cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ecologists and the development of sustainability curricula for majors vs. non-majors

Ecologists usually study interactions among living and non-living things at a particular spatial scale. Ecological curricula often have a biological focus except in ecosystem or applied ecology courses. At the undergraduate level, the impact of human activity on ecology class discussions is often relegated to urban ecology classes. The discussion of sustainability is a side line in introductory or upper level ecology courses, except in applied research courses, and more intensely addressed in non-science general education courses. To develop a global sustainable society will require that different disciplines understand the many factors that affect "sustainability" and work with a common definition of that term. To start the discussion among disciplines that is necessary to solve global environmental problems ecologists need to outline a clear connection between efficient natural resource management practices and global biodiversity goals. Faculty need to network across disciplines in curriculum development, and consider answers from the point of view of coursework in biology, earth science and physical science majors vs. in the general education or liberal arts core curriculum. The sustainability curriculum outcomes of such interdisciplinary discussions are considered for various undergraduate programs throughout the United States focusing on the process of integration of ecological knowledge. Nationally, science major programs develop courses that consider the human impact on the variability and management of natural resources, relative to biodiversity and landscape physical components. Courses are grouped into minors and/or configured as a major’s track. Many of these courses incorporate service-learning and utilize the campus and surrounding university community as a field lab for exploring sustainability, conservation and resource management issues. For non-majors, sustainability may be the theme of first-year seminars taught by faculty from different disciplines, to engage students in critical thinking exercises in solving global environmental problems. Often sociologists, political scientists, historians and geographers are more involved in teaching these general education courses than ecologists. A sustainable studies interdisciplinary major may result after establishing appropriate content courses for minors, the liberal arts curriculum and tracks within majors. The interdisciplinary major can also have several concentrations, as in International Studies major programs, or it can be a self-designed interdisciplinary major, differing in the relative amount of study of each discipline’s impact on sustainability and resource management trends. Ecologists’ participation in general education program development can lead to a better infusion of ecological knowledge into campus sustainability plans, with more opportunities for sustainability service-learning projects and internships.
ERROR-CORRECTING CODE FOR VOLUME HOLOGRAPHIC STORAGE OF A RELATIONAL DATABASE

We present an error-correcting code suitable for encoding relational database information to be stored in a volume holographic memory system. The code makes use of the page-oriented format of holographic memories as well as the tabular arrangement of database records. The performance metrics discussed here show that the code results in industry-standard bit error rates and permits simple and fast decoding.
Isoprostanes as physiological mediators of transition to newborn life: novel mechanisms regulating patency of the term and preterm ductus arteriosus

Isoprostanes as physiological mediators of transition to newborn life: novel mechanisms regulating patency of the term and preterm ductus arteriosus
Beauty and charm physics at CDF Run II

Using the data samples collected with the CDF Run II detector during the year 2002 and early 2003, new measurements of the production cross-sections and the masses, lifetimes and branching fractions of beauty and charm hadrons are presented. New measurements of the {Lambda}{sub b} mass, lifetime, and branching fractions have greatly improved the current knowledge of bottom baryon properties and decay dynamics. the large charm signals made available by the silicon vertex track trigger have enabled the establishment of key measurements using rare charm decays that are sensitive to new physics beyond the Standard Model. The decay signals B{sub s} {yields} D{sub s}{pi} and the two body charmless decays of B{sup 0} and B{sub s} have been established. These decay channels are important milestones towards the measurement of B{sub s} mixing and direct CP violation in the B system.
Streptococcus sanguis Survival in K-Sol: Comparison of Gentamicin and the Fluoroquinolone Antibiotics

• Viridans streptococci are poorly covered by gentamicin sulfate in corneal storage medium. To evaluate possible antibiotic alternatives among the newer broad-spectrum fluoroquinolone antibiotics, we compared the survival of the viridans representativeStreptococcus sanguisin K-Sol with gentamicin sulfate (100 mg/L), norfloxacin (250 mg/L), ciprofloxacin lactate (250 mg/L), ofloxacin (250 mg/L), or no antibiotic. At 23°C, K-Sol with gentamicin produced a 2-log kill by 80 minutes. By comparison, only one of the others (norfloxacin) had achieved a 2-log kill by 4 hours. At 4°C, all antibiotics differed little from the control, and none was superior to gentamicin.
A Low-Temperature Raman Cell Assembly with Automatic Control

For the measurement of the Raman spectra of materials which are gaseous at ordinary temperatures, a technique widely used is that of maintaining the material at a temperature below its boiling point.
Modes of Objectification in Educational Experience.

