cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Receipt of Child Support by Working Single Women

Using logistic regression, the author found that sociodemographic factors, particularly race, education, and number of children/young adults, more than attitudinal factors, distinguished recipients of child support from nonrecipients among formerly married working mothers in 1988 and 1991. In 1991, for formaly married mothers, child-care affinity was the only attitudinal characteristic associated with the likelihood of receiving child support. Because of the small sample sizes, findings about never-married working mothers were more ambiguous. Policy and practice implications are discussed.
Building Blocks for Molecule-Based Magnets: A Theoretical Study of Triplet−Singlet Gaps in the Dianion of Rhodizonic Acid 1,4-Dimethide and Its Derivatives

Reduction of 1,4-dimethylenecyclohexane-2,3,5,6-tetrone forms the title dianion 12-, which may also be formulated as the 1,4-dimethide of deprotonated rhodizonic acid. Substituted versions of this species, designed as a charged electronic analogue of dimethylenecyclobutadiene, are proposed as building blocks for assembly of molecule-based magnets. A possible mode of self-organization of their metal salts into 2-D structures with intermolecular ferromagnetic coupling is outlined. Full π space CAS(14,12)/6-31+G*//CAS(14,12)/ 6-31G* calculations were performed to probe the ground spin state (singlet vs triplet) of 12- as a function of substituent variations. This study has found that a triplet ground state preference as high as 4.5 kcal/mol may be achieved for the symmetrically coordinated dianion.
Cell Signaling during Cold, Drought, and Salt Stress

Low temperature, drought, and high salinity are common stress conditions that adversely affect plant growth and crop production. The cellular and molecular responses of plants to environmental stress have been studied intensively ([Thomashow, 1999][1]; [Hasegawa et al., 2000][2]). Understanding the
Empirical Methodology to Estimate Seismically Induced Settlement of Partially Saturated Sand

AbstractSettlement of soil layers during and after earthquake shaking is a major cause of damage to buildings and geotechnical structures. The available empirical design methods to consider seismically induced settlement focus on sands in dry or water-saturated conditions, and there is currently a gap in the basic understanding of the mechanisms of seismically induced settlements of partially saturated sands. An effective stress-based empirical methodology is proposed to estimate the seismically induced settlement of a free-field layer of sand in partially saturated conditions. This approach estimates the settlement by separately considering the volumetric strains caused by compression of void space during strong shaking (seismic compression) and dissipation of excess pore water pressures generated during earthquake shaking (postcyclic reconsolidation). A parametric evaluation of the methodology indicates that the small strain shear modulus, the parameters of the modulus reduction curve, the approach to e...
Coarse-grained stochastic processes and Monte Carlo simulations in lattice systems

In this paper we present a new class of coarse-grained stochastic processes and Monte Carlo simulations, derived directly from microscopic lattice systems and describing mesoscopic length scales. As our primary example, we mainly focus on a microscopic spin-flip model for the adsorption and desorption of molecules between a surface adjacent to a gas phase, although a similar analysis carries over to other processes. The new model can capture large scale structures, while retaining microscopic information on intermolecular forces and particle fluctuations. The requirement of detailed balance is utilized as a systematic design principle to guarantee correct noise fluctuations for the coarse-grained model. We carry out a rigorous asymptotic analysis of the new system using techniques from large deviations and present detailed numerical comparisons of coarse-grained and microscopic Monte Carlo simulations. The coarse-grained stochastic algorithms provide large computational savings without increasing programming complexity or the CPU time per executed event compared to microscopic Monte Carlo simulations.
New Jersey's Experience: Mandatory Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate Reporting

The passage of legislation in New Jersey mandating the calculation and reporting by clinical laboratories of the estimated glomerular filtration rate whenever a serum creatinine test is performed resulted in a flurry of activity by laboratories to bring their facilities into compliance. After guidance provided by the Department of Health and Senior Services in November 2005 regarding legislative intent, New Jersey's clinical laboratories, including more than 80 acute care hospital laboratories, successfully implemented estimated glomerular filtration rate reporting by July 2006. This reporting, however, was not achieved without controversy and logistical barriers. Despite these issues, the initial feedback from physicians in response to receiving estimated glomerular filtration rate values on test reports as mandated by state law has been largely favorable. With more than 3.5 million estimated glomerular filtration rate values reported to the department by a sampling of large independent (n = 3), physician office (n = 4), and hospital (n = 11) laboratories, average estimated glomerular filtration rate values were as follows: 79% of physician office and independent laboratory estimated glomerular filtration rate values were > or = 60 ml/min per 1.73 m2, and 2% were or = 60 and < 30 ml/min per 1.73 m2, respectively. Additional studies are necessary to determine whether the intent of the legislation to "aid health professionals in the early diagnosis of kidney disease," thereby resulting in improved treatment outcomes, is achieved.
On Dirichlet series and Hecke triangle groups of infinite volume

