cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
EFFECTS OF DISEASE AND POND DRYING ON GRAY TREE FROG GROWTH, DEVELOPMENT, AND SURVIVAL

Pathogens have important effects on host growth, behavior, and population dynamics. Nevertheless, the impact of parasitic infection on host populations may be strongly context dependent. For example, the outcome of host–pathogen interactions may be subject to change based on the level of abiotic stress experienced by the host. In northeastern Connecticut, USA, larvae of the gray treefrog (Hyla versicolor) co-occur in temporary and permanent ponds with a snail (Pseudosuccinea columella) that is frequently infected with a digenetic trematode (Telorchis sp.) whose free-swimming cercariae subsequently infect H. versicolor tadpoles. Field collections of H. versicolor tadpoles suggest that the prevalence of infection by trematodes can be as high as 71%. We measured survival, mass, and time to metamorphosis of larval gray treefrogs in an artificial pond experiment designed to determine how infection with trematode cercariae and the stress of pond drying interact to influence gray treefrog performance. We exposed...
Bronx river diversion: Neotectonic implications

Abstract Nearly all of the rivers draining the Manhattan Prong physiographic subprovince in New York City and vicinity flow southwestward in wide NE-SW-trending strike-valley lowlands underlain by the Cambro-Ordovician Inwood Marble. For most of its course, the Bronx River flows in such a strike-valley lowland. However, just at the point where the NW-SE-trending Mosholu fault offsets this marble lowland, the Bronx River leaves the lowland and flows southward across the more-resistant gneisses and schists of the Hartland Formation in the narrow N-S-trending Snuff Mill gorge. Schuberth 1968 advocated that the Bronx River started to erode the Snuff Mill gorge in Miocene time (15 million years ago) by finding a weak zone in the schist along a N-S-trending fault. By contrast, Kemp 1897 made a convincing case for a postglacial age (possibly 13,000 years ago) for the Bronx River's diversion into the Snuff Mill gorge. Subsurface data demonstrate that valley-fill sediments NE of the point of diversion include a clay overlying a probable till. We infer that this clay was deposited in a lake which formed when the Bronx River's former path to the SW was blocked. We infer that the mechanism of blockage was neotectonic uplift of the East 204th Street bulge, a bedrock barrier situated on the footwall block of the NW-trending, oblique-slip Mosholu fault at the exact point where the Bronx River was diverted. Given the history of time-separated seismic activity in New York City, the possibility that a damaging earthquake will affect this densely populated area should not be ruled out.
Enhanced trehalose production improves growth of Escherichia coli under osmotic stress.

The biosynthesis of trehalose has been previously shown to serve as an important osmoprotectant and stress protectant in Escherichia coli. Our results indicate that overproduction of trehalose (integrated lacI-Ptac-otsBA) above the level produced by the native regulatory system can be used to increase the growth of E. coli in M9-2% glucose medium at 37°C to 41°C and to increase growth at 37°C in the presence of a variety of osmotic-stress agents (hexose sugars, inorganic salts, and pyruvate). Smaller improvements were noted with xylose and some fermentation products (ethanol and pyruvate). Based on these results, overproduction of trehalose may be a useful trait to include in biocatalysts engineered for commodity chemicals.
Reflections on Lothstein's review.

(2014). Reflections on Lothstein’s Review. International Journal of Group Psychotherapy: Vol. 64, No. 2, pp. 251-253.
Simulated response of Cherenkov glass detectors to MeV photons

Cherenkov detectors are widely used for particle identification in high-energy physics and for track imaging in astrophysics. Glass Cherenkov detectors that are sensitive to beta emissions originating from neutron activation have been demonstrated recently as a potential replacement for activation foils. In this work, we evaluate Cherenkov glass detectors for sensitivity and specificity to MeV photons through simulations using Geant4. The model has been previously compared with measurements of isotopic gamma sources. It includes Cherenkov generation, light transport, light collection, photoelectron production and time response in photomultiplier tubes. The model incorporates measured, wavelength-dependent absorption and refractive index data. Simulations are conducted for glasses the size of fabricated samples and also for the same glasses in monolithic, square-meter-size. Implications for selective detection of MeV photons are discussed.
The Politics of Happiness: On the Political Determinants of Quality of Life in the American States

Recent decades have witnessed the development of an extensive social scientific research program on the determinants of life satisfaction. We examine the role of political factors in affecting quality of life in the context of the American states. In particular, we ask whether the choices made by voters, as manifested by the governments they elect, and the subsequent public policy regimes those governments establish, determine the degree to which individuals find their lives satisfying. We find that the different ideological and partisan orientations of state governments, as well as a state’s pattern of public policies, have strong effects on satisfaction with life, net of economic, social, and cultural factors. The more a state attempts to insulate citizens against market forces, the greater is satisfaction. The implications for American politics and our theoretical understanding of the mechanisms that determine quality of life are discussed.
College Directors of Recreation's Perceptions and Practices regarding Student Use of Dietary Supplements and Performance Enhancing Substances:

Dietary supplement (DS) use is widespread among college students. The use of performance enhancing supplements (PES) may be primed to increase among college students due to internet availability and social pressure to attain a fit physique. A 40-item survey was sent to a random sample of 600 college Directors of Recreation in the U.S. to determine their perceptions of student use of DS and PES. Despite concern for student use of DS and PES, 11% of college recreation facilities sold DS to students. Less than 1% of the Directors of Recreation surveyed correctly identified the common signs of PES use, 80% lacked a written PES policy, 62% lacked formal education on PES, and 67% lacked formal education on DS. Formal training may be needed for Directors of Recreation and recreation center staff to clarify the warning signs of PES use and outline the potential dangers of selling DS to patrons.
Suppression of p53 by Notch in lymphomagenesis: implications for initiation and regression.

