cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Chemical Compositional, Biological, and Safety Studies of a Novel Maple Syrup Derived Extract for Nutraceutical Applications

Maple syrup has nutraceutical potential given the macronutrients (carbohydrates, primarily sucrose), micronutrients (minerals and vitamins), and phytochemicals (primarily phenolics) found in this natural sweetener. We conducted compositional (ash, fiber, carbohydrates, minerals, amino acids, organic acids, vitamins, phytochemicals), in vitro biological, and in vivo safety (animal toxicity) studies on maple syrup extracts (MSX-1 and MSX-2) derived from two declassified maple syrup samples. Along with macronutrient and micronutrient quantification, thirty-three phytochemicals were identified (by HPLC-DAD), and nine phytochemicals, including two new compounds, were isolated and identified (by NMR) from MSX. At doses of up to 1000 mg/kg/day, MSX was well tolerated with no signs of overt toxicity in rats. MSX showed antioxidant (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay) and anti-inflammatory (in RAW 264.7 macrophages) effects and inhibited glucose consumption (by HepG2 cells) in vitro. Thus, MSX should be further investigated for potential nutraceutical applications given its similarity in chemical composition to pure maple syrup.
A Mathematical Representation of Transport Phenomena Inside a Plasma Torch

A mathematical representation is developed to describe heat and fluid flow phenomena inside the plasma torch for a non-transferred arc system. In the model a joule heating pattern is postulated for the arc column and then the heat flow and fluid flow equations are solved rigorously. The resultant solutions give information on the temperature and the velocity fields in the plasma gas inside and outside the torch. By postulating “reasonable” values for the heat generation pattern, very good agreement has been obtained between measurements and predictions for a laminar system, used by the INEL researchers. The agreement was less satisfactory with measurements obtained using a Metco torch, where the flow was turbulent. These findings indicate that this is a promising avenue for research, but a great deal more needs to be done before a model of general validity can be developed.
G331(P) Sibling-pair with Mitofusin 2 mutation

Case details We report a sibling pair who presented with mixed upper and lower motor neuron signs with a rare mitochondrial fusion protein disorder. Case 1: An 18 month old boy child, born at full-term after an uneventful delivery, presented with motor delay and hypotonia. At 3 months of age he was investigated for an apnoeic and floppy episode. At that time MRI brain and spine was normal. On examination at 18 months he had lower limb muscle atrophy, hypotonia and brisk reflexes. Electrophysiology revealed axonal neuropathy and the repeat MRI showed periventricular hyperintensities. Serum and CSF lactate and muscle biopsy for histopathology and respiratory chain enzymes were normal. Genetic studies revealed a heterozygous missense variant in exon 18 of the MFN–2 gene. Case 2: His older half-sister now 10 years of age initially was hypotonic in infancy and later developed spasticity and atrophy with brisk reflexes. Electrophysiology showed severe sensory motor axonal neuropathy. Brain MRI shows periventricular hyperintensities. She has also got the same mutation as her brother. She was also found to have heterozygous missense mutation in PMP22 gene which was present in her mother as well, but absent in her brother. Therefore, we conclude PMP22 mutation is not causally related. Discussion Mitofusin–2 (MFN–2) is a protein required for mitochondrial fusion that in humans is coded by the MFN–2 gene. Mutations in MFN–2 are mainly responsible for Charcot Marie Tooth disease type 2A (CMT2A). Other less common features of MFN–2 dysfunction are spasticity, progressive external ophthalmoplegia and rarely optic atrophy, deafness, ataxia, white matter periventricular involvement and cognitive decline. Conclusion Our cases are not only rare but also had unusual presentation of MFN–2 mutation. They demonstrated spasticity with brisk reflexes clinically but had severe neuropathy on electrophysiology. We recommend that MFN–2 mutation testing should be considered in any child presenting with unexplained neurological examination with contradictory neurophysiological results and periventricular hyperintensities.
Mycotic cervical carotid aneurysm

A case of ruptured mycotic aneurysm involving the extracranial carotid artery is presented. Klebsiella was found to be the responsible pathogen. Carotid artery mycotic aneurysms are discussed with emphysis on the dilemma of surgical treatment. After aneurysm resection the carotid flow either must be re-established or the carotid vessels ligated. A review of the literature reveals that the majority of grafts or arterial repairs fail if reconstruction is carried out in an infected field. The consequences of acute carotid artery ligation are reconsidered.
Abnormalities of Bone Structure

The disorders discussed here reflect localized disturbances of the endochondral growth plate development or localized disturbances of bone maturation. In the first category are dysplasia epiphysealis hemimelica, hereditary multiple exostoses and its variant Langer–Giedion syndrome, and enchondromatosis and its variants Maffucci syndrome and metachondromatosis. They are due to asymmetrical, displaced, or aberrant growth of endochondral cartilage tissues that interferes with normal skeletal development, and which may occur as an isolated finding or in concert with other disease manifestations. Some conditions are inherited, but others occur sporadically. The second category comprises fibrous dysplasia of bone, which can be monostotic or polyostotic as an element of McCune–Albright syndrome, and cherubism. Fibrous dysplasia results from somatic activating mutations of GNAS1 , which produce McCune–Albright syndrome if they occur early in development or isolated bone lesions if they occur later. Cherubism, which is characterized by painless symmetrical swelling of the jaws during childhood, results from heterozygous mutations of the adapter protein SH3BP2.
HIV Antibody Positive Perioperative Bbservation and Nursing of Pregnant Women

