cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
DGAT1 expression increases heart triglyceride content but ameliorates lipotoxicity.

Intracellular lipid accumulation in the heart is associated with cardiomyopathy, yet the precise role of triglyceride (TG) remains unclear. With exercise, wild type hearts develop physiologic hypertrophy. This was associated with greater TG stores and a marked induction of the TG-synthesizing enzyme diacylglycerol (DAG) acyltransferase 1 (DGAT1). Transgenic overexpression of DGAT1 in the heart using the cardiomyocyte- specific α-myosin heavy chain (MHC) promoter led to approximately a doubling of DGAT activity and TG content and reductions of ∼35% in cardiac ceramide, 26% in DAG, and 20% in free fatty acid levels. Cardiac function assessed by echocardiography and cardiac catheterization was unaffected. These mice were then crossed with animals expressing long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase via the MHC promoter (MHC-ACS), which develop lipotoxic cardiomyopathy. MHC-DGAT1XMHC-ACS double transgenic male mice had improved heart function; fractional shortening increased by 74%, and diastolic function improved compared with MHC-ACS mice. The improvement of heart function correlated with a reduction in cardiac DAG and ceramide and reduced cardiomyocyte apoptosis but increased fatty acid oxidation. In addition, the survival of the mice was improved. Our study indicates that TG is not likely to be a toxic lipid species directly, but rather it is a feature of physiologic hypertrophy and may serve a cytoprotective role in lipid overload states. Moreover, induction of DGAT1 could be beneficial in the setting of excess heart accumulation of toxic lipids.
CellMailGraph: email visualization on handheld computers

Information visualization applications provide quick and pleasing access to information that may result complex or dense otherwise. They deal with large sets of data that remain mostly constricted to the academic or research environment, rarely reaching a broader audience. In order to make information visualization a personal experience, it is needed to use content that is meaningful to an average user. Email is a perfect body of data to visualize because it is a widespread communication tool for both personal and professional use. Also, it suffers from its own success. We deal with a massive amount of emails, feel pressured to respond quickly, and fear losing track of messages.
A pair of inhibitory neurons are required to sustain labile memory in the Drosophila mushroom body

Summary Labile memory is thought to be held in the brain as persistent neural network activity [1–4]. However, it is not known how biologically relevant memory circuits are organized and operate. Labile and persistent appetitive memory in Drosophila requires output after training from the α′β′ subset of mushroom body (MB) neurons and from a pair of modulatory dorsal paired medial (DPM) neurons [5–9]. DPM neurons innervate the entire MB lobe region and appear to be pre- and postsynaptic to the MB [7, 8], consistent with a recurrent network model. Here we identify a role after training for synaptic output from the GABAergic anterior paired lateral (APL) neurons [10, 11]. Blocking synaptic output from APL neurons after training disrupts labile memory but does not affect long-term memory. APL neurons contact DPM neurons most densely in the α′β′ lobes, although their processes are intertwined and contact throughout all of the lobes. Furthermore, APL contacts MB neurons in the α′ lobe but makes little direct contact with those in the distal α lobe. We propose that APL neurons provide widespread inhibition to stabilize and maintain synaptic specificity of a labile memory trace in a recurrent DPM and MB α′β′ neuron circuit.
Fault-tolerant embeddings in generalized hypercubes

A generic software-based fault-tolerant technique is presented in this paper. We present an algorithm for reconfiguration of parallel programs on hypercubic networks with some faulty processors. We show that our reconfiguration approach would retain features of the original parallel programs, written for fault-free network, such as the load cost and the dilation cost to the extent possible. The computational complexity of this algorithm is bounded above by a polynomial in size of cube. The graph theoretic properties of hypercubic networks are used to change the embedding of the parallel program, such that idle processors that is, processors not used by fault-free embedding, are used in place of faulty processors.
Degradation of organophosphorus neurotoxicity in SY5Y neuroblastoma cells by organophosphorus hydrolase (OPH).

Numerous approaches have been studied to degrade organophosphorus (OP) compounds and ameliorate their toxicity. In the current study, the potential of genetically engineered organophosphorus hydrolase (OPH) enzymes to functionally biotransform OP neurotoxicants was examined by assessing effects of OPH-hydrolyzed OPs on acute and delayed indicators of neurotoxicity. SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells were used as a model test system, as these cells respond distinctly to mipafox, which produces OP-induced delayed neuropathy, and paraoxon, which does not. Short-term effects of four OPH-treated OPs on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and neuropathy target esterase (NTE) activities were measured in retinoic acid-differentiated or undifferentiated cells, and delayed effects of OPH-treated paraoxon or mipafox on levels of neuronal cytoskeletal proteins in nerve growth factor (NGF)-differentiated cells. The anti-AChE activity of paraoxon (maximum 3 μM) and anti-NTE activity of mipafox (250 μM) in SY5Y cells were prevented...
Factors affecting propagating fronts of addition polymerization: Velocity, front curvature, temperatue profile, conversion, and molecular weight distribution

