cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Electron microscopic and histochemical comparison of the two types of electroplaques of Narcine brasiliensis.

The torpedine electric fish Narcine brasiliensis has two morphologically distinct electric organs (main and accessory) which also differ with respect to a number of electrophysiological properties. The fine structure of the electroplaques of these organs has been examined by electron microscopy and by a histochemical method for localizing esterase activity with a high degree of resolution. In both kinds of electroplaques the innervated surface (ventral in those of the main organ, dorsal in those of the accessory) is the only site of esterase activity. The latter is further confined to the regions of synaptic contact between vesicle-containing axon terminals and the electroplaque membrane. The synaptic apparatus is similar to, but less elaborate than, that of neuromuscular junctions. The axon terminals and electroplaque membranes are free of connective tissue envelopments. The membrane of the uninnervated surfaces forms a continuum with a dense canalicular network which penetrates deeply into the 7 µ thick electroplaques of the main organ. The canalicular network has about the same thickness in the 20 µ electroplaques of the accessory organ. Except for this difference, the two kinds of cells appear to have the same fine structure. This finding is discussed in relation to the electrophysiological data on functional differences.
NEAT1 Long Noncoding RNA and Paraspeckle Bodies Modulate HIV-1 Posttranscriptional Expression

Most of the human genome is transcribed into protein-noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), including small ncRNAs and long ncRNAs (lncRNAs). Over the past decade, rapidly emerging evidence has increasingly supported the view that lncRNAs serve key regulatory and functional roles in mammal cells. HIV-1 replication relies on various cell functions. To date, while the involvement of host protein factors and microRNAs (miRNAs) in the HIV-1 life cycle has been extensively studied, the relationship between lncRNAs and HIV-1 remains uncharacterized. Here, we have profiled 83 disease-related lncRNAs in HIV-1-infected T cells. We found NEAT1 to be one of several lncRNAs whose expression is changed by HIV-1 infection, and we have characterized its role in HIV-1 replication. We In the abstract, added definition of INS OK, or should "cis-acting" be added?report here that the knockdown of NEAT1 enhances virus production through increased nucleus-to-cytoplasm export of Rev-dependent instability element (INS)-containing HIV-1 mRNAs. IMPORTANCE Long protein-noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play roles in regulating gene expression and modulating protein activities. There is emerging evidence that lncRNAs are involved in the replication of viruses. To our knowledge, this report is the first to characterize a role contributed by an lncRNA, NEAT1, to HIV-1 replication. NEAT1 is essential for the integrity of the nuclear paraspeckle substructure. Based on our findings from NEAT1 knockdown, we have identified the nuclear paraspeckle body as another important subcellular organelle for HIV-1 replication.
Investigation of electrostrictive polymers for energy harvesting

The recent development of electrostrictive polymers has generated new opportunities for high-strain actuators. At the current time, the investigation of using electrostrictive polymer for energy harvesting, or mechanical to electrical energy conversion, is beginning to show its potential for this application. In this paper we discuss the mechanical and electrical boundary conditions for maximizing the energy harvesting density and mechanical-to-electrical coupling of electrostrictive materials. Mathematical models for different energy harvesting approaches were developed under quasistatic assumptions. Energy harvesting densities then are determined for representative electrostrictive material properties using these models. Comparison with a magnetic-based energy harvesting system suggests that electrostrictive energy harvesting systems are preferable for "small" energy harvesting applications with low-frequency excitation.
Individual Preferences as Supply Determinants in the Municipal and Federal Bond Markets

This paper adds to the small stock of existing literature on the determinants of individual preferences regarding tax postponement via government borrowing. It is shown that because of the treatment of personal interest receipts and payments under the progressive U.S. individual income tax, there is reason for low-income persons to prefer bond-financed tax postponement, while higher-income persons have reason to oppose government borrowing. Since the income level separating the groups with opposing preferences depends on both interest rate ratios and the income tax rate structure, it is possible to predict the effect of tax reforms, inflation, and political reforms upon the quantity of government borrowing and the interest rates which apply to it.
Efficient photorefractive polymer dispersed liquid crystals

Summary form only given. We report on photorefractive polymer dispersed liquid crystals (PDLCs) doped with the liquid crystal TL202. In samples with composition PMMA:TL202:ECZ:TNFDM (42:40:17:1 wt.%) [where TNFDM stands for (2,4,7-trinitro-9fluorenylidene)malonitrile], we achieved an external diffraction efficiency of 55% at 633 nm in 53-/spl mu/m-thick samples at an applied field of 20 V//spl mu/m for a grating spacing of 3 /spl mu/m.
RESTORING SAFETY: AN ATTACHMENT-BASED APPROACH TO CLINICAL WORK WITH A TRAUMATIZED TODDLER

