cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A unifying approach to registration, segmentation, and intensity correction

We present a statistical framework that combines the registration of an atlas with the segmentation of magnetic resonance images. We use an Expectation Maximization-based algorithm to find a solution within the model, which simultaneously estimates image inhomogeneities, anatomical labelmap, and a mapping from the atlas to the image space. An example of the approach is given for a brain structure-dependent affine mapping approach. The algorithm produces high quality segmentations for brain tissues as well as their substructures. We demonstrate the approach on a set of 22 magnetic resonance images. In addition, we show that the approach performs better than similar methods which separate the registration and segmentation problems.
The metabolic syndrome and mortality in an ethnically diverse heart failure population.

Abstract Background In the general population, 27% of adults have the metabolic syndrome (MetS) and is associated with increased mortality. Similar data are not available for a heart failure (HF) population. This study sought to determine the prevalence of the MetS and its effect on mortality in a HF population. Methods and Results Patients (n = 886) discharged from the hospital with a primary diagnosis of HF were retrospectively identified. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were extracted by chart review. The MetS was defined according to National Cholesterol Education Program Expert Panel criteria with a body mass index ≥30 kg/m 2 substituted for increased waist circumference. Mortality data were acquired by query of the National Death Index, with a median follow-up of 856 days. Data were available to evaluate for the presence or absence of MetS in 71% (n = 625). The prevalence of MetS in this cohort was 68%. MetS was most common in Hispanics (79%) compared with whites (70%) and blacks (61%, P = .003). Mortality was lower in those with MetS (44%) compared with those without (58%, unadjusted HR 0.67 [95% CI, 0.53–0.85]). In a fully adjusted model, there was still a significantly lower risk of mortality in those with MetS (adjusted HR 0.73 [95% CI, 0.56–0.94]). Conclusions In a cohort hospitalized with HF, the prevalence of MetS exceeds that of the general population, and unlike the general population, MetS is associated with a lower mortality.
Estimating Fatigue Life of Bridge Components Using Measured Strains

The design fatigue life of a bridge component is based on the stress spectrum the component experiences and the fatigue durability. Changes in traffic patterns, volume, and any degradation of structural components can influence the fatigue life of the bridge. A fatigue life evaluation reflecting the actual conditions has value to bridge owners. Procedures are outlined in the AASHTO Guide Specifications for Fatigue Evaluation of Existing Steel Bridges to estimate the remaining fatigue life of bridges using the measured strain data under actual vehicular traffic. This paper presents the methodology with an actual case study of Patroon Island Bridge. The Patroon Island Bridge consists of ten spans. Spans 3 through 9 are considered the main spans and consist of steel trusses and concrete decks. Spans 1, 2, and 10 are considered approach spans and consist of plate girders. The overall bridge length is 1,795 feet. Strain data from critical structural members were used to estimate the remaining fatigue life of s...
Effect of Light on the Cell Cycle of a Marine Synechococcus Strain

Light-dependent regulation of cell cycle progression in the marine cyanobacterium Synechococcus strain WH-8101 was demonstrated through the use of flow cytometry. Our results show that, similar to eucaryotic cells, marine Synechococcus spp. display two gaps in DNA synthesis, at the beginning and at the end of the cell cycle. Progression through each of these gaps requires light, and their durations lengthen under light limitation.
CD13 is essential for inflammatory trafficking and infarct healing following permanent coronary artery occlusion in mice

Aims To determine the role of CD13 as an adhesion molecule in trafficking of inflammatory cells to the site of injury in vivo and its function in wound healing following myocardial infarction induced by permanent coronary artery occlusion. Methods and results Seven days post-permanent ligation, hearts from CD13 knockout (CD13KO) mice showed significant reductions in cardiac function, suggesting impaired healing in the absence of CD13. Mechanistically, CD13KO infarcts showed an increase in small, endothelial-lined luminal structures, but no increase in perfusion, arguing against an angiogenic defect in the absence of CD13. Cardiac myocytes of CD13KO mice showed normal basal contractile function, eliminating myocyte dysfunction as a mechanism of adverse remodelling. Conversely, immunohistochemical and flow cytometric analysis of CD13KO infarcts demonstrated a dramatic 65% reduction in infiltrating haematopoietic cells, including monocytes, macrophages, dendritic, and T cells, suggesting a critical role for CD13 adhesion in inflammatory trafficking. Accordingly, CD13KO infarcts also contained fewer myofibroblasts, consistent with attenuation of fibroblast differentiation resulting from the reduced inflammation, leading to adverse remodelling. Conclusion In the ischaemic heart, while compensatory mechanisms apparently relieve potential angiogenic defects, CD13 is essential for proper trafficking of the inflammatory cells necessary to prime and sustain the reparative response, thus promoting optimal post-infarction healing.
Federal Colonias Policy in California: Too Broad and Too Narrow