Several properties of propagating fronts of addition polymerization were studied. A power function could be fit to the velocity dependence on initiator concentration, but not with the exponents predicted by current models or in agreement with other published work. Bubbles from the volatile by-products of initiator decomposition were found to affect the front velocity and curvature. The front velocity for triethylene glycol dimethacrylate polymerization was found to depend linearly on temperature over a moderate range. The conversion of methacrylic acid in fronts varied greatly with initiator type and concentration. Benzoyl peroxide produced much lower conversion than t-butyl peroxide, but fronts with tBPO propagated slower. A dual initiator system of BPO and tBPO produced rapidly propagating fronts with good conversion but the contribution of each initiator to the velocity was not additive. The possibility of chain branching was considered. The apparent molecular weight distributions were very broad, often trimodal, and found to depend on initiator type and concentration as well as the tube diameter. The temperature profiles were measured and found to be very sharp for BPO and broader for tBPO but both had front temperatures in excess of 200°C, indicating a high ceiling temperature. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Discontinuation of hypomethylating agent therapy in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes or acute myelogenous leukemia in complete remission or partial response: Retrospective analysis of survival after long-term follow-up

Hypomethylating agents (HMA), such as 5-azacitidine or decitabine, are currently used to treat patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) or acute myeloid leukemia (AML) until treatment failure. However, the outcomes for patients who discontinue therapy after achieving partial response (PR) or complete remission (CR) but before treatment failure have not been reported. We present a series of 16 patients with higher-risk MDS (n=5; 31%) or AML (n=11; 69%) who achieved PR (n=1) or CR (n=15) and stopped HMA therapy while in response in the context of clinical trials. They received a median of 12 courses (range 1-24) and achieved response after a median of 1 course of therapy (1-4). Loss of response after discontinuation of therapy was rapid, with a median progression-free survival of 4 months (95% CI: 2-6). Median overall survival (OS) from the time of therapy discontinuation was 15 months (95% CI: 6-24). Patients who received 12 cycles of therapy or more had significantly better OS (median: 20 months [95% CI: 12-27]) than those who received fewer than 12 cycles (median: 4 months [95% CI: 1-8]) (p=0.043). Poor-risk cytogenetics were also associated with lower 1-year OS (33% versus 69%; p=0.046). According to these results and considering the poor prognosis after HMA failure, HMA interruption should be avoided once a sustained response has been achieved.
Cardiovascular and Metabolic Responses to Upper- and Lower-Extremity Exercise in Men With Idiopathic Parkinson's Disease

Background and Purpose. The aerobic capacity of individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD) has not been characterized. This study (1) compared maximal exercise performance in individuals with and without PD, (2) compared exercise performance during upper- and lower-extremity exercise, and (3) described submaximal exercise responses. Subjects. Eight men with PD (PD group) and 7 men without PD (control group) participated. Methods. Subjects performed a lower-extremity ergometer test (LE test) and an arm-cranking ergometer test (AC test). Peak oxygen consumption, heart rate, respiratory exchange ratio, and power, as well as submaximal values of oxygen consumption and heart rate for each power level, were recorded. Results. No differences were found between the groups for either test. Peak power was less for the PD group than for the control group for both tests. Submaximal heart rate and oxygen consumption were higher for the PD group than for the control group. Conclusion and Discussion. We conclude that individuals with mild to moderate PD can be tested with both exercise protocols to a peak exercise capacity and that there are differences in upper- and lower-extremity peak power and submaximal responses between persons with and without PD.
Unintentional injuries in the young adult male.

Purpose To review the primary causes of unintentional deaths in young adult males and suggest strate-gies for educating young men about reducing risks for accidental death. Data Sources Selected scientific literature and Internet sources. Conclusions Unintentional deaths are the fifth leading cause of death in all age groups, after heart dis-ease, cancer, stroke, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Accidental death is the leading cause of death in males 1 to 44 years of age. Motor vehicle crashes, drowning, gunshot wounds, and occupational fatalities are among the leading injuries that contribute to the unanticipated death of the young adult male. Implications for Practice The ability to make sound decisions is a devel-opmental process that is not achieved until later in adolescence or early adulthood. Nurse practitioners must assess the adolescent devel-opmentally to provide appropriate guidance and assistance with behavior change.
Prefrontal Cortex Dysfunction and Income: A Study in Neuroeconomics

In a sample of 235 community residents, income was found to be negatively associated with a measure of prefrontal cortex dysfunction (FrSBe), even after controls for age, sex and education. The results provide support for a neuroeconomic approach to the study of microeconomic variables.
Prediction of wheat tortilla quality using multivariate modeling of kernel, flour, and dough properties ☆

Abstract Traditional wheat quality methods for bread have poor predictive power for flatbread quality, which impedes genetic improvement of wheat for the growing market. We used a multivariate discriminant analysis to predict tortilla quality using a set of 16 variables derived from kernel properties, flour composition, and dough rheological properties of 187 experimental hard wheat samples grown across Texas. A discriminant rule (suitability for tortillas = diameter > 165 mm + day 16 flexibility score > 3.0) was used to classify samples. Multivariate normal distribution of the data was established (Shapiro–Wilk p > 0.05). Logistic regression and stepwise variable selection identified an optimum model comprising kernel weight, glutenin–gliadin ratio, insoluble polymeric proteins, and dough extensibility and stress relaxation parameters, as the most important variables. Cross-validation indicated 83% model prediction efficiency. This work provides important insight on potential targets for wheat quality genetic improvement for tortillas and specialty product market. Industrial relevance Tortillas and other flatbread manufacturers currently use wheat developed for other commodities and rely on trial and error, and use of various additives to optimize product quality. Genetic development of wheat for these markets is impeded by lack of knowledge of specific grain quality parameters to target. With the growing demand for clean label and healthy offerings by consumers, the industry is looking for natural ingredients with improved functionality. This work provides the first insight into the specific wheat composition and functional parameters that can predict tortilla quality.
High-resolution Electron Microscopy of Interfaces

