cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Carboxyl-terminal Domain of Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 1 Contains Distinct Segments Differentially Involved in Capsaicin- and Heat-induced Desensitization

Multiple Ca2+-dependent processes are involved in capsaicin-induced desensitization of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1), but desensitization of TRPV1 by heat occurs even in the absence of extracellular Ca2+, although the mechanisms are unknown. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that capsaicin and heat desensitize TRPV1 through distinct mechanisms involving distinct structural segments of TRPV1. In HEK293 cells that heterologously express TRPV1, we found that heat-induced desensitization was not affected by the inclusion of intracellular ATP or alanine mutation of Lys155, both of which attenuate capsaicin-induced desensitization, suggesting that heat-induced desensitization occurs through mechanisms distinct from capsaicin-induced desensitization. To determine protein domains involved in heat-induced desensitization, we generated chimeric proteins between TRPV1 and TRPV3, a heat-gated channel lacking heat-induced desensitization. We found that TRPV1 with the carboxyl-terminal domain (CTD) of TRPV3 retained heat activation but was impaired in heat-induced desensitization. Further experiments using chimeric or deletion mutants within TRPV1 CTD indicated that the distal half of CTD regulates the activation and desensitization of TRPV1 in modality-specific manners. Within the distal CTD, we identified two segments that distinctly regulated capsaicin- and heat-induced desensitization. The results suggest that the activation and desensitization of TRPV1 by capsaicin and heat can be modulated differentially and disproportionally through different regions of TRPV1 CTD. Identifying the domains involved in thermal regulation of TRPV1 may facilitate the development of novel anti-hyperalgesic approaches aimed at attenuating activation and enhancing desensitization of TRPV1 by thermal stimuli.
Relationship of Threat Appraisal with Coping Appraisal to Fear of Cancer Recurrence in Breast Cancer Survivors

Objectives: Prior research suggests that fear of cancer recurrence (FOR) is very common among cancer survivors. This study examined the extent to which the interaction of threat appraisal and coping appraisal accounted for differences in FOR in cancer patients who recently completed treatment. It was hypothesized that greater FOR would be related to a combination of high threat appraisal and low coping appraisal. Methods: A sample of 155 early stage breast cancer patients (mean age = 59 years) who completed surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiotherapy between 6 and 24 months previously (mean = 12 months) completed measures of FOR, threat appraisal (perceived risk and severity of a potential cancer recurrence), and coping appraisal (perceived response efficacy and self-efficacy to perform diet and exercise recommendations to reduce recurrence risk). Basic demographic and clinical information were also collected. Results: Threat appraisal accounted for 30% of the variance in FOR (p<0.001) while coping appraisal accounted for 0% (p = 0.64). After accounting for these variables and relevant covariates, the interaction of threat appraisal and coping appraisal explained 2% of the remaining variance in FOR (p = 0.04). As hypothesized, survivors who reported high threat appraisal and low coping appraisal had the highest FOR. Conclusions: Future research should focus on examining these relationships longitudinally and further assess coping appraisal and how it impacts cancer recurrence fears. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multi-agent system-based real-time load management for NG IPS ships in high/medium voltage level

Navy shipboard power systems have limited generation capacity and include a large portion of dynamic loads and high-energy weapon loads, which can overload the generators easily. The power generation and the load demand of the system should be balanced while satisfying the system's operating constraints in real-time to make the system operate normally. This paper presents a multi-agent system for the next generation integrated power system (NG IPS) in high/medium voltage level to coordinate a group of agents to cooperatively achieve the real-time load management objectives. The generator agent layer and load agent layer are designed to integrate a group of generators, propulsion loads, and DC zones into the multi-agent system. The cooperative control protocol is developed based on the proposed artificial potential function to achieve the group goals in real-time. The simulation results show that the developed technique achieves the real-time load management objectives.
Reevaluation of stratospheric ozone trends from SAGE II data using a simultaneous temporal and spatial analysis

Abstract. This paper details a new method of regression for sparsely sampled data sets for use with time-series analysis, in particular the Stratospheric Aerosol and Gas Experiment (SAGE) II ozone data set. Non-uniform spatial, temporal, and diurnal sampling present in the data set result in biased values for the long-term trend if not accounted for. This new method is performed close to the native resolution of measurements and is a simultaneous temporal and spatial analysis that accounts for potential diurnal ozone variation. Results show biases, introduced by the way data are prepared for use with traditional methods, can be as high as 10%. Derived long-term changes show declines in ozone similar to other studies but very different trends in the presumed recovery period, with differences up to 2% per decade. The regression model allows for a variable turnaround time and reveals a hemispheric asymmetry in derived trends in the middle to upper stratosphere. Similar methodology is also applied to SAGE II aerosol optical depth data to create a new volcanic proxy that covers the SAGE II mission period. Ultimately this technique may be extensible towards the inclusion of multiple data sets without the need for homogenization.
Evolution of Performance Measurement Until 1930

