cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of methylphosphonates as analogs for detecting phosphate contacts in RNA-protein complexes

The well-studied interaction between the MS2 coat protein and its cognate hairpin was used to test the utility of the methylphosphonate linkage as a phosphate analog. A nitrocellulose filter binding assay was used to measure the change in binding affinity upon introduction of a single methylphosphonate stereoisomer at 13 different positions in the RNA hairpin. Comparing these data to the available crystal structure of the complex shows that all phosphates that are in proximity to the protein show a weaker binding affinity when substituted with a phosphorothioate and control positions show no change. However, in two cases, a methylphosphonate isomer either increased or decreased the binding affinity where no interaction can be detected in the crystal structure. It is possible that methylphosphonate substitutions at these positions affect the structure or flexibility of the hairpin. The utility of the methylphosphonate substitution is compared to phosphate ethylation and phosphorothioate substitution experiments previously performed on the same system.
DEPRESSION, DANGER, DEPENDENCY, DENIAL: Work with Poor, Black, Single Parents

The particular needs and problems of a segment of a poor, black population, encountered in a clinic setting and made up mainly of single mothers, are considered from the viewpoint of a white middle-class clinician, the sort of professional most often in the position of serving this clientele. Case vignettes are presented, and implications for service geared specifically to this population are offered.
A hole in our thinking: a response to Scambler’s ‘Health inequalities’

Marxist-oriented theory in medical sociology over the last twenty years or so has fallen into decline and perhaps even disrepair since the collapse of state socialism in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union. Cockerham (2007), for one, suggests that the theoretical andpractical failure of Marxism to produce healthy societies in the former communist states substantially undermines its utility in medical sociology, while Callinicos (2007) has gone so far as to depict Marxist theory in sociology generally as ‘a dead dog.’ Yet we are beginning towitness something of a revival of Marxist thought in medical sociology with the recent appearance of works, such as De Maio’s Health & Social Theory (2010) and now Scambler’s essay in this journal on health disparities. What Scambler accomplishes with his review is to call our attention to an unfilled hole or gap in our thinking about the effects of social structures on health and longevity. He points out that SEC (socio-economic classification in the UK) or SES (socio-economic status in theUS) is much more than a collection of variables measuring class position; rather, class itself constitutes a structural variable whose properties combine to cause health (either good or bad). While this view is consistent with fundamental cause theory (Link and Phelan 1995) and the work of others (Coburn 2004, Cockerham 2007) promoting current neo-structural approaches to theorising about health disparities in medical sociology, Scambler goes further. He reminds us how capitalism is an inherently unequal economic system with safety nets for the poor provided by state intervention. When state benefits are reduced or curtailed by economic crisis, the adverse condition of being poor with its corresponding negative effects on health are accelerated.
Neuropilin-1 Modulates p53/Caspases Axis to Promote Endothelial Cell Survival

Vascular permeability factor/vascular endothelial growth factor (VPF/VEGF), one of the crucial pro-angiogenic factors, functions as a potent inhibitor of endothelial cell (EC) apoptosis. Previous progress has been made towards delineating the VPF/VEGF survival signaling downstream of the activation of VEGFR-2. Here, we seek to define the function of NRP-1 in VPF/VEGF-induced survival signaling in EC and to elucidate the concomitant molecular signaling events that are pivotal for our understanding of the signaling of VPF/VEGF. Utilizing two different in vitro cell culture systems and an in vivo zebrafish model, we demonstrate that NRP-1 mediates VPF/VEGF-induced EC survival independent of VEGFR-2. Furthermore, we show here a novel mechanism for NRP-1-specific control of the anti-apoptotic pathway in EC through involvement of the NRP-1-interacting protein (NIP/GIPC) in the activation of PI-3K/Akt and subsequent inactivation of p53 pathways and FoxOs, as well as activation of p21. This study, by elucidating the mechanisms that govern VPF/VEGF-induced EC survival signaling via NRP-1, contributes to a better understanding of molecular mechanisms of cardiovascular development and disease and widens the possibilities for better therapeutic targets.
All Ranks Are Local: Why Humans Are Both (Painfully) Aware and (Surprisingly) Unaware of Their Lot in Life

Moments in life that involve discovering one's social rank are among the most emotionally evocative experienced by humans. Reflect for a few moments on a time you came in first in some pursuit. Now...
On amplitude and frequency demodulation using energy operators

It is shown that the nonlinear energy-tracking signal operator Psi (x)=(dx/dt)/sup 2/-xd/sup 2/x/dt/sup 2/ and its discrete-time counterpart can estimate the AM and FM modulating signals. Specifically, Psi can approximately estimate the amplitude envelope of AM signals and the instantaneous frequency of FM signals. Bounds are derived for the approximation errors, which are negligible under general realistic conditions. These results, coupled with the simplicity of Psi , establish the usefulness of the energy operator for AM and FM signal demodulation. These ideas are then extended to a more general class of signals that are sine waves with a time-varying amplitude and frequency and thus contain both an AM and an FM component; for such signals it is shown that Psi can approximately track the product of their amplitude envelope and their instantaneous frequency. The theoretical analysis is done for both continuous- and discrete-time signals. >
Optimal noise matching condition for mutually-coupled antenna arrays

