cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
pH-Dependent Conformation, Dynamics, and Aromatic Interaction of the Gating Tryptophan Residue of the Influenza M2 Proton Channel from Solid-State NMR

The M2 protein of the influenza virus conducts protons into the virion under external acidic pH. The proton selectivity of the tetrameric channel is controlled by a single histidine (His 37 ), whereas channel gating is accomplished by a single tryptophan (Trp 41 ) in the transmembrane domain of the protein. Aromatic interaction between these two functional residues has been previously observed in Raman spectra, but atomic-resolution evidence for this interaction remains scarce. Here we use high-resolution solid-state NMR spectroscopy to determine the side-chain conformation and dynamics of Trp 41 in the M2 transmembrane peptide by measuring the Trp chemical shifts, His 37 -Trp 41 distances, and indole dynamics at high and low pH. The interatomic distances constrain the Trp41 side-chain conformation to trans for c1 and 120-135 � for c2. This t90 rotamer points the Ne1-Ce2-Cz2 side of the indole toward the aqueous pore. The precise c1 and c2 angles differ by ~20 � between high and low pH. These differences, together with the known changes in the helix tilt angle between high and low pH, push the imidazole and indole rings closer together at low pH. Moreover, the measured order parameters indicate that the indole rings undergo simultaneous c1 and c2 torsional fluctuations at acidic pH, but only restricted c1 fluctuations at high pH. As a result, the Trp 41 side chain periodically experiences strong cation-p interactions with His 37 at low pH as the indole sweeps through its trajectory, whereas at high pH the indole ring is further away from the imidazole. These results provide the structural basis for understanding how the His 37 -water proton exchange rate measured by NMR is reduced to the small proton flux measured in biochemical experiments. The indole dynamics, together with the known motion of the imidazolium, indicate that this compact ion channel uses economical side-chain dynamics to regulate proton conduction and gating.
Spatially-localized optimal control of transition to turbulence

For the problem of controlling the onset of turbulence in a channel flow, we study the design of localized optimal state-feedback controllers. The actuation is generated by blowing and suction at the walls and we assume that the actuators are placed along a two-dimensional lattice of equally spaced points, and that each actuator uses information from only a limited number of nearby neighbors. We utilize recently developed tools for designing structured optimal feedback gains to reduce variance amplification of velocity fluctuations in the presence of flow disturbances. Our high-fidelity simulations of nonlinear flow dynamics, conducted at low Reynolds numbers, show that this approach can indeed maintain the laminar flow. This is in contrast to the localized strategies obtained by spatial truncation of optimal centralized controllers, which may introduce instability and promote transition even in the situations where the uncontrolled flow stays laminar.
Not my "type": larval dispersal dimorphisms and bet-hedging in opisthobranch life histories.

When conditions fluctuate unpredictably, selec- tion may favor bet-hedging strategies that vary offspring characteristics to avoid reproductive wipe-outs in bad sea- sons. For many marine gastropods, the dispersal potential of offspring reflects both maternal effects (egg size, egg mass properties) and larval traits (development rate, habitat choice). I present data for eight sea slugs in the genus Elysia (Opisthobranchia: Sacoglossa), highlighting potentially adaptive variation in traits like offspring size, timing of metamorphosis, hatching behavior, and settlement response. Elysia zuleicae produced both planktotrophic and lecitho- trophic larvae, a true case of poecilogony. Both intracapsu- lar and post-hatching metamorphosis occurred among clutches of "Boselia" marcusi, E. cornigera, and E. crispata, a dispersal dimorphism often misinterpreted as poecilogony. Egg masses of E. tuca hatched for up to 16 days but larvae settled only on the adult host alga Halimeda, whereas most larvae of E. papillosa spontaneously meta- morphosed 5-7 days after hatching. Investment in extra- capsular yolk may allow mothers to increase larval size relative to egg size and vary offspring size within and among clutches. Flexible strategies of larval dispersal and offspring provisioning in Elysia spp. may represent adapta- tions to the patchy habitat of these specialized herbivores, highlighting the evolutionary importance of variation in a range of life-history traits.
Racial Differences in HPV Knowledge, HPV Vaccine Acceptability, and Related Beliefs Among Rural, Southern Women

Context: Because cervical cancer mortality in the United States is twice as high among black women as white women and higher in rural areas, providing human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to rural black adolescents is a high priority. Purpose: To identify racial differences in knowledge and attitudes about HPV, cervical cancer, and the HPV vaccine that may influence uptake of the vaccine. Methods: We interviewed women (91 black and 47 white) living in a rural area of the Southern United States in 2006. Analyses controlled for socioeconomic status, age, and recruitment location. Findings: More white respondents had heard of HPV than had black respondents (57% vs 24%, P < .001), and whites had higher HPV knowledge (42% vs 29% correct responses, P < .05). Blacks were less likely than whites to think that cervical cancer would be a serious threat to their daughters' health (75% vs 96%, P < .001). More blacks than whites thought the ideal age to receive the vaccine was 17 years or older (63% vs 40%, P < .05). Blacks reported lower intentions to vaccinate their daughters than whites (M = 4.14 vs 4.55, P < .05 in unadjusted analyses, but not statistically significant in adjusted analyses). Conclusions: Black and white respondents had different awareness, knowledge, and beliefs related to the HPV vaccine. Communication-based interventions to maximize uptake of the HPV vaccine in the rural, Southern United States may need different messages for black parents of adolescent girls.
Perceptions of the Freedom of Information Act (F.O.I.A.) and proposed amendments by the F.O.I.A. administrators

