cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Hubble Space Telescope

The Hubble Space Telescope is one of the world's pre-eminent observatories. The scientific results from this telescope have already revolutionized our understanding of the Universe, have answered many key questions of modern astrophysics and just as important the Hubble Space Telescope has revealed a number of new phenomena now being investigated with follow-up space and ground based observations. I will describe the key characteristics of the observatory, its complement of current and future scientific instruments and the highlights of the scientific program being carried-out.
Photonic crystal filters for multi-band optical filtering on a monolithic substrate

Many applications require the ability to image a scene in several different narrow spectral bands simultaneously. Conventional multi-layer dielectric filters require control of film thickness to change the resonant wavelength. This makes it difficult to fabricate a mosaic of multiple narrow spectral band transmission filters monolithically. We adjusted the spectral transmission of a multi-layer dielectric filter by drilling a periodic array of subwavelength holes through the stack. Multi-band photonic crystal filters were modeled and optimized for a specific case of filtering six optical bands on a single substrate. Numerical simulations showed that there exists a particular air hole periodicity which maximizes the minimum hole diameter. Specifically for a stack of SiO2 and Si3N4 with the set of filtered wavelengths (nm): 560, 576, 600, 630, 650, and 660, the optimal hole periodicity was 282 nm. This resulted in a minimum hole diameter of 90 nm and a maximum diameter of 226 nm. Realistic fabrication tolerances were considered such as dielectric layer thickness and refractive index fluctuations, as well as vertical air hole taper. Our results provide a reproducible methodology for similar multi-band monolithic filters in either the optical or infrared regimes.
Use of pulmonary arterial unifocalization into cryopreserved homograft pulmonary arterial bifurcation grafts to facilitate complete correction of pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect, nonconfluent (absent) central pulmonary arteries and multiple major aortopulmonary collateral arteries

Three children with pulmonary atresia and ventricular septal defect with absent central pulmonary arteries underwent successful complete correction following preliminary staging procedures for unifocalization and deletion of multiple major aortopulmonary collateral arteries. The unifocalization procedures were accomplished using valveless pulmonary arterial cryopreserved allografts. This technique was found to facilitate and simplify the final repair. All patients survived the complete correction. The patients have been followed for 1½-4 years following the final surgery. One child died two years after repair from pneumonia complicated by asthma. One patient appears to have progression of pulmonary vascular disease despite the complete repair, and one patient continues to do well both symptomatically and hemodynamically. The results suggest that this method of unifocalization solves many of the problems inherent to more classical techniques, but the overall prognosis of patients in this diagnostic entity has yet to be completely defined.
Experimental evidence for the quasi-living nature of the grignard metathesis method for the synthesis of regioregular poly(3-alkylthiophenes)

The Grignard metathesis (GRIM) polymerization of 3-alkylthiophenes proceeds by a quasi-“living” chain growth mechanism, not by a step growth process. Kinetic studies of the Grignard metathesis polymerization of 2,5-dibromo-3-alkylthiophenes showed that the molecular weight of poly(3-alkylthiophenes) is a function of the molar ratio of the monomer to nickel initiator, and conducting polymers with predetermined molecular weights and relatively narrow molecular weight distributions (PDIs = 1.2−1.5) can be made. Sequential monomer addition resulted in new block copolymers containing different poly(3-alkylthiophene) segments.
Walls and white elephants: Oil extraction, responsibility, and infrastructural violence in Equatorial Guinea

Starting from the juxtaposition of Equatorial Guinea's luxurious private oil compounds with the sporadic and uneven public infrastructure outside their walls, this article explores how infrastructure becomes a key site through which oil and gas companies and Equatoguinean actors negotiate entanglement and disentanglement, responsibility and its abdication. If basic forms of infrastructural violence include exclusion and dis- connection, that violence is redoubled by the work of disentanglement-the work to abdicate responsibility for those forms of violence. Drawing on 14 months of fieldwork in Equatorial Guinea, as well as on the work of Michel Callon and Koray Caliskan, this article describes how the work-intensive disentanglement evidenced in the enclaves operates on behalf of the marketization of oil and gas. Marketization is made possible through work to deny the web of sociopolitical relations required for hydrocarbon extraction and production, thus allowing the commodity (and the companies producing it) to appear as if separate from the broader social context within which they operate. At the same time, however, this work to deny certain social relations inevitably requires the production and internalization of others, often materialized through the production and manipulation of infrastructure.
Structural and Incremental Validity of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Fourth Edition With a Clinical Sample