It has long been appreciated that mutual coupling affects the signal correlation at the outputs of a receiving array. For the signal response, a decoupled array has maximum discrimination between different signal multipath arrival angles, leading to optimal performance from an antenna diversity point of view in a multipath environment with uniformly distributed arrival angles. Matching networks have been designed for specific array configurations to achieve this decoupling. More recently, it has been demonstrated that an array must be decoupled in order to obtain optimal system noise performance. Using the network models developed, it can be proved that system noise for an array attached to low noise amplifiers (LNAs) is minimized over all possible signal arrival angles only if the array appears effectively uncoupled to the amplifiers. If an array is mutually coupled, to minimize amplifier noise a multiport matching network must be inserted between the array output ports and the amplifier input ports that decouples the array and diagonalizes the effective mutual impedance matrix seen by the amplifiers looking into the matching network. In this paper, we discuss some of the physical implications of this optimal multiport noise matching condition for a mutually coupled array.
A Tribute to Peter L. Benson and His Contributions to Applied Developmental Science: Editors' Introduction

Peter L. Benson died on October 2, 2011. He was 65 years old. The spark that ignited his work was to make all communities ones that possessed resources to enhance the thriving of youth. During his ...
Lessons Learned From Hospital Ebola Preparation

BACKGROUND Hospital Ebola preparation is underway in the United States and other countries; however, the best approach and resources involved are unknown. OBJECTIVE To examine costs and challenges associated with hospital Ebola preparation by means of a survey of Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) members. DESIGN Electronic survey of infection prevention experts. RESULTS A total of 257 members completed the survey (221 US, 36 international) representing institutions in 41 US states, the District of Columbia, and 18 countries. The 221 US respondents represented 158 (43.1%) of 367 major medical centers that have SHEA members and included 21 (60%) of 35 institutions recently defined by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as Ebola virus disease treatment centers. From October 13 through October 19, 2014, Ebola consumed 80% of hospital epidemiology time and only 30% of routine infection prevention activities were completed. Routine care was delayed in 27% of hospitals evaluating patients for Ebola. LIMITATIONS Convenience sample of SHEA members with a moderate response rate. CONCLUSIONS Hospital Ebola preparations required extraordinary resources, which were diverted from routine infection prevention activities. Patients being evaluated for Ebola faced delays and potential limitations in management of other diseases that are more common in travelers returning from West Africa. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2015;00(0): 1–5
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF MORPHOLOGICAL DIVERSITY: DOES DISPARITY ACCUMULATE AT THE SAME RATE IN TWO LINEAGES OF CENTRARCHID FISHES?

Evolutionary lineages differ with regard to the variety of forms they exhibit. We investigated whether comparisons of morphological diversity can be used to identify differences in ecological diversity in two sister clades of centrarchid fishes. Species in the Lepomis clade (sunfishes) feed on a wider range of prey items than species in the Micropterus clade (black basses). We quantified disparity in morphology of the feeding apparatus as within-clade variance on principal components and found that Lepomis exhibits 4.4 and 7.4 times more variance than Micropterus on the first two principal components. However, lineages are expected to diversify morphologically and ecologically given enough time, and this pattern could have arisen due to differences in the amount of time each clade has had to accumulate variance. Despite being sister groups, the age of the most recent common ancestor of Lepomis is approximately 14.6 million years ago and its lineages have a total length of 86.4 million years while the age of the most recent common ancestor of Micropterus is only about 8.4 million years ago, and it has a total branch length of 42.9 million years. We used the Brownian motion model of character evolution to test the hypothesis that time of independent evolution of each clade's lineages accounts for differences in morphological disparity and determined that the rates of evolution of the first two principal components are 4.4 and 7.7 times greater in Lepomis. Thus, time and phylogeny do not account for the differences in morphological disparity observed in Lepomis and Micropterus, and other diversity-promoting mechanisms should be investigated.
Plastic Embedding and Sectioning of Plant Tissues

[Abstract] Plastic (resin) embedding provides exclusively improvements to cellular definition compared to paraffin embedding. The combination of strongly cross-linking paraformaldehyde with glutaraldehyde and post fixed with OsO4 is the fixative of choice for high-resolution light microscopy and electron microscopy. For this reason, this method is an ideal tool for visualizing plant cellular morphology and phenotype.
On adding a critical thinking module to a discrete structures course

Coverage of discrete structures is necessary for any computer science curriculum. More broadly, teaching skill in critical thinking is essential to providing a well-rounded college education. We describe our experience with incorporating a 'critical thinking module' (CTM) into a discrete structures (DS) course.
CUES—a study site for measuring snowpack energy balance in the Sierra Nevada