Aberrant Notch signaling contributes to more than half of all human T-cell leukemias, and accumulating evidence indicates Notch involvement in other human neoplasms. We developed a tetracycline-inducible mouse model (Top-Notch ic ) to examine the genetic interactions underlying the development of Notch-induced neoplastic disease. Using this model, we show that Notch suppresses p53 in lymphomagenesis through repression of the ARF-mdm2-p53 tumor surveillance network. Attenuation of Notch expression resulted in a dramatic increase in p53 levels that led to tumor regression by an apoptotic program. This shows that continued Notch activity is required to maintain the disease state. However, all tumors relapsed with rapid kinetics, most of which, by reactivation of Notch expression. Furthermore, by directly inhibiting the mdm2-p53 interaction by using either ionizing radiation or the novel small molecule therapeutic Nutlin, p53 can be activated and cause tumor cell death, even in the presence of sustained Notch activity. Therefore, it is the suppression of p53 that provides the Achilles heel for Notch-induced tumors, as activation of p53 in the presence of Notch signaling drives tumor regression. Our study provides proof-of-principle for the rational targeting of therapeutics against the mdm2-p53 pathway in Notch-induced neoplasms. Furthermore, we propose that suppression of p53 by Notch is a key mechanism underlying the initiation of T-cell lymphoma.
The Organization of Networks within the Orbital and Medial Prefrontal Cortex of Rats, Monkeys and Humans

This paper reviews architectonic subdivisions and connections of the orbital and medial prefrontal cortex (OMPFC) in rats, monkeys and humans. Cortico-cortical connections provide the basis for recognition of 'medial' and 'orbital' networks within the OMPFC. These networks also have distinct connections with structures in other parts of the brain. The orbital network receives sensory inputs from several modalities, including olfaction, taste, visceral afferents, somatic sensation and vision, which appear to be especially related to food or eating. In contrast, the medial network provides the major cortical output to visceromotor structures in the hypothalamus and brainstem. The two networks have distinct connections with areas of the striatum and mediodorsal thalamus. In particular, projections to the nucleus accumbens and the adjacent ventromedial caudate and putamen arise predominantly from the medial network. Both networks also have extensive connections with limbic structures. Based on these and other observations, the OMPFC appears to function as a sensory-visceromotor link, especially for eating. This linkage appears to be critical for the guidance of reward-related behavior and for setting of mood. Imaging and histological observations on human brains indicate that clinical depressive disorders are associated with specific functional and cellular changes in the OMPFC, including activity and volume changes, and specific changes in the number of glial cells.
Race/Ethnicity, Educational Attainment, and Pregnancy Complications in New York City Women with Pre-existing Diabetes

Background: More women are entering pregnancy with pre-existing diabetes. Disease severity, glycaemic control, and predictors of pregnancy complications may differ by race/ethnicity or educational attainment, leading to differences in adverse pregnancy outcomes. Methods: We used linked New York City hospital record and birth certificate data for 6291 singleton births among women with pre-existing diabetes between 1995 and 2003. We defined maternal race/ethnicity as non-Hispanic white, non-Hispanic black, Hispanic, South Asian, and East Asian, and education level as 12 years. Our outcomes were pre-eclampsia, preterm birth (PTB) (<37 weeks gestation and categorised as spontaneous or medically indicated), as well as small-for-gestational age (SGA) and large-for-gestational age (LGA). Using multivariable binomial regression, we estimated the risk ratios for pre-eclampsia, SGA, and LGA. We used multivariable multinomial regression to estimate odds ratios (OR) for PTB. Results: Compared with non-Hispanic white women with pre-existing diabetes, non-Hispanic black and Hispanic women with pre-existing diabetes had a 1.50-fold increased risk of pre-eclampsia compared with non-Hispanic whites with pre-existing diabetes, after full adjustment. Non-Hispanic black and Hispanic women with preexisting diabetes had adjusted ORs of 1.72 [adj. 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.38, 2.15] and 1.65 [adj.95% CI 1.32, 2.05], respectively, for medically indicated PTB. South Asian women with pre-existing diabetes had the highest risk for having an SGA infant [adj. OR: 2.29; adj. 95% CI 1.73, 3.03]. East Asian ethnicity was not associated with these pregnancy complications. Conclusions: Non-Hispanic black, Hispanic, and South Asian women with pre-existing diabetes may benefit from targeted interventions to improve pregnancy outcomes.
Britons, Muslims, and American Indians: Gender and Power