Objective The nursing Strengthening measures to HIV antibody positive,observe effects of cesarean section maternal anxiety during operation period of peri operation period.Methods 8 cases of pregnant women of HIV antibody positive were found in our hospital in 2011 January to 2012 August,who were Underwent cesarean delivery operation.Peri operation period according to the Hamilton depression scale to develop intensive nursing measures,Comparative analysis of patient care and anxiety scale score.Results Strengthen the implementation of nursing intervention measures in peri operation period,patients with tension,anxiety,low self-esteem,depression and negative significantly reduce,There is significant difference before and after operation(p0.05).Conclusion Strengthening the nursing intervention measures on HIV antibody positive parallel cesarean section has a positive effect of operation period of the pregnant women,It is in the clinical application.
On Lloyd's Algorithm: New Theoretical Insights for Clustering in Practice

Assume there is a dataset-solution pair (X,T∗) satisfying drs(f )-center separability, with f > 32. Theorem 1 (Convergence rate). If at iteration t, ∀r ∈ [k], ‖ct −c∗‖ < βt √ φ∗ √ nr with βt < max{γ8 , 128 9f } with γ < 1, then ∀r ∈ [k], ‖ct+1 − c r ∗‖ < βt+1 √ φ∗ √ nr , with βt+1 < max{2 f 8 , 128 9f }. Theorem 2 (Performance guarantee). If we cluster X using Algorithm ??, where we choose a gapproximate k-means algorithm with g < f 2 128 − 1 for the seeding, and execute Lloyd’s update until convergence, then all but 81 8f 2 fraction of the points will be correctly classified with respect to T∗. Interpretation: Any O(k)-approximation seeding + Lloyd’s update works, and Lloyd’s algorithm has linear convergence before reaching plateu. Stochastic k-means for large-scale clustering (ongoing work)
Flow Cytometric Analysis of Primary Adenocarcinoma of the Bladder

AbstractThe flow cytometric findings of bladder irrigation specimens from 4 patients with histologically confirmed primary adenocarcinoma of the bladder are reported. Cells in specimens from 3 patients showed deoxyribonucleic acid aneuploidy and a simultaneous preoperative urinary cytology study was positive. One patient had normal flow cytometry studies, whereas preoperative cytology results were suspicious. These findings indicate that at least some, perhaps most, primary adenocarcinomas of the bladder have abnormalities of deoxyribonucleic acid content. Flow cytometry should be of value in detecting and monitoring these cases, as it is for epidermoid (urothelial) carcinomas.
Continuous mixed venous (SvO2) monitoring. Too expensive or indispensible

Based on theoretic principles and clear literature support, SvO2 (mixed venous oxyhemoglobin) monitoring offers an important advantage over traditional hemodynamic parameters. SvO2 allows more precise understanding of the adequacy of cardiac and pulmonary function than traditional parameters. SvO2 values do not replace the need to measure individual parameters of oxygen delivery or consumption but serves as the standard for assessing the impact of each parameter on tissue oxygenation. SvO2 has the ability to reflect a threat to tissue oxygenation that is unmatched by other parameters. Its ability to give a real time indication of tissue oxygenation makes it a preferred parameter for monitoring the adequacy of hemodynamics. Its use as an end point for determining the adequacy of hemodynamics (BP, CO/CI), measurement of Qs/Qt, and prediction of potential hemodynamic instability make this parameter invaluable for the knowledgeable clinician. SvO2 catheters cost more than traditional PA catheters, a factor that has limited their acceptance as the standard PA catheter. The added cost of the SvO2 catheter has not been adequately addressed in the research literature. However, research does support SvO2 allows more rapid termination of drug therapies, may improve movement out of the ICU, and reduces the incidence of mechanical ventilator manipulation. These features increase the cost-effectiveness of SvO2 catheters. The cost-effectiveness of the catheter, like any technology, is predicated on the clinician. Clinicians++ must be educated to use SvO2 as a primary end point for treatment decisions regarding hemodynamic therapy and patient stability. If used properly, every PAC should use fiberoptic SvO2 capabilities.
Is fish consumption safe

Louisiana's vital seafood industry provides nearly 40% of domestic seafood production. Unlike Louisianans, most Americans do not enjoy fresh seafood, yet manage to eat over 4 billion pounds of seafood annually, most of it foreign, frozen, and fried! America's commercial fisheries now face crippling economic and environmental pressures from seafood imports, over-fishing, urban and agricultural wastewater runoff, harmful algal blooms, and coastal wetlands loss. As a result of these ecosystem stresses, seafood-borne disease now causes 37% of all foodborne illness in the United States. Despite recent advisories on high mercury-containing finfish consumption, seafood provides more than a third of the world with essential dietary protein, rich in cardiovascular-protective omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Louisiana and other coastal-state physicians can effectively curtail the rising threat of local seafood-borne disease outbreaks by supporting responsible coastal restoration and regulation of commercial fishing, and by recommending careful inspection, selection, and preparation of seafood.
The Influence of Deontological and Teleological Considerations and Ethical Climate on Sales Managers' Intentions to Reward or Punish Sales Force Behavior

