cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Genetic and epigenetic modifications associated with human ooplasm donation and mitochondrial heteroplasmy - considerations for interpreting studies of heritability and reproductive outcome

The mitochondrial heteroplasmy present in offspring from IVF and human ooplasm donation is troublesome and merits further exploration in a debate that is already complex and controversial. Improving the understanding of mitochondrial genomics in this context is important because mitochondriopathies can impact crucial cellular processes in renal, cardiovascular, central nervous, and endocrine systems. Relevant epigenetic consequences of mitochondrial heteroplasmy include associated abnormalities in mitochondrial translation products. Furthermore, as transmission and inheritance patterns of mtDNA are species-specific, it remains to be proven if findings derived from animal studies are applicable to human offspring. As an alternative to gamete research and proteomics based on animal experimentation, continued molecular characterization of the de novo human mitochondriopathies is posed to offer further insights regarding mitochondrial heteroplasmy. In this context, because knowledge of human mitochondrial genetics remains limited and the risks associated with ooplasm donation cannot be quantified, we do not favor its use for our patients at present. However, the small number of infants already conceived from this experimental approach warrant careful longitudinal evaluation. In particular, observational study of the few children born after ooplasm donation could provide opportunities to assess human mtDNA transmission and inheritance. Such findings could help identify features distinguishing natural mtDNA heteroplasmy from heteroplasmy observed after ooplasm donation. Future investigations should also quantify the degree any such heteroplasmy can exist innocuously. Disclosure of mtDNA mutations potentially affecting children conceived from IVF and ooplasm donation must be included during patient education at centers contemplating such treatment.
Doctoral Preparation in Special Education: Current Status and Trends

Doctoral degree training programs in institutions of higher education (IHEs) are the primary means used to prepare leaders in the field of special education. Shortages of doctoral level special educators persist, and there are little data and literature about doctoral programs and students. This study was designed to update the knowledge base on special education doctoral programs, student characteristics, and student financial status in IHEs that are members of the Higher Education Consortium in Special Education (HECSE). The results indicate that both the number of focus areas of doctoral studies (e.g., early childhood, severe/multiple disabilities, learning disabilities) and the sources of student support have increased over time, with the preponderance of student support provided by federal grants which are essential to the recruitment and support of doctoral students. The two findings suggest the need for a clearinghouse of information on doctoral programs and graduates to assist agencies trying to r...
Neural crest cell behavior in white and dark larvae of Ambystoma mexicanum: Time-lapse cinemicrographic analysis of pigment cell movement in vivo and in culture

The pattern of migration and motile activity of developing pigment cells of the Mexican axolotl, Ambystoma mexicanum, were analyzed by time-lapse cinemicrography in vivo and in culture. In vivo, melanocytes of dark (D/-) larvae migrate from dorsal to ventral in a highly directional manner. They are elongated and aligned parallel to the direction of migration. Nearly all protrusive activity occurs at their ventral, leading edges. Translocation occurs at a mean rate of 0.7 micron/min and involves alternate or simultaneous advance of the leading and trailing edges of the cell. Indirect evidence suggests that cytoplasmic flow is common. Directional migration occurs in apparent absence of contact between melanocytes. In white (d/d) larvae, protrusive activity is infrequent and the melanocytes move slowly or not at all. Explanted neural crest cells of dark and white larvae attach, spread, and differentiate into melanophores and xanthophores in culture. Individual cultured cells are unbiased in direction of protrusive activity and path of migration. Centrifugal spreading occurs by contacting inhibition of movement. Distribution of protrusive activity, polarity, and contact behavior changes with developmental age in vivo and in culture in ways that may be important in establishing the pigment pattern.
Activity level as a function of status and social isolation in the bluegill sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus Rafinesque)

Two experiments with bluegill sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus Rafinesque) showed that (1) dominant fish were more active in the home tank than subordinates and isolated individuals, and (2) dominants and subordinates did not differ in activity during the initial 20 min of inhabiting a new tank; but both of these animals exhibited higher activity levels than isolates placed into a new tank. Restricted activity of subordinate fish in the home tank may be based on the fact that movement elicits attacks from the dominant fish. Behavior of isolates in a new environment probably derives from increased fearfulness produced by social isolation.
Visualize geoscience education — Earth Science Week 2015

Abstract Earth Science Week 2015 (11–17 October) will engage millions of people in all 50 states and around the world in learning about the many ways scientists monitor and represent information about earth systems, including land, water, air, and living things. Through the “Visualizing Earth Systems” theme of this year's celebration, science educators, students, and others will explore what it means to see our planet through eyes informed by the geosciences. Each year, the American Geosciences Institute promotes better understanding of earth science and stewardship of the planet through Earth Science Week. A major addition to the 2015 celebration will be the launch of a new “Visualizing Earth Systems” Web page, linking educators to online visualizations that they can use in instruction. Additional new components of the program include a visualization online competition, stakeholder events linked to citywide celebrations, a video promoting the program, posters on the national parks, and an in-depth public...
Relationship between Growth Hormone and Cytokines in Short Children Undergoing Growth Hormone Stimulation Testing

