cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Drosophila nuclear lamina protein otefin is required for germline stem cell survival.

Summary LEM domain (LEM-D) proteins are components of an extensive protein network that assembles beneath the inner nuclear envelope. Defects in LEM-D proteins cause tissue-restricted human diseases associated with altered stem cell homeostasis. Otefin (Ote) is a Drosophila LEM-D protein that is intrinsically required for female germline stem cell (GSC) maintenance. Previous studies linked Ote loss with transcriptional activation of the key differentiation gene bag-of-marbles ( bam ), leading to the model in which Ote tethers the bam gene to the nuclear periphery for gene silencing. Using genetic and phenotypic analyses of multiple ote −/− backgrounds, we obtained evidence that is inconsistent with this model. We show that bam repression is maintained in ote −/− GSCs and that germ cell loss persists in ote −/− , bam −/− mutants, together demonstrating that GSC loss is independent of bam transcription. We show that the primary defect in ote −/− GSCs is a block of differentiation, which ultimately leads to germ cell death.
Vascular Cross-Talk: A Conversation

The development of atherosclerotic lesions is a complex process that requires monocyte recruitment to the vascular endothelium. In response to oxidized lipid accumulation in the vessel wall, endothelial cells (ECs) express a series of chemokines and adhesion molecules that promote the recruitment and chemotaxis of monocyte/macrophages into the subendothelial space where they phagocytize oxidized lipids, forming foam cells and initiating processes leading to advanced lesions (Figure). Of the chemotactic molecules, monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP1) is key in directing molecular signals essential for this process.1,2 However, little is know regarding the concerted actions of pathways and networks that coordinate this sequence of events. In this issue of Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology , Huang and colleagues provide in vitro evidence for the involvement of the 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) metabolite, leukotriene B4 (LTB4), and its receptors, BLT1 and 2, as critical players in monocyte chemotaxis and atherosclerosis.3 A model for LTB4 initiation of monocyte activation and recruitment. LTB4 regulates vascular monocyte chemotactic activity driven by MCP1, through the BLT1/2 signal transduction pathway. As monocytes tether onto endothelial cells, 5-lipoxygenase is induced, resulting in increased LTB4 production. This activates β1 (Itgb1, VLA4) and β2 …
Links between Osteoarthritis and Diabetes:Implications for Management from a Physical Activity Perspective

Osteoarthritis (OA) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) often coexist in older adults. Those with T2DM are more susceptible to developing arthritis, which has been traditionally attributed to common risk factors, namely, age and obesity. Alterations in lipid metabolism and hyperglycemia might directly impact cartilage health and subchondral bone, contributing to the development/progression of OA. Adequate management of older persons with both conditions benefits from a comprehensive understanding of the associated risk factors. We discuss common risk factors and emerging links between OA and T2DM, emphasizing the importance of physical activity and the implications of safe and effective physical activity.
Cystic fibrosis-related diabetes in adults: inpatient management of 121 patients during 410 admissions.

Background: With improved longevity, cystic fibrosis (CF)-related diabetes (CFRD) has emerged as the most common nonpulmonary complication of CF. Patients with CFRD are frequently admitted to the hospital with infections and deterioration of pulmonary function, during which time glycemic control might have an impact on pulmonary function, recovery from infection, and survival. Methods and Results: In an attempt to share our insight into inpatient management of CFRD, this article summarizes the experience of our inpatient glucose management team with hospital management of 121 adult CFRD patients who were hospitalized on 410 occasions at the University of Colorado Hospital between January 2009 and September 2011. This is a retrospective chart review descriptive study of inpatient management of CFRD in our center. Our cohort includes CFRD patients treated with basal and mealtime insulin through multiple daily injections or continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII), as well as patients receiving steroids or enteral nutrition, which adds complexity to the management of CFRD during hospitalization. Conclusions:
Dished Accelerator Grids on a 30-cm Ion Thruster

Several closely-spaced dished accelerator grid systems have been fabricated and tested on a 30-cm-diam Hg bombardment thruster and they appear to be a solution to the stringent requirements imposed by the near-term, high-thrust, low-specific impulse electric propulsion missions. The grids were simultaneously hydroformed and then simultaneously stress relieved. The ion extraction capability and discharge chamber performance were studied as the total accelerating voltage, the ratio of net-to-total voltage, grid spacing, and dish direction were varied.
Examination findings in legally confirmed child sexual abuse: it's normal to be normal