Accurate measurement and modeling of the snowpack energy balance are critical to understanding the terrestrial water cycle. Most of the water resources in the western US come from snowmelt, yet statistical runoff models that rely on the historical record are becoming less reliable because of a changing climate. For physically based snow melt models that do not depend on past conditions, ground based measurements of the energy balance components are imperative for verification. For this purpose, the US Army Corps of Engineers Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (CRREL) and the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) established the “CUES” snow study site (CRREL/UCSB Energy Site, http://www.snow.ucsb.edu/) at 2940 m elevation on Mammoth Mountain, California. We describe CUES, provide an overview of research, share our experience with scientific measurements, and encourage future collaborative research. Snow measurements began near the current CUES site for ski area operations in 1969. In the 1970s, researchers began taking scientific measurements. Today, CUES benefits from year round gondola access and a fiber optic internet connection. Data loggers and computers automatically record and store over 100 measurements from more than 50 instruments each minute. CUES is one of only five high altitude mountain sites in the Western US where a full suite of energy balance components are measured. In addition to measuring snow on the ground at multiple locations, extensive radiometric and meteorological measurements are recorded. Some of the more novel measurements include scans by an automated terrestrial LiDAR, passive and active microwave imaging of snow stratigraphy, microscopic imaging of snow grains, snowflake imaging with a multi-angle camera, fluxes from upward and downward looking radiometers, snow water equivalent from different types of snow pillows, snowmelt from lysimeters, and concentration of impurities in the snowpack. We give an example of terrain-corrected snow albedo measurements compared to several models and of sublimation measured from lysimeter and snow pillow melt. We conclude with some thoughts on the future of CUES.
Anti-obesity and Anti-inflammatory Effect of Acai Polyphenols in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes

Many health benefits have been attributed to polyphenolics from acai, however, proclaimed anti-obesity activities have not yet been investigated in much depth. The aim of this study was to determin...
Evaluating land-use and private forest management responses to a potential forest carbon offset sales program in western Oregon (USA)

Abstract We describe the use of linked land-use and forest sector models to simulate the effects of carbon offset sales on private forest owners' land-use and forest management decisions in western Oregon (USA). Our work focuses on forest management decisions rather than afforestation, allows full forest sector price adjustment to land-use changes, and incorporates time-dependent costs and restrictions of offset programs. The land-use model utilizes structure count data on some 21,000 plots spanning 30 years. The intertemporal optimizing forest sector model employs mill-level demand and FIA plot-level inventory. Our linked simulation modeling projects that an offset sales program could reduce forest land loss to development in western Oregon by about 4700 acres over the 2010–2060 simulation period for each $1 increase in the carbon price. At $10 per tonne CO 2 , regional private carbon stocks would be roughly stabilized at current levels over the period to 2060. Rotations would lengthen on enrolled lands, as expected, but use of planting, thinning and uneven-aged management would decline.
Inelastic Lateral Torsional Buckling of Beams

A numerical procedure is presented for predicting elastic and inelastic beam buckling loads. The procedure uses a finite difference solution to the differential equations defining lateral torsional buckling. The reduction in beam stiffness in the inelastic range is estimated by using an approximate tangent modulus method. A computer program has been developed using the numerical procedure presented for general elastic and inelastic buckling solutions. Solutions from the program are compared against approximately 123 test buckling results. Inelastic program buckling solutions are compared with and without using the shear center adjustment method. The approximate tangent modulus method and the shear center adjustment method agreed favorably with the test results.
Photo-CuAAC Induced Wrinkle Formation in a Thiol–Acrylate Elastomer via Sequential Click Reactions

Two sequential click reactions are implemented in a facile methodology used to generate well-defined spatiotemporally controlled and persistent wrinkles on the surface of an elastomer. The click thiol-Michael addition reaction was utilized to form a cross-linked polymer with residual, reactive alkyne sites that remained tethered throughout the network. The latent, unreacted alkyne sites are subsequently reacted with diazide monomers via a photoinduced Cu(I)-catalyzed alkyne–azide cycloaddition (CuAAC) reaction to increase the cross-link density. Increased cross-linking raised the modulus and glass transition temperature from 1.6 MPa and 2 °C after the thiol–acrylate reaction to 4.4 MPa and 22 °C after the CuAAC reaction. However, the second-stage photopolymerization of the CuAAC reaction is significantly spatially restricted via limited Cu(II) ion diffusion into the thiol–acrylate elastomer, thereby creating the desired cross-linking gradient throughout the depth of the initial network and leading to the ...
Technique to extract hypoderma sp. (Diptera: Oestridae) larvae from the backs of cattle.

