cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Functional Properties of Leptin Receptor Isoforms Containing the Gln→Pro Extracellular Domain Mutation of the Fatty Rat

Mutations of the leptin receptor have been found to cause obesity in rodents. The fa mutation that is responsible for obesity in Zucker rats is a missense mutation (269 gln-->pro) in the extracellular domain of the leptin receptor. We have characterized the effects of this mutation on the two major isoforms of the leptin receptor, Ob-Rb and Ob-Ra, by studying cell-surface expression, leptin binding affinity, signaling capacity, and receptor-mediated internalization and degradation of leptin in transfected mammalian cell lines. Both Ob-Rb(269 gln-->pro) and Ob-Ra(269 gln-->pro) have decreased cell-surface expression and decreased leptin binding affinity. Ob-Rb(269 gln-->pro) was shown to have defective signaling to the JAK-STAT pathway and markedly diminished ability to activate transcription of the egr-1 promoter. Constitutive ligand-independent activation of Ob-Rb(269 gln-->pro) was observed for activation of egr-1-luc but only under conditions when JAK2 was coexpressed with Ob-Rb(269 gln-->pro), Finally, Ob-Ra(269 gln-->pro) has an increased ability to internalize leptin but is less efficient at degrading leptin, as compared with Ob-Ra. In conclusion, both Ob-Ra(269 gln-->pro) and Ob-Rb(269 gln-->pro) have multiple functional defects.
Gaussian Interference Channel Aided by a Relay with Out-of-Band Reception and In-Band Transmission

A Gaussian Interference Channel (IC) is investigated in which a relay assists two source-destination pairs. The relay is assumed to receive over dedicated orthogonal channels from the sources (e.g., over orthogonal bands or time slots, or over wired links), while it transmits in the same band as the sources. This scenario is referred to as IC assisted by an out-of-band reception/ in-band transmission relay (IC-OIR). An achievable rate region is derived for the IC-OIR that encompasses, besides the standard signal relaying, interference management via interference relaying, cancellation and precoding. The sum-capacity is found in a specific regime defined by the very strong relay-interference conditions. Numerical results validate the performance gains of interference mitigation via the relay.
Cooperation-Multiuser Diversity Tradeoff in Wireless Cellular Networks

We introduce a new multiuser diversity scheme for interference management in cellular networks. A base station with K antennas communicates with at most K out of M mobile stations. It is proven that, if K ≪ M, then K independent data streams can be transmitted to K mobile stations with no need for cooperative joint decoding by such stations. This result is based on a new multiuser diversity concept that allows parallel communication in the network without any cooperation among mobile stations. If the network does not have enough mobile stations, then some of the users need to jointly decode their corresponding data streams. The result suggests the existence of a tradeoff between multiuser diversity and cooperation in the downlink of cellular networks. Our interference management approach is based on a new multiuser diversity concept that achieves the capacity of dirty paper coding (DPC) asymptotically. Surprisingly, this gain is achieved without requiring full channel state information (CSI) and only K integers related to CSI are fed back from mobile stations to the base station. An additional advantage of this scheme is the fact that the encoding and decoding of signals for this distributed MIMO system is based on simple point-to-point communications.
Channel estimation by inference on Gaussian Markov random fields

In this paper, we discuss a novel method for channel estimation. The approach is based on the idea of modeling the complex channel gains by a Markov random field. This graphical model is used to capture the statistical dependencies between consecutive taps in time and delay. The sum-product algorithm is finally employed to infer a MAP channel estimate from given observations.
Physiological effects of chronic grief: a biofeedback treatment approach.

