cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
REGIONAL EXTENT OF AN ECOSYSTEM ENGINEER: EARTHWORM INVASION IN NORTHERN HARDWOOD FORESTS

The invasion of exotic earthworms into northern temperate and boreal forests previously devoid of earthworms is an important driver of ecosystem change. Earthworm invasion can cause significant changes in soil structure and communities, nutrient cycles, and the diversity and abundance of herbaceous plants. However, the regional extent and patterns of this invasion are poorly known. We conducted a regional survey in the Chippewa and Chequamegon National Forests, in Minnesota and Wisconsin, USA, respectively, to measure the extent and patterns of earthworm invasion and their relationship to potential earthworm introduction sites. We sampled earthworms, soils, and vegetation in 20 mature, sugar maple- dominated forest stands in each national forest and analyzed the relationship between the presence of five earthworm taxonomic groups, habitat variables, and distance to the nearest potential introduction site. Earthworm invasion was extensive but incomplete in the two national forests. Four of the six earthworm taxonomic groups occurred in 55-95% of transects; however 20% of all transects were invaded by only one taxonomic group that has relatively minor ecological effects. Earthworm taxonomic groups exhibited a similar sequence of invasion found in other studies: Dendrobaena . Aporrectodea ¼ Lumbricus juveniles . L. rubellus . L. terrestris. Distance to the nearest road was the best predictor of earthworm invasion in Wisconsin while distance to the nearest cabin was the best predictor in Minnesota. These data allow us to make preliminary assessments of landscape patterns of earthworm invasion. As an example, we estimate that 82% of upland mesic hardwood stands in the Wisconsin region are likely invaded by most taxonomic groups while only 3% are unlikely to be invaded at present. Distance to roads and cabins provides a coarse-scale predictor of earthworm invasion to focus stand-level assessments that will help forest managers better understand current and potential forest conditions and identify uninvaded areas that could serve as important refugia for plant species threatened by earthworm invasion.
Lack of complement activation in the seminal plasma of men with antisperm antibodies associated in vivo on their sperm.

: A specific and sensitive “sandwich”-type radiolabeled antiglobulin assay (RAA) using monoclonal anti-human C5b-9 neoantigen and polyclonal anti-human C5b-9 was used to evaluate the presence of the in vivo product of human complement (C) activation (SC5b-9) in the seminal plasma (SP) of 19 fertile and 61 infertile men. SP SC5b-9 was detectable in 7 (8.7%; 1 fertile and 6 infertile men) of the 80 men with a range of 10 to 175 ng/ml. Levels of SP SC5b-9 in other men were below the limit of detection (less than 10 ng/ml). Of the 33 infertile men with sperm-associated immunoglobulin (Ig) G and/or IgA, 27 (82%) had undetectable levels of SP SC5b-9 immunoreactivity. There was no correlation between the SP SC5b-9 levels and the degree of sperm-associated IgG (r = 0.086) or IgA (r = 0.23) activity. However, significant deposition of sperm-bound C5b-9 due to autologous C activation was demonstrated by flow cytometry of donor sperm treated with sera from autoimmune men with ASA in their sera and on their sperm. These findings suggest that sperm-bound Ig cannot activate C in SP.
Focused physician-performed echocardiography in sports medicine: a potential screening tool for detecting aortic root dilatation in athletes.

OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to investigate whether sports medicine physicians can obtain accurate measurements of the aortic root in young athletes. METHODS Twenty male collegiate athletes, aged 18 to 21 years, were prospectively enrolled. Focused echocardiography was performed by a board-certified sports medicine physician and a medical student, followed by comprehensive echocardiography within 2 weeks by a cardiac sonographer. A left parasternal long-axis view was acquired to measure the aortic root diameter at the sinuses of Valsalva. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were used to assess inter-rater reliability compared to a reference standard and intra-rater reliability of repeated measurements obtained by the sports medicine physician and medical student. RESULTS The ICCs between the sports medicine physician and cardiac sonographer and between the medical student and cardiac sonographer were strong: 0.80 and 0.76, respectively. Across all 3 readers, the ICC was 0.89, indicating strong inter-rater reliability and concordance. The ICC for the 2 measurements taken by the sports medicine physician for each athlete was 0.75, indicating strong intra-rater reliability. The medical student had moderate intra-rater reliability, with an ICC of 0.59. CONCLUSIONS Sports medicine physicians are able to obtain measurements of the aortic root by focused echocardiography that are consistent with those obtained by a cardiac sonographer. Focused physician-performed echocardiography may serve as a promising technique for detecting aortic root dilatation and may contribute in this manner to preparticipation cardiovascular screening for athletes.
Ethanol‐Induced Cephalic Apoptosis Requires Phospholipase C‐Dependent Intracellular Calcium Signaling

