cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract A293: Novel allosteric small molecule FAK inhibitors effectively inhibit cancer cell viability and clonogenicity.

Introduction: Focal Adhesion Kinase is overexpressed and activated in many types of tumors and plays an important role in survival. Recently, we developed FAK inhibitor, 1,2,4,5-benzenetetraamine tetrahydrochloride, called Y15, which inhibited FAK autophosphorylation and blocked breast, neuroblastoma, pancreatic, brain and colon cancer tumor growth. Experimental procedures: In this study, eight novel chemical derivatives of Y15, called Y15-I1-I8 were synthesized and tested in a panel of different cancer cell lines. To test the effect on FAK autophosphorylation we performed in vitro ADP-Glo kinase assay with recombinant FAK protein and Western blotting with Y397-FAK antibody. To test the in vivo effect of FAK inhibitors we performed MTT assay, AnnexinV apoptosis and clonogenicity assays in different cancer cell lines. As a control, we used Novartis NVP-TAE-226 FAK inhibitor. Results: By in vitro kinase assay Y15-I1-8 derivatives effectively inhibited FAK autophosphorylation with recombinant purified full length FAK protein. Western blotting demonstrated decreased Y397-FAK and Y418-Src phosphorylation in many cancer cell lines. In addition, these novel FAK inhibitors demonstrated decreased viability, increased apoptosis and inhibition of clonogenicity in lung, melanoma, glioblastoma, pancreatic, breast, and colon cancer cell lines. Some of the novel derivatives were better than parental Y15 inhibitor. Conclusion: Targeting FAK autophosphorylation with novel allosteric derivatives of Y15 is an effective therapy approach. Citation Information: Mol Cancer Ther 2013;12(11 Suppl):A293. Citation Format: Vita M. Golubovskaya, Iryna Lebedyeva, Baotran Ho, Michael Yemma, Neha Singh, Makayla Arcara, David Ostrov, Alan Katritzky, William Cance. Novel allosteric small molecule FAK inhibitors effectively inhibit cancer cell viability and clonogenicity. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference: Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2013 Oct 19-23; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2013;12(11 Suppl):Abstract nr A293.
Ischemic stroke risk, smoking, and the genetics of inflammation in a biracial population: the stroke prevention in young women study

Although cigarette smoking is a well-established risk factor for vascular disease, the genetic mechanisms that link cigarette smoking to an increased incidence of stroke are not well understood. Genetic variations within the genes of the inflammatory pathways are thought to partially mediate this risk. Here we evaluate the association of several inflammatory gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with ischemic stroke risk among young women, further stratified by current cigarette smoking status. A population-based case-control study of stroke among women aged 15–49 identified 224 cases of first ischemic stroke (47.3% African-American) and 211 age-comparable control subjects (43.1% African-American). Several inflammatory candidate gene SNPs chosen through literature review were genotyped in the study population and assessed for association with stroke and interaction with smoking status. Of the 8 SNPs (across 6 genes) analyzed, only IL6 SNP rs2069832 (allele C, African-American frequency = 92%, Caucasian frequency = 55%) was found to be significantly associated with stroke using an additive model, and this was only among African-Americans (age-adjusted: OR = 2.2, 95% CI = 1.0–5.0, p = 0.049; risk factor adjusted: OR = 2.5, 95% CI = 1.0–6.5, p = 0.05). When stratified by smoking status, two SNPs demonstrated statistically significant gene-environment interactions. First, the T allele (frequency = 5%) of IL6 SNP rs2069830 was found to be protective among non-smokers (OR = 0.30, 95% CI = 0.11–.082, p = 0.02), but not among smokers (OR = 1.63, 95% CI = 0.48–5.58, p = 0.43); genotype by smoking interaction (p = 0.036). Second, the C allele (frequency = 39%) of CD14 SNP rs2569190 was found to increase risk among smokers (OR = 2.05, 95% CI = 1.09–3.86, p = 0.03), but not among non-smokers (OR = 0.93, 95% CI = 0.62–1.39, p = 0.72); genotype by smoking interaction (p = 0.039). This study demonstrates that inflammatory gene SNPs are associated with early-onset ischemic stroke among African-American women (IL6) and that cigarette smoking may modulate stroke risk through a gene-environment interaction (IL6 and CD14). Our finding replicates a prior study showing an interaction with smoking and the C allele of CD14 SNP rs2569190.
Segregation of serotonin 5-HT2A and 5-HT3 receptors in inhibitory circuits of the primate cerebral cortex.

