cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Multiple fucosyltransferases and their carbohydrate ligands are involved in spermatogenic cell-Sertoli cell adhesion in vitro in rats.

We have identified multiple fucosyltransferases (FTs) ([12]-, a[1-3]-, a[1-4]-FTs) on cells of the rat seminiferous epithelium as demonstrated by fucose incorporation into phenyl-P-Dgalactoside (Ph--oD-Gal), 2'-fucosyllactose (2'-FL), and lacto-Nfucopentaose-l (LNF I), respectively. Now, using fluorescence laser scanning cytometry, we report that multiple FTs are implicated in germ cell-Sertoli cell adhesion in vitro. Sertoli cells were isolated from 19- to 21-day-old CD rats and cultured for 6-10 days. Mixed germ cells were obtained by enzymatic dispersion of adult rat testis and cultured overnight before labeling with 10 piM acetoxymethyl ester derivative of the fluorescent indicator, calcein. The adherent cell analysis and sorting 570 interactive laser cytometer was used to determine the number of labeled adherent germ cells on Sertoli cell monolayers in the presence or absence of a variety of low molecular weight acceptors for fucose. Coincubation of labeled germ cells with Sertoli cell monolayers in the presence of GDP-fucose, UDP-galactose, Ph-.-D-Gal, 2'-FL, LNF I, and Lewis-X and 3'-sialyl-Lewis-X oligosaccharides resulted in significant reduction of germ cell binding when compared to that of the untreated controls or of control samples incubated with cellobiose, melibiose, and oa-Dmannopyranose, which do not serve as fucose acceptors. Our results suggest that multiple FTs and their lectin/selectin ligands are involved in mediating germ cell-Sertoli cell adhesion to form a cohesive epithelium and thus aid germ cell adluminal translocation within the seminiferous epithelium.
Predation Rates on Real and Artificial Nests of Grassland Birds

Abstract We estimated nesting success at real and artificial nests of grassland birds to test the influence of nest type, nest position, and egg size on predation rates. We distributed wicker nests and realistic woven-grass nests baited with a clay egg and either a Northern Bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) egg or a House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) egg in four grasslands that were part of the Conservation Reserve Program in east-central Illinois. Nesting success averaged 86.5% for 12 days of exposure for artificial nests. For real nests, nesting success was markedly lower, averaging 39% over the entire nesting cycle and 59% during approximately 12 days of incubation. Wicker nests were depredated more often than woven-grass artificial nests (18% vs. 8%), and nests baited with House Sparrow eggs were depredated more often than nests baited with Northern Bobwhite eggs (22% vs. 9%). Elevated and ground nests were depredated at the same rate. Patterns of nest predation on wicker nests were markedly different fro...
Advances in molecular therapies in patients with brain tumors

BackgroundWe are witnessing the development of new treatment modalities for primary brain tumors. An area under intense investigation is the use of small molecules targeting intracellular signaling...
Cosmology: A story of cosmic proportions

Michael S. Turner weighs up two distinctive popular books on the evolution of the Universe.
Mass spectrometry-based analyses showing the effects of secretor and blood group status on salivary N-glycosylation

The carbohydrate portions of salivary glycoproteins play important roles, including mediating bacterial and leukocyte adhesion. Salivary glycosylation is complex. Many of its glycoproteins present ABO and Lewis blood group determinants. An individual’s genetic complement and secretor status govern the expression of blood group antigens. We queried the extent to which salivary glycosylation varies according to blood group and secretor status. First, we screened submandibular/sublingual and parotid salivas collected as ductal secretions for reactivity with a panel of 16 lectins. We selected three lectins that reacted with the largest number of glycoproteins and one that recognized uncommon lactosamine-containing structures. Ductal salivas representing a secretor with complex blood group expression and a nonsecretor with a simple pattern were separated by SDS-PAGE. Gel slices were trypsin digested and the glycopeptides were individually separated on each of the four lectins. The bound fractions were de-N-glycosylated. LC–MS/MS identified the original glycosylation sites, the peptide sequences, and the parent proteins. The results revealed novel salivary N-glycosites and glycoproteins not previously reported. As compared to the secretor, nonsecretor saliva had higher levels of N-glycosylation albeit with simpler structures. Together, the results suggested a molecular basis for inter-individual variations in salivary protein glycosylation with functional implications for oral health.
Linking Student Skill Building with Public Outreach and Education

As more technological platforms become available for instructors to use in teaching, we are increasingly faced with the challenge of choice. How do we best convey our message and cultivate critical thinkers in our net-savvy students? Which tools will best help us to reach our curriculum goals? How do we keep our students engaged in the subject material? How can we facilitate student acquisition of skills for research, writing, and science communication? To address these and other relevant questions, I provide a case study of a structured classroom assignment that integrates a number of teaching platforms, including software, the Internet, and social media. Importantly, I use this example to illustrate how instructors in the plant sciences can take a series of class activities from simply being graded assignments to creating a final product with broader applications in public outreach and education.
CHROMOSOMAL FITNESS CHANGES IN EXPERIMENTAL POPULATIONS OF DROSOPHILA PERSIMILIS FROM TIMBERLINE. II. RE-EXTRACTED CHROMOSOMES.

