cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
BMP signaling modulation attenuates cerebral arteriovenous malformation formation in a vertebrate model.

Cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are vascular anomalies that carry a high risk of stroke and death. To test potential AVM therapies, a reverse genetics approach was used to model AVMs in zebrafish. Antisense morpholino oligonucleotides were used to knockdown activin receptor-like kinase I (alk1), which encodes a transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta family type I receptor implicated in a subset of human AVMs. Knockdown of alk1 caused a spectrum of morphologic, functional, and molecular defects that resemble those seen in humans with AVMs. It was found that losartan, an angiotensin II receptor antagonist, attenuated abnormal blood vessel morphology and systemic manifestations of high-output arteriovenous shunting in vivo. SMAD1 phosphorylation was significantly decreased in alk1 morphants compared with uninjected organisms (0.189±0.0201, 0.429±0.0164, P ¼ 0.0002). After treatment, morphant SMAD1 levels approached uninjected levels (0.326±0.0360, P ¼ 0.0355) and were significantly higher than those seen in the morphant-control group (P ¼ 0.0294). These data suggest that modulating the BMP signaling pathway with losartan, a drug in widespread clinical use in humans as an antihypertensive, may have the potential to be further evaluated as a therapeutic strategy for patients with AVMs.
Use of an Administrative Database to Determine Clinical Management and Outcomes in Congenital Heart Disease

We review our 16-year experience using the large, multi-institutional database of the University HealthSystem Consortium to study management and outcomes in congenital heart surgery for hypoplastic left heart syndrome, transposition of the great arteries, and neonatal coarctation. The advantages, limitations, and use of administrative databases by others to study congenital heart surgery are reviewed.
Network educationware demonstration

Network EducationWare (NEW) is a powerful and robust open-source multimedia system for synchronous Internet distance education. It supports blended presentations in a form we call simulteaching, where some students are in a traditional classroom and others participate in real time over the Internet. It also records the class as presented, so that students can attend class delayed in time. NEW has been designed to be highly modular and to make effective use of both network bandwidth and human time. Reference [1] describes how George Mason University has used NEW to offer a popular and innovative MS degree in Computer Science, at low cost. NEW consists of multi-platform, open source software that runs on inexpensive Windows and Linux computers. It implements both synchronous and asynchronous paradigms for distance education in a way that requires little additional effort on the part of the instructor and little additional cost for the institution, yet provides greatly increased accessibility to students and therefore promotes wider access to graduate computer science education. NEW is freely available to the Computer Science education community. Some important features which make it attractive are: • Works over dialup modem and most commercial Internet services, allowing live participation, record, and playback at any site.• Provides access to students at home or office, even through firewalls and network address translation (NAT) systems.• Features Web-based access with LDAP authentication and an open source course management database.• Audio and whiteboard interfaces with floor control and text chat panel allow full interaction with students over the Internet and require minimal learning time for faculty (video also is available with broadband Internet).• Supports authoring of graphic materials from any application.• Web-based Course Management system simplifies teaching, learning, and administration.. This demonstration will feature the NEW clients for both Windows and Linux, in operation with the NEW Live and Playback servers over a local wireless network (see figure below for operational configuration). The NEW software will be available during the demonstration for installation and operation on attendees' laptop computers.
A mechanistic model for interpretation of hydrogen and oxygen isotope ratios in tree-ring cellulose

A mechanistic model is presented to quantify both the physical and biochemical fractionation events associated with hydrogen and oxygen isotope ratios in tree-ring cellulose. The model predicts the isotope ratios of tree-rings, incorporating both humidity and source water environmental information. Components of the model include (1) hydrogen and oxygen isotope effects associated with leaf water enrichment; (2) incorporation of leaf water isotope ratio values into photosynthetic carbohydrates along with the biochemical fractionation associated with autotrophic synthesis; (3) transport of exported carbohydrates (such as sucrose) from leaves to developing xylem in shoots and stems where cellulose is formed; (4) a partial exchange of oxygen and hydrogen isotopes in carbohydrates with xylem sap water during conversion into cellulose; and (5) a biochemical fractionation associated with cellulose synthesis. A modified version of the Craig-Gordon model for evaporative enrichment adequately described leaf water dD and d 18 O values. The leaf water model was robust over a wide range of leaf waters for both controlled experiments and field studies, far exceeding the range of values to be expected under natural conditions. The isotopic composition of cellulose was modeled using heterotrophic and autotrophic fractionation factors from the literature as well as the experimentally derived proportions of H and O that undergo exchange with xylem water during cellulose synthesis in xylem cells of tree-rings. The fraction of H and O from carbohydrates that exchange with xylem sap water was estimated to be 0.36 and 0.42, respectively. The proportions were based on controlled, long-term greenhouse experiments and field studies where the variations in the dD and d 18 O of tree-ring cellulose were measured under different source water isotopic compositions. The model prediction that tree-ring cellulose contains information on environmental water source and atmospheric vapor pressure deficit (related to relative humidity) was tested under both field and greenhouse conditions. This model was compared to existing models to explain cellulose isotope ratios under a wide range of source water and humidity conditions. Predictions from our model were consistent with observations, whereas other models showed large discrepancies as soon as the isotope ratios of source water and atmospheric water deviated from each other. Our model resolves the apparently conflicting and disparate interpretations of several previous cellulose stable isotope ratio studies. Copyright © 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd
Women Don't Ask? Women Don't Say No? Bargaining and Service in the Political Science Profession

