cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Vortex structure and critical currents in Josephson junctions

The maximum current that can be carried by a long unbiased superconducting tunnel junction as a function of applied magnetic field has been calculated. A symmetric junction geometry was assumed for which the boundary conditions relate the space derivatives of the phase difference $\ensuremath{\varphi}$ at the two ends. In addition, we graph the current density distribution within the junction when the total current is maximum, and we show the shape of the current vortices in the large-field case and the details of the self-limiting of the tunnel current as a function of junction length in zero applied field.
Pancreatectomy risk calculator: an ACS-NSQIP resource.

Background The morbidity of pancreatoduodenectomy remains high and the mortality may be significantly increased in high-risk patients. However, a method to predict post-operative adverse outcomes based on readily available clinical data has not been available. Therefore, the objective was to create a ‘Pancreatectomy Risk Calculator’ using the American College of Surgeons-National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database.
Rapid estimation of fatigue entropy and toughness in metals

Abstract An analytical model and an experimental procedure are presented for estimating the rate and accumulation of thermodynamic entropy and fatigue toughness in metals subjected to cyclic uniaxial tension–compression tests. Entropy and plastic strain energy generations are predicted based on the thermal response of a specimen at different levels of material damage. Fatigue tests are performed with cylindrical dogbone specimens made of tubular low-carbon steel 1018 and solid medium-carbon steel 1045, API 5L X52, and Al 6061. The evolution of the plastic strain energy generation, temperature, and thermal response throughout a fatigue process are presented and discussed. Predicted entropy accumulation and fatigue toughness obtained from the proposed method are found to be in good agreement to those obtained using a load cell and an extensometer over the range of experimental and environmental conditions considered.
A Dendrimer-based Immunosensor for Improved Capture and Detection of Tumor Necrosis Factor-α Cytokine

A dendrimer-based sandwich type enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed for the improved detection of recombinant human tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) for early diagnosis of perinatal diseases. Hydroxyl-terminated generation four poly(amidoamine) dendrimer (G4-OH) was used for the development of a solid phase bio-sensing platform. The surface of the ELISA plate was modified with polyethylene-glycol (PEG) and thiol-functionalized G4-OH was immobilized on the PEG-functionalized plate. A capture antibody was oxidized and covalently immobilized onto the dendrimer-modified ELISA plate, which provides favorable orientation for the antigen binding sites toward the analyte. The dendrimer-modified plate showed enhanced sensitivity, and the detection limit for TNF-α was found to be 0.48 pg mL(-1), which is significantly better than the commercially available ELISA kit. The selectivity of the dendrimer-modified ELISA plate was further evaluated with a mixture of cytokines, which showed results for similar to that of TNF-α alone. The modified plate provides a greater opportunity for the detection of a wide range of cytokines and biomarkers.
MALDI-TOF mass signatures for differentiation of yeast species, strain grouping and monitoring of morphogenesis markers

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) is demonstrated to be a potentially useful tool for the rapid identification of yeasts, the grouping of Candida albicans strains, and the monitoring of germ tube-specific markers. Co-crystallized with sinapinic acid as the MALDI matrix, intact yeast cells yielded a sufficient number of medium-sized ions (4-15 kDa) in MALDI mass spectra to provide "mass signatures" that were diagnostic of strain type. For most isolates, the mass signatures were affected by the growth medium, length of incubation and the cell preparation method. While the overall past success of this methodology for fungal cells has been relatively low compared to its application to bacteria, fixing the yeast cells in 50% methanol inactivated the cells, reduced cell aggregation in aqueous suspension solution, and more importantly, it significantly improved the mass signature quality. This simple but critical advance in sample treatment improved mass spectrometric signal-to-noise ratios and allowed the identification of yeasts by a mass signature approach. Under optimized conditions, Candida species (C. albicans, C. glabrata, C. krusei, C. kefyr), Aspergillus species (A. terreus, A. fumigatus, A. syndowii) and other yeast genera (Cryptococcus neoformans, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and a Rhodotorula sp.) could be distinguished. Within the C. albicans species, several common ions in the m/z 5,000-10,000 range were apparent in the mass spectra of all tested strains. In addition to shared ions, the mass spectra of individual C. albicans strains permitted grouping of the strains. Principal component analysis (PCA) was employed to confirm spectral reproducibility and C. albicans strain grouping by mass signatures. Finally, C. albicans germ tubes produced MALDI-TOF mass signatures that differed from yeast forms of this species. This is a rapid, sensitive and simple method for identifying yeasts, grouping strains and following the morphogenesis of C. albicans.
Combining and selecting forecasting models using rule based induction

Abstract As inaccurate forecasts can lead to lost business and inefficient operations, it is imperative that forecasts be as accurate as possible. A major problem however, is that no single forecasting method is the most accurate for every data time series. Thus, generating a forecast is often an uncertain affair, involving the use of heuristics by human experts and/or the consistent use of forecasting models whose accuracy may or may not be the most accurate for that time series. To compound matters, the best forecasts are often produced by combining forecasting models. This research describes the use of an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based technique, rule-based induction, to improve forecasting accuracy. By using training sets of time series (and their features), induced rules were created to predict the most appropriate forecasting method or combination of methods for new time series. The results of this experiment, which appear promising, are presented, together with guidelines for its practical application. Potential benefits include dramatic reductions in the effort and cost of forecasting; the provision of an expert ‘assistant’ for specialist forecasters; and increases in forecasting accuracy.
Bliss points vs. minimum needs: Tests of competing motivational models.

