cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Accelerometer-determined moderate intensity lifestyle activity and cardiometabolic health.

Abstract Objective Objective To assess the relationship between moderate intensity lifestyle activity (LA) and cardiometabolic health using accelerometer data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005–2006. Methods One thousand three hundred and seventy-one adults (50% men; 71% non-Hispanic white) provided valid data to quantify time in LA [760–2019 counts per minute (CPM)] and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA; ≥ 2020 CPM). Associations between LA [minutes per day (min/day); steps per day (steps/day)], and cardiometabolic risk factors [triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C), blood pressure, glucose, waist circumference], metabolic syndrome, self-reported hypertension and diabetes were investigated using logistic regression. Analyses were adjusted for age, gender, race/ethnicity, and MVPA categories. Results Greater time in LA (min/day), independent from MVPA, was associated with lower odds of elevated triglycerides (OR,95% CI per 30 LA minutes: 0.89,0.83–0.97), low HDL-C (0.87,0.83–0.92), elevated waist circumference (0.88,0.83–0.94), metabolic syndrome (0.87,0.80–0.96), and diabetes (0.67,0.55–0.82). The same cardiometabolic risk factors were also significantly associated with LA steps/day. No significant association was found between LA (min/day or steps/day) and glucose or blood pressure. Conclusion Accumulation of time or steps in LA is independently related to lower odds for certain cardiometabolic risk factors. Research should consider the effects of increasing LA, which could influence future physical activity recommendations.
Hypoxia and an angiogenic response in the partially obstructed rat bladder.

Previous molecular and blood flow studies performed on animal models of partial bladder outlet obstruction (PBOO) caused us to propose that bladder hypoxia/ischemia was a significant effector of the cellular and functional changes that occur in the bladder as a result of this condition. To confirm the occurrence of hypoxia in the partially obstructed bladder, we obtained rat bladders at increasing intervals following PBOO and measured biomarkers of hypoxia (intracellular formation of hypoxyprobe-1 adducts and expression of hypoxia inducible factor-1α [HIF-1α] protein) and whether such hypoxia might elicit an angiogenic response in the tissue. Rats receiving PBOO or controls were treated with hypoxyprobe-1 at increasing intervals subsequent to surgery and their bladders were sectioned and immunostained using an antibody that detects hypoxyprobe-1 adducts. Control rat bladders were unstained, whereas intense, but regionally restricted, hypoxyprobe-1 immunostaining was detected in all obstructed bladders in a unique pattern that changed over time. Proteins were extracted from bladders removed from similarly treated rats and were analyzed for the expression of the HIF-1α protein as well as for expression of angiogenic regulatory factors (vascular endothelial growth factor, angiopoietin-1, and endostatin) using Western blotting techniques. HIF-1α protein was not expressed in control bladders, however, the protein was highly up-regulated over the 2-week period after PBOO. Likewise, the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (a downstream target of HIF-1α action) and angiopoietin-1 was also up-regulated in obstructed bladders confirming an angiogenic response to this hypoxia. Enigmatically, however, expression of the antiangiogenic molecule endostatin was also up-regulated by chronic PBOO. These results further support the concept that hypoxia is involved in the cellular remodeling as well as in the progressive functional impairment exhibited by the urinary bladder after PBOO.
Pediatric physical therapists' use of support walkers for children with disabilities: a nationwide survey.

Purpose This study investigated pediatric physical therapists' use of support walkers (SWs) for children with disabilities. Methods An 8-page survey was mailed to 2500 randomly selected members of the Section on Pediatrics of the American Physical Therapy Association. Respondents to the survey included 513 pediatric physical therapists who were users of SWs. Descriptive statistics were calculated and themes were analyzed. Results Several SWs were reported as used most often to improve gait, mobility, participation at school, and interaction with peers. Use commonly included a month trial before purchase and 9 sessions of physical therapy to train a child for use in school. Reasons given for the use of SWs were improving impairments, functional limitations, and participation with peers. Conclusions Pediatric physical therapists use SWs to increase postural control, mobility, and children's participation in school.
Migrant Thai Women Subjected to Slavery-Like Abuses in Japan

Through four women's firsthand accounts, this article explores the system of coercion employed by traffickingnetworks to exploit migrant Thai women's labor in the Japanese sex industry. Exorbitant “debts”—with manipulative repayment calculations and violent enforcement tactics'play a central role in this system, but the article also identifies a range of other factors that impede trafficked women's ability to protect themselves from abuse. Finally, the article highlights the strength and agency exhibited by the women as they struggle to protect themselves and support their families in the face of limited options and opportunity.
High-resolution photoacoustic tomography in vivo

An in vivo backward-mode photoacoustic microscope was recently developed that employs a high frequency, broadband, large numerical aperture (NA) focused ultrasonic transducer to provide high resolution and high sensitivity. However, out of the focus region, the limited depth of focus deteriorated the image quality significantly. Based on a virtual-detector concept, we devised and implemented a synthetic aperture focusing technique in combination with coherence weighting to overcome this drawback. This technique improved the -6-dB lateral resolution from 50-265 microns to 46-55 microns and increased the SNR by up to 23 dB. In vivo experiments showed that the technique provided a clearer representation of the vascular distribution in the dorsal dermis of a rat.
Oropharyngeal airway changes after rapid palatal expansion evaluated with cone-beam computed tomography.

