cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Predicting Alzheimer’s disease progression trajectory and clinical subtypes using machine learning

Abstract Background Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a common, age-related, neurodegenerative disease that impairs a person’s ability to perform day-to-day activities. Diagnosing AD is challenging, especially in the early stages. Many patients still go undiagnosed, partly due to the complex heterogeneity in disease progression. This highlights a need for early prediction of the disease course to assist its treatment and tailor therapy options to the disease progression rate. Recent developments in machine learning techniques provide the potential to not only predict disease progression and trajectory of AD but also to classify the disease into different etiological subtypes. Methods and findings The work shown here clusters participants in distinct and multifaceted progression subgroups of AD and discusses an approach to predict the progression rate from baseline diagnosis. We observed that the myriad of clinically reported symptoms summarized in the proposed AD progression space corresponds directly with memory and cognitive measures, which are routinely used to monitor disease onset and progression. Our analysis demonstrated accurate prediction of disease progression after four years from the first 12 months of post-diagnosis clinical data (Area Under the Curve of 0.96 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.92-1.0), 0.81 (95% CI, 0.74-0.88) and 0.98 (95% CI, 0.96-1.0) for slow, moderate and fast progression rate patients respectively). Further, we explored the long short-term memory (LSTM) neural networks to predict the trajectory of an individual patient’s progression. Conclusion The machine learning techniques presented in this study may assist providers in identifying different progression rates and trajectories in the early stages of the disease, hence allowing for more efficient and personalized healthcare deliveries. With additional information about the progression rate of AD at hand, providers may further individualize the treatment plans. The predictive tests discussed in this study not only allow for early AD diagnosis but also facilitate the characterization of distinct AD subtypes relating to trajectories of disease progression. These findings are a crucial step forward for early disease detection. These models can be used to design improved clinical trials for AD research.
Designing Fiber-Reinforced Soft Actuators for Planar Curvilinear Shape Matching.

Fiber-reinforced soft pneumatic actuators can generate a wide variety of deformation behavior, making them popular in the field of soft robotics. Designing an actuator to meet a specified deformed ...
One-Step Deep Learning Approach to Ultrasound Image Formation and Image Segmentation with a Fully Convolutional Neural Network

Single plane wave imaging is well-suited to high frame rate imaging tasks (e.g., ultrasound based robotic tracking). However, suboptimal image quality is obtained when limited to a single plane wave transmission. To address this challenge, we propose to train deep neural networks (DNNs) as an alternative to delay-and-sum beamforming followed by segmentation. Our overall goal is to extract information directly from raw channel data prior to the application of time delays and to simultaneously generate both a segmentation map and an ultrasound B-mode image of anechoic cysts surrounded by tissue. A network trained with 17,676 Field II simulations was tested with both simulated and experimental phantom data sets that were not included during training (9,108 and 320 images, respectively). DNN results from simulated and phantom test sets produced similar dice similarity coefficients (DSC), contrast, tissue signal-to-noise ratios (SNR), and generalized contrast-to-noise ratios (GCNR). Similarity is reported as the mean ± standard deviation of these metrics for simulated and experimental test set results as follows: 0.92 ± 0.13 and 0.92 ± 0 03 DSC, respectively; −39 56 ± 6.41 dB and −35.56 ± 3.81 dB contrast, respectively; 3.78 ± 1.08 and 4.53 ± 1.23 SNR, respectively; and 1.00 ± 0.01 and 1.00 ± 0.01 GCNR, respectively. Thus, the DNNs successfully transferred feature representations learned from simulated data to experimental phantom data, highlighting the promise of this novel alternative to traditional ultrasound information extraction.
Association of Simulated Patient Race/Ethnicity With Scheduling of Primary Care Appointments

Importance Racial and ethnic disparities in access to health care may result from discrimination. Objectives To identify differences in the rates at which patients belonging to racial/ethnic minority groups are offered primary care appointments and the number of days they wait for their primary care appointment and to understand the mechanisms by which discrimination occurs. Design, Setting, and Participants This cross-sectional study used 7 simulated black, Hispanic, and white patient callers to request appointments from 804 randomized primary care offices in 2 urban centers in Texas from November 2017 to February 2018. Data analysis was conducted between February and December 2018. Exposures Research assistants called randomly assigned offices to schedule an appointment, supplying the same basic information. Race and ethnicity were signaled through callers’ names and voices. Main Outcomes and Measures Appointment offer rates, days to appointment, and questions asked during the call. Results Of the 7 callers (age range, 18-29 years), 2 (28.6%) self-identified as non-Hispanic black, 3 (42.9%) self-identified as non-Hispanic white, and 2 (28.6%) self-identified as Hispanic. Of the 804 calls they made, 299 (37.2%) were from simulated white callers, 215 (26.7%) were from simulated black callers, and 290 (36.1%) were from simulated Hispanic callers. Overall, 582 callers (72.4%) were offered appointments. In unadjusted models, black and Hispanic callers were more likely to be offered an appointment than white callers (black callers, 32.2 [95% CI, 25.1-39.3] percentage points more likely;P Conclusions and Relevance In this study, black and Hispanic patients were more likely to be offered an appointment, but they were asked more frequently about their insurance status than white callers. Black and Hispanic callers experienced longer wait times than white patients, indicating a barrier to timely access to primary care.
Five-year results from a phase I/II study of moderately hypofractionated intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) for localized prostate cancer including simultaneously integrated boost and pelvic lymph node (LN) coverage.