Abstract This paper tests two competing hypotheses concerning the motivational forces underlying concurrent choice behavior: a generalized version of Staddon's minimum-distance hypothesis, which characterizes behavior in terms of minimizing the distance to a “bliss” point, and a generalized minimum-needs hypothesis, which emphasizes meeting minimum survival requirements first, after which the organism is free to allocate behavior in any fashion desired. The models specify distinctly different preference structures. The generalized minimum-needs hypothesis is shown to provide a superior fit to molar choice data from experiments involving food and fluid consumption.
Association Between Weight Loss and Improvement of Ventricular Systolic Function in Advanced Heart Failure

In heart failure (HF), longitudinal changes in ventricular ejection fraction are poorly studied. The authors' objective was to document the dynamic changes in systolic function of both ventricles during acute HF and after a 3-month follow-up period, and to identify factors associated with ventricular improvement. A limited access dataset from the Evaluation Study of Congestive Heart Failure and Pulmonary Artery Catheterization Effectiveness (ESCAPE) trial provided by The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute was analyzed. In patients admitted to the hospital with acute HF, both ventricles were evaluated by echocardiography on admission, at discharge, and at 3 months. From baseline to 3 months, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) increased in 43.4% of patients, decreased in 23.9%, and remained unchanged in 32.7%. Similarly, right ventricular systolic function improved in 40.9%, deteriorated in 25.0%, and remained stable in 34.1%. Weight loss during index admission and cardiac index/cardiac output increase were the only factors associated with LVEF improvement from baseline to month 3. There was no difference between ischemic and nonischemic etiology. In acute HF, ischemic or nonischemic, systolic function of the ventricles improved during 3 months in about 40% of patients and remained unchanged or deteriorated in the rest. Weight loss and increase in cardiac index/output during hospitalization was associated with improvement in LVEF.
On The Sense and Reference of A Logical Constant

Syntax precedes truth-theoretic semantics when it comes to understanding a logical constant. A constant in a language is logical iff its sense is entirely constituted by certain deductive rules. To be sense-constitutive, deductive rules governing a constant must meet certain conditions; those that do so are sense-constitutive by virtue of understanders' conditional dispositions to feel compelled to accept certain formulae. Acceptance is a cognitive formula-attitude. Since acceptance requires understanding, and a formula can contain more than one occurrence of logical constants, this account involves a ‘local holism’, but no circularity. I argue that no logical constant is ambiguous between a classical and a constructive sense; but I allow that one constant may have distinct classical and constructive ‘semantic values’. A logical constant's sense helps to determine its semantic value, but only together with certain constraints on satisfaction and frustration; it seems that the latter must include ‘convention T’-style schemata.
Evidence for an Historical Occurrence of the Meadow Jumping Mouse (Zapus Hudsonius Luteus) in the Verde River Watershed, Arizona

The meadow jumping mouse (Zapus hudsonius luteus) is a riparian obligate with a fragmented distribution in the American Southwest. Because of recent rapid declines in populations, it is a candidate for federal protection under the Endangered Species Act. In Arizona, its known distribution has been restricted to the White Mountains region in the east central part of the state. I present evidence for an historical occurrence of jumping mice in the Verde River watershed, Yavapai County, in west central Arizona. Evidence includes record of a specimen collected by Edgar Mearns in the 1880s, a 1944 report of parasites collected from jumping mice in Yavapai County, and a phylogeographic history that is consistent with an occurrence in the region, including an ecological niche model that predicted suitable conditions for Z. h. luteus in the upper Verde River watershed during the last glacial maximum. Field surveys should be conducted to determine if Z. h. luteus currently exists within the Verde River watershed.
Trends in antimicrobial resistance, phage types and integrons among Salmonella serotypes from pigs, 1997–2000

