cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Estimation of the Aqueous Solubility of Organic Compounds

In spite of its importance to a number of scientific disciplines, there are few reliable techniques for the estimation of the aqueous solubility of a crystalline organic compound. One of the major reasons for the lack of progress in this field is the fact that solubility is not strictly an additive, constituative property, and thus cannot be predicted by group contributions alone.
Direct detection of Borrelia burgdorferi in Ixodes scapularis (Acari: Ixodidae) nymphs by hybridization to ribosomal RNA.

A method for direct detection of Borrelia burgdorferi Johnson, Schmid, Hyde, Steigerwalt & Brenner has been developed. Cells are lysed to facilitate release of ribosomal RNA. Lysates are filtered onto nylon membranes that are hybridized with probes specific for sequences in B. burgdorferi 23S rRNA. The technique is rapid and does not require any enzymatic amplification steps. With the use of a cocktail containing five different probes, ≈1,000 organisms could be detected. The assay was successfully applied to direct detection of B. burgdorferi in Ixodes scapularis Say nymphs.
Diagnostics for advanced materials processing by plasma spraying

Advanced coatings deposited by plasma spraying are used in a large variety of in- dustrial applications. The sprayed coatings are employed typically in industry to protect parts from severe operating conditions or to produce surfaces with specific functions. Applications are found in many industrial sectors such as aerospace, automobile, energy generation, and biomedical implants. Coatings are built by the successive deposition of molten or partially molten particles that flatten and solidify upon contact on the substrate, forming lamellae. The coating prop- erties are intimately linked to the properties of these lamellae, which in turn depend on in- flight particle properties as well as substrate temperature during spraying. Consequently, the development of diagnostic tools for monitoring and controlling these spray parameters will help provide the necessary information to study the coating formation process, optimize the coating properties, and, eventually, control the spray process in production. In this paper, a review of some recent developments of optical diagnostic techniques applied to monitor plasma-sprayed particles is presented. In the first part of the paper, two different sensing techniques for in-flight particle measurement are described. First, time-re- solved diagnostics on individual particles is described. This technique is used to study the in- stabilities of the particle characteristics associated with the plasma fluctuations. Secondly, a technique adapted for use in an industrial production environment for measuring the particle jet characteristics as an ensemble is presented. In the second part of the paper, the use of an optical system to study the influence of the substrate temperature on the flattening and solid- ification of sprayed particles impacting on a flat substrate is described. The last part of this paper describes the optimization of nanostructured coatings based on a tight control of the temperature and velocity of the plasma-sprayed particles.
The tale of two COXs.

In this issue of Blood , Dragani and colleagues provide evidence in ET for increased reticulated platelets and for a role of COX-2 in the enhanced thromboxane A2 production. These findings highlight the need to rethink the optimum antithrombotic regimens in ET and other states with accelerated
An explication of the causal dimension of drift

Among philosophers, controversy over the notion of drift in population genetics is ongoing. This is at least partly because the notion of drift has an ambiguous usage among population geneticists. My goal in this paper is to explicate the causal dimension of drift, to say what causal influences are responsible for the stochasticity in population genetics models. It is commonplace for population genetics to oppose the influence of selection to that of drift, and to consider how the dynamics of populations are altered when each has greater or lesser influence. I define the causes that are referred to as drift when researchers speak this way.
Taking Fatigue Seriously, II: Variability in Fatigue Levels in Cancer Patients

Fatigue is a common and distressing complaint of cancer patients. It is typically measured with symptom inventories that reflect the patient's experience over the previous days or weeks. This study examined short-term variation in fatigue levels in a heterogeneous group of cancer patients over a 3-day period to examine the feasibility of such repeated assessments and to characterize the extent and pattern of fatigue symptoms in cancer patients. Thirty-four cancer outpatients with diverse malignancies wore a prototype fatigue watch monitor for three consecutive 24-hour periods and provided fatigue ratings every hour while awake for the 3 days. Patients completed an average of 40 self-reports over 72 hours. These reports revealed a diurnal variation in fatigue, with increasing levels in the evening. The reports also revealed considerable differences across individuals and within individuals in terms of fatigue ratings. Multiple ratings of fatigue within short periods of time can be obtained and reveal that fatigue levels are quite variable, even within an individual. Cancer patients experience their fatigue as "moderate to extreme" 33% of the time.
Conversations with a Psychiatrist

This reminiscence is a celebration of my good fortune in family, biological and scientific. The biological family into which I was born gave me a strong start, although not entirely in the direction I took. I swerved from an anticipated career in medical practice into continuing delight in those who became my scientific family in microbiology. The families changed, yet they continued to give me strength and inspiration. In my youth, I was gently guided by mentors who gave me freedom to explore where curiosity beckoned. I hope I repaid this gift to my laboratory colleagues who enlightened me over the years. I learned much from my students, and my horizons were extended by industrial scientists. It has been my particular good fortune to learn the workings of microorganisms and microbiologists as editor of Journal of Bacteriology for a decade, as editor-in-chief of Applied and Environmental Microbiology for a decade, and as editor of Annual Review of Microbiology for a quarter of a century.
Pay-TV system with strong privacy and non-repudiation protection

