cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evidence for a Tyrosine–Adenine Stacking Interaction and for a Short-lived Open Intermediate Subsequent to Initial Binding of Escherichia coli RNA Polymerase to Promoter DNA

Abstract Bacterial RNA polymerase and a “sigma” transcription factor form an initiation-competent “open” complex at a promoter by disruption of about 14 base pairs. Strand separation is likely initiated at the highly conserved − 11 A–T base pair. Amino acids in conserved region 2.3 of the main Escherichia coli sigma factor, σ 70 , are involved in this process, but their roles are unclear. To monitor the fates of particular bases upon addition of RNA polymerase, promoters bearing single substitutions of the fluorescent A-analog 2-aminopurine (2-AP) at − 11 and two other positions in promoter DNA were examined. Evidence was obtained for an open intermediate on the pathway to open complex formation, in which these 2-APs are no longer stacked onto their neighboring bases. The tyrosine at residue 430 in region 2.3 of σ 70 was shown to be involved in quenching the fluorescence of a 2-AP substituted at − 11, presumably through a stacking interaction. These data refine the structural model for open complex formation and reveal a novel interaction involved in DNA melting by RNA polymerase.
Pentafluorophenylcopper Tetramer, A Reagent for Synthesis of Fluorinated Aromatic Compounds

Pentafluorophenylcopper tetramer, a reagent for synthesis of fluorinated aromatic compounds intermediate: bis(pentafluorophenylcopper)dioxane complex product: pentafluorophenylcopper tetramer solvent: dioxane product: C6F5Cu·benzonitrile product: C6F5Cu·tributylamine product: (C6F5Cu)2·dioxane product: C6F5Cu·quinoline product: (C6F5Cu)2·1,5-cyclooctadiene product: C6F5Cu·dimethylacetylene product: (C6F5Cu)2·butadiene product: C6F5Cu·tetraethylammonium cyanide product: C6F5H product: C6F5-C6F5 product: C6F5Br(4) + C6F5-C6F5 product: C6F5-C6F5 product: CH3-C6F5 product: C6H5CH2C6F5 product: 1-pentafluorophenylbicyclo[2.2.2]octane product: (C2H5O2)CCH2C6F5 product: C6F5-C6H5 product: 3-FC6H4-C6F5 product: O2NC6H4C6F5 meta product: 4-(CH3)2NC6H4C6F5 product: 4-C2H5O2CC6H4C6F5 product: C6F5CFCF2 product: C6F5CCC6F5 product: C6H5-C6F5 product: (C2H5)3SiCCC6F5 product: (Pentafluorophenyl)benzene product: 1-(Pentafluorophenyl)adamantane Keywords: Grignard and related reactions; addition funnels, pressure; apparatus, for filtration in an inert atmosphere
Cultural Discontinuity: Toward a Quantitative Investigation of a Major Hypothesis in Education:

Education researchers have suggested that the academic challenges faced by many ethnic minority students are linked to perceived cultural discontinuity between students’ home- and school-based experiences. However, there has been very little empirical inquiry into the existence and effects of cultural discontinuity for these students. The purpose of this article is to offer a definition and methodology to be used in the quantitative investigation of cultural discontinuity. A description of the cultural values and corresponding behaviors of African American, Asian American, Latino, and Native American students, along with those values and behaviors salient in most public schools, is offered. Next, a method for investigating cultural discontinuity is proposed. Finally, future research directions to further examine cultural discontinuity are offered.
A Novel and Highly Divergent Homolog of Human Eosinophil Granule Major Basic Protein

Eosinophils are important effector cells in defense against helminth infection and in allergic diseases. To identify novel eosinophil proteins, large scale sequencing of a cDNA library prepared from interleukin-5-stimulated umbilical cord precursor cells was performed, and the major genes expressed by maturing eosinophils were determined. This resulted in the identification of a cDNA with 64% identity to human prepro-major basic protein (hprepro-MBP). This cDNA was designated hprepro-MBP homolog (hprepro-MBPH). Interestingly, the calculated pI values for hMBPH and hMBP differed by >100-fold, with pI values of 8.7 and 11.4, respectively. Given this pronounced basicity difference, the homolog transcript's abundance (1.1%), and MBP's critical role in eosinophil biological activity, we further characterized the homolog. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction detected transcription of hprepro-MBPH in bone marrow only, and this result was confirmed by analysis of a large cDNA data base (electronic Northern). hMBPH was isolated from human eosinophil granule lysates, and its identity was verified by amino acid sequencing and by mass spectrometry. Analyses of the biological activities showed that hMBPH had effects similar to hMBP in cell killing and neutrophil (superoxide anion production and interleukin-8 release) and basophil (histamine and leukotriene C4 release) stimulation assays, but usually with reduced potency. Overall, this novel homolog's unique physical properties indicated that the high net positive charge of hMBP is important but not essential for biological activity.
Numerical simulations of the influence of the seasonal snow cover on the occurrence of permafrost at high latitudes