This clinical case study explores the integration of infancy research, brain development, attachment theory, and models of infant-parent/child-parent psychotherapy to address the needs of abused and neglected young children placed in foster or adoptive homes. Traumatized children employ defensive strategies to survive when there is no "good enough" caregiver (D.W. Winnicott, 1953, p. 94), and helping professionals can provide therapeutic experiences to develop or restore a child's sense of safety. With the case example of Anthony and his foster/adoptive parents, I illustrate how to manage and contain a traumatized child's terror, rage, and grief through therapeutic sessions with the parent and child together, and supportive parental guidance. I promote attention to the child's ability to self-integrate and to regulate his own affect, and encourages secure-base parental responses that facilitate a child's shift toward secure attachment behavior.
Care Under Austere Conditions: Unlimited Restraints

The provision of care under adverse conditions is a subject that is becoming more and more relevant in the last decade with the spread of terrorism and the advent of regional wars, as well as natural disasters and the increasing focus on surgical volunteerism. The provision of surgical care under these circumstances comes with unique challenges, which requires that the surgeon clearly identify what resources are available to him at the outset. Triage becomes more important than in the usual setting, and the surgeon should realize that a degree of improvisation will be necessary, as will realistic goals for outcomes with the limited resources available. Surgeons should familiarize themselves with the older operations and equipment they are likely to encounter. The provision of critical care will be extremely difficult, and simple resources such as blood or oxygen may also be lacking. Cultural sensitivity is often important under these circumstances, as well as knowing your own limitations to ensure that the best medical care is provided.
Effect of Indoor Air Ventilation on Particulate Pollutant Concentration Distribution, Including Nucleation, Coagulation and Surface Growth

Typical furniture inside residential or office buildings is made from materials that emit terpenes. Terpenes react with ozone in the air, and produce secondary organic aerosols (SOA). During summer the concentration of SOAs may exceed by a factor of two to five times the concentration in outdoor air. The high concentration of SOA could adversely influence the human health. The air ventilation inside the room as well as the particles’ Brownian motion causes the particles to mix and coagulate. The coagulation of SOAs due to their collision leads to an increase in sizes in time. Coagulation, surface growth and nucleation of particles are the mechanisms which change the particle size and concentration distribution. The particle size distribution is important as large particles sediment rapidly and they are not a health threat for residents while fine and ultra fine particles stay suspended in the air and could enter the human respiratory system. A typical office room with furniture and a manikin was modeled in this study. The indoor airflow was simulated and was followed by the analysis of dispersion and coagulation of particles using the moment method. Two types of ventilation systems were modeled, and the results were compared discussed.© 2011 ASME
Results of interferon-based treatments in Alaska Native and American Indian population with chronic hepatitis C.

Background . There have been few reports of hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment results with interferon-based regimens in indigenous populations. Objective . To determine interferon-based treatment outcome among Alaska Native and American Indian (AN/AI) population. Design . In an outcomes study of 1,379 AN/AI persons with chronic HCV infection from 1995 through 2013, we examined treatment results of 189 persons treated with standard interferon, interferon plus ribavirin, pegylated interferon plus ribavirin and triple therapy with a protease inhibitor. For individuals treated with pegylated interferon and ribavirin, the effect of patient characteristics on response was also examined. Results . Sustained virologic response (SVR) with standard interferon was 16.7% (3/18) and with standard interferon and ribavirin was 29.7% (11/37). Of 119 persons treated with pegylated interferon and ribavirin, 61 achieved SVR (51.3%), including 10 of 46 with genotype 1 (21.7%), 38 of 51 with genotype 2 (74.5%) and 13 of 22 with genotype 3 (59.1%). By multivariate analysis, SVR in the pegylated interferon group was associated with female sex (p=0.002), estimated duration of infection (p=0.034) and HCV genotype (p<0.0001). There was a high discontinuation rate due to side effects in those treated with pegylated interferon and ribavirin for genotype 1 (52.2%). Seven of 15 genotype 1 patients treated with pegylated interferon, ribavirin and telaprevir or boceprevir achieved SVR (46.7%). Conclusions . We had success with pegylated interferon-based treatment of AN/AI people with genotypes 2 and 3. However, there were low SVR and high discontinuation rates for those with genotype 1. Keywords: pegylated interferon; discontinuation; indigenous population; longitudinal study; sustained virologic response (Published: 29 March 2016) Citation: Int J Circumpolar Health 2016, 75: 30696 - http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/ijch.v75.30696
Thermal stresses in cylinders by the moiré method

The moire method of experimental stress analysis was used to determine thermal stresses in cylinders subjected to a symmetrical steady-state temperature distribution. Techniques were developed to apply a grid of 1000 lines/in. directly to engineering materials. A test fixture was designed and tested. Thermal stress tests on a series of steel rings were performed. The results of these tests indicate a good correlation with the available theoretical solution and prove that the moire method can be used to advantage in thermal-stress boundary-value problems.
Changing patterns of proximal femoral vascularity.

