cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Parathyroid hormone and calcitonin

The complete amino acid sequences of the bovine (BPTH) and porcine (PPTH) parathyroid hormones, as well as the sequence of the biologically active amino-terminal portion of human PTH (HPTH), have been determined within the last decade. Subsequent synthesis of fragments has permitted a systematic analysis of structure-activity relationships in the PTH molecule and has provided large amounts of peptide for detailed biochemical, physiological and immunological studies. The existence of a biosynthetic precursor, or prohormone, for parathyroid hormone in man and other mammalian species has recently been recognised, and the pro-hormonal forms have also been isolated and structurally characterised.
Providing frequency regulation reserve services using demand response scheduling

Abstract During power grid contingencies, frequency regulation is a primary concern. Historically, frequency regulation during contingency events has been the sole responsibility of the power utility. We present a practical method of using distributed demand response scheduling to provide frequency regulation during contingency events. This paper discusses the implementation of a control system model for the use of distributed energy storage systems such as battery banks and electric water heaters as a source of ancillary services. We present an algorithm which handles the optimization of demand response scheduling for normal operation and during contingency events. We use dynamic programming as an optimization tool. A price signal is developed using optimal power flow calculations to determine the locational marginal price of electricity, while sensor data for water usage is also collected. Using these inputs to dynamic programming, the optimal control signals are given as output. We assume a market model in which distributed demand response resources are sold as a commodity on the open market and profits from demand response aggregators as brokers of distributed demand response resources can be calculated. In considering control decisions for regulation of transient changes in frequency, we focus on IEEE standard 1547 in order to prevent the safety shut-off of inverter-based generation and further exacerbation of frequency droop. This method is applied to IEEE case 118 as a demonstration of the method in practice.
Abstract 1178: Runx1 is obligatory for mammary epithelial cell morphology and phenotype

Introduction: Runx1 belongs to the Runx family of transcription factors. Translocation of Runx1 is well established as a causative factor of leukemia. However the recognition of Runx1 expression in epithelial lining cells of glands suggests that Runx1 functions in maintaining the integrity of that cell layer. Recent studies have identified Runx1 as one of the top genes mutated in breast cancers. Further Runx1 levels are decreased in high-grade primary breast tumors compared to low/mid-grade tumors. Based on these findings, we raise the hypothesis that Runx1 is a tumor suppressor that functions to maintain the normal epithelial phenotype and that loss of Runx1 could promote epithelial to mesenchymal (EMT). Methods and results: We used two human breast cancer cell models systems, the MCF10A to MCF7/T47D and to MDA-MB-231 and the MCF10A progression model from normal-like mammary epithelial cells (MCF10A) to tumorigenic (MCF10AT1) and to metastatic (MCF10CA1a) cells. We observed that the level of Runx1 is decreased in tumorigenic cells. To understand Runx1 function, Runx1 was depleted by shRNA in mammary epithelial cells that resulting in disrupted/altered cellular morphology and suppressed expression of the epithelial gene E-cadherin. To reinforce this observation, EMT was induced by addition of TGFB1 or by growth factor depletion in MCF10A cells. A striking Runx1 decrease resulted suggesting that Runx1 has a crucial role in preventing EMT. Furthermore our analysis of breast tumors and survival data supports the above finding that loss of Runx1 promotes tumor progression. Conclusion and Impact: Our results highlight an essential role for Runx1 in maintaining normal epithelial phenotype and preventing epithelial to mesenchymal transition as well as tumor progression in breast cancer. Identifying this Runx1 mechanism provides the basis for a novel strategy to treat early stage breast cancer. Citation Format: Deli Hong, Terri Messier, Andrew Fritz, Gillian Browne, Janet Stein, Jane Lian, Gary Stein. Runx1 is obligatory for mammary epithelial cell morphology and phenotype. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 1178.
Cutaneous microbiome effects of fluticasone propionate cream and adjunctive bleach baths in childhood atopic dermatitis.

Background Patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) are prone to skin infections, with microbes such as Staphylococcus aureus suspected of contributing to pathogenesis. Bleach baths might improve AD by reducing skin microbial burden. Objective We sought to characterize the microbiota of lesional and nonlesional skin in young children with AD and control subjects and compare changes after treatment with a topical corticosteroid (TCS) alone or TCS + dilute bleach bath. Methods In a randomized, placebo-controlled, single-blinded clinical trial in 21 children with AD and 14 healthy children, lesional and nonlesional AD skin was examined at baseline and after 4-week treatment with TCS alone or TCS plus bleach bath. Microbial DNA was extracted for quantitative polymerase chain reaction of predominant genera and 16S rRNA sequencing. Results At baseline, densities of total bacteria and Staphylococcus , including Staphylococcus aureus , were significantly higher at the worst AD lesional site than nonlesional ( P = .001) or control ( P P = .04) and from control ( P P Limitations The 4-week time period and/or the twice-weekly baths may not have been sufficient for additional impact on the cutaneous microbiome. More detailed sequencing may allow better characterization of the distinguishing taxa with bleach bath treatment. Conclusions Treatment with a TCS cream suffices to normalize the cutaneous microbiota on lesional AD; after treatment, bacterial communities on lesional skin resemble nonlesional skin but remain distinct from control.
Numerical simulation of the interaction between tandem wind turbines