It has repeatedly been reported that snow cover is a dominating factor in determining the presence or absence of permafrost in the discontinuous and sporadic permafrost regions. The temperature at the snow-soil interface by the end of winter, known as the bottom temperature of winter snow (BTS) method, has been used to detect the existence of permafrost in European alpine regions when the maximum snow depth is about 1.0 m or greater. A critical snow thickness of about 50 cm or greater can prevent the development of permafrost in eastern Hudson Bay, Canada. The objective of this study is to investigate the impact of snow cover on the presence or absence of permafrost in cold regions through numerical simulations. A one-dimensional heat transfer model with phase change and a snow cover regime is used to simulate energy exchange between deep soils and the atmosphere. The model has been validated against the in situ data in the Arctic. The simulation results indicate that both snow depth and the onset date of...
Regulation of myo-inositol homeostasis in differentiated human NT2-N neurons

We have investigated the possible role of second messengers on inositol homeostasis in NT2-N cells, human central nervous system neurons obtained by terminal differentiation of teratocarcinoma precursors. Uptake of inositol into NT2-N neurons was inhibited ∼10% by protein kinase C (PKC) activation but was unaffected by either the presence of cyclic nucleotide analogs or changes in the intracellular concentration of Ca2+. Efflux of inositol from NT2-N neurons was enhanced in hypotonic buffer but virtually eliminated by inclusion of the Cl− channel blocker 4,4′-diisothiocyanatostilbene-2,2′-disulfonic acid, a result which indicates the involvement of a volume-sensitive organic osmolyte-anion channel. Volume-sensitive inositol efflux was stimulated ∼30% following activation of PKC or elevation of the cytosolic Ca2+ concentration but was unaffected by protein kinase A activation. These results suggest that whereas inositol uptake into NT2-N neurons is relatively refractory to regulation, volume-sensitive inositol efflux may be significantly affected by intracellular signaling events.
Highly Selective Dispersion of Carbon Nanotubes by Using Poly(phenyleneethynylene)‐Guided Supermolecular Assembly

Isolation of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) with specific chirality and diameters is critical for achieving optimum performance of SWNTs in various applications. A water-soluble π-conjugated polymer, poly[(m-phenyleneethynylene)-alt-(p-phenyleneethynylene)], 3, is found to exhibit high selectivity in dispersing SWNT (6,5). The polymer's ability to sort out SWNT (6,5) appears to be related to the carbon–carbon triple bond, whose free rotation allows a unique assembly of chromophores in a helical conformation. The observation is consistently supported by fluorescence, Raman, and UV-vis-NIR absorption spectra. The intriguing selectivity of 3 to SWNT (6,5), however, is not observed for the vinylene analogue polymer 1, showing that the carbon–carbon triple bond could play a unique role in sorting out a specific SWNT. The observed selectivity from 3 could be attributed to a combination of the helical cavity size restrain and electronic interaction associated with the local chromophore arrangement. This strategy could be expanded for efficient SWNT sorting when the helical conformation is further finely tuned.
Slurry Chemistry Control to Produce Easily Redispersible Ceramic Powder Compacts

The slurry-based Three Dimensional Printing (3DPTM) process requires the production of an easily redispersible powder bed from a well-dispersed slurry. Understanding and control of the interparticle potential in the dispersed state, as well as in the dry consolidated state, are important. The strength of the particle–particle interactions in the dry state determines the redispersion efficiency. One factor that controls the interparticle strength is the chemical stability of the ceramic powders in the dispersed state. For unstable powders, a partial dissolution and/or hydration of the powders can occur and eventually impede the redispersion by forming insoluble salt bridges at the necks of the particles. Redispersion of the powder bed can be improved substantially by weakening the strength of the particle–particle bonds. The formation of strong chemical bonds between particles should be avoided by adjusting the slurry pH to an appropriate range where the powders are chemically stable in the slurry. Replacement of the chemical bonds by soluble physical bonds, using a low-molecular-weight hydrophilic polymer, also reduces the interparticle strength and enhances redispersion.
SEM and systematic studies of Steinernema abbasi Elawad et al., 1997, and S . riobrave Cabanillas et al., 1994 (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae)

SEM studies of the two nematodes Steinernema abbasi and S. riobrave revealed that they have two horn-like structures on the labial region similar to those of S. bicornutum, S. ceratophorum, S. pakistanense, and S. thermophilium. The structures were not mentioned in the original descriptions. In addition , S. riobrave has the twelfth pair of genital papillae at the edge of the cloaca. The papillae at this position were reported only in S. scapterisci. The formula of the lateral field pattern of S. abbasi is 2, 6, 8, 7, 6, 2, and that of S. riobrave is 2, 7, 8, 6, 2. Phylogenetic trees from sequences of D2/D3, and ITS regions of Steinernema species show that the four species S. abbasi, S. bicornutum, S. ceratophorum, and S. riobrave comprise a monophyletic group. These relationships support the present morphological studies.
DNA strand exchanges

