cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Differing hepatotoxicity and lethality after subacute trichloroethylene exposure in aqueous or corn oil gavage vehicles in B6C3F1 Mice

Subacute toxicity of trichloroethylene (TCE) was evaluated in male and female B6C3F1 mice using corn oil or aqueous gavage vehicles. Mice received oral doses of TCE five times a week for 4 weeks at 600, 1200 and 2400 mg/kg/day for males and 450, 900 and 1800 mg/kg/day for females. Vehicle control mice were dosed with either corn oil or a 20% aqueous solution of Emulphor. A dose-related increase in lethality occurred in male and female mice receiving TCE in Emulphor but not corn oil during the first week of treatment. Lethality was consistent with central nervous system depressant effects of TCE. After 4 weeks of exposure, body weights were not altered by TCE but liver/body weight ratios were uniformly increased by TCE administered in either vehicle in both sexes. Only male mice treated with TCE in corn oil, however, sustained elevations in serum enzyme levels, accompanied by liver histopathology. TCE in corn oil produced inflammation-associated focal necrosis in 30-40% of the male mice, with increasing severity from low to high dose. Lipid accumulation, as indicated by Oil-Red O staining, was most prevalent in male mice treated with TCE in corn oil but also occurred to a lesser degree in animals receiving either gavage vehicle alone. This study indicates that the type of oral gavage vehicle is an important factor in determining the nature of TCE toxicity.
GENETIC VARIANCE OF SEXUALLY SELECTED TRAITS IN WAXMOTHS: MAINTENANCE BY GENOTYPE X ENVIRONMENT INTERACTION

Abstract When traits experience directional selection, such as that imposed by sexual selection, their genetic variance is expected to diminish. Nonetheless, theory and findings from sexual selection predict and demonstrate that male traits favored by female choice retain substantial amounts of additive genetic variance. We explored this dilemma through an ecological genetic approach and focused on the potential contributions of genotype × environment interaction (GEI) to maintenance of additive genetic variance for male signal characters in the lesser waxmoth, Achroia grisella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae). We artificially selected genetic variants for two male signal characters, signal rate (SR) and peak amplitude (PA), that influence female attraction and then examined the phenotypic plasticity of these variants (high- and low-SR and high- and low-PA lines) under a range of environmental conditions expected in natural populations. Our split-family breeding experiments indicated that two signal characters, S...
Novel fast laser-based auto-focusing microscope

In keeping with consumer preferences for ever more high-performance products, a requirement exists for precise and fast auto-focusing microscope systems for the inspection processes in mass production lines. Accordingly, the present study proposes a precise and fast laser-based auto-focusing microscope system in which an auto-focusing capability is achieved by using a position feedback signal from the centroid of the image of the reflected laser beam captured from a CCD sensor. The experimental results show that the proposed auto-focusing microscope system is under a 1 s cycle time and ±3 µm positioning accuracy with a ± 500 µm linear working range. Overall, it is shown that the proposed auto-focusing microscope system has both a fast response and high positioning accuracy.
Osteocyte-specific deletion of Fgfr1 suppresses FGF23.

Increases in fibroblastic growth factor 23 (FGF23 or Fgf23) production by osteocytes result in hypophosphatemia and rickets in the Hyp mouse homologue of X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH). Fibroblastic growth factor (FGF) signaling has been implicated in the pathogenesis of Hyp. Here, we conditionally deleted FGF receptor 1 (FGFR1 or Fgfr1) in osteocytes of Hyp mice to investigate the role of autocrine/paracrine FGFR signaling in regulating FGF23 production by osteocytes. Crossing dentin matrix protein 1 (Dmp1)-Cre;Fgfr1null/+ mice with female Hyp;Fgfr1flox/flox mice created Hyp and Fgfr1 (Fgfr1Dmp1-cKO)-null mice (Hyp;Fgfr1Dmp1-cKO) with a 70% decrease in bone Fgfr1 transcripts. Fgfr1Dmp1-cKO-null mice exhibited a 50% reduction in FGF23 expression in bone and 3-fold reduction in serum FGF23 concentrations, as well as reductions in sclerostin (Sost), phosphate regulating endopeptidase on X chromosome (PHEX or Phex), matrix extracellular phosphoglycoprotein (Mepe), and Dmp1 transcripts, but had no demonstrable alterations in phosphate or vitamin D homeostasis or skeletal morphology. Hyp mice had hypophosphatemia, reductions in 1,25(OH)2D levels, rickets/osteomalacia and elevated FGF2 expression in bone. Compared to Hyp mice, compound Hyp;Fgfr1Dmp1-cKO-null mice had significant improvement in rickets and osteomalacia in association with a decrease in serum FGF23 (3607 to 1099 pg/ml), an increase in serum phosphate (6.0 mg/dl to 9.3 mg/dl) and 1,25(OH)2D (121±23 to 192±34 pg/ml) levels, but only a 30% reduction in bone FGF23 mRNA expression. FGF23 promoter activity in osteoblasts was stimulated by FGFR1 activation and inhibited by overexpression of a dominant negative FGFR1(TK−), PLCγ and MAPK inhibitors. FGF2 also stimulated the translation of an FGF23 cDNA transfected into osteoblasts via a FGFR1 and PI3K/Akt-dependent mechanism. Thus, activation of autocrine/paracrine FGF pathways is involved in the pathogenesis of Hyp through FGFR1-dependent regulation of FGF23 by both transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms. This may serve to link local bone metabolism with systemic phosphate and vitamin D homeostasis.
The association between depression, lung function, and health-related quality of life among adults with cystic fibrosis.

