cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cloning and analysis of the ribosomal DNA-ITS2 gene in Culex pipiens pallens

To clone and analyze the ribosomal DNA-ITS2(rDNA-ITS2) gene from Culex pipiens pallens in Shenzhen so as to provide molecular biology background for the precaution of mosquito vectors in breeding spot.By using the diagnostic primers for C.pipiens pallens,the sequence of the rDNA-ITS2 gene in the standard laboratory strains as well as the field-collected strains of mosquitoes were amplified by PCR.The amplified product was ligated to vector pGEM-Teasy,transformed to host bacteria DH5a and then the DNA sequence determination and analysis were performed accordingly.It was found that the rDNA-ITS2 gene was successfully cloned and the results on sequence analysis indicated that the sequences of rDNA-ITS2 gene of C.pipiens pallens both from the laboratory cloned and the breeding spot showed a homploque of more than 98% with that published in GenBank.Moreover,the existence of C.pipiens pallens in the breeding spot was also found.It is evident that the sequence of rDNA-ITS2 gene exhibits species-specificity,thus it can provide a molecular biological basis for the precaution of mosquito vector in the breeding spot.
SARS- and other coronaviruses.

SARS- and other coronaviruses : , SARS- and other coronaviruses : , کتابخانه دیجیتال جندی شاپور اهواز
Clinicopathogenomic analysis of mismatch repair proficient colorectal adenocarcinoma uncovers novel prognostic subgroups with differing patterns of genetic evolution.

Cancer somatic genetic evolution is a direct contributor to heterogeneity at the clonal and molecular level in colorectal adenocarcinoma (COAD). We sought to determine the extent to which genetic evolution may be detected in COAD in routinely obtained single clinical specimens and establish clinical significance with regard to clinicopathologic and outcome data. One hundred and twenty three cases of routinely collected mismatch repair proficient COAD were sequenced on the Illumina Truseq Amplicon assay. Measures of intratumoral heterogeneity and the preferential timing of mutational events were assessed and compared to clinicopathologic data. Survival subanalysis was performed on 55 patients. Patient age (p = 0.013) and specimen percent tumor (p = 0.033) was associated with clonal diversity, and biopsy (p = 0.044) and metastasis (p = 0.044) returned fewer mutations per case. APC and TP53 mutations preferentially occurred early while alterations in FBXW7, FLT3, SMAD4, GNAS and PTEN preferentially occurred as late events. Temporal heterogeneity was evident in KRAS and PIK3CA mutations. Hierarchical clustering revealed a TP53 mutant subtype and a MAPK-PIK3CA subtype with differing patterns of late mutational events. Survival subanalysis showed a decreased median progression free survival for the MAPK-PIK3CA subtype (8 months vs. 13 months; univariate logrank p = 0.0380, cox model p= 0.018). Neoadjuvant therapy associated mutations were found for ERBB2 (p = 0.0481) and FBXW7 (p = 0.015). Our data indicate novel molecular subtypes of mismatch repair proficient COAD display differing patterns of genetic evolution which correlate with clinical outcomes. Furthermore, we report treatment acquired and/or selected mutations in ERBB2 and FBXW7.
Enhanced penetration of zona-free hamster ova by sperm prepared by Nycodenz and Percoll gradient centrifugation.

The effect of sperm penetration capacity after selection procedures using Percoll (Pharmacia AB, Uppsala, Sweden) and Nycodenz (Nycomed Diagnostics, Oslo, Norway) gradient centrifugation was compared with double-washed and swim-up in 47 subfertile men. The results of sperm motility, velocity, and amplitude lateral head displacement showed no significant improvement with the centrifugation procedures. The sperm penetration assay results obtained with double-washed and swim-up technique were poor (2.7%±1.7%), however, a significant enhancement was obtained by Percoll (16.3%±3.7%) and Nycodenz (15.8%±3.3%) processing. Nycodenz centrifugation allowed sperm penetration of zona-free hamster ova at comparable rates to Percoll separation.
Electrochemistry of Free Radicals: Substituent Effects on the Redox Potentials of Benzyl Radicals

The electrochemical oxidation and reduction potentials of a number of 3-, and 4-substituted benzyl radicals have been measured using the photomodulation voltammetry technique.
A computationally efficient method for full-core conjugate heat transfer modeling of sodium fast reactors

Abstract For efficient and accurate temperature predictions of sodium fast reactor structures, a 3-D full-core conjugate heat transfer modeling capability is developed for an advanced system analysis tool, SAM. The hexagon lattice core is modeled with 1-D parallel channels representing the subassembly flow, and 2-D duct walls and inter-assembly gaps. The six sides of the hexagon duct wall and near-wall coolant region are modeled separately to account for different temperatures and heat transfer between coolant flow and each side of the duct wall. The Jacobian Free Newton Krylov (JFNK) solution method is applied to solve the fluid and solid field simultaneously in a fully coupled fashion. The 3-D full-core conjugate heat transfer modeling capability in SAM has been demonstrated by a verification test problem with 7 fuel assemblies in a hexagon lattice layout. Additionally, the SAM simulation results are compared with RANS-based CFD simulations. Very good agreements have been achieved between the results of the two approaches.
Culture of Tumorigenic Cells on Protein Fibers Reveals Metastatic Cell Behaviors

