cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Packaging Material Molecular Weight

An important characteristic of packaging polymers is their molecular sizes relative to the much smaller organic or inorganic molecules. The molecular weight of a packaging polymer, a measure of its molecular chain length, can significantly affect the physical properties of the polymer. As molecular weight increases, tensile and impact strengths increase sharply before leveling off, whereas melt viscosity increases slowly and then sharply. Typically, the practical molecular weight range for packaging polymers is between 50,000 and 200,000. Chain entanglement is the ability of polymer chains to become entangled with one another. Chain entanglement and summation of intermolecular forces can significantly influence the properties of thermoplastics and are discussed in this article. Keywords: packaging polymers; molecular weight; chain entanglement; summation; intermolecular forces
Involvement of de Novo Protein Synthesis, Protein Kinase, Extracellular Ca2+, and Lipoxygenase in Arachidonic Acid Induction of 3-Hydroxy-3-Methylglutaryl Coenzyme A Reductase Genes and Isoprenoid Accumulation in Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.).

A series of inhibitors were tested to determine the participation of de novo protein synthesis, protein kinase activity, extracellular Ca2+, and lipoxygenase activity in arachidonic acid elicitation of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGR) gene expression and sesquiterpene phytoalexin biosynthesis in potato (Solanum tuberosum L. cv Kennebec). Gene-specific probes were used to discriminate effects on the expression of two HMGR genes (hmg1 and hmg2) that respond differentially in tuber tissue following wounding or elicitor treatment. Inhibition of protein synthesis with cycloheximide completely blocked arachidonate-induced hypersensitive necrosis and browning, including HMGR gene induction and phytoalexin accumulation. This suggests that proteins necessary for coupling arachidonic acid reception to HMGR mRNA accumulation are either rapidly turned over or not present constitutively and are induced following elicitor treatment. Staurosporin, a potent inhibitor of protein kinases, and ethyleneglycol-bis([beta]-aminoethyl ether)-N,N[prime]-tetraacetic acid, a Ca2+ chelator, inhibited arachidonate-induction of hmg2 gene expression and phytoalexin accumulation but did not inhibit the wound-induced expression of hmg1. However, staurosporin inhibited arachidonate9s suppression of hmg1 gene expression. Eicosatetraynoic acid, a lipoxygenase inhibitor that suppresses elicitor-induced phytoalexin accumulation, also inhibited arachidonate9s suppression of hmg1 and induction of hmg2. The results indicate that arachidonate9s suppression of hmg1 and activation of hmg2 depend on a common intermediate or set of intermediates whose generation is sensitive to the inhibitors tested.
Increasing Cache Port Efficiency for Dynamic Superscalar Microprocessors

The memory bandwidth demands of modern microprocessors require the use of a multi-ported cache to achieve peak performance. However, multi-ported caches are costly to implement. In this paper we propose techniques for improving the bandwidth of a single cache port by using additional buffering in the processor, and by taking maximum advantage of a wider cache port. We evaluate these techniques using realistic applications that include the operating system. Our techniques using a single-ported cache achieve 91% of the performance of a dual-ported cache.
Using checklists in a gross anatomy laboratory improves learning outcomes and dissection quality

Checklists have been widely used in the aviation industry ever since aircraft operations became more complex than any single pilot could reasonably remember. More recently, checklists have found their way into medicine, where cognitive function can be compromised by stress and fatigue. The use of checklists in medical education has rarely been reported, especially in the basic sciences. We explored whether the use of a checklist in the gross anatomy laboratory would improve learning outcomes, dissection quality, and students' satisfaction in the first-year Human Structure didactic block at Mayo Medical School. During the second half of a seven-week anatomy course, dissection teams were each day given a hardcopy checklist of the structures to be identified during that day's dissection. The first half of the course was considered the control, as students did not receive any checklists to utilize during dissection. The measured outcomes were scored on four practice practical examinations and four dissection quality assessments, two each from the first half (control) and second half of the course. A student satisfaction survey was distributed at the end of the course. Examination and dissection scores were analyzed for correlations between practice practical examination score and checklist use. Our data suggest that a daily hardcopy list of anatomical structures for active use in the gross anatomy laboratory increases practice practical examination scores and dissection quality. Students recommend the use of these checklists in future anatomy courses.
Dependence of s-ƒ exchange on atomic number in rare earth dialuminides

Abstract The relative variation of the magnitude of the s-ƒ exchange coupling parameter |Jsf| with rare earth (RE) atomic number has been determined within the deGennes model from the depression of the superconducting transition temperature of the cubic Laves phase compound LaAl2 by RE impurities. The results compare favorably with measurements of |Jsf| made on the isostructural series of compounds (RE)Al2.
Roads and the Environmental Degradation of Tropical Montane Forests

