cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Recent Advances in the Genetics of Vocal Learning

Language is a complex communicative behavior unique to humans, and its genetic basis is poorly understood. Genes associated with human speech and language disorders provide some insights, originating with the FOXP2 transcription factor, a mutation in which is the source of an inherited form of developmental verbal dyspraxia. Subsequently, targets of FOXP2 regulation have been associated with speech and language disorders, along with other genes. Here, we review these recent findings that implicate genetic factors in human speech. Due to the exclusivity of language to humans, no single animal model is sufficient to study the complete behavioral effects of these genes. Fortunately, some animals possess subcomponents of language. One such subcomponent is vocal learning, which though rare in the animal kingdom, is shared with songbirds. We therefore discuss how songbird studies have contributed to the current understanding of genetic factors that impact human speech, and support the continued use of this animal model for such studies in the future.
Incentive Effects on Event-Based Prospective Memory Performance in Children and Adolescents with Traumatic Brain Injury

Prospective memory (PM) is the formation of an intention and remembering to perform this intention at a future time or in response to specific cues. PM tasks are a ubiquitous part of daily life. Currently, there is a paucity of information regarding PM impairments in children with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and less empirical evidence regarding effective remediation strategies to mitigate these impairments. The present study employed two levels of a motivational enhancement (i.e., a monetary incentive) to determine whether event-based PM could be improved in children with severe TBI. In a crossover design, children with orthopedic injuries and mild or severe TBI were compared on two levels of incentive (dollars vs. pennies) given in response to accurate performance. All three groups performed significantly better under the high- versus low-motivation conditions. However, the severe TBI group's high-motivation condition performance remained significantly below the low-motivation condition performance of the orthopedic injury group. PM scores were positively and significantly related to age-at-test, but there were no age-at-injury or time-postinjury effects. Overall, these results suggest that event-based PM can be significantly improved in children with severe TBI.
Resolution and noise measurements of five CRT and LCD medical displays

The performance of soft-copy displays plays a significant role in the overall image quality of a digital radiographic system. In this work, we discuss methods to characterize the resolution and noise of both cathode ray tube (CRT) and liquid crystal display (LCD) devices. We measured the image quality of five different commercial display devices, representing both CRT and LCD technologies, using a high-quality charge-coupled device (CCD) camera. The modulation transfer function (MTF) was calculated using the line technique, correcting for the MTF of the CCD camera and the display pixel size. The normalized noise power spectrum (NPS) was computed from two-dimensional Fourier analysis of uniform images. To separate the effects of pixel structure from interpixel luminance variations, we created structure-free images by eliminating the pixel structures of the display device. The NPS was then computed from these structure-free images to isolate interpixel luminance variations. We found that the MTF of LCDs remained close to the theoretical limit dictated by their inherent pixel size (0.85{+-}0.08 at Nyquist frequency), in contrast to the MTF for the two CRT displays, which dropped to 0.15{+-}0.08 at the Nyquist frequency. However, the NPS of LCDs showed significant peaks due to the subpixel structure, while themore » NPS of CRT displays exhibited a nearly flat power spectrum. After removing the pixel structure, the structured noise peaks for LCDs were eliminated and the overall noise magnitude was significantly reduced. The average total noise-to-signal ratio for CRT displays was 6.55%{+-}0.59%, of which 6.03%{+-}0.24% was due to interpixel luminance variations, while LCD displays had total noise to signal ratios of 46.1%{+-}5.1% of which 1.50%{+-}0.41% were due to interpixel luminance variations. Depending on the extent of the blurring and prewhitening processes of the human visual system, the magnitude of the display noise (including pixel structure) potentially perceived by the observer was reduced to 0.43%{+-}0.01% (accounting for blurring only) and 0.40{+-}0.01% (accounting for blurring and prewhitening) for CRTs, and 1.02%{+-}0.22% (accounting for blurring only) and 0.36%{+-}0.08% (accounting for blurring and prewhitening) for LCDs.« less
Sequential disassembly of the cytoskeleton in BHK21 cells infected with vesicular stomatitis virus.

Abstract The cytopathic effects of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) that result in the rounding of BHK 21 cells have been studied. The results indicate that they are mediated by a sequential alteration in the distribution of the components of the cytoskeleton, an effect that requires the expression of the viral L protein. The constituents of the cytoskeleton of BHK 21 cells were analyzed by fluorescence microscopy. Actin filaments were the first component to become disorganized, so that disassembly of stress fibers was detected 1 hr after infection. The distribution of microtubules and intermediate filaments was unchanged at 2 hr after infection; however, both these cytoskeletal elements exhibited an altered distribution at 3–4 hr after infection. Actinomycin D and cycloheximide did not cause the same effects as infection with VSV, suggesting that inhibition of host-cell gene expression was not responsible. However, viral gene expression was required, since cells infected with uv-irradiated VSV showed the same distribution of cytoskeletal constituents as mockinfected controls. Cells infected at 39.5° (the nonpermissive temperature) with mutants of VSV temperature sensitive in the viral NS (ts G22), N(ts G41), M(ts 0 23), and G(ts 0 45) proteins showed the same changes in the cytoskeleton as those detected with wild-type virus. In contrast, cells infected with is G11 (L - ) showed the characteristic effect of VSV on the cytoskeleton when incubated at 34° (the permissive temperature), but not when incubated at 39.5°. The T-1026 R 1 mutant of VSV, which has a much less dramatic effect on cell morphology than wild-type virus, also caused a less marked disruption of the cytoskeleton.
Hemolytic anemia following attempted suicide.