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to determine antimicrobial resistance and to identify phage types and class 1 integrons among non-typhoidal Salmonella isolates from 24 pig farms in North Carolina collected between 1997 and 2000. Methods: A total of 1314 isolates of 30 serotypes from pig faecal samples were collected and analysed over a 3 year period. The isolates were characterized using antimicrobial susceptibility testing, phage typing, PCR and DNA sequencing for class 1 integrons. Results: A high frequency of resistance to antimicrobial agents including tetracycline (85%), ampicillin (47%), co-amoxiclav (23%) and chloramphenicol (21%) was detected. Two multidrug resistance patterns were common in Typhimurium (including variant Copenhagen): isolates with co-amoxiclav, ampicillin, chlor- amphenicol, streptomycin, sulfamethoxazole and tetracycline (R-type AxACSSuT) (36%) and isolates with ampicillin, kanamycin, streptomycin, sulfamethoxazole and tetracycline (R-type AKSSuT) (45%) resistance patterns. Definitive Type 104 (DT104) was the most common (34%) among eight phage types identified. AKSSuT was found among non-DT104 phage types, particularly DT21 and DT193. Class 1 integrons were detected among various serotypes including Typhimurium, Derby, Muenchen, Worthington, Bere and Muenster. aadA was the most common resistance gene insert, and the oxa30 β-lactamase resistance gene was also identified among serovar Muenchen. Conclusions: In this study, two most important multidrug resistance patterns (AxACSSuT and AKSSuT) and phage types of public health significance (DT104 and DT193) constituted two-thirds of the serotype Typhimu- rium isolates. The findings imply that pigs raised in the commercial production system may pose a risk in serving as reservoirs of resistant Salmonella.
Phosphorus‐containing polyurethans

Phosphorus-containing polyurethans of the formula were prepared by interfacial polymerization of 1,4-butanebischloroformate and p-xylylene-α, α-bischloroformate with bis(m-aminophenyl)alkylphosphine oxides. The polymers had number average molecular weights up to 8600. A test of the stability to alkali of one of the polymers (RCH3, X1,4-C6H4) showed it to be as resistant as nonphosphorus analogs, and a film of this polymer exhibited self-extinguishing properties. Thermal degradation of the phosphorus polymers, which began at approximately 230°C, occurred by an initial first-order process, releasing chiefly carbon dioxide. The energies of activation for the maximum rates of weight loss were 31–37 kcal/mole.
Estrogen Receptor Activation Function 1 Works by Binding p160 Coactivator Proteins

Estrogen receptor-alpha contains two transactivation functions, a weak constitutive activation function (AF-1) and a hormone-dependent activation function (AF-2). AF-2 works by recruiting a large coactivator complex, composed of one or more p160s, CREB-binding protein (CBP)/p300, and P/CAF (p300 and CBP-associated factor), via direct contacts with the p160s. We report here that independent AF-1 activity also requires p160 contacts. Unlike AF-2, which binds signature NR boxes in the center of the p160 molecule, AF-1 binds to sequences near the p160 C terminus. We propose that the ability of AF-1 and AF-2 to interact with separate surfaces of the same coactivator is important for the ability of these transactivation functions to synergize.
The use of montelukast as a steroid sparing agent for recurrent eosinophilic gastroenteritis

The use of montelukast as a steroid sparing agent for recurrent eosinophilic gastroenteritis
Methylprednisolone treatments alter apomorphine-induced circling in the rat model of 6-hydroxydopamine-induced striatal denervation.

Intrastriatal injection of 6-hydroxydopamine causes significant depletion of dopamine which is associated with contralateral apomorphine-induced rotation in rats. Pretreatment with methylprednisolone (MP) causes almost complete elimination of the apomorphine-induced behavioral responses. In addition, there were significant differences between the lateralization effects of the neurotoxin on the levels of striatal dopamine. These results suggest that MP may have ameliorative effects against the motoric behavioral changes associated with the intrastrial injection of 6-OHDA.
Validating One-On-One GPS Instruction Methodology for Natural Resource Area Assessments Using Forestry Undergraduate Students

Undergraduate students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Forestry (BSF) at Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA) attend an intensive 6-week residential hands-on instruction in applied field methods. The intensive 6-week instruction includes learning how to use the Global Positioning System (GPS) with a Garmin eTrex HCx GPS unit to accurately calculate area. Students were instructed how to assess the accuracy of their GPS collected waypoints by calculating the Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) comparing their GPS collected area measurements with instructor on-screen digitized area. Student’s average area RMSE between digitized and GPS derived area was 0.015 hectares, whereas instructor’s average area RMSE between digitized and GPS derived area was 0.015 hectares. Over 76% of students measured GPS area was within 5% of instructor on-screen digitized area. No difference between the students and instructors area RMSE of 0.015 hectares and high level of agreement between student measured GPS area and instructor on-screen digitized area: (1) indicates students receiving hands-on instruction in GPS applications can record accurate area measurements after only a limited 2 hour introduction; (2) the accuracy of the Garmin eTrex HCx GPS unit is not user dependent; and, (3) validates the interactive hands-on instruction methodology employed at SFA.
Limits to resolution in composition and density in ultra high-pressure experiments on natural mantle-rock samples

