cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An Exploration of Social Cognitive Mechanisms, Gender, and Vocational Identity Among Eighth Graders:

The authors conducted a multiple group path analysis examining gender differences in relations among career decision-making self-efficacy (CDMSE), career decision-making outcome expectations (CDMOE), and career decision-making intentions-goals (CDMIG), as well as linkages between these three sociocognitive variables and vocational identity status in a sample of 820 eighth graders. Overall, gender differences in mean levels of the sociocognitive variables were found, with girls scoring significantly higher on each variable. Results revealed model parameters varied across the groups, with stronger paths for boys than girls. Outcome expectations partially mediated the relation between CDMSE and CDMIG. Overall, CDMSE and CDMOE accounted for 30% and 45% of the variance in CDMIG for girls and boys, respectively. Moreover, linear combinations of sociocognitive variables explained differences among identity status groups. Participants with high CDMSE and CDMOE scores were more likely to have made a tentative care...
Three-dimensional effects of liquid water flooding in the cathode of a PEM fuel cell

A two-dimensional model available in the literature for conventional gas distributors was expanded to account for the dimension along the length of the channel. The channel was discretized into control volumes in series that were treated as well mixed. An iterative solution procedure was incorporated in each control volume to determine the average current density and the corresponding oxygen consumption and water generation rates. Downstream channel concentrations were calculated based on stoichiometric flow rates and the solution obtained from the preceding control volumes. Comparison of the model results with experimental data and the existing two-dimensional model showed that accounting for the oxygen concentration variations along the channel and its effect on the current density is critical for accurately predicting the cathode performance. Variations in the current density along the channel were strongly influenced by the changes in oxygen concentration caused by consumption due to reaction and dilution caused by water evaporation. Operating parameters that facilitated better water removal by evaporation like higher temperature and stoichiometric flow rates and lower inlet stream humidity resulted in higher net current. Operating conditions that resulted in minimal loss in oxygen concentrations resulted in a more uniform current density distribution along the channel.
Automatic triangulation of arbitrary planar domains for the finite element method

The object of this paper is to describe a new algorithm for the semi-automatic triangulation of arbitrary, multiply connected planar domains. The strategy is based upon a modification of a finite element mesh genration algorithm recently developed. 1 The scheme is designed for maximum flexibility and is capable of generating meshes of triangular elements for the decomposition of virtually any multiply connected planar domain. Moreover, the desired density of elements in various regions of the problem domain is specified by the user, thus allowing him to obtain a mesh decomposition appropriate to the physical loading and/or boundary conditions of the particular problem at hand. Several examples are presented to illustrate the applicability of the algorithm. An extension of the algorithm to the triangulation of shell structures is indicated.
A new mechanism for the control of phenoloxidase activity: inhibition and complex formation with quinone isomerase.

Insect phenoloxidases participate in three physiologically important processes, viz., cuticular hardening (sclerotization), defense reactions (immune reaction), and wound healing. Arrest or even delay of any of these processes compromises the survival of insects. Since the products of phenoloxidase action, viz., quinones, are cytotoxic, uncontrolled phenoloxidase action is deleterious to the insects. Therefore, the activity of this important enzyme has to be finely controlled. A novel inhibition of insect phenoloxidases, which serves as a new regulatory mechanism for control of its activity, is described. The activity of phenoloxidases isolated from both Sarcophaga bullata and Manduca sexta is drastically inhibited by quinone isomerase (isolated from Calliphora), an enzyme that utilizes the phenoloxidase-generated 4-alkylquinones. In turn, phenoloxidase reciprocated the inhibition of isomerase. By forming a complex and controlling each other's activity, these two enzymes seem to regulate the levels of endogenously quinones. In support of this contention, an endogenous complex consisting of phenoloxidase, quinone isomerase, and quinone methide isomerase was characterized from the insect, Calliphora. This sclerotinogenic complex was isolated and purified by borate extraction of the larval cuticle, ammonium sulfate precipitation, and Sepharose 6B column chromatography. The complex exhibited a molecular mass of about 620-680 kDa, as judged by size-exclusion chromatography on Sepharose 6B and HPLC and did not even enter 3% polyacrylamide gel during electrophoresis. The phenoloxidase activity of the complex exhibited a wide substrate specificity. Incubation of the complex with N-acetyldopamine rapidly generated N-acetylnorepinephrine, dehydro-N-acetyldopamine, and its dimers. In addition, transient accumulation of N-acetyldopamine quinone was also observed. These results confirm the presence of phenoloxidase, quinone isomerase, and quinone methide isomerase in the complex. Attempts to dissociate the complex with even trace amounts of SDS ended in the total loss of quinone isomerase activity. The complex does not seems to be made up of stoichiometric amounts of individual enzymes as the ratio of phenoloxidase to quinone isomerase varied from preparation to preparation. It is proposed that the complex formation between sequential enzymes of sclerotinogenic pathway is advantageous for the organism to effectively channel various reactive intermediates during cuticular hardening.
Identification, characterization, and quantitative expression analysis of rainbow trout myostatin-1a and myostatin-1b genes