Current pay-TV systems enable service providers to acquire personal data easily, e.g. the customers' TV-watching habits, which can make customers uncomfortable or cause them inconvenience. Although many privacy protection schemes have been proposed, they only protect customer privacy from abuse by outsiders, not the service providers. This paper develops a new conditional access system (CAS) mechanism - "e-ticket" - for pay-TV systems to protect customer privacy from abuse by both outsiders and providers, while protecting both the customers and the providers against double-spending, loss, misuse, and/or stealing of the e-ticket. This article also demonstrates that the combination of the partial blind digital signature and anonymous digital signature makes pay-TV systems more robust and fairer than before.
Background and interface electron populations in InAs0.58Sb0.42

The unintentional background electron population and associated interface and surface conductivity in a heterostructure of InAs0.58Sb0.42 with a bandgap of 0.144 eV and AlInSb was studied with multi-carrier Hall-effect analysis. A free electron bulk concentration at 77 K was found with a density of 2.4 × 1015 cm−3and mobility of 140 000 cm2 V−1 s−1. A surface electron accumulation layer was observed with a density of 5.5 × 1011 cm−2 and mobility of 4500 cm2 V−1 s−1 that is consistent with predictions of surface Fermi level pinning. Another accumulation layer was identified at the interface with the AlInSb of 4 × 1011 cm−2 with a mobility of 37 000 cm2 V−1 s−1. The origin of the defects and the implications for device structures are discussed.
Why Doesn’t He Just Leave Me Alone? Persistent Pursuit: A Critical Review of Theories and Evidence

An integrative review of three theories that explain why some individuals engage in persistent pursuit—coercive control theory, relational goal pursuit, and attachment theory—is presented. The meta-analytic evidence pointing to persistent pursuit as a gendered behavior is reviewed, and coercive control theory is used to explain gender differences. The strong conceptual and empirical overlap between coercive control as a form of intimate partner violence and persistent pursuit is examined. It is suggested that persistent pursuit measures do not adequately assess behaviors that may be used more commonly by women, such as use of physical attractiveness or gossip to damage one’s reputation. Given the promising empirical support for the theories, longitudinal and comparative evaluations, with new methods are needed.
Voronoi-based finite volume methods, optimal Voronoi meshes, and PDEs on the sphere ☆

We first develop and analyze a finite volume scheme for the discretization of partial differential equations (PDEs) on the sphere; the scheme uses Voronoi tessellations of the sphere. For a model convection–diffusion problem, the finite volume scheme is shown to produce first-order accurate approximations with respect to a mesh-dependent discrete firstderivative norm. Then, we introduce the notion of constrained centroidal Voronoi tessellations (CCVTs) of the sphere; these are special Voronoi tessellation of the sphere for which the generators of the Voronoi cells are also the constrained centers of mass, with respect to a prescribed density function, of the cells. After discussing an algorithm for determining CCVT meshes on the sphere, we discuss and illustrate several desirable properties possessed by these meshes. In particular, it is shown that CCVT meshes define very high-quality uniform and non-uniform meshes on the sphere. Finally, we discuss, through some computational experiments, the performance of the CCVT meshes used in conjunction with the finite volume scheme for the solution of simple model PDEs on the sphere. The experiments show, for example, that the CCVT based finite volume approximations are second-order accurate if errors are measured in
Molecular Characterization of Functional Domains in the Protein Kinase SOS2 That Is Required for Plant Salt Tolerance

The SOS3 (for SALT OVERLY SENSITIVE3) calcium binding protein and SOS2 protein kinase are required for sodium and potassium ion homeostasis and salt tolerance in Arabidopsis. We have shown previously that SOS3 interacts with and activates the SOS2 protein kinase. We report here the identification of a SOS3 binding motif in SOS2 that also serves as the kinase autoinhibitory domain. Yeast two-hybrid assays as well as in vitro binding assays revealed a 21-amino acid motif in the regulatory domain of SOS2 that is necessary and sufficient for interaction with SOS3. Database searches revealed a large family of SOS2-like protein kinases containing such a SOS3 binding motif. Using a yeast two-hybrid system, we show that these SOS2-like kinases interact with members of the SOS3 family of calcium binding proteins. Two-hybrid assays also revealed interaction between the N-terminal kinase domain and the C-terminal regulatory domain within SOS2, suggesting that the regulatory domain may inhibit kinase activity by blocking substrate access to the catalytic site. Removal of the regulatory domain of SOS2, including the SOS3 binding motif, resulted in constitutive activation of the protein kinase, indicating that the SOS3 binding motif can serve as a kinase autoinhibitory domain. Constitutively active SOS2 that is SOS3 independent also was produced by changing Thr(168) to Asp in the activation loop of the SOS2 kinase domain. Combining the Thr(168)-to-Asp mutation with the autoinhibitory domain deletion created a superactive SOS2 kinase. These results provide insights into regulation of the kinase activities of SOS2 and the SOS2 family of protein kinases.
DYNAMIC FLUID LOSS DURING VISCOUS FLOW THROUGH A POROUS VERTICAL SLOT