Background: More than 40% of people born with cystic fibrosis (CF) now reach adulthood. Greater attention is being focused on improving their health-related quality of life (HRQoL). While markers of disease severity such as lung function are only modestly associated with HRQoL, in other chronic illnesses depression is an important correlate. The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationships among lung function (ie, FEV1 percent predicted), depressive symptoms, and HRQoL among adults with CF. Methods: Seventy-six adults with CF completed a mail-based survey. The Beck Depression Inventory and the Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire were used to assess depressive symptoms and HRQoL, respectively. Values for FEV1 percent predicted were abstracted from the medical record. Results: Thirty percent of participants screened positive for depressive symptoms. Depressive symptoms and lung function were inversely correlated (rho 0.25; p 70% predicted) reported better physical HRQoL than those with poor lung function. Participants with both depressive symptoms and poor lung function reported significantly worse HRQoL on all domains than participants without depressive symptoms regardless of lung function status. Conclusions: Depressive symptoms are prevalent among adults with CF and are associated with poorer HRQoL even after controlling for lung function. These results suggest that screening for and treating depression is important and may potentially improve HRQoL among patients with CF. (CHEST 2007; 132:231–237)
Characterization of a Methanogenic Community within an Algal Fed Anaerobic Digester

The microbial diversity and metabolic potential of a methanogenic consortium residing in a 3785-liter anaerobic digester, fed with wastewater algae, was analyzed using 454 pyrosequencing technology. DNA was extracted from anaerobic sludge material and used in metagenomic analysis through PCR amplification of the methyl-coenzyme M reductase α subunit (mcrA) gene using primer sets ML, MCR, and ME. The majority of annotated mcrA sequences were assigned taxonomically to the genera Methanosaeta in the order Methanosarcinales. Methanogens from the genus Methanosaeta are obligate acetotrophs, suggesting this genus plays a dominant role in methane production from the analyzed fermentation sample. Numerous analyzed sequences within the algae fed anaerobic digester were unclassified and could not be assigned taxonomically. Relative amplicon frequencies were determined for each primer set to determine the utility of each in pyrosequencing. Primer sets ML and MCR performed better quantitatively (representing the large majority of analyzed sequences) than primer set ME. However, each of these primer sets was shown to provide a quantitatively unique community structure, and thus they are of equal importance in mcrA metagenomic analysis.
Risk Factors That Predict Dropout from Corrections-Based Treatment for Drug Abuse:

Early dropout or failure to engage in drug abuse treatment is a common problem in correctional settings. This study presents findings from 339 felony probationers man dated to a 6-month modified therapeutic community (TC) in lieu of imprisonment. Early dropout was related to cocaine dependence, having a history of psychiatric treatment, being unemployed before adjudication to treatment, and to higher levels of depression, anxiety, and hostility. Dropout rates also were higher for probationers with deviant peer networks and lower ratings of self-efficacy. However, multivariate analyses showed that scoring high on a criminality risk index was the strongest predictor of leaving treatment early and appears to represent a good composite risk measure. These findings can help identify who needs residential treatment, and who is at greatest risk for not completing it.
U.S. masters track participation reveals a stable sex difference in competitiveness.

It is well established that men are more likely than women to engage in direct competition, but it is unclear if this reflects social structural conditions or evolved predispositions. These hypotheses can be addressed by quantifying competitiveness in sports and testing if the sex difference is decreasing over time in the U.S., a society where social roles have converged. Study 1 assessed participation and the occurrence of relatively fast performances by masters runners (40–74 years old) at recent road races and track meets. Fast performances occurred over 20 times more often at track meets than at road races. Women comprised 55% of finishers at roads races but only 15–28% of finishers at track meets. Thus, the sex difference in masters track participation can serve as a measure of the sex difference in competitiveness. Study 2 used data from national championship meets and yearly rankings lists to test whether the sex difference in masters track participation decreased from 1988–2012. The sex difference...
Enhancing Clinical Practice with Community-Based Self-Management Support Programs

Beyond treatment of the presenting clinical issues, an essential challenge of working with people with arthritis in clinical practice is helping the individual develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence to manage their disease on a day-to-day basis. Clinicians can play a key role in helping their patients become effective self-managers through the self-management support they provide within the clinical encounter and through referral to evidence-based self-management support programs (specifically physical activity, self-management education, and weight control programs) in the community. The purposes of this chapter are to describe why evidence-based community programs are an important adjunct to clinical care in arthritis, discuss specific types of community programs useful for people with arthritis, and identify strategies to help people with arthritis commit to participating in these valuable community resources.
Antecedent Social Skills Interventions for Individuals With ASD: What Works, for Whom, and Under What Conditions?