Abstract Recent efforts to amend the Freedom of Information Act (F.O.I.A.) suggest that the Act has caused widespread problems felt by its administrators. In order to test the validity of this suggestion, the authors surveyed F.O.I.A. administrators throughout the Federal government and report the findings from this survey here. These findings indicate that the administrators generally have positive perceptions of the Act, yet generally support specific proposed amendments to it.
Factor instability of clinical teaching assessment scores among general internists and cardiologists.

Context We are unaware of studies examining the stability of teaching assessment scores across different medical specialties. A recent study showed that clinical teaching assessments of general internists reduced to interpersonal, clinical teaching and efficiency domains. We sought to determine the factor stability of this 3-dimensional model among cardiologists and to compare domain-specific scores between general internists and cardiologists. Methods A total of 2000 general internal medicine and cardiology hospital teaching assessments carried out from January 2000 to March 2004 were analysed using principal factor analysis. Internal consistency and inter-rater reliability were calculated. Mean item scores were compared between general internists and cardiologists. Results The interpersonal and clinical teaching domains previously demonstrated among general internists collapsed into 1 domain among cardiologists, whereas the efficiency domain remained stable. Internal consistency of domains (Cronbach's alpha range 0.89–0.93) and inter-rater reliability of items (range 0.65–0.87) were good to excellent for both specialties. General internists scored significantly higher (P < 0.05) than cardiologists on most items except for 4 items that more accurately assessed the cardiology teaching environment. Conclusions We observed factor instability of clinical teaching assessment scores from the same instrument administered to general internists and cardiologists. This finding was attributed to salient differences between these specialties' educational environments and highlights the importance of validating assessments for the specific contexts in which they are to be used. Future research should determine whether interpersonal domain scores identify superior teachers and study the reasons why interpersonal and clinical teaching domains are unstable across different educational settings.
Fur regulon of Salmonella typhimurium: identification of new iron-regulated genes.

In order to identify genes belonging to the Fur regulon of Salmonella typhimurium, a bank of 10,000 independent S. typhimurium MudJ insertion mutants was screened for lacZ fusions regulated by the iron response regulator Fur. In parallel, a plasmid gene bank of S. typhimurium consisting of 10,000 independent clones was screened for Fur-regulated promoters or iron binding proteins by the Fur titration assay (FURTA). Fur-regulated MudJ insertions and Fur-regulated promoters were mapped. In addition, iron-regulated promoter activities of transcriptional fusions from MudJ insertions and FURTA-positive clones were quantified. The nucleotide sequences of 11 FURTA-positive plasmids and of short fragments of DNA flanking three MudJ insertions were determined. By these methods we identified 14 Fur-regulated genes of S. typhimurium. For 11 of these genes, Fur-regulated homologs have been described in Escherichia coli or Yersinia enterocolitica, including fhuA,fhuB,fepA,fes,fepD,p43,entB,fur ,foxA,hemP, and fhuE. In addition, we identified three genes with homologs in other bacteria which have not previously been shown to be Fur regulated.
Design of synchronous “plug & play” QKD-WDM-PON for efficient quantum communications

We propose a new design of quantum key distribution (QKD) — WDM-PON with “plug & play” scheme and synchronization. Simulations show that the design can improve the quantum key generation rate 3–4 times over conventional schemes.
Physiology of Ventricular Septal Defect Shunt Flow in the Fetus Examined by Color Doppler M-Mode

The fetal circulation is unique in having the right ventricle perform as a systemic pump delivering oxygen-enriched placental blood to the distal fetal systemic circulation via the ductus arteriosus. Both ventricles then operate at similar systemic pressures. For this reason, the pressure gradient across the interventricular septum is known to be minimal. It has been noted, however, in fetuses with ventricular septal defects (VSDs) that shunt flow can be detected by color flow Doppler crossing the VSD, indicating that there are subtle differences in pressure between the ventricles at different times in the cardiac cycle. The isolated VSD thus provides a convenient physiological window for studying interventricular dynamics in the developing fetus. The rapid fetal heart rate and absence of a fetal ECG make accurate timing of shunt dynamics by standard 2D echocardiography with color flow Doppler difficult. We present a case in which careful hemodynamic evaluation could be …
Small-Molecule Inhibitors of p53-MDM2 Interaction: the 2006-2010 Update

