cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract 16043: The Role of eNOS Signaling in Wound Healing in a Murine Model of Diet-Induced Obesity

Background and Rationale: Type 2-diabetes is associated with the depletion of circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and deficits in wound healing; conditions that have been linked to decreased activity of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). However, it is not clear how, in the context of insulin resistance, increasing eNOS would affect EPC levels and wound healing. Therefore, we measured EPC levels and recovery from hind-limb ischemia (HLI) in wild-type and eNOS-transgenic (Tg) mice in a model of diet-induced obesity. Methods and Results: Wild-type (WT) C57BL/6 and eNOS-Tg mice were placed on a low (LFD) or high fat diet (HFD). After 12 weeks, the mice were subjected to HLI, and tissue perfusion was assessed by Laser Doppler Imaging. Levels of EPCs (Flk-1+/Sca-1+-cells) were measured by flow cytometry. HFD feeding, for 4-12 weeks, decreased circulating EPC levels while the levels of EPCs in the bone marrow were increased. Insulin (100 nM; 15 min) stimulated Akt and eNOS phosphorylation in aorta of LFD, but not HFD-fed mice, indicating insulin resistance. HFD decreased plasma NOx levels and activated the pro-inflammatory NF-κBα pathway in aorta, heart, liver, skeletal muscle and adipose tissue as analyzed by Western blot analysis. Recovery of blood perfusion, 2 weeks after HLI, was significantly higher in LFD than HFD-fed mice (76±3% vs. 21±4%; p Conclusions: HFD impairs recovery from HLI, which may be related in part to vascular insulin resistance and decreased EPC mobilization. Deficits in the wound healing response due to diet-induced obesity could be overcome by increasing NO production via eNOS. Treatment strategies to increase NO bioavailability could promote wound healing in diabetic patients and prevent diabetic complications such as critical limb ischemia.
Microfluidic tools for high-throughput screening.

High-throughput screening (HTS) is an established technology in the pharmaceutical industry (1). Over the past decade, there has been a logarithmic increase in the industry’s ability to screen large combinatorial libraries of compounds against target molecules (2). The technology to achieve this has come in the form of robotics, high-density microplates, small volume (microliter) liquid handling, and sophisticated detection schemes. Signifi cant effort has gone into the design of HTS workstations capable of screening tens of thousands of compounds in a 24-h period. However, these workstations come with a large price tag, ranging from several hundred thousand to millions of dollars. A considerable amount of work is necessary to optimize nascent microfl uidic devices for HTS applications. Stateof-the-art commercial microfl uidic devices are principally made by the micromachining of silicon (3) and glass and rely on electroosmotic fl ow (4,5) to drive liquid through the channels, requiring high salt concentrations and a voltage source. This process generates gas bubbles, creating ionic conditions that are far from ideal for assays measuring enzymatic activity or protein-protein interactions. Other problems with hard polymer microfl uidic devices include the need to build up layers to effi ciently seal the channel networks, making layer-layer adhesion a serious concern during the fabrication process, and the lack of a good compartmentalization technology for the large-scale analysis of chemical or biological libraries. In thinking about a generic design for microfl uidic HTS devices for catalytic screening applications that confi ne both enzyme and substrate to picoliter volumes, both serial and parallel approaches can be explored. Using a serial strategy, each compound of interest is screened sequentially using a common microfl uidic channel with a single detection element. Mechanically, throughput depends on factors such as fl ow speed, sample concentration, and the acquisition time of the detector. In contrast, parallel screening functions like an ultra-high density microplate, in which thousands of compounds are arrayed into individual picoliter-scale compartments, with a detector element that probes the entire matrix. Throughput is principally limited by the number of compartments in the array. We have designed and developed microfl uidic chips employing both serial and parallel screening strategies. Unlike in state-ofthe-art microfl uidic devices relying on electroosmotic fl ow, fltraffi cking and compartmentalization in our chips are pressure-based, using integrated elastomeric valves whose function is independent of solvent composition.
A Note on the Correlation of Attributes

SOCIOLOGISTS, who have to work a great deal with unmeasured factors, or attributes, often find themselves with data like those of Table 1. A table of this kind, if the frequencies are large, is generally used like an actuarial table to infer, say, that if a prisoner is a murderer he has about 85 chances in 100 of succeeding. on parole, whereas if he is a swindler he has only 62 chances. The above procedure is considered legitimate if a Chi-square (X2) test shows a "significant" value of x2, and worthwhile if some measure of association applied to the table is found to be reasonably high. In the writer's experience, the usual inference is then that there must be cor-
Two-photon entanglement in multiqubit bidirectional-waveguide QED

We study entanglement generation and control in bidirectional-waveguide QED driven by a two-photon Gaussian wave packet. In particular, we focus on how increasing the number of qubits affects the overall average pairwise entanglement in the system. We also investigate how the presence of a second photon can introduce nonlinearities, thereby manipulating the generated entanglement. In addition, we show that, through the introduction of chirality and small decay rates, entanglement can be stored and enhanced up to factors of 2 and 3, respectively. Finally, we analyze the influence of finite detunings and time-delays on the generated entanglement.
Collection of Multispectral Biometric Data for Cross-spectral Identification Applications