Introduction The aims of this retrospective study were to use cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) to assess changes in the volume of the oropharynx in growing patients with maxillary constriction treated by rapid palatal expansion (RPE) and to compare them with changes in age- and sex-matched orthodontic patients. Methods The experimental group consisted of 24 patients (mean age, 12.8±1.88 years) with maxillary constriction who were treated with hyrax palatal expanders; the control group comprised 24 age- and sex-matched patients (mean age, 12.8±1.85 years) who were just starting regular orthodontic treatment. Beginning and progress CBCT scans, taken in the supine position, were analyzed with software to measure volume, length, and minimal cross-sectional area of the oropharyngeal airway. The 2 groups were compared with paired t tests. Results Only retropalatal airway volume was found to be significantly different between groups before treatment (P = 0.011), and this difference remained after treatment (P = 0.024). No other statistically significant differences were found relative to changes in volume, length, or minimum cross-sectional area of the oropharyngeal airway between the groups, but the molar-to-molar width after RPE increased significantly compared with the controls (P Conclusions Narrow oropharyngeal airways in growing patients with maxillary constriction was demonstrated. But there was no evidence to support the hypothesis that RPE could enlarge oropharyngeal airway volume.
Reevaluation of Species Delimitations in Dombeya Section Hilsenbergia (Dombeyaceae)

Dombeya section Hilsenbergia includes five species endemic to Madagascar and the Comoros that are characterized by pendulous inflorescences and long staminal tubes. Morphological data and previous molecular work support the inclusion of these species within Dombeya. Study of morphological characters previously used in the taxonomy of section Hilsenbergia found overlap in these characters among species and sometimes even significant variation within individuals or populations, leading to a broader circumscription of some species than that of previous workers. Incongruence between plastid and nuclear trees suggests the possibility of plastid introgression within section Hilsenbergia, and morphological data indicate potential hybridization, in areas of sympatry, among the three most widely-distributed species, D. baronii, D. cannabina, and D. hilsenbergii. Preliminary conservation assessments based on herbarium collections and field observations categorize D. wallichii as Critically Endangered and D. hafotsy as Endangered. This work summarizes the taxonomic history, morphology, nomenclature, and distribution of section Hilsenbergia and a dichotomous key to the species is provided.
Steno bredanensis (Cetacea: Delphinidae)

Steno bredanensis (Cuvier in Lesson, 1828) is a small odontocete commonly called the rough-toothed dolphin. A slender, gray dolphin with a slightly darker cape, this species is most easily distinguished from other small delphinids by a gradually sloping forehead and a long rostrum. It is the only species in the genus Steno. Despite reports of sightings or stranded specimens from all tropical and subtropical oceans, the species is thought to typically occur in low abundance. The conservation status of S. bredanensis is poorly known.
I/O bound binary tree layout

The authors propose a VLSI layout strategy for a full binary tree. This layout can support more border leaf processing elements (PEs) and thus can give a higher I-O bandwidth. It is superior to the H-tree layout in terms of the number of boundary leaves. The approach uses H-tree pattern for constructing subtree layouts and then combines a number of such subtrees following standard tree style to get a larger sized tree layout. Finally at the top level H-tree layout style is used to get the overall tree layout. Different I/O bandwidths can be obtained varying the subtree height. The authors derive expression for layout area, longest link and aspect ratio of the chip. It is observed that I/O bandwidth can be significantly increased without much area overhead using this approach. >
The EAP-GPRS protocol for tight integration of WLANs and 3G cellular networks

In this paper we propose and discuss a new extension of the extensible authentication protocol (EAP), referred to as EAP-GPRS (see also A. Salkintzis, "The EAP-GPRS Protocol"), which allows various types of messages (including UMTS RRC messages and GPRS LLC messages) to be embedded within EAP messages. One of the advantages of this protocol is that it can support signaling procedures embedded within a WLAN access control procedure and therefore facilitate fast handovers in cases when the WLAN is tightly coupled to a 3G cellular network.
Calmodulin binds HER2 and modulates HER2 signaling.