Thirty-six hip joints from cadavera ranging in age from seven fetal months to three years were studied. During the first year of life there is a diffuse, canalicular vascular network, primarily end-arterial, within the chondroepiphysis, with several arteriosinusoidal vessels crossing the growth plate. Initially the proximal femoral chondroepiphysis and growth plate are supplied approximately equally by lateral circumflex (anterior half) and medial circumflex (posterior half) arterial branches. Subsequent vascular development is characterized by regression of the lateral circumflex system and concomitant development of the medial circumflex system. A few large intra-articular vessels coursing along the posterior portion of the femoral neck enter the capital femoral epiphysis. The transition from lateral circumflex to medial circumflex arterial supply renders the anterior and lateral segments of the capital femoral epiphysis and growth plate more susceptible to vascular compromise, because the initial course of the medial circumflex artery is between the iliopsoas and adductor longus muscles, and then between the iliopsoas and pubic ramus, and positional extremes may partially or completely occlude the medial circumflex artery between these structures.
Simultaneous determination of urinary iodine and urinary fluoride by ion chromatography

Objective To establish ion chromatography method for determination of human urinary iodine and urinary fluoride.Methods The urine sample was filtrated by 0.2 μm film with 8 mol/L sodium carbonate solution as eluent and injection volume of 50 μl and flow rate of 1.8 ml/min,conductivity detector was applied to detect with range of 3 μs,quantition was based on the peak area.Results Recovery rates of urine iodine and urine fluoride were 95.0%-105.7% and 98.7%-100.6%,RSDs were 2.30% and 0.79%,respectively.Minimum detection limits for I-and F-were 30 μg/L and 100 μg/L.The linear range of I-was 30-300 μg/L,r=0.998 0;F-for 100-1 500 μg/L,r=0.999 3.Conclusion This method is stable and accurate,and can be used for the determination of the actual samples.
Requirement for the Mitochondrial Pyruvate Carrier in Mammalian Development Revealed by a Hypomorphic Allelic Series

Glucose and oxygen are two of the most important molecules transferred from mother to fetus during eutherian pregnancy, and the metabolic fates of these nutrients converge at the transport and metabolism of pyruvate in mitochondria. Pyruvate enters the mitochondrial matrix through the mitochondrial pyruvate carrier (MPC), a complex in the inner mitochondrial membrane that consists of two essential components, MPC1 and MPC2. Here, we define the requirement for mitochondrial pyruvate metabolism during development with a progressive allelic series of Mpc1 deficiency in mouse. Mpc1 deletion was homozygous lethal in midgestation, but Mpc1 hypomorphs and tissue-specific deletion of Mpc1 presented as early perinatal lethality. The allelic series demonstrated that graded suppression of MPC resulted in dose-dependent metabolic and transcriptional changes. Steady-state metabolomics analysis of brain and liver from Mpc1 hypomorphic embryos identified compensatory changes in amino acid and lipid metabolism. Flux assays in Mpc1-deficient embryonic fibroblasts also reflected these changes, including a dramatic increase in mitochondrial alanine utilization. The mitochondrial alanine transaminase GPT2 was found to be necessary and sufficient for increased alanine flux upon MPC inhibition. These data show that impaired mitochondrial pyruvate transport results in biosynthetic deficiencies that can be mitigated in part by alternative anaplerotic substrates in utero.
Integrating rich document representations for text classification

This paper involves deriving high quality information from unstructured text data through the integration of rich document representations to improve machine learning text classification problems. Previous research has applied Neural Network Language Models (NNLMs) to document classification performance, and word vector representations have been used to measure semantics among text. Never have they been combined together and shown to have improved text classification performance. Our belief is that the inference and clustering abilities of word vectors coupled with the power of a neural network can create more accurate classification predictions. The first phase our work focused on word vector representations for classification purposes. This approach included analyzing two distinct text sources with pre-marked binary outcomes for classification, creating a benchmark metric, and comparing against word vector representations within the feature space as a classifier. The results showed promise, obtaining an area under the curve of 0.95 utilizing word vectors, relative to the benchmark case of 0.93. The second phase of the project focused on utilizing an extension of the neural network model used in phase one to represent a document in its entirety as opposed to being represented word by word. Preliminary results indicated a slight improvement over the baseline model of approximately 2–3 percent.
Nickel Catalysts for the Dehydrative Decarbonylation of Carboxylic Acids to Alkenes

Combining high-throughput experimentation with conventional experiments expedited discovery of new first-row nickel catalysts for the dehydrative decarbonylation of the bioderived substrates hydrocinnamic acid and fatty acids to their corresponding alkenes. Conventional experiments using a continuous distillation process (180 °C) revealed that catalysts composed of NiII or Ni0 precursors (NiI2, Ni(PPh3)4) and simple aryl phosphine ligands were the most active. In the reactions with fatty acids, the nature of the added phosphine influenced the selectivity for α-alkene, which reached a maximum value of 94%. Mechanistic studies of the hydrocinnamic reaction using Ni(PPh3)4 as catalyst implicate a facile first turnover to produce styrene at room temperature, but deactivation of the Ni(0) catalyst by CO poisoning occurs subsequently, as evidenced by the formation of Ni(CO)(PPh3)3, which was isolated and structurally characterized. Styrene dimerization is a major side reaction. Analysis of the reaction mechanis...
Rise of the Financial Advisors: An Empirical Study of the Division of Professional Fees in Large Bankruptcies