An emerging concept of cortical network organization is that distinct segments of the pyramidal neuron tree are controlled by functionally diverse inhibitory microcircuits. We compared the expression of two serotonin receptor subtypes, the G-protein-coupled 5-hydroxytryptamine2A receptors and the ion-channel gating 5-HT3 receptors, in cortical neuron types, which control these microcircuits. Here we show, using light and electron microscopic immunocytochemical techniques, that 5-HT2A receptors are segregated from 5-HT3 receptors in the macaque cerebral cortex. 5-HT2A receptor immunolabel was found in pyramidal cells and also in GABAergic interneurons known to specialize in the perisomatic inhibition of pyramidal cells: large and medium-size parvalbumin- and calbindin-containing interneurons. In contrast, 5-HT3 label was only present in small GABA-, substance P receptor-, and calbindin-containing neurons and in medium-size calretinin-containing neurons: interneurons known to preferentially target the dendrites of pyramidal cells. This cellular segregation indicates a serotonin-receptor-specific segmentation of the GABAergic inhibitory actions along the pyramidal neuron tree.
A Rejoinder to John M. Rhoads

Rhoads is correct in stating that the goal of psychodynamic therapy can vary widely from symptom relief to character change. Indeed, it can have a goal as ambitious as that of psychoanalysis, although it is more usually less so. Rhoads suggests that behavior therapy can also have an ambitious goal, but he includes the interpretation of transference and resistance in “behavior” therapy with an ambitious goal. I believe that a therapy that includes the interpretation of transference and resistance is not correctly designated a “behavior” therapy.
Low noise amplifier receivers for millimeter wave atmospheric remote sensing

We currently achieve 3.4 dB noise figure at 183GHz and 2.1 dB noise figure at 90 GHz with our MMIC low noise amplifiers (LNAs) in room temperature. These amplifiers and the receivers we have built using them made it possible to conduct highly accurate airborne measurement campaigns from the Global Hawk unmanned aerial vehicle, develop millimeter wave internally calibrated radiometers for altimeter radar path delay correction, and build prototypes of large arrays of millimeter receivers for a geostationary interferometric sounder. We use the developed millimeter wave receivers to measure temperature and humidity profiles in the atmosphere and in hurricanes as well as to characterize the path delay error in ocean topography altimetry.
The Use of a Transitional Cloth‐Money Token among the Wolof

D URING an eleven-month stay in several small villages of the Wolof, a Negro Mohammedan people now numbering some 600,000, who live in the Gambia and Senegal, I spoke with the oldest men I knew concerning the former use of cloth money. The statements of the old men are corroborated, for the most part, by present-day Wolof practices and by European observers of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Most of these data were collected in the villages of Njau and Ballangar in the Saloum districts of the Gambia. The use of cloth as money, in a way that has close functional parallels with "true" money, was extensive in the Wolof economy prior to this century, both in ceremonial exchange and in basic economic exchange. That such an institution developed in an area where people lived close to the subsistence level with very little surplus production of food and no markets is something of an enigma. There are historical accounts of the early days of European contact with the Gambia, however, which give us some explanation of this seeming paradox. The Wolof no longer use cloth as money, but they still weave cloth. Wolof women card locally grown cotton and spin the thread. Wolof men, of a class made up of the descendants of slaves, weave the cloth on the typical narrow West African loom in strips about five inches wide and cut, for most purposes, into lengths about seventy inches long. Several of these strips are sewn together by the women to make a piece which is often referred to by the English and French in this region as a pagn or pagne (skirt or loincloth) and by the Wolof as a malan. This is then colored with indigo-formerly grown locally-and sometimes decorated with simple designs by the tie-dye technique. Before the introduction of European cloth, the Wolof depended on this cloth for nearly all their needs. Today the use of native cloth is limited. Women tie their babies on their backs with it and wear it as an underskirt with a dress
Hepatitis C and alcohol exacerbate liver injury by suppression of FOXO3.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection exacerbates alcoholic liver injury by mechanisms that include enhanced oxidative stress. The forkhead box transcription factor FOXO3 is an important component of the antioxidant stress response that can be altered by HCV. To test whether FOXO3 is protective for alcoholic liver injury, we fed alcohol to FOXO3−/− mice. After 3 weeks, one third of these mice developed severe hepatic steatosis, neutrophilic infiltration, and >10-fold alanine aminotransferase (ALT) elevations. In cell culture, either alcohol or HCV infection alone increased FOXO3 transcriptional activity and expression of target genes, but the combination of HCV and alcohol together caused loss of nuclear FOXO3 and decreased its transcriptional activity. This was accompanied by increased phosphorylation of FOXO3. Mice expressing HCV structural proteins on a background of reduced expression of superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2; Sod2+/−) also had increased liver sensitivity to alcohol, with elevated ALT, steatosis, and lobular inflammation. Elevated ALT was associated with an alcohol-induced decrease in SOD2 and redistribution of FOXO3 to the cytosol. These results demonstrate that FOXO3 functions as a protective factor preventing alcoholic liver injury. The combination of HCV and alcohol, but not either condition alone, inactivates FOXO3, causing a decrease in expression of its target genes and an increase in liver injury. Modulation of the FOXO3 pathway is a potential therapeutic approach for HCV-alcohol–induced liver injury.
Letting Corrosion Work for You: Novel Pathways to Additive Manufacturing and Nanomaterial Synthesis Using Electrochemically‐Driven Powder Consolidation