299Background: This study reports the 5 year toxicity and efficacy data of a phase I/II trial of moderately hypofractionated intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) for localized prostate canc...
PHASIC AND TONIC DEFENSIVE CONDITIONED REACTIONS IN HUMAN TRANSSWITCHING

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses phasic and tonic defensive conditioned reactions in human transswitching. Transswitching allows phasic conditioned responses that are elicited by phasic stimuli to be brought under the control of tonic environmental stimuli, just as discriminative operant conditioning permits operant responding to be shifted to the control of tonic stimuli. The transswitching study described in the chapter involved three different tonic stimulus contexts, one containing sporadic presentations of only the conditioned stimulus, one containing only the unconditioned stimulus, and the third containing the conditioned and unconditioned stimuli paired. The tonic stimuli were auditory, delivered at moderate intensity via speakers in front of and behind the subject. One was a pure tone of 400 Hz, one was a tone of 800 Hz, and the third was a tone of 1450 Hz. The tonic stimuli each had durations of 5 min, and they were administered in a balanced sequence twice each day for two days. The last presentations of the three tonic stimuli contained no phasic stimuli at all for test purposes.
Plate fixation versus intramedullary nailing of proximal humerus fractures: an ACS NSQIP-based comparative analysis over 8 years

The primary goal of this study was to compare the utilization of plate versus intramedullary nail (IMN) in the treatment of humerus fractures. Secondarily, we sought to examine whether any differences in demographics and clinical course of patients who receive a nail versus plate affect the procedure selection process. The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) database was queried for patients surgically treated for a humeral shaft fracture from the years 2007–2015, using current procedural terminology (CPT) code. Patients with overlapping procedures, nonunion, polytrauma, and malignancy were excluded. The Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) was calculated to compare preoperative comorbidities. A two-sample Wilcoxon rank-sum (Mann–Whitney U) test was used to compare numerical values, whereas the Fisher exact and Chi-squared analyses were performed to compare categorical variables. A p value 1%, indicating statistical and clinical significance, were included in a logistic regression for multivariate analysis to identify any independent predictors for procedure selection (IMN versus PF) based on preoperative patient characteristics. During the study period plate fixation increased from 7 cases per year to 272 cases per year, while IMN increased from 8 cases per year to 80 cases per year. IMNs were mostly in older patients (63.85 vs 56.19 years, p < 0.001), and patients with a higher Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) (4.64 vs 2.79, p < 0.001). IMN was associated with shorter operation times (104 min vs 128 min, p < 0.001) and longer lengths of hospital stay (3.43d vs 2.78d, p < 0.001). No significant differences in overall complication rates were seen between patients who received IMN versus PF. However, the postoperative mortality rate was higher in patients who received IMN compared to PF (2.19% vs 0.40%, p < 0.01). Based on the regression analysis, patient age was the only independent patient factor demonstrated to predict the utilization of IMN over PF in older patients with humeral shaft fractures p = 0.043). According to this NSQIP-based analysis, the rate of PF and IMN utilization increased in the treatment of humeral shaft fractures over a period of 8 years, but PF was performed at an overall a higher rate than IMN. Intramedullary nailing was preferred over PF in older patients with more comorbidities. The last possibly contributed to the higher 30-day mortality rate observed in patients who received IMN compared to PF. Retrospective comparative study.
Application of Machine Learning Algorithms for Patient Length of Stay Prediction in Emergency Department During Hajj

Hospital emergency departments (EDs) in vital locations face high patient demand during peak events such as the annual Islamic pilgrimage (the Hajj event) in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, the New Year celebration ceremony in New York, and the World Cup, etc. Variable patient arrival rates and hospital conditions, particularly the availability of beds for inpatients, impacts long waiting times and length of stay (LOS), causing pain and dissatisfaction to patients. Patient length of stay is chosen to be a measure of ED overcrowding as a compliance measure set by most hospitals. Clinicians need to get an opportunity to be proactive in ED overcrowding crises, specifically in the case of peak days. For this purpose, the research aims to build a model to forecast Hajj patient LOS, using machine learning algorithms through predictive input factors such as patient age, mode of arrival, and patient’s type of condition in the ED. Therefore, using machine learning algorithms, such as artificial neural networks, linear and logistic regressions, to forecast ED LOS allows clinicians to prepare for high levels of congestion and provide insights to determine the LOS of patients during vital times.
Foundry integrated nanophotonic devices and metasystems