Structural and incremental validity of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Fourth Edition (WAIS-IV; Wechsler, 2008a) was examined with a sample of 300 individuals referred for evaluation at a university-based clinic. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated that the WAIS-IV structure was best represented by 4 first-order factors as well as a general intelligence factor in a direct hierarchical model. The general intelligence factor accounted for the most common and total variance among the subtests. Incremental validity analyses indicated that the Full Scale IQ (FSIQ) generally accounted for medium to large portions of academic achievement variance. For all measures of academic achievement, the first-order factors combined accounted for significant achievement variance beyond that accounted for by the FSIQ, but individual factor index scores contributed trivial amounts of achievement variance. Implications for interpreting WAIS-IV results are discussed.
Anesthetics Affect the Cerebral Metabolic Response to Circulatory Catecholamines

This study examined whether the effect of intravenous infusions of either epinephrine or norepinephrine on cerebral metabolic rate for oxygen (CMRO2) in the dog was modified by different anesthetics. Infusions of either epinephrine or norepinephrine at rates of 0.1-0.25 mu.kg-1.min-1 reversibly increased the CMRO2 by 17-23% during anesthesia with cyclopropane 20% and nitrous oxide 50% in oxygen, whereas infusions at rates of 0.1-25.0 micrograms.kg-1.min-1 had no effect in dogs anesthetized with other inhalational or intravenous agents. Cyclopropane/nitrous oxide also increased permeability of the blood-brain barrier to Evan's blue dye whereas the other anesthetics tested did not. It is concluded that epinephrine and norepinephrine crossed the blood-brain barrier during cyclopropane anesthesia, accounting for the increase in CMRO2. The authors speculate that cyclopropane may have increased blood-brain barrier permeability by a direct effect on endothelial cells or by affecting central adrenergic systems and that epinephrine or norepinephrine may increase CMRO2 either by a direct action on neuronal receptors or via metabolically coupled synaptic events.
Electromyographically assessed empathic concern and empathic happiness predict increased prosocial behavior in adults.

a b s t r a c t The relation between empathy subtypes and prosocial behavior was investigated in a sample of healthy adults. “Empathic concern” and “empathic happiness”, defined as negative and positive vicarious emotion (respectively) combined with an other-oriented feeling of “goodwill” (i.e. a thought to do good to others/see others happy), were elicited in 68 adult participants who watched video clips extracted from the television show Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. Prosocial behavior was quantified via performance on a non-monetary altruistic decision-making task involving book selection and donation. Empathic concern and empathic happiness were measured via self-report (immediately following each video clip) and via facial electromyography recorded from corrugator (active during frowning) and zygomatic (active during smiling) facial regions. Facial electromyographic signs of (a) empathic concern (i.e. frowning) during sad video clips, and (b) empathic happiness (i.e. smiling) during happy video clips, predicted increased
Shape analysis of the prostate: establishing imaging specifications for the design of a transurethral imaging device for prostate brachytherapy guidance.

Abstract Purpose To examine specific prostate and urethra dimensions and prostate shape to facilitate the design of a transurethral ultrasonographic imaging device. Methods and Materials Computed tomographic (CT) data sets were retrospectively evaluated from 191 patients who underwent permanent prostate brachytherapy at our institution. The prostate, rectum, urethra, and bladder were each segmented with imaging software. Collected data and calculations included prostate volume at specific distances from the urethra and rectum, distances from seeds to urethra (SU), distances from seeds to rectum (SR), prostate length, and curvilinear prostatic urethra length. Results The CT-based, postimplant mean prostate volume was 49 cm3 (range, 22–106 cm3). Mean prostate length was 4.5 cm (range, 3.1–6.0 cm). The mean curvilinear length of the prostatic urethra was 4.5 cm. The mean (standard deviation) prostatic urethra bend was 29.0° (12.2°). The mean surface distance from the prostate to the urethra was 2.9 cm and from the prostate to the rectum w as 4.6 cm (p Conclusions A urethral imaging device for prostate brachytherapy and other minimally invasive prostate therapies should ideally have a 6-cm imaging field of view to image all the prostates in this series in a single image. The mean distance from the SU in permanent prostate brachytherapy is less than 70% of the mean SR distance.
Hemodynamic changes in adrenalectomized dogs.

Hemodynamic studies were conducted in trained, unanesthetized dogs before and after complete adrenalectomy. Three days after complete adrenalectomy there were consistent and significant decreases in cardiac output, stroke volume and mean arterial pressure, and increases in heart rate and total peripheral resistance. Intravenous infusions of dextran during adrenal insufficiency consistently increased cardiac output, stroke volume and arterial pressure, and decreased total peripheral resistance. Various programs of steroid therapy failed to restore completely the normal hemodynamic pattern, i.e., heart rate, blood pressure and stroke volume were restored partially or completely, but cardiac output remained low. However, definitive conclusions about the hemodynamic effects of steroid therapy will require additional data. In control dogs, studied repeatedly during a period of approximately 2 years, there was no significant tendency for the hemodynamic values to change with time. We conclude that the major hem...
Imaginary companions and related phenomena.