Abstract Two model wind turbines operating in tandem are simulated using Tenasi, a node-centered, finite volume unstructured flow solver. The turbine blades are designed using the NREL S826 airfoils. The entire test section of the wind tunnel is simulated since the blockage (based on swept area of the rotor and tower area) was 12%. The simulations included the tunnel walls, wind turbine blades, hubs, nacelles and towers. Detailed experimental data is available for a variety of flow conditions (varying tip-speed-ratios). The results presented here are for tip-speed-ratios of 2.5, 4, and 7 for the rear turbine while the front turbine was always operated at the design tip speed ratio of 6. The tunnel wind speed was 10 m/s and the wind turbine RPM was varied to achieve the desired tip-speed-ratios. A DES version of the Menter's SST turbulence model is utilized for the turbulence closure. Turbine performance as well as wake data at various locations is compared to experiment (Blind Test 2 study carried out at NTNU, Norway). Very good agreement is observed for the turbine performance. Good agreement was obtained for velocity fluctuations in the wake region with trends captured very well. Mean velocity predictions agree reasonably well.
A process to reduce reproducibility error in VNA measurements

Vector Network Analyzers have proven to be useful for characterizing the electrical properties of passive interconnects and determining their ability to transmit high speed signals. It is highly desirable to have a measurement process that is both accurate and precise. Because of the complexity of the measurement, there are many potential factors that could affect the precision of the measurement. For example, when taking probed measurements, operators typically use different methods to align the probes, which often introduce subtle variations in measurements. Additionally calibration algorithms (or procedures) may have slight differences that introduce errors as well. This paper will present a method to identify the largest sources of variation that impact the precision of the measurement. The method is based on an extension of the analysis of variance (ANOVA) so that it can be applied to complex variables.
Disease Outcomes and Care Fragmentation Among Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Objective To examine the impact of care fragmentation across multiple health care institutions on disease outcomes in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods Using the Chicago HealthLNK Data Repository, an assembly of electronic health records from 6 institutions, we identified patients with SLE, using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) codes, whose care was delivered at more than 1 organization. We examined whether patients had severe infections or comorbidities (ICD-9 code defined) that indicated SLE-induced damage. T-tests and chi-square tests were used to examine differences between fragmentation groups. Logistic regression was used to assess factors contributing to the occurrence of disease outcomes. Results We identified 4,276 patients with SLE. A total of 856 (20%) received care from more than 1 health care institution. African American patients and patients with public insurance were more likely to experience care fragmentation compared to white and private insurance patients (odds ratio [OR] 1.66, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.44–1.97 and OR 1.63, 95% CI 1.42–1.95). We identified increased risk of infections (OR 1.57, 95% CI 1.30–1.88), cardiovascular disease (OR 1.51, 95% CI 1.23–1.86), end-stage renal disease (OR 1.34, 95% CI 1.05–1.70), nephritis (OR 1.28, 95% CI 1.07–1.54), and stroke (OR 1.28, 95% CI 1.01–1.62) among patients with fragmented care, adjusted for age, sex, race, insurance status, length of followup time, and total visit count. Conclusion In this cross-site cohort of SLE patients, care fragmentation is associated with increased risk of severe infection and comorbidities. These results suggest that improved health information exchange could positively impact outcomes for SLE patients.
Teaching music in the flat world: Reflections on the work of Darling-Hammond and Rothman

ABSTRACTAuthors and scholars published within Arts Education Policy Review have been diligent to investigate various topics surrounding music educator preparation, mentoring, retention, as well as avenues for continued professional development and growth. Linda Darling-Hammond and Robert Rothman, along with various chapter authors, address education reform on an international level within Teaching in the Flat World: Learning from High-Performing Systems (2015). The purpose of this article is to examine the recommendations presented by Darling-Hammond, Rothman, and colleagues through the lens of music education research and policy review. Specific areas of focus include: (a) recruitment and rigor of teacher education programs, (b) alternative routes into the teaching profession, (c) teacher induction and new teacher support, (d) career advancement and professional development support, and (e) teacher evaluation.
Procedural Justice and Legal Compliance

This article reviews the evidence on whether procedurally just treatment of citizens by agents of the criminal justice system, usually the police, has the effect of increasing the citizen's compliance with the law. In brief, we find that perception-based studies consistently show that citizen perceptions of procedurally just treatment are closely tied to perceptions of police legitimacy, and that with only a few exceptions perceptions of legitimacy are strongly associated with legal compliance. However, what has not been established is whether these associations reflect a causal connection whereby changes in policies that are effective in changing actual procedurally just treatment of citizens by police and others lead to changes in legal compliance and perceived legitimacy. Three priority areas for future research are identified: (a) devising and testing a theory of the cumulative effects of experience and community and situational context on perceptions of procedurally just treatment and perceptions of ...
OPTIMAL DESIGN OF LARGE SCALE WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS.