Abstract Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), a member of the ErbB family of receptor tyrosine kinases, has defined roles in neoplastic transformation and tumor progression. Overexpression of HER2 is an adverse prognostic factor in several human neoplasms and, particularly in breast cancer, correlates strongly with a decrease in overall patient survival. HER2 stimulates breast tumorigenesis by forming protein–protein interactions with a diverse array of intracellular signaling molecules, and evidence suggests that manipulation of these associations holds therapeutic potential. To modulate specific HER2 interactions, the region(s) of HER2 to which each target binds must be accurately identified. Calmodulin (CaM), a ubiquitously expressed Ca 2+ binding protein, interacts with multiple intracellular targets. Interestingly, CaM binds the juxtamembrane region of the epidermal growth factor receptor, a HER2 homolog. Here, we show that CaM interacts, in a Ca 2+ -regulated manner, with two distinct sites on the N-terminal portion of the HER2 intracellular domain. Deletion of residues 676–689 and 714–732 from HER2 prevented CaM–HER2 binding. Inhibition of CaM function or deletion of the CaM binding sites from HER2 significantly decreased both HER2 phosphorylation and HER2-stimulated cell growth. Collectively, these data suggest that inhibition of CaM–HER2 interaction may represent a rational therapeutic strategy for the treatment of patients with breast cancer. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: 11th European Symposium on Calcium.
Streamline similarity analysis using bag-of-features

Streamline similarity comparison has become an active research topic recently. We present a novel streamline similarity comparison method inspired by the bag-of-features idea from computer vision. Our approach computes a feature vector, spatially sensitive bag-of-features, for each streamline as its signature. This feature vector not only encodes the statistical distribution of combined features (e.g., curvature and torsion), it also contains the information on the spatial relationship among different features. This allows us to measure the similarity between two streamlines in an efficient and accurate way: the similarity between two streamlines is defined as the weighted Manhattan distance between their feature vectors. Compared with previous distribution based streamline similarity metrics, our method is easier to understand and implement, yet producing even better results. We demonstrate the utility of our approach by considering two common tasks in flow field exploration: streamline similarity query and streamline clustering.
Different glycemic indexes of breakfast cereals are not due to glucose entry into blood but to glucose removal by tissue

Background: The glycemic index (GI) of a food is thought to directly reflect the rate of digestion and entry of glucose into the systemic circulation. The blood glucose concentration, however, represents a balance of both the entry and the removal of glucose into and from the blood, respectively. Such direct quantification of the postprandial glucose curve with respect to interpreting the GI is lacking in the literature. Objective: We compared the plasma glucose kinetics of low- and high-GI breakfast cereals. Design: On 2 occasions, plasma insulin concentrations and plasma glucose kinetics (by constant-rate infusion of [6,6- 2 H 2 ]glucose) were measured in 6 healthy males for 180 min after they fasted overnight and then consumed an amount of corn flakes (CF) or bran cereal (BC) containing 50 g available carbohydrate. Results: The GI of CF was more than twice that of BC (131.5 ± 33.0 compared with 54.5 ± 7.2; P < 0.05), despite no significant differences in the rate of appearance of glucose into the plasma during the 180-min period. Postprandial hyperinsulinemia occurred earlier with BC than with CF, resulting in a 76% higher plasma insulin concentration at 20 min (20.4 ± 4.5 compared with 11.6 ± 2.1 � U/mL; P < 0.05). This was associated with a 31% higher rate of disappearance of glucose with BC than with CF during the 30‐60-min period (28.7 ± 3.1 compared with 21.9 ± 3.1 � mol ·k g � 1 ·m in � 1 ; P < 0.05). Conclusion: The lower GI of BC than of CF was not due to a lower rate of appearance of glucose but instead to an earlier postprandial hyperinsulinemia and an earlier increase in the rate of disappearance of glucose, which attenuated the increase in the plasma glucose concentration. Am J Clin Nutr 2003;78(suppl):742‐8.
Bedwetting—Not Always What It Seems: A Sign of Sleep‐Disordered Breathing in Children

ISSUES AND PURPOSE. Nocturnal enuresis (bedwetting) can linger long into childhood. Sleep research has documented that nocturia and bedwetting are symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in adults and that bedwetting is predictive of OSA in children. CONCLUSIONS. Nocturnal polyuria is a cardiovascular response to negative pressure breathing (inspiration against a closed glottis), which is characteristic of OSA. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS. Evidence of nocturnal polyuria and sleep-disordered breathing are important signs of OSA, a serious but treatable condition.
Regulation of amino acid metabolic enzymes and transporters in plants

Amino acids play several critical roles in plants, from providing the building blocks of proteins to being essential metabolites interacting with many branches of metabolism. They are also important molecules that shuttle organic nitrogen through the plant. Because of this central role in nitrogen metabolism, amino acid biosynthesis, degradation, and transport are tightly regulated to meet demand in response to nitrogen and carbon availability. While much is known about the feedback regulation of the branched biosynthesis pathways by the amino acids themselves, the regulation mechanisms at the transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and protein levels remain to be identified. This review focuses mainly on the current state of our understanding of the regulation of the enzymes and transporters at the transcript level. Current results describing the effect of transcription factors and protein modifications lead to a fragmental picture that hints at multiple, complex levels of regulation that control and coordinate transport and enzyme activities. It also appears that amino acid metabolism, amino acid transport, and stress signal integration can influence each other in a so-far unpredictable fashion.
Obtaining Fuzzy Sets using Mass Assignment Theory - Consistency with Interpolation -

The problem of data summarization as fuzzy sets from frequency distributions is presented. The approach makes use of the mass assignment theory as a framework for unification of fuzzy sets and probability distributions. The approach is consistent with the interpolation of the membership function needed to infer membership degrees for data points previously not seen.
Acute myeloid leukemia and related conditions