Adjustment of a population's gene pool to maintain maximum fitness is to be expected following changes either in selective forces, in genetic variability, or in both. New genetic combinations may evolve when genic complexes are derived from unrelated genomes as in laboratory populations of Drosophila with chromosomes of diverse origins (mesoevolution of Dobzhansky, 1954; Dobzhansky and Pavlovsky, 1957; Dobzhansky and Spassky, 1962). But the fact that no laboratory population is static and fixed in its genetic composition (except an isogenic strain) is demonstrated by the evolution of new adaptive complexes when natural selection has an opportunity to act on any genetic variation which has not yet attained equilibrium, even when that variation is a sample from a single welladapted natural population (Buzzati-Traverso, 1955; Lewontin, 1958; Strickberger, 1963). These experiments on laboratory populations derived from natural populations serve to illustrate clearly the dynamic poise of those populations and the rapid deterministic nature of the selective process in establishing new genetic equilibria. On the basis of laboratory population results from earlier work, Spiess (1961) described the outcome of gene arrangement frequency changes with strains of Drosophila persimilis from Timberline (10,000 feet elevation in the Yosemite area) as "unexpected responses indicating the extreme novelty of population cage conditions" for Timberline genotypes compared with the more expected responses of flies
Aging and Neurodegeneration

Aging causes a slow deterioration of the brain function leading to cognitive decline, memory loss, movement disorders and finally to functional decline and death. With a rapidly increasing aging population, neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and Huntington’s become an important economic burden on the society. Unfortunately, there are no effective current therapies. Therefore, it is quite urgent to find strategies that will lead to therapeutic benefits for the patients. Since aging is the major risk factor for the age-related neurodegenerative disorders, interfering with age-related molecular mechanisms or pathways might be an avenue to develop new therapeutics.
Occurrence of Choline-Esterase in Swine:

SummaryThe choline-esterase activities of various swine organs and tissues were measured, and particularly high activities were observed in the cases of the lachrymal and salivary glands, the fallopian tubes, alimentary mucosa, and the medulla oblongata.The authors wish to thank E. S. Ring, D. V. M., and Mr. A. Jaejer of Swift and Co., Kearny, N. J., for their cooperation in supplying the animal material used in this investigation.
Stengthening of polyphase Si3N4 materials through oxidation

Specimens of various polyphase Si3N4 materials fabricated in the Si-Mg-O-N system, and a commercial Si3N4 material were subjected to oxidation treatments prior to flexural strength determinations at 1400° C. It was demonstrated that a pre-oxidation treatment could significantly improve the high-temperature strength. The compositional change induced by oxidation which can decrease the volume fraction of the viscous phase present in these materials at high temperatures is believed to be responsible for the observed strengthening.
Incidence and risk factors for postoperative vomiting following atrial septal defect repair in children.

Summary Background The incidence and risk factors for postoperative vomiting (POV) after pediatric cardiac surgery has not been studied. Aims This study sought to assess the incidence and risk factors for POV in children undergoing surgical repair of an atrial septal defect (ASD). Methods We retrospectively collected perioperative data from 160 patients who underwent surgical repair of an ASD and met early extubation criteria. Demographic and clinical data that could potentially influence the incidence of POV were collected. Univariate analysis was performed using Student t-test or Wilcoxon rank test to identify factors associated with POV. Continuous variables were dichotomized based on the cutoff values derived from the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and the Youden-J index. We used multivariate logistic regression analysis using backward selection to determine the independent predictors using a univariate cutoff of P 0.05 for removal to determine factors independently associated with POV. The accuracy of our multivariate model was assessed by the area under the ROC curve (AUC). Results Overall the incidence of POV was 37.5% in all the children who underwent surgical ASD repair. POV did not significantly differ between patients who received and did not receive antiemetics intraoperatively. Age of ≥4 years and cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time ≥51 min were identified as independent risk predictors for POV and the AUC of logistic regression model was 0.650 (95% confidence interval; 0.565–0.735). Conclusions The incidence of POV in children undergoing surgical ASD repair was 37.5%. Age ≥4 years and CPB time ≥51 min were identified as independent predictors.
A splice variant of the myosin phosphatase regulatory subunit tunes arterial reactivity and suppresses response to salt loading.