Abstract In this article, we compare colonias in Texas and California and evaluate the federal policy relating to them. In Texas, designated colonias are recently subdivided but unregulated housing settlements that lack infrastructure. California's designated colonias are old communities, with varying demographics, infrastructure needs, and jurisdictional authority. Because subdivisions are strongly regulated in California, we did not expect to find designated colonias there. In actuality, there are over 30. However, federal policy is based on Texas colonias, and we argue that it is too broad because it fails to distinguish between inherently distinct areas and investment needs. Paradoxically, the federal criteria for defining colonias are also too narrow. Many locally designated colonias in California do not qualify for funding because they are not close to the Mexican border or exceed the population ceiling. Ironically, some of the colonias that fail to qualify have the worst housing conditions.
Coping with Rural Poverty: Economic Survival and Moral Capital in Rural America

The experience of rural poverty is in many ways unique from that of urban poverty. In the rural setting, social cohesion creates pressure on the poor to behave in ways that are consistent with local values. This paper, based on qualitative research done in an isolated, rural Northern California community, argues that in this setting the survival strategies of the poor are chosen because they are socially rational rather than economically optimal. The choice of socially acceptable coping strategies is ultimately beneficial because it creates "moral capital," which can be traded for both social capital in the form of community support, and economic capital in the form of job opportunities.
Synthesis of large-pore SBA-15 silica using poly(ethylene oxide)-poly(methyl acrylate) diblock copolymers

Poly(ethylene oxide)-poly(methyl acrylate) diblock copolymers with narrow molecular weight distributions were synthesized using atom transfer radical polymerization. The copolymers were used as micellar templates for the synthesis of mesoporous silicas. The products were characterized using small-angle X-ray scattering, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and nitrogen adsorption. The obtained silicas exhibited two-dimensional hexagonal structures of cylindrical mesopores, and thus can be classified as SBA-15 silicas. In some cases, the size of ordered domains was very small. The (100) interplanar spacings were 13–17 nm, depending on the size of the diblock copolymer used and on the synthesis conditions. Nitrogen adsorption showed that the silicas exhibited specific surface areas of 350–800 m2 g−1, pore volumes ∼1 cm3 g−1, and narrow pore size distributions. The BJH (nominal) pore diameters were up to ∼20 nm, but actual diameters of cylindrical pores are expected to be somewhat smaller. In many cases, the mesopores exhibited constrictions.
Nuclear Receptors and Epigenetic Regulation: Opportunities for Nutritional Targeting and Disease Prevention

Posttranslational modifications of histones, alterations in the recruitment and functions of non-histone proteins, DNA methylation, and changes in expression of noncoding RNAs contribute to current models of epigenetic regulation. Nuclear receptors (NRs) are a group of transcription factors that, through ligand-binding, act as sensors to changes in nutritional, environmental, developmental, pathophysiologic, and endocrine conditions and drive adaptive responses via gene regulation. One mechanism through which NRs direct gene expression is the assembly of transcription complexes with cofactors and coregulators that possess chromatin-modifying properties. Chromatin modifications can be transient or become part of the cellular “memory” and contribute to genomic imprinting. Because many food components bind to NRs, they can ultimately influence transcription of genes associated with biologic processes, such as inflammation, proliferation, apoptosis, and hormonal response, and alter the susceptibility to chronic diseases (e.g., cancer, diabetes, obesity). The objective of this review is to highlight how NRs influence epigenetic regulation and the relevance of dietary compound–NR interactions in human nutrition and for disease prevention and treatment. Identifying gene targets of unliganded and bound NRs may assist in the development of epigenetic maps for food components and dietary patterns. Progress in these areas may lead to the formulation of disease-prevention models based on epigenetic control by individual or associations of food ligands of NRs.
Diet Calcium and pH Versus Mineral Balance in Holstein Cows 84 Days Pre- to 2 Days Postpartum

Abstract Sixteen dry Holstein cows were assigned four diet groups combining either .2 or 2.1% calcium and pH of either 4.5 or 6.1 in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatemnts to study the effect of diet calcium and acidity (pH) on voluntary intake of dry matter, mineral metabolism, and blood constituents. The 86-day experiment was started 84 days prepartum and completed 2 days postpartum. Voluntary dry matter ingestion tended to be higher with higher calcium and acidity (lower pH) diets. Calcium nutriture was improved by more acid diets. More total calcium was apparently absorbed (26 and 7 g) when the diet contained 2.1% calcium, but the .2% calcium diet resulted in a higher apparent percent absorption (25 and 17%) during the dry period. An increased apparent absorption (70 and 5 g) and utilization of diet calcium occurred with the higher calcium treatment at 2 days postpartum. Magnesium and phosphorus utilizations were improved with lower diet calcium. Although experimental treatments had no significant effect on blood minerals, serum calcium decreased 12% 2 days postpartum. A better calcium nutriture was provided by the higher calcium diets when the diets maintained a positive balance for magnesium and phosphorus.
Response of Structures to Random Wind Forces

The effect of wind forces are of primary importance in the design of tall buildings. Since wind forces are random variables, it is necessary to approach the problem from a statistical viewpoint. This paper presents a method for making an analysis of the response of a building subjected to a wind loading. The forcing function is assumed to be an independent stationary stochastic process, and the output of the analysis are the standard deviations of the floor displacements. Also presented is a study of the effect of neglecting inertia and damping terms associated with flexural motions of the floor analysis. Finally, an approximate method for determining the standard deviations of the rigid body floor displacements is presented which yields results that are within 10% of the exact values.
A Comparison of Robust and Probabilistic Reliability for Systems with Renewables and Responsive Demand