Myostatin is a potent negative regulator of skeletal muscle growth. Although several cDNA clones have been characterized in different vertebrates, the genomic organization and bioactivity of non-mammalian homologs have not. The intron/exon organization and promoter subsequence analysis of two rainbow trout myostatin genes, rtMSTN-1a and rtMSTN-1b (formerly 1 and 2 respectively), as well as a quantitative assessment of their embryonic, larval, and adult tissue expression profiles are reported herein. Each gene was similarly organized into three exons of 490, 368, and 1600 bp for MSTN-1a and 486, 386, and 1419 bp for MSTN-1b. Comparative mapping of coding regions from several vertebrate myostatin genes revealed a common organization between species, including conserved pre-mRNA splice sites; the first among the fishes and the second across all vertebrate species. In silico subsequence analysis of the promoter regions identified E-boxes and other putative myogenic response elements. However, the number and diversity of elements were considerably less than those found in mammalian promoters or in the recently characterized zebrafish MSTN-2 gene. A quantitative analysis of the embryonic expression profile for both genes indicates that rtMSTN-1a expression is consistently greater than that of rtMSTN-1b and neither gene is significantly expressed throughout gastrulation. Expression of both steadily increases fourfold during somitogenesis and subsides as this period ends. After eyeing, however, rtMSTN-1a mRNA levels ultimately rise 20-fold by day 49 and peak before hatching and yolk sac absorption (YSA). Levels of rtMSTN-1b rise similarly, but do not peak before YSA. An analysis of adult (2-year-old fish) tissue expression indicates that both transcripts are present in most tissues although levels are highest in brain, testes, eyes, muscle, and surprisingly spleen. These studies suggest that strong selective pressures have preserved the genomic organization of myostatin genes throughout evolution. However, the different expression profiles and putative promoter elements in fishes versus mammals suggests that limitations in myostatin function may have evolved recently.
Interpersonal functioning deficits: temporary or stable characteristics of depressed individuals?

Abstract Background : Interpersonal skill deficits are associated with depression; however, the nature of the relationship is not clear. This study examined whether interpersonal skill deficits are a temporary symptom of depression or a stable characteristic of depression-prone individuals, in a large adult general population sample ( N =4749). Methods : Interpersonal functioning (IF) was compared among never depressed individuals and three groups of individuals with a history of depression: current depressives, recently remitted, and remitted depressives. Results : State effects of depression were clearly observed and a strong association between IF difficulties and current depression was found. Individuals with an early onset of depression showed some indication of an ‘interpersonal scar’; but, in general, we did not find evidence that repeated depression ‘scarred’ the individual. Limitations : The cross-sectional methodology limited our ability to examine whether interpersonal deficits were more the result of a depressive episode or were present beforehand. In addition, it would have been more informative to follow participants over the course of several months in order to examine the relation between depression and interpersonal functioning deficits as it unfolded longitudinally. Conclusions : Our findings suggest that interpersonal functioning deficits are in some regards a stable feature among people with a history of depression; however, they possess temporary features as well. Depression may scar interpersonal functioning, but only if it occurs early in life.
Biocompatibility of soft-templated mesoporous carbons.

Soft-templated mesoporous carbon is morphologically a non-nano type of carbon. It is a relatively newer variety of biomaterial, which has already demonstrated its successful role in drug delivery applications. To investigate the toxicity and biocompatibility, we introduced three types of mesoporous carbons with varying synthesis conditions and pore textural properties. We compared the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area and pore width and performed cytotoxicity experiments with HeLa cells, cell viability studies with fibroblast cells and hemocomapatibility studies. Cytotoxicity tests reveal that two of the carbons are not cytotoxic, with cell survival over 90%. The mesoporous carbon with the highest surface area showed slight toxicity (∼70% cell survival) at the highest carbon concentration of 500 μg/mL. Fibroblast cell viability assays suggested high and constant viability of over 98% after 3 days with no apparent relation with materials property and good visible cell-carbon compatibility. No hemol...
The Pursuit of the Dissonant Consumer

Do you fully understand the latest fad in consumer research—the study of DISSONANT consumers?The author of this thought-provoking article explains the complications and pitfalls of research in this area.
Integrated Design and Control of a Biped Robot

This paper introduces a methodology for the integration of mechanical and control system design of planar biped robots. The control approach is a procedure for the systematic design, analysis, and performance enhancement of controllers that induce provably stable dynamic walking in planar bipeds. Iterative application of this procedure with variations in the mechanical parameters of the biped model enables a designer to drive design changes based upon analytical metrics of stability and efficiency. The outcomes are a dynamically-informed mechanical design and controllers that maximally exploit the unforced dynamics of that design. This methodology has been applied to the design and construction of the prototype biped BIRT (BIped Robot with Three legs). BIRT is a planar biped whose two outside legs are slaved by means of control to act together. The paper provides a detailed description of BIRT’s mechanical system.© 2005 ASME
Embodied Interaction Through the Fingers: Ebooks for the Blind and Navigation in Virtual Spaces