Social skills interventions designed to increase pro-social interactions for individuals with autism spectrum disorders are critical, but the relative effectiveness of these interventions is not well understood. More than 250 single-case design studies in 113 articles were reviewed and described in terms of participants, settings, arrangements, implementers, social partners, target behaviors, and treatment components. Differential success rates are reported, given the variation in study and participant characteristics (e.g., implementers, treatment components, participant age). Environmental arrangement, social skills training, and prompting were highly successful, and peer training, priming, and video-based interventions were less successful. More evidence is needed, particularly research including older individuals and utilizing indigenous implementers and typical social partners.
A pilot observational study of hydrogen peroxide and alcohol for disinfection of privacy curtains contaminated by MRSA, VRE and Clostridium difficile

Privacy curtains, frequently used in hospitals to separate patient care areas may have an important role in the transmission of healthcare-associated pathogens. In this pilot study, we inoculated curtain swatches with suspensions of clinical specimens of meticillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant enterococcus (VRE), and Clostridium difficile before using a gloved hand to touch the inoculated curtain swatch and transfer to clean agar plates. Three different commonly used disinfectants were then sprayed onto these swatches before using a clean gloved hand to touch the swatch and transfer onto new agar plates. All plates were incubated at 35°C for 24 and 72 h. Bacterial growth before and after disinfection was assessed and compared. 3.1% hydrogen peroxide effectively eliminated transfer of C. difficile, MRSA and VRE from inoculated curtains.
Recommendations for the reporting of larynx specimens containing laryngeal neoplasms.

The Association of Directors of Anatomic and Surgical Pathology have developed recommendations for the surgical pathology report for common malignant tumors. The recommendations for carcinoma of the larynx are reported herein.
A Study of the Relation of Age Interval to Degree of Resemblance of Siblings in Intelligence

* Accepted for publication by John E. Anderson of the Editorial Board and received in the Editorial Office, December 6, 1932. 1 From a thesis submitted to the Graduate Faculty of the University of Minnesota in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, done under the direction of Professor W. S. Miller. Thanks are also due the public schools of St. Paul, Minnesota, and St. Louis, Missouri, from whose records certain of the data were obtained; and to Professor M. J. Van Wagenen, Mr. Claude L. Nemzek, and Louise Asbury Finch, for their suggestions and assistance.
Progress in the Growth and Characterization of Ge Quantum Dots and Islands

We review progress in the growth of Si1-xGex islands and Ge dots on (001) Si. We discuss the evolution of the island morphology with Si1-xGex coverage, and the effect of growth parameters or post-growth annealing on the shape of the islands and dots. We outline some of the structural, and optical properties of Si1-xGex islands and review recent progress in the determination of their composition and strain distribution. We discuss various approaches currently being investigated to engineer Si1-xGex quantum dots and in particular control their size, density and spatial distribution. For example, we show how C pre-deposition on Si (001) can influence nucleation and growth of Ge islands.
Growth and seed production of glyphosate-resistant giant ragweed (Ambrosia trifida L.) in response to water stress

The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of degree and duration of water stress on growth and seed production of glyphosate-resistant (GR) giant ragweed. The degree of water stres...
On the necessity of designing children's literature course in animation major of universities

In universities,it is of high pertinence and necessity to design children's literature course in basic courses of animation major.On the level of practice,children's literature course can provide students direct material and inspiration,which becomes the source of plot in animation.On the level of thought-training,children's literature course can help students get familiar with children's way of thinking,and then help them grasp the gist of conception in animation.On the level of enhancing humanistic quality,children's cultural course is helpful for students to keep the childlike innocence in their hearts and be more sincere in animation creation.
Contamination of Legionella in Air Conditioning Systems of Public Places in Luohu District

Objective To investigate the contamination status of Legionella in air conditioning systems of public places in Luohu District,Shenzhen. Methods According to"Sanitary Criterion for the Centralized Air Ventilation System in Public Places",water samples including cooling water and condensate water were randomly collected in 32 public places in Luohu District, Shenzhen. Legionella strains were isolated and confirmed by biochemical and serological tests. Results Among 32 public places,Legionella was detected in 9 public places( 9 /32,28. 1%). Of 81 water samples,17. 3%( 14 /81) were found to be positive. Totally 16 isolated Legionella strains were detected among the water samples,in which Legionella pneumophila accounted for the largest proportion( 12 isolates,75%). Conclusions Air conditioning cooling water and condensing water are polluted by Legionella in Luohu District,and therefore it is necessary to strengthen the disinfection and management of air conditioning system.
High dose versus low dose enteral allopurinol for prophylaxis in mesenteric ischemia.