Background. Studies of alleged victims of child sexual abuse vary greatly in the reported frequency of physical findings based on differences in definition of abuse and of "findings." This study was designed to determine the frequency of abnormal findings in a population of children with legal confirmation of sexual abuse, using a standardized classification system for colposcopic photographic findings. Methods. Case files and colposcopic photographs of 236 children with perpetrator conviction for sexual abuse, were reviewed. The photos were reviewed blindly by a team member other than the examiner, and specific anatomical findings were noted and classified as normal to abnormal on a scale of 1 to 5. Historical and behavioral information, as well as legal outcome was recorded, and all data entered into a dBase III program. Correlations were sought between abnormal findings and other variables. Results. The mean age of the patients was 9.0 years (range 8 months to 17 years, 11 months), with 63% reporting penile-genital contact. Genital examination findings in girls were normal in 28%, nonspecific in 49%, suspicious in 9%, and abnormal in 14% of cases. Abnormal anal findings were found in only 1% of patients. Using discriminant analysis, the two factors which significantly correlated with the presence of abnormal genital findings in girls were the time since the last incident, and a history of blood being reported at the time of the molest. Conclusions. Abnormal genital findings are not common in sexually abused girls, based on a standardized classification system. More emphasis should be placed on documenting the child9s description of the molestation, and educating prosecutors that, for children alleging abuse: "It9s normal to be normal."
A color texture based visual monitoring system for automated surveillance

A complete visual monitoring system that performs segmentation and classification based on color and texture information is presented. Color information is combined with texture and corresponding segmentation and classification algorithms are developed. Emphasis is given to the segmentation part of the proposed system whose function is to detect and measure changes (loss/gain) that occur in a given environment over a period of time. The xyY color space is used. The two chromaticity coordinates are combined into one, thus, providing the chrominance (spectral) part of the image, while Y describes the luminance (intensity) image information. The proposed color texture segmentation system processes luminance and chrominance separately. Luminance is processed in four stages: filtering/smoothing, similarities computation, and boundary detection. Chrominance processing is performed in two stages: histogram multithresholding and region growing. Two or more images may be combined at the end in order to detect possible changes, where the exclusive-OR (XOR) operator is utilized. Results in both the xyY and HIS color spaces are presented.
Cigarette pack warning labels in Russia: how graphic should they be?

Background: Tobacco warning labels on cigarette packs have been shown to reduce cigarette consumption. The current study measures the Russian population’s acceptance and preference of graphic (picture + text) tobacco warning labels. Methods: Nationally representative data were collected from 1778 participants in the Russian Federation in October 2009. A cross-sectional survey was conducted through person-to-person household interviews with respondents aged 14 years. Survey questions included standard demographic queries and three study-specific questions. Participants rated the strength of 13 cigarette warning labels according to their effectiveness to deter from smoking. Smoking status and the population’s acceptance of similar warning labels was also measured. Results: A dose–response pattern is apparent between the degree of graphic content of cigarette warning labels and the public’s perception regarding the warning label’s ability to discourage smoking. Approximately 87% of all respondents thought Russian authorities should require tobacco manufacturers to place graphic warning labels on cigarette packs, while 80% of current smokers wanted their government to enact such enforcement. Conclusion: The Russian population would strongly support government policy that would require graphic warning labels to be placed on cigarette packs in their country. In order to best deter from smoking, future cigarette warning labels in Russia should be as graphic as possible.
A new approach to identifying genotoxic carcinogens: p53 induction as an indicator of genotoxic damage

The tumor suppressor gene p53 encodes a nuclear phosphoprotein which is critical for cell cycle control and prevention of uncontrolled cell proliferation that can lead to cancer. Previous studies have shown that cells respond to DNA damage by increasing their levels of p53, which then acts to prevent replication of damaged DNA. This study examined the effects on p53 protein levels of several different categories of chemical carcinogens. N-Methyl-N'-nitro-nitrosoguanidine and N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea, two direct-acting genotoxic (DNA-reactive) carcinogens, caused p53 induction as early as 2 h following treatment, with peak increases within 4-12 h. Aflatoxin B1 and 2-acetylaminofluorene, indirect-acting genotoxic carcinogens, caused a later induction of p53, with the peak increase appearing between 16 and 24 h following treatment. These observations demonstrate a correlation between p53 induction pattern and DNA damaging mechanism of genotoxins. Phenol, diethylstilbestrol and ethylacrylate also induced increases in cellular p53. The half-life of p53 protein was increased in cells treated with genotoxic agents. On the other hand, the epigenetic (non-DNA-reactive) carcinogens azathioprine and saccharin, as well as two substances generally considered to be non-carcinogens, dimethylsulfoxide and benzethonium chloride, had no effect on p53 protein levels of treated cells. Measurement of the cytotoxic effects of each of these chemicals led to the conclusion that p53 protein induction is not a general, non-specific consequence of the cytotoxic effect of these genotoxins. These results suggest that measurement of p53 protein induction may be an effective tool to identify environmental genotoxins.
Neuroethics: the practical and the philosophical

In comparison with the ethical issues surrounding molecular genetics, there has been little public awareness of the ethical implications of neuroscience. Yet recent progress in cognitive neuroscience raises a host of ethical issues of at least comparable importance. Some are of a practical nature, concerning the applications of neurotechnology and their likely implications for individuals and society. Others are more philosophical, concerning the way we think about ourselves as persons, moral agents and spiritual beings. This article reviews key examples of each type of issue, including the relevant advances in science and technology and their accompanying social and philosophical problems.
The role of substrate pre-stretch in post-wrinkling bifurcations

