cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The performance of second trimester long bone ratios for Down syndrome screening is influenced by gestational age

Objective. To determine if gestational age (GA) at the time of ultrasound impacts the positive predictive value of shortened femur and humerus lengths (FL, HL) for trisomy 21 (T21).Methods. Sonograms from 14 to 21 and 6/7 weeks’ gestation were collected over a 28 month period. Multiple gestations or fetuses with major structural anomalies were excluded. Biometric data and GA were obtained; the expected HL (or FL): observed HL (or FL) ratios were calculated using two regression formulas (Benacerraf and Nyberg). A HL ratio <0.90 and a FL ratio <0.91 were considered shortened. T21 fetuses were identified through database and chart review. Positive predictive values (PPV) for T21 of the shortened bone ratios were determined, then stratified by GA.Results. Of the 2606 ultrasounds, 8.9% and 18.9% of fetuses had shortened HL and FL ratios, respectively, using the Benacerraf formula. Shortened ratios were noted significantly less commonly (2.3 and 4.4%, respectively, P < 0.001 for each) using the Nyberg formula. ...
Local Action of the Anti-androgen, Cyproterone Acetate, on a Mammalian Target Organ

A pellet of cyproterone acetate (Cyp A) was implanted inside of 1 seminal vesicle (SV) to test for direct effects of this antiandrogen upon a target organ in a mammal. Castrate male rats were employed which received a standardized stimulation from systemically administered testosterone propionate. Weight of the SV (after removal of fluid and pellet) and weight of contained vesicular fluid were decreased by Cyp A. This was not due to mechanical effects of the implanted pellet since weights of the SV and its vesicular fluid were not reduced by implantation of pellets of cholesterol. The implantation of Cyp A in 1 SV did not produce systemic effects since there was no decrease in weights of the contralateral SV and of the ventral prostate. It was concluded that the antiandrogenic action of Cyp A was exerted directly and locally on a target organ in this mammal and that both structural and secretory responses to androgen were inhibited. (Endocrinology 82: 868, 1968)
Free Will Skepticism and Personhood as a Desert Base

In contemporary free will theory, a significant number of philosophers are once again taking seriously the possibility that human beings do not have free will, and are therefore not morally responsible for their actions. (Free will is understood here as whatever satisfies the control condition of moral responsibility.) Free will theorists commonly assume that giving up the belief that human beings are morally responsible implies giving up all our beliefs about desert. But the consequences of giving up the belief that we are morally responsible are not quite this dramatic. Giving up the belief that we are morally responsible undermines many, and perhaps most, of the desert claims we are pretheoretically inclined to accept. But it does not undermine desert claims based on the sheer fact of personhood. Even in the absence of belief in moral responsibility, personhood-based desert claims require us to respect persons and their rights. So personhood-based desert claims can provide a substantial role for desert in free will skeptics’ ethical theories.
A testability measure for hierarchical design environments

In this paper a new approach is proposed to compute testability of a combinational circuit in a hierarchical design environment. The testability of a circuit is first computed at the functional level using the Walsh expression of the functional block, and its complexity is linear with respect to the number of functional blocks. The functional level testability measure is then used to compute the testability at the gate/switch level. Our extensive simulation results show that the testability measure of the proposed method reflects closely to the actual testability measure (both at the functional level and the gate level) when the granularity of a functional block is much higher than that of primitive gates. >
Influence of Analysis Parameters on the Microstructural Characterization of Nanoscale Precipitates

A series of simulated microstructures containing nanometer-scale precipitates was created with an atom probe simulator. These data were then analyzed with the proximity histogram and the maximum separation method to determine the influence of the particular analysis method. For simulated 2-nm-radius spherical precipitates, the optimized voxel size and delocalization were found to be 0.5-0.6 nm and 1.0-1.5 nm, respectively. Under optimum analysis parameters, the voxelization/delocalization process only slightly degrades the interface width determined from the proximity histogram to {approx}0.15 {+-} 0.04 nm.
Externally resonated linear microvibromotor for microassembly

A new method for on-substrate fine positioning of microscale/mesoscale discrete components is presented, where component positions are finely adjusted using microlinear sliders and fixtures on the substrate. Each microlinear slider is actuated by vibratory impacts exerted by two pairs of microcantilever impacters. These microcantilever impacters are selectively resonated by shaking the entire substrate with a piezoelectric vibrator, requiring no need for built-in driving mechanisms such as electrostatic comb actuators, as reported previously. This selective resonance of the microcantilever impacters via an external vibration energy field provides with a very simple means of controlling forward and backward motion of the microlinear slider, facilitating assembly and disassembly of a microcomponent on a substrate. An analytical model of the device is derived in order to obtain, through the simulated annealing algorithm, an optimal design, which maximizes translation speed of the linear slider at desired external input frequencies. Prototypes of the externally resonated linear microvibromotor are fabricated using the three-layer polysilicon surface micromachining process provided by the Microelectronics Center of North Carolina, Research Triangle Park, NC, multiuser microelectromechanical processes service. These prototypes are tested for forward and backward motion via external vibration applied by an piezoelectric flexure vibrator, as well as the horizontal positioning and release of 500-/spl mu/m-square polysilicon chips against a reference fixture element anchored to the substrate.
Computational Methods for the Analysis of Differential Conservation in Groups of Similar DNA Sequences

