cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Optimal part and module selection for synthetic gene circuit design automation.

An integral challenge in synthetic circuit design is the selection of optimal parts to populate a given circuit topology, so that the resulting circuit behavior best approximates the desired one. In some cases, it is also possible to reuse multipart constructs or modules that have been already built and experimentally characterized. Efficient part and module selection algorithms are essential to systematically search the solution space, and their significance will only increase in the following years due to the projected explosion in part libraries and circuit complexity. Here, we address this problem by introducing a structured abstraction methodology and a dynamic programming-based algorithm that guaranties optimal part selection. In addition, we provide three extensions that are based on symmetry check, information look-ahead and branch-and-bound techniques, to reduce the running time and space requirements. We have evaluated the proposed methodology with a benchmark of 11 circuits, a database of 73 pa...
Abstract 538: ROS differentially regulates prostate cancer cell survival

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL In vitro and in vivo studies have shown that ROS accumulation correlates with increasing aggressiveness of prostate cancer cells, and increased expression of oncogenic molecules, such as CXCR4. CXCR4 is a G-Protein Coupled Receptor that is heavily implicated in the metastatic dissemination of prostate tumor cells to bone marrow. In cancer and other cell models, CXCR4 expression and activity increases in response to hypoxic environments and/or oxidative stress. Cells react by inducing expression of a HIF1α transcription factor, which enhances expression of targeted genes involved in adjusting to oxidative stress and cell survival. HIF1α has been shown to directly induce the expression of CXCR4 in prostate cancer cells. Therefore, generation of ROS in tumor tissues may critically influence CXCR4-mediated expression and functions, ultimately encouraging cancer progression. In this study, we elucidate a mechanism by which ROS induces CXCR4 expression and function in prostate cancer cells. We initially investigated the role of ROS on the phosphorylation of AKT (p-AKT) and ERK1/2 (p-ERK1/2) in DU145 and 22Rv1 prostate cancer cell lines. Using H2O2 as our model of ROS, we found that H2O2 induced a gradual expression of p-AKT and p-ERK1/2 by western blot analysis, which was abrogated by the ROS scavenger N-acetyl cysteine (NAC). It has been shown that PTEN is a negative regulator of AKT and ERK1/2 signaling, and that ROS accumulation inactivates PTEN phosphatase function; hence, we determined whether the increase in p-AKT and p-ERK1/2 expression was due to loss of PTEN function. By performing a phosphatase assay, we found that H2O2 inhibited PTEN catalytic activity compared to untreated cells, while NAC abrogated these effects in both cell lines. The increase in ROS and loss of PTEN has been shown to correlate with CXCR4-mediated function; therefore, we determined the role of H2O2 on CXCR4 expression. We found that H2O2 induced CXCR4 expression in DU145 cells, but not in 22Rv1 cells. Furthermore, we investigated whether ROS-mediated induction of CXCR4 was HIF1α dependent. Interestingly, H2O2 induced expression of HIF1α in DU145 cells, which was abrogated by siRNA for HIF1α. HIF1α expression decreased in 22Rv1 cells, which correlated with apoptosis, as confirmed by Annexin-V analysis. Finally, we observed that the H2O2-mediated increase in CXCR4 enhanced transendothelial invasion and migration in DU145 cells in a CXCR4 dependent manner. Our study suggests that ROS differentially regulates CXCR4 expression and function in prostate cancer cells, suggesting that ROS plays a differential role on heterogeneous tumor mass. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 538. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-538
Comparison of Rapidly Solidified Nickel Base Superalloys Prepared by Melt Spinning and Plasma Deposition

The microstructure and yield strength of two nickel base superalloys prepared by melt spinning and plasma deposition are compared in the as-solidified condition and after annealing. The results support the interpretation of the yield strengths obtained by tensile testing melt spun ribbon as representative of the values obtained for bulk specimens with equivalent microstructures. The effectiveness of grain size strengthening in a nickel base superalloy is also examined. The Hall-Petch relation appears to be obeyed, with a slope k = .77±.15 MP a−m 1/2 .
LEED-Certified Projects: Green or Sustainable?

Sustainability is one of the hottest topics these days. Its usage has been increasingly expanding over the last 20 years. In construction, the number of sustainable designs and green buildings has been growing since the 1990s. Nowadays, at least 70% of construction businesses use some green technologies or practices (CPWR 2013). Sustainability represents a comprehensive mission that incorporates the achievement of environmental stewardship, economic prosperity, and social responsibility. A project should not be called sustainable unless these three elements are incorporated into its practices and processes (Gambatese et al. 2007; Rajendran and Gambatese 2009). Sustainability is a moral and ethical obligation (Hinze et al. 2013), and therefore project teams are morally and ethically responsible for addressing not only environmental issues but also life-cycle safety challenges. Life-cycle safety is a holistic approach considered during the early stages of the design process of a facility to ensure that the safety, health, and well-being of all people (construction workers, building users, and maintenance personnel) are addressed throughout a project’s lifetime. ASCE Policy Statement 350–Construction Site Safety emphasizes that “Improving construction site safety [within a project] requires attention and commitment from all parties involved” (emphasis added) (ASCE 2012). The aim of this article is to discuss whether a truly holistic perspective of sustainability that encompasses all necessary ingredients (ecological factors, economic benefits, and social considerations, including life-cycle safety) exists in today’s industry. Sustainability in construction is often measured by the level of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification issued by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). Therefore, the goal of this article is to theoretically examine the completeness and effectiveness of the USGBC’s LEED rating system from a holistic view of sustainability.
Pachychoroid neovasculopathy in extramacular choroidal neovascularization.