Here k is an arbitrary real number (the weight) and λ > 2, but otherwise unrestricted. The proof entails the use of the Riemann–Hecke–Bochner correspondence between modular integrals on the one side, and Dirichlet series with functional equations, on the other. It requires, as well, an application of Eichler’s generalized Poincare series. Since λ > 2 here, the underlying group of invariance, the Hecke triangle group
Photoviscoelastic behavior of amorphous polymers during transition from the glassy to rubbery state

Tensile stress-relaxation experiments with simultaneous measurements of Young's relaxation modulus, E, and the strain-optical coefficient, Cϵ, were performed on two amorphous polymers—polystyrene (PS) and polycarbonate (PC)—over a wide range of temperatures and times. Master curves of these material functions were obtained via the time-temperature superposition principle. The value of Cϵ of PS is positive in the glassy state at low temperature and time; then it relaxes and becomes negative and passes through a minimum in the transition zone from the glassy to rubbery state at an intermediate temperature and time and then monotonically increases with time, approaching zero at a large time. The stress-optical coefficient of PS is calculated from the value of Cϵ. It is positive at low temperature and time, decreases, passes through zero, becomes negative with increasing temperature and time in the transition zone from the glassy to rubbery state, and finally reaches a constant large negative value in the rubbery state. In contrast, the value of Cϵ of PC is always positive being a constant in the glassy state and continuously relaxes to zero at high temperature and time. The value of Cσ of PC is also positive being a constant in the glassy state and increases to a constant value in the rubbery state. The obtained information on the photoelastic behavior of PS and PC is useful for calculating the residual birefringence and stresses in plastic products. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 39: 2252–2262, 2001
Characterization and regulation of T-type Ca2+ channels in embryonic stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes.

T-type Ca2+ channels may play a role in cardiac development. We studied the developmental regulation of the T-type currents (ICa,T) in cardiomyocytes (CMs) derived from mouse embryonic stem cells (...
The Stealth Influence of Covert Marketing and Much Ado About What May Be Nothing

Abstract Most discussions of covert marketing stem from three basic statements: (1) People are generally skeptical of any business-provided sources of information, so publicity or even random endorsements by strangers on the street might provide consumers with more persuasive sales messages; (2) advertising creators repeatedly say that they need to “break out” from the increasingly cluttered mass media environment; and (3) news reports of any pervasive marketing activity include a direct assertion, or at least an implicit presumption, that business managers do it because they know it “works.” Management decisions to use any covert marketing tactic are driven by the first two beliefs, and public policy worries of its improper or deceptive influence on consumers flow from the third. However, most covert marketing efforts are undertaken with professional uncertainty of whether anything really works as they create new areas of consumer skepticism and even more commercial clutter.
Failure of suramin (Bayer 205; germanin) to cause changes in the adrenal cortex of the rat.

An attempt was made to reproduce the experiments of Humphreys and Donaldson in which histological lesions in the adrenal cortices of rats had been produced by repeated injections of the organic compound suramin (Bayer 205). In spite of a considerable mortality among the injected rats in the present experiment, no adrenal lesions could be demonstrated.
Monolithically integrated GaAs-based and InP-based front-end photoreceivers

Two different integration schemes for front-end optical receivers have been demonstrated for GaAs- and InP-based material systems. An InP-based p-i-n FET vertically integrated circuit exhibits a bandwidth greater than 2 GHz. The FET exhibits an extrinsic g/sub m/=450 mS/mm and f/sub T/=9 GHz. The GaAs-based planar structure consists of a modulated-barrier photodiode and a doped channel FET made with the same epitaxial layers. The detector has an optical gain of 200, and the FET performance is characterized by g/sub m/=250 mS/mm, f/sub T/=12 GHz, and f/sub max/=21 GHz. >
Social Comparison And Body Image: An Investigation Of Body Comparison Processes Using Multidimensional Scaling

Abstract A total of 1,760 females and males were assessed for cognitive social comparison processes regarding physical appearance. Participants ranged in age from middle school (7th and 8th graders) to college juniors and seniors. Multidimensional scaling techniques were used as the analytical strategy. The results revealed the existence of two primary comparison dimensions: weight/non-weight and muscle/non-muscle. Males and females differed substantially in the cognitive organization of appearance comparison schemas along these two dimensions. Females emphasized body sites and parts along the weight/non-weight continuum whereas, for males, body areas along the muscle/non-muscle dimension were emphasized. Essentially no developmental trends were identified: comparison schemas for 7th graders through college seniors were virtually identical. The findings are discussed in light of the emerging role of body comparison tendencies as a potential risk factor for body image and eating disturbances.
A Double Detector for RFI Mitigation in Microwave Radiometers

