cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Inhibitory Activity of Asian Spices on Heterocyclic Amines Formation in Cooked Beef Patties

Heterocyclic amines (HCAs) are mutagenic compounds formed when foods are cooked at high temperatures. Numerous reports have shown that natural antioxidants from spices, fruits, chocolate, and tea can inhibit formation. In this study, we evaluated HCA formation in the presence of 5 of Asian spices: galangal (Alpinia galangal), fingerroot (Boesenbergia pandurata), turmeric (Curcuma longa), cumin (Cuminum cyminum), and coriander seeds (Coriandrum sativum). HCA levels were compared to patties containing rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), of which the inhibitory effect is well documented. Inhibition of HCA formation by the spices was evaluated in beef patties cooked at 204 °C (400 °F) for 10 min. All spices were mixed into patties at 0.2% before cooking, and HCAs levels were measured in the final product. All patties, including the control, contained 2-amino-3,8-dimethylimidazo [4,5-f]quinoxaline (MeIQx) and 2-amino-1-methyl -6-phenylimidazo [4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP). The average HCA content of the control patties was 7 ng/g MeIQx and 6.53 ng/g PhIP. Turmeric (39.2% inhibition), fingerroot (33.5% inhibition), and galangal (18.4% inhibition) significantly decreased HCAs compared with the control. But, only turmeric and fingerroot were as effective as rosemary in preventing HCA formation. The HCA inhibition in patties containing spices was significantly correlated to the total phenolic content (R(2) = 0.80) and the scavenging activity (R(2) = 0.84) of the spices as measured by the 2,2-diphenyl-β-picrylhydrazyl assay. Results of this study suggest that addition of Asian spices can be an important factor in decreasing the levels of HCAs in fried beef patties.
A novel multiple-input ZVS bidirectional DC-DC converter

A. novel multiple-input DC-DC converter is proposed in this paper. Compared to other multiple-input DC-DC converters, the new topology has achieved bidirectional power flow between individual inputs and output, soft switching implementation without additional devices, high efficiency, high reliability and simple control. The Delta and Y type model of multi-winding transformer is developed to assist the circuit analysis. The operating principle, soft-switching conditions and steady state analysis are presented in this paper. Circuit simulation results are provided to verify the theoretical analysis
Collision-activated dissociation, infrared multiphoton dissociation, and electron capture dissociation of the Bacillus anthracis siderophore petrobactin and its metal ion complexes

Siderophores are high-affinity iron-chelating ligands produced by microorganisms to scavenge vital Fe3+ from the environment. Thus, siderophores constitute potential therapeutic targets and their structural determination is important for exploiting their therapeutic value. Here, the virulence-associated siderophore petrobactin from Bacillus anthracis was characterized with electron capture dissociation (ECD). Fragmentation of doubly protonated petrobactin was investigated and compared to sustained off-resonance irradiation collision-activated dissociation (SORI CAD) and infrared multiphoton dissociation (IRMPD) of both the singly and doubly protonated species. These experiments demonstrate that ECD provides additional information (complementary bond cleavages) on the structure of petrobactin compared to both SORI CAD and IRMPD. Furthermore, complexes of petrobactin with divalent (Ca2+, Fe2+, and Co2+) and trivalent (Fe3+ and Ga3+) metal cations were also subjected to SORI CAD and ECD. Again, most structural information was obtained from the ECD spectra. However, significant differences were found in both SORI CAD and ECD of metal complexes, dependent on the nature of the metal ion. Intriguingly, unique behavior, consistent with a recently proposed solution-phase structure, was observed for the highly preferred Fe3+—petrobactin complex.
Metabolic Substrates Exhibit Differential Effects on Functional Parameters of Mouse Sperm Capacitation

Although substantial evidence exists that sperm ATP production via glycolysis is required for mammalian sperm function and male fertility, conflicting reports involving multiple species have appeared regarding the ability of individual glycolytic or mitochondrial substrates to support the physiological changes that occur during capacitation. Several mouse models with defects in the signaling pathways required for capacitation exhibit reductions in sperm ATP levels, suggesting regulatory interactions between sperm metabolism and signal transduction cascades. To better understand these interactions, we conducted quantitative studies of mouse sperm throughout a 2-h in vitro capacitation period and compared the effects of single substrates assayed under identical conditions. Multiple glycolytic and nonglycolytic substrates maintained sperm ATP levels and comparable percentages of motility, but only glucose and mannose supported hyperactivation. These monosaccharides and fructose supported the full pattern of tyrosine phosphorylation, whereas nonglycolytic substrates supported at least partial tyrosine phosphorylation. Inhibition of glycolysis impaired motility in the presence of glucose, fructose, or pyruvate but not in the presence of hydroxybutyrate. Addition of an uncoupler of oxidative phosphorylation reduced motility with pyruvate or hydroxybutyrate as substrates but unexpectedly stimulated hyperactivation with fructose. Investigating differences between glucose and fructose in more detail, we demonstrated that hyperactivation results from the active metabolism of glucose. Differences between glucose and fructose appeared to be downstream of changes in intracellular pH, which rose to comparable levels during incubation with either substrate. Sperm redox pathways were differentially affected, with higher levels of associated metabolites and reactive oxygen species generated during incubations with fructose than during incubations with glucose.
Production of levulinic acid and gamma-valerolactone (GVL) from cellulose using GVL as a solvent in biphasic systems