This study examined how sales managers react to ethical and unethical acts by their salespeople. Deontological considerations and, to a much lesser extent, teleological considerations predicted sales managers' ethical judgments. Sales managers' intentions to reward or discipline ethical or unethical sales force behavior were primarily determined by their ethical judgments. An organization's perceived ethical work climate was not a significant predictor of sales managers' intentions to intervene when ethical and unethical sales force behavior was encountered.
Basic Principles in Imaging of Regional Cerebral Metabolic Rates with Radioisotopes

Radioisotopes are frequently used to facilitate the assay of rates of biochemical reactions. Usually they are used to study chemical reactions in vitro and the procedure is to label one of the reactants and to measure the rate of accumulation of a labeled product. From assay or knowledge of the specific activity of the reactant molecule and the stoichiometry of the reaction the rate of the overall reaction can be calculated from the rate of radioactive product formation. The application of this approach generally necessitates, however, specialized biochemical procedures to identify and isolate the labeled product so as to limit the measurement of the radioactivity to a specific chemical product of the reaction.
Placenta plays a critical role in maternal-fetal resource allocation.

Genes and lifestyle were long believed to be the predominant risk factors for the development of major noncommunicable diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. However, a large body of epidemiological evidence has challenged this paradigm by demonstrating that adverse influences during early development, in particular in utero, increase the risk of developing disease in adult life (1, 2). This concept, known as “fetal programming” or “developmental origins of health and disease,” has a profound impact on public health strategies for the prevention of major illnesses. Associations between an adverse intrauterine environment and subsequent metabolic and cardiovascular health were pioneered by Barker and coworkers, who reported that low birth weight markedly increased the risk of developing type 2 diabetes (3) and cardiovascular disease (4). More recently, it has become clear that altered fetal nutrient availability, rather than changes in birth weight per se, constitutes one of the critical links between a suboptimal intrauterine environment and later disease. Because the availability of nutrients during fetal life is largely governed by placental function, it has been proposed that the placenta determines lifelong health (5, 6). The paper by Sferruzzi-Perri et al. in PNAS (7) uses elegant mouse studies to determine how the maternal and fetal genotypes interact in the regulation of placental growth and function. The placenta has long been regarded as a selective passive filter. However, our understanding of the role of the placenta in fetal nutrition has evolved, and it is now recognized that the placenta adapts by responding to maternal nutritional cues, intrinsic nutrient-sensing signaling pathways, and … [↵][1]1Email: thomas.jansson{at}ucdenver.edu. [1]: #xref-corresp-1-1
Loss of the INK4A Locus Accelerates tal1/scl-Induced Leukemia in Mice.

Tal1/scl , a basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor essential for hematopoiesis and vasculogenesis, is also found misexpressed in patients with T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL). In our mouse model of tal1/scl -induced disease, mice develop T cell leukemia after a long latency, suggesting that additional mutations are required for leukemogenesis. In T-ALL patients, the INK4a locus, which encodes both p14ARF and p16INK4a, is often found mutated or methylated, suggesting that loss of p16INK4A/p14ARF expression contributes to the development of T-ALL. Similarly, we fail to detect p16INK4A/p19ARF expression in our mouse tal1/scl leukemic cells. To determine if the loss of INK4a cooperates with tal1/scl to induce leukemia, we mated our tal1/scl transgenic mice to INK4a − / − mice to generate a cohort of tal1/scl/INK4a+/ − mice. Mice heterozygous for INK4a are healthy and are not predisposed to the development of leukemia. In contrast, tal1/scl/INK4a+/ − mice develop T cell leukemia at an accelerated rate, within a median survival period of 110 days, compared to a median survival of 352 days for the tal1/scl transgenic mice, which are wild type with respect to INK4a . Taken together, these data suggest that mutation of the INK4a locus contributes to tal1/scl -mediated leukemogenesis in mice, similar to the widespread deletion of the INK4a/ARF locus observed in TAL1/SCL-expressing human leukemia (Ferrando, 2002). BrdU labeling of preleukemic tal1/scl thymocytes reveals a 41% increase in the percentage of thymocytes in S phase of the cell cycle, suggesting that tal1/scl may stimulate cell cycle progression. In contrast to wild type thymocytes which exhibit 14.5% (±1.5) of cells in S phase, 24.5% (± 2.9) of preleukemic tal1/scl thymocytes are found in S phase (p<0.05, n=4). Moreover, an increase in the sub-G1 population is also observed in the tal1/scl preleukemic thymus. Preliminary cell cycle analysis of tal1/scl/INK4a −/− thymocytes reveals a decrease in the sub-G1 population, suggesting that the absence of the INK4a locus may contribute to tal1/scl leukemogenesis, in part, by inhibiting the tal1/scl -induced apoptosis.
Concordance between interictal MEG and stereo-EEG predicts seizure freedom after epilepsy surgery