L'A. s'attaque au parallele dresse par certains critiques entre les relations interraciales entre Anglais et Indiens du Nouveau Monde (ou un homme anglais epouse et possede une femme indigene, symbole de pouvoir) et celles entre Anglais et musulmans. En fait, dans le cas des relations interraciales anglo-musulmanes, telles qu'elles apparaissent dans des documents et dans la litterature, c'est plutot le cote musulman qui se trouve en position de force (un Maure peut epouser une Anglaise, mais pas l'inverse). L'attitude colonialiste qu'adoptaient les Anglais envers les Amerindiens au XVIIe siecle n'etait donc pas encore de mises dans leurs relations avec les Musulmans.
Molecular Characterization of Crustacean Visual Pigments and the Evolution of Pancrustacean Opsins

Investigations of opsin evolution outside of vertebrate systems have long been focused on insect visual pigments, whereas other groups have received little attention. Furthermore, few studies have explicitly investigated the selective influences across all the currently characterized arthropod opsins. In this study, we contribute to the knowledge of crustacean opsins by sequencing 1 opsin gene each from 6 previously uncharacterized crustacean species (Euphausia superba, Homarus gammarus, Archaeomysis grebnitzkii, Holmesimysis costata, Mysis diluviana, and Neomysis americana). Visual pigment spectral absorbances were measured using microspectrophotometry for species not previously characterized (A. grebnitzkii = 496 nm, H. costata = 512 nm, M. diluviana = 501 nm, and N. americana = 520 nm). These novel crustacean opsin sequences were included in a phylogenetic analysis with previously characterized arthropod opsin sequences to determine the evolutionary placement relative to the well-established insect spectral clades (long-/middle-/short-wavelength sensitive). Phylogenetic analyses indicate these novel crustacean opsins form a monophyletic clade with previously characterized crayfish opsin sequences and form a sister group to insect middle-/long-wavelength-sensitive opsins. The reconstructed opsin phylogeny and the corresponding spectral data for each sequence were used to investigate selective influences within arthropod, and mainly "pancrustacean," opsin evolution using standard d N /d S ratio methods and more sensitive techniques investigating the amino acid property changes resulting from nonsynonymous replacements in a historical (i.e., phylogenetic) context. Although the conservative d N /d S methods did not detect any selection, 4 amino acid properties (coil tendencies, compressibility, power to be at the middle of an α-helix, and refractive index) were found to be influenced by destabilizing positive selection. Ten amino acid sites relating to these properties were found to face the binding pocket, within 4 A of the chromophore and thus have the potential to affect spectral tuning.
Study of copper on graphite with titanium or chromium bond layer

Improvement of copper to graphite adhesion by thin interfacial films of titanium and chromium was investigated. Graphite fibers and highly oriented pyrolytic graphite flats were sputter-coated first with 10 nm of titanium or chromium and then with 50 nm of copper. After annealing to 970 °C in argon/5%-hydrogen at atmospheric pressure for 5 min, copper without an interfacial bond layer agglomerated into nearly spherical particles, copper with the chromium bond layer agglomerated into particles with a contact angle less than 90°, indicating improvement in adhesion, and copper with the titanium bond layer exhibited a continuous metal film. In the latter case, most of the interfacial titanium was observed to have migrated into the copper and to the free surface, where the titanium reacted with contaminants in the annealing ambient.
Bayesian sequential meta-analysis design in evaluating cardiovascular risk in a new antidiabetic drug development program.

Recently, the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a guidance that makes recommendations about how to demonstrate that a new antidiabetic therapy to treat Type 2 diabetes is not associated with an unacceptable increase in cardiovascular risk. One of the recommendations from the guidance is that Phase II and III trials should be appropriately designed and conducted so that a meta-analysis can be performed. In addition, the guidance implies that a sequential meta-analysis strategy could be adopted. That is, the initial meta-analysis could aim at demonstrating the upper bound of a 95% confidence interval (CI) for the estimated hazard ratio to be < 1.8 for the purpose of enabling a new drug application (NDA) or a biologics license application (BLA). Subsequently after the marketing authorization, a final meta-analysis would need to show the upper bound to be < 1.3. In this context, we develop a new Bayesian sequential meta-analysis approach using survival regression models to assess whether the size of a clinical development program is adequate to evaluate a particular safety endpoint. We propose a Bayesian sample size determination methodology for sequential meta-analysis clinical trial design with a focus on controlling the familywise Type I error rate and power. The partial borrowing power prior is used to incorporate the historical survival meta-data into the Bayesian design. Various properties of the proposed methodology are examined and simulation-based computational algorithms are developed to generate predictive data at various interim analyses, sample from the posterior distributions, and compute various quantities such as the power and the Type I error in the Bayesian sequential meta-analysis trial design. The proposed methodology is applied to the design of a hypothetical antidiabetic drug development program for evaluating cardiovascular risk.
Effects of cytokines on CD20 antigen expression on tumor cells from patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Abstract Anti-CD20 antibody is an established treatment for low-grade non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL). Augmenting the expression of CD20 antigen on the tumor cells may increase the cell kill and therefore increase the effectiveness of the antibody. To study this, we incubated peripheral blood lymphocytes from CLL patients with the following cytokines: EPO, SCF, TNFα, TGFβ, GMCSF, TPO, IL-1, IL-2, IL-3, IL-4, GCSF. CD20 expression was studied by flow cytometry at baseline, 24 and 72 h after exposure to these cytokines. Upregulation of CD20 antigen expression was observed with IL-4, TNFα and GMCSF.
Seminal selenium concentrations and spermatozoal abnormalities in beef bulls.