(1946). Imaginary Companions and Related Phenomena. The Pedagogical Seminary and Journal of Genetic Psychology: Vol. 69, No. 2, pp. 147-167.
Acute Monitoring of Genitourinary Function Using Intrafascicular Electrodes: Selective Pudendal Nerve Activity Corresponding to Bladder Filling, Bladder Fullness, and Genital Stimulation

Objective To investigate the use of a microelectrode array with a high spatial density of penetrating intrafascicular electrodes for selective recording of pudendal nerve activity evoked by a variety of genitourinary stimuli. Materials and Methods Felines were anesthetized with alpha-chloralose and high-density Utah slanted electrode arrays (48 microelectrodes; 200-μm spacing) were implanted into the pudendal nerve for acute experimentation. Neural activity was recorded during bladder filling, spontaneous reflexive distention-evoked bladder contractions, and tactile somatosensory stimulation. Results The intrafascicularly implanted pudendal nerve electrodes were able to selectively record neural activity that corresponded to various genitourinary stimuli. Across all seven experimental animals, a total of 10 microelectrodes recorded neural units that were selectively driven by bladder filling or distention-evoked bladder contractions. Twenty-two electrodes were selectively driven by tactile stimulation. Conclusion Microelectrode arrays implanted intrafascicularly into the pudendal nerve can be used to selectively record the neural responses that reflect bladder status and urogenital tactile stimulation. This work sets the stage for developing future implantable closed-loop neuroprosthetic devices for restoration of bladder function.
Visitation by Wild and Managed Bees (Hymenoptera: Apoidea) to Eastern U.S. Native Plants for Use in Conservation Programs

Addition of floral resources to agricultural field margins has been shown to increase abundance of beneficial insects in crop fields, but most plants recommended for this use are non-native annuals. Native perennial plants with different bloom periods can provide floral resources for bees throughout the growing season for use in pollinator conservation projects. To identify the most suitable plants for this use, we examined the relative attractiveness to wild and managed bees of 43 eastern U.S. native perennial plants, grown in a common garden setting. Floral characteristics were evaluated for their ability to predict bee abundance and taxa richness. Of the wild bees collected, the most common species (62%) was Bombus impatiens Cresson. Five other wild bee species were present between 3 and 6% of the total: Lasioglossum admirandum (Sandhouse), Hylaeus affinis (Smith), Agapostemon virescens (F.), Halictus ligatus Say, and Ceratina calcarata/dupla Robertson/Say. The remaining wild bee species were present at <2% of the total. Abundance of honey bees (Apis mellifera L.) was nearly identical to that of B. impatiens. All plant species were visited at least once by wild bees; 9 were highly attractive, and 20 were moderately attractive. Honey bees visited 24 of the 43 plant species at least once. Floral area was the only measured factor accounting for variation in abundance and richness of wild bees but did not explain variation in honey bee abundance. Results of this study can be used to guide selection of flowering plants to provide season-long forage for conservation of wild bees.
Primate Rhinal Cortex Participates in Both Visual Recognition and Working Memory Tasks: Functional Mapping With 2-DG

The rhinal cortex in the medial temporal lobe has been implicated in object recognition memory tasks and indeed is considered to be the critical node in a visual memory network. Previous studies using the 2-deoxyglucose method have shown that thalamic and hippocampal structures thought to be involved in visual recognition memory are also engaged by spatial and object working memory tasks in the nonhuman primate. Networks engaged in memory processing can be recognized by analysis of patterns of activation accompanying performance of specifically designed tasks. In the present study, we compared metabolic activation of the entorhinal and perirhinal cortex during the performance of three working memory tasks [delayed response (DR), delayed alternation (DA), and delayed object alternation (DOA)] to that induced by a standard recognition memory task [delayed match-to-sample (DMS)] and a sensorimotor control task in rhesus monkeys. A region-of-interest analysis revealed elevated local cerebral glucose utilization in the perirhinal cortex in animals performing the DA, DOA, and DMS tasks, and animals performing the DMS task were distinct in showing a strong focus of activation in the lateral perirhinal cortex. No significant differences were evident between groups performing memory and control tasks in the entorhinal cortex. These findings suggest that the perirhinal cortex may play a much broader role in memory processing than has been previously thought, encompassing explicit working memory as well as recognition memory.
Family practice instructional development models in Taiwan, review and prospective.