We will present our recent progress of foundry processed low loss photonic crystals, metasurface and metasystem, towards the femtojoule optical switch, tapers with ten folds length reduction and on-chip analog mathematical operation.
The Memory of What Is: Ontogenic Analysis and Its Relationship to Ontological Concerns in Knowledge Organization

Indexing languages appear in multiple versions. This is because they are revised. For example, the Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) is in its 23rd edition. This means that the editors of this particular indexing language felt they had to make changes to the classes, their numbers, and what they are called. Elsewhere I have looked at a particular subject in the DDC and charted its life through the various editions from its first appearance to the present day. The subject I examined was EUGENICS; and it has, what I might call, a strange life in the DDC (Tennis, 2012). When it first appears as a subject in DDC, in 1911, it is named a biological science by virtue of the number assigned to the subject, 575.6. Because of revision it is no longer possible, via Dewey’s guidance, to class books on Eugenics in the 500s, the natural sciences. The classifier is guided to other disciplines in the scheme. This life of EUGENICS is what I call its ontogeny. Ontogeny is a term borrowed from biology. It is the development of an individual from the time of conception through to full maturation. For example, human embryos have “tails,” but these change into other features as the fetus develops and are most often not present in a mature adult human. Subjects, like EUGENICS, can change substantially over the course of their life in an indexing language. In the case of Eugenics in DDC, it morphed from being a biological science to a topic studied in relation to social sciences and other disciplines.
A fluorescence imaging based-assay to monitor mitophagy in cultured hepatocytes and mouse liver.

Abstract Background and aim Mitophagy is a lysosomal degradation pathway that selectively removes damaged, aged and dysfunctional mitochondria. Recent advances in understanding mitophagy highlight its importance in various physiological and pathological conditions including liver diseases. However, reliable quantitative assays to monitor mitophagy in cultured cells and in tissues are still scarce. Methods We describe a detailed protocol for monitoring mitophagy in primary cultured hepatocytes and mouse livers using cytochrome C oxidase subunit 8 (Cox8)-enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP)-mCherry, a dual color fluorescence based-imaging method. Results Mitochondria are visualized in yellow fluorescence due to the merged EGFP and mCherry signal. In contrast, autolysosome enclosed mitochondria are shown as red puncta due to quenching of EGFP green fluorescence in acidic compartments. Quantifying the number of red-only puncta in each cell can obtain a quantitative measure for mitophagy. Conclusions Cox8-EGFP-mCherry assay can specifically target to mitochondria and be used to monitor mitophagy in vitro and in vivo.
Higher Vaccination Rate Predicts Reduction in SARS-CoV-2 Transmission across the United States (preprint)

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) began proliferating widely throughout the world in late 2019/early 2020, creating a global pandemic and health crisis. Although vaccines became available to the public approximately one year after the onset of the pandemic, there still remains much hesitancy surrounding vaccination even two years into the pandemic. One key concern comes from reports of breakthrough infections among the vaccinated that show comparable levels of peak viral load as the unvaccinated, calling into question the ability of vaccines to slow or prevent transmission. Therefore young, healthy individuals who are at low risk of serious complications themselves have little incentive to receive a vaccine that they are not convinced will protect others around them. To address this important concern, this article analyzes COVID-19 incidence in the United States as a function of each state's vaccination rate. Results show that states with higher percentages of fully vaccinated individuals report fewer new cases among the remaining unvaccinated population. These data add to accumulating evidence that COVID-19 vaccinations can indeed slow the spread of SARS-CoV-2, and are an important tool in society's arsenal to put this pandemic behind us.
Z3: an efficient SMT solver

Satisfiability Modulo Theories (SMT) problem is a decision problem for logical first order formulas with respect to combinations of background theories such as: arithmetic, bit-vectors, arrays, and uninterpreted functions. Z3 is a new and efficient SMT Solver freely available from Microsoft Research. It is used in various software verification and analysis applications.
Sleep disturbances in aging

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the sleep disturbances in aging. Human sleep patterns reflect characteristic changes in brain wave activity that can be quantified by electroencephalography (EEG) and categorized into two distinct brain states: non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. The epidemiology of sleep disturbances in older adults is also presented in the chapter. The sleep disorders commonly found in this age group are also described. Aging is accompanied by an increasing susceptibility to sleep disturbances. Normal age-related changes in the human sleep system increase the propensity for developing sleep problems in late life. The prevalence of insomnia, sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), circadian rhythm disorders, and sleep-related movement disorders increases substantially in late-life. In addition, normal age-related changes in sleep architecture create a fragmented and light sleep pattern that sets the stage for sleep complaints in this population. Sleep disturbance in older adults may be associated with poorer quality of life, dependence on hypnotic medication, increased risk of falls, increased morbidity, impaired cognitive performance, and daytime somnolence. The assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of sleep disorders are reviewed in the chapter with a focus on issues relevant to older adults.
Microprocessor tutorial using toolbook