Flow cytometry is the primary tool for phenotyping leukemias and related conditions. With the ever increasing numbers of antibodies commercially available, the ability to study and understand leukemias, myelodysplastic syndromes, and the myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative diseases is improving. Although the data generated by flow cytometry are not comprehensive enough to completely subtype leukemias or myelodysplastic syndromes into their myriad divisions, this wealth of information does provide phenotype, reproducible enumeration of blasts, certain prognostic information, and it can reveal the presence of cell populations with aberrant antigen profiles. An important drawback to flow cytometry as it is performed today is the inability to look at the cells that mark with the antibody panels used. As classifications of leukemia and related conditions evolve, flow cytometry continues to answer many of the questions asked and to provide critical information reliably and quickly.
A high temperature MEMS heater for optical sensors

Infrared light source is a key component in the optical sensing systems especially for the Fourier-Transformed Infrared (FTIR) or different kinds of gas sensor system. This paper proposes a novel method for generating a broadband wavelength infrared light source by MEMS heater based on silicon on insulator (SOI) technology. The enhanced long-tern stability has been achieved by a low electrical resistance SOI wafer. This novel MEMS heater can achieve over than 1000 °C. This MEMS heater could be integrated in micro sensing system such as metal oxide semiconductor and Non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) gas sensors.
Issues, Examples, and Challenges in Formative Assessment

Formative assessment, in which the assessment is integrated within instruction and aimed at increasing learning, can replace summative assessment in many situations. Two programs of formative assessment are described: DIANOSER and SMART.
Electrospun antimicrobial microfibrous scaffold for annulus fibrosus tissue engineering

In this study, polycaprolactone (PCL) microfibrous scaffolds with berberine were fabricated to mimic the natural extracellular matrix (ECM) architecture and provide antimicrobial activity for annulus fibrosus tissue engineering. Morphological characterization showed that there was a significant decrease of the average fiber diameter in the berberine-loaded microfibrous scaffolds (B-MFS, 0.40 ± 0.02 μm) compared with that of the non-drug-loaded microfibrous scaffolds (MFS, 1.89 ± 0.15 μm). The antimicrobial activity, drug release profile, and biocompatibility of the scaffolds were evaluated. The B-MFS displayed excellent antimicrobial activities against Gram-positive bacteria (S. aureus 6538), Gram-negative bacteria (E. coli 15597), fungus (C. albicans 10231) and drug-resistant bacteria (methicillin-resistant S. aureus BAA-811, or MRSA BAA-811). After seeding with porcine AF cells, the in vitro biocompatibility of the scaffolds was determined by measuring cell attachment, cell proliferation, and ECM production. Total cell number, sGAG and collagen content gradually increased from day 1 to day 7 in both groups. When compared to MFS, the B-MFS group displayed higher levels of cell proliferation throughout the experimental period. These results indicate that PCL microfibrous loaded with berberine are novel biocompatible scaffolds with a broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity for AF tissue engineering.
Cost Optimization of Periodic Preventive Maintenance

Most preventive maintenance(PM) models assume that the hazard function of a system after each PM occurrence is restored to like new or to some specified level. Thus, there is no provision for system degradation with time. Operation of many systems causes stress which results in system degradation and hence an increase in the level of the hazard function with time. PM is assumed to relieve stress temporarily and hence slow the rate of system degradation. However, this type of activity does not reverse degradation; so the hazard function is monotone. A hazard function is developed in this paper consistent with this concept of PM effect. The special case for which PM reduces the operational stress to that of a new system is considered in greater detail (eg, a new system begins operation with the full benefit of a PM activity; each subsequent PM completely restores the benefits). It is shown for this case that the hazard function under PM is approximately a 2-parameter Weibull with shape parameter 2 for systems with strictly increasing hazard without PM. Cost optimization of the PM intervention interval is obtained by determining the average cost-rate of system operation. When the hazard function without PM is unknown, optimization may be achieved through an iterative process. This avoids the necessity of estimating system failure characteristics without PM; such testing can be destructive or use expensive equipment.
A review of advanced methods for simulation output analysis

Reviews statistical methods for analyzing output data from computer simulations of single systems. In particular, this paper focuses on the problems of choosing initial conditions and estimating steady-state system parameters. The estimation techniques include the replication/deletion approach, the regenerative method, the batch means method, the standardized time series method, the autoregressive method, and the spectral estimation method.
Decade in review-thyroid disease: The endocrinology of thyroid disease from 2005 to 2015.