We compressed and analyzed an undepleted natural peridotite—thought to be representative of the Earth’s upper mantle— from ∼25 to 110 GPa and heated to 2000–2500 K. Scatter in zero-pressure unit-cell volumes observed for high-pressure phases synthesized from peridotite, of ±0.4% for orthorhombic perovskite and ±0.8% for magnesiowustite, can be ascribed to compositional heterogeneity in the natural starting material and its transformation products (calcium perovskite was also observed at high pressures, but does not quench to zero pressure). The scatter is larger than the measurement uncertainties, which are as little as ±0.1%, but is less than would be expected from the variation in composition among distinct minerals if the starting material had failed to equilibrate upon transformation to the high-pressure assemblage (e.g., up to ±0.6–0.8% in volume for orthorhombic perovskite). The equilibrium unit-cell volume of orthorhombic perovskite calculated from an average of electron microprobe analyses on the quenched samples, 163.3 (±0.6) A 3 , agrees to within 0.4% with the average value measured from the same samples by X-ray diffraction at zero pressure (163.9 ± 0. 7A 3 ). Similarly, values of zero-pressure density for the whole-rock assemblage of high-pressure phases are identical (4.13 ± 0.03 g/cm 3 ), whether derived from
Recursive structure of noncausal Gauss-Markov random fields

An approach is developed for noncausal Gauss-Markov random fields (GMRFs) that enables the use of recursive procedures while retaining the noncausality of the field. Recursive representations are established that are equivalent to the original field. This is achieved by first presenting a canonical representation for GMRFs that is based on the inverse of the covariance matrix, which is called the potential matrix. It is this matrix rather than the field covariance that reflects in a natural way the MRF structure. From its properties, two equivalent one-sided representations are derived, each of which is obtained as the successive iterates of a Riccati-type equation. For homogeneous fields, these unilateral descriptions are symmetrized versions of each other, the study of only one Riccati equation being required. It is proven that this Riccati equation converges at a geometric rate, therefore the one-sided representations are asymptotically invariant. These unilateral representations make it possible to process the fields with well-known recursive techniques such as Kalman-Bucy filters and two-point smoothers. >
A Novel Human Opsin in the Inner Retina

Here we report the identification of a novel human opsin, melanopsin, that is expressed in cells of the mammalian inner retina. The human melanopsin gene consists of 10 exons and is mapped to chromosome 10q22. This chromosomal localization and gene structure differs significantly from that of other human opsins that typically have four to seven exons. A survey of 26 anatomical sites indicates that, in humans, melanopsin is expressed only in the eye. In situ hybridization histochemistry shows that melanopsin expression is restricted to cells within the ganglion and amacrine cell layers of the primate and murine retinas. Notably, expression is not observed in retinal photoreceptor cells, the opsin-containing cells of the outer retina that initiate vision. The unique inner retinal localization of melanopsin suggests that it is not involved in image formation but rather may mediate nonvisual photoreceptive tasks, such as the regulation of circadian rhythms and the acute suppression of pineal melatonin. The anatomical distribution of melanopsin-positive retinal cells is similar to the pattern of cells known to project from the retina to the suprachiasmatic nuclei of the hypothalamus, a primary circadian pacemaker.
Synthesis and evaluation of a new bifunctional NETA chelate for molecular targeted radiotherapy using90Y or177Lu

Abstract Introduction Therapeutic potential of β-emitting cytotoxic radionuclides 90 Y and 177 Lu has been demonstrated in numerous preclinical and clinical trials. A bifunctional chelate that can effectively complex with the radioisotopes is a critical component for molecular targeted radiotherapy 90 Y and 177 Lu. A new bifunctional chelate 5p- C -NETA with a relatively long alkyl spacer between the chelating backbone and the functional unit for conjugation to a tumor targeting moiety was synthesized. 5p- C -NETA was conjugated to a model targeting moiety, a cyclic Arg-Gly-Asp-D-Tyr-Lys (RGDyK) peptide binding integrin α v β 3 protein overexpressed on various cancers. 5p- C -NETA was conjugated to c (RGDyK) peptide and evaluated for potential use in molecular targeted radiotherapy of 90 Y and 177 Lu. Methods 5p- C -NETA conjugated with c (RGDyK) was evaluated in vitro for radiolabeling, serum stability, binding affinity, and the result of the in vitro studies of 5p- C -NETA- c (RGDyK) was compared to that of 3p- C -NETA- c (RGDyK). 177 Lu-5p- C -NETA- c (RGDyK) was further evaluated for in vivo biodistribution using gliobastoma bearing mice. Result The new chelate rapidly and tightly bound to a cytotoxic radioisotope for cancer therapy, 90 Y or 177 Lu with excellent radiolabeling efficiency and maximum specific activity under mild condition (>99%, RT, 90 Y- and 177 Lu-radiolabeled complexes of the new chelator remained stable in human serum without any loss of the radiolanthanide for 14days. Introduction of the tumor targeting RGD moiety to the new chelator made little impact on complexation kinetics and stability with 90 Y or 177 Lu. 177 Lu-radiolabeled 5p- C -NETA- c (RGDyK) conjugate was shown to target tumors in mice and produced a favorable in vivo stability profile. Conclusion The results of in vitro and in vivo evaluation suggest that 5p- C -NETA is an effective bifunctional chelate of 90 Y and 177 Lu that can be applied for generation of versatile molecular targeted radiopharmaceuticals.
Ethnic Identity as a Protective Factor in the Lives of Asian American Adolescents