Background: Although the ability of ethanol to elicit neural crest cell apoptosis is well documented, the initial target of ethanol in these cells, and the biochemical pathway leading to their apoptosis, have yet to be determined. Recent work in preimplantation mouse embryos demonstrates that ethanol induces a phospholipase-C (PLC)-dependent calcium transient that mediates ethanol's effects. We tested whether a similar effect on calcium and PLC is involved in ethanol-induced neural crest apoptosis. Methods: Chicken embryos were collected and loaded with Fluo-3-AM to assess the effects of ethanol on intracellular calcium levels. Pharmacological agents were used to determine the sources and mechanism of intracellular calcium increases. In separate experiments, embryos were treated in ovo with pharmacological modulators of calcium signaling prior to ethanol exposure, and resulting levels of cell death were assessed by using the vital dye acridine orange. Results: Ethanol exposure caused a localized increase in intracellular calcium levels in embryonic neural folds within 15 sec of ethanol exposure. Ethanol-induced apoptosis was specifically blocked by chelation of intracellular calcium before ethanol exposure. Pretreatment with the PLC inhibitor U73122 blocked ethanol-induced apoptosis as well as the intracellular calcium transient. Depletion of extracellular calcium resulted in a partial block of ethanol-induced apoptosis. Conclusions: Ethanol exposure alters calcium signaling within the neurulation-stage chicken embryo in a PLC-dependent manner. Increases in intracellular calcium and PLC activity are necessary for ethanol's induction of apoptosis within cephalic populations. These effects likely represent an early and crucial event in the pathway leading to ethanol-induced cell death.
Abnormal Membrane Surface Properties during Maturation of Rat Reticulocytes Elicited by Bleeding as Measured by Partition in Two-Polymer Aqueous Phases

Summary. Partition of cells in two-polymer aqueous phases is an extremely sensitive method for the separation of cells and for tracing subtle changes in the cells' membrane surface properties (primarily surface charge) as a function of in vivo processes (e.g. differentiation, maturation, ageing). Combining isotope labelling and cell countercurrent distribution techniques we have examined the membrane surface properties of rat reticulocytes produced in response to erythroid stress by bleeding. It was found that the rapid increase in the partition coefficient of normal reticulocytes subsequent to release into the peripheral blood (which reflects a rapid increase in membrane surface charge) is absent in reticulocytes produced in response to bleeding. In this way the reticulocytes behave like those produced in response to repeated phenylhydrazine injections. ‘Stress reticulocytes’ never mature to erythrocytes having normal membrane surface properties as judged by partition. The experiments show that our previous results are not due to phenylhydrazine per se but rather to the production of ‘stress reticulocytes’. Further, if remodelling of the phlebotomy-induced reticulocyte cell membrane occurs in the circulation as has been suggested it does not lead to a cell with normal membrane surface properties. Whether the abnormal membrane surface properties of ‘stress reticulocytes’ and of the erythrocytes to which they give rise affect the cells' life-span is not clear since phenylhydrazine-induced ‘stress reticulocytes’ have been reported to have at least a component of short-lived cells while the phlebotomy-induced cells are said to have a virtually normal life-span. It is likely that reticulocytes produced in severe anaemias, in general, mature to erythrocytes having abnormal surface properties (i.e. lower membrane surface charge).
Going beyond the display: a surface technology with an electronically switchable diffuser

We introduce a new type of interactive surface technology based on a switchable projection screen which can be made diffuse or clear under electronic control. The screen can be continuously switched between these two states so quickly that the change is imperceptible to the human eye. It is then possible to rear-project what is perceived as a stable image onto the display surface, when the screen is in fact transparent for half the time. The clear periods may be used to project a second, different image through the display onto objects held above the surface. At the same time, a camera mounted behind the screen can see out into the environment. We explore some of the possibilities this type of screen technology affords, allowing surface computing interactions to extend 'beyond the display'. We present a single self-contained system that combines these off-screen interactions with more typical multi-touch and tangible surface interactions. We describe the technical challenges in realizing our system, with the aim of allowing others to experiment with these new forms of interactive surfaces.
Nursing Practice Environment and Registered Nurses' Job Satisfaction in Nursing Homes.

Purpose Recruiting and retaining registered nurses (RNs) in nursing homes is problematic, and little research is available to guide efforts to make nursing homes a more attractive practice environment for RNs. The purpose of this study was to examine relationships between aspects of the nursing practice environment and job satisfaction among RNs in nursing homes. Design and methods The sample included 863 RNs working as staff RNs in 282 skilled nursing facilities in New Jersey. Two-level hierarchical linear modeling was used to account for the RNs nested by nursing homes. Results Controlling for individual and nursing home characteristics, staff RNs' participation in facility affairs, supportive manager, and resource adequacy were positively associated with RNs' job satisfaction. Ownership status was significantly related to job satisfaction; RNs working in for-profit nursing homes were less satisfied. Implications A supportive practice environment is significantly associated with higher job satisfaction among RNs working in nursing homes. Unlike other nursing home characteristics, specific dimensions of the nursing practice environment can be modified through administrative actions to enhance RN job satisfaction.
Gram-Charlier and generalized probabilistic neural networks based radar target detection in non-Gaussian noise