The effective integration of significant levels of intermittent renewable resources in power system operations will be enabled by increased participation of demand-side resources. In this work, the use of these demand-side resources for balancing reserves is examined in the context of solutions with varying degrees of robustness. The objective is a simulation-based analysis of the impact of requiring robust versus non-robust solutions, the latter in the form of chance-constrained solutions. We use a stochastic optimal power flow formulation that leverages various classes of reserves, from both generation and responsive demand, to manage considerable uncertainty in renewable generation. Case studies with a 30-bus system illustrate that reserve allocations under the robust formulation, though reliable, may cause undue stress to the system that could render the dispatch implementation infeasible. Conversely, the flexibility introduced in a chance-constrained formulation, even at risk-averse probability levels, produces more realistic allocations of generation and reserves, and can be adjusted to provide full robustness at critical, or highly uncertain, periods in the planning horizon. This flexibility is advantageous to the system and customizable by the operator.
Engineering Epitaxial-Nanospiral Metal Films Using Dynamic Oblique Angle Deposition

Using dynamic oblique angle deposition with substrate rotation, we showed that single crystal porous Cu(100) films in the form of spirals with an arm diameter ranging from 20 to 50 nm and a spiral diameter ranging from 100 to 150 nm can be epitaxially grown on hydrogen terminated single crystal Si(100) substrate. The epitaxial relationships are (100)Cu//(100)Si in the out-of-plane orientation and (010)Cu//(011)Si in the in-plane orientation. The X-ray pole figure shows that the epitaxial Cu spirals possess symmetric and weak twins, in contrast to the asymmetric and strong twins observed in slanted nanorods deposited on Si(100) under stationary oblique angle deposition. These films have potential applications in sensors, catalysts, and energy conversion devices.
Filling the Void: The Lawyers Constitutional Defense Committee and the 1964 Freedom Summer

A history of the formation and work of the Lawyers Constitutional Defense Committee, an organization created to provide legal assistance to the Civil Rights Movement in 1964. The history relies heavily on interviews with those who formed the organization as well as volunteer lawyers who worked in Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, and Florida in 1964 and 1965. The paper was a senior honors thesis in the Department of History at Columbia University, advised by Professor Alan Brinkley.
Synthesis of 23-deoxy-25-epi north unit of cephalostatin 1 via reductive and oxidative modifications of hecogenin acetate

An efficient synthesis of the 23-deoxy-25-epi north unit of cephalostatin 1 has been achieved in 17 steps via reductive and oxidative functionalizations of hecogenin acetate with an overall yield of 3.8%. This synthesis features transetherification-mediated E-ring opening, D-ring oxidation, hemiketalization-mediated E-ring closure, and stereoselective 5/5-spiroketalization.
Event-sampled direct adaptive NN state-feedback control of uncertain strict-feedback system

In this paper, neural networks (NNs) are utilized in the backstepping approach to design a control input by approximating unknown dynamics of the strict-feedback nonlinear system with event-sampled inputs. The system state vector is assumed to be measurable. As part of the controller design, first, local input-to-state-like stability (ISS) for a continuously sampled controller that has been injected with bounded measurement errors is demonstrated and, subsequently, an event-execution control law is derived such that the measurement errors are guaranteed to remain bounded. Lyapunov theory is used to demonstrate that the tracking errors and the NN weight estimation errors for each NN are locally uniformly ultimately bounded (UUB) in the presence bounded disturbances, NN reconstruction errors, as well as errors introduced by event-sampling. Simulation results are provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed controller.
Prognostic impact of KRAS and BRAFV600E mutations stratified by tumor site in resected stage III colon cancer patients treated with adjuvant mFOLFOX6 with or without cetuximab: NCCTG N0147 (Alliance).

3523 Background: The association of KRAS or BRAFV600E mutations with prognosis in colon cancers has been inconsistent. Since primary tumor site may influence outcome, we analyzed KRAS and BRAFV600E...
Molecular-Dynamics-Derived Gas–Surface Models for Use in Direct-Simulation Monte Carlo

In the present work, molecular dynamics is used to study molecular nitrogen impinging on multilayered graphene and fused-quartz surfaces at different incidence speeds and angles to obtain energy ac...
A thermal noise limited, rigidly-held optical reference cavity for ultra-low noise microwave generation

A simple, rigidly-held 25 mm-long reference cavity is presented. A laser stabilized to it supports 10 GHz generation with phase noise near −100 dBc/Hz at 1 Hz offset and 600 Hz.
Structural Factors and the National HIV/AIDS Strategy of the USA