This article examines the dual problems of "women don't ask" and "women don't say no" in the academic profession. First, we consider whether female faculty bar- gain more or less frequently than male faculty about such resources as salary, research support, clerical support, moving expenses, and spousal accommodation. Analyzing a 2009 APSA survey, we find that women are more likely to ask for resources than men when considering most categories of bargaining issues. This finding goes against conventional wisdom in the literature on gender and bargaining that suggests that women are less likely to bargain than men. Second, we seek to understand if women are reluctant to say no when asked to provide service at the department, college, university, or disciplinary levels. We find that women are asked to provide more service and that they agree to serve more frequently than men. We also find that the service women provide is more typically "token" service, as women are less likely to be asked by their colleagues to serve as department chair, to chair committees, or to lead academic programs. The implications of these results for the leaky pipeline in the academic profession are discussed.
Regularly Interstratified Chlorite—Dioctahedral Smectite in Dike-Intruded Shales, Montana

Corrensite or ‘corrensite-like’ minerals occur in dike-intruded shales and siltstones of the Montana Group and Colorado Group (Early Cretaceous) in Western Montana. The < 1 µm size fraction of one specimen of this “corrensite-like” material has been studied in detail. X-ray diffraction data and chemical analysis indicate that this specimen is a regular or nearly regular interstratification of chlorite and dioctahedral smectite. Also described are other samples, which contain corrensite and additional phases. These samples were taken at several localities where basic dikes have intruded these shales and siltstones.
The Specialized Auditory System of Kangaroo Rats

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the specialized auditory system of kangaroo rats. The combination of their enlarged middle ears, delicately balanced tympano-ossicular system, and cochlear modifications adapt these small rodents for better low-frequency hearing than almost any other very small mammal. The primary predators of kangaroo rats are rattlesnakes and owls, both of which can hunt in total darkness and both of which produce some low-intensity, low-frequency noise while attacking their prey. Normal kangaroo rats can avoid these predatory strikes. Kangaroo rats with experimentally reduced middle ear cannot do so in the dark but can avoid the strikes of rattlesnakes if there is sufficient light. In a study decsribed in the chapter, the kangaroo rats that were blinded could not avoid predatory strikes. Kangaroo rats whose olfactory bulbs were removed showed no caution when near rattlesnakes and were thus more susceptible to predation. The specializations of the middle ear and cochlea of the kangaroo rat facilitate low-frequency sensitivity, which is highly adaptive in predator avoidance. The central auditory pathways and the portions of the cochlea involved in transduction are prominent in kangaroo rats but not specialized. This put extreme selective pressure on modifications such as low-frequency sensitivity that would enable the animals to detect and evade predators that produced some low-frequency noise during strikes.
Vibration Design Criteria for COTS-Based C4I Systems

This paper describes results of a planned comprehensive test program to identify the realistic dynamic environment commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) equipment will experience when utilized in Military Ground Mobile Command Control, Communication, Computer, and Intelligence (C4I) systems housed in DoD Standard Family Tactical Shelters. COTS equipment are generally designed for office use and lack robustness for military use in a ground mobile tactical environment. A realistic dynamic design criteria must be utilized for an appropriate mounting and/or isolation system design in the integration of a shelter. Acceleration spectral density functions are described to assist the designer in providing a COTS-based, survivable, cost-effective ground mobile tactical shelter-based C4I System.
Oral contraceptive use and fracture risk around the menopausal transition.

OBJECTIVE: The effect of oral contraceptive (OC) use on risk of fracture remains unclear and use during later reproductive life may be increasing. To determine the association between OC use during later reproductive life and risk of fracture across the menopausal transition we conducted a population-based case-control study in a Pacific Northwest HMO Group Health Cooperative. METHODS: For the January 2008 to March 2013 interval 1204 case women aged 45 to 59 years with incident fractures and 2275 control women were enrolled. Potential cases with fracture codes in automated data were adjudicated by electronic health record review. Potential control women without fracture codes were selected concurrently sampling based on age. Participants received a structured study interview. Using logistic regression associations between OC use and fracture risk were calculated as odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: Participation was 69% for cases and 64% for controls. The study sample was 82% white; mean age was 54 years. The most common fracture site for cases was the wrist/forearm (32%). Adjusted fracture risk did not differ between cases versus controls for OC use in the 10 years before menopause (OR 0.90 95% CI 0.74 1.11); for OC use after age 38 (OR 0.94 95% CI 0.78 1.14); for duration of use or for other OC exposures. CONCLUSIONS: The current study does not show an association between fractures near the menopausal transition and OC use in the decade before menopause or after age 38. For women considering OC use at these times fracture risk does not seem to be either reduced or-reassuringly-increased.
Ecology and the Knowledge Revolution