The past decade has seen exciting progress in the field of thyroid disease, especially in the evaluation of thyroid nodules, the genomic characterization of carcinomas and the treatment of carcinomas after surgery. An improved understanding of hyperthyroidism during pregnancy, as well as the causes of 'low T3 syndrome' and consumptive hypothyroidism have also been achieved.
Absorption of Oxygen from Air Bubbles in Water

Correlations developed to define absorption; relationships developed between liquid film coefficient, KL and Reynolds and Schmidt Numbers at liquid submergence depths up to 15 ft; correlations cove...
Security challenges in swarm intelligence

Swarm robotics is a new technology that is becoming more popular these days. We can utilize swarm robotics in different applications and environments. It is a right time to think about security challenges about swarm robotics, Since this idea is becoming popular. We should consider possible security issues and their practical solutions. We should consider some uniqe security challenges because of several idiosyncrasies of swarm intelligence. Swarm robotics employs wide variety of communication channels. It also deals with special considerations and types of identity. Besides, it exhibits adaptive behavior that can be changed and controlled by an intruder. It is better to consider these issues now, since the applications that use swarm intelligence are becoming more popular these days.
Two Cultures, One University: The Institutional Origins of the “Two Cultures” Controversy

[T]he life of a country is determined by its educational ideals —Scrutiny, 1932 [I]t is obligatory for us…to look at our education with fresh eyes. —C. P. Snow, 1959 In 1959 C. P. Snow turned a phrase that continues to shape our perceptions of intellectual life in the twentieth century. Intellectuals, he observed, were divided into “two cultures,” the arts and the sciences, and between them stood “a gulf of mutual incomprehension.” That gulf constituted a crisis, because while literary intellectuals were said to control the heights of power, only the scientists possessed the knowledge and vision necessary to confront the problems of the modern world. Snow’s argument attracted widespread comment on both sides of the Atlantic, and its continuing purchase is attested to by the Cambridge University Press’s reprint of the lecture in 1993 with an introduction by Stefan Collini.
The ETS Factor, ETV2: a Master Regulator for Vascular Endothelial Cell Development

Appropriate vessel development and its coordinated function is essential for proper embryogenesis and homeostasis in the adult. Defects in vessels cause birth defects and are an important etiology of diseases such as cardiovascular disease, tumor and diabetes retinopathy. The accumulative data indicate that ETV2, an ETS transcription factor, performs a potent and indispensable function in mediating vessel development. This review discusses the recent progress of the study of ETV2 with special focus on its regulatory mechanisms and cell fate determining role in developing mouse embryos as well as somatic cells.
Endovascular Repair of an Iliac Ureteroarterial Fistula with Late Stent Thrombosis and Migration into the Bladder.

Background Ureteroarterial fistulas are rare. We describe a case of ureteral-arterial fistulas (UAF) repaired with an endovascular stent graft and examine late complications associated with the procedure. Case Report A 37-year-old woman with a history of complicated locally invasive cervical cancer treated with chemoradiation presented initially with right leg rest pain and chronic intermittent gross hematuria. She was found to have an ureteroarterial fistula and underwent successful endovascular exclusion with a covered stent with resolution of her symptoms. She returned 1 year later with stent-graft thrombosis manifesting as lower extremity rest pain, requiring a femoral–femoral bypass. She then returned 6 months later with imaging evidence of extravascular migration of the stent graft into the bladder. Because of a poor prognosis of recurrent gynecologic cancer, extraction was not attempted, and she underwent complete urinary diversion. Conclusions UAFs are a rare occurrence but may be treated successfully with endovascular stent grafting. Despite technical success, late complications such as stent thrombosis may occur even with anticoagulation. Extravascular stent migration may occur in the presence of a chronically dilated ureter.
High-Strength Reduced-Modulus High Performance Concrete (HSRM-HPC) for Prestressed Concrete Tie Applications

A High-Strength Reduced-Modulus High Performance Concrete (HSRM-HPC) for use in prestressed concrete rail ties has been developed by the authors. The HSRM-HPC material was originally considered for highway bridges but was rejected because of the accidental finding of the low modulus of elasticity. It is shown that the elastic modulus of the HSRM-HPC is reduced as much as 50% compared to the conventional HPC of the same strength while preserving all other properties of the conventional HPC. The use of the more flexible HSRM-HPC in concrete ties leads to reduced stress amplitudes and regularized stress fields at the rail seat area and the middle segment of the tie, which are the two most critical areas of tie failure. This work discusses the development and characterization of the HSRM HPC material, as well as current work on the performance assessment of such ties. The material development, material characterization, and performance assessment is conducted through experimental testing and computer simulations. The benefits of HSRM-HPC ties are quantified and discussed.Copyright © 2016 by ASME
Gonadotropin-Like Substance in the Preimplanted Rabbit Blastocyst*

The presence of a gonadotropin-like substance in preimplanted rabbit blastocyst fluid was determined by radioreceptorassay of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)/luteinizing hormone (LH), using receptors prepared from bovine corpus luteum, rat testis, and rat ovaries. An average of 16.6 μl of fluid containing 0.83 ng of luteotropic material was recovered from each blastocyst. An intense fluorescence was exhibited by the trophoblastic cells of the blastocysts treated with fluorescein-conjugated γ-globulin isolated from antiserum raised against human chorionic gonadotropin. Serum concentrations of LH as well as estradiol, progesterone, and 17α-hydroxyprogesterone up to day 6 after mating were determined in pregnant rabbits and compared with those in pseudopregnant and normal rabbits. In pregnant rabbits after mating, a surge of 62 ± 15 ng of luteinizing hormone and 73 ± 22 ng of progesterone/ml of serum occurred which returned to basal levels at 6 hours and on day 1, respectively. Secondary increases in serum luteinizing hormone of 26 ± 12 to 36 ± 16 ng/ml on days 3 and 5 and in serum progesterone of 16 ± 4 and 14 ± 5 ng/ml on days 5 and 6, respectively, were observed in pregnant rabbits.
Recent Developments in the Chemistry of Boron Heterocycles

