cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cloning and characterization of leptin in a Perciform fish, the striped bass (Morone saxatilis): control of feeding and regulation by nutritional state.

Abstract In mammals, leptin is an anorexigenic peptide hormone that regulates energy homeostasis. It is produced predominantly by white adipose tissue and circulates as an endocrine indicator of energy reserves. Teleost leptin has been characterized in a few fish species, but its regulation is not well understood, particularly in response to nutritional status. In this study, we cloned a putative leptin in striped bass ( Morone saxatilis ) and report the first characterization of leptin in a Perciforme, the largest and most diverse order of fish. The striped bass leptin coding sequence was 65% homologous with pufferfish, 52% with Atlantic salmon, and 46% with human. PCR showed that leptin mRNA was exclusively expressed in the liver, and not adipose or other tissues. The leptin coding sequence of striped bass and the more widely cultured hybrid striped bass variety (HSB; Morone chrysops , white bass × M. saxatilis ) were identical. We then evaluated whether the metabolic status of HSB might alter leptin gene expression. Juvenile HSB were subjected to 3 weeks feed deprivation followed by 3 weeks of refeeding. Quantitative PCR showed that fasting for 3 weeks reduced hepatic leptin mRNA levels relative to fed controls. Leptin mRNA levels then increased upon refeeding, albeit levels were not completely restored to those seen in control fish fed throughout the experiment. Intraperitoneal injection of human leptin suppressed appetite in HSB. In as much as hepatic HSB leptin mRNA is regulated by nutritional state and has a corresponding anorexigenic effect, our results suggest that leptin may play a role in energy homeostasis in these advanced Perciformes.
Phosphatidylinositol ether lipid analogues that inhibit AKT also independently activate the stress kinase, p38α, through MKK3/6-independent and -dependent mechanisms

Previously, we identified five active phosphatidylinositol ether lipid analogues (PIAs) that target the pleckstrin homology domain of Akt and selectively induce apoptosis in cancer cells with high levels of Akt activity. To examine specificity, PIAs were screened against a panel of 29 purified kinases. No kinase was inhibited, but one isoform of p38, p38α, was uniformly activated 2-fold. Molecular modeling of p38α revealed the presence of two regions that could interact with PIAs, one in the activation loop and a heretofore unappreciated region in the upper lobe that resembles a pleckstrin homology domain. In cells, two phases of activation were observed, an early phase that was independent of the upstream kinase MKK3/6 and inhibited by the p38 inhibitor SB203580 and a latter phase that was coincident with MKK3/6 activation. In short term xenograft experiments that employed immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting, PIA administration increased phosphorylation of p38 but not MKK3/6 in tumors in a statistically significant manner. Although PIAs rapidly activated p38 with similar time and dose dependence as Akt inhibition, p38 activation and Akt inhibition were independent events induced by PIAs. Using SB203580 or p38α-/- cells, we showed that p38α is not required for PIA-induced apoptosis but is required for H2O2- and anisomycin-induced apoptosis. Nonetheless, activation of p38a contributes to PIA-induced apoptosis, because reconstitution of p38a into p38α-/- cells increased apoptosis. These studies indicate that p38α is activated by PIAs through a novel mechanism and show that p38α activation contributes to PIA-induced cell death. Independent modulation of Akt and p38α could account for the profound cytotoxicity of PIAs.
Clarification to the Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Involving Tigecycline

While we appreciate the authors’ attempts to provide a summary of this topic, when we read the systematic review and metaanalysis of tigecycline efficacy and safety by Cai and colleagues (3), we found several points that require clarification. First, let’s address tigecycline’s efficacy as described in the background section. Although case reports and observational data exist regarding successful treatment of various infection types with tigecycline, a clinical trial of tigecycline use in hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) failed to meet its primary endpoint (7). A phase II trial studying two higher doses of tigecycline in this indication was recently terminated due to enrollment difficulties (http://www .clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00707239). Also, it is important to note that tigecycline has not been systematically studied and is not indicated in the treatment of septic shock, primary bacteremia, and urinary tract infection (UTI). In addition, tigecycline’s rapid distribution from serum to tissues and its low excretion in urine further caution against its use in primary bacteremia and UTIs. Second, the authors included seven randomized clinical trials
Osmosis and Diffusion Conceptual Assessment

Biology student mastery regarding the mechanisms of diffusion and osmosis is difficult to achieve. To monitor comprehension of these processes among students at a large public university, we developed and validated an 18-item Osmosis and Diffusion Conceptual Assessment (ODCA). This assessment includes two-tiered items, some adopted or modified from the previously published Diffusion and Osmosis Diagnostic Test (DODT) and some newly developed items. The ODCA, a validated instrument containing fewer items than the DODT and emphasizing different content areas within the realm of osmosis and diffusion, better aligns with our curriculum. Creation of the ODCA involved removal of six DODT item pairs, modification of another six DODT item pairs, and development of three new item pairs addressing basic osmosis and diffusion concepts. Responses to ODCA items testing the same concepts as the DODT were remarkably similar to responses to the DODT collected from students 15 yr earlier, suggesting that student mastery regarding the mechanisms of diffusion and osmosis remains elusive.
Factors related to the disproportionate involvement of children of color in the child welfare system: a review and emerging themes