This study examined the buffering role of ethnic identity for Asian American adolescents living in an emerging immigrant community. A sample of 176 Asian American ninth graders completed self-report measures assessing ethnic identity, stressors (i.e., perceived racial/ethnic discrimination; economic stress), and mental health outcomes (i.e., depressive symptoms, self-esteem) at two time points a year apart. The study tested whether ethnic identity moderated the relationships between discrimination and economic stress and mental health outcomes. Ethnic identity did not buffer or exacerbate the relationship between discrimination and mental health outcomes, and discrimination was a consistent predictor of concurrent functioning. However, ethnic identity served both to buffer and to exacerbate in predicting mental health outcomes when youth reported high levels of economic stress. These findings suggest that it is important to further examine the role of ethnic identity for youth facing high levels of economic stress, especially in emerging immigrant communities.
Social Orientation: Problem Behavior and Motivations Toward Interpersonal Problem Solving Among High Risk Adolescents

A model of problematic adolescent behavior that expands current theories of social skill deficits in delinquent behavior to consider both social skills and orientation toward the use of adaptive skills was examined in an ethnically and socioeconomically diverse sample of 113 male and female adolescents. Adolescents were selected on the basis of moderate to serious risk for difficulties in social adaptation in order to focus on the population of youth most likely to be targeted by prevention efforts. Structural equation modeling was used to examine cross-sectional data using multiple informants (adolescents, peers, and parents) and multiple methods (performance test and self-report). Adolescent social orientation, as reflected in perceived problem solving effectiveness, identification with adult prosocial values, and self-efficacy expectations, exhibited a direct association to delinquent behavior and an indirect association to drug involvement mediated by demonstrated success in using problem solving skills. Results suggest that the utility of social skill theories of adolescent problem behaviors for informing preventive and remedial interventions can be enhanced by expanding them to consider adolescents' orientation toward using the skills they may already possess.
Semiconducting graphite oxide films for large scale carbon based electronics

Single sheet graphite oxide films are synthesized by intercalation and exfoliation routes of graphite. Those insulating graphite oxide films were deposited on SiO2/Si substrates and reduced to semiconducting graphene. Field effect transistors of these graphite oxide and graphene films were fabricated. The transport properties of the devices were studied before and after the reduction reaction. Such method opens up the possibility of preparing high quality, large area and manufacturable graphene films with low cost.
Risk assessment: Simultaneously prioritizing the control of invasive plant species and the conservation of rare plant species

Although the consequences of the homogenization of Earth’s flora and fauna are not well understood, experts agree that biological invasions pose hazards to rare species. As a result, there is a need for a systematic approach to assess risks from invasive species. The Relative Risk Model can be adapted to assess combinations of rare species, invasive species, and regions. It also can be applied to different taxonomic groups and at different spatial scales. This flexibility makes it a promising tool for invasive species risk assessment. We used the Relative Risk Model to quantify risks posed to endangered plant species by non-indigenous invasive plant species in Nebraska. We modeled the suitable habitats for eight invasive plant species, which we subsequently compared to documented occurrences of endangered plant species in a Geographic Information System. We combined this data with an assessment of the ecological impacts of each invasive species in a regional risk assessment framework to simultaneously calculate relative risk scores for invasive plant species, imperiled plant species, and subregions. We assessed uncertainty with Monte Carlo simulations. The results of this assessment are discrete values indicating the relative threat posed by invasive species to rare species, the relative risk posed to the rare species, and the relative risk in subregions. Results indicate that the invasive species Elaeagnus angustifolia and Rhamnus cathartica pose the greatest risks to endangered plants in Nebraska. The rare species Panax quinquefolius and the subregion Western Corn Belt Plains show the highest risk scores.
Perceptions and plans for prevention of Ebola: results from a national survey

Literature suggests that Americans may have higher levels of perceived threat to Ebola than are warranted. We surveyed 1018 U.S. adults from a nationally representative Internet panel about their knowledge, perceived threat, and behavioral intentions during the 2014 Ebola outbreak. Eighty-six percent of respondents knew that Ebola could be transmitted through blood and bodily fluids. However, a large percentage had some inaccurate knowledge and 19 % believed Ebola would spread to the U.S. Respondents favored mandatory quarantine (63 %) and travel bans (55 %). Confidence in the ability of the media and government to accurately report on or prevent a U.S. epidemic was low. Fifty-two percent intended to engage in behaviors such as avoiding public transportation. Despite low perceived susceptibility, half intended to engage in behaviors to prevent transmission and large numbers favored policies not currently recommended by health officials. The extreme nature of Ebola virus likely motivated people to engage in behaviors and favor policies that were not necessary given the low risk of transmission in the U.S. Health officials should ensure the public has accurate information about Ebola and bolster confidence in the government’s ability to control infectious diseases in case of a future outbreak in the U.S.
Formulation and rheological evaluation of ethosome-loaded carbopol hydrogel for transdermal application.