The ultimate goal of cross-spectral biometric recognition applications involves matching probe images, captured in one spectral band, against a gallery of images captured in a different band or multiple bands (neither of which is the same band in which the probe images were captured). Both the probe and the gallery images may have been captured in either controlled or uncontrolled environments , i.e., with varying standoff distances, lighting conditions, poses. Development of effective cross-spectral matching algorithms involves, first, the process of collecting a cohort of research sample data under controlled conditions with fixed or varying parameters such as pose, lighting, obstructions, and illumination wavelengths. This chapter details “best practice” collection methodologies developed to compile large-scale datasets of both visible and SWIR face images, as well as gait images and videos. All aspects of data collection , from IRB preparation , through data post-processing , are provided, along with instrumentation layouts for indoor and outdoor live capture setups . Specifications of video and still-imaging cameras used in collections are listed. Controlled collection of 5-pose, ANSI/NIST mugshot images is described, along with multiple SWIR data collections performed both indoors (under controlled illumination) and outdoors. Details of past collections performed at West Virginia University (WVU) to compile multispectral biometric datasets, such as age, gender, and ethnicity of the subject populations, are included. Insight is given on the impact of collection parameters on the general quality of images collected, as well as on how these parameters impact design decisions at the algorithm level. Finally, where applicable, a brief description of how these databases have been used in multispectral biometrics research is included.
New techniques in postoperative analgesia. Including patient-controlled intravenous administration.

New and more efficient techniques of postoperative pain management have been recently introduced. Patient-controlled intravenous (and perhaps subcutaneous) administration of analgesics is an improvement over traditional intramuscular injection. Its efficacy, safety, and high acceptance by patients, surgeons, and nurses make this technique increasingly popular for routine management of postoperative pain. Epidural or intrathecal administration of narcotic agents, although more efficient in controlling pain than intravenous infusion, should probably be reserved for indications such as major thoracic and abdominal procedures. Spinal administration requires more routine surveillance and, when inadequately managed, has the potential for serious side effects and complications. Clinical investigations currently in progress are aimed at finding more successful and safer methods of postoperative pain control. The best methods will likely involve a multifaceted therapeutic approach rather than the simple effect of one "magic bullet."
The Link Between Everyday Discrimination, Healthcare Utilization, and Health Status Among a National Sample of Women.

Abstract Background: Research has not adequately examined the potential negative effects of perceiving routine discrimination on general healthcare utilization or health status, especially among reproductive-aged women. We sought to evaluate the association between everyday discrimination, health service use, and perceived health among a national sample of women in the United States. Materials and Methods: Data were drawn from the Women's Healthcare Experiences and Preferences survey, a randomly selected, national probability sample of 1078 U.S. women aged 18–55 years. We examined associations between everyday discrimination (via a standardized scale) on frequency of health service utilization and perceived general health status using chi-square and multivariable logistic regression modeling. Results: Compared with women who reported healthcare visits every 3 years or less (reference group), each one-point increase in discrimination score was associated with higher odds of having healthcare visits annuall...
Interaction of Individual Structural Domains of hnRNP LL with the BCL2 Promoter i-Motif DNA.

The recently discovered role of the BCL2 (B-cell lymphoma 2 gene) promoter i-motif DNA in modulation of gene expression via interaction with the ribonucleoprotein hnRNP L-like (hnRNP LL) has prompted a more detailed study of the nature of this protein–DNA interaction. The RNA recognition motifs (RRMs) of hnRNP LL were expressed individually, and both RRM1 and RRM2 were found to bind efficiently to the BCL2 i-motif DNA, as well as being critical for transcriptional activation, whereas RRM3–4 bound only weakly to this DNA. Binding was followed by unfolding of the DNA as monitored by changes in the CD spectrum. Mutational analysis of the i-motif DNA revealed that binding involved primarily the lateral loops of the i-motif. The kinetics of binding of the DNA with RRM1 was explored by recording CD spectra at predetermined times following admixture of the protein and DNA. The change in molar ellipticity was readily apparent after 30 s and largely complete within 1 min. A more detailed view of protein–DNA intera...
General Overview of Program Operation

It is assumed that the user is somewhat familiar with the operation of a Macintosh™, for example, starting a program or using a printer. The following information discusses the features which the MacMath programs have in common.
Equivalent resistance approach to optimization, analysis and comparison of hybrid/resonant switched-capacitor converters

This work develops a generalized output impedance model for switched-capacitor (SC) and hybrid-resonant switched-capacitor dc-dc converters that is scalable across conversion ratios and frequencies. This model builds on previous analytical treatments of SC and ReSC converters, but is expanded to derive optimizations that include both conduction and switching loss and help distinguish the regimes in which the hybrid approach is favorable when including the additional losses and volumetric overhead of the inductor. Importantly, the models also consider an expanded set of possible operating modes that span continuous and discontinuous conduction in addition to nominal resonant operation. Across the range of operation, the output impedance (R eff ) for hybrid/resonant operation is shown to have a qualitative similarity to the SC case, except an improvement by the quality factor of the resonant loop in a given phase.
Replacement of 2'-Deoxycytidine by 2'-Deoxycytidine Analogues in the E. coli Genome.