. An experimental study of two-dimensional viscous flow through a vertical slot with one highly resistant porous wall was made. The fluid loss area of the porous wall was divided into five sections. The fluid loss rate for the various subareas was measured as a function of the bulk flow rate through the slot and the viscosity of the fluid. Static flow tests through the porous media were also conducted for each fluid viscosity. The results indicate that the experimental data can be correlated in terms of the difference between the static flow rate and the dynamic fluid loss rate as a function of the bulk Reynold's number and the bulk flow rate. Stream function profiles were determined for each experimental run to visualize flow through the length of the slot. An empirical correlation was developed between the superficial entrance width, δ, and the ratio of bulk Reynold's number to the Reynold's number based on flow through the porous wall.
A Bulk-Flow Analysis of Multiple-Pocket Gas Damper Seals

A bulk-flow model for calculation of the dynamic force characteristics in a single cavity, multiple-pocket gas damper seal is presented. Flow turbulence is accounted for by using turbulent shear stress parameters and Moody’s friction factors in the circumferential momentum equation. Zeroth order-equations describe the isothermal flow field for a centered seal, and first-order equations govern the perturbed flow for small amplitude rotor lateral motions. Comparisons to limited measurements from a four-pocket gas damper seal show the current model to predict well the mass flow rate and the direct damping coefficient. For a reference two-bladed teeth-on-stator labyrinth seal, the current model predicts similar rotordynamic coefficients when compared to results from a two control-volume bulk-flow model. Force coefficients from a reference single-cavity, four pocket gas damper depend on the rotor speed and pressure drop with magnitudes decreasing as the rotor whirl frequency increases. The multiple-pocket gas damper seal provides substantially more damping than a conventional labyrinth seal of the same dimensions. The damper seal cross-coupled stiffness coefficients are small though sensitive to the inlet circumferential pre-swirl flow.Copyright © 1998 by ASME
Role of preoperative embolization for intradural spinal hemangioblastomas

Spinal hemangioblastomas (HB) are relatively rare neoplasms with a high degree of vascularity. Therapy for symptomatic tumors involves total resection when possible. Due to the enriched blood supply of these neoplasms, there is a high risk of significant intraoperative blood loss, which can lead to perioperative complications. Preoperative embolization of HB has been suggested to reduce blood loss and operative morbidity, but its use remains controversial. Data on the risks and benefits of preoperative embolization for this tumor remains limited. We identified and analyzed all 29 reported cases of preoperative embolization of intradural spinal HB within the literature. There were 18 men and nine women, and patients ranged from 24 to 61 years of age. Mean tumor size was 3.5 cm. Cervical and thoracic location was most common, accounting for 48.3% and 20% of cases, respectively. Complications from embolization and surgery were minimal, with no deaths or permanent neurological morbidity. Minimal intraoperative bleeding and excellent rates of gross total resection were reported with preoperative embolization. However, outcomes from microsurgery alone from historical series have similarly reported excellent outcomes. While there is no established standard, preoperative embolization should be reserved for particularly high risk patients with risk of intraoperative bleeding.
Magnetic properties of superconducting EuBa2Cu3O7−x

The magnetic properties of superconducting EuBa2Cu3O7−x with resistiveT c ∼96.5 K are measured. The normal state magnetic susceptibility is analyzed within the framework of the Van Vleck-Frank theory, leading to the conclusion that the strong moments of the Eu3+ ions are uncorrelated, and do not affect the superconducting state.
Imaging insights from the bifurcated Y-graft Fontan procedure

Results From August, 2010 to July, 2015, 45 children (median age 3.6 years, range 1.5 18.9 years) have undergone a Y-graft Fontan. In all 45 patients, echocardiography was unable to visualize the Y-arm connections to the branch PA’s. Thirty-nine patients underwent CMR a median of 9 days after Fontan (range 4-295 days), and 6 patients with pacemakers underwent CTA. Early in the experience, time resolved contrast enhanced magnetic resonance angiogram (CEMRA) provided the best spatial resolution for baffle evaluation (Figure 1a). In late 2013, our CMR protocol changed to include a blood pool Gadolinium contrast agent, Gadofosveset Trisodium. Subsequently, postcontrast, 3D, respiratory navigated, inversion recovery gradient echo imaging (3D IR GRE) provided superior spatial resolution for the final 19 children (Figure 1b). In one patient, thrombosis in the baffle was found. In 40 patients, some degree of stenosis was found in a Fontan baffle or branch PA, though most were mild (n = 27). Among those with moderate or severe stenosis, most occurred in the central PA, between the insertion of the bidirectional Glenn (BDG) and a Y-arm (n = 7). Phase contrast imaging and the time resolved CEMRA provided insights into Fontan hemodynamics. In 14 patients, inferior systemic venous return was affected by the BDG position and angulation, with competitive flow in either the left or right Y-arm resulting in asymmetric inferior systemic venous return to the branch PA’s (Figure 2). This finding was more pronounced in patients with central PA stenosis.
IQ test scatter may not be an index of psychosocial adjustment.