Biochemical and electron microscopic studies of the strand exchange reactions catalyzed by the RecA protein of Escherichia coli and the UvsX protein of T4 phage reveal that these reactions proceed in three distinct steps. The first step, termed joining, involves the assembly of RecA (or UvsX) protein onto a single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) molecule and the subsequent search for homology with a double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) partner and formation of a stable synapsis. In the second step (envelopment/exchange), the exchange of DNA strands occurs fueled by the hydrolysis of ATP. The third step (release of products) entails the resolution of the complexes and dissociation of the protein from the DNAs. The structure of the intermediates in the in vitro reactions catalyzed by the RecA and UvsX proteins is emphasized in this review. The results of pairing different DNA molecules in vitro (such as linear ssDNA pairing with linear or supertwisted dsDNA) are described. Paranemic joints represent a major pathway of joining between two DNA molecules which may involve, in some cases, most of the DNA substrate molecules. Since the nature of paranemic joints has only recently begun to be understood, the nature, role, and possible in vivo function of paranemic joining are considered.
Electron microscope studies of cerebral swelling

Ferritin particles which have been injected intravenously pass through the endothelial cell by pinocytosis in both normal and swollen brain tissue.
Teaching transgender in women's studies: snarls and strategies.

SUMMARY We moved from the San Francisco Bay Area to a small rural town in Northern California, thinking that with our years of experience in the queer and trans community we would go out to change the world. Instead, teaching Women's Studies students about transgender at Chico State changed us in ways that we never would have predicted.
Photoluminescence of charged CdSe/ZnS quantum dots in the gas phase: effects of charge and heating on absorption and emission probabilities.

Gas phase spectral measurements for CdSe/ZnS core/shell nanocrystal quantum dots (QDs) before and after heating with both infrared (CO2) and visible lasers are reported. As-trapped QDs are spectrally similar to the same QDs in solution; however their photoluminescence (PL) intensities are very low, at least partly due to low absorption cross sections. After heating, the PL intensities brighten by factors ranging from ∼4 to 1800 depending on the QD size and pump laser wavelength. The emission spectra no longer resemble solution spectra and are similar, regardless of the QD diameter. Emission extends from the pump laser wavelength into the near-IR, with strong emission features above the band gap energy, between 645 and 775 nm, and in the near-infrared. Emission spectra from brightened QD ensembles, single QD aggregates, and single QD monomers are similar, showing that even single QDs support PL from a wide variety of states. The heating and cooling processes for QDs in this environment are analyzed, provid...
On "Modified constraint-induced therapy..." Page and Levine. Phys Ther. 2007;87:872 878.

Advances in neuroscience, particularly in the area of physiologic responses to acute brain injury from either trauma or stroke, have led to a major paradigm shift in our understanding of therapeutic efficacy. Nudo and Dancause1 describe how cortical injury sets off a cascade of acute, subacute, and chronic molecular and cellular events that characterize the presumed mechanisms of recovery over the hours, days, weeks, months, and years after brain injury. As rehabilitation clinicians or researchers, we need to be aware of these various and distinct phases, because the mechanisms associated with rehabilitation intervention effectiveness are either interactive with the spontaneous physiologic events that are …
The world's first practical flight pressure suit

The first practical flight pressure suit was developed in 1934 by Wiley Post of global flight fame. B.F. Goodrich Company assisted in the development. The final pressure suit used a liquid oxygen source and had arm and leg joints that permitted easy operation of the flight controls and also enabled walking to and from the aircraft. In his Lockheed Vega, the "Winnie May," Post set unofficial altitude records (as high as 50,000 ft), discovering the jet stream in the process. In March 1935, Post flew from Burbank, CA, to Cleveland, OH, in the stratosphere using the jet stream. At times, his ground speed exceeded 340 mph in a 179 mph aircraft. Post's pioneering accomplishments were the first major practical advance in pressurized flight.
Flexible, symmetry-directed approach to assembling protein cages

The assembly of individual protein subunits into large-scale symmetrical structures is widespread in nature and confers new biological properties. Engineered protein assemblies have potential applications in nanotechnology and medicine; however, a major challenge in engineering assemblies de novo has been to design interactions between the protein subunits so that they specifically assemble into the desired structure. Here we demonstrate a simple, generalizable approach to assemble proteins into cage-like structures that uses short de novo designed coiled-coil domains to mediate assembly. We assembled eight copies of a C3-symmetric trimeric esterase into a well-defined octahedral protein cage by appending a C4-symmetric coiled-coil domain to the protein through a short, flexible linker sequence, with the approximate length of the linker sequence determined by computational modeling. The structure of the cage was verified using a combination of analytical ultracentrifugation, native electrospray mass spectrometry, and negative stain and cryoelectron microscopy. For the protein cage to assemble correctly, it was necessary to optimize the length of the linker sequence. This observation suggests that flexibility between the two protein domains is important to allow the protein subunits sufficient freedom to assemble into the geometry specified by the combination of C4 and C3 symmetry elements. Because this approach is inherently modular and places minimal requirements on the structural features of the protein building blocks, it could be extended to assemble a wide variety of proteins into structures with different symmetries.
Direct Reprogramming of Somatic Cells to a Pluripotent State