Performance measurement originated at the early Bureau of Municipal Research. Over the next quarter century, it became more sophisticated through increased quantification and reliance on experts. However, its focus narrowed from government to government service. This narrowing is linked to reduced social activism among those who used thesemethods. The entire period saw combined interest in accomplishing results and containing costs. Leading advocates of measurement included Lent Upson, Clarence Ridley, Mabel Walker, and Edison Cramer. Ridley became the executive director of the International City Manager's Association where he continued to promote performance measurement for the next 30 years.
SPATIAL MODELING OF BUTTERFLY SPECIES RICHNESS USING TIGER BEETLES (CICINDELIDAE) AS A BIOINDICATOR TAXON

General spatial patterns of species richness can be useful when determining conservation policy. Reliable species distribution data, however, are often rare or limited to a relatively few taxa in many parts of the world, and extensive species inventories tend to be expensive and time consuming. Consequently, the use of a few rigorously selected bioindicator taxa to represent broad-based inventories has been suggested as a viable al- ternative. Because spatial dependencies (spatial autocorrelations) are likely to exist in species richness data, common statistical techniques that assume independence are inap- propriate for making cross-taxa comparisons of species ranges and distributions. We applied geostatistical methods that incorporate spatial dependencies to test the usefulness of a proposed bioindicator, tiger beetles, as a predictor of an unrelated taxon, butterflies, across North America and found a statistically significant relationship. We also showed how the application of statistical procedures that assume independence may be misleading. Finally, we showed how to make spatial predictions of species richness in intermediate areas where no sample species data are available.
Pediatric Practice in a Summer Sleep-Away Camp

Clinical practice was surveyed over a 4-week period at a sleep-away camp for children ages 9 to 16 years. The facility is located in the Pocono Mountains in Pennsylvania and has an enrollment of 694 campers and 266 adult staff members. There was a total of 895 visits to the infirmary; however, 190 children were evaluated on more than one occasion. Younger children and girls were more likely to seek medical help. The most common presenting complaints involved physical injuries related to sports activities, followed by a wide range of upper respiratory difficulties, such as sore throat, conjunctivitis, and stuffed nose. Tick bites were not observed in any campers. Significant psychosocial problems were not encountered among any children. Only one child had to be sent home from camp for specific treatment; this was a 14-year-old girl who suffered a lacerated nerve of the third finger on her right hand that required surgical correction. These data indicate that, aside from an increase in minor sports-related injuries, the health problems of children in camp are not significantly different in type or severity from those they experience at home. Furthermore, children attending camp can be relied upon to accurately report their complaints and receive appropriate medical attention.
An advanced ambiguity selection algorithm for SeaWinds

SeaWinds on QuikSCAT, a spaceborne Ku-band scatterometer, estimates ocean winds via the relationship between the normalized radar backscatter and the vector wind. Scatterometer wind retrieval generates several possible wind vector solutions or ambiguities at each resolution cell, requiring a separate ambiguity selection step to give a unique solution. In processing SeaWinds on QuikSCAT data, the ambiguity selection is "nudged" or initialized using numerical weather prediction winds. We describe a sophisticated new ambiguity selection approach developed at Brigham Young University (BYU) that does not require nudging. The BYU method utilizes a low-order data-driven Karhunen-Loeve wind field model to promote self-consistency. Ambiguity selected winds from the BYU method and standard SeaWinds processing are compared over a set of 102 revs. A manual examination of the data suggests that the nonnudging BYU method selects a more self-consistent wind field in the absence of cyclonic storms. Over a set of cyclonic storm regions, BYU performs better in 9% of the cases and worse in 20% of the cases. Overall, the BYU algorithm selects 93% of the same ambiguities as the standard dataset. This comparison helps validate both nonnudging and nudging techniques and indicates that SeaWinds ambiguity selection can be generally accomplished without nudging.
Development of thermoregulation in Hawaiian brown noddies (anous stolidus pileatus)

1. 1.|Oxygen consumption (VO2) and body temperture (Tb) of Hawaiian brown noddies (Anous stolidus pileatus [Aves: Laridae]) during late incubation and in the first 24 h after hatching were measured at ambient temperatures (Ta) between 28 and 38°C and between 15 and 43°C, respectively. Evaporative cooling by hatchings at Ta of 36–43°C was also measured. 2. 2.|Throughout the late incubation stages studied, VO2 and Tb both varied directly with Ta in an ectothermic pattern. 3. 3.|The hatchlings successfully regulated Tb at Ta between ca. 29 and 43°C. 4. 4.|The functional basis of the abrupt increase in thermoregulatory capacity with hatching is discussed.
A fast large-area position-sensitive time-of-flight neutron detection system