Several previous researches (2, 3, 4 ) have suggested that extensive score scatter on ~ncelligence rests may be a valid index of psychosocial adjusunent. As part of a largct project investigating boys at risk for psychological disorder, Greenwald, Harder, and F~sher (1) reported additional evidence for this hypothesis. In one additional test of the hypothesis, the author here examined 3-yr. follow-up data from the same project, to verify the possible usefulness of WISC scatter as a predictor of future psychosocial difficulrg. The subjects were 87 of the 101 7and 10-yr.-olds participating in the earlier study. These boys, now 10 and 13 yr. old, came from mostly middle-class families and were above average in IQ ( M = 121.87). All of the subjects had had at least one parent hospitalized for a psychiatric disorder, thereby establishing their "risk" status. As in the previous study, WISC scatter was measured with two variables, the number of subtests deviating three or more points from the subject's mean score and the variance of all subtest scaled scores, based on the over-all mean. Two measures of each child's adjustment in school were used, the mean of four teacher-rated dimensions and the mean of peer-rated dimensions. Also, two clinical measures of functioning were employed, one based on a clinician's interview, the other upon parents' reports. Pearson correlations between WISC scatter measures and functioning variables gave no significant correlations ($ < .05). Conuary to earlier findings, including those with the same sample at an earlier time period, this study did not indicate that IQ test scatter was an indicator of psychosocial adjustment. It is possible either that there is no significant association of these variables or that the association is not robust and is easily overshadowed by other factors. Either possibility could explain the sparse positive findings for the expected relationship in the previous literature.
Hypersexuality and Religion/Spirituality: A Qualitative Review

ABSTRACTPrior research has linked hypersexuality to negative mental health outcomes, and this relationship is partially explained by one's appraisals of sexual behavior. Religious/spiritual beliefs can strongly influence appraisals of sexual behavior, especially to the degree that individuals view themselves as failing to act in line with their sexual values. The purpose of the present article was to review empirical studies on the intersection of religion/spiritualty and hypersexuality. Most studies were based on convenience samples and used measures of hypersexuality that only partially align with proposed diagnostic criteria. Studies consistently demonstrated a negative relationship between religiosity and hypersexual behavior. In addition, hypersexuality was negatively related to measures of spiritual adjustment. Implications for future research as well as treatment of hypersexuality are discussed.
Class II transactivator expression in melanoma cells facilitates T-cell engulfment.

Background/aim Melanoma cells express high levels of HLA class II, cell surface antigen-presenting proteins, which is an anomalous phenotype among solid tumors. There has never been a satisfying explanation for how this HLA class II-positive phenotype is related to tumor development. Lugini and colleagues demonstrated that melanoma cells have the capacity to engulf T-cells. We considered the possibility that this capacity could be dependent on HLA class II expression. Materials and methods We co-cultured melanoma and CD4-positive, labeled, Jurkat-C T-cells. The melanoma cells were transformed with an expression vector for CIITA, the obligate HLA class II gene transactivator. We then assayed for the transfer of label to the melanoma cells. Results CIITA expression facilitated engulfment of the T-cell material but not material from B-cells. Conclusion The results suggest a possible mechanism for HLA class II-positive melanoma cells in blunting an anti-tumor response and suggest a possible target for melanoma therapy.
Rhabdomyolysis After Ankle Strain and Light Cycling

A 35-year-old female presented to the emergency room with severe upper leg and back pain, which began 3 days after low-intensity cycling and falling from a stationary bike. She developed rhabdomyolysis with a maximum serum creatine kinase level of 72,358 U/L. This case report demonstrates that rhabdomyolysis has a wide range and spectrum of causes and risk factors. Although uncommon, this condition can occur after low-intensity exercise despite absence of other significant risk factors. Thus, clinicians should maintain a high clinical suspicion when initial history, physical examination, and laboratory tests suggest this diagnosis. J Clin Med Res. 2016;8(9):676-679 doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.14740/jocmr2626w
A 20-Year History of NSF-Supported Atmospheric Science Field Campaigns: Statistics and Demographics

AbstractOver the past two decades, the National Science Foundation’s Division of Atmospheric and Geospace Sciences (AGS) has funded nearly 200 atmospheric science–related field campaigns that have included deployment of AGS-sponsored observing facilities. These projects have spanned the range from modest, single-investigator experiments to massive, multi-investigator, multiagency campaigns. They have occurred both domestically and abroad, on every continent and over most oceans. In this article, we present an analysis of some of the details about these campaigns, including such elements as deployment location and cost of the campaign, and of statistics related to the principal investigators (e.g., type and location of institution, gender, years since degree). In addition, we assess trends in field campaign cost. These results provide a retrospective view of atmospheric science field work that has been supported since 1992.
The role of halogen substituents and substrate pKa in defining the substrate specificity of 2,6-dichlorohydroquinone 1,2-dioxygenase (PcpA).