Since World War II the world economy expanded at a record pace, and world trade increased three times more than world production. During this period industrialization became an irresistible trend, made global by the dynamics of international markets and information technology. This was the golden age of industrial society. Today the industrial society faces the risks created by its own success. Its growth has been based on a voracious use of natural resources, the rapid burning of fossil fuels to produce energy, and massive clearing of wooded lands and other ecosystems where most of the world's biodiversity is found. Economic activity is the fundamental driving force of the two most pressing global environmental problems: climate change and biodiversity destruction.
ID: 97: MYCOBACTERIUM MUCOGENICUM IN HEMATOPOEITIC STEM CELL TRANSPLANT RECIPIENTS AND IN HIGH-RISK PATIENTS WITH HEMATOLOGIC MALIGNANCIES, 2008–2013

Background Rapidly growing nontuberculous mycobacteria can cause variety of clinical syndromes including catheter related blood stream infections (BSI). Methods We reviewed medical records of patients with blood cultures positive for Mycobacterium mucogenicum (MM) from 2008–2013. We defined 4 at-risk groups: Stem cell transplant recipients (SCT); patients with hematologic malignancy; patients with solid tumors and other9s (patient9s on treatment with tumor necrotic factor inhibitors). Descriptive analysis was performed, as well as comparative analysis of neutropenic patients (absolute neutrophil count ≤1000 /μL) with non-neutropenic patients. Results 39 patients with MM bacteremia were identified. There were 27 SCT recipients (24 Allogeneic; 3 Autologous). 4 patients had hematologic malignancy and 4 patients had solid tumors. Others included 4 patients. At time of diagnosis, 12 were neutropenic, and 27 were non-neutropenic. No significant difference was noted in age (p=0.41) or gender (p=1.00) or rates of pure vs. mixed mycobacterial BSI (p=1.00) or more than single blood culture positivity (p=1.00) between these two groups.The predominant clinical feature was fever with mean temperature of 38 degrees C (range 37.8–40.1). There was a significant difference in presence of fever at the time of bacteremia (92% vs. 42%; p=0.005) between the neutropenic and non-neutropenic group. Central venous catheter (CVC) was present at time of bacteremia in 33 cases (P=0.15); there was no significant difference for presence of CVC between these two groups (100% vs. 78%). Median duration of antibiotic treatment was 42 days (p=0.44). All patients were treated with >1 antibiotic. Most used regimen involved clarithomycin and amikacin (n=16).While there were 15 deaths; none were attributed to MM BSI. No significant survival difference was seen at 3 years between the neutropenic and non-neutropenic group (62% vs. 56%; p=0.75). Conclusions MM is a rare cause of CVC-associated bacteremia. In our study MM BSI was seen in immune compromised patients, predominantly in SCT recipients. BSI resolved in all patients with CVC removal and combination antimicrobial treatment. None of the patients suffered a relapse.
Effect of acetylsalicylic acid on lysosomes.

SummaryAcetylsalicylic acid (ASA) stabilizes rat liver lysosomes in vitro from the labilizing influence of incubation at 37°. On a molar concentration basis, this stabilization is slightly greater than that achieved with hydrocortisone and chloroquine. Concentrations of ASA of 102- M and below do not inhibit either free acid phosphatase or β-glu-curonidase enzyme activity.
Cytochrome c oxidase: VIII. Lipid content☆

Abstract A study of the lipids contained in purified preparations of cytochrome c oxidase has been made. Other than the cholate which had been added as a solubilizing agent, only about 0.05 mg of lipid per milligram of protein was present. The phospholipid content did not exceed 9 μg per milligram protein in any preparation analyzed. For the most part, the lipids could be identified with the degradation products of naturally occurring lipid. These results suggest that in the isolated cytochrome c oxidase system, although solubilizing agents are required to achieve high enzyme activity, there is little or no specificity required for phospholipid.
An electrochemical biosensor for rapid detection of E. coli O157:H7 with highly efficient bi-functional glucose oxidase-polydopamine nanocomposites and Prussian blue modified screen-printed interdigitated electrodes

The presence of pathogenic bacteria in foods has always been a great threat to the wellbeing of people and the revenue of food manufacturers. Therefore, the demand for advanced detection methods that can sensitively and rapidly detect these pathogens has been of great importance. This study reports an electrochemical biosensor for rapid detection of E. coli O157:H7 with the integration of bifunctional glucose oxidase (GOx)–polydopamine (PDA) based polymeric nanocomposites (PMNCs) and Prussian blue (PB) modified screen-printed interdigitated microelectrodes (SP-IDMEs). The core–shell magnetic beads (MBs)–GOx@PDA PMNCs were first synthesized by the self-polymerization of dopamine (DA). Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were dispersed on the surface of PMNCs through biochemical synthesis to achieve further highly efficient adsorption of antibodies (ABs) and GOx. The final product ABs/GOxext/AuNPs/MBs–GOx@PDA PMNCs served as the carrier to separate target bacteria from food matrices as well as the amplifier for electrochemical measurement. The unbound PMNCs were separated by a filtration step and transferred into glucose solution to allow the enzymatic reaction to occur. The change of the current response was measured with an electrochemical detector using PB-modified SP-IDMEs. The constructed biosensor has been proven to be able to detect E. coli O157:H7 with the detection limit of 102 cfu ml−1. The bifunctional PMNCs contain a high load of enzyme and can optimally utilize the binding sites on bacterial cells, which efficiently amplify the signals for measurement. The biosensor in this study exhibited good specificity, reproducibility, and stability and is expected to have a great impact on applications in the detection of foodborne pathogens.
Performance enhancement for 14nm high volume manufacturing microprocessor and system on a chip processes