A novel position-sensitive time-of-flight neutron detection and histograming system has been developed for use at the Intense Pulsed Neutron Source. Spatial resolution of roughly 1 cm*1 cm and time-of-flight resolution of approximately 1 mu s are combined in a detection system which can ultimately be expanded to cover several square meters of active detector area. This system is based on the use of arrays of cylindrical one-dimensional position-sensitive proportional counters and is capable of collecting the x-y-t data and sorting them into histograms at time-averaged data rates up to approximately 300000 events/s over the full detector area and with instantaneous data rates up to more than 50 times that. Numerous hardware features have been incorporated to facilitate initial tuning of the position encoding, absolute calibration of the encoded positions, and automatic testing for drifts. >
The application of population pharmacokinetic modeling to individualized antibiotic therapy

This paper describes applications of population pharmacokinetic modeling to the optimization of antibiotic dosing. Parametric and nonparametric pharmacokinetic modeling approaches are discussed. Population models can be important extensions of therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) in infectious disease. The concept of population model-based individualized antimicrobial therapy is described. With the availability of population modeling for obtaining PK parameter estimates, the focus has shifted to quantifying the antimicrobial effect and linking kinetics to drug effects. Examples of integrated pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PK-PD) models to describe bacterial killing as a function of drug concentration are discussed. Application of PK-PD mathematical models that correlate with microbiological and clinical outcomes will provide us with a better rationale for the proper dose selection of anti-infective therapy in different patient populations.
Surgical Methods and Techniques

Much of the progress in the field of behavioral neuroscience has depended on the use of animal models that involve neurobiological methods that complement the behavioral analyses that are conducted. Many of these brain-behavior experiments have involved procedures such as brain lesions, brain stimulation and neural recording that require survival surgery. A great deal of attention should be paid to this part of the experimental process because the quality of the neural and behavioral data collected after the animal has recovered from the surgery is greatly dependent on the general postsurgical health and condition of the animal. Great care must be taken to prevent infections that may be caused by the surgery, to prevent unnecessary damage to the biological system under study (which in our case is usually the brain), and to prevent undo stress before, during and after the surgery. In this chapter, we review basic procedures associated with surgery in animal subjects.
High-Gain Antennas for VHF Scatter Propagation

Rhombic antennas were the first type employed in the study of propagation via ionospheric scatter. By the use of electrically long leg-lengths gains of the order of 20 decibels were obtained. Experimental measurements using model techniques indicated that assumptions usual in the design of rhombic antennas remained valid even for leg-lengths of 25 to 40 wavelengths. In order to obtain a more compact antenna, while retaining the gain, experimental investigation was carried out on corner-reflector and Yagi-types of antennas. By the use of 60 degree corner-reflector and a collinear array, a corner reflector antenna having gain of 19.9 db. was constructed. By exercising care in adjusting the lengths of parasitic elements, a Yagi antenna, 4.2 wavelength, having a gain of 14.2 decibels, was designed. An array of four such Yagis, having a horizontal spacing of 1.8 wavelengths and a vertical separation of 1.6 wavelengths was measured to have a gain of 19.0 decibels. Full scale corner-reflector antennas and Yagi antennas have been erected and have proved to be operationally satisfactory.
WWW page design: projects for introduction to design for environmental engineers

All Humboldt State University Environmental Resources Engineering (ERE) students are required to take ENGR 111: Introduction to Design. In the Spring and Fall semesters of 1995, ENGR 111 students were assigned World Wide Web page design projects. In the Spring of 1995, 45 students designed WWW pages describing the ERE Department. In addition, each of the 11 design teams worked closely with an ERE faculty member and developed a home page for that faculty member. The Fall 1995 ENGR 111 class completed two design projects. 20 students designed WWW pages describing the Schatz Energy Research Center, which focuses on hydrogen fuel cell research. The second half of the class (25 students) designed web pages describing the Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary, which is the first constructed wetland in the nation to be used for waste water treatment. This paper describes ENGR 111, its WWW page design projects and various student and departmental benefits of those projects.
Genetic Mapping of Species Boundaries in Louisiana Irises Using IRRE Retrotransposon Display Markers

Genetic mapping studies provide insight into the pattern and extent of genetic incompatibilities affecting hybridization between closely related species. Genetic maps of two species of Louisiana Irises, Iris fulva and I. brevicaulis, were constructed from transposon-based molecular markers segregating in reciprocal backcross (BC1) interspecific hybrids and used to investigate genomic patterns of species barriers inhibiting introgression. Linkage mapping analyses indicated very little genetic incompatibility between I. fulva and I. brevicaulis in the form of map regions exhibiting transmission ratio distortion, and this was confirmed using a Bayesian multipoint mapping analysis. These results demonstrate the utility of transposon-based marker systems for genetic mapping studies of wild plant species and indicate that the genomes of I. fulva and I. brevicaulis are highly permeable to gene flow and introgression from one another via backcrossing.
Roles for the Black pastor in preventive medicine

In recent years, a new role for Black pastors has emerged. As agents of health-related social and behavioral change, Black ministers have taken active roles in preventive medicine at the tertiary, secondary, and primary levels of prevention, succeeding despite resistance by some physicians. The literature detailing these new health-related pastoral roles is reviewed, with special reference to the place of the Black Church in health care and to the place of the Black pastor in the Black experience. It is concluded that Black ministers are ideal people to take part in planning, promoting, and delivering preventive health care in the Black community.
Use of Groups in School Social Work: Group work and group processes