A double detector (DD) for radio-frequency interference (RFI) in microwave radiometers is demonstrated in theory and practice. The detector is based on the principle of using kurtosis to detect the presence of non-Gaussian signals and is shown to approximate the kurtosis of input. Theoretical response to continuous wave and pulsed RFI is derived and tested in two experiments. The DD hardware comprises two microwave detectors, two integrator-amplifiers, and a wideband video amplifier. The technique is compatible with existing direct-detection radiometer designs and desirable for applications requiring low technological risk.
Modeling sequence–sequence interactions for drug response

Motivation: Genetic interactions or epistasis may play an important role in the genetic etiology of drug response. With the availability of large-scale, high-density single nucleotide polymorphism markers, a great challenge is how to associate haplotype structures and complex drug response through its underlying pharmacodynamic mechanisms. Results: We have derived a general statistical model for detecting an interactive network of DNA sequence variants that encode pharmacodynamic processes based on the haplotype map constructed by single nucleotide polymorphisms. The model was validated by a pharmacogenetic study for two predominant beta-adrenergic receptor (βAR) subtypes expressed in the heart, β1AR and β2AR. Haplotypes from these two receptors trigger significant interaction effects on the response of heart rate to different dose levels of dobutamine. This model will have implications for pharmacogenetic and pharmacogenomic research and drug discovery. Availability: A computer program written in Matlab can be downloaded from the webpage of statistical genetics group at the University of Florida. Contact: rwu@mail.ifas.ufl.edu Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Effect of ifenprodil on GluN1/GluN2B N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor gating

Ifenprodil is an allosteric inhibitor of GluN1/GluN2B N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors. Despite its widespread use as a prototype for drug development and a subtype-selective tool for physiologic experiments, its precise effect on GluN1/GluN2B gating is yet to be fully understood. Interestingly, recent crystallographic evidence identified that ifenprodil, unlike zinc, binds at the interface of the GluN1/GluN2B amino terminal domain dimer by an induced-fit mechanism. To delineate the effect of this unique binding on GluN1/GluN2B receptor gating, we recorded steady-state currents from cell-attached and outside-out patches. At pH 7.9 in cell-attached patches, ifenprodil increased the occupancy of the long-lived shut conformations, thereby reducing the open probability of the receptor with no change in the mean open time. In addition, ifenprodil selectively affected the area of shut time constants, but not the time constants themselves. Kinetic analyses suggested that ifenprodil prevents the transition of the receptor to an open state and increases its dwell time in an intrinsically occurring closed conformation or desensitized state. We found distinct differences in the action of ifenprodil at GluN1/GluN2B in comparison with previous studies on the effect of zinc on GluN1/GluN2A gating, which may arise due to their unique binding sites. Our data also uncover the potential pH-dependent action of ifenprodil on gating. At a low pH (pH 7.4), but not pH 7.9, ifenprodil reduces the mean open time of GluN1/GluN2B receptors, which may be responsible for its usefulness as a context-dependent inhibitor in conditions like ischemia and stroke, when the pH of the extracellular milieu becomes acidic.
The impact of an in-class peer tutoring program on student social capital

Social networks, supported by social norms, develop through personal interactions and provide the framework from which social capital emerges and the means through which resources are accessed. Social capital is resources embedded in social networks that are mobilized by members of those networks. Social capital has been positively associated with academic achievement. In addition, tutors have been proven beneficial to student learning. The link between peer tutoring and social capital however, has not been investigated. This project investigates how an in-class-peer-tutoring (ICPT) program in the statics courses at WSU and OSU has helped students to access and utilize social capital. Special interest is given to the challenges faced in the engineering curriculum and how the benefits of ICPT help to address these issues. Special emphasis is placed on how ICPT contributes to building student social capital by investigating its effect on social norms, which serve as indicators of social networks and the accessibility of resources through those networks. Findings indicate that social capital has been positively impacted by ICPT, which encourages communication, cross-grade network building, and a more supportive and friendly environment.
ESTROGENIC ACTIVITY OF MONOBENZYL ETHER OF STILBESTROL IN THE HUMAN

The monobenzyl ether of stilbestrol has been found to have a strong pituitary potentiating capacity in laboratory animals, but to exhibit a very weak estrogenic activity. According to the data in the literature, it has 1/10 to 1/5 the ovulation-inducing capacity of stilbestrol, but only 1/300 the estrogenic activity (1). Its effectiveness as a nonestrogenic stimulator of ovulation in humans has been reported (1). This communication is to report a preliminary effort to establish its relative estrogenic effect on the human vagina, plans for a more complete definition of its human estrogenic activity having been interrupted by a call to active duty in the Armed Forces. The method used for assay was that of Brown and Bradbury (2). Three groups of menopausal women were given priming doses of ethinyl estradiol, 0.05 mg. daily for ten days. When the effect on the vaginal smears had worn off, each group received 3.0 mg. of monobenzyl ether of stilbestrol daily for ten days. The vaginal-smear response of each of t...
Created pools and food availability for fishes in a restored salt marsh