The relationship between seminal selenium (Se) concentration and spermatozoal abnormalities in 24 Angus and 12 Simmental bulls maintained on a Se adequate diet was studied. Two semen samples were collected by electroejaculation 50 days apart from each bull. Measurements of primary and secondary spermatozoal abnormalities, seminal Se concentration, and blood plasma Se concentration were determined at each semen collection. The mean (χ ± SD) Se concentration of semen (0.535 ± 0.267) was approximately 8 fold greater than the Se concentration of blood plasma (0.069 ± 0.066) and the values were similar for both collections. Spermatozoa concentration was correlated (r = 0.50; P<.01) with seminal Se concentration; however, seminal Se concentration was not highly correlated (P<.01) with primary spermatozoal abnormalities (r = −0.29) and secondary spermatozoal abnormalities (r = 0.16). This study indicates that the Se concentration of semen is high relative to blood plasma in bulls maintained on a Se adequate diet; however, the seminal Se concentration is not highly correlated with spermatozoal abnormalities.
O2 constraints from Paleoproterozoic detrital pyrite and uraninite

Redox-sensitive detrital grains such as pyrite and uraninite in sedimentary successions provide one of the most conspicuous geological clues to a different composition of the Archean and early Paleoproterozoic atmosphere. Today, these minerals are rapidly chemically weathered within short transport distances. Prior to the rise of oxygen, low O2 concentrations allowed their survival in siliciclastic deposits with grain erosion tied only to physical transport processes. After the rise of oxygen, redox-sensitive detrital grains effectively vanish from the sedimentary record. To get a better understanding of the timing of this transition, we examined sandstones recorded in a scientifi c drill core from the South African 2.415 Ga Koegas Subgroup, a mixed siliciclastic and iron formation–bearing unit deposited on the western deltaic margin of the Kaapvaal craton in early Paleoproterozoic time. We observed detrital pyrite and uraninite grains throughout all investigated sandstone beds in the section, indicating the rise of oxygen is younger than 2.415 Ga. To better understand how observations of detrital pyrite and uraninite in sedimentary rocks can quantitatively constrain Earth surface redox conditions, we constructed a model of grain erosion from chemical weathering and physical abrasion to place an upper limit on ancient environmental O2 concentrations. Even conservative model calculations for deltaic depositional systems with suffi cient transport distances (approximately hundreds of kilometers) show that redox-sensitive detrital grains are remarkably sensitive to environmental O2 concentrations, and they constrain the Archean and early Paleoproterozoic atmosphere to have <3.2 × 10 –5 atm of molecular O2. These levels are lower than previously hypothesized for redox-sensitive detrital grains, but they are consistent with estimates made from other redox proxy data, including the anomalous fractionation of sulfur isotopes. The binary loss of detrital pyrite and uraninite from the sedimentary record coincident with the rise of oxygen indicates that atmospheric O2 concentrations rose substantially at this time and were never again suffi ciently low (<0.01 atm) to enable survival and preservation of these grains in short transport systems.
Four Essential Tremor Cases with Moderately Impaired Gait: How Impaired can Gait be in this Disease?

Background: A body of literature is emerging regarding gait/balance impairments observed in essential tremor (ET) patients. Although impairment is generally mild, the full extent of the spectrum remains undefined. We present four ET cases with more severe gait/balance impairment. Methods: A battery of subjective and objective gait/balance assessments was performed: the Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale, the Berg Balance Scale, and the Tinetti Performance Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA). Tandem missteps during 10 steps were counted. Quantitative gait testing was performed (GAITRite) to quantify gait speed, dynamic balance, gait symmetry, and gait variability. Results: Two patients were middle-aged (38 and 52 years) and two were older (70 and 79 years). All had longstanding classic ET (duration 22–60 years). The mean POMA score was 21.5, which is indicative of moderate fall risk. On average, there were five missteps during tandem gait, which was higher than observed in substantially older ET cases (age 86.0i4.6 years), and four times higher than seen in ET patients of comparable age. On quantitative gait analysis, patients demonstrated significant balance impairment. Discussion: We present a sample of ET patients with a level of gait difficulty that would not be characterized as mild. The existence of such cases raises a number of questions, one of which is how impaired can gait be in ET?
On Multiroute Maximum Flows in Networks

