cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Consequences of Growth of a Mutator Strain of Escherichia coli as Measured by Loss of Function Among Multiple Gene Targets and Loss of Fitness

We have examined the composition of members of mutator populations of Escherichia coli by employing an extensive set of phenotypic screens that allow us to monitor the function of >700 genes, constituting approximately 15% of the genome. We looked at mismatch repair deficient cells after repeated cycles of single colony isolation on rich medium to generate lineages that are forced through severe bottlenecks, and compared the results to those for wild-type strains. The mutator lineages continued to accumulate mutations rapidly with each increasing cycle of colony isolation. By the end of the 40th cycle, after approximately 1000 generations, most of the lineages had reduced colony size, 4% had died out, 55% had auxotrophic requirements (increasing to 80% after 60 cycles), and 70% had defects in at least one sugar or catabolic pathway. In addition, 33% had a defect in cell motility, and 26% were either temperature-sensitive or cold-sensitive lethals. On the other hand, only 3% of the wild-type lineages had detectable mutations of any type after 40 cycles. By the 60th cycle, the typical mutator cell carried 4-5 inactive genes among the 15% of the genome being monitored, indicating that the average cell carried at least 24-30 inactivated genes distributed throughout the genome. Remarkably, 30% of the lineages had lost the ability to utilize xylose as a carbon source. DNA sequencing revealed that most of the Xyl(-) mutants had a frameshift in a run of eight G's (GGGGGGGG) in the xylB gene, either adding or deleting one -G-. Further analysis indicated that rendering E. coli deficient in mismatch repair unmasks hypermutable sites in certain genes or intergenic regions. Growth curves and competition tests on lineages that passed through 90 cycles of single colony isolation showed that all lineages suffered reduced fitness. We discuss these results in terms of the value of mutators in cellular evolution.
Aortic Pseudoaneurysm of a Bentall Composite Valve Graft Associated with Acute Cocaine Ingestion

Ernest Matthew Quin, M.D.,∗ Edmund Kenneth Kerut, M.D.,† Andy Paul Brown, M.D.,‡ and Ervin R. Fox, M.D.∗ ∗Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Mississippi, School of Medicine, Jackson, Mississippi, †Heart Clinic of Louisiana, Marrero, Louisiana, Departments of Physiology and Pharmacology, LSU Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, and ‡Department of Radiology, University of Mississippi, School of Medicine, Jackson, Mississippi
Two-dimensional echocardiographic findings in patients on hemodialysis for more than six months

Abstract The present study describes cardiac anatomic and hemodynamic consequences of chronic hemodialysis using 2-dimensional (2-D) echocardiography.
Interactive Web-based Learning Module on CT of the Temporal Bone: Anatomy and Pathology

An interactive Web-based learning module on the temporal bone has been developed. It shows normal temporal bone anatomy in four imaging planes: axial, coronal, and parallel and perpendicular to the long axis of the petrous bone. After reviewing the normal anatomy, users should be able to identify key imaging features of pathologic conditions of the temporal bone. Children with congenital abnormalities of the temporal bone may present with conductive or sensorineural hearing loss or both and may have a genetic syndrome. Acute otitis media is the most common infection of the temporal bone and is most prevalent among children. Although imaging is unnecessary in uncomplicated otitis media, it is important for evaluation of infectious complications. Classically, temporal bone fractures were described as longitudinal or transverse with respect to the long axis of the petrous bone. However, it is increasingly recognized that many fractures have both longitudinal and transverse components. Patients with temporal bone fractures may have conductive or sensorineural hearing loss in addition to other complications. The most common tumor of the temporal bone at the cerebellopontine angle is the vestibular schwannoma. Paraganglioma is the second most common tumor of the temporal bone and the most common tumor of the middle ear. Supplemental material available at http://uwmsk.org/temporalbone/atlas.html.
Report of the committee on runoff, 1936–37

Since the last meeting of the Section of Hydrology there has been a change in the organization and membership of some of the research-committees, one relating to rainfall, of which Merrill Bernard is Chairman, and one relating to runoff, were created to replace the one committee which had functioned heretofore on both rainfall and runoff. This action by the officers provides for greater participation of the members of the Section in committees, and is a step well worth while. The personnel of the Committee as of May 1, 1937, is as follows: H. K. Barrows R. W. Davenport I. E. Houk F. T. Mavis F. F. Snyder M. M. Bernard R. S. Goodridge W. G. Hoyt A. F. Meyer H. C. Troxell E. S. Cullings R. E. Horton Joseph Jacobs C. R. Pettis C. O. Wisler I consider it an honor to act as Chairman of the Committee on Runoff but regret, however, that I have been unable as yet to coordinate thoroughly the work of the Committee or to inform myself adequately on many runoff-experiments and research-problems. Consequently, my report will be very brief and informal.
Observations on the thermolytic decomposition of poly(tert‐butyl acrylate)

The thermolytic decomposition of crystalline and amorphous poly(tert-butyl acrylate) was investigated. At elevated temperatures thin films of polymer were found to evolve isobutylene quantitatively. The weight loss curve has been analyzed, and a mechanism has been suggested involving a slow random decomposition of tert-butyl ester groups followed by a faster decomposition of ester groups due to neighboring carboxyl groups. The rate and activation energy for isobutylene evolution in both sections of the weightloss curve are not very different for tactic and atactic polymer modifications.
Characteristics of residency training associated with first-time pass rate on the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists certifying examination.

