cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Selection Against Deleterious LINE-1-Containing Loci in the Human Lineage

We compared sex chromosomal and autosomal regions of similar GC contents and found that the human Y chromosome contains nine times as many full-length (FL) ancestral LINE-1 (L1) elements per megabase as do autosomes and that the X chromosome contains three times as many. In addition, both sex chromosomes contain a ca. twofold excess of elements that are >500 bp but not long enough to be capable of autonomous replication. In contrast, the autosomes are not deficient in short (<500 bp) L1 elements or SINE elements relative to the sex chromosomes. Since neither the Y nor the X chromosome, when present in males, can be cleared of deleterious genetic loci by recombination, we conclude that most FL L1s were deleterious and thus subject to purifying selection. Comparison between nonrecombining and recombining regions of autosome 21 supported this conclusion. We were able to identify a subset of loci in the human DNA database that once contained active L1 elements, and we found by using the polymerase chain reaction that 72% of them no longer contain L1 elements in a representative of each of eight different ethnic groups. Genetic damage produced by both L1 retrotransposition and ectopic (nonallelic) recombination between L1 elements could provide the basis for their negative selection.
Synthetic triterpenoid induces 15-PGDH expression and suppresses inflammation-driven colon carcinogenesis

Colitis-associated colon cancer (CAC) develops as a result of inflammation-induced epithelial transformation, which occurs in response to inflammatory cytokine-dependent downregulation of 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase (15-PGDH) and subsequent suppression of prostaglandin metabolism. Agents that both enhance 15-PGDH expression and suppress cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) production may more effectively prevent CAC. Synthetic triterpenoids are a class of small molecules that suppress COX-2 as well as inflammatory cytokine signaling. Here, we found that administration of the synthetic triterpenoid 2-cyano-3,12-dioxooleana-1,9(11)-dien-C28-methyl ester (CDDO-Me) suppresses CAC in mice. In a spontaneous, inflammation-driven intestinal neoplasia model, deletion of Smad4 specifically in T cells led to progressive production of inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α, IFN-γ, iNOS, IL-6, IL-1β; as well as activation of STAT1 and STAT3; along with suppression of 15-PGDH expression. Oral administration of CDDO-Me to mice with SMAD4-deficient T cells increased survival and suppressed intestinal epithelial neoplasia by decreasing production of inflammatory mediators and increasing expression of 15-PGDH. Induction of 15-PGDH by CDDO-Me was dose dependent in epithelial cells and was abrogated following treatment with TGF-β signaling inhibitors in vitro. Furthermore, CDDO-Me–dependent 15-PGDH induction was not observed in Smad3–/– mice. Similarly, CDDO-Me suppressed azoxymethane plus dextran sodium sulfate–induced carcinogenesis in wild-type animals, highlighting the potential of small molecules of the triterpenoid family as effective agents for the chemoprevention of CAC in humans.
Collaborative Opportunistic Spectrum Access in the Presence of Multiple Transmitters

We present a collaborative algorithm to enable opportunistic spectrum access for cognitive radios in the presence of multiple co-channel transmitters. A spectrum hole detection and estimation technique based on received signal strength observations is developed, which allows the coexistence of both licensed and unlicensed transmitters. We address the issue of how to perform collaborative spectrum sensing in the presence of multiple co-channel transmitters and how to determine the maximum transmit power that can be used for a given frequency channel by a cognitive radio while avoiding harmful interference to the licensed network. We provide some simulation results to validate the feasibility of our approach.
C/EBPα Is a DNA Damage-Inducible p53-Regulated Mediator of the G1 Checkpoint in Keratinocytes

The basic leucine zipper transcription factor, CCAAT/enhancer binding protein alpha (C/EBPalpha), is abundantly expressed in keratinocytes of the skin; however, its function in skin is poorly characterized. UVB radiation is responsible for the majority of human skin cancers. In response to UVB-induced DNA damage, keratinocytes activate cell cycle checkpoints that arrest cell cycle progression and prevent replication of damaged DNA, allowing time for DNA repair. We report here that UVB radiation is a potent inducer of C/EBPalpha in human and mouse keratinocytes, as well as in mouse skin in vivo. UVB irradiation of keratinocytes resulted in the transcriptional up-regulation of C/EBPalpha mRNA, producing a >70-fold increase in C/EBPalpha protein levels. N-Methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine, etoposide, and bleomycin also induced C/EBPalpha. UVB-induced C/EBPalpha was accompanied by an increase in p53 protein and caffeine, an inhibitor of ataxia-telangiectasia-mutated kinase, and ataxia-telangiectasia-mutated and Rad3-related kinase inhibited UVB-induced increases in both C/EBPalpha and p53. UVB irradiation of p53-null or mutant p53-containing keratinocytes failed to induce C/EBPalpha. UVB irradiation of C/EBPalpha knockdown keratinocytes displayed a greatly diminished DNA damage G(1) checkpoint, and this was associated with increased sensitivity to UVB-induced apoptosis. Our results uncover a novel role for C/EBPalpha as a p53-regulated DNA damage-inducible gene that has a critical function in the DNA damage G(1) checkpoint response in keratinocytes.
Magnetic telechemistry and magmatic segmentation on the Southern East Pacific Rise