Cellulose deconstruction at 428 K was studied in biphasic reaction systems consisting of GVL and aqueous solutions containing HCl (0.1–1.25 M) and a solute, such as salt or sugar. This biphasic system achieves high yields of levulinic and formic acids (e.g., 70%), and leads to complete solubilization of cellulose. The GVL solvent extracts the majority of the levulinic acid (e.g., greater than 75%), which can subsequently be converted to GVL over a carbon-supported Ru–Sn catalyst. This approach for cellulose conversion eliminates the need to separate the final product from the solvent, because the GVL product is the solvent. In addition, this approach eliminates the deposition of solid humin species in the cellulose deconstruction reactor, allowing these species to be collected and used for other processing options.
Making the Crooked Way Straight: Interpreting Geography and Health Care Delivery in CKD

> Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low. The crooked ways shall become straight, the rough ways smooth.—Luke 3:5 > To straighten the crooked you must straighten yourself— The Dhammapada Inequality seems a fact of life. However, our society increasingly expects
Evaluation of suboptimality and sensitivity in control and filtering processes

In the context of modern control theory, optimum performance of a system is of primary concern. In most applications, however, one must be satisfied with something short of optimum performance as a consequence of the use of a suboptimal controller or plant parameter variations. Using a scalar measure for the deviation of the actual performance, a general approach to the evaluation of suboptimality and sensitivity for control and filtering processes is suggested. Some specific results involving only algebraic conditions are obtained.
DENTAL ASYMMETRY AND MENTAL RETARDATION: A COMPARISON OF SUBJECTS WITH MENTAL RETARDATION RESULTING FROM PRENATAL OR POSTNATAL INFLUENCES

The development of phenotypic characteristics is believed to be stabilised within certain limits of variability by processes described as canalisation or developmental homeostasis. Dental asymmetry is thought to reflect the relative success that developmental homeostasis has in countering developmental disturbances. The present study demonstrated that dental asymmetry of the permanent dentition was generally higher in non-Down retarded subjects whose mental retardation was associated with a prenatal rather than a postnatal or birth related insult. Because variations in the size and shape of teeth are generally produced during the prenatal period, the finding of increased fluctuating dental asymmetry in the group with prenatal insult supported the contention that dental asymmetry reflects the relative success that developmental homeostasis has in countering developmental disturbances.
Stability of Interfaces with Self-Gravity, Relative Flow, and B Field

Observations with the Hubble Space Telescope (Hester et al.) of spectacular "fingers" or "elephant trunks" of gas protruding from a large star-forming cloud in the Eagle Nebula stimulate renewed interest in the stability of interfaces between different media in molecular clouds. Instability and nonlinear growth of crenelations of interfaces can lead to mass concentrations that in turn lead to star formation. In an earlier study of the stability of interfaces, we took into account the important physical effects—the different densities and temperatures of the media, the relative motion (Kelvin-Helmholtz instability), the gravitational acceleration perpendicular to the interface (Rayleigh-Taylor instability), and self-gravity. A new self-gravitational instability of an interface was found that was independent of the wavelength of the perturbation. At short wavelengths, the perturbations are essentially distortional, but compression becomes important as the Jeans length is approached from below. The e-folding time for the instability is comparable with the free-fall collapse time for the denser fluid. In the present work, we generalize our earlier theory in two ways: by including ordered magnetic fields parallel to the interface, and by examining the stability of long cylindrical interfaces. We show that dynamically important magnetic fields in the media can quench instabilities if the fields are oriented in different directions (that is, crossed); however, for astronomically plausible geometries in which the fields are closer to being parallel, but of different strengths in the two media, instabilities are free to grow in directions normal to the fields. A cylindrical interface between an interior medium of density ρ1 and an exterior medium of density ρ2 provides a model for the long filaments of dense gas observed in some molecular clouds. We show that such an interface with ρ1 > ρ2 is stable to "kink modes" but unstable to "sausage modes" owing to self-gravity for long axial wavelengths, λz > 3.8d, where d is the diameter of the cylinder. This instability will tend to form prolate ellipsoidal density concentrations aligned with the cylinder axis.
The effectiveness of a culturally sensitive cognitive behavioral group intervention for Latino Alzheimer's caregivers

Purpose of the Study: Demographic projections suggest that the older Latino population will experience the fastest growth among all racial/ethnic groups; and by 2050 will constitute 20% of the nation’s seniors. Yet, Latino Alzheimer’s elders and their families remain underrepresented in the health care system and caregiver intervention studies. To address this gap, this study tested the effectiveness of Circulo de Cuidado, a culturally-sensitive, cognitive behavioral (CBT) group intervention, in supporting Latino families’ ability to manage the disease’s neuropsychiatric symptoms and improve caregiver well-being. Design and Methods: Using a randomiz ed controlled trial design, 67 caregivers were assigned to the CBT experimental condition or the psychoeducational (PED) control condition and interviewed at baseline, post-group, and 3 months follow-up. The 2 manualized interventions had the same structure: 5 weekly 90-minute group sessions, followed by telephone coaching at 3, 6, 9 and 12 weeks post-group. Results: R epeated measures analysis of covariance revealed significant group by time interaction effects. Compared with the PED participants, CBT participants reported lower neuropsychiatric symptoms in their relative, less caregiver distress about neuropsychiatric symptoms, a greater sense of caregiver self-efficacy, and less depressive symptoms over time. Implications: Our findings offer preliminary evidence that a culturally tailored, CBT group intervention targeted toward neuropsychiatric symptom management has positive psychological benefits for Latino caregivers.
A passive, in situ micro strain gauge