The development of new material synthesis and manufacturing technologies may be one of the most important areas of research in the 21st century. In this study, we introduce the concept of a novel additive manufacturing technology, referred to as electrochemically-driven powder consolidation (EDPC), which utilizes naturally occurring electrochemical potentials to consolidate metal and non-metal powders to rigid bodies and complex shapes. In contrast to existing manufacturing techniques, the proposed technology does not require additional energy input in the form of pressure, heat, and/or laser power, opening new pathways for the development of a more energy-efficient, low-cost additive manufacturing technology. Using the example of lead, we outline the concept of EDPC and propose a five-stage model that describes the physical and chemical processes that govern the observed consolidation. A series of consolidation experiments with other elements (e.g. Sn, Zn, Cu) was conducted to identify the rate-controlling mechanisms and determine crucial process parameters of a potential EDPC manufacturing technology. Finally, the EDPC process was found to also hold great promise for the bulk synthesis of a variety of new materials, including nanoparticles, pellets, metal foams, and advanced composites.
Bioindication of atmospheric heavy metal deposition in the Southeastern US using the moss Thuidium delicatulum

Ectohydric mosses are known accumulators of atmospheric heavy metals. Reliable bioindication of atmospheric heavy metals in the Southern Appalachians using moss has been limited by poor species distribution in moss used in analogous studies. In this study, Pb, Cu, Cr, and Ni concentrations were quantified in the tissue of fern moss Thuidium delicatulum in the central Blue Ridge of Virginia. The objectives of the study were to evaluate the suitability of fern moss for moss-monitoring studies in the Southern Appalachians, to compare local terrestrial metal concentrations, and to test the effects of several geographical and environmental variables on deposition. Fern moss was sampled over four mountains in Virginia following the standard protocol of the German mossmonitoring method. Sampling was standardized for monitoring in deciduous forests, and analysis was performed by graphite furnace-atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Overall concentrations of two metals were significantly different depending on the presence of Pinus spp. in the canopy. Positive and negative correlations of heavy metal concentrations with elevation were also observed, suggesting a need for comprehensive sampling at high and low elevations in mountainous areas. A role for similar moss-monitoring is suggested as a complement to current precipitation analysis techniques and as a compendium for landscape-scale metal monitoring projects. The applications of heavy metal bioindication with this particular species throughout the physiographic province of the Blue Ridge and the Appalachians in future heavy metal deposition studies are discussed. r 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
On the relationship among QT interval, atrial fibrillation, and torsade de pointes.

The uncommon congenital syndromes of QT prolongation associated with a high risk of sudden death (SD) were first described in the 1950s and 1960s,1–3 and the term torsade de pointes (TdP) was coined in the mid-1960s to describe the peculiar polymorphic ventricular tachycardia that can arise at slow heart rates when the QT is very long.4 The notion that drugs could produce a very similar clinical syndrome, with striking QT prolongation and polymorphic tachycardia, was first noted in the same era,5,6 and became increasingly well recognized with antiarrhythmic therapies during the 1970s and 1980s. The idea that ‘non-cardiovascular’ drugs could prolong the QT interval, and trigger TdP (or even SD), remained an arrhythmia curiosity until the initial report of terfenadine-associated TdP in the late 1980s.7 Review of the extant safety data, and a series of clinical and in vitro mechanistic studies, identified inhibition of CYP3A4-mediated terfenadine biotransformation to an antihistamine metabolite (fexofenadine) as the major mechanism.8–10 Terfenadine itself turned out to be a very potent QT prolonging agent, and that is now well recognized as a reflection of its ability to block the rapid component of the cardiac delayed rectifier I Kr. Indeed, block of I Kr, or in occasional instances reduction of the current by other mechanisms,11,12 is the major mechanism underlying virtually all forms of drug-induced TdP.13 The reason the terfenadine incident proved so important for drug development was not only the elucidation of underlying mechanisms, but also the recognition that even a small risk of a very serious side effect, such as drug-induced TdP, could upset the balance between risk and benefit that goes into the prescription of any drug. In the case of terfenadine, regulatory agencies viewed the benefit …
Electrical Porous Silicon Microarray for dna Hybridization Detection

The sensitivity of Porous Silicon (PSi) to the presence of charged molecules and its large internal surface area represent two important properties that make this material and ideal candidate for electrical biosensor development. We have demonstrated the use of a macroporous silicon electrical sensor for label-free detection of DNA hybridization in real time as well as identification of organic solvents in liquid phase. Binding of DNA inside the PSi matrix induces a change in capacitance and conductance. Having demonstrated the suitability of macroporous silicon layers for real time detection of DNA hybridization on single devices, we have extended our findings to the fabrication of a microarray with individual device electrical addressing capabilities. On a crystalline p-type silicon wafer, process steps such as KOH etching and electrochemical dissolution are employed in selected regions to create a free-standing porous membrane for sensing applications. Individual electrical contacts are made on the front side of the wafer while the infiltration of the probe and target molecules is done from the back avoiding any direct interaction of the molecules with the contact sites. We will report on the design considerations of the electrical porous silicon array and the preliminary results obtained using synthetic DNA as a model molecule.
Preparation of nanocrystalline yttria-stabilized zirconia