ABSTRACT A survey of 54 school social workers indicated that they use group work extensively in their practice to address a number of student issues. Cognitive-behavioral theories were most commonly used to guide these groups. Workers rarely identified the use of small group theory as a conceptual framework. Groups were less frequent at the secondary level, and sessions were longer. Family change groups were more common at the elementary level. The method of funding the social work position had no effect on kinds or numbers of groups school social workers facilitated. Respondents did not identify use of small group theory as a conceptual framework, but they addressed group dynamics and group developmental stages. They used activities extensively and adapted published curriculum to meet member needs.
Preexisting epithelial diversity in normal human livers: a tissue-tethered cytometric analysis in portal/periportal epithelial cells.

Routine light microscopy identifies two distinct epithelial cell populations in normal human livers: hepatocytes and biliary epithelial cells (BECs). Considerable epithelial diversity, however, arises during disease states when a variety of hepatocyte-BEC hybrid cells appear. This has been attributed to activation and differentiation of putative hepatic progenitor cells (HPC) residing in the canals of Hering and/or metaplasia of preexisting mature epithelial cells. A novel analytic approach consisting of multiplex labeling, high-resolution whole-slide imaging (WSI), and automated image analysis was used to determine if more complex epithelial cell phenotypes preexist in normal adult human livers, which might provide an alternative explanation for disease-induced epithelial diversity. “Virtually digested” WSI enabled quantitative cytometric analyses of individual cells displayed in a variety of formats (e.g., scatterplots) while still tethered to the WSI and tissue structure. We employed biomarkers specifically associated with mature epithelial forms (HNF4α for hepatocytes, CK19 and HNF1β for BEC) and explored for the presence of cells with hybrid biomarker phenotypes. The results showed abundant hybrid cells in portal bile duct BEC, canals of Hering, and immediate periportal hepatocytes. These bipotential cells likely serve as a reservoir for the epithelial diversity of ductular reactions, appearance of hepatocytes in bile ducts, and the rapid and fluid transition of BEC to hepatocytes, and vice versa. Conclusion: Novel imaging and computational tools enable increased information extraction from tissue samples and quantify the considerable preexistent hybrid epithelial diversity in normal human liver. This computationally enabled tissue analysis approach offers much broader potential beyond the results presented here. (HEPATOLOGY 2013)
The impact of perceptions of health control and coping modes on negative affect among individuals with spinal cord injuries.

A wide range of demographic, medical, and personality and coping variables have been implicated as predictors of psychosocial outcomes following the onset of spinal cord injuries (SCI). The primary purpose of this study was to examine the role that perceptions of health control (internality, chance-determined, and other persons-determined) and coping strategies play in predicting respondents’ negative affect, namely, reactions of depression and anxiety [i.e., posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)], as outcomes of psychosocial adaptation to disability. A second purpose was to investigate the potential role that time since injury (TSI) plays in moderating the influence of coping on psychosocial outcomes related to SCI. Ninety five survivors of SCI participated in the study by completing a battery of self-report measures. Two sets of multiple regression analyses were employed to address the study’s goals. Findings indicated that after controlling the influence of gender, age, time since injury, and number of prior life traumas: (a) the use of disengagement coping successfully predicted both respondents’ levels of depression and PTSD; (b) none of the perceptions of control of one’s health significantly influenced psychosocial reactions to SCI, as indicated by depression and PTSD, although perceptions of chance control showed a moderate positive trend; and (c) time since injury did not moderate the relationships between coping and negative affect related to the onset of SCI. The implications of these findings to rehabilitation professionals are discussed.
K-bZIP of Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus/Human Herpesvirus 8 (KSHV/HHV-8) Binds KSHV/HHV-8 Rta and Represses Rta-Mediated Transactivation

The regulatory circuit for Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus/human herpesvirus 8 (KSHV/HHV-8) gene expression bears resemblance to that of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), but with interesting differences. Based on protein sequence similarities and synteny to their EBV counterparts, two KSHV/HHV-8 viral regulatory factors, HHV-8 Rta and K-bZIP, encoded by open reading frame (ORF) 50 and ORF K8, respectively, have been identified. Rta is an immediate early transcriptional activator that activates lytic viral replication and mediates viral reactivation from latency, while ORF K8 is an early gene activated by Rta. Extensive splicing of ORF K8 mRNA leads to the production of K-bZIP, a protein of the basic domain-leucine zipper (bZIP) family. The role of K-bZIP in viral replication, however, remains unresolved. Here, we report that K-bZIP is a nuclear protein that binds Rta directly both in vivo and in vitro and represses Rta-mediated transactivation of the K-bZIP promoter. We further demonstrate that the leucine zipper domain of K-bZIP is required for Rta binding and a K-bZIP mutant lacking the leucine zipper does not repress Rta activity. Finally, the K-bZIP-mediated repression of Rta transactivation cannot be restored by overexpression of the transcriptional coactivator p300 or the p300-CBP-associated factor, P/CAF. Our results suggest that K-bZIP is involved in a feedback circuit to turn off its own expression and possibly the expression of other early genes activated by Rta.
ASF1A and ATM regulate H3K56-mediated cell-cycle checkpoint recovery in response to UV irradiation