Trophic support functions for fishes are a key goal of salt marsh restoration. Food availability in restored sites may be enhanced by creation of shallow pools, which are important sources of prey items in tidal wetlands. Young restored salt marshes are typically sparsely vegetated and are subject to rapidly changing geomorphology. Scouring and sedimentation create and fill shallow depressions, producing a shifting mosaic of tidal pools. In a large (8-ha) southern California experimental restoration site, we created shallow pools and assessed their development of foods for fishes. Created pools quickly developed abundant invertebrate prey, with densities exceeding those found in older, naturally formed pools (P < 0.0001). Opportunistic mobile and disturbance-associated taxa (calanoid copepods, nematodes, Polydora complex, and Trichocorixa reticulata) accounted for higher invertebrate densities in created pools. We repeated experiments in spring, summer, and fall and found seasonal variability in trophic development. We also applied bottom-up (nitrogen addition) and top-down (fish exclusion) treatments to pools. Some measures of algal biomass were increased by nitrogen fertilization (P = 0.001–0.06), but there were no upward-cascading effects on invertebrate composition or abundance. Fish abundance in the site varied seasonally, but there were no compelling effects of fish exclusion treatments on algal or invertebrate abundance. Incorporating shallow depressions into salt marsh restoration projects is a potential tool to jumpstart fish-support functions.
First look at the Fomalhaut debris disk with the Spitzer Space Telescope

We present Spitzer Space Telescope early release observations of Fomalhaut, a nearby A-type star with dusty circumstellar debris. The disk is spatially resolved at 24, 70, and 160 � m using the Multiband Imaging Photometer for Spitzer (MIPS). While the disk orientation and outer radius are comparable to values measured in the submillimeter, the disk inner radius cannot be precisely defined: the central hole in the submillimeter ring is at least partially filled with emission from warm dust, seen inSpitzerInfrared Spectrograph (IRS) 17.5‐34 � m spectra and MIPS 24 � m images. The disk surface brightness becomes increasingly asymmetric toward shorter wavelengths, with the south-southeast ansa always brighter than the north-northwest one. This asymmetry may reflect perturbations on the disk by an unseen interior planet. Subject headingg circumstellar matter — infrared: stars — planetary systems — stars: individual (Fomalhaut)
The resonance Raman spectra of some cyanine dyes

The resonance Raman spectra of a series of cyanine dyes, with various lengths of the methine chain, have been obtained. This series consists of the 1,1′-diethyl-2,2′-quino group basic structure. Raman spectra of some dyes with closely related structures were also measured. The Raman bands are assigned to normal modes arising from particular molecular moieties. For comparison purposes, the IR spectra of these dyes are also presented.
Analysis of perfluorochemical elimination from the respiratory system

We describe a simple apparatus for analysis of perfluorochemicals (PFC) in expired gas and thus a means for determining PFC vapor and liquid elimination from the respiratory system. The apparatus and data analysis are based on thermal conduction and mass transfer principles of gases. In vitro studies were conducted with the PFC vapor analyzer to determine calibration curves for output voltage as a function of individual respiratory gases, respiratory gases saturated with PFC vapor, and volume percent standards for percent PFC saturation (%PFC-Sat) in air. Voltage-concentration data for %PFC-Sat of the vapor from the in vitro tests were accurate to within 2.0% from 0 to 100% PFC-Sat, linear (r = 0.99, P < 0.001), and highly reproducible. Calculated volume loss of PFC liquid over time correlated well with actual loss by weight (r = 0.99, P < 0. 001). In vivo studies with neonatal lambs demonstrated that PFC volume loss and evaporation rates decreased nonlinearly as a function of time. These relationships were modulated by changes in PFC physical properties, minute ventilation, and postural repositioning. The results of this study demonstrate the sensitivity and accuracy of an on-line method for PFC analysis of expired gas and describe how it may be useful in liquid-assisted ventilation procedures for determining PFC volume loss, evaporation rate, and optimum dosing and ventilation strategy.
Using force-matched potentials to improve the accuracy of density functional tight binding for reactive conditions.

We show that force matching can be used to determine accurate empirical repulsive energies for the density functional tight binding method (DFTB) for chemical reactivity in condensed phases. Our approach yields improved results over previous parametrizations for molten liquid carbon and a phenolic polymer under combustion conditions. The method we present here allows for predictions of chemical properties over longer time periods than accessible via Kohn–Sham density functional theory while retaining its accuracy.
Public Key Cryptography

Today’s widespread use of electronic networks in the economic world has raised cryptography from a speciality of the military and secret services to a topic of public interest, which concerns international organisations like the UNO ([UNCITRAL, 1998a] and [UNCITRAL, 1998b]) and the EU ([Commission of the European Communities, 1998]). Unlike conventional cryptosystems, public key cryptography is applicable on a large scale base, in principle allowing secure and authorised communication between any two persons in the world. In the following chapter we give a brief introduction to the concepts of public key cryptography and present some algorithms. We hereby focus on schemes for encryption and digital signatures which can be generalised to arbitrary groups, especially to elliptic curve groups. A comprehensive treatment of cryptographic issues is given in [Stinson, 1995] and [Menezes et al., 1997].
Empowering Learning Communities With Social Media