Abstract This article makes explicit the implicit links among chronic grief, psychological stress, physiologial functioning, and treatment via biofeedback and relaxation training. A brief review of recent literature shows the connections among these areas, and from these connections emerges a simple model describing the interactions of chronic grief and psychological stress with the physiology of the bereaved. This model focuses on bereaved persons with pre- or co-existing medical conditions likely to worsen with prolonged grief. A brief discussion of emotional aspects of chronic grief follows. Finally, a specific treatment modality-relaxation training with biofeedback assistance and desensitization-is applied to this model as well as to the emotional dimension, and the benefits thereof are discussed.
Demographic characteristics of Black and White male alcoholics

The existing literature on drinking patterns of Black alcoholics is relatively limited; however, most of the data suggest that drinking behavior of Blacks may be different from that of Whites. A summary of recent studies in this area is presented in Table 1. Robins et al. (1968) indicated that heavy drinking is a common pattern among Black urban males and that drinking behavior usually resulted in objective difficulties and personal worry. Maddox and Williams (1968) reported that drinking is twice as common in urban Black men as in urban White men of similar socioeconomic class origins. King et al. (1969), in a study of the social problems of Black men, demonstrated the significance of alcohol abuse in the Black urban ghetto and how this related to broken homes, delinquency, sexual and reproductive irresponsibility, and underemployment.
Rational use of cholinesterase activity testing in pesticide poisoning.

Background: The use of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity testing in pesticide poisoning often falls on family physicians when evaluating a suspected poisoning or when monitoring the health of pesticide applicators. Methods: A review of the literature and consideration of three illustrative cases shows misunderstandings in the pathophysiology of the enzyme and in procedures for effective testing and monitoring of AChE levels. Results and Conclusions: The physiologic characteristics of acetylcholine neurotransmission are described and related to carbamate and organophosphate poisoning. Pre-exposure monitoring is described using the California plan. A 23 percent variance in AChE levels exists among normal patients. It is necessary, therefore, to establish baseline levels to overcome individual variance. The practice of measuring of AChE levels in acute poisoning is limited. In employees who have been monitored and for whom baseline AChE levels have been established, a diagnosis of poisoning can be made by comparing postexposure AChE levels with baseline levels. If there is no baseline level recorded, and if the offending chemical is in question, the clinician must base treatment on the clinical signs and symptoms.
Xerogel-Sequestered Silanated Organochalcogenide Catalysts for Bromination with Hydrogen Peroxide and Sodium Bromide

While H2O2 is a powerful oxidant, decomposing into environmentally benign H2O and O2, a catalyst is often required for reactions with H2O2 to proceed at synthetically useful rates. Organotellurium and organoselenium compounds catalyze the oxidation of halide salts to hypohalous acids using H2O2. When sequestered into xerogel monoliths, the xerogel-chalcogenide combinations have demonstrated increased catalytic activity relative to the organochalcogen compound alone in solution for the oxidation of halide salts to hypohalous acids with H2O2. Diorganotellurides, diorganoselenides, and diorganodiselenides bearing triethoxysilane functionalities were sequestered into xerogel monoliths and their catalytic activity and longevity were investigated. The longevity of the catalyst-xerogel combinations was examined by isolating and recycling the catalyst-xerogel combination. It was found tellurium-containing catalyst 3 and selenium-containing catalyst 8 maintained their catalytic activity through three recycling trials and adding electron-donating substituents to catalyst 3 also increased the catalytic rate. The presence of organotellurium and organoselenium groups in the +4 oxidation state was determined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.
Terrorism, Democracy, and Credible Commitments†

What explains the variation in terrorism within and across political regimes? We contend that terrorism is most likely to occur in contexts in which governments cannot credibly restrain themselves from abusing their power in the future. We consider a specific institutional arrangement, whether a state has an independent judiciary, and hypothesize that independent judiciaries make government commitments more credible, thereby providing less incentive for the use of terrorism. Using a recently released database that includes transnational and domestic terrorist events from 1970 to 1997, we estimate a set of statistical analyses appropriate for the challenges of terrorism data and then examine the robustness of the results. The results provide support for the credible commitment logic and offer insights into the different ways that political institutions increase or decrease terrorism.
Highly conserved organellar genomes in the Gracilariales as inferred using new data from the Hawaiian invasive alga Gracilaria salicornia (Rhodophyta)

