cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fatness Is a Better Predictor of Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factor Profile Than Aerobic Fitness in Healthy Men

Background— The prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is partly attributable to an inactive and/or overweight population. However, the independent association of body fatness and aerobic fitness with CVD risk factors is uncertain. We sought to determine whether fatness or fitness better predicted traditional CVD risk factors in men with broad fatness, aerobic fitness, and age ranges using 3 expressions of adiposity. Methods and Results— In 135 carefully screened healthy men, we measured 18 established CVD risk factors, body mass index, total percent body fat, waist circumference, and maximal aerobic capacity. Body mass index, percent body fat, and waist circumference were consistently associated with all metabolic risk factors (r=−0.44 to 0.51, P<0.05) after partialling out the effects of aerobic fitness and age. Body mass index and waist circumference were also independently associated with selective hemodynamic risk factors (r=0.20 to 0.30, P≤0.01). In contrast, aerobic fitness was independently as...
Resonance shifts of counterpropagating whispering-gallery modes: degenerate perturbation theory and application to resonator sensors with axial symmetry

A theory is presented that considers the resonance shift of degenerate whispering-gallery modes (WGMs) in sensor applications. The theory is then applied to a pair of counterpropagating waves in a spheroidal resonator. Adsorption of a particle lifts the twofold degeneracy, resulting in a pair of standing waves with a symmetric field around the particle, a standing symmetric wave (SSW) and an antisymmetric wave (ASW). The shift for a SSW is twice as large as the one for a nondegenerate WGM when the particle radius is sufficiently smaller than the wavelength, whereas the shift for an ASW is nearly zero. The ratio of the split to the mean shift gives an estimate of the particle size, whereas the mean shift is sensitive to its polarizability. With an increasing particle radius, the ratio of the split to the mean shift decreases. There is a particle radius that maximizes the split.
The Development and Application of the Hot-Rolled Plate Ultra-Fast Cooling Equipment

The ultra-fast cooling technical is a newly developed thermal technical in recent years for the hot-rolled steel plate. The key to develop the ultra-fast cooling equipment are the design of the nozzle structure and the cooling process. The heat exchange mechanism of the jetting impingement heat transfer mode was illustrated during ultra-fast cooling process for the hot-rolled steel plate in this paper. The flow field characteristics and the cooling technological process during the plate ultra-fast cooling process were simulated. And the newly-developed ultra-fast cooling equipment for the hot-rolled plate and its application were also introduced in this paper.
Pesticide residue dynamics in a forest ecosystem: a compartment model:

This paper presents a computer model of the movement of pesticide residues in a forest ecosystem. As such, the paper deals primarily with the potential direct effects on target and nontarget organisms, but does not address the very long-term consequences of restructuring the vegetation in an ecosystem. Simulations using the model trace the movement of two herbicides (2,4,5-T and picloram) through two different environments, one typical of an Oregon forest and the other typical of southern California chaparral. The model is written in DYNAMO.
Volume-timing relationships during cough and resistive loading in the cat.

The relationship between pulmonary volume-related feedback and inspiratory (CTi) and expiratory (CTe) phase durations during cough was determined. Cough was produced in anesthetized cats by mechani...
Nanoscale Construction and Imaging with DNA

We have invented a general framework to program synthetic DNA/RNA strands to self-assemble into structures with user-specified geometry or dynamics. By interfacing these nanostructures with other functional molecules, we have introduced digital programmability into diverse application areas, e.g. fabrication of inorganic nanoparticles with arbitrary prescribed shapes, robust DNA/RNA probes with near optimal binding specificity, and RNA-based translational regulators with unprecedented dynamic range and orthogonality. Such digitally precise programmable control on the nanoscale promises to enable diverse applications in biosensing, imaging, diagnostics and therapeutics. In particular, I will discuss our recent work on DNA-based super-resolution imaging. Due to limitations in current optical microscopy, we face three challenges when attempting to image biology on the molecular scale: (1) blurred vision (i.e. difficulty to clearly visualize individual molecules for crowded targets), (2) (partial) color blindness (i.e. difficulty to simultaneously track distinct species with many colors due to spectral overlap), and (3) ambiguous quantification (i.e. difficulty to precisely count the number of targets in a resolution-limited area). Using programmable fluorescent DNA probes, we developed a highly multiplexed (10× demonstrated), precisely quantitative (>90% precision), and ultra-high resolution (sub-5 nm) optical imaging method that promises to potentially simultaneously address these challenges and thus broadly transform biomedical research. See my lab's research at http://molecular-systems.net.
Out of the Murky Lagoon and Into...Is There a Emerging Consistent US Government Policy on Standard Essential Patents (SEPs)