Several modified bases have been observed in the genomic DNA of bacteriophages, prokaryotes, and eukaryotes that play a role in restriction systems and/or epigenetic regulation. In our efforts to understand the consequences of replacing a large fraction of a canonical nucleoside with a modified nucleoside, we previously replaced around 75% of thymidine (T) with 5′-hydroxymethyl-2′-deoxyuridine (5hmU) in the Escherichia coli genome. In this study, we engineered the pyrimidine nucleotide biosynthetic pathway using T4 bacteriophage genes to achieve approximately 63% replacement of 2′-deoxycytidine (dC) with 5-hydroxymethyl-2′-deoxycytidine (5hmC) in the E. coli genome and approximately 71% replacement in plasmids. We further engineered the glucose metabolic pathway to transform the 5hmC into glucosyl-5-hydroxymethyl-2′-deoxycytidine (5-gmC) and achieved 20% 5-gmC in the genome and 45% 5-gmC in plasmid DNA.
The effect of iron balance on platelet counts in blood donors.

BACKGROUND Thrombocytosis (or, less commonly, thrombocytopenia) is associated with iron-deficiency anemia and resolves with iron therapy. Many volunteer blood donors have low iron stores, with or without anemia. Iron balance could affect platelet counts in blood donors. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS Whole blood donors deferred for finger-stick hemoglobin levels less than 12.5 g/dL were evaluated by complete blood count and serum iron panel before and after oral iron treatment. Group assignment for iron depletion was based on serum ferritin cutoffs of less than 20 µg/L for women and less than 30 µg/L for men or was based on changes in serum ferritin levels after iron replacement. RESULTS Among 1273 Hb-deferred whole blood donors, 55% (619 of 1128) of the women and 70% (102 of 145) of the men were iron depleted. Iron-depleted donors had higher platelet counts compared with donors who had normal ferritin levels (women: 286 vs. 268 × 103/µL; p 400 × 103/µL) compared with 2.0% of donors who had normal ferritin levels (p = 0.017). Iron replacement decreased platelet counts in iron-depleted female donors (mean, −19,800/µL; interquartile range, 8000 to −45,000/μL), but not in donors who had normal or stable ferritin levels. The same trends were observed in male donors. CONCLUSION Iron-depleted donors had higher platelet counts than donors who had adequate iron stores. Oral iron replacement decreased platelet counts on average by about 20,000/µL in iron-depleted donors but had no effect on platelet counts in donors who had normal or stable ferritin levels.
Coevolving advances in animal flight and aerial robotics

Our understanding of animal flight has inspired the design of new aerial robots with more effective flight capacities through the process of biomimetics and bioinspiration. The aerodynamic origin o...
INTERLEUKINS | IL-6

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a pleiotropic cytokine that is generally produced at sites of inflammation. It is a member of a family of cytokines classified as IL-6-type cytokines which also includes IL-11, leukemia inhibitory factor, cardiotrophin-1, oncostatin M, and ciliary neurotrophic factor based on the overlapping effector profiles of these cytokines and their shared use of gp130 as the β-subunit in their multimeric receptor complexes. IL-6 induces fever, activates B and T lymphocytes, and stimulates hepatocytes to produce acute phase proteins. IL-6 is produced early in most forms of inflammation by many different cell types and so it plays a role in almost all forms of lung disease that involve infection or inflammation. Its levels in serum and lung fluid have been shown to correlate with some clinical outcomes in the acute respiratory distress syndrome but other than that, little is known about its role in specific diseases. It is not currently thought to play a significant role in asthma or allergic lung diseases. Despite often being classified as a proinflammatory cytokine, recent studies have demonstrated that IL-6 also may have potent anti-inflammatory and protective properties. These include the ability to inhibit the production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF), IL-1, and MIP-2; decrease neutrophil sequestration; increase levels of IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) and TNF-soluble receptor (TNFsr); stimulate the production of metalloproteinase inhibitors; reduce intracellular superoxide production; reduce tissue matrix degradation; and inhibit cellular apoptosis.
Conventional Locomotive Coupling Tests