Molecular mechanisms determining differential sensitivity of smooth muscles to nitric oxide-mediated relaxation have not been defined. This study uses a genetic mouse model to demonstrate that spli...
Small Bowel Obstruction Due to Suprapubic Catheter Placement

Suprapubic catheter placement has associated complications such as bowel injury, bladder injury, or bleeding. This case describes the management of an elderly patient who had suprapubic catheter placement complicated by small bowel obstruction. The catheter had continued production of urine. Further patient treatment required abdominal exploration and bowel resection.
The Relationship Between Trait Affect and Job Attitudes in Library Employees

This research explores the relationship between employees’ disposition and several important job attitudes. Dispositional affect is a personality trait that describes people's emotional responses to situations. This study explored how affective disposition influences the job attitudes of work engagement, organizational commitment, and job satisfaction. Data were collected from a sample of librarians, and the results show that affective disposition strongly predicted the three job attitudes in the expected directions. The findings contribute to knowledge of the role of personality in the workplace and provide guidance for library managers on how best to facilitate positive job attitudes.
Molecular-marker maps of the cultivated wheats and other Triticum species

The cultivated wheats, Triticum aestivum L. em Thell. (2n = 6x = 42, genomes A, B, and D) and T. turgidum L. var. durum (2n = 4x = 28, genomes A and B), provide approximately 20% of the food calories consumed by humankind, more than any other crop plant, including rice, maize, and potato (Reitz, 1967; Briggle and Curtis 1987). Wild relatives of the wheats also are important. They possess numerous agronomically important attributes that are superior to those present in the cultivated wheats (examples include disease resistance, drought tolerance, salt tolerance and high protein content) and a large number of tools have been developed by wheat geneticists for transferring alien genes into the cultivated wheats (Knott 1987; Maan 1987).
Performative face theory: A critical perspective on interpersonal identity work

ABSTRACTPower operates not only through ideological and institutional control, but also through everyday interpersonal communication practices that sediment what is and ought to be. However, critical theorizing about power remains scarce within the sub-fields of interpersonal and family communication. To answer questions about operations of power in interpersonal identity work, performative face theory is set forth, which places Erving Goffman’s theorization of face in conversation with Judith Butler’s theory of performativity. Performative face theory suggests that discursive acts cited or repeated in negotiations of face constitute and sometimes subvert naturalized identity categories. Four theoretical principles are provided and an empirical example of childbearing identity is presented. Finally, implications of this novel critical interpersonal and family communication theory are discussed.
A study of the swell-shrink behavior of expansive Moreland clay

AbstractUnderstanding expansive soil has always been a major challenge for soil scientists and engineers. Due to the presence of high quantity of montmorillonite mineral in the northern Louisiana’s Moreland clay, structural damage due to soil heave was a key concern for geotechnical engineers. In this paper, a state-of-the-art characterization of the Moreland clay is presented. It includes the identification of its swell-shrink properties, soil index property measurements, attainment of the soil water characteristics curve (SWCC), development of an empirical equation for its unsaturated shear strength, establishment of its 3-D constitutive surface, and the soil heave predictions. Atterberg limits of the soil samples from the typical Moreland clay site were obtained, with a liquid limit (LL) of 79, a plasticity index (PI) of 51 and an activity (AC) of 1.3. The characterization is to gain for the first time a clear understanding of the volume change behaviors of the expansive clay.
Random Start Ovarian Stimulation for Oocyte or Embryo Cryopreservation in Women Desiring Fertility Preservation Prior to Gonadotoxic Cancer Therapy.

Background Women of reproductive age diagnosed with cancer are often interested in preserving gametes or reproductive tissue that would allow for future genetic parenthood. Preservation of fertility is often accomplished in young cancer patients via ovarian stimulation followed by oocyte or embryo cryopreservation. Conventional stimulation protocols, however, require 2-4 weeks to complete ovarian stimulation, oocyte retrieval and possible fertilization. Such a strategy may not be feasible in patients requiring urgent cancer treatment. Recent studies have highlighted that random start ovarian stimulation can be initiated irrespective of the phase of the menstrual cycle and is an attractive alternative to conventional ovarian stimulation. The primary aim of the current review is to discuss the feasibility and success of random start ovarian stimulation for oocyte or embryo cryopreservation in women desiring fertility preservation prior to gonadotoxic cancer therapy. Method We performed a systematic review of medical literature published between January 2000 to June 2017 reporting the utility of random start ovarian stimulation for fertility preservation. Search terms included "fertility preservation," "cancer," "ovarian stimulation," "random-start ovarian stimulation," "embryo cryopreservation, and" "oocyte cryopreservation." Publications were included in this review only if patients underwent random start ovarian stimulation prior to cancer therapy. Results Nineteen publications were identified and perused by the authors. Most publications described the utility of random start ovarian stimulation in the setting of breast cancer. Radom-start stimulation was associated with a reduced time interval between ovarian stimulation initiation and oocyte or embryo cryopreservation. The yield of mature oocytes and their developmental potential into embryos was comparable between conventional and random-start protocols, albeit with higher gonadotropin doses in the latter. Conclusion The current review suggests that random start ovarian stimulation can shorten the interval between ovarian stimulation and oocyte retrieval, with the yield of oocytes and embryos being comparable to conventional stimulation protocols. Thus, random start ovarian stimulation may serve as a better option for fertility preservation in patients requiring urgent cancer treatment.
Do Black Women's Religious Beliefs About Body Image Influence Their Confidence in Their Ability to Lose Weight?