Increasing knowledge of the relationship between p53 and MDM2 has led to development of potential small molecule inhibitors useful for clinical studies. Herein, we discuss the patented (2006-2010) inhibitors of p53-MDM2 interaction. The anticancer agents discussed in this review belong to several different chemical classes including benzodiazepinediones, cis-imidazolines, oxindoles, spiro-oxindoles, and numerous miscellaneous groups. This review also provides comprehensive information on inhibitors of p53-MDM2 interaction that are currently being tested in clinical trials. It is important to note that many of the disclosed inhibitors need further validation to be considered as bona fide inhibitors of p53-MDM2 interaction and some will not be further considered for future studies. On the other hand, JNJ-26854165, a novel tryptamine derivative and RG7112, a cis-imidazoline representative have shown promising results in early phases of trials in cancer patients. AT-219, a spiroindolinone in late stage preclinical studies is a likely candidate to proceed into clinical trials. It remains to be seen how these inhibitors will perform in future clinical studies as single agents and in combination with the currently approved chemotherapeutic agents.
Comparison of two theories of angle glint: polarization considerations

Angle glint can be explained as distortions in the radar echo signal phase front, or alternatively, deviations of the direction of power flow from the radial direction. Here we show that these two theories yield identical results when the polarization of the scattered waves and the receiving antenna are considered.
An epizootic of hemorrhagic disease in white-tailed deer in Missouri.

As part of a white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) survival study in Missouri (USA) we were actively monitoring 97 radio-collared deer when 8 (8%) died. This mortality, which occurred from 20 August to 23 September 1996, consisted of five adult females, two yearling females and one yearling male. Based on the seasonality of this mortality and the isolation of epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV) serotype 2 from one of these animals, we believe that these losses resulted from an epizootic of hemorrhagic disease. The remains of five unmarked deer that may have died from HD also were found on the study area during this same period. During the fall following this mortality, we tested serum from 96 deer taken by hunters in the immediate area. Fifteen (16%) were positive for EHDV or bluetongue virus (BTV) antibodies as determined by agar gel immunodiffusion tests. Serum neutralization test results indicated that previous infections were caused by EHDV virus serotype 2. Based on these data, and assumi...
Screening and referral for axial spondyloarthritis—need of the hour

Although axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is as prevalent as rheumatoid arthritis, it is commonly under recognized due to variety of reasons. AxSpA contributes to significant loss of function and disability among young adults. With the availability of newer assessment methods and effective therapeutic agents, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are possible. As mechanical back pain is widely prevalent in general population, selection of patients with high likelihood of having axSpA and referral to rheumatologists is very important to allow prompt diagnosis and management of axSpA yet avoid improper utilization of resources. Various referral strategies have been developed for this purpose which have included patients with chronic back pain for >3 months with age of onset <45 years and one or more typical spondyloarthritis features with high sensitivity and specificity. Consistent application of both simple and complex strategies has demonstrated similar results in various clinical studies. About 35–45 % of patients referred to rheumatologists using these strategies were finally diagnosed to have axSpA. Potential referring providers include primary care physicians, physical therapists, orthopedic and spine surgeons, chiropractors, rehabilitation medicine physicians, ophthalmologists, gastroenterologists, and dermatologists. Increasing the awareness and education of the referring providers are two very important steps in the success of the referral strategy. With proper application of any strategy described below, a rheumatologist will need to see two to three patients with chronic back pain to identify one patient with axSpA.
Politics and Corporate Crime Legislation

The recent spate of alleged corporate fraud has led to calls for new corporate crime legislation. Interestingly, there are already many such laws; before the passage of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act in 2002, some 300,000 federal corporate criminal offenses were already on the books. How did so much corporate crime legislation get enacted, given the lobbying strength of corporate interests? We would expect that wealthy, organized corporations would largely be able to get their way in the legislative process, yet they appear to be losing the battle over corporate crime legislation. How can we explain that outcome?
Radioimmunoassay of the attack complex of complement in serum from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Abstract We developed a radioimmunoassay to measure the attack complex of complement (SC5b–9) in serum from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. The radioimmunoassay used a monoclonal antibody to an antigen of C9, which is absent from native C9 but present on SC5b–9. SC5b–9 was detectable in 13 of 63 normal subjects, with a mean value of 0.5 unit (range, 0 to 4.8), and elevated in 13 of 14 patients with active lupus. Analysis of 108 samples from the patients with lupus revealed a mean value of 10.1 units (range, 0 to 35) when the disease was active and 1.0 unit (range, 0 to 4.3) when it was clinically stable. SC5b–9 was a more sensitive measure of disease activity than C3, C4, or CH50; its specificity was equivalent to that of C3 and C4. SC5b–9 was elevated in serum from 6 of 49 patients with other forms of glomerulonephritis. Our study documents the presence of SC5b–9 in abnormal serum and correlates its elevation with clinical disease activity in patients with active systemic lupus erythematosus....
SWOT analysis on case finding of MDR-TB in Fujian