A 43-year-old African-American man with a history of hypertension, depression, and chronic alcohol abuse presented to the emergency service of an outside hospital complaining of chest pain. Laboratory testing indicated hepatocellular injury with aspartate aminotransferase (AST)1 of 14000 U/L (reference interval 5–41 U/L) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) of 6400 U/L (reference interval 8–45 U/L). Because laboratory indicators of liver function worsened, the patient was reinterviewed and confessed to having attempted suicide 3 days prior by ingesting about one-half gallon (approximately 4 L) of vodka and one-half bottle of extra-strength acetaminophen. The patient was administered a bolus of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) at the outside hospital and referred to our institution because of concern for progression to fulminant hepatic failure. Laboratory tests were repeated and results were consistent with significant hepatocellular damage secondary to acetaminophen poisoning, including increased AST of 11 000 U/L (reference interval 8–48 U/L), ALT of 6510 U/L (reference interval 7–55 U/L), total bilirubin of 395 μmol/L (23.1 mg/dL) [reference interval 2–17 μmol/L (0.1–1.0 mg/dL)], and direct-bilirubin of 207 μmol/L (12.1 mg/dL) [reference interval <5.0 μmol/L (<0.3 mg/dL)]. Treatment with intravenous infusion of NAC was continued, and nitroglycerin was administered for chest pain. Within 24 h of admission the patient exhibited dyspnea with low hemoglobin (Hb) oxygen saturation (89%). Chest x-ray findings were unremarkable, whereas laboratory tests indicated a borderline-low Hb of 137 g/L (13.7 g/dL) [reference interval 135–175 g/L (13.5–17.5 g/dL)] with 4% methemoglobin (reference interval <1.5%). The patient received high-dose oxygen treatment but remained hypoxemic. At 48 h the patient continued to have pronounced hyperbilirubinemia with evidence of hemolytic anemia, which included low Hb of 7.5 g/dL with 6% methemoglobin, marked reticulocytosis of 11.5% (reference interval 0.6%–1.83%), nondetectable haptoglobin [1.4 μmol/L (<14 mg/dL); reference interval 3–20 μmol/L (30–200 mg/dL)], increased mean corpuscular volume (MCV) (97.8 fL; reference …
Can the Observed Changes in the Size or Shape of a Colloidal Nanocatalyst Reveal the Nanocatalysis Mechanism Type: Homogeneous or Heterogeneous?

The surface energy of metallic nanocrystals is relatively high compared to bulk materials due to the metal–metal bond deficiency of the surface atoms. This results in an insufficient chemical valency. In addition, smaller nanoparticles possess a higher degree of curvature, weakening the bonding of their surface atoms. This is especially true for non-spherical shapes, which are comprised of a large number of sharp corner and edge sites. These atomic sites possess higher surface energies due to the lower number of shared bonds with the nanoparticle, resulting in instability of the surface atoms and rendering them physically unstable and chemically active. In many instances, the constant “bombardment” of these surface atoms by the solvent molecules as well as by the reactant molecules when these nanocrystals are in colloidal solution could lead to surface atom dissolution, both physically and/or chemically. This phenomenon could alter the functionality of the metallic colloidal nanoparticle from supplying catalytically active sites (in heterogeneous catalysis) to serving as a reservoir of catalytically active species to the solution (in homogeneous catalysis). In the latter type, if the atoms of the nanocatalyst appear in the products, the nanoparticle is no longer a catalyst but a reactant. In this review we attempt to answer the question raised in the title by examining our previous work on the changes in size, shape, and other physical and chemical properties of colloidal transition metal nanoparticles during the nanocatalysis of two fundamentally different and important reactions: (1) the gentle electron-transfer reaction at room temperature involving the reduction of hexacyanoferrate (III) ions with thiosulfate ions and (2) the more harsh Suzuki cross-coupling reaction between phenylboronic acid and iodobenzene that takes place at 100 °C for 12 h. Changes in the nanoparticle dimensions were followed with TEM and HRTEM. Raman and FTIR spectroscopies were used to follow the chemical changes. For each change, we will use the above definition to see if the observed change can help us determine whether the catalysis is homogeneous or heterogeneous.
The impact of LEEP margin status on subsequent abnormal cervical cytology