The contents of this issue address the theme of “Empowering Learning Communities With Social Media.” Recently the rapid increase in popularity and usage of social media (such as blogs, Facebook, Tw...
Meaningful Use Of EHRs Among Hospitals Ineligible For Incentives Lags Behind That Of Other Hospitals, 2009–13

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ meaningful-use incentive program aims to promote the adoption and use of electronic health records (EHRs) throughout health care settings in the Unit...
Neurotic, Paranoid Wimps – Nothing Has Changed

In an issue of the UMKC Law Review devoted to “1L Stories” and intended as a tribute to Scott Turow’s classic book, One L, the author recounts his own first-year tales of neurotic, paranoid wimpism (descriptors from Amazon.com reviews of Turow’s book). Turow wrote the foreword for the issue. The author’s narrative asserts that a dominant theme of One L, the story of Turow’s first year at Harvard Law School, was negative affect. Turow talked of anxiety, fear, stress, panic, vulnerability, self-doubt, shame and grief, wounded self-esteem, unhappiness, paranoia, embarrassment, oppression, and insanity. The author describes his similar experiences and asserts that, contrary to popular belief, things have not changed that much in legal education since his and Turow’s day.
The Reform of Local Government in England

Abstract The traditional pattern of local government administration in England is one of considerable antiquity. However a recent Government Report has recommended its abolition and the introduction of a new system based on “city regions“, which it is hoped will be more relevant to present national needs.
Evaluation of a Therapeutic Interchange from Fluticasone/Salmeterol to Mometasone/Formoterol in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

BACKGROUND: Combination treatment with an inhaled corticosteroid and long-acting beta2-agonist is among the many treatment options for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) that has been shown to improve clinical outcomes. While mometasone/formoterol does not currently have an FDA-approved indication for COPD, evidence from 2 phase 3 trials demonstrated that mometasone/formoterol can improve lung function and was well tolerated in patients with moderate-to-very severe COPD. Based on these data, a therapeutic interchange was implemented in the Kaiser Permanente Mid-Atlantic States region to convert patients with a COPD diagnosis from fluticasone/salmeterol to mometasone/formoterol. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of a therapeutic interchange from fluticasone/salmeterol to mometasone/formoterol on health outcomes in patients with COPD in a large ambulatory and managed care setting. METHODS: The investigators retrospectively reviewed the electronic medical records of patients with a COPD diagnosis w...
Death Causes Among Residents in Wuhou District of Chengdu,2011

Objective To analyze the mortality rate and major causes of death among the residents in Wuhou district of Chengdu in 2011 and to provide scientific basis for formulating health policies and evaluating the quality of the heath work.Methods Monitoring data in Wuhou distribution in 2011 were collected and analyzed with respect of morality levels and major causes.Results The average life expectancy of residents in Wuhou district in 2011 was 73.73 years old(71.06 years old for male and 76.77 years old for female).The crude mortality rate was 599.87/105(726.11/105 for male,476.48 /105 for female).The standardized mortality rate was 643.48 /105(739.35/105 for male,542.13/105 for female).The top five leading causes of death were cancer,circulatory diseases,respiratory diseases,digestive diseases,injury and toxicosis.Conclusion Chronic and non-communicable diseases are major health problems among the people in Wuhou distribution.
MicroRNAs potential utility in colon cancer: Early detection, prognosis, and chemosensitivity

Over the past decade, research has shown that aberrant expression of microRNA (miRNA) is involved in colorectal cancer development and progression. MicroRNAs are small sequences of non-coding RNA that regulate expression of genes involved in important cellular functions, such as cell differentiation, multiplication, and apoptosis. A specific miRNA may display the effects of a tumor suppressor or oncogene. Altered miRNA expression is found in colorectal cancer (CRC) and patterns of miRNA expression correlate with CRC detection and outcome. Studies also have examined the use of circulating serum miRNA and fecal miRNA expression as non-invasive markers for early detection. Here, we review recent evidence demonstrating the potential role of miRNA in CRC and the implications of its use in the diagnosis, prognosis, and management of CRC.
Experimental Hammondia hammondi infection in dogs.

