cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Special issue on mitogen-activated protein kinases: New insights into regulation, function and role in human disease.

The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways have been extensively studied for the past 20 years, establishing their key roles in numerous cellular functions and founding a model signaling pathway system. Of special significance was the early recognition of their involvement in various human cancers, prompting a concerted effort to identify inhibitors along the pathway as potential cancer therapeutics. Currently there are several lead compounds in clinical trials that target various MAPK pathways, predominantly Raf, MLK and MEK inhibitors. Although remarkable progress has been made in understanding various aspects of MAPK function and regulation, many other remain poorly understood. These aspects include among others the physiological effects of MAPKs under normal cell growth conditions, during development, in cell cycle regulation and with respect to distinct cell type functions. Other pressing questions relate to defining the exact molecular aspects of their regulation, defining the cross-talk relationships between the various MAPK pathways and better defining their downstream targets. Furthermore, the extensive incorporation of inhibitors of MAPK pathways in clinical trials and potentially in the near future in the clinic calls for ways to better evaluate the data coming from clinical trials to help in designing future targets and approaches to improving treatment efficacy. The aim of this MAPKs-dedicated special issue is to provide a comprehensive and up-to-date review of the field while underlining the remaining questions and gaps in our understanding. In addition, a special focus is given to the role of MAPKs in various pathologies and our perceptions regarding the targeting of these pathways for therapy. The first part of this issue provides a historical overview of the field and introduces the classical Ras-Raf-MEK-ERK MAPK pathway, covering the pathway from the receptor level to ERKs and their targets. The second part focuses on aspects of MAPK regulation by phosphatases and through cross-talk mechanisms and addresses clinical aspects and other emerging novel concepts. The third part covers physiological aspects of MAPK function and also includes an overview of yeast MAPKs. The final part covers the so-called stress-activated MAPK pathways and includes a review of atypical MAPKs. Obviously, not all aspects of this diverse field could be addressed in one issue, and we extend our apologies to the many contributors to this field whose work was not covered. I thank all the authors who contributed to this issue and the reviewers for the highly constructive and helpful comments. Special thanks to Joseph Avruch for the constant encouragement and valuable advice. Finally, thanks to the BBA editorial office for the continuous and skilled support.
Deriving Individual and Group Knowledge Structure from Network Diagrams and from Essays

This chapter describes an approach for analyzing lexical aggregates (i.e., ALA) from network diagrams such as concept maps and from texts such as essays in order to establish individual and group knowledge structure representations. We describe two free software tools that were designed to work with Pathfinder Network analysis, ALA-Mapper for analyzing network diagrams and ALA-Reader for analyzing text. The derived knowledge structure representations can be compared to each other, for example, to compare novices to an expert, or can be combined into a group representation, for example, to compare one team to another team. Several investigations are reviewed that have used these tools. Then, possible applications and also limitations of the software and the approach are described. Finally, the next stage of software development for these tools is described.
Dynamic regulation of aquaglyceroporin expression in erythrocyte cultures from cold- and warm-acclimated Cope's gray treefrog, Hyla chrysoscelis.

Cope’s gray treefrog, Hyla chrysoscelis,is a freeze-tolerant anuran which accumulates and distributes glycerol as a cryoprotectant before freezing. We hypothesize that HC-3, an aquaglyceroporin member of the MIP family of water pores, may play an important role in the process of freeze tolerance by mediating transmembrane passage of glycerol and water during cold-acclimation. The objectives of this study were two-fold: to examine HC-3 protein abundance and cellular localization in erythrocytes from cold- and warm-acclimated frogs and to develop and characterize an erythrocyte cell culture system for examining HC-3 gene regulation. Compared with warm-acclimated frogs, erythrocytes from cold-acclimated frogs had higher HC-3 protein expression and enhanced plasma membrane localization. Furthermore, erythrocytes from cold- and warm-acclimated frogs maintained in culture at 4 and 201C exhibited time- and temperaturedependent regulation of HC-3 expression and an increase in the abundance of high molecular weight immunoreactive species within 24hr of culture at 201C. Deglycosylation of erythrocyte proteins resulted in the disappearance of the high molecular weight species, indicating that HC-3 is post-translationally modified by N-linked glycosylation. Erythrocytes cultured in media containing glycerol also showed an increased abundance of the high molecular weight bands and enhanced plasma membrane localization of HC-3, suggesting a role for glycerol in regulating HC-3 subcellular trafficking. Thus, the development of this erythrocyte cell culture system from H. chrysoscelis opened an opportunity to study the properties of cells with changing expression of an aquaglyceroporin, HC-3, and to explore the factors regulating that expression. J. Exp. Zool. 315:424‐437, 2011. & 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc. How to cite this article: Mutyam V, Puccetti MV, Frisbie J, Goldstein DL, Krane CM. 2011. Dynamic regulation of aquaglyceroporin expression in erythrocyte cultures from cold- and warm-acclimated Cope’s gray treefrog, Hyla chrysoscelis. J. Exp. Zool. 315:424‐437.
Radical Worlds: The Anthropology of Incommensurability and Inconceivability