Objective: To evaluate the relationship between Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP) margin status and subsequent cytology results to determine the significance of margin status as a predictor for recurrent cervical disease. Methods: A retrospective cohort of women who underwent LEEP for treatment of cervical dysplasia from 1995 to 2006 with subsequent follow-up to 2009 at a single academic institution. Data extracted consisted of information routinely collected during clinic visits including demographic information, LEEP histology results, and cytology results. Results: The analysis was limited to 144 women with documented LEEP margin status and subsequent cytologic follow-up. The women were predominantly white, non-Hispanic, with a mean age of 27 years (range 14 – 62 years). Of
Modifier Genes of the Sex Ratio Trait in Drosophila pseudoobscura

The msr trait of Drosophila pseudoobscura occurs when "sex-ratio" males produce a very high frequency of null-X sperm which give rise to sterile male (X/O) progeny. The trait involves dramatically lowered fecundity due to spermiogenic failure. The msr trait is multigenic and the genes are located on autosomes II, III and IV of the L116 laboratory stock. This stock also carries genes on the Y chromosome that lower the level of msr. When the genes on the L116 autosomes are present together or with those on the Y chromosome of other stocks, they interact cooperatively to produce very high levels of msr. The msr genes require the presence of a sex-ratio X chromosome to have any effect and thus may be regarded as modifiers of the "sex-ratio" phenotype. Crosses show that the genes causing msr are primarily recessive but have some expression when heterozygous. Sex chromosome nondisjunction is proposed as the mechanism underlying the msr trait.
Heart Rate, Blood Pressure, Cardiac Output, and Total Peripheral Resistance of Single Comb White Leghorn Hens During an Acute Exposure to 35 C Ambient Temperature

Two experiments were undertaken to determine selected cardiovascular responses of laying hens to a thermal challenge at 35 C ambient temperature. In the first, six Single Comb White Leghorn (SCWL) hens were exposed to 35 C and changes in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and rectal temperatures were determined. In the second, seven SCWL hens were exposed to 35 C and changes in cardiac output, total peripheral resistance, blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and rectal temperature were monitored. In the first experiment heart rate and blood pressure decreased. In the second experiment there was a 58% increase in cardiac output and a 50% decrease in total peripheral resistance accompanied by a 9% decrease in mean blood pressure. Changes in cardiovascular tone preceded respiratory adjustments during acute heat challenges. This may represent one of the most efficient means of heat dissipation for the bird.
Interactive Hybrid Evolutionary Computation for MEMS Design Synthesis

An interactive hybrid evolutionary computation (IHC) process for MEMS design synthesis is described, which uses both human expertise and local performance improvement to augment the performance of an evolutionary process. The human expertise identifies good design patterns, and local optimization fine-tunes these designs so that they reach their potential at early stages of the evolutionary process. At the same time, the feedback on local optimal designs confirms and refines the human assessment. The advantages of the IHC process are demonstrated with micromachined resonator test cases.
The tenacious recognition of yeast telomere sequence by Cdc13 is fully exerted by a single OB-fold domain

Cdc13, the telomere end-binding protein from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, is a multidomain protein that specifically binds telomeric single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) with exquisitely high affinity to coordinate telomere maintenance. Recent structural and genetic data have led to the proposal that Cdc13 is the paralog of RPA70 within a telomere-specific RPA complex. Our understanding of Cdc13 structure and biochemistry has been largely restricted to studies of individual domains, precluding analysis of how each domain influences the activity of the others. To better facilitate a comparison to RPA70, we evaluated the ssDNA binding of full-length S. cerevisiae Cdc13 to its minimal substrate, Tel11. We found that, unlike RPA70 and the other known telomere end-binding proteins, the core Cdc13 ssDNA-binding activity is wholly contained within a single tight-binding oligosaccharide/oligonucleotide/oligopeptide binding (OB)-fold. Because two OB-folds are implicated in dimerization, we also evaluated the relationship between dimerization and ssDNA-binding activity and found that the two activities are independent. We also find that Cdc13 binding exhibits positive cooperativity that is independent of dimerization. This study reveals that, while Cdc13 and RPA70 share similar domain topologies, the corresponding domains have evolved different and specialized functions.
The Hydrothermal Synthesis of Lithium Iron Phosphate

Well-crystalline LiFePO4 particles were successfully prepared in the temperature range between 120 and 220°C, and complete ion ordering was obtained above 175°C where the unit cell dimensions were identical to high temperature material. The use of a soluble reductant, such as sugar or ascorbic acid, was found to minimize the oxidation of the iron to ferric. The electronic conductivity was enhanced by the deposition of carbon from the sugar, or by the addition of carbon nanotubes to the hydrothermal reactor when over 90% of the lithium could be de-intercalated electrochemically. We have extended the hydrothermal synthesis method to the Mn, Co and Ni analogs as well as to the mixed phosphates, such as LiMnyFe1-yPO4.
Assertiveness Style: Effects on Perceptions of Assertive Behavior