Background: The relationship between growth hormone (GH) and cytokines remains unclear. Several studies have suggested that GH increases tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α production in both children and adults. However, a number of studies have demonstrated a negative correlation between GH and TNF α. The aim of this study is to explore the relationship between endogenous GH secretion and certain pro and anti-inflammatory cytokines in short children undergoing GH stimulation testing for evaluation for GH deficiency. Methods: Plasma growth hormone, TNF α, CRP, IL-6, IL1-β, IL-4 and IL-10 levels are obtained at baseline and every 30 minutes for 150 minutes following two provocative agents (clonidine, and either arginine or glucagon). Results: Among the 23 children, 7 are found to be GH deficient. No significant differences in baseline TNF α levels are found between GH deficient and GH sufficient children. No correlation is identified between TNF α levels and GH levels during stimulation testing. Furthermore, no relationship is found between GH and pro-inflammatory cytokines or GH and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Conclusion: Our results do not demonstrate an acute relationship between endogenous GH secretion and the cytokines examined.
Monodispersed calcium carbonate nanoparticles modulate local pH and inhibit tumor growth in vivo

The acidic extracellular environment of tumors potentiates their aggressiveness and metastasis, but few methods exist to selectively modulate the extracellular pH (pHe) environment of tumors. Transient flushing of biological systems with alkaline fluids or proton pump inhibitors is impractical and nonselective. Here we report a nanoparticles-based strategy to intentionally modulate the pHe in tumors. Biochemical simulations indicate that the dissolution of calcium carbonate nanoparticles (nano-CaCO3) in vivo increases pH asymptotically to 7.4. We developed two independent facile methods to synthesize monodisperse non-doped vaterite nano-CaCO3 with distinct size range between 20 and 300 nm. Using murine models of cancer, we demonstrate that the selective accumulation of nano-CaCO3 in tumors increases tumor pH over time. The associated induction of tumor growth stasis is putatively interpreted as a pHe increase. This study establishes an approach to prepare nano-CaCO3 over a wide particle size range, a formulation that stabilizes the nanomaterials in aqueous solutions, and a pH-sensitive nano-platform capable of modulating the acidic environment of cancer for potential therapeutic benefits.
Speaking of Cancer: Outrage and the (Non)Breasted Woman

(2006). Speaking of Cancer: Outrage and the (Non)Breasted Woman. a/b: Auto/Biography Studies: Vol. 21, No. 2, pp. 197-221.
Nearly Linear-Time Model-Based Compressive Sensing

Compressive sensing is a method for recording a k-sparse signal x ∈ ℝn with (possibly noisy) linear measurements of the form y = Ax, where A ∈ ℝm ×n describes the measurement process. Seminal results in compressive sensing show that it is possible to recover the signal x from \(m = O(k \log \frac{n}{k})\) measurements and that this is tight. The model-based compressive sensing framework overcomes this lower bound and reduces the number of measurements further to m = O(k). This improvement is achieved by limiting the supports of x to a structured sparsity model, which is a subset of all \(\binom{n}{k}\) possible k-sparse supports. This approach has led to measurement-efficient recovery schemes for a variety of signal models, including tree-sparsity and block-sparsity.
Disulfide bond formation between dimeric immunoglobulin A and the polymeric immunoglobulin receptor in cultured epithelial cells and rat liver.

Antibodies of the IgA isotype predominate in external secretions and provide the first line of immunological defense at mucosal surfaces. Dimeric IgA (dIgA) is transported across mucosal and exocrine glandular epithelium by the polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (pIgR). The initial association between dIgA and pIgR on the basolateral surface of epithelial cells is noncovalent. During transcellular routing the pIgR-dIgA complex is stabilized through the formation of two disulfide bonds between dIgA and pIgR. We have studied disulfide bond formation between dIgA and pIgR in cultured epithelial cells and rat liver. When human dIgA was added to the basolateral surface of a polarized monolayer of Madin-Darby canine kidney cells transfected with cDNA for rabbit pIgR (pWE cells) grown on a permeable support, dIgA was specifically transported and released into the apical medium. Analysis by SDS-PAGE under non-reducing conditions demonstrated that transported dIgA was non-covalently associated with the ectoplasmic domain of pIgR (secretory component, SC), suggesting that disulfide bond formation is not required for the transport of dIgA into e xternal secretions. In rats, the primary route of transport of dIgA into intestinal secretions is by hepatic transcytosis into bile. To assess the relative efficiency of transcytosis of covalently bound and noncovalently bound dIgA, rats were injected intravenously with either native dIgA or dIgA in which free sulfhydryl groups had been blocked with iodoacetamide. There was no difference in efficiency of transport between covalently bound dIgA and noncovalently bound dIgA, suggesting that disulfide bond formation does not facilitate transport of dIgA into bile. We have studied the kinetics of transport of dIgA across hepatocytes and the time at which the disulfide bond between dIgA and pIgR is formed, and conclude that disulfide bonding between dIgA and pIgR is a late event during hepatic transcytosis. We hypothesize that the enzyme protein disulfide isomerase (PDI), a ubiquitous enzyme which plays a major role in post-translational modifications of proteins, may catalyze the formation of disulfide bonds between dIgA and pIgR in vivo. As a first step in testing this hypothesis, we have purified PDI from human placenta and rat liver and have generated a series of anti-PDI monoclonal antibodies. These antibodies should prove useful for blocking PDI activity in the transcytotic pathway and testing subsequent effects on disulfide bond formation between dIgA and pIgR.
Velocity structure of the upper crust under the San Francisco volcanic field, Arizona