A passive micro strain gauge based on the strain magnification technique has been designed, demonstrated, and characterized. This strain gauge can be fabricated in situ along with active micro sensors or actuators on the same chip for monitoring residual strain effects. Both tensile or compressive strain could be easily observed under optical microscopes and the resolution of strains as small as 0.001% could be achieved. The residual strain study of RTA (rapid thermal annealing) polysilicon is reported. >
Junk Food Seen at Pediatric Clinic Visits Is It a Problem

Objective. To document the prevalence of junk foods seen at clinic visits. Design. A cross-sectional 23-item survey of observed food items were completed by medical staff using a convenience sample of families from June 2, 2011 to March 2, 2012. Setting. The study was conducted in pediatric clinics affiliated with the University of Texas Medical School at Houston. Participants. A convenience sample consisting of 738 families with children from 4 months to 16 years old presenting for visits were included in the study. Children exclusively breast and formula fed was excluded. Results. Junk food was observed 20.9% at the clinic visits. Conclusions and relevance. Junk food was often seen at clinic visits. There was a trend toward higher body mass index in patients whose families had junk food at the visit.
Towards implementing a fully wireless multiple-lead electrocardiograph

Eliminating all wires is the next technological challenge in making the electrocardiograph compact and wearable to the point where it can be used for continuous monitoring of mobile patients, athletes and soldiers in the field. In this paper the main challenges to overcome when removing wires are discussed, and emerging solutions of addressing them are presented. In addition, a novel top-level design integrating these emerging solutions is described. The design is currently being prototyped.
Clinical–electrophysiological correlation of tremor and myoclonus in a kindred with the N279K tau mutation

We used electrophysiological methods to study the hyperkinetic movement disorders in a pallido-ponto-nigral degeneration (PPND) family, which harbors the N279K tau gene mutation. Our purpose was to: (1). characterize the tremor patterns, (2). characterize the myoclonus physiology, (3). determine whether electrophysiology can detect abnormalities in asymptomatic cases. In PPND, we found that the activation tremors correlated with a semi-rhythmic 6-10 Hz electromyography (EMG) pattern, and the rest tremors showed a reciprocal 4-6 Hz pattern. At least two different myoclonus physiology patterns exist in PPND, most notably contrasted by the presence or absence of a demonstrable electroencephalography (EEG) correlate. Electrophysiology yielded remarkable findings in those asymptomatic at-risk individuals that carried the N279K tau mutation.
An interactive system for matching optical images

For the analysis of remote sensing images standard image processing functions, stored in a library are required to be applied in various sequences for a given number of times. More often the functions are grouped in automated robust algorithms. However, modifications are required to the algorithm from time to time. In this paper an image processing environment which supports visual programming through the use of object oriented techniques and a data (or file) management scheme is discussed. The system architecture encompasses an user interface, a set of image processing functions and mathematical procedures stored in a database module, an execution, and a file management module. >
Optimization of hybrid satellite and constellation design for GEO-belt space situational awareness using genetic algorithms

Meeting the goals of space situational awareness requires the capabilities of imaging objects in space in the visible light hand at high resolutions and tracking their positions and orbits. This paper summarizes the determination of designs for a hybrid constellation consisting of two types of satellites to provide these capabilities in the vicinity of equatorial GEO. This is cast as an optimization problem to minimize the sum of the actual cost of the system and additional performance-dependent cost components. This minimization is done over a space of parameters such as the optical subsystem aperture and semi-major axis for each satellite type. A brute-force enumeration, or gridding, of the parameter space and three slightly different varieties of genetic algorithms are used to identify solution architectures. These designs are described in numbers and illustrated. Comparisons of the performance of all solution methods in arriving at these designs are also made.
Vitamin E Supplementation Does Not Alter Azoxymethane-Induced Colonic Aberrant Crypt Foci Formation in Young or Old Mice