It has been suggested that seeing a person manifest assertiveness in positive situations (commendatory assertion) will mitigate possible adverse consequences of seeing that person display assertive behavior in negative situations (refusal assertion). The central purpose of this study was to examine the possibility that adding empathy to a refusal assertion may serve a mitigating effect equivalent to that of commendatory assertion. Subjects observed a videotape showing a male or female stimulus model acting assertively, empathic assertively, or nonassertively in four different situations. Models were seen in four commendatory assertion situations, in four refusal assertion situations, or in two situations of each type. After viewing the videotape, subjects were asked to evaluate the model by completing the Interpersonal Judgment Scale. In addition, subjects completed the Bem Sex Role Inventory. In contrast to prior findings, regardless of context, assertive and empathic-assertive models were viewed as more...
Helping Patients Quit Tobacco: ASCO's Efforts to Help Oncology Care Specialists

In a time of continuing changes in oncology practice, such as more complex health care and communication systems, few initiatives will have as great an impact on societal health and well-being as reducing tobacco use.
Pharmacist Employment and Satisfaction Trends at ELI Lilly and Company

In order to increase the awareness of pharmacy students, practitioners, and Lilly personnel concerning opportunities available to pharmacists within industry, a survey was conducted to investigate pharmacist employment and satisfaction trends at Eli Lilly and Company. This survey was administered to 1088 currently employed Lilly pharmacists, resulting in a 64% response rate. The survey included questions on employee demographics, educational background, employment history, and job satisfaction. Results of the survey revealed that Lilly hires both BS pharmacists (91%) and PharmDs (9%) into a variety of positions including in marketing, medical, regulatory, and sales. These pharmacists are satisfied with their current positions (85%) and their career progression (70%) and chose the pharmaceutical industry primarily for the career opportunities (84%) and job satisfaction (69%).
An effective potential approach to modeling 25 nm MOSFET devices

We present a thermodynamic approach to introducing quantum corrections to the classical transport picture in semiconductor device simulation. The approach leads to a modified Boltzmann equation with an effective quantum potential. We study the quantum interaction of electrons with a gate oxide barrier potential in a 25 nm MOSFET.
Weathering of sulfidic shale and copper mine waste: secondary minerals and metal cycling in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee, and North Carolina, USA

Metal cycling via physical and chemical weathering of discrete sources (copper mines) and regional (non-point) sources (sulfide-rich shale) is evaluated by examining the mineralogy and chemistry of weathering products in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee, and North Carolina, USA. The elements in copper mine waste, secondary minerals, stream sediments, and waters that are most likely to have negative impacts on aquatic ecosystems are aluminum, copper, zinc, and arsenic because these elements locally exceed toxicity guidelines for surface waters or for stream sediments. Acid-mine drainage has not developed in streams draining inactive copper mines. Acid-rock drainage and chemical weathering processes that accompany debris flows or human disturbances of sulfidic rocks are comparable to processes that develop acid-mine drainage elsewhere. Despite the high rainfall in the mountain range, sheltered areas and intermittent dry spells provide local venues for development of secondary weathering products that can impact aquatic ecosystems.
Quantitation of the Dynamic Profiles of the Innate Immune Response Using Multiplex Selected Reaction Monitoring–Mass Spectrometry

The innate immune response (IIR) is a coordinated intracellular signaling network activated by the presence of pathogen-associated molecular patterns that limits pathogen spread and induces adaptive immunity. Although the precise temporal activation of the various arms of the IIR is a critical factor in the outcome of a disease, currently there are no quantitative multiplex methods for its measurement. In this study, we investigate the temporal activation pattern of the IIR in response to intracellular double-stranded RNA stimulation using a quantitative 10-plex stable isotope dilution–selected reaction monitoring–MS assay. We were able to observe rapid activation of both NF-κB and IRF3 signaling arms, with IRF3 demonstrating a transient response, whereas NF-κB underwent a delayed secondary amplification phase. Our measurements of the NF-κB-IκBα negative feedback loop indicate that about 20% of IκBα in the unstimulated cell is located within the nucleus and represents a population that is rapidly degraded in response to double-stranded RNA. Later in the time course of stimulation, the nuclear IκBα pool is repopulated first prior to its cytoplasmic accumulation. Examination of the IRF3 pathway components shows that double-stranded RNA induces initial consumption of the RIG-I PRR and the IRF3 kinase (TBK1). Stable isotope dilution–selected reaction monitoring–MS measurements after siRNA-mediated IRF3 or RelA knockdown suggests that a low nuclear threshold of NF-κB is required for inducing target gene expression, and that there is cross-inhibition of the NF-κB and IRF3 signaling arms. Finally, we were able to measure delayed noncanonical NF-κB activation by quantifying the abundance of the processed (52 kDa) NF-κB2 subunit in the nucleus. We conclude that quantitative proteomics measurement of the individual signaling arms of the IIR in response to system perturbations is significantly enabled by stable isotope dilution–selected reaction monitoring–MS-based quantification, and that this technique will reveal novel insights into the dynamics and connectivity of the IIR.
Implementation of a mortar mixed finite element method using a Multiscale Flux Basis