Results from axial dredges and a profile inversion of magnetic anomaly data along the axis of the East Pacific Rise (EPR) at 13‐23oS provide an estimate of the average degree of fractionation for the extrusive layer at this ultrafast-spreading (145 mm=yr full rate) ridge. We find a high correlation .RD 0:81/ between dredge mean FeO * (total iron as FeO) and natural remanence for 34 axial dredges with multiple samples having coincident geochemical and magnetic data. We attribute this good correlation to detailed sampling spanning the full range of cooling-related magnetization changes within a flow and to the young age (0‐6 ka) of these axial samples, which effectively minimizes time-dependent magnetization changes due to geomagnetic intensity or alteration. A composite axial magnetic anomaly profile shows large amplitude (up to 400 nT) fluctuations with wavelengths of 50‐200 km, which theoretical considerations suggest can reliably be related to the magnetization directly beneath the ship. For much of the southern EPR, seismic data provide independent limits on the axial thickness (259 55 m) and the pattern of off-axis thickening of the extrusive magnetic source layer. These data also provide evidence for an axial magma lens that effectively eliminates anomaly contributions from deeper magnetic sources. Inversion of the axial magnetic anomaly data utilizing these geophysical constraints yields a magnetization solution which, through use of the regression relating FeO * and natural remanence, may be related to the average degree of differentiation of the extrusive source layer. The magnetic data reveal a pattern of magmatic segmentation that closely parallels the tectonic segmentation of the ridge, suggesting that magma supply may be an important control on the average degree of differentiation of the extrusive layer. © 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Searching for Neuronal Left/Right Asymmetry: Genomewide Analysis of Nematode Receptor-Type Guanylyl Cyclases

Functional left/right asymmetry (“laterality”) is a fundamental feature of many nervous systems, but only very few molecular correlates to functional laterality are known. At least two classes of chemosensory neurons in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans are functionally lateralized. The gustatory neurons ASE left (ASEL) and ASE right (ASER) are two bilaterally symmetric neurons that sense distinct chemosensory cues and express a distinct set of four known chemoreceptors of the guanylyl cyclase (gcy) gene family. To examine the extent of lateralization of gcy gene expression patterns in the ASE neurons, we have undertaken a genomewide analysis of all gcy genes. We report the existence of a total of 27 gcy genes encoding receptor-type guanylyl cyclases and of 7 gcy genes encoding soluble guanylyl cyclases in the complete genome sequence of C. elegans. We describe the expression pattern of all previously uncharacterized receptor-type guanylyl cyclases and find them to be highly biased but not exclusively restricted to the nervous system. We find that >41% (11/27) of all receptor-type guanylyl cyclases are expressed in the ASE gustatory neurons and that one-third of all gcy genes (9/27) are expressed in a lateral, left/right asymmetric manner in the ASE neurons. The expression of all laterally expressed gcy genes is under the control of a gene regulatory network composed of several transcription factors and miRNAs. The complement of gcy genes in the related nematode C. briggsae differs from C. elegans as evidenced by differences in chromosomal localization, number of gcy genes, and expression patterns. Differences in gcy expression patterns in the ASE neurons of C. briggsae arise from a difference in cis-regulatory elements and trans-acting factors that control ASE laterality. In sum, our results indicate the existence of a surprising multitude of putative chemoreceptors in the gustatory ASE neurons and suggest the existence of a substantial degree of laterality in gustatory signaling mechanisms in nematodes.
Unique Requirements for Mono- and Polyubiquitination of the Peroxisomal Targeting Signal Co-receptor, Pex20

In Pichia pastoris, the peroxisomal targeting signal 2 (PTS2)-dependent peroxisomal matrix protein import pathway requires the receptor, Pex7, and its co-receptor Pex20. A conserved lysine (Lys19) near the N terminus of Pex20 is required for its polyubiquitination and proteasomal degradation, whereas a conserved cysteine (Cys8) is essential for its recycling. In this study, we found that Cys8 is required for the DTT-sensitive mono- and diubiquitination of Pex20. We also show that the PTS2 cargo receptor, Pex7, is required for Pex20 polyubiquitination. Pex4, the E2 ubiquitin-conjugation enzyme, is required for monoubiquitination of Pex20. However, it is also necessary for polyubiquitination of Pex20, making its behavior distinct from the ubiquitination described for other PTS receptors. Unlike the roles of specific RING peroxins in Pex5 ubiquitination, we found that all the RING peroxins (Pex2, Pex10, and Pex12) are required as E3 ubiquitin ligases for Pex20 mono- and polyubiquitination. A model for Pex20 ubiquitination is proposed based on these observations. This is the first description of the complete ubiquitination pathway of Pex20, which provides a better understanding of the recycling and degradation of this PTS2 cargo co-receptor.
Incidence of Manipulation Under Anesthesia or Lysis of Adhesions After Arthroscopic Knee Surgery