2,6-Dichlorohydroquinone 1,2-dioxygenase (PcpA) is a non-heme Fe(II) enzyme that is specific for ortho-dihalohydroquinones. Here we deconvolute the role of halogen polarizability vs. substrate pKa in defining this specificity, and show how substrate binding compares to the structurally homologous catechol extradiol dioxygenases. The substrates 2,6-dichloro- and 2,6-dibromohydroquinone (polarizable halogens, pKa1 = 7.3), 2,6-difluorohydroquinone (nonpolarizable halogens, pKa1 = 7.5), and 2-chloro-6-methylhydroquinone (polarizable halogen, pKa1 = 9.0) were examined through spectrophotometric titrations and steady-state kinetics. The results show that binding of the substrates to the enzyme decreased $$pK_{a1}^{\text{app}}$$ by about 0.5, except for 2,6-difluorohydroquinone, which showed no change. Additionally, the Kd values of 2,6-dichloro- and 2,6-dibromohydroquinone are about equal to their respective $$K_{\text{mA}}^{\text{app}}$$ . For comparison, with catechol 2,3-dioxygenase (XylE), the substrates 4-methyl- and 3-bromocatechol are bound to the enzyme exclusively in the monoanion form over a wide pH range, indicating a $$\Delta pK_{a1}^{\text{app}}$$ of at least − 2.9 and − 1.2, respectively. The steady-state kinetic studies showed that 2,6-difluorohydroquinone is a poor substrate, with $${{k_{\text{cat}}^{\text{app}} } \mathord{\left/ {\vphantom {{k_{\text{cat}}^{\text{app}} } {K_{\text{mA}}^{\text{app}} }}} \right. \kern-0pt} {K_{\text{mA}}^{\text{app}} }}$$ approximately 40-fold lower and $$K_{\text{mA}}^{\text{app}}$$ 20-fold higher than 2,6-dichlorohydroquinone, despite its similar pKa1. Likewise, the pH dependence of $$k_{\text{cat}}^{\text{app}}$$ for 2-chloro-6-methylhydroquinone is nearly identical to that of 2,6-dichlorohydroquinone, despite its very different pKa1. These results show that (1) it is clearly the halogen polarizability and not the lower substrate pKa that determines the substrate specificity of PcpA, and (2) that PcpA, unlike the catechol extradiol dioxygenases, lacks an active site base that assists with substrate deprotonation, highlighting a key functional difference in what are otherwise similar active sites that defines their different reactivity.
Evaluation and Management of the Nursing Home Resident With Respiratory Symptoms and an Equivocal Chest X-Ray Report.

OBJECTIVES Pneumonia is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in nursing home (NH) residents. Chest x-ray evidence is considered a key diagnostic criterion for pneumonia by the Infectious Disease Society of America (IDSA) diagnostic guidelines, the modified McGeer diagnostic criteria, and the Loeb criteria for initiating antibiotics; however, x-ray interpretation is often equivocal. We conducted chart audits of patients in NHs who had chest x-rays for new respiratory symptoms to determine the degree of ambiguity in the radiology reports and their relationship to antibiotic prescription decisions. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SETTING Thirty-one NHs in North Carolina. PARTICIPANTS Two hundred twenty-six NH residents who had a chest x-ray. METHODS Medical charts were abstracted to record (1) the patient's clinical presentation when a chest x-ray was ordered, (2) the verbatim report of the chest x-ray, and (3) the patient's course during the subsequent 7 days. To standardize the radiologist reports, a seven-category coding system was developed, which was further aggregated into three groups based on the radiologist's description of the likelihood of pneumonia. RESULTS Of the 226 chest x-rays, 118 (52%) identified a very low likelihood of pneumonia, 67 (30%) indicated that pneumonia was present or highly likely, and the remaining 41 (18%) used a variety of terms to describe uncertainty regarding the presence of pneumonia. NH medical providers tended to treat ambiguous chest x-ray reports similarly to positive x-ray reports, prescribing antibiotic therapy to 71% of patients with ambiguous reports and 78% of positive reports. Also notable is that 40 (34%) of the 118 patients with a very low likelihood of pneumonia based on chest x-ray results were prescribed antibiotics, the majority of whom failed to meet criteria for a clinical diagnosis of pneumonia or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation. CONCLUSION The moderate rate of ambiguous x-ray interpretations in NH residents is likely a combination of the poor quality of portable x-rays, a high prevalence of chronic lung conditions, and conservative (ie, cautious) decision making by radiologists whose interpretation is based on little clinical information and a suboptimal quality film. As a result, data suggest that chest x-rays obtained in NHs may unnecessarily encourage antibiotic prescribing because a majority of readings are ambiguous or show a low likelihood of pneumonia, yet more than half of the patients are still treated. From an antibiotic stewardship standpoint, the apparent solution is to more closely rely on clinical signs and symptoms for diagnosis of pneumonia and to place less emphasis on the role of the chest x-ray given the high number of unclear readings.
The Significance of MicroRNA-155 in Lymphocytic Malignancy.