Let G = (N, A) be a network with a designated source node s, a designated sink node t, and a finite integral capacity ui1 on each arc (i, j) E A. An elementary K-flow is a flow of K units from s to t such that the flow on each arc is 0 or 1. A K-route flow is a flow from s to t that may be expressed as a nonnegative linear sum of elementary K-flows. In this paper, we show how to determine a maximum K-route flow as a sequence of O(min {log (nU), K)) maximum-flow problems. This improves upon the algorithm by Kishimoto, which solves this problem as a sequence of K maximum-flow problems. In addition, we have simplified and extended some of the basic theory. We also discuss the application of our technique to Birkhoff's theorem and a scheduling problem. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Commentary Paper on "Uncalibrated Framework for On-line Camera Cooperation to Acquire Human Head Imagery in Wide Areas"

The focus of the paper is on establishing the mapping between a fixed camera and the PTZ camera using master-slave configuration. The authors proposed and developed a general framework for arbitrary camera topology. The method estimates online the time-variant transformation between a fixed master camera having global view and tracking the target and a slave camera taking close up images. In the experiment, the method transforms the target feet position of the master camera to head position of the slave camera. It takes into account both zooming camera and target uncertainties.
Atomistic and Continuum Understanding of the Particle Clustering and Particle Size Effect on the Room and High Temperature Strength of SiC-Si 3 N 4 Nanocomposites

Silicon carbide (SiC)-silicon nitride (Si3N4) nanocomposites are one of the most important high temperature materials. Factors that affect the strength of the SiC-Si3N4 nanocomposites can include the second phase SiC particle placement and clustering along Si3N4 GBs, the SiC particle size, Si3N4 grain size, and Si3N4 matrix morphology. This work presents recent work by our group in analyzing the effect of morphological variations in second phase SiC particle placement and GB strength on the room temperature fracture strength of SiC-Si3N4 nanocomposites using continuum analyses based on a mesoscale (~50 nm) cohesive finite element method (CFEM) and using molecular dynamics (MD) based analyses at nanoscale (~15 nm). The analyses have revealed that high strength and relatively small sized SiC particles act as stress concentration sites in Si3N4 matrix leading to inter-granular Si3N4 matrix cracking as a dominant nanocomposite failure mode under dynamic loading. At high SiC volume fractions that peak at approximately 30%, the CFEM analyses have revealed that due to a significant number of nano-sized SiC particles being present in micro-sized Si3N4 matrix, the SiC particles invariantly fall in the wake regions of microcracks leading to significant increase in fracture resistance. This finding was mechanistically confirmed in the room temperature MD analyses that revealed that particle clustering along the GBs was more effective than particles being placed on GBs in increasing the nanocomposite mechanical strength. The temperature dependent deformation mechanism is found to be a trade-off between the stress concentration caused by SiC particles and Si3N4-Si3N4 GB sliding. The temperature increase tends to work in favor of GB sliding leading to softening of structures. However, microstructural strength increases with increase in temperature when GBs are absent.
Interlaboratory Variability of Rotational Chair Test Results

Test-retest reliability of rotational chair testing for a single facility has previously been examined by others. The actual data analysis methods, however, have received far less attention. The variety of both hardware and software currently used theoretically may affect the results for a given subject tested at different facilities. The purposes of this study were, first, to quantify the amount of variability in the analysis of identical raw data files at multiple rotational chair testing facilities by using automated analysis; second, to evaluate the effect of operator intervention on the analysis; and third, to identify possible sources of variability. Raw data were collected from 10 normal subjects at 0.05 Hz and 0.5 Hz (50 degrees per second peak velocity). Diskettes containing raw electro-oculogram data files were then distributed to eight participating laboratories for analysis by two methods: (1) using automated analysis algorithms and (2) using the same algorithms but allowing operator intervention into the analysis. Response parameters calculated were gain and phase (re: velocity). The SD of gain values per subject for automated analysis ranged from 0.01 to 0.32 gain units and of phase values from 0.4 to 13.7 degrees. For analysis with operator intervention, the SD of gain values ranged from 0.02 to 0.10 gain units and of phase values from 0.4 to 4.4 degrees. The difference between automated analysis and analysis with operator intervention was significant for gain calculations (p 0.05). This study demonstrates significant variability in automated analysis of rotational chair raw data for gain and phase.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Reprint of: Response to the Letter to the Editor: "Re: Ruth E. Brown, Arya M. Sharma, Chris I. Ardern, Pedi Mirdamadi, Paul Mirdamadi and Jennifer L. Kuk, 'Secular differences in the association between caloric intake, macronutrient intake, and physical activity with obesity' [Obes. Res. Clin. Pract. (2015)]".