This paper presents a methodology for the design of least cost water distribution systems. The advantage of the formulation compared to the other techniques in the literature is that it is capable of designing a complete system rather than solely sizing pipes. It accomplishes this through a variable reduction similar to that employed in optimal control theory and reduced gradient methods. In addition to handling all types of components it is capable of considering a large number of unknowns. Also as discussed to properly design a system more than one loading condition must be considered. The methodology presented allows any number of loadings to be analyzed when determining the optimal solution. By employing the problem reduction technique, a network simulation model in this case, the widely accepted University of Kentucky model, performs the evaluation of the equations which describe the flow and pressure distribution.
Reassessing the Structure and Function Relationship of the O2 Sensing Transcription Factor FNR.

Abstract Significance: The Escherichia coli regulatory protein fumarate nitrate reduction (FNR) mediates a global transcriptional response upon O2 deprivation. Spanning nearly 40 years of research investigations, our understanding of how FNR senses and responds to O2 has considerably progressed despite a lack of structural information for most of that period. This knowledge has established the paradigm for how facultative anaerobic bacteria sense changes in O2 tension. Recent Advances: Recently, the X-ray crystal structure of Aliivibrio fischeri FNR with its [4Fe-4S] cluster cofactor was solved and has provided valuable new insight into FNR structure and function. These findings have alluded to the conformational changes that may occur to alter FNR activity in response to O2. Critical Issues: Here, we review the major features of this structure in context of previously acquired data. In doing so, we discuss additional mechanistic aspects of FNR function that warrant further investigation. Future Direction...
Vulnerability of Traffic Control System Under Cyberattacks with Falsified Data

Existing traffic control systems are mostly deployed in private wired networks. With the development of wireless technology, vehicles and infrastructure devices will be connected through wireless c...
Introduction: Alkane C–H Activation by Single-Site Metal Catalysis

An overview of the importance and potential impact of catalysts for the selective functionalization of hydrocarbons is given. The presentation includes a brief history of metal-mediated C–H activation and review of various transformations by which metals induce the cleavage of C–H bonds. An introduction to some of the prominent strategies to develop transition metal catalysts for alkane functionalization is presented.
The role of macrophages in the pathogenesis of HSV-1 induced chorioretinitis in BALB/c mice

Purpose. To examine the effects of modification of immune effector cells, including macrophages, in the pathogenesis of herpes simplex virus retinitis in BALB/c mice. Methods. Two intravitreal injections (2 /A each) of anti-CD 1 lb monoclonal antibody (mAb) [13 /*g//xl] were administered to the contralateral eyes of 10 BALB/c mice on days 6 and 8 after HSV inoculation into the right anterior chamber (AC) with HSV-1. A control group consisted of mice injected with anti-HLA-DR mAb in the same fashion. Specific macrophage depletion was performed in an additional group of 12 BALB/c mice by intravenous (IV) injection of dichloromethylene diphosphonate (Cl2MDP)-liposomes 7 days before AC HSV-1 inoculation into the eye. Control group consisted of mice receiving IV PBS-liposomes. Mice were clinically observed for 14 days postinfection, and the incidence of chorioretinal disease was confirmed by histopathologic studies. Results. Intravitreal injections of anti-CDllb mAb produced a dramatic suppression of the contralateral retinal necrosis (2 of 10 mice) compared to 9 of 10 controls receiving an irrelevant antibody therapy (P < 0.05). Mice treated with IV Cl2MDP-liposomes also showed a significant inhibition of the development of contralateral chorioretinitis, with only 3 of 12 mice developing retinal disease compared to 9 of 12 mice from the control group (P < 0.05). FACS analysis performed on peripheral blood and spleen cells showed a significant depletion of Mac-1+ cells of Cl2MDP-liposome-treated but not of PBS-liposome-treated mice (controls). Conclusion. Intravitreal anti-CDllb mAb therapy, a broadly directed depletion strategy against many effector cells (macrophages, granulocytes, natural killer cells, and even cytotoxic T-cells) was most efficient in suppressing the HSV-1 induced contralateral disease. A more specific technique (IV Cl2MDP-liposome therapy) to deplete macrophages also produced a significant inhibition of HSV-1 induced contralateral chorioretinitis. These findings suggest that macrophages are important participants in the effector phase of the destructive inflammatory immune response induced by HSV-1 in the eye. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 1994;35:2990-2998.
Genetic and environmental influences on spatial reasoning: A meta-analysis of twin studies

Abstract Behavioral genetic approaches, such as comparing monozygotic and dizygotic twins, are often used to evaluate the extent to which variations in human abilities are the result of genetic (heritable), shared environmental, and non-shared environmental factors. We conducted a meta-analysis on the twin study literature—comparing monozygotic and dizygotic twins—to provide clarity and a general consensus regarding the extent to which genetic and environmental factors contribute to variation in spatial ability. Consistent with previous work, we found that spatial ability is largely heritable (meta-analytic a ¯ = .61; 95% CI [.55, .66]), with non-shared environmental factors having a substantial impact (meta-analytic e ¯ . = .43; 95% CI [.38, .49]), and shared environmental factors having very little impact (meta-analytic c ¯ . = .07; 95% CI [.05, .10]). Moderator analyses were performed to establish if spatial ability type, sex, or age impacted the explanatory power of genetics or environmental factors. These effects did not differ significantly by sex or spatial ability type. However, the influence of shared environments did significantly differ depending on age. This result was driven by the youngest age group (ages 4–15) demonstrating relatively high amounts of shared environmental influence (c = .15, 95% CI [.10, .20]) compared with the other age groups (cs = .00–.07).
Quantitative ultrasound of muscle can detect corticosteroid effects.

