cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Intercellular Redistribution of cAMP Underlies Selective Suppression of Cancer Cell Growth by Connexin26

Connexins (Cx), which constitute gap junction intercellular channels in vertebrates, have been shown to suppress transformed cell growth and tumorigenesis, but the mechanism(s) still remain largely speculative. Here, we define the molecular basis by which Cx26, but less frequently Cx43 or Cx32, selectively confer growth suppression on cancer cells. Functional intercellular coupling is shown to be required, producing partial blocks of the cell cycle due to prolonged activation of several mitogenic kinases. PKA is both necessary and sufficient for the Cx26 induced growth inhibition in low serum and the absence of anchorage. Activation of PKA was not associated with elevated cAMP levels, but appeared to result from a redistribution of cAMP throughout the cell population, eliminating the cell cycle oscillations in cAMP required for efficient cell cycle progression. Cx43 and Cx32 fail to mediate this redistribution as, unlike Cx26, these channels are closed during the G2/M phase of the cell cycle when cAMP levels peak. Comparisons of tumor cell lines indicate that this is a general pattern, with growth suppression by connexins occurring whenever cAMP oscillates with the cell cycle, and the gap junction remain open throughout the cell cycle. Thus, gap junctional coupling, in the absence of any external signals, provides a general means to limit the mitotic rate of cell populations.
Mechanical properties of brain tissue in strain rates of blast injury

Over the past decade there has been a significant increase in the number of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) cases among armed forces due to blast. Finite Element (FE) models of brain injury are essential to study brain injury mechanisms. The available FE models are based on the material properties that have been determined from experiments at strain rates below 100 s−1. In this study a novel experimental model was developed to apply shear strains to brain samples with strain rates of 100, 500 and 800 s−1 and the material properties were determined through FE optimization. The results showed that brain shear moduli at these strain rates are independent of strain rate and in agreement with previous results. The tissue failure stress at 100 s−1 was significantly lower than the higher rates.
Increased Plasmin and Serine Proteinase Activity During Flow-Induced Intimal Atrophy in Baboon PTFE Grafts

High blood flow causes intimal atrophy and loss of extracellular matrix in PTFE aortoiliac grafts. We have investigated whether matrix-degrading proteinases are altered in this baboon model of atrophy using zymography, western analysis, and a versican degradation assay. After four days of high flow, urokinase was increased and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 was decreased in the intima. Plasminogen was increased after seven days. Pro-matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, activated MMP-2, and proMMP-9 levels were modestly increased by high flow at 7 days, whereas MMP-3 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 were not altered. Extracts of 4-day high-flow intimas degraded more 35 S-methionine–labeled versican than low-flow intimal extracts, and this activity was inhibited by AEBSF, a serine proteinase inhibitor, and a plasmin antibody. In contrast, this activity was not inhibited by the MMP inhibitor, BB-94 (Batimastat). These data suggest that serine proteinases, including plasmin, may be largely responsible for extracellular matrix degradation in this primate model of flow-induced intimal atrophy.
Acoustic vorticity meter for benthic boundary layer flow measurements

An acoustic travel-time flow-meter that had been configured to measure vorticity on scales of 15 and 45 centimeters has now been configured to measure benthic boundary layer vorticity over a scale of 1.5 meters. Closed square paths in each sensor define three orthogonal axes of vorticity. Originally constructed to measure shear in the presence of waves, the 15 cm and 45 cm sensors have an expected accuracy for shear of 10/sup -2/ s/sup -1/ and 3/spl times/10/sup -3/ s/sup -1/ respectively, The 1.5 m sensor appears to have a noise floor of 2/spl times/10/sup -5/ s/sup -1/. Strong boundary layer shear generates turbulence and turbulent vorticity. Measurements of vorticity are being made with these sensors at several scales in strong tidal flows from 1.2 m to 3.2 m above the bottom. Data are being stored internally and in a pop-up data logger for recovery at the end of the deployment and part way through the deployment, Absolute shear can be determined with the 45 cm sensor through careful zero flow calibration before the deployment. The 1.5 m sensor is part of the deployment tripod and too large to be calibrated in controlled conditions. Consequently, fluctuations in vorticity can be determined with the 1.5 m sensor. >
Parenteral Lipid Emulsion Induces Germination of Candida albicans and Increases Biofilm Formation on Medical Catheter Surfaces

Background The administration of parenteral nutrition, including lipid emulsion (LE), to patients via medical catheters is an unexplained risk factor for the development of candidemia. Germination and biofilm formation are recognized virulence determinants of Candida albicans. No studies have addressed the effect of LE on candidal biofilm production. In this study, we investigated the effect of LE on candidal germination and its ability to form biofilm on medical catheter material. Methods C. albicans strain SC-5314 was grown in standard growth medium in the presence or absence a commercially available LE. Biofilms grown on silicone-elastomer catheter discs in these media were compared for mass by dry weight measurements. Biofilm morphology was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and confocal laser microscopy. The effect of LE on C. albicans germination and growth was evaluated microscopically and by determination of colony-forming units, respectively. Results Addition of LE to standard growth medium increased C. albicans biofilm production and resulted in observed changes in biofilm morphology and architecture. Furthermore, LE induced germination and supported the growth of C. albicans. Conclusions LE-inducible candidal virulence determinants, such as germination and enhanced biofilm production, may help to explain the increased risk of candidemia in patients receiving LE via medical catheters.
Short Selling ADRs and Foreign Market Short-Sale Constraints