Roads are often a causal agent in the degradation of tropical forests; in this paper their impact is discussed for the forested, humid montane zone. Because of their steep slopes and high elevations, these forests have disturbance regimes associated with slope instability, limited resilience, and numerous species that are elevational specialists, restricted to narrow altitudinal belts. Roads often augment slope instability and fragment ranges of specialized species. Roads can allow uncontrolled extraction of natural products and landscape conversion. Improvements are needed in the design, construction, and maintenance of these roads. Also needed are studies and mitigation efforts to reduce their effects on the specialized biota of montane forests. Las carreteras son frecuentemente agentes causales en la degradacion de los bosques tropicales. En este trabajo discutimos el impacto que ellas tienen sobre la zona del bosque tropical montanoso humedo. Debido a pronuciadas pendientes y altas elevaciones, estos bosques presentan regimenes de perturbacion asociados con inestabilidad de laderas, una limitada capacidad de la vegetacion para recuperarse (resiliencia limitada) y numerosas especies que son especialistas altitudinales, restringidas a angostos cinturones altitudinales. Las carreteras aumentan frecuentemente la inestabilidad de las pendientes y fragmentan las areas de distribucion de las especies especializadas. Las carreteras a menudo permiten la extraccion incontrolada de productos naturales y la conversion del paisaje. Mejoras en el diseno, construccion y mantenimiento de estas carreteras son necesarias. Asi mismo, se requieren estudios y esfuerzos de mitigacion para reducir sus efectos en la biota especializada de los bosques montanosos.
Factor Structure of the Parent-Report Mood and Feelings Questionnaire (MFQ) in an Outpatient Mental Health Sample

The current investigation examined the internal structure and discriminant validity of the parent-report Mood and Feelings Questionnaire (MFQ-P), a commonly used measure of depressive symptoms in youth. A total of 1493 families with youth ages 5 to 18 (61.02 % male) presenting for treatment at an outpatient mental health clinic were randomly allocated to an Exploratory Sample 1 or to a Replication Sample 2. Internal structure of the MFQ-P was examined using exploratory factor analysis in Sample 1 (N = 769) and then replicated using confirmatory factor analysis in Sample 2 (N = 724). Results of the exploratory factor analysis yielded a 5-factor structure comprised of core mood, vegetative, suicidality, cognitive, and agitated distress symptom subscales. The 5-factor solution was replicated in Sample 2 with adequate fit, (CFI = 0.908, TLI = 0.974, RMSEA =0.067). Results lend statistical support for 5 candidate subscales of the MFQ-P. These potential subscales may aid in efficient identification of critical symptoms of depression.
Chronic, not acute, skin-specific inflammation promotes thrombosis in psoriasis murine models

Psoriasis patients exhibit an increased risk of atherothrombotic events, including myocardial infarction and stroke. Clinical evidence suggests that psoriasis patients with early onset and more severe disease have the highest risk for these co-morbidities, perhaps due to the extent of body surface involvement, subsequent levels of systemic inflammation, or chronicity of disease. We sought to determine whether acute or chronic skin-specific inflammation was sufficient to promote thrombosis. We used two experimental mouse models of skin-specific inflammation generated in either an acute (topical Aldara application onto wild-type C57Bl/6 mice for 5 days) or chronic (a genetically engineered K5-IL-17C mouse model of psoriasiform skin inflammation) manner. Arterial thrombosis was induced using carotid artery photochemical injury (Rose Bengal-green light laser) and carotid artery diameters were measured post-clot formation. We also examined measures of clot formation including prothrombin (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT). Skin inflammation was examined histologically and we profiled plasma-derived lipids. The number of skin-draining lymph-node (SDLN) and splenic derived CD11b+Ly6Chigh pro-inflammatory monocytes and CD11b+Ly6G+ neutrophils was quantified using multi-color flow cytometry. Mice treated with topical Aldara for 5 days had similar carotid artery thrombotic occlusion times to mice treated with vehicle cream (32.2 ± 3.0 vs. 31.4 ± 2.5 min, p = 0.97); in contrast, K5-IL-17C mice had accelerated occlusion times compared to littermate controls (15.7 ± 2.1 vs. 26.5 ± 3.5 min, p < 0.01) while carotid artery diameters were similar between all mice. Acanthosis, a surrogate measure of inflammation, was increased in both Aldara-treated and K5-IL-17C mice compared to their respective controls. Monocytosis, defined as elevated SDLN and/or splenic CD11b+Ly6Chigh cells, was significantly increased in both Aldara-treated (SDLN: 3.8-fold, p = 0.02; spleen: 2.0-fold, p < 0.01) and K5-IL-17C (SDLN: 3.4-fold, p = 0.02; spleen: 3.5-fold, p < 0.01) animals compared to controls while neutrophilia, defined as elevated SDLN and/or splenic CD11b+Ly6G+ cells, was significantly increased in only the chronic K5-IL-17C model (SDLN: 11.6-fold, p = 0.02; spleen: 11.3-fold, p < 0.01). Plasma-derived lipid levels, PT and aPTT times showed no difference between the Aldara-treated mice or the K5-IL-17C mice and their respective controls. Chronic, but not acute, skin-specific inflammation was associated with faster arterial thrombotic occlusion. Increased numbers of splenic and SDLN monocytes were observed in both acute and chronic skin-specific inflammation, however, increased splenic and SDLN neutrophils were observed only in the chronic skin-specific inflammation model. Understanding the cellular response to skin-specific inflammation may provide insights into the cellular participants mediating the pathophysiology of major adverse cardiovascular events associated with psoriasis.
The utility of endobronchial ultrasound-transbronchial needle aspiration in lymphoma.