Purpose To review a series of extramacular choroidal neovascular membranes (CNVMs) in the context of their choroidal features, as determined by optical coherence tomography (OCT). Methods Patients with extramacular CNVMs were identified from a tertiary care center through a review of records. The charts and cases were reviewed using multimodal imaging including fundus photography, OCT, fluorescein angiography (FA), and indocyanine angio-graphy (ICG). Results Of six patients with extramacular CNVMs evaluated in this series, four patients (66.7%) exhibited pachychoroidopathy on OCT imaging under or adjacent to the extramacular CNVM. All four of these patients also exhibited pachychoroidopathy in the macular OCT distant from the CNVM. Conclusion Pachychoroidopathy is implicated in some cases of extramacular CNVMs. This represents the first report, to our knowledge, of pachychoroidopathy in extramacular CNVM.
Consumption in Contemporary Capitalism: The Backward Art of Living

This chapter is prompted by what justifiably may be labelled the paradox of affluence, by which we mean the deterioration in quality of life despite or because of sustained growth in consumption (Danner, 1974; Bookchin, 1974; Seabrook, 1978). This proposition is unlikely to startle anyone with its novelty but it is subject to considerable controversy and topicality that justify efforts toward more systematic discussion. This chapter first reviews Mitchell’s old but remarkably fresh discussion of the backward art of spending money, then turns to more recent literature on the question of consumer competence. The suggestion is that a large gap exists between the responsibility assigned to consumers and their ability to fulfill this role. This gap is then put forward as resolving the paradox of affluence, which in turn suggests that social progress awaits a new practical philosophy which is materialist in the proper sense of the term.
Osseous Metaplasia (Cataracta Ossea) of Lens Remnants in Chronic Uveitis-A Clinicopathologic Report

ABSTRACTPurpose: To describe clinically and pathologically the rare occurrence of calcification and osseous metaplasia in lens remnants in both eyes of a patient with pseudophakic chronic uveitis.Methods: We performed 25-gauge pars plana vitrectomy, removal of dislocated intraocular lens (IOL), and secondary IOL fixation in the left eye. A similar procedure was performed in the right eye with 27-gauge pars plana vitrectomy.Results: The postoperative visual acuities were 20/30 OD and 20/125 OS. Hematoxylin and eosin staining demonstrated an abundance of calcified tissue and rare osteoclasts in lacunae, compatible with osseous metaplasia (cataracta ossea).Conclusion: To our knowledge this is the first clinicopathologic report demonstrating cellular metaplasia that resulted in osseous transformation of the cortical lens remnants into bone in both eyes of a psuedophakic patient with chronic granulomatous pan uveitis of unknown etiology. The surgical technique described in the supplemental videos demonstrates ...
Parental Approach to the Prevention and Management of Fever and Pain Following Childhood Immunizations: A Survey Study:

Antipyretic analgesics are commonly used to prevent and treat adverse events following immunizations. Current practice discourages routine use due to possible blunting of vaccine immune responses. We surveyed 150 parents/caregivers of recently vaccinated 6- and 15-month-old children to determine the prevalence of and beliefs regarding antipyretic analgesics use around vaccinations. 11% used them prophylactically, before vaccination. Use in the first 48 hours after vaccination was 64%, primarily to prevent and/or treat fever and pain. Acetaminophen was administered 2.6 times more frequently than ibuprofen. Ibuprofen was used more in the 15-month compared with the 6-month-old children (28% vs 7.4%, respectively, P = .001). The majority of caregivers disagreed with their use for fever (53%) or pain (59%). Antipyretic analgesic use, including prophylaxis, around vaccinations was common in our study population. Effective interventions are needed to target parents/caregivers to eliminate unnecessary antipyretic analgesic use around vaccination time and foster nonmedication alternatives.
ON THE RELATIVE VALUE OF MULTIPLE-CHOICE, CONSTRUCTED-RESPONSE, AND EXAMINEE-SELECTED ITEMS ON TWO ACHIEVEMENT TESTS1