Nanocrystalline powder with an average crystallite size of 8–12 nm, which was produced by a combustion synthesis process, was used to prepare dense, nanocrystalline articles. Green compacts of high green density were prepared by dry pressing and densified by a fast-firing process. During fast-firing, the dwell temperature significantly affected the final grain size and final density. On the other hand, the ranges of heating rates and dwell times that were used had a much less significant effect on the final density and final grain size. It was determined, however, that a high final density (>99% ρth) and a very fine final average grain size (<200 nm) can be simultaneously achieved under three different firing conditions. The high densification rates are, in part, a result of the minimal coarsening that the particles undergo when the sample is taken rapidly through the temperature regime in which surface diffusion predominates to the temperature regime in which the densification mechanisms of grain boundary and lattice diffusion predominate.
An N/sup th/ order central symmetrical layout pattern for nonlinear gradients cancellation

In this paper, systematic mismatch due to parameter gradients is modeled and analyzed. A new layout strategy with flexible cell placement is proposed. Theoretical analysis shows its property of canceling the mismatch between two devices due to up to n/sup th/ order gradient effects by using 2/sup n/ unit cells for each device. Simulation results show that the proposed technique gives better matching characteristics than other existing layout techniques under nonlinear gradients.
Cardiovascular drift can occur without a concomitant increase in skin blood flow

Previous studies have suggested that increases in skin blood flow (SkBF) are the primary physiological mechanism responsible for cardiovascular drift during exercise in the heat. Most of these studies, however, used exercise bouts of 60 min in duration or less. The purpose of this study was to explore the possibility that during prolonged (> 60 min) exercise in the heat, cardiovascular drift can occur without a concomitant increase in SkBF. The subjects were five heat-acclimated female volunteers. Each subject completed a 6-h heat exposure (38°C, 62% RH). Heart rate (HR), stroke volume (SV), and two independent measures of SkBF were obtained each hour. Cardiovascular drift occurred, as evidenced by a significant (p 20 ml / 100 ml per min) and plateaued, cardiovascular drift can still occur.
Gas Kinetic Scheme for DNS of Decaying Compressible Turbulence

We apply the gas-kinetic scheme (GKS) for direct numerical simulation (DNS) of compressible decaying homogeneous isotropic turbulence. We compute dynamics of the kinetic energy K(t), the dissipation rate "(t), the probability density functions (PDFs) of the twopoint longitudinal velocity dierence u (r ) with a separation distance r , the shocklet strength , and the local Mach number Mat. Our results show that, (a) With initial Taylor microscale Reynolds number Re fixed, the maximum dissipation rate " attained at the initial stage increases as the initial turbulent Mach number Mat increases; (b) The initial turbulence Mach number Mat has no observable eect on kinetic energy K(t) and the asymptotic behavior of the dissipation rate "(t); (c) At the lower Mat (=0.1), the PDF of u (r ) for some r remain non-Gaussian for a long time, indicating persisting intermittency, while at higher Mat (= 0.5), the PDF of u (r ) quickly becomes Gaussian regardless r . And (d) The PDF’s of both shock strength and the local Mach number all obey a scaling law.
Study on Psychological Health Condition and doing Interfere mea-sure among College Freshmen of 04 Session

Objective To analysis the psychological health condition and doing some active interfere measure among college freshmen. Method By UPI(University Persionality Inventory) question answer sheet on the online system that made by Shanghai HUICHENG Corporation , to test college freshmen of 04session ,all of them are 2516.Result There are 266(10.57%)students as I Kind ,that they have significantly mental problem in college freshmen; anong they ,there are 25(0.99%) students, that they have thoughts to dye.l There are 730 (29.01%)students as Ⅱkind ,that they have light mental problem in college freshmen. There are 1520(60.41%) students as Ⅲ kind , that their psychological health condition is very well! Conclusion It is a important problem on psychological health of College freshmen, we must do some active interfere measure.
Model tests on anti-explosion anchoring effect of tunnels reinforced by dense bolts at arch top

The anti-explosion model test methods are adopted to study the anchoring effect of the tunnels reinforced by dense rock bolts at arch top under the explosive stress waves produced by focus charging.According to pressure temporal curves,it is proved that the test data are proper and reliable.For the purpose of the comparison of anchoring effects between the dense rock bolts at arch top and the common rock bolts,the differences of the arch vault displacement,the surface strain,the acceleration of roof and floor and the damage shape of the two underground openings are analyzed.The results show that the anchoring effect of dense bolts at arch top is not good.
Measurement of the Signal Transmittance of Solid Propellant Plume with Smoke-box Method