Abstract The transmission electron microscope is a powerful instrument that is suitable for imaging the microstructure of materials over a wide range of magnifications with resolutions at the atomic scale attainable under proper imaging conditions. This article introduces the technique of high-resolution electron microscopy, and then describes its application to characterization of the interfaces of several different semiconductor heterostructures. Two representative examples involving aberration-corrected electron microscopy are finally described.
Use of Grain Distillers Dried Yeast in Practical Diets for Juvenile Pacific White Shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei

Grain distillers dried yeast (GDDY) is a yeast-based protein source that is obtained from the bioethanol industry. A range of yeast-based products has been evaluated as nutritional supplements in fish diets, yet there is limited information in shrimp. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the production response of Litopenaeus vannamei fed diets containing increasing levels of GDDY in two growth trials. In trial 1, five diets formulated to contain 360 g/kg crude protein, 80 g/kg lipids, and up to 300 g GDDY/kg were evaluated under laboratory conditions with juvenile shrimp (1.90 ± 0.10 g, initial weight). In trial 2, juvenile shrimp (0.40 ± 0.01 g, initial weight) were fed similar diets where lysine was supplemented in diets with high levels of GDDY (200 and 300 g/kg of diet). The results from this study demonstrate that inclusion of GDDY up to 300 g/kg of diet did not cause negative effects on final biomass, mean final weight, feed conversion ratio, and survival. Furthermore, the addition of lysine to diets with high levels of GDDY (200 and 300 g/kg of diet) did not enhance growth performance under the reported conditions, confirming lysine was not limiting. Consequently, these results indicate that up to 300 g GDDY/kg of diet can be used in practical diets for L. vannamei in a clear water system.
Harvesting and enrichment of hematopoietic progenitor cells mobilized into the peripheral blood of normal donors by granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) or G-CSF: potential role in allogeneic marrow transplantation.

To explore the use of stem/progenitor cells from peripheral blood (PB) for allogeneic transplantation, we have studied the mobilization of progenitor cells in normal donors by growth factors. Normal subjects were administered either granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) at 10 micrograms/kg/d, or G-CSF at 10 micrograms/kg/d, or a combination of G- and GM-CSF at 5 micrograms/kg/d each, administered subcutaneously for 4 days, followed by leukapheresis on day 5. Mononuclear cells expressing CD34 (CD34+ cells) were selectively enriched by affinity labeling using Dynal paramagnetic microspheres (Baxter Isolex; Baxter Healthcare Corp, Santa Ana, CA). The baseline CD34+ cells in peripheral blood before mobilization was 0.07% +/- 0.05% (1.6 +/- 0.7/microL; n = 18). On the fifth day after stimulation (24 hours after the fourth dose), the CD34+ cells were 0.99% +/- 0.40% (61 +/- 14/microL) for the 8 subjects treated with G-CSF, 0.25% +/- 0.25% (3 +/- 3/microL, both P < .01 v G-CSF) for the 5 subjects administered GM-CSF, and for the 5 subjects treated with G- and GM-CSF, 0.65% +/- 0.28% (41 +/- 18/microL, P < .5 v GM-CSF). Parallel to this increase in CD34+ cells, clonogenic assays showed a corresponding increase in CFU-GM and BFU-E. The total number of CD34+ cells collected from the G-CSF group during a 3-hour apheresis was 119 +/- 65 x 10(6) and was not significantly different from that collected from the group treated with G- and GM-CSF (101 +/- 35 x 10(6) cells), but both were greater than that from the group treated with GM-CSF (12.6 +/- 6.1 x 10(6); P < .01 for both comparisons). Analysis of the CD34+ subsets showed that a significantly higher percentage of cells with the CD34+/CD38- phenotype is found after mobilization with G- and GM-CSF. In the G-CSF group, immunomagnetic selection of CD34+ cells permitted the enrichment of the CD34+ cells in the apheresis product to 81% +/- 11%, with a 48% +/- 12% yield and to a purity of 77% +/- 21% with a 51% +/- 15% recovery in the G- and GM-CSF group. T cells were depleted from a mean of 4.5 +/- 2.0 x 10(9) to 4.3 +/- 5.2 x 10(6) after selection, representing 99.9% depletion. We conclude that it is feasible to collect sufficient numbers of PB progenitor cells from normal donors with one to two leukapheresis procedures for allogeneic transplantation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
What Is Agricultural Law