Studies demonstrating protective effects of allopurinol in intestinal ischemia have been carried out using i.v. allopurinol (presently unavailable for human use) or enteral allopurinol at supra-normal doses and, therefore, have questionable clinical relevance. We evaluated the protective effects of clinically used doses of enteral allopurinol in rats with intestinal ischemia. One hundred nine male Sprague-Dawley rats (250-300 gm) received enteral allopurinol (5-30 mg/kg) or water daily for 1 week and were subjected to superior mesenteric artery occlusion for 20, 30, or 45 min. Mortality in water-fed controls after 20 min of mesenteric ischemia was 50%, but there was no mortality in rats pretreated with allopurinol (5, 10, and 20 mg/kg/day) in this group (P = 0.016). There was no reduction in mortality after allopurinol pretreatment at any dose in rats with 30 or 45 min of ischemia. We concluded that 1) prolonged intestinal ischemia causes lethal damage during the hypoperfusion phase that cannot be prevented by allopurinol pretreatment even at supra-normal doses, and 2) allopurinol at recommended enteral doses (5-10 mg/kg/day) can reduce morality from reperfusion injury when the phase of hypoperfusion is not, in itself, lethal. Allopurinol is effective in reducing reperfusion injury in the currently available enteral form in dose ranges that should not cause prohibitive side effects.
Free full thickness skin graft urethroplasty

AbstractDuring the last 15 years we have repaired urethral strictures of each zone of the urethra using a free full thickness skin graft technique. We now report the details of our operative procedure and the results.
Effect of Body Mass Index (BMI) At Diagnosis On Survival Patterns of Multiple Myeloma (MM) Patients in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA).

Abstract 3182 Background: Two thirds of the adult population in the United States (US) is either overweight or obese based on BMI. Elevated BMI has been associated with an increased risk of death from hematologic malignancies, including MM. This occurs through modification of MM disease incidence, survival after diagnosis, or a combination of the two. Limited data is available on the impact of BMI at diagnosis on mortality in patients with MM. We used a retrospective cohort to evaluate the impact of BMI at diagnosis on survival patterns in MM patients treated at US VHA hospitals. Methods: The VHA Central Cancer Registry was used to identify electronic records of 5,013 patients diagnosed with MM between October 1998 and December 2009. To minimize misclassification bias (remove patients with monoclonal gammopathy and smoldering myeloma) we excluded patients who did not receive therapy within 6 months of diagnosis of MM. Patients without weight and height measurements within 1 month of diagnosis were also excluded, resulting in an analytic cohort of 2,968 patients. Results: Table 1 demonstrates baseline characteristics of the analytic cohort, including stratification by BMI. Based on BMI at time of diagnosis, Cox modeling showed a reduction in mortality for overweight (BMI 25 to Conclusion: MM patients who are overweight or obese at the time of diagnosis had decreased mortality compared to those who are normal-weight. In an effort to understand the influence of disease-related weight loss on this observation, we examined weight one year before diagnosis and found the association was no longer present in obese patients and only borderline present in overweight patients. This coupled with the observation that patients who lost 10% or more of their body weight in the year leading up to diagnosis had increased mortality (HR 1.58) suggests that disease-related weight loss is a major driver of the decreased survival seen in patients with a lower BMI at diagnosis. To our knowledge, this is the first study demonstrating that disease related weight loss in the time leading up to diagnosis is associated with decreased survival in MM. The mechanisms by which disease related weight loss drives a poorer prognosis cannot be determined in a population-based study. Understanding the causative mechanisms may improve our understanding of the biology of MM as well as biomarkers associated with decreased overall survival in MM. Disclosures: Vij: Millennium: Speakers Bureau.
A prototype PET detector module using micro-channel plate photomultiplier tube with waveform sampling

We are developing a prototype PET detector module as an effort to demonstrate and investigate the feasibility of using large area flat panel (e.g. 8"x8") micro-channel plate photo-multiplier (MCP PMT) for PET instrumentation. The detector module consists of an array of LSO (or LYSO) crystals coupled to a commercially available MCP PMT (Photonis XP85022) with transmission-line strips and read-out by a waveform sampling electronics employing the DRS4 chips at the end of the strips. The details of building and testing of the prototype PET detector module is presented and the benefits of using waveform sampling in PET application also will be discussed.
Detection of segmental aneuploidy and mosaicism in the human preimplantation embryo: technical considerations and limitations.

Whole-chromosome aneuploidy screening has become a common practice to improve outcomes and decrease embryonic transfer order in patients undergoing treatment for infertility through in vitro fertilization. Despite implementation of this powerful technology, a significant percentage of euploid embryos fail to result in successful deliveries. As technology has evolved, detection of subchromosomal imbalances and embryonic mosaicism has become possible, and these serve as potential explanations for euploid embryo transfer failures. Cases involving a parent with a balanced translocation provide a unique opportunity to characterize the capabilities and limitations of detecting segmental imbalances with a variety chromosome screening platforms. Adaptation of these methods to de novo imbalances now represent an ongoing challenge in the field of preimplantation genetic screening as additional factors including mosaicism, clinical predictive value, and distinguishing true imbalances from technical artifacts must be more carefully considered.
Impact of Killer Immunoglobulin Receptor (KIR) Ligand Incompatibility in Nonmyeloablative Bone Marrow Transplantation (BMT) from Haploidentical Donors.