The National Health Insurance Program began in March 1995 in Taiwan. The success of the program depends largely on the operation of “Regionalization Medical Networks” which rely on family practice to provide cost-effective medical care. Instructional development activity needs to be addressed as the highest priority, to meet the impelling needs of family practice training. The acute shortage of family practice educators in Taiwan draws attention for a need of family practice faculty development programs, including short-term seminars and long-term fellowships. Continuing education programs in family practice help keep abreast the scientific as well as the social developments in familiarizing new guidelines of the National Health Insurance Program. Residency training programs that are community-based and ambulatory-oriented will prepare family practice resident physicians to make contributions for the future of “Regionalization Medical Networks”. As well, the undergraduate family practice education programs will prepare future physicians with the adaptations and the challenges of the National Health Insurance Program. The allied health education programs are fundamental to build family practice teams to meet community health needs. Lastly, public education programs designed to familiarize the public with the National Health Insurance Program will help give the public an understanding and appreciation of the contributions of family practice in the health care delivery.
Investigations Regarding the Operating Range of Ultrathin Grinding Wheels on AlTiC

Minimizing the street width, i.e. the distance required for the separation cut between thin-film elements on a wafer, is a key factor for an effective exploitation of a wafer’s area. One potential approach to street width minimization is the use of ultrathin dicing wheels. This paper presents investigations of the operating limits in Al 2 O 3 -TiC wafer dicing with wheels of a width between 16 μ m and 60 μ m Maximum wheel exposure limits for 16 μ m to 40 μ m wheels and feed rate limits for 40 μ m to 60 μ m wheels were identified. The results achieved exceed the established exposure and cut depth ratios by a factor of two.
The Use of Aspirin in Ischemic Heart Disease

WITHIN a decade of the isolation of salicylate in 1892, aspirin was introduced as an analgesic and antipyretic agent. In 1971, Vane described its inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis from arachidonate in homogenates of guinea pig lung,1 and Smith and Willis demonstrated that aspirin blocks the production of prostaglandin in human platelets.2 During the past decade, it has been shown that platelet aggregation and the formation of thrombi are pathophysiologically important in syndromes of ischemic heart disease. As a result, aspirin is widely used in patients with ischemic heart disease, and its use has recently been advocated in subjects without clinically . . .
Chemical analysis of dyes on an Uzbek ceremonial coat: Objective evidence for artifact dating and the chemistry of early synthetic dyes

Abstract A silk cross-stitched man's overcoat in traditional Uzbek style in the Indianapolis Museum of Art was thought to originate from late 1800s to early 1900s. To shed light on its history and associated textile dye chemistry, threads from the coat were subjected to dye analysis by LC-DAD-ESI-MS. Dyes identified include seventeen natural colorants from barberry, larkspur, madder and cochineal, and forty-two synthetic compounds in the diazo, xanthene, and triarylmethine class. Many of the synthetic dyes were heterogeneous, attributable either to crudeness in synthetic process or to age related degradation. The different shades of red and green in the threads were obtained from blending two or three synthetic dyes as well as, in one case, the combination of natural and synthetic components. Direct Red 23, C.I. 29160, first reported in 1900, was the most recent, thus refining the creation date of the garment to the early twentieth century or later.
Web-Based 2D NMR Spectroscopy Practice Problems

2D NMR spectroscopy is regularly utilized for determination of organic structures. Problem-solving using a variety of 2D techniques is increasingly covered in the undergraduate curriculum. While several advanced texts provide some practice problems, these books are often expensive and aimed at graduate students. A free and publicly available set of 2D NMR problems with answers was developed to provide students an opportunity to develop their advanced structure elucidation skills.
Study on results in detection of Vibrio cholerea in various samples by rapid immune colloidal gold strip

Objective:To study the results in detection of Vibrio cholerea in various samples by rapid immune colloidal gold strip.Methods:The methods of detection Vibrio cholerea in various samples was compared with rapid one-step detection and culture detection.Results:The results showed that the positive sample number of the rapid immune colloidal gold strip test and culture was 138 and 144,respectively.There were 127 positive and 2793 negative results in both the rapid immune colloidal gold strip test and the culture detection.Conclusion:The method of detecting Vibrio cholerea by rapid one-step detection is suitable to most samples but unsuitable to patients treated on inpatient basis.
Evaluation of the vancomycin-clearance:creatinine-clearance relationship for predicting vancomycin dosage.

Four methods of predicting vancomycin maintenance doses on the basis of the relationship between total-body or renal clearance of the drug and creatinine clearance were evaluated retrospectively using data from 24 patients who received vancomycin hydrochloride. Data for 18 men and 6 women with creatinine clearances of 10-130 mL/min were used; the mean (+/- S.D.) vancomycin maintenance dose was 22.0 +/- 11.2 mg/kg/day. The actual vancomycin maintenance dose needed to sustain an average steady-state vancomycin concentration of 15 mg/L was determined based on individual pharmacokinetic values. Predicted vancomycin maintenance doses were generated using the vancomycin-clearance:creatinine-clearance relationships derived separately by Nielsen, Moellering, Rotschafer, and Matzke. Orthogonal regression analysis was used to determine relationships between actual and predicted maintenance doses. Predictive ability of each method was assessed for bias (mean error) and precision (root mean squared error). Mean error and root mean squared error (+/- S.D.), respectively, for the four methods were as follows: Nielsen -262 +/- 451, 522 +/- 718; Moellering -91 +/- 439, 448 +/- 547; Rotschafer 192 +/- 602, 632 +/- 682; and Matzke -76 +/- 101, 408 +/- 517. Doses predicted by the Nielsen relationship were significantly lower than the actual vancomycin maintenance doses. Use of the Rotschafer relationship resulted in substantial overprediction, which increased as creatinine clearance declined. Doses predicted by the Moellering and Matzke relationships were slightly less than but not significantly different from the actual dose. The Matzke method demonstrated the least bias and was the most precise.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Estrogens modulate ventrolateral ventromedial hypothalamic glucose-inhibited neurons