Using analyses based on fitting item response models to data from the College Board's Advanced Placement exams in chemistry and United States history, we found that the constructed response portion of the tests yielded little information over and above that provided by the multiple-choice sections. These tests also allow examinees to select subsets of the constructed response items; we found that scoring on the basis of the selections themselves provided almost as much information as did scoring on the basis of the answers. One goal of the Advanced Placement (AP) testing program of the College Board is to determine the proficiency attained by high school students in college level courses. Such courses are offered at more than 40% of the 21,000 secondary schools in this country, including 80% of those having a junior class larger than 250 students. With few exceptions, AP exams are made up of one section consisting of multiple-choice (MC) items and a second section of constructed response
Accurate determination of the audio frequency dielectric properties of α-quartz and vitreous silica

In recent papers,1,2 the authors have reported the low-frequency dielectric constants, e', for crystalline α-quartz from two different sources and 24 kinds of commercially available vitreous silica. In the present work, 5 more kinds of vitreous silica have been studied. In addition, the temperature and pressure variation of the low-frequency dielectric constant has been measured for several samples.
Unintentional Cannulation of Aberrant Radial Artery: Review and Treatment Recommendations

We present the case of a patient who had an unintentional placement of an arterial catheter in an aberrant radial artery. This arterial abnormality is reviewed, as are the potential consequences of intra-arterial injection. Finally, treatment reco-mmendations are summarized.
Acute infection of Viabahn stent graft in the popliteal artery

Abstract Peripheral stents are increasingly used for treatment of peripheral arterial disease, yet all implanted devices are potentially at risk for infection. We describe a 51-year-old man who underwent stenting in the femoropopliteal artery and presented 3 days later with leg pain, fever, and evidence of peripheral stigmata of embolization. Blood cultures grew methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and remained persistently positive despite antibiotic therapy. At surgical exploration, the popliteal artery had essentially been disintegrated by the infection, with only visible stent graft maintaining arterial continuity. Acute stent graft infections are rare and must be managed promptly to reduce morbidity.
Acquired long QT syndrome and phosphoinositide 3-kinase

While it is well known that mutation of several different ion channels can cause congenital long QT syndrome, block of IKr is widely thought to be responsible for most cases of drug-induced acquired long QT syndrome (aLQTS). In this article, we review evidence supporting another cause of aLQTS due to inhibition of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) signaling. Inhibition of PI3K affects multiple plateau currents, reducing IKr, IKs, and ICaL while increasing the persistent sodium current (INaP). The effects of PI3K inhibitors develop slowly, requiring hours to days to reach steady state. Dofetilide and terfenadine, an antihistamine on which much of the original IKr hypothesis was based, are among the many drugs that inhibit the PI3K pathway. Reduced PI3K signaling may also play a role in aLQTS associated with diabetes. Drug safety testing to identify aLQTS risk may be improved by examining PI3K-dependent effects that develop over time.
3-axis MEMS gyroscope calibration stage: Magnetic actuation enabled out-of-plane dither for piezoelectric in-plane calibration

This paper reports a mechanical stage with 3-axis angular dither capability used to calibrate 3-axis gyroscope chip. A combination of piezoelectric and magnetic actuation provides in-plane and out-of-plane motion. The 3-axis dither capability is crucial for fully calibrating the scale factor and bias of a commercial 3-axis MEMS gyroscope. The measured magnetically actuated dither stage scale factor for out-of-plane mode is 0.250 (°/s)/mA as a function of current, or 5.57 × 10−2 (°/s)/Hz as a function of frequency. The power consumption of the magnetic stage is 33.5 mW/mdeg. The maximum dither angle obtained is 8.95 mdeg at 300 mW. The impact of the high power can be minimal on periodic low duty-cycle calibration.
A new strategy in neurocritical care nurse continuing stroke education: A hybrid simulation pilot study.

INTRODUCTION High-fidelity simulation is frequently utilized in medical education. Its use in the neurosciences is limited by the inherent limitations of the manikin to simulate neurological changes. We report here the use of a hybrid simulation - a combination of lecture and high-fidelity manikin - in the education of neurosciences nurses, involved in care of neurocritical care patients. METHODS Neurosciences nurses from at the University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA, which is an academic, tertiary-care medical center participated in the simulation during Spring of 2016. The simulation involved a patient presenting with acute intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) who neurologically deteriorated to brain death. Pre- and post-simulation questionnaires were administered using a questionnaire with five-point Liker scale. RESULTS Seventy-two responses were returned. The majority had 0-5 years of nursing experience with 83.8% having prior critical care experience. Pre-simulation, the majority of nurses (85.7%) agreed or strongly agreed with managing patients with ICH. When the responses of "agree" were compared to "strongly agree", a significant improvement (p<0.001) in all responses except confidence in speaking with other healthcare providers was found. CONCLUSION Nurses reported significant improvement in understanding and managing patients with acute ICH and neurological deterioration after participating in a neurocritical care hybrid simulation. This study shows the benefit of using hybrid simulation in the education of neurocritical care nurses.
Postural (Orthostatic) Proteinuria: No Cause for Concern