ABSRTACT: The phylum Rhodophyta contains of a wide range of ecologically and economically important species distributed worldwide. One taxon, Gracilaria salicornia, was an introduced and invasive species in the Hawaiian Islands that had displaced native flora and fauna, and caused widespread ecological damage. We presented the chloroplast and mitochondrial genomic sequences of G. salicornia from Hawaiian material and compared them to sequences of closely related species. We found that the gene content and synteny of both organellar genomes were very similar to the sequences of other closely related Gracilariales (Gracilaria tenuistipitata var. liui for the chloroplast and Gracilariopsis andersonii and Gracilariophila oryzoides for the mitochondrion). Minor changes included the absence of the horizontally transferred leuC/D operon in the G. salicornia chloroplast genome and the absence in the G. salicornia mitochondrial genome of an approximately 2Kb region found in Gp. andersonii. Overall, this study indicated that organellar genome structures in the order Gracilariales were remarkably well maintained.
A pilot study of an HbA1c chairside screening protocol for diabetes in patients with chronic periodontitis: the dental hygienist's role.

Objective To assess effectiveness, convenience and cost of point-of-care diabetes screenings performed by a dental hygienist for patients with periodontitis, using a diabetes risk questionnaire, periodontal findings and a glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) analyser. Methods A purposive sample of 50 participants with periodontitis, never diagnosed with diabetes, reporting ≥one diabetes risk factor, were administered an HbA1c test. Spearman's correlation measured relationships between HbA1c and diabetes risk test scores, numbers of missing teeth, percentage of deep pockets ≥5 mm and percentage of bleeding sites (BOP). Cost and time were assessed. Analyses used 0.05 alpha levels. Results Thirty-two per cent (n = 16) of participants presented HbA1c values indicating prediabetes; one HbA1c value indicated type 2 diabetes, totalling 34% (N = 17). No relationships existed between HbA1c values and diabetes risk scores (rs = 0.153; P = 0.144), numbers of missing teeth (r = 0.190; P = 0.093), percentage of deep pockets (rs = −0.048; P = 0.370) or percentage of BOP sites (rs = 0.066, P = 0.324). Direct cost for each HbA1c was $9US, excluding follow-up medical diagnosis. Mean screening time including patient education was 14 min (SD = 6.2). Fifty-three per cent (n = 9 of 17) of participants with elevated HbA1c values contacted their primary healthcare provider within 2 weeks as recommended. Conclusion Point-of-care HbA1c screenings by dental hygienists were effective and convenient for identifying undiagnosed prediabetes and provide opportunity for interprofessional patient care; cost or lack of dental insurance may inhibit implementation. Identification of patients at risk for diabetes requires further evaluation.
Practical edge finding with a robust estimator

This paper presents a new algorithm for locating the boundaries of textured regions (both step changes and outliers) using a robust estimator. Previous robust image filters perform poorly on binary images, blur edges, round corners, and run slowly. The author avoids artifacts on binary images by modelling them as continuous and interpolating values. Information is combined directly between non-adjacent locations to prevent blurring. Corners are sharpened by relabelling mis-classified pixels. The algorithm is made as fast as a Marr-Hildreth edge finder by restructuring the estimator as a series of 2D image operations, using new multi-ring order statistic operators, and running most of the estimator on a randomly sampled image. >
A Molecular Phylogeny of Santalaceae (Santalales)