Background:Arthrofibrosis after knee arthroscopy is a challenging complication. Previous studies reporting incidences of manipulation under anesthesia (MUA) or lysis of adhesions (LOA) after knee arthroscopy are limited by confounders such as small sample size and regional sampling bias.Purpose:To investigate the incidence of MUA or LOA after common arthroscopic knee procedures.Study Design:Descriptive epidemiology study.Methods:A national insurance database was retrospectively queried for arthroscopic knee procedures from 2007 to 2011. The incidence of postoperative MUA and LOA within 3 and 6 months postoperatively was determined for each of 13 common arthroscopic knee surgeries, including ligamentous reconstructive procedures, cartilage restoration procedures, and meniscal procedures.Results:A total of 330,714 unique patients who underwent knee arthroscopy were included in the study. The overall incidence of MUA was 0.06% to 6.00% by 3 months and 0.11% to 8.00% by 6 months postoperatively. The incidence...
Consumer resource matching in urbanizing landscapes: are synanthropic species over-matching?

Population responses of synanthropic species to urbanization may be explained by the resource-matching rule, which postulates that individuals should distribute themselves according to resource availability. According to the resource-matching rule, urban habitats will contain greater densities if they provide better resources than rural habitats. However, because resource availability is density dependent, individuals in urban areas would ultimately achieve fitness levels comparable to, but no better than, individuals in less urban areas. Some ecologists suggest that synanthropic birds may not conform to the resource-matching rule and may instead overmatch (i.e., overexploit) in urban habitats, ultimately leading to lower fitness despite greater resource levels. Using the Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) as a focal species, we evaluated if Cardinal populations in urban and rural habitats were consistent with predictions of consumer resource matching. During 2003-2006 we documented population density, adult body condition, apparent survival, and annual reproductive productivity of Cardinals in riparian forest stands within urban (n ¼ 8 stands) and rural (n ¼ 6 stands) landscapes in Ohio, USA. Density of Cardinals in urban forests was four times that found in more rural forests. Mark-resight data from 147 males and 125 females over four years indicated that apparent survival rates were similar between urban and rural landscapes (/ ¼ 0.64, SE ¼ 0.039 for males and / ¼ 0.57, SE ¼ 0.04 for females). Similarly, body condition indices of 168 males, 142 females, and 118 nestlings did not differ significantly between landscapes. Annual reproductive productivity (mean number of fledglings per pair over breeding season) of 294 pairs was comparable for urban (2.4 6 0.18 (mean 6 SE) and rural (2.1 6 0.18) young birds. Thus, contrary to recent suggestions, we find that high densities of certain synanthropic species in urban landscapes are consistent with expectations of consumer resource matching.
Tutorial/Panel Social Impact of Computerization

Over the past twenty years, electronic technology has invaded all of our lives, both at home and in the workplace. To support our growing electronics industry, we require every person in a developed nation to "consume" over a million transistors per year. But how is the technology we help to create changing our society? Computerization can and has altered the social structures of the workplace and the relationship of the worker to his or her work. In addition, the problem of reliability of electronic systems, especially in life-critical situations, has resulted in a diffusion of responsibility for decision making, with the priority given to reliability. Following a review of these and other issues, the panel has been asked to stimulate discussion from the audience as to who has the responsibility for this technology, and how should this responsibility be exercised?
The Acute Management of Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia in Children

Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) in children is a common disturbance of cardiac rhythm that is usually managed without difficulty by using a methodical approach. Technically, the term SVT refers to any rapid rhythm originating in or involving the atria or atrioventricular (AV) node. The most common type of SVT treated in the pediatric clinic is a reentrant rhythm involving the AV node or a bypass tract (paroxysmal SVT [PSVT]). This type of SVT is characterized by sudden onset and cessation, very little beat-to-beat variability, and rates usually well beyond 220 beats/minute. Reentrant rhythms are susceptible to vagal maneuvers, pharmacologic intervention, and electrical cardioversion. Other types of SVT include atrial flutter (rare in children) and automatic tachycardias, which tend to vary in rate over time and start and stop more gradually. It is important to distinguish automatic tachycardias from PSVT because they do not resolve with vagal maneuvers or electrical cardioversion and because they are notoriously difficult to manage with medications. The automatic tachycardia most frequently confused with PSVT is sinus tachycardia, which usually requires no treatment. The first step in evaluation is to check the hemodynamic status. A small proportion of children who have PSVT may present with shock. If the child is hypotensive or has poor capillary refill, one must start immediate measures to restore effective perfusion, including securing reliable intravenous (IV) access and supine positioning.
Hand-Carried Ultrasound Improves the Bedside Cardiovascular Examination