INTRODUCTION Black women are disproportionately burdened by obesity but maintain body satisfaction and strong religious commitment. Although faith-based weight-loss interventions have been effective at promoting weight loss among blacks, little is known about how body image and religious views contribute to weight-related beliefs among religious black women. The purpose of this study was to examine whether demographic and health history factors, religious involvement, and beliefs about body image could explain motivation and confidence to lose weight among a church-affiliated sample of black women. METHODS We recruited 240 church-affiliated black women aged 18 to 80 years (average age, 55 y; SD, 12.3) in 2014 from 6 black churches that participated in a larger study, Project FIT (Faith Influencing Transformation), a clustered, diabetes/heart disease/stroke intervention among black women and men. We used baseline data from Project FIT to conduct a cross-sectional study consisting of a survey. Variables approaching significance in preliminary correlation and χ2 analyses were included in 2 multiple linear regression models examining motivation and confidence in ability to lose weight. RESULTS In final regression models, body mass index was associated with motivation to lose weight (β = 0.283, P < .001), and beliefs about body image in relation to God predicted confidence to lose weight (β = 0.180, P = .01). CONCLUSION Faith-based, weight-loss interventions targeting black women should emphasize physical well-being and highlight the health benefits of weight management rather than the benefits of altering physical appearance and should promote positive beliefs about body image, particularly relating to God.
Sparse blind deconvolution for imaging through layered media

When imaging through layered media such as walls, the contents and thickness of the wall layers are generally not known a priori. Furthermore, compensating for their effects can be computationally intensive, as this generally requires modelling the transmission and reflection of complex fields through layered media. We propose a blind deconvolution method that does not require knowledge of the wall layers by directly estimating a circularly symmetric Green’s function that models the transmission through the wall layers, simultaneously addressing both problems. We experimentally demonstrate this technique by measuring the reflection through a multilayered structure of building materials at the K-band microwave frequencies, and using the blind deconvolution method to find the image of a reflective object behind the layers.
A Simple Bioluminescence Imaging Method for Studying Cancer Cell Growth and Metastasis after Subcutaneous Injection of Lewis Lung Carcinoma Cells in Syngeneic C57BL/6 Mice

In vivo imaging of cancer cell growth and invasion is instrumental in studying cancer cell behavior and in developing effective anticancer agents. In this ROS Protocols article, we report the experimental protocol and steps involving the implantation of luciferase-expressing Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) cells in normal syngeneic C57BL/6 mice. Using the Berthold NightOwl LB981 in vivo imaging system, we observe the time-dependent growth and invasion of the lung cancer cells following subcutaneous injection of luciferase-expressing LLC cells. The three-dimensional image and counts of photon emission of the tumor mass are obtained to estimate the relative size of the tumor. Ex vivo imaging of the isolated lungs supplemented with D-luciferin and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is obtained to determine lung metastasis of the LLC cells. The LLC cell load in entire mouse lungs is further determined by quantitative bioluminometry with a concurrently run standard curve of the number of LLC cells versus bioluminescence intensity. This in vivo imaging system in live mice, in combination with ex vivo imaging of isolated lungs as well as quantitative bioluminometry of target tissues, may provide important information on the in vivo cancer cell dynamics in immunocompetent syngeneic C57BL/6 mice and offer a valuable tool for studying experimental anticancer agents, including redox-modulating compounds, which are promising anticancer modalities.
The Need for a Whole-System View of Performance.

Middleware usually runs on top of a powerful execution platform. Often that platform includes extensive runtime libraries, a virtual machine, an operating system, and modern complex hardware. The understanding of middleware performance is complicated by intricate interactions between the application, the middleware, and the components of the underlying platform. The functional interfaces of the components of such a platform are clearly defined. They range from the API specification, over the virtual machine specification, the system call interface, to the processor’s instruction set architecture. The functionality of a system component can be understood by just looking at that component’s functional specification. The performance of a system component, on the other hand, can often not be understood in isolation. This is because performance interactions between components can be very intricate, non-linear, and involve unpredictable delays. We propose temporal vertical profiling [1] as an approach for whole system performance understanding. Temporal vertical profiling captures the temporal system behavior on all layers, and of all components, of the system. A trace of values for performance metrics from system components is captured and analyzed to identify correlations between such metrics. Correlation is the first step in the identification of causal releationships between metrics and components. And these causal relationships are the fundamental building blocks for performance understanding.
Regulation of Leukocyte Recruitment by Proadhesive Cytokines Immobilized on Endothelial Proteoglycan

Adhesion to endothelium is essential for the regulated movement of lymphocytes throughout the organism (Berg etal. 1991; Shimizu et al. 1992). The most spectacular movement of lymphocytes in an adult occurs during the recruitment involved in an inflammatory response. However, even in a normal host, migration of lymphocytes throughout lymphoid and nonlymphoid tissue occurs continuously. This reflects: (1) ongoing surveillance for potential foreign determinants; (2) orchestrated responses of lymphocytes to low level environmental challenges and (3) lymphocyte education, which involves sequential differentiation in distinct sites such as the education of T cells in thymus followed by lymph node and then nonlymphoid tissue.
Practical Applications of Optimization