Objective To discuss the advantages,disadvantages and challenges of different case finding patterns,and to provide evidence for better finding patients with multidrug resistance tuberculosis(MDR-TB)in Fujian. Methods Data were collected from TB monitoring system,annual report and interview from 2010to2013 in Fujian,and was analyzed by SWOT analysis.Four models of basic,extension,expansion and special for finding patients with MDR-TB were established. Results 1 415 suspected cases with MDR-TB were screened out through MDR-TB control project,914(72.31%)cases were positive for bacteria culture and 307 were found to be MDR-TB(37.90%).The sensitivity of basic pattern for picking up cases with MDR-TB was as high as 92.83% with positive predictive value of 41.10%,which was considered as the most cost-effective model used in case finding.However,new patients were not included in the screening,this model could not find patients as early as possible. Conclusions Basic pattern used for the screening of cases with MDR-TB is practicable and cost-effective pattern for country with limited resource and ability.However,extention model works better if resource and ability are available.
Toward a Geography of Solidarity: Afro-Nicaraguan Women's Land Activism and Autonomy in the South Caribbean Coast Autonomous Region

This article explores efforts by Afro-Nicaraguan women activists to enact their communal land rights in Bluefields during a 2009 land occupation. Creole women's interpretation of state power, underdevelopment, and the failure of the autonomy process suggest that a critical race understanding of regional politics not only reveals the persistence of structural anti-black racism but also demonstrates how the state's disregard for the region as the nation's imagined site of racial Otherness harms all Costenos, including poor Mestizos. Creole women's articulation of a geography of solidarity rooted in racial justice rather than blame offers new strategies for confronting regional inequality and state neglect in the construction of regional autonomy.
Structures of Heparinoids

This chapter reviews the structures of heparinoids and the biosynthetic pathways by which they are generally formed. Heparins and heparin sulfates are the mixtures of polydisperse, structurally similar and linear chains which cannot be separated into pure compounds. Attempts have been made to treat heparin and heparan sulfate together. The disaccharide building blocks and the sequences in which these disaccharides are found in heparin and heparin sulfates are described along with the differences between them. The current information regarding the biosynthesis of heparinoids contributes to what may be expected in primary heparinoid structures. This chapter also describes the current state of knowledge of the core proteins to which heparinoids are attached. The disaccharides are composed of a hexuronic acid (HexA) residue and a D-glucosamine (GIcN) residue which are linked to each other as well as to the other disaccharides. A recent membrane protein that can be identified as a potential core protein is a member of the CD44 family of transmembrane glycoproteins, which includes Hermes antigen and Pgp-1.
EFFECTS OF PRESCRIBED BURNING ON GRASSLAND AVIFAUNA AT RIVERLANDS MIGRATORY BIRD SANCTUARY

North American grassland habitat has nearly disappeared since European settlement, with much of the remaining habitat severely degraded. As suitable habitat has vanished, many native grassland bird species have experienced pronounced population declines. Despite the widespread use of prescribed fire as a management tool to maintain grassland habitat, little is known about the definitive impacts of frequent burning on grassland bird populations. We examined the impact of prescribed fire on the vegetative structure and bird community at Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary in West Alton, Missouri. Bird abundance and habitat characteristics were measured at 81 sampling plots, with 35 plots burned 0-1 year prior to sampling, 28 plots burned 2-4 years prior to sampling, and 18 plots burned ≥5 years prior to sampling. Plots burned 2-4 years prior to sampling exhibited the greatest total species richness. Mean species richness, Shannon’s diversity index, and Hill’s diversity index did not differ among burn groups. Ten species had significant indicator values for one of three burn groups and six species had estimated densities that differed based on burn group. Forb coverage, woody vegetation coverage, ground litter coverage, ground litter depth, distance to the nearest water source and distance to nearest edge differed among burn groups. The presence of woody vegetation was associated with high levels of structural heterogeneity within those plots burned 2-4 years prior to sampling. These areas supported species associated with both disturbed and undisturbed habitat.
Chemotherapy Does Not Enhance CD34+ Cell Collection When Added to Growth Factor and Plerixafor in Patients Who Are Poor Mobilizers