When a stiff film on a soft substrate is compressed, the surface of the film forms wrinkles, with tunable wavelengths and amplitudes that enable a variety of applications. As the compressive strain increases, the film undergoes post-wrinkling bifurcations, leading to period doubling and eventually to formation of localized folds or ridges. Here we study the post-wrinkling bifurcations in films on pre-stretched substrates. Through a combination of experiments and simulations, we demonstrate that pre-stretched substrates not only show substantial shifts in the critical strain for the onset of post-wrinkling bifurcations, but also exhibit qualitatively different post-wrinkled states. In particular, we report on the stabilization of wrinkles in films on pre-tensioned substrates and the emergence of ‘chaotic’ morphologies in films on pre-compressed substrates.
Separation solutions for the similar laminar boundary layer

The complete spectrum of similar laminar boundary-layer solutions exhibiting separation, pressure gradient, and mass transfer (blowing or suction) have been obtained. The resulting map includes variation of pressure gradient parameter and heat-transfer parameter as functions of mass transfer rate and wall enthalpy ratio. The solutions range from the limiting Blasius blow-off to an identification of asymptotic suction solutions. These latter solutions are obtained analytically. Nomenclature a,b = curve fit constants c = constant of integration / = transformed stream function g = stagnation enthalpy ratio, hs/hse h = static enthalpy qw = wall heat-transfer rate r = radius s = transformed streamwise coordinate u = streamwise velocity v = normal velocity x = streamwise coordinate y = normal coordinate /? = pressure gradient parameter 5* = displacement thickness t\ = transformed normal coordinate 0 = momentum thickness BH = energy thickness K — characteristic of asymptotic solution
Aversive aspects of a schedule of positive reinforcement.

Six male White Carneaux pigeons were trained to peck at one of two keys to obtain food on several fixed-ratio schedules of reinforcement. Concurrently, the first response on a second key could, I—change the conditions of visual stimulation and remove the food reinforcement contingency, II—change the conditions of stimulation and have no effect upon the reinforcement contingency, or III—do nothing. The second response on the stimulus change key always restored baseline conditions. When second-key responses produced a stimulus change, the number of such responses was a function of the ratio value on the first key. Typically, second-key responses occurred before the start of fixed-ratio runs. The duration of stimulus change periods was an exponential function of the number of responses required for reinforcement when the possibility for reinforcement was not disturbed by periods of stimulus change (Condition II).
The validity and reliability of the GAITRite system's measurements: A preliminary evaluation.

Abstract McDonough AL, Batavia M, Chen FC, Kwon S, Ziai J. The validity and reliability of the GAITRite system's measurements: a preliminary evaluation. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2001;82:419-25. Objective: To compare the concurrent validity and reliability of the GAITRite™ computerized gait analysis system with validated paper-and-pencil and video-based methods. Design: Within-groups, repeated-measures design. Setting: Research laboratory in a physical therapy education program. Participant: One healthy woman, age 27 years. Interventions: A subject walked across the walkway of the GAITRite system at various walking rates and degrees of step symmetry for 2 of the 3 analyses. Paper placed over the walkway enabled concurrent paper-and-pencil analysis. The subject was concurrently videotaped from the side. For the other analysis, a stride simulator with known step and stride lengths was applied to the walkway to simulate 2 steps and 1 stride. Main Outcome Measures: Cadence, walking speed, right and left step and stride lengths, and right and left step times. Results: Excellent paper-and-pencil and GAITRite correlations (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] > 95) for spatial measures and excellent video-based and GAITRite correlations (ICC > 93) for temporal measures were found. GAITRite measures of step lengths and times were reliable in both walkway center and left-of-center measurements. Conclusions: Based on this data, GAITRite is a valid and reliable tool for measuring selected spatial and temporal parameters of gait.
The UDP-sugar-sensing P2Y14 receptor promotes Rho-mediated signaling and chemotaxis in human neutrophils

The Gi-coupled P2Y14 receptor (P2Y14-R) is potently activated by UDP-sugars and UDP. Although P2Y14-R mRNA is prominently expressed in circulating neutrophils, the signaling pathways and functional...
The “Why,” “What,” and “How” of Healthy Self-Regulation: Mindfulness and Well-Being from a Self-Determination Theory Perspective

According to self-determination theory (SDT; Ryan and Deci, Am Psychol 55:68–78, 2000), both why people act (e.g., from autonomy or control) and what they choose to do (e.g., pursuing intrinsic versus extrinsic goals) predict the overall quality of their living. When the reason “why” one acts is volitional and self-endorsed and “what” one pursues is more intrinsically oriented (e.g., personal growth, community contribution) one is more likely to experience overall wellness. In this chapter, we discuss how mindfulness, or open awareness of what is occurring in the moment (Brown and Ryan, J Personal Soc Psychol 84:822–848, 2003), supports more autonomous forms of self-regulation and more intrinsic versus extrinsic goal selection, supplying an important “how” of eudaimonic, or meaningful and satisfying, living. To show these links we first present a brief overview of SDT, then delineate the construct mindfulness, and review evidence of how mindfulness relates to both the regulatory processes through which behaviors are enacted, and the content of goals that individuals pursue.
The place of tardigrades in arthropod evolution