A signal (including visible light, near-mid-far infrared radiation) transmittance measuring system and a smoke-box were studied and established to evaluate the signature of solid propellant formulation base on the framework of SCF (Signature Characterization Facility).In order to validate this system, a number of tests performed by adopting different propellant formulations under different experimental conditions. The result shows that the testing accuracy of the system is less than 3%. Based on the experimental data, a standard to characterize the signals transmittance of primary and secondary smoke has been established. The results indicate that the signal transmittance decreases with increasing the content of Al powder for primary smoke and closely relates to the content of AP in propellant formulation for secondary smoke, and the occurrence of secondary smoke is related to the temperature and humidity in the smoke -box.
Trends analyses of 30 years of ambient 8 hour ozone and precursor monitoring data in the South Central U.S.: progress and challenges

In the last 30 years ambient ozone concentrations have notably decreased in the South Central U.S. Yet, current ambient ozone concentrations measured over the past three years 2013–2015 in this area of the U.S. are not meeting the U.S. 2015 8 hour ozone standard of 70 parts per billion (ppb). This paper provides an update on long-term trends analyses of ambient 8 hour ozone and ozone precursor monitoring data collected over the past 30 years (1986–2015) in four South Central U.S. cities, following up on two previously published reviews of 20 and 25 year trends for these cities. All four cities have benefitted from national ozone precursor controls put in place during the 1990s and 2000s involving cleaner vehicles (vehicle fleet turnover/replacement over time), cleaner fuels, cleaner gasoline and diesel engines, and improved inspection/maintenance programs for existing vehicles. Additional ozone precursor emission controls specific to each city are detailed in this paper. The controls have resulted in impressive ambient ozone and ambient ozone precursor concentration reductions in the four South Central U.S. cities over the past 30 years, including 31–70% ambient nitrogen oxides (NOx) concentration declines from historical peaks to the present, 43–72% volatile organic compound (VOC) concentration declines from historical peaks to the present, a related 45–76% VOC reactivity decline for a subset of VOC species from historical peaks to the present, and an 18–38 ppb reduction in city 8 hour ozone design value concentrations. A new challenge for each of the four South Central U.S. cities will be meeting the U.S. 2015 8 hour ozone standard of 70 ppb.
Adrenomedullary, adrenocortical, and sympathoneural responses to stressors: a meta-analysis.

Objective. Exposure to stressors alters activities of the adrenomedullary hormonal system (AHS), hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis, and sympathetic nervous system (SNS). Here we report results of a meta-analysis of the literature, examining inter-relationships among AHS, HPA, and SNS responses to stressors, as measured by plasma epinephrine (EPI), corticotrophin (ACTH), and norepinephrine (NE) levels. Methods. The medical scientific literature was culled by PubMed searches, to retrieve publications describing original data about plasma EPI, ACTH, and NE levels measured before and during or after exposure to stressors. Magnitudes of responses were graded from a score of 0 for no response to 4 for a massive increase to ≥10 times the baseline value. Results. A total of 15 stressors were identified for which at least 2 publications reported data for EPI, ACTH, and NE responses. A total of 60 reports were included. Mean EPI responses were strongly positively correlated with mean ACTH responses (r=0.93) and less strongly with NE responses (r=0.40). Plasma EPI responses were disproportionately larger than NE responses during hypoglycemia and smaller than NE responses during cold exposure without hypothermia, orthostasis, and active escape/avoidance. Plasma NE responses were disproportionately larger than ACTH responses during cold exposure without hypothermia and severe/exhausting exercise and smaller than ACTH responses during hypoglycemia. Discussion. The results of this meta-analysis indicate a close association between adrenomedullary and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical responses across a variety of stressors. This association seems to be if anything stronger than that between adrenomedullary and sympathetic noradrenergic responses.
Archaeological Survey of the Children's Park at the Victoria Municipal Park, Victoria, Texas

During May 1989, personnel from the Center for Archaeological Research, The University of Texas at San Antonio, conducted a pedestrian survey and shovel testing of the area proposed for development of a children's park, a project of the City of Victoria Parks and Recreation Department. The survey was intended to locate any archaeological remains which might be impacted by construction of the children's park. No archaeological sites were identified during the project, and it is recommended that no further archaeological investigations are needed.
Microstructure of Tablet-Pharmaceutical Significance, Assessment, and Engineering.

To summarize the microstructure – property relationship of pharmaceutical tablets and approaches to improve tablet properties through tablet microstructure engineering. The main topics reviewed here include: 1) influence of material properties and manufacturing process parameters on the evolution of tablet microstructure; 2) impact of tablet structure on tablet properties; 3) assessment of tablet microstructure; 4) development and engineering of tablet microstructure. Microstructure plays a decisive role on important pharmaceutical properties of a tablet, such as disintegration, drug release, and mechanical strength. Useful information on mechanical properties of a powder can be obtained from analyzing tablet porosity—pressure data. When helium pycnometry fails to accurately measure true density of a water-containing powder, non-linear regression of tablet density—pressure data is a useful alternative method. A component that is more uniformly distributed in a tablet generally exerts more influence on the overall tablet properties. During formulation development, it is highly recommended to examine the relationship between any property of interest and tablet porosity when possible. Tablet microstructure can be engineered by judicious selection of formulation composition, including the use of the optimum solid form of the drug and appropriate type and amount of excipients, and controlling manufacturing process.
Where Case-Shiller Got it Wrong: The Effect of Credit Supply on Price Indices