Abstract Practical problems can require large models to accurately predict response of the system to inputs, such as the finite element models for structural and mechanical systems. In such cases, constraints for the problem cannot be expressed only in terms of the design variables; that is, they are implicit functions of the design variables. Optimum design problem formulation of such systems is described. Gradient evaluation of implicit functions is presented so that a gradient-based method can be used for optimization. Practical aspects of optimization software selection and its integration with the analysis software are discussed. Several example problems are formulated as optimization problems, solved, and discussed. Optimal control of systems is formulated as a nonlinear programming problem and solved by the sequential quadratic programming method. Several objective functions are used to demonstrate generality of the formulation. Optimum design of tension members, compression members, flexural members and pole structures to satisfy a design code constraints are formulated and solved. These problems have “IF THEN ELSE” type constraints. Procedures are discussed to treat these types of constraints in derivative-based optimization algorithms. Alternative formulations for structural optimization are also described where the design and the analysis variables are treated as solution variables simultaneously. This makes all the problem functions explicit in variables; however, the size of the optimization problem is enlarged. Alternative formulations for time-dependent optimization problems are also discussed.
Near-Infrared Excitation of the peri-Xanthenoxanthene Radical Cation Drives Energy-Demanding Hole Transfer Reactions

Strongly oxidizing photosensitizers (superoxidants) based on organic radical cations are capable of driving energy-demanding reactions using low-energy photons. Here, we show that the peri-xantheno...
Dynamic Particle Allocation to Solve Interactive POMDP Models for Social Decision Making

In social dilemma settings, such as repeated Public Goods Games (PGGs), humans often come across a dilemma whether to contribute or not based on past contributions from others. In such settings, the decision taken by an agent/human actually depends not only on the belief the agent has about other agents and the environment, but also on their beliefs about others' beliefs. To factor in these aspects, we propose a novel formulation of computational theory of mind (ToM) to model human behavior in a repeated PGG using interactive partially observable Markov decision processes (I-POMDPs). Interactive particle filter (IPF) is a well-known algorithm used to approximately solve I-POMDP models for the agents to find their optimal contributions. Number of particles assigned to an agent in IPF can be translated into time and computational resources. Solving I-POMDPs in a time-memory efficient manner even in the case of small state spaces is a largely intractable problem. Also, maintaining a fixed number of particles assigned to each agent, over time, will be highly inefficient in terms of resource utilization. To address this problem, we propose a dynamic particle allocation algorithm for different agents based on how well they could predict. We validate our proposed algorithm through real experiments involving human agents. Our results suggest that dynamic particle allocation based IPF for I-POMDPs is effective in modelling human behaviours in repeated social dilemma setting while utilizing computational resources in an effective manner.
Blood Lactate Concentration Is Not Related to the Increase in Cardiorespiratory Fitness Induced by High Intensity Interval Training.

Background: There is individual responsiveness to exercise training as not all individuals experience increases in maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), which does not benefit health status considering the association between VO2max and mortality. Approximately 50% of the training response is genetic, with the other 50% accounted for by variations in dietary intake, sleep, recovery, and the metabolic stress of training. This study examined if the blood lactate (BLa) response to high intensity interval training (HIIT) as well as habitual dietary intake and sleep duration are associated with the resultant change in VO2max (ΔVO2max). Methods: Fourteen individuals (age and VO2max = 27 ± 8 years and 38 ± 4 mL/kg/min, respectively) performed nine sessions of HIIT at 130% ventilatory threshold. BLa was measured during the first and last session of training. In addition, sleep duration and energy intake were assessed. Results: Data showed that VO2max increased with HIIT (p = 0.007). No associations occurred between ΔVO2max and BLa (r = 0.44, p = 0.10), energy intake (r = 0.38, p = 0.18), or sleep duration (r = 0.14, p = 0.62). However, there was a significant association between training heart rate (HR) and ΔVO2max (r = 0.62, p = 0.02). Conclusions: When HIIT is prescribed according to a metabolic threshold, energy intake, sleep status, and BLa do not predict ΔVO2max, yet the HR response to training is associated with the ΔVO2max.
Minor intron splicing revisited: identification of new minor intron-containing genes and tissue-dependent retention and alternative splicing of minor introns