This study presents the architecture and principle of operation for two classifiers, namely the Gram-Charlier neural network (GCNN) and generalized probabilistic neural network (GPNN), for an application of radar target detection in non-Gaussian noise environments. The GCNN classifier is based on applying the Gram-Charlier series approximation of probability density functions. The GPNN is based on applying the Gram-Charlier series and Parzen's (1962) windowing technique for approximation of density functions. These classifiers are implemented in parallel architectures. Training of these networks using a modified Kohonen training algorithm is presented. GCNN and GPNN have the advantage of requiring very short training times. Performances of these classifiers for radar target detection are evaluated in terms of probability of detection versus signal-to-noise ratio. These classifiers performed respectably well compared to other conventional radar target detectors. >
Thermoelectric properties of inverse opals

Rayleigh's method [Philos. Mag. Ser. 5 34, 481 (1892)] is used to solve for the classical thermoelectric equations in inverse opals. His theory predicts that in an inverse opal, with periodic holes, the Seebeck coefficient and the figure of merit are identical to that of the bulk material. We also provide a major revision to Rayleigh's method, in using the electrochemical potential as an important variable, instead of the electrostatic potential. We also show that in some cases, the thermal boundary resistance is important in the effective thermal conductivity.
Investigating Occupational Stress, Racial Identity, and Mentoring for African American Women in Health Care

This study examined the influence of racial identity and mentoring experiences on occupational stress among African American women in health care (N = 76). The women were surveyed about their occupational stress (role stress, psychological strain, and personal resources), racial identity, demographic information, and mentoring experiences. Results indicated that racial identity was negatively related to role stress and psychological strain, and level of education was closely related to personal resources. Mentoring was not found to have a significant impact on occupational stress as hypothesized. The implications for enhancing occupational satisfaction were discussed in relation to advocacy for career development professionals.
Comparative Histology of Molar Dentitions of Microtus and Clethrionomys, with Comments on Dental Evolution in Microtine Rodents

The molar dentitions of two microtine rodents, Clethrionomys gapperi and Microtus penmylvanicus , were compared histologically. Analysis of cellular and tissue differences between the highly specialized, ever-growing molars of M. pennsylvanicus and the more primitive molars of C. gapped enabled development of a preliminary model of evolution of molars in Microtus . For this model a single mutation eliminating determination of the coronal cervex, thus allowing for continuous production of enamel and dentin, could account for ever-growing molars. At least three preadaptive factors (cementoid buttresses, cementoid covering of mature enamel, and passive closure of the pulp cavity with reparative dentin) have influenced selection of ever-growing molars.
Effects of Propranolol and Indomethacin on Muscarinic Airway Reactivity in Unanesthetized Guinea Pigs

To investigate whether endogenous beta-adrenergic stimulation or cyclooxygenase products normally affect muscarinic reactivity in conscious, spontaneously breathing guinea pigs, we measured specific airway resistance (SRaw) during acetylcholine (ACh) infusion before and after treatment with propranolol (10 mg/kg ip) or indomethacin (30 mg/kg ip). Airway reactivity was assessed by measuring changes in SRaw upon increasing ACh infusion. We found that propranolol treatment increased reactivity to parenteral ACh, but did not change baseline SRaw. Furthermore, propranolol reduced the range in muscarinic reactivity for the group, and it enhanced thr reproducibility of measurements in individual animals. In contrast, indomethacin had no effect on either baseline SRaw or muscarinic reactivity. Our results suggest that beta-blockade of endogenous adrenergic stimulation increases the muscarinic reactivity of guinea pig airways, but does not influence resting airway tone. It appears that propranolol treatment allows a more reproducible assessment of muscarinic reactivity in the guinea pig. In contrast, cyclooxygenase products do not seem to significantly affect baseline airway resistance, reactivity, or reproducibility in the guinea pig.
How to Grow a Lung: Applying Principles of Developmental Biology to Generate Lung Lineages from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells

The number and severity of diseases affecting human lung development and adult respiratory function has stimulated great interest in new in vitro models to study the human lung. This review summarizes the most recent breakthroughs deriving lung lineages in a dish by directing the differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells. A variety of culturing platforms have been developed, including two-dimensional and three-dimensional (organoid) culture platforms, to derive specific cell types and structures of the lung. These stem cell-derived lung models will further our understanding of human lung development, disease, and regeneration.
Analysis of retention time of methadone maintenance treatment among heroin addicts in Guigang and its related factors

Objective To analyze the situation of methadone maintenance treatment(MMT) among heroin addicts inGuigang City of Guangxi and its influencing factors. Methods Data were collected from the"Community MethadoneMaintenance Treatment"database of"AIDS Prevention and Control Information System". A historical cohort study was carriedout in accordance with queue time of patients' enrollment. Factors affecting retention time of MMT were analyzed by Cox PHModel. Results A total number of 2 049 patients were enrolled for MMT. Among them, 92.44% were males. The averagedage was(37.91±6.73)years old. 48.85% were unemployed, and 57.00% of them had a middle school education. 39.19% werepositive for morphine test in the last test. Median time was 21.63 months among the patients with MMT(95%CI: 19.30-23.83months). The minimum duration with MMT was less than 1 month and the maximum was up to 93 months. By the end ofobservation period, retention rate in the consecutive 8 years was 91.76%,84.71%,76.63%,71.40%,65.75%,55.76%,54.67%and 46.66%, respectively. There were 1 093 person-times of dropouts due to drug related crimes, accounting for 39.98%. Coxmultiple factors analysis showed that the retention rate of MMT treatment was statistically associated with factors such asdistance from patients' current addresses to the methadone clinic, drug history,HIV antibody detection. Conclusions There were a relatively high exit rate among heroin addicts in Guigang City after 2006. Relapse was common. As a result,counseling, education and social work on MMT be strengthened.
Trends in percutaneous pericardial access during catheter ablation of ventricular arrhythmias: a single-center experience