AbstractObjective: To select a suitable ethosome-loaded Carbopol hydrogel formulation, specifically tailored for transdermal application that exhibits (i) plastic flow with yield stress of approximately 50–80 Pa at low polymer concentration, (ii) relatively frequency independent elastic (G′) and viscous (G″) properties and (iii) thermal stability.Methods: Carbopol (C71, C934, C941, C971 or C974) hydrogels were prepared by dispersing Carbopol in distilled water followed neutralization by sodium hydroxide. The effects of Carbopol grade, Carbopol concentration, ethosome addition and temperature on flow (yield stress and viscosity) and viscoelastic (G′ and G″) properties of Carbopol hydrogel were evaluated. Based on the aforementioned rheological properties evaluated, suitable ethosome-loaded Carbopol hydrogel was selected. In-vitro permeation studies of diclofenac using rat skin were further conducted on ethosome-loaded Carbopol hydrogel along with diclofenac-loaded ethosomal formulation as control.Results: ...
Effects of ankle destabilization devices and rehabilitation on gait biomechanics in chronic ankle instability patients: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract Patients with chronic ankle instability (CAI) have altered gait patterns, which are characterized by increased inversion positioning during gait. Ankle destabilization devices increase peroneus longus muscle activation during gait, which may increase eversion. Objective To determine whether incorporating destabilization devices into a 4-week impairment-based rehabilitation program has beneficial effects on gait biomechanics and surface electromyography (sEMG) compared to impairment-based rehabilitation without destabilization devices in CAI patients. Design Randomized controlled trial. Setting Laboratory. Participants Twenty-six CAI patients. Outcome measures Patients completed baseline gait trials and were randomized into no device or device groups. Groups completed 4-weeks of rehabilitation with or without devices, and then completed post-intervention gait trials. Lower extremity sagittal and frontal plane kinematics and kinetics and sEMG activity were measured. Results The device group increased dorsiflexion during mid-late stance and had lower normalized sEMG amplitude for the peroneus longus during early stance and mid-swing after rehabilitation. The no device group had less peroneus brevis sEMG activity during early stance after rehabilitation. Conclusion Incorporating destabilization devices in a 4-week rehabilitation program was an effective method of improving dorsiflexion during the stance phase of gait. However, impairment-based rehabilitation, regardless of instability tool, was not effective at improving frontal plane motion.
Characterization and classification of sonar targets using ellipsoid features

We present a geometry-inspired characterization of target response for active sonar that exploits similarity between intra-class features to distinguish between different targets against environmental objects such as a rock. Key innovation is to represent feature manifolds as a set of ellipsoids, each of which geometrically encompasses a unique physical characteristic of the target's response. We have demonstrated over experimental field data that for a given target class, these feature ellipsoids exhibit significant clustering behavior that may be exploited to distinguish the target against other distinct target classes or non-targets that commonly contribute to environmental clutter.
Edelfosine Promotes Apoptosis in Androgen-Deprived Prostate Tumors by Increasing ATF3 and Inhibiting Androgen Receptor Activity

Edelfosine is a synthetic alkyl-lysophospholipid that possesses significant antitumor activity in several human tumor models. Here, we investigated the effects of edelfosine combined with androgen deprivation (AD) in LNCaP and VCaP human prostate cancer cells. This treatment regimen greatly decreased cell proliferation compared with single agent or AD alone, resulting in higher levels of apoptosis in LNCaP compared with VCaP cells. Edelfosine caused a dose-dependent decrease in AKT activity, but did not affect the expression of total AKT in either cell line. Furthermore, edelfosine treatment inhibited the expression of androgen receptor (AR) and was associated with an increase in activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) expression levels, a stress response gene and a negative regulator of AR transactivation. ATF3 binds to AR after edelfosine + AD and represses the transcriptional activation of AR as demonstrated by PSA promoter studies. Knockdown of ATF3 using siRNA-ATF3 reversed the inhibition of PSA promoter activity, suggesting that the growth inhibition effect of edelfosine was ATF3 dependent. Moreover, expression of AR variant 7 (ARv7) and TMPRSS2-ERG fusion gene were greatly inhibited after combined treatment with AD and edelfosine in VCaP cells. In vivo experiments using an orthotopic LNCaP model confirmed the antitumor effects of edelfosine + AD over the individual treatments. A significant decrease in tumor volume and PSA levels was observed when edelfosine and AD were combined, compared with edelfosine alone. Edelfosine shows promise in combination with AD for the treatment of prostate cancer patients. Mol Cancer Ther; 15(6); 1353-63. ©2016 AACR.
Kinetic Solvent Isotope Effect in Human P450 CYP17A1-Mediated Androgen Formation: Evidence for a Reactive Peroxoanion Intermediate