Research to develop new technologies for increasing the safety of passengers and crew in rail equipment is being directed by the Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA’s) Office of Research, Development, and Technology. Crash energy management (CEM) components which can be integrated into the end structure of a locomotive have been developed: a push-back coupler and a deformable anti-climber. These components are designed to inhibit override in the event of a collision. The results of vehicle-to-vehicle override, where the strong underframe of one vehicle, typically a locomotive, impacts the weaker superstructure of the other vehicle, can be devastating. These components are designed to improve crashworthiness for equipped locomotives in a wide range of potential collisions, including collisions with conventional locomotives, conventional cab cars, and freight equipment.Concerns have been raised in discussions with industry that push-back couplers may trigger prematurely, and may require replacement due to unintentional activation as a result of service loads. Push-back couplers are designed with trigger loads meant to exceed the expected maximum service loads experienced by conventional couplers. Analytical models are typically used to determine these required trigger loads. Two sets of coupling tests are planned to demonstrate this, one with a conventional locomotive equipped with conventional draft gear and coupler, and another with a conventional locomotive equipped with a push-back coupler. These tests will allow a performance comparison of a conventional locomotive with a CEM-equipped locomotive during coupling. In addition to the two sets of coupling tests, car-to-car compatibility tests of CEM-equipped locomotives, as well as a train-to-train test are also planned. This arrangement of tests allows for evaluation of the CEM-equipped locomotive performance, as well as comparison of measured with simulated locomotive performance in the car-to-car and train-to-train tests.This paper describes the results of the coupling tests of conventional equipment. In this set of tests, a moving locomotive was coupled to a standing cab car. The coupling speed for the first test was 2 mph, the second test 4 mph, and the tests continued with the speed incrementing by 2 mph until the last test was conducted at 12 mph. The damage observed resulting from the coupling tests is described. The lowest coupling speed at which damage occurred was 6 mph. Prior to the tests, a one-dimensional lumped-mass model was developed for predicting the longitudinal forces acting on the equipment and couplers. The model predicted that damage would occur for coupling speeds between 6 and 8 mph. The results of these conventional coupling tests compare favorably with pre-test predictions. Next steps in the research program, including future full-scale dynamic tests, are discussed.
Revisiting the conversion reaction voltage and the reversibility of the CuF2 electrode in Li-ion batteries

Deviation between thermodynamic and experimental voltages is one of the key issues in Li-ion conversion-type electrode materials; the factor that affects this phenomenon has not been understood well in spite of its importance. In this work, we combine first principles calculations and electrochemical experiments with characterization tools to probe the conversion reaction voltage of transition metal difluorides MF2 (M = Fe, Ni, and Cu). We find that the conversion reaction voltage is heavily dependent on the size of the metal nanoparticles generated. The surface energy of metal nanoparticles appears to penalize the reaction energy, which results in a lower voltage compared to the thermodynamic voltage of a bulk-phase reaction. Furthermore, we develop a reversible CuF2 electrode coated with NiO. Electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) elemental maps demonstrate that the lithiation process mostly occurs in the area of high NiO content. This suggests that NiO can be considered a suitable artificial solid electrolyte interphase that prevents direct contact between Cu nanoparticles and the electrolyte. Thus, it alleviates Cu dissolution into the electrolyte and improves the reversibility of CuF2.
Nonlinear frequency combs generated by cnoidal waves in microring resonators

Cnoidal waves are the periodic analog of solitons. Like solitons, they can be generated in microresonators and correspond to frequency combs. The generation of frequency combs in nonlinear microresonators is modeled by the Lugiato–Lefever equation. In this paper, we study the Lugiato–Lefever equation for a microresonator in the anomalous dispersion regime. In the lossless case, we show that the cnoidal waves can be expressed as a combination of Jacobi elliptic functions. These solutions reduce to known soliton-like solutions in particular cases. The properties of cnoidal waves in the realistic lossy case and their potential uses are also discussed.
Bank Structure and Liquidity Shocks: Evidence from Emerging Markets During the 2008 Financial Crisis

There is ample evidence on how bank structure (bank concentration, development of the banking sector, and presence of foreign banks) is related to credit supply and economic growth. However, little is known about how bank structure affects credit supply when the banking sector itself is in crisis and thus credit supply is impaired. The paucity of studies in examining the relationship between bank structure and credit supply during financial crisis is probably due to the complication that bank structure itself is significantly related to financial crisis. In this study, we avoid the endogeneity problem caused by the correlation between bank structure and financial crisis by studying the stock price performance of firms in 20 emerging countries during the 2008 financial crisis because the financial hardship in these countries was caused exogenously by the crisis originated from the U.S. We find firms that are more dependent on external financing tend to suffer greater stock price declines. However, the seve...
Size and growth relationships in juvenile steelhead: The advantage of large relative size diminishes with increasing water temperatures

In territorial stream salmonids, asymmetric competition can perpetuate individual size differences over time, but the extent to which this is manifested can be environmentally mediated. Here we study the variation in juvenile steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) growth rates to identify the conditions (population density and water temperature) under which an individual’s size relative to its conspecifics conferred an advantage. Among steelhead rearing in the same stream section we found that relatively larger individuals on average grew faster than smaller conspecifics. However, comparing across stream sections there was a negative interaction between relative size and water temperature. The effect of an individual’s relative size on its growth rate decreased as temperatures were increasing, indicating that the advantages of being large diminished during periods of high temperatures or in locations with relatively higher temperatures. Compared to temperature, the effects of population density on the growth rate were less substantial. The results suggest that larger individuals on average acquire more resources than smaller individuals, and demonstrate that water temperature exerts an important, modulating control over growth performance in heterogeneous environments.
Online data to contextualize waterpipe tobacco smoking establishments surrounding large US universities

Waterpipe tobacco smoking has grown in popularity among US college students and is associated with serious health risks. Much of the waterpipe tobacco smoking takes place in establishments such as ...
Incidence, risk factors, and clinical implications of post-operative delirium in lung transplant recipients.