Abstract Three aspects of the concept of objectification emerge from the papers in this issue. First is the role of experience in the process of conceptual objectification. Objectification disaggregates experiences and renders some of them irrelevant by means of translation across semiotic modalities. Second is the recursive character of objectification. Third is the fact that the forms and relative success of objectifications depend on social interactions. Social interactions are not only the background that facilitates or hinders objectification. They themselves can motivate, and, in part, are constituted by some forms of objectification as well. The pedagogical theories that underlie the classroom practices these studies observe embody certain semiotic ideologies, which both support and are in tension with those very practices. Although the educational theory stresses the development of the student's sense of agency, the studies here show that the inculcation of habits such as nominalization work to mute the agency of the student and the role of technology within the laboratory experiment, and instead to foreground inscription and objectified data. At the same time, this ideology also denies the role that such habits as nominalization play in the display of knowledge and the eventual success of students in school. This contradiction between semiotic ideology and practice contributes to the displacement effects sometimes called fetishism.
A new predictive equation for oxygen consumption in children and adults with congenital and acquired heart disease

Objective To develop a new predictive equation for oxygen consumption (VO 2 ) in children and adults with congenital and acquired heart disease. Methods We retrospectively reviewed data from 502 consecutive patients (age 0–59 years) undergoing cardiac catheterisation with measured VO 2 (M-VO 2 ) and compared M-VO 2 with VO 2 from the LaFarge equations (LF-VO 2 ) in patients 2 were used to develop a new predictive equation, which was prospectively validated in 100 consecutive patients (age 0–59 years). Results LF-VO 2 was inaccurate in 42% of Group 1 (n=201) and 13% of Group 2 (n=301). Multivariable predictors of inaccurate LF-VO 2 included age (OR 0.41, p=0.01) and single ventricle anatomy (OR 2.98, p=0.03) in Group 1 and anaemia (OR 0.84, p 2 : Intraclass correlation between M-VO 2 and the new predictive equation was good (r=0.53), whereas LF-VO 2 was not (r=0.17). Bland-Altman analysis comparing M-VO 2 with the new equation and with LF-VO 2 demonstrated superiority of the new equation (mean bias 2.5 mL/min/m 2 vs −5.0 mL/min/m 2 ; limits of agreement −51.6, 56.5 vs −82.1, 72). Conclusions VO 2 derived from the LaFarge equations is frequently inaccurate, particularly in younger patients, and will lead to erroneous haemodynamic calculations. We developed and prospectively validated a new VO 2 predictive equation for use in patients of all ages with congenital and acquired heart disease.
The impact of a CAHPS report on employee knowledge, beliefs, and decisions

As comparative health plan performance data become more available, large employers are increasingly interested in knowing about the value in providing this information to employees to help them choose a plan. The purpose of this study is to empirically examine some of the key assumptions about how disseminating Consumer Assessment of Health Plans Study (CAHPS) report cards may influence employee knowledge, attitudes, and choice. The study used a quasi-experimental design, with preintervention and postintervention interviews with 958 employees. The findings indicate that exposure to the reports is related to having more information on how well the different plans perform on the CAHPS reporting categories. Furthermore, those who saw the report perceive the reporting categories to be more important in health plan choice than those who did not. Finally, the findings show that those who saw the report are more influenced by information sent by their employer than those who did not see the report.
Thermoplastic Processing of Proteins for Film Formation—A Review

Increasing interest in high-quality food products with increased shelf life and reduced environmental impact has encouraged the study and development of edible and/or biodegradable polymer films and coatings. Edible films provide the opportunity to effectively control mass transfer among different components in a food or between the food and its surrounding environment. The diversity of proteins that results from an almost limitless number of side-chain amino-acid sequential arrangements allows for a wide range of interactions and chemical reactions to take place as proteins denature and cross-link during heat processing. Proteins such as wheat gluten, corn zein, soy protein, myofibrillar proteins, and whey proteins have been successfully formed into films using thermoplastic processes such as compression molding and extrusion. Thermoplastic processing can result in a highly efficient manufacturing method with commercial potential for large-scale production of edible films due to the low moisture levels, high temperatures, and short times used. Addition of water, glycerol, sorbitol, sucrose, and other plasticizers allows the proteins to undergo the glass transition and facilitates deformation and processability without thermal degradation. Target film variables, important in predicting biopackage performance under various conditions, include mechanical, thermal, barrier, and microstructural properties. Comparisons of film properties should be made with care since results depend on parameters such as film-forming materials, film formulation, fabrication method, operating conditions, testing equipment, and testing conditions. Film applications include their use as wraps, pouches, bags, casings, and sachets to protect foods, reduce waste, and improve package recyclability.
Approximations in Progressive Collapse Modeling

Assumptions must necessarily be made when the collapse response of structures is investigated using simulation models. The type and extent of modeling assumptions depend on the computational resources available, modeling expertise, and results sought. Modeling choices that are commonly made include planar versus three-dimensional (3D) representation, simplification of member response for modeling purposes, and the use of macroelements to mimic behavior instead of using elements that are based on fundamental constitutive relationships. Using four different types of models, this paper sheds light on the effect of some commonly employed approximations in collapse modeling. The models represent a 10-story seismically designed steel building and encompass computationally expedient planar and 3D macromodels as well as continuum models of individual frames and the full 3D structural system. After a validation exercise, the simulation models are exercised to investigate system collapse response when columns are f...
1013 DIFFERENTIATING DISEASE-RELATED FROM ENVIRONMENTAL FEVER IN THE NEWBORN