SUMMARY Hammondia hammondi oocysts were fed to eight dogs and cysts to four dogs. None of the 12 dogs shed oocysts within 16 to 101 days. At post-mortem, their extra-intestinal tissues were pooled and fed to Hammondia- free cats. Two cats shed H. hammondi oocysts 8 and 10 days after ingesting tissues of dogs that had received oocysts by mouth 16 and 38 days previously. Cysts were not infectious to four dogs. Lesions or H. hammondi stages were not found in the internal organs of any of the 12 dogs.
Multiplexing Metabolomic-based Disease Diagnosis by Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) platform

SERS-based platform has the potential to be successful point-of-care diagnostic tool addressing various human health concerns because it’s information-rich, multiplexing, rapid and ease-to-use. SERS has been demonstrated as an ultrasensitive method for detection and identification of molecules at low concentrations without needing fluorescent label. As a signal enhancement method, SERS arises from the well-known Raman cross-section enhancement effect on molecules close to (<5 nm) the surface of nanostructured metal substrates. Since Raman vibration features are uniquely dependent to the molecular structure, SERS platform is a powerful method for identifying biomarkers at near cell membranes and extracellular regions during pathological progression. These attributes allow SERS platform to be a rapid, cell-growth free diagnostic option in urinary tract infections (UTI), sexually transmitted diseases (STD) chlamydia and gonorrhoea, and cancer identification. With both species and strain specificity we will d...
Combining two wrongs to make two rights: Mitigating food insecurity and food waste through gleaning operations

Abstract Two concurrent social issues in the United States are food insecurity and food waste. The practice of gleaning offers a mechanism for combining these problems to create a synergistic solution. We develop a stochastic optimization model to determine the schedule that maximizes the volume of excess crops rescued from farm fields for the purpose of feeding food-insecure households, thus maximizing social impact. We model gleaning as a service operation where donation calls arrive randomly requesting to be scheduled within a limited time window. The feature that distinguishes gleaning operations from other service settings is that there is uncertainty in both when donations will arrive and the attendance of the gleaners who are volunteers that are not obliged to attend gleaning trips. We apply our model to the gleaning operation of the Food Bank of the Southern Tier in New York State, focusing on five major crops produced in the region. By characterizing how the gleaning operation behaves, our model allows us to optimize the gleaning schedule to maximize the expected total volume gleaned and determine under which conditions different operational strategies can be most useful for improving the performance of the gleaning operation. This in turn enables us to identify conditions under which alternative policy interventions (e.g., farm donation tax credits and government grants to strengthen operational capacity) are more effective for scaling up gleaning programs.
Abstract 031: β-Adrenergic Receptor-Mediated Transactivation Of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Decreases Cardiomyocyte Apoptosis Through Differential Activation Of ERK1/2 and Akt

β-adrenergic receptors (βAR) are critical regulators of cardiac function whose dysregulation during heart failure are associated with diminished function. However, βAR-mediated EGFR transactivation has been shown to relay cardioprotection in a mouse model of heart failure via unknown mechanisms. We hypothesized that transactivation of EGFR promotes survival via distinct cardiomyocyte signaling responses leading to decreases in apoptosis. To test this hypothesis, C57BL/6 mice were injected with isoproterenol (Iso) in the presence or absence of the EGFR antagonist AG1478 and ERK1/2 and Akt phosphorylation and subcellular distribution were assessed. Following 10 min Iso stimulation, increases in ERK1/2 and Akt phosphorylation were observed in cytosolic, plasma membrane and nuclear fractions. Phosphorylation of ERK1/2 were AG1478 sensitive in all three fractions while Akt phosphorylation occurred through EGFR-transactivation only in plasma membrane and nuclear fractions, which was confirmed in rat neonatal cardiomyocytes (RNCM). Additionally, EGFR-transactivation by βAR decreased apoptosis, as measured via caspase 3 activation/activity and TUNEL assay, which was sensitive to inhibition of both ERK1/2 and Akt signaling pathways. Increased phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and Akt in the nucleus and the ability to inhibit Iso-mediated changes in apoptosis with the transcriptional inhibitor Actinomycin D suggested that the cardioprotective effects of Iso-mediated EGFR transactivation may be influenced by changes in gene transcription. An Apoptotsis RT2 PCR Array was used to identify changes in transcript levels of 84 apoptotic genes. Of these, 12 were found to be altered in response to EGFR inhibition in the presence of Iso. These results demonstrate that βAR-mediated EGFR transactivation in the heart induces differential subcellular activation of ERK1/2 and Akt and leads to the promotion of cell survival, in part through the modulation of apoptotic gene expression in cardiomyocytes. Further understanding the downstream consequences of these effects in response to βAR-mediated EGFR transactivation could lead to improved therapies for the treatment of heart failure.
A Stereoselective [3+1] Ring Expansion for the Synthesis of Highly Substituted Methylene Azetidines

The reaction of rhodium-bound carbenes with strained bicyclic methylene aziridines results in a formal [3+1] ring expansion to yield highly substituted methylene azetidines with excellent regio- and stereoselectivity. The reaction appears to proceed through an ylide-type mechanism, where the unique strain and structure of the methylene aziridine promotes a ring-opening/ring-closing cascade that efficiently transfers chirality from substrate to product. The resultant products can be elaborated into new azetidine scaffolds containing vicinal tertiary-quaternary and even quaternary-quaternary stereocenters.
Special Issue: Intramolecular Hydrogen Bonding 2017

