cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Growth Regulation of Estrogen Receptor-Negative Breast Cancer Cells Transfected With Complementary DNAs for Estrogen Receptor

Background The growth of estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer cells is hormonally regulated, but the majority of breast cancers are ER negative and unresponsive to hormonal therapy. Purpose and methods To test whether hormonal control over replication can be re-established in ER-negative cells, we transfected ER-negative MDA-MB-231 (clone 10A) cells with sense and antisense constitutive ER expression vectors containing the gene for either wild-type or mutant ER linked to the gene for neomycin resistance aminoglycoside phosphotransferase (neo). A Northern blot analysis was done on total RNA from eight of the 10 transfectant clones produced to detect messenger RNA coding for ER and neo, and a Western blot analysis was done on protein extracted from the cells of one mutant and two wild-type ER sense transfectant clones to determine the molecular weight of the ER in transfectants. Levels of ER in transfectants were measured both by enzyme immunoassay and by ligand-binding methods. To ascertain whether the ER in wild-type and mutant sense transfectants was functional, we tested the effects of 17 beta-estradiol (E2) and/or an antiestrogen, ICI 164,384, on 1) ER-activated gene regulation (by transient transfection of these cells a second time with a reporter plasmid containing an estrogen response element linked to the chloramphenicol acetyl transferase [CAT] gene), 2) induction of progesterone receptor, 3) DNA replication, and 4) cell cycle kinetics. Results Messenger RNA coding for ER and for neo was detectable in both sense and antisense transfectant clones. Sense transfectants (both mutant and wild-type) expressed ER protein with a molecular weight similar to that found in ER-positive control cells. By the ligand-binding method high levels of ER were detected in both wild-type and mutant transfectants, although by the enzyme immunoassay method lower levels were detected in mutant transfectants. ER from both wild-type and mutant sense transfectants appeared functional, since E2 stimulated the expression of reporter-linked CAT and of progesterone receptor in these transfectants. E2 inhibited DNA replication in wild-type sense transfectants at a concentration of 10(-10) M and mutant sense transfectants at a concentration of 10(-8) M, and ICI 164,384 blocked this effect. Conclusion ER-negative breast cancer cells stably transfected with either a mutant or wild-type ER gene regain hormonal responsiveness; however, E2 inhibits rather than stimulates cell growth. Implication Reactivation of quiescent ER may provide a novel therapeutic approach for controlling ER-negative breast cancers.
A world-wide perspective of gas in the 21st century

Current availability of gas and current distribution of gas are examined in relation to potential gas discoveries, their likely worldwide distributions, and the present-day markets for gas. Current demands for gas in relation to future likely demands are also evaluated in respect of traditional gas uses. Strategies for evaluating likely new disciplines for gas usage are related to government policies and national security interests. The economic concerns of well-head price, pipelines, and liquefaction are considered in relation to evolving technologies for extracting known reserves, predicting the discoverability of unknown fields, and setting trends for exploration beyond the year 2000. The relation of gas to oil is also considered. The up-shot of all of these factors, evaluated in an integrated manner, would seem to imply that, through about the first third of this century, adequate proven and potential supplies of gas will be available; by the middle of the century there are likely to be local to regio...
Determinants of Fluidlike Behavior and Effective Viscosity in Cross-Linked Actin Networks

The actin cortex has a well-documented ability to rapidly remodel and flow while maintaining long-range connectivity, but how this is achieved remains poorly understood. Here, we use computer simulations to explore how stress relaxation in cross-linked actin networks subjected to extensional stress depends on the interplay between network architecture and turnover. We characterize a regime in which a network response is nonaffine and stress relaxation is governed by the continuous dissipation of elastic energy via cyclic formation, elongation, and turnover of tension-bearing elements. Within this regime, for a wide range of network parameters, we observe a constant deformation (creep) rate that is linearly proportional to the rate of filament turnover, leading to a constant effective viscosity that is inversely proportional to turnover rate. Significantly, we observe a biphasic dependence of the creep rate on applied stress: below a critical stress threshold, the creep rate increases linearly with applied stress; above that threshold, the creep rate becomes independent of applied stress. We show that this biphasic stress dependence can be understood in terms of the nonlinear force-extension behavior of individual force-transmitting network elements. These results have important implications for understanding the origins and control of viscous flows both in the cortex of living cells and in other polymer networks.
Measuring Performance in Psychiatry: A Call to Action

Many recent public and private strategies aimed at improving the quality and efficiency of the U.S. health care system focus on measuring, reporting on, and providing incentives for improving quality. In behavioral health care, despite recent efforts, quality measurement for even the more common conditions is less well developed than for comparable general medical conditions. The absence of a comprehensive set of well-accepted measures capable of demonstrating the value of behavioral health treatment makes building a case for devoting resources to treatment more difficult. This Open Forum reviews the current state of behavioral health quality measurement, describes the criteria relevant to assessing measures, and provides a case for encouraging the development, collection, and routine use of functional outcome measures in behavioral health care.
Flower morphology and floral sequence in Artemisia annua (Asteraceae)1.