Percutaneous pericardial access (EpiAcc) assists ventricular tachycardia/premature ventricular complex (VT/PVC) ablation by permitting epicardial mapping and ablation outside the vicinity of the coronary venous system. We sought to determine whether expanding indications and growing operator experience have led to increased rates of EpiAcc. We reviewed the frequency of EpiAcc procedures performed during VT/PVC ablation between 2007 and 2014 to identify temporal trends in the procedure. There were 758 patients undergoing 880 VT/PVC ablation procedures (average 95 patients per year; 110 procedures per year) during the study period. EpiAcc for ablation was utilized in 170 patients (181 procedures). The average age at the time of EpiAcc was 55 ± 16 years and 129 (76.0 %) patients were male. The rate of EpiAcc was 22.9 % in males and 15.4 % in females (P = 0.008). The absolute number of EpiAcc procedures increased from 2007 (6 procedures) to 2014 (27 procedures). Similarly, the proportion of patients undergoing EpiAcc increased from 8.6 % of procedures in 2007 to 24.5 % in 2014 (P < 0.0001). While EpiAcc use became more frequent, the rate of epicardial ablation among those who underwent EpiAcc remained stable (approximately 70 %). Percutaneous pericardial access has been used with increasing frequency as part of VT/PVC ablations without an increase in the rate of epicardial ablation. This growing utilization may lay the foundation for novel epicardial strategies as new technologies emerge. The frequency of percutaneous pericardial access in VT/PVC ablation appears to be greater in males, reasons for which are undefined.
Accurate Measurement of Dielectrophoretic (DEP) Mobility of Particles and Macromolecules

Micron-resolution Particle Image Velocimetry (µ-PIV) is used to measure the motion of nominally 1-µm dia. polystyrene particles suspended in a water/sugar solution in a microdevice. Particle motion is induced by an applied electric field through dielectrophoretic (DEP) forces and through viscous interactions with the fluid. The motion of the fluid is governed by electrothermal forces arising from temperature-induced gradients in the electrical properties of the fluid near the electrodes and through the viscous interaction with the particles. Comparisons between finite element calculations and experimental micro-PIV results confirm quantitatively that electrothermal forces play a major role in the motion of the particles.
Radiative Properties of Molecular Gases

Radiative transfer characteristics of an opaque wall can often be described with good accuracy by the very simple model of gray and diffuse emission, absorption, and reflection. The radiative properties of a molecular gas, on the other hand, vary so strongly and rapidly across the spectrum that the assumption of a “gray” gas is almost never a good one [1]. In the present chapter a short development of the radiative properties of molecular gases is given. Other elaborate discussions can be found, for example, in the book by Goody and Yung [2], in the monograph by Tien [3], and in the very recent treatise of Taine and Soufiani [4].
intelliSENSE: Location-based Wi-Fi sensing for energy efficiency in smart mobile devices

Today, we use smart mobile devices to browse content, stream media, etc., in addition to making voice calls. Most smart devices are equipped with IEEE 802.11 (WiFi) interface to connect to the Internet using wireless access points (APs), as WiFi provides cost-effective connectivity to users. Wireless interfaces in smart devices drain high energy while searching for network connectivity and transition into power saving mode (PSM) after connecting to an AP. Hence, we need intelligent and energy-efficient mechanisms to scan and connect to wireless networks. In this work, we propose and investigate the characteristics of intelliSENSE, a location-based WiFi sensing mechanism for energy efficiency in smart mobile devices. We also propose adaptive polling mechanisms to further reduce the energy spent in WiFi sensing.
Application aspects of the Diophantine Frequency Synthesis methodology

This work considers two aspects of the design of Diophantine frequency synthesizers which are important for wireless applications: I) the choice of DFS parameters leading to decimal frequency resolution (10m Hz) and acceptable input reference frequency, and, II) the choice of the mixer(s) used in DFS architectures and the frequency planning in the constituent PLLs that lead to high spurious free dynamic range at the output.
Associations of government health expenditures, the supply of health care professionals, and country literacy with prenatal care use in ten West African countries

Social and health care context may influence prenatal care use. We studied associations of government health expenditures, supply of health care professionals, and country literacy rates with prenatal care use in ten West African countries, controlling for individual factors. We used data from Demographic and Health Surveys (n = 58,512) and random effect logistic regression models to estimate the likelihood of having any prenatal care and adequate prenatal care. Each percentage increase in the literacy rate was associated with 4% higher odds of having adequate prenatal care (p = .029). Higher literacy rates among women may help to promote adequate prenatal care.
Photoactive Excited States in Explosive Fe(II) Tetrazine Complexes: A Time-Dependent Density Functional Theory Study