Successful DNA repair within chromatin requires coordinated interplay of histone modifications, chaperones and remodelers for allowing access of repair and checkpoint machineries to damaged sites. Upon completion of repair, ordered restoration of chromatin structure and key epigenetic marks herald the cell’s normal function. Here, we demonstrate such a restoration role of H3K56 acetylation (H3K56Ac) mark in response to ultraviolet (UV) irradiation of human cells. A fast initial deacetylation of H3K56 is followed by full renewal of an acetylated state at ~24–48 h post-irradiation. Histone chaperone, anti-silencing function-1 A (ASF1A), is crucial for post-repair H3K56Ac restoration, which in turn, is needed for the dephosphorylation of γ-H2AX and cellular recovery from checkpoint arrest. On the other hand, completion of DNA damage repair is not dependent on ASF1A or H3K56Ac. H3K56Ac restoration is regulated by ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) checkpoint kinase. These cross-talking molecular cellular events reveal the important pathway components influencing the regulatory function of H3K56Ac in the recovery from UV-induced checkpoint arrest.
MTF measurement and a phantom study for scatter correction in CBCT using primary modulation

Recently, we proposed a scatter correction methods for x-ray imaging using primary modulation. A primary modulator with spatially variant attenuating materials is inserted between the x-ray source and the object to make the scatter and part of the primary distributions strongly separated in the Fourier domain. Linear filtering and demodulation techniques suffice to extract and correct the scatter for this modified system. The method has been verified by computer simulations and preliminary experimental results. In this work, we look into a hybrid method using both primary modulation and an anti-scatter grid. The reconstructed image resolution using the proposed approach is evaluated by MTF measurements, and the scatter correction performance is also investigated by experiments on a human chest phantom. The results using the proposed hybrid method are compared with those using an antiscatter grid only. Experiments with scatter inherently suppressed using a narrowly opened collimator and an anti-scatter grid (a slot-scan geometry) were also carried out. The comparison shows that the filtering in the proposed algorithm does not impair the image resolution, and the primary modulation method can effectively suppress the scatter artifacts. In the central region of interest, the reconstruction error relative to the image obtained using a slot-scan geometry is reduced from 18.10% to 0.48% for the human chest phantom, if the primary modulation method is used.
Two-Stage Optical Parametric Amplification for Generation of Ultrashort 5-μm Pulses in ZnGeP2

We present a design and preliminary performance of a 5-μm source utilizing two-stage optical parametric amplification in ZnGeP2 pumped by 2-μm millijoule-level ultrafast pulses.
What you need to know about viral hepatitis.

Learn about newly discovered viral strains, the latest treatments, and steps you can take to protect your patients and yourself from infection.
Guns and Reeds: Africanizing British Big Game Hunting

In September of 1878, F. C. Selous met up with three of his friends in the eastern part of present-day Zimbabwe. All four men were in pursuit of ivory, and the three other hunters, Albert Cross, Matthew Clarkson and George Wood, told Selous that when they first arrived in the area, they ‘found it expedient to pay … [the presiding chief] a visit, to obtain his gracious permission to go and “kill the elephants nicely”’. According to Selous, this chief’s name was ‘Situngweesa’ and he was ‘considered a very powerful “Umlimo” or god’ by the Ndebele, who dominated the region.1 This was not entirely correct, but scholars have identified the man as Pasipamire, who lived at Chitungwiza and was the recognized medium for an important spirit named Chaminuka, who is generally regarded as a royal ancestor of the Shona.2 As such, Pasipamire was a man of influence amongst both the Shona and the Ndebele, and until the hunters requested his permission their boys would only hunt in a listless, half-hearted sort of way, constantly saying, ‘What is the use of your hunting elephants in Situngweesa’s country without first getting his permission to do so?’ But when, by the help of presents, the old fellow’s good word was obtained, and [George] Wood’s head Kafir had been given a long … enchanted reed … they at once seemed changed beings and hunted with the greatest alacrity.3
Accurate diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori. Culture, including transport.