Background and Objectives: Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) is a minimally invasive procedure that has a well-established role in the diagnosis and staging of lung cancer. This technology is also widely used for the diagnosis of mediastinal masses and cysts as well as other inflammatory disorders such as sarcoidosis. However, the utility of this procedure in the diagnosis and subclassification of lymphoproliferative disorders (LPDs) is not clear. We performed a systematic review to evaluate EBUS-TBNA use in LPDs. Materials and Methods: PubMed, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library Plus, and ISI Web of Knowledge were searched for studies of clinical trials in English reporting diagnostic performance of EBUS-TBNA in lymphoma until September 2014. The overall sensitivity, negative predictive value (NPV), and diagnostic accuracy were evaluated. Results: Six trials involving 346 patients with suspected lymphoma were included. The overall sensitivity, NPV, and diagnostic accuracy ranged 38%-91%, 83%-96.4%, and 91%-97%, respectively. Further invasive surgery was needed only in 13-43% of the patients. None of the studies included in the present review reported important complications. Conclusion: Current evidence suggests that EBUS-TBNA can be used as an initial evaluation for patients with suspected lymphoma. Additional surgical procedures may be necessary if a sample is inadequate or negative with high suspicion of lymphoma. Further multicenter trials are needed to evaluate the diagnostic yield of EBUS-TBNA in lymphoma patients.
The usefulness of ultrasound in the diagnosis of patients after chest trauma – two case reports

The effectiveness of ultrasound in diagnosing fractures of the ribs and sternum has been confirmed in the literature. The aim of our study was to present two case reports of patients with chest trauma history in whom ultrasound examination proved useful in the diagnostic process. The role of thoracic ultrasound in the diagnosis of ribs and sternal fractures is discussed as well. The authors conclude the following: 1) the examination was easy to perform and assess, and provided clinically useful conclusions; 2) due to the mobility of the ultrasound machine, the examination may be carried out outside of radiology departments, e.g. by the patient's bedside - in departments of surgery; 3) ultrasound should be the examination of choice after chest trauma and can be performed successfully by non-radiologist physicians.
Preservation of Arctic Dinosaur Remains from the Prince Creek Formation (Alaska, USA): A Reply to Fiorillo (2016)

We thank Anthony Fiorillo (2016) for the concerns he raised regarding our characterizations of the Liscomb bonebed fossils in our paper describing Ugrunaaluk kuukpikenis from the Prince Creek Formation of Alaska, USA (Mori et al. 2016). We did not imply that the bones are not “fossilized”. The bones are from animals that lived in the geologic past (~70 million years old) and are therefore fossils by definition. In our generalized description of bone preservation, we used the modifier “typically” in describing the degree to which bones are uncrushed and permineralized. We did not contend that bones are never uncrushed or permineralized. We recognize that the bones are ferruginous in color reflecting some degree of iron-bearing mineral infiltration, which technically can be categorized as permineralized. However, vertebrate paleontologists typically reserve this term for cases where mineral infiltration lines the vascular canals and trabecular spaces of bones and is visible macroscopically. We are aware that some bones in the Liscomb Bonebed exhibit this type of preservation, but maintain that it occurs in a surprisingly small, currently unquantified percentage of bones. We apologize for any confusion this may have caused. Finally, in supporting our general diagenetic comments about the Liscomb Bonebed, we cited the comprehensive works by Gangloff and Fiorillo (2010) and Fiorillo et al. (2010)—the two most relevant works on the subject. These would have been glaring omissions had we not done so.
Nitrogen fixation in photosynthetic bacteria.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses ion gradients across chloroplast membranes as a form of energy storage while keeping in mind that ion fluxes may contribute to the regulation of photosynthetic activity. Major amounts of energy have been observed stored in the form of H+ gradients. The magnitude of the electric gradient (Δψ) associated with H+ uptake in chloroplasts rests primarily on the interpretation of experiments on the light-induced absorbance increase in the region of 515 nm. Thus, H+ uptake in chromatophores and chloroplasts probably generates a membrane potential at a steady state. The magnitude of this potential is probably less in chloroplasts than in chromatophores, possibly because chloroplasts are more permeable to ions such as Cl−. In the initial period of H+ uptake, the magnitude of the membrane potential should be higher. In flashing light, ATP formation can take place, but an H+ concentration gradient is not formed. Presumably, a membrane potential is formed as 518 nm absorption change is observed in flashing light. Thus, the dissipation of a membrane potential under conditions where an H+ concentration gradient cannot be formed may be sufficient to inhibit phosphorylation in chloroplasts.
MK-801 does not prevent impaired cerebrovascular reactivity to CO2 during hypoglycemia in piglets