Often it is difficult to differentiate disease-related fever from overheating in the newborn. This study was undertaken to establish the relationship between rectal temperature (RT) and peripheral skin temperature in the normal and overheated term infant, and to compare it with that relationship in infants with fevers that were known to be disease related. Forty-three two-day-old normal infants were studied. Initial RT was found to be between 96.6 and 99.5°F. Each infant was then placed in an incubator. Ambient temperatures were selected in such a manner as to maintain RT between 98.0 and 99.6°F. Incubator temperatures were raised or lowered in small increments allowing 15 minutes equilibration at each setting. After equilibration, RT and anterior mid-lower leg skin temperature (LT) were recorded simultaneously. One-hundred and twenty paired RT's and LT's were obtained. Plotting LT against RT yielded a correlation coefficient of +0.68. No infant with a rectal temperature ≥99.0° F had greater than a 4.0°F difference between RT and LT. LT's were also measured in 7 infants with fevers known to be disease-related. RT-LT difference ranged between 6.5 and 12.9°F. This difference is significantly above the highest RT-LT difference recorded in normal infants with RT's ≥99.0°F (p<0.05). These findings confirm observations by others that in the presence of disease-related fever, extremities feel relatively cool.
Industrialization and Household Complexity in Rural Taiwan

Industrialization is generally believed to undermine the rural extendedfamily household, but this study of Taiwanese farm households finds the contrary to be true. An analysis of 274 townships in 1960 and 1970 reveals that farm household complexity is positively associated with industrialization as measured by the proportion of the labor force in nonagricultural occupations, both cross-sectionally and over time. The propensity offann families to combine into extended units is influenced by the availability of productive resources, whether agricultural or industrial. In the classical case, industry undermines the extended family by drawing kinsmen into cities; in Taiwan, where industry has grown up in proximity to family farms, the extended household has thrived. Ethnographic evidence suggests that the semi-agricultural extended households are less patriarchal and more egalitarian; still, industrial employment itself does not seem inimical to extended living arrangements. When the theory of convergence (Goode 1963) is held up before the empirical record of family change in industrialization, the case of Taiwan is generally supportive. Two decades of rapid industrial and urban growth were accompanied there by a well-documented decline in the proportion of extended households (Freedman, Chang & Sun 1982). Various other fainilial behaviors and values, from mate selection to fertility, have tended to conver e with Western practice (Coombs & Sun 1981; Thornton, Chang & Sun 1984). Against this backdrop, a recent report from rural Taiwan is conspicuous. Returning to a village they had first studied in the 1950s, Bernard and Rita Gallin found that the distribution of villagers by family type had changed considerably over the last 20 years. There were almost one-half fewer nuclear families in 1978-79 than there were in 1958-59.... In contrast, there were almost three times as many joint families in the village.... Obviously, economic development had not been inimical to complex family organization in Xin Xing. (1982:213) *1 am gratefulfor the support of the Population Studies Center of the University of Michigan and to the Taiwan Provincial Institute of Family Planning. Ming-cheng Chang, J. Michael Coble, Ronald Freedman, and Te-hsiung Sun offered valuable advice and assistance. Direct correspondence to William Lavely, Department of Sociology DK-40, University of Washington,
Functional transitions in the renal countercurrent system

Experimental and theoretical studies of the renal concentrating mechanism have dealt almost exclusively with its steady state behavior, and have all but ignored analysis of the time–dependent properties of the medulla and its components. A major reason for this preference is that the countercurrent system is sufficiently complex and difficult to understand in the steady state without adding the confounding effects that a transient invariably introduces. There are, however, advantages inherent in the study of transients that are difficult to match when attention is restricted to the steady state, and if these advantages become important, the extra work of interpretation may become justified.
Poroelastic shear modulus dependence on pore-fluid properties arising in a model of thin isotropic layers

Gassmann’s fluid substitution formulas for bulk and shear mo duli were originally derived for the quasi-static mechanical behavior of fluid-sat urated rocks. It has been shown recently that it is possible to understand deviations from G assmann’s results at higher frequencies when the rock is heterogeneous, and in particular when the rock heterogeneity anywhere is locally anisotropic. On the other hand, a well-known way of generating anisotropy in the earth is through fine (compared to waveleng th) layering. Then, Backus’ averaging of the mechanical behavior of the layered isotropic media at the microscopic level produces anisotropic mechanical and seismic behavior at the macroscopic level. For our present purposes, the Backus averaging concept can also be applied to fluid-saturated porous media, and thereby permits us to study how and what deviations from Gassmann’s predictions could arise in an elementary fashion. We consider both closed-pore and openpore boundary conditions between layers within this model in order to study in detail how violations of Gassmann’s predictions can arise. After eval uating a number of possibilities, we determine that energy estimates show unambiguously that one of our possible choices ‐ namely, G (2) f f = (C11+ C33 2C13 C66)/3 ‐ is the correct one for our purposes. This
Increased cell proliferation and decreased apoptosis characterize congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation of the lung.