Objective The aim of this study was to examine the association of various aspects of veterinary ophthalmology residency training with the first-time pass rate (FTPR) of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ACVO) examination, as well as the individual written, image recognition, animal examination, and surgical sections of the examination. Procedures Program type, resident evaluations, cumulative surgery and case logs, and scores from ACVO examinations from 2007 to 2010 were evaluated. Results Data were available for 71 candidates. The overall FTPR was 35% (n = 25). For the different sections of the examination, FTPRs were as follows: written (68%), image recognition (76%), intraocular surgery (80%), extraocular surgery (65%), and animal examination (75%). The overall FTPR among candidates from academic residency (AR) programs was 43% (20 of 47), while the FTPR of residents in private practice (PPR) programs was 21% (5 of 24; P = 0.07). The AR candidates were more likely to pass the written portion than PPR residents (P = 0.02), and AR candidates had significantly more time off clinics (median 25%) vs PPR residents (median 18%; P = 0.007). The AR residents also had a higher reported percentage of direct supervision than PPR residents (95% vs 76%, respectively). Although PPR residents did significantly more surgeries and examined significantly more dogs and cats, those from ARs examined significantly more equine, bovine, avian, camelid, and reptile species. Conclusions Overall, AR residents had a higher FTPR and were more likely to pass the written portion of the examination. Total case and surgery numbers were not associated with FTPR.
Use of a questionnaire to assess vitamin D status in young adults

Objective: We hypothesized that young adults would commonly have vitamin D deficiency and that a questionnaire could help identify subjects with the condition. Design: Between January and May 2004, we administered a questionnaire to a convenience sample of young adults. We measured each participant’s serum level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) using a chemiluminescent assay and defined deficiency as serum 25(OH)D ,16ng/ml. Setting and subjects: We recruited young adults living in Madison, Wisconsin without pre-existing conditions affecting vitamin D and/or Ca metabolism. Results: One hundred and eighty-four adults (mean age 24 years, 53% women, 90% Caucasian) participated in the study. Nearly three in four adults (71%) had 25(OH)D level ,30ng/ml and 26% were vitamin D-deficient. In multivariate analysis, persons reporting a suntan (OR 50?24, 95% CI 0?09, 0?63, P 50?004), tanning booth use (OR 50?09, 95% CI 0?02, 0?43, P 50?002) and daily ingestion of two or more servings of milk (OR 50?21, 95% CI 0?09, 0?48, P ,0?001) were less likely to be deficient. These three questions provided a sensitivity and specificity of 79% and 78%, respectively, for the presence of deficiency. Conclusions: The questionnaire is moderately useful to identify young adults likely to be vitamin D-deficient. Additional revisions of the questionnaire may improve its ability to predict vitamin D deficiency.
In vitro fertilization and the cloacal-bladder exstrophy-epispadias complex: is there an association?

Purpose: The cloacal-bladder exstrophy-epispadias complex represents a collection of congenital malformations caused by failed mesenchymal development during the first trimester. We sought to determine whether the exstrophy-epispadias complex is overrepresented among children conceived by in vitro fertilization (IVF).Materials and Methods: The clinic charts of all patients born between 1998 and 2001 who presented to our institution with the exstrophy-epispadias complex were reviewed. Four patients conceived by IVF and born with exstrophy-epispadias were identified and telephone interviews were conducted with the parents. Statistical analysis using clinical data and available United States population data was performed.Results: Of 78 clinic patients with exstrophy-epispadias born during a 4-year period 4 were conceived using IVF. An estimated 12% to 14% of children born in the United States with the exstrophy-epispadias complex are evaluated annually at our institution. During the years 1997 to 2000, 112,1...
Innovations in communication technologies for measles supplemental immunization activities: lessons from Kenya measles vaccination campaign, November 2012

Background To achieve a measles free world, effective communication must be part of all elimination plans. The choice of communication approaches must be evidence based, locally appropriate, interactive and community owned. In this article, we document the innovative approach of using house visits supported by a web-enabled mobile phone application to create a real-time platform for adaptive management of supplemental measles immunization days in Kenya. Methods One thousand nine hundred and fifty-two Red Cross volunteers were recruited, trained and deployed to conduct house-to-house canvassing in 11 urban districts of Kenya. Three days before the campaigns, volunteers conducted house visits with a uniform approach and package of messages. All house visits were documented using a web-enabled mobile phone application (episurveyor®) that in real-time relayed information collected to all campaign management levels. During the campaigns, volunteers reported daily immunizations to their co-ordinators. Post-campaign house visits were also conducted within 4 days, to verify immunization of eligible children, assess information sources and detect adverse events following immunization. Results Fifty-six per cent of the 164 643 households visited said that they had heard about the planned 2012 measles vaccination campaign 1–3 days before start dates. Twenty-five per cent of households were likely to miss the measles supplemental dose if they had not been reassured by the house visit. Pre- and post-campaign reasons for refusal showed that targeted communication reduced misconceptions, fear of injections and trust in herbal remedies. Daily reporting of immunizations using mobile phones informed changes in service delivery plans for better immunization coverage. House visits were more remembered (70%) as sources of information compared with traditional mass awareness channels like megaphones (41%) and radio (37%). Conclusions In high-density settlements, house-to-house visits are easy and more penetrative compared with traditional media approaches. Using mobile phones to document campaign processes and outputs provides real time evidence for service delivery planning to improve immunization coverage.
Sensitive detection of proteopathic seeding activity with FRET flow cytometry