In this paper, we describe an MS-Windows based interactive tutorial that provides the students in electrical/computer engineering and/or computer science programs with an easy-to-use reference and overview of a course in microprocessors and their applications. This tutorial is designed to give these students an enhanced understanding of microprocessors and their applications. This multimedia-based system covers topics that start with introductory basic concepts in computer organization/operation and conclude with advanced and detailed concepts in microprocessor-based design systems using the Intel 8086 microprocessor and its associated peripheral devices.
Elimination of mutual coupling in a conformal adaptive array antenna

The effects produced by the mutual coupling between the elements of an array must be taken into account to improve the reliability of an adaptive process in a real environment. An interpolation technique, between the real and a virtual environment, is used to solve the problem of mutual coupling in a conformal phased array. The real environment disturbed by mutual coupling effects can be obtained from measurements or from an electromagnetics simulation program. The methodology is now illustrated on a hemispherical conformal array. The array can be composed of different types of antenna such as dipoles, horns and microstrip patches.
Creating a completely “cell-free” system for protein synthesis

Cell-free protein synthesis is a promising tool to take biotechnology outside of the cell. A cell-free approach provides distinct advantages over in vivo systems including open access to the reaction environment and direct control over all chemical components for facile optimization and synthetic biology integration. Promising applications of cell-free systems include portable diagnostics, biotherapeutics expression, rational protein engineering, and biocatalyst production. The highest yielding and most economical cell-free systems use an extract composed of the soluble component of lysed Escherichia coli. Although E. coli lysis can be highly efficient (>99.999%), one persistent challenge is that the extract remains contaminated with up to millions of cells per mL. In this work, we examine the potential of multiple decontamination strategies to further reduce or eliminate bacteria in cell-free systems. Two strategies, sterile filtration and lyophilization, effectively eliminate contaminating cells while maintaining the systems' protein synthesis capabilities. Lyophilization provides the additional benefit of long-term stability at storage above freezing. Technologies for personalized, portable medicine and diagnostics can be expanded based on these foundational sterilized and completely "cell-free" systems.
Performance of a Large-area GEM Detector Read Out with Wide Radial Zigzag Strips

Abstract A 1-meter-long trapezoidal Triple-GEM detector with wide readout strips was tested in hadron beams at the Fermilab Test Beam Facility in October 2013. The readout strips have a special zigzag geometry and run radially with an azimuthal pitch of 1.37 mrad to measure the azimuthal ϕ-coordinate of incident particles. The zigzag geometry of the readout reduces the required number of electronic channels by a factor of three compared to conventional straight readout strips while preserving good angular resolution. The average crosstalk between zigzag strips is measured to be an acceptable 5.5%. The detection efficiency of the detector is (98.4±0.2)%. When the non-linearity of the zigzag-strip response is corrected with track information, the angular resolution is measured to be (193±3) μrad, which corresponds to 14% of the angular strip pitch. Multiple Coulomb scattering effects are fully taken into account in the data analysis with the help of a stand-alone Geant4 simulation that estimates interpolated track errors.
Prediction of modulators of pyruvate kinase in smiles text using aprori methods

Pyruvate kinase is an enzyme that catalyzes the formation of pyruvate from phosphenolpyruvate in glycolysis. There is a wealth of data on the activity of certain molecules and their effects on pyruvate kinase. This project aims to create an application that uses a pyruvate kinase dataset to determine the nature of unidentified molecules; whether or not they would be activators or inhibitors of this enzyme. This application uses an Apriori algorithm to identify or predict modulators of pyruvate kinase. This initial study focuses on simplified molecular input line entry specification (SMILES) text as target data to be mined. The three dimensional structure of pyruvate kinase is known and accessible though the Protein Data Bank (e.g., PDB code IA3W).
Fiber Optic Ultrasound Sensors for Medical Imaging Applications

This abstract describes the development of fiber-optic ultrasound sensors for medical imaging applications that require non-metallic detectors, such as in the environment of magnetic resonance scanners. For the past few decades ultrasound has steadily become a standard diagnostic imaging tool. Besides the great improvements in technologies, ultrasound imaging also has the intrinsic advantage of fast data acquisition for real time feedback, and portable instruments at relatively low cost. In addition to anatomical information, the Doppler effect and other techniques enable in vivo measurements of functional parameters of the human body such as blood flow, valve and myocardial dynamics.
Closure equations for single and multiple reactions in a CSTR

Dutta and Tarbell (1989) derived several first-order closure models for the nonlinear reaction terms in turbulent plug flow reactors by exploiting analogies between mechanistic models and direct turbulence models. We extend their approach to a continuous stirred tank reactor with unmixed feed streams, a configuration in which significant deviations from maximum mixedness can be encountered if the turbulent mixing scale is large.
High School Reform And Black Male Students Limits and Possibilities of Policy and Practice

An infusion of federal funding and philanthropic support for high schools has sparked an unprecedented number of educational reforms. Still, few initiatives confront the unique conditions facing Black male students. Despite efforts to reform ineffective schools and foster academic achievement for all students, there continues to be a lingering gap between affluent and poor as well as White and Black subgroups. This article explores the complexities of these issues. The authors examine the negative effects of intractable social barriers such as poverty and ineffective schooling. They suggest that currents trends reflect responsible approaches to reform but that the potential role of Black teachers has not been fully explored.
Triton-induced hyperlipemia in goats under various physiological conditions.