Background Delirium significantly affects post-operative outcomes, but the incidence, risk factors, and long-term impact of delirium in lung transplant recipients have not been well studied. Methods We analyzed 155 lung transplant recipients enrolled in the Lung Transplant Outcomes Group (LTOG) cohort at a single center. We determined delirium incidence by structured chart review, identified risk factors for delirium, determined whether plasma concentrations of 2 cerebral injury markers (neuron-specific enolase [NSE] and glial fibrillary acidic protein [GFAP]) were associated with delirium, and determined the association of post-operative delirium with 1-year survival. Results Fifty-seven (36.8%) patients developed post-operative delirium. Independent risk factors for delirium included pre-transplant benzodiazepine prescription (relative risk [RR] 1.82; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.08 to 3.07; p = 0.025), total ischemic time (RR 1.10 per 30-minute increase; 95% CI 1.01 to 1.21; p = 0.027), duration of time with intra-operative mean arterial pressure Conclusions Post-operative delirium is common in lung transplant recipients, and several potentially modifiable risk factors deserve further study to determine their associated mechanisms and predictive values.
Identify and characterize the makers in tumor associated stromal cells to induce prostate cancer progression

3705 Previously we demonstrated the reciprocal interactions between prostate cancer cells (PCa) and prostate or bone stromal cells altered the genotype and behavior of these cells. The purpose of this study is to identify and characterize genes and signal pathways of tumor associated stromal cells that could induce cancer progression. Human PCa, LNCaP, or its lineage-derived androgen-independent C4-2 cells co-cultured with bone stromal cells, MG63, HS-27A or HS-5, under 3-D rotary wall vessel (RWV) system. Five paired human prostate stromal cells from benign or prostate cancer area of cancer specimens confirmed these studies. Microarray analyses demonstrated stromal markers, such as genes for ECM, chemokine and cytokine, are increased after co-culture. These gene profile changes were confirmed by macroarray and qRT-PCR. The resulting bone stromal cells expressed higher level of ECMs, chemokines and cytokines induced prostate cancer growth in nude mice. Data analyses demonstrated several signaling pathways, such as TGF-b1, HGF, AR, EGF, Myc and P53 axes, in reactive stromal cells were induced. Furthermore, several stem cell markers also up regulated. Protein expression levels of potential candidate genes were confirmed by tissue array or ELISA analyses. Tenascin and Versican expression were confirmed using tissue array analysis showed increased expression in cancer associated stromal region. Several mesenchymal stem cell markers identified in the reactive stromal cells were showed increasing in serum from cancer patient of androgen independent bone metastasis. These data demonstrated the tumor-stroma interaction generates a reciprocal interaction leads to increased malignant potential of human prostate cancer. Therapeutic targeting of this interaction could prove to be beneficial to patients with prostate cancer bone metastasis.
DDFS and ΣΔ Approaches for Fractional Frequency Synthesis in Terahertz Instruments

This paper compares direct digital frequency synthesis (DDFS) and ΣΔ CMOS-based frequency synthesizers for terahertz instrument systems. This paper first discusses the need for fractional synthesis in terahertz systems, and provides a brief overview of reference clock frequency selection, and design choices related to implementation of fractional functionality. ΣΔ-multistage-noise-shape-based and DDFS-based fractional synthesis approaches and architectures are discussed and CMOS synthesizer modules based on both of these approaches are presented. Finally, the paper compares two different 100-GHz CMOS fractional frequency synthesizer chips, which employ the same millimeter-wave circuits but different fractional generators (third- and sixth-order ΣΔ, and DDFS-based). Performance in terms of phase-noise, spurious components, and power consumption are directly compared. Measurements suggest ΣΔ synthesis is more suitable than DDFS for THz fractional synthesizers due to the high-phase multiplication of spurs.
Quality Accountability: External Oversight

Historically, professional accountability has been handled directly by the licensing, accreditation and credentialing of providers, by granting privileges and by continuing medical education. All health professionals: physicians, nurses, pharmacists, laboratory technologists, physician’s assistants and others must follow programs of preparation and meet defined professional standards to become eligible for licensing by state boards.
ARPiano Efficient Music Learning Using Augmented Reality

ARPiano uses a MIDI keyboard and a multifunction knob to create a novel mixed reality experience that supports visual music learning, music visualizations and music understanding. At its core, ARPiano provides a framework for extending a physical piano using augmented reality. ARPiano is able to precisely locate a physical keyboard in order to overlay various objects around the keyboard and on individual keys. These augmented objects are then used for music learning, visualization and understanding. Furthermore, ARPiano demonstrates a novel way to utilize the keys in a piano as an interface to interact with various augmented objects.
WNT/β-catenin signaling plays a crucial role in myoblast fusion through regulation of nephrin expression during development.