Multiple sequence alignments are a powerful tool for identifying the regions of DNA which have been constrained in evolutionary divergence, presumably due to their functional role. However, such constraints rarely manifest themselves as perfect conservation of a site clearly standing out in its broader environment, as they reflect the species–specific differences in proteins, as well as the ability of some proteins to interact with multiple variants of their binding sequence. In this paper we explore the use of alignment column uncertainty as an aid in locating differential phylogenetic footprints, which refer to the sites in DNA where groups of related species exhibit sequence conservation, but where the pattern may vary between the groups. We use efficient, linear–time algorithms to locate such sites. We have performed a study of the mammalian CAV2–CAV1 gene region using our software, and we conclude with several observations concerning the differential conservation and the use of computational methods for its detection. The software developed for this project is available, free of charge, by contacting the author.
Enhancing Social Security Benefits for Low Earners: Effects of Reducing Eligibility Requirements for Social Security Retirement Benefits

Under current law, eligibility for Social Security retirement benefits requires 40 quarters (roughly 10 years) of earnings in covered employment. While individuals with less than 40 quarters of employment may receive benefits based on the earnings record of an eligible spouse, a small number of unmarried individuals fail to qualify for retirement benefits due to a short earnings record. These non-qualified individuals often must depend on Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for support in retirement. However, SSI eligibility requirements limit earnings and asset accumulation, making it more difficult for beneficiaries to work or save. This paper explores the effects of eliminating the 40 quarters eligibility requirement. Doing so would allow retirement benefit eligibility for individuals with very short work histories and reduce dependency on SSI benefits. The effects of reducing the 40 quarters eligibility requirement are analyzed for the 1950 birth cohort using the Policy Simulation Group's GEMINI and PENSIM microsimulation models of the Social Security population and private pensions. Eliminating the 40 quarters eligibility requirement would increase benefits for approximately 5.8 percent of individuals. These benefit increases would be concentrated in the bottom three deciles of lifetime earnings, where 15 percent of individuals would receive increased benefits. Average benefit increases for affected individuals in the bottom three deciles of earnings would be around $2,400 per year. Benefit increases are concentrated among immigrants, whose shorter periods in the labor force increase the likelihood of not satisfying the current 40 quarters eligibility requirement. Due to the relatively small number of affected individuals, increases in total system costs would be modest. The 75-year actuarial deficit would increase from 1.70 percent of taxable payroll under current law to around 1.79 percent of payroll. While reducing or eliminating the 40 quarters eligibility requirement could increase benefit availability for very low lifetime earners, it would also increase benefits for individuals whose primary earnings were derived from employment not covered by Social Security. These individuals, mostly employees of state and local governments, could receive windfalls if other corrective actions were not taken. However, application of the existing WEP/GPO provisions to newly Social Security eligible state/local government employees could help correct for any imbalances in relative benefit generosity, although some modifications to WEP/GPO rules to maintain neutrality between covered and non-covered employees may be necessary. Moreover, increased Social Security retirement benefits could potentially remove individuals from SSI, which could then put at risk these individuals' eligibility for means-tested assistance programs such as Medicaid and Food Stamps. In most cases, however, increased Social Security benefits would supplement SSI rather than eliminate it.
Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophies

The limb-girdle muscular dystrophies (LGMD) are a heterogeneous group of hereditary neuromuscular disorders with predominant or selective weakness in proximal limb and axial muscles, having an estimated incidence of 1:100,000. While they are congenital in nature, most of them manifest in adulthood with a range of presentation from early childhood to late adulthood, even into 70s and 80s. LGMD has onset of weakness of pelvic and shoulder girdle muscles although specific disorders may initially manifest more prominently in the pelvic or the shoulder girdle. During the progressive course, weakness may spread outside of the pelvic and the shoulder girdle. Depending on the type of LGMD, the lungs and heart may be involved. Creatine kinase (CK) levels may be normal, mildly elevated, or highly elevated. Usually extraocular muscles are spared. Cranial muscles are spared as well, except, in some special cases, facial muscles may be involved. A large number of LGMDs have been described – both clinically and molecularly.
Septic Arthritis of the Hip in the Setting of Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis: A Case Report.