Mutations in minor spliceosome components such as U12 snRNA (cerebellar ataxia) and U4atac snRNA (microcephalic osteodysplastic primordial dwarfism type 1 (MOPD1)) result in tissue-specific symptoms. Given that the minor spliceosome is ubiquitously expressed, we hypothesized that these restricted phenotypes might be caused by the tissue-specific regulation of the minor spliceosome targets, i.e. minor intron-containing genes (MIGs). The current model of inefficient splicing is thought to apply to the regulation of the ~ 500 MIGs identified in the U12DB. However this database was created more than 10 years ago. Therefore, we first wanted to revisit the classification of minor introns in light of the most recent reference genome. We then sought to address specificity of MIG expression, minor intron retention, and alternative splicing (AS) across mouse and human tissues. We employed position-weight matrices to obtain a comprehensive updated list of minor introns, consisting of 722 mouse and 770 human minor introns. These can be found in the Minor Intron DataBase (MIDB). Besides identification of 99% of the minor introns found in the U12DB, we also discovered ~ 150 new MIGs. We then analyzed the RNAseq data from eleven different mouse tissues, which revealed tissue-specific MIG expression and minor intron retention. Additionally, many minor introns were efficiently spliced compared to their flanking major introns. Finally, we identified several novel AS events across minor introns in both mouse and human, which were also tissue-dependent. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that several of the AS events could result in the production of novel tissue-specific proteins. Moreover, like the major introns, we found that these AS events were more prevalent in long minor introns, while retention was favoured in shorter introns. Here we show that minor intron splicing and AS across minor introns is a highly organised process that might be regulated in coordination with the major spliceosome in a tissue-specific manner. We have provided a framework to further study the impact of the minor spliceosome and the regulation of MIG expression. These findings may shed light on the mechanism underlying tissue-specific phenotypes in diseases associated with minor spliceosome inactivation. MIDB can be accessed at https://midb.pnb.uconn.edu .
Family-of-Origin, Sexual Attitudes, and Perceptions of Infidelity: A Mediation Analysis

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to examine the influence family of origin and sexual attitudes have on perceptions of infidelity through a mediation analysis to test whether sexual attitudes ...
Information Technology Infrastructure: A Source of Entrepreneurs’ Economic Challenges

This qualitative study involved exploring the meaning of the experiences of entrepreneurs in New York State who faced economic challenges due to rapid changes in the information technology infrastructure. The basis of this research was Laudon and Laudon’s management information theory. The first research question related to the experiences and dynamics of entrepreneurs whose businesses require adequate technological infrastructure, and the second question related to the ways entrepreneurs experience economic challenges due to rapid changes in business technology. Data collection took place through unstructured face-to-face interviews with 20 entrepreneurs in New York State using a purposive sampling method. Analyzing the data helped to develop participants’ experiences into themes. Forty-five percent of participants did not have updated business technology. This study may serve as a catalyst to bring awareness to the effect of technological change on nascent entrepreneurs and may lead to a strategy to provide resources to affected entrepreneurs.
High-throughput identification of post-transcriptional utrophin up-regulators for Duchenne muscle dystrophy (DMD) therapy.

Upregulation of endogenous utrophin offers great promise for treating DMD, as it can functionally compensate for the lack of dystrophin caused by DMD gene mutations, without the immunogenic concerns associated with delivering dystrophin. However, post-transcriptional repression mechanisms targeting the 5′ and 3′ untranslated regions (UTRs) of utrophin mRNA significantly limit the magnitude of utrophin upregulation achievable by promoter activation. Using a utrophin 5′3′UTR reporter assay, we performed a high-throughput screen (HTS) for small molecules capable of relieving utrophin post-transcriptional repression. We identified 27 hits that were ranked using an algorithm that we designed for hit prioritization that we call Hit to Lead Prioritization Score (H2LPS). The top 10 hits were validated using an orthogonal assay for endogenous utrophin expression. Evaluation of the top scoring hit, Trichostatin A (TSA), demonstrated utrophin upregulation and functional improvement in the mdx mouse model of DMD. TSA and the other small molecules identified here represent potential starting points for DMD drug discovery efforts.
Observation of Möbius Aromatic Planar Metallaborocycles

Mobius aromaticity was developed for twisted annulenes with electron counting rules opposite to those of Huckel aromaticity. The introduction of transition metals makes it possible for planar cyclic systems to exhibit Mobius aromaticity. Here we report the first planar monocyclic metallaboron systems with Mobius aromaticity. The structures and bonding of two rhenium-boride clusters are studied by high-resolution photoelectron imaging and ab initio calculations. The ReB3- cluster is shown to have a near-pyramidal structure, while ReB4- is found to be a planar pentagonal ring. Chemical bonding analyses show that both ReB4- and ReB4 possess four delocalized π-electrons, including two π-electrons in an orbital of Mobius topology. NICS calculations reveal strong aromatic characters in ReB4- and ReB4, consistent with the 4n electron counting rule for Mobius aromaticity.
The anti-DKK1 antibody DKN-01 as an immunomodulatory combination partner for the treatment of cancer.