Santalaceae sensu stricto, the type family for the sandalwood order (Santalales), include approximately 40 genera and over 550 species distributed worldwide. Because the family possesses plesiomorphic and generalized traits that occur throughout the order, this diverse assemblage of hemiparasitic plants has been difficult to characterize and differentiate from related families. We present phylogenetic analyses of all genera of Santalaceae, as well as Viscaceae and selected Opiliaceae, using DNA sequences from nuclear small-subunit ribosomal DNA as well as the chloroplast genes matK and rbcL. The concatenated data set, analyzed with parsimony, likelihood, and Bayesian inference, gave congruent results, with the majority of clades fully resolved. Our results reveal that the family is polyphyletic and that the genera of Santalaceae, as traditionally classified, occur in nine well-supported clades. The South American herbaceous perennial genera Arjona and Quinchamalium are sister to Schoepfia (Schoepfiaceae). The Australian genus Anthobolus emerges as a member of Opiliaceae. Viscaceae remain intact and are well supported as monophyletic. The remaining genera included in Santalaceae occur in six well supported clades, but the relationships among these clades are not fully resolved. These clades are, based on a component generic name, Comandra, Thesium, Cervantesia, Nanodea, Santalum and Amphorogyne. Morphological features diagnostic of these clades are discussed with the intention that these results will serve as the foundation for a revised classification.
Opiates: Human Psychopharmacology

Although the pharmacology of opiates will be comprehensively reviewed in this chapter, a major emphasis and depth of the discussion will concern the psychopharmacological effects of opiates. Under this rubric the subjectively perceived effects, objective behavioral observations, and correlative influence of physiological function will be emphasized. Underlying mechanisms of action will be discussed if applicable. The reader, however, is referred to Chapter 2 for a thorough discussion of chemical structure-activity relationships. Reference will be made to this area when relevant to the discussion.
Drugs to Avoid in Acute Heart Failure: Contraindicated Medications and Interactions

In general, numerous medications may be deleterious when used in the setting of acute systolic heart failure including vasodilators, inotropes, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and antiarrhythmic agents. However, the use of these medications may be advisable in certain clinical situations.
Gender-based Violence Among Pregnant Women of Syangja District, Nepal.

Objectives This study aims to determine prevalence of gender-based violence among pregnant women attending an antenatal care (ANC) clinic.
Laboratory Investigation of Antibiotic Interactions with Fe2O3 Nanoparticles in Water

AbstractThe movement and degradation of drugs in soil and water environments are related to surface interactions with oxide nanoparticles. These nanoparticles could be stationary substrates or suspended in aqueous solution. In this study, different pH solutions of the common antibiotic ampicillin (AMP) were mixed with ≤50-nm Fe2O3 (maghemite) particles. Both sorption and breakdown of AMP were observed. For initial drug concentrations from ∼3 μM to 2.9 mM, the overall AMP removal from solution can be described by linear isotherms with removal coefficients (Kr) of 394 (±43) L kg−1 at pH 2, 551 (±37) L kg−1 at pH 6, and 256 (±37) L kg−1 at pH 8. At pH 4, AMP removal can be described by a Freundlich isotherm of log Kf=3.27 (±0.19) and n=0.57 (±0.15). AMP solutions were separated from maghemite nanoparticles after mixing and analyzed by liquid chromatography/mass spectroscopy (LC/MS) techniques, resulting in the detection of penicilloic and penilloic acid breakdown products.
IMMOBILIZED HEPARINASE: PRODUCTION, PURIFICATION, AND APPLICATION IN EXTRACORPOREAL THERAPY

There are nearly 20,000,000 perfusions involving extracorporeal medical machines performed each year (1,2). The artificial kidney is employed several times weekly by over 100,000 persons each year (1). Open-heart operations employing cardio-pulmonary bypass are an everyday occurrence at many medical centers (2). Less often employed is the membrane oxygenator for pulmonary support in the critically ill infant (3). Still other applications of extracorporeal devices, such as the artificial liver, are in a conceptual stage (4).
Phosphorylation of occludin correlates with occludin localization and function at the tight junction

Multiple forms of occludin were found in Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells. In the absence of cell-to-cell contacts, achieved by incubating cells in low-calcium growth medium, a cluster of low...
Family Treatment in Social Work Practice, by Curtis Janzen and Oliver Harris. F. E. Peacock Publishers, Itasca, Ill. 1980. $7.50 (Paper). 301 Pp.