UNLABELLED • PREMISE OF THE STUDY Artemisia annua produces phytochemicals possessing antimalarial, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and anthelmintic activities. The main active ingredient, artemisinin, is extremely effective against malaria. Breeding to develop cultivars producing high levels of artemisinin can help meet worldwide demand for artemisinin and its derivatives. However, fundamental reproductive processes, such as the sequence of flowering and fertility, are not well understood and impair breeding and seed propagation programs.• METHODS Capitulum structure and floral sequence were studied using light and scanning electron microscopy to describe inflorescence architecture, floret opening, and seed set.• KEY RESULTS Florets are minute and born in capitula containing pistillate ray florets and hermaphroditic disk florets. Ray florets have elongated stigmatic arms that extend prior to disk floret opening. Disk florets exhibit protandry. During the staminate phase, pollen is released within a staminate tube and actively presented with projections at the tip of stigmas as the pistil elongates. During the pistillate phase, stigmatic arms bifurcate and reflex. Stigmas are of the dry type and stain positively for polysaccharides, lipids, and an intact cuticle. Floret numbers vary with genotype, and capitula are predominantly composed of disk florets. Both ray and disk florets produce filled seed.• CONCLUSIONS Gynomonoecy, early opening of ray florets, and dichogamy of disk florets promote outcrossing in A. annua For breeding and seed development, flowering in genotypes can be synchronized under short days according to the floral developmental stages defined. Floret number and percentage seed fill vary with genotype and may be a beneficial selection criterion.
Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate Stability of HLA-DR1 Complexes Correlates with Burial of Hydrophobic Residues in Pocket 1

Certain class II MHC-peptide complexes are resistant to SDS-induced dissociation. This property, which has been used as an in vivo as well as an in vitro peptide binding assay, is not understood at the molecular level. Here we have investigated the mechanistic basis of SDS stability of HLA-DR1 complexes by using a biosensor-based assay and SDS-PAGE with a combination of wild-type and mutant HLA-DR1 and variants of hemagglutinin peptide HA 306–318 . Experiments with wild-type DR1 along with previously published results establish that the SDS-stable complexes are formed only when the hydrophobic pocket 1 (P1) is occupied by a bulky aromatic (Trp, Phe, Tyr) or an aliphatic residue (Met, Ile, Val, Leu). To further explore whether the SDS sensitivity is primarily due to the exposed hydrophobic regions, we mutated residue βGly 86 at the bottom of P1 to tyrosine, presumably reducing the depth of the pocket and the exposure of hydrophobic residues and increasing the contacts between subunits. In direct contrast to wild-type DR1, the peptide-free mutant DR1 exists as an α/β heterodimer in SDS. Moreover, the presence of a smaller hydrophobic residue, such as alanine, as P1 anchor with no contribution from any other anchor is sufficient to enhance the SDS stability of the mutant complexes, demonstrating that the basis of SDS resistance may be localized to P1 interactions. The good correlation between SDS sensitivity and the exposure of hydrophobic residues provides a biochemical rationale for the use of this assay to investigate the maturation of class II molecules and the longevity of the complexes.
PIK3CA, HRAS and PTEN in human papillomavirus positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

Recent genomic evidence suggests frequent phosphatidylinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway activation in human papillomavirus (HPV) positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. Mutations/amplification of the gene encoding p110α catalytic subunit of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PIK3CA), loss of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) and HRAS mutations are known to activate PI3K pathway. PIK3CA mutations were identified by Sanger sequencing in 23 of 75 (31%) HPV-positive oropharyngeal carcinomas, including exon 9 (p.E545K [n = 10] and p.E542K [n = 5]) or exon 20 (p.H1047Y, n = 2) mutations. Five rare and one novel (p.R537Q) PIK3CA mutations were identified. HRAS mutation (p.Q61L) was detected in 1 of 62 tested cases. PIK3CA amplification by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was identified in 4 cases (4/21, 20%), while PTEN loss was seen in 7 (7/21, 33%) cases (chromosome 10 monosomy [n = 4], homozygous deletion [n = 3]). Overall, genetic alterations that likely lead to PI3K pathway activation were identified in 34 of 75 cases (45%) and did not correlate with disease specific survival. These findings offer a molecular rationale for therapeutic targeting of PI3K pathway in patients with HPV-positive oropharyngeal carcinoma.
Treatment of Wegener's granulomatosis.

The two principal aims in the treatment of Wegener's granulomatosis (WG) are to limit the extent and severity of permanent organ damage by controlling the disease promptly and to minimize the short- and long-term morbidity that often results from therapy. Remission is considered to be the absence of disease activity in any organ system. Once the disease has been controlled by the initial treatment regimen, which is dictated by the degree of disease severity, the focus of therapy shifts to maintaining disease remission, often with medications less toxic than those used to induce remission. The description of WG treatments in terms analogous to cancer chemotherapy (i.e., those designed to induce remissions and those intended to maintain them) is useful in the formulation of current disease management strategies and in the investigation of new therapies for WG.
Differential selection to avoid hybridization in two toad species.