Case: A twenty-two-month-old boy with septic hip arthritis had persistent elevated inflammatory markers and daily fevers despite multiple antibiotic regimens and repeated surgical debridements yielding negative cultures. After exhaustive work-up for other infectious, rheumatologic, and immunologic etiologies, he met diagnostic criteria for hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) and developed cultures positive for fungal hip arthritis. Following treatment for HLH and fungal hip arthritis, he improved and was discharged. Conclusion: No previous report in the literature specifically associates HLH with septic hip arthritis, to our knowledge. Surgeons should suspect underlying immunologic deficiencies and atypical infectious causes of septic arthritis when usual treatment modalities have failed.
Asymmetrically Stacked Tori Hypersonic Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerator Design Study for Mars Entry

The Mars missions envisioned in the future require payload mass in excess of the current capable limit for entry vehicle technology. Deployable Hypersonic Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerators offer one solution to successfully carry out the beginning of an entry architecture as payload mass increases. The majority of the research that has been conducted on these structures only focuses on axisymmetric geometries. In this investigation, aerodynamic performance and stability is examined for three proposed asymmetric families that can generate non-zero lift-to-drag ratios at 0° angle of attack. Advantages of an asymmetric lifting Hypersonic Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerator include a larger entry corridor, reduced peak heating, larger range, and improved landing accuracy. In particular, there is potential to increase drag performance and reduce ballistic coefficient to mitigate entry, descent, and landing concerns. Blunt, asymmetric Hypersonic Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerator designs considered are assembled from stacked tori configurations with a base diameter of 20 m and the capability to interface with a 10 m diameter rigid center body. The configurations considered are capable of producing hypersonic lift-to-drag ratios between ~0.6 and ~0.1 for angles of attack ranging from -30° to 20°. A 40 (t) entry mass, approximate mass of large robotic or human scale mission, is assumed resulting in ballistic coefficients from ~78 kg/m 2 to ~113 kg/m 2 . From the analyses conducted thus far, encouraging results project asymmetric Hypersonic Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerators as conceivable candidates for future large scale Mars missions.
NUMERICAL MODEL FOR ROTARY HEAT EXCHANGER WITH POROUS MATRIX

A numerical analysis has been carried out for a rotary counter-flow energy recovery ventilator using a porous media matrix. The governing differential equations for heat and mass transfer are solved using an upwind integral-based method. The influence of the matrix porosity on the effectiveness of the energy recovery ventilator is analyzed. The heat transfer results are compared with the e-NTU method and experimental data.
Pouchitis Is a Common Complication in Patients With Familial Adenomatous Polyposis Following Ileal Pouch–Anal Anastomosis

Background & Aims Restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch–anal anastomosis (IPAA) is the surgical procedure most commonly selected for patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or ulcerative colitis that is refractive to medical treatment. Pouchitis is the most common complication in patients with ulcerative colitis after IPAA, but is thought to rarely occur in patients with FAP. We investigated the frequency of pouchitis and other pouch-related complications in patients with FAP after IPAA. Methods We performed a retrospective cohort study of all patients with FAP who underwent IPAA at a single tertiary institution from 1992 through 2015 (n = 113). Patients were identified using International Classification of Diseases-9 diagnostic and current procedural terminology codes. We obtained relevant demographic and clinical data from patients' electronic medical records. The frequencies of pouchitis and pouch-related complications were determined. Results Twenty-five patients (22.1%) developed pouchitis (mean time to pouchitis, 4.1 years) and 88 did not (77.9%). Patients with pouchitis showed a trend toward developing late (>90 days after IPAA) pouch-related complications (56.0% of patients with pouchitis developed late complications, compared with 36.4% without). In patients who developed pouchitis, the disease course was acute in 72.0% and chronic in 28.0%. Of those treated, 69.6% responded to antibiotics, 13.0% became dependent on antibiotics, and 13.0% developed antibiotic resistance. Conclusions Pouchitis is more prevalent in patients with FAP than previously believed. Although pouchitis seems to occur later in patients with FAP than in patients with ulcerative colitis, and have a milder course, it should be considered a common complication among patients with FAP following IPAA.
Postinduction Paced Pulseless Electrical Activity in a Patient With a History of Oropharyngeal Instrumentation–Induced Reflex Circulatory Collapse

Background: Reflex hypotension and bradycardia have been reported to occur following administration of several drugs associated with administration of anesthesia and also following a variety of procedural stimuli. Case Report: A 54-year-old postmenopausal female with a history of asystole associated with sedated upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and post–anesthetic-induction tracheal intubation received advanced cardiac resuscitation after insertion of a temporary transvenous pacemaker failed to prevent pulseless electrical activity. The patient9s condition stabilized, and she underwent successful cataract extraction, intraocular lens implantation, and pars plana vitrectomy. Conclusion: Cardiac pacemaker insertion prior to performance of a procedure historically associated with reflex circulatory collapse can be expected to protect a patient from bradycardia but not necessarily hypotension.
Mentor-mentee interaction and laboratory social environment: Do they matter in doctoral students' publication productivity?