Publisher Summary Somatic cell reprogramming is the process of converting the epigenetic state of a differentiated somatic cell into a pluripotent state capable of giving rise to any cell type. Due to this ability to differentiate into all somatic cell types, pluripotent stem cells bear promise to advance biomedical research and regenerative medicine. Transplantation of specific functional cell types to replenish lost tissue has been proposed as a strategy to treat degenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease, diabetes, and heart disease. For such therapies, the use of patient-derived cells generated by re-programming is advantageous over conventional embryonic stem cells, as autologous cells are predicted to evade immune rejection upon transplantation. One of the strategies proposed to generate patient-derived pluripotent cells is the transfer of a somatic nucleus into a human donor oocyte. This procedure, termed somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT), was successfully used to generate live cloned animals from terminally differentiated somatic nuclei. Cells derived by direct reprogramming, termed induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), share all the key characteristics of ES cells. Since the first derivation of iPSCs, experimental efforts have focused on developing better tools to investigate and streamline the reprogramming process which include optimizing the delivery of the reprogramming factors into somatic cells, improving reprogramming efficiency, determining the cell types amenable to direct reprogramming, and identifying potential intermediate cell states during the reprogramming process. Major efforts have been made to bring iPSC technology towards a therapeutic application.
Elbow Dislocation Reduction

Any dislocation of the elbow joint. Direction of the dislocation (i.e., anterior, posterior, lateral and divergent radius, and ulnar dislocations) is determined by the position of the ulna relative to the joint space (Fig. 101.1).
Building models, modelling buildings

As a software developer in a building performance analytics firm, Michael Bennett uses his physics skills to help design more environmentally friendly and cost-effective buildings.
A new testbed for evaluating residential energy monitoring systems

The aim of this paper is to discuss an effort to build a series of programmable emulators for assessing residential energy monitoring systems. This laboratory-based testbed mimics whole house electrical energy consumption through a circuit panel, and it promises to provide a platform for testing and evaluating different approaches for providing energy feedback to occupants of residential buildings. This paper discusses the setup of the testbed, including circuit configuration, programmable load emulators, the primary electric measurement system, and the computer based control and monitoring program. Preliminary results are provided to show the challenges in emulating power usage ranging from 1 W up to several kW.
Iron-Regulated Phospholipase C Activity Contributes to the Cytolytic Activity and Virulence of Acinetobacter baumannii

Acinetobacter baumannii is an opportunistic Gram-negative pathogen that causes a wide range of infections including pneumonia, septicemia, necrotizing fasciitis and severe wound and urinary tract infections. Analysis of A. baumannii representative strains grown in Chelex 100-treated medium for hemolytic activity demonstrated that this pathogen is increasingly hemolytic to sheep, human and horse erythrocytes, which interestingly contain increasing amounts of phosphatidylcholine in their membranes. Bioinformatic, genetic and functional analyses of 19 A. baumannii isolates showed that the genomes of each strain contained two phosphatidylcholine-specific phospholipase C (PC-PLC) genes, which were named plc1 and plc2. Accordingly, all of these strains were significantly hemolytic to horse erythrocytes and their culture supernatants tested positive for PC-PLC activity. Further analyses showed that the transcriptional expression of plc1 and plc2 and the production of phospholipase and thus hemolytic activity increased when bacteria were cultured under iron-chelation as compared to iron-rich conditions. Testing of the A. baumannii ATCC 19606T plc1::aph-FRT and plc2::aph isogenic insertion derivatives showed that these mutants had a significantly reduced PC-PLC activity as compared to the parental strain, while testing of plc1::ermAM/plc2::aph demonstrated that this double PC-PLC isogenic mutant expressed significantly reduced cytolytic and hemolytic activity. Interestingly, only plc1 was shown to contribute significantly to A. baumannii virulence using the Galleria mellonella infection model. Taken together, our data demonstrate that both PLC1 and PLC2, which have diverged from a common ancestor, play a concerted role in hemolytic and cytolytic activities; although PLC1 seems to play a more critical role in the virulence of A. baumannii when tested in an invertebrate model. These activities would provide access to intracellular iron stores this pathogen could use during growth in the infected host.
Can trichomoniasis cause pharyngitis? A case report

Objectives:We report on a heterosexual male with sore throat diagnosed as oral Trichomoniasis vaginalis.Methods:A rapid strep test and throat culture were negative. An oropharyngeal swab tested pos...
Greatness versus Smallness: A Postcolonial Analysis of the Healing of Naaman (2 Kings 5)

This article analyses the dichotomy of greatness versus smallness in 2 Kgs 5. It argues that Naaman’s real disease was an unhealthy attitude towards greatness, and Elisha primarily cured it. From the discourse of the story, Aram’s and Naaman’s looting and oppression of the weaker nation and individuals is borne from this disease. The investigation of this article is also postcolonial, drawing parallels between attitudes and power imbalances in the narrative and those of colonial relationships. The above-named concepts are merged with the method of literary narrative criticism to trace the text’s reproof of imperialist ideology.
Sofosbuvir/Velpatasvir (Epclusa) for Hepatitis C.