The fitness consequences of hybridization critically affect the speciation process. When hybridization is costly, selection favors the evolution of prezygotic isolating mechanisms (e.g., mating behaviors) that reduce heterospecific matings and, consequently, enhance reproductive isolation between species (a process termed reinforcement). If, however, selection to avoid hybridization differs between species, reinforcement may be impeded. Here, we examined both the frequency and fitness effects of hybridization between plains spadefoot toads (Spea bombifrons) and New Mexico spadefoot toads (S. multiplicata). Hybridization was most frequent in smaller breeding ponds that tend to be ephemeral, and heterospecific pairs consisted almost entirely of S. bombifrons females and S. multiplicata males. Moreover, in controlled experimental crosses, hybrid offspring from crosses in which S. multiplicata was maternal had significantly lower survival and longer development time than pure S. multiplicata offspring. By contrast, hybrid offspring from crosses in which S. bombifrons was maternal outperformed pure S. bombifrons offspring by reaching metamorphosis faster. These data suggest that, although S. multiplicata females are under selection to avoid hybridization, selection might favor those S. bombifrons females that hybridize with S. multiplicata if their breeding pond is highly ephemeral. Generally, the strength of selection to avoid hybridization may differ for hybridizing species, possibly impeding reinforcement.
Novel arthropod repellent, BioUD, is an efficacious alternative to deet.

For >50 yr, N,N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide (deet) has been the standard for arthropod repellents and has been an important tool to protect people from disease agents carried by ticks, mosquitoes, and other arthropods. However, some people avoid using deet because of concerns about adverse health effects. In 2007, a new repellent, BioUD, with the active ingredient 7.75% 2-undecanone, originally derived from wild tomato (Lycopersicon hirsutum Dunal f. glabratum C. H. Mull) plants, was registered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. In the current study, repellent efficacy of BioUD was compared using arm-in-cage studies with 7 and 15% deet against the mosquitoes Aedes aegypti (L.) and Aedes albopictus Skuse. No differences were found in mean repellency over 6 h after application between BioUD versus 7 and 15% deet for Ae albopictus. For Ae. aegypti, no differences were found over the same time period for 7% deet. Compared with 15% deet, BioUD mean repellency was lower over the 6-h test period. Human subject field trials were conducted in North Carolina, United States, and Ontario, Canada, comparing the repellency of BioUD to products containing 25 and 30% deet. BioUD provided the same repellency or was more efficacious than 25 and 30% deet, respectively, in these studies. Laboratory trials were conducted to determine the repellent activity of BioUD against the American dog tick, Dermacentor variabilis (Say), on human skin and cloth. BioUD repelled ticks at least 2.5 h after application to human skin. On cloth, no differences in mean repellency were found through 8 d after application between BioUD and 7% deet. In a two-choice test for BioUD versus 15% deet on filter paper, ticks spent significantly more time on the deet-treated surface than the BioUD-treated surface. Based on these studies in toto, BioUD is an efficacious alternative to deet in its repellent activity.
MEMS Die Warpage During Curing of Die Attach Material

Microelectromechanical system (MEMS) packages are vulnerable to stresses due to its functional structure. During the assembly process of the package, stresses stemming out of CTE mismatches of the structural elements and curing of the die attach material can cause warpage of the MEMS die [1]. Even though die attach material takes relatively small volumetric portion of the package, it plays a critical role in warpage of the die due to its location and sensitivity of a MEMS sensor.Most of virgin die attach adhesives are in a state of viscous liquid and, as it is cured the material properties such as modulus and CTE change. Accordingly, residual strain is cumulated on MEMS die after curing process and signal trim process is required. Therefore, the material properties changes depending on the curing profile is valuable information for assembly process of the MEMS package.To monitor the material properties changes and shrinkage during curing process, strain and modulus of a die attach material are measured in each curing step. Also, to investigate the material property change depending on the curing profile, two different curing profiles are used.Experimental data show that die attach materials are gradually cured after each thermal cycling, which cause the increment of the modulus and glass transition temperature (Tg) with shrinkage at elevated temperature. Using the measurement data, FEA model is built to predict the warpage of the MEMS die. In the FEA model, residual strain on MEMS die is calculated by inputting material properties of die attach in each curing step. Also, die warpage of the package during the curing process is monitored using an optical profiler for the validation of the simulation results.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
The Meaning of Mentoring: Notes on a Context for Learning

The purpose of this chapter is to present a general overview of the concept of mentoring as a leadership development strategy. Mentoring is taking on new and emerging meanings in today’s world of leadership formation. As such it is assuming increasing importance as a component in the learning and professional development of school leaders. The ancient origins of mentoring can be traced to Greek mythology wherein Mentor was the name of Odysseus’ trusted counselor, and it was under the disguise of Mentor that Athena became the guardian and teacher of Odysseus’ son, Telemachus. In Dante’s Divine Comedy, Virgil is mentor to Dante on his journey through Hell and purgatory to Heaven. Mentoring has “been practiced throughout the ages” and is evident in any culture in which the older, wiser members of a community guide the younger and less experienced (Redmond, 1990, p. 188). The word “mentor” may call to mind an image of teacher, advisor, guide, protector, coach, or sponsor (Anderson & Shannon, 1988; Daloz, 1986, 1999; Dante, 1961; Hansman, 1998; Homer, 1961; Kram, 1983; Levinson et al., 1978; Philips-Jones, 1982; Schein, 1978; Zey, 1984). Such images represent some of the roles a mentor can play. This chapter presents a selective review of the mentoring literature plus a summary of more recent developments in research and practice conducted in educational organizations on leadership mentoring.
Unusual charge transport and reduced bimolecular recombination in PDTSiTzTz:PC71BM bulk heterojunction blend