We describe here performance enhancement to Intel's 14nm high-performance logic technology interconnects and back end stack and introduce the SOC technology family of interconnects. Enhancement includes improved RC performance and intrinsic capacitance for back end metal layers over a range of process versions and metal stacks offered for optimal cost and density targeted for various applications.
High impact strength polypropylene containing carbon nanotubes

Abstract Polypropylene (PP)/carbon nanotube (CNT) nanocomposite studies have been extensively reported in the literature. Most of this previous work has been carried out by dispersing CNTs in PP matrix via melt processing, while only limited studies have been carried out where CNT dispersion in PP was achieved by solution processing. Here we report the melt processing of PP/multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWNT) nanocomposites after achieving functionalized MWNT (f-MWNT) dispersion in PP, and in maleic anhydride-g-PP (MA-g-PP) master batches using a butanol/xylene solvent mixture. For comparison, melt mixing of PP with pristine MWNTs (p-MWNTs) without functionalization was also carried out. The three types of nanocomposites (from PP/f-MWNT and MA-g-PP/f-MWNT master batches and from p-MWNT) were prepared using micro-compounding, followed by injection molding. In each case, the weight percent of MWNTs in the injection molded samples was 0.001, 0.005, 0.01, 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, and 1 wt%. Tensile properties, impact strength, and heat deflection temperatures of the composites have been studied. Mechanical property improvements were observed at concentrations as low as 0.001 wt% CNT loading. For example, at 0.001 wt% CNT, a statistically significant increase in modulus was observed using PP/f-MWNT master batch. At 1 wt% CNT loading, impact strength increased by 152% in samples prepared from PP/f-MWNT master batch, as compared to the control PP containing no CNTs. This is the highest percentage increase in impact strength reported to date for the homopolymer PP/CNT or for any other thermoplastic/CNT system, at 1 wt% CNT. This increase has been achieved while maintaining excellent ductility and high strain to failure of 113%. By comparison, the strain to failure at the same CNT concentration of 1 wt% was 12.5% and 19.9% for p-MWNT based and MA-g-PP/f-MWNT based nanocomposites, respectively. The changes in mechanical properties have been discussed in terms of crystallization behavior, structure, and morphology of the nanocomposites.
The Extent of Hypothyroidism in the United States

This chapter reviews the prevalence of hypothyroidism due to other etiologies in the large, ethnically and economically diverse society present in the United States. Four to nine percent of the American populations have elevated serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels and normal thyroxine levels, while the prevalence of frank hypothyroidism is 0.33–1%. The most comprehensive study to examine the prevalence of hypothyroidism in the United States population is the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). The prevalence of hypothyroidism in other ethnic groups living in the United States is about the same as it is for Caucasians. Congenital hypothyroidism occurs in 2–4 per 10000 births and is less prevalent in African Americans and more prevalent in Asian and Hispanic babies. Postpartum thyroiditis with hypothyroidism occurs after 6–9% of pregnancies in the United States. Congenital hypothyroidism, identified in mandatory screening programs, appears to occur in 2–4 babies per 10000 births. This is less prevalent in African Americans and more prevalent in Asian and Hispanic babies than in the general population. Postpartum thyroiditis with hypothyroidism occurs after 6–9% of pregnancies in the United States. The prevalence of hypothyroidism appears to be higher in the elderly population, where elevated serum TSH levels may be present in as many as 20% of people.
The Diffusion of Precedent across the American States

I propose a network theory of precedent that emphasizes the social interaction — the citations — as a key influence on the development of the law. I address the question of why state high courts look outside their jurisdictional borders by applying a statistical model of network connections (an ERGM).
Evolution of culture assimilators

Abstract A review of cross-cultural literature shows that culture assimilators have emerged as the most researched method of cross-cultural training, and that the theory of individualism and collectivism has begun to find many applications. Since researchers have generally disregarded the inclusion of culture theories in assimilators, and theories are valued for both their explanatory and predictive functions, development of a culture assimilator based on the theory of individualism and collectivism may add to the growth of the field. In this paper, a method for developing such an assimilator is proposed, and implications for future research and practice are discussed.
Simulation of delayed γ-ray emission following photofission reactions induced by pulsed bremsstrahlung x-rays using MCNPX and experimental validation