Sofosbuvir/velpatasvir is an effective treatment for patients with HCV and has minimal adverse effects. It is the preferred treatment for patients with genotype 2 or 3. As with other curative treatments, it is very expensive.
Quantitative Mapping of Deflection and Stress on Encapsulated Silicon Solar Cells

The lamination process of photovoltaic modules relies on the application of high temperatures and pressures, which inherently introduces different amounts of expansion and shrinkage of the individual layers including glass, solar cells, polymeric encapsulants, and backsheet. There is no doubt that these effects translate into the cell in the form of deflection and stresses. Thus far though, only the consequences of this have been tracked in terms of failure modes—microcracks, delamination, stress points, etc. The general approaches have been applied to optimize processes with a focus on encapsulant properties, such as degree of cross-linking, moisture permeability, and their long-term lifetime, overlooking their effect on the solar cells. Module reliability is a major driver to lower the levelized cost of electricity and the bankability of projects, and more effort needs to be placed in predictive failure analysis and the optimization of the module components from the point of view of the active components—the cells. In this paper, we propose an in-house X-ray based technique as a novel approach to assess the state of the solar cell under polymeric encapsulation inside a fully assembled module. This gives access for the first time not only to the evaluation of cracks and microdefects, but also to the cell deflection and stress distribution inside the encapsulation.
The Concept of Evil in 4 Maccabees: Stoic Absorption and Adaptation

The concept of evil in 4 Maccabees differs from what we find in most ancient Jewish literature, and little attention has been paid to its philosophical background. In this article I submit that the author of 4 Maccabees has absorbed and adapted a Stoic conception of evil into his Jewish philosophy. I trace the concept of evil in Stoicism and in 4 Maccabees using the categories of value theory, natural law, and the emotions. The outcome is an integrative philosophy that embraces vice as the sole evil, yet maintains a belief in the “goodness” of an afterlife; redefines natural law in terms of the Torah, reckoning any deviance from that Law as vicious; and conceives of the emotions as false belief and the cause of evil behavior, while still maintaining their God-given nature.
Fibroblast growth factor 21, adiposity, and macronutrient balance in a healthy, pregnant population with overweight and obesity.

AIM OF THE STUDY The regulation and actions of fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) are responsive to energy status and macronutrient balance, and investigations of FGF21 in normal pregnancy, which could be informative for FGF21 biology, are seldom. The goal of our study was to examine FGF21 levels in a contemporary healthy, pregnant population. METHODS We phenotyped 43 women with overweight and obesity during pregnancy for weight, body composition, and fasting blood. Serum FGF21 was measured during the first and third trimesters. Placentas were collected at delivery. RESULTS Maternal FGF21 concentrations were positively correlated with body mass index and adiposity, but not lean mass or glucose homeostasis. FGF21 concentrations significantly increased from the first to third trimester of pregnancy (0.105 vs. 0.256 ng/mL, p < 0.0001). Changes in FGF21 concentrations across pregnancy were not associated with changes in body weight or composition but inversely with the change in fasting glucose. FGF21 mRNA levels in placenta were very low and do not likely contribute to FGF21 in the maternal circulation. CONCLUSIONS FGF21 increases throughout pregnancy in our healthy cohort with overweight and obesity, independent of the placenta, and does not appear to be sensing the changes in energy balance (reflected in the change in maternal energy stores), but changes in macronutrient status. Thus, we propose FGF21 may be a potential signal of maternal nutrient status in pregnancy.
Social Aspects of Hookah Smoking Among US Youth

BACKGROUND: We investigated 3 social dimensions of youth hookah smoking: frequency, places smoked, and descriptive social norms. METHODS: Data were from the 2016 National Youth Tobacco Survey of US sixth- to 12th-graders (n = 20 675). Hookah smoking frequency was classified as never, former, current occasional, and current frequent. Places where past 30-day hookah smoking occurred and students’ perceptions of their classmates’ hookah smoking prevalence were assessed. Descriptive and multivariable analyses were performed (P RESULTS: Overall, 10.5% reported smoking hookah ≥1 time in their lifetime. Of these, 65.8% were former, 26.3% were current occasional, and 7.9% were current frequent smokers. Overall, 59.3% of students overestimated hookah smoking prevalence in their grade. Current occasional smoking was predicted by female sex (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.54) and peer hookah-smoking overestimation (aOR = 9.30). Current frequent smoking was most strongly predicted by living with a hookah smoker (aOR = 20.56), speaking a second language other than English (aOR = 2.17), and co-use of mentholated cigarettes (aOR = 19.94) or other flavored noncigarette tobacco products (aOR = 17.59). The top 3 places hookah was smoked were a friend’s house (47.7%), the respondent’s own house (31.8%), and another family member’s house (20.8%). CONCLUSIONS: The home environment was the most common place for youth hookah smoking. Home-tailored interventions that encourage voluntary smoke-free rules and warn about the dangers of social smoking could help denormalize hookah smoking.
Data and Packages

Up to this point we have mainly dealt with how to use R for calculating and graphing. In programming for scientific work we also generally need to get data from various sources, transform it, and save it for later use. We also will often wish to augment the built-in capabilities of R with more specialized resources. Many such resources are available as contributed packages from the CRAN web site. This chapter will deal with those two important topics: handling data and adding packages.
The Intergalactic Medium and the Epoch of Galaxy Formation