(1982). Family Treatment in Social Work Practice, by Curtis Janzen and Oliver Harris. F. E. Peacock Publishers, Itasca, Ill. 1980. $7.50 (Paper). 301 Pp. Journal of Education for Social Work: Vol. 18, No. 1, pp. 111-113.
Time-dependent modulation of capacitative Ca2+ entry signals by plasma membrane Ca2+ pump in endothelium

In vascular endothelial cells, depletion of intracellular Ca2+ stores elicited capacitative Ca2+ entry (CCE) that resulted in biphasic changes of intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) with a r...
Dissection of allelic interactions among Pto-miR257 and its targets and their effects on growth and wood properties in Populus

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have important roles in the regulation of genes; however, for trees few studies have explored the potential impact of the interactions between miRNAs and their target genes. Here, we performed transcript profiling and association genetics (single-SNP, haplotype-based and multi-SNP associations) to study the genetic regulatory relationship of Pto-miR257 and its 12 target genes in 435 individuals of a natural population of Populus tomentosa. Expression profiling of Pto-miR257 and its targets showed a negative relationship between their expression levels. Of the 61 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) detected in Pto-miR257, 6 in the pre-mature region strongly affected its secondary stability and 1 in the mature region could alter its target spectrum. Among the 1029 SNPs in the targets, 3 were located in target sites that could change the binding affinity of Pto-miR257. Single-SNP association analysis revealed that SNPs in Pto-miR257 and target genes associated with both growth and wood property traits, in agreement with haplotype-based identifications. Multi-SNP association found that 10 targets shared at least one common trait with Pto-miR257, with phenotypic variance from 0.5 to 8.5%, suggesting a possible internal genetic interaction between them. Epistasis analysis showed significant epistatic interactions among Pto-miR257 and its targets. Therefore, our study demonstrated Pto-miR257 and its 12 targets had roles in wood formation and revealed the genetic interaction network between the miRNA and its targets under additive, dominant and epistatic models. Thus, association genetics can be used to decipher the interactions between miRNAs and their target genes and to help understand the genetic architecture of complex traits.
Progress in research on the WU polyomavirus

Acute respiratory tract illness(ARTI) is the most common disease experienced by people of all ages,and especially young children,worldwide.About 4000,000 children die of pneumonia caused by ARTI.About 90% of pathogens causing respiratory infection are viruses,but about 30% of ARTI pathogens remain unidentified.WU Polyomavirus(WUPyV) was first identified by Gaynor using high through-put sequencing of respiratory samples from patients with pneumonia.Whether WUPyV is a pathogenic organism remains unknown.Current research has focused more on the pathogenicity and epidemiology of WUPyV.WUPyV belongs to Polyomaviruses of the family Polyomaviridae.Its biological properties are similar to those of other Polyomaviruses.WUPyV is frequently detected in young children.The seasonal distribution of WUPyV varies in different studies.WUPyV is often part of a mixed infection with other respiratory viruses.Whether WUPyV is a sole pathogen must be studied further.Current studies have often used PCR and real-time PCR to detect WUPyV.
Bidirectional PCR Amplification of Specific Alleles:A Novel Method of SNP Typing for Rapidly and Simultaneously Differentiating Homozygotes and Heterozygotes