Abstract There is a great demand to develop non-destructive techniques to identify and quantify Special Nuclear Materials (SNM) in homeland security and nuclear safeguards applications. Passive assay could be extremely challenging in some scenarios. Active interrogation technique based on photofission has been identified as one of the promising approaches. In radiation detection system design based on such technique, it is highly desired to have abilities to accurately and efficiently simulate delayed γ-rays emitted from photofission reactions. In this work, simulation results were compared with measurement outcomes to demonstrate the capabilities and limitations of the code MCNPX 2.7.0 in the simulation of delayed γ-rays from photofission of uranium and plutonium samples. First, high-energy delayed γ-rays (Eγ~2.7–4.5 MeV) from photofission of 238U were simulated and validated against the energy spectra measured in between linac pulses. Second, low-energy delayed γ-ray spectra (Eγ~0.6–2.7 MeV) measured with a list-mode system after irradiation of 239Pu were used in the validation.
Fate of Listeria monocytogenes During the Manufacture and Ripening of Camembert Cheese.

The ability of Listeria monocytogenes to survive the Camembert cheese-making process and grow during ripening of the cheese was examined. Pasteurized whole milk was inoculated to contain about 500 L. monocytogenes [strain Scott A, V7, California, (CA) or Ohio (OH)] CFU/ml and made into Camembert cheese according to standard procedures. All wheels of cheese were ripened at 6°C following 10 d of storage at 15–16°C to allow proper growth of Penicillium camemberti. Duplicate wedge (pie-shaped), surface and interior cheese samples were analyzed for numbers of L. monocytogenes by surface-plating appropriate dilutions made in Tryptose Broth (TB) on McBride Listeria Agar (MLA). Initial TB dilutions were stored at 3°C and surface-plated on MLA after 2, 4, 6 or 8 weeks if the organism was not quantitated in the original sample. Selected Listeria colonies from duplicate samples were confirmed biochemically. Results showed that numbers of Listeria in cheese increased 5- to 10-fold 24 h after its manufacture. Listeria...
The Public James Baldwin

As this essay notes, James Baldwin, his words and metaphors, pervade public space at countless numbers of intersections. Lines from his plays, novels, and essays have always been an easy and handy reference for writers and artists seeking ways to ground their intentions with deeper meaning and magic. Even in a minority opinion on 22 June 2016 written by Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, she cited several authors, including Baldwin, to underscore her point on the Court’s abrogation of the Fourth Amendment.
A PR plug for the nuclear pore in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive and uniformly fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by loss of motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord (1). ALS overlaps clinically and genetically with other adult-onset neurodegenerative disorders, most often frontotemporal dementia (FTD), suggesting that the disease may represent one manifestation of a broader clinical spectrum. Mounting evidence suggests that impairment of nucleocytoplasmic transport contributes to the most common genetic form of ALS and FTD, although the underlying mechanism has remained obscure. In PNAS, a study by Shi et al. (2) provides evidence that toxic disease-related peptides directly obstruct the central channel of the nuclear pore complex. Fittingly, this study appears on the 50th anniversary of Gall’s seminal electron microscopy study (3) that revealed the architecture of the nuclear pore. ALS usually presents sporadically, with no clear family history of motor neuron disease. Nevertheless, substantial evidence points to a strong genetic component to the disease. About 10% of cases of ALS are transmitted within families, almost always as dominant traits, and frequently with high penetrance (4). Recently, the most frequent genetic cause of both ALS and FTD was determined to be microsatellite expansion in the gene C9ORF72 (5, 6). The offending mutation is an expansion of an intronic hexanucleotide repeat, GGGGCC (G4C2). Unaffected individuals typically have between two and 23 G4C2 repeats, whereas people with C9ORF72 -related ALS and FTD (hereafter referred to as C9-ALS/FTD) have hundreds or even thousands of repeats. This mutation is very common, accounting for up to 40% of familial cases and ∼5–10% of sporadic cases of ALS-FTD (4). The primary driver of disease downstream of G4C2 repeat expansion appears to be toxic gain of function arising from repeat-containing transcripts of C9ORF72 … [↵][1]1Email: jpaul.taylor{at}stjude.org. [1]: #xref-corresp-1-1
ADAMTS13 Reduces Vascular Inflammation and Early Development of Atherosclerosis Via VWF-Dependent Mechanism.