The United States of America’s (USA) first-ever comprehensive, National HIV/AIDS Strategy (NHAS) was released in July 2010 and delineated three goals: reduce new HIV infections, increase access to care and improve health outcomes for people living with HIV and reduce HIV-related disparities and health inequities. Increased attention to the social and structural factors influencing disease risk and affecting health outcomes is deemed essential to achieving the NHAS goals. Employing the broad taxonomy of ‘environment’ and ‘social context’, this chapter reviews the major structural interventions called for in the initial 2010 release of the NHAS and its subsequent update in 2015, providing examples that highlight the HIV epidemic among Black men who have sex with men, the community in the USA that is currently most disproportionately affected by the HIV epidemic. The review documents both positive movement toward the NHAS goals as well as instances where progress has been insufficient. The authors conclude that a systems science approach will be required to address the ‘upstream factors’ that contribute to poor HIV outcomes, including social disadvantage and social inequity.
Getting to Maybe: Implied Principles of Trust and Consent in Two Massachusetts Acts

This paper compares two pieces of Massachusetts legislation — the Hazardous Waste Facility Siting Act passed in 1980 and the Low-Level Radioactive Waste Management Act submitted to the Massachusetts legislature in 1986. In particular, the paper looks at how these two acts differ radically in the means by which each implicitly seeks to develop trust in its risk management process and to gain consent to the process’s outcome. As a prelude to this analysis, key points in the two acts are laid out. For the analysis itself, extensive use is made of a theoretical framework of culture and risk management presented by Steve Rayner at the 1984 meeting of the Society for Risk Analysis.
Use of Cyclodextrin as a Novel Agent in the SEC-HPLC Mobile Phase to Mitigate the Interactions of Proteins or Peptide or their Impurities with the Residual Silanols of Commercial SEC-HPLC Columns with Improved Separation and Resolution

Accurate quantification of the intact proteins, antibodies or peptides and their impurities without interaction to silanols of HPLC column. Hydroxypropyl s Cyclodextrin (HPCD) is added in the mobile phase at different concentrations. Different commercial SEC-HPLC columns and biologics with a molecular weight ranging from 5.8 kDa to 150kDa were assessed with and without cyclodextrin. Addition of non-ionic sugars such as Hydroxypropyl s Cyclodextrin in the mobile phase, resulted improved peak performance such as theoretical plates, peak resolution, peak width, peak height, and improved quantification of aggregates in biologics such as antibodies Humira and Actemra, and peptides such as insulin. There is an increase in peak height, reduced retention time, increased plate and reduced peak width with increasing concentration of cyclodextrin studied. High ionic strength, basic amino acids such as arginine, organic solvents (with a concentration low enough not to precipitate protein), sodium perchlorate and ion pairing agents in the mobile phase used for separation of peptides, proteins and antibodies to prevent silanol interaction. These commonly used solutions are not always successful, as they not only interact with the biologic, but are sometimes, not compatible. The non-ionic cyclodextrin itself does not cause protein aggregation but prevents the nonspecific binding or interaction of protein itself and thereby allowing for improved resolution, and accurate quantification of aggregates in antibodies, and peptides. The data on the separation in presence of cyclodextrin in the mobile phase showed higher peak resolution, improved peak shape, accurate apparent molecular weight, improved efficiency, and less peak tailing for biological products. Hydroxypropyl s Cyclodextrin in the mobile phase, resulted improved SEC-HPLC resolution, and quantitation of aggregates in biologics by preventing the interaction of biologics to silanol of the commercial SEC-HPLC columns.
Hyperfine and Quadrupolar Interactions in Vanadyl Proteins and Model Complexes: Theory and Experiment

The oxycation VO2+ has been employed for many years as an EPR spin probe of the metal binding sites in proteins. Its utility in these investigations has increased markedly with the advent and widespread use of high-resolution techniques such as ENDOR, ESEEM, and HYSCORE to measure isotropic and dipolar components of ligand hyperfine couplings. Measurements with model complexes in conjunction with DFT calculations have provided new insights into the dependence of g-factors and ligand and 51V nuclear hyperfine couplings on the electronic structure and coordination geometries of VO2+ chelates. These studies have greatly enhanced the information that can be derived from data with proteins. In the past fifteen years, highresolution techniques have been applied to a variety of VO2+- containing proteins and tissues samples, a number of which are reviewed here.
Nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy: Extraprostatic tumor extension and preservation of erectile function

AbstractA total of 52 patients underwent a nerve-sparing radical retropubic prostatectomy for clinical stage A or B prostatic cancer. The incidence of positive surgical margins (18 per cent of the patients with stages A and B1, and 57 per cent with stage B2 disease) was not significantly different (p less than 0.5) from that of 25 patients who underwent a standard radical retropubic prostatectomy by the same surgeon (18 per cent with stages A and B1, and 50 per cent with stage B2 cancer). Of 42 patients who were sexually potent preoperatively 41 (98 per cent) have had partial return of erectile function and 22 (52 per cent) have had return of erections sufficient for vaginal penetration. No correlation between clinical or pathological stage and postoperative potency was observed. Erections sufficient for penetration returned in 67 per cent of the patients less than 60 and 43 per cent of those more than 60 years old. The results suggest that with the nerve-sparing modification of radical retropubic prostat...
Intravenous Triacylglycerol Infusion Promotes Ceramide Accumulation and Hepatic Steatosis in Dairy Cows.