We examine the effect of home market short-sale constraints on stocks that also trade in other countries that have more liberal short-sale rules. We focus on the case of ADRs traded in the U.S., as in some cases, the home markets of these ADRs prohibit short selling. We find that U.S. short sellers more heavily trade ADRs from markets where short selling is prohibited than from markets where short selling is allowed. We also find that when short sellers trade these short-sale restricted ADRs, they behave in a contrarian manner consistent with them being able to exploit and profit from private information. Further, ADR short sellers are able to predict negative returns regardless of the severity of the home-market short-sale constraints and that return predictability of ADR short sellers is greater for ADRs of foreign stocks with binding home-market constraints. Our study brings into question the efficacy and economic sense of local market short-sale restrictions for stocks that trade globally.
Terrain mapping for a roving planetary explorer

The authors are prototyping a legged vehicle, the Ambler, for an exploratory mission on another planet, conceivably Mars, where it is to traverse uncharted areas and collect material samples. They describe how the rover can construct from range imagery a geometric terrain representation, i.e., elevation map that includes uncertainty, unknown areas, and local features. First, they present an algorithm for constructing an elevation map from a single range image. By virtue of working in spherical-polar space, the algorithm is independent of the desired map resolution and the orientation of the sensor, unlike algorithms that work in Cartesian space. Secondly, the authors present a two-stage matching technique (feature matching followed by iconic matching) that identifies the transformation T corresponding to the vehicle displacement between two viewing positions. Thirdly, to support legged locomotion over rough terrain, they describe methods for evaluating regions of the constructed elevation maps as footholds. >
Chrominance Edge Preserving Grayscale Transformation with Approximate First Principal Component for Color Edge Detection

Edges that are visible in color images may not be detected in the corresponding grayscale image. This is due to the neighboring objects having different hues but the same intensities. Hence, a color edge preserving grayscale conversion algorithm is proposed that helps detect color edges using only the luminance component. The algorithm calculates an approximation to the first principal component to form a new set of luminance coefficients instead of using the conventional luminance coefficients. This method can be directly applied to all existing grayscale edge detectors for color edge detection. Processing only one channel instead of three channels results in lower computational complexity compared to other color edge detectors. Experimental results on test images show similar edge detection capabilities to typical color edge detectors at reduced complexity levels.
Actual and Desired Roles of the High School Learning Disability Resource Teacher

To investigate the role expectations of the high school learning disability resource teacher, a behavior scale was developed to which incumbents responded as to their actual and desired role performance. Inspection of data from the 134 resource teachers indicates that there are few areas of consensus among the respondents.
Collaborative Involvement of Primary and Secondary Caregivers: Associations with Youths' Diabetes Outcomes

Objective Collaboration between youths with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and their adult caregivers may be central to effective management of T1D. This article includes analysis of cross-sectional associations between T1D outcomes (adherence, glycemic control, quality of life, family conflict, depression, and self-efficacy) and scores on the Collaborative Parent Involvement (CPI) Scale obtained from 309 youths with T1D about their primary and secondary caregivers. Methods MANCOVA, controlling for age, evaluated associations of diabetes outcomes with youths’ CPI scores for each caregiver. Results Diabetes outcomes were poor when both caregivers obtained CPI scores below the median. Diabetes outcomes were more strongly associated with CPI scores of primary, rather than secondary, caregivers. CPI scores at or above the median among primary caregivers were associated with more favorable status on multiple youth outcomes. When both caregivers obtained CPI scores at or above the median, children had significantly lower HbA1C and parents retained more responsibility for diabetes care. Conclusions Higher collaborative involvement, particularly among primary caregivers, was associated with favorable status along a variety of diabetes outcomes. Longitudinal studies could confirm if youth–parent collaboration is a justifiable intervention target.
Authentication-invariant cancellable biometric filters for illumination-tolerant face verification

In this paper we address the issue of producing cancelable biometric templates; a necessary feature in the deployment of any biometric authentication system. We propose a novel scheme that encrypts the training images used to synthesize the single (minimum average correlation energy) filter for biometric authentication. We show theoretically that convolving the training images with any random convolution kernel prior to building the filter does not change the resulting correlation output peak-to-sidelobe ratios, thus preserving the authentication performance. However, different templates can be obtained from the same biometric by varying the convolution kernels thus enabling the cancelability of the templates. We evaluate the proposed method using the illumination subset of the CMU pose, illumination, expressions (PIE) face dataset and show that we are still able to achieve 100% face verification using the proposed encryption scheme. Our proposed method is interesting from a pattern recognition theory point of view, as we are able to 'encrypt' the data and perform recognition in the encrypted domain that performs as well as the unencrypted case, for a variety of encryption kernels; we show analytically that the recognition performance remains invariant to the proposed encryption scheme, while retaining the desired shift-invariance property of correlation filters.© (2004) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Gene markers in human bone marrow transplantation.