In a study of the division of professional fees in 74 large, public company bankruptcy cases concluded from 1998 through 2003, we find that 79% of court-awarded fees are awarded for services rendered directly to the debtor in possession. Only 20% are awarded for services rendered to creditors committees, only one half of one percent are awarded for services rendered to equity committees, and less than one percent are awarded for services rendered by court appointed professionals. Fifty-three percent of the fees were awarded to attorneys, 42% to financial advisors, 5% to accountants, and a fraction of 1% to all other professions combined. Of the 53% that went to attorneys, more than two thirds went to bankruptcy attorneys and less than one third went to "special" or "ordinary course" counsel performing nonbankruptcy work. We estimated regression models for the fees of each of five types of professionals: (1) attorneys, (2) DIP bankruptcy attorneys, (3) DIP special attorneys, (4) financial advisors, and (5) DIP financial advisors. Debtor size, case duration, and the number of attorney firms working were the principal determinants of attorneys fees. But those factors were only weak determinants of financial advisors' fees. The strongest determinants of financial advisors' fees were court (the Delaware and New York courts awarded more to financial advisors) and the trend over time. Over the period of our study, the fees of financial advisors increased at the rate of 25% per year. Courts did not award higher fees to financial advisors in cases where the debtor sold its business or a controlling interest in its business. By comparing the results of our study with the results of LoPucki and Whitford's study of reorganizations in early 1980s, we find a sharp increase in the employment of financial advisors by creditors' committees and a sharp decline in the employment of professionals by equity committees. We found that several factors thought to cause DIP bankruptcy attorneys fees to be higher in fact did not. They include whether the DIP lead attorneys were a New York firm, whether the DIP lead attorneys were from a city distant from the courts, and the hourly rates charged by the attorneys.
Synthesis and reactivity of ReH7(AsPh3)2

Abstract The synthesis of ReH7(AsPh3)2 is reported. Surprisingly, this complex appears to be a classical heptahydride and is remarkably resistant to substitution by nitrogen and phosphorus donor ligands. The reactivity of this polyhydride towards silanes and stannanes was also studied. The new complexes, ReH6(SiPh3) (AsPh3)2 and ReH6 (SnPh3) (AsPh3)2, are formed with Ph3EH (E=Sn, Sn) but ReH7 (AsPh3)2 does not react with chelating silanes. These products appear to be more stable than their phosphine-supported analogues.
Identification and validation of novel alleles of rice blast resistant gene Pi54, and analysis of their nucleotide diversity in landraces and wild Oryza species

Rice blast is a devastating fungal disease, which limits rice production severely. To identify novel alleles of blast resistant gene, Pi54, and to understand its diversity exist among wild Oryza species and landraces sequence-based allele mining strategy was employed. In this study, sixteen Pi54 alleles were sequenced from landraces and wild Oryza species which have genome ranging from AA to EE. Overall analysis confirmed that the alleles derived from wild species had more divergence than the landraces. Among all wild Oryza alleles, Pi54 aus derived from O. australiensis, showed the highest diversity. Comparison of protein domains revealed that LRR region had more variations than NBS region. Haplo-groups among the ecotypes were analyzed based on their Pi54 sequence. Interestingly, four different haplo-groups were identified, that were supported by phylogeny analysis. Among 16 analyzed alleles, two alleles, Pi54 ab, Pi54 btj derived from landraces-Amana Bavo and Boha Thulasi Joha showed superior phenotypic reaction than the reference allele (Pi54 Tetep), and these alleles were validated by allelism test. These alleles have potential application in blast resistance breeding programs and identified SNPs and Indel among the alleles can be useful in development of allele specific markers. The present study helped to gain insights into the evolutionary adaptation of the resistant gene and its allelic distribution and diversity among the Oryza species.
Depletable storage systems

Depletable storage systems use media such as NAND flash that has a limited lifetime, which decreases with more usage. Such systems treat write cycles, in addition to space, as a constrained resource of the system. Depletable storage systems must be equipped to monitor writes, attribute depletion to appropriate applications, and even control the rate of depletion. We outline the new functionalities enabled by depletion-aware mechanisms and discuss the challenges in building them.
Plastic-iron-powder distributed-air-gap magnetic material