Abstract Background/Purpose: Congenital cystic adenomatoid malformations (CCAM) are lung lesions that demonstrate abnormalities of both mesenchymal and epithelial tissues. The pathogenesis of these tumors remains unknown. Because normal organogenesis requires a balance between cell proliferation and programmed cell death (apoptosis), the authors hypothesized that CCAM results from an increase in cell proliferation or a decrease in apoptosis within the developing lung, possibly mediated by keratinocyte growth factor (KGF). Methods: To examine cell cycle control in CCAM, we measured indices of cell proliferation and apoptosis in lesions requiring fetal (n = 4) or neonatal (n = 8) resection compared with those of normal fetal (14 to 28 week's gestation; n=14) and neonatal (n = 3) human lung. Cell proliferation was analyzed by immunostaining for a proliferation marker (Ki-67). apoptosis was examined using an in situ digoxigenin end-labeling technique to localize apoptotic bodies. The expression of KGF protein and KGF mRNA in CCAM and normal lung was examined using immunohistochemistry and semiquantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results: CCAM lesions in general showed a twofold increase in cell proliferation index (19.2% ± 1.4% v 9.6% ± 0.7%, P v 4.5 ± 0.5, P Conclusions: These results demonstrate that CCAM differs from normal lung by increased cell proliferation and decreased apoptosis. The increased proliferation does not appear to be mediated by the pneumocyte mitogen KGF. An examination of factors that control cell proliferation and apoptosis in CCAM may provide further insight into the pathogenesis of this tumor.
Evolution of plant breeding

Plant breeding is considered one of the longest ongoing activities undertaken by humans, who select plants more productive and useful to themselves and the animals for at least 10,000 years ago. The evolution of civilizations paralleled the success of plant breeding, although this has not been recognized by the public. The reason may be lack of understanding of what plant breeding encompasses. The concept of plant breeding evolved, depending on the time it was formulated, but without losing the essence of being art and science of manipulating plants for man. This review discusses the evolution of the concepts and the methods of plant breeding, here divided arbitrarily into selection based on phenotypes, breeding values and genotypes. No matter how big the pool of genetic information in recent years, the phenotype will continues to be important in the present and future.
Higher-dimensional Hadamard matrices

The concept of a Hadamard matrix as a binary orthogonal matrix is extended to higher dimensions. An n -dimensional Hadamard matrix [h_{ijk \cdots n}] is defined as one in which all parallel (n - 1) -dimensional layers, in any axis-normal orientation, are uncorrelated. This is equivalent to the requirements that h_{ijk \cdots n} = \pm1 and that \sum_{p} \sum_{q} \sum_{r} \cdots \sum_{y} h_{pqr \cdots yb}= m^{(n-1)} \delta_{ab} where (pqr \cdots yz) represents all permutations of (ijk \cdots n) . A "proper" n -dimensional Hadamard matrix is defined as a special case of the above in which all two-dimensional layers, in all axis-normal orientations, are Hadamard matrices, as a consequence of which all intermediate-dimensional layers are also Hadamard matrices. Procedures are described for deriving three- and four-dimensional Hadamard matrices of varying propriety from two-dimensional Hadamard matrices. A formula is given for a fully proper n -dimensional matrix of order two, which can be expanded by direct multiplication to yield proper (2^{t})^{n} Hadamard matrices. It is suggested that proper higher dimensional Hadamard matrices may find application in error-correcting cedes, where their hierarchy of orthogonalitias permit a variety of checking procedures. Other types of Hadamard matrices may be of use in security codes on the basis of their resemblance to random binary matrices.
Symmetric inclusion-exclusion

One form of the inclusion-exclusion principle asserts that if A and B are functions of finite sets then A(S) is the sum of B(T) over all subsets T of S if and only if B(S) is the sum of (-1)^|S-T| A(T) over all subsets T of S. If we replace B(S) with (-1)^|S| B(S), we get a symmetric form of inclusion-exclusion: A(S) is the sum of (-1)^|T| B(T) over all subsets T of S if and only if B(S) is the sum of (-1)^|T| A(T) over all subsets T of S. We study instances of symmetric inclusion-exclusion in which the functions A and B have combinatorial or probabilistic interpretations. In particular, we study cases related to the Polya-Eggenberger urn model in which A(S) and B(S) depend only on the cardinality of S.
Agreement-based semi-supervised learning for skull stripping

Learning-based approaches have become increasingly practical in medical imaging. For a supervised learning strategy, the quality of the trained algorithm (usually a classifier) is heavily dependent on the amount, as well as quality, of the available training data. It is often very time-consuming to obtain the ground truth manual delineations. In this paper, we propose a semi-supervised learning algorithm and show its application to skull stripping in brain MRI. The resulting method takes advantage of existing state-of-the-art systems, such as BET and FreeSurfer, to sample unlabeled data in an agreement-based framework. Using just two labeled and a set of unlabeled MRI scans, a voxel-based random forest classifier is trained to perform the skull stripping. Our system is practical, and it displays significant improvement over supervised approaches, BET and FreeSurfer in two datasets (60 test images).
Control of the arteriolar myogenic response by transmural fluid filtration