Abstract Abstract 4388 Background: Many patients who are poor CD34+ cell mobilizers receive the CXCR4 inhibitor plerixafor to enhance mobilization. Here we examined whether chemotherapy followed by growth factor (GF) + plerixafor for mobilization improves CD34+ cell collection in these patients. Materials and Methods: We reviewed CD34+ cell collection data from January 2009 through June 2011 for all patients (n=152) at our institution who received plerixafor with GF ± chemotherapy. The primary disease in both groups was multiple myeloma, with 14 non-myeloma patients in the chemotherapy group and 8 non-myeloma patients in the no-chemotherapy group. There were 82 collections preceded by mobilization with chemotherapy (53 male, 29 female), and 80 collections without chemotherapy (51 male, 29 female). Several patients collected on more than one occasion. Age range in the chemotherapy group was 36–76y (median 64) and in the no-chemotherapy group was 42–83y (median 63). Our standard protocol is to collect with plerixafor for 4 consecutive days using a large volume leukapheresis (30L processed). Of the total 162 collections, CD34+ cells collected on each of the 4 consecutive days were recorded. If during the collection process a day was skipped, if less than 4 days of collection were performed, or a collection event on a particular day processed any blood volume other than 30L, all days including and subsequent to such events were excluded from analyses. CD34+ cells were quantified by flow cytometry. Mean CD34+ cells collected on days 1–4 were recorded separately for both groups and compared using two-tailed student's t-tests. Results: Mean number of CD34+ cells collected for the chemotherapy group on days 1–4 were 2.65 (n=82), 2.27 (n=69), 1.60 (n=47), and 1.25 × 106 CD34+ cells/kg (n=38), respectively. Mean number of CD34+ cells collected for the no-chemotherapy group on days 1–4 were 2.51 (n=80), 1.83 (n=67), 1.22 (n=45), and 0.97 × 106 CD34+ cells/kg (n=28), respectively. There were no statistically significant differences between mean CD34+ cells collected on days 1–4 between the two groups (all p-values >0.05). We also asked whether the decrease in mean CD34+ cell yield observed as collection progressed was statistically significant. This phenomenon was determined significant (by one-way ANOVA) for both the chemotherapy and no-chemotherapy groups tested separately (p-values 0.02 and 0.003, respectively). Conclusions: Chemotherapy plus GF and plerixafor does not improve CD34+ cell collection in poor mobilizers compared to GF+plerixafor alone. Additionally, mean number of CD34+ cells collected decreases each day, regardless of which of the two mobilization regimens is used. Disclosures: Pesek: Genzyme: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Cottler-Fox: Genzyme: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.
Crystal structure and functional analysis of Leishmania major pseudoperoxidase.

Leishmania major pseudoperoxidase (LmPP) is a recently discovered heme protein expressed by the human pathogen. Previous in vivo and in vitro studies suggest that LmPP is a crucial element of the pathogen’s defense mechanism against the reactive nitrogen species peroxynitrite produced during the host immune response. To shed light on the potential mechanism of peroxynitrite detoxification, we have determined the 1.76-A X-ray crystal structure of LmPP, revealing a striking degree of homology with heme peroxidases. The most outstanding structural feature is a Cys/His heme coordination, which corroborates previous spectroscopic and mutagenesis studies. We also used a combination of stopped-flow and electron paramagnetic spectroscopies that together suggest that peroxynitrite is not a substrate for LmPP catalysis, leaving the function of LmPP an open question.
Fructose, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Sucrose, and Health: Modern Scientific Understandings

The metabolic and health effects of fructose, high fructose corn syrup, sucrose and health are controversial and subject of intense scientific debate. Epidemiologic studies related to these three sugars do not establish cause and effect. More randomized controlled trials are needed. The purpose of this book is to provide a summary of modern scientific understandings related to these three sugars as well as non-nutritive sweeteners.
Clinical Studies of Rubitecan (9-Nitro 20(S) Camptothecin)

Camptothecin (CPT) compounds are one of the newer classes of anticancer agents introduced over the past decade. Early investigational trials with the parent compound, CPT, derived from the bark of the Camptotheca accuminata tree, was introduced into clinical trials in the late 1970s. Because of its poor water solubility, CPT was formulated in sodium bicarbonate, which opened the 20(S) lactone ring and caused significant toxicity and inconsistent clinical activity. Hence, clinical development of camptothecin as an anticancer agent was halted (1).
Proteolytic degradation of regulator of G protein signaling 2 facilitates temporal regulation of Gq/11 signaling and vascular contraction

Regulator of G protein signaling 2 (RGS2) controls signaling by receptors coupled to the Gq/11 class heterotrimeric G proteins. RGS2 deficiency causes several phenotypes in mice and occurs in several diseases, including hypertension in which a proteolytically unstable RGS2 mutant has been reported. However, the mechanisms and functions of RGS2 proteolysis remain poorly understood. Here we addressed these questions by identifying degradation signals in RGS2, and studying dynamic regulation of Gq/11-evoked Ca2+ signaling and vascular contraction. We identified a novel bipartite degradation signal in the N-terminal domain of RGS2. Mutations disrupting this signal blunted proteolytic degradation downstream of E3 ubiquitin ligase binding to RGS2. Analysis of RGS2 mutants proteolyzed at various rates and the effects of proteasome inhibition indicated that proteolytic degradation controls agonist efficacy by setting RGS2 protein expression levels, and affecting the rate at which cells regain agonist responsiveness as synthesis of RGS2 stops. Analyzing contraction of mesenteric resistance arteries supported the biological relevance of this mechanism. Because RGS2 mRNA expression often is strikingly and transiently up-regulated and then down-regulated upon cell stimulation, our findings indicate that proteolytic degradation tightly couples RGS2 transcription, protein levels, and function. Together these mechanisms provide tight temporal control of Gq/11-coupled receptor signaling in the cardiovascular, immune, and nervous systems.
Early life trauma: An exploratory study of effects on OXTR and NR3C1 gene expression and nurturing self-efficacy in mothers of infants