Abstract Donor vs. recipient natural killer (NK) cell alloreactivity in mismatched (haploidentical) bone marrow transplantation (BMT) has been defined as a mismatch between killer inhibitory receptors (KIR) on donor NK cells and their inhibitory HLA class I ligands on recipient cells. Data reporting the impact of KIR incompatibility in the haploidentical BMT setting have been controversial. Here, we examine the effect of KIR ligand mismatches in 60 patients with advanced hematologic malignancies who were enrolled in a clinical trial of nonmyeloablative haploidentical BMT (“mini-haploBMT”). All patients were conditioned prior to transplantation with fludarabine, low dose cyclophosphamide (Cy), and 200 cGy TBI, and after transplantation received high dose Cy, mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and tacrolimus. The median age of transplant recipients was 48 years (range, 1–71years). Patients received a median of 1.27x 108/kg mononuclear cells/kg and a median of 3.9 x 106 CD34+ cells/kg. Donor-recipient pairs had an average of 3 out of 8 HLA antigen mismatches in both the host-vs.-graft (HVG) and graft-vs.-host (GVH) directions. Graft failure occurred in 12/58 (21%) evaluable patients, and grade 3–4 GVHD occurred in 7/60 patients (11.7%). Median time to disease progression was 222 days and median overall survival was 255 days. The median follow-up at the time of this analysis was 251 days (range 41–1715 days). KIR mismatches were identified via KIR genotyping (KIR genes determined by SSP from genomic DNA extracts) as well as via the previously described receptor:ligand model which identifies the presence of inhibitory KIR on donor cells, with absence of HLA ligand on host cells. Utilizing the receptor:ligand model, our results demonstrate an improvement in time to relapse (TTR) in patients with ≥1 inhibitory KIR mismatches (32 patients, median TTR 359 days) versus no mismatches (27 patients, median TTR 185 days) (p=0.036) and an improved overall survival (OS) in patients with ≥1 inhibitory KIR mismatches (32 patients, median OS 622 days) versus no mismatches (27 patients, median OS 208 days) (p=0.008). No significant difference in OS or TTR was found when patients were separated by disease type (myeloid versus lymphoid; OS p= 0.095 vs. p=0.1 and TTR p=0.2 vs. 0.1). There were also no significant differences in TTR or OS when using the KIR genotyping method of identifying mismatches. No differences in Grades 2–4 graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) or engraftment were found based on the presence of inhibitory or stimulatory KIR mismatches, although the small numbers of patients with GVHD or engraftment failure prevent a definitive analysis. KIR ligand incompatibility in the GVH direction is associated with a prolonged time to relapse and improved overall survival after nonmyeloablative haploidentical BMT. These findings may warrant the selection of donors based upon KIR ligand incompatibility.
Polymer-derived SiAlOC ceramic pressure sensor with potential for high-temperature application

Abstract In this paper, a pressure sensor made of polymer-derived SiAlOC ceramics is designed, fabricated and tested. The sensor package is composed of a SiAlOC sensor head and a serially connected divider resistor. The requirement of the divider resistor is to achieve maximum sensitivity. The results showed that the pressure sensor has high accuracy, stability, and repeatability to both unidirectional and bidirectional pressure variations. While the sensor is tested at room temperature, it has potential for high temperature applications due to the excellent high-temperature capability of the polymer-derived SiAlOC ceramic.
Abstract 109: Characterization of Secretome From C-kit+ Cells Derived From Neonate and Adult Heart Patients

Background: Despite the regenerative benefit reported in recent human clinical trials (SCIPIO trial) using human cardiac stem cells (CSCs) (identified by ckit+CD45-/lin-), low retention and differentiation of transplanted hCSCs into cardiomyocytes are insufficient to explain the myocardial regeneration. This discrepancy has led to the paracrine hypothesis of stem cell action that indicates communication between newly transplanted stem cells and reparative native cells, essentially jumpstarting the repair process. Methods: We derived CSCs from the biopsies of right atrial appendage (RAA) of neonatal human subjects (nCSCs, age 50 years). CSCs were grown upto 90% confluency and incubated with basal medium (Ham’s/F12) for 72 hours. Conditioned medium (CM) was collected and further analyzed. Results: The expression levels of various key cytokines were analyzed using ELISA and data showed nCSCs secrete higher levels of the angiogenic cytokines like SDF1, VEGF-A, ANG, SCF, PDGB, and FGF2 compared to over 20 other cytokines we examined as compared to aCSCs. CM derived from nCSCs showed more angiogeneic potential as compared to CM derived from aCSCs as analyzed by HuVEC tube assay formation. We also did a comparative analysis of CM from nCSCs and aCSCs using mass spectrometry. Molecular distribution of lead proteins revealed that the yhCSCs has more angiogenic, anti-inflammatory and proliferative proteins while ahCSCs have more of apoptotic proteins Conclusion: These data provide preliminary evidence that there is a difference in the cytokine secretion by the nCSCs as compared to aCSCs and implicates highly expressed cytokines as the key to myocardial recovery.
Molecular Dynamics Simulation of Phospholipid Bilayers