Abstract Oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes implicated in lymphocytic malignancy mainly encode proteins, but more recent studies have identified specific micro-RNA (miR) molecules that also have an important role in the transformation of lymphocytes. MiRs are non-coding RNA molecules of approximately 22 nucleotides that regulate gene expression by targeting specific mRNAs for silencing or degradation. Certain miR's, termed oncomiRs, have been shown to play a role in malignant transformation. MiR-155 is one of the first described onco-miRs, with high levels of expression observed in biopsy samples from patients with Hodgkin's lymphoma, primary mediastinal B cell lymphoma, and diffuse large B cell lymphoma. MiR-155 was demonstrated to have a causal role in B cell transformation in transgenic mice with forced overexpression of miR-155 in the B cell lineage. The transgenic mice develop fatal aggressive B cell malignancies in the first six months of life. The mechanism of miR-155 in lymphocytic transformation remains unclear. Some insight into the physiologic function of miR-155 was gained using mice with a deletion of the gene encoding miR-155. The mice have defects in germinal center formation and in cytokine production by B and T cell lineages. We have used combined gain and loss of function approaches to study the function of miR-155 in T helper cells. Our experiments have demonstrated effects on T helper cell differentiation that are dependent on both the level and the timing of miR-155 expression. The cellular phenotypes we have observed, in combination with computational target prediction have allowed us to identify several promising mRNA targets which are expressed in both T cells and B cells. Currently we are investigating whether any of the target mRNA candidates we have identified contribute to the oncogenic potential of miR-155. We have screened several lymphocyte cell lines for levels of miR-155 expression, and have identified lines in which miR-155 is highly expressed. We are using a loss of function approach to test the dependence of these lines on miR-155 expression. The relative contribution of each candidate target mRNA from our previous studies is being assessed by forced expression of the mRNA in the presence of miR-155 expression and by knockdown in the presence of miR-155 antagonism. Further functional studies and investigation of mRNA targets will help to elucidate both the physiologic role of miR-155 in lymphocytes and its role in lymphocytic malignancy.
Changes in Snag Populations on National Forest System Lands in Arizona, 1990s to 2000s

Snags receive special management attention as important components of forest systems. We used data from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service Forest Inventory and Analysis Program, collected during two recent time periods (1995 to 1999 and 2001 to 2010), to evaluate trends in snag populations in two forest types in Arizona. Densities of snags ≥4 in. dbh increased by 21 and 72% between these time periods in mixed-conifer and ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) forest, respectively. Proportions of plots meeting USDA Forest Service guidelines for density of large snags (defined as snags ≥18 in. dbh and ≥30 ft tall) increased between time periods in both forest types (from 19 to 45% in mixed-conifer and from 5 to 17% in ponderosa pine forest), but large snags remained relatively sparse, especially in less productive ponderosa pine forests. More than 50 and 75% of sampled plots lacked large snags entirely in mixed-conifer and ponderosa pine forest, respectively.
Are Autoimmune Manifestations in Human Dilated Cardiomyopathy Primary or Secondary Events

Myocarditis is generally defined as inflammation of the myocardium that can result in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), which is characterized by dilation and impaired contraction of the left and/or right ventricles. In addition to the characteristic myocardial dysfunction associated with this disease, some patients develop an autoimmune response characterized by heart-specific autoantibodies and autoreactive T cells that exacerbate cardiac injury. Furthermore, DCM encompasses a heterogeneous group of clinical conditions that include collagen vascular disorders, hypersensitivity myocarditis, sarcoidosis, and peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM), and although the cause(s) for some cases may be defined, the etiology(ies) of the inflammation and particularly autoimmunity in many patients remain unclear and are therefore classified as idiopathic (IDCM). The purpose of this review is to highlight the pathogenic mechanisms thought to contribute to the onset and progression of the autoimmune response associated with IDCM with a focus on current and potential diagnostic techniques.
A SWOT Analysis of the Field of Virtual Rehabilitation and Therapy.

Virtual Reality (VR) has now emerged as a promising tool in many domains of therapy and rehabilitation (Rizzo, Schultheis, Kerns & Mateer, 2004; Weiss & Jessel, 1998; Zimand, Anderson, Gershon, Graap, Hodges, & Rothbaum, 2002; Glantz, Rizzo & Graap, 2003). Continuing advances in VR technology along with concomitant system cost reductions have supported the development of more usable, useful, and accessible VR systems that can uniquely target a wide range of physical, psychological, and cognitive rehabilitation concerns and research questions. What makes VR application development in the therapy and rehabilitation sciences so distinctively important is that it represents more than a simple linear extension of existing computer technology for human use. VR offers the potential to create systematic human testing, training and treatment environments that allow for the precise control of complex dynamic 3D stimulus presentations, within which sophisticated interaction, behavioral tracking and performance recording is possible. Much like an aircraft simulator serves to test and train piloting ability, virtual environments (VEs) can be developed to present simulations that assess and rehabilitate human functional performance under a range of stimulus conditions that are not easily deliverable and controllable in the real world. When combining these assets within the context of functionally relevant, ecologically enhanced VEs, a fundamental advancement could emerge in how human functioning can be addressed in many rehabilitation disciplines.
Reactive Ion Etching and Related Polymerization Processes

The major technological potential of “dry etch” processing arises from the demonstrated control that can be exercised over the etch features even at a submicron resolution level. In addition, high selectivity through judicial choice of chemical etchants and type of radiation, as well as the compatibility with well established vacuum technology practices, further serve to promote several of the evolving dry etching approaches. With the growing importance of “radiation” induced processing technologies, such as reactive ion plasma etching and laser induced chemical etching and deposition, it has become necessary to understand the mechanisms whereby ions, photons and electrons influence surface chemical reactions. This review will emphasize the progress that has been made in understanding the role which ion-surface interactions play in increasing the rates of surface etching processes and how this relates to control over etch feature geometry.
Simulations of noise-parameter verification using cascade with isolator or mismatched transmission line