We tested the hypothesis that severe insulin-induced hypoglycemia would depress cerebrovascular reactivity to CO2 via a mechanism that could be prevented by administration of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist MK-801 in infant piglets. Cerebral blood flow (CBF) was measured (microspheres) in 2- to 3-wk-old pentobarbital-anesthetized piglets during hypocapnia, normocapnia, and hypercapnia. Repeat CBF measurements were made either 1 (n = 5) or 2 h (n = 6) after insulin (200 U/kg iv) to elicit the time course of altered reactivity to CO2. Repeat CBF measurements were made in a third group (n = 5) 2 h after treatment with insulin and MK-801 (1.5 mg/kg iv bolus, 0.15 mg.kg-1.h-1 iv infusion) to determine whether any alteration in reactivity to CO2 was due to a mechanism involving the NMDA receptor. Cerebrovascular resistance and cerebral O2 consumption (CMRO2) were calculated with each measurement of CBF. Cerebrovascular response to CO2 (change in cerebrovascular resistance/change in arterial CO2 tension) was ablated in the group of piglets exposed to 1 or 2 h of hypoglycemia (preinsulin 1-h group, 0.038 +/- 0.007; preinsulin 2-h group, 0.023 +/- 0.004 mmHg.ml-1.min.100 g.mmHg CO2(-1)). Treatment with MK-801 did not alter normoglycemic CO2 reactivity (preinsulin, 0.032 +/- 0.005 mmHg.ml-1.min.100 g.mmHg CO2(-1)) and did not prevent ablation of cerebrovascular CO2 reactivity during hypoglycemia. CMRO2 was not affected by hypoglycemia in any group.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Growth Media

This protocol describes the preparation of different types of media to grow the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, both on plates and in liquid culture.
Preparing tomorrow’s behavioral medicine scientists and practitioners: a survey of future directions for education and training

Behavioral medicine training is due for an overhaul given the rapid evolution of the field, including a tight funding climate, changing job prospects, and new research and industry collaborations. The purpose of the present study was to collect responses from trainee and practicing members of a multidisciplinary professional society about their perceptions of behavioral medicine training and their suggestions for changes to training for future behavioral medicine scientists and practitioners. A total of 162 faculty and 110 students (total n = 272) completed a web-based survey on strengths of their current training programs and ideas for changes. Using a mixed-methods approach, the survey findings are used to highlight seven key areas for improved preparation of the next generation of behavioral medicine scientists and practitioners, which are grant writing, interdisciplinary teamwork, advanced statistics and methods, evolving research program, publishable products from coursework, evolution and use of theory, and non-traditional career paths.
Effect of Buprofezin and Isaria fumosorosea Against Rugose Spiraling Whitefly, 2015

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of selected insecticides alone or in combination against Rugose spiraling whitefly (RSW), a new invasive pest of ornamental in Florida. The trial was conducted on an ornamental host, white bird of paradise under natural field condition at U.S. Horticultural Research Laboratory. Young host plants in three gallons plastic pots were bought from a local commercial nursery in Vero Beach, FL, and naturally infested with the RSW under greenhouse conditions (26 ± 3 °C and 75–80% RH). Host plants were watered …
Altered Postnatal Development Following Intrauterine Exposure to Hormonally Active Chemicals

ABSTRACT Prenatal exposure to many drugs and other chemicals is associated with functional or structural defects which may only be expressed later in postnatal life (transplacental toxicology). Such induction of long-term effects by intrauterine chemical exposure has been reported for many organ systems including the immune system, central nervous system, and hepatic drug metabolizing enzymes. Of special interest is the developing reproductive system in which exposure to foreign compounds, such as alkylating agents and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, is associated with depletion of germ cells and subsequent infertility of the mature individual. Prenatal exposure to hormonally active environmental chemicals such as diethylstilbestrol (DES) is associated with impaired reproductive capacity in the male and female offspring of both mice and humans. In mice, intrauterine exposure to DES is associated with congenital defects of the ovary and oviduct (developmentally arrested oviduct) which are obvious at birth. Progressive changes in other genital tissues (cervical enlargement, uterine squamous metaplasia, cystic endometrial hyperplasia) following prenatal DES treatment may contribute to the observed infertility. These long-term late effects induced by DES in utero seem to require a secondary postnatal stimulus by estrogen for their expression. These results suggest that late teratogenic effects may have multiple critical periods.
Surgical Management of the Adult Symptomatic Retractile Testicle

Objective To assess the efficacy and safety of circumferential cremasteric lysis in the treatment of adult symptomatic retractile testicles. Materials and Methods This is a retrospective chart review of all patients who had undergone circumferential cremasteric lysis at a single institution performed by a single surgeon between January 2010 and December 2011. We evaluated the etiology, pre- and postoperative pain intensity, postoperative pain alleviation, and any surgical complications. We used the Wilcoxon signed-rank test to compare pain levels before and at last follow-up after surgery. Results Eight patients (mean age, 31.5 ± 10.60; range, 22-51 years) underwent circumferential cremasteric lysis. The procedure resulted in a clinically meaningful and statistically significant difference in postoperative pain intensity. The mean pain levels decreased from 5.6 (preoperatively) to 1.5 (at last follow-up) (5.6 vs 1.5, P Conclusion In this limited retrospective study, we demonstrated that circumferential lysis of the cremasteric muscle through a small subinguinal incision is a safe and effective minimally invasive procedure for physical activity-precipitated painful retractile testicular pain.
Regulation of hepatic microRNA expression by hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 alpha