We explored the social shaping of science at the micro-level reality of face-to-face interaction in one of the traditional places for scientific activities-the scientific lab. We specifically examined how doctoral students' perception of their: (i) interaction with doctoral mentors (MMI) and (ii) lab social environment (LSE) influenced productivity. Construed as the production of peer-reviewed articles, we measured productivity using total number of articles (TOTAL), number of articles with impact factor greater than or equal to 4.00 (IFGE4), and number of first-authored articles (NFA). Via face-to-face interviews, we obtained data from n = 210 molecular biology Ph.D. students in selected universities in Japan, Singapore, and Taiwan. Additional productivity data (NFA) were obtained from online bibliometric databases. To summarize the original 13 MMI and 13 LSE semantic-differential items which we used to measure students' perceptions, principal component (PC) analyses were performed. The results were smaller sets of 4 MMI PCs and 4 LSE PCs. To identify which PCs influenced publication counts, we performed Poisson regression analyses. Although perceived MMI was not linked to productivity, perceived LSE was linked: Students who perceived their LSE as intellectually stimulating reported high levels of productivity in both TOTAL and IFGE4, but not in NFA. Our findings not only highlight how students' perception of their training environment factors in the production of scientific output, our findings also carry important implications for improving mentoring programs in science. © 2016 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 45(2):130-144, 2017.
Simulation of QPSK high data rate receiver: modeling of tracking loops and adaptive equalizer

The simulation effort supporting the design of the high data rate receiver for the second tracking and data relay satellite system ground terminal is detailed. The receiver accepts quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK) signals at data rates from 6 to 300 Mb/s. The modeling of the Costas tracking loop that tracks the phase of the carrier signal and the clock recovery loop that aligns the data timing, both of which include hardlimiting functions that add a degree of nonlinearity to the designs, is discussed. The simulation of the equalizer, which applies a least-mean-squares adaptive algorithm to remove the intersymbol interference and crosstalk from the channel in order to improve the end-to-end link performance, is also addressed. Simulation results are provided. >
Transplants of Neurotrophin-Producing Autologous Fibroblasts Promote Recovery of Treadmill Stepping in the Acute, Sub-Chronic, and Chronic Spinal Cat

Abstract Adult cats show limited spontaneous locomotor capabilities following spinal transection, but recover treadmill stepping with body-weight-supported training. Delivery of neurotrophic factors such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and neurotrophic factor 3 (NT-3) can substitute for body-weight-supported training, and promotes a similar recovery in a shorter period of time. Autologous cell grafts would negate the need for the immunosuppressive agents currently used with most grafts, but have not shown functional benefits in incomplete spinal cord injury models and have never been tested in complete transection or chronic injury models. In this study, we explored the effects of autologous fibroblasts, prepared from the individual cats and modified to produce BDNF and NT-3, on the recovery of locomotion in acute, sub-chronic and chronic full-transection models of spinal injury. Fourteen female cats underwent complete spinal transection at T11/T12. Cats were separated into four groups: sham g...
Characterization of dissolved organic carbon leached from a woodchip bioreactor.

Woodchip bioreactors are increasingly being applied to remove nitrate from agricultural subsurface drainage. However, dissolved organic carbon (DOC) released from woodchips may negatively affect the aquatic ecosystems and drinking water supplies. The objective of this study was to evaluate the leaching characteristics, disinfection byproduct (DBP) formation potentials, and treatability of DOC derived from a laboratory woodchip bioreactor. Initial flush of woodchips resulted in the release of high organic content from woodchips. The DOC concentration in the bioreactor effluent decreased rapidly from 71.8 to 20.7 mg/L during the first week of operation, and then gradually decreased to 3.0 mg/L after 240 days of operation under a hydraulic retention time of 24 h. A recycled steel chip filter removed an average of 44.2% of the DOC in the bioreactor effluent. Hydrophobic carbons and organic compounds with molecular weight of 10–100 KDa were the most abundant organic fractions in the DOC released from woodchips. These two DOC fractions were also the most important precursors to the formation of total organic halogen (TOX) during chlorination and chloramination. The TOX yields of woodchip DOC were similar to those of Suwannee River Fulvic Acid, suggesting that organic compounds released from woodchips have great potentials for DBP formation. Alum and polyaluminium chloride were more effective at removing woodchip DOC than ferric chloride during coagulation. Drinking water treatment plants may need to adjust coagulant types and doses in order to remove woodchip DOC in the source water to reduce the DBP formation potential.
MRI-guided radiotherapy for head and neck cancer: initial clinical experience.