Tumorigenic cell behaviors can be suppressed or enhanced by their physicochemical environment. As a first step toward developing materials that allow tumorigenic behaviors to be observed and manipulated, we cultured related MCF10 breast cell lines on fibers composed of the Drosophila protein Ultrabithorax (Ubx). These cell lines, originally derived from fibrocystic breast tissue, represent a continuum of tumorigenic behavior. Immortal but nontumorigenic MCF10A cells, as well as semitumorigenic MCF10AT cells, attached and spread on Ubx fibers. MCF10CA-1a cells, the most highly transformed line, secreted high concentrations of matrix metalloproteinases when cultured on Ubx materials, resulting in differences in cell attachment and cytoskeletal structure, and enabling invasive behavior. Because the mechanical and functional properties of Ubx fibers can be genetically manipulated, these materials provide a valuable tool for cancer research, allowing creation of diverse microenvironments that allow assessment ...
Abstract B121: Oncogenic MYC contributes to tumor super-enhancers via eRNA amplification

Super-enhancers (SEs) are large clusters of enhancers that control transcription of genes that define cell identity, and they are frequently acquired by cancer cells to drive key oncogenes. Indeed, the prominent oncogene MYC recurrently acquires SEs in many types of cancer, which may explain its overexpression in a broad array of cancers. Elevated levels of MYC promote transcriptional elongation at promoters of all active genes, thereby amplifying RNA output of the cellular gene expression program. High levels of MYC also lead to increased binding of MYC at enhancers, but the significance of enhancer invasion by MYC is unclear. Here, we propose a model that at tumor cell SEs MYC amplifies the production of enhancer RNAs (eRNAs), which in turn facilitate maintenance of SEs by stabilizing transcription factor and co-factor occupancy. We found that in Burkitt9s lymphoma cells SEs depend on high levels of MYC and eRNAs, and that MYC is required for elevated levels of eRNA transcription. We demonstrate that eRNAs directly interact with RNA-binding transcription factors at SEs, and that perturbation of eRNA affects SE signal. Elevated MYC thus contributes to the dynamic formation and maintenance of SEs through amplification of eRNAs. Our results may identify novel RNA targets for new therapies for Burkitt9s lymphoma, as well as other cancers. New ways to modulate the immune response may also be revealed by our studies. Citation Format: Yang Eric Guo, Michael Seyffert, Brian Abraham, Xiong Ji, Richard Young. Oncogenic MYC contributes to tumor super-enhancers via eRNA amplification [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Second CRI-CIMT-EATI-AACR International Cancer Immunotherapy Conference: Translating Science into Survival; 2016 Sept 25-28; New York, NY. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Immunol Res 2016;4(11 Suppl):Abstract nr B121.
Formal Mentoring in the Public Sector: What Produces Positive Outcomes?

Federal, state, and local governments institute formal mentoring programs to reap the benefits for individuals and organizations. The majority of the mentoring literature focuses on the private sec...
Getting Specific About Psychological Inertia: Mediating the Past Crime–Future Crime Relationship With Self-Efficacy for a Conventional Lifestyle

A three-wave mediational analysis with two parallel mediators was performed on prospective data provided by all 1,354 (1,170 boys, 184 girls) members of the Pathways to Desistance study. In the ana...
Rethinking Equity: Preservice Teachers' Perceptions and Practice Around Policy

Despite the body of literature around practicing teachers and policy (Knapp, Ferguson, Bamberg, & Hill, 1998; Kumar & Scuderi, 2000; Lortie, 1975/2002), little is known about the involvement of their preservice counterparts. Preservice teachers have limited exposure to policy-related coursework in their professional training (Floden & Meniketti, 2005) and scholarship is relatively silent regarding preservice teachers' experiences with educational policies and their sense-making process (Spillane, 2004; Weick, 1995; see Heineke, Ryan, & Tocci, 2015, for a notable exception).This paper examines preservice teachers negotiating and making sense of a particular policy, the Massachusetts' Rethinking Equity and Teaching for English Language Learners (RETELL). It addresses the following questions: First, what do preservice teachers know about policy in general and the RETELL language policy in particular? Second, how do preservice teachers make sense of the implementation of the RETELL policy in the various setti...
Abstinence by alcohol misusers for 1 month before surgery reduced complications in the month after surgery