In January 2013, the USDOJ and USPTO issued a Policy Statement on remedies for Standard Essential Patents (SEPs) which concluded, that while an Section 337 exclusion order issued by the US International Trade Commission (ITC) for infringement of encumbered SEPs may be appropriate in some circumstances, “depending on the facts of individual cases, the public interest may preclude the issuance of an exclusion order in cases where the infringer is acting within the scope of the patent holder’s F/RAND commitment and is able, and has not refused, to license on F/RAND terms.” Contemporaneously, the FTC entered into a settlement with Google which defined what constitutes an SEP and demarcates specific steps to determine what is, in fact, an unwilling licensee, proscribing unilateral action by the SEP holder seeking damages or injunctions. Together, these action bring some order to what has been a murky area in telecommunications standards. But, unlike the FTC in its settlement agreement, the USDOJ/PTO Policy Statement, went further, evidencing what appears to be an overreaching regarding U.S. Government (USG) policy on voluntary industry standards (and how patents relate to them), even though the factual situations arose in the peculiar industry of telecommunications. This paper explains how that sector differs from others, focusing especially on standards for software, Internet and Web fields, analyzes the risk (and inconsistency with other USG policies) for assuming that there is one approach for how patents are treated in standardization activities across all sectors, and outlines next step considerations for policy makers.
Daily Periodicity in the Ovipositional Behavior of the Onion Fly, Delia antiqua (Diptera: Anthomyiidae)

Daily periodicity of preovipositional behavior and egg deposition by the onion fly, Delia antiqua (Meigen), was monitored hourly under laboratory conditions with a photoperiod of 16:8 (L:D) and a female density of 30 per 1,260 cm3. Although preovipositional behaviors occurred in appreciable frequency throughout a day, most eggs were laid 10–12 h after lights on. When flies were tested in a chamber with photoperiod shifted 6 h from the solar photoperiod, periodicity in egg deposition remained strictly entrained with chamber photoperiod. This ovipositional periodicity corresponds well with the afternoon peak of catches in flight traps in the field. These results suggest that behavioral observations in the field and short-term control measures (e.g., volatile insecticides) directed against ovipositing flies may be performed best during the late afternoon
High-Throughput Differentiation of Heparin from Other Glycosaminoglycans by Pyrolysis Mass Spectrometry

Sensors with high chemical specificity and enhanced sample throughput are vital to screening food products and medical devices for chemical or biochemical contaminants that may pose a threat to public health. For example, the rapid detection of oversulfated chondroitin sulfate (OSCS) in heparin could prevent reoccurrence of heparin adulteration that caused hundreds of severe adverse events including deaths worldwide in 2007–2008. Here, rapid pyrolysis is integrated with direct analysis in real time (DART) mass spectrometry to rapidly screen major glycosaminoglycans, including heparin, chondroitin sulfate A, dermatan sulfate, and OSCS. The results demonstrate that, compared to traditional liquid chromatography-based analyses, pyrolysis mass spectrometry achieved at least 250-fold higher sample throughput and was compatible with samples volume-limited to about 300 nL. Pyrolysis yielded an abundance of fragment ions (e.g., 150 different m/z species), many of which were specific to the parent compound. Using ...
Limited Stability of Ether-Based Solvents in Lithium–Oxygen Batteries

Li–O2 batteries offer the tantalizing promise of a specific energy much greater than current Li ion technologies; however, many challenges remain before the development of commercial energy storage applications based on the lithium–oxygen couple can be realized. One of the most apparent limitations is electrolyte stability. Without an electrolyte that is resistant to attack by reduced oxygen species, optimizing other aspects of the redox performance is challenging. Thus, identifying electrolyte decomposition processes that occur early in the redox process will accelerate the discovery process. In this study, ATR–FTIR was used to examine various reported Li–O2 electrolytes taken directly from the cell separators of cycled electrochemical cells. Specifically, we examined, 1 M LiPF6 in propylene carbonate (PC), 1 M LiCF3SO3 in tetraethyleneglycoldimethylether (TEGDME), and 1 M LiCF3SO3 in a siloxane ether (1NM3) and looked for soluble decomposition products. Each electrolyte was tested using a regular Li–O2 ...
A Corpus Luteum-Stimulating Substance in the Rat Placenta.∗

In the majority of mammals the length of the pregnancy cycle exceeds that of the normal estrous or pseudopregnant cycles, and this prolongation is due in part, to a sustained function of the corpora lutea. The presence of foetal elements is in some way responsible for this continued activity of the maternal ovary.The function of the corpora lutea of the rat during the first half of pregnancy is under the control of the hypophysis and the mechanism involved is apparently the same as that in pseudopregnancy. Luteal function is essential throughout pregnancy, however, as shown by the fact that bilateral oophorectomy invariably terminates gestation.1-4 Removal of the pituitary gland during the first half of pregnancy is likewise followed by death and resorption of the foetuses, whereas pregnancy continues if hypophysectomy is performed after the tenth or eleventh day.5, 6 In the rat hypophysectomy results in a persistence of existing corpora lutea, but such persisting corpora are non-functional in the non-pre...
Study on the experiment platform of mechanism innovative design and simulation based on ADAMS

Mechanism innovative design is the most important content of the system design of Mechanical products.In order to overcome the present situation which the existing innovation equipment is insufficient,the software named ADAMS was used to establish the model of the experiment platform.Realizes in ADAMS the modelling,the load,the solution parametrization,and provides the result examination tool to see the results.
Sequential pathophysiological changes characterizing the progression from renal dysfunction to acute renal failure following cardiac operation