▪ Abstract This essay seeks to provide an overview of the anthropology of radical alterity and social commensuration. I begin with critical theoretical discussions of incommensurability and undecidability in the context of radical interpretation. I then resituate these theoretical debates in liberal ideologies of language-use and public reason in order to suggest the delicate and dramatic ways in which institutionalized conventions of risk and pleasure commensurate social worlds. How do incommensurate worlds emerge and how are they sustained? In other words, how is the inconceivable conceived? How are these new ethical and epistemological horizons aligned or not in the complicated space and time of global capital and liberal democratic regionalisms and nationalisms? How do publics interpret and decide between competing social visions and practices in the shadow of the seemingly incompatible frameworks of post-foundationalist and fundamentalist enlightenments?
Neurosyphilis: Diagnosis and Response to Treatment

antibody test for cardiolipin (rapid plasma reagin [RPR]) is a strong indicator of success after treatment of neurosyphilis. Most of their patients had HIV infection, but their findings are likely to apply to HIVuninfected persons, as well. This article [1] provides great practical help to physicians who treat patients for sexually transmitted diseases. Performing a lumbar puncture in a clinical setting is logistically difficult, and furthermore, patients often refuse it. Thus, it is reassuring to learn that normalization of the serum
160 MILLI-OHM ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE THRU-WAFER INTERCONNECTS WITH 10:1 ASPECT RATIO

We present a novel approach for high-aspect ratio low resistance Thru-Wafer Interconnects for Double-Sided (TWIDS) fabrication of MicroElectroMechanical Systems (MEMS). The interconnects are formed by etching blind via holes in the handle substrate of an SOI (Silicon on Insulator) wafer, followed by filling the holes with copper, using sonic-assisted seedless copper electroplating process. This technique does not require additional conductive layer deposition, but utilizes a highly doped silicon device layer as a seed. The donut-shape gaps are etched around the copper filled vias to provide interconnects insulation. We introduced the fabrication process and characterized the performance of interconnects. Experimental analysis of an array of 22 interconnects demonstrated that the resistance values as low as 160 milli-Ohm can be achieved. Parasitic capacitance of interconnects is analytically calculated and the distortion of the MEMS resonator transduction spectrum is predicted using an equivalent circuit m...
Fortune at the Bottom of the Pyramid: A Mirage How the private sector can help alleviate poverty

The popular ‘bottom of the pyramid’ (BOP) proposition argues that large companies can make a fortune by selling to poor people and simultaneously help eradicate poverty. While a few market opportunities do exist, the market at the BOP is generally too small monetarily to be very profitable for most multinationals. At the same time, the private sector can play a key role in poverty alleviation by viewing the poor as producers, and emphasize buying from them, rather than selling to them.
Small Cell Anaplastic Carcinoma of the Prostate: A Clinical, Pathological and Immunohistological Study of 27 Patients

AbstractBecause small cell anaplastic carcinoma of the prostate is an uncommon tumor, it has remained a poorly defined entity. To elucidate further the clinical, pathological and immunohistochemical characteristics of this cancer the 27 patients who presented to the Mayo Clinic from 1960 to 1990 were reviewed. Of these patients 18 (67%) presented with pure small cell anaplastic carcinoma, and 9 (33%) were diagnosed with small cell anaplastic carcinoma and adenocarcinoma of the prostate. Twenty-six patients (96%) had either stage C or D disease at the time of diagnosis. Two patients presented with a paraneoplastic syndrome, including 1 man with inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion and 1 who suffered from thyroxine intoxication. Of 24 men with long-term followup 22 (92%) died of small cell anaplastic carcinoma of the prostate despite antiandrogen therapy and the remaining 2 are alive with active, progressive disease. The median survival time following diagnosis was 17.1 months (range 2 to 90 months)...
The Tubulation Activity of a Fission Yeast F-BAR Protein Is Dispensable for Its Function in Cytokinesis

F-BAR proteins link cellular membranes to the actin cytoskeleton in many biological processes. Here we investigated the function of the Schizosaccharomyces pombe Imp2 F-BAR domain in cytokinesis and find that it is critical for Imp2's role in contractile ring constriction and disassembly. To understand mechanistically how the F-BAR domain functions, we determined its structure, elucidated how it interacts with membranes, and identified an interaction between dimers that allows helical oligomerization and membrane tubulation. Using mutations that block either membrane binding or tubulation, we find that membrane binding is required for Imp2's cytokinetic function but that oligomerization and tubulation, activities often deemed central to F-BAR protein function, are dispensable. Accordingly, F-BARs that do not have the capacity to tubulate membranes functionally substitute for the Imp2 F-BAR, establishing that its major role is as a cell-cycle-regulated bridge between the membrane and Imp2 protein partners, rather than as a driver of membrane curvature.
Roles and Regulation of Leptin in Reproduction