Abstract 2178 Background and objective: The metalloprotease ADAMTS13 prevents spontaneous thrombosis in the microvasculature by cleaving hyperactive ultra large von Willebrand factor (ULVWF) multimers into smaller and less active forms. Recently, we and others have demonstrated that ADAMTS13-deficiency aggravates vascular inflammation and early atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE−/−) mice fed a high-fat Western diet. Although VWF is the only known substrate for ADAMTS13, it is not known if the effects of ADAMTS13 on vascular inflammation and atherosclerosis are mediated through its proteolytic effects on VWF or possibly another ADAMTS13 substrate. In this study, we determined whether the exacerbated atherosclerosis observed in the Adamts 13−/−/ ApoE −/− mice is dependent or independent of VWF. Model and methods: ApoE −/−, Adamts13 −/− /ApoE −/−, Adamts13 −/−/ Vwf −/−/ ApoE −/− and Vwf −/−/ApoE−/− male mice were fed a high-fat Western diet (20% fat, 0.2% cholesterol) beginning at 6 weeks of age until they were sacrificed at 4 months. We compared the extent of atherosclerosis in the cross section area of the aortic sinus using the VerHoeffs/Van Gieson stain. Inflammatory cells (neutrophils and macrophages) in the aortic lesions were quantitated by immunohistochemistry. Results: Similar to previous published reports by us and others, we found that the mean lesion area in the aortic sinus of the Adamts13 −/− /ApoE −/− mice were significantly larger (mean ± SEM: 26.6 % ± 1.9 %, P ApoE −/− mice (mean ± SEM: 20.4 % ± 1.5 %). Next, we quantitated macrophage and neutrophil infiltration into lesions in the aortic sinus by immunohistochemistry. We observed significantly increased macrophages (mac-3 positive) and neutrophils (Ly6 B.2 positive) recruitment in the aortic sinus of Adamts13 −/− /ApoE −/− mice compared with ApoE −/− mice. The mean lesion area in the aortic sinus of Adamts13 −/− /Vwf −/− /ApoE −/− mice (mean ± SEM: 15.2 % ± 1.5 %) were similar to Vwf −/− /ApoE −/− mice (mean ± SEM: 15.6 % ± 0.9 %), suggesting that the accelerated atherosclerosis observed in ADAMTS13-deficient mice is VWF-dependent. Finally, macrophages and neutrophils recruitment in the aortic sinus of Adamts13 −/− /Vwf −/− /ApoE −/− mice were similar to Vwf −/− /ApoE −/− mice, suggesting that increased vascular inflammation observed in ADAMTS13-deficient mice is also VWF-dependent. Total cholesterol and triglyceride levels were similar among groups fed a high-fat Western diet. Conclusion: These findings reveal that VWF-deficiency abrogates accelerated early atherosclerosis in ADAMTS13-deficient mice, suggesting that VWF the only relevant substrate for ADAMTS13 in murine atherosclerosis. Disclosures: Lentz: Novo Nordisk A/S: Consultancy, Investigator Other.
Integrated Emotion Processing in Infancy: Matching of Faces and Bodies

Accurate assessment of emotion requires the coordination of information from different sources such as faces, bodies, and voices. Adults readily integrate facial and bodily emotions. However, not much is known about the developmental origin of this capacity. Using a familiarization paired-comparison procedure, 6.5-month-olds in the current experiments were familiarized to happy, angry, or sad emotions in faces or bodies and tested with the opposite image type portraying the familiar emotion paired with a novel emotion. Infants looked longer at the familiar emotion across faces and bodies (except when familiarized to angry images and tested on the happy/angry contrast). This matching occurred not only for emotions from different affective categories (happy, angry) but also within the negative affective category (angry, sad). Thus, 6.5-month-olds, like adults, integrate emotions from bodies and faces in a fairly sophisticated manner, suggesting rapid development of emotion processing early in life.
A paradigm for examining stress effects on alcohol-motivated behaviors in participants with alcohol use disorder.

Although epidemiological research has shown an increase in drinking following stressors and trauma, limited paradigms have been validated to study the relationship between stress and drinking in the human laboratory. The current study developed a progressive ratio (PR) operant procedure to examine the effects of psychosocial stress on alcohol craving and several alcohol-motivated behaviors in persons with alcohol use disorder. Current heavy, nontreatment-seeking drinkers (N = 30) were media-recruited and completed a comprehensive assessment of recent drinking, mood and health. Participants were admitted to the clinical research unit and underwent 4-day, physician-monitored alcohol abstinence. On days 4 and 5, participants underwent the Trier Social Stress Test or a neutral session in random order followed by the alcohol-motivated response (AMR) procedure in which subjects worked for money or alcohol under a PR operant procedure. Subjects received earned money vouchers or alcohol at the conclusion of the session. The Trier Social Stress Test increased alcohol craving and rate of responding and decreased the number of changeovers between alcohol versus money reinforcers on the PR schedule. There was a positive relationship between alcohol craving and drinks earned during the stress session. This novel paradigm provides an experimental platform to examine motivation to drink without confounding by actual alcohol ingestion during the work session, thereby setting the stage for future studies of alcohol interventions.
9 Retrospective survey of epilepsy and anticonvulsant usage in patients with acquired brain injury (abi) at a national rehabilitation hospital