Sequential pathophysiological data were analyzed from 14 patients who exhibited similar severe depression of cardiac and renal function within 24 hours of cardiac operation. Seven patients exhibited postoperative renal dysfunction (defined by a minimum postoperative clearance of inulin [Cin] between 20 ml/min/1.73 m2 and one-half normal) and seven progressed from renal dysfunction to acute renal failure (ARF) (Cin ≤ 15 ml/min/1.73 m2). In ARF patients depression of cardiac function was profound and persistent from postoperative days 1 to 7. Urine flow remained greater than 1 ml/min, and serum creatinine rose progressively. The Cin declined progressively during the first postoperative week. The ratio of urinary to plasma osmolality fell, and the fractional excretion of sodium (FENa) and potassium (FEK) increased substantially. By contrast, in renal dysfunction patients definite hemodynamic improvement occurred and renal function remained stable. Increased FENa in renal dysfunction was associated with hemodynamic improvement, weight loss, and stable fractional potassium excretion. These data provide unique documentation of the indices of hemodynamic and renal function associated with the progression to postoperative ARF. The central role of sustained profound depression of cardiac function in this progression appears to be the primary factor in the lethality of postoperative ARF.
Primary Amyloidosis of Glans Penis and Urethra: Resection and Reconstruction

AbstractA case of primary amyloidosis localized to the urethra and glans penis is described. Progression of urethral disease during a 3-year period necessitated radical anterior urethrectomy and plastic reconstruction.
Formative EPA Assessment: a Tool to Guide Skill Development During MS4 Acting Internships

The American Academy of Medical Colleges (AAMC) has tasked medical schools with instituting entrustable professional activities (EPAs) as a measureable strategy to relate competencies to clinical practice. Challenges may be foreseen in systematically and directly observing EPA-based skills. We describe a formative EPA exercise undertaken by fourth year medical students employing high fidelity simulators (HFS), standardized patients (SPs), and task trainers. Objectives included providing students with practice and assessment of a subset of EPAs to improve proficiency and confidence, allowing students to self-identify areas of strength and relative weakness, and gaining institutional experience in assessing EPAs in a standardized fashion.
Taking NO for an Answer: Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Nitrite in HFpEF

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) accounts for at least half of the heart failure (HF) hospitalizations in North America.1 The symptoms of HFpEF generally center around 2 main features: (1) dyspnea, likely reflective of pulmonary congestion, and (2) exertional intolerance, consistent with inefficient oxygen delivery or utilization. After an HF hospitalization, survival is poor.2 Despite the scope and seriousness of this problem, no targeted therapeutic intervention has been clearly identified to decrease the morbidity or mortality from this syndrome. Treatment has, therefore, largely focused on the management of comorbidities and volume status. The reasons for failing to identify effective therapeutic interventions in HFpEF are varied but primarily revolve around the clinical heterogeneity of the condition with significant difficulties in providing a unifying pathophysiology for this syndrome and consequent challenges in clinical trial design. Article, see p 880 Yet, patients with HFpEF have distinct identifiable abnormalities in vascular and endothelial function, which may help tie together the varied systemic and cardiac manifestations of this condition with its associated comorbidities. Endothelial dysfunction is indicative of impaired endothelium-mediated nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability and can be assessed clinically by demonstrating a deficient vasodilatory response to various stimuli. NO, through stimulation of guanylate cyclase, leads to the generation of the second-messenger molecule cyclic guanosine monophosphate, which depending on the cell type, results in multiple fundamental downstream processes, such as contraction, relaxation, cell growth, apoptosis, and specific gene expression.3 Paulus and Tschope4 described coronary microvascular endothelial inflammation in HFpEF resulting in decreased NO bioavailability, low cyclic guanosine monophosphate content, and reduced protein kinase G activity in cardiomyocytes. This decreased protein kinase G activity favors the development of cardiac hypertrophy and, because of hypophosphorylation of titin, increases resting tension in cardiomyocytes. In fact, it has been proposed that correction of myocardial …
WATER DECOMPOSITION BY FISSION FRAGMENT RECOIL ENERGY IN AN AQUEOUS SLURRY OF URANIUM-THORIUM OXIDES

Measurements of the rate of decomposition of water as a function of particle size and concentration of a slurry of fissionable and fertile fuel were made on 10 cc samples of slurry, kept in suspension by a mechanical stirrer, in a nuclear reactor. By passing nitrogen through the slurry during the irradiation, the radiolytic gases were stripped from the slurry before they could recombine. The average particle size of the solids, which contained 10% natural uranium, was varied from 8 to 50 in diameter. Concentrations between 300 and 1000 gm/ liter were studied. In order to correlate the experimental results, use was made of calculations of the fraction of fission recoil energy that escapes to the fluid in a slurry reactor. The results indicate that the vaiue of G(H/sub 2/)/ sub f/, the number of hydrogen molecules measured for every 100 ev of fission recoil energy absorbed by the water is about 2.1. Thls is also the value for G(- H/sub 2/O)/sub f/, the number of molecules of water decomposed by every 100 ev of fission recoil energy under steady-state conditions in a slurry reactor. (auth)
Improvements in principal feature classification