We thank Mr. Hawkins for highlighting that education and ethnicity play important roles in obesity. In our manuscript by Brown et al. [1], we adjusted for education and ethnicity, and thus can say that someone of the same education level and ethnicity in 1971 will likely have a higher BMI than someone in 2008 who consumes a similar caloric intake and has a similar exercise frequency. However, it is unclear whether education and ethnicity alter how diet and physical activity relate with obesity, or if this association has changed over time. Education is a marker of socioeconomic status (SES) which is known to be associated with poorer dietary practices that are dictated by both personal ‘choice’ within their food environment [2]. Along with the rising prevalence of processed foods, there is evidence that the availability of healthier food options within low income neighbourhoods is lower [3]. Similarly, physical activity is typically lower in individuals of lower SES [4] in part due to real and perceived physical activity opportunities. For example, the lack of recreation centres or walking paths are barriers to adopting physical activity. However, accessible walking paths or parks which are perceived to be unsafe will not be seen as viable physical activity opportunities. Further, there has been a decline in occupational physical activity required for many jobs typically held by individuals with low education as manual labour has been replaced with machines. Thus, future work is needed to determine whether those with lower education have been disproportionately affected by [
Scrapie Infection in Athymic and Germ-Free Mice

Scrapie, a slow virus disease of sheep and goats, is unusual in that there is no detectable scrapie-specific immune response. Using the mouse model, investigators have studied the early involvement of the reticuloendothelial system (RES) and/or immune response cells in extraneural scrapie pathogenesis. The results of these studies have revealed a paradox with regard to immune modulation. Treatments that are immunostimulatory, e.g. BCG (1) or interferon (2) treatment, reduce the incubation period compared to the non-treated controls, whereas immunodepressive (3) treatments such as splenectomy, prednisone, or arachis oil tend to lengthen the incubation period.
Learning with Technology: Video Modeling with Concrete–Representational–Abstract Sequencing for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a video modeling intervention with concrete–representational–abstract instructional sequence in teaching mathematics concepts to students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A multiple baseline across skills design of single-case experimental methodology was used to determine the effectiveness of the intervention on the acquisition and maintenance of addition, subtraction, and number comparison skills for four elementary school students with ASD. Findings supported the effectiveness of the intervention in improving skill acquisition and maintenance at a 3-week follow-up. Implications for practice and future research are discussed.
Studies on the Bacteriology and Immunology of Chronic Staphylococcal Osteomyelitis: I. The Cultures Involved: The Antihemolysin in the Patient's Serum: And the Local Inflammatory Reaction

Recent studies on staphylococci in infections have been concerned chiefly with toxin-antitoxin relationships, and little consideration has been given to reactions of the host. Numerous investigators have shown that staphylococcus toxin is important in generalized toxemia and septicemia due to these organisms, and marked alleviation of symptoms has been reported in such cases as a result of therapies designed to elevate the humoral antibodies of the patient.1 Favorable results, however, have not been generally obtained by use of such therapeutic measures in chronic infections where toxic symptoms are minor or absent. Buchman2 and Blair and Hallman3 found elevation of
Egg Mediums for the Isolation of all Three Types of Tubercle Bacilli

Reported here are observations on the growth from very small inoculums of human, bovine, and avian tubercle bacilli on coagulated and on unheated egg yolk mediums. Our objective was practical: to find the best culture medium for the isolation of all types of tubercle bacilli from animal tissues. The results have bearing, however, upon growth factor investigations. Egg yolk was assumed to contain all the necessary foods for the initiation of growth by very small inoculums of tubercle bacilli. Boissevain' has since claimed that serum albumin contains
The Effect of Immediate and Delayed Injection of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) on Muscle Contusion Healing in the Rat

Objectives:Muscle contusions are among the most common injuries in sport. Though typically self-limiting, more severe types of contusions can lead to marked pain and diminished function with significant delay in return-to-play. Current therapy is usually limited to NSAIDs and/or use of the RICE principle. Other forms of treatment that can potentially accelerate the rate of healing are desirable. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a novel therapy produced from autologous whole blood that holds promise for treating muscle injuries. However, data both at the translational and clinical level is still limited. This study seeks to investigate the effects of PRP on muscle contusion healing in rats and to determine if the timing of injection plays any role in recovery.Methods:Forty-six (46) male Lewis rats each underwent blunt, non-penetrating impact to the gastrocnemius muscle via a drop-tower model. The rats were separated into 4 groups, with each rat undergoing injection into the injured gastrocnemius muscle accord...
History Leaves Its Mark on Soil Bacterial Diversity

ABSTRACT Dispersal is closely tied to the origin and maintenance of microbial diversity. With its focus on a narrow group of soil bacteria, recent work by Andam and colleagues on Streptomyces has provided perhaps the strongest support so far that some bacterial diversity in soils can be attributed to regional endemism (C. P. Andam et al., mBio 7:e02200-15, 2016, http://dx.doi.org/10.1128/mBio.02200-15). This means that dispersal is limited enough to allow for evolutionary diversification. Further analyses suggest that signatures of climate conditions more than 10,000 years ago can be detected in contemporary populations of this genus. These legacies have implications for how future climate change might alter soil microbial diversity.
[Women's Medical Training Institute 1928 to 1938].