. One or more differences between donors and recipients were found in polymorphic red blood cell antigens and enzymes in each of 56 bone marrow transplant sibling pairs. These results identify those polymorphic traits which are potentially most informative for detection of donor cells in a recipient following transplantation.
Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase Mediates Enhanced Spontaneous and Agonist-Induced Contraction in Aorta of Deoxycorticosterone Acetate-Salt Hypertensive Rats

Arteries from deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-salt and N ω -nitro-l-arginine (L-NNA) hypertensive but not normotensive rats develop spontaneous tone. LY294002 and wortmannin, phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3-kinase) inhibitors, eliminate spontaneous tone. We hypothesized that PI3-kinase protein and/or activity was increased in hypertension and contributed to the observed enhanced contractility. PI3-kinase activity assays revealed 2-fold higher activity in thoracic aorta from DOCA-salt [systolic blood pressure (SBP)=184±5 mm Hg] compared with sham rats (SBP=111±2 mm Hg). Western analyses of aortic homogenates revealed the presence of p85α, p110α, p110β, and p110δ but not p110γ PI3-kinase subunits; p110δ protein was elevated in aorta of hypertensive rats as compared with sham. Aortic homogenates from L-NNA rats also had elevated p110β protein density, but neither L-NNA nor DOCA-salt had differences in p85α and p110α. Total Akt density was unaltered, but pAkt was significantly lower in homogenates from DOCA-salt rats. LY294002 (20 μmol/L) and nifedipine (50 nmol/L) abolished Ca 2+ -induced spontaneous tone in aorta from DOCA-salt rats. However, LY294002 did not alter BayK8644-induced contraction, indicating that LY294002 does not inhibit L-type Ca 2+ channels directly. PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homolog) and pPTEN were expressed but not different in aorta from DOCA-salt and sham rats. LY294002 corrected the enhanced contraction to KCl and norepinephrine in aorta from DOCA-salt rats. These data support an increase in PI3-kinase activity and p110δ density in aorta from L-NNA and DOCA-salt rats. Importantly, this increase contributes to the enhanced contractility observed in two models of hypertension.
On the enumeration of planar trees of hexagons

In their paper “ The enumeration of tree-like polyhexes”, Harary and Read [6] consider structures obtained by assembling hexagons subject to certain restrictions. Their problem is introduced as a simplified hexagonal cell-growth problem.
Molecular bases of NMDA receptor subtype-dependent properties.

NMDA receptors (NMDARs) are a class of ionotropic glutamate receptors (iGluRs) that are essential for neuronal development, synaptic plasticity, learning and cell survival. Several features distinguish NMDARs from other iGluRs and underlie the crucial roles NMDARs play in nervous system physiology. NMDARs display slow deactivation kinetics, are highly Ca2+ permeable, and require depolarization to relieve channel block by external Mg2+ ions, thereby making them effective coincidence detectors. These properties and others differ among NMDAR subtypes, which are defined by the subunits that compose the receptor. NMDARs, which are heterotetrameric, commonly are composed of two GluN1 subunits and two GluN2 subunits, of which there are four types, GluN2A–D. ‘Diheteromeric’ NMDARs contain two identical GluN2 subunits. Gating and ligand-binding properties (e.g. deactivation kinetics) and channel properties (e.g. channel block by Mg2+) depend strongly on the GluN2 subunit contained in diheteromeric NMDARs. Recent work shows that two distinct regions of GluN2 subunits control most diheteromeric NMDAR subtype-dependent properties: the N-terminal domain is responsible for most subtype dependence of gating and ligand-binding properties; a single residue difference between GluN2 subunits at a site termed the GluN2 S/L site is responsible for most subtype dependence of channel properties. Thus, two structurally and functionally distinct regions underlie the majority of subtype dependence of NMDAR properties. This topical review highlights recent studies of recombinant diheteromeric NMDARs that uncovered the involvement of the N-terminal domain and of the GluN2 S/L site in the subtype dependence of NMDAR properties.
Risk of Thromboembolism in Chronic Atrial Flutter

Anticoagulant therapy is not conventionally used in the treatment of patients with atrial flutter. This recommendation has been based on sparse clinical experience, and recent preliminary reports suggest a significant risk of thromboembolism for these patients. A retrospective study was undertaken to assess the frequency of thromboembolic events as well as potential risk factors for these events in a cohort of patients with atrial flutter referred for radiofrequency ablation treatment. Eighty-six consecutive patients with a primary diagnosis of atrial flutter were evaluated. A history of embolic events was noted in 12 of 86 patients (14%) with atrial flutter, with an annual risk of approximately 3%. There were no differences in the prevalence of coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathy, valvular disease, or atrial fibrillation between the 2 groups of patients having an embolic event and those of patients without embolic events. Left ventricular function and left atrial size were also similar between the 2 groups. The only significant risk factor was hypertension (p < 0.05). However, in a regression model with other clinical variables (i.e., age, gender, left atrial size, presence or absence of any cardiac disease, length of time in flutter, left ventricular function, type of flutter, flutter cycle length, type of secondary arrhythmias) no significant predictors were found. Patients with transient ischemic attacks or pulmonary emboli were then excluded from the analysis in order to compare the thromboembolic risk in the present study to that reported in major atrial fibrillation trials. The overall risk becomes 7% (6 of 86), which over a mean follow-up period of 4.5 years yields an annual risk of approximately 1.6%. Although this risk is only 1/3 of that for patients with atrial fibrillation, this risk is higher than previously recognized for patients with chronic atrial flutter. Anticoagulant therapy should be seriously considered for these patients.
Cytochemical localization of tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, and nonspecific esterase in perivascular cells of cartilage canals in the developing mouse epiphysis