Abstract Objective Brain regulation of glucose homeostasis is sexually dimorphic; however, the impact sex hormones have on specific neuronal populations within the ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus (VMN), a metabolically sensitive brain region, has yet to be fully characterized. Glucose-excited (GE) and -inhibited (GI) neurons are located throughout the VMN and may play a critical role in glucose and energy homeostasis. Within the ventrolateral portion of the VMN (VL-VMN), glucose sensing neurons and estrogen receptor (ER) distributions overlap. We therefore tested the hypothesis that VL-VMN glucose sensing neurons were sexually dimorphic and regulated by 17β-estradiol (17βE). Methods Electrophysiological recordings of VL-VMN glucose sensing neurons in brain slices isolated from age- and weight-matched female and male mice were performed in the presence and absence of 17βE. Results We found a new class of VL-VMN GI neurons whose response to low glucose was transient despite continued exposure to low glucose. Heretofore, we refer to these newly identified VL-VMN GI neurons as ‘adapting’ or AdGI neurons. We found a sexual dimorphic response to low glucose, with male nonadapting GI neurons, but not AdGI neurons, responding more robustly to low glucose than those from females. 17βE blunted the response of both nonadapting GI and AdGI neurons to low glucose in both males and females, which was mediated by activation of estrogen receptor β and inhibition of AMP-activated kinase. In contrast, 17βE had no impact on GE or non-glucose sensing neurons in either sex. Conclusion These data suggest sex differences and estrogenic regulation of VMN hypothalamic glucose sensing may contribute to the sexual dimorphism in glucose homeostasis.
1.21 - Overview of Anion Receptor Chemistry

The supramolecular chemistry of synthetic anion binders can be traced back almost to the emergence of cation receptors, such as crown ethers and cryptands. Instead of electronegative donor groups providing the weak force interactions leading to complexation, the most common contact involves hydrogen bonding. The H-bond donors are most commonly integral to amides, ureas, protonated nitrogen-heterocycles, and polarized carbon–hydrogen bonds. The complexing agents or binders may be cyclic or open-chained but successful binders must be organized either by design or by conformation to provide stabilizing contacts with anions having a range of geometric features.
Soft Resummation for Heavy-Quark Production

We review the need for soft‐gluon resummation for heavy quark production in charged‐ and neutral‐current deep‐inelastic scattering and explain its effect on observables like the charm structure function.
Actin/Myosin-V- and Activity-Dependent Inter-synaptic Vesicle Exchange in Central Neurons

Vesicle sharing between synaptic boutons is an important component of the recycling process that synapses employ to maintain vesicle pools. However, the mechanisms supporting and regulating vesicle transport during the inter-synaptic exchange remain poorly understood. Using nanometer-resolution tracking of individual synaptic vesicles and advanced computational algorithms, we find that long-distance axonal transport of synaptic vesicles between hippocampal boutons is partially mediated by the actin network, with myosin V as the primary actin-dependent motor that drives this vesicle transport. Furthermore, we find that vesicle exit from the synapse to the axon and long-distance vesicle transport are both rapidly and dynamically regulated by activity. We corroborated these findings with two complementary modeling approaches of vesicle exit, which closely reproduced experimental observations. These findings uncover the roles of actin and myosin V in supporting the inter-synaptic vesicle exchange and reveal that this process is dynamically modulated in an activity-dependent manner.
Materializing 'Competence': Perspectives from International STEM Scholars.

Applied linguists have been exploring approaches to second language acquisition and competence that move beyond a prioritization of cognition and grammar that was derived from the foundational structuralist legacy in linguistics. Recently, for example, they have collaborated in putting together an integrated alternative model (Douglas Fir Group, 2016) to move theory and pedagogy forward. Shifting further yet toward the material locus and spatiotemporal conditioning of communication, this article reports on the communicative practices of international STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) scholars. Its data analysis uses a spatial orientation informed by schools such as new materialism, post‐humanism, and actor network theory, influenced largely by scholars in material and spatial sciences. The article calls for a fuller materialization, embodiment, and performativity in theorizing language competence than currently conceptualized in applied linguistics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Mimicking ‘broken windows’ policing in post-soviet cities: expanding social control in uncertain times

Kazakhstan and Ukraine are the two latest adopters of the broken windows theory of policing first applied in New York City in the 1990s. Both countries embraced the practice despite its declining p...
Disrupted hypothalamic functional connectivity in patients with PD and autonomic dysfunction.