Solar cells with bulk heterojunction active layers containing donor-acceptor copolymer PDTSiTzTz exhibit persistent high fill factors with thicknesses up to 400 nm. Transport and recombination in a blend of PDTSiTzTz and fullerene derivative PC71BM is studied using lateral organic photovoltaic structures. This material system is characterized by carrier-concentration-dependent charge carrier mobilities, a strongly reduced bimolecular recombination factor, and a negative Poole–Frenkel coefficient. The analysis provides an explanation for the relatively thickness-independent fill factor behaviour seen in solar cells using the copolymer PDTSiTzTz. Cumulative insights from this copolymer can be employed for future organic photovoltaic material development, study of existing high performance bulk heterojunciton blends, and improved solar cell design.
The 1984 C. H. McCloy Research Lecture: The Search for Invariance in Skilled Movement Behavior

Abstract The field of movement behavior has been strongly led by a research tradition in which manipulations are performed in order to search for differences in dependent variables. In this article, I argue for an alternative viewpoint, in which experimental manipulations are provided so that invariances in dependent variables can be seen. If, in the face of changes in nearly countless dependent variables, a particular simple or derived value remains constant, strong suggestions are provided about the underlying control of the motor system. This method is illustrated with examples of invariances in motor behavior, the most important of which is the tendency for the temporal events in a movement to expand or contract nearly proportionally with movement time so that relative timing is invariant. A model following from these invariances, and criticisms of it, are discussed.
Phosphorylated and Unphosphorylated Serine 13 of CDC37 Stabilize Distinct Interactions between Its Client and HSP90 Binding Domains

Folding and maturation of most protein kinases require chaperone assistance. In higher eukaryotes, CDC37 is the predominant cochaperone that facilitates the transfer of kinase clients to HSP90. Kinase recognition is thought to occur through the N-terminal domain, which has, thus far, eluded structure determination. Client processing also requires the phosphorylation of the N-terminal tail at Ser13 by protein kinase CK2 (casein kinase 2). How phosphorylation alters the molecular properties of CDC37 is not understood. We show that the phosphorylation at Ser13 induces a large shift toward a more compact structure, based on ANS fluorescence, while modestly increasing secondary structure. Moreover, this transition requires interactions of the N-terminal domain and the remainder of CDC37. The stabilizing property of the phosphorylation event can be recreated in trans by a (phospho-Ser13) peptide derived from the N-terminal tail. However, the phosphorylation-induced transition is not dependent on the transferred...
Systemic silencing: Mobile sRNA stabilizes genomes.

Transcriptional gene silencing is a pivotal mechanism for regulating gene expression and genome stability. In Arabidopsis, combined analyses of small RNAs (sRNAs) and DNA methylation reveals that mobile 24-nt sRNAs are involved in reinforcing genome-wide silencing of transposons through DNA methylation.
Transposition under various combinations of discriminanda

To test Spence’s analysis of transposition, six groups of rats were trained in a two choice discrimination box under various combinations of discriminanda and tested under 21 new relationships. The data, in general, were compatible with the predictions made from the theory.
Legal Discussion on Promoting Cleaner Production in China

Cleaner production is the certain choice and double－ winning strategy for China to achieve the goals of sustainable development. Cleaner production should be promoted by legal regulation in China. On the basis of analyzing the basic measures to regulate cleaner production, some legislative proposals are put forward to develo p China's cleaner production.
Operational Effectiveness Evaluation Model of Naval Gun Weapon System Based on ADC

Aimed at the problem of operational effectiveness evaluation of naval gun weapon system,an effectiveness evaluation model based on ADC(Availability,Dependability and Capability)method was proposed.According to the characteristics of naval gun weapon system,the evaluation model of the availability vector and dependability matrix was given.In the evaluation model of capability vector,the fire efficiency of naval gun was considered that has relations with tracking ability of sensor,damage probability,sighting capability and fire zone of gun,as well as the calculation model was given to evaluate exactly the capability matrix.Take the operational effectiveness calculation of the small caliber naval gun weapon system as an example,the model was applied.The results show the model can be used easily and evaluate exactly the operational effectiveness of naval gun.
DIGITAL WATERMARKING ALGORITHM BASED ON SVD RELATIONSHIP OF WAVELET COEFFICIENTS