The discovery of proteinuria in a urine specimen randomly collected during an examination for employment, induction into the armed services, qualifying for insurance, or a school health program ("chance" proteinuria) is a frequent and perplexing problem. It may engender considerable anxiety in the patient or family because of the general perception that such proteinuria is an omen of potentially serious underlying renal disease. Worse, it can lead to unnecessary and potentially harmful investigation unless a properly staged approach to evaluation is undertaken. As vividly demonstrated by the remarkable footnote to an illustrious chapter in the history of nephrology, provided by . . .
High spin spectroscopy in Ra 219 : Search for the lower mass boundary of the region of statically octupole-deformed nuclei

We report the results of a study of rotational bands in $^{219}\mathrm{Ra}$ via the $^{208}\mathrm{Pb}(^{14}\mathrm{C},3n)$ reaction to look for evidence that this nucleus is statically octupole deformed. We add 19 $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ rays not previously observed to the level scheme and extend the two most strongly populated alternating parity bands to $J=51/2$ and 45/2. The magnitude of the energy splitting between the spin-parity doublets in the two bands appears to exclude the possibility that $^{219}\mathrm{Ra}$ has a static octupole deformation.
Why wait? Let us start computing while the data is still on the wire

Abstract In this era of Big Data, computing useful and timely information from data is becoming increasingly complicated, particularly due to the ever increasing volumes of data that need to travel over the network to data centers to be stored and processed, all highly expensive operations in the long haul. This is a strong motivation to explore how to perform computing and analysis of data “on the wire”, i.e., while the data is still in transit. The nature of these computations include analysis, visualization, pattern recognition, and prediction on the streaming data. In this paper we present the idea of a framework capable of analyzing data in transit based on the principles of a service function chaining architecture. This framework can be deployed at any practical location within the network where computation on data flows is desirable. We further describe an all-virtual implementation of the framework as a worst-case scenario and present an early investigation of its capabilities with three examples — pattern recognition and data visualization on streaming Forex data, targeted advertising from clickstream data, and processing of monitoring data from solar sensors for maintenance decisions. Our results indicate that performing computations on live data flows to provide immediate perspective on the data is possible and attractive, but also that performance heavily depends on the amount and capabilities of the dedicated resources.
Energy homeostasis in leptin deficient Lepob/ob mice

Maintenance of reduced body weight is associated both with reduced energy expenditure per unit metabolic mass and increased hunger in mice and humans. Lowered circulating leptin concentration, due to decreased fat mass, provides a primary signal for this response. However, leptin deficient (Lepob/ob) mice (and leptin receptor deficient Zucker rats) reduce energy expenditure following weight reduction by a necessarily non-leptin dependent mechanisms. To identify these mechanisms, Lepob/ob mice were fed ad libitum (AL group; n = 21) or restricted to 3 kilocalories of chow per day (CR group, n = 21). After losing 20% of initial weight (in approximately 2 weeks), the CR mice were stabilized at 80% of initial body weight for two weeks by titrated refeeding, and then released from food restriction. CR mice conserved energy (-17% below predicted based on body mass and composition during the day; -52% at night); and, when released to ad libitum feeding, CR mice regained fat and lean mass (to AL levels) within 5 weeks. CR mice did so while their ad libitum caloric intake was equal to that of the AL animals. While calorically restricted, the CR mice had a significantly lower respiratory exchange ratio (RER = 0.89) compared to AL (0.94); after release to ad libitum feeding, RER was significantly higher (1.03) than in the AL group (0.93), consistent with their anabolic state. These results confirm that, in congenitally leptin deficient animals, leptin is not required for compensatory reduction in energy expenditure accompanying weight loss, but suggest that the hyperphagia of the weight-reduced state is leptin-dependent.
Ab initio 13C NMR and structural studies of the (trifluoromethyl)cyclopentyl carbocations

Abstract Ab initio calculations at the MP2/cc-pVTZ level of theory show that the classical 1-(trifluoromethyl)cyclopentyl cation (11) is substantially destabilized (by 9.8 kcal/mol) as compared to its isomeric μ-hydrido-bridged global minimum structure 16. However, the classical carbocation 11 is relatively more stable than the nonclassical cyclobutylmethyl cations 6 and 7, by 7.9 and 3.6 kcal/mol, respectively. We have also shown involvement of the noncovalent H⋯F bonding interactions in the μ-hydrido bridged structures, 13, 16, 19, and 20. The latter H⋯F bond distances are dependent on the number of fluorines in the fluoroalkyl group, and decrease in the order: 16 (CF3) > 20 (CHF2) > 19 (CH2F), in accordance with the decreased basicity of the fluorine atom across this series.
Highly directional pressure sensing using the phase gradient

Many methods of two-microphone directional sensing have limited bandwidth. For active intensity, finite-difference error can be removed by using the phase and amplitude gradient estimator method. Using similar principles, a directional pressure sensor based on the phase gradient is developed that is accurate up to the spatial Nyquist frequency, and beyond if phase unwrapping is applied. A highly directional frequency-independent array response of arbitrary order can be achieved with two microphones. The method is compared against beamforming and traditional gradient sensing for single and multiple sources and is found to have improved localization capabilities and increased bandwidth.
The Message Effect of Augmented Health Messages on Body