Abstract Objectives In this study, we sought to determine whether quantitative ultrasound (QUS) could detect the impact of corticosteroids on muscle in the absence of frank weakness. Methods QUS was performed on selected limb muscles of 20 brain tumor patients treated with dexamethasone and 30 healthy controls. Echointensity was quantified using gray scale level (GSL) analysis and compared between groups; correlation to corticosteroid exposure was also performed. Results Average 4-muscle GSL (±standard deviation) was greater in patients compared to controls (35.5 ± 5.61 arbitrary units (AU) versus 30.4 ± 4.17 AU, p = 0.001), with the greatest differences in tibialis anterior. Average muscle GSL also correlated to length of corticosteroid therapy (rho = 0.52, p = 0.01). Conclusions These findings suggest that QUS may be able to quantify skeletal muscle alterations associated with chronic corticosteroid use. Further study of this approach is warranted. Significance The findings of this study may provide a tool to evaluate corticosteroid myopathy.
Bedazzled, Think Tanks, and Mass Media

This chapter uses an observation of a book launch and a critique of popular punitive ideas to further explore some of the drivers and contingencies which affect UK gang policy-making. This includes the processes by which, ideas about gangs, which often flow from broader beliefs about the nature of the social world, find their way into policies about gangs. These ideas often emanate from policy entrepreneurs within a political elite associated with think tanks, which loop ideas into the policy process through both direct routes of commissioned policy research and less obvious means by influencing policy information streams through the mass media. The analysis begins with a brief overview of the role of think tanks in policy making; presents an ethnographic vignette of the book launch of the book Among the Hoods; critiques political ideas about the relationship between social exclusion and gang formation found in Among the Hoods and then provides an analysis the role of the mass media in policy making. These related themes provide an overview of a policy pathway (Kingdon op cit) in which gang related problems are identified within narrowly defined ontological and epistemic frameworks that result in policies underpinned by ideas known in criminology and policy circles as Right Realism.
Diagnostic Imaging Use for the Initial Evaluation of Low Back Pain by Primary Care Providers in the United States: 2011-2016.

Abstract Objective High-value care guidelines from multiple medical societies recommend against imaging for the initial evaluation of low back pain in the absence of red flag symptoms. We aimed to determine the current temporal and geographic landscape of imaging ordering patterns for this indication among US primary care providers. Methods Using a national commercial insurance claims database, we identified patients between 18 and 64 years old who presented to a primary care provider for an initial evaluation of low back pain between 2011 and 2016. Patients were identified via International Classification of Diseases codes, and the use of diagnostic imaging was identified by Current Procedural Terminology codes. Geographic regions were based on the location of patient residence. Results Overall, 627,118 encounters met inclusion criteria. Imaging acquisitions increased over time, from 14% of encounters in 2011 to 16% in 2016 (P Discussion Imaging utilization for the initial evaluation of low back pain by primary care providers has increased on a national level from 2011 to 2016, largely represented by radiographs. Significant regional variation also exists. Encouragingly, the use of advanced imaging has remained at a low level in the primary care setting (
Labeling Stem Cells with a New Hybrid Bismuth/Carbon Nanotube Contrast Agent for X-Ray Imaging

The poor retention and survival of cells after transplantation to solid tissue represent a major obstacle for the effectiveness of stem cell-based therapies. The ability to track stem cells in vivo can lead to a better understanding of the biodistribution of transplanted cells, in addition to improving the analysis of stem cell therapies’ outcomes. Here, we described the use of a carbon nanotube-based contrast agent (CA) for X-ray computed tomography (CT) imaging as an intracellular CA to label bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Porcine MSCs were labeled without observed cytotoxicity. The CA consists of a hybrid material containing ultra-short single-walled carbon nanotubes (20–80 nm in length, US-tubes) and Bi(III) oxo-salicylate clusters which contain four Bi3+ ions per cluster (Bi4C). The CA is thus abbreviated as Bi4C@US-tubes.
Fully-Coupled Fluid-Structure Interaction Simulations of a Supersonic Parachute

A validated computational fluid-structure interaction method for simulating the complex interaction between the large deformation of very thin, highly deformable structures and compressible flows is extended to consider large-scale problems in supersonic flows using parallel computing. The coupled fluid-structure interaction system is solved in a partitioned, or weakly-coupled, manner. The foundations of the applied fluid-structure interaction method are a higher-order, block-structured Cartesian, sharp immersed boundary method for the compressible Navier-Stokes equations and a computational structural dynamics solver employing a geometrically nonlinear 3-node shell element based on the mixed interpolation of tensorial components formulation. The method is applied to large deformation fluid-structure interaction validation cases before being applied to the inflation of a supersonic parachute in the upper Martian atmosphere where the goal is to demonstrate the capabilities of the solver when considering large-scale problems in supersonic flows.
Patient Satisfaction With Geriatric Psychiatry Services via Video Teleconference.