During the past decade advances in computational hardware and simulation methodologies have moved the field of molecular dynamics (MD) simulation at an incredible pace. There is no better example of this development than the MD simulation of lipid membranes. An early ‘membrane’ simulation examined the behavior of water molecules, between surfaces composed of lipids molecules frozen in place, for a total of 8 picoseconds (ps) [1]. A pioneering work representing the membrane interior in atomic detail is the simulation of van der Ploeg and Berendsen where a decanoate bilayer (without solvent) was followed for 80 ps [2]. Today, bilayer simulations describing both lipid and solvent in full atomic detail are commonplace, with recent reports of trajectories of length 10 nanoseconds (ns) [3,4]. While MD simulation in general has grown with advances in processing power, the lipid simulation field has especially benefited because membrane simulations typically include a large number of molecules in the system. Additionally, several algorithmic developments have increased the quality of lipid simulations. These include methods such as particle mesh Ewald (PME) summation [5] for the accurate calculation of Coulombic intermolecular forces between lipid headgroups and water, constant pressure ensembles that allow dynamic adjustment of membrane size and shape [6], and multiple time step algorithms that promise order of magnitude increases in simulation length [7].
Heritability of hierarchical structural brain network

We present a new structural brain network parcellation scheme that can subdivide existing parcellations into smaller subregions in a hierarchically nested fashion. The hierarchical parcellation was used to build multilayer convolutional structural brain networks that preserve topology across different network scales. As an application, we applied the method to diffusion weighted imaging study of 111 twin pairs. The genetic contribution of the whole brain structural connectivity was determined. We showed that the overall heritability is consistent across different network scales.
Abstract 18094: Appalachian Youth and Tobacco Products: Perceptions, Attitudes, and Behaviors

Crucial to ending the scourge of tobacco addiction is reducing youth use of the various products. Despite reduction in youth cigarette use, other products (e.g., hookah, e-cigs) have increased in popularity in this age group (CDC, 2013, 2015). Use patterns are also influenced by factors such as social acceptance, peer use, SES, and accessibility (US DHHS, 2012, 2015). Some areas have higher youth tobacco use rates (Kruger et al., 2012; US DHHS, 2012, 2015); for example, use of tobacco by middle and high school students in Appalachia continues to exceed rates in other areas. Increased understanding of the factors promoting this use is vital to developing effective youth anti-tobacco campaigns and public policy. Objective: To assess Appalachian middle and high school students’ perceptions of, attitudes about, and use of tobacco products. Methods: Data were collected in three Appalachian states: Kentucky, New York, and North Carolina. These states were selected for differences in overall use of tobacco by youth (i.e., Kentucky: high, North Carolina: mid-level, New York: low). From October 2014-May 2015, 23 focus groups were conducted with middle and high school students (N=203). Each participant completed a questionnaire on perceptions of and attitudes about tobacco, use of tobacco, and views of health consequences and engaged in an open-ended focus group discussion. Results: Traditional tobacco products continue to be popular with Appalachian youth. For example, 29% of the participants have tried at least one tobacco product, with significant numbers of daily users (9% smokeless tobacco; 6% cigarettes). E-cig use was nearly as high, with approximately 22% reporting some experience. Findings also revealed varying attitudes and discrepant conclusions surrounding e-cigs. Comparisons between tobacco users and nonusers as well as by middle and high school status and state will be addressed.
Secondary-Phase Stochastics in Lithium-Ion Battery Electrodes.

Lithium-ion battery electrodes exhibit complex interplay among multiple electrochemically coupled transport processes, which rely on the underlying functionality and relative arrangement of different constituent phases. The electrochemically inactive solid phases (e.g., conductive additive and binder, referred to as the secondary phase), while beneficial for improved electronic conductivity and mechanical integrity, may partially block the electrochemically active sites and introduce additional transport resistances in the pore (electrolyte) phase. In this work, the role of mesoscale interactions and inherent stochasticity in porous electrodes is elucidated in the context of short-range (interface) and long-range (transport) characteristics. The electrode microstructure significantly affects kinetically and transport-limiting scenarios and thereby the cell performance. The secondary-phase morphology is also found to strongly influence the microstructure–transport-kinetics interactions. Apropos, strategies...
From Dental to Mental Institutions: An American Dentist and a British Psychiatrist Highlight Insanity Following Nitrous-Oxide Administration.

Abstract In 1887, American dentist Samuel J. Hayes published reports associating unoxygenated anesthetics with asphyxia and insanity, and then British psychiatrist George H. Savage published a report of cases of insanity following nitrous-oxide anesthesia in British journals.
Physocephalus sexalatus (Nematoda: Spirurida: Spirocercidae) in Three Species of Rattlesnakes, Crotalus atrox, Crotalus lepidus, and Crotalus scutulatus, from Southwestern Texas

ABSTRACT Third-stage larval spirurid nematodes, Physocephalus sexalatus, were found to be infecting three species of rattlesnakes, Crotalus spp., from southwestern Texas. These roundworms were encysted in granulomas of the stomach of a western diamondback rattlesnake, C. atrox, a mottled rock rattlesnake, C. lepidus lepidus, and a Mojave rattlesnake, C. scutulatus. We report detailed histopathological information on the infection in C. l. lepidus. This is the first time P. sexalatus has been reported from C. l. lepidus and C. scutulatus. In addition, an oligacanthorhychid acanthocephalan infected C. l. lepidus.
Classification and Discovery of Firewalls Policy Anomalies