Objectives: We assessed the clinical utility of hand-carried cardiac ultrasound (HCU) devices to assist physicians in the diagnosis of cardiovascular disease. Materials and methods: We reviewed 42 articles published from 1978 to 2004. Results: The capability and simplicity of the HCU device assist physicians in the diagnosis of cardiovascular disease at the initial patients contact. HCU is particularly useful in the setting of emergency or critical care, community screening, or in remote areas with limited access to health care. Conclusion: The inherent limitations of the physical examination as well as the reduced focus and training in physical diagnosis of current and recent medical school graduates has set the stage for the HCU device to modify traditional medical practices by complementing the physical examination with real-time cardiovascular imaging.
Kinetics of two complementary hydrogen sink reactions in a defined 3‐chlorobenzoate degrading methanogenic co‐culture

The interrelationships between an obligate hydrogen-producing and two different hydrogen-scavenging populations grown as synthrophic members of a 3-chlorobenzoate degrading methanogenic consortium were studied. The hydrogen producer was a benzoate degrader (strain BZ-2), and the hydrogen consumers were a 3-chlorobenzoate dechlorinating bacterium (Desulfomonile tiedjei) and a hydrogenotropic methanogen (Methanospirillum strain PM-1). When a mixture of 3-chlorobenzoate plus benzoate was added to this consortium, the rate of benzoate degradation was 50% higher, at slightly lower H2 concentrations, than when benzoate alone was added. The enhanced benzoate degradation rate was apparantly triggered by the lower H2 concentration, as the rate of benzoate degradation was shown to be a function of the H2 concentration. By offering a hydrogen sink, in addition to methanogenesis, the dechlorinating hydrogen-scavenging population stimulated the rate of benzoate degradation. The lowering of the H2 concentration was very small, which was in agreement with the observation that the rate of methanogenesis was hardly affected by this lower hydrogen concentration. Thus there was no significant competition for H2 between the two hydrogen-scavenging populations in the consortium, as they practically complemented each other's hydrogen-scavenging potential at in situ hydrogen concentrations during the degradation of 3-chlorobenzoate. The H2 concentrations at which hydrogen driven methanogenesis by Methanospirillum occurred in the consortium were well below the threshold concentration extrapolated for this methanogen after growth at high H2 concentrations.
Body-mass dependence of age-related deterioration in human muscular function

Maximal anaerobic power of human muscles declines with increasing chronological age and is correlated with body mass. This study investigated whether the rate of deterioration in human muscular function among trained weight lifters is also correlated with body mass. Cross-sectional analysis of performance data of over 1,100 Masters competitors in Olympic-style weight lifting was carried out; eight body-weight classes and six age groups were represented. Two-lift total data (sum of snatch and clean and jerk lifts) were analyzed. Mean deterioration rates in the performance of athletes of widely diverse body masses were compared over the following age ranges: 42-57, 42-62, and 42-67 yr. No statistically significant correlation (P < 0.05) was found between rate of performance decline and body mass. The relationship between body mass and the magnitude of age-related variation of deterioration rate was also studied; no significant correlation was found. Previous studies have demonstrated that performance in Olympic-style weight lifting is correlated with maximal anaerobic muscular power. This leads us to suggest that the age-related deterioration rate of anaerobic power in trained subjects may not be correlated with the body mass of the individual.
Elucidating Zeolite Deactivation Mechanisms During Biomass Catalytic Fast Pyrolysis from Model Reactions and Zeolite Syntheses

Zeolites are crystalline microporous aluminosilicates that have numerous applications in industry, specifically in catalysis, separation and adsorption. Zeolites catalyze the conversion of biomass-derived pyrolysis vapors into hydrocarbons; however, zeolites frequently suffer from rapid deactivation under pyrolysis conditions. Methanol-to-hydrocarbon processes are closely related to biomass upgrading reactions and several proposed mechanisms are discussed to provide mechanistic insight for biomass upgrading with zeolites. Syntheses of novel zeolites have potential to relieve deactivation factors including mass diffusion limitations of bulky molecules and accumulation of carbonaceous coke on the catalyst surface. Catalytic activity of conventional zeolites is presented to provide insights to evaluate the novel zeolites. Recent advances of the new zeolite structures are also presented in the context of potential future directions for the field.
Characteristics of Physicians Who Dismiss Families for Refusing Vaccines

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Physicians dismissing families who refuse vaccines from their practices is controversial. We assessed the following among pediatricians (Peds) and family physicians (FPs): (1) reported prevalence of parental refusal of 1 or more vaccines in the infant series; (2) physician response to refusal; and (3) the association between often/always dismissing families and provider/practice characteristics and state exemption laws. METHODS: Nationally representative survey conducted June to October 2012. A multivariable analysis assessed association of often/always dismissing families with physician/practice characteristics, state philosophical exemption policy, and degree of difficulty obtaining nonmedical exemptions. RESULTS: The response rate was 66% (534/815). Overall, 83% of physicians reported that in a typical month, ≥1% of parents refused 1 or more infant vaccines, and 20% reported that >5% of parents refused. Fifty-one percent reported always/often requiring parents to sign a form if they refused (Peds 64%, FP 29%, P CONCLUSIONS: Almost all physicians encounter parents who refuse infant vaccines. One-fifth of Peds report dismissing families who refuse, but there is substantial variation in this practice. Given the frequency of dismissal, the impact of this practice on vaccine refusers and on pediatric practices should be studied.
Agency Structure and the Distribution of Federal Spending