Aim To uncover the role of hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 alpha (HNF4α) in regulating hepatic expression of microRNAs. Methods Microarray and real-time PCR were used to determine hepatic expression of microRNAs in young-adult mice lacking Hnf4α expression in liver (Hnf4α-LivKO). Integrative genomics viewer software was used to analyze the public chromatin immunoprecipitation-sequencing datasets for DNA-binding of HNF4α, RNA polymerase-II, and histone modifications to loci of microRNAs in mouse liver and human hepatoma cells. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was conducted to determine effects of HNF4α on the promoters of mouse and human microRNAs as well as effects of microRNAs on the untranslated regions (3'UTR) of two genes in human hepatoma cells. Results Microarray data indicated that most microRNAs remained unaltered by Hnf4α deficiency in Hnf4α-LivKO mice. However, certain liver-predominant microRNAs were down-regulated similarly in young-adult male and female Hnf4α-LivKO mice. The down-regulation of miR-101, miR-192, miR-193a, miR-194, miR-215, miR-802, and miR-122 as well as induction of miR-34 and miR-29 in male Hnf4α-LivKO mice were confirmed by real-time PCR. Analysis of public chromatin immunoprecipitation-sequencing data indicates that HNF4α directly binds to the promoters of miR-101, miR-122, miR-194-2/miR-192 and miR-193, which is associated with histone marks of active transcription. Luciferase reporter assay showed that HNF4α markedly activated the promoters of mouse and human miR-101b/miR-101-2 and the miR-194/miR-192 cluster. Additionally, miR-192 and miR-194 significantly decreased activities of luciferase reporters for the 3'UTR of histone H3F3 and chromodomain helicase DNA binding protein 1 (CHD1), respectively, suggesting that miR-192 and miR-194 might be important in chromosome remodeling through directly targeting H3F3 and CHD1. Conclusion HNF4α is essential for hepatic basal expression of a group of liver-enriched microRNAs, including miR-101, miR-192, miR-193a, miR-194 and miR-802, through which HNF4α may play a major role in the post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression and maintenance of the epigenome in liver.
“High-Throughput Characterization of Region-Specific Mitochondrial Function and Morphology”

The tissue-specific etiology of aging and stress has been elusive due to limitations in data processing of current techniques. Despite that many techniques are high-throughput, they usually use singular features of the data (e.g. whole fluorescence). One technology at the nexus of fluorescence-based screens is large particle flow cytometry (“biosorter”), capable of recording positional fluorescence and object granularity information from many individual live animals. Current processing of biosorter data, however, do not integrate positional information into their analysis and data visualization. Here, we present a bioanalytical platform for the quantification of positional information (“longitudinal profiling”) of C. elegans, which we posit embodies the benefits of both high-throughput screening and high-resolution microscopy. We show the use of these techniques in (1) characterizing distinct responses of a transcriptional reporter to various stresses in defined anatomical regions, (2) identifying regions of high mitochondrial membrane potential in live animals, (3) monitoring regional mitochondrial activity in aging models and during development, and (4) screening for regulators of muscle mitochondrial dynamics in a high-throughput format. This platform offers a significant improvement in the quality of high-throughput biosorter data analysis and visualization, opening new options for region-specific phenotypic screening of complex physiological phenomena and mitochondrial biology.
PERK as a hub of multiple pathogenic pathways leading to memory deficits and neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract Cell signaling in response to an array of diverse stress stimuli converges on the phosphorylation of eukaryotic initiation factor-2α (eIF2α). In the brain, eIF2α is a hub for controlling learning and memory function and for maintaining neuronal integrity in health and disease. Among four eIF2α kinases, PERK is emerging as a key regulator for memory impairments and neurodegeneration in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Genetic and pharmacological manipulations of PERK-eIF2α signaling have revealed that the overactivation of this pathway is not a mere consequence of the neurodegenerative process but play critical roles in AD pathogenesis and the occurrence of memory deficits. This review provides an overview of recent progress in animal model studies, which demonstrate that dysregulated PERK accounts for memory deficits and neurodegeneration not only as a detrimental mediator downstream of β-amyloidosis and tauopathy but also as an important determinant upstream of both pathogenic mechanisms in AD. A therapeutic perspective is also discussed, in which interventions targeting the PERK-eIF2α pathway are expected to provide multiple beneficial outcomes in AD, including enhanced mnemonic function, neuroprotection and disease modification.
Cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis: early diagnosis on the basis of juvenile cataracts

Cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis (CTX) is a rare autosomal recessive lipid storage disease characterized by a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations, including bilateral juvenile cataracts. Untreated CTX leads to progressive permanent neurologic decline and early death. Although symptoms begin in early childhood, diagnosis and replacement therapy with chenodeoxycholic acid is often delayed until adulthood. Frequently bilateral juvenile cataracts present in early childhood which provides ophthalmologists an opportunity to aid in early diagnosis and initiate treatment. We report the case of a child presenting with juvenile bilateral cataracts leading to the diagnosis of CTX. The morphology of cataracts and the effect of systemic treatment on its progression are described.
Project and Trajectory Control of an Autonomous Aerator for Aquaculture