Firewalls are core elements in network security. However, managing firewall rules, particularly in multi-firewall enterprise networks, has become a complex and error-prone task. Firewall filtering rules have to be written, ordered and distributed carefully in order to avoid firewall policy anomalies that might cause network vulnerability. Therefore, inserting or modifying filtering rules in any firewall requires thorough intra- and inter-firewall analysis to determine the proper rule placement and ordering in the firewalls. In this chapter, we identify all anomalies that could exist in a single- or multi-firewall environment. We also present a set of techniques and algorithms to automatically discover policy anomalies in centralized and distributed legacy firewalls. These techniques are implemented in a software tool called the “Firewall Policy Advisor” that simplifies the management of filtering rules and maintains the security of next-generation firewalls.
Long-Distance Care of Face Transplant Recipients in the United States

Promising aesthetic and functional outcomes in facial transplantation have fueled the interest of patients and providers alike. However, there are currently only 11 active face transplant centers in the United States, and only five have accumulated operative experience to date, resulting in an extremely unbalanced geographical distribution of providers. Since face transplant recipients must receive life-long follow-up, this presents unique challenges for face transplant candidates and provider teams, as long-distance travel may add considerable difficulty to pre- and post-transplant care. Furthermore, by compromising follow-up, this burden of travel may impact the ability of experienced face transplant centers to collect data, share knowledge as these patients are followed, and continue to advance the field. This article highlights the unique logistical and ethical implications of the highly probable long-distance nature of face transplant care in the United States, a challenging aspect of management that has not been previously discussed in the literature. Furthermore, we review current strategies in the long-distance management of solid organ transplantation (SOT) recipients, and propose several possibilities to help address these challenges in facial transplantation based on SOT experience.
On Edge-Coloration of Multigraphs

Abstract We prove some theorems on edge-coloration of multigraphs which generalize earlier results due to L.D. Anderson, M.K. Goldberg, Vizing and the author.
PARTIAL VERIFICATION OF A PLANNING METHODOLOGY TO PROMOTE ENERGY CONSERVATION

Modifying a previously developed framework for regional energy conservation, a process of community energy management has begun in a rapidly developing suburb in the United States of America. A series of end use energy projections emphasizing conservation was developed for the year 2000. Another effort was begun in the political sector. This suggests a dominant program element of residential energy conservation in new and existing structures.
Echocardiography in Pulmonary Embolism

Echocardiography has emerged as an important and unique diagnostic tool in patients with acute pulmonary embolism (PE). In addition to occasionally providing direct visualization of thrombus within the right-sided chambers and pulmonary arteries, echocardiography provides crucial information about cardiac function, particularly the function of the right ventricle. Exquisitely sensitive to changes in afterload, a previously normal right ventricle dilates and becomes dysfunctional in the setting of PE. Indeed, we have identified a specific pattern of right ventricular regional wall motion that is often present in patients with PE. In addition to providing important diagnostic information, these alterations in right ventricular morphology and function provide prognostic information as well, as patients who have evidence of right ventricular dysfunction have a higher incidence of death and recurrent PE. Echocardiography can be used to identify patients at high risk following PE and thus can be used to identify those patients who would most benefit from aggressive therapies, including thrombolysis, and open or suction embolectomy. Finally, echocardiography provides a unique insight into the pathophysiology of PE and the function of the right ventricle in pulmonary vascular disease.
THE RELIABILITY OF THE 12-ITEM GRIT SCALE AMONG CROSSFIT PARTICIPANTS

Crossfit participation has experienced exponential growth. Like other sports, it may be that successful participation in Crossfit would rely upon a construct known as grit. Grit is considered to be a combination of perseverance of effort (PE) and consistency of interest (CI) and has been assessed in other populations with the 12-point Grit Scale. The ability to reliably assess grit among Crossfit participants may allow participants and coaches to monitor the constructs of PE and CI in order to further develop Crossfit participation skills. Hence, the purpose of this study was to examine the reliability of the 12-point Grit Scale among adult Crossfit participants. The 12-point Grit Scale was electronically administered twice to 25 adult Crossfit participants (female:11, male:14) separated by at least two weeks. The results of the two administrations of the 12-point Grit Scale were then compared with a battery of statistical analyses in order to assess the reliability of the 12-point Grit Scale. The test-retest 12-point Grit Scale scores were: 49.8±5.3 and 50.2±5.4. The reliability statistics along with 90% confidence limits were as follows: interclass reliability coefficient was r=0.87 (UL:0.94, LL:0.73), intraclass reliability coefficient was ICC=0.91 (UL:0.96, LL:0.83), Standard Error of Measurement (SEm)=1.6 (UL:2.2, LL:1.3), ∆Means 12-point Grit Scores= -0.3±2.3 (UL:0.6, LL:-1.2), and typical error CV% =3.4 (UL:4.8, LL:2.7). The Bland-Altman plot suggested agreement between the two administrations of the 12-point Grit Scale with no evidence of heteroscedasticity. The results of the 12-point Grit Scale and subscales ranged from moderately-high to excellent reliability among adult Crossfit participants. Article visualizations:
Strong Convergence of the Coefficient Alpha Estimator for Reliability of Multiple-Component Measuring Instruments

It is shown that in general the popular coefficient alpha estimator for reliability of multi-component measuring instruments converges almost surely to a quantity that is not equal to the population reliability coefficient. This convergence with probability 1 is a stronger statement than convergence in probability (consistency) and convergence in distribution for the alpha estimator, which have been studied in the past. In the special case of congeneric measures with uncorrelated errors and equal loadings on the common true score, the alpha estimator converges almost surely to the population reliability coefficient that equals population alpha, which implies also its consistency as a reliability estimator. When the loadings are unequal but sufficiently high and similar, the alpha estimator converges almost surely to population alpha that is essentially indistinguishable from the population reliability coefficient, which implies alpha’s approximate consistency then. For the general case, the results entail...
Risk Factors for Readmission After Parathyroidectomy for Renal Hyperparathyroidism.