Abstract Goats were given intravenous injections (.2 or .4 g per kilogram of body weight) of detergent Triton WR 1339 to measure triglyceride entry into the blood under fed, fasted, lactating, or phloridzinized and fasted conditions. Blood triglycerides increased up to 160-fold 72 hours after injection. Total cholesterol and phospholipids also increased 5 to 9-fold while free fatty acids, acetone, ketone bodies, and blood glucose were not affected by Triton injection. Fed or fasted nonlactating goats had a triglyceride entry of from .14 to .22 mg per minute per kilogram body weight. Triton was not effective in blocking triglyceride exit from the blood in fed lactating animals even though triglyceride in the plasma increased 12 to 15-fold. Milk production and milk fat composition were not changed even at the highest circulating lipid concentration. Triton had no apparent effect on the health of the goats as they ate and behaved normally.
Simulated insect defoliation and duration of weed interference affected soybean growth

Abstract An improved understanding of crop stress from multiple pests is needed for better implementation of integrated pest management (IPM) strategies. Field studies were conducted in 2003 and 2004 at two locations in eastern Nebraska to describe the effects of simulated early-season insect defoliation of soybean and duration of weed interference on soybean growth. Three levels of simulated defoliation (undefoliated, 30, and 60%) and seven durations of weed interference (weedy and weed free; weed removal at V2, V4, V6, R3, and R5) were evaluated in a split-plot design. Defoliation significantly reduced soybean leaf-area index (LAI), total dry matter (TDM), and crop height in season-long weedy treatments only. Biomass partitioning during vegetative and reproductive growth was affected by both defoliation and weed interference. Increase in soybean relative growth rate (RGR) and biomass production soon after defoliation occurred (e.g., V5 stage) indicated potential defense mechanism by which soybean is abl...
Queering informal pedagogy: sexuality and popular music in school

This qualitative case study explores how students’ perceptions of sexual identity affect how they participate in popular music processes used in school. Seventeen high school students were invited to form five single-gendered and mixed-gendered rock bands. The data collected included fieldnotes and audio recordings of observed rehearsals and individual interviews. The data were coded and analyzed from a queer theory standpoint to provide interpretations of how participants constructed their sexual identity through musical production and reception. The findings suggest that the boys used popular music making to project a sexual identity, and that they refused to participate in musical acts – like singing in a high tessitura and writing lyrics – that they willingly performed in traditional music ensembles and genres. This questions whether the recent use of popular music pedagogies in formal settings effectively furthers traditional music education aims of educating about the elements of music.
Automated segmentation of ventricles from serial brain MRI for the quantification of volumetric changes associated with communicating hydrocephalus in patients with brain tumor

Accurate ventricle volume estimates could improve the understanding and diagnosis of postoperative communicating hydrocephalus. For this category of patients, associated changes in ventricle volume can be difficult to identify, particularly over short time intervals. We present an automated segmentation algorithm that evaluates ventricle size from serial brain MRI examination. The technique combines serial T1- weighted images to increase SNR and segments the means image to generate a ventricle template. After pre-processing, the segmentation is initiated by a fuzzy c-means clustering algorithm to find the seeds used in a combination of fast marching methods and geodesic active contours. Finally, the ventricle template is propagated onto the serial data via non-linear registration. Serial volume estimates were obtained in an automated robust and accurate manner from difficult data.
Integrated Optic Wavelength-Division Multiplexing System For Optical Fiber Communications Systems

An optical fiber communication system can be used much more efficiently with the addition of wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM). which effectively provides multiple transmission lines over a single fiber using different wavelengths of optical energy. An integrated optic WDM system which utilizes a wavelength-dependent angularly dispersive diffraction grating is designed from fundamental equations. Such a device has many advantages over competing WDM systems.
Altered prostanoid signaling contributes to increased skin tumorigenesis in Tpl2 knockout mice.

Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common form of skin cancer with the incidence expected to double over the next 20 years. Inflammation is believed to be a critical component in skin cancer progression. Therefore, understanding genes involved in the regulation of inflammatory pathways is vital to the design of targeted therapies. Numerous studies show cyclooxygenases (COXs) play an essential role in inflammation-associated cancers. Tpl2 (MAP3K8) is a protein kinase in the MAP Kinase signal transduction cascade. Previous research using a two-stage skin carcinogenesis model revealed that Tpl2−/− mice have significantly higher tumor incidence and inflammatory response than wild-type (WT) controls. The current study investigates whether cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and COX-2- regulated prostaglandins and prostaglandin receptors drive the highly tumorigenic state of Tpl2−/− mice by investigating the relationship between Tpl2 and COX-2. Keratinocytes from newborn WT or Tpl2−/− mice were treated with 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) for various times over 24 hours. Western analysis revealed significant differences in COX-2 and COX-2 dependent prostanoids and prostanoid receptors. Additionally, in vivo experiments confirmed that COX-2 and COX-2 downstream factors were elevated in TPA-treated Tpl2−/− skin, as well as in papillomas from Tpl2−/− mice. Use of the selective COX-2 inhibitor Celecoxib showed the increased tumorigenesis in the Tpl2−/− mice to primarily be mediated through COX-2. These experiments illustrate COX-2 induction in the absence of Tpl2 may be responsible for the increased tumorigenesis found in Tpl2−/− mice. Defining the relationship between Tpl2 and COX-2 may lead to new ways to downregulate COX-2 through the modulation of Tpl2.
Discussion of “low temperature ageing of Fe-N austenite” by J. Foct, P. Rochegude and A. Hendry: I. Mechanism of the bainite reaction

Foct et al have recently reported TEM, X-ray diffraction and transmission Mossbauer spectroscopy studies of an Fe-N alloy quenched to room temperature from the austenite region and then aged to form bainite at 210°C. The Mossbauer portion of these studies, particularly as they relate to the structure of the γ Fe-N solid solution, is examined in a companion paper by Genin. In this paper, attention is focused upon the mechanism of the bainite reaction deduced by Foct et al.
Induced resistance of cucumber to anthracnose and angular leaf spot by Pseudomonas lachrymans and Colletotrichum lagenarium

Abstract Infection of the first true leaf of cucumber with either Pseudomonas lachrymans or Colletotrichum lagenarium systemically protected susceptible cultivars against disease caused by subsequent challenge with either pathogen. Sonicated bacterial cells, heat-killed cells, formalin-killed cells and a cell-free culture filtrate did not protect. Suspensions of bacteria swabbed onto leaf one or infiltrated into the leaf consistently induced protection against the fungus. The bacterium protected the plant against fungal inoculum containing 103 to 106 conidia ml−1. Systemic invasion by either challenge pathogen was rarely observed in protected plants. An interval of 72 to 96 h after the inducing inoculation was necessary for protection to be expressed. Protection was still evident 37 days after the initial infection. Pseudomonas pisi, P. phaseolicola and P. angulata also protected plants, but this level of protection was significantly less than that elicited by P. lachrymans. Several other bacteria tested did not elicit protection. Populations of P. lachrymans in disks of the challenged second true leaf of unprotected plants were 103 cells greater, 5 days after challenge, than those in protected plants.
Glass capillary gas chromatography-mass spectrometry of wax esters, steryl esters and triacylglycerols

Complex mixtures of wax esters, steryl esters and triacylglycerols isolated from representative biological and geochemical samples have been analyzed using combined high resolution gas chromatography and electron impact and chemical ionization quadrupole mass spectrometry. These low volatility neutral lipids containing up to 65 carbons were chromatographed intact on 15–20 m high-temperature (upper limit: 370 C) persilylated SE-52 and SE-30 glass capillary columns. Discrimination effects due to adsorptive losses and degradation were minimized using a nonvaporizing on-column injector and a direct all-glass capillary connection (370 C) to the quadrupole mass spectrometer. Structural information regarding the fatty acid and alcohol moieties was found to be maximal for methane-CI spectra in the case of wax and steryl esters, whereas EI spectra were most useful in interpreting triacylglycerol structures. Principal features of the EI and CI fragmentation patterns are discussed. The molecular composition of complex mixtures of these lipids is reconstructed for selected samples.
Support for the minimal essential MHC hypothesis: a parrot with a single, highly polymorphic MHC class II B gene

We characterized the MHC class II B gene in the green-rumped parrotlet, Forpus passerinus. Three approaches were used: polymerase chain reaction amplification using primers complementary to conserved regions of exon 2, sequencing clones from a genomic library, and amplification of exon 2 using species-specific primers. All three methods indicate that there is only a single class II B locus in this species and no pseudogenes. We suggest that this is the ancestral state for birds. The gene is highly polymorphic; 33 alleles were found in a sample of 25 individuals. Variation in exon 2 is concentrated in the peptide binding residues which show a significant excess of non-synonymous substitutions consistent with the operation of selection in maintaining this extraordinary polymorphism. Genomic clones show that major histocompatibility complex (MHC) gene organization is different from that of chickens; the class II A locus is close to II B. These data provide support for the hypothesis that the bird MHC constitutes a "minimal essential MHC" for responding to infectious disease.
NMR spectra of oriented biologically important molecules.The structure and conformation of N-methylimidazole

Abstract The application of NMR to the determination of structure and conformation of biologically important molecules is demonstrated. Interproton distances in N-methylimidazole are determined from experiments performed under two different orientations The results indicate a hindered rotation of the methyl group about the N-C bond: in the preferred conformation a C-H bond of the methyl is in the ring plane pointing away from the CC-H bond.
Effectiveness of open-access endoscopy in routine primary-care practice