Source Citation Tonnesen H, Rosenberg J, Nielsen HJ, et al. Effect of preoperative abstinence on poor postoperative outcome in alcohol misusers: randomised controlled trial. BMJ. 1999 May 15;318:13...
Improving maternal, infant and young child nutrition in Nepal via peer mobilization.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the impact of a peer facilitator (PF) approach for improving mothers' knowledge and practices relating to maternal and child nutrition. DESIGN A quasi-experimental design nested within a large-scale integrated nutrition programme, Suaahara, in Nepal. Suaahara interventions were implemented in all study sites, but peer facilitators were used in only half of the study sites. SETTING Rural, disadvantaged villages in three districts of Nepal: Bhojpur, Bajhang and Rupandehi. SUBJECTS Mothers of children aged 6-23·9 months (n 1890). RESULTS Differences over time between comparison (C) and intervention (I) groups show that the PF approach had a significant positive impact on several indicators of mothers' knowledge and practices relating to maternal and child nutrition: (i) knowing that fruits and vegetables are good for children 6-23·9 months (C: -0·7, I: 10·6; P=0·03); (ii) child dietary diversity (C: 0·02, I: 0·04; P=0·02); (iii) child minimum dietary diversity (≥4 of 7 food groups; (C: 6·9, I: 16·0; P=0·02); (iv) maternal dietary diversity (C: 0·1, I: 0·4; P=0·01); and (v) maternal minimum dietary diversity (≥4 food groups; C: 3·6, I: 14·0; P=0·03). Additionally, exposure to a PF three or more times in the past 6 months was positively associated with a small improvement in maternal (β=0·06, P=0·04) and child (β=0·06, P=0·02) dietary diversity scores. Improvements were not observed in maternal health-seeking behaviours such as number of antenatal care visits. CONCLUSIONS Peer mobilization is a potential approach for improving health- and nutrition-related knowledge and behaviours among women in hard-to-reach communities of Nepal.
How Selenocysteine Altered Our Understanding Of Redox Biology

Selenium is a trace element that exhibits both beneficial and toxic effects in human health. Importance of this micronutrient is primarily due to the fact that selenium is used in selenoproteins in the form of selenocysteine. The occurrence of selenocysteine, the 21st amino acid in the genetic code, in proteins was recognized by Thressa Stadtman in 1976, and this discovery forever changed the field. We now know approximately 100 selenoprotein families and a full content of selenoproteins in humans and other organisms. Selenoproteins with known functions are oxidoreductases, and the tight link between selenium and redox biology offers an opportunity to better understand protein function and use this information to examine questions central to thiol-based redox control of cellular processes. In our lab, we characterized several mammalian selenoproteins and use high-throughput approaches, including genome sequencing, transcriptomics, metabolomics and ionomics, to better understand the systemic role of selenium and selenoproteins in animals and other organisms. Comparative and functional genomics methods allow assessing their use at the levels of proteins, cells, organs and entire organisms.
A Qualitative Study for Perceptions Toward Successful Aging Among Older Korean Immigrants in the United States

A qualitative study was designed as an attempt to overcome the limitations of previous studies of successful aging, which included biased sample population, ignorance of subjective perception of successful aging, and a restrictive definition. The purpose of this study was to explore older immigrants’ perceptions toward successful aging and to indicate the important predictors to determine successful aging. In addition, this study aimed to identify significant factors influencing willingness to become successful agers among older immigrants in the United Sates. The research design was a cross-sectional key informant interview. One hundred and two (N=102) older Koreans in Los Angeles, CA, participated in this study. Interestingly, their children’s successful life was one of the heavily influential factors to become a successful ager among them. Implications are directed to social work researchers and practitioners to help educate the ethnic older adults in the community on the social and behavioral importance of the positive aspects of aging such as successful aging and healthy aging to increase the chance of longevity.
Belle2VR: A Virtual-Reality Visualization of Subatomic Particle Physics in the Belle II Experiment

Belle2VR is an interactive virtual-reality visualization of subatomic particle physics, designed by an interdisciplinary team as an educational tool for learning about and exploring subatomic particle collisions. This article describes the tool, discusses visualization design decisions, and outlines our process for collaborative development.
Dynamics of Surface Alloys: Rearrangement of Pd/Ag(111) Induced by CO and O2

Alloys of Ag and small amounts of Pd are promising as bifunctional catalysts, potentially combining the inherent selectivity of the noble Ag with that of the more reactive Pd. Stable PdAg surface a...
Ruxolitinib Therapy Improves Renal Function in Patients with Primary Myelofibrosis