Despite the fact that culture is the gold standard in the diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori , there are a limited number of clinical laboratories that isolate this organism routinely. Culture is considered to be an essential method only for research purposes for several reasons. Perhaps the most relevant are cost and delay in receiving results. Culture is expected to become increasingly important, however, because of the need to establish susceptibility patterns in H. pylori isolates from patients in whom standard antimicrobial treatment has failed. Resistance monitoring allows public health authorities to better define and determine treatment regimens. Several points are important to ensure successful recovery of H. pylori from biopsy samples. This article discusses preparation of the patient, transport and processing of the biopsy sample, and selection of media and culture conditions. These factors are crucial for increasing the chances for successful isolation of the microorganism.
An analysis of methods for identifying social vulnerability to climate change and sea level rise: a case study of Hampton Roads, Virginia

This paper examines methods for quantitatively identifying communities that have high social vulnerability to environmental hazards. We first provide an overview of the existing literature on quantifying social vulnerability. We discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the one of the most common methods, composite indexing using principal component analysis (PCA), in more detail. We present a case study of Hampton Roads, Virginia, that compares PCA-based composite indexing to an alternative method using k-means clustering to identify socially vulnerable communities. We find that PCA-based indexing is particularly sensitive to changes in geographic boundaries and the number of input variables while clustering is less so. However, both methods exhibit the highest levels of consistency when vulnerability is measured by a relatively small number of well-established quantitative indicators. While the cluster method is more intuitive and easier to interpret than composite indexing, it is not well suited for large analyses across a disparate geographic area or where one needs to explicitly rank observations.
Abstract C42: DNA methyltransferase 1 (Dnmt1) is a key regulator of TGFβ-mediated endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are prominent in the tumor microenvironment and they fuel tumor angiogenesis, tumor growth, and metastasis. CAFs are identified by smooth muscle actin and type collagen 1 expression, they promote intratumoral desmoplasia and fibrosis, and they are derived from multiple cellular precursors including tumor endothelial cells (TECs) through a TGFβ-regulated process termed endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT). Recently, we uncovered two distinct TEC populations: TGFβ-responders that undergo rapid EndMT accompanied by CAF marker up-regulation in response to TGFβ and TGFβ non-responders that are comparatively resistant to TGFβ-induced EndMT. From a biochemical screen, we found that 5-Azacytidine, a small-molecule inhibitor of DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs), converts TGFβ non-responders into responders suggesting that TGFβ responsiveness is dictated by epigenetic mechanisms. siRNA silencing of Dnmt1 is sufficient to promote TGFb-induced EndMT in non-responders, whereas Dnmt3a or Dnmt3b are not involved. Chronic (> 7 days) TGFβ stimulation also suppresses Dnmt1 expression and drives the conversion of non-responders into responders indicating that TGFβ may un-silence CAF-specific genes in TECs in part by antagonizing DNMT1 expression/activity. Our findings shed light on the epigenetic mechanisms that regulate TGFβ- and EndMT-mediated conversion of TECs into CAFs. Targeting these mechanisms could inhibit tumor growth and spread. Citation Format: Lin Xiao, Andrew C. Dudley. DNA methyltransferase 1 (Dnmt1) is a key regulator of TGFβ-mediated endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference: Function of Tumor Microenvironment in Cancer Progression; 2016 Jan 7–10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(15 Suppl):Abstract nr C42.
Asymptotic Analysis of Distributed Estimation over Fading Multiple Access Channels

We consider a distributed estimation problem where sensors transmit their observations over fading channels to a fusion center (FC), where the parameter is estimated. We calculate the variance of the estimate when we have full, partial and no channel information at the sensors. We compare these with a benchmark obtained when the channels are AWGN. We show that while having no CSI at the sensors leads to bad performance, partial CSI at the sensors is sufficient to get reliable estimates of the parameter. Comparing the performance when the sensors have partial CSI, to when the sensors have full CSI, the deterioration of the variance of the estimator in the case of partial CSI at the sensors is upper bounded by a factor of 4/pi, which is about a 2dB power loss.
Surfactant Micelle Self-Assembly with Coarse-Grained Martini Standard Water and Polarizable Water

Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of proteomicelle complexes are useful for the investigation of membrane protein dynamics and function. However, modeling assembly and dynamics of complex oligomeric systems require length- and timescales that are traditionally inaccessible to all atom MD simulations. Coarse grained (CG) force fields such as MARTINI decrease spatial resolution of a system, making biologically relevant time scales for phenomena such as membrane protein oligomeric assembly accessible [1]. In order to apply CG force fields to the study of large proteomicelle complexes it is important to test their ability to reproduce experimentally observed properties. In this study we have characterized the effects of the nonpolarizable and polarizable water models of the MARTINI force field [2] on assembly of surfactant micelles. The two surfactant systems studied were a zwitterionic detergent (n-dodecylphosphocholine (DPC)) and nonionic detergent (n-dodecyl-β-D-maltoside (DDM)). From a system of 50, 100, 150 and 200 random detergent molecules, stable micelles formed with variable sizes for both models, in general agreement with experimental aggregation numbers. However, the polarizable water model formed larger micelles than the normal water model in a few cases. In addition, the polarizable water model formed stable compact micelles in shorter times.[1] Marrink SJ, et al. J. Phys. Chem. B. 2007;111:7812.[2] Yesylevskyy SO, et al.PLoS Comp. Biol, 2010;6:e1000810.
Global climate forcing from albedo change caused by large-scale deforestation and reforestation: quantification and attribution of geographic variation