We shall explore interaction on a touch surface in two domains. In the first, we shall look at a system that enables Individuals with Blindness or Severe Visual Impairment (IBSVI) to read at their own pace. We show how reading and information access are inherently embodied activities, and how touch interaction can support reading for IBSVI. In the second project, we will investigate one of the challenges of spatial knowledge acquisition while moving through large virtual spaces. The widespread availability of consumer HDTVs with 3D capability have brought them within reach of use in classroom and other learning environments. We demonstrate how transferring walking action to the hand and fingers can enable virtual navigation with benefits in the form of route knowledge, survey knowledge, and perceptual gains over traditional virtual navigation techniques. The technique is lightweight and suitable for widespread use for learning.
Optimization Design of Small Building Solar System Based on Greedy Algorithm

This paper focuses on the design of the solar lodge by unifying the target of maximizing annual power generation amount and minimizing unit capacity cost based on the dimensional homogeneity theory. The seemingly irresolvable and complex double objective problem is translated into the single objective problem of maximizing the life period of economic benefits. Firstly,the model determines the optimal combination of cell type and number and type of inverter based on the parameters of different types of battery and inverter,and calculates the optimal combinations of unit area of the economic benefits to sort on the cell performance. Then,we use greedy algorithm to get the outside battery laying scheme of the solar lodge. Finally,we evaluate our model and promote it further.
Synthesis and characterization of an anionic gemini surfactant

Ethylenediamine,sodium 2-bromoethylene-sulfonate,and lauric acid were used as raw materials for synthesizing ethylene-(N,N′-bis-sodium ethylene sulfonate dodecylamide)(DTM-12).Structure of the product was characterized by IR and1HNMR spectra.The cmc value of aqueous solution of DTM-12 achieves 5.0×10-4 mol/L,which is one-sixteenth and one-twentieth of that of sodium dodecyl sulphate and sodium dodecyl sulfonate respectively.The γcmc of the product aehieves 29.7 mN/m,which is 8 mN/m and 10 mN/m lower than that of sodium docecyl sulphate and sodium dodecyl sulfonate respectively.The blends of DTM-12+DTAB and DTM-12+Triton X-100 have better surfactivity.Their cmc value achieves 1.06×10-4 mol/L and 0.49×10-4 mol/L respectively,and the γcmc value achieves 25.4 mN/m and 31.7 mN/m respectively.DTM-12 shows good synergic effect and excellent wetting power.
The C Preprocessor

A typical C compilation begins with a preliminary step during which a program within the compiler, known as the preprocessor, makes a pass over the entire set of source files. During this pass, the preprocessor modifies the source program’s text, at appropriate points, to make it ready for compilation. These modifications principally consist of source text insertions. We will study here the rules by which the preprocessor operates.
Abstract 2903: Nuclear localization of a secretion protein NAG-1/GDF15

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)-activated gene (NAG-1, also known as GDF15) is a divergent member of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) superfamily, which exert their biological activity by binding to membrane receptors as a secretion protein. Abnormal regulation of TGF-β signaling can contribute to various diseases such as cancer. Although there is sequence similarity between NAG-1 and other TGF-β superfamily members, NAG-1 does not bind to the TGF-β receptors; therefore the biological consequence of NAG-1 remains to be elucidated. Here, we report that NAG-1 has two putative non-canonical nuclear localization signals (NLSs) that mediate NAG-1 nuclear localization. Nuclear import assay shows that NAG-1 enters the nucleus through nuclear pore complex (NPC) in the presence of ATP, indicating nuclear entry of NAG-1 is active transport. Furthermore, we found the nuclear export signal (NES) recognized by CRM1 at near N-terminal region of NAG-1, that is conserved across various mammalian species. Impeding NES via chemical or genetic approaches promotes nuclear accumulation of NAG-1. We also found that nuclear NAG-1 dampens TGF-β-mediated cell migration and invasion via the inhibition of DNA binding of Smads complex. Overall, our data suggest that nuclear NAG-1 affects TGF-β-induced metastasis activity in cancer cells. Grant support: This work was supported by grant from the University of Tennessee Center of Excellence in Livestock Diseases and Human Health. K Min, Current address: Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA Citation Format: Kyung-Won Min, Gabriel Silva, Seung J. Baek. Nuclear localization of a secretion protein NAG-1/GDF15. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 2903.
Isozyme Polymorphism of the Blood

Having been invited at a rather late date to stand in for Professor Harry Harris on the subject of isozymes, my first reaction was to suggest the title “Isozymes and Their Possible Role in Evolution”. However, in the course of assembling literature and thoughts, it occurred to me that a review of the literature in isozymes might be more appropriate and rewarding. Helping me to make that decision was the fact that Shaw’s timely review (1965) is now well antidated. Beckman’s more recent review (1966) is restricted to man whereas Lush’s monograph (1966) is restricted to vertebrates other than man.
Upfront CLL treatment with single agent obinutuzumab.

e18039 Background: Obinutuzumab is a type 2 anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody approved in combination with chlorambucil for the initial treatment of CLL. In a randomized study, treatment with chlorambu...
Upregulation of PSMD10 caused by the JMJD2A histone demethylase