Abstract Objective The objective for the current study is to examine patient satisfaction with geropsychiatry services provided via video telehealth. Methods Participants included community-dwelling older Veterans receiving geriatric psychiatry services via telehealth across regions of the Pacific Northwest and Southwestern United States. Participants completed a paper-based survey examining satisfaction with services following the completion of two medication management visits with a geropsychiatrist. Results The majority of participants (90%) reported liking or even preferring geriatric telepsychiatry, despite the experience being novel for the majority of patients. Eighty-three percent of participants reported that receiving telegeropsychiatry services was the same (n = 30) or better (n = 3) than being seen in-person. Participants saved an average of 168 driving miles (means and standard deviations = 59.2; range 2–480) each visit. Conclusion The findings of the current study suggest that older adults accept and are broadly satisfied with telegeropsychiatry services. This modality of care increased access to specialty care and decreased travel hardship.
The Prognostic Value of Preoperative Pulmonary Function Testing in Patients Undergoing Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation

Purpose This study evaluates the prognostic value of preoperative pulmonary function tests (PFTs) on post implant outcomes in LVAD patients. Methods Durable LVAD implants from January 2004 to December 2018 at a single institution were included. The primary outcome was rates of respiratory adverse events (AEs): prolonged intubation >72 hours, pneumonia, reintubation or tracheostomy. Secondary outcome included survival. Criteria for abnormal PFTs was met with an FEV1 Results 333 patients underwent LVAD implant, including 40.8% (n=136) with normal PFTs and 59.2% (n=197) with abnormal PFTs. Patients with abnormal PFTs had higher rates of respiratory AEs overall (26.1% vs 14.6%, p=0.04) (Figure A). Patients with abnormal PFTs had a 2-fold increased risk for respiratory AEs (HR 1.93, 95%CI 1.02, 1.64). After risk-adjustment, the impact of abnormal PFTs was most pronounced when FEV1 was 0.05). Post-implant survival at 1 year follow-up was comparable between the groups (58.1% vs 73.7%, p=0.09) (Figure B), although patients in the lowest strata of FEV1 ( Conclusion PFTs are a useful preoperative risk assessment tool for stratification and patient counseling regarding the likelihood of post-LVAD respiratory AEs. Patients with a FEV1
The coronavirus proofreading exoribonuclease mediates extensive viral recombination

SUMMARY Coronaviruses (CoVs) emerge as zoonoses and cause severe disease in humans, demonstrated by the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic. RNA recombination is required during normal CoV replication for subgenomic mRNA (sgmRNA) synthesis and generates defective viral genomes (DVGs) of unknown function. However, the determinants and patterns of CoV recombination are unknown. Here, we show that divergent β-CoVs SARS-CoV-2, MERS-CoV, and murine hepatitis virus (MHV) perform extensive RNA recombination in culture, generating similar patterns of recombination junctions and diverse populations of DVGs and sgmRNAs. We demonstrate that the CoV proofreading nonstructural protein (nsp14) 3’-to-5’ exoribonuclease (nsp14-ExoN) is required for normal CoV recombination and that its genetic inactivation causes significantly decreased frequency and altered patterns of recombination in both infected cells and released virions. Thus, nsp14-ExoN is a key determinant of both high fidelity CoV replication and recombination, and thereby represents a highly-conserved and vulnerable target for virus inhibition and attenuation.
Timp1 gene demethylation contributes to the anoikis resistance phenotype along melanocyte malignant transformation

2877 Although anoikis resistance has been considered a hallmark of the malignant phenotype, the causal relation between neoplastic transformation and anchorage-independent growth remains undefined. To study this correlation, we developed an experimental model of murine melanocyte malignant transformation, where different melanoma cell lines (4C3, 4C11, Tm1, Tm5) were established after submitting a non-tumorigenic melanocyte lineage (melan-a) to sequential substrate anchorage impediment cycles. Melan-a sublines, submitted to 2, 3 and 4 deadhesion cycles (2C, 3C and 4C), were also established, showing progressive anoikis-resistance, and representing distinct phases of tumor progression. Previous gene expression analysis comparing adherent melan-a, melan-a maintained in suspension for 24h, adherent Tm1 and Tm5 cells, showed an up-regulation of Timp1 in melanoma cell lines. Although initially described as a MMP inhibitor, this protein has been recently associated with anoikis resistance in human breast tumor cells. Timp1 protein increases along melanocyte tranformation and its possible association with anoikis resistance prompted us to investigate whether Timp1 expression is regulated by DNA methylation and whether it is associated with the acquisition of the anoikis-resistant phenotype. While melan-a cells express low levels of Timp1, all cell lines derived from melan-a express high levels of this protein. After 5AZAdC treatment, increased levels of Timp1 mRNA were observed in melan-a cells, suggesting that in these cells Timp1 expression is regulated by promoter hypermethylation. Ms-SNuPE analysis has shown an increased demethylation in Timp1 promoter and first exon along melan-a carcinogenesis. Overexpression of Timp1 in melan-a cells resulted in increased survival in anchorage-independent conditions, but Timp1 overexpression by itself was unable to transform non-tumorigenic melanocytes into tumor-forming cell lines. In addition, latency time for tumor appearance was reduced in Timp1-transfected Tm5 melanoma cells, indicating that this molecule may be associated with tumor aggressiveness. In conclusion, our results show a progressive increment in Timp1 expression along the malignant transformation process, resulting from progressive promoter demethylation, which is causally associated with an increase in anoikis-resistance but not with the acquisition, by itself, of a fully transformed malignant phenotype.
Using iNaturalist to Contribute Your Nature Observations to Science