Cytochemical localization of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), tartratc-sensitive acid phosphatases (TSAP), alkaline phosphatase, and nonspecific esterase was used to characterize perivascular cells within cartilage canals. In the distal femoral epiphyses of 5- to 7-day-old mice, three stages of canal development can be distinguished, and at each developmental stage different perivascular cells were present with morphological characteristics of degradative cells. Vacuolated cells resembling macrophages, fibroblastic cells, and chondroclasts were present adjacent to the matrix in superficial, intermediate, and deep canals, respectively. In order to characterize these perivascular cells cytochemically, nonspecific esterase and TSAP staining was used to identify macrophages, alkaline phosphatase staining was used to identify fibroblastic cells, and TRAP staining was used to identify chondroclasts. There were no cells present in the canals at any developmental stage that were positive for TSAP or strongly positive for nonspecific esterase, placing doubt on the identity of the vacuolated cells as macrophages. Alkaline phosohatase-positive perivascular cells were present in the intermediate and deep canals adjacant to matrix containing alkaline phosphatase-positive chondrocytes. These alkaline phosphatase-positive cells were found in the same location within canals as the fibroblastic cells. Tartrate-resislant acid phosphatase was localized in chondroclasts at the tips of deep canals but was not confined exclusively to chondroclasts. Except for the very early stage of canal development prior to chondrocyte hypertrophy, TRAP-positive cells were present at the tips of superficial and intermediate canals as well as at the tips of the deep canals. Additionally, the presence of TRAP in chondrocytes with in the growth plate, in chondrocytes within the epiphyseal cartilage near some canals, and in perichondrial cells suggests that TRAP is associated with matrix degradation in the cartilage.
Genome-wide linkage scan localizes the harlequin locus in the Great Dane to chromosome 9

Harlequin is a coat pattern of the Great Dane characterized by ragged patches of full color on a white background. Harlequin patterning is a bigenic trait, resulting from the interaction of the merle allele of SILV, and a dominant modifier locus, H. Breeding data suggest that H is embryonic recessive lethal and that all harlequins are Hh. To identify linkage with the harlequin phenotype, 46 Great Danes from 5 pedigrees were genotyped for 280 microsatellite markers in a whole genome screen. One marker on the telomeric end of chromosome 9 was suggestive of linkage. Fine mapping of this region using additional microsatellite markers and 10 Great Danes from a sixth pedigree resulted in significant LOD scores for 2 markers. Reported herein is linkage mapping of the H locus to a 3.27 Mb region of chromosome 9 containing approximately 20 genes.
Laryngopharyngeal Sensory Testing

Swallowing can be thought of as the interaction between two distinct, but interrelated phenomena, airway protection and bolus transport. Airway protection requires intact oral, pharyngeal and laryngeal sensory function. Laryngopharyngeal sensory testing specifically assesses a patient’s laryngeal and pharyngeal sensation. The sensory testing technique is described in detail with a focus on key technical points. The utility of sensory testing is also described beyond its application in dysphagia to include the evaluation of patients with acid reflux disease, site of lesion testing in the head and neck and in the evaluation of chronic cough, particularly vagal neuralgia and paradoxical vocal fold motion disorder.
Liposome–nucleic acid immunotherapeutics

Cationic liposome-nucleic acid complexes, which were originally developed for use as non-viral gene delivery vectors, may now have an equally important application as immunotherapeutic drugs. Recent studies have highlighted the ability of cationic liposomes to potently activate the innate immune system when used to deliver certain Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists. The immune-enhancing properties of cationic liposomes have been most clearly demonstrated when combined with nucleic acid agonists for endosomally located TLRs, including TLR3, TLR7/8 and TLR9. Immune potentiation by cationic liposomes likely results from the combined effects of endosomal targeting, protection of nucleic acids from extracellular degradation, and from signaling via newly identified cytoplasmic receptors for nucleic acids. The potent innate immune stimulatory properties of liposome-nucleic acid complexes make them particularly attractive as non-specific immunotherapeutics and as vaccine adjuvants. Liposome-nucleic acid complexes have demonstrated impressive anticancer activity in a number of different animal tumor models. Moreover, liposome-nucleic acid complexes have also been shown to be effective for immunotherapy of acute viral and bacterial infections, as well as chronic fungal infections. When used as vaccine adjuvants, liposome-nucleic acid complexes target antigens for efficient uptake by dendritic cells and are particularly effective in eliciting CD8(+) T-cell responses to protein antigens. Thus, liposome-nucleic acid complexes form a potent and versatile immunotherapeutic platform.
The Personal Work of a First Pregnancy: Transforming Identities, Relationships, and Women's Work