Abstract In addition to traditional in-line wide-angle seismic profiles, the 1989 Pacific to Arizona Crustal Experiment (PACE-1989) included some off-line shots and seismic recorders, which, along with the data from the main profiles, provide tomographic coverage of the late Cenozoic San Francisco volcanic field. This major volcanic center is interesting because of its location on the margin of the Colorado plateau and because of the diversity of the composition of the volcanics. We employed arrival times for the P g phase to undertake a tomographic analysis of the structure of the upper crust. The tomographic image indicates high-velocity zones at upper crustal depths under the San Francisco Mountain region. The P -wave velocities within these zones are 6% higher than the surrounding basement rocks. Although other interpretations are possible, we believe that these high-velocity regions most likely represent igneous intrusions associated with the volcanic centers that formed the San Francisco volcanic field. Geologic studies indicate that these intrusions would be of intermediate to mafic composition. Gravity data in the San Francisco volcanic field area also indicate that these high-velocity regions are coincident with high-density bodies at upper crustal depths.
Determining the Appropriate Transformation of Data from Insect Control Experiments for Use in the Analysis of Variance

The procedure used to determine the appropriate transformation of insect control data consisted of testing the untransformed data for fulfillment of the basic assumptions underlying the analysis of variance procedure and its related tests of significance. The data were tested two more times, once when the data were transformed to the square-root scale and once when transformed to the log scale. A nonparametric, rank-correlation coefficient was computed for the ranges and means of each set of data for evidence of normality. A nonsignificant coefficient was an indication that the ranges and means were independent of each other, thus indicating normality of the data. After normality had been established, Bliss and Calhoun’s modification to Hartley’s test for heterogeneity of variance and Tukey’s test for nonadditivity were computed for each set of data. A set of data was considered appropriate for use in the analysis of variance when the data fulfilled the basic assumptions of the analysis procedure. For illustrative purposes this procedure was used on two control experiments, one on the potato leafhopper ( Ernpoasca fabae (Harris)) and one on the alfalfa snout beetle ( Brachyrhinus ligustici (L)) larva. The leafhopper data transformed both to the square-root and log scales were found to fulfill the assumptions while a log transformation appeared to be the best scale to use for the snout beetle data.
Abstract 1433: TC21/R-Ras2 is a critical mediator of the Nf1 oncogenic switch

The TC21/R-Ras2 protein is an oncogenic member of the Ras family. Ras proteins act as binary switches which are ‘active’ when bound to GTP and ‘inactive’ when bound to GDP. GTPase activating proteins (GAPs) accelerate the hydrolysis from Ras-GTP to Ras-GDP. This Ras-related GTPase TC21 has transforming capabilities similar to H, N and K-Ras. Activated alleles of TC21 transform epithelial and fibroblast cell lines and induce tumors in vivo. To explore the role of TC21 in cancer we used a model of Ras activation driven by loss of the NF1 tumor suppressor protein, a GAP for all Ras proteins including TC21. Thus loss of NF1 predicts increased levels of activated TC21/R-Ras2. NF1 loss in Schwann cells of the peripheral nervous system causes benign tumors known as neurofibromas. Neurofibromas can transform to sarcomas known as malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs). We found that TC21 loss delayed benign neurofibroma formation in Nf1 fl/fl ;DhhCre mice. Nf1 loss increased mRNA encoding the cytokine transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) and rendered Schwann cell progenitors insensitive to TGF-β; these phenotypes could be rescued by the Ras-related protein TC21/R-Ras2 and were mediated through TGF-β receptors. Conversely, growth of Nf1;Trp53 brain tumors and NF1 −/− MPNST sarcomas were accelerated by TC21 loss. MPNST from Nf1;Trp53 mice and NF1 −/− MPNST xenografts had increased levels of mRNA encoding TGF- ≤ ligands, and blocking TGF- ≤ decreased sarcoma size induced by shTC21. In benign and malignant tumors an AKT-dependent pathway regulated TGF- ≤ expression. Indicating relevance to human tumorigenesis, global gene expression analyses demonstrated increases in expression of TGF- ≤ ligands and decreases in TGF- ≤ receptors in human neurofibromas and MPNSTs. Thus, we identify critical roles for TC21 in regulation of TGF- ≤ expression. The results are important because TGF- ≤ acts as a tumor suppressor in numerous types of benign tumors and is also known for its oncogenic role in cellular transformation and tumor progression. While it has been known that Ras proteins are involved in TGF- ≤ mediated tumor suppression and oncogenesis, integration between the pathways is incompletely understood, especially in vivo. The study demonstrates that TC21 can be a major regulator of the duality of TGF- ≤ effects on tumorigenesis in vivo. This work was supported by a grant to NR (NIH P50NS057531-03). Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1433. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-1433
A Model of a Closed-Loop Conveyor with Random Material Flow