Abstract The utility of boron-containing compounds extends beyond the well-known applications of boronic acids and esters in Suzuki cross-couplings and enzyme inhibition. In this selective review, the last 15 years' worth of advances in the synthesis and utility of boron heterocycles are highlighted. The synthesis of isoelectronic analogs of benzene-based molecules and explorations into their physicochemical properties has been the primary research focus of several groups. Cyclocondensations of boronic acids, borate esters, boranes, or boron di-/trihalides with various functionalized reagents are a commonly explored route to the synthesis of complex structures, often with considerable regio- or stereoselectivity that is important to drug development. A more recent and perhaps lesser known approach to the synthesis of boron heterocycles involves photochemical methodologies. Often the highly π-conjugated systems that arise from this assortment of methodologies display an array of interesting optical properties that make them candidates in furthering the advancement of organic optical light-emitting devices.
God and the Secular Legal System

This timely book offers a theistic approach to secular legal systems and demonstrates that these systems are neither agnostic nor atheist. Critical but succinct in its approach, this book focuses on an extensive range of liberal legal approaches to religious and moral issues, and subjects them to critical scrutiny from a secular perspective. Expertly written by a leading scholar, the author offers a rare combination of profundity of ideas and simplicity of expression. It is a ringing defense of the theistic conception of secular legal systems and an uncompromising attack on the agnostic and atheist conception.
Abstract 2445: DNA recognition by XR5944, a novel bis-intercalator and potent anticancer drug

DNA is a major target for drugs used in cancer therapy. However, DNA interactive chemotherapeutics are limited by adverse effects due to their poor selectivity. The bis-phenazine compound XR5944 is a DNA bis-intercalator and potent anticancer drug which reached phase I clinical trials. The DNA binding mode and mechanism of XR5944 are unique, allowing it to recognize and bind the estrogen response element (ERE) sequence to inhibit ERα activity and making it highly effective against ER-positive breast cancer in vitro. Understanding XR59449s novel mechanism of DNA recognition may allow the further development of anti-cancer agents capable of overcoming drug resistance to current anti-estrogen treatments by directly targeting transcriptional control, bypassing the hormone-receptor complex currently targeted by anti-estrogen treatments. In this study, we used nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to determine the structure of XR5944 in complex with its preferred DNA duplex sequence identified its binding mode. The structure of the 2:1 complex of XR5944 with the naturally occurring TFF1-ERE exhibits several unexpected features. Our NMR structure shows the two phenazine moieties are well stacked and the carboxamide amino linker lies in the major groove of DNA. At both binding sites in the 2:1 complex, XR5944 intercalates strongly at one site but weakly at the other. The binding sites within a native promoter sequence appear to be context- and sequence- dependent. Taken together, our results highlight that the DNA binding of a bis-intercalator is different from the simple addition of two single intercalation sites. Our study suggests that improved XR5944 derivatives targeting EREs may be designed through optimization of aminoalkyl linker and intercalation moieties. Citation Format: Clement Lin, Raveendra I. Mathad, Neil Sidell, Danzhou Yang. DNA recognition by XR5944, a novel bis-intercalator and potent anticancer drug. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 2445. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-2445
High-Throughput, Protein-Targeted Biomolecular Detection Using Frequency-Domain Faraday Rotation Spectroscopy.

A clinically relevant magneto-optical technique (fd-FRS, frequency-domain Faraday rotation spectroscopy) for characterizing proteins using antibody-functionalized magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) is demonstrated. This technique distinguishes between the Faraday rotation of the solvent, iron oxide core, and functionalization layers of polyethylene glycol polymers (spacer) and model antibody–antigen complexes (anti-BSA/BSA, bovine serum albumin). A detection sensitivity of ≈10 pg mL−1 and broad detection range of 10 pg mL−1 ≲ cBSA ≲ 100 µg mL−1 are observed. Combining this technique with predictive analyte binding models quantifies (within an order of magnitude) the number of active binding sites on functionalized MNPs. Comparative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) studies are conducted, reproducing the manufacturer advertised BSA ELISA detection limits from 1 ng mL−1 ≲ cBSA ≲ 500 ng mL−1. In addition to the increased sensitivity, broader detection range, and similar specificity, fd-FRS can be conducted in less than ≈30 min, compared to ≈4 h with ELISA. Thus, fd-FRS is shown to be a sensitive optical technique with potential to become an efficient diagnostic in the chemical and biomolecular sciences.
How meso-scale pollen dispersal and its gene flow shape gene conservation decisions