Background: The direct referral of patients for endoscopic procedures without prior consultation (open access (OA) endoscopy) is increasingly used. However, the effect of OA on the care of patients in routine clinical practice has not been studied. Methods:We examined the impact of OA endoscopy in 168 consecutive patients referred from 8 primary care practices prior to and following implementation of a structured OA form that included published ASGE guidelines for the appropriate use of gastrointestinal endoscopy. Office medical records at practice sites were reviewed to determine the effect of the structured OA form, post-procedure communication between the primary care physician (PCP) and patient, PCP adherence to post-procedure recommendations, and the need for subsequent evaluation and/or consultation. Results: The mean age of the 168 patients was 60 years, 33% underwent EGD and 67% colonoscopy, 65% were referred from hospital based PCP's and 35% from community PCP's. 77% of procedures adhered to ASGE guidelines and did not differ overall by type of referral form or type of procedure. The baseline rate of ASGE approved indications was higher in hospital based than community based PCP's (85% vs 41%, p
Stability of a Submerged Frozen Crust

Consideration is given to the stability of a thin frozen crust of infinite extent growing between two different fluid materials. A linear, inviscid stability analysis is employed to obtain an estimate for the crust breakup time. The stability formulation parallels that of Rayleigh and Kelvin for the generation of waves at the plane interface between two different fluids and is used to develop formulas defining necessary conditions for frozen crust breakup. An approximate crust breakup criterion is proposed, viz, that the crust growth (or crystallization) time exceed the crust breakup time. The criterion shows reasonably agreement with experimental observations of the stability of a growing frozen crust in a gravity field along (Rayleigh instability).
FAMULUS revisited: Ten years of personal information systems

This article examines the development and current status of research on personal information systems, i.e., those systems where an individual collects, annotates, and stores bibliographic information according to his own (idiosyncratic) needs and preferences. Effects of computer-based dissemination services on the growth and management of these systems are discussed. Recently announced and more traditional computerized services to support such systems are reviewed and the benefits to be gained from effectively supporting personal systems are enumerated.
Research Report: Effects of texting on satisfaction in romantic relationships: The role of attachment

This study sought to overcome some of the methodological limitations in previous studies and clarify the role of attachment in the associations between texting and romantic relationship satisfaction. Specifically, a new, relative measure of texting usage was created to estimate the share of texting in communication compared to other channels (e.g., face-to-face, phone, and etc.), in addition to using the traditional, absolute measure of texting usage (i.e., the number of texts sent to partners). A sample of 395 participants completed an online survey regarding texting behavior. Background variables were controlled for in all analyses, particularly the physical distance between partners, which was often overlooked in previous research. The results suggested that texting share showed positive links with both attachment dimensions and a negative link with relationship satisfaction, whereas the sheer volume of texts had little association with attachment dimensions or satisfaction.
Worse Outcome after Stroke in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea: An Observational Cohort Study

To evaluate the risk and presence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in patients presenting with acute ischemic stroke, and examine the correlation of OSA with age, sex, ischemic stroke subtype, disability, and death, a prospective cohort study was conducted in all consecutive patients presenting with acute ischemic stroke between June 2007 and March 2008. Exclusion criteria were age P = 1.0). In multivariate analysis, after adjusting for age and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, previous diagnosis of OSA was an independent predictor of worse functional outcome, that is, worse mRS score at hospital discharge ( P = .004). The mRS score was 1.2 points higher (adjusted R 2 , 40%) in those with OSA. Our findings suggest that patients considered at high risk for ischemic stroke should be screened for OSA, the prevalence of which may be as high as 60%. Those with definitive diagnosis of OSA before stroke are at increased risk of death within the first month after an acute ischemic stroke.
Avoidance of monochromatic light by the cockroach Periplaneta americana

1. 1. The avoidance reflex of Periplaneta americana to light was used to generate and action spectrum for this behaviour. The proportion of animals that avoided a light increased with the intensity of the light, sometimes decreasing at the highest intensities on reflective surfaces. 2. 2. The action spectrum was generated by measuring the proportion of avoidance as a function of the wavelength of the stimulus. 3. 3. The results indicate that at low intensities the insects avoided long wavelength light (>430 nm) with the highest sensitivity. At high intensities, short wavelength stimuli (<430 nm) were most effective in evoking the reflex. 4. 4. Sensitivity to a rotating polarizing filter was observed.
Clinical Experience With Continuous Intrathecal Baclofen Trials Prior to Pump Implantation