Agency Structure and the Distribution of Federal Spending Sarah E. Anderson Bren School of Environmental Science & Management University of California, Santa Barbara 2400 Bren Hall University of California Santa Barbara, CA 93106 sanderson@bren.ucsb.edu Matthew Potoski Bren School of Environmental Science & Management University of California, Santa Barbara 2400 Bren Hall University of California Santa Barbara, CA 93106 mpotoski@bren.ucsb.edu
Europe? A speech

Abstract : My talk has two main points. One is a longstanding desire for continentality by the extreme northwestern edge of our continent, the island of Eurasia. It is a tiny edge and Imperial Europe is even a tiny edge of that one. The other point is a desire for a self, a mastership of interpellation. To be the master of “Hey you,” which is what interpellation is. The one hailed thinks s/he is the right person. There is thus a complicity in interpellation, culturalism allows us to forget that. Keywords : continentality; interpellation; complicity. Resumo : Meu texto apresenta dois pontos principais. Um deles e um antigo desejo de continentalidade para a margem noroeste extrema de nosso continente, a ilha de Eurasia. E uma margem pequena e a Europa Imperial e ainda uma margem minuscula daquele continente. O outro ponto e o desejo de um “Eu”, uma mestria de interpelacao. Para ser o mestre de “Ei voce ai,” que e o que a interpelacao e. A pessoa saudada pensa que ela/e e a pessoa certa. Existe entao uma cumplicidade na interpelacao, o culturalismo nos permite esquecer isso. Palavras-chave : continentalidade; interpelacao; cumplicidade.
The clinical pharmacology of alfentanil.

Alfentanil has a different pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profile compared to fentanyl. Alfentanil is approximately five to eight times less potent than fentanyl when given as a single i.v. dose. The onset of alfentanil effect is five to six times more rapid than fentanyl because of a more rapid blood: brain equilibration. The rapid dissipation of alfentanil's effect occurs due to both redistribution from the brain to other tissues and rapid elimination from the body, secondary to the short elimination half-life. The short alfentanil elimination half-life arises from the marked reduction in steady-state distribution volume from a limited tissue distribution. Higher plasma concentrations are needed for endotracheal intubation and skin incision than skin closure and post-operative ventilation. Upper abdominal surgical procedures require higher plasma concentrations than lower abdominal or breast surgery. Optimal alfentanil anaesthesia occurs when plasma concentrations are maintained relatively constant at therapeutic values using infusion techniques. Age and hepatic disease alter alfentanil pharmacokinetics. Age and other CNS depressants can lower the alfentanil plasma concentrations needed for adequate clinical anaesthesia. In spite of adjusting for these factors that affect alfentanil pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, unexplained pharmacokinetic variability of 30-50% exists. Alfentanil infusions must be titrated and adjusted in each patient, based upon the clinical response to circumvent this pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic variability.
Barking up the wrong ape--australopiths and the quest for chimpanzee characters in hominid fossils.

With the shift during the 1980s from a human-great ape ultimately to an orangutan-(gorilla-(human-chimp)) theory of relatedness, the search for chimpanzee-like features in early hominids intensified. Reconstructions of early hominids became caricatures of chimpanzees, not only in soft tissue features (e.g. the nasal region), but in supposed bony structures (e.g. an anteriorly and especially superiorly protruding a supraorbital torus with a distinct posttoral sulcus behind). In spite of rampant »Panophilia,« actual morphologies of the majority of early hominid specimens are those cited as uniting an orangutan clade. Those specimens that are »chimpanzee-like« are probably not cladistically hominid.
Influence of the route of glucose administration on hepatic glycogen repletion.

To delineate the role of the route of glucose administration on liver glycogen synthesis, we administered [1-13C]glucose either by intravenous or intraduodenal infusion to chronically catheterized ...
Greenhouse gas mitigation benefits and cost-effectiveness of weatherization treatments for low-income, American, urban housing stocks

Abstract This paper investigates how greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation benefits and cost-effectiveness of weatherization treatments vary geographically due to differences in climate, energy production mix, and housing stock. Using a treatment cost database and methods that estimate the residential energy savings from weatherization, we estimated energy cost savings, GHG savings, and measurements of cost-effectiveness. Combinations of three weatherization treatments were modeled: replacing a standard thermostat with a programmable thermostat, installing attic insulation, and envelop air sealing. These treatments were modeled for the low-income housing stock of six contrasting American urban areas: Orlando, Florida; Los Angeles-Long Beach, California; Seattle, Washington; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Detroit, Michigan; and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Results show that (1) regional variations have high impact on the cost-effectiveness of weatherization treatments, (2) housing stocks with substantial electric space conditioning tend to offer greater energy cost and GHG savings, (3) the effect of a GHG price is small compared to energy cost savings when evaluating the cost-effectiveness of weatherization treatments, and (4) installing programmable thermostats is the most cost-effective treatment. This study highlights the importance of thoughtful consideration of weatherization program goals when selecting cities or regions to prioritize because different goals suggest different weatherization strategies.
ACTH Action on StAR Biology.

Adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH) produced by the anterior pituitary stimulates glucocorticoid synthesis by the adrenal cortex. The first step in glucocorticoid synthesis is the delivery of cholesterol to the mitochondrial matrix where the first enzymatic reaction in the steroid hormone biosynthetic pathway occurs. A key response of adrenal cells to ACTH is activation of the cAMP-protein kinase A (PKA) signaling pathway. PKA activation results in an acute increase in expression and function of the Steroidogenic Acute Regulatory protein (StAR). StAR plays an essential role in steroidogenesis- it controls the hormone-dependent movement of cholesterol across the mitochondrial membranes. Currently StAR’s mechanism of action remains a major unanswered question in the field. However, some insight may be gained from understanding the mechanism(s) controlling the PKA-dependent phosphorylation of StAR at S194/195 (mouse/human StAR), a modification that is required for function. This mini-review provides a background on StAR’s biology with a focus on StAR phosphorylation. The model for StAR translation and phosphorylation at the outer mitochondrial membrane, the location for StAR function, is presented to highlight a unifying theme emerging from diverse studies.
RADU: Bridging the divide between data and infrastructure management to support data-driven collaborations

We have witnessed a dramatic increase in national cyberinfrastructure resources to support data-driven research. Orchestrating these resources to enable the creation of collaborative infrastructure capable of supporting data intensive activities is challenging. In this work we present RADII, a novel architecture and system that enables the provisioning and configuration of collaborative infrastructure by orchestrating data and infrastructure management in an integrated manner. We also introduce a cross-layer data annotation mechanism that together with Software-Defined Networking (SDN) support allows the embedding of user-defined performance policies into file metadata which are translated into executable optimal network plans. We have deployed RADII on a worldwide production testbed and demonstrated through experimentation that RADII can improve network throughput of data transfers by 28.2% as compared to conventional approaches.
System-Agnostic Security Domains for Understanding and Prioritizing Systems Security Engineering Efforts

As modern systems continue to increase in size and complexity, current systems security practices lack an effective approach to prioritize and tailor systems security efforts to successfully develop and field systems in challenging operational environments. This paper uniquely proposes seven system-agnostic security domains, which assist in understanding and prioritizing systems security engineering (SSE) efforts. To familiarize the reader with the state-of-the-art in SSE practices, we first provide a comprehensive discussion of foundational SSE concepts, methodologies, and frameworks. Next, the seven system-agnostic security domains are presented for consideration by researchers and practitioners. The domains are intended to be representative of a holistic SSE approach, which is universally applicable to multiple systems classes and not just a single-system implementation. Finally, three examples are explored to illustrate the utility of the system-agnostic domains for understanding and prioritizing SSE efforts in information technology systems, Department of Defense weapon systems, and cyber-physical systems.
Interracial Marriage and Self-Reported Health of Whites and Blacks in the United States

This study examines the self-reported health of 180,291 married non-Hispanic blacks and whites in interracial versus endogamous marriages. Data are from the National Health Interview Survey pooled over the period 1997–2013. The results from ordinal logistic regressions show that non-Hispanic whites intermarried with non-Hispanic blacks, non-Hispanic whites intermarried with non-Hispanic other races, and non-Hispanic white women with Hispanic husbands report significantly poorer health than their endogamous counterparts. Furthermore, non-Hispanic whites with non-Hispanic black spouses also fare worse than their interracially married peers with Hispanic spouses. In contrast, the self-reported health of married non-Hispanic blacks shows no significant difference between the interracially and the endogamously married. Our findings highlight the theoretical significance of spousal characteristics and couple-level contexts in the household production of health.
Genome-Wide Association Mapping of Loci Associated with Plant Growth and Forage Production under Salt Stress in Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.).

Salinity tolerance is highly desirable to sustain alfalfa production in marginal lands that have been rendered saline. In this study, we used a diverse panel of 198 alfalfa accessions for mapping loci associated with plant growth and forage production under salt stress using genome-wide association studies (GWAS). The plants were genotyped using genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS). A greenhouse procedure was used for phenotyping four agronomic and physiological traits affected by salt stress, including dry weight (DW), plant height (PH), leaf chlorophyll content (LCC) and stomatal conductance (SC). For each trait, a stress susceptibility index (SSI) was used to evaluate plant performance under stressed and non-stressed conditions. Marker-trait association identified a total of 42 markers significantly associated with salt tolerance. They were located on all chromosomes except chromosome 2 based on the alignment of their flanking sequences to the reference genome (Medicago truncatula). Of those identified, 13 were associated with multiple traits. Several loci identified in the present study were also identified in previous reports. BLAST search revealed that 19 putative candidate genes linked to 24 significant markers. Among them, B3 DNA-binding protein, Thiaminepyrophosphokinase and IQ calmodulin-binding motif protein were identified among multiple traits in the present and previous studies. With further investigation, these markers and candidates would be useful for developing markers for marker-assisted selection in breeding programs to improve alfalfa cultivars with enhanced tolerance to salt stress.
Management of Chronic Lymphedema of the Lower Extremity