PSMD10, also known as gankyrin, is associated with the proteasome and has been shown to be an oncoprotein in the liver. Here, we report that PSMD10 expression is stimulated by the histone demethylase JMJD2A/KDM4A and its interaction partner, the ETV1 transcription factor, in LNCaP prostate cancer cells. Global analysis of expression patterns revealed that PSMD10 mRNA levels are positively correlated with those of both JMJD2A and ETV1. In human prostate tumors, PSMD10 is highly overexpressed at the protein level and correlates with JMJD2A overexpression; further, PSMD10 expression is enhanced in the prostates of transgenic JMJD2A mice. Moreover, PSMD10 is particularly overexpressed in high Gleason score prostate tumors. Downregulation of PSMD10 in LNCaP prostate cancer cells impaired their growth, indicating that PSMD10 may exert a pro-oncogenic function in the prostate. Lastly, we observed that PSMD10 expression is correlated to YAP1, a component of the Hippo signaling pathway and whose gene promoter is regulated by JMJD2A, and that PSMD10 can cooperate with YAP1 in stimulating LNCaP cell growth. Altogether, these data indicate that PSMD10 is a novel downstream effector of JMJD2A and suggest that inhibition of the JMJD2A histone demethylase by small molecule drugs may be effective to curtail the oncogenic activity of PSMD10 in various PSMD10-overexpressing tumors.
An advanced scheme with decision tree for the improvement of spectrum sensing efficiency in dynamic network

Dynamic spectrum access technology is a kind of technology that provides a solution to the spectrum scarce problem. The most important issue in the CR network (both primary users and secondary users coexists in the network) is that the traffic of secondary users should not affect the primary users communication. In order to not affect the primary users, we have to detect the existence of the primary users. Therefore, the spectrum sensing is needed for this. However, it is very important to design a proper spectrum sensing scheme. Since detection accuracy of the primary users activities and the throughput of the network can be dramatically affected by the spectrum sensing scheme. Therefore, we propose an improved spectrum sensing scheme which take the protocol of the MAC layer into consideration in this paper. The simulation helps to show that our proposed novel method improves the throughput of the network dramatically.
A Design-for-Test Solution for Monolithic 3D Integrated Circuits

Monolithic three-dimensional (M3D) integration has the potential to achieve significantly higher device density compared to 3D integration based on through-silicon vias (TSVs). We propose a test solution for M3D ICs based on dedicated test layers that are inserted between functional layers. We evaluate the cost associated with the proposed design-for-test (DfT) solution and compare it with that for a potential DfT solution based on the IEEE Std. P1838. Our results show that the proposed solution is more cost-efficient than the P1838-based solution for a wide range of inter-layer via (ILV) density, ILV yield, and defect density.
High-valent nitridorhenium(V) complexes containing PNP ligands: implications of ligand flexibility

The synthesis of (PNP)Re(N)X (PNP = [2-P(CHMe2)2-4-MeC6H3]2N, X = Cl and Me) complexes is described. The methylnitridorhenium complex 3 was found to react differently with CO and isocyanides, leading to the isolation of a Re(v) acyl complex 4 and an isocyanide adduct 6. Two parallel pathways were observed for the reaction of 3 with CO: (1) CO inserts into the Re-Me bond to afford 4, and (2) 3 isomerizes by distortion of the aryl backbone of the PNP ligand to afford the isomer 3'. This is followed by the reaction of 3' with CO to afford the tricarbonyl complex 5, which was fully characterized. The contrasting reaction of 3 with 2,6-dimethylphenyl isocyanide lends further support for the proposed isomerization pathway. DFT (M06) calculations suggest that insertion of CNR into the Re-Me bond (27.2 kcal mol-1) is inaccessible at room temperature. Instead the substrate adds to the metal center via the most accessible face i.e. syn to the rhenium-nitrido bond, to afford 6. The addition of CO to isomer 3' is proposed to proceed with a similar mechanism to 2,6-dimethylphenyl isocyanide.
Direct comparison of ultrafiltration to pharmacological decongestion in heart failure: a per-protocol analysis of CARRESS-HF.

AIMS Mechanical ultrafiltration (UF) involves the removal of an iso-osmotic filtrate from the blood. Its benefit in acute decompensated heart failure, however, remains inconclusive. We sought to better understand the direct effects of UF in comparison to an aggressive, urine output-guided pharmacological protocol for decongestion on fluid loss, renal function, and neurohormonal activation. METHODS AND RESULTS A per-protocol analysis of the Cardiorenal Rescue Study in Acute Decompensated Heart Failure (CARRESS-HF) trial (n = 188) was performed. Participants were included if randomized to UF and had UF output collected, or if randomized to the pharmacological arm and had urine but not UF output collected. Using these definitions, there were 163 participants at 24 h, 156 at 48 h, 129 at 72 h, and 106 at 96 h. UF was associated with higher cumulative fluid loss (P = 0.003), net fluid loss (P = 0.001), and relative reduction in weight (P = 0.02). UF was also associated with higher serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen by 72 h (P-interaction <0.05 for both), lower serum sodium by 48 h (P-interaction <0.01) and increased plasma renin activity by 96 h (P = 0.04). The pharmacological arm was associated with higher serum bicarbonate after 24 h (P-interaction <0.002). There were no differences in 60-day outcomes between the UF and pharmacological arms. CONCLUSIONS Ultrafiltration vs. pharmacological therapy was associated with more fluid removal but also rise in serum creatinine and neurohormonal activation. Additionally, loop diuretic use vs. UF was associated with an increase in serum bicarbonate despite less decongestion, data which question the commonly held conception of a 'contraction alkalosis'.
Primary and Secondary Prevention of Coronary Heart Disease