Skeletal muscle development is controlled by a series of multiple orchestrated regulatory pathways. WNT/β-catenin is one of the most important pathways for myogenesis; however, it remains unclear how this signaling pathway regulates myogenesis in a temporal- and spatial-specific manner. Here, we show that WNT/β-catenin signaling is crucial for myoblast fusion through regulation of the nephrin (Nphs1) gene in the Myog-Cre-expressing myoblast population. Mice deficient for the β-catenin gene in Myog-Cre-expressing myoblasts (Ctnnb1F/F;Myog-Cre mice) displayed myoblast fusion defects, but not migration or cell proliferation defects. The promoter region of Nphs1 contains the conserved β-catenin-binding element, and Nphs1 expression was induced by the activation of WNT/β-catenin signaling. The induction of Nphs1 in cultured myoblasts from Ctnnb1F/F;Myog-Cre mice restored the myoblast fusion defect, indicating that nephrin is functionally relevant in WNT/β-catenin-dependent myoblast fusion. Taken together, our results indicate that WNT/β-catenin signaling is crucial for myoblast fusion through the regulation of the Nphs1 gene.
Compound Regression and Constrained Regression: Nonparametric Regression Frameworks for EIV Models

Errors-in-variable (EIV) regression is often used to gauge linear relationship between two variables both suffering from measurement and other errors, such as, the comparison of two measurement pla...
What Is Research? Educators' Conceptions and Alignment with United States Federal Policies.

This study draws on two communities theory to address two major research questions related conceptions of research in educational practice and policy. First, how do educators conceptualize research? Second, to what extent do educators' conceptions of research align with recent U.S. federal educational policies? We conducted 90 semi-structured interviews with educators in the United States, asking them what comes to mind when they think of research. We used open, axial, and selective coding to characterize educators' conceptions of research. We also compared educators' conceptions of research to two U.S. federal educational policies that define scientifically based research and evidence-based interventions. Findings indicate that educators and policies defined research in similar ways, but each included some unique characteristics. Implications from the study include the need for increased communication between federal policy-makers and educators and improved reporting by researchers to better attend to the needs of educators and policymakers.
Day-to-day regularity in breakfast consumption is associated with weight status in a prospective cohort of women

Background Evidence suggests that regular eating patterns (i.e., consistent day-to-day frequency and timing of consumption) may be favorable with respect to weight status, and breakfast may be a particularly important meal for weight maintenance. We examined the relationship between regular breakfast consumption habits and weight status among women. Materials and methods Modified Poisson regression models examined day-to-day regularity in breakfast consumption among 46,037 women in the prospective Sister Study cohort in relation to weight status. Cross-sectional outcomes included overweight (body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25.0 kg/m2) and obesity (BMI ≥ 30.0 kg/m2); waist circumference (WC) ≥ 88 cm; and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) ≥ 0.85. Self-reported weight 5 years post-baseline was used to calculate 5 kg weight gain and incident overweight and obesity using BMI. Results Compared to women who reported eating breakfast 3 to 4 days/week (irregular breakfast eaters), women who ate breakfast 7 days/week were between 11% to 17% less likely to be obese as measured by WHR (prevalence ratio (PR): 0.89; 95%CI: 0.85, 0.94), WC (PR: 0.85; 95%CI: 0.82, 0.88), and BMI (PR: 0.83; 95%CI: 0.79, 0.87) after multivariable adjustment. Women who never ate breakfast were between 11% to 22% less likely to be obese as measured by WHR (PR: 0.89; 95%CI: 0.83, 0.96), WC (PR: 0.82; 95%CI: 0.78, 0.87), and BMI (PR: 0.78; 95%CI: 0.72, 0.84) compared to irregular breakfast eaters. Prospective analyses showed a 21% and 28% lower risk of 5-year incident obesity among participants who always (relative risk (RR): 0.79; 95%CI: 0.70, 0.90) or never (RR: 0.72; 95%CI: 0.59, 0.87) ate breakfast, respectively, compared to those who ate breakfast 3 to 4 days/week. No association was observed for incident 5 kg weight gain. Conclusions Results suggest that a regular breakfast consumption habit, comprising eating breakfast every day or never, may be important for maintaining a healthy weight.
Mental Health Care for Survivors and Healthcare Workers in the Aftermath of an Outbreak

When pandemics sweep across communities, they leave behind tremendous suffering in their wake. It is not only the illness that becomes a pandemic, but the same can be inferred about fear, mourning, and despair. The reverberations of loss are felt in a multitude of ways by those left behind. Often times, the mental health issues of affected persons and entire communities do not receive the attention they deserve in the light of other competing, immediate needs imparted by the devastation of the pandemic. This chapter aims to develop strategies for providing psychiatric care to survivors and their families, in the aftermath of a pandemic outbreak. Lastly, special considerations in the application of psychopharmacological interventions are reviewed.
Embedded axonal fiber tracts improve finite element model predictions of traumatic brain injury