Abstract Background In animals, adverse early experience alters oxytocinergic and glucocorticoid activity and maternal behavior in adulthood. This preliminary study explored associations among childhood trauma (loss of a parent or sexual abuse in childhood), maternal self-efficacy, and leukocyte gene expression (mRNA) of oxytocin and glucocorticoid receptors (OXTR and NR3C1) in mothers of infants. Methods 62 mothers (20 with early life trauma) with healthy 3-month old infants reported maternal self-efficacy, depression, infant temperament, and overall social support; the effects of early trauma on these measures were assessed. Of these, 35 mothers (14 with early trauma) underwent blood draws after 2 infant feeding times; their OXTR and NR3C1 mRNA was compared to a control group of 25 no-infant women without early trauma, and also was examined for associations with self-efficacy. Results OXTR mRNA was increased in mothers of infants versus no-infant controls ( p p p p p p p p p Conclusions These preliminary findings need confirmation in a larger sample but suggest that childhood trauma influences maternal behavior and both OXTR and NR3C1 pathways in mothers of infants, and that both depression and prior maternal experience may be other important factors. Effects on maternal behavior appear to require more complex modeling.
Seismic behavior of 3-D ECC beam-column connections subjected to bidirectional bending and torsion

Abstract Special moment resisting frames (SMF) are commonly used in low- and medium-rise buildings located in regions of high seismicity. Although adequate performance of this seismic force resisting system was observed in prior earthquakes in terms of protecting buildings from collapse, the formation of plastic hinges in the beams and columns causes irreparable damage to the beam-column connections. Recently, interest in using fiber-reinforced concrete (FRC) has been growing to enhance energy absorption capacity and damage tolerance of beam-column connections and other components in reinforced concrete (RC) buildings. Prior research has mostly focused on the application of steel FRC (SFRC) in 2-D beam-column connections. However, little is known about the performance of exterior beam-column connections that are usually subjected to more complex loading during an earthquake, involving bi-directional bending and torsion of the column. In addition to the loading, the geometry of the connection requires a more involved test setup (i.e., with an out-of-plane beam and proper boundary conditions). In this research, the use of engineered cementitious composites (ECC) in 3-D exterior beam-column connections is investigated experimentally to improve building seismic performance. ECC is a special class of high-performance fiber-reinforced cementitious composites (HPFRCC) that, compared to conventional concrete, exhibits higher tensile ductility, energy absorption and shear resistance, in addition to improved bond performance with reinforcing steel (rebar). To understand the performance of exterior beam-column connections under complex loading conditions, scaled 3-D specimens were constructed and tested under simulated seismic loads. To improve the performance of the connections, conventional RC was replaced with reinforced ECC (RECC) that extends from the panel zone to the adjoining beams and columns to cover the potential plastic hinge regions. This paper discusses the loading protocols, the test setup for 3-D exterior beam-column connections, and the improvement in the joint behavior with the application of RECC as compared to conventional RC. The results suggest that the efficient use of ECC in the potential plastic hinge regions can improve the capacity and damage tolerance of beam-column connections under realistic seismic loading conditions.
Early Machine-human Interface around Sepsis Severity Identification: From Diagnosis to Improved Management?

Objective. To investigate the statistical measures of the performance of 2 interventions: a) early sepsis identification by a computerized sepsis “sniffer” algorithm (CSSA) in the emergency department (ED) and b) human decision to activate a multidisciplinary early resuscitation sepsis and shock response team (SSRT). Methods. This study used a prospective and historical cohort study design to evaluate the performance of two interventions. Intervention. A computerized sepsis sniffer algorithm (CSSA) to aid in early diagnosis and a multidisciplinary sepsis and shock response team (SSRT) to improve patient care by increasing compliance with Surviving Sepsis Campaign (SSC) bundles. Results. The CSSA yielded a sensitivity of 100% (95% CI, 99.13-100%) and a specificity of 96.2% (95% CI, 95.55-96.45%) to identifying sepsis in the ED (Table 1). The SSRT resource was activated appropriately in 34.1% (86/252) of patients meeting severe sepsis or septic shock criteria; the SSRT was inappropriately activated only three times in sepsis-only patients. In 53% (134/252) of cases meeting criteria for SSRT activation, the critical care team was consulted as opposed to activating the SSRT resource. Conclusion: Our two-step machine-human interface approach to patients with sepsis utilized an outstandingly sensitive and specific electronic tool followed by more specific human decision-making.
Cognitive changes and sleep disordered breathing in elderly: differences in race.