Objective To test whether symptoms of autonomic dysfunction in Parkinson disease (PD) are associated with alterations in intrinsic hypothalamic functional connectivity, given the regulatory role of the hypothalamus (HTH) in the autonomic nervous system. Methods Resting-state fMRI scans from patients with PD were analyzed, comparing patients with the highest (n = 24) and lowest (n = 28) quartile scores in a questionnaire assessing autonomic dysfunction in PD (Scales for Outcomes in Parkinson9s Disease–Autonomic [SCOPA-AUT]), obtained from a larger pool of patients (n = 93). Higher scores on the SCOPA-AUT indicate more severe symptoms. Seed-based functional connectivity maps, based on a seed region in the left and right HTH, were computed for each patient and compared by use of a general linear model, with false discovery rate correction for multiple comparisons. Partial correlation tests were additionally performed to test whether the associations between SCOPA-AUT scores and hypothalamic functional connectivity were independent of motor dysfunction, disease duration, cognitive function, and age. Results Relative to patients with PD with lower SCOPA-AUT scores, patients with higher scores displayed significantly reduced functional connectivity between the HTH and the striatum (caudate, putamen) and thalamus. The significant association between striato-thalamo-hypothalamic functional connectivity and SCOPA-AUT scores was retained after controlling for each patient9s corresponding Movement Disorder Society Unified Parkinson9s Disease Rating Scale scores, age, disease duration, and cognitive function. Conclusions Patients with PD with symptoms of autonomic dysfunction show disrupted thalamo-striato-hypothalamic functional connectivity independently of overall motor dysfunction, disease duration, age and cognitive function. These findings suggest that symptoms of autonomic dysfunction in PD are accompanied by central deficits in the neural circuits that regulate autonomic function and their interaction with the basal ganglia.
The Role of Proline in Energy Metabolism

Amino acids have long been recognized to be prominent constituents of the hemolymph and tissue fluids of insects, accounting for more than 30% of the total osmotic activity in advanced orders (Sutcliffe, 1963). Details of the amino acid pattern have been elucidated for many species, and the results have been widely reviewed (Florkin, 1958; Wyatt, 1961; Chen, 1966; Schoffeniels and Gilles, 1970; Jeuniaux, 1971), to reveal a situation of bewildering, but seemingly controlled (Collett, 1976a), complexity. The only feature that stands out as a general, though by no means universal, characteristic of insect hemolymph is the predominance of proline and/ or of glutamate and its amide glutamine (see also more recent investigations of Barrett, 1974; Nurmi and Birt, 1974; Bailey, 1975; Barrett and Friend, 1975; Collett, 1976b; de Kort and Kramer, 1976.) The early work of Winteringham with radioactively labeled substrates indicated a high rate of turnover in amino acid pools (Winteringham and Harrison, 1956; Winteringham, 1958) and suggested that hemolymph amino acids in general, and proline and glutamate in particular, could serve as important sources of substrate for the Krebs cycle (see also reviews by Sacktor, 1961, 1974). Support for this view was provided by later work, which showed a significant depletion of proline during activity in a number of different insects (Bursell, 1963; Corrigan and Kearns, 1963; Kirsten et al, 1963; Ray, 1964; Sacktor and Wormser-Shavit, 1966; Barker and Lehner, 1972; Brouwers and de Kort, 1979). Since then, proline metabolism has been under intensive investigation, and its importance in energy metabolism has become firmly established.
Myogenesis: A Cell Lineage Interpretation

This review is based on four interrelated assumptions: (1) The central problem in differentiation is understanding how coupled bits of information unavailable in a mother cell become available in daughter cells (Holtzer et al., 1973); (2) The genetic controls regulating rates of synthesis of constitutive molecules such as glucose-6-phosphatase or RNA polymerases, or organelles such as mitochondria or ribosomes are, for the most part, independent of the regulatory controls for differentiation; (3) All embryonic cells—zygote, blastula, gastrula, stem-cells, etc.—exist as differentiated cell types, each committed to a unique and limited program of synthesis (Holtzer, 1968, 1970); and (4) The number of options for transition in a developmental program available to any one cell, whether from an embryo or mature organism, is never greater than two (Abbott et al., 1974).
Investigation of the thermal-hydraulic non-equilibrium in a 7 × 7 rod bundle during reflood