Human steroid hormone biosynthesis is the result of a complex series of chemical transformations operating on cholesterol, with key steps mediated by members of the cytochrome P450 superfamily. In the formation of the male hormone dehydroepiandrosterone, pregnenolone is first hydroxylated by P450 CYP17A1 at the 17-carbon, followed a second round of catalysis by the same enzyme that cleaves the C17–C20 bond, releasing acetic acid and the 17-keto product. In order to explore the mechanism of this C–C “lyase” activity, we investigated the kinetic isotope effect on the steady-state turnover of Nanodisc-incorporated CYP17A1. Our experiments revealed the expected small positive (∼1.3) isotope effect for the hydroxylase chemistry. However, a surprising result was the large inverse isotope effect (∼0.39) observed for the C–C bond cleavage activity. These results strongly suggest that the P450 reactive intermediate involved in this latter step is an iron-bound ferric peroxoanion.
Image updating for brain deformation compensation in tumor resection

Preoperative magnetic resonance images (pMR) are typically used for intraoperative guidance in image-guided neurosurgery, the accuracy of which can be significantly compromised by brain deformation. Biomechanical finite element models (FEM) have been developed to estimate whole-brain deformation and produce model-updated MR (uMR) that compensates for brain deformation at different surgical stages. Early stages of surgery, such as after craniotomy and after dural opening, have been well studied, whereas later stages after tumor resection begins remain challenging. In this paper, we present a method to simulate tumor resection by incorporating data from intraoperative stereovision (iSV). The amount of tissue resection was estimated from iSV using a "trial-and-error" approach, and the cortical shift was measured from iSV through a surface registration method using projected images and an optical flow (OF) motion tracking algorithm. The measured displacements were employed to drive the biomechanical brain deformation model, and the estimated whole-brain deformation was subsequently used to deform pMR and produce uMR. We illustrate the method using one patient example. The results show that the uMR aligned well with iSV and the overall misfit between model estimates and measured displacements was 1.46 mm. The overall computational time was ~5 min, including iSV image acquisition after resection, surface registration, modeling, and image warping, with minimal interruption to the surgical flow. Furthermore, we compare uMR against intraoperative MR (iMR) that was acquired following iSV acquisition.
Teens’ explorations of gender and sexual identities in conversations about/around preferred texts

This discourse analysis examines teens’ explorations of gender and sexual identities through their talk about their preferred texts accessed in the Young Adult section of a Midwestern public library. The discourse data collected over a two year period and analyzed using a recursive, ethnographic-style approach is informed by queer theory and New Literacy Studies. The practices of teens in the library complicate popular and scholarly discourse that constructs teens as peer-oriented, hormonally-controlled, and transitioning into adulthood. Their practices illustrate savvy, individual choices that allow teens to subvert the heterosexual norms of the adult controlled schools. The close connection between literacy choices and identity implies a need for educators to advocate for adolescents’ access to their preferred texts.
Transient Effect of Calcium Influx on PIP2 Clusters in the Inner Plasma Membrane Leaflet of Intact Cells

Phospjatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphated(PIP2) is known to interact with many cytoskeletal proteins electrostatically. When calcium ion channels open, local calcium levels are estimated up to 500uM. Experiments in model lipid bilayer have shown that such calcium level is sufficient to affect PIP2 in the inner leaflet of plasma membrane (PM).PM is a complex lipid protein mixture in which at least two mechanisms create lateral order: interactions between lipid acyl-chains, stabilized by cholesterol, lead to transient submicroscopic nano-domains, and head-group interactions of charged lipids with divalent ions may cluster lipids. In addition, membrane cytoskeleton may impose further structure on membrane. Here we study influence of calcium on formation of PIP2 clusters in intact cells. We study changes of domains over time and upon calcium channel activation by analyzing diffusion of GFP-tagged inner-leaflet membrane proteins. Using bimFCS, developed by us, we measure diffusion on multiple length scales simultaneously to derive information about domains. To study formation of PIP2 clusters in the PM, we use GFP-PHPLCdelta to directly mark PIP2. We observe that opening TRPV1 channels leads to a transient rise in calcium as imaged using GCaMP5G, increases interaction strength between GFP-PHPLCdelta and PIP2 domains, which decreases to base lines within 1-2 minutes. Using ionophores, we determine that the increasing interaction strength is due to calcium-PIP2 interaction. By Vinculin depletion or actin filaments (de-)polymerization, we find that both anchor proteins and actin filaments play important roles in PIP2 clusters, and the formation of larger PIP2 clusters can potentially further activate Plasma membrane Ca2+ ATPase. These results suggest that in intact cells, calcium ions are able to induce changes of PIP2 clusters that are also regulated by cytoskeleton structure, changes of PIP2 clusters can further affect other signaling events.
Higher Doses of Fish Oil–Based Lipid Emulsions Used to Treat Inadequate Weight Gain and Rising Triene:Tetraene Ratio in a Severely Malnourished Infant With Intestinal Failure–Associated Liver Disease