Time-dependent density functional theory was used to investigate optical absorption of novel Fe(II) coordination complexes with tetrazine ligands. These octahedral compounds absorb near-infrared (NIR) light and can be applied as secondary explosives with low laser-initiation thresholds compared to pentaerythritol tetranitrate. Herein, numerous ligand architectures are studied to determine relationships between molecular structure and optical absorption in order to tune the low-energy charge transfer (CT) band. Geometrical structures and vertical excitation energies calculated with the TPSSh density functional and 6-311G basis set are in excellent agreement with experiment, with a maximum deviation from UV–vis spectra of 0.10 eV. By altering molecular substituents of the ligand scaffold, the CT band can be tuned between 500 and 1100 nm. Additional conjugation in the ligand scaffold pushes the CT band into the NIR region of the spectrum. Triazolo-tetrazine ligands shift the CT band by approximately 0.70 eV ...
Abstract 5104: Isorhapontigenin (ISO) inhibits cancer invasion by enhancing FOXO1 transcription through targeting STAT1 phosphorylation at Tyr701

Muscle invasion of bladder cancer can progress to life threatening metastases. Isorhapontigenin (ISO) is a novel derivative of stilbene that isolated from a Chinese herb Gnetum cleistostachyum, which has been used for centuries as treatment for several cancers including bladder cancer. However, nothing is known whether ISO possesses an inhibitory effect on invasion in human cancers. Here, we found that 10 to 20 mmol/L of ISO, which were relevant to in vivo study, inhibited human bladder cancer cell invasion accompanied by up-regulation of the forkhead box class O1 (FOXO1) mRNA transcription. Accordingly, FOXO1 was significantly down-regulated in invasive human bladder cancer tissues, and forced expression of FOXO1 specifically suppressed invasion of human bladder cancer cells. Moreover, knockdown of FOXO1 expression abolished the ISO inhibition of invasion. Further studies showed that increased FOXO1 transcription was accompanied by reduction of STAT1 phosphorylation at Tyr701, and repressing STAT1 phosophorylation by the overexpression of dominant negative STAT1 could mimic the effect of ISO treatment on FOXO1 transcription, while the mutation of STAT19s binding site in the FOXO1 promoter profoundly impaired ISO-induced up-regulation of FOXO1 transcription. Furthermore, this study revealed that metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) was a FOXO1 downstream effector mediating its effect on bladder cancer invasion. These findings not only provide a novel insight into the understanding of underlying mechanism of bladder cancer9s propensity to invasion, but also identify a new role and mechanisms underlying the natural compound ISO that specifically suppresses such invasion through targeting the STAT1-FOXO1-MMP2 axis. Citation Format: Lei Xue, Guosong Jiang, Jingxia Li, Chuanshu Huang. Isorhapontigenin (ISO) inhibits cancer invasion by enhancing FOXO1 transcription through targeting STAT1 phosphorylation at Tyr701. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 5104. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-5104
Cooperative Changes in Troponin Structure Explained without Cooperative Calcium Binding

To explain paradoxical changes in the intensity of the meridional 1/38.5 nm−1 reflection corresponding to the structure of troponin during single and paired twitches, we employ a model that assumes muscle regulation by simple non-interacting Ca2+ binding sites of troponin (Tn) in the thin filament (Zot, H.G. and Hasbun, J.E. (2016) Frontiers Physiol. 7:406). In muscle stretched beyond overlap and stimulated once, the intensity of the meridional 1/38.5 nm−1 reflection peaks slower and decays faster than expected for the Ca2+ association properties of isolated Tn, which may be explained by a model in which Ca2+-bound Tn regulates the position of tropomyosin (Tm) cooperatively (Matsuo, T., Iwamoto, H., and Yagi, N. (2010). Biophys. J. 99, 193-200). However, Tn in regulated actin binds Ca2+ non-cooperatively. In muscle receiving paired stimuli, crossbridges elicit a much larger peak tension than the change in 1/38.5 nm−1 reflection intensity, suggesting cooperativity owing to cycling crossbridges (Matsuo, T., Iwamoto, H., and Yagi, N. (2008). J Mol. Biol. 383, 1019-1036). Given standard pulses of free Ca2+, we fit the tension data of single and paired pulses with a model that permits cooperativity owing to cycling crossbridges but not Ca2+-bound Tn. The model produces time courses of Ca2+-bound Tn and the position of the Tm-Tn complex that follow single and paired transients of the meridional 1/38.5 nm−1 reflection intensity changes for both overlap and nonoverlap preparations. The model predicts that a fraction of Ca2+-bound Tn correlates in time and amplitude with the tension transient. This fraction represents Tn positioned away from possible interaction with actin by cycling crossbridges acting cooperatively on the position of Tm in the thin filament. Thus, this most parsimonious model of cooperativity is also the one most capable of explaining experimental observations.
Development, Use, and Accuracy of a Homogenized Fuel Region Model for Thermal Analysis of a Truck Package Under Normal and Fire Accident Conditions