We describe algorithms for rapid training and accurate generalization of principal feature classification (PFC) [Q. Li and D.W. Tufts, 1997], an elegant decision tree method with performance comparable to neural networks and popular decision tree methods like CART and C4.5. The improved training method is guaranteed to converge and generates a fully grown decision tree. It accomplishes this with a decrease in complexity and is described in detail to facilitate easy implementation. A generalization methodology based on nonparametric tolerance regions is also developed. The method provides accurate generalization of the fully grown tree and is verified using simulated data
Rate-Diversity Trade-offs in Interference Channels with and without Cooperation

We study the Gaussian interference channel in which independent and identically distributed Rayleigh fading exists between any two nodes. Firstly we find the rate-diversity relationship for three well-known transmission/reception strategies. Out of these we see the best trade-off is obtained when each receiver decodes both transmitter messages jointly, akin to two multiple access channels. With a view to increasing diversity two more schemes are then considered for the interference channel, now allowing cooperation between nodes. One scheme is shown to increase diversity up to a factor of three while reducing rate by four, while the other doubles diversity but cuts rate by a factor of three.
Analysis of Generalized Tamed Frequency Modulation with Discriminator Detection in Mobile Radio Channels

Discriminator Detection of Generalized Tamed Frequency Modulation (GTFM) in land mobile radio environment is analyzed. Simple closed form expressions for the average probability of error and upper and lower bounds are derived and evaluated for cases of practical interest.
Are We Ready? A Case for Making Hematology Fellows Competent in Treating the Booming Culturally Diverse Minority Populations.

United States is at an important phase of its growth since the dawn of the new century. US population has grown by 13% from 248 million to 281 million between 1990–2000. Projected increase in population by mid century will be 460 million. According to 2000 census, 11% of US population is foreign born and 17.9% speaks a language other than English at home. Population demographics indicate very significant trend changes. The projected race and ethnic changes are occurring sooner because of higher than expected increase in immigration rates. By 2050 the minorities will make about 50% of US population. Ethnically and culturally diverse minorities are projected to grow exponentially. Asians are expected to grow by 213% to 60 million, while Hispanics will increase in their ranks by 188% to 102.6 million i.e. roughly one quarter of the population. The black population will see a 71% increase to 61 million while Whites will grow by 7% to 210 million. These trends indicate that Asian and Hispanic populations will triple in number by mid century. This poses special challenges to the health care industry and physicians in particular. The Hematologists will be diagnosing and treating a much larger number of the diseases common in these ethnic groups e.g. Sickle cell disease, hemoglobinopathies including Thalassemias and thrombotic and hypercoaguable disorders etc. interaction with these ethnically and culturally diverse clients will be challenging for the Hematology fellows since no formal training in cultural competency training is incorporated in fellowship program structure. Review of the curricula of the training programs has revealed most of these are deficient in this regards. Some awareness of the issue is found in nursing training literature. There is awareness regarding the cultural competency issue at a national level where Health and Human Services have issued national standards for culturally and linguistically appropriate services in health care (CLAS). This initiative can be used as a road map for providing cultural competency training to Hematology fellows. This will enable them to appreciate, think and act in ways that acknowledge, respect and build upon ethnic, socio cultural and linguistic diversity. Fellows can be trained and evaluated during their training in core competencies such as self-awareness, effective communication, cultural knowledge, humility and proper use of interpreters. In conclusion I emphasize that I order to deliver quality health care to ethnically diverse populations and to decrease disparities in health care, cultural competency should be an integral part of Hematology training programs.
Accelerating high-dimensional clustering with lossless data reduction

Motivation For cluster analysis, high-dimensional data are associated with instability, decreased classification accuracy and high-computational burden. The latter challenge can be eliminated as a serious concern. For applications where dimension reduction techniques are not implemented, we propose a temporary transformation which accelerates computations with no loss of information. The algorithm can be applied for any statistical procedure depending only on Euclidean distances and can be implemented sequentially to enable analyses of data that would otherwise exceed memory limitations. Results The method is easily implemented in common statistical software as a standard pre-processing step. The benefit of our algorithm grows with the dimensionality of the problem and the complexity of the analysis. Consequently, our simple algorithm not only decreases the computation time for routine analyses, it opens the door to performing calculations that may have otherwise been too burdensome to attempt. Availability and implementation R, Matlab and SAS/IML code for implementing lossless data reduction is freely available in the Appendix. Contact obrienj@hms.harvard.edu.
Sulfide Homeostasis and Nitroxyl Intersect via Formation of Reactive Sulfur Species in Staphylococcus aureus.