The phylum Tardigrada is an engaging but enigmatic group composed of minute metazoans with four pairs of stubby lobopodous appendages. Although tardigrades are thought to share important derived characters with arthropods, many of the designated attributes are actually plesiomorphies and, as a consequence, the phylogenetic position of the taxon remains uncertain. Embryological data indicating, for example, an enterocoelous formation of mesoderm, are questionable (Marcus, 1929; Pollock, 1975; Nelson, 1982; Bertolani, 1989), and the fossil record from Cretaceous amber (Cooper, 1964) and Quaternary travertine (Durante and Maucci, 1972) reveals only representatives from well-established taxonomic categories. Although similarities between tardigrades and the Middle Cambrian lobopod Aysheaia have been recognized (Renaud-Mornant, 1982; Grimaldi de Zio et al., 1987a; Simonetta and Delle Cave, 1991), the relationship of Aysheaia to other lobopods (Ramskold, 1992; Hou and Bergstrom, 1995) and of both to arthropods remains elusive.
The Logic of Violence in Civil War: A LOGIC OF INDISCRIMINATE VIOLENCE

Je vois des malheureux, mais, en verite, je ne puis trouver des coupables. Stendhal, L'abbesse de Castro We have by our own imprudencies & irregular proceedings made more Enemies than have become so from mere inclination. General Stephen Drayton, North Carolina, 1781 Look at me – I hadn't wanted to fight, they made me! A Chechen fighter, after a Russian atrocity This chapter specifies the logic driving indiscriminate violence. Proposition 2 posits that indiscriminate violence is counterproductive in civil war contexts. If this is so, then why is it observed so often? Addressing this puzzle calls for a theory of indiscriminate violence. I begin by examining how and when indiscriminate violence is observed. Next, I discuss its logic and specify the conditions under which it is counterproductive. I then review four arguments that account for why indiscriminate violence is observed, despite its apparent counterproductivity, including the specious observation of indiscriminate violence because of truncated or misinterpreted data, and its commission as a result of ignorance, cost, and institutional constraints. I argue that indiscriminate violence emerges, when it does, because it is much cheaper than its selective counterpart. Yet, any “gain” must be counterbalanced by its consequences. Thus, indiscriminate violence is more likely either under a steep imbalance of power between the two actors or where and when resources and information are low. In the absence of a resolution of the conflict, even indiscriminate actors are likely to switch to more selective violence.
Facilitating biomedical researchers' interrogation of electronic health record data

Display Omitted There is no standard complexity measure to assess EHR data requests.How a researcher's cognitive style affects EHR data seeking is unknown.No formalized structure guiding researchers to express their EHR data need.The need-negotiation process performed informaticians is poorly understood. Electronic health records (EHR) are a vital data resource for research uses, including cohort identification, phenotyping, pharmacovigilance, and public health surveillance. To realize the promise of EHR data for accelerating clinical research, it is imperative to enable efficient and autonomous EHR data interrogation by end users such as biomedical researchers. This paper surveys state-of-art approaches and key methodological considerations to this purpose. We adapted a previously published conceptual framework for interactive information retrieval, which defines three entities: user, channel, and source, by elaborating on channels for query formulation in the context of facilitating end users to interrogate EHR data. We show the current progress in biomedical informatics mainly lies in support for query execution and information modeling, primarily due to emphases on infrastructure development for data integration and data access via self-service query tools, but has neglected user support needed during iteratively query formulation processes, which can be costly and error-prone. In contrast, the information science literature has offered elaborate theories and methods for user modeling and query formulation support. The two bodies of literature are complementary, implying opportunities for cross-disciplinary idea exchange. On this basis, we outline the directions for future informatics research to improve our understanding of user needs and requirements for facilitating autonomous interrogation of EHR data by biomedical researchers. We suggest that cross-disciplinary translational research between biomedical informatics and information science can benefit our research in facilitating efficient data access in life sciences.
Envisioning Artifacts: a Classic Maya View of the Archaeological Record

This paper explores a Classic Maya (ca. AD 250–900) “material vision”—that is, a locally determined and culturally specific way of understanding the material world, its salient qualities, and associated meanings—based on evidence found in hieroglyphic texts from across the Maya world. Understanding Classic Maya ways of seeing the material world is an important undertaking as part of exploring alignments and misalignments between ancient indigenous and modern archaeological understandings of what today we view as “artifacts.” This topic is explored in the article through two related inquiries: first, I look at “artifacts” (i.e., materials that qualify as such, in an archaeological material vision) recorded in the hieroglyphic record, yielding thematic understandings of objects related to form and function, wholeness versus brokenness, and the relational potential of objects. Second, I use ten hieroglyphic property qualifiers that indicate Maya material perceptions and categories to gain explicit insight into some organizing principles within a Maya way of visualizing the material world. Throughout the article, I ask: can we envision archaeological objects using Maya conceptions, and how does this way of seeing align or misalign with archaeological material engagements?
The Properties and Applications of Aerogel