Even after more than a century of study [1–6], scrutiny, and detailed examination, the H-bond continues [7–12] to evoke a level of fascination that surpasses many other phenomena [...]
Newly Characterized Murine Undifferentiated Sarcoma Models Sensitive to Virotherapy with Oncolytic HSV-1 M002

Despite advances in conventional chemotherapy, surgical techniques, and radiation, outcomes for patients with relapsed, refractory, or metastatic soft tissue sarcomas are dismal. Survivors often suffer from lasting morbidity from current treatments. New targeted therapies with less toxicity, such as those that harness the immune system, and immunocompetent murine sarcoma models to test these therapies are greatly needed. We characterized two new serendipitous murine models of undifferentiated sarcoma (SARC-28 and SARC-45) and tested their sensitivity to virotherapy with oncolytic herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1). Both models expressed high levels of the primary HSV entry molecule nectin-1 (CD111) and were susceptible to killing by interleukin-12 (IL-12) producing HSV-1 M002 in vitro and in vivo. M002 resulted in a significant intratumoral increase in effector CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and activated monocytes, and a decrease in myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in immunocompetent mice. Compared to parent virus R3659 (no IL-12 production), M002 resulted in higher CD8:MDSC and CD8:T regulatory cell (Treg) ratios, suggesting that M002 creates a more favorable immune tumor microenvironment. These data provide support for clinical trials targeting sarcomas with oncolytic HSV-1. These models provide an exciting opportunity to explore combination therapies for soft tissue sarcomas that rely on an intact immune system to reach full therapeutic potential.
Communication: Spectroscopic characterization of a strongly interacting C(2)H group on the EMIM+ cation in the (EMIM+)2X− (X = BF4, Cl, Br, and I) ternary building blocks of ionic liquids

To unravel the intermolecular interactions at play in the assemblies of EMIM-based ionic liquids, we report the vibrational spectra of the cryogenically cooled, cationic ternary complexes with halide ions, (EMIM+)2X−, X = Cl, Br, and I. This series specifically addresses the spectral response of the acidic C(2)H group upon complexation with an atomic anion, which is isolated by selective deuteration at this position. Unlike the behavior of the related BF4− complex, the halide systems display large (∼175 cm−1) red-shifts and dramatic (∼30X) intensity enhancements in the C(2)D stretch (relative to that of the bare d(2)-EMIM+ cation), which are largest for the chloride anion. Electronic structure calculations indicate that, while the spectroscopic signatures of the interaction follow those expected for a traditional hydrogen bond to the C(2)H group, the C–H–X docking arrangement deviates substantially from linearity due to a “double contact” motif involving a weaker interaction to the nearby methyl group [Hu...
Muscle mass, BMI, and mortality among adults in the United States: A population-based cohort study.

Background The level of body-mass index (BMI) associated with the lowest risk of death remains unclear. Although differences in muscle mass limit the utility of BMI as a measure of adiposity, no study has directly examined the effect of muscle mass on the BMI-mortality relationship. Methods Body composition was measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry in 11,687 participants of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2004. Low muscle mass was defined using sex-specific thresholds of the appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI). Proportional hazards models were created to model associations with all-cause mortality. Results At any level of BMI ≥22, participants with low muscle mass had higher body fat percentage (%TBF), an increased likelihood of diabetes, and higher adjusted mortality than other participants. Increases in %TBF manifested as 30–40% smaller changes in BMI than were observed in participants with preserved muscle mass. Excluding participants with low muscle mass or adjustment for ASMI attenuated the risk associated with low BMI, magnified the risk associated with high BMI, and shifted downward the level of BMI associated with the lowest risk of death. Higher ASMI was independently associated with lower mortality. Effects were similar in never-smokers and ever-smokers. Additional adjustment for waist circumference eliminated the risk associated with higher BMI. Results were unchanged after excluding unintentional weight loss, chronic illness, early mortality, and participants performing muscle-strengthening exercises or recommended levels of physical activity. Conclusions Muscle mass mediates associations of BMI with adiposity and mortality and is inversely associated with the risk of death. After accounting for muscle mass, the BMI associated with the greatest survival shifts downward toward the normal range. These results provide a concrete explanation for the obesity paradox.
The Role of Adenosine 3′,5′-monophosphate in Hormone Action

Experiments carried out in recent years have shown that many hormones act by means of an intracellular second messenger (Fig. 1).
Intracranial and Vertebral Artery Angioplasty and Stenting

• Intracranial atherosclerosis accounts for 8–12% of all ischemic strokes. • Diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidemia, cigarette smoking, and ethnicity increase the risk of intracranial atherosclerosis. • Patients with severe (>70%) and moderate (50–69%) intracranial stenosis carry a high annual risk of ischemic stroke (17 and 7–8%, respectively), despite aspirin or warfarin therapy. • Intracranial angioplasty and stenting is an emerging investigational technique for use in patients with clinically significant or critical or severe stenosis refractory to medical therapy.
High Frequency Extended Short-Wavelength Infrared Heterojunction Photodetectors Based on InAs/GaSb/AlSb Type-II Superlattices