Abstract A closed-loop conveyor with one loading station and one unloading station is considered. The material arriving at the unloading station is modeled as a stationary stochastic process. An analytical solution for the probability distribution of the material flow leaving the unloading station is presented. It is shown that the storage feature of the closed loop can be utilized to smooth the random fluctuations present in the input flow. This smoothing is quantified by the variance reduction factor, which is the ratio of the variances of output flow and input flow. The variance reduction factor is related to the conveyor capacity and a linear decision rule for unloading.
Care of Women Who Use Opioids During Pregnancy and the Immediate Postpartum Period

INTRODUCTIONOpioid use during pregnancy has dramatically increased during the last decade. From 2000 to 2009, maternal opioid use increased from 1.2 to 5.6 per 1,000 hospital live births (Patrick et al., 2012). According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) in 20
Results of A Randomized Clinical Trial of Medical Versus Surgical Management of Infants and Children with Grades III and IV Primary Vesicoureteral Reflux (United States)

A total of 132 infants and children with grades III and IV primary vesicoureteral reflux was entered into a prospective trial comparing medical to surgical management. Inclusion criteria were an age not exceeding 10 years and a glomerular filtration rate of at least 70 ml. per minute per 1.73 m.2. Children with significant urinary tract malformations and clinical signs/symptoms of dysfunctional voiding were not accepted into the trial. Medical therapy consisted of continuous low dose antibiotic prophylaxis until vesicoureteral reflux resolved. The type of surgical procedure used for the correction of reflux was left to the discretion of the surgeon. Outcome variables included the appearance or progression of renal lesions, rate of renal growth, recurrence rate of urinary tract infection or pyelonephritis, changes in total kidney glomerular filtration rate, development of hypertension and resolution rate of vesicoureteral reflux. Followup at 6, 18, 36 and 54 months after entry included, in addition to history and physical examination, voiding cystourethrography, excretory urography and a urine culture. Of the patients 68 were allocated to the medical group and 64 to the surgical group. They were stratified for age, sex and preexisting renal scarring. Of the patients 10% were boys, 47% were between 2 and 6 years old at entry, 93% had a history of pyelonephritis, 67% had either scarring or thinning of the parenchyma at entry, 87% had grade IV vesicoureteral reflux in at least 1 unit and 56% had bilateral reflux. There were no significant differences in the frequency distribution of entry characteristics between the patients allocated to either group. New renal scarring developed in 22% of medical and 31% of surgical patients (p < 0.4). Growth of kidneys with grade IV vesicoureteral reflux was slightly less than normal in the medical (-0.67 +/- 0.15 standard deviation) and surgical (-0.42 +/- 0.11 standard deviation) groups (p < 0.7). Pyelonephritis occurred in 15 medical patients versus 5 surgical patients (p < 0.05). There was no significant change in glomerular filtration rate within each treatment group and no difference in glomerular filtration rate between groups. No patient had hypertension during the followup period. The disappearance rate of vesicoureteral reflux in patients with grade IV reflux was approximately 8% per year. Of the medical patients 75% still had vesicoureteral reflux after 3 years of observation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
A new method using multiphoton imaging and morphometric analysis for differentiating chromophobe renal cell carcinoma and oncocytoma kidney tumors

Distinguishing chromophobe renal cell carcinoma (chRCC) from oncocytoma on hematoxylin and eosin images may be difficult and require time-consuming ancillary procedures. Multiphoton microscopy (MPM), an optical imaging modality, was used to rapidly generate sub-cellular histological resolution images from formalin-fixed unstained tissue sections from chRCC and oncocytoma.Tissues were excited using 780nm wavelength and emission signals (including second harmonic generation and autofluorescence) were collected in different channels between 390 nm and 650 nm. Granular structure in the cell cytoplasm was observed in both chRCC and oncocytoma. Quantitative morphometric analysis was conducted to distinguish chRCC and oncocytoma. To perform the analysis, cytoplasm and granules in tumor cells were segmented from the images. Their area and fluorescence intensity were found in different channels. Multiple features were measured to quantify the morphological and fluorescence properties. Linear support vector machine (SVM) was used for classification. Re-substitution validation, cross validation and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were implemented to evaluate the efficacy of the SVM classifier. A wrapper feature algorithm was used to select the optimal features which provided the best predictive performance in separating the two tissue types (classes). Statistical measures such as sensitivity, specificity, accuracy and area under curve (AUC) of ROC were calculated to evaluate the efficacy of the classification. Over 80% accuracy was achieved as the predictive performance. This method, if validated on a larger and more diverse sample set, may serve as an automated rapid diagnostic tool to differentiate between chRCC and oncocytoma. An advantage of such automated methods are that they are free from investigator bias and variability.
Trojan detection in digital systems using current sensing of pulse propagation in logic gates