きわめて気孔率が高く低密度の材料「エアロゲル」は湿潤ゲルの超臨界乾燥により作製される。光学的に均質で透明であり,熱伝導度がきわめて小さいなどの特徴をもつため,透明断熱材などへの応用が期待され,特にシリカエアロゲルの研究が進められているが,実用化のためには強度や耐久性,製造コストの問題点が残されている。エアロゲルは構成粒子や孔径の小ささや比表面積の大きさという特徴ももち,これを活かして機能性材料への応用も期待される。この方面での研究はまだ緒についたばかりで基礎研究段階であるが,シリカ以外のエアロゲルの作製,各種物性の測定が行われている。これらのことについて解説を行った。
Biosynthetic Potentialities of Higher Fungi

SUMMARYFifty-three separate experiments were conducted with fifty different strains and species of higher fungi. All experiments were conducted in such manner that the following analyses could be m...
New Frontiers in Clinical Research: Computer-Based Technological Innovations in Diabetes

The development of technologies for monitoring, transmitting, and interpreting blood glucose and other variables associated with diabetes management has undergone significant changes over the past 2 decades. Current technology for self-monitored blood glucose consists of memory-based reflectance meters, telephone modems, and computer programs to capture and analyze data. This technology has made it possible to characterize patterns of ambulatory glycemia, measure patient performance, construct new approaches to clinical decision-making, and develop alternative methods for the detection and treatment of diabetes. As a result of this new technology, glucose data collected by patients can be transmitted from their homes to a physician’s office. These data can then be processed by various programs that enable more accurate and reliable representation of blood glucose and therefore improve clinical decision-making. Because clinical decisions can be made with reliance on patient-generated data, these data can also be used to provide alternative and supplementary information helpful in the detection and treatment of diabetes.
Confocal immunofluorescence microscopy of microtubules in amphibian oocytes and eggs.

Publisher Summary The advent and increasing availability of confocal microscopes has dramatically facilitated immunofluorescence microscopy of microtubule organization in large cells. The optical sectioning capabilities afforded by confocal microscopy eliminate the out-of-focus fluorescence that degrades conventional epifluorescence images of large cells and allows the rapid collection of images without the inconvenience of physical sectioning or complicated computerized deconvolution. This chapter focuses on the confocal immunofluorescence microscopy to examine microtubules organization in amphibian oocytes, eggs, and early embryos. The chapter provides a practical guide to immunofluorescence and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) of microtubules. The chapter compares the preservation of microtubules in oocytes fixed by several different protocols. Several problems were often encountered with cells fixed in methanol—significant shrinkage and distortion of oocytes, poor preservation of microtubules, and fragile oocytes. The most consistent preservation of individual microtubules throughout oogenesis and early embryogenesis was obtained with combinations of formaldehyde and glutaraldehyde. The chapter compares glutaraldehyde concentrations ranging from less than 0.1 to 2%.
Investigation of eye injury caused by welding arc in manual electric arc welding workplace

[Objective]To investigate the status of hazards caused by welding arc in manual electric arc welding workplace in a machinery manufacturing enterprise,discuss the damage on workers' eyes from ultraviolet rays of welding arc.[Methods]The effective irradiance of the ultraviolet rays of welding arc was detected,and the eye examination was conducted among welding workers.[Results]The range of effective ultraviolet radiation on the inside of the shield was 0.05-0.12 μW/cm2,and that outside the shield was 512-720 μW/cm2 during welding operation.The intensity of ultraviolet radiation on the inside of the shield met the occupational exposure limit,while that outside the shield was unqualified.Some welders had been found that varying degrees of pathological changes in their conjunctiva,cornea,lens and fundus.[Conclusion]The eye tissue damages caused by ultraviolet radiation should not be ignored,and it is necessary to develop the effective measures to protect the health of workers.
Neurotrauma in infants. Shaken impact syndrome (inflicted head injury).

Inflicted cerebral trauma is a unique form of neurotrauma in infants and young children that differs from conventional trauma in a number of respects. Biomechanically, inflected head trauma involves rotational rather than linear forces, causing a distinctive pattern of injuiy to the brain (i.e., diffuse axonal injury, subdural hematomas, and retinal hemorrhages). In the setting of an inadequate or inappropriate history, inflicted head trauma must be suspected and evaluated. Intensive care is primarily supportive, with goals to control excessive intracranial pressure, maintain cerebral perfusion, and prevent secondary injury to the brain from hypoxia, acidosis, or seizures. Long-term prognosis is extremely guarded with a high incidence of major neurologic sequelae. Collaboration of the health care team with social service, children's protective services, and law enforcement also is essential.
High Dimensional Variable Selection with Error Control