Background Increased plasma free fatty acids (FFAs) impair insulin sensitivity in dairy cows via unknown mechanisms. In nonruminants, saturated FFAs upregulate the hepatic synthesis and secretion of ceramide, which inhibits insulin action. Objective We aimed to determine whether an increase in plasma FFAs promotes hepatic and plasma ceramide accumulation in dairy cows. Methods Six nonpregnant, nonlactating Holstein cows were used in a study with a crossover design and treatments consisting of intravenous infusion of either saline (control) or triacylglycerol emulsion (TG; 20 g/h) for 16 h. The feeding level was set at 120% of energy requirements. Blood was collected at regular intervals and liver was biopsied at 16 h. Ceramides, monohexosylceramides (Glc/Gal-Cer), lactosylceramides (LacCer), and sphingomyelins (SMs) in plasma and liver were profiled. Hepatic expression of ceramide synthases was determined. Data were analyzed with the use of mixed models, regressions, and Spearman rank correlations. Results After 16 h of infusion, plasma FFA concentrations were >5-fold and liver triacylglycerol concentrations were 4-fold greater in TG cows, relative to control. Plasma total and very long-chain ceramide (e.g., C24:0-ceramide) concentrations increased ∼4-fold in TG over control by hour 16 of infusion, while C16:0-ceramide were not modified by TG. Infusion of TG increased plasma Glc/Gal-Cer (e.g., C16:0-Glc/Gal-Cer, 4-fold by hour 16) relative to control, but did not alter LacCer or SM concentrations. Hepatic ceramide concentrations increased with TG relative to control (e.g., C24:0-ceramide by 1.7-fold). Hepatic expression of ceramide synthase 2 was 60% greater after TG infusion compared with the control. Circulating ceramides were related to circulating FFA and hepatic triacylglycerol concentrations (e.g., C24:0-ceramide, ρ = 0.73 and 0.80, respectively; P Conclusion Hepatic ceramide synthesis is associated with elevations in circulating FFAs and hepatic triacylglycerol during the induction of hyperlipidemia in dairy cows. This work supports the emerging evidence for the role of ceramide during hepatic steatosis and insulin antagonism in cows.
Application of in vitro lipolysis for the development of oral self-emulsified delivery system of nimodipine.

Abstract The objective of the current study was to optimize for the first time the formulation variables of self-emulsified drug delivery system (SEDDS) based on drug solubilization during lipolysis under a biorelevant condition of digestion such as lipase activity, temperature, pH, fed-fasting state, etc. Nimodipine (ND), a BCS class II, was used as a model drug to prepare the SEDDS. Various oils, surfactants, and cosurfactants were screened for their solubilization potential of ND. Area of self-emulsification was identified using various ternary phase diagrams. Box-Behnken design was employed to investigate effects of formulation variables on various dispersion, emulsification, and lipolysis characteristics of SEDDS. Among 26 candidate formulations, highest ND solubility of 12.72%, 11.09% and 11.2% w/w were obtained in peppermint oil as the oily phase, Cremphor EL as the surfactant and PEG400 as the cosurfactant, respectively. Cremphor EL was the most significant factor to decrease SEDDS droplet size to 30.16 nm. On the other hand, increasing the oil concentration was found to significantly increase the polydispersity index up to 0.31. A faster emulsification rate of 3.37%/min was obtained at higher Cremphor El/PEG 400 ratio. Increasing the percentage of lipid components of SEDDS resulted in lower rate of lipolysis with less recovery of ND in aqueous phase. Under fed state, percentage of lipolysis of optimized formulation was less than that observed under fasted state. However, lowest rate and percentage of lipolysis were observed in lipolysis media without phospholipids and bile salts. Hence, this study demonstrated that in vitro lipolysis could be used as a surrogate approach to distinguish effects of formulation variables on fate of SEDDS upon digestion. Further studies are in progress to identify the lipolytic products of the employed excipients by LC-MS/MS.
Modular approach for resolving and mapping complex neural and other cellular structures and their associated deformation fields in three dimensions

Understanding the biological implications of cellular mechanotransduction, especially in the context of pathogenesis, requires the accurate resolution of material deformation and strain fields surrounding the cells. This is particularly challenging for cells displaying branched, 3D architectures. Here, we provide a modular approach for 3D image segmentation and strain mapping of topologically complex structures. We describe how to use our approach, using neural cells and networks as an example. In addition to describing how to implement the computational analysis, we provide details of a cell culture protocol that can be used to generate neural networks for analysis and experimentation. This protocol allows for transformation of matrix-induced strains, and their full resolution across single cells or networks in three dimensions. The protocol also provides analyses to compute both the locally varying cytoskeletal strains and the average strain experienced by cells. An additional module allows spatial correlation of these strain maps with cytoskeletal features, including neurite disruptions such as neuronal blebs. Image processing and strain mapping take ≥3 h, with the exact time required being dependent on use case, software familiarity, and file size.
Skeletal Muscle Glycogen Synthase: Hormonal Regulation