This scientific commentary refers to ‘Correlating magnetoencephalography to stereo-electroencephalography in patients undergoing epilepsy surgery’, by Murakami et al. (doi:10.1093/brain/aww215) . The potential of magnetoencephalography (MEG)—the ability to measure cerebral activity via the brain’s magnetic fields—was recognized in the early decades after Hans Berger developed the first electroencephalography (EEG) device (Berger, 1929). The technical progress necessary to measure the weak cerebral magnetic fields, however, was not achieved until the 1960s. In 1968, using a single induction-coil magnetometer made with two million turns of copper wire, the magnetic field created by the posterior ‘alpha’ rhythm described by Berger decades earlier was finally recorded (Cohen, 1968). The next 20 years saw significant technical improvements in MEG; however, practical clinical applications of the technique were slow to materialize. In this issue of Brain , Murakami and co-workers provide evidence to support the role of MEG in the presurgical evaluation of patients with epilepsy (Murakami et al. , 2016). Epileptogenic source localization using MEG was first described in 1987 (Rose et al. , 1987) in a study comparing EEG, MEG, and electrocorticography (ECoG) localization of epileptogenic tissue. The MEG 3D equivalent current dipoles were calculated and found to be well correlated with the discharges identified on ECoG and via depth electrode placement. Magnetic source imaging (MSI), the combination of MEG and anatomical imaging modalities, began to show particular promise in the 1990s with the development of dual magnetometer and subsequent whole-head sensor array systems, allowing more efficient and detailed bi-hemispheric recordings. An initial report of …
“Restorative Justice” or Restoring Order? Restorative School Discipline Practices in Urban Public Schools:

Suspension rates for students of color are higher than for White students, even in schools that utilize alternatives to suspension like restorative practices. This study draws on data from a year-long multicase ethnography that sought to elucidate why such disproportionality prevails in schools that use restorative practices. This article focuses on one finding: that the individuals hired to be restorative coordinators were consistently young, non-White staff from the same neighborhoods as their students. The majority-White faculty and administration greatly depended on these coordinators to bond with, contain, and compel obedience from students of color.
Learning to diagnose stragglers in distributed computing

In cloud computing and high performance computing, a large job is typically divided into many small tasks for parallel execution in a distributed environment. Due to different reasons, some tasks (so-called ‘stragglers’) are considerably slower than the others, delaying the completion of the job. We propose a new machine learning approach to automatically identify and diagnose the stragglers. To first identify stragglers, an unsupervised clustering method is employed to group the tasks based on their execution time. We then use a supervised rule learning algorithm to learn diagnosis rules inferring the stragglers with their resource assignment and performance counter data. Preliminary experiments from the trace of a Google's Borg cluster demonstrate that our method is able to generate simple and easy-to-read rules with decent performance in predicting stragglers.
Subclincal Atherosclerosis as Measured by CIMT Is Present in Patients with Hodgkin’s Disease.

Abstract Cardiovascular disease is a well-described late effect of treatment for Hodgkin's Disease (HD), generally attributed to high dose radiation therapy (RT) to the mediastinum and neck. Increased carotid artery intima-media thickness (CIMT), measured by ultrasound, is a valid marker of subclinical atherosclerosis and is associated with an increased risk of future vascular disease. We evaluated CIMT in 31 patients with HD, (22 males, 9 females), mean age 21 (range 9–39) years, between 2 and 241 months from diagnosis. Thirty patients received chemotherapy, including anthracyclines. Sixteen patients were treated with RT to the bilateral neck and mediastinum; 4 received high dose (36Gy) RT and 12 received lower dose (21–25Gy) RT. One patient received lower dose RT only to the bilateral neck. Fourteen patients were treated with chemotherapy alone. CIMT was assessed using a standardized scanning and reading protocol. The CIMT was calculated as the mean of the maximum measurement at 12 sites; near and far walls of the common carotid, bifurcation and internal carotid arteries bilaterally. The mean CIMT for the total cohort was 0.757mm. Among 5 patients (mean age 13, range 9–16 years), evaluated while actively receiving therapy or within one year from completion of therapy, mean CIMT was 0.715, equivalent to the mean CIMT found in healthy 30 year old adults (Stein, Stroke 2004). In a multivariate linear regression analysis CIMT was significantly associated with increasing time since diagnosis (p=0.035), age (p=0.016), and male gender (p=0.014). There was no difference in CIMT between those patients treated with chemotherapy alone vs. chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with HD may evolve early in the course of treatment and survivorship and then increase with age and time from diagnosis. Type of treatment was not a significant predictor of CIMT in our cohort suggesting that factors other than RT play a role in the development of subclinical atherosclerosis. Further studies are needed to better elucidate the etiology of atherosclerotic disease in HD survivors. Screening with CIMT may detect subclinical atherosclerosis and allow for earlier intervention to prevent cardiovascular disease in this population.
Apples to Oranges: The Processing of Semantic Content in Visual Inattention Tasks May Parallel Dichotic Listening Tasks

Inattentional blindness research suggests that individuals are not “blind” to unexpected events; instead, unexpected information is perceived and processed, and can reach attention, based on the in...
The effects of Greek affiliation on academic performance