To report a single-institutional experience with the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-guided radiotherapy for cancers of the head and neck. Between October 2014 and October 2016, 18 patients with newly diagnosed cancers of the head and neck were prospectively enrolled on an institutional registry trial investigating the feasibility and efficacy of external-beam radiotherapy delivered using on-board MRI. All patients had biopsy-proven evidence of malignancy, measurable disease, and the ability to provide consent. None had previously received any treatment. Median dose was 70 Gy (range 54–70 Gy). MRI scans were obtained as part of an image-guided registration protocol for alignment prior to and during each treatment. Concurrent chemotherapy was administered to 14 patients (78%). Patient-reported outcomes were assessed using the University of Washington quality of life instrument. Seventeen of 18 patients completed the planned intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) treatment of which 15 (83%) had a complete response and 2 (11%) had a partial response based on initial post-therapy positron emission tomography (PET) at 3 months. The 1-year estimates of progression-free survival, overall survival, and local–regional control were 95, 96, and 95%, respectively. There were no treatment-related fatalities. The incidence of grade 3+ acute toxicity was 44%. The proportion of patients rating their health-related quality of life as “very good” or “outstanding” at 6 months and 1 year after completion of radiation therapy was 60 and 70%, respectively. MRI-guided radiotherapy achieves clinical outcomes comparable to contemporary series reporting on IMRT for head and neck cancer.
The relationship between peripheral arterial disease and coronary artery disease and stroke in arterial sclerosis

Objective The purpose of the study was to investigate the relationship between peripheral arterial disease (PAD)and coronary artery disease or stroke in Chinese. At the same time, investigate the prevalence of symptoms, include cold, numb, pain, intermittent elaudication and ulcer, then investigate the relationship between abnormal ABI and them. Methods Hospitalized patients in department of cardiology , neurology and vascular were enrolled from March 2006 to December 2007 consecutively. ABI was measured and the disease history was collected. Ejective Fraction(EF), cardioangiography of coronary artery, and ultrasound examination of cervical artery were recorded too to analyze the relationship between them and ABI. The degree of cold, numb, pain, intermittent clandicatian and ulcer were recorded in patients with PAD, to analyze the relationship between the prevalence and ABI. Results In 132 patients of department of cardiology, the prevalence of ABI < 0.9 was 29.5%, In 124 patients of department of neurology, the prevalence of ABI <0.9 was 17.7%. When ABI decreased, the EF decreased too, and the disease of coronary artery and cervical artery became more serious. In patients of vascular department, when ABI decreased , the symptoms of cold, numb, pain, intermittent claudication and ulcer aggravated. Conclusions In Chinese, in patients with coronary artery disease , the prevalence of PAD is 29.5%, and in patients with stroke the prevalence of PAD is 17.7%. 7.2% patients have these three disease. PAD has relationship with the severity of these two diseases. In patients with PAD, the symptoms will aggravate when ABI decreased. When ABI < 0.4, the symptoms all aggravate significantly. Key words: Ankle brachial index; Peripheral arterial disease; Cardiovascular disease; Risk factors
Spacetime Symmetries, Invariant Sets, and Additive Subdynamics of Cellular Automata

Author(s): Rupe, Adam; Crutchfield, James P | Abstract: Cellular automata are fully-discrete, spatially-extended dynamical systems that evolve by simultaneously applying a local update function. Despite their simplicity, the induced global dynamic produces a stunning array of richly-structured, complex behaviors. These behaviors present a challenge to traditional closed-form analytic methods. In certain cases, specifically when the local update is additive, powerful techniques may be brought to bear, including characteristic polynomials, the ergodic theorem with Fourier analysis, and endomorphisms of compact Abelian groups. For general dynamics, though, where such analytics generically do not apply, behavior-driven analysis shows great promise in directly monitoring the emergence of structure and complexity in cellular automata. Here we detail a surprising connection between generalized symmetries in the spacetime fields of configuration orbits as revealed by the behavior-driven local causal states, invariant sets of spatial configurations, and additive subdynamics which allow for closed-form analytic methods.
An Introduction to Belluzzi or The Happy City by Lodovico Zuccolo

Belluzzi is an idealized description of the Republic of San Marino. Although this dialogue can be classified as a utopia, its peculiarity lies in the fact that it also extensively employs literary features that belong to other genres: city panegyric and classical analyses of the ideal state. Zuccolo’s synthesis of these genres permits him to explore the literary and conceptual potentialities of the utopian genre in original ways unknown to his contemporaries. Belluzzi also stands out among other Renaissance utopias owing to its unusual content. It describes a city that is ideal not because it enjoys many of the amenities of life and lacks the problem societies typically face, but since it possesses a feature that Zuccolo considers to be the greatest political value: freedom.
Food: by Fabio Parasecoli, Cambridge, MA, MIT Press, 2019, 211 pp., ISBN 9780262537315

It should come as no surprise to readers of this journal that Fabio Parasecoli, professor of Food Studies at NYU, has written another excellent book, this one entitled simply Food. In fact, Parasec...
In utero low-protein-diet-programmed type 2 diabetes in adult offspring is mediated by sex hormones in rats†.