Cattle grub ( Hypoderma sp.) larvae can be extracted from backs of cattle when as little as 1 ml of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is injected into the warble through the breathing hole. Larvae are expelled by the back pressure caused by the H2O2 activity. They then can be identified easily to in star and species because there is less physical damage to the specimen than is often seen in grubs extracted manually. This advantage is especially useful in research trials of control agents or in surveys when whole specimens are required. The technique also offers a method of grub extraction from untreated dairy or show cattle.
Inosculation of Blood Vessels Allows Early Perfusion and Vitality of Bladder Grafts—Implications for Bioengineered Bladder Wall

Bioengineered bladder tissue is needed for patients with neurogenic bladder disease as well as for cancer. Current technologies in bladder tissue engineering have been hampered by an inability to efficiently initiate blood supply to the graft, ultimately leading to complications that include graft contraction, ischemia, and perforation. To date, the biological mechanisms of vascularization on transplant have not been suitably investigated for urologic tissues. To better understand the mechanisms of neovascularization on bladder wall transplant, a chimeric mouse model was generated such that angiogenesis and vasculogenesis could be independently assessed in vivo. Green fluorescence protein (GFP) transgenic mice received bone marrow transplants from β-galactosidase (LacZ) transgenic animals and then subsequent bladder wall transplants from wild-type donor mice. Before euthanization, the aorta was infused with fluorescent microbeads (fluorospheres) to identify perfused vessels. The contributions of GFP (angiogenesis) and LacZ (vasculogenesis) to the formation of CD31-expressing blood vessels within the wild-type graft were evaluated by immunohistochemistry at different time points and locations within the graft (proximal, middle, and distal) to provide a spatiotemporal analysis of neovascularization. The GFP index, a measure of angiogenic host ingrowth, was significantly higher at proximal versus mid or distal regions in animals 2-16 weeks post-transplant. However, GFP index did not increase over time in any area. Within 7 days post-transplant, perfusion of primarily wild-type, donor blood vessels in the most distal areas of the graft was observed by intraluminal fluorospheres. In addition, chimeric host-donor (GFP-wild type) blood vessels were evident in proximal areas. The contribution of vasculogenesis to vascularization of the graft was limited, as LacZ cells were not specifically associated with the endothelial cells of blood vessels, but rather found primarily in areas of inflammation. The data suggest that angiogenesis of host blood vessels into the proximal region leads to inosculation between host and donor vessels and subsequent perfusion of the graft via pre-existing graft vessels within the first week after transplant. As such, the engineering of graft blood vessels and the promotion of inosculation might prevent graft contraction, thereby potentiating the use of bioengineered bladder tissue for transplantation.
Rapid chromatographic analysis of fatty acid anilides suspected of causing toxic oil syndrome

A rapid method for isolation and determination of fatty acid anilides of palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic, linoleic, and erucic acids from oil samples was developed. Corn oil samples mixed with the fatty acid anilides were diluted with petroleum ether, passed through silica gel Sep-Pak cartridges, and washed with petroleum ether. The fatty acid anilides were eluted with petroleum ether-diethyl ether (19:1, v/v), dried under a vacuum, separated, and quantitated by reversed-phase thin-layer and high-performance liquid chromatographic methods. The recovery was between 79 and 97% for the anilides from the fortified oil sample. This method can be used for the identification and quantitation of the fatty acid anilides found in adulterated oil samples.
Serum Neutralizing Antibodies to the Infecting Strain of Virus in Poliomyelitis Patients.

ConclusionsIn every instance the acute phase serum gave practically complete protection to all monkeys against a 20% monkey cord suspension which had usually been concentrated 10-fold by ultracentrifugation. A larger series of patients may show some without this titer of antibodies at, or before the onset of paralysis as did a group we reported who appeared to have been infected with a Lansing-like strain,3 but among this group of 7 patients, ranging from 2 to 16 years of age, antibodies were definitely present either before infection or had already developed by the time of onset of paralysis.The method of using serial 5-fold dilutions against a constant amount of virus, employed in the last 4 cases, appears to be satisfactory for this type of study and continued tests of this nature should afford important immunologic data on poliomyelitis. We realize that it would have been desirable to have known the titer of virus used in each instance, but we were influenced by consideration of the number of monkeys ...
Nutritional Investigations with Turkey Hens 3. Counteraction by Dietary Unidentified Factor Supplements of Deleterious Effects of Drugs on Egg Production in Turkeys

Abstract SINCE the isolation of vitamin B12, evidence for the need of other unidentified factors has been presented by several laboratories. Using turkey breeder hens, Whiteside et al. (1960) recently reported an improvement in egg production when an allvegetable protein diet was supplemented with dried brewer’s yeast. Hatchability of fertile eggs was improved by condensed fish solubles, dehydrated alfalfa meal, antibiotic fermentation residue, as well as dried brewer’s yeast. In our laboratory, adding a combination of dehydrated alfalfa meal, dried whey product, herring fish meal, and dried brewer’s yeast to a similar diet for turkey breeders failed to improve egg production and only slightly improved hatchability of fertile eggs (Jensen and McGinnis, 1961). One of the major differences in the basal diet used in the two laboratories was the presence of drugs (furazolidone, sulfaquinoxaline, and two antibiotics) in the diet used by Whiteside et al. (1960). Results showing that these drugs…
Serum Cytokines and EEG Abnormalities with Influenza Associated Febrile Seizures