Leptin is the endocrine product of the LEP gene, which in addition to influencing satiety and energy metabolism, is associated with puberty onset, fertility, and pregnancy. Therefore, second only to its association with obesity, leptin’s role as a reproductive regulator represents the primary research focus of the scientific community to date. A correlation with adipose mass is at least partly responsible for serum leptin concentrations being higher in females than in males, but as maternal levels in pregnancy are greater still, regulatory mechanisms linked to the steroid hormones are strongly suggested. In this regard, leptin levels may directly influence testicular steroidogenesis and be linked to testis development. These mechanisms are further evidenced by animal and in vitro studies that demonstrate a stimulatory influence of estrogen on leptin synthesis, as well as an inhibitory influence of androgens. An association with gonadotropins demonstrates a role for leptin at the hypothalamic level in controlling menstrual cyclicity and ovarian function. Results of clinical reports in humans, in vitro experience employing human tissues, and interventional studies utilizing rodent and nonhuman primate models, have demonstrated a number of roles for the polypeptide, acting through both membrane-bound and soluble forms of its receptor, with respect to implantation, placental function, conceptus growth, and fetal development. Further associations with intrauterine growth restriction, preeclampsia, pregnancy-associated diabetes, and the fetal origin of adult diseases help to place leptin in the forefront of research in reproductive biology.
Exploring the barriers to rigorous monitoring and evaluation of health systems strengthening activities: qualitative evidence from international development partners

The number of health systems strengthening (HSS) programs has increased in the last decade. However, a limited number of studies providing robust evidence for the value and impact of these programs are available. This study aims to identify knowledge gaps and challenges that impede rigorous monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of HSS, and to ascertain the extent to which these efforts are informed by existing technical guidance. Interviews were conducted with HSS advisors at United States Agency for International Development-funded missions as well as senior M&E advisors at implementing partner and multilateral organizations. Findings showed that mission staff do not use existing technical resources, either because they do not know about them or do not find them useful. Barriers to rigorous M&E included a lack suitable of indicators, data limitations, difficulty in demonstrating an impact on health, and insufficient funding and resources. Consensus and collaboration between international health partners and local governments may mitigate these challenges. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On Erik Olin Wright's Envisioning Real Utopias

This paper is a critical review essay of Erik Olin Wright's Envisioning Real Utopias, focusing on the book's account of alternative pathways to social transformation.
Thermal Requirements for Preimaginal Development of the Strawberry Leafroller (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)

Preimaginal development rates (egg, larval, pupal, and egg to adult) for the strawberry leafroller, Ancylis comptana (Froelich), were determined at six constant temperatures: 14, 18, 22, 26, 30, and 34°C (±2°, 16:8 [L:D]). Total development was fastest at 30° (22.3 ± 0.2 d) and 26°C (28.1 ± 0.3 d); 108.5 ± 9.6 d were required for total development at 14°C. Survival was >75% between 18 and 30°C, but decreased to 31% at 14 and 34°C. Based on a linear model of the temperature–developmental rate relationship, K and t values were 78 DD (degree-days) above 10.3° for eggs, 254 DD above 9.7° for larvae, 100 DD above 10.9° for pupae, and 431 DD above 10.2°C for total preimaginal development. A four-parameter biophysical model of the temperature–development relationship indicated that high temperature inhibition occurred from 29 to 33°C for the preimaginallife stages. Field development of second- and third-generation egg and larval stages was predicted within three calendar days. Management of the strawberry leafroller is greatly facilitated by predicting egg hatch to synchronize control measures with the first instars, which do not exhibit leaf-rolling behavior.
Gaussian Quadrature Ray Selection on The Non-Circular Pupil

Gaussian Quadrature methods of selecting rays in ray-tracing are derived for non-circular pupil shapes, such as obscured and vignetted apertures, and are generalized for use in arbitrary wavelength bands. These design conditions perform as efficiently as the circular pupil case.
Injection Route and TLR9 Agonist Addition Significantly Impact Heroin Vaccine Efficacy

Active immunization is an effective means of blocking the pharmacodynamic effects of drugs and holds promise as a treatment for heroin addiction. Previously, we demonstrated the efficacy of our first-generation vaccine in blocking heroin self-administration in rats, however, many vaccine components can be modified to further improve performance. Herein we examine the effects of varying heroin vaccine injection route and adjuvant formulation. Mice immunized via subcutaneous (sc) injection exhibited inferior anti-heroin titers compared to intraperitoneal (ip) and sc/ip coadministration injection routes. Addition of TLR9 agonist cytosine-guanine oligodeoxynucleotide 1826 (CpG ODN 1826) to the original alum adjuvant elicited superior antibody titers and opioid affinities compared to alum alone. To thoroughly assess vaccine efficacy, full dose–response curves were generated for heroin-induced analgesia in both hot plate and tail immersion tests. Mice treated with CpG ODN 1826 exhibited greatly shifted dose–res...
Photon-driven reduction of Zn2+ to Zn metal.