This paper provides a new implementation of a multiscale mortar mixed finite element method for second order elliptic problems. The algorithm uses non-overlapping domain decomposition to reformulate a fine scale problem as a coarse scale mortar interface problem, which is then solved using an iterative method. The original implementation by Arbogast, Pencheva, Wheeler, and Yotov, Multiscale Model. Simul. 2007, required solving one local Dirichlet problem on each subdomain per interface iteration. We alter this implementation by forming a Multiscale Flux Basis. This basis consists of mortar functions representing the individual flux responses for each mortar degree of freedom, on each subdomain independently. The computation of these basis functions requires solving a fixed number of Dirichlet subdomain problems. Taking linear combinations of the Multiscale Flux Basis functions replaces the need to solve any Dirichlet subdomain problems during the interface iteration. This new implementation yields the same solution as the original implementation, and is computationally more efficient in cases where the number of interface iterations is greater than the number of mortar degrees of freedom per subdomain. The gain in computational efficiency increases with the number of subdomains.
Immunogenic presentation of an immunoglobulin “tolerogen” requires interleukin 2

Previously it has been reported that hapten-specific B cell unresponsiveness could be elicited by macrophages pulsed with the tolerogen deaggregated fluoresceinated sheep gamma globulin (FL-SGG; R. P. Phipps and D. W. Scott, J. Immunol. 1983. 131:2122). In contrast, FL-SGG-pulsed P388AD.2, a lymphoid dendritic cell-like tumor line, presents this signal as an immunogenic one leading to augmented anti-FL antibody responses. In the present study, we examined the role of T cells and their secreted lymphokines in the immunogenic presentation of FL-SGG by P388AD.2. Lymphocytes and FL-SGG-pulsed P388AD.2 form large clusters in vitro. In order to examine whether the clustered lymphocytes were responsible for the augmented antibody responses, cultures of P388AD.2 and lymphocytes were separated into P388AD.2 adherent (clustered) and nonadherent fractions. Interestingly, the clustered fraction was entirely responsible for the augmented responses and contained Ly-1+ T cells and B cells primed by FL-SGG on P388AD.2. Moreover, a requirement for T cells in the presentation of a normally tolerogenic signal as an immunogenic one was demonstrated as responses of T-depleted spleen cells could be reconstituted by addition of normal T cells or by an autoreactive T cells clone. Furthermore, the requirement for T cells could be bypassed using supernatant from concanavalin A-stimulated spleen cells or by culture supernatant from AOFS, an IL 2-secreting T cell hybridoma. This suggested that a cognate interaction between T and B cells was not required to induce B cell priming and the augmented anti-FL antibody responses. Further studies revealed that doses of recombinant IL 2 greater than 12.5 units/ml, in conjunction with FL-SGG-pulsed P388AD.2, replaced the need for T cells. Overall, our data suggest that one mechanism of presentation of FL-SGG in an immunogenic fashion involves T cell secretion of IL2 by autoreactive T cells triggered by close association with P388AD.2.
Analysis of interconnection networks based on simple Cayley coset graphs

While the concept of Cayley coset graphs has been around for a long time, it is only recently the present authors derived conditions for a Cayley coset graph to be simple - not containing self loops and multiple edges. Building on this result a whole host of Cayley coset graphs - coset star graph, coset bubblesort graph, coset modified bubblesort graph, coset complete transposition graph to mention a few, have been identified. This paper represents the first attempt to evaluate the use of Cayley coset graphs in the design of interconnection networks for parallel computers. We first derive conditions for a simple Cayley coset graph to be vertex transitive. We then present a family of Cayley coset star graphs and analyze a number of its properties. It is shown that this family is recursively scalable, contains star graphs as a subgraph, and is Hamiltonian. We derive conditions for this family to bipartite and edge transitive. Finally, a shortest path algorithm and an enumeration of node disjoint paths are given. A number of open questions are listed in the conclusion. >
THE EFFECTS OF PROXIMAL AND DISTAL FEEDBACK ON RATE AND TYPE OF TEACHER FEEDBACK IN A PHYSICAL EDUCATION SETTING