Abstract There exists a little research on children of color in the child welfare system (CWS) and most of what we know focuses on provision of child welfare services and system-related outcomes rather than the processes that lead to these outcomes—how families and children of color become and stay involved. Rather than one primary cause, there appear to be numerous interrelated factors associated with the disproportionate rates of involvement of children of color in the CWS. This review focuses on four areas: (1) parent and family-related risk factors and CWS involvement; (2) social factors related to poverty, neighborhood effects and other community-related predictors of children of color entering and staying in the CWS; (3) race and class biases in initial reporting and subsequent processing of children in the CWS, and (4) the impact of recent child welfare policy initiatives on children of color. Limitations of the current body of literature on children of color in the CWS are presented as well as emerging themes and areas for further inquiry.
Amputation Rates for Patients with Diabetes and Peripheral Arterial Disease: The Effects of Race and Region

Background It remains unknown whether care of high-risk vascular patients with both diabetes and peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is improving. We examined national trends in care of patients with both PAD and diabetes. Methods A cohort of patients diagnosed with PAD and diabetes between 2007 and 2011 undergoing open or endovascular diagnostic or revascularization procedures was analyzed using Medicare claims data. Main outcome measure was amputation-free survival measured from time of initial revascularization procedure to 24 months, stratified by race and hospital referral region (HRR). Results From 2007 to 2011, 2.3 per 1,000 patients underwent a major amputation with the higher rate among black patients (5.5 per 1,000 vs. 1.9 per 1,000; P < 0.001) compared with nonblack. The rate varied widely by HRR (1.2 per 1,000–6.2 per 1,000), with higher variation in amputation rates in black patients (2.1–16.1 per 1,000). Overall, amputation-free survival was approximately 74.6% at 2 years, 68.4% among black patients, and 75.4% among nonblack patients, with the disparity between the 2 groups increasing over time. Conclusions Prevalence of concurrent PAD and diabetes is increasing, but amputation rates and amputation-free survival vary significantly by both race and HRR. Prevention and care coordination effort should aim to limit racial disparities in the treatment and outcomes of these high-risk patients.
Utilization of a novel digital measurement tool for quantitative assessment of upper extremity motor dexterity: a controlled pilot study.

The current methods of assessing motor function rely primarily on the clinician’s judgment of the patient’s physical examination and the patient’s self-administered surveys. Recently, computerized handgrip tools have been designed as an objective method to quantify upper-extremity motor function. This pilot study explores the use of the MediSens handgrip as a potential clinical tool for objectively assessing the motor function of the hand. Eleven patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) were followed for three months. Eighteen age-matched healthy participants were followed for two months. The neuromotor function and the patient-perceived motor function of these patients were assessed with the MediSens device and the Oswestry Disability Index respectively. The MediSens device utilized a target tracking test to investigate the neuromotor capacity of the participants. The mean absolute error (MAE) between the target curve and the curve tracing achieved by the participants was used as the assessment metric. The patients’ adjusted MediSens MAE scores were then compared to the controls. The CSM patients were further classified as either “functional” or “nonfunctional” in order to validate the system’s responsiveness. Finally, the correlation between the MediSens MAE score and the ODI score was investigated. The control participants had lower MediSens MAE scores of 8.09%±1.60%, while the cervical spinal disorder patients had greater MediSens MAE scores of 11.24%±6.29%. Following surgery, the functional CSM patients had an average MediSens MAE score of 7.13%±1.60%, while the nonfunctional CSM patients had an average score of 12.41%±6.32%. The MediSens MAE and the ODI scores showed a statistically significant correlation (r=-0.341, p<1.14×10-5). A Bland-Altman plot was then used to validate the agreement between the two scores. Furthermore, the percentage improvement of the the two scores after receiving the surgical intervention showed a significant correlation (r=-0.723, p<0.04). The MediSens handgrip device is capable of identifying patients with impaired motor function of the hand. The MediSens handgrip scores correlate with the ODI scores and may serve as an objective alternative for assessing motor function of the hand.
Magnetic Blocking at 10 K and a Dipolar-Mediated Avalanche in Salts of the Bis(η8-cyclooctatetraenide) Complex [Er(COT)2]−