This study investigates the health message effect of Spatial Augmented Reality (SAR) with projection mapping technology while comparing a two-dimensional flat screen and three-dimensional image of a participant’s body. This current study offers insight that the dualprocess model occurs when people experiencing spatial presence, also known as feeling of “being there,” are particularly experiencing affective feeling, not cognitive feeling. In turn, the affective feeling as spatial presence enhances negative attitudes on cigarette smoking and online viral behavior intentions while demonstrating heuristicsystematic process model (HSM).
An Iron Wind: Europe under Hitler. By Peter Fritzsche. (New York, NY: Basic Books, 2016. Pp. xviii, 356. $29.99.)

Though most of the literature on the German occupation of much of Europe engages German policies, their effects, and the reactions of the occupied people, Peter Fritzsche in this fascinating work d...
Voretigene neparvovec-rzyl for the treatment of biallelic RPE65 mutation–associated retinal dystrophy

Introduction: Inherited retinal dystrophies (IRDs) are the major cause of familial blindness in the Western world, and until recently, have been devoid of pharmacologic treatment options. Biallelic...
Impact of sex on pain and opioid analgesia: a review

Chronic pain is a debilitating condition that impacts tens of millions each year, resulting in lost wages for workers and exacting considerable costs in health care and rehabilitation. A thorough understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying pain and analgesia is critical to facilitate the development of therapeutic strategies and personalized medicine. Clinical and epidemiological studies report that women experience greater levels of pain than men and have higher rates of pain-related disorders. Studies in both rodents and humans report sex differences in the anatomical and physiologic properties of the descending antinociceptive circuit, mu opioid receptor (MOR) expression and binding, morphine metabolism, and immune system activation, all of which likely contribute to the observed sex differences in pain and opioid analgesia. Although more research is needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms, these sex differences present potential therapeutic targets to optimize pain management strategies for both sexes.
La identidad de בְנֵי־הָאֱלֹהִים, הַנְּפִלִים y הַגִּבֹּרִים en Génesis 6:1-4

Este estudio analiza Genesis 6:1-4, y sintetiza y evalua diversas explicaciones de los terminos בני־האלהים o “hijos de Dios”, los נּפלים y los גּבּרים; a la vez que provee una interpretacion de estos que tiene en cuenta los vinculos con el contexto en el que se encuentran. Para el autor la expresion “hijos de Dios” se refiere a setitas, quienes despues de entrar en compromisos conyugales con las mujeres cainitas, contribuyeron decididamente a la maldad ya reinante en aquel tiempo. Los נּפלים no fueron el fruto de esas relaciones pues su existencia es anterior y contemporanea a los descendientes de los hijos de Dios. Los גּבּרים pueden interpretarse como valientes guerreros y gobernantes que tiranizaron a multitudes.
Posttraumatic stress in young children with cancer: Risk factors and comparison with healthy peers

Objective The most commonly occurring childhood cancers are diagnosed during the preschool years; yet limited psycho-oncology research has focused on this developmental time period. The primary objective was to examine rates of posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) in young children with cancer and compare these findings with those of children without a history of serious illness (comparisons). The secondary aim was to examine risk and modifiable factors associated with PTSS. Method Ninety-seven caregivers of patients (n = 50) and comparisons (n = 47) aged three to six years completed diagnostic interviews for the assessment of PTSD. They also completed a survey measure of PTSS adapted from the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL-PTSD), along with measures of their child's temperament and their own current psychological functioning. Results On the CBCL-PTSD, no differences in PTSS were observed between children with cancer and comparisons, although many in both groups appeared at risk, with approximately 34% of children with cancer and 27% of comparisons meeting threshold scores for probable PTSD. However, using a "gold-standard" clinical-interview assessment, only three children in the patient group and no children in the comparison group met diagnostic criteria for PTSD. Parental distress and child temperament were significantly associated with PTSS scores. Conclusion Findings indicate PTSD is relatively infrequent in children with cancer, and survey measures may overestimate rates of PTSD in young children. However, other emotional or behavioral issues may be present. Ultimately, screening for potential emotional/behavioral concerns in young children with cancer is indicated, and interventions should continue to target caregiver distress.
Liver Allograft Donor Selection and Allocation

Liver allograft selection and allocation policy for pediatric transplantation are a complex and interrelated process that varies globally and is affected by multiple factors including access to transplant care and donor organs; recipient illness severity and disease type; ethical, political, and geographic constraints; center expertise; and other issues. Current modern graft selection for children has been revolutionized by the availability of technical variant grafts such as split liver grafts and living donor grafts as well as deceased donors. In many countries, but not all, allocation policy has been driven by pediatric prioritization. Further refinements in reducing or eliminating death on the pediatric waitlist and optimizing long-term outcomes for children will require critical decisions on allocation of a scarce resource as well as disseminating technical expertise required to properly treat the demand of children waiting for liver transplantation.
A characterization of homology manifolds with g2 ≤ 2

Abstract We characterize homology manifolds with g 2 ≤ 2 . Specifically, using retriangulations of simplicial complexes, we give a short proof of Nevo and Novinsky's result on the characterization of homology ( d − 1 ) -spheres with g 2 = 1 for d ≥ 5 and extend it to the class of normal pseudomanifolds. We proceed to prove that every prime homology manifold with g 2 = 2 is obtained by centrally retriangulating a polytopal sphere with g 2 ≤ 1 along a certain subcomplex. This implies that all homology manifolds with g 2 = 2 are polytopal spheres.
Preterm Infant Incubator Humidity Levels: A Systematic Review.