The basic properties of a distributed-air-gap magnetic material for manufacture of inductor cores are described. A principal attraction of this material is easy fabrication of inductor cores either by injection molding or by machining of the bulk material. Iron powder and a nonmagnetic polymer binder are mixed to produce a distributed-air-gap material whose properties are a function of the relative proportions of iron powder and binder. Laboratory measurements of mass density, permeability, and saturation flux density for four different proportions of iron powder and binder are reported. Empirical analytical relationships for these properties as a function of the proportions of iron powder and binder are developed. Several applications for this material are demonstrated, and, based on the material properties, potential applications are suggested. >
Modulators of IgG penetration through the blood-brain barrier: Implications for Alzheimer's disease immunotherapy

This review serves to highlight approaches that may improve the access of antibody drugs to regions of the brain affected by Alzheimer's Disease. While previous antibody drugs have been unsuccessful in treating Alzheimer's disease, recent work demonstrates that Alzheimer's pathology can be modified if these drugs can penetrate the brain parenchyma with greater efficacy. Research in antibody blood-brain barrier drug delivery predominantly follows one of three distinct directions: (1) enhancing influx with reduced antibody size, addition of Trojan horse modules, or blood-brain barrier disruption; (2) modulating trancytotic equilibrium and/or kinetics of the neonatal Fc Receptor; and (3) manipulation of antibody glycan carbohydrate composition. In addition to these topics, recent studies are discussed that reveal a role of glycan sialic acid in suppressing antibody efflux from the brain.
Regulations in a CGE Model

This chapter examines the treatment of regulations in a computable general equilibrium (CGE) model. Regulations are “command and control” policies that mandate changes in producer or consumer behavior. We study two types of regulations: non-tariff measures that can create barriers to international trade and regulations designed to reduce negative externalities in production. We demonstrate the mechanisms used to introduce a technical non-tariff measure into a CGE model. We describe process-based and outcome-based regulations of externalities and explain their direct and indirect economic impacts. Simple partial equilibrium diagrams illustrate the theoretical effects of the regulations on economic activity and economic efficiency. The results of highly stylized regulatory policy experiments using a CGE model support the theoretical predictions and illustrate modeling methodologies. Types of Regulations A vehicle tailpipe emissions standard was first enacted in the United States in 1970 and it has become more stringent over time. The intent of the regulation is to reduce harmful auto emissions, which contribute to today's higher incidence of asthma and other pulmonary health problems, and may be a factor in long-term global warming. According to an analysis of the newest emission standard, a reduction in emissions generates broad gains in the U.S. economy as a whole, not only by reducing health costs and improving the environment but also by increasing employment in industries that supply auto producers with low-emission inputs (U.S. EPA, 2012). Because regulations imposed on a single industry can have important economy-wide impacts, and may have spillover effects on other countries as well, CGE models have become a standard tool for their analysis. Regulations are command-and-control policies. Unlike taxes, which create price incentives that influence economic choices, regulations are used by the government to directly mandate certain behavior. The mandates are usually negatively enforced with fines, imprisonment, or other undesirable outcomes. Regulations, like taxes, therefore have an impact on resource allocations by producers and consumers. But because regulations do not operate through price mechanisms, as taxes do, they are more challenging to represent in a CGE model, which is fundamentally based on observable market prices and quantities.
Measurement of Radiative Nonequilibrium for Air Shocks Between 7 and 9 km/s

This paper describes a characterization of thermochemical nonequilibrium radiance for shock speeds between 7 and 9 km/s in the NASA Ames Electric Arc Shock Tube. Data are spectrally resolved from ...
Palladium-catalyzed, aminoquinoline-directed arylation of phosphonamidate and phosphinic amide sp3 C–H bonds

Aminoquinoline-directed, palladium-catalyzed sp3 C–H bond arylation in phosphonamidates and phosphinic amides is reported. The reaction employs Pd(OAc)2 as a catalyst at 10 mol% loading and cesium phosphate or potassium carbonate as a base in 1,2-dichlorobenzene as a solvent. The directing group can be removed under basic conditions to afford phosphonic acid esters. The chemistry described here is the first example of unactivated sp3 C–H bond arylation by using a phosphorus-containing directing group.
Novel Approaches to Expanding Benefits from Living Kidney Donor Chains

Although allocation strategies such as kidney paired donation (KPD) have helped to enhance transplant opportunities for immunologically incompatible recipient and donor pairs, further expansion and optimization of KPD is possible. This review examines Global Kidney Exchange and Deceased Donors as Chain-Initiating Kidneys, two novel strategies aimed to expand the benefits of KPD. Global Kidney Exchange offers the opportunity to utilize the mechanism of kidney exchange to overcome financial barriers to kidney transplantation, thus increasing the pool of participating pairs, unlocking more chains, avoiding costs from dialysis, and expanding kidney transplantation to serve impoverished patients. The Deceased Donors as Chain-Initiating Kidneys strategy aims to increase matching opportunities by using deceased donor kidneys to initiate KPD chains. We find that both ideas offer the promise of more kidney transplants and a reduction in the personal and economic burden caused by ESRD.
Virtual-machine-based network exercises for introductory computer networking courses