Abstract The current research aims at investigating the thermal–hydraulic non-equilibrium encountered in the dispersed flow film boiling (DFFB) regime under reflood conditions. A series of constant reflood tests have been performed at the 7 × 7 Rod Bundle Heat Transfer (RBHT) test facility and the experimental results have been analyzed in detail. The data not only is useful for the development of theoretical models for two-phase interfacial mass and heat transfer, void fraction, pressure drop, and rod bundle cooling prediction, but also can be used as a benchmark data base for evaluating the performance of various thermal–hydraulic analysis codes. In this paper, a complete data reduction methodology is employed to reveal and interpret important two-phase flow phenomena during reflood transients. The results show that for the region far away from the quench front location, significant thermal non-equilibrium may exist during reflood and thus poor heat removal capability of the flow mixture is expected. On the other hand, for the region immediately downstream of the quench front, the two-phase flow is found to be close to the thermal equilibrium state, indicating that both the interfacial heat transfer and the heat transfer between the rod surface and fluid mixture are very efficient. In addition, based on the liquid droplet measurement and force balance calculations, it is found that the slip ratio between the two separate phases is a strong function of the droplet size and reflood time. With a larger droplet size and a shorter distance from the quench location, the slip ratio is larger. The liquid carryover fraction at the exit of the test section is also determined as a function of the reflood time. Results indicate that only a small portion of the injected coolant mass is stored within the bundle. A significant amount of liquid mass into the test section is either evaporated or entrained in the vapor flow and eventually left the bundle.
Chromatin Immunoprecipitation: An Introduction, Overview, and Protocol

Abstract Histone modifications work in concert with DNA methylation to regulate cellular structure, function, and the response to environmental stimuli. More than 130 unique histone modifications have been described to date, and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) allows for the exploration of their associations with the regulatory regions of target genes and other DNA/chromatin-associated proteins across the genome. Many variations of ChIP have been developed in the 30 years since its earliest version came into use, which makes it challenging for users to integrate the procedure into their research programs. Further, the differences in ChIP protocols can confound efforts to increase reproducibility across studies. The streamlined ChIP procedure presented here can be readily applied to samples from a wide range of in vitro studies (cell lines and primary cells) and clinical samples (peripheral leukocytes) in toxicology. We also provide detailed guidance on the optimization of critical protocol parameters, such as chromatin fixation, fragmentation, and immunoprecipitation, to increase efficiency and improve reproducibility. Expanding toxicoepigenetic studies to more readily include histone modifications will facilitate a more comprehensive understanding of the role of the epigenome in environmental exposure effects and the integration of epigenetic data in mechanistic toxicology, adverse outcome pathways, and risk assessment.
Measuring physical exertion in virtual reality exercise games

We demonstrate a novel method of applying the capabilities of mobile virtual reality technology to the health sciences by measuring physical exertion in a VR exercise game. By measuring changes in heart rate in a thirteen person user study, we find evidence to suggest that virtual reality exercise is able to induce a moderate to high level of physical exertion and produce an immersive an intriguing experience.
Energy Loss in Organic Photovoltaics: Nonfullerene Versus Fullerene Acceptors

The energy loss ${E}_{l\phantom{\rule{0}{0ex}}o\phantom{\rule{0}{0ex}}s\phantom{\rule{0}{0ex}}s}$ seen in organic photovoltaics sets a fundamental limit to their open-circuit voltage, and hence power conversion efficiency. This study compares molecular structures of fullerene and nonfullerene acceptors and quantifies the relationship between ${E}_{l\phantom{\rule{0}{0ex}}o\phantom{\rule{0}{0ex}}s\phantom{\rule{0}{0ex}}s}$, exciton binding energy, and intra- and intermolecular electron-phonon couplings. Molecular design strategies derived from this analysis provide elementary approaches to reduce ${E}_{l\phantom{\rule{0}{0ex}}o\phantom{\rule{0}{0ex}}s\phantom{\rule{0}{0ex}}s}$ yet also achieve efficient exciton dissociation. While addressing the source of ${E}_{l\phantom{\rule{0}{0ex}}o\phantom{\rule{0}{0ex}}s\phantom{\rule{0}{0ex}}s}$ is particularly relevant for solar cells, it has wide-ranging implications for any system with an organic heterojunction.
30-Day Outcomes After Intraoperative Leak Testing for Bariatric Surgery Patients.

Abstract Background Intraoperative testing of anastomoses and staples lines is commonly performed to minimize the risk of postoperative leaks in bariatric surgery, but its impact is unclear. The aim of this study was to determine the association between leak testing and 30-d postoperative leak, bleed, reoperation, and readmission rates for patients undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). Methods This is a retrospective observational study utilizing 2015-2016 data from the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program database. Postoperative outcomes were compared using χ2 test. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with 30-d outcomes. Results We included 237,081 patients. Leak testing was performed on 73.0% and 92.1% of LSG and RYGB patients, respectively. LSG was associated with lower rates of leak, bleed, reoperation, and readmission than RYGB. On multivariable analysis, intraoperative leak testing was associated with increased rates of postoperative leak for LSG and RYGB (OR 1.48 and 1.90, respectively) and lower rates of bleed for LSG (OR 0.76). There were no significant associations between leak testing and rates of reoperation or readmission. Conclusions Use of intraoperative leak testing was not associated with improved outcomes for either LSG or RYGB. A prospective trial investigating leak testing is warranted to better elucidate its impact.
PYK2 Is Involved in Premalignant Acinar Cell Reprogramming and Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Maintenance by Phosphorylating β-CateninY654.