Studies by Earner and associates(1,2) during the early 1960s established the hormonal responsiveness of glycogen synthase in skeletal muscle and other tissues. Epinephrine treatment of rat diaphragm results in inactivation of glycogen synthase whereas insulin promotes activation of the enzyme. Since similar kinetic effects on glycogen synthase can be obtained in muscle extracts by conditions that favor protein phosphorylation-dephosphorylation, this was postulated to be the molecular mechanism underlying the hormonal regulation.
Enzymatic polymerization to polyesters in nonaqueous solvents

Aliphatic polyesters are thermoplastic and biodegradable polymers with promising potentials to substitute synthetic polymers derived from petrochemicals. In particular, polylactides (PLAs) and other polylactones can be renewable and biocompatible. A more benign approach for polyester synthesis is the enzymatic polycondensation or ring-opening polymerization (ROP) reactions, whose outcomes largely depend on the reaction conditions including solvents, water content and temperature. This chapter illustrates several examples of enzymatic polymerization to polyesters using various solvents (i.e., organic solvents, supercritical fluids, ionic liquids, and aqueous biphasic systems). Hydrophobic solvents containing little water tend to promote the enzymatic polymerization and lead to high molecular masses of polyesters. Since some enzymatic polymerization reactions are performed at high temperatures (such as ring-opening polymerization of lactide at >100°C), these processes demand solvents with high boiling points (such as many ionic liquids). Supercritical fluids (such as supercritical CO2) can be "green" solvents, but their compatibility with enzymes and their practicability of scaling up remain as challenges. On the other hand, ionic liquids can be tailored to be compatible with enzymes and to have high thermal stability although the studies of their uses in enzymatic polycondensation and ROP reactions are still at an early stage.
Reading on the Computer with Orthographic and Speech Feedback: An Overview of the Colorado Remediation Project.

In this paper we present an overview of a computer program directed toward the remediation of children's deficits in word recognition and phonological decoding. In the present studies, 138 children read stories on the computer, in their school, for a half hour per day during a semester. Children were trained to request synthetic-speech feedback (DECtalk) for difficult words by targeting the words with a mouse. Different groups received whole-word feedback, wherein targeted words were highlighted and spoken as a unit, or segmented feedback, wherein segments of words (onsets, rimes, or syllables) were sequentially highlighted and spoken by the computer, requiring the child to pay attention to and blend the segments. Both whole-word and segmented feedback resulted in almost twice the gains in standardized word recognition scores compared to control groups that spent an equal time in their normal remedial reading program. Most important, the computer-trained groups improved their phonological decoding of nonwords at about four times the rate of the control group. However, there was a significant interaction between level of deficit severity and optimal feedback condition. The most severely disabled readers showed the largest phonological decoding gains from syllable feedback, while the largest gains for the less severely disabled readers were from onset-rime feedback. The disabled readers' level of phonological awareness at pre-test was the strongest predictor for gains in word recognition and phonological decoding. Implications of the results for future training programs are discussed.
Retrospective Study Demonstrating High Rates of Sustained Virologic Response After Treatment With Direct-Acting Antivirals Among American Indian/Alaskan Natives.

Background Treatment for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) has rapidly evolved to simple, well-tolerated, all-oral regimens of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs). There are few data on the epidemiology of HCV in American Indians/Alaska Natives (AI/ANs), a population disproportionately affected by HCV. Methods In this retrospective cohort study, all HCV-infected AI/AN patients treated with DAA therapies between January 1, 2014, and February 24, 2016, in specialty clinics or by primary care clinicians participating in Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO) were included. Demographic, clinical, and virologic data on all patients treated for HCV from pretreatment through sustained virologic response at 12 weeks (SVR12) were collected. Results Two hundred eighty patients were included; 71.1% of patients (n = 199) were infected with genotype 1 (GT1), 18.2% (n = 51) with GT2, and 10.7% with (n = 30) GT3. At baseline, 26.1% (n = 73) patients had cirrhosis and 22.6% (n = 56) had active substance use disorder; eighty-eight percent (n = 232) of patients achieved SVR12. Among the 165 GT1 patients treated with sofosbuvir (SOF)/ledipasvir for 8, 12, and 24 weeks, SVR12 was achieved by 91.5% (n = 54), 92.2% (n = 71), and 100% (n = 13), respectively. Among GT2 patients, 87.2% (n = 34) and 71.4% (n = 5) treated with 12 and 16 weeks of SOF/ribavirin (RBV) achieved SVR12, respectively. Among GT3 patients, 100% (n = 2) and 83.3% (n = 20) treated with 12 and 24 weeks of SOF/RBV achieved SVR12, respectively. SVR12 rates remained high among patients with active substance use disorder. Conclusions DAA therapies are highly efficacious in HCV-infected AI/ANs. SVR12 rates remained high among patients with active substance use disorder. More steps must be taken to increase access to treatment for this underserved, vulnerable population.
Implementation of Prep-n-Go™ Buffer for DNA extraction from buccal swabs

Abstract The efficacy of two extraction methods; room temperature and heat protocols was assessed for buccal swabs using the Prep-n-Go™ Buffer. DNA was extracted from buccal swabs using both extraction methods and their effectiveness to produce good quality DNA profiles was evaluated. Heat protocol was found to yield more DNA, however room temperature protocol produced better quality DNA profiles with fewer artefacts when the samples from both extraction methods were amplified directly without any normalisation with the VeriFiler™ Express PCR Amplification Kit.
Asian American Youth Violence as Genocide: A Critical Appraisal and its Pedagogical Significance