Historical development of Women's Medical Training Institute in Seoul, Korea, between 1928 to 1938, which had been elevated to the Kyongsong Women's Medical College in Seoul, Korea, under the Japanese Imperial Government, will be presented. The College after few changes of its policies, finally became as Medical College of the Korea University in 1971. Dr. Rosetta Sherwood Hall, a medical missionary from New York who had spent for 44 years in Korea, witnessed the necessity of having woman doctors in Korea in order to save those shy Korean ladies silently suffering from sickness. As an initial step to implement women's medical education, Dr. R.S. Hall together with Drs. Kil Chung-Hee and Kim Tak-Won founded the Chosŏn Women's Medical Training Institute in 1928, with a purpose to eventually elevate it to a Women's Medical School. The Institute had a five-years course of curriculum with one year of pre-medical and four years of medical education. In 1933, Dr. Hall, at the age of 66, had to retire and return to America. Therefore, the management of the Institute had been transferred to Drs. Kim T.W. and Kil C.H., but under a new name of Kyongsong Women's Medical Training Institute, upon the request from Japanese Government. The Institute had moved to a new location and continued to expand its curriculum, and furthermore, a hospital had been annexed. ...
Crossing Borders Through Prostitution: Esperanza ’ s Box of Saints by María Amparo Escandón and Across a Hundred Mountains by Reyna Grande

“Crossing Borders Through Prostitution: Esperanza’s Box of Saints by Maria Amparo Escandon and Across a Hundred Mountains by Reyna Grande,” Carolyn Gonzalez, College of Idaho.
Assistive Technology for Individuals with Learning Disabilities

About 6 % of school-age students have a learning disability (LD), which is the largest special education category in terms of number of students. These students face academic challenges that are varied in reading, writing, and mathematics. Although not all students with LD have disabilities in all three areas, a high percentage of students have multiple LD. Over the years, assistive technology (AT) devices and services have increased exponentially the possibilities for individuals with learning disabilities (LD) to access the general education curriculum and focus on learning and academic success. The purpose of this chapter is to examine how individuals with LD use AT devices to help compensate for their disability-related weaknesses in reading, writing, and mathematics. We provide the definitional elements and characteristic behaviors of LD and present the Adaptations Framework to help teachers examine the tasks of their classrooms and the requisite abilities that are required to do the tasks compared to the strengths and weaknesses presented by students with LD. We describe AT devices, which are available for instruction to promote academic success in reading, mathematics, and writing, and discuss a process for conducting an AT assessment for students with LD. Additionally, we examine how CAI has progressed to be a viable option for improving reading, writing, and mathematics abilities. Finally, an overview of findings from research studies involving AT devices and academic areas is offered to provide insight about the potential promise of AT to promote access to instruction and academic success with individuals with LD.
Variants at the OCA2/HERC2 locus affect time to first cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma in solid organ transplant recipients collected using two different study designs

Background Variants at the Oculocutaneous albinism 2 (OCA2)/ HECT and RLD Domain Containing E3 Ubiquitin Protein Ligase 2 (HERC2) locus have been associated with pigmentation phenotypes as well as risk of developing multiple types of skin cancer. Objectives The goal of this study was to evaluate OCA2/HERC2 locus variants for impact on time to develop cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) in organ transplant recipients (OTRs) who are at elevated risk of developing cSCC. Methods Participants were solid organ transplant recipients ascertained from two centers (n=125 and 261) with an average of 13.1 years follow-up post-transplant. DNA was available for genotyping for all participants in addition to medical records and questionnaire data. The Ohio State University (OSU) study design was a case-control with prospective follow-up, and the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) study design was a national cross-sectional survey with retrospective chart review. Results OCA2 variants rs12913832 and rs916977 were significantly associated with time to first cSCC post-transplant. OTRs homozygous for the brown eye alleles of rs916977 (GG) and rs12913832 (AA) had significant delays of time to first cSCC post-transplant compared to individuals homozygous for the blue eye alleles [HR=0.34, p<0.001and HR=0.54, p=0.012, respectively]. Both variants were highly associated with eye color in combined studies (p<0.001). Conclusions This study is the first to show an association between OCA2/HERC2 variants and time to first cSCC post-transplant which may impact dermatologic screening recommendations for high-risk populations. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Temporary Mechanical Circulatory Support for Cardiogenic Shock.

Cardiogenic shock is a life-threatening presentation of severe heart failure with high morbidity and mortality. Given the modest increased in cardiac output and neutral/negative survival benefits with today’s available inotropes (namely, dobutamine and milrinone), the use of mechanical circulatory support (MCS) has increased dramatically over the past 2 decades. In this review article, we discuss the physiologic concept, clinical evidence of benefit, and current use and indications/potential complications of the four most commonly used devices for MCS: intra-aortic balloon pump, Impella percutaneous ventricular assist device, TandemHeart, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). We also compare these devices in terms of complexity of implantation and hemodynamic effects.
3 – DNA Supercoiling(omics)