In view of the prevalence of coronary heart disease and the fact that it remains the leading cause of death in the twenty-first century the public health importance of both primary and secondary prevention is obvious. Prevention of even a small percentage of coronary heart disease would not only have a significant impact on reduction in cardiovascular mortality,but also substantially reduce health care costs.
Leader survival and purges after a failed coup d’état:

What factors explain variation in the tenure of political leaders who survive a coup d’etat? Our main hypothesis is that leaders who survive a coup attempt take the opportunity to purge known and potential rivals while also deterring future coup conspirators. The severity of the purge is also hypothesized to be positively associated with longer post-coup tenures, as potential rivals are eliminated or deterred from future coup attempts. After introducing the topic of the failed coup, and presenting the dataset we developed to measure the level of punishment associated with a failed coup attempt, we offer an analysis of the effect of purges on the survival time of leaders who survive a coup attempt. We find that, conditional on regime type, purging has an effect on lengthening leader tenure, with more severe purges being associated with longer authoritarian tenures. Democratic leaders gain no advantage. Changes in military expenditures do not increase subsequent tenure. We conclude with a discussion of the ...
Chemical Composition and Biological Activity of the Essential Oil from Artemisia glabella

Essential oils are complex mixtures of various organic compounds, most of which possess an isoprenoid structure. Data in the literature are indicative of the high biological activity of essential oils, which makes possible the use of these substances in medicine and pharmacology [1, 2]. The chemical and pharmacological properties of an essential oil isolated from wormwood species Artemisia glabella Kar. et Kir. have been thoroughly studied within the framework of investigations aimed at the complex use of these species, which are employed as a raw material for the drug arglabin [3] developed at the Institute of Phytochemistry (Karaganda). Recently [4], more than 70 compounds were identified in the essential oil from Artemisia glabella (EOAG) studied by a gas chromatography (GC) technique using a capillary column with nonpolar methyl silicon immobile phase and a flame-ionization detector. The main chemical components of the characteristic chemical composition of EOAG are 1,8-cineole (12%), linalool (8%), 4-terpineol (6.5%), -terpineol (5%), and sabinol derivatives (5%). These substances were also found in the essential oils isolated from medicinal plants of some other genuses. At the same time EOAG contains a series of genetically related compounds including para-cymene, cuminaldehyde, cuminyl alcohol and acetate, -thujene, sabinene, sabinene hydrate, sabinol and related esters with a homologous series of fatty acids, -pinene, myrtenal, and verbenone. The purpose of this study was to identify the essential oil isolated from Artemisia glabella Kar. et Kir. and characterize EOAG with respect to biological activity. EXPERIMENTAL CHEMICAL PART
Traumatic Injury Leads to Inflammation and Altered Tryptophan Metabolism in the Juvenile Rabbit Brain.

Abstract Neuroinflammation after traumatic brain injury (TBI) contributes to widespread cell death and tissue loss. Here, we evaluated sequential inflammatory response in the brain, as well as infl...
Similarities in Maternal Weight and Birth Weight Across Pregnancies and Across Sisters

Objectives The current study examined how prepregnancy body mass index (BMI), gestational weight gain, and birth weight cluster between births within women and between women who are sisters. Methods Using data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979 cohort, we utilized nested, multivariable hierarchical linear models to examine the correlation of these three outcomes between births (n = 6006) to women (n = 3605) and sisters (n = 3170) so that we can quantify the clustering by sibship and by woman for these three pregnancy-related outcomes. Results After controlling for confounding covariates, prepregnancy BMI (intraclass correlation (ICC) 0.24, 95% CI 0.16, 0.32), gestational weight gain (ICC 0.23, 95% CI 0.16, 0.31), and infant’s birthweight (ICC 0.07, 95% CI 0.003, 0.13) were correlated between sisters. Additionally, all three outcomes were significantly correlated between births for each sister, suggesting that prepregnancy BMI (ICC 0.82, 95% CI 0.81, 0.83), gestational weight gain (ICC 0.45, 95% CI 0.42, 0.49), and birth weight (ICC 0.31, 95% CI 0.28, 0.35) track between pregnancies in the same woman. Conclusions for Practice The observed clustering both within women and between sisters suggests that shared genetic and environmental factors among sisters play a role in pregnancy outcomes above and beyond that of women’s own genetic and environmental factors. Findings suggest that asking a woman about her sisters’ pregnancy outcomes could provide insight into the possible outcomes for her current pregnancy. Future research should test if collecting such a family history and providing tailored clinical recommendations accordingly would be useful.
Biological Models of Health

The objective of this chapter is to review indigenous medicine systems of South Asia and their influence on the health of immigrant South Asians. First, there is a brief review of the medical history of South Asia and an in-depth description of Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani. Second, we consider how these systems influence explanatory models of health and behavior in South Asian migrant populations, in operation with Western biomedical approaches. We end with a discussion of how these different medicine systems and their interoperability may be relevant when treating South Asian patients.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Reflectance Confocal Microscopy for Diagnosis of Skin Lesions: An Update.