We develop a version of the The Case-Shiller Index that is robust to credit supply. We first argue that changing financial conditions can affect the market composition and demand for housing, resulting in mismeasured price indices. Second we quantify the causal effects of changes in interest rates and underwriting standards on prices and market composition within each city. Third, we correct for this bias by introducing the locally-weighted repeat sales technique, a novel estimation procedure for estimating a distinct price index for any given asset; by aggregating the results we can define a new properly measured index. Finally, we highlight the advantage of our technique by examining the US housing market. By matching transaction-level data with household credit data we find that loosening underwriting standards for low income households drove strong demand and high turnover in low tier housing. As a result of these changing market conditions, Case-Shiller overstates the peak of the housing bubble by 20% in the Los Angeles Market and understates the decline by nearly half in Cleveland.
A population-based study of racial/ethnic disparities in cancer survival among adolescents and young adults.

6557Background: Disparities in cancer survival have been demonstrated between racial and ethnic groups. Several mechanisms could be involved, including differences in stage at presentation, treatme...
Changes in Myeloid Lineage Cells in the Uterus and Peripheral Blood of Dairy Heifers During Early Pregnancy

Establishment of pregnancy requires interaction between the developing conceptus and the uterine mucosal immune system. Myeloid lineage cells (macrophages and dendritic cells) are key mediators of pregnancy in rodents and humans but relatively little is known regarding their role and distribution during early pregnancy in ruminants. We tested the hypothesis that myeloid lineage cell number, distribution, and function are altered during early pregnancy in dairy heifers. Dairy heifers were inseminated using sperm from a single bull (Day 0), and uteri and blood were collected at slaughter on Days 17 and 20 of pregnancy to investigate the response of myeloid lineage cells to the presence of a conceptus. Responses were compared to noninseminated heifers on Day 17 of the estrous cycle. Peripheral blood and uterine-derived immune cells were isolated magnetically and examined using flow cytometry. Immunohistochemical analysis was used to evaluate the spatial distribution of myeloid lineage cells in the endometrium and quantitative polymerase chain reaction was conducted to quantify abundance of mRNA transcripts associated with myeloid lineage cell function. Transcripts for major histocompatibility complex (MHC) II, cluster of differentiation (CD) 80, CD86, CD163, and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) 1 were greater in endometrium of pregnant compared to cyclic heifers. Immunofluorescence analysis revealed increased labeling for MHCII and SIRPA in pregnant compared to cyclic heifers. There were approximately 50% more CD14+CD11c+ cells in the peripheral circulation of pregnant compared to cyclic heifers. A greater number of myeloid lineage cells were observed during early pregnancy, and this increase was most pronounced in and around the shallow glands. Furthermore, expression of molecules associated with a tolerogenic or alternatively activated phenotype of these cells also increased in pregnant heifers. The results support the hypothesis that myeloid lineage cells with a tolerogenic phenotype are involved in establishment of pregnancy in dairy heifers.
Minimization of Parathyroid Hormone Using Simultaneous Multiple Peptide Synthesis: Implications for Structure Based Drug Design

Parathyroid hormone (PTH), an 84 residue long polypeptide, acts on PTH-1 receptors in bone and kidney to control blood calcium levels. Synthetic PTH(l-34), one of the first peptide hormones to be chemically synthesized, has full biological activity [1] (EC50 for cAMP generation ≈2 nM). Based on previous peptide truncation studies that identified residues 15–31 as the principal receptor-binding domain and residues 1–14 as the principal signaling domain, PTH(1–14) was synthesized and found to have faint but measurable activity (EC50 ≈200 μM) [2]. The peptide was prepared on a multiple peptide synthesizer and the crude peptide was found to be of high quality, as shown by HPLC and MALDI-MS, and could be used directly in bioactivity assays after a simple desalting step on a disposable C18 cartridge. This finding prompted us to use this approach to synthesize an extensive series of PTH(1–14) analogs with which we could define structure-activity relationships in the peptide and potentially improve potency. Within a short time (≈1.5 years) we generated and characterized over 200 PTH(1–14) analogs and have thus far improved potency at least 1,000 times.
Resolution enhancement of SMAP radiometer data using the Backus Gilbert optimum interpolation technique

In this paper we summarize the effort to enhance the resolution of SMAP radiometer data. The SMAP radiometer sampling of the Earth surface provides overlapping measurements along scan and along track. The oversampling combined with the given antenna gain function allows reconstruction of the scene with improved resolution. The applied technique is based on the Backus-Gilbert optimum interpolation theory, which is the classical inversion method in microwave radiometry. The results shown in this paper are based on the simulated SMAP measurements and are applicable to the real SMAP radiometer measurements.
Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Erythroid Stimulating Agents in Sickle Cell Disease