Sex steroids regulate insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism. We had characterized a lean type 2 diabetes (T2D) rat model using gestational low-protein (LP) diet programming. Our objective was to identify if endocrine dysfunction leading to decreased sex hormone levels will precede the development of T2D and if steroid replacement will prevent the onset of the disease. Pregnant rats were fed control or isocaloric LP diet from gestational day 4 until delivery. Normal diet was given to all mothers after delivery and to pups after weaning. LP offspring developed glucose intolerance and insulin resistance at 4 months. We measured sex steroid hormone profiles and expression of key genes involved in steroidogenesis in testis and ovary. Furthermore, one-month old rats were implanted with 90-day slow release T and E2 pellets for males and females, respectively. Glucose tolerance test (GTT) and euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp was performed at 4 months. LP-programmed T2D males had low T levels and females had low E2 levels due to dysregulated gene expression during steroidogenesis in gonads. GTT and euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp showed that LP males and females were glucose intolerant and insulin resistant; however, steroid supplementation prevented the onset of glucose intolerance and insulin resistance. Rats that developed T2D by LP programming have compromised gonadal steroidogenesis leading to low T and E2 in males and females, respectively. Sex steroid supplementation prevented the onset of glucose intolerance and insulin resistance indicating low sex steroid levels could cause compromised glucose metabolism ultimately leading to T2D.Summary SentenceLow-protein-programmed type 2 diabetes is mediated by testosterone and estradiol in males and females, respectively, in rats.
Investigation of Information Sharing Behavior in Work Teams

The paper focuses on specific aspects of information behavior, especially on information sharing in work teams. A pilot empirical study based on the research sample of 85 respondents has been carried out. Our research examines how important it is for individual employees to share information, whether they always have the information they need to accomplish their task, and how much they are affected if they do not get it in time, how important informal information, and its author, are for them. However, the main focus has been on the deliberate concealment of information, whether respondents have any experience with it and what reasons may have played a role in this behavior. The results show that a majority of respondents has all the information needed for their work, they confirm the importance of informal information and, also, how is its author. Finally, as for the deliberate withholding of important information, there is a general opinion that around 40% of employees exhibit this behavior. The possible reasons and the ways to suppress this harmful behavior are discussed.
Self referencing attosecond interferometer with zeptosecond precision.

In this work we demonstrate the generation of two intense, ultrafast laser pulses that allow a controlled interferometric measurement of higher harmonic generation pulses with 12.8 attoseconds in resolution (half the atomic unit of time) and a precision as low as 680 zeptoseconds (10−21 seconds). We create two replicas of a driving femtosecond pulse which share the same optical path except at the focus where they converge to two foci. An attosecond pulse train emerges from each focus through the process of high harmonic generation. The two attosecond pulse trains from each focus interfere in the far field producing a clear interference pattern in the extreme ultraviolet region. By controlling the relative optical phase (carrier envelope phase for pulsed fields) between the two driving laser pulses we are able to actively influence the delay between the pulses and are able to perform very stable and precise pump-probe experiments. Because of the phase shaping operation occurs homogeneously across the entire spatial profile, we effectively create two indistinguishable intense laser pulses or a common path interferometer for attosecond pulses. Commonality across the two beams means that they are extremely stable to environmental and mechanical fluctuations up to a Rayleigh range from the focus. In our opinion this represents an ideal source for homodyne and heterodyne spectroscopic measurements with sub-attosecond precision.
Duration of effect of Biotène spray in patients with symptomatic dry mouth: A pilot study.

Objectives The objective of this study was to assess the duration of effect of a single dose of Biotene Moisturizing Spray on xerostomia compared to water spray. Study Design This double-blind randomized controlled crossover trial compared the duration of effect of 2 agents on relieving xerostomia in adult patients recruited through convenience sampling. Following a xerostomia questionnaire, qualifying patients with an unstimulated whole saliva flow rate of ≤0.20 mL/min rated their baseline level of discomfort from oral dryness and received a single dose (3 sprays) of Biotene Moisturizing Spray or water (active control). Patients indicated their level of oral discomfort every 15 min and the precise time when relief ceased. After a minimum 48-h washout, patients repeated the exercise with the alternative product. Results The baseline severity of discomfort from oral dryness among qualifying patients was significantly related to their level of hyposalivation (P = .001). The mean duration of effect of Biotene Moisturizing Spray was 27 ± 25 min, which was not significantly different from that for water (26 ± 25 min; P = .88; n = 25). Conclusion Biotene Moisturizing Spray and water spray had variable durations of effect averaging approximately 30 min. The results of this pilot study provide guidance regarding anticipated usage and dispensing needs for patients with objective xerostomia. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03663231.
Antibody-drug nanoparticle induces synergistic treatment efficacies in HER2 positive breast cancer cells.