InAs/GaSb/AlSb type-II superlattice-based photodetectors, with 50% cut-off wavelength of 2.1 $\mu \text{m}$ and a −3 dB cut-off frequency of 4.8 GHz, are demonstrated, for 10 $\mu \text{m}$ diameter circular mesas under 15 V applied reverse bias. A study of the cut-off frequency with applied bias and mesa size was performed to evaluate some of the limiting factors of photodetectors high frequency performance.
Omocerus (s. str.) kaboureki, a new species from Brazil (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Cassidinae: Omocerini)

Omocerus (s. str.) kaboureki, a species new to science, is described and figured from Para state, Brazil.
Application of Locked Nucleic Acid Oligonucleotides for siRNA Preclinical Bioanalytics.

Despite the exquisite potential of siRNA as a therapeutic, the mechanism(s) responsible for the robust indirect exposure-response relationships have not been fully elucidated. To understand the siRNA properties linked to potent activity, requires the disposition of siRNA to be characterized. A technical challenge in the characterization is the detection and quantitation of siRNA from biological samples. Described herein, a Locked Nucleic Acid (LNA) Hybridization-Ligation ECL ELISA was designed for ultra-sensitive quantification of both sense and antisense strands of siRNA independent of structural modifica-tions. This assay was applied to measure siRNA in serum and tissue homogenate in preclinical species. We observed rapid clearance of siRNA from the systemic circulation which contrasted the prolonged accumulation within the tissue. The assay was also able to distinguish and quantify free siRNA from RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) and Argonaute 2 (Ago2) associated with therapeutic siRNA. We utilized an orthogonal method, LC-MS, to investigate 3′ exonuclease activity toward the antisense strand metabolism. Taken together, we have demonstrated that the LNA Hybridization-Ligation ECL ELISA is arobust analytical method with direct application to measuring the exposure of siRNA therapeutics seamlessly across biological matrices.
Hip Arthroscopy: Anatomy and Techniques

Hip arthroscopy is an evolving and exciting field in sports medicine. Recent development of proper instrumentation and better knowledge of the pathomechanics of the painful non-arthritic hip contributed to the advancement of the area. However, hip arthroscopy is still a complex procedure with a steep learning curve. Understanding the anatomy of the hip joint is paramount to optimize clinical outcomes and decrease the complication rates. The purpose of this chapter is to describe the arthroscopic anatomy of the hip joint and to outline the hip arthroscopy surgical technique. Adoption of a systematic approach to setup, positioning, portal placement, and diagnostic arthroscopy are important to a successful intervention.
Regulation of Tissue Engineered Devices in some Latin American Countries: Development and External Influences

Background: Emergence of new technologies and advances in tissue engineering strategies to treat diseases are shifting the conventional conception of medical devices. Tissue engineered products, manufactured as a combination of biomaterials, cells, and/or bioactive factors, are intended to temporarily restore an organ or tissue function, and induce the generation of newly site-appropriate functional tissue. Regulatory pathways for tissue engineered products require grouping policies controlling each of the components: materials, human cells, and active molecules. Purpose: To review current regulatory policies for medical devices (and within this, tissue engineered products), in a subset of Latin American countries, and to analyze the influence of international organizations and technological world power countries on policies of that subset. Methods: Top-down and horizontal diffusion models were employed to identify how regulatory policies have moved to Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, and Peru. Results: There are differences in technological appropriation to comprehensively define and classify medical devices. None of the countries have a definition of tissue engineered products. A top-down diffusion pattern was found to be associated with the current regulations. A horizontal diffusion is being applied as a regional effort to facilitate commercialization of medical products within Latin America. Conclusion: The concept of tissue engineered products is slowly arriving into the evaluated Latin American countries. Each country has the potential to take advantage of local institutions and regional and inter-regional coalitions to improve current guidelines and prepare the health system to the introduction of tissue engineered products.
Medical Therapies for Treatment of BPH: Special Considerations in Elderly Men

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is among the most common diseases worldwide, manifesting clinically with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). The prevalence of BPH and LUTS increases with age. There has been an increase in the types of medication available for treatment. The purpose of this review is to examine the recent literature on medication for the treatment of BPH and LUTS as it relates to older adult men. Although many different medication classes have studies showing benefits in the older male population for those with BPH, careful attention needs to be paid to their side effects. Only three medications for BPH (fesoterodine, finasteride, dutasteride) were rated as “beneficial” by the FORTA classification scale. While many medical options exist for the treatment of BPH, their safety and efficacy as it relates to older adults are still under evaluation. Future studies need to examine more closely the effects of these medications on the older male specifically and if the benefits outway the side effects.