ABSTRACT The purpose of this qualitative research was to explore women's experiences and perceptions of work during a first pregnancy. In this article we present findings related to women's personal work, one aspect of pregnancy work identified in the larger study (1996–2002). Qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews with a purposeful, convenience sample of 29 women, ages 18–40 years, from diverse ethnic/racial, social, and economic backgrounds. Their personal work of pregnancy included growing a child, creating self as a mother, preparing for the baby, situating self vis-a-vis parental and societal models of motherhood, and personal relationship work. A first pregnancy transformed women's work as they added pregnancy to the mix and experienced significant shifts and transformations in personal and social identities and in the meanings, values, and priorities they attached to work. Findings were limited by the context and experiences of the participants in this convenience sample...
Transepithelial calcium transport in the chick chorioallantoic membrane II. Compartmentalization of calcium during uptake

Calcium transport from the eggshell to the developing chick embryo is carried out by the ectoderm cells of the chick chorioallantoic membrane. Primary cells isolated from chick chorioallantoic membrane ectoderm were used to analyze the subcellular distribution of 45Ca2+ accumulated from the extracellular medium. We present evidence suggesting that calcium may be sequestered into endosome-like vesicles during the initial phase of uptake. A combination of techniques were utilized to monitor calcium fluxes and calcium compartmentalization in the cultured chorioallantoic membrane cells: (1) fura-2 fluorescence was used to indicate cytosolic free calcium concentrations, (2) 45Ca2+ tracer was used to follow calcium accumulation in all cellular compartments, and (3) digitonin was used to differentially permeabilize subcellular membranes in order to localize 45Ca2+ by following tracer release profiles. Differences between cytosolic calcium flux and whole cell calcium accumulation suggested that the pathway of calcium uptake from the medium involves sequestration into an internal compartment separate from the cytosol. Kinetic analysis of the digitonin-mediated release of specific subcellular markers (lactate dehydrogenase, NAD-dependent isocitrate dehydrogenase, [3H]inulin, and [3H]-2-deoxyglucose) and preloaded 45Ca2+ indicated that calcium was localized in a compartment similar to endosomal vesicles. Our results are consistent with a transcytotic mechanism for chorioallantoic membrane calcium transport.
Disparities in Electronic Health Record Patient Portal Use in Nephrology Clinics

Background and objectives Electronic health record (EHR) patient portals allow individuals to access their medical information with the intent of patient empowerment. However, little is known about portal use in nephrology patients. We addressed this gap by characterizing adoption of an EHR portal, assessing secular trends, and examining the association of portal adoption and BP control ( Design, setting, participants, & measurements Patients seen between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2012, at any of four university-affiliated nephrology offices who had at least one additional nephrology follow-up visit before June 30, 2013, were included. Sociodemographic characteristics, comorbidities, clinical measurements, and office visits were abstracted from the EHR. Neighborhood median household income was obtained from the American Community Survey 2012. Results Of 2803 patients, 1098 (39%) accessed the portal. Over 87% of users reviewed laboratory results, 85% reviewed their medical information (e.g., medical history), 85% reviewed or altered appointments, 77% reviewed medications, 65% requested medication refills, and 31% requested medical advice from their renal provider. In adjusted models, older age, African-American race (odds ratio [OR], 0.50; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.39 to 0.64), Medicaid status (OR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.36 to 0.77), and lower neighborhood median household income were associated with not accessing the portal. Portal adoption increased over time (2011 versus 2010: OR, 1.38 [95% CI, 1.09 to 1.75]; 2012 versus 2010: OR, 1.95 [95% CI, 1.44 to 2.64]). Portal adoption was correlated with BP control in patients with a diagnosis of hypertension; however, in the fully adjusted model this was somewhat attenuated and no longer statistically significant (OR, 1.11; 95% CI, 0.99 to 1.24). Conclusion While portal adoption appears to be increasing, greater attention is needed to understand why vulnerable populations do not access it. Future research should examine barriers to the use of e-health technologies in underserved patients with CKD, interventions to address them, and their potential to improve outcomes.
Conserved Metabolic Changes in Nondiabetic and Type 2 Diabetic Bariatric Surgery Patients: Global Metabolomic Pilot Study