Context.— Histopathology is the current standard to diagnose skin disease. However, biopsy may not always be feasible, such as in patients with multiple nevi, a patient with a lesion on an aesthetically significant site, or in children. Recently, noninvasive techniques, including reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM), optical coherence tomography, and Raman spectroscopy, have enabled dermatologists to manage skin lesions in real time without the need for biopsy. Objective.— To report the updated diagnostic accuracy of RCM for equivocal skin lesions. Design.— In this study, we retrospectively reviewed our data of clinically suspicious lesions from 2010 to 2017 that were evaluated by RCM. Results.— Our results showed an overall sensitivity of 98.2% and specificity of 99.8%. Conclusions.— In conclusion, RCM is a noninvasive real-time tool with the potential to diagnose skin lesions with high accuracy and without biopsy.
L'unité transversale pour l'éducation des patients (UTEP) au CHU de Besançon

Sous l’impulsion des institutions de sante regionales et de la volonte de professionnels de sante investis dans l’education therapeutique (ET), une unite transversale pour l’education des patients (UTEP) a ete creee en 2006, au CHU de Besancon. Missionnee par un comite de pilotage multi-professionnel, une equipe de coordination de cinq personnes, formees a l’ET, a initialement realise un etat des lieux exhaustif des activites d’ET existantes, des projets, des ressources et des besoins. A la suite de cet etat des lieux, l’equipe de coordination a mis en place differentes actions (formations, accompagnement de projets, aide logistique et documentaire…) au service des soignants, afin de faciliter le developpement de l’ET au CHU.
Spiritual Formation of Believers among Latino Protestant Churches in the United States

Latinos have been in the United States for many centuries. Gradually they have made their presence more known, but it has been only in the last five decades that Latinos have experienced a conspicu...
Real-time imaging of integrin β4 dynamics using a reporter cell line generated by Crispr/Cas9 genome editing

The ability to monitor changes in the expression and localization of integrins is essential for understanding their contribution to development, tissue homeostasis and disease. Here, we pioneered the use of Crispr/Cas9 genome editing to tag an allele of the β4 subunit of the α6β4 integrin. A tdTomato tag was inserted with a linker at the C-terminus of integrin β4 in mouse mammary epithelial cells. Cells harboring this tagged allele were similar to wild-type cells with respect to integrin β4 surface expression, association with the α6 subunit, adhesion to laminin and consequent signaling. These integrin β4 reporter cells were transformed with YAP (also known as YAP1), which enabled us to obtain novel insight into integrin β4 dynamics in response to a migratory stimulus (scratch wound) by live-cell video microscopy. An increase in integrin β4 expression in cells proximal to the wound edge was evident, and a population of integrin β4-expressing cells that exhibited unusually rapid migration was identified. These findings could shed insight into integrin β4 dynamics during invasion and metastasis. Moreover, these integrin β4 reporter cells should facilitate studies on the contribution of this integrin to mammary gland biology and cancer.This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
Legionnaires' Disease Mortality in Guinea Pigs Involves the p45 Mobile Genomic Element.

Background Legionella can cause Legionnaires' disease, a potentially fatal form of pneumonia that occurs as sporadic epidemics. Not all strains display the same propensity to cause disease in humans. Because Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 is responsible for >85% of infections, the majority of studies have examined this serogroup, but there are 3 commonly used laboratory strains: L pneumophila serogroup 1 Philadelphia (Phil-1)-derived strains JR32 and Lp01 and 130b-derived strain AA100. Methods We evaluated the ability of Phil-1, JR32, Lp01, and AA100 to cause disease in guinea pigs. Results We found that, although Phil-1, JR32, and AA100 cause an acute pneumonia and death by 4 days postinfection (100%), strain Lp01 does not cause mortality (0%). We also noted that Lp01 lacks a mobile element, designated p45, whose presence correlates with virulence. Transfer of p45 into Lp01 results in recovery of the ability of this strain to cause mortality, leads to more pronounced disease, and correlates with increased interferon-γ levels in the lungs and spleens before death. Conclusions These observations suggest a mechanism of Legionnaires' disease pathogenesis due to the presence of type IVA secretion systems that cause higher mortality due to overinduction of a proinflammatory response in the host.
Biochemical characterization of the mouse ABCF3 protein, a partner of the flavivirus-resistance protein OAS1B