Aquaculture has resorted to the use of technology to make control of important variables and improve production. There are two problems observed in the Marine Aquaculture Station - EMA of the Federal University of Rio Grande (Brazil), more specifically related to the aeration of the culture tanks to pisciculture and carciniculture. Firstly, the high energy consumption of the paddle aerators was identified, due to the continuous need to oxygenate the water. Subsequently, it was noted that static aerators do not aerate the water evenly and its require that their placement be done manually by technicians or assistants. Thus, the article proposes a design of an autonomous aerator with electric power coming from a photovoltaic solar energy system. In the sequence, a navigation system for the aerator is proposed along the tank, based on a differential performance of the motors connected to the paddle. This paper also presents the kinematic modeling of the system and a control of trajectory simulation.
The Prison Education Project

This article briefly compares the prison system in the United States with progressive correctional systems in the world, before pivoting to discuss the lessons learned from the author’s development of the Prison Education Project (PEP). PEP has expanded educational opportunities for inmates in 12 Californian correctional facilities. With the assistance of 800 university student and faculty volunteers, PEP has serviced approximately 5,000 inmates in these facilities since 2011. By providing academic, life skills and career development programming, PEP aims to educate, empower and transform the lives of incarcerated individuals. This article is a summary of the development of PEP, examining programme outcomes and highlighting implementation, fundraising and branding strategies. The robust spirit of volunteerism is also a central component of the discussion, with the phenomenon of “reciprocal reflex” at the heart of the PEP volunteer experience. This reflex ignites the passion and gratitude of both volunteers and inmates. The volunteers learn just as much as they teach, and the inmates teach just as much as they learn. The fact that each group shows deep gratitude to the other for the learning experience creates an exciting symbiotic loop and an esprit de corps which inspires and empowers all involved. The “reciprocal reflex” leads to lifelong learning. This article captures the intricate dynamics of how PEP has evolved into the largest volunteer-based prison education programme of its kind in the United States.
A survey of microRNA single nucleotide polymorphisms identifies novel breast cancer susceptibility loci in a case-control, population-based study of African-American women

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression and influence cancer. Primary transcripts of miRNAs (pri-miRNAs) are poorly annotated and little is known about the role of germline variation in miRNA genes and breast cancer (BC). We sought to identify germline miRNA variants associated with BC risk and tumor subtype among African-American (AA) women. Under the African American Breast Cancer Epidemiology and Risk (AMBER) Consortium, genotyping and imputed data from four studies on BC in AA women were combined into a final dataset containing 224,188 miRNA gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for 8350 women: 3663 cases and 4687 controls. The primary miRNA sequence was identified for 566 miRNA genes expressed in Encyclopedia of DNA Elements (ENCODE) Tier 1 cell types and human pancreatic islets. Association analysis was conducted using logistic regression for BC status overall and by tumor subtype. A novel BC signal was localized to an 8.6-kb region of 17q25.3 by four SNPs (rs9913477, rs1428882938, rs28585511, and rs7502931) and remained statistically significant after multiple test correction (odds ratio (OR) = 1.44, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.26–1.65; p = 3.15 × 10−7; false discovery rate (FDR) = 0.03). These SNPs reside in a genomic location that includes both the predicted primary transcript of the noncoding miRNA gene MIR3065 and the first intron of the gene for brain-specific angiogenesis inhibitor 1-associated protein 2 (BAIAP2). Furthermore, miRNA-associated SNPs on chromosomes 1p32.3, 5q32, and 3p25.1 were the strongest signals for hormone receptor, luminal versus basal-like, and HER2 enrichment status, respectively. A second phase of genotyping (1397 BC cases, 2418 controls) that included two SNPs in the 8.6-kb region was used for validation and meta-analysis. While neither rs4969239 nor rs9913477 was validated, when meta-analyzed with the original dataset their association with BC remained directionally consistent (OR = 1.29, 95% CI = 1.16–1.44 (p = 4.18 × 10–6) and OR = 1.33, 95% CI = 1.17–1.51 (p = 1.6 × 10–5), respectively). Germline genetic variation indicates that MIR3065 may play an important role in BC development and heterogeneity among AA women. Further investigation to determine the potential functional effects of these SNPs is warranted. This study contributes to our understanding of BC risk in AA women and highlights the complexity in evaluating variation in gene-dense regions of the human genome.
Abstract 2894: Essential Role of ERK 1/2 in Sildenafil-Induced Early and Delayed Cardioprotection in Mice

Background: Sildenafil (SIL), a potent inhibitor of phosphodiesterase-5 induces powerful protection against myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I-R) injury through activation of protein kinase G (PKG). However, the downstream targets of PKG in SIL-induced cardioprotection remain unclear. We hypothesized that PKG-dependent activation of survival kinase, ERK may play a critical role in SIL-induced cardioprotection in mice. Methods & Results: Ventricular myocytes were isolated from adult male ICR mice and exposed to 40 min of simulated ischemia (SI) with/without 1 hr pre-incubation of SIL (1 μM). Myocyte necrosis and apoptosis were determined after 1 hr or 18 hrs of reoxygenation (RO) using trypan blue or TUNEL assay, respectively. Pretreatment with SIL protected cardiomyocytes after SI-RO (necrosis 18.5±0.5% and apoptosis 6.6±0.7%; n=4, p Conclusion: SIL-induced cardioprotection involves the activation and phosphorylation of ERK which appear to be intimately linked with a PKG-dependent survival pathway. This research has received full or partial funding support from the American Heart Association, AHA Mid-Atlantic Affiliate (Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia & Washington, DC).
Abstract 4117: Imaging hypoxia: Development of a PET-optical smart probe