The Wnt/beta-catenin pathway is a complex signaling pathway known to be dysregulated in several cancers; Dickkopf-1 (Dkk1) is an inhibitor of canonical Wnt signaling via negative feedback. Elevated...
Examining the Neural Basis of Congruent and Incongruent Configural Contexts during Associative Retrieval

Disrupting the configural context, or relative organization and orientation of paired stimuli, between encoding and retrieval negatively impacts memory. Using univariate and multivariate fMRI analy...
Endovascular Management of Intracranial Vertebral Artery Dissection: Technical Nuances for the Preservation of Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery and Basilar Artery

BACKGROUND The treatment of intracranial vertebral artery dissection (VAD) can be challenging. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the clinical presentation, endovascular treatment techniques, and prognostic outcome of patients diagnosed with intracranial VAD at our institution. METHODS A retrospective analysis of 35 patients who were diagnosed with VAD at our institution over 17-yr period (2001-2017) is presented. A total of 27 patients with a total of 30 affected arteries underwent endovascular treatment, and their outcome was evaluated. RESULTS Of the 35 total patients with VAD, 15 presented with headache, 12 with focal neurological deficits, 2 with neck pain, 2 with dizziness, 1 with syncope, and 3 after trauma. Of the 30 dissected arteries, 18 were treated with deconstruction and 12 were treated with stent reconstruction. Treatment method was determined by the dominance of the affected artery and location relative to the ipsilateral posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) and the basilar artery. Deconstructive techniques were utilized in all cases of hypoplastic artery dissection and the majority of codominant artery dissections, whereas reconstruction was performed on the majority of dominant artery dissections. Rupture did not impact treatment technique. Four patients demonstrated post-treatment infarcts, and another 1 patient died because of intraparenchymal bleed. The remaining 22 patients demonstrated favorable clinical outcome. None of the patients developed recanalization or needed retreatment till the last follow-up. CONCLUSION This study suggests that endovascular treatment of intracranial VAD with deconstruction or stent reconstruction based on the patients anatomy, particularly vessel dominance and location with respect to PICA, is feasible and effective though the revascularization procedures still has its role in selected cases.
Comparisons of muscle strength, size, and voluntary activation in pre- and post-pubescent males and females.

The purpose of this study was to compare measurements of muscle strength, size, and activation of the forearm flexors in pre- and post-pubescent males and females. Forty pre-pubescent (mean ± 95% confidence interval, age = 9.79 ± 0.35 years, n = 10 males, n = 10 females) and post-pubescent (age = 17.23 ± 0.58 years, n = 10 males, n = 10 females) youth participated. Subjects completed maximal voluntary isometric contractions (MVICs) of the forearm flexors, and submaximal isometric step muscle actions at 30, 50, and 70% of the peak MVIC. Percent voluntary activation (VA) was quantified during all isometric muscle actions. Forearm flexor (biceps brachii and brachialis) muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) was quantified from ultrasound images. MVIC strength was expressed in absolute terms and normalized to CSA. Post-pubertal males were 130% stronger, had 101% greater CSA, and 17% greater maximal VA than pre-pubertal males, while post-pubertal females were 72% stronger, had 54% greater CSA, and 23% greater maximal VA than pre-pubertal females. When MVIC strength was normalized to CSA, the post-pubertal males were still 15% stronger than the pre-pubertal males, while the post-pubertal females were only 12% stronger than the pre-pubertal females. The responses for VA across intensity reflected differences in muscle activation strategies between pre- and post-pubertal males and females. These results suggest that muscle size may account for a greater proportion of the growth and development-related differences in strength among males, while females may be more affected by changes in muscle activation. Regardless of sex, changes in muscle size and neuromuscular function influence strength increases during growth and development.
Abstract 1159: Hexamethylene bisacetamide (HMBA) inhibits the induction of alkaline phosphatase by butyrate in some bladder and colon cancer cell lines

Induction of alkaline phosphatase in colon cancer cells by inhibitors of histone deacetylase activity has been widely used to monitor the induction of differentiation. We have previously identified three human bladder cancer cell lines in which alkaline phosphatase activity can be induced by inhibitors of histone deacetylase (5637, HT1197 and HT1376 cells). In earlier work it was observed that some bromodomain inhibitors inhibit growth and induction of alkaline phosphatase in these cells. After a recent report that HMBA acts as a bromodomain inhibitor, the effects of HMBA on growth and induction of alkaline phosphatase were investigated in two colon cancer cell lines (Caco-2 and HT29) and in 5637, HT1197 and HT1376 bladder cancer cells. Growth was monitored by staining with sulforhodamine B. Incubation with 2 mM butyrate for 72 hours caused induction of alkaline phosphatase in the five cell lines. In some cell lines there was inhibition of growth and of the induction of alkaline phosphatase activity by 2 mM HMBA. Increasing the HMBA concentration to 5 mM caused significant growth inhibition in all five cell lines and significant inhibition of induction of alkaline phosphatase activity by 2 mM butyrate in the 5637, Caco-2 and HT1376 cells, whether expressed as total activity or activity per unit protein. Although the effect of HMBA on induction of alkaline phosphatase in HT29 cells was not statistically significant there is evidence in the literature for inhibition with longer incubation times. The most marked effects on enzyme induction were seen with the HT1376 bladder cancer cells and this distinction was in line with previous studies on the combined effects of butyrate and the well-established bromodomain inhibitor, JQ1. HMBA has been found by several investigators to be an effective inducer of differentiation in erythroleukemia cells as judged by hemoglobin production. The lack of induction of alkaline phosphatase by HMBA as a single agent in any of the cell lines investigated in the present work suggests that different mechanisms of induction of differentiation operate in erythroleukemia cells than in bladder and colon cancer cells. Citation Format: Michael A. Lea. Hexamethylene bisacetamide (HMBA) inhibits the induction of alkaline phosphatase by butyrate in some bladder and colon cancer cell lines [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2021; 2021 Apr 10-15 and May 17-21. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(13_Suppl):Abstract nr 1159.
Cardiac-derived TGF-β1 confers resistance to diet-induced obesity through the regulation of adipocyte size and function.