Mechanisms of the myogenic response have not been completely established. We hypothesize that transmural fluid filtration from plasma across smooth muscle cells and into the surrounding interstitium helps regulate arteriolar myogenic tone. Arteriolar diameters in the rat mesentery were monitored prior to and following vascular occlusion with a glass micropipette. Arteriolar occlusion not only gave an increase in hydrostatic pressure that initiated a myogenic response upstream of the pipette, but also allowed measurement of fluid filtration rate by monitoring the movement of vascular red blood cells. A statistically significant correlation existed between basal myogenic tone and fluid filtration. Additionally, the myogenic response was attenuated when an osmotic solution of albumin and ficoll was infused into the bloodstream to decrease fluid filtration. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that shear stress on arteriolar smooth muscle, induced by transmural fluid filtration, is a contributing factor that helps control myogenic tone.
Automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillator pocket infection due to Providencia rettgeri: a case report

Coagulase-negative staphylococci and Staphylococcus aureus are the commonest pathogens involved in infections of pacemaker-defibrillator systems. Among causative Gram-negative bacteria, infections due to Klebsiella, Serratia, Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter and other species have been reported. We report herein a unique case of an automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillator infection due to Providencia rettgeri in a 65-year-old male who was admitted to our service with bacteremia and infection of the generator and subcutaneous array in a recently implanted device.
The Pharmacology and Toxicology of Three New Biologic Agents Used in Pulmonary Medicine

Biological agents have played an important role in the evolution of modern medical therapeutics. Recent advances in biologicals have in part been stimulated by the biotechnology revolution seen over the last several years. Toxicologists need to be aware of the proposed mechanisms and approved and experimental uses of these new biologic agents. Further, controversies about their use, efficacy, cost issues and potential toxicities should be known. Often these drugs are designed for small patient populations thus limiting the availability of human toxicological data bases. This paper reviews the pharmacology and toxicology of three new biologics (recombinant human DNase I, alpha 1-protease inhibitor, and nitric oxide). These agents appear to have important roles in treating specific diseases or disease states seen in pulmonary medicine.
Racial and Regional Disparities in the Effect of the Affordable Care Act's Dependent Coverage Provision on Young Adult Trauma Patients

Background Disparities in trauma outcomes based on insurance and race are especially pronounced among young adults who have relatively high uninsured rates and incur a disproportionate share of trauma in the population. The 2010 Dependent Coverage Provision (DCP) of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) allowed young adults to remain on their parent's health insurance plans until age 26 years, leading to >3 million young adults gaining insurance. We investigated the impact of the DCP on racial disparities in coverage expansion among trauma patients. Study Design Using the 2007–2012 National Trauma Data Bank, we compared changes in coverage among 529,844 19- to 25-year-olds with 484,974 controls aged 27 to 34 years not affected by the DCP. Subgroup analyses were conducted by race and ethnicity and by census region. Results The pre-DCP uninsured rates among young adults were highest among black patients (48.1%) and Hispanic patients (44.3%), and significantly lower among non-Hispanic white patients (28.9%). However, non-Hispanic white young adults experienced a significantly greater absolute reduction in the uninsured rate (−4.9 percentage points) than black (−2.9; p = 0.01) and Hispanic (−1.7; p Conclusions Although the DCP increased insurance coverage for young adult trauma patients of all races, both absolute and relative racial disparities in insurance coverage widened. The extent of these racial disparities also differed by geographic region. Although this policy produced overall progress toward greater coverage among young adults, its heterogeneous impact by race has important implications for future disparities research in trauma.
Clioquinol promotes the degradation of metal-dependent amyloid-β (Aβ) oligomers to restore endocytosis and ameliorate Aβ toxicity

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a common, progressive neurodegenerative disorder without effective disease-modifying therapies. The accumulation of amyloid-β peptide (Aβ) is associated with AD. However, identifying new compounds that antagonize the underlying cellular pathologies caused by Aβ has been hindered by a lack of cellular models amenable to high-throughput chemical screening. To address this gap, we use a robust and scalable yeast model of Aβ toxicity where the Aβ peptide transits through the secretory and endocytic compartments as it does in neurons. The pathogenic Aβ 1–42 peptide forms more oligomers and is more toxic than Aβ 1–40 and genome-wide genetic screens identified genes that are known risk factors for AD. Here, we report an unbiased screen of ∼140,000 compounds for rescue of Aβ toxicity. Of ∼30 hits, several were 8-hydroxyquinolines (8-OHQs). Clioquinol (CQ), an 8-OHQ previously reported to reduce Aβ burden, restore metal homeostasis, and improve cognition in mouse AD models, was also effective and rescued the toxicity of Aβ secreted from glutamatergic neurons in Caenorhabditis elegans. In yeast, CQ dramatically reduced Aβ peptide levels in a copper-dependent manner by increasing degradation, ultimately restoring endocytic function. This mirrored its effects on copper-dependent oligomer formation in vitro, which was also reversed by CQ. This unbiased screen indicates that copper-dependent Aβ oligomer formation contributes to Aβ toxicity within the secretory/endosomal pathways where it can be targeted with selective metal binding compounds. Establishing the ability of the Aβ yeast model to identify disease-relevant compounds supports its further exploitation as a validated early discovery platform.
Does intentional weight loss reduce cancer risk