The structures and magnetic properties of [K(18-crown-6)]+ (1) and [K(18-crown-6)(THF)2]+ (2) salts of the η8-cyclooctatetraenide sandwich complex [Er(COT)2]− (COT2– = cyclooctatetraene dianion) are reported. Despite slight differences in symmetry, both compounds exhibit slow magnetic relaxation under zero applied dc field with relaxation barriers of ∼150 cm–1 and waist-restricted magnetic hysteresis. Dc relaxation and dilution studies suggest that the drop in the magnetic hysteresis near zero field is influenced by a bulk magnetic avalanche effect coupled with tunneling of the magnetization. Through dilution with [K(18-crown-6)(THF)2][Y(COT)2] (3), these phenomena are substantially quenched, resulting in an open hysteresis loop to 10 K. Importantly, this represents the highest blocking temperature yet observed for a mononuclear complex and the second highest for any single-molecule magnet. A comprehensive comparative analysis of the magnetism of [K(18-crown-6)][Ln(COT)2] (Ln = Sm, Tb, Dy, Ho, Yb) reveals...
Issues in the Control of the Switched Reluctance Motor During Continuous Conduction

Previous work has shown that the constant power speed range (CPSR) of the switched reluctance motor is infinite when continuous conduction is allowed during high-speed operation Control required to achieve this, can be similar to low speed control commonly used for SRM motors such as setting an advance angle, a dwell angle and a set point for a current regulator. Dwell interval slightly greater than 50% of the duration of each stroke, insures sustainable continuous conduction and current buildup to current regulator set point. It is shown that there is a clear optimum advance angle which maximizes the energy conversion. Developed power can be controlled by raising or lowering the current regulator set-point. As developed power is proportional to the motor current magnitude, high efficiency under full as well as partial load conditions is achieved. Maximum steady state efficiency can be achieved by using minimum dwell but the dynamic response may be sluggish. It is shown that dynamic response can be increased by temporary increases in dwell, and once a new steady state is reached, dwell can be set back to the minimum value to maximize the efficiency.
Effects of "conservative" policy-makers and "liberal" executives in a simplified model of the national economy

A highly-simplified model of the national economy is taken from available literature. Modifications are made to the model to account for differences in political and economic attitudes between the executive branch and the financial policy makers. The basic model form is that of a feedback system in which the measured national income is compared with a desired level to obtain a perceived "error" in national income. An executive branch is assumed with a "highly sensitive" or "liberal" reaction to perceived error in national income. A highly "conservative" reaction to perceived error in income is attributed to the financial policy makers and is accounted for in the closed-loop system by a nonlinearity denoted as deadzone in control system theory. The model of the feedback system is studied by varying parameters in a computer simulation using MATLAB software.
Semidefinite Relaxations for Approximate Inference on Graphs with Cycles

We present a new method for calculating approximate marginals for probability distributions defined by graphs with cycles, based on a Gaussian entropy bound combined with a semidefinite outer bound on the marginal polytope. This combination leads to a log-determinant maximization problem that can be solved by efficient interior point methods [8]. As with the Bethe approximation and its generalizations [12], the optimizing arguments of this problem can be taken as approximations to the exact marginals. In contrast to Bethe/Kikuchi approaches, our variational problem is strictly convex and so has a unique global optimum. An additional desirable feature is that the value of the optimal solution is guaranteed to provide an upper bound on the log partition function. In experimental trials, the performance of the log-determinant relaxation is comparable to or better than the sum-product algorithm, and by a substantial margin for certain problem classes. Finally, the zero-temperature limit of our log-determinant relaxation recovers a class of well-known semidefinite relaxations for integer programming [e.g., 3].
Brain inflammation and oxidative stress in a transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer-like brain amyloidosis

BACKGROUND: An increasing body of evidence implicates both brain inflammation and oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The relevance of their interaction in vivo, however, is unknown. Previously, we have shown that separate pharmacological targeting of these two components results in amelioration of the amyloidogenic phenotype of a transgenic mouse model of AD-like brain amyloidosis (Tg2576). METHODS: In the present study, we investigated the therapeutic effects of a combination of an anti-inflammatory agent, indomethacin, and a natural anti-oxidant, vitamin E, in the Tg2576 mice. For this reason, animals were treated continuously from 8 (prior to Abeta deposition) through 15 (when Abeta deposits are abundant) months of age. RESULTS: At the end of the study, these therapeutic interventions suppressed brain inflammatory and oxidative stress responses in the mice. This effect was accompanied by significant reductions of soluble and insoluble Abeta1-40 and Abeta1-42 in neocortex and hippocampus, wherein the burden of Abeta deposits also was significantly decreased. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study support the concept that brain oxidative stress and inflammation coexist in this animal model of AD-like brain amyloidosis, but they represent two distinct therapeutic targets in the disease pathogenesis. We propose that a combination of anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant drugs may be a useful strategy for treating AD.
Statecraft, Decision-Making, and the Varieties of Historical Experience: A Taxonomy

AbstractThis article constructs a taxonomy of the various ways that national security policy-makers attempt to use history. It identifies four types of history: experience, memory, tradition, and study. It then defines and describes three categories of how history is used in national security policy: predictive, prescriptive, and existential. Each category is distilled further into specific manifestations. The article agrees with existing scholarship that policy-makers often misuse history, but argues that nevertheless policy-makers engage with history in more diverse and complex ways than are commonly understood. Thus before scholars attempt to critique and improve the manner in which policy-makers use history, we should first employ a more sophisticated understanding of the multiple ways that policy-makers approach history in the first place.
InGaAs/InP heterojunction bipolar transistors grown with gas source molecular beam epitaxy