This chapter introduces the subject matter of agricultural law and the process of seeking redress before a court in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The sources of laws in SSA are discussed and some of the problems facing the courts, including court costs, case delays, and access to court are also explored. The complex interaction between customary laws and the received common law from England is also discussed. The law and economics evidence is of a central concept in the dispute resolution process. Cases from several SSA countries are used to illustrate how courts have explained the role of evidence in the dispute resolution process.
Microbial Ecological Processes: Aerobic/Anaerobic

Microorganisms maintain the biosphere by catalyzing a broad array of steps in the biogeochemical cycling of carbon, nitrogen, sulfur, iron, and other elements. This article is designed to provide the reader with the scientific foundation for predicting and understanding why certain microbial processes occur in certain settings. Under aerobic conditions (in the presence of molecular oxygen), a cluster of physiological reactions prevails that impacts the geochemical status of waters, sediments, soils, and the atmosphere. In the absence of oxygen (anaerobic conditions), an entirely different constellation of processes, often catalyzed by distinctive microbial populations, occurs. These distinctive aerobic and anaerobic physiological processes significantly impact the geochemistry of field sites. In any ecological setting at any time, the prevalence of many key geochemical constituents (e.g., sulfide, methane, oxygen, ammonia) will depend on the balance between aerobic and anaerobic processes. Understanding the microbial logic of what happens where and when requires fundamental knowledge of ecology, physiology, and biochemistry. Here we aim to summarize that knowledge by describing physiological and biochemical aspects of oxidation–reduction processes that are important for microbial cycling of carbon, nitrogen, sulfur, and iron.
Contradictory beliefs are a poor mechanism of adaptation

The acceptance of rationally contradictory beliefs, or schizodoxia, may temporarily postpone intellectual conflicts, social disagreements, and confrontations between political entities, religions or races. It may also serve to maintain a dialogue between different people and different social groups, increasing the likelihood of mutual understanding and respect. Schizodoxia may also help temporarily to maintain the equilibrium of individuals and complex societies. However, contradictory beliefs have disastrous effects when incompatible political systems or religions resort to violence in order to achieve prevalence. In addition, schizodoxic beliefs serve to cover up our animal nature by fostering a variety of religious and supernatural beliefs. Such beliefs provide hope for an afterlife, but negate the scientific evidence and the unity and consistency of truth, which are the only alternatives that can provide understanding and permanent and peaceful solution to human problems.
Land Use in the 21st Century: Contributing to the Global Public Good

This paper focuses on the evolution of global public goods related to the world's land resources over the course of the 21st century, their potential impacts on the world's poorest households, as well as prospects for policy interventions aimed at enhancing these outcomes. It begins with global scale projections to 2100 of land use and associated goods and services, including food, fuel, timber, greenhouse gas emissions, carbon sequestration and biodiversity. This is followed by in-depth discussion of each of these services and the challenges of providing these public goods in sufficient quantities to advance societal welfare—especially that of the world's poorest households. The paper concludes with a discussion of policies aimed at promoting the provision of land-based public goods and how they could be altered to be more pro-poor. Within this context, the paper argues that access to geospatial analysis tools and information on climate, land use and tenure, poverty and environmental indicators will become increasingly valuable to both public and private decision makers.
Faculty Perceptions and Use of Experiential Learning In Higher Education

Experiential learning is popular with students as it is considered more enjoyable and leads to deeper learning when compared to didactic approaches. Employers prefer hiring students who have learned experientially and yet emerging research indicates that the use of experiential learning in higher education institutions remains limited. This research surveyed faculty on their use of and views regarding experiential learning across US institutions focusing on undergraduate teaching. Findings indicated that dominant obstacles to using experiential approaches were classroom structure, class size is too large, not enough time, dif cult to cover all the curriculum, and faculty resistance. Findings and their implications for practice and future research are discussed.
Low-velocity impact to transmission line conductors

Abstract This combined experimental and numerical study addresses mechanical effects associated with the energy dissipation from transverse low-velocity impacts on a novel High Temperature Low Sag (HTLS) transmission line conductor, subjected to either free or constrained end conditions and large axial tensile loads. Impact experiments were conducted on one type of Polymer Composite Core Conductor (PCCC) belonging to the family of HTLS designs. The experimental work performed using an original approach was supported by non-linear static and dynamic finite element analysis. Despite their geometrical simplicity, the numerical models provided useful information regarding the response of the conductor to both static and dynamic conditions. Most importantly it has been determined that the PCCC exhibits good resistance to impact under constrained end conditions with and without initial axial tension. It was also identified that the most damaging condition under impact is when the conductor had free ends and was thus subjected to severe bending. It has been shown in this work that the suggested approach to the impact testing of transmission lines could result in useful predictions of their structural integrity after low-velocity impact either during installation or in service.
Thymidine kinase 1 (TK1) message levels in colon cancer cell lines are better correlated with cancer cell doubling times than PCNA or transporter message levels