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of feedback given to a target student(s) from proximal sector (close by) and distal sectors (at a distance) on rate and type of feedback of two middle school physical education teachers. The design used in this investigation was a reversal A-B-A-B with two treatments, single case design across subjects. The two treatments (independent variables) were proximal (same sector) feedback and distal (opposite sector) feedback. The results indicated both teachers tended to use more skill feedback and less management feedback with their classes when using distal feedback.
Linkage Disequilibrium and Association Mapping in the Triticeae

Association mapping, also referred to as linkage disequilibrium mapping, has gained considerable popularity as an efficient genetic mapping methodology because of improved statistical approaches that increase power and reduce false positive associations. Association mapping exploits historical recombination events in a diverse population of distantly related or unrelated individuals. In this chapter, linkage disequilibrium estimates and association mapping results for the Triticeae are reviewed and compared to other species. Strategies for implementing association mapping are discussed that take into account objectives, types of markers, species and population size and composition. Finally, different methodologies for the application of association analysis to crop improvement are presented along with issues specific to breeding programs.
Response by Caplan et al

We would like to thank Dr. Wong for the response to our article “No time to waste—the ethical challenges created by CRISPR”. Dr. Wong's letter addresses a question about the relationship between biology and society: that “prevailing papers” on CRISPR‐Cas9 rarely emphasize understanding …
LED-based endoscopic light source for spectral imaging.

Colorectal cancer is the United States 3rd leading cancer in death rates.1 The current screening for colorectal cancer is an endoscopic procedure using white light endoscopy (WLE). There are multiple new methods testing to replace WLE, for example narrow band imaging and autofluorescence imaging.2 However, these methods do not meet the need for a higher specificity or sensitivity. The goal for this project is to modify the presently used endoscope light source to house 16 narrow wavelength LEDs for spectral imaging in real time while increasing sensitivity and specificity. The process to do such was to take an Olympus CLK-4 light source, replace the light and electronics with 16 LEDs and new circuitry. This allows control of the power and intensity of the LEDs. This required a larger enclosure to house a bracket system for the solid light guide (lightpipe), three new circuit boards, a power source and National Instruments hardware/software for computer control. The results were a successfully designed retrofit with all the new features. The LED testing resulted in the ability to control each wavelength’s intensity. The measured intensity over the voltage range will provide the information needed to couple the camera for imaging. Overall the project was successful; the modifications to the light source added the controllable LEDs. This brings the research one step closer to the main goal of spectral imaging for early detection of colorectal cancer. Future goals will be to connect the camera and test the imaging process.
Thyroid State and Vascular Reactivity in Rats.

SummaryThe sensitivity of resistance vessels to the action of norepinephrine and angiotensin in hypothyroid, hyperthyroid, and euthyroid states was determined using auto-perfused rat hindquarter preparations. The vasoconstrictor responses were adjusted for perfusion pressure using analysis of covariance. Hypothyroid animals were more responsive to the vasoconstrictors than euthyroid controls. The responsiveness to angiotensin was unaltered in hyperthyroid rats but the sensitivity to norepinephrine was slightly reduced.
Impact of a prenatally diagnosed nuchal cord on obstetrical outcome in an unselected population.

AbstractObjective: Evaluate the outcome of prenatally diagnosed nuchal cord.Methods: A retrospective study on all cases of prenatally diagnosed nuchal cord. Study end points were gestational age at delivery, intrapartum fetal heart rate (FHR) abnormalities, mode of delivery, intrauterine fetal growth retardation (IUGR), intrauterine fetal demise (IUFD), and the rate of labor induction.Results: This study included 44 cases; 86% were diagnosed at second trimester scan, confirmed by Color Doppler and 3D ultrasound. Mean gestational age at delivery was 39 weeks.18/44 cases (41%) underwent labor induction mostly as a result of parental anxiety. Primary cesarean rate was 34% (15/44), and 16% (7/44) had intrapartum FHR abnormalities with no impact for induction of labor. Instrumental vaginal delivery was used in 5 cases. IUGR was present in 7% (3/44), and none had IUFD. Nuchal cord was confirmed at birth in all cases. Correct prenatal diagnosis was in only one case of the 5/44 (11%) with multiple loops.Conclusio...
The Application of FLAC~(3D) in the Analysis on Stability of the Waste Cave

The use of the waste cave is generally lower at present,to slove the problem,increase using land resource and storing the waste cave has become necessary.Firstly,the paper introduces the principle of the FLAC3D which is a numerical simulate software and use numerical simulate to analyse the waste cave's stability.According to concrete project gives a real example:the waste cave's stability of Nanmaquan coal mine and Mincai small coal mine,analyses the stability by use of the FLAC3D programm,observes the process of sedimentation about the earth's surface and the destroying of wall rock about the coal mine,taking on a new look about the process of the wall rock' destroying really specially about the state zone.By observing the waste cave 's deslroying,to give a theoretical base of restoring the waste cave.
Where Was the Sun Born