Abstract Background & Aims Identification and validation of new functionally relevant and pharmacologically actionable target for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains a great challenge. Premalignant acinar cell reprogramming (acinar-to-ductal metaplasia, ADM) is a precursor of pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia lesions (PanINs) that can progress to PDAC. This study investigated the role of PYK2 (proline-rich tyrosine kinase 2) in mutant Kras -induced and pancreatitis-associated ADM and PanIN formation as well as in PDAC maintenance. Methods Genetically engineered mouse models of mutant Kras G12D and Pyk2 deletion were used for investigating the role of PYK2 in PDAC genesis in mice. In vitro ADM assays were conducted using primary pancreatic acinar cells isolated from mice. Immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence and a series of biochemical experiments were used to investigate upstream regulators/downstream targets of PYK2 in pancreatic carcinogenesis. PDAC cell line xenograft experiments were performed to study the role of PYK2 and its downstream target in PDAC maintenance. Results PYK2 was substantially elevated in ADM lesions induced by mutant Kras or inflammatory injury. Pyk2 deletion remarkably suppressed ADM and PanIN formation in mutant Kras -driven and pancreatitis-associated PDAC model, whereas PYK2 knockdown substantially inhibited PDAC cell growth in vitro and in nude mice. This study uncovered a novel YPA/TAZ/PYK2/β-catenin regulation axis in PDAC. Our results suggested that PYK2 contributed to PDAC genesis and maintenance by activating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway through directly phosphorylating β-catenin Y654 . Conclusions The current study uncovers PYK2 as a novel downstream effector of mutant KRAS signaling, a previously unrecognized mediator of pancreatitis-induced ADM and a novel intervention target for PDAC.
Does Prolonged Use of Walkers in Shoulder Arthroplasty Patients Lead to Accelerated Failure Rates

Introduction: The effect of weight-bearing on a shoulder arthroplasty (SA) remains unclear, and recommendations regarding the use of a walker in SA patients have not been established. The purpose of this study was to determine outcomes and survivorship of SA in patients who routinely use a walker. Methods: Fifty-three primary SA (10 hemiarthroplasties (HAs), 33 anatomic total shoulder arthroplasties (TSAs), 10 reverse shoulder arthroplasties (RSAs)) in 41 walker-dependent patients were followed for a minimum of three years (mean 64 months, range, 36-156). The average age at SA was 76 years. Shoulders were assessed for pain, range of motion (ROM), satisfaction, Neer ratings, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, complications, survivorship, and radiographic outcomes. Results: At most recent follow-up, 40 shoulders (75%) were pain free, elevation and external rotation improved significantly (P < .0001), and 87% of the patients were satisfied. Postoperative ASES scores averaged 74 (range, 38-92) points. There were 25 excellent, 16 satisfactory, and 12 unsatisfactory results based on modified Neer ratings. Four shoulders (7.5%) required reoperation at a mean of 40 months after the index arthroplasty. Radiographically, there were six cases of glenoid loosening in the anatomic SA group (25%), and two cases of severe glenoid erosion in the HA group (25%). Conclusion: Routine use of a walker does not appear to lead to a markedly increased rate of SA failure at mid-term follow-up. Concerning radiographic findings were more common after HA and anatomic TSA than after RSA. Longer follow-up is required to determine the long-term impact of walker use on SA.
Persons in remission from recurrent low back pain alter trunk coupling under dual-task interference during a dynamic balance task

This study investigated effects of cognitive dual-task interference and task prioritization instructions on task performance and trunk control during a dynamic balance task in persons with and without recurrent low back pain (rLBP). First, we tested the hypothesis that those with rLBP rely more on cognitive resources than back-healthy controls, and therefore trunk kinematics would be altered under dual-task interference conditions. Then, we tested participants’ ability to modulate task performance in accord with prioritization instructions. Persons with and without rLBP (n = 19/group) performed the Balance-Dexterity Task, which involved single-limb balance while compressing an unstable spring with the other limb, with and without a cognitive task engaging verbal working memory. Trunk coupling was quantified with the coefficient of determination (R2) of an angle–angle plot of thorax–pelvis frontal plane motion. Task performance was quantified using variability of spring compression force and of cognitive task errors. Trunk coupling in the rLBP group was lower than that of the back-healthy control group in the single-task condition (p = 0.024) and increased in the dual-task condition (p = 0.006), abolishing the difference between groups. Significant main effects of task prioritization instruction on performance were observed with no differences between groups, indicating similar performance modulation. Cognitive task error variability decreased with a switch from a single- to dual-task condition, exposing an unexpected facilitation effect. We interpret these findings in the context of movement-specific reinvestment and action-specific perception theories as they pertain to cognitive contributions to posture and how the dual-task interference paradigm may influence those contributions.