Large-scale deforestation and reforestation have contributed substantially to historical and contemporary global climate change in part through albedo-induced radiative forcing, with meaningful implications for forest management aiming to mitigate climate change. Associated warming or cooling varies widely across the globe due to a range of factors including forest type, snow cover, and insolation, but resulting geographic variation remains poorly described and has been largely based on model assessments. This study provides an observation-based approach to quantify local and global radiative forcings from large-scale deforestation and reforestation and further examines mechanisms that result in the spatial heterogeneity of radiative forcing. We incorporate a new spatially and temporally explicit land cover-specific albedo product derived from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer with a historical land use data set (Land Use Harmonization product). Spatial variation in radiative forcing was attributed to four mechanisms, including the change in snow-covered albedo, change in snow-free albedo, snow cover fraction, and incoming solar radiation. We find an albedo-only radiative forcing (RF) of −0.819 W m−2 if year 2000 forests were completely deforested and converted to croplands. Albedo RF from global reforestation of present-day croplands to recover year 1700 forests is estimated to be 0.161 W m−2. Snow-cover fraction is identified as the primary factor in determining the spatial variation of radiative forcing in winter, while the magnitude of the change in snow-free albedo is the primary factor determining variations in summertime RF. Findings reinforce the notion that, for conifers at the snowier high latitudes, albedo RF diminishes the warming from forest loss and the cooling from forest gain more so than for other forest types, latitudes, and climate settings.
What's Important: Honesty and Humility.

He was a strapping, handsome teen, and the only child of a poor farming family in the south of Virginia. At the age of 16 years, he competed on his high school varsity basketball, football, and track teams. And he had scoliosis.I was an experienced spinal deformity surgeon, and he was my first spina
Interferometric enhancement for forward-looking synthetic aperture radar target imaging

We present a technique for interferometric processing of extreme high-squint synthetic aperture radar (SAR) target images. The technique is an improvement over conventional SAR interferometry, as it takes into account the change in relative phase between channels that occur as the radar moves through the synthetic aperture, which can be significant for forward-looking data acquisition geometry. We apply the technique to simulate data from a variety of imaging cases and show that, unlike the conventional interferometric technique, the proposed technique is robust to synthetic aperture length, scatterer elevation, and scatterer dimension in forward-looking scenarios. The technique may be used for various applications related to situational awareness, such as remote sensing for collision avoidance or forward-looking reconnaissance.
Hoarseness in children

Hoarseness or dysphonia are terms used to describe a change in the quality of the voice. The voice quality can be raspy, breathy, strained, fatigued, rough, tremulous or weak. There may be a change in pitch, restriction of range, voice breaks, decreased projection, or abnormal resonance. It is important to remember that a voice disorder is not a disease in itself but rather a presentation of an underlying pathology. Clinicians' knowledge of paediatric hoarseness is limited as it can be difficult to examine children using fibreoptic laryngoscopy and the child may not comprehend the need for detailed examination. However, paediatric flexible naso-laryngoscopy provides a dynamic view of the laryngeal anatomy and function. Recent advances in diagnostic equipment, pharmacology and therapeutics mean that this problem can be managed more successfully but it still remains a challenge. This article discusses the presentation, aetiology and management of hoarseness in children.
Abstract 16243: Dose-response Relationships Between Exercise Intensity, Mood States, and Quality of Life in Heart Failure Patients

Background: The beneficial effects of exercise training on mood disorders and quality of life (QOL) in patients with heart failure (HF) remains controversial, with investigators documenting both po...
«Erfolgsmuster: Kundennutzen durch digitale Transformation?» : Einleitung zu den Fallstudien

Welche Erfahrungen, Losungsansatze und Resultate weisen Unternehmen auf, die den Kundennutzen und die Moglichkeiten der Digitalisierung ins Zentrum ihrer Prozessmanagement‐Initiativen stellen? Welche Methoden und Werkzeuge setzen sie ein? Wie wirken sich diese Aktivitaten auf das Geschaftsmodell, die Business Operations und das Kundenerlebnis aus?
GENETIC AND CELLULAR ASPECTS OF MIXED LEUKOCYTE CULTURE AND CELL MEDIATED LYMPHOLYSIS REACTIONS

Abstract The antigenic systems determined by genes of the major histocompatibility complex can be divided into two sets: the LD (L determinants or lymphocyte defined) and SD (S determinants or serologically defined)antigens. These antigens function differentially in both the primary mixed leukocyte culture and cell-mediated lympholysis test and in the secondary proliferative cytotoxic test. There appears to be a collaborative response when allogeneic cells are confronted with both LD and SD antigens; this collaboration is based on the existence of two populations of T lymphocytes. The specificity of the secondary response may be based on both postive and negative selection in that a suppressive cellular mechanism appears to be generated in the MLC for the subsequent development of cytotoxicity. Preliminary results are presented suggesting that LD-SD collaboration takes place in vivo as well as in vitro.
Impact of breastfeeding support.