Abstract 3218 Endogenous production of erythropoietin (epo) can be decreased due to renal injury as well as by the decreased oxygen affinity of sickle hemoglobin in sickle cell disease (SCD). Erythroid stimulating agents (ESAs) are used when the endogenous production of epo is compromised and there is evidence that they may augment HbF production. However, there are potential adverse effects when using ESAs in SCD, possibly related to increased dense reticulocyte production, platelet activation, or other mechanisms. We present data on patients with SCD initiated on ESA therapy between January 2003 and January 2011. A total of 26 patients were initiated on ESA therapy during this period and eight are excluded from our analysis due to concomitant initiation of hydroxyurea. Of the 18 patients, all have HbSS disease and 14 received recombinant erythropoietin (median dose 40,000 units weekly) and four received darbopoietin (median dose 200mcg every two weeks). The median age was 44 years and eight of the 18 patients had been on a stable dose of HU (median dose 10mg/kg) prior to initiation of the ESA. Laboratory data was collected from a baseline clinical visit (defined as greater than four weeks from a vaso-occlusive pain episode or three weeks from a red blood cell transfusion) prior to starting the ESA and at one year after ESA therapy. Despite patients having a lower GFR after a year of follow up, hemoglobin values were improved and a significant proportion of patients were able to be transfusion-free. Although the increase in HbF was not statistically significant, a significant decrease in the LDH was observed. After one year of ESA therapy, there was no increased frequency of pain crises requiring medical attention or thrombotic events including stroke and the systolic and diastolic blood pressures were unchanged. Five of the patients had a prior seizure disorder and only one of the five patients developed a seizure in the year after initiating ESA therapy which was attributed to noncompliance with anti-epileptic therapy. Although limited by its retrospective nature, this study represents the largest observational cohort of SCD patients receiving ESA therapy thus far and suggests that ESA therapy may be effective in raising the hemoglobin and decreasing transfusion requirements without significant additional toxicity. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Concurrent Examination of Bobcats and Ticks Reveals High Prevalence of Cytauxzoon felis in Southern Illinois

Abstract Cytauxzoon felis is an intraerythrocytic apicomplexan of felids enzootic in the southeastern United States. In domestic cats (Felis catus), this parasite can result in the highly fatal disease cytauxzoonosis or bobcat fever. Bobcats (Lynx rufus) are the wild animal reservoir host. To date, the characterization of prevalence of C. felis in bobcats is mostly based on broad-scale surveys from hunter-harvested specimens collected across large geographic areas, usually consisting of multiple states. Detailed studies on the development, transmission, distribution, effects, and prevalence of C. felis in the tick vectors are scarce. To fill some of these gaps in the literature, such as prevalence in ticks and bobcats in a discrete region, we examined bobcats and ticks in an 8,000-km2 portion of southern Illinois. We screened for C. felis using a nested polymerase chain reaction that amplifies a fragment of the nuclear small subunit (SSU) 18S rRNA. We screened 125 individual bobcats collected in southern ...
Critical Race Studies in Psychology

This chapter outlines Critical Race Psychology (CRP) as a theoretical framework that integrates the main themes articulated in critical race theory and critical social-psychological approaches to understanding race and racism. Critical race studies in psychology dispel the idea that racism is primarily perpetuated by individual bigots and racists and instead looks toward the everyday beliefs, justifications, ideas, and behaviors that are inextricably tied to the broader sociocultural and historical context of globalized systemic inequality. Drawing from several critical approaches in psychology, CRP utilizes identity consciousness as a tool to reveal the sociocultural and psychological resources holding current societal structures in place.
Trump at War: Media, Corporations, Ordinary Citizens, and the U.S. Intelligence Services

In early modernity, the philosopher Thomas Hobbes postulated that without a strong monarchy and state, humanity lived in a state of nature where “life is nasty, brutal, and short.” Hobbes posited the need for a “leviathan” authoritarian state to keep unruly impulses and conflicting forces in check, and political philosophy for centuries thereafter has debated the scope of state power, its limitations and restraints, and the way that the state can make human life better, while criticizing excessively authoritarian regimes, state repression, and degenerate forms of the polity like fascism.
Plantas y Sustancias Sicotrópicas En La Historia Y Etnobotánica de Nicaragua

La presencia de varias sustancias de plantas y al menos uno de animales que posiblemente fueronusados por sus caracteristicas alucinatorios habla de la etnohistoria de Nicaragua tanto comode su salud publica. Vale la pena tratar de catalogar estas sustancias y relacionarlos con laetnohistoria cuando sea posible.
Best Practices in Digital Preservation. A Report of the ALCTS PARS Digital Preservation Interest Group Meeting. American Library Association Annual Conference, Chicago, June 2017

The ALCTS Digital Preservation Interest Group (DPIG) met on Sunday, June 25, to deliver four presentations on the topic of “Best Practices in Digital Preservation.” The presentations were followed ...
Postassault Substance Use and Coping: A Qualitative Study of Sexual Assault Survivors and Informal Support Providers.