The relation between serum cytokine levels, EEG changes, and mild neurological complications (delirium and febrile seizure) in 27 children with proven influenza infection was studied at Okazaki City Hospital, and other centers in Japan.
Operative timing and patient survival following distal splenorenal shunt

The importance of "operative timing" in cirrhotic patients with variceal hemorrhage is often underemphasized. To evaluate the effects of immediate versus delayed selective portasystemic decompression on hepatic function, operative mortality, and long-term patient survival, we reviewed the records of 77 patients who underwent distal splenorenal shunts (DSRS) over a 14-year period. A hepatic risk status score was calculated at the time of the index bleed (HRS1) or presentation and again just prior to operation (HRS2). Variables analyzed included age, sex, prior bleeding episodes, time from index bleed to operation, transfusion requirements, and etiology of cirrhosis. Operative mortality rates for immediate versus delayed DSRS were 46.2 per cent and 17 per cent, respectively. HRS improved significantly in elective DSRS patients from 1.46 to 1.30. Predictors of HRS2 included HRS1 and time in days from the index bleed to operation. The most important predictor of early survival for all patients after elective DSRS was the HRS2; however, for patients who underwent elective DSRS and survived, HRS1 was a better predictor of length of survival than HRS2. No other variable analyzed accurately predicted survival. We conclude that HRS can be expected to improve with supportive inhospital therapy; improved HRS at the time of operation is associated with decreased operative mortality; and the extent of liver disease as determined by HRS1 appears to be the chief determinant of long-term patient survival.
Abstract 1642: Feeding a Western Diet to LDL Receptor Null Mice Causes Inflammatory Changes in the Glomerulus, which are Ameliorated by D-4F an Apolipoprotein A-I Mimetic

Background- Feeding a Western diet to LDL receptor null mice results in hyperlipidemia, atherosclerosis, and endothelial dysfunction. Atheroslcerosis and endothelial dysfunction have been shown to be improved by oral administration of the apoA-I mimetic D-4F without altering hyperlipidemia. We asked if hyperlipidemia in this mouse model would result in renal glomerular changes and if D-4F would mitigate these changes. Methods and Results- Female LDL receptor null mice were fed a Western diet for 6 to 8 weeks with D-4F (n =10) or the inactive control peptide, scrambled D-4F (ScD-4F) (n =10) added to their drinking water at 300 μg/mL. Kidneys were removed and the cellularity of the glomeruli and the ratio of the glomerulus to Bowman’s capsule (a measure of glomerular proliferation) were determined. Glomerular monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) was quantified with Image Pro Plus software. Plasma lipids and lipoproteins were also determined and blood pressure was measured by the tail cuff method. The mice that received the inactive control peptide ScD-4F compared to D-4F had significantly more cells per glomerulus (62.8±1.9 cells per glomerulus for ScD-4F versus 37.2±0.8 for D-4F; p versus 0.82±0.01 for D-4F; p versus 5.03±2.6 for D-4F; p Conclusion- Feeding a Western diet to LDL receptor null mice induces glomerular inflammation which is ameliorated by the apoA-I mimetic peptide D-4F without altering plasma lipids or blood pressure.
Judge Denny Chin: A Student of the Law

I appreciate the invitation to contribute reflections as part of the Fordham Law Review’s tribute to Judge Denny Chin. He occupies a cherished position in the Fordham University Law School community and the American legal profession, making this tribute timely and highly appropriate. In thinking about Judge Chin, whom I have known since 1978, I am reminded of my childhood hero, Joe DiMaggio. He retired as one of baseball’s immortals after the 1951 season. Three years later another hero of mine, Check Kong Chin (Denny Chin), was born in Hong Kong, China. Though different in background and nationality at birth, Judge Chin and DiMaggio have at least one thing in common: they both approached their work as students of their subjects. In an interview he had in November 1951 with former Yankee batboy Joseph Carrieri (a Fordham College and Law School classmate of mine), DiMaggio said of the meaning of success: “Remember to stay interested in the game. You’re always a student. And as long as you live, you always have more to learn. If you can remember that, you’ll have learned a great deal about the meaning of success.”1 Before expressing that vision of life, DiMaggio recounted the joy he received from Billy Martin, a new player at the time who wanted to learn all he could about the game from its greatest player. He asked question after question and in the process revived in DiMaggio the excitement he had experienced in his own youth as a player.2 Judge Chin has found the key to perpetual youth in the law through his service as a judge and all the activities he has chosen to make a part of his total life. He is, by all accounts, a superb mentor of law interns and law clerks, not simply in terms of their work in his Chambers but in providing perspectives about careers in the law and offering reflections on advocacy in federal court litigation. His former clerks speak of his patience in dealing with counsel appearing before him, allowing them more than sufficient time to make their arguments, and granting extensions so that the work product before the court will represent their best advocacy. According to one of his former clerks, “Prosecutors, defense attorneys, and judges alike recognize that Judge Chin’s even-handedness and meticulous thoughtfulness results in
Occurrence of seizures in hospitalized patients with a pre-existing seizure disorder