ABSTRACT Staphylococcus aureus is a commensal human pathogen and a major cause of nosocomial infections. As gaseous signaling molecules, endogenous hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S) and nitric oxide (NO·) protect S. aureus from antibiotic stress synergistically, which we propose involves the intermediacy of nitroxyl (HNO). Here, we examine the effect of exogenous sulfide and HNO on the transcriptome and the formation of low-molecular-weight (LMW) thiol persulfides of bacillithiol, cysteine, and coenzyme A as representative of reactive sulfur species (RSS) in wild-type and Δ cstR strains of S. aureus. CstR is a per- and polysulfide sensor that controls the expression of a sulfide oxidation and detoxification system. As anticipated, exogenous sulfide induces the cst operon but also indirectly represses much of the CymR regulon which controls cysteine metabolism. A zinc limitation response is also observed, linking sulfide homeostasis to zinc bioavailability. Cellular RSS levels impact the expression of a number of virulence factors, including the exotoxins, particularly apparent in the Δ cstR strain. HNO, like sulfide, induces the cst operon as well as other genes regulated by exogenous sulfide, a finding that is traced to a direct reaction of CstR with HNO and to an endogenous perturbation in cellular RSS, possibly originating from disassembly of Fe-S clusters. More broadly, HNO induces a transcriptomic response to Fe overload, Cu toxicity, and reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species and shares similarity with the sigB regulon. This work reveals an H 2 S/NO· interplay in S. aureus that impacts transition metal homeostasis and virulence gene expression. IMPORTANCE Hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S) is a toxic molecule and a recently described gasotransmitter in vertebrates whose function in bacteria is not well understood. In this work, we describe the transcriptomic response of the major human pathogen Staphylococcus aureus to quantified changes in levels of cellular organic reactive sulfur species, which are effector molecules involved in H 2 S signaling. We show that nitroxyl (HNO), a recently described signaling intermediate proposed to originate from the interplay of H 2 S and nitric oxide, also induces changes in cellular sulfur speciation and transition metal homeostasis, thus linking sulfide homeostasis to an adaptive response to antimicrobial reactive nitrogen species.
Abstract 5895: Targeting RhoA-regulated gene transcription in drug-resistant melanoma

Much of the recent focus of melanoma targeted therapy has been on the ERK pathway, which is aberrantly activated in approximately 90% of melanoma tumors. Over half of these express BRAFV600E. Current targeted therapies such as Vemurafenib (BRAFV600E inhibitor), or a combination therapy of BRAF + MEK inhibitors show profound initial effects in a majority of BRAFV600E expressing tumors. However, these responses are often short-lived and resistance typically develops within months. The goal of this work is to identify pharmacologically targetable resistance mechanisms so that effective combination therapies can be developed. Preliminary bioinformatics analysis suggests that the RhoA subfamily of Rho GTPases is activated in BRAFi-resistant cancer cell lines and BRAFi/MEKi-resistant human melanoma tumors. Thus, we hypothesize that RhoA promotes BRAFi resistance, so simultaneously targeting RhoA and BRAF may reverse drug resistance. Using cell line models of acquired BRAFi-resistance we demonstrated that the RhoA pathway is activated in a subset of resistant cell lines. The cell lines with increased RhoA activation have increased sensitivity to multiple ROCK inhibitors. In addition to regulating the cytoskeleton, RhoA can also regulate gene transcription through activation of multiple transcriptional co-activators, including MRTF and YAP. MRTF and YAP regulated gene transcription through their role as transcriptional co-activators and their interaction with chromatin remodeling complexes. MRTF and YAP are both activated in BRAFi-resistant cell lines. Indirectly targeting MRTF with CCG-222740 or YAP with the YES1 inhibitor Dasatinib effectively kills BRAFi-resistant melanoma cells. Sox10 was previously identified as a gene which promotes BRAFi resistance. Expression of Sox10 is downregulated, and Sox9 is upregulated, 100-1000-fold exclusively in the resistant cell lines which have RhoA activation. Further, a Sox10 gene signature is inversely correlated with a RhoA/C signature in the TCGA dataset and melanoma scRNA-seq data. Sox10 loss is a major drug resistance melanoma in melanoma. These data suggest that targeting RhoA-regulated gene transcription may be an effective mechanism to target Sox9High/Sox10Low cells, and ultimately prevent or reverse drug resistance. Taken together these data suggest that MRTF and YAP promote Vemurafenib resistance in Sox9High/Sox10Low melanoma cells. Citation Format: Sean A. Misek, Kathleen A. Gallo, Richard R. Neubig. Targeting RhoA-regulated gene transcription in drug-resistant melanoma [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 5895.
Identification of the male parent of superior half-sib Populus tomentosa individuals based on SSR markers

When hundreds of cross-pollinated trees planted in The National Gene Bank of Populus tomentosa blossom and bear fruit, in theory, half-sib progeny should originate from hundreds of combinations. Paternity testing was performed on the superior half-sib progeny with outstanding performance using microsatellite markers, a process that can be used to rapidly screen for superior cross combinations and significantly improve the efficiency and effectiveness of genetic improvements. Based on the comprehensive evaluation of the eight main growth traits of 2292 plants of 30 half-sib families, 77 plants consisting of 43 triploid and 34 diploid plants were selected as superior. We used 14 pairs of highly polymorphic SSR primers to identify the male parents of the 77 superior plants. Our results identified 29 male trees as the pollen parents of 59 superior plants from 49 cross combinations. The probabilities of 2-14, 3-48-1, 1903, 2-1, 4234, 5099, and 4114 as male parents were significantly higher than those of other males, suggesting that these male parents have potential for applications in breeding strategies of P. tomentosa. Thus, this study used SSR molecular markers to identify the male parents of superior individuals in a P. tomentosa population, laying a foundation for the application of maternal efficiency and construction of optimal hybrid parent groups.
Anthology of Images