Hypoxia is a characteristic trait of many aggressive tumors. Identification of hypoxic tissues is important for establishing patient treatment plans and prognoses. We show progress towards the development of a hypoxia-activated molecular probe that combines near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence and positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. The fluorescence emission enables facile scrutiny of probe function in vitro and positron emission facilitates translation for clinical use. The probe is a small molecule that possesses a nitro-aromatic group which is sensitive to hypoxic environments. The caged smart probe is non-fluorescent due to photo-induced electron transfer from the nitro-aromatic group. Nitroreductase, an enzyme which is upregulated in hypoxic environments, activates the fluorescence by reducing the nitro group, thereby disabling the quenching effect. Wet chemistry techniques were used to develop the probe which was analyzed by UV/Vis and fluorescence spectroscopies. In vitro and in vivo imaging experiments were also performed. The probe demonstrated membrane permeability and lysosomal accumulation in glioblastoma cells. Additional favorable characteristics include NIR emission and low toxicity to cells. The fluorescence was detected in subcutaneous murine cancer models providing evidence of potential clinical translation toward applications like image-guided surgery. In short, the probe was synthesized in good yield from commercially-available materials and showed promising optical characteristics in cells and animal models. Future work involves F-18 radiolabeling of the probe followed by microPET imaging. Citation Format: Jessica L. Klockow, Kenneth S. Hettie, Frederick T. Chin. Imaging hypoxia: Development of a PET-optical smart probe [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 4117.
A Novel Measure of the Need for Moral Cognition

AbstractThis research developed the first measure of the need for moral cognition, or the tendency to seek out, talk about, reflect on, or otherwise engage with ethical or moral issues. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was conducted on transcripts from interviews with members of the target population and focus groups with content experts. Pilot items were administered to a large online sample; 2 latent factors were identified. Scores were assessed for test–retest reliability, and convergent-, discriminant-, and criterion-validity. Collectively, these studies demonstrate that the Need for Moral Cognition scale is a valid and reliable measure suitable for use in psychological research.
Development and Validation of a Deep Learning Algorithm for Mortality Prediction in Selecting Patients With Dementia for Earlier Palliative Care Interventions.

Importance Early palliative care interventions drive high-value care but currently are underused. Health care professionals face challenges in identifying patients who may benefit from palliative care. Objective To develop a deep learning algorithm using longitudinal electronic health records to predict mortality risk as a proxy indicator for identifying patients with dementia who may benefit from palliative care. Design, Setting, and Participants In this retrospective cohort study, 6-month, 1-year, and 2-year mortality prediction models with recurrent neural networks used patient demographic information and topics generated from clinical notes within Partners HealthCare System, an integrated health care delivery system in Boston, Massachusetts. This study included 26 921 adult patients with dementia who visited the health care system from January 1, 2011, through December 31, 2017. The models were trained using a data set of 24 229 patients and validated using another data set of 2692 patients. Data were analyzed from September 18, 2018, to May 15, 2019. Main Outcomes and Measures The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for 6-month and 1- and 2-year mortality prediction models and the factors contributing to the predictions. Results The study cohort included 26 921 patients (16 263 women [60.4%]; mean [SD] age, 74.6 [13.5] years). For the 24 229 patients in the training data set, mean (SD) age was 74.8 (13.2) years and 14 632 (60.4%) were women. For the 2692 patients in the validation data set, mean (SD) age was 75.0 (12.6) years and 1631 (60.6%) were women. The 6-month model reached an AUC of 0.978 (95% CI, 0.977-0.978); the 1-year model, 0.956 (95% CI, 0.955-0.956); and the 2-year model, 0.943 (95% CI, 0.942-0.944). The top-ranked latent topics associated with 6-month and 1- and 2-year mortality in patients with dementia include palliative and end-of-life care, cognitive function, delirium, testing of cholesterol levels, cancer, pain, use of health care services, arthritis, nutritional status, skin care, family meeting, shock, respiratory failure, and swallowing function. Conclusions and Relevance A deep learning algorithm based on patient demographic information and longitudinal clinical notes appeared to show promising results in predicting mortality among patients with dementia in different time frames. Further research is necessary to determine the feasibility of applying this algorithm in clinical settings for identifying unmet palliative care needs earlier.
Are Economic Uncertainty Expectations Rational

This study analyzes whether expectations about uncertainty of the global and U.S. economy emanate from the natural dynamics of the U.S. based rational economic fundamentals, or stem from irrational outlook not attributable to any known risk factors. The findings suggest that both the U.S. and the global economic uncertainty expectations are significantly driven by the U.S. economy and stock market related rational factors namely, economic growth, economic risk premium and excess returns. The three Fama and French factors have significant impact on the U.S. economic uncertainty expectations but insignificant role for global economic uncertainty expectations. Foreign currency movements play a significant role for the global economic uncertainty. The impact of the rational factors is higher for the U.S. economic uncertainty expectations than on the global economic uncertainty expectations. Lastly, there exists a positive feedback effect of the U.S. and global and economic uncertainty expectations. Overall, to a significant extent, the expectations of the U.S. economic uncertainty are well captured by the risk factors suggested in the asset pricing literature.
CaringGuidance™ after breast cancer diagnosis eHealth psychoeducational intervention to reduce early post-diagnosis distress