iNaturalist is one of the most popular citizen science data portals in the world. Citizens can submit pictures of biological observations to an online data base to be reviewed by the rich online community and used for important biodiversity research around the world. Users can use the iNaturalist ap to plan community projects and bioblitzes and learn more about species identification and biodiversity. In this 5-page fact sheet, authors Matthew Earl Boone and Mathieu Basille explain how observations are vetted and used and give a step by step guide to get started! Published by the UF/IFAS Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw458
Early tracheostomy in acute heart failure exacerbation.

Abstract Background The optimal timing for tracheostomy among patients with acute heart failure (AHF) exacerbation has been controversial, despite multiple studies assessing the utility of early tracheostomy. Our objective was to assess the trend of utilization and outcomes of early tracheostomy among patients with AHF exacerbation in the United States. Methods and results A retrospective cohort study using the National Inpatient Sample from 2005 to 2014 was conducted. Among those who were admitted with AHF exacerbation (n = 1,390,356), 0.26% of patients underwent tracheostomy (n = 2,571), and among them, 19.4% received early tracheostomy (n = 496). There was no significant shift in the percentage of early tracheostomy from 2008 to 2014. We used propensity score matching to compare the clinical and economic outcomes between the early tracheostomy group and late tracheostomy group. In-hospital mortality did not show any difference between the two groups (13.97% in early group vs. 18.04% in late group; p =0.163). The median total hospital cost ($53,466), total hospital length of stay (19 days), and length of stay after intubation (16 days) in the early tracheostomy group were significantly lower than in the late tracheostomy group ($73,680; 26 days; 23 days, respectively). Conclusion Early tracheostomy showed economic benefit with lower hospital costs and shorter length of stay, without a difference in in-hospital mortality compared to late tracheostomy.
Adaptive High-Order Fluid-Structure Interaction Simulations with Reduced Mesh-Motion Errors

This paper demonstrates an adaptive approach for solving fluid–structure interaction problems using high-fidelity numerical methods along with a detailed analysis of mesh-motion errors. A high-orde...
Comparisons of Factors Influencing Cancer Rescreening Intention in Middle-Aged and Elderly.

Objective: This study was conducted to identify and compare factors that influence the intention of middle-aged and elderly in Korea to undergo cancer screening. Methods: The participants were 367 middle-aged individuals aged 40 to 59 and elderly older than 60 years who had been undergoing cancer screening in D-city, Korea. Data were collected using structured questionnaires that asked about knowledge, health beliefs, and satisfaction regarding cancer screening as well as cancer re-screening intention. The data were analyzed using the SPSS/WIN 25.0 program. Results: Factors influencing cancer re-screening intentions differed between middle-aged and elderly populations. The influencing factors of cancer re-screening intention among middle-aged were perceived benefits, perceived barriers, and perceived severity of cancer screening, while among the elderly perceived benefits, experience with cancer screening, and the reason for cancer screening were identified. Conclusions: The results indicate that a customized and systemic approach considering the characteristics of middle-aged and elderly is needed to promote consistent cancer screening in middle-aged and elderly.
Idealizations and Partitions: A Defense of Robustness Analysis

We argue that the robustness analysis of idealized models can have confirmational power. This responds to concerns recently raised in the literature (especially by Odenbaugh & Alexandrova), according to which (a) the robustness analysis of models whose idealizations are not discharged is unable to confirm the causal mechanisms underlying these models, and (b) the robustness analysis of models whose idealizations are discharged is unnecessary. In response, we make clear that, where idealizations sweep out, in a specific way, the space of possibilities— which is sometimes, though not always, the case—they can be holistically discharged. In turn, this can be used to show that the robustness analysis of idealized models can have confirmational force after all.
Study of In-Service Bitumenized Fiber Sewer Pipe

According to the Plumbing Bureau of the City of Tampa, from 1967 to 1973, over 2,000 bitumenized fiber sewer pipe failures occurred in the City of Tampa. This project involved the recovery and determination of the properties of bitumenized fiber sewer pipe that had been in service in residential sewer systems in the City of Tampa. The results of this study show that the strength of recovered bitumenized fiber pipe decreases with respect to time of service and the amount of water absorbed. Blisters and root penetration were frequently found and, either alone or in conjunction with rotary knife cleaning, also decrease the strength of the pipe.
Immunotherapy for multiple myeloma: Current status and future directions