We use a difference-in-differences approach to estimate the effects of Greek affiliation on academic performance. There are strong negative effects in some periods but smaller effects in others: fraternity affiliation hurts performance by 0.32 standard deviations in the Freshman Spring; sorority affiliation hurts performance by 0.22 standard deviations in Spring semesters after Freshman year. We estimate both ceteris-paribus effects and non-ceteris-paribus effects which allow Greek affiliation to influence course choice behavior. We account for censoring of grades and show ignoring censoring leads to attenuation bias. We also document heterogeneity in treatment effects by student preparation and organization social status.
Comparative growth trends of five northern hardwood and montane tree species reveal divergent trajectories and response to climate

In the northeastern United States, tree declines associated with acid deposition induced calcium depletion have been documented, notably for red spruce (Picea rubens Sarg.) and sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marsh.). There is conflicting evidence concerning whether co-occurring tree species capitalized on these declines or suffered similar growth reductions and on how growth has fluctuated relative to environmental variables. We examined five species along three elevational transects on Mt. Mansfield, Vermont: sugar maple, red spruce, red maple (Acer rubrum L.), yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis Britton), and balsam fir (Abies balsamea (L.) Mill.). We found baseline differences in growth. Red maple and yellow birch had the highest growth, sugar maple and red spruce had intermediate growth, and balsam fir had the lowest growth. While some year-to-year declines were associated with specific stress events, protracted patterns such as recent increases in red spruce and red maple growth were correlated with inc...
Changes in Frequency and Activation Status of Major CD4+ T-Cell Subsets after Initiation of Immunosuppressive Therapy in a Patient with New Diagnosis Childhood-Onset Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

Background: Several studies suggest that defects of regulatory T-cells (Tregs) and impaired cellular immunity are secondary to an imbalance between auto-aggressive T-cells and Tregs in lupus patients. These discrepancies in Tregs and effector T-cells (Teff) in active lupus patients are shown to be restored in patients upon receiving immunosuppressive therapy. Therefore, our main aim was to observe frequencies of these CD4+ T-cell subsets and Tregs/Teff ratio in a new diagnosis of childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematous (cSLE) before and after initiation of therapy. We also monitored T-cell exhaustion status by examining responses to super-antigen Staphylococcal Enterotoxin B (SEB) and PD-1 expression in this patient. Methods: Phenotyping of CD4+ T-cell subsets was carried out under basal conditions and after SEB stimulation using flow cytometry in one inactive (I-cSLE) and one active cSLE (A-cSLE) patient, and a healthy control (HC). The A-cSLE patient was a new diagnosis. Variables were measured at three consecutive time points in the active patient, reflecting various stages of disease activity. Activation status of CD4+ T-cells in the A-cSLE patient was compared to that of the I-cSLE patient and HC. Disease activity was measured by calculating the SLEDAI. Results: We found that the A-cSLE patient was not Tregs deficient. The patient had increased frequency of Tregs and the Tregs/Teff ratio increased when the disease activity became less severe. CD4+ T-cells in the I-cSLE patient and in the A-cSLE patient with milder disease activity had heightened responsiveness to SEB, whereas T-cells were relatively hypo-responsive to SEB in the A-cSLE patient when disease activity was higher. The active patient exhibited higher frequencies of PD-1+ expressing Tregs, Teff and Tnaive/mem cells under basal conditions compared to the HC and I-cSLE patient. Conclusions: In the A-cSLE patient, changes in Tregs/Teff ratio correlated better with clinical improvement compared to Tregs frequencies alone, and might reflect the restoration of immune homeostasis with therapy. SEB hypo-responsiveness in the A-cSLE patient when disease activity was higher paralleled with findings of greater frequencies of PD-1+ expressing Tregs, Teff and Tnaive/mem cells, suggests a possible global exhaustion status of CD4+ T-cells in this patient.
Dynamic changes in complexes of IRE1α, PERK, and ATF6α during endoplasmic reticulum stress

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) localized unfolded protein response (UPR) sensors, IRE1α, PERK, and ATF6α, are activated by the accumulation of misfolded proteins in the ER. It is unclear how the endogenous UPR sensors are regulated by both ER stress and the ER luminal chaperone BiP, which is a negative regulator of UPR sensors. Here we simultaneously examined the changes in the endogenous complexes of UPR sensors by blue native PAGE immunoblotting in unstressed and stressed cells. We found that all three UPR sensors exist as preformed complexes even in unstressed cells. While PERK complexes shift to large complexes, ATF6α complexes are reduced to smaller complexes on ER stress. In contrast, IRE1α complexes were not significantly increased in size on ER stress, unless IRE1α is overexpressed. Surprisingly, depletion of BiP had little impact on the endogenous complexes of UPR sensors. In addition, overexpression of BiP did not significantly affect UPR complexes, but suppressed ER stress mediated activation of IRE1α, ATF6α and, to a lesser extent, PERK. Furthermore, we captured the interaction between IRE1α and misfolded secretory proteins in cells, which suggests that the binding of unfolded proteins to preformed complexes of UPR sensors may be crucial for activation.
Towards Improving Introductory Computer Programming with an ITS for Conceptual Learning

Computer programming is becoming important in almost every profession. However, programming is still difficult for students to learn. In this work, we focus on helping students acquire strong conceptual and procedural knowledge of programing. We propose to create a new Intelligent Tutoring System (ITS) that will support students in two types of conceptually-oriented activities: code tracing and code comprehension. Further, we propose to run a study to evaluate whether the ITS can support students’ conceptual learning and transfer to procedural learning of computer programming.
The effect of hyperchylomicronaemia on oxygen affinity in human blood.