Objective There is a lack of data with regard to the epidemiology of epilepsy in patients admitted to the NRH. Developing the knowledge base is likely to help inform prescribing practice, risk discussion, education of patients and staff thereby improve care and clarity of communication both to people with epilepsy and those involved in supporting them. This study aimed to gather data on: 1. Epidemiology of seizures/epilepsy relating to in-patients at the 2. NRH, Anticonvulsant prescribing practice Method A proforma was developed identifying key factors pertaining to epilepsy/seizures. This was piloted on 5 cases and amendments made. Discharge letters of all patients with ABI, discharged between 1/1/14–31/12/14 were analysed retrospectively using this proforma and data extracted. Results A total of 279 discharge letters were examined (181M, 98F). 52 patients had a diagnosis of epilepsy at the time of admission. 42 patients (36M, 16F) had a diagnosis of secondary epilepsy and 10 a diagnosis of primary epilepsy. Of the 42 cases, 23 had had neurosurgical intervention post brain injury. Secondary epilepsy occurred with greater frequency in patients with traumatic brain injury (n=20), haemorrhagic stroke n=7), brain space occupying lesion (n=7) as compared to ischaemic stroke patients (n=3). 43%% (n=120) individuals were on anticonvulsants at admission for diverse reasons, mostly seizures 15.8% (n=44) and neuropathic pain 10% (n=28). In 33 patients out of 120, no clear indication was evident for their anticonvulsant prescription. Most frequently prescribed anticonvulsants were levetiracetam 21% (58), pregabalin 7.52% (21), sodium valproate 4.65% (13), and gabapentin 2.86% (8). Eleven patients had seizures during admission and in three, seizures occurred during weaning of anti-convulsants. Seizure rescue medication i.e. buccal midazolam was prescribed for 7 of 279 on discharge. Conclusion Secondary epilepsy is common in this population examined. It was more prevalent in those who underwent neurosurgical intervention. Seizures and neuropathic pain were main reasons to be on anticonvulsants. Levetiracetam was the most commonly prescribed agent. Weaknesses of the study were the retrospective study design, the poverty of detail on seizure type, reasons for prescription of anticonvulsants and reliance on accuracy of discharge letters. Qualitative work is needed to look at experience of epilepsy in this group with long term follow up to help inform education, discussions and treatment.
Interaction-induced interlayer charge transfer in the extreme quantum limit

An interacting bilayer electron system provides an extended platform to study electron-electron interaction beyond single layers. We report here experiments demonstrating that the layer densities of an asymmetric bilayer electron system oscillate as a function of perpendicular magnetic field that quantizes the energy levels. At intermediate fields, this interlayer charge transfer can be well explained by the alignment of the Landau levels in the two layers. At the highest fields where both layers reach the extreme quantum limit, however, there is an anomalous, enhanced charge transfer to the majority layer. Surprisingly, when the minority layer becomes extremely dilute, this charge transfer slows down as the electrons in the minority layer condense into a Wigner crystal. Furthermore, by examining the quantum capacitance of the dilute layer at high fields, the screening induced by the composite fermions in an adjacent layer is unveiled. The results highlight the influence of strong interaction in interlayer charge transfer in the regime of very high fields and low Landau level filling factors.
Humoral immune responses to select marine bacteria in loggerhead, Caretta caretta, and Kemp's ridley, Lepidochelys kempii, sea turtles from the south eastern United States.

ABSTRACTSerum from Kemp’s ridley and loggerhead sea turtles was collected in summers of 2011, 2012, and 2013. Serum IgY recognition of lysate proteins from nine bacteria species and whole bacteria-specific IgY titers to these pathogens were quantified. Serum and purified IgY recognized proteins of all bacteria, with protein recognition in some species more pronounced than others. Circulating IgY titers against V. vulnificus, V. anguillarum, E. rhusiopathiae, and B. vesicularis changed over the years in Kemp’s ridley turtles, while titers IgY against V. vulnificus, E. coli, V. parahaemolyticus, B. vesicularis, and M. marinum were different in loggerhead turtles. Serum lysozyme activity was constant for loggerhead turtles over the 3 years, while activity in Kemp’s ridleys were lower in 2012 than 2013. Blood PCV, glucose levels, and serum protein levels were comparable to healthy turtles in previous studies, therefore, this study provides baseline information on antibody responses in healthy, wild turtles.Re...
Near Infrared Photoimmunotherapy with Combined Exposure of External and Interstitial Light Sources

Near infrared photoimmunotherapy (NIR-PIT) is a new target-cell-specific cancer treatment that induces highly selective necrotic/immunogenic cell death after systemic administration of a photoabsorber antibody conjugate and subsequent NIR light exposure. However, the depth of NIR light penetration in tissue (approximately 2 cm) with external light sources limits the therapeutic effects of NIR-PIT. Interstitial light exposure using cylindrical diffusing optical fibers can overcome this limitation. The purpose in this study was to compare three NIR light delivery methods for treating tumors with NIR-PIT using a NIR laser system at an identical light energy; external exposure alone, interstitial exposure alone, and the combination. Panitumumab conjugated with the photoabsorber IRDye-700DX (pan-IR700) was intravenously administered to mice with A431-luc xenografts which are epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFR) positive. One and 2 days later, NIR light was administered to the tumors using one of three meth...
The Econometrics of Shape Restrictions

We review recent developments in the econometrics of shape restrictions and their role in applied work. Our objectives are threefold. First, we aim to emphasize the diversity of applications in which shape restrictions have played a fruitful role. Second, we intend to provide practitioners with an intuitive understanding of how shape restrictions impact the distribution of estimators and test statistics. Third, we aim to provide an overview of new advances in the theory of estimation and inference under shape restrictions. Throughout the review, we outline open questions and interesting directions for future research. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Economics Volume 10 is August 2, 2018. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
Time-Dependent Decays of Fluorescence Anisotropy