In the current work, a geometrically-accurate two-dimensional model is developed of an isolated fuel assembly within isothermal compartment walls. Finite difference thermal simulations are performed to determine the cladding temperature for a range of compartment wall temperatures and assembly heat generation rates. The results for zero-heatgeneration-rate are used to determine a temperature-dependent effective thermal conductivity of the fuel region. The effective volumetric specific heat of the region is determined from a lumped capacity model. These effective properties are then applied to a twodimensional model of a legal weight truck cask with homogenized (smeared) fuel regions. Steady-state normal conditions of transport simulations are performed for a range of fuel heat generation rates. The generation rate that brings the zircaloy cladding to its radialhydride formation temperature, predicted by the homogenized model, is greater than that determined by simulations that employ an accurate-geometry fuel region model. Transient regulator fire accident simulations are then performed for a range of fire durations. The critical fire duration is defined as the minimum that brings the fuel cladding to its burst-rupture temperature. That duration is found to decrease as the fuel heat generation rate increases. The critical durations predicted by the homogenized fuel-region model are shorter than those predicted by the accurate-geometry model. [DOI: 10.1115/1.4026065]
Selenoprotein K Increases Efficiency of DHHC6 Catalyzed Protein Palmitoylation by Stabilizing the Acyl-DHHC6 Intermediate

Selenoprotein K (SELENOK) is a selenocysteine (Sec)-containing protein localized in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane where it interacts with the DHHC6 (where single letter symbols represent Asp-His-His-Cys amino acids) enzyme to promote protein acyl transferase (PAT) reactions. PAT reactions involve the DHHC enzymatic capture of palmitate via a thioester bond to cysteine (Cys) residues that form an unstable palmitoyl-DHHC intermediate, followed by transfer of palmitate to Cys residues of target proteins. How SELENOK facilitates this reaction has not been determined. Splenocyte microsomal preparations from wild-type mice versus SELENOK knockout mice were used to establish PAT assays and showed decreased PAT activity (~50%) under conditions of SELENOK deficiency. Using recombinant, soluble versions of DHHC6 along with SELENOK containing Sec92, Cys92, or alanine (Ala92), we evaluated the stability of the acyl-DHHC6 intermediate and its capacity to transfer the palmitate residue to Cys residues on target peptides. Versions of SELENOK containing either Ala or Cys residues in place of Sec were equivalently less effective than Sec at stabilizing the acyl-DHHC6 intermediate or promoting PAT activity. These data suggest that Sec92 in SELENOK serves to stabilize the palmitoyl-DHHC6 intermediate by reducing hydrolyzation of the thioester bond until transfer of the palmitoyl group to the Cys residue on the target protein can occur.
An FPGA Implementation of a Distributed Virtual Machine

An expression in a functional programming language can be compiled into a massively redundant, spatially distributed, concurrent computation called a distributed virtual machine (DVM). A DVM is comprised of bytecodes reified as actors undergoing diffusion on a two-dimensional grid communicating via messages containing encapsulated virtual machine states (continuations). Because the semantics of expression evaluation are purely functional, DVMs can employ massive redundancy in the representation of the heap to help ensure that computations complete even when large areas of the physical host substrate have failed. Because they can be implemented as asynchronous circuits, DVMs also address the well known problem affecting traditional machine architectures implemented as integrated circuits, namely, clock networks consuming increasingly large fractions of area as device size increases. This paper describes the first hardware implementation of a DVM. This was accomplished by compiling a VHDL specification of a special purpose distributed memory multicomputer with a mesh interconnection network into a globally asynchronous, locally synchronous (GALS) circuit in an FPGA. Each independently clocked node combines a processor based on a virtual machine for compiled Scheme language programs, with just enough local memory to hold a single heap allocated object and a continuation.
Interventions to reduce inappropriate prescribing of antibiotics for acute respiratory tract infections: summary and update of a systematic review

Objective Antibiotic overuse contributes to antibiotic resistance and adverse consequences. Acute respiratory tract infections (RTIs) are the most common reason for antibiotic prescribing in primary care, but such infections often do not require antibiotics. We summarized and updated a previously performed systematic review of interventions to reduce inappropriate use of antibiotics for acute RTIs. Methods To update the review, we searched MEDLINE®, the Cochrane Library (until January 2018), and reference lists. Two reviewers selected the studies, extracted the study data, and assessed the quality and strength of evidence. Results Twenty-six interventions were evaluated in 95 mostly fair-quality studies. The following four interventions had moderate-strength evidence of improved/reduced antibiotic prescribing and low-strength evidence of no adverse consequences: parent education (21% reduction, no increase return visits), combined patient/clinician education (7% reduction, no change in complications/satisfaction), procalcitonin testing for adults with RTIs of the lower respiratory tract (12%-72% reduction, no increased adverse consequences), and electronic decision support systems (24%-47% improvement in appropriate prescribing, 5%-9% reduction, no increased complications). Conclusions The best evidence supports use of specific educational interventions, procalcitonin testing in adults, and electronic decision support to reduce inappropriate antibiotic prescribing for acute RTIs without causing adverse consequences.
Bladder Volume Determination Using a Dedicated, Portable Ultrasound Scanner