The effects of emitter-base doping and base setback layers on recombination, emitter efficiency, and gain of InGaAs/InP heterojunction bipolar phototransistors (HPTs) were studied experimentally. Six different HPT designs were investigated; three had setback layers and three did not. All of the HPTs were fabricated from gas source MBE (molecular-beam epitaxy)-grown lattice-matched InGaAs/InP layers which were chemically etched into square mesas 380 mu m on a side. The wafers with no setback layer and high emitter-base doping produced HPTs with maximum gains only in the 50-200 range. Theoretical analysis suggests that the large variation in gain with different layer dopings and setbacks is strongly influenced by the location and width of the energy notch caused by the conduction band offset. >
Screening the Cellular Microenvironment: A Role for Microfluidics

The cellular microenvironment is an increasingly discussed topic in cell biology as it has been implicated in the progression of cancer and the maintenance of stem cells. The microenvironment of a cell is an organized combination of extracellular matrix (ECM), cells, and interstitial fluid that influence cellular phenotype through physical, mechanical, and biochemical mechanisms. Screening can be used to map combinations of cells and microenvironments to phenotypic outcomes in a way that can help develop more predictive in vitro models and to better understand phenotypic mechanisms from a systems biology perspective. This paper examines microenvironmental screening in terms of outcomes and benefits, key elements of the screening process, challenges for implementation, and a possible role for microfluidics as the screening platform. To assess microfluidics for use in microenvironmental screening, examples and categories of micro-scale and microfluidic technology are highlighted. Microfluidic technology shows promise for simultaneous control of multiple parameters of the microenvironment and can provide a base for scaling advanced cell-based experiments into automated high-throughput formats.
Adaptive microbial population shifts in response to a continuous ethanol blend release increases biodegradation potential.

The fate of fuel releases largely depends on the poorly-understood response in microbial community structure and function. Here, we evaluate the impacts to the microbial community resulting from a pilot-scale continuous release (10 months) of a 10% v:v ethanol solution mixed with benzene and toluene (50 mg/L each). Microbial population shifts were characterized by pyrosequencing-based 16S rRNA analysis and by quantitative PCR targeting Bacteria, Archaea, and functional genes for methanogenesis (mcrA), acetogenesis (fhs) and aerobic degradation of aromatic hydrocarbons (PHE), which could occur in hypoxic micro-environments. The release stimulated microbial growth, increased species richness and diversity, and selected for genotypes involved in fermentative degradation (the relative abundance of mcrA and fhs increased 18- and 6-fold, respectively). The growth of putative hydrocarbon degraders and commensal anaerobes, and increases in microbial diversity and in degradation rates suggest an adaptive response that increases the potential for natural attenuation of ethanol blend releases.
A developmental switch in expression from blastocyst to endometrial/placental-type cytochrome P450 aromatase genes in the pig and horse.

Pig blastocysts exhibit a transient period of estrogen production at periimplantation, with a second, more sustained period of estrogen synthesis occurring in endometrium and placenta at later pregnancy. Previously we reported the isolation of cDNA clones encoding a novel isoform of cytochrome P450 aromatase (the terminal enzyme in the estrogen biosynthetic pathway) from porcine periimplantation blastocysts. The present study investigated pregnancy-associated expression, in blastocysts and maternal reproductive tract tissues, of this and an additional mRNA transcript encoding a distinct P450 aromatase isoform. Restriction endonuclease and nucleotide sequence analyses of 44 cDNA clones demonstrated that the major aromatase mRNA in periimplantation blastocysts and early-pregnancy endometrium and placenta (blastocyst-type) differed in sequence from the major aromatase mRNA expressed in endometrium and placenta at midpregnancy, (endometrial-type). The deduced blastocyst and endometrial aromatase isoform protein sequences had 93% similarity. A third type of aromatase mnRNA, deleted in exons 46 sequences, also was cloned from blastocysts. This cDNA was identical in nucleotide sequence to the blastocyst full-length aromatase cDNA and specified an open reading frame of 354 amino acids for a putative aromatase-related protein containing the heme-binding domain. Expression of this shorter mRNA in blastocysts was confirmed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The 5'-untranslated exon sequences in the transcripts encoding the blastocyst-type aromatase isoform were distinct from that of the endometrial type, consistent with differential expression of multiple chromosomal genes. In periimplantation equine embryos, however, embryonic and placental 5'untranslated exon-containing transcripts were coexpressed. Results identify an aromatase isoform expressed in the endometrium and placenta at midpregnancy, demonstrate a transition in synthesis of aromatase isoform-specific mRNAs during placental development, and suggest the preferential involvement of the blastocyst aromatase isoform in synthesis of estrogenic molecules that may function in embryo-maternal signaling at periimplantation.
Physiologic concentrations of leptin increase collagen production by non-immortalized human hepatic stellate cells