Patients with renal hyperparathyroidism (RHPT) are susceptible to major electrolyte fluctuations following parathyroidectomy, which may predispose them to early readmission. The purpose of this study is to evaluate risk factors for readmission in patients undergoing parathyroidectomy for RHPT. Patients with renal failure who underwent parathyroidectomy were abstracted from the California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (1999–2012). Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify risk factors for readmission within 30 days of discharge. The cohort included 4411 patients, of whom 17% were readmitted. Procedures included subtotal parathyroidectomy (74% of cases) and total parathyroidectomy with autotransplantation (26%). Median time to readmission was 9 days (interquartile range 4–16 days). Electrolyte disturbances including hypocalcemia were present in 36% of readmissions and were the most common cause for readmission. Independent risk factors for readmission included Black race [odds ratio (OR) 1.26, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.00–1.57], Hispanic race (OR 1.38, 95% CI 1.12–1.71), disposition with home health (OR 1.94, 95% CI 1.35–2.77), disposition to a skilled nursing facility (OR 2.30, 95% CI 1.58–3.35), and total parathyroidectomy with autotransplantation (OR 1.27, 95% CI 1.06–1.52). Advancing age (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.98–0.99) and surgery at a high-volume hospital (OR 0.53, 95% CI 0.36–0.77) were protective against readmission. Patients undergoing parathyroidectomy for RHPT have a high readmission rate, most frequently for metabolic complications. Increased postoperative vigilance, which may include outpatient laboratory monitoring, may be indicated in patients with risk factors for readmission.
The hardwall method of solving the radial Schrödinger equation and unmasking hidden symmetries

Solving for the bound state eigenvalues of the Schrodinger equation is a tedious iterative process using the conventional shooting or matching method. In this paper, we bypass a eigenvalue's dependence on the eigenfunction by trying all eigenvalues to a desired accuracy. When the eigenvalue is known, the integration for the eigenfunction is then trivial. By outputting the radial distance at which the wave function crosses zero (the hardwall radius) for a given energy, the hardwall method automatically determines the entire spectrum of eigenvalues of the radial Schrodinger equation without iterative adjustments. Moreover, such a spherically symmetric hardwall can unmask the accidental degeneracy of eigenvalues due to hidden symmetries. We illustrate the method for the Coulomb, harmonic, Coulomb plus harmonic, and the Woods-Saxon potentials.Solving for the bound state eigenvalues of the Schrodinger equation is a tedious iterative process using the conventional shooting or matching method. In this paper, we bypass a eigenvalue's dependence on the eigenfunction by trying all eigenvalues to a desired accuracy. When the eigenvalue is known, the integration for the eigenfunction is then trivial. By outputting the radial distance at which the wave function crosses zero (the hardwall radius) for a given energy, the hardwall method automatically determines the entire spectrum of eigenvalues of the radial Schrodinger equation without iterative adjustments. Moreover, such a spherically symmetric hardwall can unmask the accidental degeneracy of eigenvalues due to hidden symmetries. We illustrate the method for the Coulomb, harmonic, Coulomb plus harmonic, and the Woods-Saxon potentials.
Effects of Nanoparticle Properties on Kartogenin Delivery and Interactions with Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Clinical trials with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have demonstrated potential to treat osteoarthritis, a debilitating disease that affects millions. However, these therapies are often less effective due to heterogeneous MSC differentiation. Kartogenin (KGN), a synthetic small molecule that induces chondrogenesis, has recently been explored to decrease this heterogeneity. KGN has been encapsulated in nanoparticles due to its hydrophobicity. To explore the effect of nanoparticle properties on KGN and MSC interactions, here we fabricated three nanoparticle formulations that vary in hydrophobicity, size, and surface charge using nanoprecipitation: KGN-loaded poly(lactic acid-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles (hydrophobic surface, negative charge, ~ 167 nm), PLGA–poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) nanoparticles (hydrophilic surface, positive charge, ~ 297 nm), and PLGA–PEG–hyaluronic acid (HA) nanoparticles (hydrophilic surface, negative charge, ~ 507 nm). We observed differences in KGN loading, release, and suspension stability, with the PLGA particles exhibiting ~ 50% drug loading and PLGA–PEG–HA particles releasing the most KGN. All nanoparticles were found to interact with MSCs with evidence of increased uptake in PLGA–PEG and PLGA–PEG–HA compared with surface association of PLGA particles. Over short times (~ 7 days), MSCs incubated with all KGN-loaded formulations exhibited a similar increase in sulfated glycosaminoglycans, characteristic of chondrogenic differentiation, compared with non-KGN loaded formulations.