The goal of this study was to provide insight into the mechanism by which bariatric surgical procedures led to weight loss and improvement or resolution of diabetes. Global biochemical profiling was used to evaluate changes occurring in nondiabetic and type 2 diabetic (T2D) patients experiencing either less extreme sleeve gastrectomy or a full gastric bypass. We were able to identify changes in metabolism that were affected by standard preoperation liquid weight loss diet as well as by bariatric surgery itself. Preoperation weight-loss diet was associated with a strong lipid metabolism signature largely related to the consumption of adipose reserves for energy production. Glucose usage shift away from glycolytic pyruvate production toward pentose phosphate pathway, via glucose-6-phosphate, appeared to be shared across all patients regardless of T2D status or bariatric surgery procedure. Our results suggested that bariatric surgery might promote antioxidant defense and insulin sensitivity through both increased heme synthesis and HO activity or expression. Changes in histidine and its metabolites following surgery might be an indication of altered gut microbiome ecology or liver function. This initial study provided broad understanding of how metabolism changed globally in morbidly obese nondiabetic and T2D patients following weight-loss surgery.
Lives rendered invisible: Bearing witness to human suffering

This paper explores the ethical challenges involved in the ways public representation structures our experiences of atrocities and facilitates an adequate awareness of and response towards the suffering of others. It points out that such an analysis should not exhaust itself in answering what makes public representations of human suffering ethically suspicious and intolerable, but should rather extend this task by clarifying how the public forms sentiments about their social and political reality by elucidating under which conditions public representation promotes broader political agendas. One of the central tenets of human rights advocacy is the widespread conviction that exposure to images and stories of human rights abuse has a mobilizing effect on western audience(s) whose exposure to such knowledge can motivate them to intervene and prevent future atrocities. In order to assess the basic implications of such a conviction we must answer at least three principal clusters of questions. First, how do public representations of atrocities affect individuals and their capacities to conceive and respond to social injustices and the suffering of others? Under what circumstances may agents respond effectively to shocking content? Second , how do social powers operate within the field of perception in order to control how the viewing public is affected? And how do these effects inform and galvanize political support or opposition regarding concrete historical events? Finally, what can be said about the responsibilities of visual representation? Whose agency is it that images inform, and what reforms are necessary to make representations of suffering ethically effective means to encourage better acknowledgment of individual and collective responsibilities that would motivate the public to meet its moral and political obligations? This paper ultimately suggests that in order for politically implicated images to have an immediate critical effect on individuals and their agency, they need to cultivate alternative modes of perception. Article first published online: 21 DEC 2015
Indigenous values, cultural safety and improving health care: the case of Native Hawaiians.

At the centre of Native Hawaiian culture is the family system (also referred to as 'ohana) and the interpersonal relationships which shape the processes by which cultural practices and values are transmitted, maintained, nurtured and affirmed. Cultural safety is inclusive of the 'ohana system from which the identified patient draws support, clarification of the meaning of symptoms and, in many cases, treatment. The 'ohana system plays a key role in determining cultural safety. (non-author abstract)
Cognitive Impairments:: Psychosocial and Sexual Implications and Strategies for Social Work Intervention

Cognitive impairments, including learning disability, traumatic brain injury, and minimal brain dysfunction, have characteristics that include impulsiveness, communication skill deficits, difficulties with reasoning and problem solving, and impaired self-concept. Without professional intervention, these problems are likely to lead to marginal social acceptance, low levels of intimacy, and impaired sexuality development. This paper describes selected cognitive and behavioral implications of cognitive impairments and the influences of cognitive impairments on sexuality. Suggestions for social work interventions are provided to help persons with cognitive impairments develop positive self-images and values, and to help them establish satisfying intimate and sexual relationships.
Critical Dynamics in Sr Tio 3 from Paramagnetic Resonance

Paramagnetic resonance line shapes and linewidths of the ${\mathrm{Fe}}^{3+}$-${V}_{0}$ center in SrTi${\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ above ${T}_{c}$ permit the determination of an effective relaxation rate $\ensuremath{\Delta}{\ensuremath{\omega}}_{l}(T)$ for the local rotations of the oxygen octahedra by observation of the crossover from Lorentzian to Gaussian line shapes with different settings of the applied field. We find that $\ensuremath{\Delta}{\ensuremath{\omega}}_{l}$ decreases as $T\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{{T}_{c}}^{+}$, clearly indicating critical slowing down. In addition, the relaxation rate ${\ensuremath{\Gamma}}_{c}$ for the $R$-point (order-parameter) collective mode is estimated from the line-widths in the region of Lorentzian shapes, indicating a "central peak" of width ${\ensuremath{\Gamma}}_{c}\ensuremath{\approx}0.6\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{8} invsec\ensuremath{\approx}0.1\ensuremath{\Delta}{\ensuremath{\omega}}_{l}$ at $T={T}_{c}+2$ K.
Scripting repetitive research tasks

Cloud computing services and web-based learning management systems place an abundance of useful data "at web's length." Information is available via web browser and can sometimes be downloaded as text or spreadsheet files, but not always in a format amenable for research and analysis. This paper describes Macintosh OS X scripting techniques developed for harvesting large volumes of information from web-based resources not able to provide data in useable formats. In addition to minimizing opportunities for human error due to tedious, repetitive manual processing, these techniques open opportunities for research and instructional activities not normally viable for faculty in small college settings and with limited resources.
Automorphic Forms and L-Functions for the Group GL ( n , R): Rankin–Selberg convolutions