The popular adage “a picture is worth a thousand words” is an undeniable truth. It is estimated that more than half of the information we gather from our environment comes through our vision. Images have extraordinary power. Some of them can remain etched …
Endovascular Treatment of Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery Aneurysms with Flow Diversion

Background Flow diversion is a viable alternative for treatment of wide-neck and fusiform aneurysms originating from the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA), but coverage of the PICA and vertebral perforating arteries may be a concern. The aim of this study was to examine procedural, clinical, and angiographic outcomes of patients with PICA aneurysms treated with the Pipeline Embolization Device. Methods Retrospective review was performed of PICA aneurysms treated with the Pipeline device at 3 neurovascular centers, including periprocedural complications and clinical and angiographic outcomes. Results In 16 procedures, 14 PICA aneurysms were treated with the Pipeline device. These included 11 saccular aneurysms with a mean size of 7.4 mm (range, 2.0–11.1 mm) and 3 fusiform aneurysms with a mean diameter of 6.1 mm (range, 5.0–8.0 mm) and mean length of 10.3 mm (range, 6.0–15.0 mm). One patient developed a PICA territory infarct with mild leg weakness that resolved in Conclusions Flow diversion of PICA aneurysms is a safe and viable treatment option when traditional endovascular options are unlikely to preserve parent vessel patency.
Behold Their Mighty Hands

This chapter analyzes the powers of commercial culture during the last decade of DeMille’s professional life. The chapter argues that the director’s remarkable late-career success was based largely on his ability to refashion an appealing and popular brand that was manifest in the public’s awareness of a unique “DeMille genre.” Noting the struggles, at mid-century, by both industry insiders and academics to come to terms with a rapidly changing mass audience, the chapter explores both The Greatest Show on Earth and The Ten Commandments. Showing a greater affinity for his earlier themes than those of the late-1930s and 1940s, these films highlighted a syntax of consensus through the shared semantics of visual pleasure, a stylized realism, and the spectacle of crowds. A close reading of passages common to both the 1923 and 1956 releases of his Biblical epic identifies how DeMille modified his filmmaking in the modern era.
Transmission Electron Microscope Studies of Polymers Stained with Ruthenium and Osmium Tetroxide

We demonstrate the effectiveness of ruthenium tetroxide as a stain to enhance image contrast for transmission electron microscope studies of polymer morphology. The considerable microstruc-tural detail that can be brought out by the stain is exemplified by electron micrographs of thin films of incompatible blends of polystyrene with poly(methylmethacrylate). Crazes in strained solution-cast thin films of these polymer blends and in a strained solvent-cast thin film of high impact polystyrene can be seen readily, as ruthenium tetroxide stains the polystyrene component preferentially. Further, the stain darkens high-stress areas in these thin films. The use of osmium tetroxide and ruthenium tetroxide to stain a rubber-modified polymer of acrylonitrile and styrene reveals what appear to be three phases rather than the two conventionally accepted to occur. Morphological details of the spherulitic structure in Nylon 11 are made strikingly clear by the stain.
Effect of Melting and Casting Atmospheres on Cast Nickel Alloys

In the past, improvement of heat-resistant cast alloys was dependent upon new compositions. By contrast, this work is directed toward determining the effect of melting and casting atmospheres on the properties of existing nickel base alloys, particularly their rupture strength and elongation at elevated temperatures. Increased strength was most pronounced in high-boron alloys of the Guy type, while improvement in ductility was apparent in all cases.
β-Carotene and Other Carotenoids in Cancer Prevention

Epidemiological evidence suggests associations between dietary and circulating carotenoids and reduced risk of cancer at multiple sites. However, clinical supplementation trials have returned null findings, or even evidence of harmful effects of beta-carotene supplementation in certain populations. Studies in animal models of lung cancer have provided possible mechanistic explanations for the discordance between the results of observational epidemiological studies and intervention trials using beta-carotene as a potential chemopreventive agent. As we await better scientific understanding of carotenoid metabolism and mechanisms of action, a prudent strategy to reduce the risk of cancer incidence and mortality would include increased consumption of vegetables and fruits as a part of a healthy, balanced diet.
Abstract 4400: MicroRNA loaded circular dumbbell RNAs, a novel antiangiogenic approach