Increasing evidence supports transcellular propagation of toxic protein aggregates, or proteopathic seeds, as a mechanism for the initiation and progression of pathology in several neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease and the related tauopathies. The potentially critical role of tau seeds in disease progression strongly supports the need for a sensitive assay that readily detects seeding activity in biological samples. By combining the specificity of fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), the sensitivity of flow cytometry, and the stability of a monoclonal cell line, an ultra-sensitive seeding assay has been engineered and is compatible with seed detection from recombinant or biological samples, including human and mouse brain homogenates. The assay employs monoclonal HEK 293T cells that stably express the aggregation-prone repeat domain (RD) of tau harboring the disease-associated P301S mutation fused to either CFP or YFP, which produce a FRET signal upon protein aggregation. The uptake of proteopathic tau seeds (but not other proteins) into the biosensor cells stimulates aggregation of RD-CFP and RD-YFP, and flow cytometry sensitively and quantitatively monitors this aggregation-induced FRET. The assay detects femtomolar concentrations (monomer equivalent) of recombinant tau seeds, has a dynamic range spanning three orders of magnitude, and is compatible with brain homogenates from tauopathy transgenic mice and human tauopathy subjects. With slight modifications, the assay can also detect seeding activity of other proteopathic seeds, such as α-synuclein, and is also compatible with primary neuronal cultures. The ease, sensitivity, and broad applicability of FRET flow cytometry makes it useful to study a wide range of protein aggregation disorders.
Intervention in patients with pneumothorax immediately following CT-guided fine needle aspiration of pulmonary nodules.

BACKGROUND The incidence of pneumothorax (PTX) as a complication of computerized tomography guided fine needle aspirates (CT-FNA) of solitary pulmonary nodules (SPN) varies from 8-61%. It has been suggested that the practice of obtaining a delayed chest radiograph in patients who have undergone CT-FNA of SPN is not cost effective and adds little information concerning lung expansion obtained by CT at the end of the procedure. It, however, is not known what percent of patients with a PTX present immediately after CT-FNA but do not require prompt chest tube placement will progress and require intervention later. MATERIAL/METHODS One hundred-fifty-eight consecutive patients undergoing CT-FNA of SPN were included in the study. Immediately after CT-FNA each patient was reimaged with the CT scanner to check for PTX. Patients with a PTX immediately after CT-FNA were assessed as to whether intervention was undertaken or whether the PTX enlarged and/or required drainage at a later time. RESULTS Thirty-eight patients developed a PTX while still on the CT scanner. Twenty-nine patients with an immediate PTX did not require drainage of their pleural space. Chest tube placement was required promptly after the CT-FNA in 4 patients. Five patients had their pleural space drained at a later time due to an increasing size of the PTX and/or the development of symptoms attributed to the PTX. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that patients who develop a PTX immediately after CT-FNA but who do not require prompt pleural space evacuation should be followed closely both clinically and radiographically.
The Opaque and Under-Regulated Hedge Fund Industry: Victim or Culprit in the Subprime Mortgage Crisis?

It has been argued that hedge funds were among the contributors to the fiscal crisis that arose from the securitization of subprime loans. The hedge fund industry, however, did not play a direct precipitating role in the events leading to the financial meltdown. Indeed, there is no one identifiable primary culprit because the crisis arose from a series of inter-related factors fueled, in part, by the deregulated environment in which financial institutions were operating. However, it is certainly a subject of great debate whether the structure and financial strength of the huge hedge fund industry, with approximately 10,000 funds and $2 trillion in assets in 2007, exacerbated the intensity of the meltdown 1) by being ready, willing, and able buyers for the collateralized debt obligations (CDOs) arising out of the mortgage-backed securities, 2) by contributing to the volatility of the market with stock sales to provide the massive amounts of cash required for investor redemptions and to meet margin calls, and 3) by investing in the toxic credit default swaps (CDSs) market.
Group Counseling With Adolescents: A Multicultural Approach

(2015). Group Counseling With Adolescents: A Multicultural Approach. International Journal of Group Psychotherapy: Vol. 65, Special Issue on Violence in America: Part II, pp. 327-331.
Balancing the Scales or Stacking the Deck? the President's Ability to Appoint Majorities on the Circuit Courts of Appeals

The president’s ability to influence public policy through judicial appointments is one of the few powers that cannot be undone by future administrations. This article examines the president’s ability to shape the personnel on the Federal Court of Appeals. Specifically, this article determines how often presidents are able to appoint a majority of the active judges on the circuit courts. Appointing a majority of the judges within a circuit provides the executive with a clear ability to influence public policy within the circuit and potentially influence cases outside the circuit as well. Examining all circuit court appointments since 1933, this research finds that, on average, presidents are able to appoint new majorities in two of the 12 regional circuits per four-year term.
The Effect of Removing Leaves, Flowers and Shoot Tips on Fruit-Set in Vitis Vinifera L.