The effects of leptin, in concentrations seen in obesity, on collagen production and turnover in non-immortalized human hepatic stellate cell (HSC), were unknown. The profibrogenic effects of leptin in these cells were studied. Hepatic stellate cells were obtained from resected livers. Collagen I/III gene expression and protein production were measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, respectively. The signal transduction pathways involved were evaluated by specific blockers of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK), and Janus kinase 2 (JAK2). The effects on matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP-1) were assessed by their gene transcript levels, collagenolytic activity of cell culture supernatants, and MMP-1 protein levels. At concentrations seen in nonobese individuals ([leptin] < 10 ng/mL), leptin did not affect collagen production. At concentrations seen in obesity (30-50 ng/mL), leptin increased collagen I and III messenger RNA (mRNA) transcript levels by 286% ± 55% (P < .001) and 167% ± 62% (P < .007) and protein production by 45.8% ± .02% and 84.39% ± .01%, respectively. These effects were blocked by JAK2 inhibition as well as PI3K inhibition. Although MEK inhibition blocked leptin-induced procollagen I and III mRNA levels, there were no significant effects on collagen I and III protein levels. Leptin (10-50 ng/mL) had no significant effects on MMP-1 or TIMP-1 mRNA levels, collagenolytic activity, or MMP-1 protein levels. In conclusion, leptin, at levels seen in obese individuals, produces an increase in collagen production by HSC acting through the JAK and PI3K pathways. At these concentrations, leptin does not affect MMP-1 or TIMP-1 expression or collagenolytic activity of HSC.
Geometry and surface assisted flow discretization

This paper presents a micro flow discretizer that autonomously digitizes continuous liquid flow into nanoliter segments without consuming any electricity or requiring any external control. In the prototype demonstration, the discretizer is made of PDMS microfluidic channels with desired geometry and surface properties. Employing a new self-aligned masking process followed by oxygen plasma to pattern the 3-dimensional PDMS surfaces, areas exposed to plasma are converted from naturally hydrophobic into hydrophilic while areas covered by the mask remain hydrophobic. With the assistance of channel geometry and properties of hydrophobic/hydrophilic surface patterns, a continuous water flow has been split into segments with controllable and predetermined volumes from 10 to 40 nanoliters. As such, this autonomous flow discretizer opens up a new class of metering and manipulation scheme in microfluidic applications including lab-on-a-chip.
Regulated Angiogenesis and Vascular Regression in Mice Overexpressing Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in Airways

Angiogenesis and vascular remodeling occurs in many inflammatory diseases, including asthma. In this study, we determined the time course and reversibility of the angiogenesis and vascular remodeling produced by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in a tet-on inducible transgenic system driven by the CC10 promoter in airway epithelium. One day after switching on VEGF expression, endothelial sprouts arose from venules, grew toward the epithelium, and were abundant by 3 to 5 days. Vessel density reached twice baseline by 7 days. Many new vessels were significantly larger than normal, were fenestrated, and penetrated the epithelium. Despite their mature appearance at 7 days suggested by their pericyte coat and basement membrane, the new vessels started to regress within 3 days when VEGF was switched off, showing stasis and luminal occlusion, influx of inflammatory cells, and retraction and apoptosis of endothelial cells and pericytes. Vessel density returned to normal within 28 days after VEGF withdrawal. Our study showed the dynamic nature of airway angiogenesis and regression. Blood vessels can respond to VEGF by sprouting angiogenesis within a few days, but regress more slowly after VEGF withdrawal, and leave a historical record of their previous extent in the form of empty basement membrane sleeves.
Energy upconversion in erbium doped sodium lead germano tellurite glass

Erbium doped sodium lead germano tellurite glass was prepared by the melt quenching technique. Optical characterization of the material was done using absorption and laser induced fluorescence measurements. Energy upconversion signals were observed from the sample at 415 nm and/or 546 nm under 488 or 806 nm laser excitations. Our results indicate that this material is useful for upconversion laser development. (© 2009 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Electronic Cigarettes in Jails: A Panacea or Public Health Problem?

CrossBar electronic cigarettes, sold in “Corrections Orange,” regular, and menthol varieties, tout being “The ONLY electronic cigarette designed by a jailer specifically for use in correctional facilities.” Transparent packaging is coming soon. Jailcigs ships only to US detention centers declaring exemption from tobacco bans. PrecisionVapor sells electronic cigarettes “designed for institutional use” with plans to produce ‘a top quality cigarette that achieves unparalleled success in jail after jail’ and prisons in all 50 states with calculated sales of $9 per inmate daily or $328,500 for 100 inmates annually.
Understanding metadata functional requirements in genome curation work