Results are presented for simulations of a verification process for noise-parameter measurements. The verification process consists of first measuring separately both a passive device and the amplifier or transistor of interest (the device under test, or DUT) and then measuring the tandem configuration of passive device plus DUT. The results of the measurements of the tandem configuration are then compared to the predictions obtained by cascading the noise parameters and S-parameters of the two individual components. In order that the comparisons be meaningful, uncertainties are computed for both predictions and simulated measurements.
Training of Spatial Abilities with Digital Games: Impact on Mathematics Performance of Primary School Students

The “A me gli occhi project” has been organized to support the development and consolidation of visuospatial abilities in students of the last two years of primary school, with the hypothesis that such a training would have a positive impact on their performance in mathematics. The present paper focuses on the second phase of the project, during which twenty game based training sessions have been organized along the whole school year. Students’ mathematical abilities have been measured at the beginning of the project and at the end using a standardized math test. Results show some improvements in the experimental group compared to the control one, confirming the initial hypothesis.
Informal digital learning of English and second language vocabulary outcomes: Can quantity conquer quality?

This study investigated to what extent quantity (frequency/amount of time) and quality (diversity) of informal digital learning of English (IDLE) activities was conducive to second language (L2) vocabulary outcomes. Data (n = 77) were gathered quantitatively and qualitatively through a questionnaire, English vocabulary tests (ie, measuring receptive and productive vocabulary knowledge), and a semistructured interview from three universities in an English as a foreign language Korean context. Contrary to earlier findings, this study found that quantity of IDLE was not related to vocabulary scores. It revealed that the quality of IDLE was significantly, positively associated with vocabulary outcomes. These results lead us to the conclusion that the frequent practice of IDLE activities may not automatically guarantee successful L2 vocabulary gains. Rather, engagement with varied types of IDLE activities that combines both form‐ and meaning‐focused language learning is essential for achieving L2 vocabulary acquisition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Unpaved Road Ahead: The Consequences of Election Cycles for Capital Expenditures

Canonical political budget cycle theories predict an increase in visible government expenditures in election years due to signaling by incumbents. We identify the presence of an alternative electio...
Area postrema syndrome more specific than extension of lesion on MRI for Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (P6.387)

Objective: We evaluated if longitudinally-extensive cervical cord lesions extending to or accompanied by Area Postrema (AP) lesions on MRI are specific for Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD). Background: Prior studies have suggested spinal cord lesions extending to the AP are specific for NMOSD. However, in our practice we have encountered numerous non-NMOSD long myelopathies extending to the AP. Design/Methods: We reviewed the records and MRI’s of Mayo Clinic patients with cervical spinal cord lesions from our AQP4-IgG seropositive NMOSD myelitis (1996–2014) and long myelopathy database (1996–2016). Demographic and clinical data was collected. For those with dorsal medulla involvement on MRI, the medical records were evaluated for intractable nausea, vomiting or hiccups within 6 weeks of MRI. Results: We evaluated 236 patients with longitudinally extensive MRI signal abnormality involving the cervical spinal cord of which 180 had NMOSD and 56 had other etiologies including sarcoidosis (29), spondylosis (16), lymphoma (6), spinal cord infarction (3), dural arterio-venous fistula (1), and paraneoplastic myelitis (1). Extension of the cervical lesion to or coexisting involvement of the dorsal medulla occurred in 47 (19.9%). There was no difference in the proportion of cases with extension of the lesion to dorsal medulla between NMOSD and other etiologies (19% vs 21%; p-value 0.44). Among the cases with extension to or involvement of the dorsal medulla, intractable nausea/vomiting or hiccups were reported in 51% and 26% of NMOSD patients respectively, but in none of the patients with other etiologies (p Conclusions: In contrast to other studies, these data indicate that longitudinally-extensive cervical cord MRI signal abnormality extending to or accompanied by Area Postrema lesions are not specific for NMOSD and may occur in a diversity of etiologies. However, when extension of a spinal cord lesion to the AP is accompanied by intractable nausea and vomiting it is highly specific for aquaporin-4-IgG seropositive NMOSD. Disclosure: Dr. Dubey has nothing to disclose. Dr. Pittock9s institution has received compensation for Dr. Pittock9s activities with Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Medimmune and Chugai Pharma USA. Dr. Pittock and Dr. Pittock9s institution stand to receive patent payments that relate to patents for functional AQP4/NMO-IgG assays and NMO-IgG as a cancer marker. Dr. Pittock has received research support from NIH, Alexion Pharmaceuticals and Medimmune related to autoimmune NMO/AQP4 channelopathy. Dr. Krecke has nothing to disclose. Dr. Flanagan has nothing to disclose.
Vagus nerve injury symptoms after catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation.