There is a clear relationship between hyperchylomicronaemia (HC) and myocardial ischaemia. One mechanism for a causal relationship between the two is the occlusion of coronary arteries by atheromotous plaques. However, coronary artery disease progresses slowly and myocardial ischaemia is a rapid event which is not always preceded by atheroma.
Modeling and Analysis of a Fast Charging Station and Evaluation of Service Quality for Electric Vehicles

The deployment of public charging infrastructure networks has been a major factor in enabling electric vehicle (EV) technology transition and must continue to support the adoption of this technology. DC fast charging (DCFC) increases customer convenience by lowering charging time, enables long-distance EV travel, and could allow the electrification of high-mileage fleets. Yet, high capital costs and uneven power demand have been major challenges to the widespread deployment of DCFC stations. There is a need to better understand DCFC stations’ loading and customer service quality. Furthermore, the relationship between the initial investment decision on building certain number of ports and customer satisfaction should be quantified. This paper aims to analyze these aspects using one million vehicle days of travel data within the Columbus, OH, USA, region. Monte Carlo analysis is carried out in three types of areas—urban, suburban, and rural—to quantify the effect of uncertain parameters on DCFC station loading and service quality. Additional simulations based on a homogeneous vehicle population are carried out, and closed-form equations are derived therefrom to estimate charging duration and waiting time in the queue. Optimization of DCFC station design is also addressed through the number and capacity of ports.
Host Fishes for Four Federally Endangered Freshwater Mussels (Unionidae) in the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint Basin

We determined host use and glochidial metamorphosis success of four federally endangered mussel species from the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint River Basin. Fishes of 19–27 species in a total of 14 families were tested as potential hosts for each mussel species. Metamorphosis of Pleurobema pyriforme was observed only on six minnow species (Cyprinidae): Cyprinella venusta, Nocomis leptocephalus, Notropis amplamala, N. lutipinnis, Pimephales promelas and Semotilus atromaculatus, and metamorphosis success was >27% for all six species. Metamorphosis of Medionidus penicillatus was observed only on four darter species (Percidae): Etheostoma inscriptum, E. swaini, Percina crypta, and P. nigrofasciata, but metamorphosis success varied among species and was highest on E. inscriptum (40%) and P. nigrofasciata (39%). Metamorphosis of Hamiota subangulata was observed only on three species of black basses (Centrarchidae): Micropterus cataractae, M. coosae, and M. salmoides, and metamorphosis success was >78% on all three species. Metamorphosis of Amblema neislerii was observed on 23 species in seven families, indicating that this species is a host generalist, but metamorphosis success varied widely among species. These data augment existing host information for these species and provide a clearer picture of host breadth and the relative suitability of host species.
Tools for designing atom interferometers in a microgravity environment

We present a variational model suitable for rapid preliminary design of atom interferometers in a microgravity environment. The model approximates the solution of the three-dimensional rotating-frame Gross-Pitaevskii equation as the sum of ${N}_{c}$ Gaussian clouds. Each Gaussian cloud is assumed to have time-dependent center positions, widths, and linear and quadratic phase parameters. We applied the Lagrangian variational method (LVM) with this trial wave function to derive equations of motion for these parameters that can be adapted to any external potential. We also present a one-dimensional (1D) version of this variational model. As an example we apply the model to a 1D atom interferometry scheme for measuring Newton's gravitational constant, $G$, in a microgravity environment. We show how the LVM model can (1) constrain the experimental parameter space size, (2) show how the value of $G$ can be obtained from the experimental conditions and interference pattern characteristics, and (3) show how to improve the sensitivity of the measurement and construct a preliminary error budget.
Microcoaxial Interconnects for Signals, Bias, and Supply of MMICs

Microcoaxial cables (MCCs) enable low loss and low inductance interconnects for signals, bias, and supply for MMICs that may be difficult to achieve with existing bond wire. In this work, fabrication and integration strategies of MCCs are presented including RF characterization up to 36.0 GHz. MCCs have been fabricated with total outer diameters between 30.6 μm to 263 μm. Targeting 50 Ω, we have fabricated 59 Ω coax with an insertion loss of -0.13 dB/mm at 36 GHz. In addition, low inductance MCCs for bias and supply connections, enabled via thin dielectric coatings, have also been characterized. Measured inductance for a range of wires meant for bias and supply are 27.0 – 41.5 pH/mm. Each cable’s bonding inductance has also been extracted with the majority of bond sites having an inductance between 2.0-152 pH.
Overexpression of neuropeptide Y decreases responsiveness to neuropeptide Y