Pine pollen dispersal has been well-studied over a century due to its ubiquity, robust shape and unusual longevity; this knowledge can be brought to bear on forest population genetics applications and gene conservation programs for pines and other high-latitude wind-pollinated species. Dispersal models are shifting towards meso-scale transport processes so I assert here that this shift in transport scale is important to population genetics assumptions inherent to gene conservation decision-making. Support comes from the following: (1) aerodynamic properties for pollen is more akin to spores than seeds. (2) Gradient-free dispersal is typical of pollen transported at meso-scale distances. (3) Importance of vertically uplifted pollen on meso-scale transport has been overlooked and its interaction with atmospheric processes is not yet understood. (4) A fraction of pine pollen retains its capacity for germination and seed fertilization after meso-scale transport. These findings raise the question of whether forest fragmentation aligns with genetics theory of small populations; this question shapes ex situ and in situ collections. The shift to meso-scale transport of pine pollen can re-shape forest gene conservation decision-making about ex situ and in situ collection strategies.
Median nerve bisection: a morbid complication of a peripherally inserted central catheter

Considering the reported safety, efficiency, and low cost of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs), they are increasingly preferred to central venous catheters for short-term delivery of ...
Save the Whale? Ecological Memory and the Human-Whale Bond in Japan’s Small Coastal Villages

Whales are a common property and a potential natural resource for the taking. Of the many resources they can provide humans, their flesh, or “whale meat,” has become controversial in the past three decades. The controversy lies largely with the whale as a prominent charismatic mega fauna. Whales have become a symbol and source of environmental activism, floating in the middle of a highly contested political and ideological struggle. Japan stands at the center of the international whaling dispute, refusing to accept the global anti-whaling norm. Since the 1982 moratorium, Japan has put in an annual request to the IWC each year to create an exception of the moratorium for a number of small coastal whaling villages to carry out traditional practices. They are continually denied, despite the centrality of the whale in these cultures. As conservation efforts, dams, and other modern alterations relocate humans from their traditional lands or prevent humans from interacting with key species, we are increasingly discovering that affected communities lose more than access to natural resources, but that key parts of the culture itself is forced to be left behind, if not forgotten entirely over time. This chapter explores what is lost when whaling is removed from small coastal whaling villages of Japan—addressing how global anti-whaling discourse may save whales, but harm human-whale relations in Japan.
A Comparison of Numerical and Experimental Results of Passive Shock Wave Mitigation Using Obstacles in Two-Dimensional Channels

The study of shock wave attenuation has drawn much attention in shock wave community. One of the common ways to attenuate shock waves is to arrange multiple obstacles to block the propagation path of the shock wave [1]. We propose an arrangement of the obstacles by placing square- or cylinder-shaped obstacles along the outline of a logarithmic spiral curve [2, 3] (Fig. 1); by doing this, it is possible to benefit of the ability of the logarithmic spiral to collect the energy of the incident shock wave in its focal region [4–6]. We simulated the process of the shock wave passing through these arrangements using the Euler equations of gas dynamics. Then, to validate the numerical results, we performed corresponding experiments under the same initial conditions. Results show that the numerical and experimental methods agree well, and that placing obstacles along a logarithmic spiral curve can effectively attenuate the transmitted shock waves.
Calculating the momentum enhancement factor for asteroid deflection studies

Abstract The possibility of kinetic-impact deflection of threatening near-Earth asteroids will be tested for the first time in the proposed AIDA (Asteroid Impact Deflection Assessment) mission, involving NASAs DART (Double Asteroid Redirection Test). The impact of the DART spacecraft onto the secondary of the binary asteroid 65803 Didymos at a speed of 5 to 7 km/s is expected to alter the mutual orbit by an observable amount. The velocity transferred to the secondary depends largely on the momentum enhancement factor, typically referred to as beta. We use two hydrocodes developed at Los Alamos, RAGE and PAGOSA, to calculate an approximate value for beta in laboratory-scale benchmark experiments. Convergence studies comparing the two codes show the importance of mesh size in estimating this crucial parameter.
Executive Constraint and Sovereign Debt: Quasi-Experimental Evidence From Argentina During the Baring Crisis:

The literature on whether executive constraint improves the credibility of sovereign debt takes the political regime as the unit of analysis, typically computing an average yield or price for each ...
Genome Engineering Using Targeted Oligonucleotide Libraries and Functional Selection

The λ phage Red proteins greatly enhance homologous recombination in Escherichia coli. Red-mediated recombination or "recombineering" can be used to construct targeted gene deletions as well as to introduce point mutations into the genome. Here, we describe our method for scanning mutagenesis using recombineered oligonucleotide libraries. This approach entails randomization of specific codons within a target gene, followed by functional selection to isolate mutants. Oligonucleotide library mutagenesis has generated hundreds of novel antibiotic resistance mutations in genes encoding ribosomal proteins, and should be applicable to other systems for which functional selections exist.
Multitrack Detection with 2D Pattern-Dependent Noise Prediction