Introduction. Renal dysfunction is commonly observed in patients with primary myelofibrosis (PMF), but its etiology remains largely unknown. Recent evidence suggests that in many cases it may be a direct consequence of PMF, rather than simply reflecting individual aging. Glomerulopathy, in fact, can be observed in PMF, presenting with mesangial proliferation and hypercellularity, likely as a consequence of abnormal cytokine expression, and case reports show that the use of ruxolitinib may improve its outcome. Methods. We performed a retrospective analysis of 100 patients with previously untreated PMF, receiving frontline treatment with single agent ruxolitinib at our institution between 07/2004 and 11/2013. Creatinine clearance (CrCl) values were calculated by Cockcroft-Gault equation at baseline and serially during treatment. Renal improvement was defined as best percentage change in CrCl during treatment as compared to baseline value. A group of 105 patients with PMF, receiving frontline treatment with a non-ruxolitinib-based therapy on protocol during the same time range, and matched by age, sex and CrCl, was used as control. Results. Baseline characteristics of 100 patients with previously untreated PMF receiving frontline ruxolitinib are shown in the Table. Eighty-one (81%) patients in the ruxolitinib group had an increase in CrCl while on treatment (as compared to baseline) vs 61 (58%) in the control group (p The association between baseline patient characteristics and achievement of a RI ≥ 10% was evaluated among all patients. On univariate analysis (UVA), factors associated with a RI ≥ 10% were non-Caucasian race (99% vs 88%, p=0.006), elevated baseline serum creatinine (1 mg/dL vs 0.9 mg/dL, p=0.05), low baseline CrCl (66 ml/min vs 78 mL/min, p After a median follow-up of 41 months (range, 1-159 months), all patients failed frontline treatment, and median failure-free survival (FFS) was 14 months (range, 1-117 months). Factors associated with prolonged FFS on UVA were intermediate-1 DIPSS plus score as compared to intermediate-2 and high score (53 months vs 24 months and 6 months, p Discussion This is the first study showing that the use of ruxolitinib is associated with improved renal function in patients with PMF. Similarly to what is done in other hematological malignancies, routine kidney biopsies in patients with PMF and unexplained renal dysfunction may shed light on its etiology and help assess the efficacy on ruxolitinib for the treatment of PMF-related glomerulopathy. Disclosures Verstovsek: Incyte: Consultancy; Italfarmaco: Membership on an entity9s Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Membership on an entity9s Board of Directors or advisory committees; Novartis: Membership on an entity9s Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau.
A Clinical Paradigm for Classifying Neurologic Symptoms to Screen for Emergent Large Vessel Occlusions.

Abstract Background: With newly-extended treatment windows for endovascular therapy in emergent large vessel occlusions, it is increasingly important to identify thrombectomy-eligible patients without overwhelming resources dedicated to acute stroke care. We devised a simple paradigm to classify patient's presenting neurologic symptoms to screen for large vessel occlusions. Methods: We reviewed the presenting symptoms, imaging findings, and final diagnoses of consecutive emergency department stroke alert cases. Patients were classified based on their neurologic exams as focal objective, focal subjective, or nonfocal. Outcomes of final diagnoses of acute ischemic stroke and large vessel occlusions were compared across groups. Comparisons were made to other large vessel occlusion prediction scales. Results: Of 521 patients, 342 (65.6%) were categorized as focal objective, 142 (27.2%) as focal subjective, and 37 (7.1%) as nonfocal. Ischemic stroke and large vessel occlusions were diagnosed in 114 (21.9%) and 27 (5.2%) of patients, respectively. Classification as focal objective significantly predicted stroke (odds ratio 3.77; 95% confidence interval 2.17-6.55) and captured all large vessel occlusions (P = .0001). The focal objective categorization was the only tool which achieved 100% sensitivity for large vessel occlusions (with a specificity of 36%) compared to other large vessel occlusion prediction tools. Conclusions: Patients who presented as stroke alerts without focal neurologic symptoms were unlikely to have large vessel occlusions. With high sensitivity, classifying patients' neurologic exams into focal objective versus subjective or nonfocal categories may serve as a useful tool to screen for large vessel occlusions and prevent unnecessary emergent workup in patients unlikely to be endovascular candidates.
Two-step approach for assessing the health effects of environmental chemical mixtures: application to simulated datasets and real data from the Navajo Birth Cohort Study

There is increasing interest in examining the consequences of simultaneous exposures to chemical mixtures. However, a consensus or recommendations on how to appropriately select the statistical approach analyzing the health effects of mixture exposures which best aligns with study goals has not been well established. We recognize the limitations that existing methods have in effectively reducing data dimension and detecting interaction effects when analyzing chemical mixture exposures collected in high dimensional datasets with varying degrees of variable intercorrelations. In this research, we aim to examine the performance of a two-step statistical approach in addressing the analytical challenges of chemical mixture exposures using two simulated data sets, and an existing data set from the Navajo Birth Cohort Study as a representative case study. We propose to use a two-step approach: a robust variable selection step using the random forest approach followed by adaptive lasso methods that incorporate both dimensionality reduction and quantification of the degree of association between the chemical exposures and the outcome of interest, including interaction terms. We compared the proposed method with other approaches including (1) single step adaptive lasso; and (2) two-step Classification and regression trees (CART) followed by adaptive lasso method. Utilizing simulated data sets and applying the method to a real-life dataset from the Navajo Birth Cohort Study, we have demonstrated good performance of the proposed two-step approach. Results from the simulation datasets indicated the effectiveness of variable dimension reduction and reliable identification of a parsimonious model compared to other methods: single-step adaptive lasso or two-step CART followed by adaptive lasso method. Our proposed two-step approach provides a robust way of analyzing the effects of high-throughput chemical mixture exposures on health outcomes by combining the strengths of variable selection and adaptive shrinkage strategies.
Participatory Research with Young Children from Special Populations: Issues and Recommendations

The literature on participatory research with young children from special populations such as, children with disabilities, is relatively scant. Drawing upon Fielding’s six principles to guide the active student role in participatory research, this chapter examines methodological, ethical, and theoretical issues in empowering children from special populations to serve as active researchers using a strengths-based competency model. The chapter is organized within the research process that includes gaining children’s assent, identifying topic and research questions, designing research, research implementation, and dissemination of findings. Specific recommendations and strategies for outside researchers to overcome these challenges are delineated. This chapter emphasized the importance of equity, accessibility, and authenticity when collaborating with children from special populations in their role as co-researchers. The chapter concludes by advocating for more research from scholars engaging in participatory research with children from special populations.
Application of non-linear k –ω model to a turbulent flow inside a sharp U-bend