Proactive support in many forms, provided by health care professionals or laypersons, increases the duration of any breastfeeding (including partial and exclusive) and exclusive breastfeeding. Face-to-face support is superior to telephone-based interventions. Support for continued breastfeeding is more effective in areas where baseline rates are high, underscoring the continued need to encourage breastfeeding in general.
Psychotherapeutic approaches to the treatment of anxiety and depressive disorders

Psychotherapy, both alone and in combination with pharmacotherapy, is one of the most prevalent treatments for depression and anxiety. Research data are sparse, but there is ample evidence that several psychotherapies are effective for acute affective and panic disorders. The best data are for interpersonal and cognitive-behavioral therapies, with only early reports on the more common psychodynamic psychotherapies. There has been less study of more chronic disorders, but once again the suggestion is that appropriate psychotherapy is effective. Treatment should be active and focused on the patient's symptoms and current problems, not on character pathology or developmental psychodynamics.
Conceptual design of extended magnetic probe set to improve 3D field detection in NSTX-U

Adding toroidal arrays of magnetic probes at the top and bottom of NSTX-U would improve both the detection of the multimodal plasma response to applied magnetic perturbations and the identification of the poloidal structure of unstable plasma modes, as well as contribute to the validation of MHD models, improve the understanding of the plasma response to external fields, and improve the error field correction. In this paper, the linear MHD code MARS-F/K has been used to identify poloidal locations that would improve the capability to measure stationary or near-stationary 3D fields that may result from the plasma response to external sources of non-axisymmetric fields. The study highlighted 6 poloidal positions where new arrays of both poloidal and radial magnetic field sensors would improve the poloidal resolution. The proposed set of new arrays combined with the present ones is shown to be capable of measuring the poloidal structure of perturbations with n ≤ 6 and of detecting the multimodal plasma response. Assessment of the trade-off in the poloidal length of the probes leads to an ideal length between 10 cm and 30 cm. A method to configure the probes of a toroidal array based on the singular value decomposition condition number is proposed, and an ideal solution and a low-cost one are presented.
SIRT3 deficiency-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and inflammasome formation in the brain.

SIRT3, the primary mitochondrial deacetylase, plays a significant role in enhancing the function of mitochondrial proteins. Downregulation of SIRT3 is a key component of metabolic syndrome, a precondition for obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. In this study, we examined the effects of brain mitochondrial protein hyperacetylation in western diet-fed Sirt3−/− mice, a model for metabolic syndrome. Brain mitochondrial proteins were hyperacetylated, following western diet feeding and Sirt3 deletion. To identity these hyperacetylated proteins, we performed a comprehensive acetylome analysis by label-free tandem mass spectrometry. Gene ontology pathway analysis revealed Sirt3 deletion-mediated downregulation of enzymes in several metabolic pathways, including fatty acid oxidation and tricarboxylic acid cycle. Mitochondrial respiration was impaired at multiple states, along with lower levels of mitochondrial fission proteins Mfn1 and Mfn2. Cleavage of procaspase-1 suggested inflammasome formation. Assembly of inflammasomes with caspase-1 and NLRP3 was detected as shown by proximity ligation assay. Markers of neuroinflammation including microgliosis and elevated brain IL-1β expression were also observed. Importantly, these findings were further exacerbated in Sirt3−/− mice when fed a calorie-rich western diet. The observations of this study suggest that SIRT3 deficiency-induced brain mitochondrial dysfunction and neuroinflammation in metabolic syndrome may play a role in late-life cognitive decline.
The need for feasible compromises on conscientious objection: response to Card.

Robert Card criticises our proposal for managing some conscientious objections in medicine. Unfortunately, he severely mischaracterises the nature of our proposal, its scope and its implications. He also overlooks the fact that our proposal is a compromise designed for a particular political context. We correct Card’s mischaracterisations, explain why we believe compromise is necessary and explain how we think proposed compromises should be evaluated.
Integration of Lateral Filter Arrays with Immunoaffinity for Circulating‐Tumor‐Cell Isolation

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are an important biomarker for cancer prognosis and treatment monitoring. However, the heterogeneity of the physical and biological properties of CTCs limits the efficiency of various approaches used to isolate small numbers of CTCs from billions of normal blood cells. To address this challenge, we developed a lateral filter array microfluidic (LFAM) device to integrate size-based separation with immunoaffinity-based CTC isolation. The LFAM device consists of a serpentine main channel, through which most of a sample passes, and an array of lateral filters for CTC isolation. The unique device design produces a two-dimensional flow, which reduces nonspecific, geometric capture of normal cells as typically observed in vertical filters. The LFAM device was further functionalized by immobilizing antibodies that are specific to the target cells. The resulting devices captured pancreatic cancer cells spiked in blood samples with (98.7±1.2) % efficiency and were used to isolate CTCs from patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.