Vitamin E, part of the body's primary lipid-soluble defense against free radicals and reactive oxygen molecules, has been suggested to reduce the risk for some cancers. However, the role of vitamin E in the etiology and prevention of colon cancer, especially in the highest risk group, the aged, is not clear. Thus, this study was conducted to elucidate the effect of vitamin E supplementation on susceptibility to colon cancer by examining azoxymethane (AOM)-induced aberrant crypt foci (ACF) formation, a surrogate biomarker of colon cancer. Young (3-4 mo) and old (19-20 mo) C57BL/6JNIA mice were fed either a control diet (30 mg dl-alpha-tocopheryl acetate/kg diet) or a vitamin E-supplemented diet (500 mg dl-alpha-tocopheryl acetate/kg diet) for 16 wk. After 6 wk of dietary supplementation, young and old mice were injected with saline or AOM weekly for 5 wk to receive the same total dose of AOM (2.2 mg) and killed 10 wk after the first AOM injection. Vitamin E supplementation had no effect on the number of AOM-induced ACF in young or old mice. In addition, vitamin E supplementation did not have an effect on splenocyte interferon-gamma, interluekin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels, natural killer cell killing activity or colonic cell proliferation in young or old mice. Thus, alpha-tocopherol does not seem to affect the initiation and early promotion stages of AOM-induced colon carcinogenesis in young or old mice. Whether vitamin E supplementation might be effective in reducing AOM-induced colon tumors is unclear.
Fcγ receptors are required for NF-κB signaling, microglial activation and dopaminergic neurodegeneration in an AAV-synuclein mouse model of Parkinson's disease

Overexpression of alpha-synuclein (α-SYN), a protein which plays an important role in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD), triggers microglial activation and adaptive immune responses, and leads to neurodegeneration of dopaminergic (DA) neurons. We hypothesized a link between the humoral adaptive immune response and microglial activation in α-SYN induced neurodegeneration. To test this hypothesis, we employed adeno-associated virus serotype 2 (AAV2) to selectively over-express human α-SYN in the substantia nigra (SN) of wild-type mice and FcγR-/- mice, which lack high-affinity receptors for IgG. We found that in wild-type mice, α-SYN induced the expression of NF-κB p65 and pro-inflammatory molecules. In FcγR-/- mice, NF-κB activation was blocked and pro-inflammatory signaling was reduced. Microglial activation was examined using immunohistochemistry for gp91PHOX. At four weeks, microglia were strongly activated in wild-type mice, while microglial activation was attenuated in FcγR-/- mice. Dopaminergic neurodegeneration was examined using immunohistochemistry for tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and unbiased stereology. α-SYN overexpression led to the appearance of dysmorphic neurites, and a loss of DA neurons in the SN in wild-type animals, while FcγR-/- mice did not exhibit neuritic change and were protected from α-SYN-induced neurodegeneration 24 weeks after injection. Our results suggest that the humoral adaptive immune response triggered by excess α-SYN plays a causative role in microglial activation through IgG-FcγR interaction. This involves NF-κB signaling, and leads to DA neurodegeneration. Therefore, blocking either FcγR signaling or specific intracellular signal transduction events downstream of FcγR-IgG interaction, such as NF-κB activation, may be viable therapeutic strategies in PD.
CCRC Statutes: The Oversight of Long-Term Care Service Delivery:

A 1987 national survey revealed 27 states with continuing care or life care legislation. State oversight staff in 22 states responded to questions concerning characteristics of the regulated continuing care retirement community (CCRC) industry, the regulation of health and human service delivery within CCRCs, and interdepartmental working relationships between oversight agencies and other state units. Discussion focuses on the regulation of long-term care service provision in the CCRC industry.
Increased amygdala activation is related to heart rate during emotion processing in adolescent subjects

Emotions have been conceptualized as representations of bodily responses to a stimulus that critically involves the autonomic nervous system (ANS). An association between amygdala activation and ANS activity has been shown in adults. However, to date, no studies have demonstrated this association in adolescents. Examining the interaction between the ANS and amygdala in healthy adolescents may provide information about age-related changes in the association between amygdala activation and ANS measures. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the relationship between amygdala activation and heart rate in normal adolescents. Eighteen 12- to 17-year old adolescents participated. Heart rate data was collected during functional magnetic resonance imaging while subjects performed a facial expression matching task that reliably activates the amygdala. Adolescents showed significant amygdala activation for all facial expressions relative to the shape-matching, control task. Moreover, the degree of activation in the right amygdala for Fearful faces was significantly correlated with heart rate (Spearman's rho=0.55, p=0.018, two-tailed). This study shows that amygdala activity is related to heart rate in healthy adolescents. Thus, similar to adults, adolescents show a coupling between processing emotional events and adjusting the ANS accordingly. Furthermore, this study confirms previous adolescent studies showing amygdala activation to Fearful, Angry, and Happy faces. Finally, the results of the present study lay the foundation for future research to investigate whether adolescents with mood or anxiety disorders show an altered coupling between processing emotionally salient events and ANS activity.
Behaviour and well-being of hens (Gallus domesticus) in alternative housing environments.