Easily oxidized metals are of interest as a means of storing solar energy in the form of fuels. While their efficient metal/air batteries make them attractive solar fuel candidates, the photoreduction of the corresponding metal ions remains difficult. Accordingly, this work describes the photon driven reduction of Zn2+ by an iridium(III) photosensitizer (PS) and catalyst. [Ir(ppy)2(dtbbpy)](PF6) (ppy = 2-phenylpyridine, dtbbpy = 4,4′-di-tert-butyl-2,2′-bipyridine) was found to be the most robust photocatalyst, and the use of ZnCl2 as the Zn2+ starting material and acetonitrile as the solvent afforded the highest yield of Zn metal product. Under these conditions, a maximum of 430 catalyst turnover numbers were achieved. Cyclic voltammetry of ZnCl2 in different solvents and of different zinc salts in acetonitrile (MeCN) demonstrated the roles of MeCN and Cl– in the photoreduction mechanism. Kinetics measurements revealed a first order dependence of the initial rate on both [Ir(ppy)2(dtbbpy)](PF6) and ZnCl2....
Analysis of the Dynamic Response of the Icecap Structure under the Action of Explosion Wave

In this paper,aiming at the problem of the icecap structure appearing in the preventive treatment toward the disaster of ice slush flood,considering the action of the expansion wave under the water surface,a new train of thought is introduced in researching how to make the fracture due to dynamical bending in the icecap structure so as to make it destroyed,in which the weak tensile behaviour and the characteristic of being easy to be cracked of the ice structure are utilized.In this research,the dynamic character under the action of explosion in the water is adopted,and the model of the icecap plate structure for dynamic analysis is built up for analyzing the dynamic response of the icecap plate structure.In the practical research for ice-breaking engineering,experimental research about explosive ice-jam flood disaster prevention and reduction was processed,which may provide credible data information for the further theoretical research.
SELF-DUAL PREFERENCES AND TECHNOLOGIES

The invariance property of Lie group transformations serves as an extremely powerful tool for the study of production functions and, thus, of utility functions and preference orderings also. The chapter presents the aspect of the invariance property exhibited in utility and production analysis, the self-duality property of preferences and technologies. Papers by H. S. Houthakker, Paul A. Samuelson, Sir John Hicks, R. A. Pollak, Ryuzo Sato, Samuelson and S. Swamy, and Professor Wahidul Haque deal with the question of the existence of a nontrivial preference ordering that exhibits the same mathematical properties in terms of both direct and indirect utility functions. Samuelson raised the question of whether there exists a nontrivial self-dual preference ordering that may require more stringent conditions than homogeneity and separability. A self-dual preference is defined to be a preference ordering such that the direct utility function is exactly identical with the corresponding indirect utility function. The chapter also presents a more complete solution to the problem of self-duality by a group theoretic approach.
E-Petition Popularity: Do Linguistic and Semantic Factors Matter?

Abstract E-petitioning technology platforms elicit the participation of citizens in the policy-making process but at the same time create large volumes of unstructured textual data that are difficult to analyze. Fortunately, computational tools can assist policy analysts in uncovering latent patterns from these large textual datasets. This study uses such computational tools to explore e-petitions, viewing them as persuasive texts with linguistic and semantic features that may be related to the popularity of petitions, as indexed by the number of signatures they attract. Using We the People website data, we analyzed linguistic features, such as extremity and repetition, and semantic features, such as named entities and topics, to determine whether and to what extent they are related to petition popularity. The results show that each block of variables independently explains statistically significant variation in signature accumulation, and that 1) language extremity is persistently and negatively associated with petition popularity, 2) petitions with many names tend not to become popular, and 3) petition popularity is associated with petitions that include topics familiar to the public or about important social events. We believe explorations along these lines will yield useful strategies to address the wicked problem of too much text data and to facilitate the enhancement of public participation in policy-making.
Effects of a Voice Interface on Mirror Check Decrements in Older and Younger Multitasking Drivers

Older drivers comprise an undue percentage of roadway crashes and fatalities, and existing data implicates decrements to situational awareness as one factor. Although forward attention in older drivers is well studied, rearward attention for this population is little explored. What evidence exists has suggested reduced mirror checks, especially under conditions of multitasking. Voice-enabled in-vehicle systems may represent a partial solution, requiring fewer resources and freeing drivers for behavior which maintains better rearward attention. The present study asked participants to drive on a highway in an instrumented vehicle under conditions of baseline driving, manual radio tuning, and radio tuning assisted by a voice-enabled interface. Results indicate that multitasking greatly reduced mirror checks for all groups. Older participants devoted a greater amount of time to mirror checks than younger participants when just driving, but dropped to levels similar to younger drivers while multitasking. Voice...
Investigating Teacher Professional Development with Distance Coaching to Promote Students’ Response to Reading Interventions in Rural Schools

This chapter examines emerging research on professional development with coaching for rural teachers to promote students’ response to early reading instruction (early reading RTI). The purpose of this chapter is to (a) provide a brief discussion of the importance of research on teacher professional development to promote early reading RTI; (b) present a rationale for conducting rigorous investigations that take into account contexts of rural schools and study teacher professional development considerations within a well-defined theory of change; (c) provide examples of key studies on teacher professional development designed for rural schools to promote students’ response to early reading instruction; (d) present a research example illustrating the investigation of potential mediating variables within a proposed theory of change; and (e) propose several next steps for advancing practically-relevant research on professional development for rural school teachers.
Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Associated With Degenerative Lumbar Spondylolisthesis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Secondary Fusion Rates Following Open vs Minimally Invasive Decompression.