The proliferation of genomic data and their widespread data reuse pose new challenges to effectively manage and curate genomic data. This study contributes towards better understanding of 156 genomics scientists' perception and priorities for metadata functional requirements in genome curation work. Our study was guided by previously identified twenty two metadata functional requirements (Willis, Greenberg, & White, 2012), and intended to define a context-sensitive model of groupings for metadata goals in genome curation. Analysis of the results revealed that genomics scientists recognize specific sets of metadata functional requirements in the genome-curation context. These metadata goals were reduced to six factor constructs. The rankings of these constructs in decreasing order are Portability, Reusability, Manipulability, Sufficiency, Interoperability, and Modularity. The findings indicated that genomics scientists need both domain independent and dependent metadata functional requirements that are primarily related to data comparison, integration, and reuse across platforms and databases. The constructs defined by this study advance the understanding of metadata requirements and their relationships. In addition, the resulting metadata requirement model can serve as a valuable resource to genome scientists, data curators and administrators for designing metadata schemes and developing data-curation policies.
Time‐dependent calculations of Jupiter's ionosphere

Time-dependent calculations of the vertical distribution of protons in Jupiter's ionosphere show that the accumulation of protons in the topside ionosphere produced from solar ionizing radiation overwhelms the loss to vibrationally excited molecular hydrogen at vibrational temperatures as high at 1600 K. At 2500 K the ionization is decreased over the entire planet with little diurnal variation. For Voyager 1 then, unless the H2 vibrational temperature is as high as thousands of degrees and the topside density of H2 is asymmetric and larger by orders of magnitude, dynamical processes are more likely causes of the low electron densities seen in the nightside upper ionosphere. A calculation of the H3(+) density profile showed that the distribution above the turbopause is controlled by diffusion.
The Missing Curriculum Link: Personal Financial Planning.

With increasing personal and business financial challenges facing today’s professionals, we, as business school faculty, have a responsibility to offer the educational background that should enable rising professionals to successfully manage finances. Unfortunately, the results of a recent analysis of curriculum offerings in Personal Financial Planning indicate that we, as faculty, have not fully accepted this responsibility. Only three out of the 131 four-year institutions reviewed have a required Personal Financial Planning course in their curriculums. Quite frankly, we’re permitting launching a generation of students who are unprepared to manage both their own and potentially others’ financial affairs. With that shortfall of a course offering as a backdrop, we suggest the following content for a required Personal Financial Planning course for all students majoring in Business Administration.
Protein flexibility is required for vesicle tethering at the Golgi

The Golgi is decorated with coiled-coil proteins that may extend long distances to help vesicles find their targets. GCC185 is a trans Golgi-associated protein that captures vesicles inbound from late endosomes. Although predicted to be relatively rigid and highly extended, we show that flexibility in a central region is required for GCC185’s ability to function in a vesicle tethering cycle. Proximity ligation experiments show that that GCC185’s N-and C-termini are within <40 nm of each other on the Golgi. In physiological buffers without fixatives, atomic force microscopy reveals that GCC185 is shorter than predicted, and its flexibility is due to a central bubble that represents local unwinding of specific sequences. Moreover, 85% of the N-termini are splayed, and the splayed N-terminus can capture transport vesicles in vitro. These unexpected features support a model in which GCC185 collapses onto the Golgi surface, perhaps by binding to Rab GTPases, to mediate vesicle tethering.
The Bombylius albicapillus Group (Diptera: Bombyliidae) of the Nearctic Region, with Key and Descriptions of New Species

Three new species, Bombylius californicus, B. halli , and B. valicolus are described and illustrated. Bombylius heximaculatus Johnson and Johnson is synonymized with B. albicapillus Loew. A key is provided to Nearctic species of the Bombylius albicapillus group.
A reminder for a very rare entity: massive tongue swelling after posterior fossa surgery.

Objective The purpose of this study is to report a case of presumably neurogenic macroglossia that occurred after surgical trapping of a vertebral artery (VA)–posteroinferior cerebellar artery aneurysm, and to analyze its potential pathogenesis. Clinical presentation A 53-year-old woman who suffered from headaches and intermittent loss of consciousness but without evidence of subarachnoid hemorrhage was admitted. Magnetic resonance imaging and angiography showed an irregular aneurysm in the fourth segment of a left dominant VA. Intervention Surgical treatment was indicated after discussion with the neuroradiology team. During surgery, in the prone position the aneurysm ruptured. The patient became hemodynamically instable. On the first postoperative day, macroglossia appeared and remained for 3 weeks until spontaneous regression. Conclusion Macroglossia is a rare complication following neurosurgical procedures with very few cases reported so far. It has been attributed to the sitting position and venous flow congestion. We illustrate a case of macroglossia, which occurred following surgery in the prone position. Its etiology remains speculative, but a neurogenic explanation seems most plausible.
Strengthening IP Protection to Promote the Development of Network Culture Industry

The continuing interactive relationship between IP protection and the development of network culture industry represents a historical process of interactive evolution from impeding or inadaptation to promoting or adaptation.Currently,China′s network culture industry faces such problems as network culture enterprises′inability to implement IP strategies,the weakness of criminal laws in protecting network copyrights,the low judicial quality of network IP cases and failure to differentiate varied IP infringements as well as their compensation systems.By fully understanding the effect of network culture industry′s characteristics upon IP protection and harmonizing the relationship between free promulgation and sharing of network works and IP protection,we can take some corresponding countermeasures to transfer IP′s requirements of network culture industry development from impeding or inadaptation to promoting or adaptation.
Use of cold blood cardioplegia to protect against coronary microcirculatory injury due to ischemia and reperfusion.