Background Numerous scholars have reported that inconsistent levels of incubator humidity in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) require attention. Evidence synthesis was needed to identify optimal incubator humidity levels and duration to decrease transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and the potential for infection. Purpose The purpose of this systematic review was to appraise and synthesize the evidence of preterm outcomes related to incubator humidity. The primary aim of this study was to determine how patient outcomes were impacted by incubator humidity levels and duration in premature infants born before 320/7 weeks cared for in the NICU. Methods/search strategy The foundation of this systematic review was the Joanna Briggs Institute method for systematic reviews. Mefford's theory of health promotion for the preterm infant was used to address the wholeness of the preterm infant's body system. Evidence was classified using the Johns Hopkins evidence-based practice levels and quality of evidence. Findings Twelve studies met inclusion criteria. The evidence demonstrated that the practice of incubator humidity is warranted; however, it does not come without risks. Microbial growth was increased in high levels of incubator humidity. Unnecessary TEWL was prevented by lowering high levels of incubator humidity after the first week of life, improving skin barrier formation. Implications for practice Incubator humidity of 60% to 70% in the first week of life was effective in preventing TEWL in infants born 26 weeks or more. Implications for research Future incubator humidity research is needed for infants born before 26 weeks.Video Abstract available athttps://journals.lww.com/advancesinneonatalcare/Pages/videogallery.aspx?autoPlay=false&videoId=39.
Statistical Based Approaches

Principal component analysis (PCA) is a method used to reduce the dimension of a given set of data while retaining the variability present in the set. Each set of data contains information represented through vectors of single variables (that usually have real, integer or binary values). For instance, a geometric point in the threedimensional space can be represented through a vector having three variables, each one associated to one of the three coordinate axes x, y and z. In general, a sample can be represented by a vector formed by a certain number of variables. Such number of variables defines the length of the vectors contained in the set, and hence the dimension of the set. Moreover, for each variable, a certain range of variability can be defined, which determines the interval of values that the single variable can take. For instance, if the set of data contains three-dimensional points delimited into a cube having side 1 and centered in (0, 0, 0), then the three variables representing the Cartesian coordinates are bounded to have values in \(\left[-\frac{1}{2}, \frac{1}{2}\right]\). This interval defines the range of variability of the three variables. The aim of PCA is to find hidden patterns amongst the data and transform the original data in such a way that emphasizes their similarities and differences. Once the patterns are found, the data can be represented as components ordered by their relevance and it is possible then to discard components of low level of relevance without loss of important information.
Every Local Minimum Value is the Global Minimum Value of Induced Model in Non-convex Machine Learning

For nonconvex optimization in machine learning, this article proves that every local minimum achieves the globally optimal value of the perturbable gradient basis model at any differentiable point. As a result, nonconvex machine learning is theoretically as supported as convex machine learning with a handcrafted basis in terms of the loss at differentiable local minima, except in the case when a preference is given to the handcrafted basis over the perturbable gradient basis. The proofs of these results are derived under mild assumptions. Accordingly, the proven results are directly applicable to many machine learning models, including practical deep neural networks, without any modification of practical methods. Furthermore, as special cases of our general results, this article improves or complements several state-of-the-art theoretical results on deep neural networks, deep residual networks, and overparameterized deep neural networks with a unified proof technique and novel geometric insights. A special case of our results also contributes to the theoretical foundation of representation learning.
Calcium Hypothesis of Gulf War Illness: Role of Calcium Ions in Neurological Morbidities in a DFP-Based Rat Model for Gulf War Illness.