SummaryShoots of Muscat of Alexandria and Grenache grape vines growing in the field were girdled during flowering and treated by leaf and shoot tip removal to test the effect on fruit-set in the cluster.Set was directly proportional to the number of mature leaves and was reduced by the presence of immature leaves and the shoot tip. The results suggested that the needs of the shoot tip were satisfied before those of the cluster.Removal of the apical part of the shoot (topping) increased set but only if done when flower caps were falling.The removal of flowers on girdled shoots considerably increased percentage fruit-set, showing that lack of fertilization was not limiting set.The experiments suggested that fruit-set under these conditions was controlled primarily by the supply of metabolites to the cluster. This control may act through its effects on the developing seed. The role of hormones is not clear.
Condensin-mediated chromosome organization in fission yeast

Genome/chromosome structures are formed by a hierarchy of organizing processes ranging from gene interactions to chromosome territory formation. The SMC complex, cohesin, mediates interactions among enhancers and promoters, thereby regulating transcription. Another SMC complex, condensin, also plays critical roles in genome organization, although the detailed mechanisms remain much less well understood. Here, we discuss our recent findings on how fission yeast condensin mediates interactions among genes and how condensin-dependent interactions play dual roles in the chromosome territory arrangement during interphase and in mitotic chromosome organization, which supports the fidelity of chromosome segregation. Our studies suggest that condensin serves as a functional ligature connecting gene interactions, chromosome territory arrangement, transcriptional regulation, and chromosome segregation.
Improving residents’ clinical approach to obesity: impact of a multidisciplinary didactic curriculum

Background/Objectives Obesity has been declared a 21st century pandemic by WHO. Yet surveys reveal physicians-in-training are uncomfortable managing obesity. One major barrier is the lack of residency education on obesity management. This study incorporates an obesity-specific didactic curriculum into an internal medicine (IM) residency programme and assesses its impact on residents’ knowledge, attitudes, practice behaviours, and clinical outcomes in patients with obesity. Methods The intervention consisted of four, 1 h, obesity-specific lectures in the University of Florida Resident Noon Conference. Lectures were taught by multidisciplinary experts and offered to 75 IM residents every 2 weeks from 5 November 2010 to 17 December 2010. Impact on IM residents’ knowledge and attitudes was assessed by a pre- and post-intervention Obesity Awareness Questionnaire (OAQ). IM residents’ clinical performance was assessed by chart reviews of 238 patients with body mass index >25 kg/m 2 in residents’ clinics 4 months pre- and 6 months post-intervention for three clinical outcomes and seven practice behaviours on obesity management. Pre- and post-intervention outcomes were compared via paired t tests (quantitative data) or McNemar9s test (binary data). Results Mean lecture attendance was 25/75 residents (33%) per lecture. Survey response was 67/75 residents (89%) pre-OAQ and 63/75 residents (84%) post-OAQ. While most attitudes remained unchanged, IM residents gained significant confidence in exercise counselling, safety of bariatric surgery, and patients’ weight loss potential; they were more likely to address obesity in the plan and referrals to bariatric surgery. Clinical outcomes and IM residents’ knowledge demonstrated no improvement. Conclusions Our brief lecture-based curriculum has the potential to improve IM residents’ attitudes and practice behaviours towards obesity. The lack of improvement in clinical outcomes and resident knowledge prompts the need for multimodal, longitudinal curricula with experiential application of obesity medicine.
The gynecologic oncology model: research

Research in gynecologic oncology has been increasingly emphasized over the last decade. The formal training within this subspecialty has expanded to include quality research, both clinical and laboratory science, as an integral part. There have also been recent major advances in the laboratory and clinical based understanding of the genetics, biology, and treatment of gynecologic cancers. Despite the fiscal constraints of the 1990s that have impacted the ability of the clinician scientist to balance the responsibilities of research, teaching, and patient care, there are ongoing attempts to improve the research environment for physician scientists in this field.
Periprosthetic fractures: Repair, revise, or treat conservatively

Abstract Periprosthetic fractures occuring in total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) present challenges both in decision-making as well as surgical management. These fractures more frequently involve the humerus but can also occur in the scapula. In a few cases with minimal displacement conservative care may be employed. In most, however, surgical intervention is needed. Depending on the quality of the surrounding bone, the health of the patient, the stability of the existing implant, and the integrity of the surrounding soft tissues, options for management include open reduction and internal fixation, long stem intramedullary fixation with implants, bone grafting, strut and cable fixation, or a combination of all these techniques. In some cases, complete revision arthroplasty may be indicated. An approach to surgical decision-making, operative techniques and avoidance of complications will be presented.
2-in-1: catalyst and reaction medium