The effect of cold blood cardioplegia in preventing microvascular injury owing to myocardial ischemia and reperfusion was studied. Two groups of eight dogs each were placed on cardiopulmonary bypass with separate coronary perfusion at 80 mm Hg. Microcirculatory function was assessed by measuring the extraction and permeability surface area product (PS) for inulin and albumin. These changes were correlated with the transport and extraction of oxygen, coronary blood flow, and morphologic studies of the microvasculature. In Group I, ischemic hearts were kept normothermic for 45 minutes. In Group II, 250 ml of cold (4° C) blood cardioplegic solution (potassium chloride 30 mEq/L) was infused and the infusion repeated at 15 and 30 minutes. Reperfusion resulted in marked reactive hyperemia for Group I (p
Integrated nutrition and food cost control by computer.

Computer systems utilizing mathematical programming 5 have been designed and applied to menu planning. Implementation of regular and multi-diet programs of computerized menu planning demonstrates significant raw food cost savings and greater nutritional control than is generally obtainable with conventional menu planning techniques.
Corporate social responsibility and ASC 820 hierarchy: evidence from responsible CSR activities

In 2006, Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB, 2006) issued Accounting Standards Codification No. 820 (ASC 820) requiring firms to prioritise the inputs used in fair value assessment by levels: from the most reliable (Level 1) to the least reliable (Level 3) inputs. This paper studies the relationship between responsible corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities and the fair value hierarchy under ASC 820. Consistent with the stakeholder theory, we find a positive (negative) relationship between responsible CSR activities and Levels 1 and 2 (Level 3) fair values, suggesting that firms with high levels of responsible CSR activities use more Levels 1 and 2 fair values and less Level 3 fair values. Additionally, we find that more able managers use more Level 3 fair values. However, more able managers in firms with higher levels of CSR activities reduce the use of Level 3 fair values. Overall, our results support the stakeholder theory of CSR.
Mental health treatment outcome expectancies in Burundi

Best practices in global mental health stress the importance of understanding local values and beliefs. Research demonstrates that expectancies about the effectiveness of a given treatment significantly predicts outcome, beyond the treatment effect itself. To help inform the development of mental health interventions in Burundi, we studied expectancies about the effectiveness of four treatments: spiritual healing, traditional healing, medication, and selected evidence-based psychosocial treatments widely used in the US. Treatment expectancies were assessed for each of three key syndromes identified by previous research: akabonge (a set of depression-like symptoms), guhahamuka (a set of trauma-related symptoms), and ibisigo (a set of psychosis-like symptoms) . In individual interviews or written surveys in French or Kirundi with patients ( N = 198) awaiting treatment at the clinic, we described each disorder and the treatments in everyday language, asking standard efficacy expectations questions about each ("Would it work?" "Why or why not?"). Findings indicated uniformly high expectancies about the efficacy of spiritual treatment, relatively high expectancies for western evidence-based treatments (especially cognitive behavior therapy [CBT] for depression-like symptoms), lower expectancies for medicine, and especially low expectancies for traditional healing (except for traditional healing for psychosis-like symptoms). There were significant effects of gender but not of education level. Qualitative analyses of explanations provide insight into the basis of people's beliefs, their explanations about why a given treatment would or would not work varied by type of disorder, and reflected beliefs about underlying causes. Implications for program development and future research are discussed.
The Benefit of Movement: Dance/Movement Therapy and Down Syndrome.

There are various forms of therapies for children with disabilities, including physical therapy, speech therapy, and alternative therapies such as music and dance therapy. Each form of therapy has ...
Structure-Based Insights into the Role of the Cys-Tyr Crosslink and Inhibitor Recognition by Mammalian Cysteine Dioxygenase.

Abstract In mammals, the non-heme iron enzyme cysteine dioxygenase (CDO) helps regulate Cys levels through converting Cys to Cys sulfinic acid. Its activity is in part modulated by the formation of a Cys93–Tyr157 crosslink that increases its catalytic efficiency over 10-fold. Here, 21 high-resolution mammalian CDO structures are used to gain insight into how the Cys–Tyr crosslink promotes activity and how select competitive inhibitors bind. Crystal structures of crosslink-deficient C93A and Y157F variants reveal similar ~ 1.0-A shifts in the side chain of residue 157, and both variant structures have a new chloride ion coordinating the active site iron. Cys binding is also different from wild-type CDO, and no Cys-persulfenate forms in the C93A or Y157F active sites at pH 6.2 or 8.0. We conclude that the crosslink enhances activity by positioning the Tyr157 hydroxyl to enable proper Cys binding, proper oxygen binding, and optimal chemistry. In addition, structures are presented for homocysteine (Hcy), D-Cys, thiosulfate, and azide bound as competitive inhibitors. The observed binding modes of Hcy and D-Cys clarify why they are not substrates, and the binding of azide shows that in contrast to what has been proposed, it does not bind in these crystals as a superoxide mimic.
Introduction: The Laboratory Mice