Simulation of the complex flow inside a sharp U-bend needs both refined turbulence models and higher order numerical discretization schemes. In the present study, a non-linear low-Reynolds number (low-Re) k–ω model including the cubic terms was employed to predict the turbulent flow through a square cross-sectioned U-bend with a sharp curvature, R C/D = 0.65. In the turbulence model employed for the present study, the cubic terms are incorporated to represent the effect of extra strain-rates such as streamline curvature and three-dimensionality on both turbulence normal and shear stresses. In order to accurately predict such complex flowfields, a higher-order bounded interpolation scheme (Song et al., 1999) has been used to discretize all the transport equations. The calculated results by using both the non-linear k–ω model and the linear low-Reynolds number k–ɛ model (Launder and Sharma, 1974) have been compared with experimental data. It is shown that the present model produces satisfactory predictions of the flow development inside the sharp U-bend and well captures the characteristics of the turbulence anisotropy within the duct core region and wall sub-layer.
Computationally Efficient Neural Image Compression

Image compression using neural networks have reached or exceeded non-neural methods (such as JPEG, WebP, BPG). While these networks are state of the art in ratedistortion performance, computational feasibility of these models remains a challenge. We apply automatic network optimization techniques to reduce the computational complexity of a popular architecture used in neural image compression, analyze the decoder complexity in execution runtime and explore the trade-offs between two distortion metrics, rate-distortion performance and run-time performance to design and research more computationally efficient neural image compression. We find that our method decreases the decoder run-time requirements by over 50% for a stateof-the-art neural architecture.
The effect of finite electrical conductivity of small-scale beam resonators on their vibrational response under electrostatic fields

Electrostatic actuation is one of the most commonly used methods for excitation and measurement in micro and nanoscale resonators. In the dynamical behavior analyses of such systems, the resonating beam is often assumed to be a perfect conductor. In this paper, the effect of electrical resistivity on the vibrational response of these systems, including the natural frequency and damping, is investigated. The governing coupled nonlinear partial differential equations of motion are derived and a new finite element method formulation is presented by developing a new electromechanical element. The numerical natural frequencies are compared with experimental measurements and the achieved correlation is better than that in the prior studies. Results indicate that there is a jump in the frequency and damping of the system at a critical resistivity. As the system size decreases and the applied voltage approaches the pull-in voltage, the electrical resistivity completely dominates the response nature of the system. An experiment is also conducted, and good agreement with the theory is observed regarding the effect of electrical resistivity.
The dynamic change and value of serum Per in children with systemic inflammatory response syndrome

Objective To explore the level and clinical value of serum PCT in children with systemic inflammatory response syndrome(SIRS).Methods Ninety-six children with SIRS and critical score below seventy in Zhengzhou Children's Hospital Intensive Critical Unit(ICU)were admitted from January 2006 to December 2006.Severe pneumonia,toxic dysentery,bacterial meningitis,septicemia were the major underlying diseases of fifty-four children with infectious SIRS.Intracranial hemorrhage,infant muggy syndrome,poisoning,anthracemia,drowning,tumor were the major underlying diseases of forty-two children with non-infectious SIRS.PCT,IL-6,IL-8,CRP and WBC were compared between the two groups.Results The levels of semm PCT,CRP and WBC in infectious SIRS group was higher than non-infectious SIRS group(P＜0.001).Dynamic observation of serum PCT level in children developing from sepsis to MODS confirmed that serum PCT concentration at seventy-two hour stably increased.IL-6 and IL-8 showed no significant difference between the two groups(P＞O.05).IL-6 and IL-8 concentration in sepsis group was higher than that in severe sepsis and MODS group(P＜0.05).But CRP and WBC had no significant difference(P＞0.05).Conclusion PCT concentration in serum has important value in differential diagnosis and prognosis assessment,and has more sensitivity and specificity than conventional inflammatory parameters. Key words: Procalcitonin; Systemic inflammatory response syndrome; Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome
Opioid Misuse among Smokers with Chronic Pain: Relations with Substance Use and Mental Health.

Opioid misuse is a significant public health concern with substantial medical, social, and economic costs. Cross cutting the personal and societal effects of this current crisis, opioid misuse is associated with poorer physical and mental health outcomes that impair function across numerous life domains. Importantly, opioid misuse disproportionately affects persons with chronic pain and individuals who smoke tobacco. Despite the higher risk for smokers with chronic pain to engage in opioid misuse, little work has examined how opioid misuse may be related to mental health problems, including other substance use, among this vulnerable group. The current study examined opioid misuse as a predictor of substance use and mental health problems among 187 (Mage = 39.02, SD = 9.94, 74.9% female) daily cigarette smokers with chronic pain who currently use opioids. Results indicated that opioid misuse is associated with greater tobacco (13% of variance), alcohol (27% of variance), and cannabis (22% of variance) problems, as well as anxiety (26% of variance) and depressive symptoms (26% of variance). These results highlight the potential importance of opioid misuse in terms of concurrent substance and mental health problems among smokers with chronic pain. Future work is needed to explicate directionality and temporal ordering in the observed relations.
SETD1 and NF-κB Regulate Periodontal Inflammation through H3K4 Trimethylation:

The inflammatory response to periodontal pathogens is dynamically controlled by the chromatin state on inflammatory gene promoters. In the present study, we have focused on the effect of the methyltransferase SETD1B on histone H3 lysine K4 (H3K4) histone trimethylation on inflammatory gene promoters. Experiments were based on 3 model systems: 1) an in vitro periodontal ligament (PDL) cell culture model for the study of SETD1 function as it relates to histone methylation and inflammatory gene expression using Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide (LPS) as a pathogen, 2) a subcutaneous implantation model to determine the relationship between SETD1 and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) through its activation inhibitor BOT-64, and 3) a mouse periodontitis model to test whether the NF-κB activation inhibitor BOT-64 reverses the inflammatory tissue destruction associated with periodontal disease. In our PDL progenitor cell culture model, P. gingivalis LPS increased H3K4me3 histone methylation on IL-1β, IL-6, and MMP2 gene promoters, while SETD1B inhibition decreased H3K4me3 enrichment and inflammatory gene expression in LPS-treated PDL cells. LPS also increased SETD1 nuclear localization in a p65-dependent fashion and the nuclear translocation of p65 as mediated through SETD1, suggestive of a synergistic effect between SETD1 and p65 in the modulation of inflammation. Confirming the role of SETD1 in p65-mediated periodontal inflammation, BOT-64 reduced the number of SETD1-positive cells in inflamed periodontal tissues, restored periodontal tissue integrity, and enhanced osteogenesis in a periodontal inflammation model in vivo. Together, these results have established the histone lysine methyltransferase SETD1 as a key factor in the opening of the chromatin on inflammatory gene promoters through histone H3K4 trimethylation. Our studies also confirmed the role of BOT-64 as a potent molecular therapeutic for the restoration of periodontal health through the inhibition of NF-κB activity and the amelioration of SETD1-induced chromatin relaxation.
Bridging the Gap between Research and Practice: A Discussion about How to Integrate Evidence-Based Interventions in Clinical Practice Through Education

The benefits of incorporating evidence-based interventions (EBI) in mental health settings are well documented. However, many mental health settings continue not to adopt or implement evidence-based interventions despite the benefits EBIs offer providers. This formula creates a gap between research and practice, which needs to be addressed. Evidence-based practice and interventions are defined, and facilitating factors are described in detail and is followed by a clinical case example to provide further insight. Implications for social work education, research, and practice are also discussed. The chasm between research and practice, will begin to close as practitioners’ concerns are addressed through education.
Going up in smoke

California's wildfires came worryingly close to burning down a treasured observatory. Sadly, fires aren't the only threat to astronomy.
Characterizing the psychosocial effects of participating in a year-long residential research-oriented learning community

Research on learning communities has primarily focused on identifying institutional outcomes such as student achievement and retention. However, more research is needed on how the learning community experience impacts the motivation, beliefs, and perceptions associated with student success. This study investigates the psychosocial effects of participating in a residential research-oriented learning community regarding students’ interest and motivation in pursuing research-oriented careers, research and data self-efficacy beliefs, sense of belongingness with the learning community, and socialization levels and career awareness in research-oriented fields. This study also investigated the mediating effects of students’ initial research self-efficacy beliefs on differential gains regarding career awareness, motivation and interest, and sense of belongingness and socialization after one year of participating in a residential research-oriented learning community. Participants of the study consisted of five cohorts of the learning community, each composed of twenty students. Students in each cohort participated in a pretest-posttest design survey study. Findings suggest that alignment of student interest with the learning community discipline is a key mediator of student growth in their self-efficacy beliefs, sense of belongingness with the learning community and levels of socialization, and career awareness in the selected field. Implications include recommendations for the thoughtful design of learning communities that promote cognitive apprenticeships by orchestrating the content, method, sequencing, and sociology of the learning environment.
Optimal Configuration Planning for Sensor Network Serviceability Under a System Coverage Constraint

We develop an optimization approach for the planning problem of configuring the positions of sensors within a sensor network for minimization of the travel length required to service the sensor locations. This is in contrast to existing approaches whereby the coverage of the sensor network is an objective of the optimization; in this new optimization approach the level of coverage is treated as a constraint. By beginning with an over-populated sensor network and then alternating between sensor repositioning and sensor removal, we create an optimization procedure that solves this difficult practical planning problem. A formal rule for switching between the repositioning and removal components of the optimization strategy is developed. Numerical example problems are presented to illustrate the method and show its performance against a heuristic optimization approach.
Epitope Mapping with Gene Fragment Libraries