The Rankin–Selberg convolution for L-functions associated to automorphic forms on GL (2) was independently discovered by Rankin (1939) and Selberg (1940). The method was discussed in Section 7.2 in connection with the Gelbart–Jacquet lift and a generalization to GL (3) was given in Section 7.4. A much more general interpretation of the original Rankin–Selberg convolution for GL (2) × GL (2) in the framework of adeles and automorphic representations was first obtained in (Jacquet, 1972). The theory was subsequently further generalized in (Jacquet and Shalika, 1981). The Rankin–Selberg convolution for the case GL(n) × GL(n′) , (1 ≤ n n ′), requires new ideas. Note that this includes GL (1) × GL ( n ′) which is essentially the Godement–Jacquet L-function whose holomorphic continuation and functional equation was first obtained by Godement and Jacquet (1972). A sketch of the general Rankin–Selberg convolution for GL(n) × GL ( n ′) in classical language was given in (Jacquet, 1981). The theory was further extended in the context of automorphic representations in (Jacquet, Piatetski-Shapiro and Shalika, 1983). In this chapter, we shall present an elementary and self contained account of both the meromorphic continuation and functional equation of Rankin–Selberg L-functions associated to GL(n) × GL ( n ′). In particular, this will give the meromorphic continuation and functional equation of the Godement–Jacquet L-function. The fact that Rankin–Selberg L-functions have Euler products is a consequence of the uniqueness of Whittaker functions for local fields.
Gaseous Fuel Production Using Waste Slags - Going Beyond Heat Recovery

Large quantities of carbon dioxide gas and slag are generated as waste byproducts through iron & steelmaking and slagging gasification processes, using carbon feedstock to produce metal, electric power, and/or chemicals. The increasing use of petroleum coke in the modern gasification industry has changed slag chemistry — causing it to become rich in vanadium (III) oxide. When the vanadium rich gasification slag is interacted with metallurgical slag targeting a specific slag chemistry and temperature; calcium orthovanadate forms, changing vanadium valence from 3+ to 5+. This valence change involves oxygen removal from the surrounding environment. The reaction is highly exothermic, which is more than enough to break bonding in carbon dioxide and water molecules and to still have excess thermal energy. In this work, generation of carbon monoxide from carbon dioxide was investigated using synthetic slag mixtures containing vanadium. Results indicated rapid CO2→CO conversion occurred at temperatures below those at which metallurgical slag is typically tapped out of furnaces in industries.
Untreated Hypertension: A Powerful Risk Factor for Lobar and Nonlobar Intracerebral Hemorrhage in Whites, Blacks, and Hispanics.

Background —Hypertension is a significant risk factor for intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). While ethnic/racial disparities related to hypertension and ICH have been reported, these previous studies were limited by a lack of Hispanics and inadequate power to analyze by ICH location. In the current study, while overcoming these prior limitations, we investigated whether there was variation by ethnicity/race of treated and untreated hypertension as risk factors for ICH. Methods —The Ethnic/Racial Variations of ICH (ERICH) study is a prospective, multicenter, case-control study of ICH among whites, blacks, and Hispanics. Cases were enrolled from 42 recruitment sites. Controls matched to cases 1:1 by age (±5 years), sex, ethnicity/race, and metropolitan area were identified by random-digit dialing. Subjects were interviewed to determine history of hypertension and use of anti-hypertensive medications. Cases and controls within ethnic groups were compared using conditional logistic regression. Multivariable conditional logistic regression models were computed for ICH as an overall group and separately for the location subcategories deep, lobar, and infratentorial (brainstem/cerebellar). Results —958 white, 880 black, and 766 Hispanic ICH cases were enrolled. For ICH cases, untreated hypertension was higher in blacks (43.6%, p<0.0001) and Hispanics (46.9%, p<0.0001) versus whites (32.7%). In multivariable analyses adjusted for alcohol use, anticoagulation, hypercholesterolemia, education, and medical insurance status, treated hypertension was a significant risk factor across all locations of ICH in whites (odds ratio [OR] 1.57, 95% CI 1.24-1.98, p<0.0001), blacks (OR 3.02, 2.16-4.22, <0.0001), and Hispanics (OR 2.50, 1.73-3.62, <0.0001). Untreated hypertension was a substantially greater risk factor for all three racial/ethnic groups across all locations of ICH: whites (OR 8.79, 5.66-13.66, <0.0001), blacks (OR 12.46, 8.08-19.20, <0.0001), Hispanics (OR 10.95, 6.58-18.23, <0.0001). There was an interaction between race/ethnicity and ICH risk (P<0.0001). Conclusions —Untreated hypertension confers a greater ICH risk in blacks and Hispanics relative to whites across all anatomic locations of ICH. Accelerated research efforts are needed to improve overall hypertension treatment rates and to monitor the impact of such efforts on racial/ethnic disparities in stroke.
The Economic Effects of Adopting a Right-to-Work Law: Implications for Illinois