Gulf War Illness (GWI) refers to a multi-system disorder that afflicts approximately 30% of First Gulf War (GW) veterans. Amongst the symptoms exhibited, mood and memory impairment are commonly reported by GW veterans. Exposure to organophosphate (OP) compounds which target the cholinergic system is considered a leading cause for GWI symptoms. It is hypothesized that chronic OP-based war-time stimulation of cholinergic signaling led to recruitment of excitatory glutamatergic signaling and other downstream signaling cascades leading to neuronal injury, neuroinflammation, generation of reactive oxygen species, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial damage within the central nervous system. These findings have been observed in both experimental models and GWI veterans. In this context the role of calcium (Ca2+) signaling in GWI has come to the forefront. Here we present our Ca2+ hypothesis of GWI that suggests sustained neuronal Ca2+ elevations serve as a molecular trigger for pathological synaptic plasticity that has allowed for the persistence of GWI symptoms. Subsequently we discuss that therapeutic targeting of Ca2+ homeostatic mechanisms provides novel targets for effective treatment of GWI-related neurological signs in our rodent model.
LGBTQ Youth and Technology: Finding Their Way Through Online Communities

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning/queer (LGBTQ) youth come of age in a heterosexist and homophobic society with few, if any, resources or role models to help them formulate their sexual identities. They often turn to online communities to explore coming out, relationships, and health concerns as they navigate this developmental stage. This literature review examines the information seeking behaviors of LGBTQ youth, the online communities they use, and the outcomes of their participation as they develop their identities through websites, computer mediated communications, social media, and video-based platforms. LGBTQ youth gather and share information, assist others with their developmental process, and form relationships online and transfer them to their offline lives. Several reasons for the success of the online communities are explored and the conclusion provides suggestions for future research.
Perceptions and Misconceptions of Literary Theories: An Analysis of Pedagogy of Literary Studies

English Studies curriculum in Indian universities and colleges keeps expanding its ever- flexible boundaries from time to time. American Literature, Indian Writing in English, Commonwealth Literature, Comparative Literature, ELT & ESP courses, New Literatures in English, and Canadian Literature were introduced in the curriculum with generous support from the host countries or the UGC. When English Major was introduced at Oxford (1894) and Cambridge (1911), and still later at Harvard, the University authorities and academics alike resisted it on the ground that literature courses could not construct/impart/test the knowledge as social sciences and natural sciences did/could. Ironically, Indian academics and administrators with the colonized-and-yet-to be-decolonized-mind never perceive the introduction and expansion of English literature education as a problematic. When Literary Theory was introduced in the Anglo-American universities in 1990s, they could satisfactorily answer the question what knowledge literature programme could produce though the academics resisted Literary Theories in 1970s (Paul de Man). Thanks to the LPG phenomenon, Indian academics lost no time in recognizing Literary Theory, if not Literary Theories, as an integral part of teaching English literature at least at the postgraduate level. Since Literary Theories is the latest addition and since most of the present day educators did their literature education before its advent, there have been several gaps in their epistemological understanding of the subject and in their pedagogical implementation of the course. Confusion over its disciplinary boundaries, failure to understand its multi- disciplinary-outside-of-literature knowledge, failure to make a distinction between Literary theory and Literary Theory, Literary Theory or Literary Theories, Literary Theory and Literary Criticism, Literary Theory and Critical Approaches to Literature, Literary Theory and Critical Theory, and misconceptions about the contents, scope, and function of Literary Theories are some of the issues that need urgently the attention of the scholars and academics of English literature education in India. Paul de Man (2005: 333) rightly and succinctly remarks, “it is better to fail in teaching what should not be taught than to succeed in teaching what is not true.” This paper proposes to examine the academics’ understanding concerning the origin, definition, scope, and function of Literary Theories, the distinction between the term Literary Theory and the various other terms, the pedagogical feasibility and desirability of integrating Literary Theories with the teaching of literatures in English.
The Role of Imaging in Acute Brain Injury

There is increasing awareness of the preponderance and complexity of neurological dysfunction in the intensive care unit (ICIJ). The critical care physician has a central role in the evaluation and treatment not only of patients admitted with complex traumatic and non-traumatic brain injuries, but also of patients who develop secondary neurological dysfunction as a result of a systemic insult such as cardiac arrest, liver failure, or sepsis.
An IgG1 titre to the F1 and V antigens correlates with protection against plague in the mouse model

The objective of this study was to identify an immunological correlate of protection for a two-component subunit vaccine for plague, using a mouse model. The components of the vaccine are the F1 and V antigens of the plague-causing organism, Yersinia pestis, which are coadsorbed to alhydrogel and administered intramuscularly. The optimum molar ratio of the subunits was determined by keeping the dose-level of either subunit constant whilst varying the other and observing the effect on specific antibody titre. A two-fold molar excess of F1 to V, achieved by immunizing with 10 micrograms of each antigen, resulted in optimum antibody titres. The dose of vaccine required to protect against an upper and lower subcutaneous challenge with Y. pestis was determined by administering doses in the range 10 micrograms F1 + 10 micrograms V to 0.01 microgram F1 + 0.01 microgram V in a two-dose regimen. For animals immunized at the 1-microgram dose level or higher with F1 + V, an increase in specific IgG1 titre was observed over the 8 months post-boost and they were fully protected against a subcutaneous challenge with 10(5) colony-forming units (CFU) virulent Y. pestis at this time point. However, immunization with 5 micrograms or more of each subunit was required to achieve protection against challenge with 10(7) CFU Y. pestis. A new finding of this study is that the combined titre of the IgG1 subclass, developed to F1 plus V, correlated significantly (P < 0.05) with protection. The titres of IgG1 in vaccinated mice which correlated with 90%, 50% and 10% protection have been determined and provide a useful model to predict vaccine efficacy in man.
Strengthening biomedicine's roots