A 19 year old female was brought in to the Emergency Room (ER) in a “septic shock” condition with massively swollen bilateral lower limbs (Fig. 53.1).
Stochastic Optimization of Maintenance and Operations Schedules Under Unexpected Failures

We develop a stochastic optimization framework for integrated condition-based maintenance and operations scheduling for a fleet of generators with explicit consideration of unexpected failures. Our approach is based on a model that uses condition-based failure scenarios derived from the remaining lifetime distributions of the generators, as well as a chance constraint to ensure a reliable maintenance plan. We derive a deterministic safe approximation of the difficult chance constraint. The large number of failure scenarios is handled by a combination of sample average approximation and an enhanced scenario decomposition algorithm in a distributed framework. We introduce a number of algorithmic improvements by exploiting the polyhedral structure of the problem, utilizing its time decomposability, and an analysis of the transmission line capacities. Finally, we present a case study demonstrating the significant cost savings and computational benefits of the proposed framework.
Poly(Vinyl Alcohol) Cellulose Nanocomposites

Cellulose is the most abundant natural biopolymer in the world. Cellulose fibrils in micro- and nanoscales are attractive materials to replace man-made fibers such as glass and aramid fibers. They can be used as the reinforced additives or fillers to produce environmentally friendly materials. Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) is a biodegradable polymer, which has many advantages including the resistance to solvents, being able to chemically bond with cellulose and soluble in hot water. The water solubility of PVA allows it to be fabricated with other water-soluble materials (e.g., nanocellulose solution) to form a nanocomposite by film casting method. In the introduction of this chapter, we overviewed the recently developed methods to generate cellulose fibril in a micro- or nanoscale, the characterization of nanocrystals and nanofibers, and the fabrication methods for PVA/cellulose nanocomposites. As an example, commercial microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) was used to reinforce PVA through film casting method in this chapter. The morphologies and sizes of the MFC were detected by scanning electronic microscopy (SEM). The effects of MFC on mechanical and thermal properties and surface morphologies of composites were studied. The introduction of MFC increased both tensile modulus and tensile strength of neat PVA. The composite had a higher thermal degradation temperature compared to neat PVA. The SEM images indicated the existence of interbonding between PVA and cellulose fibrils.
Introduction: The Latinx opportunity

ABSTRACTAchieving Equal Opportunity and Justice for All, including Latinx communities, is one of the Grand Challenges of the American Academy of Social Work & Social Welfare. This is an opportunity that Social Work is well equipped to lead from its assets-based approach to research and practice. Such a systemic transformation can be attained through innovative programs that prepare bilingual, bicultural social workers to lead our profession on how to best serve Latinx communities. This article lays out this Latinx opportunity and introduces initiatives across the country to advance the formation of social workers equipped to work effectively with the growing Latinx population in America.
primary CNS lymphoma(PCNSL) mimicking HSV encephalitis: A false case of positive HSV PCR (P3.165)

Objective: To describe a rare case of primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) mimicking HSV encephalitis Background: PCNSL is a B cell NHL of central nervous system. Due to highly variable clinical presentation, the diagnosis is often delayed. Design/Methods: 74 year old female presented with subacute confusion and cognitive decline. MRI brain showed T2/flair hyperintensities in bitemporal mesial lobes. Initial CSF demonstrated 7 RBCs,7 WBC(87% lymphocytes), elevated protein(81) & positive HSV-1 PCR. Acyclovir was initiated. After 5 weeks, due to minimal clinical improvement, a repeat spinal tap was done which was negative for HSV PCR. Repeat MRI demonstrated slightly improved bitemporal hyperintensity with new bilateral amygdala and scattered cortical enhancement. Acyclovir was discontinued for a presumed acyclovir neuro-toxicity with some clinical improvement. Repeat MR was stable.2 months later, she returned for worsening mental status and psychosis. MRI demonstrated worsening of hyperintensity in subcortical white matter and temporal T2/flair hyperintensities with enhancement. Acyclovir was restarted.2 repeat spinal taps demonstrated negative HSV PCR & cytology. She underwent Right frontal lobe Biopsy showing diffuse, large B cell NHL. Results: Patient was treated with methotrexate which resulted in a dramatic improvement of neurologic status. Temporal lobe flair changes and positive CSF HSV PCR of this case were highly suggestive of HSV encephalitis both of which are highly sensitive and specific tests. A false positive HSV PCR is unusual. It is unclear if she had both HSV encephalitis and NHL at initial presentation. However, a progressive worsening of MRI lesions with enhancement despite acyclovir treatment may suggest that the HSV PCR test might have been falsely positive. Conclusions: The clinical manifestation of PCNSL is highly variable. We describe a rare case of PCNSL mimicking HSV encephalitis with a false positive HSV PCR. There is a need to keep high index of suspicion for NHL, especially in patients with unusual CNS presentation or suboptimal response to therapy for other diagnosis. This will facilitate early identification of PCNSL and prompt treatment. Disclosure: Dr. Zawar has nothing to disclose. Dr. Cho has nothing to disclose.
Big-Time College Athletes’ Status As Employees