To overcome the problem between invisibility and robustness,a robust digital watermarking scheme is proposed based on SVD relationship of wavelet coefficients.As DWT of image has their own characteristics of high and low frequency bands to embed watermark,quantized steps of high and low frequency,which is combined with human visual system and local characteristics of images,are used to embed watermark adaptively through SVD relationship of each band wavelet coefficients.It will combine and complement the advantages of high frequency and low frequency respectively.Experimental results indicate this scheme is robust to common image attacks,including JPEG compression,noise,image cut and scale.Moreover,the scheme has the property of perceptual transparency.It is a simple and feasible blind digital watermarking algorithm.
Fast Terminal Sliding Mode Control of Precision Linear Motor Trajectory Tracking System

A fast terminal sliding mode control algorithm is proposed to improve the trajectory tracking performance of an ironless permanent magnet linear synchronous motor system.The control law is designed based on the motor system dynamic model.The control stability and robustness are proved and analyzed.The system state is guaranteed to have a faster convergence speed around the equilibrium neighborhood using the proposed control technique,and can converge to the equilibrium eventually.If choosing suitable values of the control parameters are chosen,a high accuracy of the system can be achieved.Furthermore,the chattering is avoidable since the continuous control method.Computer simulation results show that the proposed control scheme can achieve better tracking performance and robustness compared with other control algorithm.
Mechanical behavior of UO2 at sub-grain length scales: A quantification of creep properties via high temperature mechanical testing

In this work, creep behavior was quantified via high temperature mechanical testing; to facilitate this, techniques were developed to: 1) measure plasticity and creep properties samples at sub-grain length scales using ex-situ mechanical testing at elevated temperatures, and 2) characterize microstructure before and after testing at the same location on the sample surface to evaluate effects of creep at the microscale. Conventional uniaxial compression testing experiments were performed under controlled atmospheres, which insured stoichiometry control, at a temperature of 900 °C, which allowed measurement of properties involving creep behavior (e.g. creep strain rates). Samples were characterized using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD).Copyright © 2016 by ASME
Masquerade of mobile applications: Introducing unlinkability in a practical way

Smartphone apps are becoming a popular vehicle to collect users' personal interests, demographics and other private information. Due to lack of regulation, a curious party can covertly link and aggregate sensitive information from independent sources (sessions or apps) over time to conduct unwanted user profiling, targeted advertising or surveillance. Such unregulated aggregation is rooted at the non-existence of unlinkability in the mobile ecosystem. On one hand, the mobile ecosystem is over-populated with various persistent identifiers and fueled by the abundance of user information; on the other hand, users only expect app usages that are functionally-dependent to be linkable. To bridge this gap, we propose a practical solution, called Mask, that allows users to negotiate to what extent his behavior can be linked and aggregated. Specifically, Mask introduces a set of private execution modes which enable different levels of unlinkability. Mask is a user-level solution and does not require any change in the existing ecosystem, thus allowing for easy deployment. We present the technical details and challenges of our user-level implementation and evaluate its runtime performance as well as applicability.
Bevacizumab, a monoclonal antibody to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and irinotecan for treatment of malignant gliomas

1506 Background: The prognosis for recurrent malignant gliomas is poor, with a median survival <12 months, median progression-free survival <12 weeks and response rates <20%. Malignant gliomas have...
A survey of recreational sun exposure of residents of San Diego, California.

The incidence of skin cancer in San Diego is one of the highest in the nation. Research has documented that excessive unprotected exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation over time significantly increases a person’s risk for developing various types of skin cancer. Our study investigated the amount of sun exposure and the practice of sun protection among San Diegans and examined factors thought to be associated with these behaviors. In April 1994, a random sample of 864 San Diego residents was surveyed by telephone. Because most survey questions specifically asked about sun exposure and sun protection when tanning versus recreating, the analyses were presented separately for recreators (i.e., those who spent time in the sun during the hours of 8:00 am and 6:00 pm for recreation last summer; n = 786) and tanners (i.e., those who spent at least 10% of their time in the sun to get a tan last summer; n = 464), a subset of recreators. Study results indicated that on average, 27% of the tanners’ time in the sun last summer was spent getting a tan, and tanners reported using sunscreen about 50% of the time on both their face and body. In terms of sun protection while recreating, survey respondents reported using sunscreen on their face approximately 40% of the time compared to approximately 30% of the time on their body. Correlates of sun exposure and sun protection for both tanners and recreators included demographic characteristics, susceptibility factors, attitudes, and knowledge. The findings from this study support the need for education on skin cancer prevention. The practical implications of these findings are discussed in terms of appropriate community skin cancer prevention interventions.
The newly identified heat-stress sensitive albino 1 gene affects chloroplast development in rice.