Angiogenesis is a tightly regulated biological process where new blood vessels are formed from pre-existing blood vessels. This process is also critical in diseases such as cancer; therefore, angiogenesis has been actively explored as a drug target for cancer therapy. Many patients treated with endogenous angiogenesis inhibitors show increased survival; however, eventual resistance to therapies is associated with disease progression and death. The future of effective anti-angiogenic therapy lies in the intelligent combination of multiple targeting agents with novel modes of delivery to maximize therapeutic effects. We therefore propose a novel and ‘out of the box9 approach that utilizes dumbbell-RNA (dbRNA) to target pathological angiogenesis by simultaneously targeting multiple molecules and processes that contribute to angiogenesis. Dumbbell RNAs are a stable and safe alternative to viral, non-viral, and naked plasmid-based gene-transfer systems. They integrate the advantages of durable expression that is achievable with integrating viral vectors and short-term effects triggered by naked RNA. In this study, we have successfully constructed a plasmid expressing miR-34a dbRNA using the permuted intron-exon (PIE) method. We have also modified and optimized a cost effective protocol to purifiy dbRNA from bacterial culture with high purity. To test the efficacy of miR-34a dbRNA, we used the pancreatic cancer cell line MIA-PaCa2. When transfected into MIA-PaCa2 cell line we observed increased expression of miR-34a. Further, miR-34a overexpression caused a 3- fold and 2.5-fold decrease in VEGFA and VEGFB RNA expression respectively. Functional validation on the effect of miR-34a on angiogenesis was performed on Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) using the tube formation assay, where miR-34a dbRNA showed significant decrease in tube formation when compared to cells treated with scrambled dbRNA. We will further validate these results in vivo using Zebrafish angiogenesis model. In conclusion, our study demonstrate for the first time a novel approach to block angiogenesis using miR-34a loaded dbRNA. Our data also show that this approach may be used in targeting multiple molecules/pathways, and when used in combination with existing therapies can improve the efficacy of current treatment modalities. Citation Format: Manu Gnanamony, Sajani S. lakka, Jaime Libes, Julian Lin, Pushpa A. Joseph, Christopher S. Gondi. MicroRNA loaded circular dumbbell RNAs, a novel antiangiogenic approach [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 4400.
SECONDARY FORCE-MEDIATED PERTURBATIONS OF ANTIFLUORESCEIN MONOCLONAL ANTIBODIES 4-4-20 AND 9-40 AS DETERMINED BY CIRCULAR DICHROISM

Secondary forces have been defined as those interactions between antibody and antigen that occur external to the antibody active site. Previous investigations indicated that non-active-site secondary interactions can modulate immune complex stability and may influence antibody variable domain conformation and/or dynamics. To assess secondary force-induced perturbations of monoclonal antibodies 4-4-20 and 9-40 a series of monofluoresceinated peptides was reacted and the various interactions analyzed by circular dichroism (CD). The mAbs 4-4-20 and 9-40 vary by nearly 1000-fold in their respective affinities for the fluorescein ligand, yet both immunoglobulins are highly related at the primary structural (idiotype) level. Near-UV CD spectra were evaluated as well as the induced optical activity (visible CD) of the antibody-bound fluorescein moiety when covalently attached to various peptide carriers. Comparative spectral studies revealed significant differences in the near-UV CD spectra of mAbs 9-40 and 4-4-20 relative to the various peptide antigens and to one another. CD spectra were interpreted as reflecting differential secondary force-induced perturbations of the antibody variable domains as well as intrinsic differences between the two mAbs.
Short term outcomes in term and late preterm neonates admitted to the well-baby nursery after resuscitation in the delivery room.

To determine the risk for deterioration in well-baby nursery (WBN) admissions after resuscitation. A single center retrospective study (2015–2016) of 370 resuscitated WBN admissions. Of the 11,307 admissions, 3.27% received resuscitation with 183 receiving continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) alone and 187 receiving positive pressure ventilation (PPV) ± CPAP. Resuscitated neonates were more frequently transferred to the NICU (11.6 versus 3.9%, p < 0.001) compared to those without resuscitation. More neonates requiring CPAP alone were transferred to the NICU compared to those requiring PPV ± CPAP (15.85 versus 7.49%, p = 0.01). Univariate risk ratios for transfer were elevated for CPAP alone and lower gestational age categories. Multivariate regression analyses demonstrated increased transfer risk across gestational age categories only. Neonates admitted to the WBN after delivery room resuscitation are at increased risk for NICU transfer compared to those without resuscitation. This study supports the recommendation for post-resuscitation care.
Automatic Analyte-Ion Recognition and Background Removal for Ambient Mass-Spectrometric Data Based on Cross-Correlation

Ambient mass spectrometry is a powerful approach for rapid, high-throughput, and direct sample analysis. Due to the open-air desorption and ionization processes, random fluctuations of ambient conditions can lead to large variances in mass-spectral signals over time. The mass-spectral data also can be further complicated due to multiple analytes present in the sample, background-ion signals stemming from the desorption/ionization source itself, and other laboratory-specific conditions (e.g., ambient laboratory air, nearby hardware). Thus, background removal and analyte-ion recognition can be quite difficult, particularly in non-targeted analyses. Here, we demonstrate the use of a cross-correlation-based approach to exploit chemical information encoded in the time domain to group/categorize mass-spectral peaks from a single analysis dataset. Ions that originate from ambient (or other) background species were readily flagged and removed from spectra; the result was a decrease in mass-spectral complexity by over 70% due to the removal of these background ions. Meanwhile, analyte ions were differentiated and categorized based on their time-domain profiles. With sufficient mass resolving-power and mass-spectral acquisition rate, isolated mass spectra containing ions from the same species in a sample could be extracted, leading to a reduction in mass-spectral complexity by more than 98% in some cases. The cross-correlation approach was tested with different ionization sources as well as reproducible and irreproducible sample introduction. Software built in-house enabled fully automated data processing, which can be performed within a few seconds. Ultimately, this approach provides an additional dimension of analyte separation in ambient mass-spectrometric analyses with information that is already recorded throughout the analysis.
Pharmacological inhibition of the heart of glass (HEG1)-Krev interaction trapped protein 1 (KRIT1) protein complex increases Kruppel-like Factors 4 and 2 (KLF4/2) expression in endothelial cells