Mechanochemistry, more specifically high-speed ball milling, has garnered significant attention in several areas of chemistry, particularly for the synthesis of inorganic materials, cocrystals, organic compounds, discrete metal complexes and metal organic frameworks. This methodology is creating exciting research opportunities because, unlike traditional synthesis, a reaction carried out in a high-speed ball mill does not necessarily need a solvent, thus representing an environmentally friendly solution to the issue of solvent waste. This Chemistry Frontiers article delves into a unique area of ball milling that capitalizes on the solventless nature of the synthesis by using reaction vials, balls, foils, and pellets as both reaction medium and the catalyst. Several examples are highlighted, from nanoparticle synthesis and nanocatalysis to using transition metals in their metallic forms as catalysts. This article is aimed to show both the advantages and challenges present in the field, and to spark interest in further development of this research area.
Abstract 4262: PRAME as a biomarker for a new molecular subclass of uveal melanoma

Introduction: Uveal melanoma is the most common primary intraocular tumor of the eye and has a propensity for fatal hematogenous metastasis. Gene expression profiling is routinely used in clinic to classify uveal melanoma into prognostic subgroups: Class 1 (low metastatic risk) and Class 2 (high metastatic risk). Approximately 40% of Class 2 patients metastasize, which accounts for 85% of metastasis. The remaining 15% of patients that metastasize are Class 1 based on gene expression profiling, however this study demonstrates that the Class 1 patients that metastasize (Class1met+) can be defined as a new molecular subclass, distinct from Class 1 patients that do not metastasize (Class1met-) and Class 2 patients. Methods: Tumor samples from Class1met+ and Class1met- patients with at least 1 year of follow-up underwent histopathologic, cytogenetic and transcriptomic analyses. Results: In a comparison of Class1met+ and Class1met- tumors, the only significant difference was a larger mean basal tumor diameter in Class1met+ tumors. Cytogenetic analyses revealed more extensive copy number gains and losses in Class1met+ tumors. The most significant differentiating features in Class1met+ tumors included 1q gain, 6p gain, 6q loss, and 8q gain. Using principal component analysis, the Class1met+ tumors clustered separately from the Class1met- tumors, indicating the existence of significant transcriptomic differences between the two subgroups. Strikingly, the most highly differentially expressed gene in Class1met+ tumors was preferentially expressed antigen in melanoma (PRAME); mean mRNA expression of PRAME in Class1met+ tumors was 61-fold higher than in Class1met- tumors. Discussion: We define a new subtype of uveal melanoma and demonstrate that gene expression of PRAME can distinguish between Class1met+ patients and Class1met- patients. Citation Format: Matthew G. Field, Christina L. Decatur, J. William Harbour. PRAME as a biomarker for a new molecular subclass of uveal melanoma. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 4262. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-4262
Cyclic Direct Simple Shear Test to Measure Strain-Dependent Dynamic Properties of Unsaturated Sand

The dynamic properties of a clean sand under different degrees of saturation were investigated using a modified custom built Direct Simple Shear (DSS) apparatus at the University of New Hampshire. The specific characteristics of the DSS were presented, and the testing procedures were discussed. The device used the axis translation and tensiometric techniques to control the matric suction in the soil specimen. The investigation on F75 Ottawa Sand showed a decrease in shear modulus and an increase in damping by increasing the shear strain over the tested range of strains for various degrees of saturation: dry, saturated, and partially saturated. The modulus reduction in the applied range of medium shear strains regardless of the degree of saturation demonstrated the capability of the DSS in consistently capturing the changes of dynamic properties. Experimental results indicated that the matric suction can have a substantial effect on the stiffness of the soil. However, the extent of this effect may depend on the induced strain level of the effective stress in unsaturated soil. In addition, partially saturated specimens resulted in lower dynamic compression.
Using eminent domain to refinance underwater mortgages: A welfare analysis

Abstract This paper evaluates the welfare consequences of the proposed use of eminent domain to forcibly refinance “underwater” mortgages (mortgages for which the remaining loan balance exceeds the value of the house). Our results show that, in the absence of transaction costs, the policy unambiguously increases welfare, regardless of the amount of compensation paid to lenders. However, when takings generate transaction costs, we show that in a competitive mortgage market where borrowers fully finance the needed compensation through lump sum taxes, welfare is decreasing in transaction costs, but more generous compensation for lenders may either increase or decrease social welfare.
Abstract 573: Uncovering the Molecular Mechanisms Underlying the Hypertension in Snx1 Knockout Mice