1413 Objectives Cancer cell-lines have contributed to our understanding of cancer biology, to drug screening, and help inform the development and validation of oncologic radiotracers. Cancer cell lines with a shorter doubling time (DT) typically have more aggressive behavior. We assessed correlations between the DTs of colon cancer cell lines and the mRNA abundance for Ki67, PCNA, TK1, thymidylate synthase (TYMS), and transporters (SLC29A1-2); likely predictors of radiotracer behavior in vivo Methods A NCI 60 exon dataset (interrogating over 1 million exon clusters within the known and predicted transcribed regions of the entire genome) was selected from the NIH Gene Expression Omnibus which contains 178 chips including 7 colon cancer cell lines with triplicates for each. Using Partek, commercial software, we obtained the average abundance of transcripts of interest to proliferation and glycolysis radiotracers. Correlations between the abundance of genes and documented doubling times were determined (α=0.05 for a one-tailed test). Results The correlation coefficient r of TK1 (phosphorylating FLT) vs. DTs was -0.68 (p=0.04 Conclusions The message abundance of TK1 has relatively better correlation to DTs of colon cancer cell lines than do message levels of the conventional proliferation marker Ki67, PCNA or membrane transporters for FDG or nucleosides. These correlations are negative, indicating higher TK1 abundance is associated with shorter DT. Our conclusions are consistent with in vivo data showing FLT uptake to be more related to proliferation than FDG uptake, but ideally should be confirmed with protein measurements. Research Support NIH T32 training grant
Environmental impact assessment of double- and relay-cropping with winter camelina in the northern Great Plains, USA

Abstract Recent findings indicate that double- or relay-cropping winter camelina (Camelina sativa L. Crantz.) with, forage, or food crops can increase yield per area, improve energy balance, and provide several ecosystem services. Double-cropping can help balance food and energy production. The objective of this study was to determine the environmental impact of double- and relay-cropping systems as compared with monocultured maize (Zea mays L.) and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] in the Midwest, USA. Ten crop sequences composed of double- and relay-cropped forage sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench.] and soybean with winter camelina were evaluated and compared with their monoculture counterparts. The environmental aspects evaluated included global warming potential (GWP), abiotic depletion, acidification, eutrophication, ecotoxicity, and human toxicity. Additionally, provisioning and regulating ecosystem services were estimated, including: primary aboveground productivity, soil erosion, and biodiversity in each crop sequence. The analysis was conducted from ‘cradle-to-gate’, including only the agricultural phase. Global warming potential estimated by three different methods indicated that winter camelina as a monocrop had a GWP of 579 to 922 kg CO2e ha− 1. Maize in monoculture had higher GWP than all other double- and relay-cropping systems studied. The higher emissions of double- and relay-cropping systems and maize can be explained by higher N fertilizer application, which led to greater field N2O emissions. Also, the additional sowing and harvesting of the double- or relay-crop increased CO2 emissions due to increased diesel use. Winter camelina as a monocrop had the lowest values in all impact categories, indicating camelina agricultural production phase has low environmental impact compared with maize and soybean in monoculture. Double- and relay- cropping systems increased primary productivity per unit area and biodiversity and reduced soil erosion potential. Increasing productivity with the additional environmental benefits of these systems may encourage more farmers to adopt sustainable agricultural practices.
Huygens probe: A retrospective and lessons for the future

The Huygens probe mission is reviewed with particular attention to system and instrument behaviors that were not in accord with expectations. These include the radio system, radar altimeters, the descent spin and attitude behavior, and instrument operations. Lessons for future missions are drawn.
‘I Wonder What Became of Me’: Chris Connor and the closet of cool

​ ​Obituaries were the first public acknowledgement that renowned jazz singer Chris Connor (1927–2009) had been a lesbian. This article investigates the significance of this posthumous revelation, ...
Decreased tumorigenicity of lung cancer cells by minimal Fhit expression

2887 Purpose: Most lung cancers have lost expression of the Fhit tumor suppressor. Stable over expression of Fhit suppresses tumorigenicity in nude mice, although in vitro growth is unaffected. To clarify the relationship between Fhit expression and in vivo lung cancer cell growth, we have examined the tumorigenicity of lung cancer cell line H1299 carrying an inducible FHIT gene (H1299D1). Methods: Five groups of 4 female nu/nu mice 6-8 weeks old were inoculated subcutaneously with 5x10 6 of the following cells: control 1) H1299; control 2) H1299/pVgRXR, the D1 parental cell carrying the ponasterone A inducible RXR gene but no FHIT gene; 3) H1299D1 cells expressing a basal level of Fhit; 4) H1299 cells transiently induced in vitro to express >10-fold increased Fhit before inoculation; 5) H1299D1 cells inoculated and 2 weeks later exposed in vivo to 125 μg of the inducer, ponasterone A, injected into the inoculation site once weekly for 4 weeks. Tumor diameters were measured 2-3 times per week and volumes calculated using the equation V (mm3) = a x b 2 /2, where a is the largest diameter and b is the perpendicular diameter. Mice were sacrificed when total tumor volume reached or exceeded 400 mm 3 . Summary: Tumors of control group 1 (H1299) reached 400 mm 3 mean volume by day 30 and all 4 mice exhibited 400 mm 3 tumors by day 32. Control group 2 cells (H1299/pVgRXR) reached mean tumor volume of 400 mm 3 by day 32 with all mice showing 400 mm 3 tumors by day 35. Tumors of group 3, inoculated with H1299D1 cells (basal level of Fhit), reached 400 mm 3 mean volume by day 61 with one mouse remaining tumor free. Tumors of mice inoculated with in vitro transiently induced H1299D1 cells reached 400 mm 3 mean volume by day 70, with one mouse tumor free. Tumors of group 5, in which H1299D1 cells were inoculated and in vivo Fhit induction begun 2 weeks later, reached 400 mm 3 mean volume by day 81, with 2 mice remaining tumor free. H1299D1 cells express a basal level of Fhit which is barely detectable by immunoblot, and yet tumorigenicity of these cells was decreased 2-fold. The transiently induced H1299D1 cells, expressing maximal Fhit at the time of inoculation, showed a 2.3-fold reduction in tumor growth. Tumor growth after inoculation of H1299D1 cells, followed 2 weeks later by sustained in vivo induction of Fhit expression, was reduced 2.7-fold with two mice remaining tumor free at endpoint. Conclusion: A very low level of Fhit expression significantly reduced tumorigenicity of H1299 lung cancer cells. This suggests that minimal reexpression of epigenetically silenced Fhit, or induction of expression of thus far unidentified Fhit effector proteins, could have a significant effect on human lung cancer growth.
A New Algorithm for Finding Closest Pair of Vectors.