Linear epitopes, recognized by a large number of antibodies, are easily identified by expression of small fragments of the known antigen at the tip of filamentous phage. Immobilized antibodies, incubated with such a library of peptide-displaying phage, bind selectively to the fragments containing the epitope, therefore immobilizing the peptide-phage construct as well. Unspecific non-binding phage can then be washed away. Finally, by eluting the epitope-displaying phage following their propagation in E. coli, repetitive rounds of panning are performed to further enrich for specific phage. After approximately three rounds of panning, several single phage clones are amplified and the antigen-encoding inserts are then sequenced. Aligning the insert sequences with the antigen sequence identifies the region in which the epitope lies. The comparison of different fragments usually yields overlapping sequences, each containing the epitope, hence narrowing down the number of amin0 acids essential for binding. Compared to the previously described random peptide libraries, the gene-fragment phage display offers the major advantage of using the correct antigen of an antibody to find its epitope, thus eliminating guesses and sequence comparisons with unknown or irrelevant proteins. Therefore, the chances of finding one or more sequences binding to the antibody that are unrelated to the antigen (mimotopes) are drastically reduced in favor of the correct epitope.
Optimizing and applying a scribe VC-TEG for the short-loop monitoring of Cu-via open failures

Cu-via open failures have become a major yield-loss factor for advanced SoCs. In this paper, we propose a new “scribe VC-TEG” for the short-loop monitoring of Cu-via open failures. The VC-TEG is to be embedded in the scribe lines of SoC product wafers. We introduce this TEG and discuss the optimization of its design. Critical area analysis (CAA) is utilized in quantitatively evaluating the TEG pattern configuration. We also demonstrate the merits of the TEG by introducing an example of its application on an actual mass production line.
Targeted Research and Technology Within NASA's Living with a Star Program

NASA's Living With a Star (LWS) initiative is a systematic, goal-oriented research program targeting those aspects of the Sun-Earth system that affect society. The Targeted Research and Technology (TR&T) component of LWS provides the theory, modeling, and data analysis necessary to enable an integrated, system-wide picture of Sun-Earth connection science with societal relevance. Recognizing the central and essential role that TR&T would have for the success of the LWS initiative, the LWS Science Architecture Team (SAT) recommended that a Science Definition Team (SDT), with the same status as a flight mission definition team, be formed to design and coordinate a TR&T program having prioritized goals and objectives that focused on practical societal benefits. This report details the SDT recommendations for the TR&T program.
Creating Value Through Corporate Restructuring: Case Studies in Bankruptcies, Buyouts, and Breakups

A collection of case studies illustrates real-world techniques, implementation, and strategies on corporate restructuring Over the period 1981-1998, public companies with combined assets of over half a trillion dollars filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Over the same period, over 400 public companies underwent corporate spin-offs, divesting businesses valued at more than $250 billion. Each of these companies, and all of these dollars, were in some way or another involved in corporate restructuring. Gilson's cases studies have been used extensively in executive programs and are perfect tools to refer to when faced with real-world corporate restructuring issues.
The Interaction of Human Plasma Retinol-binding Protein with Prealbumin

Abstract The interaction of human plasma retinol-binding protein with plasma prealbumin was studied by the techniques of velocity ultracentrifugation and polarization of retinol fluorescence. In the first method the unbound fraction of retinol-binding protein, which sediments more slowly than its complexes with prealbumin, was measured by its absorption. A stoichiometry of retinol-binding protein to prealbumin, 4:1 was found. The polarization of fluorescence of retinol increases when retinol-binding protein combines with prealbumin; the relaxation time of retinol-binding protein was 6.6 x 10-8 s at 25° and increased to 28 x 10-8 s for the complex. The polarization data indicate that there are four independent binding sites with an apparent association constant of approximately 1.2 x 106 m-1 at 25° and pH 7.4. The affinity was maximal near pH 7.4 and decreased gradually at lower and higher pH values. Between pH 6.0 and 9.4, the extent of interaction between retinol-binding protein and prealbumin was dependent on ionic strength. In this pH range almost no binding occurred without added salt and the affinity increased rapidly with increasing KCl concentration to 0.1 m. At pH values below 6 the interaction was less dependent on ionic strength and became independent at pH 4.2.
Metabolism of d-Fructose in Aerobacter aerogenes: Analysis of Mutants Lacking d-Fructose 6-Phosphate Kinase and d-Fructose 1,6-Diphosphatase

The relative significance of the pathways for the conversion of d-fructose to d-fructose 1,6-diphosphate via d-fructose 1-phosphate or d-fructose 6-phosphate in Aerobacter aerogenes PRL-R3 was assessed by observing growth patterns of mutants lacking either d-fructose 6-phosphate kinase or d-fructose 1,6-diphosphatase. The mutant lacking d-fructose 6-phosphate kinase grew well on d-fructose or glycerol but not on d-glucose, whereas the mutant lacking d-fructose 1,6-diphosphatase grew on d-glucose but not on d-fructose or glycerol. The data indicate that the pathway of d-fructose metabolism is primarily through d-fructose 1-phosphate rather than d-fructose 6-phosphate.
Higher order modeling of hysteresis in disk drive actuators

This paper derives a linear n-th order hysteresis model using a displacement domain approach and the concept of stability of poles for a forward and backward integration in displacement. The classic Dahl model of hysteresis is the basis for this model. The derivation proceeds from a Laplace Transform with respect to displacement to a state-space model in which the coef#cients of the system matrix depend on the sign of dx to indicate the direction of motion. Simulations of the second order model show the overshoot and undershoot features observed in data from actual experiments as well as points for further development.
``Three Can Keep a Secret if Two are Dead'' (Lavigne, 1996): Weak Ties as Infiltration Routes