With the growing rate of traumatic brain injury (TBI), there is an increasing interest in validated tools to predict and prevent brain injuries. Finite element models (FEM) are valuable tools to estimate tissue responses, predict probability of TBI, and guide the development of safety equipment. In this study, we developed and validated an anisotropic pig brain multi-scale FEM by explicitly embedding the axonal tract structures and utilized the model to simulate experimental TBI in piglets undergoing dynamic head rotations. Binary logistic regression, survival analysis with Weibull distribution, and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, coupled with repeated k-fold cross-validation technique, were used to examine 12 FEM-derived metrics related to axonal/brain tissue strain and strain rate for predicting the presence or absence of traumatic axonal injury (TAI). All 12 metrics performed well in predicting of TAI with prediction accuracy rate of 73–90%. The axonal-based metrics outperformed their rival brain tissue-based metrics in predicting TAI. The best predictors of TAI were maximum axonal strain times strain rate (MASxSR) and its corresponding optimal fraction-based metric (AF-MASxSR7.5) that represents the fraction of axonal fibers exceeding MASxSR of 7.5 s−1. The thresholds compare favorably with tissue tolerances found in in–vitro/in–vivo measurements in the literature. In addition, the damaged volume fractions (DVF) predicted using the axonal-based metrics, especially MASxSR (DVF = 0.05–4.5%), were closer to the actual DVF obtained from histopathology (AIV = 0.02–1.65%) in comparison with the DVF predicted using the brain-related metrics (DVF = 0.11–41.2%). The methods and the results from this study can be used to improve model prediction of TBI in humans.
Synthesis of multisegmented block copolymer by Friedel–Crafts hydroxyalkylation polymerization

Multisegmented block copolymers (MSBCPs) were synthesized by acid-catalyzed Friedel–Crafts (F–C) hydroxyalkylation polymerization in a two-step process from a feedstock of commercially available or easily synthesized benzaldehyde (BA) derivatives and 1,4-dimethoxy benzene (DMB). Polymerizations of DMB with various BA monomers afforded a library of triarylmethane-backboned oligomers with nitro, fluoro, alkyl ester, dimethylamino and tert-butyl pendant functional groups. Using these oligomers as macromonomers in a subsequent F–C hydroxyalkylation polymerization under the same setup produced MSBCPs with tunable compositions of segments and high number-average molar mass ∼105 g mol−1. Glass transition temperatures (Tg) measured for the oligomers and MSBCP became tunable between 121.3 °C and 227.7 °C. Meanwhile, water contact angle measurements of the spin-coated membranes were compared and a pH-responsive MSBCP was synthesized to demonstrate switchable surface wettability and polarity.
Prognostic value and therapeutic implications of expanded molecular testing for resected early stage lung adenocarcinoma.

Abstract Objectives This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic and potential therapeutic value of expanded molecular testing of resected early-stage lung ACA. Methods We analyzed 324 patients who underwent lobectomy and lymphadenectomy for clinical Stage II 95%CI 1.14–3.06) and OS (HR 2.09; 95%CI 1.11–3.92). BRAF mutation detected in NGS tested patients was also associated with decreased DFS (HR3.80; 95%CI 1.46–9.89) and OS (HR 7.37; 95%CI 2.36–22.99) on multivariate analysis. Conclusion The expansion of molecular testing has resulted in a substantial increase in the detection of potentially therapeutically significant mutations in resected early-stage ACA. KRAS and BRAF mutation status by NGS was prognostic for relapse and survival. These data emphasize opportunities for clinical trials in a growing number surgical ACA patients with available targeted therapies.
Challenges and opportunities of KrF photoresist development for 3D NAND application

Further increasing integrated circuit storage capacities while reducing the cost has led to the development of stacked 3D structures for NAND application. The 3D NAND structures can be enabled by using KrF photoresist coated at high thickness, and a staircase pattern can be generated through multiple etch steps. Pushing KrF lithography to high coating thickness creates several challenges for the materials and formulation design, such as lack of film transparency, as well as film cracking and delamination. The photoresist used in KrF lithography is based on poly(hydroxystyrene) (PHS) type polymers, which is associated with unique technical challenges for printing 10s microns scale features due to its high absorbance at 248 nm and its high glass transition temperature, Tg. Here we report the development of novel KrF photoresist materials for 3D NAND application with sufficient film transmittance, which forms desired straight profile with no footing. Our results also indicate that the film cracking could be mitigated by additive and process condition optimization, and film delamination could be addressed by adding an adhesion promotion layer.
Facultative Transitions Have Trouble Committing, But Stable Life Cycles Predict Salamander Genome Size Evolution