Background Decompression without fusion is a treatment option in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) associated with stable low-grade degenerative spondylolisthesis (DS). A minimally invasive unilateral laminotomy (MIL) for "over the top" decompression might be a less destabilizing alternative to traditional open laminectomy (OL). Objective To review secondary fusion rates after open vs minimally invasive decompression surgery. Methods We performed a literature search in Pubmed/MEDLINE using the keywords "lumbar spondylolisthesis" and "decompression surgery." All studies that separately reported the outcome of patients with LSS+DS that were treated by OL or MIL (transmuscular or subperiosteal route) were included in our systematic review and meta-analysis. The primary end point was secondary fusion rate. Secondary end points were total reoperation rate, postoperative progression of listhetic slip, and patient satisfaction. Results We identified 37 studies (19 with OL, 18 with MIL), with a total of 1156 patients, that were published between 1983 and 2015. The studies' evidence was mostly level 3 or 4. Secondary fusion rates were 12.8% after OL and 3.3% after MIL; the total reoperation rates were 16.3% after OL and 5.8% after MIL. In the OL cohort, 72% of the studies reported a slip progression compared to 0% in the MIL cohort, respectively. After OL, satisfactory outcome was 62.7% compared to 76% after MIL. Conclusion In patients with LSS and DS, minimally invasive decompression is associated with lower reoperation and fusion rates, less slip progression, and greater patient satisfaction than open surgery.
The Aftermath of a Hepatic Artery Aneurysm—A Rare Etiology of Biliary Obstruction!:

Background: Hepatic artery aneurysms (HAAs) constitute 14% to 20% of visceral artery aneurysms. Most HAAs are asymptomatic. Although rare, obstructive jaundice due to external bile duct compression or rupture of the HAA into the biliary tree with occlusion of the lumen from blood clots has been reported. Case presentation: A 56-year-old white man presented to an outside hospital with symptoms of obstructive jaundice, including abdominal pain and yellowing of the skin. Imaging showed a large HAA. Patient was transferred to our hospital where an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with biliary stenting was performed. This was followed by coil embolization of the HAA with improvement in symptoms and liver chemistries. Conclusions: Most clinicians agree that management of HAA is highly variable and depends on clinical presentation and anatomic location. Biliary stenting provides temporary relief for patients with obstructive jaundice. Definitive options include open aneurysmal repair versus endovascular therapy. Hepatic artery aneurysms represent a significant risk for hemorrhage and therefore must be addressed promptly once discovered.
EphA2 and ephrin-A5 are not a receptor-ligand pair in the ocular lens

Eph-ephrin bidirectional signaling is essential for eye lens transparency in humans and mice. Our previous studies in mouse lenses demonstrate that ephrin-A5 is mainly expressed in the anterior epithelium, where it is required for maintaining the anterior epithelial monolayer. In contrast, EphA2 is localized in equatorial epithelial and fiber cells where it is essential for equatorial epithelial and fiber cell organization and hexagonal cell shape. Immunostaining of lens epithelial and fiber cells reveals that EphA2 and ephrin-A5 are also co-expressed in anterior fiber cell tips, equatorial epithelial cells and newly formed lens fibers, although they are not precisely colocalized. Due to this complex expression pattern and the promiscuous interactions between Eph receptors and ephrin ligands, as well as their complex bidirectional signaling pathways, cataracts in ephrin-A5(-/-) or EphA2(-/-) lenses may arise from loss of function or abnormal signaling mechanisms. To test whether abnormal signaling mechanisms may play a role in cataractogenesis in ephrin-A5(-/-) or EphA2(-/-) lenses, we generated EphA2 and ephrin-A5 double knockout (DKO) mice. We compared the phenotypes of EphA2(-/-) and ephrin-A5(-/-) lenses to that of DKO lenses. DKO lenses displayed an additive lens phenotype that was not significantly different from the two single KO lens phenotypes. Similar to ephrin-A5(-/-) lenses, DKO lenses had abnormal anterior epithelial cells leading to a large mass of epithelial cells that invade into the underlying fiber cell layer, directly resulting in anterior cataracts in ephrin-A5(-/-) and DKO lenses. Yet, similar to EphA2(-/-) lenses, DKO lenses also had abnormal packing of equatorial epithelial cells with disorganized meridional rows, lack of a lens fulcrum and disrupted fiber cells. The DKO lens phenotype rules out abnormal signaling by EphA2 in ephrin-A5(-/-) lenses or by ephrin-A5 in EphA2(-/-) lenses as possible cataract mechanisms. Thus, these results indicate that EphA2 and ephrin-A5 do not form a lens receptor-ligand pair, and that EphA2 and ephrin-A5 have other binding partners in the lens to help align differentiating equatorial epithelial cells or maintain the anterior epithelium, respectively.
Synthetic CO2-fixation enzyme cascades immobilized on self-assembled nanostructures that enhance CO2/O2 selectivity of RubisCO.