Abstract Regulation of organismal homeostasis in response to nutrient availability is a vital physiological process that involves inter-organ communication. Understanding the mechanisms controlling systemic cross-talk for the maintenance of metabolic health is critical to counteract diet-induced obesity. Here, we show that cardiac-derived transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) protects against weight gain and glucose intolerance in mice subjected to high-fat diet. Secretion of TGF-β1 by cardiomyocytes correlates with the bioavailability of this factor in circulation. TGF-β1 prevents adipose tissue inflammation independent of body mass and glucose metabolism phenotypes, indicating protection from adipocyte dysfunction-driven immune cell recruitment. TGF-β1 alters the gene expression programs in white adipocytes, favoring their fatty acid oxidation and consequently increasing their mitochondrial oxygen consumption rates. Ultimately, subcutaneous and visceral white adipose tissue from cadiac-specific TGF-β1 transgenic mice fail to undergo cellular hypertrophy, leading to reduced overall adiposity during high-fat feeding. Thus, TGF-β1 is a critical mediator of heart-fat communication for the regulation of systemic metabolism.
Design for an Enterprise

Agility is the ability of a manufacturing system to produce a variety of products of high quality at low cost. This paper presents some insights into the benefits of concurrent design of products and assembly systems and offers a methodology for design for an agile assembly environment. Several rules for design for agile assembly are proposed and illustrated with examples.
High pressure multiple shock response of aluminum

It is well known that both dynamic yield strength and ratedependent material response exert direct influence on the development of surface and interface instabilities under conditions of strong shock loading. A detailed understanding of these phenomena is therefore an important aspect of the analysis of dynamic inertial confinement techniques which are being used in such applications as the generation of controlled thermonuclear fusion. In these types of applications the surfaces and interfaces under consideration can be subjected to cyclic loading characterized by shock pressures on the order of 100 GPa or more. It thus becomes important to understand how rate effects and material strength differ from the values observed in the low-pressure regime where they are usually measured, as well as how they are altered by the loading history.
INR targets and site-level anticoagulation control: results from the Veterans AffaiRs Study to Improve Anticoagulation (VARIA)

Summary. Background: Not all clinicians target the same International Normalized Ratio (INR) for patients with a guideline-recommended target range of 2–3. A patient sm ean INR value suggests the INR that was actually targeted. We hypothesized that sites would vary by mean INR, and that sites of care with mean values nearest to 2.5 would achieve better anticoagulation control, as measured by per cent time in therapeutic range (TTR). Objectives: To examine variations among sites in mean INR and the relationship with anticoagulation control in an integrated system of care. Patients/ Methods: We studied 103 897 patients receiving oral anticoagulation with an expected INR target between 2 and 3 at 100 Veterans Health Administration (VA) sites from 1 October 2006 to 30 September 2008. Key site-level variables were: proportion near 2.5 (that is, percentage of patients with mean INR between 2.3 and 2.7) and mean risk-adjusted TTR. Results: Site mean INR ranged from 2.22 to 2.89; proportion near 2.5, from 30 to 64%. Sites proportions of patients near 2.5, below 2.3 and above 2.7 were consistent from year to year. A 10 percentage point increase in the proportion near 2.5 predicted a 3.8 percentage point increase in riskadjusted TTR (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Proportion of patients with mean INR near 2.5 is a site-level signature of care and an implicit measure of targeted INR. This proportion varies by site and is strongly associated with site-level TTR. Our study suggests that sites wishing to improve TTR, and thereby improve patient outcomes, should avoid the explicit or implicit pursuit of non-standard INR targets.
Optimal Class Size, Opt-Out Rights and 'Indivisible' Remedies

Prepared for a Symposium on the ALI’s Aggregate Litigation Project, this paper examines the ALI’s proposal to permit opt-out rights when remedies and “divisible,” but not to permit them when remedies are “indivisible.” Starting from the ground up, the paper employs economic analysis to determine what the optimal size of a class action should be. We demonstrate that, in some circumstances, the optimal size of a class is a class composed of all victims, while in other cases, the optimal size is smaller. We further argue that courts should consider optimal class size in determining whether to certify a class, and that there should be no opt-out right when a class is optimally sized. The ALI’s approach does not always lead to the most efficiently sized class actions.