Outsourcing of chip manufacturing to untrusted foundries and using third party IPs in design, have opened the possibility of inserting malicious hardware Trojans into the circuit. As excitation of Trojan is extremely rare, it is almost impossible to detect Trojans with functional logic testing. We need to detect Trojans without actually activating it (side channel analysis). Hardware Trojan circuit get inputs from low transition probability nodes of the original circuit. Tapping of these nodes for creating Trojan inputs increase capacitive load at those nodes. We have developed a very high resolution pulse propagation technique to capture this extra capacitance at Trojan affected nodes. This technique provides 20–25X higher diagnostic resolution than path delay analysis in the presence of significant manufacturing process variation. Pulse propagation based Trojan detection is independent of logic depth in the path. As the logic depth increases other state of the art Trojan detection schemes loses accuracy. Though the scheme appears simple, it is not so straight forward to generate and apply the pulse inputs on chip at the desired locations and capture them at designated locations with high accuracy in presence of high fan out nodes in the design. We have developed a very high resolution current sensing scheme to detect pulse propagation through logic gates. A single sensor can sense pulse at multiple locations. The entire scheme of pulse based Trojan detection has been integrated into JTAG boundary scan scheme with minimal area overhead to provide a complete solution for Hardware Trojans.
Abstract IA10: microRNAs and lncRNAs in mammalian physiology and cancer

Gain- and loss-of-function of noncoding RNAs can potently influence cellular behavior in normal physiologic states and in diseases such as cancer. In particular, dysregulation of microRNA (miRNA) expression has been clearly shown to result in dramatic phenotypic consequences. We previously demonstrated extensive control of miRNA expression by well-characterized oncogenic and tumor suppressor networks including the MYC, KRAS, and p53 pathways. More recently, we have uncovered germline and somatic mutations in core miRNA processing components such as DROSHA and DICER in tumors. The analysis of novel mouse models with gain- and loss- of miRNA function has revealed potent, and often unexpected, consequences of dysregulated miRNA expression and activity in vivo. More recently, we have applied these same approaches to dissect novel mechanisms of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) regulation and function in mammalian physiology and cancer. I will present our latest results related to the regulation and function of noncoding RNAs and how these findings may be exploited for the development of novel therapeutic approaches. Citation Format: Joshua T. Mendell. microRNAs and lncRNAs in mammalian physiology and cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Noncoding RNAs and Cancer: Mechanisms to Medicines ; 2015 Dec 4-7; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(6 Suppl):Abstract nr IA10.
Intrauterine growth restriction inhibits expression of eukaryotic elongation factor 2 kinase, a regulator of protein translation

Nutrient deprivation suppresses protein synthesis by blocking peptide elongation. Transcriptional upregulation and activation of eukaryotic elongation factor 2 kinase (eEF2K) blocks peptide elongat...
Two's Company, Three's a Crowd: Exciton Localization in Cofacially Arrayed Polyfluorenes.

Understanding the mechanisms of long-range energy transfer through polychromophoric assemblies is critically important in photovoltaics and biochemical systems. Using a set of cofacially arrayed polyfluorenes (Fn), we investigate the mechanism of (singlet) exciton delocalization in π-stacked polychromophoric assemblies. Calculations reveal that effective stabilization of an excimeric state requires an ideal sandwich-like arrangement; yet surprisingly, emission spectroscopy indicates that exciton delocalization is limited to only two fluorene units for all n. Herein, we show that delocalization is determined by the interplay between the energetic gain from delocalization, which quickly saturates beyond two units in larger Fn, and an energetic penalty associated with structural reorganization, which increases linearly with n. With these insights, we propose a hopping mechanism for exciton transfer, based upon the presence of multiple excimeric tautomers of similar energy in larger polyfluorenes (n ≥ 4) toge...
Migraine in Adolescents and Socioeconomic Status

The epidemiology of migraine, social causation, and patterns of medical treatment among adolescent migraineurs were studied in 120,000 households in various regions of the United States and reported from Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY.
Supply Chain Strategies for Managing Excess Inventories

This research was supported by Salzberg Research Funds and the Franklin Program in Distribution Management at Syracuse UniversityThis paper classifies alternate responses available to managers to d...
Visualizing the Rhetorical Presidency: Barack Obama in the Situation Room

On the night of May 1, 2011, almost 10 years after the 9/11 attacks, President Obama announced on live television that Osama bin Laden was dead. The next day, the Situation Room photograph was released, revealing a behind-the-scenes glimpse of how tense it was at the White House while the mission was underway. Building on previous scholarship about the rhetorical presidency and visual rhetoric, this essay analyzes how the photograph, combined with the context of Obama's speech the night of the raid, contributes to the increasingly visual aspect of the rhetorical presidency and creates an image of Obama as a strong commander in chief.
Suppression of Myocardial 18F-FDG Uptake Through Prolonged High-Fat, High-Protein, and Very-Low-Carbohydrate Diet Before FDG-PET/CT for Evaluation of Patients With Suspected Cardiac Sarcoidosis.