With increasing concerns over global warming and depletion of fossil-fuel reserves, it is attractive to develop innovative strategies to assimilate CO2, a greenhouse gas, into usable organic carbon. Cell-free systems can be designed to operate as catalytic platforms with enzymes that offer exceptional selectivity and efficiency, without the need to support ancillary reactions of metabolic pathways operating in intact cells. Such systems are yet to be exploited for applications involving CO2 utilization and subsequent conversion to valuable products, including biofuels. The Calvin–Benson–Bassham (CBB) cycle and the enzyme ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RubisCO) play a pivotal role in global CO2 fixation. We hereby demonstrate the co-assembly of two RubisCO-associated multienzyme cascades with self-assembled synthetic amphiphilic peptide nanostructures. The immobilized enzyme cascades sequentially convert either ribose-5-phosphate (R-5-P) or glucose, a simpler substrate, to ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate (RuBP), the acceptor for incoming CO2 in the carboxylation reaction catalyzed by RubisCO. Protection from proteolytic degradation was observed in nanostructures associated with the small dimeric form of RubisCO and ancillary enzymes. Furthermore, nanostructures associated with a larger variant of RubisCO resulted in a significant enhancement of the enzyme’s selectivity towards CO2, without adversely affecting the catalytic activity. The ability to assemble a cascade of enzymes for CO2 capture using self-assembling nanostructure scaffolds with functional enhancements show promise for potentially engineering entire pathways (with RubisCO or other CO2-fixing enzymes) to redirect carbon from industrial effluents into useful bioproducts.
Identification of peptide binding sites within BSA using rapid, laser-induced covalent cross-linking combined with high-performance mass spectrometry

We are developing a rapid, time-resolved method using laser-activated cross-linking to capture protein-peptide interactions as a means to interrogate the interaction of serum proteins as delivery systems for peptides and other molecules. A model system was established to investigate the interactions between bovine serum albumin (BSA) and 2 peptides, the tridecapeptide budding-yeast mating pheromone (α-factor) and the decapeptide human gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). Cross-linking of α-factor, using a biotinylated, photoactivatable p-benzoyl-L-phenylalanine (Bpa)-modified analog, was energy-dependent and achieved within seconds of laser irradiation. Protein blotting with an avidin probe was used to detect biotinylated species in the BSA-peptide complex. The cross-linked complex was trypsinized and then interrogated with nano-LC-MS/MS to identify the peptide cross-links. Cross-linking was greatly facilitated by Bpa in the peptide, but some cross-linking occurred at higher laser powers and high concentrations of a non-Bpa-modified α-factor. This was supported by experiments using GnRH, a peptide with sequence homology to α-factor, which was likewise found to be cross-linked to BSA by laser irradiation. Analysis of peptides in the mass spectra showed that the binding site for both α-factor and GnRH was in the BSA pocket defined previously as the site for fatty acid binding. This model system validates the use of laser-activation to facilitate cross-linking of Bpa-containing molecules to proteins. The rapid cross-linking procedure and high performance of MS/MS to identify cross-links provides a method to interrogate protein-peptide interactions in a living cell in a time-resolved manner.
Is residual volume reversibility a better marker than FEV1 reversibility in diagnosing reversible airway disease in asthma

Introduction: Significant FEV1 reversibility is key to diagnosing reversible airway obstruction in asthma. Drug trials mandate demonstration of FEV1 reversibility. However, during recruitment Methods: Asthmatics on treatment for 12 months or more were recruited. After administering a symptom questioner, lung functions were done per ATS protocol. Chi-square and Person’s coefficient were used for analysis. Results:The mean age of 123 subjects was 52 ± 15 years and 75.6% were female. The ethnicity was Caucasian (64%), Hispanic (23 %), and African American (13%). Smokers were 6%. The mean RV reversibility was 8.2% and therefore a significant RV reversibility was indentified as 10.2% by adding a factor of 2. RV reversibility was present in significantly more subjects (46%) compared to FEV1 or FVC reversibility (21%) p Conclusion: RV reversibility is a better marker for identifying reversible airway disease in asthma. Presence of minimal correlation between FEV1 and RV reversibility indicates an independent mechanism for RV reversibility.
The Prospect of Zero Net Energy Buildings in the United States

In the United States, a number of efforts are underway to achieve zero net energy (ZNE) in the built environment. Zero net energy buildings and communities, as currently conceived, are one method to advance energy efficiency and renewable energy technology and to reduce total greenhouse gas emissions from the built environment. The definition of ZNE buildings continues to evolve and may ultimately shift as society pursues a low-carbon future. Implementation mechanisms, such as utility regulatory processes, may need to be altered to reflect a quickly moving and uncertain shift to zero electrical demand growth. Planning for a ZNE future needs to balance the environment, economic development, and equity to achieve a lasting ZNE future.
On Representing Faces of a Cube by Subfaces