Background. The iterative sure independence screening (ISIS) is a popular method in selecting important variables while maintaining most of the informative variables relevant to the outcome in high throughput data. However, it not only is computationally intensive but also may cause high false discovery rate (FDR). We propose to use the FDR as a screening method to reduce the high dimension to a lower dimension as well as controlling the FDR with three popular variable selection methods: LASSO, SCAD, and MCP. Method. The three methods with the proposed screenings were applied to prostate cancer data with presence of metastasis as the outcome. Results. Simulations showed that the three variable selection methods with the proposed screenings controlled the predefined FDR and produced high area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) scores. In applying these methods to the prostate cancer example, LASSO and MCP selected 12 and 8 genes and produced AUROC scores of 0.746 and 0.764, respectively. Conclusions. We demonstrated that the variable selection methods with the sequential use of FDR and ISIS not only controlled the predefined FDR in the final models but also had relatively high AUROC scores.
Do Quality Systems Really Refer to Quality? Consumer Research on Consumer Reputation and Knowledge of Food Quality Systems in Hungary

Nowadays trademarks and geographical indications are more and more important signs of quality for consumers and they play a major role in the quality policy of European Union as well. Geographical Indications are the most successful in the Mediterranean countries but we don’t have information about the reputation of quality systems in Hungary. With our questionnaire of 1020 participants I aimed to examine how much Hungarian consumers know and search for quality systems. I also examined how much consumers are conscious in their food consumption choices. I created three clusters to find out if there is a group of consumers who is more conscious and better aware of quality systems.
Hepatocyte Growth Factor Is Positively Associated With Risk of Stroke: The MESA (Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis).

Background and Purpose—Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is positively associated with ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke risk factors. However, understanding the relation between HGF and stroke is in it...
Utilizing energy storage with PV for residential and commercial use

This paper addresses the intermittency of PV energy by supporting it with an energy storage element in order to increase the penetration of renewable energy. A PV grid-tied system composed of photovoltaic module, uni-directional DC to DC converter, bi-directional DC to AC converter and storage battery is proposed. The efficiency of two different system operation options is evaluated and the operation option with the higher efficiency is simulated and practically implemented. The model developed and implemented in this paper can be extended, with little modifications, to wind and other renewable energy sources that are intermittent. The combined system will be modeled to assess the technology available and to set the base for a higher power rating system implementation.
Proteomic Analysis for the Identification of Disease Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets in Natural Killer Cell Lymphoma.

Natural killer cell lymphoma (NKL) is a highly aggressive form of hematolymphoid malignancy that arises from natural killer cells, a critical component of the innate immune system. Early diagnosis of the tumor is critical however there are no biomarkers which are useful currently for the diagnosis and monitoring of patients with NKLs. We hypothesized that comprehensive analysis of differentially expressed proteins by NKL and normal NK cells would be a rational strategy for the discovery of NKL biomarkers and lead to better understanding of pathogenetic mechanisms of NKL. We used total cell lysates obtained from highly enriched peripheral blood NK cells (CD3-, CD56dim) and an Epstein-Barr virus negative, IL-2 dependent cell line (NK-92MI) for quantitative proteomic analysis. Isotopecoded affinity tags (ICAT TM )-labeling followed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analyses (LC-MS/MS) identified 114 differentially expressed proteins in NKL compared to the normal NK cells. Out of these, 80 were upregulated 1.5-fold or greater and 34 were downregulated 1.5-fold or greater in NKL. Proteins within diverse cellular functional categories including cell signaling, transcriptional regulation, DNA metabolism, and immune response were differentially expression. Furthermore, known proteins relevant to the function of NK cells such as perforin, granzyme and defensins were downregulated in the NKL cell line. We selected eight proteins to validate the changes identified by ICAT-LC-MS/MS using Western blot analysis. HSP90, PCNA, alpha-enolase, GSTP1, galectin-1, and PARK7 were upregulated, and lactoferrin and annexin A1 were downregulated by western blot analysis demonstrating high concordance with the results of ICAT-LC-MS/MS analysis. We validated the functional significance of HSP90 as a potential therapeutic target in NKL by investigating the effect of inhibitors of HSP90 (geldanamycin) on the survival of an NKL cell line. Inhibition of HSP90 led to significant decrease in cell viability and apoptotic cell death as confirmed by western blotting demonstration of PARP-1 induction and detection of its cleavage products. This study represents the first global quantitative proteomic cataloguing of proteins expressed by NKL and normal NK cells, and reveals potential candidate proteins that may be useful for the diagnosis and function as therapeutic targets in patients with NKL.
Vasculitis of the mesenteric circulation

Vasculitis of the mesenteric circulation is an uncommon but life-threatening manifestation of systemic vasculitis. Initial symptoms are frequently non-specific and therefore patients often present to primary care physicians and gastroenterologists with abdominal pain or gastrointestinal bleeding. Given the severity of the conditions associated with mesenteric vasculitis, it is imperative to appropriately diagnose and initiate treatment of suspected cases. This review will focus on diseases commonly associated with vasculitis of the mesenteric vessels. Imaging characteristics and clinical features assisting in diagnosis as well as initial approaches to treatment are emphasized.
Effects of Playing Surface and Shoe Type on ACL Tears in Soccer Players