AbstractUrethral catheterization, the standard method for measurement of bladder volume, is associated with patient discomfort plus the risks of urethral trauma and urinary tract infection. A portable ultrasound instrument that automatically determines bladder volume was used for 164 determinations and the digital readout correlated with the catheterized volume (r2 equals 0.79). This instrument is a noninvasive alternative to urethral catheterization for the determination of bladder volume in most patients. (J. Urol, 143: 909–911, 1990)
High Thermal Conductivity Polyurethane-Boron Nitride Nanocomposite Encapsulants

An experimental investigation has been conducted to determine the effect of adding boron nitride (BN) nanoparticles on the thermal conductivity of polyurethane nanocomposites. BN nanoparticles (average size of 70 nm) were functionalized using three different materials: acetone, nitric acid, and an alkoxysilane. Various weight fractions of the alkoxysilane-coated particles were incorporated into a polyurethane via shear mixing and ultrasonication. The dispersion of nanoparticles within the fabricated nanocomposites was verified using fieldemission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). Analysis of the FE-SEM images indicated that the particles were well dispersed in the polyurethane matrix, and functionalization with alkoxysilane improved BN adhesion to the polyurethane, as verified by water drop contact angle measurements. Thermal conductivity measurements, made using a thermal conductivity analyzer, indicated that non-functionalized BN particles (5% weight fraction) increased the thermal conductivity of the resulting nanocomposite by 50%, while the increase in thermal conductivity realized by the addition of the silane-treated BN particles was only about 20%. Additional testing is underway to determine why better thermal conductivity results were not obtained from the silane-treated BNpolyurethane nanocomposites.
Functions of Naturally Produced Ethylene in Abscission, Dehiscence And Seed Germination

It is well established that plants produce ethylene as a natural emanation; however, whether ethylene has a functional role in plant growth has often been questioned. Studies of auxin-induced ethylene synthesis and ethylene-mediated reduction of auxin transport capacity (Hall and Morgan, 1963; Morgan, Beyer and Gausman, 1968) have contributed to the recognition of auxin-ethylene interactions as an important area of plant hormone physiology. During recent months these interests have led to studies of some related aspects of ethylene physiology in two plant systems, the role of native ethylene in abscission phenomena in the cotton plant and its involvement in peanut seed germination.
Agrobacterium tumefaciens Chromosomal Genes Required for Virulence and Attachment to Host Cells

Infections of wound sites in dicotyledonous plants by Agrobacterium tumefaciens lead to the formation of crown gall tumors. The mechanism of pathogenesis involves the transfer of a segment of DNA (the T DNA) from a bacterial plasmid to the host cell. Bacterial attachment to host cells is required for virulence. All nonattaching bacterial mutants presently described are avirulent(2). Previously we have described the isolation of 3 transposon mutants of A. tumefaciens strain C58 which are unable to attach to plant cells and are avirulent (1). These mutants were isolated by screening random Tn5 mutants for failure to attach to carrot suspension culture cells. This report describes the characterization of the region of the bacterial chromosome in which these the nonattaching mutants are located.
Biotinylated amplicon sequencing: A method for preserving DNA samples of limited quantity.

Abstract Background Genomic testing is often limited by the exhaustible nature of human tissue and blood samples. Here we describe biotinylated amplicon sequencing (BAmSeq), a method that allows for the creation of PCR amplicon based next-generation sequencing (NGS) libraries while retaining the original source DNA. Design and methods Biotinylated primers for different loci were designed to create NGS libraries using human genomic DNA from cell lines, plasma, and formalin-fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissues using the BAmSeq protocol. DNA from the original template used for each BAmSeq library was recovered after separation with streptavidin magnetic beads. The recovered DNA was then used for end-point, quantitative and droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) as well as NGS using a cancer gene panel. Results Recovered DNA was analyzed and compared to the original DNA after one or two rounds of BAmSeq. Recovered DNA revealed comparable genomic distributions and mutational allelic frequencies when compared to original source DNA. Sufficient quantities of recovered DNA after BAmSeq were obtained, allowing for additional downstream applications. Conclusions We demonstrate that BAmSeq allows original DNA template to be recovered with comparable quality and quantity to the source DNA. This recovered DNA is suitable for many downstream applications and may prevent sample exhaustion, especially when DNA quantity or source material is limiting.
California Nurse Practitioners Are Positioned To Fill The Primary Care Gap, But They Face Barriers To Practice.