ABSTRACTThis article provides an analysis of Asian American gang violence within the context of racialization and the legacy of imperialism. The analysis is grounded in a specific study of the Van ...
Aging alters spontaneous and neurotransmitter-mediated Ca 2+ signaling in smooth muscle cells of mouse mesenteric arteries

Objective Aging impairs MA dilation by reducing the ability of sensory nerves to counteract sympathetic vasoconstriction. This study tested whether altered SMC Ca2+ signals to sympathetic (NE) and sensory (CGRP) neurotransmitters underlie aging-related deficits in vasodilation. Methods MAs from young and old mice were pressurized and loaded with Fluo-4 dye for confocal measurement of SMC Ca2+ sparks and waves. Endothelial denudation resolved the influence of ECs. SMCs were immunolabeled for RyR isoforms and compared with transcript levels for RyRs and CGRP receptor components. Results SMCs from young vs old mice exhibited more spontaneous Ca2+ spark sites with no difference in Ca2+ waves. NE reduced spark sites and increased waves for both groups; addition of CGRP restored sparks and reduced waves only for young mice. Endothelial denudation attenuated Ca2+ responses to CGRP for young but not old mice, which were already attenuated, suggesting a diminished role for ECs with aging. CGRP receptor expression was similar between ages with increased serum CGRP in old mice, where RyR1 expression was replaced by RyR3. Conclusion With aging, we suggest that altered RyR expression in SMCs contributes to impaired ability of sensory neurotransmission to restore Ca2+ signaling underlying vasomotor control during sympathetic activation.
The proportions of ectomycorrhizal roots are varied depending on the different host plant compositions in Scottish arctic/alpine coastal relict vegetation

Abstract The relative abundance of ectomycorrhizal (ECM) roots in pure and mixed stand compositions of Dryas octopetala, Salix repens and Arctostaphylos uva-ursi grown in Scottish coastal arctic/alpine relict habitat was described through ECM morphotyping and comparisons of fungal internal transcribed spacer sequences. Neither specific ECM morphotypes nor the morphotype communities were found in association with any stand compositions. The proportions of the ECM roots on S. repens, however, were significantly less in pure stand and were further decreased in mixed with A. uva-ursi. Possible factors contributing the reduction, including the effects by other host species grown in proximity, are discussed.
Monitoring State-Level Changes in Walking, Biking, and Taking Public Transit to Work - American Community Survey, 2006 and 2017.

INTRODUCTION Active commuting to work is one way people can be physically active and can be influenced by state-level initiatives. The American Community Survey (ACS) is a potential data source to evaluate changes in active commuting at the state level, but state-level changes have not been well documented. We examined state-level changes in estimates of walking, biking, and taking transit to work (combined and separately) among employed persons between 2006 and 2017. METHODS Data were from the ACS, a nationally representative annual household survey from the US Census Bureau. We estimated state-level prevalence of walking, bicycling, or taking transit to work (separately and in combination) in 2006 and 2017 and tested differences by year. RESULTS The prevalence of active commuting to work varied widely among states (2017 range: 1.7% in Alabama and Mississippi to 35.0% in New York). Changes from 2006 to 2017 also varied, with 8 states exhibiting a significant increase (Massachusetts [2.7 percentage points], New York [2.2], Hawaii [1.6], Illinois [1.3], Washington [1.3], New Jersey [1.2], Virginia [0.9], and Michigan [0.4]), and 12 exhibiting a significant decrease (South Dakota [-1.9], Idaho [-1.3], New Hampshire [-1.3], Wisconsin [-1.1], Maryland [-1.0], Nevada [-0.9], Ohio [-0.8], Mississippi [-0.6], Texas [-0.6], Florida [-0.5], Georgia [-0.4], and Indiana [-0.4]). The contributions of walking, bicycling, and taking transit also varied by state. CONCLUSION Active commuting remains relatively rare across states. States pursuing initiatives to support active transportation may consider using ACS to monitor and evaluate changes in active commuting.
Unlawful Silence: St. Louis Families’ Fight for Records After the Killing of a Loved One by Police

I did not cry when I learned my cousin Ronnie had been killed by the police. I asked my mom if the family was okay. I asked what happened. She told me they only knew the story the police were telling — that my cousin had inexplicably run out of his house shooting a gun and been shot dead by multiple officers. I told my mother to let me know if she needed anything and eventually hung up the phone. I finished reading for the next day’s law school class and slept fitfully. I returned to school the next day. My family had become another one of the thousands who lost loved ones to police shootings or other forms of state violence. In the days and years following the killings of Michael Brown, Eric Garner, and countless others, this seemed almost inevitable for a black and working-class family like mine. As of the writing of this piece, my family is still waiting to learn from the Mississippi Bureau of Investigations about the circumstances of Ronnie’s death. This Article begins with a discussion of the barriers families face in gaining information on the circumstances of their loved ones’ deaths by police. It then turns to policies and practices regarding documentation of police incidents and other relevant government records, and how local government practices create obstacles to families’ access. The Article then explores Missouri’s existing public records law, how it should be used to address these barriers, and the ways it fails to do so today. Finally, the Article identifies potential approaches to overcoming these barriers and ensuring that families have access to the information they need.
Beliefs related to health care incentives: Comparison of substance use disorder treatment providers, medical treatment providers, and a public sample