BackgroundA major obstacle in using FDG-PET/CT to diagnose cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) is the unpredictable physiological myocardial FDG uptake. We hypothesized that a prolonged 72-hour pretest high-fat, high-protein, and very-low-carbohydrate (HFHPVLC) diet preparation could suppress physiologic myoca
Psychotherapists' Countertransference Reactions Toward Clients with Antisocial Personality Disorder and Schizophrenia : An Empirical Test of Theory

Contemporary theoretical and clinical literature asserts that countertransference reactions are common and may be specific to clients' presenting concerns and interpersonal styles. Although this phenomenon has broad implications for psychotherapy training and practice, little empirical research is available to support these claims. This study investigated the phenomenon of client-induced countertransference toward two client populations that may evoke strong reactions in psychotherapists--persons with Antisocial Personality Disorder and Schizophrenia. Results of a MANOVA and follow-up ANOVAs indicate that psychotherapists displayed significantly stronger feelings of being dominated (i.e., exploited, manipulated, talked down to) by clients with Antisocial Personality Disorders. Counselors manifested significantly stronger positive feelings (i.e., being liked and welcomed and being in charge, that is, being put in a decision-making role) when working with clients having Schizophrenia. We discuss research and clinical implications of these findings.
The Angular Distribution of Alphas from Fe 19 (p,α)O 16

The angular distribution of alphas from the reaction ${\mathrm{Fe}}^{19}(p,\ensuremath{\alpha}){\mathrm{O}}^{16}$ has been investigated at bombarding voltages between 500 and 900 kev. The distribution was found to depend markedly on bombarding energy, contrary to the result found by McLean, Ellett, and Jacobs at lower voltages.
Circulating Endothelial Cells (CEC) and Angiogenesis-Related Factors in Multiple Myeloma (MM).

Background: The profile of CEC can potentially be a biomarker of angiogenesis. As angiogenesis is increased in patients with MM, we studied the CEC and their relationships to angiogenesis-related factors in the blood and disease activity. Methods: We prospectively quantitated (CD45-/CD146+/CD31+) and characterized (apoptotic [annexin stain], activated [CD106]) the CEC in the whole blood of 20 patients with MM (7 untreated [4 newly diagnosed, 3 smoldering], 9 receiving therapy, and 4 treated previously) using four-color flow cytometry and compared the findings to those from 20 normal volunteers. In addition, we determined the associations between CEC and disease activity and the plasma levels of several angiogenesis-related factors (vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF], fibroblast growth factor-2 [FGF-2], hepatocyte growth factor [HGF], and thrombospondin-1 [TSP-1]) pertinent to MM. Results: The median level of CEC was higher (P Conclusions: Increased levels of CEC can be detected in some patients with MM. In these patients, measurement of CEC may be useful as a biomarker of angiogenesis. As we did not find a significant association between CEC and disease activity, additional studies are necessary to determine the clinical significance of increased CEC in MM.
The Efficacy of Comprehension Training and Reading Practice for Print Readers with Macular Loss.

The objectives of the project reported here were to discover whether the rehabilitation of reading recognition allows comprehension of print for low vision individuals who were former readers and t...
Carceral feminisms: the abolitionist project and undoing dominant feminisms

In this article we explore the intersections between white liberal feminisms and the carceral state, particularly within nonprofit agencies. We find a strong collusion between ‘dominating feminisms...
Evidence-Based Practices in The Public School: The Role of Preservice Teacher Training

In the last twenty years, the educational system has seen a drastic increase in the number of individuals served under the category of autism spectrum disorder (ASD); which has led to an emphasis on ways in which to meet the needs of this multifaceted group of students. Although evidence-based practices (EBPs) have been identified for this population, research suggests teachers report having only moderate levels of confidence in their ability to implement these EBPs. The purpose of this review of the literature is to identify ways in which public school teachers determine the interventions used to meet the IEP goals of students with ASD, the efficacy of the chosen interventions, and the ways in which teacher preparation can be improved to ensure teachers are better able to identify and implement appropriate EBPs. Findings suggest an emphasis on coursework, and fieldwork specifically related to meeting the needs of students with ASD, should be addressed in preservice teacher training programs.
Cheminformatics: At the Crossroad of Eras

In this chapter, we discuss how the profusion of experimental chemogenomics data available in public repositories is transforming the field of cheminformatics. In particular, we describe (i) both theoretical and technical challenges related to the management, analysis, and visualization of large and diverse chemical datasets, (ii) the unique opportunities offered by Big Chemical Data for designing molecules with the desired properties and expanding the use of cheminformatics in novel areas of research, and (iii) some innovative approaches that are likely to shape the future of cheminformatics.
Early Studies on Role of Stearoyl-CoA Desaturase During Preadipocyte Differentiation