If each of a set A of l-dimensional faces of an n-dimensional cube is to be represented by a l–b dimensional subface, then it is possible to choose distinct representatives provided the cardinality of A does not exceed a certain bound. We give an algorithm for calculating this bound.
Path Orthogonal Matching Pursuit for k-Sparse Image Reconstruction

We introduce a path-augmentation step to the standard orthogonal matching pursuit algorithm. Our augmentation may be applied to any algorithm that relies on the selection and sorting of high-correlation atoms during an analysis or identification phase by generating a “path” between the two highest-correlation atoms. Here we investigate two types of path: a linear combination (Euclidean geodesic) and a construction relying on an optimal transport map (2-Wasserstein geodesic). We test our extension by generating k-sparse reconstructions of faces using an eigen-face dictionary learned from a subset of the data. We show that our method achieves lower reconstruction error for fixed sparsity levels than either orthogonal matching pursuit or generalized orthogonal matching pursuit.
Oxidative stress and epigenetic modifications in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy remains the major cause of blindness among working age adults. Although a number of metabolic abnormalities have been associated with its development, due to complex nature of this multi-factorial disease, a link between any specific abnormality and diabetic retinopathy remains largely speculative. Diabetes increases oxidative stress in the retina and its capillary cells, and overwhelming evidence suggests a bidirectional relationship between oxidative stress and other major metabolic abnormalities implicated in the development of diabetic retinopathy. Due to increased production of cytosolic reactive oxygen species, mitochondrial membranes are damaged and their membrane potentials are impaired, and complex III of the electron transport system is compromised. Suboptimal enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidant defense system further aids in the accumulation of free radicals. As the duration of the disease progresses, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is damaged and the DNA repair system is compromised, and due to impaired transcription of mtDNA-encoded proteins, the integrity of the electron transport system is encumbered. Due to decreased mtDNA biogenesis and impaired transcription, superoxide accumulation is further increased, and the vicious cycle of free radicals continues to self-propagate. Diabetic milieu also alters enzymes responsible for DNA and histone modifications, and various genes important for mitochondrial homeostasis, including mitochondrial biosynthesis, damage and antioxidant defense, undergo epigenetic modifications. Although antioxidant administration in animal models has yielded encouraging results in preventing diabetic retinopathy, controlled longitudinal human studies remain to be conducted. Furthermore, the role of epigenetic in mitochondrial homeostasis suggests that regulation of such modifications also has potential to inhibit/retard the development of diabetic retinopathy.
A tool to predict post-transcriptional instability related to the dysregulation of the SETD2 histone methyltransferase in renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

11072 Background: Recent studies report that dysregulation of the SETD2 histone methyltransferase in (RCC) decreases global histone 3 lysine 36 trimethylation (H3K36me3), resulting in mis-regulatio...
Frey on “The Transfer of Core-based Hazardous Production Processes to the Periphery”: Contributions, Inspirations, and Lasting Legacy

I consider Scott Frey’s work on “The Transfer of Core-Based Hazardous Production Processes to the Export Processing Zones of the Periphery: The Maquiladora Centers of Northern Mexico,” published in 2003, including the contributions of this research to broader thinking on world-systems theory and peripheral industrialization. I also discuss how Frey’s article has inspired my own research, and why I use this article in my seminar on The Political Economy of Globalization. I argue that the ideas presented in Frey’s article continue to be deeply relevant today. He leaves behind a legacy that will inspire and influence current and future generations of world-systems scholars and global citizens.
Tissue-engineered aneurysm models for in vitro assessment of neurovascular devices

Preclinical testing of neurovascular devices is crucial for successful device design and is commonly performed using in vivo organisms such as the rabbit elastase-induced aneurysm model; however, simple in vitro models may help further refine this testing paradigm. The purpose of the current work was to evaluate, and further develop, tissue-engineered blood vessel mimics (BVMs) as simple, early-stage models to assess neurovascular devices in vitro prior to animal or clinical use. The first part of this work used standard straight-vessel BVMs to evaluate flow diverters at 1, 3, and 5 days post-deployment. The second part developed custom aneurysm-shaped scaffolds to create aneurysm BVMs. Aneurysm scaffolds were characterized based on overall dimensions and microstructural features and then used for cell deposition and vessel cultivation. It was feasible to deploy flow diverters within standard BVMs and cellular linings could withstand and respond to implanted devices, with increasing cell coverage over time. This provided the motivation and foundation for the second phase of work, where methods were successfully developed to create saccular, fusiform, and blister aneurysm scaffolds using a wax molding process. Results demonstrated appropriate fiber morphology within different aneurysm shapes, consistent cell deposition, and successful cultivation of aneurysm BVMs. It is feasible to use tissue-engineered BVMs for assessing cellular responses to flow diverters, and to create custom aneurysm BVMs. This supports future use of these models for simple, early-stage in vitro testing of flow diverters and other neurovascular devices.
Bluff to peace: How economic dependence promotes peace despite increasing deception and uncertainty:

Trade–conflict studies have shown that economic dependence can promote peace by costly signaling resolve. However, with higher economic integration, targets also become more vulnerable to coercion ...
Lrig1 expression prospectively identifies stem cells in the ventricular-subventricular zone that are neurogenic throughout adult life