High temperature, a major abiotic stress, significantly affects the yield and quality of crops in many parts of the world. Components of the photosynthetic apparatus are highly susceptible to thermal damage. Although the responses to acute heat stress have been studied intensively, the mechanisms that regulate chloroplast development under heat stress remain obscure, especially in crop plants. Here, we cloned and characterized the gene responsible for the heat-sensitive albino1 (hsa1) mutation in rice (Oryza sativa). The hsa1 mutant harbors a recessive mutation in a gene encoding fructokinase-like protein2 (FLN2); the mutation causes a premature stop codon and results in a severe albino phenotype, with defects in early chloroplast development. The color of hsa1 mutant plants gradually changed from albino to green at later stages of development at various temperatures and chloroplast biogenesis was strongly delayed at high temperature (32 °C). HSA1 expression was strongly reduced in hsa1 plants compared to wild type (WT). HSA1 localizes to the chloroplast and regulates chloroplast development. An HSA1 deletion mutant induced by CRISPR/Cas9 was heat sensitive but had a faster greening phenotype than the original hsa1 allele at all temperatures. RNA and protein levels of plastid-encoded RNA polymerase-dependent plastid genes were markedly reduced in hsa1 plants compared to WT. These results demonstrated that HSA1 plays important roles in chloroplast development at early stages, and functions in protecting chloroplasts under heat stress at later stages in rice.
What Are Biomaterials

A biomaterial is any matter, surface, or construct that interacts with biological systems. Biomaterials can be found/derived in nature and they can be also synthesized for different purposes in bioengineering and especially Tissue Engineering in Regenerative Medicine. The application is very wide. Regardless of the origin, they have to be biocompatible, since they will be used in replacing living tissues such as heart valves, hips (replacement), heart electrical impulse generator (pace makers), prostheses, etc. Minimal or absent immune response is to be expected. However, in many cases biomaterial is also requested to be biodegradable or bioresorbable in order to disappear from organism after fulfilling their function. Biomaterials are extensively developed and used in drug delivery systems as capsules or nanoshells, or microbasket for carrying drugs toward the target, and in scaffold biofabrication for supportive growth of particular tissues used in regenerative therapy.
Insights from the Geographic Spread of the Lyme Disease Epidemic.

Background Lyme disease is the most common reportable zoonotic infection in the United States. Recent data suggest spread of the Ixodes tick vector and increasing incidence of Lyme disease in several states, including Pennsylvania. We sought to determine the clinical presentation and healthcare use patterns for pediatric Lyme disease in western Pennsylvania. Methods The electronic medical records of all patients with an International Classification of Disease, Ninth Revision, diagnosis of Lyme disease between 2003 and 2013 at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh were individually reviewed to identify confirmed cases of Lyme disease. The records of 773 patients meeting these criteria were retrospectively analyzed for patient demographics, disease manifestations, and healthcare use. Results An Lyme disease increased exponentially in the pediatric population of western Pennsylvania. There was a southwestward migration of Lyme disease cases, with a shift from rural to nonrural zip codes. Healthcare provider involvement evolved from subspecialists to primary care pediatricians and emergency departments (EDs). Patients from nonrural zip codes more commonly presented to the ED, while patients from rural zip codes used primary care pediatricians and EDs equally. Conclusions The current study details the conversion of western Pennsylvania from a Lyme-naive to a Lyme-epidemic area, highlighting changes in clinical presentation and healthcare use over time. Presenting symptoms and provider type differed between those from rural and nonrural zip codes. By elucidating the temporospatial epidemiology and healthcare use for pediatric Lyme disease, the current study may inform public health measures regionally while serving as an archetype for other areas at-risk for Lyme disease epidemics.
Propagation of Lindera umbellata by Stem Cuttings

Abstract Stem cuttings of Lindera umbellata Thunb. (Chinese spicebush) were taken on three dates representing three growth stages (softwood, semi-hardwood, or hardwood). Semi-hardwood and hardwood cuttings were treated with 0, 2500 (0.25%), 5000 (0.5%), 7500 (0.75%), or 10,000 (1.0%) ppm of the free acid of indolebutyric acid (IBA) dissolved in 50% isopropyl alcohol, whereas softwood cuttings were treated with the same concentrations of the potassium (K) salt of IBA (K-IBA) dissolved in distilled water. All cuttings were placed in a raised greenhouse bench and rooted under intermittent mist. After 12 weeks, the cuttings were harvested and various data recorded. The majority of the hardwood cuttings died, with none of the survivors rooting. Softwood cuttings survived but with overall rooting of only 5%. Response of the semi-hardwood cuttings to IBA was quadratic with the greatest rooting (73%) observed for those cuttings treated with 7500 ppm IBA. However, root number and root length were not significantly...
The 26 S Proteasome

The 26 S proteasome is a large multisubunit complex that degrades intracellular proteins in a nucleotide-dependent reaction. The enzyme is composed of about 30 different proteins. Fourteen subunits are provided by the proteasome and an additional 16 or more subunits are present in a particle that I will call the regulatory complex. The 26 S enzyme is the only ATP-dependent protease so far identified in the nuclear and cytosolic compartments of eukaryotic cells—a surprising observation in view of the fact that at least four ATP-dependent proteases are present in E. coli cells (i. e., Lon, Clp, Hf1, and Hs1V). The 26 S proteasome has been shown to be responsible for the degradation of more than 20 specific proteins. Among the known substrates are a variety of important regulatory proteins including transcription factors, cyclins, and cdk inhibitors. The enzyme may well be primarily responsible for the selective degradation of eukaryotic proteins.
Neurological spectrum of diseases associated with autoimmune thyroid disease: a case series to recognize diagnostically helpful signs. (P1.347)