Objective. To assess the frequency of seizures in hospitalized patients with a pre-existing seizure disorder. Patients and Methods. A retrospective review was conducted on all patients with a documented seizure disorder who were hospitalized between January 1, 2002 and December 31, 2007. Children aged < 2 years and hospital admission for seizure control or surgical or obstetric indications were excluded. The first hospital admission of at least 24 hours was identified for each patient. Patient demographics, details of the seizure disorder, details of the hospital admission, and clinically-apparent seizure activity documented during the inpatient stay were recorded from the medical record. Results. During the 6-year study period, 720 patients with a documented seizure disorder were admitted for at least 24 hours. Thirty-nine patients experienced seizure activity for an overall frequency of 5.4% (95% CI: 3.8-7.1%). Younger age (p = 0.001), greater frequency of baseline seizure activity (p < 0.001), recent seizure activity (p < 0.001), greater number of chronic antiepileptic medications (p = 0.01), and admission for neurological (p = 0.03) conditions were associated with increased frequency of seizure activity during hospitalization. Conclusions. The majority of seizures occurring in hospitalized patients with a pre-existing seizure disorder appear related to the patient’s underlying seizure disorder. Because patients with frequent seizures on numerous anti-epileptic medications are likely to experience a seizure while hospitalized, it is essential to be prepared to treat seizure activity regardless of the reason for admission.
Use of phytohemagglutinin to stimulate hematopoiesis in humans.

PHA therapy was administered to three patients with bone marrow suppression, two with "idiopathic aplastic anemia" and one with myelofibrosis. One patient with aplastic anemia showed increased marrow erythroid activity; the others had no response. Review of the available data on PHA therapy suggests that states of marrow depression related to known etiologies may respond more readily than idiopathic states. Further studies are needed before definitive conclusions can be drawn as to the true efficacy of this agent.
The Integrated Stress Response in Hypoxia Induced Diffuse White Matter Injury

Currently no treatments exist for preterm infants with diffuse white matter injury (DWMI) caused by hypoxia. Due to the improved care of preterm neonates and increased recognition by advanced imaging techniques, the prevalence of DWMI is increasing. A better understanding of the pathophysiology of DWMI is therefore of critical importance. The integrated stress response (ISR), a conserved eukaryotic response to myriad stressors including hypoxia, may play a role in hypoxia-induced DWMI and may represent a novel target for much needed therapies. In this study, we use in vitro and in vivo hypoxic models of DWMI to investigate whether the ISR is involved in DWMI. We demonstrate that hypoxia activates the ISR in primary mouse oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) in vitro and that genetically inhibiting the ISR in differentiating OPCs increases their susceptibility to in vitro hypoxia. We also show that a well established in vivo mild chronic hypoxia (MCH) mouse model and a new severe acute hypoxia (SAH) mouse model of DWMI activates the initial step of the ISR. Nonetheless, genetic inhibition of the ISR has no detectable effect on either MCH- or SAH-induced DWMI. In addition, we demonstrate that genetic enhancement of the ISR does not ameliorate MCH- or SAH-induced DWMI. These studies suggest that, while the ISR protects OPCs from hypoxia in vitro , it does not appear to play a major role in either MCH- or SAH-induced DWMI and is therefore not a likely target for therapies aimed at improving neurological outcome in preterm neonates with hypoxia-induced DWMI. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Diffuse white matter injury (DWMI) caused by hypoxia is a leading cause of neurological deficits following premature birth. An increased understanding of the pathogenesis of this disease is critical. The integrated stress response (ISR) is activated by hypoxia and protects oligodendrocyte lineage cells in other disease models. This has led to an interest in the potential role of the ISR in DWMI. Here we examine the ISR in hypoxia-induced DWMI and show that while the ISR protects oligodendrocyte lineage cells from hypoxia in vitro , genetic inhibition or enhancement of the ISR has no effect on hypoxia-induced DWMI in vivo , suggesting that the ISR does not play a major role in and is not a likely therapeutic target for DWMI.
Development of blood pressure and cardiac reflexes in the frog Pseudis paradoxsus.