Abstract This study surveyed substance use disorder (SUD) treatment providers, medical treatment providers, and a public sample about beliefs regarding health care incentives to explore differences among the groups and across health disorders for which research has demonstrated incentives improve outcomes. Six hundred participants (n = 200/group) completed the Provider Survey of Incentives. The study found between group differences for positive and negative beliefs. The public sample was highest on the positive beliefs subscale (M = 3.81), followed by SUD (M = 3.63) and medical treatment providers (M = 3.48; F(2, 597) = 20.09, p
Can Pre-treatment Quantitative Multi-parametric MRI Predict the Outcome of Radiotherapy in Patients with Prostate Cancer?

Rationale and Objectives To investigate whether pre-treatment quantitative multiparametric MRI can predict biochemical outcome of prostate cancer (PCa) patients treated with primary radiotherapy (RT). Materials and Methods Fifty-one patients with biopsy confirmed PCa underwent prostate multiparametric MRI on 3T MR scanner prior to RT. Thirty-seven men (73%) were treated with external beam RT alone, 12 men (24%) were treated with brachytherapy monotherapy, and two men (4%) were treated with external beam RT with brachytherapy boost. The index lesion was outlined by a radiologist and quantitative apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), T2 and DCE parameters were measured. Biochemical failure was defined using the Phoenix criteria. Results After a median follow-up of 65 months, seven patients had biochemical failure. ADC had an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.71 for predicting RT outcome with significantly lower ADC (0.78 ± 0.17 vs 0.96 ± 0.26 µm2/ms, p = 0.04) of the index lesion in men with biochemical failure. Ideal ADC cutoff point (Youdens index) was 0.96 µm2/ms which had a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 48% for predicting biochemical failure. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that lower ADC values were associated with significantly lower freedom from biochemical failure (FFBF, p = 0.03, no failures out of 20 men if ADC ≥ 0.96 µm2/ms; seven of 31 with failures if ADC Conclusion Our results suggest that quantitative ADC values of the index lesion may predict biochemical failure following primary radiotherapy in patients with PCa. Lower ADC values were associated with inferior biochemical control.
Between Form and Information: Early Philosophies of Computer-Aided Design

This article draws from primary historical sources to examine the origin of, and tensions between, two postwar era modeling techniques that shaped the early history of computer-aided design: the plex, developed by Douglas T. Ross, and the Coons patch, developed by Steven A. Coons. The article shows how each of these two techniques can be seen as emblematic of a fundamentally different understanding of design—one centered on information, and another on form—crucially foreshadowing present-day practices of computational design in architecture and other creative fields. Using them to illuminate the roots of ongoing technical and cultural trajectories of architectural modeling, and their frictions, the article shows how computer modeling techniques perform not just as tools but also as discursive devices, artifacts of persuasion, and instruments for disciplinary and intellectual demarcations.
A very low bit-rate video codec with optimal trade-off among DVF, DFD and segmentation

In this paper we present a theory for the optimal bit allocation among quad-tree (QT) segmentation, displacement vector field (DVF) and displaced frame difference (DFD). The theory is applicable to variable block size motion compensated video coders (VBSMCVC), where the variable block sizes are encoded using the QT structure, the DVF is encoded by first order differential pulse code modulation (DPCM), the DFD is encoded by a block based scheme and an additive distortion measure is employed. We consider the case of a lossless VBSMCVC first, for which we develop the optimal bit allocation algorithm using Dynamic Programming (DP). We then consider a lossy VBSMCVC, for which we use La-grangian relaxation and show how an iterative scheme, which employees the DP-based solution, can be used to find the optimal solution. We finally present a VBSMCVC, which is based on the proposed theory, which employees a DCT-based DFD encoding scheme. We compare the proposed coder with H.263. The results show that it outperforms H.263 by about 25% in terms of bit rate for the same quality reconstructed image.
In the Stationhouse after Dickerson

Miranda v. Arizona1 established the high water mark of the protections afforded an accused during a custodial interrogation. During the decades that followed, the United States Supreme Court allowed Miranda's foundation to erode, inviting a direct challenge to the landmark ruling. In Dickerson v. United States,2 the Court turned back such a challenge and placed Miranda upon a more secure, constitutional footing. This Article explores the impact of Dickerson in the place where Miranda was meant to matter most: the stationhouse. As I have described elsewhere, Supreme Court decisions have influenced a number of California law enforcement agencies to instruct officers that they may continue to interrogate suspects in custody who have asserted their Fifth Amendment right to remain silent or right to counsel.3 Harris v. New York4 and Oregon v. Hass5 permit some statements taken in violation of Miranda to be used for impeachment purposes at trial. Michigan v. Tucker6 and Oregon v. Elstad7 permit some