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a plasma cell neoplasm which constitutes about 10% of all hematologic malignancies and has been in the limelight of fast-track development of novel drugs that have contributed to the transformation of a rapidly lethal disease into a chronic illness with significant improvement in quality of life. Nonetheless, MM remains an incurable disease in many patients. Immunotherapy has been one of the approaches that had the highest hope for curing this disease. More than two decades of research and clinical trials in immunotherapy for MM have however resulted in very little impact on patient survival. The various immunotherapy approaches that have been attempted over the last two decades but were fraught with failure have already been extensively summarized in many published reviews. Nevertheless, in view of better understanding of the immune checkpoints, the innate immune system, and improved biotechnology, there is renewed hope. In this review, we will briefly discuss the unsuccessful approaches and emphasize the lessons learned, highlight the challenges that lie ahead, and discuss the more promising approaches, that already exist or being developed such as use of allogeneic stem cell transplants (allo-SCT) as a form of cellular immunotherapy, new monoclonal antibodies, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell adoptive therapy, and NK cell therapy.
Spray Droplet Size Affects Efficacy of Fenpropathrin Against Asian Citrus Psyllid

In a laboratory investigation, the effect of spray droplet size on the mortality of three life stages (eggs, nymphs, and adults) of the Asian citrus psyllid (ACP), Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, was determined. Six spray droplets of nearly uniform size (diameter) ( D10 1⁄4 40:5, 52.0, 101.5, 147.9, 174.0, and 264.7 lm) of fenpropathrin, a synthetic pyrethroid, were generated using a piezo-electric droplet generator. The formulation active ingredient (AI) was applied at spray delivery rates of 0.38 or 0.58 mg AI/min (168.9 and 253.4 g AI/ha), which were equivalent to 1/2 and 3/4 of the recommended field rates, respectively. The desired rates were achieved by moving the target plants across the spray stream at speeds of 7.2 or 27.2 cm/s. These operating parameters resulted in a high droplet density of 81.3 to 327.2 droplets/cm and a low droplet density of 20.8 to 130.7 droplets/cm. The ACP populations were counted at 3 and 7 days after spray (DAS). In general, the percent mortality of ACP eggs, nymphs, and adults decreased at 3 and 7 DAS as the droplet size increased, regardless of the spray discharge rate or droplet density. Smaller droplet sizes (40.5 and 52.0 lm) resulted in significantly greater ACP mortality than the remaining droplet sizes, with few exceptions. The intermediate droplet sizes (101.5 and 147.9 lm) resulted in ACP mortalities ranging from 40 % to 92 %, and larger droplets (174.0 and Manuscript received September 2, 2011; accepted for publication May 3, 2012; published online September 2012. Univ. of Florida, IFAS, Citrus Research and Education Center, 700 Experiment Station Rd., Lake Alfred, FL 33850. Univ. of Florida, IFAS, Citrus Research and Education Center, 700 Experiment Station Rd., Lake Alfred, FL 33850 (Corresponding author), e-mail: msi@ufl.edu Copyright VC 2012 by ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. Pesticide Formulations and Delivery Systems: Innovating Legacy Products for New Uses STP 1558, 2012 Available online at www.astm.org DOI:10.1520/STP104310 Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Fri Oct 5 09:36:34 EDT 2012 Downloaded/printed by Lukasz Stelinski (University+of+Florida) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized. 264.7 lm) resulted in the lowest mortality at both droplet densities. These laboratory results suggest that field applications of fenpropathrin with smaller droplet sizes might be more effective against ACP than applications with larger droplets.
The length of a shortest closed geodesic and the area of a 2-dimensional sphere

Let M be a Riemannian manifold homeomorphic to S 2 . The purpose of this paper is to establish the new inequality for the length of a shortest closed geodesic, l(M), in terms of the area A of M. This result improves previously known inequalities by C.B. Croke (1988), by A. Nabutovsky and the author (2002) and by S. Sabourau (2004).
NUCLEAR STRUCTURE AND NUCLEAR TECHNOLOGY

This chapter introduces the basic neutron–proton model of the nucleus upon which modern nuclear models are based. It discusses the role that this model plays in 20th century physics and technology. The nucleus of the atom is a bound system of neutrons and protons that, collectively, are called nucleons. The binding energy of a nucleus is the minimum energy that must be added to a nucleus to separate it into its constituent neutrons and protons. As the number of protons in stable nuclei increases, the neutron number gets progressively larger than the proton number. In all nuclear reactions, the conservation laws involving energy, linear momentum, angular momentum, and charge apply. In a spontaneous disintegration of a nucleus, rest mass energy considerations require that the combined masses of the disintegration products be less than the mass of the disintegrating nucleus. The rest mass energy is transformed into kinetic energy, which is shared by the reaction products. Like the energies associated with an atom, the energies of a nucleus are discrete. A nucleus may absorb energy and make a transition to a state of higher energy. However, energy might be released and it might move to a lower energy state.
Interactive visual analytic tools for forensic analysis of mass casualty incidents using DIORAMA system