ABSTRACT The Kruppel-like Factors 4 and 2 (KLF4/2) are transcription factors and master regulators of endothelial cells (ECs) phenotype and homeostasis. KLF4/2 are important blood-flow-responsive genes within ECs that differentially regulate the expression of factors that confer anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic, and antiproliferative effects in ECs. Genetic inactivation of endothelial KRIT1 (Krev interaction trapped protein 1) or HEG1 (Heart of glass) lead to upregulation of KLF4/2 expression levels. Furthermore, increased expression of thrombomodulin (THBD) and suppression of thrombospondin (THBS1) was ascribed to elevation of KLF4/2 as a result of loss of endothelial KRIT1. Here, we developed a high-throughput screening assay to identify inhibitors of the HEG1-KRIT1 interaction and identified, HEG1-KRIT1 inhibitor 1 (HKi1), as a promising hit inhibitor. The crystal structure of HKi1 bound to the KRIT1 FERM domain confirmed the primary screening results and ultimately led to the identification of a fragment-like inhibitor (HKi3), which occupies the HEG1 pocket producing comparable activity. These findings suggest that these inhibitors block the interaction by competing with the HEG1 for binding to KRIT1 FERM domain. Moreover, our results demonstrate that HKi3 upregulates KLF4/2 gene expression in two types of human ECs. These results reveal that acute pharmacological inhibition of the HEG1-KRIT1 interaction rapidly induces expression of KLF4/2 and their important transcriptional targets thrombomodulin and thrombospondin.
Liver Transplantation for Alcoholic Hepatitis: Standard of Care Yet?

Alcohol-related liver disease (ALD) is one of the most common indications for liver transplantation. However, liver transplantation for alcoholic hepatitis (AH) remains controversial. The morbidity of severe alcoholic hepatitis (SAH) is extremely high, with most of the deaths occurring within the first 2 months. Multiple studies have recently demonstrated significant improvement in overall survival following liver transplantation in patients with SAH who failed medical management, with comparable rates to those transplanted electively. Concerns remain due to the small pool of donors and the high risk of alcohol relapse in this population. The traditional requirement of 6 months of abstinence prior to transplantation, or also known as “6-month rule” is controversial and has been criticized as whether it is a good predictor of long-term sobriety. Previous studies among patients with alcoholic cirrhosis have indicated that this rule poorly identifies patients who will relapse after liver transplantation. More recent studies in patients transplanted for SAH, have reported relapse rates that are comparable to those with abstinence periods >6 months. Applying stringent selection criteria appears to be key in identifying patients who are less likely to relapse after transplantation, and therefore prolonging patient and graft life. However, further research is needed to identify patients at risk and create appropriate screening tools. In this article, we present a review of currently available data on this topic.
Overreporting of the disc herniation in lumbar spine MRI scans performed for patients with spondylolisthesis.

BackgroundSpondylolisthesis is often misdiagnosed on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as the slip may reduce to a normal alignment when the patient lies supine. Often, disc herniation is reported a...
Epidemiological analysis of syphilis in Zhoushan City: 2005-2011

Objective To analyze the epidemiological features of syphilis in Zhoushan City from 1995 to 2011,and provide evidence for its control and prevention.Methods Theepidemic information of syphilis was colllected thuough the national disease surveillance report system,and analyzed by descriptive epidemiologic method.Results There were 9988 cases of syphilis reported from 1995 to 2011.The average armual reported incidence rate was 132.38/105,and average growth rate was 40.15％.Among 9988 cases,2936 cases were primary syphilis (29.30％),2262 cases were secondary syphilis (22.65％),54 cases were tertiary syphilis (0.54％),243 cases were congeniul syphilis (2.43％)and 4503 cases were latent syphilis (45.08％).The annual growth rate of latent syphilis incidence was as high as 146.76％.Most of the patients (74.70％) age was between 25 and 55.More cases occurred in females than in males with the gender ratio of 1.10∶1.High-risk grups were houseworkers/unemployees,farmers and fishermen,accouting for 41.00％,14.51％ and 12.98％ respectivvely.Conclusions Syphilis incidence is increased annually in Zhoushan City.It is necessary to take specific prevention measures to control the syphilis effectively. Key words: Syphilis; Epidemiology; Analysis
NMR of Small Platinum Particles

We present 195Pt NMR lineshapes as well as relaxation data in three different samples of platinum metal particles (46%, 26%, and 15% dispersion) supported on alumina. We show that the electronic properties of these particles are very much different from those of bulk Pt metal. A prominent peak in the lineshape has been identified as a “surface resonance” which arises from Pt nuclei on the surface of the Pt particles. We find that these surface Pt atoms are “nonmetallic” when coated with adsorbed molecules.