Objective: NA Background: Neurological manifestations associated with autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD), has been infrequently documented in the literature. Although calling it rare would be an underestimation, it does however, present a diagnostic dilemma at many a clinical junctures: as there do not seem to be any pathognomic signs or investigations that could confirm the diagnosis. Anti-thyroid antibodies are very sensitive, but not specific, for neurological manifestations. We present here four cases, with the intent of augmenting understanding of the spectrum of disease caused by AITD. Design/Methods: Case Series. Results: We present here 4 cases, seen since 2015, with positive anti-thyroid antibodies. * 52/F, with prior diagnosis of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, presented with progressive bilateral lower extremity weakness and urinary incontinence over 3 weeks. MRI spine revealed longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis extending from T10 to conus medullaris. CSF showed increased proteins. Anti-TPO and TG antibodies were +. * 56/F, presented with paroxysms of confusion, ataxia, dizziness and myoclonus over 2 weeks’ time. She had non-convulsive-status-epilepticus on EEG recording. TSH of 216, fT4 0.18 and anti-TPO +. * 80/F, presented with subacute to chronic expressive dysphasia, apraxia, amnesia, psychomotor retardation. Anti-TPO titer was very high at 2932IU/ml. * 81/F, presented with confusion, agitation, visual hallucinations: developing over a few months. Anti-TPO was significantly elevated with normal thyroid profile. Patient’s condition improved significantly with IV steroids. Conclusions: Neurological manifestations in AITD continue to present a diagnostic dilemma for patients with spectrum of presentation ranging from encephalopathy, seizures to myelopathy. Rapid response to steroids seems to be the most consistent characteristic of this disease, leading to term steroid responsive encephalopathy associated with autoimmune thyroiditis (SREAT). EEG, radiographic data and serological markers don’t help much in diagnosis and further studies are needed to establish clear clinical features and markers assisting the diagnosis. Disclosure: Dr. Afreen has nothing to disclose. Dr. Humayun has nothing to disclose. Dr. Sheikh has nothing to disclose.
Effects of ovarian hormones and estrogen receptor α on physical activity and skeletal muscle fatigue in female mice.

Abstract Menopause is associated with declines in physical activity and skeletal muscle strength. Physical activity is also reduced in rodents after ovariectomy (OVX) and whole-body estrogen receptor α (ERα) knockout. However, it is unclear if the effects are estradiol (E2) specific. Thus, the overall purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of the ovarian hormones, E2 and progesterone (P4), and skeletal muscle ERα (skmERα) on physical activity and skeletal muscle contractility in female mice. Methods Study 1: Forty female C57Bl/6J mice were given free access to running wheels for 2 weeks to assess baseline running and randomized into 4 treatment groups: OVX, OVX + E2, OVX + P4, OVX + E2 + P4. All mice underwent OVX, returned to wheels for 2 weeks, received hormone pellet implants and returned to running wheels for 6 weeks, after which soleus muscle contractility testing was completed. Study 2: Thirty-two skeletal muscle specific ERα knock-out (skmERαKO) mice and wildtype (WT) littermates were randomized into 4 groups: skmERαKO-Run, skmERαWT-Run, skmERαKO-Sed, and skmERαWT-Sed. Run mice were given free access to wheels for 20 wk and sedentary (Sed) mice maintained normal cage activities. At the end point, muscle contractility was tested. Results Study 1: OVX + E2 + P4 group ran greater distances than both the OVX and OVX + P4 groups (p ≤ 0.009). After fatiguing contractions, soleus muscles of the OVX + E2 + P4 group maintained greater submaximal force than those of other groups (p = 0.023). Immediately after the fatiguing contractions, OVX + E2 + P4 muscles had greater maximal force production than the OVX + E2 group (p = 0.027). Study 2: There were no differences in running distance between skmERαWT and skmERαKO mice (p = 0.240). Soleus muscles of skmERαKO mice were more fatigable (p Conclusions Combined treatment of E2 + P4 in OVX mice restored physical activity, predominantly driven by E2, and protected soleus muscles against fatigue. Muscle of skmERαKO mice was weak regardless of physical activity. Although 20 wk of wheel running partially prevented force loss during fatigue in skmERαKO mice, force production during recovery remained low, indicating that estradiol functions through ERα in skeletal muscle.
Migration diversity, spawning behavior, and habitat utilization of winter flounder

Winter flounder (Pseudopleuronectes americanus) have declined to less than 11% of their historical abundance in offshore areas and have experienced severe declines and inbreeding in coastal subpopu...
Refined assessment of the impact of cell shape on human mesenchymal stem cell differentiation in 3D contexts