Epidemiologic evidence points to obesity as a major risk factor for many cancers, including cancers of the breast, endometrium, colorectum, kidney, oesophagus and pancreas. Whether intentional weight loss might reduce this excess risk is not yet proven. We searched the medical literature for studies reporting changes in cancer risk following intentional weight loss, and for studies reporting changes in cancer-relevant risk factors of oestrogens, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), IGF binding proteins and selected inflammatory markers [C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)]. Observational cohort studies and randomized controlled trials of both dietary interventions and bariatric surgery all indicate fairly immediate reductions in cancer incidence following intentional weight loss. Oestrogen levels drop and SHBG levels increase coincident with intentional weight loss, with about a one-third reduction in free oestradiol to be expected from a 10% weight loss. CRP levels also drop substantially after weight loss at about this same 3 : 1 ratio. Reductions in TNF-α and IL-6 are consistently seen, but of a smaller magnitude, and IGF-I and IGFBP changes after weight loss are small and inconsistent. Because both cancer incidence and levels of circulating cancer biomarkers drop fairly rapidly following weight loss, intentional weight loss may well lead to meaningful reductions in cancer risk with a short latency time.
Optical and electrical characteristics of MgO.Al2O3 spinel and silicon-on-spinel

Abstract Conductivity and Hall effect as a function of temperature between 76 and 350K, and photoconductivity as a function of wavelength at 80 and 300K have been measured for a 2− μ m thick epitaxial n -Si layer on MgO.Al 2 O 3 spinel. In addition, the wavelength dependence of optical transmission (0.2−300 μ m) and reflection (0.3−50 μ m) have been measured for both Si/spinel and for a similar spinel substrate. Interference fringes in transmission and reflection were used to accurately determine the Si epilayer thickness. The temperature dependence of the carrier concentration in the epilayer is typical of compensated phosphorus-doped Si, but that for the Hall mobility suggests potential-barrier-limited carrier transport. The spinel substrate shows an 80–90 per cent transmitting window between 0.27 and 5.75 μ m, and a reflectivity consistent with a refractive index of 1.7. Between 8 and 50 μ m spinel is strongly absorbing with peaks in reflectivity at 545 and 745 cm −1 which are attributed to oxygen bonded to Al. Transmission is again observed for spinel beyond 50 μ m. The percent transmission and interference fringe spacing near 300 μ m indicate a refractive index of ∼ 3, in reasonable accord with the dielectric constant of 8.4 at 1 kHz reported previously. Differences in reflectivity between nonepitaxied spinel and the Si-spinel interface suggest that epitaxy affects the composition near the interface. In addition, unusually large interference effects observed in photoconductivity are ascribed to a photosensitive layer near the Si-spinel interface.
Worry-free database upgrades: automated model-driven evolution of schemas and complex mappings

Schema evolution is an unavoidable consequence of the application development lifecycle. The two primary schemas in an application, the client conceptual object model and the persistent database model, must co-evolve or risk quality, stability, and maintainability issues. We present MoDEF, an extension to Visual Studio that supports automatic evolution of object-relational mapping artifacts in the Microsoft Entity Framework. When starting with a valid mapping between client and store, MoDEF translates changes made to a client model into incremental changes to the store as an upgrade script, along with a new valid mapping to the new store. MoDEF mines the existing mapping for mapping patterns which MoDEF reuses for new client artifacts.
Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 Is a Mediator of Epidermal Growth Factor–Dependent E-Cadherin Loss in Ovarian Carcinoma Cells

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor (EGFR) is frequently elevated in epithelial ovarian cancer, and E-cadherin expression is often reduced in advanced disease. In this study, we investigated a mechanism by which EGFR activation promotes disruption of adherens junctions through induction of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9). We show that EGFR activation down-modulates E-cadherin, and broad spectrum MMP inhibition ameliorates EGF-stimulated junctional disruption and loss of E-cadherin protein. MMP-9 involvement in EGF-dependent down-regulation of E-cadherin was determined by siRNA specifically directed against MMP-9. Furthermore, treatment with recombinant MMP-9 or transient expression of MMP-9 is sufficient to reduce E-cadherin levels in differentiated ovarian tumor cells. Stable overexpression of MMP-9 led to a loss of E-cadherin and junctional integrity, and promoted a migratory and invasive phenotype. Thus, elevated MMP-9 protein expression is sufficient for junctional disruption and loss of E-cadherin in these cells. The associations between EGFR activation, MMP-9 expression, and E-cadherin were investigated in human ovarian tumors and paired peritoneal metastases wherein immunohistochemical staining for activated (phospho) EGFR and MMP-9 colocalized with regions of reduced E-cadherin. These data suggest that regulation of MMP-9 by EGFR may represent a novel mechanism for down-modulation of E-cadherin in ovarian cancer.
Nitroso-redox interactions in the cardiovascular system.