The advent of multiple readers in magnetic recording opens the door to multitrack detection, in which multiple tracks are detected jointly. Multitrack detection is a key enabler for both coding across tracks (including modulation and error-control codes) and crosstrack noise prediction, neither of which can be fully exploited using single-track detectors. In this paper, we propose the two-dimensional pattern- dependent noise-prediction (2D-PDNP) algorithm as a solution to the joint maximum-likelihood multitrack detection problem in the face of pattern-dependent autoregressive Gaussian noise. The solution takes the form of the Viterbi algorithm over a trellis that models the combined memory of the channel and noise, with a branch metric that can be interpreted as 2D pattern- dependent noise prediction, where noise is predicted in both downtrack and crosstrack directions, taking into account transitions occurring in both downtrack and crosstrack directions. Numerical results show that, on a set of quasi-micromagnetic simulated channel waveforms with a pair of readers and a multitrack detector detecting two tracks simultaneously, the 2D-PDNP algorithm provides a 4% increase in areal density.
Economic Operation of Thermostatic Loads Under Time Varying Prices: An Optimal Control Approach

In this paper, we consider the problem of optimal precooling of thermostatic loads by a load serving entity (LSE) under time varying electricity prices. Specifically, we propose a low complexity dynamic programming based algorithm for controlling the switching of heating, ventilation, and cooling (HVAC) units such that the cost of cooling is minimized while ensuring that the resultant temperatures do not violate the comfort constraints of consumers. Specifically, our algorithm makes use of two facts: first, the price of electricity vary discretely in time; and second, the cost-optimal state trajectory under fixed electricity price and ambient temperature, with given initial and final states, can be characterized explicitly in closed-form. We validate our algorithm with a set of numerical simulation studies using real market prices of electricity from the New York and Texas electricity markets. In addition, we also provide an approximation mechanism to implement this optimization algorithm in HVAC systems that have on–off switching constraints.
Abstract 4712: Selective polo-like kinase 1 PBD inhibitor

Polo Like Kinase 1 (PLK1) is only expressed in dividing cells and plays a critical role in several stages of mitosis. PLK1 is highly expressed in tumors of various origins while its expression is largely absent in normal tissues. PLK1 inhibition selectively kills cancer cells because cancer cells utterly depend on the mitotic functions of PLK1 overexpression. PLK1 consists of a highly conserved N-terminal catalytic kinase domain and a unique, functionally essential C-terminal Polo Box Domain (PBD). The PBD of each PLK is a phospho-peptide binding motif that determines substrate recognition and sub-cellular localization. PLK1 catalytic inhibitorshave advanced to clinical trials but they inhibit other kinases including family members PLK2 and PLK3. This is problematic because PLK3 is a tumor suppressor and partial inhibition of PLK3 could lead to a long-term malignant progression. Moreover, a single point mutation (C67V) in the PLK1 kinase domain confers substantial cancer cell resistance against PLK1 catalytic inhibitors. An alternative approach to developing potent and selective PLK1 inhibitors is to allosterically target the PBD. We generated fragment ligated inhibitory peptides (FLIPs) through a strategy called REPLACE. This is a computational and synthetic approach that uses structure activity relationships of peptide inhibitors to generate pharmaceutically acceptable lead molecules. Fragments are docked into the crystal structure of a truncated peptide/receptor complex, then prioritized for synthesis with the peptide and subsequently tested in an in vitro binding assay. PBD-interacting protein (PBIP) and Cdc25c are natural substrates of PLK1. We replaced individual amino acid residues in the PBIP (PLHSpTAI) and Cdc25C PBD substrate peptides (LLCSpTPNGL) with benzoic acid fragments. Here we show PLK1 specificity for PBD inhibitors in vitro. A fluorescent polarization (FP) competitive binding assay to the PBD of PLK1 was used to determine binding specificity. A PLK3 counter screen was used to determine the binding selectivity of our PBD inhibitors. To measure the PLK1 inhibitory activity of the FLIPs in cells, phosphorylation of mitotic proteins was measured. Candidate FLIPs induce mitotic arrest, block PLK1 mediated phosphorylation, and inhibit growth of human cancer cells. To make more drug-like molecules, we modified FLIPs to Small Molecule Inhibitors (SMIs). Further, we are optimizing SMIs to improve biochemical selectivity. SMIs bind to the PLK1 PBD as determined by FP assay. Also, SMIs inhibit cancer cell growth as determined by viability measurements and live cell imaging. Overall these results highlight that targeting the PBD of PLK1 has promise as an antitumor strategy. Citation Format: Danda P. Chapagai, Merissa Baxter, Gurusankar Ramamoorthy, Campbell McInnes, Michael Wyatt. Selective polo-like kinase 1 PBD inhibitor [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 4712.
Return to primary service among bone marrow transplant rehabilitation inpatients: An index for predicting outcomes.

e19509 Background: Inpatient rehabilitation bone marrow transplant patients can be challenging due to their medical fragility. Methods: One hundred forty-seven bone marrow transplant patients admit...