In this paper we introduce DIORAMA based interactive visual analytics tools that enable forensic analysis of mass casualty incidents. Using visualization tools we can get an overview of data collections as well as zoom into interesting details and filter datasets by comparing the data items based on some attribute values (e.g. display all the red patients, display the motion of a specific responder). The incident investigators may want (for example) to know not only where the responders are during the incident but also the responders' motion patterns and tasks performed. Other information that can be obtained is the distribution of patients in the disaster site and their mobility patterns.
Long‐lifetime ice particles in mixed‐phase stratiform clouds: Quasi‐steady and recycled growth

Ice particles play an important role in precipitation and radiation transfer in stratiform mixed-phase clouds. Lagrangian ice particle tracking in mixed-phase clouds is applied in both a 3-D time-dependent velocity field produced by a large eddy simulation cloud model and a 2-D idealized field. It is found that more than 10% of ice particles have lifetimes longer than 1.5 h, much longer than the large eddy turnover time or the time for a crystal to fall through the depth of a nonturbulent cloud. An analysis of trajectories in a 2-D idealized field shows that there are two types of long-lifetime ice particles: quasi-steady and recycled growth. For quasi-steady growth, ice particles are suspended in the updraft velocity region for a long time. For recycled growth, ice particles are trapped in the large eddy structures, and whether ice particles grow or sublimate depends on the ice relative humidity profile within the boundary layer. Some ice particles can grow after each cycle in the trapping region, until they are too large to be trapped, and thus have long lifetimes. The relative contribution of the recycled ice particles to the cloud mean ice water content depends on both the dynamic and thermodynamic properties of the mixing layer. In particular, the total ice water content of a mixed-phase cloud in a decoupled boundary layer can be much larger than that in a fully coupled boundary layer.
Increased inflammation but similar physical composition and function in older-aged, HIV-1 infected subjects

Systemic immune activation (inflammation) and immunosenescence develop in some people with advancing age. This process, known as “inflamm-aging,” is associated with physical frailty and sarcopenia. Meanwhile, successful antiretroviral therapy has led to a growing number of older HIV-1-infected individuals who face both age-related and HIV-1-related inflammation, which may synergistically promote physical decline, including frailty and sarcopenia. The purpose of our study was to determine if inflammation during treated HIV-1 infection worsens physical impairment in older individuals. We determined the severity of HIV-associated inflammation and physical performance (strength and endurance) in 21 older HIV-infected individuals (54–69 years) receiving suppressive antiretroviral therapy, balanced for confounding variables including age, anthropometrics, and co-morbidities with 10 uninfected control individuals. Biomarkers for microbial translocation (lipopolysaccharide [LPS]), inflammation (soluble CD14 [sCD14], osteopontin, C-reactive protein [CRP], interleukin-6 [IL-6], soluble ICAM-1 [sICAM-1] and soluble VCAM-1 [sVCAM-1]), and coagulopathy (D-dimer) were assayed in plasma. Activation phenotypes of CD4+T cells, CD8+ T cells and monocytes were measured by flow cytometry. Physical performance was measured by 400 m walking speed, a short physical performance battery [SPPB], and lower extremity muscle strength and fatigue. Overall physical function was similar in the uninfected and HIV-infected groups. Compared to uninfected individuals, the HIV-infected group had elevated levels of sCD14 (P < 0.001), CRP (P < 0.001) and IL-6 (P = 0.003) and an increased frequency of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells with an immunosenescent CD57+ phenotype (P = 0.004 and P = 0.043, respectively). Neither plasma inflammatory biomarkers nor CD57+ T cells correlated with CD4+ T cell counts. Furthermore, none of the elevated inflammatory biomarkers in the HIV-infected subjects were associated with any of the physical performance results. When age-related co-morbidities were carefully balanced between the uninfected and HIV-infected groups, no evidence of inflammation-associated physical impairment was detected. Despite careful balancing for age, BMI, medications and co-morbidities, the HIV-infected group still displayed evidence of significant chronic inflammation, including elevated sCD14, CRP, IL-6 and CD57+ T cells, although the magnitude of this inflammation was unrelated to physical impairment.
CAPILLARY ELECTROPHORESIS AND ELECTROCHEMICAL DETECTION OF UNDERIVATIZED OLIGO- AND POLYSACCHARIDES WITH SURFACTANT-CONTROLLED ELECTROOSMOTIC FLOW

Complex polysaccharide mixtures were analyzed directly without derivatization by capillary zone electrophoresis in strongly alkaline solutions and electrochemical detection at a Cu electrode. The positively charged surfactant cetyltrimethylammonium bromide was included in the electrophoresis medium in order to reverse the electroosmotic flow and permit elution to be in order of increasing polysaccharide size. Carbohydrate samples analyzed by this approach included linear maltoses, enzymatically hydrolyzed starch, and commercially available dextrans of up to an average molecular weight of 18 300. Detection by constant-potential oxidation at a Cu electrode was very sensitive, with detection limits for individual carbohydrates generally below the femtomole level.