Having extensively investigated the catalytic mechanism of action of acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) (Polakis et al. 1972, 1974; Guchhait et al. 1971, 1974a, b; Moss and Lane 1971) and its allosteric regulation by citrate (Moss and Lane 1972; Gregolin et al. 1966; Ryder et al. 1967; Beaty and Lane 1983a, b), in the late 1970s and early 1980s, our lab decided to determine how expression of ACC is controlled. To conduct such studies we needed a lipogenic cell line that could be cultured for extended periods of time (i.e., greater than a week), during which gene expression and protein translation could be assessed. About this time Howard Green and colleagues, who had recently moved from the New York University Medical School to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), had established several preadipocyte cell lines—notably the 3T3-L1 and 3T3F442 cell lines (Green and Kehinde 1974, 1975, 1976)—for the study of adipocyte biology. These lines could be induced to differentiate into cells with the phenotype of adipocytes including high rates of lipogenesis (Mackall et al. 1976; Mackall and Lane 1977; Coleman et al. 1978; Student et al. 1980) and responsiveness to insulin (Reed et al. 1977, 1981; Reed and Lane 1980). Since then the 3T3-L1 preadipocyte line has become the “gold standard” for studies on adipocyte differentiation. We (Student et al. 1980) and others (Lai et al. 1982) developed protocols to induce differentiation and demonstrated that expression of fatty acid synthase (FAS), ACC, and numerous other lipogenic proteins paralleled the acquisition of adipocyte morphology. These early observations verified the system and established the primary parameters linked to the utilization of the 3T3-L1 model including (1) an accumulation of cytoplasmic fat as revealed by Oil Red O staining (Mackall et al. 1976), (2) a dramatic increase in the rate of fatty acid synthesis (Mackall et al. 1976; Student et al. 1980), (3) a coordinate increase in the enzymatic activities of ACC (Mackall et al. 1976), FAS, and complex lipids synthesis (triacylglycerol and phospholipids) (Coleman et al. 1978), and (4) hormonally regulated lipid metabolism including insulin-stimulated glucose uptake and lipogenesis and catecholamine-stimulated lipolysis (Reed et al. 1977, 1981; Reed and Lane 1980).
Molecular Biology of Penicillin and Cephalosporin Biosynthesis: Application of Cloned Genes

Three examples are presented describing the application of genes cloned from biosynthetic pathways of penicillins and cephalosporins produced by Penicillium chrysogenum, Cephalosporium acremonium, Streptomyces clavuligerus, and Streptomyces lipmanii. In the first example, ring expansion of penicillin N was determined to be the rate limiting step in synthesis of cephalosporin C in a production strain of C. acremonium by assay of metabolites in production fermenters. Penicillin N expandase/deacetoxycephalosporin C [DAOC] 3’-hydroxylase was purified to homogeneity and reverse genetics was used to clone the corresponding gene, cefEF. A system for genetic transformation for C. acremonium was developed and used to insert an extra copy of the C. acremonium cefEF gene back into the production strain. The transformant produced twice as much expandase/hydroxylase as the production strain recipient. The production strain accumulated penicillin N in stirred fermenters and the transformant did not. The transformant produced about 10% more cephalosporin C than the production strain recipient. The second example illustrates concepts of pathway engineering. Using promoters and terminators from the P chrysogenum penDE and pcbC gene and open reading frames from the S. lipmanii cefD and S. clavuligerus cefE gene, a vector suitable for expressing isopenicillin N epimerase and penicillin N expandase was constructed and used to produce deacetoxycephalosporin C [DAOC] in Penicillium chrysogenum. Production of DAOC by fermentation and conversion to 7-amino-deacetoxycephalosporanic acid [7-ADCA] by enzymatic hydrolysis would provide a substantially aqueous process for making 7-ADCA, an important industrial intermediate used in the manufacture of oral cephalosporin antibiotics. In the third example, high level expression of various pcbC genes in E. coli makes large quantities of isopenicillin N synthetase available for the conversion of synthetic substrate analogs to a variety of penicillins and novel β-lactam compounds that can be screened for antibiotic activity, inhibition of β-lactamases, and other pharmacological activities.
Left atrial mechanics in children: insights from new applications of strain imaging.

Our principal aim was to describe functional changes in dilated left atrium (LA) of children by using new applications of LA strain. We studied 66 patients (age range 0.2–22 years) consisting of 33 with LA enlargement. We utilized speckle-tracking imaging for assessment LA longitudinal strain (S) and longitudinal displacement (D). S–D loops were generated by plotting S and D data along Y and X axes, respectively. We also measured noninvasive LA stiffness index, $$=\frac{{E/e^{\prime}}}{{LA~peak~strain}}~$$ (%−1). Peak S in controls was 51.16 ± 19.45% versus 23.16 ± 13.66% in dilated LA (p < 0.0001). S–D loops in dilated LA group were significantly smaller compared to controls (2.62 ± 2.88 units vs. 5.24 ± 4.00 units, p < 0.01). Noninvasive LA stiffness index was higher in dilated LA group (0.77 ± 0.63%−1 vs. 0.17 ± 0.07%−1, p < 0.0001). A cut-off LA stiffness value of 0.25%−1 was found to maximize sensitivity and specificity (84.0% and 84.85%, respectively). Children with enlarged LA demonstrate decreased peak S, abnormal S–D loops and increased LA stiffness, providing a newer insight into LA function. Evaluation of LA mechanics may be applied in future as a surrogate for left ventricular filling parameters.
Effects of Deepwater Horizon crude oil on ocular development in two estuarine fish species, red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) and sheepshead minnow (Cyprinodon variegatus).