Given $n$ vectors $x_0, x_1, \ldots, x_{n-1}$ in $\{0,1\}^{m}$, how to find two vectors whose pairwise Hamming distance is minimum? This problem is known as the \emph{Closest Pair Problem}. If these vectors are generated uniformly at random except two of them are correlated with Pearson-correlation coefficient $\rho$, then the problem is called the \emph{Light Bulb Problem}. In this work, we propose a novel coding-based scheme for the Closest Pair Problem. We design both randomized and deterministic algorithms, which achieve the best-known running time when the length of input vectors $m$ is small and the minimum distance is very small compared to $m$. Specifically, the running time of our randomized algorithm is $O(n\log^{2}n\cdot 2^{c m} \cdot \mathrm{poly}(m))$ and the running time of our deterministic algorithm is $O(n\log{n}\cdot 2^{c' m} \cdot \mathrm{poly}(m))$, where $c$ and $c'$ are constants depending only on the (relative) distance of the closest pair. When applied to the Light Bulb Problem, our result yields state-of-the-art deterministic running time when the Pearson-correlation coefficient $\rho$ is very large. Specifically, when $\rho \geq 0.9933$, our deterministic algorithm runs faster than the previously best deterministic algorithm (Alman, SOSA 2019).
A Digitally Programmable Cytomorphic Chip for Simulation of Arbitrary Biochemical Reaction Networks

Prior work has shown that compact analog circuits can faithfully represent and model fundamental biomolecular circuits via efficient log-domain cytomorphic transistor equivalents. Such circuits have emphasized basis functions that are dominant in genetic transcription and translation networks and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)-protein binding. Here, we report a system featuring digitally programmable 0.35 μm BiCMOS analog cytomorphic chips that enable arbitrary biochemical reaction networks to be exactly represented thus enabling compact and easy composition of protein networks as well. Since all biomolecular networks can be represented as chemical reaction networks, our protein networks also include the former genetic network circuits as a special case. The cytomorphic analog protein circuits use one fundamental association-dissociation-degradation building-block circuit that can be configured digitally to exactly represent any zeroth-, first-, and second-order reaction including loading, dynamics, nonlinearity, and interactions with other building-block circuits. To address a divergence issue caused by random variations in chip fabrication processes, we propose a unique way of performing computation based on total variables and conservation laws, which we instantiate at both the circuit and network levels. Thus, scalable systems that operate with finite error over infinite time can be built. We show how the building-block circuits can be composed to form various network topologies, such as cascade, fan-out, fan-in, loop, dimerization, or arbitrary networks using total variables. We demonstrate results from a system that combines interacting cytomorphic chips to simulate a cancer pathway and a glycolysis pathway. Both simulations are consistent with conventional software simulations. Our highly parallel digitally programmable analog cytomorphic systems can lead to a useful design, analysis, and simulation tool for studying arbitrary large-scale biological networks in systems and synthetic biology.
Operative Approaches for Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Systematic Review and Multiple Treatment Meta-Analysis of Conventional and Minimally Invasive Surgeries.

Background Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) techniques have emerged as viable and safe alternatives for lumbar disc herniation, including percutaneous discectomy, percutaneous endoscopic discectomy, and tubulardiscectomy (TD). We present here a systematic review and a multiple-treatment meta-analysis evaluating the operative outcomes and patient-reported outcomes of open/microdiscectomy (OD/MD) and all MIS approaches for lumbar disc herniation. Methods The PICO approach and PRISMA (i.e., Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines were followed to query existing online databases since their inception to 2016, which yielded 14 studies after we applied the inclusion/exclusion criteria. The Cochrane Collaboration's tool for assessing risk of bias in randomized trials was used to assess the risk of bias in each study was used to assess the risk of bias in each study. Each outcome was assessed across all studies with the GRADE (i.e., Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations) criteria. Results There were 1707 patients analyzed, with 782 (45.81%) undergoing OD/MD, 491 (28.76%) undergoing TD, 199 (11.65%) undergoing percutaneous endoscopic discectomy, and 235 (13.76%) patients undergoing percutaneous discectomy. TD was found to be associated with significantly worse Oswestry Disability Index scores (mean difference 1.17, P = 0.03) whereas OD/MD was associated with worse Oswestry Disability Index scores compared with all other approaches (mean difference 2.61, P = 0.03), significantly longer duration of stay (mean difference 2.96, P = 0.04), and more blood loss (mean difference 30.53, P Conclusions Our meta-analysis revealed that tubular-discectomy and percutaneous-endoscopic-discectomy, the most commonly employed MIS techniques for discectomy, can be used as safe alternatives for open discectomy depending on the preference of the operating surgeon.
Igneous Processes and Nd Isotopic Variations