The hypothesis that photoionization of the IGM by high redshift radiation sources explains the absence of a detectable Gunn-Peterson effect in the spectra of all known quasars is investigated. This hypothesis has strong implications for the epoch and nature of galaxy formation as it relates to the origin of the required ionizing radiation background. New calculations are described of the ionization and thermal history of the IGM which determine the minimum required ionizing photon emissivity of the universe at z ≳ 4. The inability of the observed high redshift quasars to produce this emissivity is discussed, as are the consequences for primordial galaxy luminosity and metal production if early-type stars provide the emissivity instead. Other alternatives, such as radiation from protogalactic shocks and the radiative decay of unstable’inos, are also discussed.
Contributions of Graham Jullien and William Miller to Residue Number System Arithmetic Technology

Dr. W. K. Jenkins’ association with Dr. Graham Jullien and Dr. William Miller began in 1978 when they were working to develop Residue Number System (RNS) arithmetic techniques for digital signal processing. They began working on certain projects, one of which was the IEEE Press Book that they co-edited with two other colleagues in 1986. Dr. Jullien was a pioneer in the theory and development of Residue Number System (RNS) arithmetic for the emerging area of digital signal processing in the 1970’s and 1980’s. His interest in VLSI for RNS arithmetic steered him in the general direction of VLSI circuit design for special purpose digital signal processors.
3,3′-Diindolylmethane Dose-Dependently Prevents Advanced Prostate Cancer

Abstract 3,3′-Diindolylmethane (DIM) is an acid-derived dimer of indole-3-carbinol, found in many cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, and has been shown to inhibit prostate cancer (PCa) in several in vitro and in vivo models. We demonstrated that DIM stimulated both estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) and estrogen receptor beta (ERβ) transcriptional activities and propose that ERβ plays a role in mediating DIM’s inhibition on cancer cell growth. To further study the effects of DIM on inhibiting advanced PCa development, we tested DIM in TRAMP (TRansgenic Adenocarcinoma of the Mouse Prostate) mice. The control group of mice were fed a high fat diet. Three additional groups of mice were fed the same high fat diet supplemented with 0.04%, 0.2% and 1% DIM. Incidence of advanced PCa, poorly differentiated carcinoma (PDC), in the control group was 60%. 1% DIM dramatically reduced PDC incidence to 24% (p=0.0012), while 0.2% and 0.04% DIM reduced PDC incidence to 38% (p=0.047) and 45% (p=0.14) respectively. Though DIM did affect mice weights, statistical analysis showed a clear negative association between DIM concentration and PDC incidence with p=0.004, while the association between body weight and PDC incidence was not significant (p=0.953). In conclusion, our results show that dietary DIM can inhibit the most aggressive stage of prostate cancer at concentration lower than previously demonstrated, possibly working through an estrogen receptor mediated mechanism.
Increases in Secondhand Smoke After Going Smoke-Free: An Assessment of the Impact of a Mandated Smoke-Free Housing Policy.

OBJECTIVE The 12-month impact of federally mandated smoke-free housing (SFH) policy adoption (July 2018) was assessed using two markers of ambient secondhand smoke (SHS): airborne nicotine and particulate matter at the 2.5-micrometer threshold (PM2.5). METHODS We measured markers of SHS in Norfolk, VA from December 2017 to December 2018 in six federally subsidized multi-unit public housing buildings. Multi-level regression was used to model the following comparisons: (1) the month immediately before SFH implementation versus the month immediately after, and (2) December 2017 versus December 2018. RESULTS There was a 27% reduction in indoor PM2.5 and a 32% reduction in airborne nicotine in the first month after SFH adoption, compared to the month prior to adoption. However, there was a 33% increase in PM2.5 and a 25% increase in airborne nicotine after 12 months. CONCLUSIONS US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)-mandated SFH can reduce SHS in multi-unit housing. However, SFH could also plausibly increase indoor smoking. Policy approaches adopted by individual properties or housing authorities-for example, property-wide bans versus allowing designated smoking areas-could be driving this potential unintended consequence. IMPLICATIONS Successful implementation of SFH by public housing authorities in response to the HUD rule requires ongoing attention to implementation strategies. In this sense, SFH likely differs from other policies that might be seen as less intrusive. Long-term success of SFH will depend on careful policy implementation, including plans to educate and support housing authority staff, inform and engage residents, and build effective partnerships with community agencies.
Association between excessive daytime sleepiness and measures of supraventricular arrhythmia burden: evidence from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study.

Excessive daytime sleepiness is a common sleep complaint among older adults. Assessment of excessive daytime sleepiness is used to screen for obstructive sleep apnea, which may be linked to atrial fibrillation (AF) and other sustained arrhythmias. Using data from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study cohort, we examined the association of excessive daytime sleepiness with measures of arrhythmia burden derived from a continuous ECG recording device in a community-based sample of older adults. Participating older adults (N = 2306, mean age: 78.9 ± 4.5 years, 57.8% female) wore a Zio® XT Patch for 14 days. Excessive daytime sleepiness was assessed with the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. Measures of AF and supraventricular arrhythmia burden were derived from the Zio® XT Patch. Multiple adjusted logistic, multinomial, and linear regression models were used to assess associations of excessive daytime sleepiness with AF, AF burden, and supraventricular arrhythmia burden. Approximately 18% of the sample had excessive daytime sleepiness, and 8.5% had AF. After adjustment, excessive daytime sleepiness was not significantly associated with AF (odds ratio (OR), 1.20; Confidence Interval (CI), 0.81–1.75), continuous AF burden (OR, 1.36; CI, 0.85–2.16), or measures of supraventricular arrhythmia burden (SVE burden: β 0.01; 95% CI, −0.09−0.11; SVT burden: β 0.02; 95% CI, −0.04−0.08). In this community-based sample of older adults, excessive daytime sleepiness was not associated with measures of arrhythmia burden. Future studies with objective measures of sleep are needed to further examine the role of sleep in the development and progression of arrhythmia burden.
E-213 Stent-assisted coiling of cerebral aneurysms: head to head comparison between the neuroform atlas and EZ stents