Mammalian ATP-binding cassette (ABC) subfamily F member 3 (ABCF3) is a class 2 ABC protein that has previously been identified as a partner of the mouse flavivirus resistance protein 2',5'-oligoadenylate synthetase 1B (OAS1B). The functions and natural substrates of ABCF3 are not known. In this study, analysis of purified ABCF3 showed that it is an active ATPase, and binding analyses with a fluorescent ATP analog suggested unequal contributions by the two nucleotide-binding domains. We further showed that ABCF3 activity is increased by lipids, including sphingosine, sphingomyelin, platelet-activating factor, and lysophosphatidylcholine. However, cholesterol inhibited ABCF3 activity, whereas alkyl ether lipids either inhibited or resulted in a biphasic response, suggesting small changes in lipid structure differentially affect ABCF3 activity. Point mutations in the two nucleotide-binding domains of ABCF3 affected sphingosine-stimulated ATPase activity differently, further supporting different roles for the two catalytic pockets. We propose a model in which pocket 1 is the site of basal catalysis, whereas pocket 2 engages in ligand-stimulated ATP hydrolysis. Co-localization of the ABCF3-OAS1B complex to the virus-remodeled endoplasmic reticulum membrane has been shown before. We also noted that co-expression of ABCF3 and OAS1B in bacteria alleviated growth inhibition caused by expression of OAS1B alone, and ABCF3 significantly enhanced OAS1B levels, indirectly showing interaction between these two proteins in bacterial cells. As viral RNA synthesis requires large amounts of ATP, we conclude that lipid-stimulated ATP hydrolysis may contribute to the reduction in viral RNA production characteristic of the flavivirus resistance phenotype.
Studying DDTs in agricultural soils of selected rural communities of Armenia

To study organochlorine pesticides and organophosphorus pesticides contents and assess pesticide-induced health risk in Armenia, the contents of pesticides were determined in 252 soil samples taken from relatively large plots of agricultural land in 25 rural communities. The results showed that only ∑DDT contents were detected in 39 out of 252 soil samples. The identified contents of ∑DDT mainly consisted of pp′-DDE, suggesting historical use. 6 out of 12 rural communities are characterized by the presence of former pesticide storehouses site. The excesses versus Maximum Acceptable Concentration were observed in 26 out of 39 samples and ranges from 1.03 to 464.9 times. The health risk assessment showed that non-carcinogenic risk is below the allowable level (HQ < 1). However, the carcinogenic risk is above the allowable level of < 10−4 in all cases when ∑DDT is detected. Of all studied rural communities, the presence of observed ∑DDT and associated risk to the local population was detected mainly in the majority of sampling sites in Jrashen (Ararat region), Aramus (Kotayq region) and Khanjyan (Armavir region). Therefore, special attention should be given to the riskiest rural communities and risk reduction measures are needed to reduce or eliminate observed carcinogenic health effect.
Fair treatment allocations in social networks

Simulations of infectious disease spread have long been used to understand how epidemics evolve and how to effectively treat them. However, comparatively little attention has been paid to understanding the fairness implications of different treatment strategies -- that is, how might such strategies distribute the expected disease burden differentially across various subgroups or communities in the population? In this work, we define the precision disease control problem -- the problem of optimally allocating vaccines in a social network in a step-by-step fashion -- and we use the ML Fairness Gym to simulate epidemic control and study it from both an efficiency and fairness perspective. We then present an exploratory analysis of several different environments and discuss the fairness implications of different treatment strategies.
A Test Stand for Investigating Multipulse Insulator Surface Flashover

Insulator surface flashover in vacuum due to pulsed and DC voltages has been thoroughly investigated, however the characteristics of surface flashover under multiple, short duration, high-voltage pulses are not well understood. A test stand has been developed at Los Alamos National Lab to further understand the effects of these conditions on the surface flashover strength of various insulators. The test stand is designed to apply voltages of up to −350 kV across a variable spacing, uniform field, electrode gap. Models indicate the electric field varies by less than 2 percent over a 4 cm cylindrical radius at up to 4 cm gap spacing. The electrodes are designed to accommodate insulator test samples ranging in axial length from 1 - 4.5 cm, and up to 8 cm diameter. Measurements of the flashover electric field and current will be made with an E-dot probe and Pearson current transformer respectively. This paper details the design, modeling, and testing plan for this multi-pulse test-bed.
Decreased uterine vascularization and uterine arterial expansive remodeling with reduced matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9 in hypertensive pregnancy

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-related disorder in which initial inadequate placentation and RUPP cause the release of cytoactive factors and trigger a ceaseless cycle of suppressed trophoblast invasi...
Efficacy of peroxy acetic acid in reducing Salmonella and Campylobacter spp. populations on chicken breast fillets.

Abstract Poultry processors use antimicrobials to reduce the risk of pathogens on poultry and poultry products. The efficacy of selective and nonselective plating media to enumerate injured Salmonella (selective media—brilliant green sulfa agar and Petrifilm Enterobacteriaceae Plate Count; nonselective media—tryptic soy agar and Petrifilm Aerobic Plate Count) and Campylobacter (selective medium–Campy cefex agar and nonselective medium—Brucella agar) populations and the efficacy of peroxy acetic acid (PAA) to reduce Salmonella and Campylobacter populations on chicken breast fillets were evaluated. All plating media for Salmonella and Campylobacter contained nalidixic acid (200 ppm) or gentamycin (200 ppm), respectively. Breast fillets were sprayed or immersed in PAA (500 ppm) for 10 min for evaluation of the plating media. Breast fillets inoculated with a mixed Salmonella and Campylobacter cocktail were sprayed (5 or 10 s) or immersed (4–30 s) in PAA (100, 400, 500, or 1,000 ppm) for evaluation of PAA efficacy. Salmonella populations were higher (P ≤ 0.05) when plated on nonselective media compared with the selective media for the non-PAA treated fillets, although the differences in populations were low (
Optogenetic Rescue of a Patterning Mutant