The behavior of Sm, Nd, and the other rare-earth elements in magmatic processes can be conveniently illustrated by theoretical models of partial melting, fractional crystallization, and mixing. With regard to partial melting, the models that will be described here carry the assumption that equilibrium is always maintained between the magma and the residual solid material in the melting rock.
Geomagnetic effects on a circadian difference in reaction times in earthworms

The effect of geomagnetic force on the light-withdrawal reflex of earthworms, Lumbricus terrestris, L., was investigated during the autumn of 1968. The reactions of worms kept in the earth's magnetic field were timed beginning at 12:00 and at 20:00, E.S.T. on each of 63 days; the same was done for worms maintained in a field whose intensity was essentially zero. The worms in the earth's field withdrew from light significantly faster at night then at midday. No significant difference between the mean reaction times at 12:00 and those of the evening were found for the animals which lived and were tested in the greatly reduced magnetic field. Therefore, geomagnetism does have some effect on the circadian difference in reaction rates in this species.
Evaluation of clinical outcome in children and adolescents receiving vancomycin for invasive infections due to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus: impact of increasing vancomycin MICs

Background Vancomycin is the preferred drug for the treatment of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections in children. In adults, treatment failure with vancomycin has been associated with an area under the curve/24 hrs /MIC (AUC24/MIC) ratio of ≤400 and high minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC ≥1.0 mg/L). Vancomycin dosing information to ensure optimal AUC24/MIC in the pediatric population remains limited. Methods A retrospective chart review from August 2008 to 2011 and a prospective study from September 2011 to October 2013 was conducted on all pediatric patients at two hospitals in Brooklyn, NY with positive cultures for MRSA who received vancomycin. Treatment failure was defined as persistent positive cultures (≥5 days) or persistence of clinical symptoms. Vancomycin AUC24/MICs were calculated. Results Twenty-three children with MRSA infection, 0-18 years of age, were identified; 18 of 23 (78.3%) were community acquired. MICs of 91% of the isolates were ≥1.5 µg/mL and 9 had MICs of 2 µg/mL. Treatment failure was seen in 12 (52%) patients with MICs of 1.5 µg/mL and above. Vancomycin trough levels >15 µg/mL and AUC24/MIC >400 were achieved in only 18% and 0% of patients, respectively. Conclusions High treatment failure rates with vancomycin was associated with MIC ≥1.5 µg/mL. Current recommended vancomycin dosing in children did not achieve a trough concentration of >15 µg/mL in majority of the patients and none achieved an AUC24/MIC>400.
Mechanical, rheological, and stability performance of simulated in-situ cured oil well cement slurries reinforced with alumina nanofibers

Abstract Effects of highly dispersed Alumina Nanofibers (ANF) on the mechanical, rheological, and stability performances in oil well cement were investigated in this study. The cement sheath possesses a vital role in maintaining zonal isolation in the wellbore, supporting the casing, and preventing external casing corrosion. This research focuses on using ANF to improve these functions. Cement class “H” composed of various concentrations of ANF, 0.2% cement friction reducer (CFR), and distilled water were used in this experimental study. The nanofiber dosage consisted of 0.1%–0.4% ANF in increments of 0.1% by weight of cementitious materials. The nanomaterials were dispersed at various times using an ultrasonic batch to ensure uniform dispersion in the cement class “H” matrix. A pre-dispersed version was also provided. The most highly dispersed solution was used in all the cement test analysis. The results indicate the pre-dispersed solution at 0.1% ANF greatly increased the compressive strength by 28% after 8 h of curing and 50% after 24 h of curing at 82.2 °C (180 °F) and 34.47 MPa (5000 psi). Conversely, the tensile strength increased by 9% and 53% after 8 h and 24 h curing, at the same temperature and pressure conditions. Lastly, the differences in rheological, stability performance, and thickening time using cement slurries without ANF compared to slurries with ANF proved insignificant.
The Identification of Postovulation Infertility with the Measurement of Early Luteal Phase (Peak Day +3) Progesterone Production:

This study reports on 632 cycles from 105 women who were using the CREIGHTON MODEL FertilityCare™ System to avoid pregnancy and had either a serious reason to avoid pregnancy or some degree of a la...
Land use/land cover change effect on soil erosion and sediment delivery in the Winike watershed, Omo Gibe Basin, Ethiopia.