ormal cardiovascular performance requires exquisitebalancing of many complex biochemical processes.Perturbation of this balance may lead to myocardial dysfunc-tion or may be a secondary result of structural heart diseasesuch as myocardial infarction (MI) or cardiomyopathic pro-cesses. Altered signaling systems in turn contribute to theprogression of myocardial dysfunction. The roles of reactiveoxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) innormal and failing myocardium and vasculature have beenthe subject of intense investigation and continue to engenderconsiderabledebate.Adisturbanceintheoxidation–reductionstate of the cell, in which ROS production exceeds antioxi-dant defenses, is called oxidative stress. By analogy, nitrosa-tive stress is an impairment in nitric oxide (NO) signalingcaused by increased amounts of RNS, which may be causedby or associated with a disturbance in the redox state. Thisreview addresses the role of the redox state and nitroso–redoxbalance in determining cardiovascular function in health anddisease.
Cluster Temperature Evolution: The Mass-Temperature Relation

Evolution of the cluster temperature function is extremely sensitive to the mean matter density of the universe. Current measurements based on cluster temperature surveys indicate that ΩM ≈ 0.3 with a 1 σ statistical error ~0.1, but the systematic errors in this method are of comparable size. Many more high-z cluster temperatures will be arriving from Chandra and XMM in the near future. In preparation for future cluster temperature surveys, this paper analyzes the cluster mass-temperature relation, with the intention of identifying and reducing the systematic errors it introduces into measurements of cosmological parameters. We show that the usual derivation of this relation from spherical top-hat collapse is physically inconsistent and propose a more realistic derivation based on a hierarchical merging model that more faithfully reflects the gradual ceasing of cluster evolution in a low-ΩM universe. We also analyze the effects of current systematic uncertainties in the Mvir-TX relation and show that they introduce a systematic uncertainty of ~0.1 in the best-fitting ΩM. Future improvements in the accuracy of the Mvir-TX relation will most likely come from comparisons of predicted cluster temperature functions with temperature functions derived directly from large-scale structure simulations.
Commentary: Routh Early Career Award: The “Not-So” Painful Journey of a Pediatric Pain Researcher

As a psychologist who studies pediatric pain, I frequently get questions about my area of interest from people outside of my field. The most common is an incredulous, ‘‘Children have chronic pain?’’ This question provides me with an opportunity to offer people a bit of psychoeducation about a commonly overlooked pediatric health problem and to talk about my research. To most people, studying pain in children sounds like a painful endeavor. But as crazy as it may sound, studying pain is ‘‘not-so’’ painful. Yes, there are jokes and comments from strangers at parties, and of course the usual research-related struggles (e.g., obtaining grant funding, finding sufficient nonclinical time). That said, pain is a fascinating subject area that bridges basic science and clinical research in new and exciting ways. By definition, pain is a subjective interpretation of an objective experience. It provides a rich opportunity for examining the intersection among individual differences, biological factors, and environmental influences that we as psychologists love to explore.
Antenna Pattern Analysis and Measurements for Multiparameter Radars

Abstract Measuring the full polarization matrix using a research radar requires knowledge of the complex (i.e., amplitude and phase) antenna pattern to properly correct for bias errors in the measurements. However, generally only power patterns are available for analysis. Techniques are presented for obtaining bounds on the system differential reflectivity ZDR bias and the integrated cross-polarization ratio. A method for use of the phase shift between pulses to simultaneously estimate the differential phase and the radial velocity over the full Nyquist interval is described. NCAR's CP-2 10-cm antenna patterns with different horizontal and vertical polarization sidelobes were matched by rotating the feed support struts to be aligned on the diagonals so no preferential blockage occurred. The matched antenna patterns show much improved ZDR measurements in strong reflectivity gradients. The CP-2 3-cm antenna patterns were shown to be axially symmetric and typical of a well-designed, unblocked parabolic refle...
Allosteric Regulation and Intrinsic Disorder in Nuclear Hormone Receptors

Nuclear Hormone Receptors (NHRs) must respond to a variety of chemical cues to selectively induce or repress pertinent genes. Each domain of these multidomain proteins is capable of binding to various large or small molecules, and such binding may alter the activity of both the local and remote domains. These allosteric effects are essential for proper NHR function; yet until recently very little was known about their mechanism. Recent well-documented findings show that protein dynamics and intrinsic disorder mediate allosteric signals. We discuss the recently proposed Ensemble Allosteric Model, which can be used to mechanistically dissect perplexing and sometimes paradoxical allosteric phenomena. Finally, we show how this model can be specifically applied to NHRs and how its use can enhance future studies.
Fresh platelet-rich plasma from a flow-through centrifuge for lamb heart perfusion at 13degrees C. Protective effect of added erythrocytes.