Today, Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) tears are one of the most prevalent knee injuries, with the occurrence of ACL tears increasing drastically from approximately 80 000 in 2000 to 150 000 in 2011. Although there are many factors that contribute to an ACL tear occurring, certain environmental factors could contribute to the dramatic increase over the past couple decades, especially in athletes. This study explores two of these possible factors; the playing surface and the type of shoes worn by soccer players. The effects these factors have on ACL tears were evaluated by measuring the maximum torque achieved prior to the shoe breaking free of the playing surface using a servo-hydraulic bi-axial load frame. A prosthetic foot fitted into various soccer shoes was fixed to the load cell and different playing surface samples were fixed to the actuator of the load frame. Axial loads were applied to simulate an athlete's body weight and rotations were applied to simulate an athlete pivoting on that playing surface. The maximum torque achieved prior to the soccer shoe slipping on the playing surface was measured. Out of the shoes tested, this investigation finds that wearing round study cleats or turf shoes on artificial turf surfaces provides the best traction for maneuvers in games while still allowing the shoe to slip when more dangerous torque levels are reached. Additionally, grass surfaces were found to be safer than artificial turf surfaces, as grass has the ability to deform or break to maintain a threshold torque value, making it less likely for the torque to reach higher values associated with ACL injury.
Dynamic network monitoring and control of in situ image profiles from ultraprecision machining and biomanufacturing processes

In modern industries, advanced imaging technology has been more and more invested to cope with the ever-increasing complexity of systems, to improve the visibility of information and enhance operational quality and integrity. As a result, large amounts of imaging data are readily available. This presents great challenges on the state-of-the-art practices in process monitoring and quality control. Conventional statistical process control (SPC) focuses on key characteristics of the product or process and is rather limited to handle complex structures of high-dimensional imaging data. New SPC methods and tools are urgently needed to extract useful information from in situ image profiles for process monitoring and quality control. In this study, we developed a novel dynamic network scheme to represent, model, and control time-varying image profiles. Potts model Hamiltonian approach is introduced to characterize community patterns and organizational behaviors in the dynamic network. Further, new statistics are extracted from network communities to characterize and quantify dynamic structures of image profiles. Finally, we design and develop a new control chart, namely, network-generalized likelihood ratio chart, to detect the change point of the underlying dynamics of complex processes. The proposed methodology is implemented and evaluated for real-world applications in ultraprecision machining and biomanufacturing processes. Experimental results show that the proposed approach effectively characterize and monitor the variations in complex structures of time-varying image data. The new dynamic network SPC method is shown to have strong potentials for general applications in a diverse set of domains with in situ imaging data.
Tracking Labrador Sea Water property signals along the Deep Western Boundary Current

Observations of the Deep Western Boundary Current (DWBC) at Line W on the western North Atlantic continental slope southeast of Cape Cod from 1995 to 2014 reveal water mass changes that are consistent with changes in source water properties upstream in the Labrador Sea. This is most evident in the cold, dense, and deep class of Labrador Sea Water (dLSW) that was created and progressively replenished and deepened by recurring winter convection during the severe winters of 1987-1994. The arrival of this record cold, fresh and low potential vorticity anomaly at Line W lags its formation in the Labrador Sea by 3-7 years. Complementary observations along the path of the DWBC provide further evidence that this anomaly is advected along the boundary and indicate that stirring between the boundary and the interior intensifies south of the Flemish Cap. Finally, the consistency of the data with realistic advective and mixing time scales is assessed using the Waugh and Hall [2005] model framework. The data are found to be best represented by a mean transit time of 5 years from the Labrador Sea to Line W, with a leading order role for both advection by the DWBC and mixing between the boundary flow and interior waters.
Abstract P279: Human Angiotensin Receptor Gene Variations, Hypertension & Reno-Vascular Complications