Numerous studies have demonstrated that the differentiation potential of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) can be modulated by chemical and physical cues. In 2D contexts, inducing different cell morphologies, by varying the shape, area and/or curvature of adhesive islands on patterned surfaces, has significant effects on hMSC multipotency and the onset of differentiation. In contrast, in vitro studies in 3D contexts have suggested that hMSC differentiation does not directly correlate with cell shape. However, in 3D, the effects of cell morphology on hMSC differentiation have not yet been clearly established due to the chemical and physical properties being intertwined in 3D matrices. In this work, we studied the effects of round or elongated cell morphologies on hMSC differentiation independently of scaffold composition, modulus, crosslink density and cell-mediated matrix remodeling. The effects of cell shape on hMSC lineage progression were studied using three different cell culture media compositions and two values of scaffold rigidity. Differences in cell shape were achieved using interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs). The mechanical and diffusional properties of the scaffolds and cell-matrix interactions were characterized. In addition, cell responses were evaluated in terms of cell spreading via gene and protein expression of differentiation markers. Cumulative results support, and extend upon previous work indicating that cell shape alone in 3D contexts does not significantly modulate hMSC differentiation, at least for the scaffold chemistry, range of modulus and culture conditions explored in this study. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: In 2D contexts, inducing different cell shapes, by varying the curvature, area size and shape of a patterned surface, has significant effects on hMSC multipotency and the onset of cell differentiation. In contrast, in vitro studies in 3D contexts have suggested that hMSC differentiation does not directly correlate with cell shape. However, in 3D, the effects of cell morphology on hMSC differentiation have not yet been clearly established due to the chemical and physical properties being intertwined in 3D matrices. In this work, we studied the effects of round or elongated cell morphologies on the differentiation of hMSCs independently of scaffold composition, modulus, crosslink density and cell mediated matrix remodeling. Cumulative results support, and extend upon previous work indicating that cell shape alone in 3D contexts does not significantly modulate hMSCs differentiation commitment.
Why are acute ischemic stroke patients not receiving thrombolysis in a telestroke network

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to determine reasons for not giving intravenous tissue plasminogen activator to eligible patients with acute ischemic stroke in a telestroke network.MethodsWe...
Euthanasia: Manual versus Mechanical Cervical Dislocation for Broilers.

The aim was to assess the onset of brain stem death for two euthanasia methods—manual cervical dislocation (CD) versus the Koechner Euthanizing Device (KED). Over three days broilers of 36 (n = 60), 42 (n = 80), or 43 days old (n = 60) were euthanized. On days 2 and 3, a treatment was added in which the bird’s head was extended at a ~90° angle after application of the KED (KED+). On those days, gap size was recorded between the skull and atlas vertebra by 1-cm increments. The onset of brain death was assessed by recording the nictitating membrane reflex, gasping reflex and musculoskeletal movements (sec). Additionally, skin damage and blood loss were recorded (y/n). On all days, CD resulted in quicker loss of reflexes and movements compared to KED or KED+. Reflexes returned in 0–15% of CD birds, 50–55% of KED birds, and 40–60% of KED+ birds, possibly regaining consciousness. Skin damage occurred in 0% of CD birds, 68–95% of KED birds, and 85–95% of KED+ birds. On day 2 (p = 0.065) and 3 (p = 0.008), KED birds had or tended to have a narrower skull-to-atlas gap compared to CD and KED+ birds. Based on our results, CD would be the recommended method for broilers.
CRIS.py: A Versatile and High-throughput Analysis Program for CRISPR-based Genome Editing

CRISPR-Cas9 technology allows the creation of user-defined genomic modifications in cells and whole organisms. However, quantifying editing rates in pools of cells or identifying correctly edited clones is tedious. Targeted next-generation sequencing provides a high-throughput platform for optimizing editing reagents and identifying correctly modified clones, but the large amount of data produced can be difficult to analyze. Here, we present CRIS.py, a simple and highly versatile python-based program which concurrently analyzes next-generation sequencing data for both knock-out and multiple user-specified knock-in modifications from one or many edited samples. Compared to available NGS analysis programs for CRISPR based-editing, CRIS.py has many advantages: (1) the ability to analyze from one to thousands of samples at once, (2) the capacity to check each sample for multiple sequence modifications, including those induced by base-editors, (3) an output in an easily searchable file format enabling users to quickly sort through and identify correctly targeted clones.
Out-of-Time-Order Correlation in Marginal Many-Body Localized Systems

We show that the out-of-time-order correlation (OTOC) $\ensuremath{\langle}W{(t)}^{\ifmmode\dagger\else\textdagger\fi{}}V{(0)}^{\ifmmode\dagger\else\textdagger\fi{}}W(t)V(0)\ensuremath{\rangle}$ in many-body localized (MBL) and marginal MBL systems can be efficiently calculated by the spectrum bifurcation renormalization group (SBRG). We find that in marginal MBL systems, the scrambling time ${t}_{\text{scr}}$ follows a stretched exponential scaling with the distance ${d}_{WV}$ between the operators $W$ and $V$: ${t}_{\text{scr}}\ensuremath{\sim}exp(\sqrt{{d}_{WV}/{l}_{0}})$, which demonstrates Sinai diffusion of quantum information and the enhanced scrambling by the quantum criticality in nonchaotic systems.