Chemotherapeutic drugs suffer from non-specific binding, undesired toxicity, and poor blood circulation which contribute to poor therapeutic efficacy. In this study, antibody–drug nanoparticles (ADNs) are engineered by synthesizing pure anti-cancer drug nanorods (NRs) in the core of nanoparticles with a therapeutic monoclonal antibody, Trastuzumab on the surface of NRs for specific targeting and synergistic treatments of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) positive breast cancer cells. ADNs were designed by first synthesizing ~ 95 nm diameter × ~ 500 nm long paclitaxel (PTX) NRs using the nanoprecipitation method. The surface of PTXNRs was functionalized at 2′ OH nucleophilic site using carbonyldiimidazole and conjugated to TTZ through the lysine residue interaction forming PTXNR-TTZ conjugates (ADNs). The size, shape, and surface charge of ADNs were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), SEM, and zeta potential, respectively. Using fluorophore labeling and response surface analysis, the percentage conjugation efficiency was found > 95% with a PTX to TTZ mass ratio of 4 (molar ratio ≈ 682). In vitro therapeutic efficiency of PTXNR-TTZ was evaluated in two HER2 positive breast cancer cell lines: BT-474 and SK-BR-3, and a HER2 negative MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell using MTT assay. PTXNR-TTZ inhibited > 80% of BT-474 and SK-BR-3 cells at a higher efficiency than individual PTX and TTZ treatments alone after 72 h. A combination index analysis indicated a synergistic combination of PTXNR-TTZ compared with the doses of single-drug treatment. Relatively lower cytotoxicity was observed in MCF-10A human breast epithelial cell control. The molecular mechanisms of PTXNR-TTZ were investigated using cell cycle and Western blot analyses. The cell cycle analysis showed PTXNR-TTZ arrested > 80% of BT-474 breast cancer cells in the G2/M phase, while > 70% of untreated cells were found in the G0/G1 phase indicating that G2/M arrest induced apoptosis. A similar percentage of G2/M arrested cells was found to induce caspase-dependent apoptosis in PTXNR-TTZ treated BT-474 cells as revealed using Western blot analysis. PTXNR-TTZ treated BT-474 cells showed ~ 1.3, 1.4, and 1.6-fold higher expressions of cleaved caspase-9, cytochrome C, and cleaved caspase-3, respectively than untreated cells, indicating up-regulation of caspase-dependent activation of apoptotic pathways. The PTXNR-TTZ ADN represents a novel nanoparticle design that holds promise for targeted and efficient anti-cancer therapy by selective targeting and cancer cell death via apoptosis and mitotic cell cycle arrest.
Switching an active site helix in dihydrofolate reductase reveals limits to subdomain modularity.

Abstract To what degree are individual structural elements within proteins modular such that similar structures from unrelated proteins can be interchanged? We study subdomain modularity by creating 20 chimeras of an enzyme, Escherichia coli dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), in which a catalytically important, 10-residue α-helical sequence is replaced by α-helical sequences from a diverse set of proteins. The chimeras stably fold but have a range of diminished thermal stabilities and catalytic activities. Evolutionary coupling analysis indicates that the residues of this α-helix are under selection pressure to maintain catalytic activity in DHFR. Reversion to phenylalanine at key position 31 was found to partially restore catalytic activity, which could be explained by evolutionary coupling values. We performed molecular dynamics simulations using replica exchange with solute tempering. Chimeras with low catalytic activity exhibit nonhelical conformations that block the binding site and disrupt the positioning of the catalytically essential residue D27. Simulation observables and in vitro measurements of thermal stability and substrate-binding affinity are strongly correlated. Several E. coli strains with chromosomally integrated chimeric DHFRs can grow, with growth rates that follow predictions from a kinetic flux model that depends on the intracellular abundance and catalytic activity of DHFR. Our findings show that although α-helices are not universally substitutable, the molecular and fitness effects of modular segments can be predicted by the biophysical compatibility of the replacement segment.
The Many-Headed Muse: Tradition and Innovation in Late Classical Greek Lyric Poetry

This is the first monograph entirely devoted to the corpus of late classical Greek lyric poetry. Not only have the dithyrambs and kitharodic nomes of the New Musicians Timotheus and Philoxenus, the hymns of Aristotle and Ariphron, and the epigraphic paeans of Philodamus of Scarpheia and Isyllus of Epidaurus never been studied together, they have also remained hidden behind a series of critical prejudices – political, literary and aesthetic. Professor LeVen's book provides readings of these little-known poems and combines engagement with the style, narrative technique, poetics and reception of the texts with attention to the socio-cultural forces that shaped them. In examining the protean notions of tradition and innovation, the book contributes to the current re-evaluation of the landscape of Greek poetry and performance in the late classical period and bridges a gap in our understanding of Greek literary history between the early classical and the Hellenistic periods.
A Retrospective Review of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Patients and Adherence to American Academy of Neurology's Practice Parameter (P7.343)