Systemic arterial blood pressure and heart rate (fH) were measured in unanesthetized, unrestrained larvae and adults of the paradoxical frog, Pseudis paradoxus from Sao Paulo State in Brazil. Four developmental groups were used, representing the complete transition from aquatic larvae to primarily air-breathing adults. fH (49-66 beats/min) was not significantly affected by development, whereas mean arterial blood pressure was strongly affected, being lowest in the stage 37-39 larvae (10 mmHg), intermediate in the stage 44-45 larvae (18 mmHg), and highest in the juveniles and adults (31 and 30 mmHg, respectively). Blood pressure was not significantly correlated with body mass, which was greatest in the youngest larvae and smallest in the juveniles. In the youngest larvae studied (stages 37-39), lung ventilation was infrequent, causing a slight decrease in arterial blood pressure but no change in heart rate. Lung ventilation was more frequent in stages 44-45 larvae and nearly continuous in juveniles and adults floating at the surface. Bradycardia during both forced and voluntary diving was observed in almost every advanced larva, juvenile, and adult but in only one of four young larvae. Developmentally related changes in blood pressure were not complete until metamorphosis, whereas diving bradycardia was present at an earlier stage.
Multiscale analysis of architecture, cell size and the cell cortex reveals cortical F-actin density and composition are major contributors to mechanical properties during convergent extension

The large-scale movements that construct complex three-dimensional tissues during development are governed by universal physical principles. Fine-grained control of both mechanical properties and force production is critical to the successful placement of tissues and shaping of organs. Embryos of the frog Xenopus laevis provide a dramatic example of these physical processes, since dorsal tissues increase in Young9s modulus by six-fold to 80 Pascal over eight hours as germ layers and the central nervous system are formed. These physical changes coincide with emergence of complex anatomical structures, rounds of cell division, and cytoskeletal remodeling. To understand the contribution of these diverse structures, we adopt the Cellular Solids Model (CSM) to relate bulk stiffness of a solid-foam to the unit-size of individual cells, their microstructural organization, and their material properties. Our results indicate that large scale tissue architecture, and cell size are not likely to influence the bulk mechanical properties of early embryonic or progenitor tissues but that F-actin cortical density and composition of the F-actin cortex play major roles in regulating the physical mechanics of embryonic multicellular tissues.
Whole genome sequencing of a MAGIC population identified genomic loci and candidate genes for major fiber quality traits in upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)

Significant associations between candidate genes and six major cotton fiber quality traits were identified in a MAGIC population using GWAS and whole genome sequencing. Upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) is the world’s major renewable source of fibers for textiles. To identify causative genetic variants that influence the major agronomic measures of cotton fiber quality, which are used to set discount or premium prices on each bale of cotton in the USA, we measured six fiber phenotypes from twelve environments, across three locations and 7 years. Our 550 recombinant inbred lines were derived from a multi-parent advanced generation intercross population and were whole-genome-sequenced at 3× coverage, along with the eleven parental cultivars at 20× coverage. The segregation of 473,517 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in this population, including 7506 non-synonymous mutations, was combined with phenotypic data to identify seven highly significant fiber quality loci. At these loci, we found fourteen genes with non-synonymous SNPs. Among these loci, some had simple additive effects, while others were only important in a subset of the population. We observed additive effects for elongation and micronaire, when the three most significant loci for each trait were examined. In an informative subset where the major multi-trait locus on chromosome A07:72-Mb was fixed, we unmasked the identity of another significant fiber strength locus in gene Gh_D13G1792 on chromosome D13. The micronaire phenotype only revealed one highly significant genetic locus at one environmental location, demonstrating a significant genetic by environment component. These loci and candidate causative variant alleles will be useful to cotton breeders for marker-assisted selection with minimal linkage drag and potential biotechnological applications.
Obesity and Laboratory Aspirin Resistance in High Risk Pregnant Women Treated with Low Dose Aspirin

Background Low-dose aspirin is used for preeclampsia prevention in high-risk women, but the precise mechanism and optimal dose are unknown. Evidence suggests that an imbalance in prostacyclin and thromboxane A2 (TXA2) plays a key role in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. Aspirin has a dose-dependent effect blocking production of TXA2, a potent stimulator of platelet aggregation and promoter of vasoconstriction. Incomplete inhibition of platelet aggregation, designated aspirin resistance, can be reduced by increasing the aspirin dose. Evidence in the nonobstetric literature suggests that aspirin resistance may be more common among patients with a high body mass index. Objective To investigate the association of obesity on platelet-derived thromboxane inhibition in high-risk women treated with low-dose aspirin. Materials and Methods This was a secondary analysis of a prospective multi-centered study investigating the effect of low-dose aspirin (60-mg) administration in women at high risk for preeclampsia. Maternal serum TXB2 (an indirect measure of TxA2) levels were drawn at 3 time points: randomization (13–26 weeks’ gestation), second trimester (at least 2 weeks after randomization and 24–28 weeks’ gestation), and third trimester (34–38 weeks’ gestation). Patients were included in the analysis if a TXB2 level was recorded at randomization and at least 1 time point thereafter. Patients were stratified by body mass index category and treatment arm. Median TXB2 levels were calculated at each time point, as well as rates of complete TXB2 inhibition ( Results A total of 1002 patients were included in the analysis, 496 (49.5%) and 506 (50.5%) in the low-dose aspirin and placebo groups respectively. There were substantial decreases in TXB2 levels among low-dose aspirin-treated women in all body mass index categories. In contrast, women assigned to placebo did not show a marked decrease in TXB2 levels after randomization, and obese women had higher median TXB2 levels in both the second (16.5, interquartile range [IQR] 8.0–31.8 vs 14.0, IQR 6.9–26.7, ng/mL; P = .032) and third (15.7, IQR 7.6-28.5 vs 11.9, IQR 4.6-25.9, ng/mL; P = .043) trimesters. When comparing among stratified body mass index low-dose aspirin groups, women with class III obesity had the lowest odds of undetectable TXB2 levels in the second trimester (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.33; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.15–0.72) and third trimester (aOR, 0.30; 95% CI, 0.11–0.78) as well as at both time points (aOR, 0.09; 95% CI, 0.02–0.41). Conclusion High-risk obese women receiving low-dose aspirin for the prevention of preeclampsia have lower rates of complete inhibition of TXB2. These data suggest that an increase in aspirin dosing or frequency may be necessary in this population.
Characterizing a New Role of Novel uup gene in E.coli during DNA Repair