Abstract Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) present in crude oil have been shown to cause the dysregulation of genes important in eye development and function, as well as morphological abnormalities of the eye. However, it is not currently understood how these changes in gene expression are manifested as deficits in visual function. Embryonic red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) and sheepshead minnow (Cyprinodon variegatus) were exposed to water accommodated fractions (WAFs) of weathered crude oil and assessed for visual function using an optomotor response assay in early life-stage larvae, with subsequent samples taken for histological analysis of the eyes. Larvae of both species exposed to increasing concentrations of oil exhibited a reduced optomotor response. The mean diameters of retinal layers, which play an important role in visual function and image processing, were significantly reduced in oil-exposed sheepshead larvae, though not in red drum larvae. The present study provides evidence that weathered crude oil has a significant effect on visual function in early life-stage fishes.
Tetranuclear [MnIIIMn3IVO4] Complexes as Spectroscopic Models of the S2 State of the Oxygen Evolving Complex in Photosystem II

Despite extensive biochemical, spectroscopic, and computational studies, the mechanism of biological water oxidation by the oxygen evolving complex (OEC) of Photosystem II remains a subject of significant debate. Mechanistic proposals are guided by the characterization of reaction intermediates such as the S2 state, which features two characteristic EPR signals at g = 2 and g = 4.1. Two nearly isoenergetic structural isomers have been proposed as the source of these distinct signals, but relevant structure–electronic structure studies remain rare. Herein, we report the synthesis, crystal structure, electrochemistry, XAS, magnetic susceptibility, variable temperature CW-EPR, and pulse EPR data for a series of [MnIIIMn3IVO4] cuboidal complexes as spectroscopic models of the S2 state of the OEC. Resembling the oxidation state and EPR spectra of the S2 state of the OEC, these model complexes show two EPR signals, a broad low field signal and a multiline signal, that are remarkably similar to the biological sy...
Hot carriers generated by plasmons: where are they generated and where do they go from there?

A physically transparent unified theory of optically- and plasmon-induced hot carrier generation in metals is developed with all of the relevant mechanisms included. Analytical expressions that estimate the carrier generation rates and their locations, energies and directions of motion are obtained. Among the four mechanisms considered: interband absorption, phonon and defect assisted absorption, electron–electron scattering assisted absorption and surface-collision assisted absorption (Landau damping), it is the last one that generates hot carriers, which are most useful for practical applications in photodetection and photocatalysis.
Effects of phosphatidylcholine and betaine supplements on women's serum choline

Abstract Background Maternal phosphatidylcholine supplements have shown benefit in the development of the human fetal brain, as assessed both by newborn physiological measurements and by a related decrease in later childhood behavioral abnormalities. However, the relatively low choline component of phosphatidylcholine mandates high doses that are difficult for pregnant women to consume. Objective Betaine can substitute for some choline effects. The hypothesis was that betaine supplementation would significantly increase women's serum choline. Design A three-arm crossover clinical trial was used to assess serum concentrations of choline after betaine supplements at two doses, in comparison with phosphatidylcholine supplementation. The effects of both a single dose and of one-week twice-daily doses were assessed in normal non-pregnant women. Results Betaine supplements at two doses failed to increase serum choline concentrations after single administration or one-week twice-daily dosing. Phosphatidylcholine supplements raised choline concentrations after both single doses (mean change from baseline 8.34 ± 7.29 ng/ml, paired t = 3.24, df 7, p = 0.014, range 1–21 ng/ml, d’ = 1.15) and one-week twice-daily doses (mean change from baseline 4.58 ± 3.68 ng/ml standard deviation; paired t = 3.51, df 7, p Conclusions Betaine supplements did not substitute for phosphatidylcholine supplements, which raise serum choline concentrations both after a single dose and after repeated administration. However, serum betaine concentrations did rise after both betaine and phosphatidylcholine consumption and, therefore, betaine may be a stable indicator of choline intake.
The Relationships Between Emotional States and Information Processing Strategies in IS Decision Support—A NeuroIS Approach

In this Work-in-Progress report, we describe an innovative experiment design for investigating the potential relationships between IS users’ emotional states (positive vs. negative) and their information processing strategies (automatic processing vs. controlled processing) during decision makings in an IS decision support environment. In the extant literature studying this topic, the users’ emotional states are usually determined by self-report or mental cue induction, and their information processing strategies by self-report or experiment task performance. In this paper, we describe an experiment design that utilizes neural and psychophysiological signals from the users to infer their emotional states and information processing strategies in real time. Our results will provide additional empirical evidence that are objective and accurate to this significant open research question.
History of Spinal Fusion: Where We Came from and Where We Are Going

Spinal fusion surgery is performed all over the world to help patients with cervical and thoracolumbar pathology. As outcomes continue to improve in patients with spine-related pathology, it is important to understand how we got to modern day spinal fusion surgery. Scientific innovations have ranged from the first spinal fusions performed with basic instrumentation in the late nineteenth century to contemporary tools such as pedicle screws, bone grafts, and interbody devices. This article tracks this technological growth so that surgeons may better serve their patients in treating spine-related pain and disability.