This paper describes laboratory exercises for a computer network lab based on virtual machines. It provides a hands-on environment for programs that do not have access to dedicated computer facilities for working with networking concepts. The lab has been used in introductory networking courses to provide students with hands-on experience setting up networked hosts with IP subnets, routers, and servers.
An Overview on Extremophilic Chitinases

Cellulose, hemicellulose and chitin are the three most abundant polysaccharides on the earth. Cellulose and Due to the increase in the energy demand chitinases have become relatively important in the past few decades. Chitinases, produced by bacteria, fungi, insects, and plants, have been used in several applications ranging from anti-phytopathogen to antitumor cancer agents. Evolution in molecular biology and genetic engineering has given new prospects in understanding the structure functionality and catalytic mechanisms. of chitinases at molecular level. Owing to their applicability in different fields, studies related to chitinases have become very important. Synergism between the cellulases and chitinases has supported in understanding the catalytic mechanism and developing a deep understanding of the both types of the enzymes. Literature suggest that there are few reports on extremophilic chitinases production. Molecular biology and genetic engineering have only helped in the expression and understanding of extremophilic chitinases so far. This chapter focuses on the various sources of chitinases, their production and catalytic mechanisms, extremophilic chitinases molecular studies and their potential applications. This chapter also provides an insight on the various aspects of chitinases with emphasis on both research and industry.
Identification and Characterization of Metastatic Factors by Gene Transfer into the Novel RIP-Tag; RIP-tva Murine Model

Metastatic cancer accounts for 90% of deaths in patients with solid tumors. There is an urgent need to better understand the drivers of cancer metastasis and to identify novel therapeutic targets. To investigate molecular events that drive the progression from primary cancer to metastasis, we have developed a bitransgenic mouse model, RIP-Tag; RIP-tva. In this mouse model, the rat insulin promoter (RIP) drives the expression of the SV40 T antigen (Tag) and the receptor for subgroup A avian leukosis virus (tva) in pancreatic β cells. The mice develop pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors with 100% penetrance through well-defined stages that are similar to human tumorigenesis, with stages including hyperplasia, angiogenesis, adenoma, and invasive carcinoma. Because RIP-Tag; RIP-tva mice do not develop metastatic disease, genetic alterations that promote metastasis can be identified easily. Somatic gene transfer into tva-expressing, proliferating pancreatic β premalignant lesions is achieved through intracardiac injection of avian retroviruses harboring the desired genetic alteration. A titer of >1 x 108 infectious units per ml is considered appropriate for in vivo infection. In addition, avian retroviruses can infect cell lines derived from tumors in RIP-Tag; RIP-tva mice with high efficiency. The cell lines can also be used to characterize the metastatic factors. Here we demonstrate how to utilize this mouse model and cell lines to assess the functions of candidate genes in tumor metastasis.
Managing the Entrepreneurial Process: The Relationship Between Universities and Early Entrepreneurship

The prospects for growth and for transformation of the system may depend on its ability to generate new entrepreneurial initiatives and on the specific characteristics of the new entrepreneurs.
Arrhythmias: Atrial fibrillation in heart failure - time to revise the guidelines?

Catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with concomitant AF and heart failure (HF) is associated with significantly lower HF hospitalizations and all-cause mortality compared with medical therapy, according to the CASTLE-AF trial. This trial, along with previous trials such as AATAC, highlights the important role of AF ablation in the management of patients with HF and AF.
Tactile Prompting and Weekly Performance Feedback for Increasing Teachers' Behavior-Specific Praise.

The school-based consultation literature includes a variety of empirically supported procedures for increasing teachers’ implementation of classroom management strategies. However, teachers may respond differently to empirically supported consultation procedures. This study used a multiple baseline design across three elementary teachers to test the effects of a tactile prompting and weekly performance feedback consultation procedure for increasing teachers’ behavior-specific praise. Additionally, this study included data for teachers’ rate of reprimands and their classrooms’ appropriately engaged behavior and disruptive behavior. Results indicated that tactile prompting and weekly performance feedback increased behavior-specific praise for all three teachers. However, a functional relation between tactile prompting and weekly performance feedback and changes in teachers’ reprimands and their classrooms’ appropriately engaged and disruptive behavior was not established. Implications for applied practice, and limitations and directions for future research are discussed.
Bi-Alphabetism and Word Recognition