Abstract Objective To report our clinical experience using continuous intrathecal baclofen (ITB) trials prior to permanent pump implantation. Design Retrospective chart review. Setting An inpatient neurosurgery unit and outpatient physical medicine and rehabilitation clinics. Participants Fifty-seven patients with refractory spasticity who underwent a continuous ITB trial during the years 2006-2012. Methods Patients underwent placement of a temporary intrathecal catheter that was connected to an external pump. A successful trial was defined as a one-level reduction in lower limb modified Ashworth scores in key spastic lower limb muscles identified for each individual patient. Subjective improvement in function or ease of performing functional tasks also were monitored. Main Outcome Measures Modified Ashworth scores, functional mobility in ambulatory patients only, and the incidence and severity of adverse events during the trial and up to 1 year after implantation. Results Spasticity significantly decreased during the trial. Average ambulation distance was unchanged, although 34% of ambulatory patients progressed to a less restrictive assistive device by trial completion. Adverse events (AEs) occurred in 26 patients. Minor AEs were seen in 18 patients, with the most common being nausea, transient urinary retention, and headache. Pumps were implanted in 86% of patients; 14% did not receive a pump because of AEs or because goals were not met. Six patients had their pump removed at 12 months for the following reasons: pump malfunctions (3), skin breakdown around the pump (1), infection (1), and expectations not met (1). Conclusions Continuous trials via an external catheter could be an option if patients and clinicians desire a comprehensive assessment of systemic and functional effects of ITB before pump implantation. The majority of AEs were minor and resolved spontaneously, and the most effective starting intrathecal dose was determined by pump insertion.
Socio-Demographic Variability in Adolescent Substance Use: Mediation by Parents and Peers

The current study examined socio-demographic variability in adolescent substance use and the mediating roles of maternal knowledge, paternal knowledge and peer substance use. The data were obtained from the United States records (N = 8,795) of the Health Behavior in School-Aged Children 2005/2006 Survey, in grades 6 through 10. The analyses employed multiple indicator multiple cause and structural equation models. Adolescent substance use was measured by frequencies of alcohol use, being drunk, and cigarette and marijuana use in the past month. Peer influence had a direct influence on adolescent substance use. Maternal knowledge had both direct and indirect influences on adolescent substance use through its negative association with substance-using peers, whereas paternal knowledge only had an indirect influence. Parental knowledge and peer substance use totally mediated differences in adolescent substance use by grade; differences between Caucasian and African-American or Hispanic adolescents; and differences between adolescents from two-parent families and those from single-mother, single-father or mother-stepfather families. Parental knowledge and peer substance were important mediators which largely accounted for variability in the prevalence of adolescent substance use by grade, race/ethnicity, and family structure.
Chronic exposure to HPMA copolymer-bound adriamycin does not induce multidrug resistance in a human ovarian carcinoma cell line

The influence of free and N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide (HPMA) copolymer-bound adriamycin (ADR) on the induction of multidrug resistance in the A2780 human ovarian carcinoma cell line was studied in vitro. It was found that chronic exposure to free ADR led to an increase in resistance to ADR and Taxol and overexpression of the MDR1 gene. No significant changes in the expression of the MRP gene were found during adaptation to free ADR. In addition to MDR1 gene-encoded multidrug resistance, a significant increase in the resistance against ADR was found before the overexpression of the MDR1 gene was measurable. This non-P-glycoprotein resistance does not appear to be connected with MRP gene-encoded resistance. During adaptation to free ADR, changes in cellular metabolism such as increased rate of glucose uptake, oxidation and glycolysis were detected. Adapted sensitive A2780 cells expressed the MDR1 gene and possessed almost the same decreased sensitivity toward ADR as the ADR-resistant human ovarian carcinoma A2780/AD cells. However, they significantly differed in proliferation rate, cellular metabolism and MRP gene expression. On the contrary, multidrug resistance was not induced after repeated exposure of sensitive A2780 cells to HPMA copolymer-bound adriamycin. The cells did not express the MDR1 gene, the expression of the MRP gene was partially inhibited, and the resistance against Taxol was decreased. Differences were also observed in metabolic changes. In summary, the data indicate that, contrary to free ADR, HPMA copolymer-bound ADR does not induce multidrug resistance in A2780 cell culture after repeated exposure.
Ribosomal protein L30 is a component of the UGA- selenocysteine recoding machinery in eukaryotes

The translational recoding of UGA as selenocysteine (Sec) is directed by a SECIS element in the 3' untranslated region (UTR) of eukaryotic selenoprotein mRNAs. The selenocysteine insertion sequence (SECIS) contains two essential tandem sheared G.A pairs that bind SECIS-binding protein 2 (SBP2), which recruits a selenocysteine-specific elongation factor and Sec-tRNA(Sec) to the ribosome. Here we show that ribosomal protein L30 is a component of the eukaryotic selenocysteine recoding machinery. L30 binds SECIS elements in vitro and in vivo, stimulates UGA recoding in transfected cells and competes with SBP2 for SECIS binding. Magnesium, known to induce a kink-turn in RNAs that contain two tandem G.A pairs, decreases the SBP2-SECIS complex in favor of the L30-SECIS interaction. We propose a model in which SBP2 and L30 carry out different functions in the UGA recoding mechanism, with the SECIS acting as a molecular switch upon protein binding.