This article addresses the legal status of FBS football and Division I men’s basketball players as employees. Part I analyzes the application of the National Labor Relations Act to these athletes, viewed through the lens of professional athletes. Part II addresses National Labor Relations Board precedent regarding college students’ employment status from the 1970s through the 2016 Columbia University decision that student assistants are statutory employees. Although the status of graduate student assistants as employees may be on fragile ground under a Republican-majority NLRB, this historical framework is relevant for understanding why grant-in-aid athletes should be viewed as statutory employees. Part II also analyzes the decisions of the NLRB and its Regional Director in Northwestern University. Part III discusses application of state workers’ compensation statutes and the Fair Labor Standards Act to college athletes and explains how their employment status under the NLRA relates to rights under these statutes.
The structure of cognition in 9 and 10 year-old children and associations with problem behaviors: Findings from the ABCD study’s baseline neurocognitive battery

The Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study is poised to be the largest single-cohort long-term longitudinal study of neurodevelopment and child health in the United States. Baseline data on N= 4521 children aged 9-10 were released for public access on November 2, 2018. In this paper we performed principal component analyses of the neurocognitive assessments administered to the baseline sample. The neurocognitive battery included seven measures from the NIH Toolbox as well as five other tasks. We implemented a Bayesian Probabilistic Principal Components Analysis (BPPCA) model that incorporated nesting of subjects within families and within data collection sites. We extracted varimax-rotated component scores from a three-component model and associated these scores with parent-rated Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) internalizing, externalizing, and stress reactivity. We found evidence for three broad components that encompass general cognitive ability, executive function, and learning/memory. These were significantly associated with CBCL scores in a differential manner but with small effect sizes. These findings set the stage for longitudinal analysis of neurocognitive and psychopathological data from the ABCD cohort as they age into the period of maximal adolescent risk-taking.
Class Actions and Private Antitrust Litigation

When firms collude and charge supra-competitive prices, consumers can bring antitrust lawsuits against the firms. When the litigation cost is low, firms accept the cost as just another cost of doing business, whereas when the cost is high, the firms lower the price to deter litigation. Class action is modeled as a mechanism that allows plaintiffs and attorneys to obtain economies of scale. We show that class actions, and the firms' incentive to block them, may or may not be socially desirable. Agency problems, settlement, fee-shifting, treble damages, public enforcement, and sustaining collusion through repeat play are also considered.
Surface-engineered mesoporous silicon microparticles as high-Coulombic-efficiency anodes for lithium-ion batteries

Abstract High-capacity silicon anodes suffer from rapid capacity decay due to large volume expansion, which causes mechanical fracture, electrical contact loss and unstable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI). Nanostructuring has proved to be effective in addressing these problems over the past decade; however, new issues such as poor initial Coulombic efficiencies due to increased surface area remain unsolved. Here we develop a surface-engineering strategy by depositing a dense silicon skin onto each mesoporous silicon microparticle and further encapsulating it with a conformal graphene cage, which improves both the initial and later-cycle Coulombic efficiencies. The silicon skin lowers the unfavorable electrolyte/electrode contact area and minimizes SEI formation, resulting in an initial Coulombic efficiency over twice as high as that without silicon skin coating. The graphene cage combined with the inner void space of mesoporous silicon allow for silicon expansion, which guarantees structural integrity and SEI stability, resulting in high later-cycle Coulombic efficiencies (99.8–100% for later cycles) and impressive cycling stability.
Sensitive detection of microsatellite instability in tumors and liquid biopsies using nuclease-based enrichment.

e15117Background: The role of MSI in colorectal cancer (CRC) is well characterized, and tumors are classified as MSI-High or MSI-Stable by screening specific microsatellites. MSI-H reflects mismatc...
Introduction to the Book and the Concept of Autism Spectrum Disorder

This chapter is an overview of the book and introduces the notion that autism is a description of a developmental profile and a clinical diagnosis, not a single biologic entity. The older term “autism” is used interchangeably with the current term “autism spectrum disorder” or “ASD.”
Modeling Behavior: A Critical Agenda

The traditional approach to modeling behavioral anomalies consists of modifying the specification of agents’ characteristics in order to exhibit or generate each such anomaly. Within this context, I raise two issues: (1) why agents’ characteristics differ and how they are determined, and (2) the design of policies and institutions when traits are at least partially influenced by the environment. However, the main argument in the paper is that the traditional, piecemeal approach may be problematic due to interactive effects between traits or behaviors. This suggests that greater effort should be devoted to determining which traits are interrelated and to studying them jointly rather than separately. Finally, I briefly mention two alternative modeling strategies which may be more amenable to analyzing behavior in new situations.
Electrochemical Deposition of Organometallic Halide Perovskite Single-Crystal Particles with Density Gradients and Their Stability, Fluorescence, and Photoelectrochemical Properties

Organometallic halide perovskites have gained immense scientific interest because of their unique optoelectronic properties that can benefit applications such as solar cells, lasers, and light-emit...