ABSTRACTThis qualitative interview study examined 45 informal support dyads where a sexual assault was disclosed. Data from matched pairs of survivors and their primary informal support provider (e.g., friend, family, significant other) were used to explore the survivor–support provider (SP) perspectives of coping with assault-related distress via substance use and the effects of survivor substance use on the survivor-SP relationship. Results revealed that survivors’ use of drinking and/or drugs to cope had positive and negative effects on survivor-SP relationships. Findings also showed that SPs play various roles in providing support to survivors who cope via substance use, including engaging in substance use with the survivor and efforts to help get help in their recovery from the assault and substance abuse. Suggestions are made for how safe spaces can be provided where survivors and supporters can get information and treatment, whether formal or informal, that addresses sexual assault, posttraumatic s...
Doppler Velocimetry for Fetal Surveillance: Randomized Clinical Trials and Implications for Practice

The development of Doppler sonography has made it feasible to assess the fetal and uteroplacental circulations. Numerous studies have established a significant association between abnormal Doppler indices and the various pregnancy disorders and adverse perinatal outcomes. Most clinical investigations suggest that, in high-risk pregnancies, umbilical arterial Doppler indices may be efficacious for predicting perinatal problems including fetal death. Many randomized trials on Doppler velocimetry have yielded positive results. Furthermore, systematic reviews of the trials by meta-analysis demonstrate a significant reduction in preventable fetal deaths. The current evidence mandates that Doppler velocimetry of the umbilical artery should be an integral component of fetal surveillance in pregnancies complicated with fetal growth restriction or preeclampsia. Obviously, no single testing modality should be regarded as the exclusive choice for fetal surveillance, as these tests reveal different aspects of fetal pathophysiology, often in a complementary manner.
CHAPTER 221 – Phosphorylation of G Proteins

This chapter presents a review on what is known about G-protein phosphoryation and its subsequent effects on G-protein function. In normal cells, heterotrimeric G-protein subunits are known to undergo several forms of co-translational or post-translational modification. Lipid modifications, including N-myristoylation and palmitoylation of Gα subunits and prenylation of Gγ subunits, are required for plasma membrane targeting and contribute to the interaction of Gα with Gβγ subunits, effectors, and regulators of G-protein signaling (RGS proteins). Gα subunits, including members of each of the four major families of Gα (Gαs, Gαi, Gαq, and Gα12), also undergo phosphorylation on serine or tyrosine residues. In addition, one Gγ subunit is serine phosphorylated. This chapter reviews what is known about G-protein phosphoryation and its subsequent effects on G-protein function. There is convincing evidence that several heterotrimeric G-protein subunits are substrates for serine and/or tyrosine phosphorylation in vitro and in some cases, in vivo. The functional relevance of these phosphorylation events is less well established. Serine phosphorylation of Ga subunits by second messenger-dependent protein kinases is a potential mechanism of feedback regulation of G-protein-coupled receptor signaling. Tyrosine phosphorylation of Ga subunits may provide a mechanism for cross-talk between receptor and non-receptor tyrosine kinases and G-protein-dependent signaling pathways
Prediction of chronological age from hierarchical brain volumes using a random forest regression can provide a personalized lifetime metric of aging. (P6.078)

Objective: To develop a reliable prediction of age using imaging data and demographic information in order to provide a personalized lifetime metric of aging. Background: Understanding how brain volumes change over time provides insight into development, aging, and disease. Age-related changes have been studied in detail for specific age ranges, e.g. during early life for neurodevelopmental disorders and late life for Alzheimer’s Disease, but a normative description of volume change over the human lifetime has been less well described. Recent advances in the sharing and processing of large data sets have allowed access to many brain images of normal, healthy volunteers in order to perform a large-scale cross-sectional analysis across the lifetime. Design/Methods: Using an established hierarchy of brain structure, we seek to understand how groups of brain regions can predict age at different developmental time points. To capture nonlinear changes, we propose random forest regression prediction of age based on multi-variate, hierarchical brain volumes alongside categorical demographic variables of gender and handedness. We derived a predictive age model using imaging from 4575 healthy patients from 60 sites and spanning ages from 4 to 94. Results: Preliminary results show age-prediction within a margin of ± 5 years during ages 4–30 and a margin of ± 10 years during ages 30–90. Conclusions: Volume-based age prediction provides a personalized analysis of brain morphology regardless of chronological age. This new metric can be compared to an age-matched population to describe individual aging or it can be compared to similar morphology populations to find patterns in disease or the effect of treatment. These results may also provide insight into how developmental networks grow together and their relative importance at different stages in life. Disclosure: Dr. Bermudez has nothing to disclose. Dr. Huo has received research support from Incyte. Dr. Plassard has nothing to disclose. Dr. Aboud has nothing to disclose. Dr. Cutting has received personal compensation for activities with Houghton Mifflin Harcourt as a consultant. Dr. Bennett has received research support from Incyte.