OBJECTIVE:The goal of our study was to perform a retrospective chart review of deceased Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) patients and our adherence to American Academy of Neurology (AAN) practice measures. BACKGROUND:ALS is a rapidly progressive and fatal motor neuron disease. Although the only disease modifying therapy is Riluzole, there are AAN practice parameters that should be implemented to improve the quality of life of ALS patients. There are four categories of recommendations for ALS patients including therapeutic options, evaluation and monitoring of disease status and associated symptoms, patient safety, and end of life care. DESIGN/METHODS:A retrospective chart review was performed on deceased patients from our ALS multidisciplinary clinic from 1999 to 2012. Forty-eight patients were identified and the sample excluded those with incomplete medical records (n=10). Data recorded included: date of diagnosis; use, dosing, and initiation of Riluzole; cognitive/behavioral screening; ALS-symptom screening; respiratory symptoms and the use of noninvasive ventilation; nutrition screening and PEG initiation; hospice intervention; and history of falls. RESULTS:Average time between onset of symptoms to diagnosis was approximately 15 months. 92[percnt] of patients were prescribed Riluzole. Cognitive/behavioral screening was performed on 13[percnt] of patients. 95[percnt] of patients were asked about ALS associated symptoms and 89[percnt] required pharmacotherapy. All patients were asked about respiratory symptoms and 87[percnt] were screened dysphagia symptoms, but none received nutritional screening. 39[percnt] of patients had documented falls and 32[percnt] were referred for hospice care. CONCLUSIONS:Overall, we adhered to most measures of the AAN practice parameter. Our least documented measures included cognitive/behavioral screening, fall query, nutritional screening, and end of life care. In order to implement these measures a comprehensive template should be available on our electronic health records system so all measures are discussed throughout the disease process in order to improve the quality of life of patients and their caregivers. Disclosure: Dr. Rajendra has nothing to disclose. Dr. Gutierrez has received personal compensation for activities with Biogen Idec, Novartis, and Teva.
Survey of the Status of Finite Element Methods for Partial Differential Equations

It is totally impossible to survey the theory of finite element methods (FEM) within a few pages, and the object of this article is to describe for the non- specialist some very basic ideas and concepts in finite elements approximations, and to discuss some future trends in the theory without any attempt at being exhaustive. Beside this survey part, this article contains in Sections 1.4.3 and 1.5.1 a report on some new results concerning two specific problems, viz. a free boundary fluid structure interaction problem and the Euler equations for inviscid flows.
The molecular weights of porcine plasma high density lipoprotein and its subunits.

Abstract The molecular weights of porcine plasma high density (1.1 to 1.2 g per ml) lipoprotein and its subunits were determined by sedimentation equilibrium. High density lipoprotein has a molecular weight of 210,000, of which 55% is protein composed of subunits of nearly identical or identical molecular weights: 28,000 to 29,000.
Selenium and selenoproteins in the brain and brain diseases

Over the past three decades, selenium has been intensively investigated as an antioxidant trace element. It is widely distributed throughout the body, but is particularly well maintained in the brain, even upon prolonged dietary selenium deficiency. Changes in selenium concentration in blood and brain have been reported in Alzheimer's disease and brain tumors. The functions of selenium are believed to be carried out by selenoproteins, in which selenium is specifically incorporated as the amino acid, selenocysteine. Several selenoproteins are expressed in brain, but many questions remain about their roles in neuronal function. Glutathione peroxidase has been localized in glial cells, and its expression is increased surrounding the damaged area in Parkinson's disease and occlusive cerebrovascular disease, consistent with its protective role against oxidative damage. Selenoprotein P has been reported to possess antioxidant activities and the ability to promote neuronal cell survival. Recent studies in cell culture and gene knockout models support a function for selenoprotein P in delivery of selenium to the brain. mRNAs for other selenoproteins, including selenoprotein W, thioredoxin reductases, 15-kDa selenoprotein and type 2 iodothyronine deiodinase, are also detected in the brain. Future research directions will surely unravel the important functions of this class of proteins in the brain.
Virus Discovery in the 21st Century

Viral discovery poses challenges distinct from those associated with other microbial agents, such as bacteria, fungi and parasites. With the exception of mimiviruses and megaviruses, where imaging is feasible by optical microscopy, viruses cannot be detected without resorting to specialized electron microscopy. Furthermore, viruses lack correlates of the conserved bacterial 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid (rRNA) gene sequences and fungi's 18S rRNA or internal transcribed spacer gene sequences that facilitate detection and phylogenetic characterisation through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification. Virus discovery during most of the twentieth century followed a classical approach comprising isolation in cell culture or animal models, followed by morphological classification by electron microscopy and studies of serological properties. In the late twentieth century, advances in nucleic acid sequencing have revolutionised virus discovery by enabling cultivation-independent methods for virus detection and classification. Here, we review current methods for virus discovery and characterisation and provide our perspective on likely future advances in this field. Key Concepts: Recent advances in nucleic acid sequencing enable cultivation-independent methods for microbial diagnosis surveillance and discovery. Viruses are ubiquitous and play important roles in global ecology and evolution as well as in disease. Classical methods such as culture and serology remain important despite the increasing emphasis on molecular assays in microbiology. Zoonoses, infections that jump from domestic animals and wildlife to humans, account for the majority of emerging infectious diseases. Microbial discovery must be linked to rigorous validation strategies to reduce risks for errors that can profoundly impact public health. Keywords: virome; virus discovery; high-throughput sequencing; bioinformatics; serology