The Sun, as the parent star for the Solar System, holds special significance among all the stars in the Galaxy. We are keenly interested in its origins not only as they relate to the past history of the Solar System, but as they might shed light on how those events could have influenced the evolution of the one planetary system that we are certain supports life. This chapter reviews the main properties of the Sun as a star, and considers whether and how those properties might have affected the development of the properties of our planetary system. In particular, we consider what constraints can be placed on the Sun’s birthplace and whether any of its siblings might be identified as travelling companions in the Solar Neighbourhood.
Chaperone Action in Folding Newly-Translated Cytosolic Proteins in Bacteria and Eukaryotes

During the past decade, a group of specialized proteins that assist protein folding in the cell, molecular chaperones, has been the subject of intensive study (for review see monograph, Biology of Heat Shock Proteins and Molecular Chaperones, 1994). In general, these components act by binding non-native conformations, preventing them from irreversibly misfolding and aggregating; then, through the action of nucleotide or cofactor binding, substrate protein is discharged from chaperone, either reaching the native state or pursuing additional biogenesis steps. While different non-native conformations appear to be preferred by specific classes of chaperone, it seems that a common feature is probably recognized by all of them, namely, hydrophobic surfaces, specifically exposed in non-native states and ultimately buried and no longer recognizable in the native state. Such hydrophobic interactions do not appear to supply steric information, which is provided, as recognized early by Anfinsen, by the primary amino acid sequence (Anfinsen, 1973). Chaperones thus serve to provide kinetic assistance to the folding process, limiting off-pathway steps that can occur under physiologic conditions. The essential nature of this action has been revealed in vivo, where there is failure of many newly-translated or newly-translocated proteins to reach native form in the setting of mutational alteration of chaperone function.
Enzymatic Assays of Histone Methyltransferase Enzymes

Protein methyltransferases are essential for epigenetic regulation of gene expression through methylation of histones and non-histone proteins such as transcription factors, and have been implicated to play key roles in human diseases including cancer. Therefore, they are widely recognized as potential targets for the treatment of human diseases, that is, by specifically modulating the methyltransferase activities. Yet our understanding of the complex regulation of protein lysine (K) or arginine (R) methyltransferases is largely limited by the lack of potent and selective chemical probes to perturb, especially in vivo, the activities of specific enzymes. To overcome this hurdle, a number of enzymatic assays have been developed to measure the activities of various protein methyltransferases and some have been applied to high-throughput screening for identification of chemical modulators. Herein, we discuss several properties of protein K/R methyltransferases and focus on the achievements and progress in the development and application of enzymatic assays to characterize protein methyltransferase activities.
Tourism and empire

The pleasures of imperialism and the politics of empire have long converged, variously stabilizing and destabilizing colonial and neo-colonial rule. There certainly were travel accounts and pleasure travelers in the Ancient and Early Modern worlds, but imperial tourism in its modern sense began more recently, in the industrial age. In 1869, Thomas Cook & Son's first Middle Eastern tour coincided with the opening of the Suez Canal. The two events heralded the beginning of the age of “high” imperialism. They also engendered dynamic relationships between tourism and empire that helped produce the global south and persisted long beyond the formal end of empire in the late 20th century. Tourism has often proven capable of legitimating a variety of imperial economic, political, and racial regimes, but when they have become too corrupt, too repressive, or both, tourism has proved an equally effective foil for anti-imperial and anti-racist movements. Keywords: imperial history; leisure and recreation; race and ethnicity; travel
Life cycle modularity metrics for product design

In this paper, a method for the analysis and redesign of hierarchical product configurations is shown, including previously developed measures of modularity. The method is applied to a partial automotive interior consisting of a center console from an instrument panel. The configuration goes through three redesigns, and the details are analyzed using the modularity metrics. The redesigns are guided by analysis at different levels of the product hierarchy (e.g., the assembly and subassembly levels). In fact, the analysis at different levels enables better-informed redesigns. The method uses only configuration design information and is therefore useful at the early stages of design. The results show that the measures reflect our intuitive understanding of the concept of product modularity, yet also indicate that the metrics are open to further refinement.
Metformin; a review of its history and future: from lilac to longevity

Metformin is a widely prescribed medication that has been used to treat children with type 2 diabetes in the United States for the past 15 years. Metformin now has a variety of clinical applications in pediatrics, and its potential clinical uses continue to expand. In addition to reviewing the current understanding of its mechanisms of action including the newly discovered effects on the gastrointestinal tract, we will also discuss current clinical uses in pediatrics, including in type 1 diabetes. Finally, we examine the existing state of monitoring for metformin efficacy and side effects and discuss prospective future clinical uses.
Lower thermal limits to larval development do not predict poleward range limits of the introduced tropical barnacle Megabalanus coccopoma