Abstract Objectives Sleep disordered breathing (SDB) is a highly prevalent sleep disorder in older persons. It is known to be associated with reductions in cognitive function. As part of a larger study examining SDB in African-Americans and Caucasians, it became possible to examine whether racial background may differentially affect the relationship between SDB and cognitive performance. Methods Community-dwelling African-American and Caucasian elderly (ages 65+) at high risk for SDB were tested at two time points. During each visit, subjects were interviewed in their homes about their sleep and medical condition. The Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE) was used to assess cognitive function. Objective sleep studies were recorded in the subjects' homes and scored for sleep, apneic events, and oxygen saturation levels. Results Increases in respiratory disturbance index (RDI) were associated with decreases in cognitive performance over time, after controlling for gender and education level. There were no differential effects of race on this relationship. There was no relationship between declining cognitive function and hypoxemia. Conclusions Analyses of the data confirm that declining cognitive function in older persons with mild to moderate SDB is related to the amount of respiratory disturbances occurring at night, and suggest that the effect of SDB on cognitive decline is unrelated to race and measured hypoxemia. The large number of community-dwelling elderly with mild to moderate SDB may accrue considerable benefits (both cognitively and medically) from the treatment of SDB, even if they are not markedly hypoxemic.
Ubiquitin A-52 residue ribosomal protein fusion product 1 (Uba52) is essential for preimplantation embryo development.

Ubiquitin A-52 residue ribosomal protein fusion product 1 (Uba52), a ubiquitin-ribosomal fusion gene, is a major source of ubiquitin protein for covalent modification of proteinaceous substrates recycled by ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS). Its role in early embryo development has not been studied. Using the CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing tool, the objective of this study was to determine if UBA52 protein is required for mammalian embryogenesis. Matured metaphase II porcine oocytes were injected with CRISPR Cas9+guide RNAs (Uba52 gRNA) or Cas9 without gRNAs as control, followed by in vitro fertilization (IVF) and embryo culture to day 7. Injection of Cas9+gRNAs affected embryo development. On day 4 of embryo culture, the proportion of 2-, 4- and 8-cell stage embryos was significantly different between the Uba52 gRNA and control group (P<0.05), with more 8-cell stage embryos in the control and more 4- and 2-cell stage embryos in the Uba52g RNA group. This delay in the development of Uba52 gRNA embryos occurred at the transition from the 4- to 8-cell stages, around the time of major zygotic genomic activation. The percentage of blastocyst formation on day 7 and the cell number per blastocyst were significantly lower in the Uba52 gRNA group than in the control (P<0.05). Genotyping by PCR and DNA gel electrophoresis analysis showed that 91.8% of embryos that failed to develop to blastocyst had either a monoallelic or a biallelic modification of the Uba52 gene. In comparison, only 24.4% of embryos that reached blastocyst had a monoallelic modification and biallelic editing was not found in any of the blastocysts. Based on immuno-labeling intensity, both UBA52 and proteasome protein levels on days 4 and 7 of culture were significantly lower in the Uba52 gRNA group than in the control (P<0.05), in agreement with UBA52 western blotting-densitometry of day 4 embryos. Morphological examination of blastomere nuclei revealed abnormal nuclear structure in the Uba52 gRNA group, such as reduced size, irregular shapes, nucleus fragmentation and uneven DNA distribution at all stages of embryo development. Nuclear morphology studies of embryos injected with Cas9+gRNAs and co-injected with plasmid DNA encoding nuclear localized GFP further supported these observations. In conclusion, our data indicate that the Uba52 gene is essential in early embryogenesis.
Towards a Fast and Safe LED-Based Photoacoustic Imaging Using Deep Convolutional Neural Network

The current standard photoacoustic (PA) technology is based on heavy, expensive and hazardous laser system for excitation of a tissue sample. As an alternative, light emitting diode (LED) offers safe, compact and inexpensive light source. However, the PA images of an LED-based system significantly suffer from low signal-to-noise-ratio due to limited LED-power. With an aim to improve the quality of PA images, in this work we propose to use deep convolutional neural networks that is built upon a previous state-of-the-art image enhancement approach. The key contribution is to improve the optimization of the network by guiding its feature extraction at different layers of the architecture. In addition to using a high quality target image at the output of the network, multiple target images with intermediate qualities are employed at in-betweens layers of the architecture to guide the feature extraction. We perform an end-to-end training of the network using a set of 4,536 low quality PA images from 24 experiments. On the test set from 15 experiments, we achieve a mean peak signal-to-noise ratio of 34.5 dB and a mean structural similarity index of 0.86 with a gain in the frame rate of 6 times compared to the conventional approach.
Accelerated DNA Methylation Aging in U.S. Military Veterans: Results From the National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study.