The future of biomedicine depends on the strength of its underpinning sciences, including chemistry, physics and mathematics. Therein lie some of biomedicine's most challenging and costly problems, and greatest opportunities.
Allorecognition polymorphism versus parasitic stem cells

Allorecognition – the ability of an individual to distinguish between self and non-self cells and tissues – ultimately depends on the presence of highly polymorphic gene(s). Allorecognition loci are the most diverse ever described, with tens to hundreds of alleles observed in a population. An unresolved problem in population genetics lies in understanding the origins, accumulation and maintenance of this extensive polymorphism, often over millions of years and across multiple speciation events. Botryllus schlosseri , a primitive chordate, has a life history that links several components of allorecognition from disparate fields that are experimentally accessible. This review outlines these traits and discusses some of the puzzling aspects of allorecognition in Botryllus that might contribute to understanding the evolution of these extraordinary polymorphisms.
Epitranscriptional regulation of cardiovascular development and disease

Development, homeostasis and responses to stress in the heart all depend on appropriate control of mRNA expression programmes, which may be enacted at the level of DNA sequence, DNA accessibility and RNA-mediated control of mRNA output. Diverse mechanisms underlie promoter-driven transcription of coding mRNAs and their translation into protein, and the ways in which sequence alteration of DNA can make an impact on these processes have been studied for some time. The field of epigenetics explores changes in DNA structure that influence its accessibility by transcriptional machinery, and we are continuing to develop our understanding of how these processes modify cardiac RNA production. In this topical review, we do not focus on how DNA sequence and methylation, and histone interactions, may alter its accessibility, but rather on newly described mechanisms by which some transcribed RNAs may alter initial transcription or downstream processing of other RNAs, involving both short non-coding RNAs (microRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). Here we present examples of how these two classes of non-coding RNAs mediate widespread effects on cardiac transcription and protein output in processes for which we use the broad term 'epitranscriptional regulation' and that are complementary to the DNA methylation and histone modification events studied by classical epigenetics.
Molecular and genetic analysis of the Cryptococcus neoformans MET3 gene and a met3 mutant.

The Cryptococcus neoformans MET3 cDNA (encoding ATP sulfurylase) was cloned by complementation of the corresponding met3 mutation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Sequence analysis showed high similarity between the deduced amino acid sequence of the C. neoformans Met3p and other fungal ATP sulfurylases. A C. neoformans met3 mutant was made by targeted insertional mutagenesis, which had the expected auxotrophic phenotype, and reconstituted the met3 mutant to Met+. In vitro, the C. neoformans met3 mutant had a substantial defect in melanin formation, significantly reduced growth rate, and greatly increased thermotolerance. In the murine inhalation infection model, the met3 mutant was avirulent and was deficient in its ability to survive in mice. It is concluded that, in contrast to the yeast form of Histoplasma capsulatum, in C. neoformans the sulfate-assimilation arm of the methionine biosynthetic pathway plays an important role in vitro, even in the presence of abundant exogenous methionine, and is critical for virulence, and indeed for survival, in vivo.
Methyl Ketones from Carboxylic Acids: Cyclohexyl Methyl Ketone

Methyl ketones from carboxylic acids: cyclohexyl methyl ketone solvent: Commercial 1,2-dimethoxyethane, b.p. 85–86°, purchased from Eastman Organic Chemicals, was distilled from lithium aluminum hydride before use reactant: cyclohexanecarboxylic acid, m.p. 31–32°, purchased from Aldrich Chemical Company was used without further purification product: cyclohexyl methyl ketone Keywords: addition, to CO; Grignard and related reactions; assay methods, for methyllithium with 2-butanol, 1,10-phenanthroline or 2,2'-bipydridyl or 2,2'-biquinoline indicator; 1,2-dimethoxyethane, purification of; hydrogen, fire hazard
A Review of: “Setting the Agenda: The Mass Media and Public Opinion, by Maxwell McCombs”

Setting the Agenda: The Mass Media and Public Opinion reads like a Festschrift except that it focuses its praises on a theory and the research surrounding it rather than on a scholar. It covers all...
Cutaneous reactions to surgical preparations and dressings

A prospective study of 100 surgical patients was undertaken to identify causes of contact dermatitis. Patch testing with the North American Contact Dermatitis Standard Series and additional agents used in the surgical preparation and dressing was performed in 11 patients with post-operative dermatitis or a history of tape allergy. 12 patients were diagnosed as having irritant (mechanical) contact dermatitis. One patient had allergic contact dermatitis to benzoin postoperatively; another patient with a history of an adhesive tape reaction had a positive patch test to thiuram mix, rubber accelerators formerly present in adhesive tapes. Our findings indicate that irritant contact dermatitis is a common problem in the surgical patient. Allergic contact dermatitis is less common, occurring in 2 of the 100 patients.