We have reported that sorting nexin 1 (SNX1) is crucial for renal dopamine D 5 receptor (D 5 R) trafficking, signal transduction, and function in human renal epithelial cells and in C57Bl/6J and BALB/cJ mice, as shown by the development of hypertension and impaired natriuretic response to agonist stimulation after an acute SNX1 depletion in the kidney. Thus, we elucidated the renal molecular mechanisms for these phenotypes in Snx1 -/- mice, which have congenital absence of SNX1. These mice have increased expression of glycosylated AT 1 R (123.8±2.1 vs . 100±2.0% in wild-type littermates, P t -test, n=5/group), a receptor with pro-oxidant and hypertensinogenic effects. We next determined the expression profiles of the components of the NADPH oxidase (NOX), an enzyme complex that is a major source of reactive oxygen species (ROS). We found an increased expression of renal NOX1 (153.4±12.2% vs . 100±4.1%, P phox (129.9±5.5% vs . 100±7.7%, P phox (118.2±2.7% vs . 100±5.0%, P Snx1 null mice have elevated renal D 5 R (142.9±4.7% vs . 100±6.8%, P 3 R (134.3±5.3% vs . 100 ± 1.6%, P 5 R. To corroborate our findings, we treated the Snx1 -/- mice and controls with a 10-day renal infusion of apocynin, a drug that blocks NOX assembly by preventing p47 phox translocation to NOX2. Apocynin treatment resulted in the amelioration of systolic blood pressure (SBP) in Snx1 -/- mice (131.3±4.8 mm Hg to 105.7±1 mm Hg, P Snx1 -/- mice (169±12.8 units/mg protein/min vs . 100±13.3 in controls, P Snx1 -/- mice (218.6±7.7 units/mg protein vs . 100±17.9, P Snx1 -/- mice is due to impaired D 5 R activity, higher NOX expression and activity, and increased AT 1 R.
Genomic and phenotypic expression of autonomic neurons.

As early as 1909 Elliott1 proposed that an adrenaline-like substance is released from sympathetic nerve terminals to produce a chemical neurotransmission. Since then, various chemical neurotransmitters have been identified. The classical chemical neurotramsnitters, catecholamines (CA), serotonin (5HT), acetylcholine (ACh) and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), are most venerable neurotransmitters.
A review of physiological and behavioral monitoring with digital sensors for neuropsychiatric illnesses

Physiological, behavioral, and psychological changes associated with neuropsychiatric illness are reflected in several related signals, including actigraphy, location, word sentiment, voice tone, social activity, heart rate, and responses to standardized questionnaires. These signals can be passively monitored using sensors in smartphones, wearable accelerometers, Holter monitors, and multimodal sensing approaches that fuse multiple data types. Connection of these devices to the internet has made large scale studies feasible and is enabling a revolution in neuropsychiatric monitoring. Currently, evaluation and diagnosis of neuropsychiatric disorders relies on clinical visits, which are infrequent and out of the context of a patient's home environment. Moreover, the demand for clinical care far exceeds the supply of providers. The growing prevalence of context-aware and physiologically relevant digital sensors in consumer technology could help address these challenges, enable objective indexing of patient severity, and inform rapid adjustment of treatment in real-time. Here we review recent studies utilizing such sensors in the context of neuropsychiatric illnesses including stress and depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, post traumatic stress disorder, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease.
Microstructural and thermal property evolution of reaction bonded silicon carbide (RBSC)

Abstract Temperature dependent thermal conductivity of reaction bonded silicon carbide (RBSC) from 300 K to 1073 K is evaluated. The thermal conductivity of 80 vol% and 90 vol% SiC RBSC is measured to be 185.7 W/m·K and 211.4 W/m·K at room temperature and decreases to 51.46 W/m·K and 55.77 W/m·K at 1073 K, respectively. Thermal transport behavior of RBSC at elevated temperatures suggests that a structural mechanism plausibly associated with phase transformation occurs in the composite system. TEM in-situ heating test is employed to investigate the RBSC phase evolution. Results indicate the existence of minor Si amorphous phase near SiC/Si interface, and the amorphous Si phase transformation to crystalline Si could start at a relatively low temperature. The Si phase transformation improves the thermal transport performance of the RBSC system.
Hepatitis G Virus or GBV-C: A Natural Anti-HIV Interfering Virus

GB virus C (GBV-C), a member of the Flaviviridae family of viruses, recently received considerable attention largely owing to its potential role in decelerating HIV-1 disease progression by interfering with HIV replication. With similar transmission features, GBV-C is parenterally transmitted, similar to the hepatitis viruses and HIV-1, and replicates in hemopoietic cells and T lymphocytes in particular, with no observable disease pathology. Progressive T-cell depletion and subsequent immune abrogation being the cardinal features of HIV-1 infection, accumulating evidence indicates that GBV-C effectively overturns HIV’s chances of exploiting the T-cell machinery and leads to enhanced survival rates of HIV-infected subjects. Much effort has been devoted to understanding the beneficial role of GBV-C in HIV disease. This review discusses recently proposed mechanisms underlying the pathophysiology of GBV-C coinfection in HIV disease.
Introduction to the Session on Physiological Aspects of Copper Metabolism