Escherichia coli survival after DNA damage requires a highly coordinated suite of DNA repair mechanisms. A number of nonessential E.coli genes involved in DNA metabolism remain poorly characterized...
The Role of the Transcription Factor E2F in the Growth Regulation of DHFR

As cells enter S phase of the growth cycle there is a transient increase in the transcription and translation of a number of genes that prepare the cell for DNA synthesis. Increased levels of enzymes such as dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), thymidine kinase, thymidylate synthase, ribonucleotide reductase, CAD, and DNA polymerise alpha help to create an environment favorable for DNA synthesis. As is true for most genes critical for cell growth, expression of these genes is controlled on many levels. Our interests are to understand the control mechanisms that lead to increased transcription at the G1/S-phase boundary. Using the DHFR promoter as a model system, we mapped a cis-acting element necessary and sufficient for a transcriptional increase late in G11, 2. We propose a simple model in which the transcription factor E2F1 binds to and activates transcription from this element in a growth-regulated manner. However, this model is not complete and additional factors may play a role in the growth regulation of the DHFR gene.
Successive Conditional Expectations of an Integrable Function

Rota [5] has shown recently that if {T n } is a sequence of conditional expectation operators $${S_n} = {T_0}{T_1} \ldots {T_{n - 1}}{T_n}{T_{n - 1}} \ldots {T_1}{T_0},$$ (1) and X is a random variable such that $$E\left( {|X|{{\log }^ + }|X|} \right) < \infty, $$ (2) then the sequence {S n X} converges almost everywhere to an integrable function.
When teaching failed in the interracial communication course: on the need to teach dialogue and the need to teach dialogically

The current project is an autoethnographic account of the author’s experience as the instructor of a course on interracial communication at a southern U.S. university. Antecedent factors combined w...
Job Satisfaction of School-Based Speech-Language Pathologists in New York State as a Function of Workplace Features

Purpose The number of unfilled speech-language pathologist (SLP) positions in school-based settings remains an ongoing concern, particularly in the most populous states. New York State (NYS) is amo...
Manufacturing Decline: How Racism and the Conservative Movement Crush the American Rust Belt: Jason Hackworth (2019). New York, NY: Columbia University Press. 316 pages. $30 (paperback) $90 (hardcover)

The subtitle of this book grabs one’s attention, and it could leave the impression that this is a sensationalist book. That would be a mistaken notion. In fact, after reading this book, a person ma...
High throughput computational evaluation of how scaffold architecture, material selection, and loading modality influence the cellular micromechanical environment in tissue engineering strategies.

Background In tissue engineering (TE) strategies, cell processes are regulated by mechanical stimuli. Although TE scaffolds have been developed to replicate tissue-level mechanical properties, it is intractable to experimentally measure and prescribe the cellular micromechanical environment (CME) generated within these constructs. Accordingly, this study aimed to fill this lack of understanding by modeling the CME in TE scaffolds using the finite element method. Methods A repeating unit of composite fiber scaffold for annulus fibrosus (AF) repair with a fibrin hydrogel matrix was prescribed a series of loading, material, and architectural parameters. The distribution of CME in the scaffold was predicted and compared to proposed target mechanics based on anabolic responses of AF cells. Results The multi-axial loading modality predicted the greatest percentage of cell volumes falling within the CME target envelope (%PTE) in the study (65 %PTE for 5.0% equibiaxial tensile strain with 50 kPa radial-direction compression; 7.6 %PTE without radial pressure). Additionally, the architectural scale had a moderate influence on the CME (maximum of 17 %PTE), with minimal change in the tissue-level properties of the scaffold. Scaffold materials and architectures had secondary influences on the predicted regeneration by modifying the tissue-level scaffold mechanics. Conclusions Scaffold loading modality was identified as the critical factor for TE the AF. Scaffold materials and architecture were also predicted to modulate the scaffold loading and, therefore, control the CME indirectly. This study facilitated an improved understanding of the relationship between tissue-level and cell-level mechanics to drive anabolic cell responses for tissue regeneration.