Introduction The Neuroform Atlas stent is thought to have features allowing for an improved stent delivery system. We aimed to provide a head-to-head comparison between stent-assisted coiling (SAC) using the Atlas and EZ stents. Methods Patients treated with SAC were retrospectively evaluated. 77 aneurysms treated with the Atlas stent and 77 aneurysms treated with the EZ stent were included. Outcomes included angiographic occlusion per the Raymond-Roy (RR) scale, recanalization, retreatment and procedural complications. Results The Atlas and EZ stent groups had overall similar baseline characteristics. With the Atlas stent, technical success was 100% and immediate RR1 occlusion was 81.8%. Follow-up RR1 was achieved in 83.7%. Recanalization rate was 7% and retreatment rate was 4.6%. Complication rate was 6.5% (new neurological deficit in 1.3%). With the EZ stent, technical success was 96% and immediate RR1 occlusion was 67.6% and follow-up RR1 occlusion was 67.6%. Recanalization rate was 12.7% and retreatment rate was 14.1%. Complication rate was 10.4% (new neurological deficit in 2.6%). The rate of immediate RR1 occlusion (p 0.03) was significantly higher with the Atlas stent and the rate of follow-up RR1 occlusion (p 0.08) was non-significantly higher with the Atlas stent. The recanalization rate was non-significantly lower with the Atlas stent (p 0.5); the retreatment rate was significantly lower with the Atlas stent (p 0.009). There was no significant difference in the complication rate (p 0.6). Conclusion SAC with the Atlas stent is safe and effective and shows better immediate results as compared to the EZ stent, with improved overall follow-up outcomes. Disclosures B. Daou: None. G. Palmateer: None. J. Linzey: None. B. Thompson: None. N. Chaudhary: None. J. Gemmete: None. A. Pandey: None.
Rehabilitation of Facial Palsy – The Brow

Although a large portion of our developmental fervor in the treatment in facial palsy has dealt with dynamic smile reanimation, the proper movement, position, and shape of the upper horizontal third and the brow are crucial for an aesthetic reconstruction. Only a thorough understanding of the periorbital anatomy, the pathomechanics of the paretic brow, and the aesthetic techniques for brow lifts will allow the reconstructive surgeon the ability to provide their patient with the most natural surgical result. Herein, we review the pertinent anatomy and the aesthetic literature we feel is most valuable in assisting reconstructive surgeons who are undertaking the daunting task of achieving normality in the setting of CN7 palsy.
Abstract PO-050: Peripheral neurons invade oral squamous cell carcinoma microenvironment and drive tumorigenesis

The impact of peripheral neurons on carcinogenesis is an understudied process in head and neck cancer. Peripheral nerve innervation is increased in preclinical models of oral cancer; sympathectomy resulted in smaller, less invasive cancers. Local neurotransmitter release from peripheral neurons innervating cancer has been linked to cancer growth and immune suppression. We hypothesize that local neurotransmitter release from trigeminal sensory neurons (TGNs) and sympathetic postganglionic neurons promotes cancer proliferation and suppresses the immune response. We used real-time PCR to determine RNA expression in human oral cancer cell lines and a colorimetric cell proliferation assay to quantify cancer cell growth in response to the sympathetic and sensory neurotransmitters. Oral cancer cell lines, HSC-3 and SCC-4, overexpress the norepinephrine (NE) receptor, adrenergic receptor beta 2 (ADRβ2) and sensory neurotransmitter receptors, receptor activity modifying protein1 (RAMP1) and neurokinin1 receptor (NK1R) compared to the non-tumorigenic cell line, HaCaT. Treatment with sympathetic (NE) and sensory (CGRP, substance p) neurotransmitters for 48 hours significantly increased cell proliferation in HSC-3 (>2-fold) and SCC-4 (>1.5-fold) cell lines, but had no effect on HaCaT cell proliferation. Using optical clearing and immunohistochemistry, we observed increased PGP9.5+ neuronal fiber density in the microenvironment using high-resolution microscopy in a tongue oral cancer xenograft mouse model. In vitro we measured a 44.6 ± 1.14% increase in TGN sprouting after 48-hour exposure to conditioned media from the HSC-3, compared to conditioned media from HaCaT. Lastly, HSC-3 cell culture supernatant injection (50 µl) into the tongue of C57Bl/6 female mice resulted in infiltration of CD45+ immune cells (9.10 ± 1.2 % of total live cells). Temporary nerve block with 1% bupivacaine injection into the lingual nerve prior to a 50 µl injection of HSC-3 supernatant into the tongue resulted in significantly more CD45+ immune cell infiltration (21.66 ± 3.4 %) compared to HSC-3 supernatant without pharmacologic nerve block. These results together suggest neurotransmitter-induced increase in oral cancer cell proliferation and neurotransmitter-induced suppression of the cancer-evoked immune response. Understanding the nerve-cancer interaction might improve strategies to treat head ad neck cancer by targeting peripheral neurons in the cancer microenvironment. Citation Format: Megan A. Atherton, Marci L. Nilsen, Nicole N. Scheff. Peripheral neurons invade oral squamous cell carcinoma microenvironment and drive tumorigenesis [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Virtual Special Conference on Tumor Heterogeneity: From Single Cells to Clinical Impact; 2020 Sep 17-18. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(21 Suppl):Abstract nr PO-050.
Migration, youth workshops and forestry: Case studies from Nepal