Angiotensin receptor type 1 (AT1R), a G-protein coupled receptor mediates the effect of angiotensin-II and contributes to the pathophysiological consequences of reno-vascular system. AT1R-signaling promotes renal sodium retention, vascular remodeling, hypertension, and end organ damage. Genetic variations that increase AT1R can cause pathological outcomes associated with renin angiotensin system overactivity. However, genetically variable, transcriptional regulation of the human AT1R gene is poorly understood. In this regard, the human AT1R gene has a haplotype block of four SNPs: T/A at -810, T/G at -713, A/C at -214, and A/G at -153 in its promoter. Variants -810T, -713T, -214A, and -153A always occur together (named haplotype-I or Hap-I) and variants -810A, -713G, -214C, and -153G always occur together (haplotype-II or Hap-II). We have found that hap-I is associated with hypertension in Caucasians. Thus, we generated transgenic (TG) mice with hap-II and I of the hAT1R gene to study its transcriptional regulation in vivo . TG mice with hap-I have higher baseline expression of hAT1R (3.9 folds) in the kidney with increased blood pressure (Hap-I, 126±3 vs. Hap II, 115±4). Since, diet-induced obesity is accompanied by systemic inflammation and redox imbalance that, in turn, alter the cellular transcriptional milieu, we gave Western diet (WD) treatment to our TG mice. Preliminary studies show that transcription factors like USF1, GR and STAT3 binds strongly (2.1; 2.3; 1.7 folds respectively Vs Hap-II) to increase hAT1R expression (5.8 folds) and resulting blood pressure (136±2 vs. 120±3 in Hap II) in TG-mice with hap-I, as compared to hap-II. Complementary experiments show increased inflammatory and redox markers in renal tissues of Hap-I mice, when compared to Hap-II, after WD; including, IL6 (5.9 fold), NOX1 (5.2 fold), CRP (9.8 fold), and TNFα (6.3 fold). Also, histochemical analysis of kidneys show an elevated pathology in Hap-I TG mice. Thus, haplotype-dependent transcriptional regulation of the hAT1R gene causes increased hAT1R expression and blood pressure, in Hap-I TG mice. Importantly, WD exacerbates this differential gene- expression regulation, further increasing hAT1R and promoting a pro-oxidant/inflammatory milieu in mice with Hap-I.
Boundary Work, Interloper Media, And Analytics In Newsrooms: An analysis of the roles of web analytics companies in news production

Amid the increasing use of web analytics to gage the success, present and future, of news content and related news products, this article focuses on in-depth interviews with the suppliers of those ...
Robotics in Gynecology

Since the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of the da Vinci Surgical System (Intuitive Surgical Inc., Sunnyvale, CA) in April 2005, robotic-assisted surgery has become popular among both gynecologic surgeons and their patients. Despite its widespread use, the role of robotic surgery in benign gynecology remains controversial. The available literature on this topic is lacking in quality, and the studies that have been conducted are mostly inconclusive. Nonetheless, a few key attributes of robotic surgery that are difficult to refute, even for the robot “nonsupporters,” include the fact that robotic surgery offers: (a) A more ergonomic option for the surgeon when compared to conventional laparoscopy (b) A less morbid surgical alternative when compared to abdominal surgery (c) The option of minimally invasive surgery for a broader patient pool
T dependent induction of an IgA and IgM anti-polysaccharide response.

The intestinal mucosa is the first site of interaction between the immune system and many foreign antigens and pathogens (1). Major interactions with polysaccharide antigens take place in the gut, and immune responses to bacterial polysaccharides are important in host defenses at mucosal surfaces. Morbidity and mortality from infections with encapsulated bacteria is high in neonates and the elderly. Information regarding how anti-polysaccharide immunity is regulated at mucosal surfaces and changes in that regulation during aging could be of substantial value for strategies to alter anti-polysaccharide immunity and for the design of immunization programs.
All Work and No Play Makes Jack Lose Sleep

IN THIS ISSUE OF SLEEP, VIRTANEN AND COLLEAGUES1 REPORT ON THEIR INNOVATIVE STUDY THAT REPLICATES AND SIGNIFICANTLY EXTENDS PREVIOUS findings on the relationship between long work hours and sleep disturbances.2 The study includes repeated measures of both work hours and sleep parameters to allow an exploration of whether long work hours are associated with incident cases of sleep disturbances while controlling for other risk factors. In results from multivariate analyses, the authors found that working more than 55 hours per week, compared to working 35 to 40 hours per week, was associated with significantly increased risk for shortened sleeping hours, difficulty falling asleep, and waking without feeling refreshed.
A long crack penetrating a circular inhomogeneity

This paper presents the effects of elastic mismatch and crack-tip position on the stress intensity factors of a long crack penetrating a circular inhomogeneity. The analysis relies on closed-form solutions, derived using complex variable techniques, for the stresses and displacements produced by dislocations positioned inside and outside the inhomogeneity. Dislocation distributions are introduced to express the traction boundary condition along the crack surfaces as a system of singular integral equations, whose solution is obtained through a numerical procedure. It is shown that if the elastic mismatch is interpreted correctly, then the stress intensity factors of this micromechanical model are very good approximations to those computed using a Monte Carlo finite element model of a long crack in a polycrystalline plate with compliant grain boundaries.
Extramedullary Hematopoiesis in Lymph Nodes

Extramedullary hematopoiesis (EMH) refers to the presence of immature hematopoietic cells in extramedullary (non-bone marrow) sites. Usually two or three cell lineages are present in EMH. This EMH definition excludes myeloid sarcoma (a tumor mass of immature cells of myeloid or monocytic lineage).
The Impact of a Summer Mathematics Academy on Rising Kindergartners’ Understanding of Early Number Concepts

This article examined the impact of a math-intensive summer academy for rising kindergartners (N = 17) enrolled in an elementary school with low socioeconomic populations. The program was designed ...