Leucine-rich repeats and immunoglobulin-like domains 1 (Lrig1) regulates stem cell quiescence. As a marker, it identifies stem cells in multiple organs of the mouse. We had detected Lrig1 expression in cultured Id1high neural stem cells obtained from the lateral walls lining the lateral ventricles of the adult mouse brain. Thus, we investigated whether Lrig1 expression also identifies stem cells in that region in vivo. Publicly available single cell RNA sequencing datasets were analyzed with Seurat and Monocle. The Lrig1+ cells were lineage traced in vivo with a novel non-disruptive co-translational Lrig1T2A-iCreERT2 reporter mouse line. Analysis of single cell RNA sequencing datasets suggested Lrig1 was highly expressed in the most primitive stem cells of the neurogenic lineage in the lateral wall of the adult mouse brain. In support of their neurogenic stem cell identity, cell cycle entry was only observed in two morphologically distinguishable Lrig1+ cells that could also be induced into activation by Ara-C infusion. The Lrig1+ neurogenic stem cells were observed throughout the lateral wall. Neuroblasts and neurons were lineage traced from Lrig1+ neurogenic stem cells at 1 year after labeling. We identified Lrig1 as a marker of long-term neurogenic stem cells in the lateral wall of the mouse brain. Lrig1 expression revealed two morphotypes of the Lrig1+ cells that function as long-term neurogenic stem cells. The spatial distribution of the Lrig1+ neurogenic stem cells suggested all subtypes of the adult neurogenic stem cells were labeled.
Numerical Simulations of Shock Propagation Under Strong Nonequilibrium Conditions

A computational approach is developed to simulate high-enthalpy shock propagation under strong nonequilibrium conditions, such as reentry experiments at NASA’s Electric Arc Shock Tube (EAST) facili...
Promotion in urinary bladder carcinogenesis

The relationship of chemicals to urinary bladder carcinogenesis was initially observed in the species of ultimate concern in cancer research -- the human being. Rehn in 1895 noticed an increased incidence of cancer of the urinary bladder in workers in the German aniline dye industry (1,2). Hueper and his colleagues were able to demonstrate that one of the carcinogens to which these workers were exposed was 2-aminonaphthalene. Hueper’s experiments involving dogs also demonstrated the necessity for relatively high doses of the carcinogen and the long periods of time required for the experimental induction of bladder cancer (1,2). Aromatic amines since then have remained of central importance in bladder cancer research in animals and in humans.
Management and Outcomes of Critically-Ill Patients with COVID-19 Pneumonia at a Safety-net Hospital in San Francisco, a Region with Early Public Health Interventions: A Case Series

Author(s): Vanderburg, Sky; Alipanah, Narges; Crowder, Rebecca; Yoon, Christina; Wang, Richard; Thakur, Neeta; Slown, Kristin; Shete, Priya B; Rofael, Martin; Metcalfe, John Z; Merrifield, Cindy; Marquez, Carina; Malcolm, Katherine; Lipnick, Michael; Jain, Vivek; Gomez, Antonio; Burns, Gregory; Brown, Lillian B; Berger, Christopher; Auyeung, Vincent; Cattamanchi, Adithya; Hendrickson, Carolyn M | Abstract: BACKGROUND:Following early implementation of public health measures, San Francisco has experienced a slow rise and a low peak level of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases and deaths. METHODS AND FINDINGS:We included all patients with COVID-19 pneumonia admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) at the safety net hospital for San Francisco through April 8, 2020. Each patient had ≥15 days of follow-up. Among 26 patients, the median age was 54 years (interquartile range, 43 to 62), 65% were men, and 77% were Latinx. Mechanical ventilation was initiated for 11 (42%) patients within 24 hours of ICU admission and 20 patients (77%) overall. The median duration of mechanical ventilation was 13.5 days (interquartile range, 5 to 20). Patients were managed with lung protective ventilation (tidal volume l8 ml/kg of ideal body weight and plateau pressure ≤30 cmH2O on 98% and 78% of ventilator days, respectively). Prone positioning was used for 13 of 20 (65%) ventilated patients for a median of 5 days (interquartile range, 2 to 10). Seventeen (65%) patients were discharged home, 1 (4%) was discharged to nursing home, 3 (12%) were discharged from the ICU, and 2 (8%) remain intubated in the ICU at the time of this report. Three (12%) patients have died. CONCLUSIONS:Good outcomes were achieved in critically ill patients with COVID-19 by using standard therapies for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) such as lung protective ventilation and prone positioning. Ensuring hospitals can deliver sustained high-quality and evidence-based critical care to patients with ARDS should remain a priority.
Robots on Campus: Understanding Public Perception of Robots using Social Media

As robots engage more in society in various forms, it is important to understand the public perception of robots. In this poster, we focus on a campus-centric subreddit to explore online discourse about delivery robots on university campus. We specifically identify how people share their experiences with robots and how people perceive robots in society by analyzing Reddit posts. In so doing, we raise existing concerns about the robots which give insights into acceptance and sociability in human-robot interaction.