Widespread concern is evident in some countries, especially those of Western Europe, for the well-being of hens in high-density environments. Evaluation of potentially stressful conditions is diffi...
Directed Fabrication of Radially Stacked Multifunctional Oxide Heterostructures Using Soft Electron‐Beam Lithography

A versatile patterning approach based on electron-beam lithography (eBL) and solution deposition, termed soft-eBL, has been developed to fabricate radially stacked heterostructures of multifunctional oxides from their sol precursors. Well-defined nanorings of lead zirconate titanate (PZT) are fabricated on a variety of substrates such as noble metals (e.g., Au), semiconductors (e.g., Si), and oxide single crystals (e.g., SrTiO3), which were previously functionalized with appropriate self-assembled monolayers (SAMs). The undercut in the double-layer eBL resist and substrate functionalization with the SAM treatment play a vital role in the formation of the ring structures. The nanorings are then used as building block “containers” and ring-reservoirs are filled with a second sol (e.g., CoFe2O4) to form radially stacked composite ceramic heterostructures. The approach presented here does not require either feature alignment to realize heterostructures or the etching of ceramics, and is amenable to a variety of radially stacked composite heterostructures.
Intramolecular CH Activation and Metallacycle Aromaticity in the Photochemistry of [FeFe]‐Hydrogenase Model Compounds in Low‐Temperature Frozen Matrices

The [FeFe]-hydrogenase model complexes [(μ-pdt){Fe(CO)3 }2 ], [(μ-edt){Fe(CO)3 }2 ], and [(μ-mdt){Fe(CO)3 }2 ], where pdt=1,3-propanedithiolate, edt=1,2-ethanedithiolate, and mdt=methanedithiolate, undergo wavelength dependent photodecarbonylation in hydrocarbon matrices at 85 K resulting in multiple decarbonylation isomers. As previously reported in time-resolved solution photolysis experiments, the major photoproduct is attributed to a basal carbonyl-loss species. Apical carbonyl-loss isomers are also generated and may undergo secondary photolysis, resulting in β-hydride activation of the alkyldithiolate bridge, as well as formation of bridging carbonyl isomers. For [(μ-bdt){Fe(CO)3 }2 ], (bdt=1,2-benzenedithiolate), apical photodecarbonylation results in generation of a 10 π-electron aromatic FeS2 C6 H4 metallacycle that coordinates the remaining iron through an η(5) mode.
Lysophosphatidic Acid Signaling Stimulates Cell Growth and Migration through Na+-H+ Exchanger Isoform 1 Phosphorylation at Multiple Locations

Lysophosphatidic Acid (LPA) is a ubiquitous, lipid mitogen that regulates an array of cellular processes including proliferation, migration, and invasion. LPA secreted from cancer cells and other t...
An Evaluation of the Children’s Report of Sleep Patterns Using Confirmatory and Exploratory Factor Analytic Approaches

OBJECTIVE: To explore the psychometric properties of the Children's Report of Sleep Patterns (CRSP) in school-aged children by conducting a factor analysis of the Sleepiness Scale and the Sleep Disturbances Scales. METHODS: Participants included 155 children from two elementary schools (Mage = 9.82) who completed the self-report CRSP. A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted using the originally hypothesized structure. A subsequent exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted to determine an alternative factor structure. RESULTS: CFA revealed that the hypothesized factor structure was not supported. The EFA produced an alternative six-factor solution, which supports the conceptualization of three new scales, Restless Legs Report, Sleep Initiation, and Sleep Maintenance/Night Wakings. CONCLUSION: The revised measure adds increased specificity with scales related to insomnia and restless leg symptoms. Researchers and clinicians interested in using the CRSP should continue to assess its validity by exploring the relationship between the measure and objective measures of sleep behavior.© The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society of Pediatric Psychology. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com. Language: en
The Growth of the Spinal Axis of the Human Body in Prenatal Life.

It has been previously pointed out1, 2, 3 that the growth of the external dimensions of the human body in the fetal period is directly proportional to the growth in length of the body as a whole. The same law holds true for many of the lineal dimensions of the internal organs and parts, and is particularly well illustrated by the growth of the spinal column in prenatal life.We have studied these relationships by measurements of the total length of the spine and its parts in 148 specimens ranging from 2.5 to 55.0 cm. in total or crown-heel length, and have placed the results in the form of empirical formulae. These formulae were computed from the mean spine lengths for 5 cm. intervals of crown-heel length by the method of averages, weighting by the square root of the number of cases in each interval.In all instances we have found that the relationship of the spine and its parts with the total body-length is a rectilinear one which may be represented by the expression:where “S” is the length of the spine or...
Cross-sectional survey of Good Samaritan behaviour by physicians in North Carolina.

Objective To assess the responses of physicians to providing emergency medical assistance outside of routine clinical care. We assessed the percentage who reported previous Good Samaritan behaviour, their responses to hypothetical situations, their comfort providing specific interventions and the most likely reason they would not intervene. Setting Physicians residing in North Carolina. Participants Convenience sample of 1000 licensed physicians. Intervention Mailed survey. Design Cross-sectional study conducted May 2015 to September 2015. Main outcome and measures Willingness of physicians to act as Good Samaritans as determined by the last opportunity to intervene in an out-of-office emergency. Results The adjusted response rate was 26.1% (253/970 delivered). 4 out of 5 physicians reported previous opportunities to act as Good Samaritans. Approximately, 93% reported acting as a Good Samaritan during their last opportunity. There were no differences in this outcome between sexes, practice setting, specialty type or experience level. Doctors with greater perceived knowledge of Good Samaritan law were more likely to have intervened during a recent opportunity (p=0.02). The most commonly cited reason for potentially not intervening was that another health provider had taken charge. Conclusions We found the frequency of Good Samaritan behaviour among physicians to be much higher than reported in previous studies. Greater helping behaviour was exhibited by those who expressed more familiarity with Good Samaritan law. These findings suggest that physicians may respond to legal protections.
Control of proliferation activation in quiescent neuroblasts of the Drosophila central nervous system