The linguistic environment in Yugoslavia allows investigation of the interrelation among various symbolic systems. Several Slavic languages are spoken within the boundaries of one relatively small country. This contact among languages permits a variety of bilingual environments to develop and allows for the study of the symmetric and nonsymmetric influences in the acquisition and mastery of two languages. In addition, and more to the focus of the present work, among people whose first spoken language is Serbo-Croatian, which is the official language of Yugoslavia, a large portion learns to read and write that language completely in two different alphabets - Roman and Cyrillic. This reflects, in part, an educational requirement that both alphabets be taught within the first two grades. (The Roman alphabet is taught first in the western part of Yugoslavia and the Cyrillic alphabet is taught first in the eastern part of the country). This bi-alphabetic environment invites study of the relation between two alphabetic symbol systems. In my report, I summarize results of a series of experiments that explored how visually presented letter strings are recognized by readers who command two alphabetic systems.
Partners in anti-crime: how interferon-inducible GTPases and autophagy proteins team up in cell-intrinsic host defense

Once pathogens have breached the mechanical barriers to infection, survived extracellular immunity and successfully invaded host cells, cell-intrinsic immunity becomes the last line of defense to protect the mammalian host against viruses, bacteria, fungi and protozoa. Many cell-intrinsic defense programs act as high-precision weapons that specifically target intracellular microbes or cytoplasmic sites of microbial replication while leaving endogenous organelles unharmed. Critical executioners of cell-autonomous immunity include interferon-inducible dynamin-like GTPases and autophagy proteins, which often act cooperatively in locating and antagonizing intracellular pathogens. Here, we discuss possible mechanistic models to account for the functional interactions that occur between these two distinct classes of host defense proteins.
Gene by Environment Interactions: Impact on Women’s Health

There is growing appreciation that a particular gene variant can have quite different effects on the expression of a particular phenotype in persons exposed to varying levels of environmental stress. It has been reported, for example, that among persons exposed to a large number of stressful life events those carrying the short (S) allele of the serotonin transporter promoter polymorphism (5HTTLPR) will have higher levels of depressive symptoms than those homozygous for the long (L) allele, while in those not so exposed depressive symptoms do not vary as a function of genotype. In this chapter I review extensive evidence from research in my laboratory that shows it is important, at least for some gene variants, to consider sex/gender as another factor in addition to environmental factors that can moderate the impact of a given gene variant on expression of phenotypes that can influence the development and course of major diseases. We have shown, for example, in two independent samples that, among men exposed to chronic stress in present day life or childhood, those with the 5HTTLPR LL genotype have increased depressive symptom levels; in contrast, among women exposed to the same stressors, it is those with the SS genotype who have higher depressive symptom levels. In research aiming to identify genetic variants that can be used to identify persons at high risk of developing disease it will be important, therefore, to evaluate not only environmental exposures but also sex/gender as moderators of gene effects on phenotype expression.
Spatial ANCF/CRBF beam elements

In this paper, the consistent rotation-based formulation (CRBF) is used to develop new three-dimensional beam elements starting with the absolute nodal coordinate formulation (ANCF) kinematic description. While the proposed elements employ orientation parameters as nodal coordinates, independent rotation interpolation is avoided, leading to unique displacement and rotation fields. Furthermore, the proposed spatial ANCF/CRBF-based beam elements adhere to the noncommutative nature of the rotation parameters, allow for arbitrarily large three-dimensional rotation, and eliminate the need for using co-rotational or incremental solution procedures. Because the proposed elements have a general geometric description consistent with computational geometry methods, accurate definitions of the shear and bending deformations can be developed and evaluated, and curved structures and complex geometries can be systematically modeled. Three new spatial ANCF/CRBF beam elements, which use absolute positions and rotation parameters as nodal coordinates, are proposed. The time derivatives of the ANCF transverse position vector gradients at the nodes are expressed in terms of the time derivatives of rotation parameters using a nonlinear velocity transformation matrix. The velocity transformation leads to lower-dimensional elements that ensure the continuity of stresses and rotations at the element nodal points. The numerical results obtained from the proposed ANCF/CRBF elements are compared with the more general ANCF beam elements and with elements implemented in a commercial FE software.
Structural and Nominal Cross-Language Clone Detection.

In this paper we address the challenge of cross-language clone detection. Due to the rise of cross-language libraries and applications (e.g., apps written for both Android and iPhone), it has become common for code fragments in one language to be ported over into another language in an extension of the usual “copy and paste” coding methodology. As with single-language clones, it is important to be able to detect these cross-language clones. However there are many real-world cross-language clones that existing techniques cannot detect.
Analysis of Diltiazem and Desacetyldiltiazem in Plasma Using Modified High-Performance Liquid Chromatography: Improved Sensitivity and Reproducibility

Mise au point d'une methode de dosage par chromatographie HPLC pour le dosage du diltiazem et de son metabolite dans le plasma sanguin
Rumination about discrimination mediates the unique association between anger and collective action intentions

People are more willing to engage in collective action when they feel anger about collective disadvantage (van Zomeren, Postmes, & Spears, 2008). However, anger is often a fleeting emotion, whereas...
Cannabis use: A co-existing condition in first-episode bipolar mania patients.