Abstract Migration of people from rural areas to cities and foreign countries is drastically increasing in Nepal. This changing dynamics is impacting forests by limiting the number of people that take part in enterprises such as non-timber forest products and eco-tourism among others. With mostly young members migrating, there is already a vacuum in the number of entrepreneurs who strive for such enterprises. The need to stop this migration trend is very urgent. I adopted case study approach to show two examples of how community has been successful to retain its youth population. I conducted ‘youth workshops’ in community forests of Dolakha and Chitwan to understand why youths in the selected communities of these two districts did not opt for migration. I show that if given a platform (like youth workshops) to express their plans with knowledgeable persons (like forest rangers, forest experts), people can actually change their decision not to migrate from their locality and strive to get involved locally. I also show that these youth workshops could be a potential venue to communicate new forest management and income generating ideas. While there are literatures linking migrations with various features of forestry, there is a lack of understanding of ways to retain and engage the migrating people in local forest-based enterprise and other forest management activities. COVID 19 pandemic has impacted the forestry sector tremendously. With increasing influx of people in the village as an escape from the pandemic, youths have shown increased interaction with natural environment surrounding their village including forests. Tools such as youth workshop could be vital in addressing some of the eminent potentials and challenges faced by the forestry sector.
78511 Synthesis of Novel Core/Shell Polymeric Nanoparticles for Controlled Drug Release

ABSTRACT IMPACT: This work will develop a novel drug delivery system that has improved biocompatibility and controlled release than current systems and allow for customizable loading and drug delivery to unique patient and treatment requirements. OBJECTIVES/GOALS: The goal of my project is a novel hybrid core/shell nanoparticle system for controlling in vivo chemotherapeutic concentration. The current goal is to confirm core and shell polymeric nanoparticle formation via emulsion technique and validate predictive model developed to optimize shell formation efficiency and control shell thickness. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: Though early results are promising, they are not proof that the desired core/shell structure is being formed via my novel process. I constructed a theoretical model to use to optimize and control the process for precise shell thicknesses. Therefore, the current experimental plan focus is to not only visually confirm the predicted formation of my core/shell design but use these experiments to validate the model. 1. Gel-Suspended SEM: nanoparticles suspended in gel matrix, bisected to reveal inner structure 2. Fluorescent Conjugation Microscopy: visually-distinct dyes used to show polymer distribution and validated against the theoretical model predictions. 3. Modified Hydrophobic Dye Release: different mixtures of polymers with release showing if previous promising results due to core/shell structure RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: As stated, the experiments will confirm the core/shell nanoparticle structure, validate the developed theoretical model, or provide direct evidence against any formation. This core/shell structure is key to the current design for controlling payload release rate and thus in vivo drug concentration. For the gel-suspension experiment, the interior core will be labeled with ultrasmall SPIONs and thus any layers within the particles will be distinct. While this result is qualitative, high magnification fluorescent microscope images will be analyzed using image processing software to determine core/shell formation efficiency and compared to estimated efficiencies from the model. Finally, the mixed release will clarify previous experiments’ release mechanism and either support or disprove shell influence. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF FINDINGS: The significance of this work is twofold: core/shell particles have been proven to provide variable control of release on the micron scale but not yet at the nanoscale, allowing for a circulating, targeted system that can finely control release. The process is also novel for producing this type of structure, at highly consistent quality and size.
Induced proximity tools for precise manipulation of lipid signaling.

Abstract Lipids are highly dynamic molecules that, due to their hydrophobicity, are spatially confined to membrane environments. From these locations, certain privileged lipids serve as signaling molecules. For understanding the biological functions of subcellular pools of signaling lipids, induced proximity tools have been invaluable. These methods involve controlled heterodimerization, by either small-molecule or light triggers, of functional proteins. In the arena of lipid signaling, induced proximity tools can recruit lipid-metabolizing enzymes to manipulate lipid signaling and create artificial tethers between organelle membranes to control lipid trafficking pathways at membrane contact sites. Here, we review recent advances in methodology development and biological application of chemical-induced and light-induced proximity tools for manipulating lipid metabolism, trafficking, and signaling.