Stem cell proliferation is controlled through cell cycle arrest and activation. In the central nervous system of Drosophila melanogaster, neuroblast quiescence and activation takes place in defined spatial and temporal patterns. Two genes have been identified that regulate the pattern of neuroblast quiescence and proliferation. ana, which has been previously described by Ebens and coworkers (Ebens, A., Garren, H., Cheyette, B. N. R. and Zipursky, S. L. (1993). Cell 74, 15–28), encodes a secreted glial glycoprotein that inhibits premature neuroblast proliferation. We previously showed that trolsd causes a dramatic drop in the number of dividing cells in the larval brain late in development. This study presents evidence that this decrease results from a failure to activate proliferation in the quiescent neuroblast population at the appropriate time. However, trolsd does not affect the maintenance of cell division in already dividing mushroom body neuroblasts. The quiescent optic lobe and thoracic neuroblasts affected by trolsd proliferate in a trol mutant background if they have been activated by a lack of the ana proliferation repressor, demonstrating that trolsd does not affect cellular viability, nor does trol represent a celltype-specific mitotic factor. This also shows that trol acts downstream of ana to activate proliferation of quiescent neuroblasts in an ana-dependent pathway, possibly by inactivating or bypassing the ana repressor. These results suggest that trol and ana are components of a novel developmental pathway for the control of cell cycle activation in quiescent neuroblasts.
Ultrastructural Observations of the Time Sequence of Induction of Acrosomal Membrane Alterations by Ovarian Follicular Fluid

Ultrastructural studies were made of rabbit sperm pretreated with high ionic strength medium and fixed after 0, 5, 10, 15, and 30 minutes of incubation in bovine follicular fluid (BFF) or control medium. Membrane changes associated with loss of the acrosomal contents were divided into three stages: membrane fusion; a vesiculation stage where approximately 50% of the contents of the acrosome were lost; and completion, where the outer acrosomal membrane and adjacent plasma membrane were lost. The rate of each step appeared to be independent of the subsequent phase, since no steady-state concentration was seen for any of the stages during the reaction. After 5 minutes' exposure to BFF, multiple fusions and vesiculations had occurred which involved the plasma and outer acrosomal membranes. After 10, 15, and 30 minutes of incubation, increasing numbers of sperm showed fusion and the formation of vesicles. By 30 minutes, 37/100 sperm showed vesicle formation and an additional 30% showed complete loss of vesicles and the acrosomal contents. The inner acrosomal membrane, nuclear membrane, and membranes posterior to the equatorial segment were unaffected by this treatment, as were all membranes after 30 minutes in control medium. The sequence of events indicated by these observations suggests that the BFF-induced acrosome reaction may be similar to that occurring in vivo to sperm in juxtaposition to ova.
Reproductive effects on freshwater fish exposed to 17α-trenbolone and 17α-estradiol.

17α-Trenbolone and 17α-estradiol are principal metabolites in cattle excreta following the administration of Synovex® ONE, which contains trenbolone acetate and estradiol benzoate. As part of the environmental assessment of the use of Synovex® ONE, data were generated to characterize the effects of 17α-trenbolone and 17α-estradiol on the reproduction of freshwater fish. These substances are known endocrine disruptors, so the purpose of testing was not to clarify these properties but to identify concentrations representing population-relevant effects for use in risk characterization. The short-term reproduction assay was conducted with 17α-trenbolone using the fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas) and the medaka (Oryzias latipes) and with 17α-estradiol using the fathead minnow. Adverse effects on the population-relevant endpoints of survival and fecundity were used to establish the no-observed-effect concentration (NOEC) and the lowest-observed-effect concentration (LOEC) for each study. For 17α-trenbolone, adverse effects on fecundity of the fathead minnow occurred at 120 ng/L; this was the LOEC, and the NOEC was 35 ng/L. 17β-Trenbolone did not adversely affect survival and fecundity of medaka at the concentrations tested, resulting in a NOEC of 110 ng/L and a LOEC of >110 ng/L. 17α-Estradiol did not adversely impact survival and fecundity of the fathead minnow at the concentrations tested, resulting in a NOEC and LOEC of 250 ng/L and >250 ng/L, respectively. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:636-644. © 2016 SETAC.
Solar wind, F10.7, and geomagnetic activity relationship to the equatorial plasma mass density at geosynchronous orbit

We consider two types of events, identified by decreases in Dst below a threshold value and increases in the equatorial mass density at geosynchronous altitudes, ρeq, above a threshold value using the Takahashi et al. [2010] dataset. From the Dst events and 1-day averages, we find that there is a statistically weak and small-amplitude difference between ρeq on the day of the event and the days before and after. When hourly averages are considered, a significant peak is found to occur six hours after event onset, and the primary factor that determines the post-onset peak amplitude in ρeq is elevated F10.7. In addition, for hourly averages, ρeq following the onset of a Dst event depends on the north-south component of the interplanetary magnetic field, Bz after the time of onset, with higher average Bz four hours after the event onset corresponding to larger ρeq value 7-11 hours after onset. From the ρeq events, we find a weak dependence on Bz after the onset of an event, with higher average Bz four hours after the event onset corresponding to larger ρeq values 24-36 hours after onset.
mRNA Decay analysis in Drosophila melanogaster drug-induced changes in glutathione S-transferase D21 mRNA stability.