Background Vagus nerve injury during catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation can significantly impact quality of life and result in lingering gastrointestinal symptoms. This study was designed to define risk factors of vagus nerve injury, symptoms, prevalence, and temporal resolution. Methods A total of 100 patients undergoing radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) were enrolled and consented to participate in the study. Patients completed a 22-item questionnaire that included questions specific to vagus nerve injury symptomatology during their baseline visit and at 1 and 3 months post-RFCA. Results The average age of the population was 63 ± 10.6 years and 68% were male. A total of 100 patients completed their baseline questionnaire (90 patients completed the 1-month questionnaires and 85 patients completed the 3-month questionnaires). Symptoms rated as moderate were prevalent at baseline (trouble swallowing 13%, bloating 26%, feeling full 20%), and increased in all categories analyzed at 1 month and with the exception of trouble swallowing returned to the preablation percentages at 3 months (heartburn 22.4%, trouble swallowing 18.8%, bloating 16.5%, nausea 8.2%, vomiting 3.5%, constipation 18.8%, diarrhea 16.4%, feeling full 15.3%). Severe rated symptoms of trouble swallowing (2-5.5%), bloating (5-7.6%), and early satiety (5-9.8%) increased at 1 month and bloating and early satiety percentages remained approximately two times higher at 3 months (trouble swallowing 2.4%, bloating 8.2%, early satiety 7.1%). Conclusion The majority of symptoms were resolved by 3 months, although those patients who rate bloating and early satiety at a severe rating may have persistent symptoms.
Seeing more and eating less: Effects of portion size granularity on the perception and regulation of food consumption.

Overeating and resulting obesity is a public health concern in the United States, and portion size is a factor that contributes to these problems (Zlatevska, Dubelaar, & Holden, 2014). The present research demonstrates that the granularity of labels used to describe portions also influences food consumption, independent of previously documented portion size effects. Across 6 studies and 7 different food items, we find a robust and reliable effect of portion size granularity labels on consumption intentions and food consumption. Having people think about food using fine-grained labels leads them to decrease their consumption intentions (Study 1, n = 80) and ultimately eat less food (Study 2a, n = 79; Study 2b, n = 79). This process operates by shifting people’s perceptions of the size of foods (rather than changing levels of construal) whereby portions described with fine-grained labels (e.g., “15 gummy candies”) are perceived to be bigger than portions described with gross-grained labels (e.g., “one serving;” Study 3, n = 200). In addition, granularity facilitates self-regulation of consumption for individuals with a weight-loss goal both when self-regulation is measured (Study 4, n = 160) and when we manipulate that mediator (Study 5, n = 300). Finally, a high-powered registered report replicated effects of granularity on consumption via shifts in perception and intentions with a diverse community sample (Study 6, n = 323). Implications for theory and practice are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved)
A preliminary comparison of the photosensitizing properties of porphyrins in aqueous solution and liposomal systems.

Most of the detailed mechanistic studies on porphyrins as photosensitizers have been carried out in more or less homogeneous solution. Sensitized photoreactions in cells, as exemplified by the porphyrin-sensitized photokilling of tumor cells, must be a much more complex process. Cells are non-homogeneous with abrupt phase changes and with major differences in chemical composition in different regions. Because of localized differences, sensitizers tend to selectively dissolve in or bind non-covalently to different micro-regions of the cell; on illumination this could result in selective, localized damage to cell structure and function. Because of these complexities, we know relatively little about the specific lesions in photosensitized cells leading to injury and death (1).
Aldehyde dehydrogenases: what can be learned from a baker's dozen sequences?

Aldehyde dehydrogenases (E. C. 1.2.1.3, ALDH) exist in multiple molecular forms which differ in their physical and/or their functional properties (Weiner, 1979). Aldehyde dehydrogenase has been identified in virtually every organism and tissue examined. Distinct ALDHs have been identified in the mitochondrial, microsomal and cytosolic compartments of the cell (Tottmar et al., 1973; Greenfield and Pietruszko, 1977; Lindahl and Evces, 1984). Some forms are constitutive, some inducible (Deitrich, 1971; Deitrich et al., 1977). Tetrameric and dimeric functional forms are known. Some forms display broad substrate specificity, oxidizing a variety of aliphatic and aromatic aldehydes. Other forms possess much narrower substrate preferences, utilizing small aliphatic aldehydes. Kinetic studies have indicated that acetaldehyde derived from ethanol oxidation, medium chain length aliphatic aldehydes derived from membrane lipid peroxidation and perhaps some aldehydes generated from neurotransmitter metabolism are potential physiological substrates for one or more ALDH forms (Tank et al., 1981; Esterbauer, 1982; Weiner, 1982; Mitchell and Petersen, 1989). While all aldehyde dehydrogenases likely use NAD+ as coenzyme in vivo, some forms can utilize NADP+ in vitro.
Advanced control laws for experiments in fast rollout and turnoff of the B737-100 aircraft

This paper presents a new approach in quasilinearization techniques for optimal control problems where bounds on control exist. The framework considered here is probably the most natural departure from the usual nonlinear system problem and is applicable to a large class of nonautonomous nonlinear cases. For this reason our results are extension to the existing qualilinearization techniques. The convergence of the algorithm is proven. Specifically, the application of quasilinearization techniques in solving the landing approach, rollout and turnoff of the B737-100 aircraft is presented.