Abstract The defining feature of the DNA is the antiparallel intertwining of two strands to form a double helix. The complementary hydrogen bonding between the base-paring partners enables the transfer and replication of genetic information. The ability of DNA to store genetic information has underpinned immense advances in understanding cell function and provided the foundation for virtually all biotechnology. Beyond its quasi-digital-informational role, DNA possesses mechanical–structural characteristics that dictate its response and action in response to deformations of the double helix that are inevitably involved in all aspects of DNA metabolism. An accurate description of the response of the double helix to mechanical and chemical stresses is facilitated through the application of the mathematical theory of topology. In this chapter, we will define a terminology to describe DNA topology and discuss recent progress in the field, illustrating how topological changes in DNA can regulate general principles of gene expression and nuclear architecture.
Study of the catalytic reactions of ethylene oligomerization in subcritical and supercritical media over a NiBEA catalyst

Abstract We report a study of the catalytic reactions of ethylene oligomerization over nickel impregnated in aluminum silicate using subcritical and supercritical media. We found the BET surface area decreases with increasing nickel loading, indicating the deposition of NiO particles on the catalyst surface, which we confirmed via XRD. We compared the performance of the NiBEA catalyst with the protonated form (HBEA) of the commercial support and obtained strong evidence that the protonated form promotes chain growth reactions. In addition, the introduction of nickel in the catalyst facilitates the desorption of the oligomers compared to the HBEA catalyst. Additionally, we used FTIR and GC–MS/FID to characterize the adsorbed and desorbed oligomers and developed reaction pathways for the ethylene oligomerization over the NiBEA catalyst. We found that both adsorbed and desorbed oligomers are aliphatic, and the non-desorbed products constitute the coke. Additionally, we found that pressure and temperature both increase the chain growth and desorption rates of adsorbed oligomers. Under supercritical conditions, the amount of coke formed on the catalyst and the desorbed products molecular weight both increase relative to subcritical conditions. However, the supercritical conditions promote the dissolution of the coke from both NiBEA and HBEA catalysts, which shows the standalone effect of the supercritical ethylene toward the dissolution of coke from the catalyst surface. We provided visual evidence of (1) the formation of coke on the catalyst surface, and (2) the coke dissolution phenomena under supercritical conditions. Finally, we characterized the coke molecules at supercritical conditions as macromolecules connected via C-C (sp3) bonds with the occurrence of cyclic species.
A Liquid Spring-Magnetorheological Damper System Under Combined Axial and Shear Loading for Three-Dimensional Seismic Isolation of Structures

This study focuses on experimental investigation of a fail-safe, bi-linear, liquid spring magnetorheological damper system for a three-dimensional earthquake isolation system. The device combines t...
Oligodendroglial, Astroglial and Glial Tumor-Associated Antigens Defined by Monoclonal Antibodies

Monoclonal antibodies with specificity for either cultured oligodendrocytes, astrocytes or glial tumor cells were generated by immunizing mice with the appropriate cultured cell population. RBO1 and RBO2 specifically bind to cultured oligodendrocytes, recognizing an intracellular and a cell surface antigen, respectively. A monoclonal antibody generated by immunization with human myelin basic protein binds to fixed cultured oligodendrocytes. It also stains glial cells in tissue sections from rat, cat and sheep brain. RBA1 recognizes an intermediate sized filament antigen present in astrocyte cultures, including GFA-positive as well as GFA-negative cells. The antigen is developmentally regulated, staining selective populations of glial cells in the cerebellum, cerebral hemispheres and the retina. The monoclonal 217c recognizes a cell surface antigen present in C6 glioma cells and several cell lines generated by in vitro transformation of oligodendrocyte and astrocyte cultures. It is not expressed in normal cell cultures or in rat tissues. Moreover, it has been found in some human astrocytoma primary cultures and cell lines. These antibodies are useful for the identification of glial cell subpopulations and the study of their differentiation as well as neoplastic transformation. These antibodies may be clinically useful.
The Infrared and Raman Spectra of Glasses

Over the last several decades, many investigators have found that the analysis of vibrational spectra of glasses can be applied to the solution of both industrial and basic research problems. In an applied industrial study, the vibrational spectra can be used to identify glasses or specific groups which are present in glasses. However, in a theoretical study, information can be obtained concerning the fundamental structural nature of glasses on which their external properties are dependent.
Nomenclatural Novelties in Polygonatum (Asparagaceae) and Notes on Some Recent Species Distributions

Several nomenclatural changes in Polygonatum (Asparagaceae) are made based on field, herbarium, and molecular studies. Polygonatum govanianum is recognized at specific rank, P. dolichocarpum is considered a synonym of the earlier P. gongshanense, and P. sinopubescens is treated as a synonym of P. filipes. Maps of distribution are included for P. campanulatum and P. gongshanense which are newly reported for Myanmar, and for P. tessellatum which is newly reported for India.
AN UNUSUAL CASE OF SERIAL LEFT VENTRICULAR OUTFLOW OBSTRUCTION: COINCIDENT HYPERTROPHIC OBSTRUCTIVE CARDIOMYOPATHY AND SUBAORTIC MEMBRANE MANAGED OPERATIVELY

Hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) and subaortic membrane have similar and often overlapping clinical findings despite the difference in pathophysiology. This is a 56-year-old woman with HOCM who was having symptoms refractory to medical therapy with metoprolol and disopyramide. She was