ABSTRACT Objective The aim of this study was to identify how a broad range of sociodemographic, military, health, and psychosocial factors relate to accelerated DNA methylation aging (Δage) in a large, contemporary, nationally representative sample of male U.S. veterans. Methods Data were analyzed from a sample of U.S. male European-American veterans who participated in the National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study (N = 1,135). Results Psychosocial factors of lifetime trauma burden, child sexual trauma, and negative beliefs about aging were independently associated with Δage. Three health variables—diabetes, hypertension, and body mass index—emerged as additional correlates of Δage. Conclusion Results of the study build on prior work demonstrating associations between accelerated DNA methylation aging and traumatic stress, highlighting a role for child sexual abuse in particular. They further underscore the importance of targeting negative beliefs about aging, which are modifiable, in prevention efforts designed to forestall accelerated DNA methylation aging.
Evaluating response to group CBT in young children with autism spectrum disorder

Many children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) exhibit difficulties with negative affect. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) has been successfully adapted for individuals with ASD to treat these difficulties. In a wait-list control study, for example, group analyses showed promising results for young children with ASD using a developmentally adapted group CBT approach. This report examined response to group CBT in terms of individual-level change in young children with ASD. Eighteen children with ASD, aged 5–7 years, and their respective parents participated in treatment. Parents completed pre- and post-treatment measures of negative affect and related behaviours. Treatment responders and non-responders were grouped based on significant treatment outcomes as assessed by statistically significant change for lability/negativity and 20% decrease in intensity, duration or frequency of emotional outbursts. Results indicated that 67% of children met criteria as a treatment responder, showing meaningful improvement in at least two outcome measures. No significant group differences emerged for initial characteristics before treatment. Wilcoxon signed rank tests determined pre-/post-treatment change in parental confidence for each treatment responder group. Results indicated statistically significant increase for the treatment responder group in parent-reported confidence in their own ability and in their child's ability to manage the child's anger and anxiety, but these results were not significant for the treatment non-responder group. Results provide additional evidence that CBT can significantly decrease expressions of anger/anxiety in children with ASD as young as 5 years, yet also suggest need for further improvement.
1-[(1S,2S)-1,2-Bis(2-hydroxyphenyl)-2-pivaloylaminoethylamino]-2,2-dimethyl-1-propanone

When 2-[(1S,2S)-1,2-diamino-2(2-hydroxyphenyl)ethyl]phenol (I) was reacted with 2 mole equivalents of trimethyl acetic (pivalic) anhydride in tetrahydrofuran at room temperature, 1-[(1S,2S)-1,2-bis(2-hydroxyphenyl)-2-pivaloylaminoethylamino]-2,2-dimethyl-1-propanone (II) was obtained quantitatively as the only product. The structure of the product was determined using 1H- and 13C-NMR. The COSY spectrum indicated that the single –NH was coupled to the single benzylic proton, –CH. The versality of the transformation could be used to generate additional compounds for use in various research areas.
Longitudinal relations between trauma-related psychological distress and physical aggression among urban early adolescents.

There is convincing evidence that trauma-related psychological distress and aggressive behavior are highly related among adolescents. The evidence is less clear regarding the direction of this relation. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to examine reciprocal longitudinal relations between trauma-related distress and physical aggression. METHOD A predominantly African American sample of early adolescents (N = 2,271; mean age = 12.9) living in an urban, under-resourced community participated in this investigation. The current study used autoregressive cross-lagged models to examine changes across four waves of data within each grade of middle school. RESULTS Support was found for trauma-related distress uniquely predicting increased levels of physical aggression. This effect was consistent across gender and within and across middle school grades. Conversely, physical aggression did not predict changes in trauma-related distress. CONCLUSIONS Violence prevention efforts should routinely screen for trauma-related distress.
Thinking beyond collateral in value chain lending: access to bank credit for smallholder Vietnamese bamboo and cinnamon farmers

Using case studies of the bamboo and cinnamon value chains in rural areas of northern Vietnam, this paper contributes to the existing literature by analyzing barriers and suggests conditions under ...
Absolute configuration of phorboxazoles A and B from the marine sponge, Phorbas sp. 2. C43 and complete stereochemistry

Abstract The absolute configuration of C43 in the cytostatic macrolide phorboxazoles A was established as R by correlation with (R)-dimethyl methoxysuccinate while 43 R was also suggested for phorboxazole B by CD comparison. This completes the entire stereochemical determination of the phorboxazoles.
Comparing Innovation ecosystems

There is an ongoing debate of what are the critical factors for creating a vibrant innovation ecosystem. There is no doubt that the most successful example of this kind of ecosystem is Silicon Valley. I will start outlining what in my opinion are the many important factors that led to the birth and maturity of the Silicon Valley. In fact, there is not a single silver bullet to create a successful innovation climate nor there is a way of transporting a model into a different economic, social and political landscape.
Simulating Quantum Mechanics with Light: The Quantum Pendulum Via Mathieu Beams

We simulate the nonlinear quantum pendulum using non-diffracting solutions of the 2-dimensional Helmholtz equation in elliptical coordinates. Stationary and wavepacket Mathieu spatial modes are in quantitative agreement with the quantum probabilities.