Information on soil loss and sediment export is essential to identify hotspots of soil erosion to inform conservation interventions in a given watershed. This study investigates the dynamics of soil loss and sediment export associated with land-use/land cover changes and identifying soil loss hotspot areas in the Winike watershed of the Omo-Gibe Basin of Ethiopia. Spatial data collected from satellite images, topographic maps, meteorological and soil data were analyzed. The land-use types in the study area were categorized into six: cultivated land, woodland, forest, grazing, shrubland, and bare land. The Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs (InVEST) of the sediment delivery ratio (SDR) model was used based on the analysis of land use/land cover and RUSLE factors. The results show that total soil loss increased from 774.86 thousand tons in 1988 to 951.21 thousand tons in 2018 while the corresponding sediment export increased by 3.85 thousand tons for the same period. These were subsequently investigated in each land-use type. Cultivated fields generated the highest soil erosion rate, increasing from 10.02 t/ha/year in 1988 to 43.48 t/ha/year in 2018 when compared with the grazing, shrub, forest, wood land and bare land-use types. This corresponds with the expansion of the cultivated area. This is logical as the correlation between soil loss and sediment delivery and expansion of cultivated area is highly significant (p < 0.001). Sub-watershed six (SW-6) showed the highest soil loss (23.17 t/ha/year) while sub-watershed two (SW- 2) has the lowest soil loss (5.54 t/ha/year). This is because SW-2 is situated in the lower reaches of the watershed under dense vegetation cover experiencing less erosion. The findings on the erosion hotspots presented in this study allow prioritizing the segments of the watershed that need immediate application of improved management interventions and informed decision-making processes.
A Network Function Virtualization System for Detecting Malware in Large IoT Based Networks

The exponential growth in the use of Internet of Things (IoT) devices has introduced numerous challenges, in particular dealing with new security threats. In addition, for connecting heterogeneous devices using different protocols, large networks need resilient software-based security systems that can defend against unprecedented attacks for which the traditional security countermeasures prove to be ineffective. Furthermore, to deal with the ever growing onslaught on data and networks, modern security systems need to utilize novel machine learning mechanisms. This paper proposes a software-based architecture that provides network function virtualization (NFV) capability to combat malware spread for heterogeneous IoT networks. To build a scalable and generalized Intrusion Detection System (IDS), we propose for these networks a RNN-LSTM learning model that can predict malware attacks in a timely manner for the NFV to deploy appropriate countermeasures. In addition, we investigate the scalability of the network and discuss how the generalized IDS can deal with a broad range of malwares that can be detected. The analysis utilizes the susceptible (S), exposed (E), infected (I), and resistant (R) (SEIR) epidemic model to moniter the spread of the malware attack and subsequently provides patching to the system. Our analysis focuses primarily on the feasibility and the performance evaluation of the proposed integrated RNN-LSTM and NFV architecture.
The polar sea ice topography reconstruction system

The Polar Sea Ice Topography REconstruction System, or PSITRES, is a 3D camera system designed to continuously monitor an area of ice and water adjacent to an ice-going vessel. Camera systems aboard ships in the polar regions are common; however, the application of computer vision techniques to extract high-level information from the imagery is infrequent. Many of the existing systems are built for human involvement throughout the process and lack automation necessary for round the clock use. The PSITRES was designed with computer vision in mind. It can capture images continuously for days on end with limited oversight. We have applied the system in different ice observing scenarios. The PSITRES was deployed on three research expeditions in the Arctic and Subarctic, and we present applications in measuring ice concentration, melt pond fraction and presence of algae. Systems like PSITRES and the computer vision algorithms applied represent steps toward automatically observing, evaluating and analyzing ice and the environment around ships in ice-covered waters.
283-OR: Changes in HbA1c between 2011-2017 in Austria/Germany, Sweden, and the United States: A Lifespan Perspective

This study assessed HbA1c across the lifespan in people with T1D in Austria/Germany, Sweden, and the United States (U.S.) between 2011 and 2017. Data extracted from the DPV, Austria/Germany (n = 25651 in 2011, n = 29442 in 2017); SWEDIABKIDS/NDR, Sweden (n = 44474 in 2011, n = 53690 in 2017); and T1D Exchange, U.S. (n = 16198 in 2011, n= 17087 in 2017) registries were included in the analysis. Mean HbA1c across the lifespan in 2017 and changes in mean HbA1c between 2011 and 2017 overall and by age cohorts were analyzed. In 2017 mean HbA1c for adults ≥45 years converged across registries; HbA1c levels for subjects Disclosure A. Albanese-O’Neill: Consultant; Self; American Diabetes Association. J. Hermann: None. A. Svensson: None. K. Miller: None. K. Raile: None. K. Akesson: None. P. Calhoun: Stock/Shareholder; Self; Dexcom, Inc. K. Eeg-Olofsson: None. D.M. Maahs: Advisory Panel; Self; Eli Lilly and Company, Insulet Corporation, Medtronic, Novo Nordisk A/S. Consultant; Self; Abbott, Sanofi. Research Support; Self; Bigfoot Biomedical, Dexcom, Inc., Roche Diabetes Care, Tandem Diabetes Care. R.W. Holl: None. R. Hanas: Advisory Panel; Self; Abbott, Novo Nordisk A/S. Speaker’s Bureau; Self; Sanofi. Other Relationship; Self; AstraZeneca. Funding German Center for Diabetes Research; The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust (G-2016PG-T1D053)