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is an endogenous neuropeptide that is abundantly expressed in the central nervous system. NPY is involved in various neurological processes and neuropsychiatric disorders, including fear learning and anxiety disorders. Reduced levels of NPY are reported in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) patients, and NPY has been proposed as a potential therapeutic target for PTSD. It is therefore important to understand the effects of chronic enhancement of NPY on anxiety and fear learning. Previous studies have shown that acute elevation of NPY reduces anxiety, fear learning and locomotor activity. Models of chronic NPY overexpression have produced mixed results, possibly caused by ectopic NPY expression. NPY is expressed primarily by a subset of GABAergic interneurons, providing specific spatiotemporal release patterns. Administration of exogenous NPY throughout the brain, or overexpression in cells that do not normally release NPY, can have detrimental side effects, including memory impairment. In order to determine the effects of boosting NPY only in the cells that normally release it, we utilized a transgenic mouse line that overexpresses NPY only in NPY+ cells. We tested for effects on anxiety related behaviors in adolescent mice, an age with high incidence of anxiety disorders in humans. Surprisingly, we did not observe the expected reduction in anxiety-like behavior in NPY overexpression mice. There was no change in fear learning behavior, although there was a deficit in nest building. The effect of exogenous NPY on synaptic transmission in acute hippocampal slices was also diminished, indicating that the function of NPY receptors is impaired. Reduced NPY receptor function could contribute to the unexpected behavioral outcomes. We conclude that overexpression of NPY, even in cells that normally express it, can lead to reduced responsiveness of NPY receptors, potentially affecting the ability of NPY to function as a long-term therapeutic.
Implicit adaptation is driven by direct policy updates rather than forward-model-based learning

The human motor system can rapidly adapt its motor output in response to errors, reducing errors in subsequent movements and thereby improving performance. It remains unclear, however, exactly what mechanism supports this learning. It has been proposed that the implicit adaptation of motor commands in response to errors occurs through updating an internal forward model which predicts the consequences of motor commands. This model can then be used to select appropriate motor commands that will lead to a desired outcome. Alternatively, however, it has been suggested that implicit adaptation might occur by using errors to directly update an underlying policy (often referred to as an inverse model). There is currently little evidence to distinguish between these two possibilities. Here, we exploit the fact that these two different learning architectures make opposing predictions about how people should behave under mirror-reversed visual feedback, and find that peoples9 behavior is consistent with direct policy learning, but not with forward-model-based learning.
Tardigrades of Hardin County, Iowa: Seven New Records from Iowa, USA

Although Iowa was the site of one of the earliest collections of tardigrades in the United States in 1873, only two additional papers on the tardigrades of this state have been published in the intervening 147 years. These earlier papers focused on tardigrades in central Iowa, living in either freshwater algae or in deciduous trees, and reported a total of only five recognized species in four genera. This project expands the known tardigrade diversity of the state through collection of specimens from both deciduous and coniferous trees in northern Iowa. Tardigrades were extracted from 29 moss and lichen samples collected from deciduous and coniferous trees in Hardin County during December 2015. 485 adult specimens and 74 eggs were collected, representing seven species (Milnesium cf. barbadosense, Milnesium burgessi, Milnesium eurystomum, Milnesium swansoni, Ramazzottius sp., Macrobiotus hibiscus, and Paramacrobiotus tonollii). Of these, one is a new species record for the United States (Milnesium cf. barbadosense), and all are new records for the state of Iowa. This is also the first report of a member of the genus Ramazzottius in Iowa. Pseudoplates, tardigrade structures that were only described for the first time in 2016, were also observed in all Milnesium specimens.
Lagrangian and Eulerian drag models that are consistent between Euler-Lagrange and Euler-Euler (two-fluid) approaches for homogeneous systems

The undisturbed flow of a particle controls both the undisturbed flow force and the perturbation (quasi-steady, added-mass and history) forces. With the pairwise interaction extended point particle framework we evaluate the undisturbed flow of each particle in a random array through superposition of the perturbation flow induced by all its neighbors. From this the undisturbed flow statistics can be calculated. We obtain a force consistency relation between drag on an individual particle for use in an Euler-Lagrange simulation and the average drag suitable for use in an Euler-Euler simulation.
HIV-Tat and Cocaine Impact Brain Energy Metabolism: Redox Modification and Mitochondrial Biogenesis Influence NRF Transcription-Mediated Neurodegeneration.

HIV infection and drugs of abuse induce oxidative stress and redox imbalance, which cause neurodegeneration. The mechanisms by which HIV infection and cocaine consumption affect astrocyte energy metabolism, and how this leads to neurodegenerative dysfunction, remain poorly understood. Presently, we investigated how oxidative injury causes the depletion of energy resources and glutathione synthetase (GSS), which in turn activates 5’ AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), glycolytic enzymes, and mitochondrial biogenesis, finally resulting in nuclear factor erythroid (NRF) transcription in astrocytes. Both human primary astrocytes incubated with HIV-1 Tat protein in vitro and HIV-inducible Tat (iTat) mice exposed to cocaine showed decreased levels of GSS and increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels. These changes, in turn, significantly activated AMPK and raised the concentrations of several glycolytic enzymes, along with oxidative phosphorylation, the mitochondrial biogenesis of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator (PGC-1α) and mitochondrial transcription factor (TFAM), and Nrf1 and Nrf2 gene transcription and protein expression. Moreover, neurons exposed to HIV-1Tat/cocaine-conditioned media showed reductions in dendritic formation, spine density, and neuroplasticity compared with control neurons. These results suggest that redox inhibition of GSS altered AMPK activation and mitochondrial biogenesis to influence Nrf transcription. These processes are important components of the astrocyte signaling network regulating brain energy metabolism in HIV-positive cocaine users. In conclusion, HIV-1 Tat alters redox inhibition, thus increasing glycolytic metabolic profiles and mitochondrial biogenesis, leading to Nrf transcription, and ultimately impacting astrocyte energy resource and metabolism. Cocaine exacerbated these effects, leading to a worsening of neurodegeneration.
Neuroendocrinology of the Hypothalamus and Pituitary Axes