Significant cancer-related distress affects 30–60% of women diagnosed with breast cancer. Fewer than 30% of distressed patients receive psychosocial care. Unaddressed distress is associated with poor treatment adherence, reduced quality of life, and increased healthcare costs. This study aimed to evaluate the preliminary efficacy of a new web-based, psychoeducational distress self-management program, CaringGuidance™ After Breast Cancer Diagnosis, on newly diagnosed women’s reported distress. One-hundred women, in five states, diagnosed with breast cancer within the prior 3 months, were randomized to 12 weeks of independent use of CaringGuidance™ plus usual care or usual care alone. The primary multidimensional outcome, distress, was measured with the Distress Thermometer (DT), the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), and the Impact of Events Scale (IES) at baseline and months 1, 2, and 3. Intervention usage was continually monitored by the data analytic system imbedded within CaringGuidance™. Although multilevel models showed no significant overall effects, post hoc analysis showed significant group differences in slopes occurring between study months 2 and 3 on distress (F(1,70) = 4.91, p = .03, η2 = .065) measured by the DT, and depressive symptoms (F(1, 76) = 4.25, p = .043, η2 = .053) favoring the intervention. Results provide preliminary support for the potential efficacy of CaringGuidance™ plus usual care over usual care alone on distress in women newly diagnosed with breast cancer. This analysis supports and informs future study of this self-management program aimed at filling gaps in clinical distress management.
Freedom of the Will and Consumption Restrictions

There is a long-standing interest in business ethics around the concept of free will, but study of its possible influence on consumer behavior is only in the nascent stage. This lack of research is particularly acute in certain consumption contexts, especially ones based on highly restricted access that appear to suggest abrogation of the will. In this paper, we offer a novel approach that involves reexamination of qualitative/ethnographic research that has chronicled consumption restrictions without consideration of potential implications for free will. Using a new reanalysis method, we show that some of what is described as “vulnerability” using other theoretical paradigms is subsumed within this domain. Findings demonstrate that a complex relationship between free will and various consumption processes and outcomes exists that is acted out within and outside licit and illicit/formal and informal markets. These restrictions allow for a different vantage point to address free will and consumption, with implications for business ethicists and researchers interested in human quality treatment or human dignity-centered business frameworks.
IL-1 Family Blockade in Cytokine Storm Syndromes

Interleukin-1 is a prototypic pro-inflammatory cytokine that is elevated in cytokine storm syndromes (CSS), such as secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (sHLH) and macrophage activation syndrome (MAS). IL-1 has many pleotropic and redundant roles in both the innate and adaptive immune response. Blockade of IL-1 with recombinant human interleukin-1 receptor antagonist has shown efficacy in treating CSS. Recently, an IL-1 family member, IL-18, has been demonstrated to be contributory to CSS in autoinflammatory conditions, such as in inflammasomopathies (e.g., NLRC4 mutations). Anecdotally, recombinant IL-18 binding protein can be of benefit in treating IL-18 driven CSS. Lastly, another IL-1 family member, IL-33, has been postulated to contribute to CSS in an animal model of disease. Targeting of IL-1 and related cytokines holds promise in treating a variety of CSS.
A Catalogue of Harbours in the Province of Ĝirsu/Lagaš Documented in the Administrative Texts of the Ur III Period

As is well known, boat trips on rivers and canals were an essential part of Mesopotamian economy at the end of the 3rd millennium BC; the Tigris and Euphrates, with their tributaries and canals, se...
Interband magnetoabsorption of In 0.53 Ga 0.47 As

Interband magneto-optical absorption in the Faraday and the Voigt configurations has been studied near liquid-He temperature in ${\mathrm{In}}_{0.53}$${\mathrm{Ga}}_{0.47}$As grown by liquid-phase epitaxy on InP. Using a quasi-Ge model analysis with exciton corrections, the interband data has yielded ${E}_{g}=0.813\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.001$ eV, ${m}_{0}(\frac{1}{{m}_{c}}+\frac{1}{{m}_{\mathrm{hh}}})=26.5\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.5$, ${m}_{0}(\frac{1}{{m}_{c}}+\frac{1}{{m}_{\mathrm{lh}}})=44.0\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}1.0$, and ${\ensuremath{\gamma}}_{3}\ensuremath{-}{\ensuremath{\gamma}}_{2}=0.7\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.2$. Using ${E}_{p}=25.3$ eV and $\ensuremath{\Delta}=0.36$ eV (from linear interpolation between InAs and GaAs) and $\frac{{m}_{c}}{{m}_{0}}=0.041$ (from earlier intraband measurements), the present interband data has yielded a set of parameters for the quasi-Ge model; in particular, ${m}_{\mathrm{hh}}\ensuremath{\simeq}0.47{m}_{0}$ and ${m}_{\mathrm{lh}}\ensuremath{\simeq}0.050{m}_{0}$. A precise determination of ${E}_{p}$ requires a direct measurement of $\ensuremath{\Delta}$ and ${g}_{c}$.