Fish oil-based lipid emulsions (FOLEs) have been used to treat cholestasis in children with intestinal failure-associated liver disease (IFALD). When FOLEs are dosed at 1 g/kg/d, essential fatty acid (EFA) deficiency typically does not occur. We describe the clinical course of a severely malnourished parenteral nutrition-dependent infant with IFALD. Baseline EFA panels were normal upon starting FOLE at 1 g/kg/d. Despite biochemical improvement in IFALD, weight velocity was below target and biochemical EFA status worsened, even after correction for other factors affecting weight. The FOLE dose was increased to 1.5 g/kg/d, resulting in improvement of weight velocity and EFA status. This suggests that in severely malnourished infants being treated for IFALD, higher doses of FOLE may be required for adequate growth and to prevent EFA deficiency.
Romanticism and the Human Sciences: Dead poets and other romantic populations: immortality and its discontents

Eternity and immortality are phrases to which it is impossible for us to annex any distinct ideas, and the more we attempt to explain them, the more we shall find ourselves involved in contradiction. William Godwin, Political Justice The temporal immortality of the human soul, that is to say, its eternal survival after death, is not only in no way guaranteed, but this assumption in the first place will not do for us what we always tried to make it do. Ludwig Wittgenstein, Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus Death is a displaced name for a linguistic predicament. Paul de Man, “Autobiography as De-Facement” Wordsworth's “Ode: Intimations of Immortality from Recollections of Early Childhood” still stands as perhaps the representative English Romantic lyric. Less well known to non-specialists is Percy Shelley's powerful, disturbed response to Wordsworth and to Wordsworthian immortality, the long allegorical poem “Alastor; or, the Spirit of Solitude.” In Shelley's poem, a Wordsworthian spirit of solitude, in the person of a self-involved but sincerely questing poet, meets a bad end and goes to an “untimely tomb” (50). Whereas Wordsworth's Immortality Ode enacts the complex movements of a consciousness variously dejected, exultant, sobered, yet ultimately solaced by “the faith that looks through death” (187), Shelley's allegory polemically depicts a spirit permanently alienated, a poet prematurely yet decisively dead. From Wordsworth, intimations of immortality recollected from early childhood; from Shelley, a critical death, an insistence on mortality unredeemed and unredeeming.
Preparation and optimisation of anionic liposomes for delivery of small peptides and cDNA to human corneal epithelial cells

AbstractDrug delivery to corneal epithelial cells is challenging due to the intrinsic mechanisms that protect the eye. Here, we report a novel liposomal formulation to encapsulate and deliver a short sequence peptide into human corneal epithelial cells (hTCEpi). Using a mixture of Phosphatidylcholine/Caproylamine/Dioleoylphosphatidylethanolamine (PC/CAP/DOPE), we encapsulated a fluorescent peptide, resulting in anionic liposomes with an average size of 138.8 ± 34 nm and a charge of −18.2 ± 1.3 mV. After 2 h incubation with the peptide-encapsulated liposomes, 66% of corneal epithelial (hTCEpi) cells internalised the FITC-labelled peptide, demonstrating the ability of this formulation to effectively deliver peptide to hTCEpi cells. Additionally, lipoplexes (liposomes complexed with plasmid DNA) were also able to transfect hTCEpi cells, albeit at a modest level (8% of the cells). Here, we describe this novel anionic liposomal formulation intended to enhance the delivery of small cargo molecules in situ.
A lightweight protocol for data integrity in sensor networks

We present a novel lightweight protocol for data integrity in wireless sensor networks. Our protocol is based on a leapfrog strategy in which each cluster head verifies if its previous node has preserved the integrity of the packet using the secret key it shares with the two hop uptree node. The proposed protocol is simple. The analysis and simulation results show that the protocol needs very few header bits, as low as three bits, thus resulting in negligible bandwidth overhead; the protocol poses very low computational overhead, it needs to compute just a hash as compared to multiple complex operations required by any cryptographic implementation for verifying authenticity.
Psychoneuroimmunology of Stress and Psychodermatologic Disorders

Psychoneuroimmunology is an emerging subspecialty of immunology that has a major significance for any physician including psychiatrists and dermatologists. As nowhere the finer imprints of neuroimmunology become visibly apparent then in form of a primary skin disease caused by stress or a secondary skin lesion caused also by stress but mediated through a psychiatric disease. As dermatologist we know that a significant number of our patients wanting a cure for their dermatologic issues comes to us with heavy burden of stress and psychological issues perpetuating their dermatologic condition making it impossible to make much progress in treating these conditions. We are still at the beginning of our understanding of the sophisticated interactions between skin, body, and psyche and how they play a role in our day to day practice but psychoneuroimmunology helps us understand these multidirectional processes which are interdependent on each other and unless we pay attention to some very basic issues like th role of stress in our patient’s lives and how it impact their disease process, compliance with treatment, response to treatment and improvement in their quality of life we may not be fully able to help our patients. This chapter provides a brief overview of psychoneuroimmunology especially in context of psychodermatologic conditions. It reviews psychological perspectives of skin disease while examining interconnections between skin and mind, and different components of psychoneuroimmunology, including neuroendocrine system, central and peripheral nervous systems, and immunology.