The biology of mice has been studied for centuries with the main purpose of pest control. With the advent of scientific approaches to human medical care, mice have become the most popular animal model system because of the many similarities between their physiology and that of humans. More recently, they have been used in an even broader range of scientific studies aimed at manipulating their genome. With the development of olfactory neuroscience from 1990s and sequencing the whole mouse genome at the beginning of 21st century, olfactory communication is now studied at cell and molecular levels. This work requires using various transgenic mice to visualize neuronal connections, cellular responses at the single sensory neuron level to exposure of the animal to odors and/or pheromones, and their neural circuits in the brain. Some of this work has involved genetically altering laboratory strains of mice to produce and secrete less chemical components in their urine compared to wild house mice. Nonetheless mice are still mice, with all, or many of their behavioral characteristics intact and still possessing the communication system typical to mice. The knowledge of mouse biology helps in optimally designing mouse behavioral experiments but also mouse housing conditions and helps to avoid contamination of olfactory signaling factors that may affect the results significantly.
When Do Firms Offer Higher Product Quality? Evidence from the Allocation of Inflight Amenities

This study examines when firms offer higher product quality. We measure product quality by examining four different inflight amenities provided by airlines: Wi-Fi, seat size, entertainment, and seat power. Using daily flight level data for over 800 routes and spanning nine weeks in third quarter of 2015 we observe that carriers were actively retrofitting aircraft to expand their inflight amenity offerings. We find significantly lower product quality (Wi-Fi, entertainment, and power) on more concentrated routes. While considerable research has been done on airline pricing, less well known is how airlines pursue other revenue streams from ancillary services. Recent work by Brueckner et al. (2015) explores the role of baggage fees in airline pricing. We examine additional revenue streams provided by Wi-Fi and entertainment inflight amenities. We find that carriers are lowering the posted base ticket prices on routes with Wi-Fi and entertainment and then charging passengers for using these amenities. The IV price estimates reveal that magnitude of the posted fare reduction is larger than the additional revenue generated from the inflight amenity.
PAK and Akt Interactions Regulate PAR-Mediated Akt Translocation to Membrane in Platelets: A Novel PIP3-Independent Mechanism.

Abstract Abstract 2166 Akt has been shown to be an important signaling molecule regulating platelet aggregation. It was proposed that Akt translocates to the membrane for its activation where it is phosphorylated on Thr308 by PDK1 and Ser473 by mTORC2. However, the specific signaling events that regulate the Akt phosphorylation and its mechanism of translocation to the membrane are not clearly defined. It has been shown that Akt phosphorylation by many agonists requires signaling events downstream of Gi activation, involving PI3-kinaseb. In addition, it was proposed that Akt translocates to the plasma membrane by binding to PIP3 (Phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-trisphosphate) generated by PI3-kinase. Our previous studies have revealed that Gq and G12/13 pathways enhance Akt phosphorylation in platelets, suggesting a role for these pathways independently of PIP3. Hence we investigated the mechanisms of Akt translocation in platelets. Stimulation of platelets with the PAR4 activation peptide (AYPGKF) caused translocation of Akt to the membrane rapidly (as early as 20 seconds) whereas, the phosphorylation of Akt occurred at the later time points ( Figure 1 ). Pan-phoshatidylinositide 3-kinase (PI3-Kinase) inhibitors, LY-294002 ( Figure 2 ) and Wortmannin inhibited Ser473 phosphorylation but failed to affect translocation of Akt to the membrane indicating that Akt translocation can occur independent of PI3-kinase activity. However, translocation of Akt was dramatically inhibited in the presence of a Gq-selective inhibitor, YM254890, indicating that Akt translocation is regulated downstream of Gqsignaling pathways ( Figure 3 ). The p21-activated kinases (PAKs) are a family of serine/threonine kinases and are key regulators of actin polymerization and cell migration. PAK functions as a scaffolding protein and is reported to interact with numerous proteins including Akt. Here, we evaluated whether PAK activated by the Gqpathways plays a significant role in the translocation of Akt to the membrane. The co-immunoprecipitation studies revealed that Akt associates with PAK upon stimulation with AYPGKF ( Figure 4 ). This association was abolished when platelets were pre-treated with YM254890 ( Figure 5 ). These results suggest that PAK1/2 activation downstream of Gq pathway mediates Akt translocation to the membrane when stimulated by PAR agonist in platelets and that this translocation is PIP3- independent. Download : Download high-res image (24KB) Download : Download full-size image Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.