Among several ways of trying to suppress terrorist conspiracies,infiltration has probably received the least attention.Impressionistic evidence suggests that conspiracies that carry outviolent attacks usually have a small number of participants, and thatlarge conspiracies either fail to materialize, fail to organize actualattacks, or are substantially less difficult to uncover. Due to theprevalence of weak social ties in larger groups there may be anintermediate group size, around 7–10 members, that is highly subjectto infiltration. Building on work by Freeman, Granovetter, and others,this study examines a few features of the social ecology ofinteraction ties. We introduce a procedure for counting,within groups of size $n$, all interacting pairs {P, Q},where P and Q are disjoint or nonoverlapping subsets(Freeman, 1992: 153) of a given group; these subsets usually contain more than one person, i.e., the interacting units do not invariably consist of individuals. This procedure generates interaction configurations having unique patterns of strong, weak, and ``weakest'' ties – i.e., three levels of tie strength corresponding to core, primary, and secondary ties inFreeman's terminology – such that relatively weak ties predominatewithin larger conspiracies. We speculate about ways in which theseconfigurations may evolve through time.
Some effects of diazepam in human cells in vitro.

Abstract Human leukocytes have been evaluated for chromosome breakage in the presence of a tranquilizer, diazepam, in vitro. The agent was used in concentrations of 0.1, 1.0, 10.0, and 20.0 μg per cubic centimeter of culture medium and the results were compared with those from control cultures. An increase in isochromatid and chromatid breaks were noted, the greatest effect being seen at 10.0 and 20.0 μg per cubic centimeter concentrations. The possible nonrandomness of the effect was noted. In addition, the effect of diazepam on the growth rate of human fibroblasts in vitro was observed. Concentrations of 0.1, 1.0, 10.0, 20.0, and 50.0 μg per cubic centimeter of medium were used and a depressing effect, which in general was dose related, of the agent on the growth rate was seen. The possible significance of these data is discussed.
Large, non-saturating magnetoresistance in WTe2.

The magnetoresistance effect in WTe2, a layered semimetal, is extremely large: the electrical resistance can be changed by more than 13 million per cent at very high magnetic fields and low temperatures. Apply a magnetic field to a magnetoresistive material and its electrical resistance changes — a technologically useful phenomenon that is harnessed, for example, in the data-reading sensors of hard drives. Mazhar Ali and colleagues have now identified a material (tungsten ditelluride or WTe2) in which the magnetoresistance effect is unusually large: the electrical resistance can be changed by more than 13 million per cent. Its remarkable magnetoresitance is evident at very high magnetic fields and at extremely low temperatures, so practical applications are not yet in prospect. But this finding suggests new directions in the study of magnetoresistivity that could ultimately lead to new uses of this effect. Magnetoresistance is the change in a material’s electrical resistance in response to an applied magnetic field. Materials with large magnetoresistance have found use as magnetic sensors1, in magnetic memory2, and in hard drives3 at room temperature, and their rarity has motivated many fundamental studies in materials physics at low temperatures4. Here we report the observation of an extremely large positive magnetoresistance at low temperatures in the non-magnetic layered transition-metal dichalcogenide WTe2: 452,700 per cent at 4.5 kelvins in a magnetic field of 14.7 teslas, and 13 million per cent at 0.53 kelvins in a magnetic field of 60 teslas. In contrast with other materials, there is no saturation of the magnetoresistance value even at very high applied fields. Determination of the origin and consequences of this effect, and the fabrication of thin films, nanostructures and devices based on the extremely large positive magnetoresistance of WTe2, will represent a significant new direction in the study of magnetoresistivity.
High temperatures and bridges: Transverse stiffeners in steel girder fire performance

Vehicular accidents involving tanker trucks may initiate devastating fires that can cripple a steel plate girder bridge. An observation of web shear buckling in one case study leads to a discussion on the existing understanding of this phenomenon. A closer look at the contribution of the transverse stiffeners to postbuckling shear capacity focuses on the effects of utilizing diagonal orientations of the stiffeners, as well as providing thermal insulation for the stiffeners alone. It was found that the diagonal stiffener models do not offer much improvement to the postbuckling shear strength compared to the use of the traditional vertical intermediate stiffener. Given the complexity of attaching a diagonal stiffener, it appears that the vertical stiffener is the better option. Further, providing fire resistance solely for the stiffeners was found to offer a minimal increase in the postbuckling shear strength at elevated temperatures.
Off With Their Heads: The Islamic State and Civilian Beheadings

This commentary evaluates the use of beheadings by the Islamic State in Syria and Iraq. We place beheadings in a broader historical context and draw from academic research in terrorism studies and the social sciences to explain why the Islamic State has adopted such brutal tactics. We outline the strategic logic of beheading and evaluate explanations related to symbolic politics, culture, and organizational dynamics. We conclude with a discussion about the future of Islamic State violence.