Isolated lamb hearts perfused at 13° C. with acellular perfusates developed progressive interstitial edema and a rise in vascular resistance. They did not exhibit any electrical or mechanical activity. In contrast, hearts perfused with whole fresh blood remained well preserved, had no edema or change in vascular resistance, and contracted vigorously while being perfused at 10° and 13° C. This study was designed to determine which particular component(s) of whole blood contributed to improved cardiac preservation. Isolated lamb hearts were perfused for 18 hours at 13° C. with plasma containing platelets and some or no red blood cells. Continuously fresh plasma was obtained from a donor animal by means of a flow-through centrifuge. Hearts perfused at 13° C. with fresh plasma of either low or high platelet count contracted during the initial 2 to 4 hours of the perfusion only and were as poorly preserved as hearts perfused with acellular microfiltered plasma. A hematocrit value of 2 to 5 per cent in the plasma perfusate resulted in the hearts being preserved almost as well as with fresh whole blood; they showed a forceful cardiac activity at 13° C, there was no edema, the vascular resistance was stable, and after rewarming they had good ventricular function. The improvement in cardiac preservation brought about by addition of a minimal amount of red blood cells suggests a specific effect of erythrocytes on the cardiac microcirculation.
Tuning Electrical Properties through Control of TiSe2 Thickness in (BiSe)1+δ(TiSe2)n Compounds

A series of (BiSe)1+δ(TiSe2)n compounds where n was varied from two to four were synthesized and electrically characterized to explore the extent of charge transfer from the BiSe layer to the TiSe2 layers. These kinetically stable heterostructures were prepared using the modulated elemental reactants (MER) method, in which thin amorphous elemental layers are deposited in an order that mimics the nanostructure of the desired product. X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray area diffraction, and scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) data show that the precursors formed the desired products. Specular diffraction scans contain only 00l reflections, indicating that the compounds are crystallographically aligned with the c-axis perpendicular to the substrate. The c-axis lattice parameter increases by 0.604(3) nm with each additional TiSe2 layer. In-plane diffraction scans contain reflections that can be indexed as the (hk0) of the BiSe and TiSe2 constituents. Area diffraction scans are also consistent with th...
Management of Patients With Recovered Systolic Function

Advancements in the treatment of heart failure (HF) with systolic dysfunction have given rise to a new population of patients with improved ejection fraction (EF). The management of this distinct population is not well described due to a lack of consensus on the definition of myocardial recovery, a scarcity of data on the natural history of these patients, and the absence of focused clinical trials. Moreover, an improvement in EF may have different prognostic and management implications depending on the underlying etiology of cardiomyopathy. This can be challenging for the clinician who is approached by a patient inquiring about a reduction of medical therapy after apparent EF recovery. This review explores management strategies for HF patients with recovered EF in a disease-specific format.
Abstract 36: Association of Parental Stroke with Cognitive and Brain MRI Measures in Offspring - The Framingham Heart Study

Objectives- Parental stroke is related to an increased risk of stroke among the offspring. Vascular related brain changes, however, often occur before clinical stroke and the association of parental history of stroke and structural brain measures and cognition has not been fully explored. We hypothesized that prospectively verified parental stroke will be associated with increased vascular brain injury and poorer cognitive performance. Methods- A total of 1,297 Framingham offspring (mean age: 61 ± 9 years, 54% women) were studied. Of these, 9.9% had prospectively identified stroke in one or both parents before age 65. Volumetric brain MRI measures of total cerebral brain volume (TCBV), regional brain volumes, white matter hyperintensity volume (WMHV), and covert brain infarcts (CBI) and performance on tests of verbal memory, abstract reasoning, verbal learning and visuospatial memory (VRd) were compared for offspring with and without parental history of stroke. All measures were assessed cross-sectionally and longitudinally (mean duration of follow-up was 6.1±1.2 years). We used models adjusted only for age, sex, education and also additionally adjusted for vascular risk factors and for WMHV as an index of subclinical vascular brain injury. GEE models were used to adjust for sibling relationships among offspring. Results- Higher WMHV (β±SE=0.17±0.08;p=0.027) and lower VRd scores (β±SE=-0.80±0.34; p=0.017) at baseline were found in offspring with parental history of stroke. In addition, participants with parental stroke by age 65 years were more likely to be in the highest quintile of increase in WMHV (OR=1.87;p=0.04) as well as worsening executive function (Trails B-A) (OR:1.81;p=0.03). Parental stroke was not associated with total and regional brain volumes or with memory, abstract reasoning and verbal learning. Conclusions- In our community-based sample of middle-aged asymptomatic subjects, the occurrence of parental stroke by age 65 years is associated with higher baseline WMHV and with a more rapid increase in WMHV. Further, parental stroke is also associated with poorer performance on VRd and a decline in executive function. The effects on baseline WMH and VRd were substantial equivalent to 2.8 and 7 years of brain aging, respectively.