Facultative traits can provide phenotypic lability in dynamic environments, but it is unclear how weaving between disparate habitats impacts non-facultative traits that are carried along the way. The life cycles of salamanders are associated with distinct ontogenies, aquatic-to-terrestrial (biphasic), completely-terrestrial (direct development), and completely-aquatic (larval form paedomorphic). Salamanders have some of the largest genomes among vertebrates, and the most extreme expansions have been attributed to paedomorphosis and life cycle simplification. Recent analyses of genome size evolution across amphibians have rejected this hypothesis for salamanders. Our analyses show that treatment of facultatively paedomorphic salamanders, which are alternatively biphasic, in part explains this discrepancy. Nearly all of the facultatively paedomorphic species analyzed have genome sizes that overlap with the optimum of biphasic species. We found that obligate paedomorphs, alone and when combined with direct developers, have significantly larger genome sizes than biphasics plus facultative paedomorphs. In general, salamander genome size variation fits life cycle models better than those for larval ecology, adult ecology, or aquatic habitat stability. Obligate transitions to a simple life cycle appear to have been an important route for lineages to evolve significant divergence in genome size from biphasic ancestors. Our analyses support the classic association between genome size variation and life cycle complexity in salamanders, which may ultimately reflect patterns of time limited development.
Depletion of the Mini‐Chromosome Maintenance Complex Binding Protein allows the progression of cytokinesis despite abnormal karyokinesis during the asexual development of Plasmodium falciparum

The eukaryotic cell cycle is typically divided into distinct phases with cytokinesis immediately following mitosis. To ensure proper cell division, each phase is tightly coordinated via feedback controls named checkpoints. During its asexual replication cycle, the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum undergoes multiple asynchronous rounds of mitosis with segregation of uncondensed chromosomes followed by nuclear division with intact nuclear envelope. The multi-nucleated schizont is then subjected to a single round of cytokinesis that produces dozens of daughter cells called merozoites. To date, no cell cycle checkpoints have been identified that regulate the Plasmodium spp. mode of division. Here, we identify the Plasmodium homologue of the Mini-Chromosome Maintenance Complex Binding Protein (PfMCMBP), which co-purified with the Mini-Chromosome Maintenance (MCM) complex, a replicative helicase required for genomic DNA replication. By conditionally depleting PfMCMBP, we disrupt nuclear morphology and parasite proliferation without causing a block in DNA replication. By immunofluorescence microscopy, we show that PfMCMBP depletion promotes the formation of mitotic spindle microtubules with extensions to more than one DNA focus and abnormal centrin distribution. Strikingly, PfMCMBP-deficient parasites complete cytokinesis and form aneuploid merozoites with variable cellular and nuclear sizes. Our study demonstrates that the parasite lacks a robust checkpoint response to prevent cytokinesis following aberrant karyokinesis.
Measuring Racial Status Beliefs with Implicit Associations

Status distinctions have important consequences for most aspects of life, including inequalities in wealth, segregation, and interaction patterns in small groups. Much work documents such inequalit...
Sex differences in patients with cardiogenic shock requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Abstract Objective Our study assesses differences between male and female patients placed on venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for cardiogenic shock. Method We retrospectively analyzed 574 adult patients placed on venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for cardiogenic shock at our institution between January 2007 and December 2018. Baseline characteristics and outcomes were assessed. Propensity score matching was used to compare outcomes. The primary end point was in-hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes include limb ischemia, limb ischemia interventions, distal perfusion cannula placement, stroke, bleeding, and continuous venovenous hemofiltration initiation. Results There were 394 male patients (69%) and 180 female patients (31%). After adjusting for baseline differences, propensity score matching compared 171 male patients with 171 female patients. No difference was seen between men and women in in-hospital mortality (60.2% vs 56.7%; P = .59), limb ischemia (47.4% vs 45.6%; P = .83), limb ischemia surgery (15.2% vs 12.9%; P = .64), bleeding (49.7% vs 49.1%; P = 1), continuous venovenous hemofiltration initiation (39.2% vs 32.7%; P = .26), and stroke (8.2% vs 9.4%; P = .85). Multivariable logistic regression showed that female patients who died were more likely to have had chronic kidney disease (odds ratio [OR], 2.67; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.09-6.53; P = .032) than surviving women. Male patients who died were more likely to have had coronary artery disease (OR, 2.25; 95% CI, 1.34-3.78; P = .002) and higher lactate levels (OR, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.08-1.21; P Conclusions After adjusting for baseline difference, there was no difference in outcomes between male and female patients despite differing risk profiles for in-hospital mortality. (supplementary video)
Socioeconomic status and medication adherence among youth with asthma: the mediating role of frequency of children's daily routines.

The current research aims to examine a potential explanation for SES disparities in youth medication adherence: the frequency of children’s daily routines. In a cross-sectional sample of 194 youth ...
How Does Household Income Affect Child Personality Traits and Behaviors

Existing research has investigated the effect of early childhood educational interventions on the child’s later-life outcomes. These studies have found limited impact of supplementary programs on children’s cognitive skills, but sustained effects on personality traits. We examine how a positive change in unearned household income affects children’s emotional and behavioral health and personality traits. Our results indicate that there are large beneficial effects of improved household financial wellbeing on children’s emotional and behavioral health and positive personality trait development. Moreover, we find that these effects are most pronounced for children who are lagging behind their peers in these measures before the intervention. Increasing household incomes reduce differences across adolescents with different levels of initial emotional-behavioral symptoms and personality traits. We also examine potential channels through which the increased household income may contribute to these positive changes. Parenting and relationships within the family appear to be an important mechanism. We also find evidence that a sub-sample of the population moves to census tracts with better income levels and educational attainment.