The hypothalamus and pituitary gland which are, respectively, the approximate sizes of an almond and a bean seed form an integral part of the interface between the endocrine system and the central nervous system. The hypothalamus in addition is central in coordinating various metabolic, autonomic, and behavioral responses to environmental stimuli. These effects are mediated to less degree by neuronal connections with the rest of the brain and more so via the synthesis and secretion of myriad neurohormones which include stimulatory (releasing) and inhibitory hormones. These hormones and the secondary humoral factors whose secretion they modulate have central roles in the homeostatic control of processes as diverse as hunger, appetite, energy balance, temperature control, sleep regulation, other circadian rhythms, reproductive function, and social behavioral activities including affection and aggression. This chapter highlights the neuroendocrine functional relationships of the hypothalamic and pituitary axes to the rest of human systemic function.
Laryngeal inhalational injuries: A systematic review.

Abstract Laryngeal inhalation injury carries a significant increase in mortality rate and often indicates immediate airway evaluation. This may be difficult in the setting of clinical deterioration necessitating immediate intubation, which itself can synergistically cause mucosal damage. Prior studies do not encompass predictive factors or long-term outcomes for the laryngotracheal complex. This systemic review of PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane identified studies investigating inhalational injuries of the upper airway. Demographic data as well as presentation, physical findings, and delayed sequelae were documented. Laryngotracheal burn patients were divided into two cohorts based on timing of laryngeal injury diagnosis (before- versus after-airway intervention). 1051 papers met initial search criteria and 43 studies were ultimately included. Airway stenosis was more common in patients that were intubated immediately (50.0%, n = 18 versus 5.2%, n = 13; p = 0.57). Posterior glottic involvement was only identified in patients intubated prior to airway evaluation (71.4%, n = 15). All studies reported a closed space setting for those patients in whom airway intervention preceded laryngeal evaluation. Laryngeal inhalational injuries are a distinct subset that can have a variety of minor to severe laryngotracheal delayed sequelae, particularly for thermal injuries occurring within enclosed spaces. Given these findings, early otolaryngology referral may mitigate or treat these effects.
Statistical Mechanics, Canonical Ensemble, Probability and the Boltzmann Factor, and Canonical Partition Function

The material presented in this lecture is adapted from Chapter 3 of M&S. First, we will discuss the canonical ensemble and the Boltzmann factor. Second, we will calculate the probability that a system in the canonical ensemble is in quantum state j with energy Ej (N, V). Finally, we will provide a physical interpretation of the Canonical partition function.
AFRL Additive Manufacturing Modeling Series: Challenge 2, Microscale Process-to-Structure Data Description

The Air Force Research Laboratory Additive Manufacturing Modeling Series was executed to create calibration and validation data sets relevant to models of laser powder bed fusion-processed metallic materials. This article describes the data generated for the 2nd of 4 challenge questions which was specifically focused on microscale process-to-structure modeling needs. This work describes the experimental methods, and the resulting characterization data collected from a series of single-track and multi-track deposits built with an EOS M280 from the nickel-based alloy IN625. In general, track dimensions followed common scaling behaviors as a function of processing parameters in quasi-steady-state regions, but significant systematic track geometry variations were quantified in transient regions with more dynamic energy input processes.
Measuring the Effects of Social Isolation and Dissatisfaction on Depressive Symptoms during the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Moderating Role of Sleep and Physical Activity

Social distancing was universally implemented to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Long-term social distancing can lead to increased feelings of social isolation or dissatisfaction with one’s daily interpersonal interactions, which can subsequently result in reduced psychological health (e.g., greater depression). The present study quantified this association, and the extent to which it was moderated by measures of sleep and physical activity, by surveying 3658 adults (mean age = 46.0 years) from across the United States. Participants answered questions related to their social experiences, sleep, physical activity, and depressive symptoms during the early stages of the pandemic (March–June 2020). Results showed that social isolation and social dissatisfaction were associated with greater depressive symptoms. As predicted, self-reported sleep quality and physical activity moderated these associations, such that lower sleep quality and physical activity exacerbated their effect on depressive symptoms.
The Problems of Abortion The Personal Population Explosion

Psychiatrists do well to concern themselves with the impending avalanche of population explosion. The direct bearing that abortion has on population figures is all too apparent. In the United States alone, if we were to take the estimated one million abortions per year and calculate population curves predicated on these abortions not having been accomplished, the contrast to present curves would indeed be vivid. Then let us remember what a small part of the total world census we represent.