As the earth's climate has warmed, many tropical species have expanded their ranges poleward and encountered high-latitude seasonal temperature regimes, in which further permanent expansion is limited by physiological vulnerability to cold temperatures. The barnacle Megabalanus coccopoma is native to shorelines from Baja California to Peru and has been introduced to many locations worldwide, including the southeastern USA. The ability of larvae to develop successfully at local temperatures can be an important factor limiting the spread of invasive species. To determine if cold temperatures limited larval success near the northern range limit of M. coccopoma along the Atlantic southeastern USA coast, we measured lower temperature limits to larval development, examined the effects of temperature on larval growth and energy accumulation, and calculated a larval energy budget to estimate the extent of potential larval dispersal in this region. Larvae were able to develop through metamorphosis at 16°C, which is much colder than sea surface temperatures during the spawning season in their invasive range, making it unlikely northern range limits are set by a lower temperature limit to larval development. Energy budgets suggest that for larvae produced at the northern end of the invasive range, long distance dispersal to sites far poleward of the current range limit is possible. Similar to the findings of the handful of other studies on cold tolerances of tropical marine invertebrate larvae, larvae should be successful far poleward of current adult distributions.
The Protective Role of Dietary Fiber in Diverticular Disease

Diverticular disease is one of the most common disorders of the colon among the elderly in Western societies (1). In North America diverticular disease is estimated to occur in one third of all persons older than 45 years of age, and in two thirds of all persons older than 85 years of age (2). In the great majority of cases the condition is symptomless (3), and only between 10 to 25 percent of affected individuals develop symptoms (2). Symptomatic diverticular disease results in 200,000 hospitalizations in the USA annually (4).
Workup for Perinatal Stroke Does Not Predict Recurrence

Background and Purpose— Perinatal stroke, including neonatal and presumed perinatal presentation, represents the age in childhood in which stroke occurs most frequently. The roles of thrombophilia, arteriopathy, and cardiac anomalies in perinatal ischemic stroke are currently unclear. We took a uniform approach to perinatal ischemic stroke evaluation to study these risk factors and their association with recurrent stroke. Methods— We reviewed records of perinatal stroke patients evaluated from August 2008 to February 2016 at a single referral center. Demographics, echocardiography, arterial imaging, and thrombophilia testing were collected. Statistical analysis was performed using Fisher exact test. Results— Across 215 cases, the median follow-up was 3.17 years (1.49, 6.46). Females comprised 42.8% of cases. Age of presentation was neonatal (110, 51.2%) or presumed perinatal (105, 48.8%). The median age at diagnosis was 2.9 days (interquartile range, 2.0–9.9) for neonatal stroke and 12.9 months (interquartile range, 8.7–32.8) for presumed perinatal stroke. Strokes were classified as arterial (149, 69.3%), venous (60, 27.9%), both (4, 1.9%), or uncertain (2, 0.9%) by consensus imaging review. Of the 215 cases, there were 6 (2.8%) recurrent ischemic cerebrovascular events. Abnormal thrombophilia testing was not associated with recurrent stroke, except for a single patient with combined antithrombin deficiency and protein C deficiency. After excluding venous events, 155 patients were evaluated for arteriopathy and cardioembolic risk factors; neither was associated with recurrent stroke. Positive family history of thrombosis was not predictive of abnormal thrombophilia testing. Conclusions— Thrombophilia, arteriopathy, or cardioembolic risk factors were not predictive of recurrent events after perinatal stroke. Thrombophilia evaluation in perinatal stroke should only rarely be considered.
Effect of Filter Cake Structure on Dewatering of Fine Coal

The filtration and dewatering results of -32 mesh Pittsburgh seam coal are discussed with reference to the microscopic structure parameters, i.e., particle segregation in the cake and particle and pore size distributions at different layers. At low solid concentration of 0.33 kg coal/kg water, a non-uniform cake structure is observed in which the particle and pore sizes increase from the top to bottom layers in the filter cake. An increase in the solid concentration in slurry produces more uniform cake structure and higher filtration and dewatering rates. Air bubble entrapment in the coal filter cakes is also discussed.
μLeech: A side-channel evaluation platform for IoT

We propose μLeech, a new embedded trusted platform module for next generation power scavenging devices. Such power scavenging devices are already widely deployed. For instance, the Square point-of-sale reader uses the microphone/speaker interface of a smartphone for communications and as power supply. While such devices are used as trusted devices in security critical applications in the wild, they have not been properly evaluated yet. μLeech can securely store keys and provide cryptographic services to any connected smart phone. Our design also facilitates physical security analysis by providing interfaces to facilitate acquisition of power traces and clock manipulation attacks. Thus μLeech empowers security researchers to analyze leakage in next generation embedded and IoT devices and to evaluate countermeasures before deployment.