Summary Animal embryos are patterned by a handful of highly conserved inductive signals. Yet, in most cases, it is unknown which pattern features (i.e., spatial gradients or temporal dynamics) are required to support normal development. An ideal experiment to address this question would be to “paint” arbitrary synthetic signaling patterns on “blank canvas” embryos to dissect their requirements. Here, we demonstrate exactly this capability by combining optogenetic control of Ras/extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK) signaling with the genetic loss of the receptor tyrosine-kinase-driven terminal signaling patterning in early Drosophila embryos. Blue-light illumination at the embryonic termini for 90 min was sufficient to rescue normal development, generating viable larvae and fertile adults from an otherwise lethal terminal signaling mutant. Optogenetic rescue was possible even using a simple, all-or-none light input that reduced the gradient of Erk activity and eliminated spatiotemporal differences in terminal gap gene expression. Systematically varying illumination parameters further revealed that at least three distinct developmental programs are triggered at different signaling thresholds and that the morphogenetic movements of gastrulation are robust to a 3-fold variation in the posterior pattern width. These results open the door to controlling tissue organization with simple optical stimuli, providing new tools to probe natural developmental processes, create synthetic tissues with defined organization, or directly correct the patterning errors that underlie developmental defects.
Cryptic partial insertion of the RARA gene into the PML gene without reciprocal RARA-PML fusion: a case report and review of literature

The diagnosis of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is defined by the detection of a reciprocal translocation between chromosomes 15 and 17 [t(15;17)(q24;q21)], resulting in fusion of the promyeloc...
Trait Evolution in Microbial Communities

Understanding the evolutionary dynamics of microbial communities is a key step towards the goal of predicting and manipulating microbiomes to promote beneficial states. While interactions within microbiomes and between microbes and their environment collectively determine the community composition and population dynamics, we are often concerned with traits or functions of a microbiome that link more directly to host health. To study how traits of a microbiome are impacted by eco-evolutionary dynamics, we recast a classic resource-mediated population dynamic model into a population genetic framework which incorporates traits. The relative fitness of each group of microbes can be explicitly written in terms of population dynamic parameters, and corresponding evolutionary dynamics emerge. Using several example systems, we demonstrate how natural selection, mutation, and shifts in the environment work together to produce changes in traits over time.
Fossil Anthropoids of the Yale-Cambridge India Expedition of 1935

(Introduction) The Yale-Cambridge India Expedition of 1935, under the direction of Dr. H. de Terra, secured from several localities in the Siwalik bills a small but valuable collection of fossil ape teeth and parts of jaws; these prove to be of considerable importance, especially when added to the collections of the Yale North India Expedition of 1931- 1933. Through the kindness of the Director of the Geological Survey of India, a small collection of Siwalik anthropoid teeth in the Indian Museum, Calcutta, bas been loaned to us for study and description. Accurate casts of the type specimens of Lydekker's and Pilgrim's species were supplied by the same institution, and we are also indebted to the Prince of Wales College Museum at Jammu for the loan of the third lower molar described below (p. 18) .
The relationship between blood flow and oxygen uptake in the uterine and umbilical circulations.

Abstract Control measurements of uterine blood flow (N = 110) or umbilical blood flow (N = 84) and the oxygen content difference across the circulation in question were analyzed to assess the effect of flow rate, measured by the diffusion equilibrium technique, on the oxygen uptake of either the uteroplacental-fetal tissue mass or the fetus alone. Although the rate of uterine blood flow varied widely (110 to 418 ml. per kilogram per minute, the rate of uterine oxygen uptake did not change significantly at low or high rates of flow. Likewise, the rate of umbilical blood flow varied widely (154 to 444 ml. per kilogram per minute) without a significant change in fetal oxygen uptake at the extremes of flow. In both circulations this was due to the existence of a reciprocal relationship between flow rate and ΔO 2 .
Carotenoids and Cancer in Animal Models

As evidence accumulated from epidemiological studies that beta-carotene acts as a chemopreventive agent with respect to inhibiting the appearance of certain types of tumors in humans, attention focused on animal models as a means of extending our understanding of carotenoid function. Unfortunately, most animals used in research are "white fat" animals, and require large amounts of carotenoids in their diets to obtain significant blood and tissue levels. Even with these limitations, beta-carotene, a provitamin A carotenoid, as well as canthaxanthin, a non-provitamin A carotenoid, have been shown to protect animals against UV-induced skin tumors, UV and carcinogen-induced tumors, and carcinogen treatment alone. Similar observations have been made in cell and organ cultures where carotenoids have been shown to prevent malignant transformation and nuclear damage. Although the mechanism of this protection is still unclear, the evidence continues to accumulate that carotenoids may possess intrinsic chemopreventive action with respect to tumor formation.