than the LAD equation, because the drawbacks of the latter are eliminated, and is simpler than a well-known approximation of the LAD equation. The renormalized LAD equation appears to be better suited for numerical simulations of processes in ultrahigh-intensity laser-pulse fields.
Enhancement of maturity of moral judgment by parent education

Relationships between maturity of moral judgment of parents, role-taking opportunities in the home, role-taking ability in children, and maturity of children's moral judgment were studied. A parent intervention program designed to increase role-taking opportunities in the home thought to lead to an increase in the maturity of moral judgment of children was utilized. Suggestive evidence for the claim that it is possible to accelerate rates of moral maturity of children through intervening indirectly to train their parents was found. Significant relationships were also found between maturity of moral judgment in children and role-taking and opportunities for role-taking in the home. Maturity of moral judgment of parents was not found to be significantly related to maturity of moral judgment of their children.