Nurse practitioners are well prepared to help fill care gaps arising from shortages of primary care physicians in California. This article reports findings from a survey of California nurse practit...
A Bio-Impedance Measurement IC for Neural Interface Applications

Employing a bio-impedance monitoring system can significantly improve the measurement quality of biomedical signals by investigating the working condition of electrodes and estimating the effects of the spurious signals, caused by motion artifact, cellular damage, or electrode degradation. Accordingly, a biomedical system that acquires weak biomedical signals can be reconfigured or even excluded according to the bio-impedance measured by adjusting the gain of low noise amplifiers deployed in the system. In this paper, we propose a bio-impedance measurement IC, which can be adopted for neural recording and stimulation systems, capable of measuring both real and imaginary parts of the tissue impedance. The proposed system is capable of measuring bio-impedance ranging from 1 kΩ to 100 kΩ with a 68–Ω resolution, while consuming only 55 µW from a 1.8 V supply. The chip has been designed in TSMC 0.35-μm standard CMOS process and occupies 0.055 mm2excluding pads.
Assessing the Flexibility of the Prochlorosin 2.8 Scaffold for Bioengineering Applications

Cyclization is a common strategy to confer proteolytic resistance to peptide scaffolds. Thus, cyclic peptides have been the focus of extensive bioengineering efforts. Ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides (RiPPs) are a superfamily of peptidic natural products that often contain macrocycles. In the RiPP family of lanthipeptides, macrocyclization is accomplished through formation of thioether cross-links between cysteines and dehydrated serines/threonines. The recent production of lanthipeptide libraries and development of methods to display lanthipeptides on yeast or phage highlights their potential for bioengineering and synthetic biology. In this regard, the prochlorosins are especially promising as the corresponding class II lanthipeptide synthetase ProcM matures numerous precursor peptides with diverse core peptide sequences. To facilitate future bioengineering projects, one of its native substrates, ProcA2.8, was subjected in this study to in-depth mutational analysis to test the limitations of ProcM-mediated cyclization. Alanine scan mutagenesis was performed on all residues within the two rings, and multiple prolines were introduced at various positions. Moreover, mutation, deletion, and insertion of residues in the region linking the two lanthionine rings was tested. Additional residues were also introduced or deleted from either ring, and inversion of ring forming residues was attempted to generate diastereomers. The findings were used for epitope grafting of the RGD integrin binding epitope within prochlorosin 2.8, resulting in a low nanomolar affinity binder of the αvβ3 integrin that was more stable toward proteolysis and displayed higher affinity than the linear counterpart.
P208 Serum Markers of Fruits and Vegetables are Low in Low-Income Adults in the United States

Background Poverty alters food selection for calorie dense foods to the detriment of nutrient dense foods such as fruits and vegetables (FV). Objective Serum carotenoids concentrations were analyzed to ascertain relationships with income level among the United States population. Study Design, Settings, Participants The phlebotomy sample of the United States National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2003-2004 was analyzed to study the relationship between income level and blood serum markers from FV. Data from 10,952 adults, comprising 5,478 men, and 5,474 women were analyzed for this study. Multivariable regression models were used to study the associations between income level, defined by the United States Bureau of the Census, and serum carotenoids concentration. Those categorized as low-income had income Results Compared to high-income adults, low-income adults had significantly lower serum concentration of α carotene (mean ± SE) (3.3 ± 0.1 vs 4.2 ± 0.7), β carotene (13.4 ± 0.3 vs 16.6 ± 0.2), lutein (8.8 ± 0.1vs 10.6 ± 0.1) and lycopene (19.4 ± 0.2 vs 21.7 ± 0.2) (all P Conclusion Being low-income associates with lower serum concentration, and possibly low consumption of carotenoid-rich foods such as FV. Food assistance for low-income adults should include options that improve consumption of carotenoid-rich foods such as FV.
A soluble tau fragment generated by caspase-2 is associated with dementia in Lewy body disease.

Lewy body diseases are neurodegenerative disorders characterized by Lewy bodies in the brain. Lewy body dementia (LBD) refers to two forms of Lewy body disease: Parkinson’s disease with dementia (PDD) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). Tau is a cytoskeletal protein found in neurofibrillary tangles, but not Lewy bodies. The gene encoding tau, MAPT, is a well-established genetic risk factor for LBD; odds ratios of the H1:H2 MAPT haplotypes have been reported in the range of 2 to 4. Despite this genetic association, the mechanism by which tau contributes to dementia is unclear. Recently, a soluble form of tau, Δtau314, which is generated when caspase-2 (Casp2) cleaves tau at Asp314, was reported to be associated with impaired cognition in mice modeling frontotemporal dementia, and with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in humans. To investigate whether Δtau314 is associated with dementia in Lewy body disease, we compared Δtau314 levels in aqueous extracts from the superior temporal gyrus of pathologically confirmed LBD (n = 21) and non-dementia Parkinson’s disease (PD) (n = 12). We excluded subjects with AD or microvascular pathology, which could mask potential associations of Δtau314 with LBD. Using a Δtau314-specific ELISA, we found ~ 2-fold higher levels of Δtau314 in LBD relative to PD (p = 0.009). Additionally, we found ~40% lower levels of soluble total tau and the neuronal marker β-III-tubulin in LBD. These results suggest that in LBD, there is substantial neuron loss or axonal degeneration in the neocortex but disproportionately high levels of Δtau314 in the surviving neurons. Our results indicate an association between Δtau314 and dementia in Lewy body disease. Cleavage of tau by Casp2 promotes the mislocalization of tau to dendritic spines leading to a reduction in postsynaptic AMPA receptors and excitatory neurotransmission, which suggests a mechanism of the synaptic dysfunction underlying cognitive impairment in LBD. These findings support the potential of Casp2 as a novel drug target for treating LBD.