I would like to express my thanks for the organization of this symposium. It was badly needed. We know a great deal about the relationship of copper to basic biochemical mechanisms at the molecular level, and perhaps we know more about copper in this regard than we know about other essential trace elements. And yet, application in terms of therapy and in the field of nutrition has been very poor. For many many years all of us believed that our nutritional status with regard to copper was totally satisfactory and if anything we were perhaps concerned with over exposure until recent hypotheses and recent data that you will hear presented here in this symposium actually alerted us to a very disturbing fact, namely that copper intake by the large majority of the population of the United States and also in some countries in Europe is very significantly below what we consider to be minimal requirements to maintain balance. There are a number of problems related to this which will be thoroughly discussed in this symposium. The program that we have promises to bring us all of the facts that are available now and the social program promises us plenty of time for intensive personal discussions. I am personally looking forward to this experience.
Instrumental Problems Related to the Measurement of Quantum Efficiency of Sodium Salicylate

This paper compares various measurements of the absolute quantum efficiency of sodium salicylate and tries to explain the discrepancies between the different determinations that range from 25–99%. The sensitivity of a phototube is commonly assumed to be independent of the angle of incidence. An experiment described here has demonstrated that this is far from true. Since the photocathode angular sensitivity probably varies from tube to tube, great prudence should be shown when using sodium salicylate for absolute intensity determinations. The described photomultiplier-tube effect might also be of significant importance in scintillation counters and other fluorescence studies. The problems discussed here have been carefully avoided by Allison et al. We therefore conclude that their value of the quantum efficiency, which is equal to 99% for layer thicknesses 2–4 mg/cm2, is the most reliable one.
Hypothesis and Natural Theology

We now come to the General Scholium at the end of Book III. Newton begins by criticizing the “hypothesis of vortices.” This is the theory by which Descartes and his followers attempted to explain the orbits of the planets by likening them to submerged masses being swept around the sun by the complex flow of ethereal whirlpools filling the spaces between them. 1We then encounter something foreign to modern scientific customs and sensibilities: ostensibly rational deductions regarding the nature of God incorporated into the text of a scientific treatise. This is what we might call natural theology, which rests on the assertion that observations of nature point inevitably toward ideas which seem to lie outside, or above, natural law. What do you think of this section of Newton’s General Scholium? Is he correct? Is his approach scientific? Does it violate any of his Rules of Reasoning?
Racial Differences in Age-Related Macular Degeneration and Associated Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Intravitreal Injections among Medicare Beneficiaries.

Purpose To determine racial and ethnic differences in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and the use of anti–vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) injections for AMD among United States Medicare beneficiaries. Design Cross-sectional Medicare database study. Participants 2014 United States fee-for-service Medicare beneficiaries. Methods The 2014 Medicare 5% Limited Data Set Standard Analytic Files, representing a 5% sample of approximately 28 238 660 fee-for-service Medicare beneficiaries 65 years of age and older, were used to identify all beneficiaries who received a diagnosis of AMD and who received intravitreal anti-VEGF injections for AMD, stratified by race, gender, and age. Logistic regression analysis determined racial differences in the likelihood of an AMD diagnosis and anti-VEGF treatment for AMD, adjusted for age and gender. Main Outcome Measures Number of beneficiaries diagnosed with AMD in 2014 and number of beneficiaries who received anti-VEGF intravitreal injections for AMD in 2014. Results Among approximately 28 238 660 Medicare beneficiaries in 2014, 2 210 000 (7.8%) were diagnosed with AMD. Among beneficiaries with an AMD diagnosis, 360 640 (16.3%) received 1 or more anti-VEGF intravitreal injection for AMD. After adjustment for age and gender, an AMD diagnosis was 74% less likely in African Americans (odds ratio [OR] 0.26; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.25–0.27), 44% less likely in Latinos (OR, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.53–0.60), and 19% less likely in Asian Americans (OR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.77–0.85) than in white beneficiaries. Anti-VEGF injections for AMD were 86% less likely in African Americans (OR, 0.14; 95% CI, 0.12–0.16), 61% less likely in Latinos (OR, 0.39; 95% CI, 0.33–0.45), and 48% less likely in Asian Americans (OR, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.46–0.60) than in whites. Race- and gender-adjusted odds of both AMD and the use of anti-VEGF agents for AMD increased with age (P Conclusions There are racial differences in the prevalence of an AMD diagnosis and in receiving anti-VEGF injections for AMD among fee-for-service Medicare beneficiaries 65 years of age or older. African Americans, Latinos, and Asian Americans were 19% to 74% less likely to have a diagnosis of AMD and were 48% to 86% less likely to receive an anti-VEGF intravitreal injection for AMD than in whites.
Abstract 268: Combined inhibition of cyclooxygenase with docosahexaenoic acid augments apoptosis in KRAS mutant non-small cell lung cancer cells

Cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitors are widely used in the treatment of various inflammatory disorders. Their antiproliferative effects have also been widely reported. This health benefit of COX inhibitors is limited by some potential adverse effects, including gastrointestinal irritation. Docosahexaenoic (DHA), commonly derived from fish oils, is also known to possess anticancer effects. We examined whether COX inhibitors (aspirin and diclofenac) combined with DHA would synergize their antiproliferative activity. This would allow for a decrease in the amounts of each compound used for chemoprevention, which may likely decrease the risk of adverse effects. While treatment with DHA resulted in concentration-dependent cell death in K-Ras mutant (A549 and NCI-H1573) lung cancer cells (EC50 of 5.5 µM and 9.5 µM), combination with diclofenac resulted in relatively more significant reduction in cell viability (EC50 of 3.7 µM and 3.2 µM) and cell proliferation (p Citation Format: Felix Amissah, Kylee J. Jones, Rosemary A. Poku. Combined inhibition of cyclooxygenase with docosahexaenoic acid augments apoptosis in KRAS mutant non-small cell lung cancer cells [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 268.
Categorical Data Analysis

Categorical data consist of observations counted and subclassified into one among a set of disjoint, exhaustive groups. The groups may be defined on the basis of a single or a combination of qualitative characteristics and/or quantitative measurements. When such categorizations are to be modeled as probabilistic “responses” or “outcomes”, statistical analysis must be based upon discrete distributions and requires extensive generalization of the classical notions of regression and analysis of variance commonly used for continuous observations. This overview article reviews statistical inference for categorical data, from the basic issues in analyses of 2 × 2 contingency tables through generalized linear mixed models, with emphasis on approaches that have increasingly unified our concepts of categorical and continuous data modeling. Keywords: counts; contingency tables; chi-square statistics; cross-classification; discrete data; epidemiologic data; generalized estimating equations; generalized least-squares; generalized linear mixed models; generalized linear models; logistic regression; loglinear models; marginal models; Poisson regression
Association between vegetarian diets and cardiovascular risk factors in non-Hispanic white participants of the Adventist Health Study-2

The association between dietary patterns and CVD risk factors among non-Hispanic whites has not been fully studied. Data from 650 non-Hispanic white adults who participated in one of two clinical sub-studies (about 2 years after the baseline) of the Adventist Health Study-2 (AHS-2) were analysed. Four dietary patters were identified using a validated 204-item semi-quantitative FFQ completed at enrolment into AHS-2: vegans (8·3 %), lacto-ovo-vegetarians (44·3 %), pesco-vegetarians (10·6 %) and non-vegetarians (NV) (37·3 %). Dietary pattern-specific prevalence ratios (PR) of CVD risk factors were assessed adjusting for confounders with or without BMI as an additional covariable. The adjusted PR for hypertension, high total cholesterol and high LDL-cholesterol were lower in all three vegetarian groups. Among the lacto-ovo-vegetarians the PR were 0·57 (95 % CI 0·45, 0·73), 0·72 (95 % CI 0·59, 0·88) and 0·72 (95 % CI 0·58, 0·89), respectively, which remained significant after additionally adjusting for BMI. The vegans and the pesco-vegetarians had similar PR for hypertension at 0·46 (95 % CI 0·25, 0·83) and 0·62 (95 % CI 0·42, 0·91), respectively, but estimates were attenuated and marginally significant after adjustment for BMI. Compared with NV, the PR of obesity and abdominal adiposity, as well as other CVD risk factors, were significantly lower among the vegetarian groups. Similar results were found when limiting analyses to participants not being treated for CVD risk factors, with the vegans having the lowest mean BMI and waist circumference. Thus, compared with the diet of NV, vegetarian diets were associated with significantly lower levels of CVD risk factors among the non-Hispanic whites.
Identifying incompleteness in privacy policy goals using semantic frames

Companies that collect personal information online often maintain privacy policies that are required to accurately reflect their data practices and privacy goals. To be comprehensive and flexible for future practices, policies contain ambiguity that summarizes practices over multiple types of products and business contexts. Ambiguity in data practice descriptions undermines policies as an effective way to communicate system design choices to users and as a reliable regulatory mechanism. In this paper, we report an investigation to identify incompleteness by representing data practice descriptions as semantic frames. The approach is a grounded analysis to discover which semantic roles corresponding to a data action are needed to construct complete data practice descriptions. Our results include 698 data action instances obtained from 949 manually annotated statements across 15 privacy policies and three domains: health, news and shopping. Therein, we identified 2316 instances of 17 types of semantic roles and found that the distribution of semantic roles across the three domains was similar. Incomplete data practice descriptions undermine user comprehension and can affect the user’s perceived privacy risk, which we measure using factorial vignette surveys. We observed that user risk perception decreases when two roles are present in a statement: the condition under which a data action is performed, and the purpose for which the user’s information is used.
Quasilinear Elliptic Operators

The problems of modern stellar dynamics and astrophysics are indeed very classical in nature, but the progress made in recent years has made use of the theory of quasilinear elliptic equations. It is found that, based on steady radially symmetric models in stellar systems, this theory has useful applications in certain cosmological problems, especially those connected with the black hole solutions. The theory has been used to develop the fundamental solutions for the p-Laplacian which are applicable to some very diverse problems such as fluid flows through certain types of porous media, the Lane-Emden equations for equilibrium configurations of spherically symmetric gaseous stellar objects, singular solutions for the Emden-Fowler equation and the Einstein-Yang-Mills equations, and the existence and nonexistence of black hole solutions.