We have established an in vivo system to investigate mechanisms by which pentobarbital (PB), a psychoactive drug with a sedative effect, changes the rate of decay of gstD21 mRNA (encoding a Drosophila glutathione S‐transferase). Here we describe methods for the use of hsp70 promoter‐based transgenes and transgenic lines to determine mRNA half‐lives by RNase protection assays in Drosophila. We are able to identify and map putative decay intermediates by cRT‐PCR and DNA sequencing of the resulting clones. Our results indicate that the 3′‐UTR of gstD21 mRNA is responsive to PB by regulating mRNA decay and that the cis‐acting element(s) responsible for the PB‐mediated stabilization resides in a 59 nucleotide sequence in the 3′‐UTR of the gstD21 mRNA (Akgul and Tu, 2007).
341. Therapeutic Approach for SOD1-ALS Using AAV9 Delivered Artificial microRNAs

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by loss of upper and lower motor neurons. This results in progressive muscle weakness, atrophy, paralysis and death within five years of diagnosis. About 10% of cases are inherited – typically in a dominant manner – of which twenty percent are due to mutations in the superoxide dismutase gene (SOD1). Experiments in transgenic ALS mouse models that overexpress human SOD1 have shown that decreasing levels of mutant SOD1 protein alters, and in some cases eliminates, disease progression.We postulated that silencing SOD1 expression with a micro RNA (miR) would be therapeutic in ALS. We developed a single stranded AAV9 vector encoding GFP and a miR against human SOD1, driven by a CBA promoter, which we injected into the SOD1G93A ALS mouse at postnatal day one. Each mouse received 2ml into each lateral ventricle, for a total vector dose of 4e10 vector genomes.At four weeks post injection, hSOD1 mRNA was reduced by almost 50% at all three levels of the spinal cord. Transduction was visible in both motor neurons and astrocytes in the spinal cord as well as neurons in layer V of the motor cortex. Transduced cells, assessed by GFP RNA FISH, had a decrease in hSOD1 mRNA. This translated into a 50% extension in median survival of treated mice (206 days) compared to untreated (135 days) mice.To assess neuromuscular health during the duration of the experiment, we performed motor unit number estimates (MUNEs) and needle electromyography (EMG). Treated mice had mild or no muscle denervation as opposed to the severe denervation seen in untreated SOD1. In fact, the treated mice did not develop paralysis but instead had to be euthanized due to weight loss and a hunched posture.We also assessed neuropathology in the spinal cord and nerves in untreated and treated animals, at their respective endpoints. The treated mice showed no spinal cord motor neuron loss, while the untreated mice lost the majority of the motor neurons. The axonal integrity of the lumbar ventral roots was also improved in treated animals. Furthermore, there was no axonal degeneration in the sciatic nerves of the treated animals when analyzed at 120 days, the endpoint of untreated mice. Lastly, treated animals show delayed onset of astrogliosis and microgliosis, as observed by IHC for inflammatory markers GFAP and Iba1, and confirmed by RT-qPRC for genes upregulated in inflammation.In conclusion, we were successful at extending the lifespan of the SOD1G93A mouse by 50% with our high dose neonatal AAV9-miR, and our treated animals remain ambulatory and active until the humane endpoint with minimal or no signs of paralysis.
Effects of obesity on dynamic stability control during recovery from a treadmill-induced slip among young adults

This study sought to investigate the effects of obesity on falls and dynamic stability control in young adults when subject to a standardized treadmill-induced gait-slip. Forty-four young adults (21 normal-weight and 23 obese) participated in this study. After their muscle strength was assessed at the right knee under maximum voluntary isometric (flexion and extension) contractions, participants were moved to an ActiveStep treadmill. Following 5 normal walking trials on the treadmill, all participants encountered an identical and unexpected slip defined as a perturbation in the anterior direction with the magnitude of 24-cm slip distance and 2.4-m/s peak slip velocity. The trials were categorized as a fall or recovery based on the reliance of the subject on external support following the slip. Compared with the normal-weight group, the obese group demonstrated less relative muscle strength and fell more responding to the slip (78.3% vs. 40.0%, p=0.009). After adjusting the body height and gender, the results indicated that the obese group was 19.1-time (95% confidence interval: [2.06, 177.36]) more prone to a fall than the normal-weight group when experiencing the same treadmill-induced slip. The obese group showed significantly impaired dynamic stability after slip possibly due to the inability of controlling the trunk segment׳s backward lean movement. Obesity measurements explained more slip outcome variance than did the strength measurements (53.4% vs. 18.1%). This study indicates that obesity most likely influences the ability to recover from slip perturbations. It is important to develop interventions to improve the capability of balance recovery among individuals with obesity.
Final Results of a Phase II Study of Bortezomib (Velcade) in Combination with Liposomal Doxorubicin (Doxil) and Thalidomide (VDT) Demonstrate a Sustained High Response Rates in Patients (pts) with Relapsed (rel) or Refactory (ref) Multiple Myeloma.