Abstract Background An association between first-episode presentation of bipolar mania and concurrent cannabis use disorder has been well established in the current literature (Bally et al., 2014, Baethge et al., 2008). Previous studies have shown that 30–70% of patients admitted for a first manic episode had concurrent cannabis use (Bally et al., 2014). The exact mechanism of this association has yet to be confirmed. Aims We aim to evaluate the prevalence of cannabis use in patients with bipolar disorder (BD) admitted to UTHealth Harris County Psychiatric Center (HCPC) for a first manic episode. Methods In this retrospective cohort study, 15,969 inpatient records of patients admitted to HCPC between 2012–2013 were examined to identify patients admitted with a first manic episode according to ICD-9 criteria (single episode mania). The prevalence of multiple sociodemographic and clinical variables including cannabis positivity in urine drug screening (UDS) were examined. Results Twenty patients were admitted for a first manic episode. Half of the patients were females; mean age was 28.65 ± 10.56 years and mean length of stay (LOS) was 7.15 ± 3.72 days. Fifteen patients received a UDS. Of these fifteen, seven were positive for cannabinoids (47%). One patient was positive for phencyclidine (in addition to cannabis) and one patient was positive for amphetamine (but not cannabis). Conclusions The prevalence of cannabis use was higher in first-episode mania patients compared to the general population. The influence of cannabis on the first episode of mania requires additional study.
All-cause hospitalizations and mortality in systemic lupus erythematosus in the US: results from a national inpatient database

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystem disorder. While several studies have outlined risk factors for hospitalization and mortality in SLE; the frequency of hospitalizations from various causes has varied among studies and over the years. We aimed to assess the causes of SLE hospitalizations and inpatient mortality compared to those without SLE in the United States in a recent year (2016) using a large national inpatient database. We used National Inpatient Sample (NIS) to identify hospitalizations with SLE using the ICD-10 code M32. Among hospitalizations with SLE as secondary diagnosis, we used ICD-10 codes to assess the primary diagnoses associated with hospitalizations and mortality. Our study included 174,105 SLE hospitalizations matched to controls (similar age, sex, and NIS stratum) in the year 2016. Mean age of hospitalization with SLE was 51.82 years, and 89% of hospitalized SLE patients were females. Mean length of stay, cost and mortality for SLE were 5.6 ± 7.2 days, US $ 14,450 and 1.96%, respectively. SLE was the primary diagnosis in 10,185 (5.85%) of all SLE related hospitalizations. Among SLE hospitalizations, infection was the most common primary diagnosis (15.80%) followed by cardiac and renal manifestations (7.03% and 4.91% respectively). Infection was the leading cause of mortality (38.18%) followed by cardiac manifestations (12.04%). Infections and cardiac involvement were the leading causes of hospitalizations and in-hospital mortality in SLE. Whether this is related to the disease itself, its associated comorbidities or immunosuppressive agents would require further studies.
Indigenous People and the New England Town Meeting: Stockbridge, Massachusetts, 1730-1775

In the 1730s, Mahicans along the Housatonic River settled the mission town of Stockbridge, Massachusetts. They participated in town meetings and elected “traditional” leaders to typical New England offices. Even after a growing population of English settlers began dominating town offices, the Indians remained a strong presence in meetings, which was conducted in the Mahican as well as English language, and all voting done viva voce. In 1763, a major battle when an English faction tried to take control by introducing secret balloting; the Indians complained and mostly won their case. Stockbridge thus provides a case study comparing Indian and colonial New England decision-making, and highlighting the evolution of the town meeting during the 18th century.
Acute intake of B. longum probiotic does not reduce stress, anxiety, or depression in young adults: A pilot study.

Abstract Background The gut microbiome communicates bidirectionally with the brain, linking the gut to psychological phenomena such as stress, depression, and anxiety. Probiotics, or ingestible supplements containing billions of mutualistic bacteria, have demonstrated the mechanistic potential to influence mood; however, few studies have experimentally examined the acute effects of these compounds on individuals not recruited for psychopathology or gut dysfunction. The present study hypothesized reductions in stress, anxiety and depression symptoms following an acute, one week dosing period of B. longum intake. Methods The efficacy of a one-week period of orally administered B. longum was tested utilizing a double-blind experimental design. Participants were randomly assigned to either placebo or probiotic capsules under double blinded conditions and completed the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression scale (CES-D), and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI Y2 form) to assess for differences before and after one-week intervention. Results No significant reduction in symptoms between groups over the one-week period was found. Conclusions These findings suggest that 7-days of B. longum does not reduce stress, depressive symptoms, or anxiety in generally healthy young adults.
Global Talent and U.S. Immigration Policy

Talent is a critical resource for today’s knowledge economy. The United States has benefited substantially from high-skilled migration since the 1970s, especially with respect to innovation and entrepreneurship. This chapter reviews data on these immigrant contributions, and it discusses the important roles played by universities and firms under the American system. The chapter concludes with ways that U.S. immigration policy could be enhanced, which will become more important as other nations become more competitive for global talent.