While considerable efforts have been made by legislators, business associations, and political organizations to pass right-to-work (RTW) laws in states across the country, the empirical evidence on the effect of adopting an RTW law on labor market outcomes and state budgets is both varied and mixed. This article provides a forecast on the effect of RTW laws on important labor market outcomes—including earnings, employment, unionization, and inequality. It also investigates RTW’s impacts on two particularly affected industries (manufacturing and construction) and three demographic groups (African-American, Latino/a, and female workers). The findings are subsequently applied to the state of Illinois to project the potential law’s impact on Illinois workers and on the state’s tax revenues. By and large, as a policy prescription, RTW would generate harmful effects to Illinois’ economy, lower its capacity to provide essential public services and degrade the quality and condition of the state’s labor force.
Treatment of Luteal Phase Defect

In the chapter on the workup of the ovulatory factor, the difficulty in the diagnosis of the disturbed luteal phase was emphasized. Not only do multiple physiologic disorders probably cause the upset, but often the upset apparently comes and goes, occurring during one cycle but not another. These create difficulties in diagnosis, make rational therapy problematic, and, in particular, its evaluation almost impossible. Nevertheless, the luteal phase deficiency factor in infertility has been recognized for many years, and a number of treatment programs have been recommended.1,2
Human myogenic reserve cells are quiescent stem cells that contribute to muscle regeneration after intramuscular transplantation in immunodeficient mice.

Satellite cells, localized within muscles in vivo, are Pax7+ muscle stem cells supporting skeletal muscle growth and regeneration. Unfortunately, their amplification in vitro, required for their therapeutic use, is associated with reduced regenerative potential. In the present study, we investigated if human myogenic reserve cells (MRC) obtained in vitro, represented a reliable cell source for muscle repair. For this purpose, primary human myoblasts were freshly isolated and expanded. After 2 days of differentiation, 62 ± 2.9% of the nuclei were localized in myotubes and 38 ± 2.9% in the mononucleated non-fusing MRC. Eighty percent of freshly isolated human MRC expressed a phenotype similar to human quiescent satellite cells (CD56+/Pax7+/MyoD−/Ki67− cells). Fourteen days and 21 days after cell transplantation in immunodeficient mice, live human cells were significantly more numerous and the percentage of Pax7+/human lamin A/C+ cells was 2 fold higher in muscles of animals injected with MRC compared to those injected with human myoblasts, despite that percentage of spectrin+ and lamin A/C+ human fibers in both groups MRC were similar. Taken together, these data provide evidence that MRC generated in vitro represent a promising source of cells for improving regeneration of injured skeletal muscles.
Blurred lines: Emerging practice for registered dietitian-nutritionists in integrative and functional nutrition.

Abstract Background This study explored the health philosophy and practice orientation of RDNs in the United States. Methods A randomly selected group of RDNs were recruited to take an online survey using a reduced version of Integrative Medicine practice (IM-30). Confirmatory factor analysis, analyses of variance, and non-parametric tests were used to investigate the relationships between dietetic professionals' personal health philosophy, lifestyle, and orientation to Integrative Medicine. Results Overall construct validity of the IM-26 scale was demonstrated by Cronbach's α with reliabilities ranging from 0.766 to 0.89. Results from chi-square test of goodness-of-fit test (N = 477, χ2 = 228.72, p = 0.123) and RMSEA of 0.016 showed good model fit. IM orientation varied significantly by work setting and certification in one or more CAM therapies. Conclusions The orientation towards Integrative Medicine for a majority of US dietitians is in the awareness and learning phases of adoption.
HIGH-PRESSURE QUASI-ISENTROPIC IMPACT EXPERIMENTS

A method has been developed for generating quasi-isentropic compression waves in flat plate impact experiments. Peak stresses can be in the multimegabar range, thus allowing investigations of material properties in a high-pressure, low-temperature regime which is inaccessible either quasi-statically or by conventional shock wave experiments. The key to the technique is a thin impactor with a smooth but strong gradient in shock impedance. Novel impactor fabrication and testing methods have been developed to attain the excellent uniformity and relatively close control of the shock impedance profile which are needed. In using the method, it is normally desirable to obtain time-resolved measurements of either pressure or particle velocity at two distances from the impact surface. The stress-volume loading path followed by the specimen can then be obtained from a centered-wave analysis, provided certain assumptions are valid. The data and results of several experiments are presented.
Detection of Traumatic Brain Injury Protein Biomarkers With Resonant Microsystems

Microelectromechanical resonators enable the sensitive and inexpensive detection of biological molecules associated with specific diseases, infections, or other medical conditions that are commonly referred to as biomarkers. The focus of this effort is the detection of s100β, which is a protein biomarker that is secreted in relatively high concentrations in the cerebrospinal fluid of victims of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Sensor functionalization via polymer/antibody coatings is explored as a method to allow for the adsorption of s100β onto the surface of the resonator. A high-precision, piezoelectrically actuated pipette system is utilized to improve sensor functionalization and biomarker exposure techniques. High-frequency resonators are utilized for their high mass sensitivity. Frequency-domain characterization of multiple sensors reveals shifts in their resonant peaks caused bythe adsorption of s100β. Successful detection of s100β was achieved (p = 0.000012) at sensitivities that are theoretically sufficient to enable the diagnosis of TBI.