In the preceding chapter we described the measurement and interpretation of steady state fluorescence anisotropics. These are the values measured for continuous illumination. The interpretation of these values relied upon an assumed decay law for the time-resolved anisotropics [r(t)], which was not observed directly in the experiment. This is illustrated by equations (5.40)–(5.44), in which the Perrin equation was derived by assuming r(t) decayed to zero as a single exponential function. Considerable additional information is available if one examines the time-dependent decay of fluorescence anisotropy. Time-resolved decays can be measured following pulsed excitation, and r(t) is derived using methods similar to those employed in the measurement of fluorescence lifetimes (Chapter 3). Alternatively, the form of r(t) can be examined indirectly by measuring the phase shift between the parallel and perpendicular components of the emission. Steady state anisotropy measurements in the presence of collisional quenching also allow the shape of r(t) to be estimated.
Some Remarks on the Nature of Navier-Stokes Turbulence

Turbulence with steady forcing is studied by obtaining turbulent and chaotic solutions of the unaveraged Navier-Stokes equations. Those equations are used numerically in conjunction with tools and concepts from nonlinear dynamics, including time series, phase-space trajectories, Poincare sections, Liapunov exponents, and strange attractors. Some of the results are also interpreted in the light of modern ergodic theory.
The Structure, Complexity, and Evolution of Intermediate Filament Genes

The foregoing chapters in this book have directly or indirectly posed many fundamental questions pertaining to the mechanisms by which the expression of intermediate filament (IF) genes is regulated during development and differentiation. A consensual hypothesis established repeatedly in this book suggests that the morphological similarity of IF resides in the highly conserved secondary structure of the rod domains of all IF chains. The end domains, which vary widely in size and amino acid sequence among IF chains (Table I), are thought to occupy peripheral positions on intact IF where they are intimately involved in the functions of the IF in cells (Steinert et. al., 1985a; Steinert and Roop, 1988). Accordingly, the fundamental role of IF gene expression is to generate a particular set of exposed end domains, coupled to specific rod domains, that admit the functions of the IF required by the cell in which they occur.
Hematologic Complications of Chronic Renal Failure

Uremia interferes with erythropoiesis, granulocyte, platelet, and immune functions. As a result, uremic patients are almost invariably anemic, and have a high incidence of infections and hemorrhagic complications. The anemia of renal failure, which is caused primarily by damage to the site of erythropoietin production is often complex, and complicated by hemolysis from a variety of mechanisms, iron deficiency, and so forth. Although hemodialysis ameliorates some of the hematologic complications to a variable degree, they remain a serious hinderance to the well being of this group of patients. Progress in understanding the mechanism of these problems and their therapy has been reviewed here.
Pyroptosis Induction and Detection

Pyroptosis is a form of programmed pro-inflammatory cell death that plays a protective role in the host response to infection, but can also promote pathogenic inflammation. Pyroptosis is mediated by the cysteine protease, caspase-1. Caspase-1 cleaves gasdermin D, releasing the N-terminal pore-forming domain, which inserts into the plasma membrane and drives osmotic lysis. Caspase-1 also proteolytically activates the inflammatory cytokines interleukin 1β (IL-1β) and IL-18. This unit describes methods for stimulating pyroptosis and assessing subsequent loss of plasma membrane integrity. We also describe an ELISA to quantify released IL-1β. These methods can be applied to many different types of experiments. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Highlights Talks at ACM BCB 2018

It is our great pleasure to have eleven highlights talks in the program of the 2018 ACM Conference on Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, and Health Informatics, ACM-BCB'18. These invited talks are based on articles that have been published in the last 12 months and represent some of the most interesting and exciting works in our field.
Conservation needs exposed by variability in common-pool governance principles

Common-pool governance principles are becoming increasingly important tools for natural resource management with communities and comanagement arrangements. Effectiveness of these principles depends on variability in agreements, trust, and adherence to institutional norms. We evaluated heterogeneity in governance principles by asking 449 people in 30 fishing communities in 4 East African countries to rate their effectiveness. The influences of individuals, their membership and role in stakeholder community groups, leadership, community, and country were tested. The membership and role of people were not the main influence on their perceptions of the effectiveness of governance principles. Therefore, drawing conclusions about the effectiveness of specific principles would be difficult to make independent of the individuals asked. More critical were individuals' nationalities and their associations with the shared perceptions of a response-group's effectiveness of each principle. Perceptions of effectiveness differed strongly by country, and respondents from poor nations (Madagascar and Mozambique) were more cohesiveness but had fewer and weaker between-community conflict-resolution mechanisms. Overall, group identity, group autonomy, decision-making process, and conflict resolution principles were perceived to be most effective and likely to be enforced by repeated low-cost intragroup activities. Graduated sanctions, cost-benefit sharing, and monitoring resource users, fisheries, and ecology were the least scaled principles and less affordable via local control. We suggest these 2 groups of principles form independently and, as economies develop and natural resources become limiting, sustainability increasingly depends on the later principles. Therefore, management effectiveness in resource-limited situations depends on distributing power, skills, and costs beyond fishing communities to insure conservation needs are met.