Background: Tumor microenvironment (ME) plays an important role in MM. It is associated with disease progression, metastasis, and resistance to therapy. Therefore, targeting the ME and the tumor cell simultaneously may be an effective way to overcome resistance in pts with rel/ref MM. Aim: Orlowski et al reported improved anti-tumor responses when bortezomib (V) was combined with doxil (D) in pts with hematologic malignancies. We investigated clinically, this approach i.e., targeting the MM cell as well as its ME, using a combination of V, D and low-dose thalidomide (T) as salvage therapy for pts with rel/ref MM. Here we report the final results along with survival data of this phase II study. Methods: All pts with rel/ref disease were eligible for this study. V was given at 1.3mg/m2 (D1,4,15,18) and D at 20mg/m2 (D1,15) every 4 weeks with daily T (200 mg) for 4–6 cycles. SWOG criterion was used to assess response. Low-dose coumadin (1–2 mg po qd) was used for prevention of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Results: Twenty three pts (9M, 14F; median age −57 , range 43–79 yrs; 21MM, 2 WM) have been enrolled. All pts had Stage III disease, median b2M was 4.2 and median number of prior therapies were 5(range 1–6). Prior therapies included stem cell transplant(SCT) in (41%), T (41%), adriamycin(A) (65%) steroids (82%) and velcade (12%). 74% had refractory disease. Seventeen pts have completed at least 1 cyc and are available for toxicity and response evaluation. One pt died of sepsis prior to completing 1 cyc and 1 pt with PR was taken off study for non-compliance after 1 cyc. ORR was with 65%(CR+PR) with 23% CR all of whom were IFE negative. The Median Progression Free survival was 10.9 months with an median overall survival of 15.7 months. Toxicity: 2 pts developed Gr. II plantar-palmar erythrodysthesia (PPE) and 1 had Gr. III cellulitis. No VTE was noted. No significant non-hematologic Gr. III/IV toxicity were seen. Despite prior exposure to anthracycle, we did not noted any cardiotoxicity with D.No significant neuropathy was noted. Conclusions: Pt with rel/ref MM usually have aggressive disease with paucity of effective regimens. VDT is an effective salvage regimen. Final results show high response rates with 22% of the patients achieving complete (IFE−) remissions. Responses were noted regardless of type of prior therapy. VDT could be safely given in patients with renal failure/insufficiency. Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) does not appear to be a problem with low dose coumadin prophylaxis. Final results of this phase II study will be presented at the 48 th annual ASH meeting.
Akt phosphorylation and cell survival after hypoxia-induced cytochrome c release in superfused respiring neonatal rat cerebrocortical slices.

Phosphorylation of Akt before hypoxia (30 min) and during reoxygenation (4 h) was evaluated in superperfused neonatal rat cerebrocortical slices (350 μm, P7, Sprague-Dawley). Cytosolic cytochrome c intensities in Western blots, which were increased at the end of hypoxia, were decreased during reoxygenation. Western blot intensities of phosphorylated Akt (phospho-Akt), nearly undetectable at the end of hypoxia, recovered quickly during reoxygenation, in a trend opposite that for cytochrome c. At 1.5 h and 4 h after hypoxia they became larger or the same as before hypoxia. Total Akt was unchanged by hypoxia and reoxygenation. Phosphocreatine (PCr) and nucleotide triphosphates (NTP) were measured in parallel 14.1 Tesla ex vivo 31P NMR superfused brain slice studies. PCr and α-NTP were nearly undetectable at the end of hypoxia. Although they recovered quickly after hypoxia, they were lower than before hypoxia. Reductions in phospho-Akt during hypoxia were consistent with the general unavailability of basic high energy phosphates. Preferential phosphorylation of Akt after hypoxia suggested that substantial reductions in intracellular energy, as indicated by PCr and NTP, might be tolerated by processes important for generating phospho-Akt. Additionally, the post-hypoxia increase in phospho-Akt might have contributed to concomitant reductions in cytosolic cytochrome c.
From undocumented to lawfully present: Do changes to legal status impact psychological wellbeing among latino immigrant young adults?

Abstract Exclusionary immigration policies, as a form of structural racism, have led to a sizeable undocumented population that is largely barred from access to resources in the United States. Existing research suggests that undocumented immigration status detrimentally impacts mobility, yet few studies have tested the impacts of legal status on psychological wellbeing. Most importantly, we know little about how changes to legal status impact wellbeing. Announced in 2012, the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program allows eligible undocumented youth to apply for temporary lawful status. Drawing on cross-sectional survey data from 487 Latino immigrant young adults in California collected in 2014 and 2015, we analyze the predictors of three specialized outcomes related to immigrants’ psychological wellbeing—distress, negative emotions, and deportation worry before and after a transition from undocumented to lawfully present status. Results show that retrospective reports of past psychological wellness, when all respondents were undocumented, are predicted primarily by socioeconomic status. However, reports of current psychological wellness are predicted by DACA status. Our results demonstrate, for the first time, the positive emotional consequences of transitioning out of undocumented status for immigrant young adults.