Objective Bidirectional PCR amplification of specific alleles (Bi-PASA) is a rapid method for genotyping single-base changes,but one reaction is required for each allele. This study was aimed to develop a new Bi-PASA method for single nucleotide polymorphis (SNP) typing to distinguish homozygotes and heterozygotes in one PCR reaction by utilizing novel primer design with appropriate cycling conditions.Methods For SNP loci rs11293201 and rs57148397,two outer (F and R) and two inner allele-specific (P and Q) primers were designed. Simultaneously,with comparison to sequencing,mutations were detected.Results The two inner primers (F and Q) contained a relatively short complementary region and a 10-nucleotide G+C-rich 5' tail. The inner primers switched from low-efficiency to high-efficiency amplification when genomic DNA was replaced by previously amplified template DNA. Typing results were completely consistent with those by direct sequencing. In addition,the 5' tails prevent "megapriming". The parameters for optimizing Bi-PASA were investigated in detail for common mutations in the human SIP1 genes on Hirschsprung Disease (HSCR). Three additional Bi-PASA assays were rapidly optimized.Conclusion Bi-PASA is a simple,rapid and efficient new method for SNP typing,particularly for detecting known mutations in a single PCR reaction.
Discussing Academic Background of Wansu Liu's Medical Theory Regarding Inner Fire Causing Diseases

Dr. Wansu Liu was the primary leader among four famous doctors in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in Jin and Yuan Dynasties in China. His widespread viewpoint was that most of prevalent diseases were caused by fire. Therefore,using herbs with the nature of coolness or even coldness to treat those pandemic diseases became his main treatment strategy for those diseases. His proposed medicine theory significantly contributed to and positively influenced TCM. With the objective to understand his theory more completely and clearly,we discussed the factors leading to the theory formation including academic background,social and environmental conditions,cultural development,the shortcomings of medicine application and development at that time,and other classical TCM theories. In addition,this paper addressed the origin of Dr. Liu's theory.
Cardiac dysfunction after acute endotoxin administration in conscious sheep

We evaluated cardiac function in an unanesthetized ovine model of hyperdynamic endotoxemia. The animals were instrumented for crystallographic dimension analysis of the left ventricle (LV) and measurement of LV, aortic, atrial, central venous, and pulmonary arterial pressures, and cardiac output. Seven sheep received 1.5 micrograms/kg of Escherichia coli endotoxin [lipopolysaccharide (LPS) LPS-P group] and were compared to a sham group. The sham group demonstrated no significant change in any of the variables. In the LPS-P group, the cardiac index increased (5.7 +/- 0.4 to 7.9 +/- 0.6 l.min-1.m-2) between 8 and 12 h after LPS. Concomitantly, the maximum elastance of LV end-systolic pressure-volume relations significantly decreased (2.88 +/- 0.27 mmHg/ml) compared with baseline (3.89 +/- 0.50 mmHg/ml). Other indexes of the LV contractility (maximum pressure development and ejection fraction) were also reduced. There was a simultaneous increase in the LV end-systolic and diastolic volumes. These findings confirm the hypothesis that there is a myocardial depression during LPS in the ovine model.
Acceptance and commitment therapy: an appropriate treatment option for older adults with chronic pain

Commentary on : Wetherell JL, Petkus AJ, Alonso-Fernandez M, et al. Age moderates response to acceptance and commitment therapy versus cognitive behavioral therapy for chronic pain. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry 2016;31:302–8.[OpenUrl][1][CrossRef][2][PubMed][3] Chronic pain is a complex, multifactored condition that affects and is influenced by both physical and psychological function. Successful treatment requires addressing both these factors.1 The evidence is indisputable that psychotherapy can help people manage their chronic pain, however, we do not know enough about what patient factors and which … [1]: {openurl}?query=rft.jtitle%253DInt%2BJ%2BGeriatr%2BPsychiatry%26rft.volume%253D31%26rft.spage%253D302%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Adoi%252F10.1002%252Fgps.4330%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Apmid%252F26216753%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx [2]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=10.1002/gps.4330&link_type=DOI [3]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=26216753&link_type=MED&atom=%2Febnurs%2F19%2F4%2F123.atom
Synthesis of double alley and discrimination phenomena: Apparent positive S+ contrast in differential conditioning

Twenty-four albino rats received 108 trials in a differential conditioning apparatus with the sequence of discriminandum presentation designed to simulate L-shaped double-alley procedures. Discrimination animals ran faster to large reward than did nondiscrimination (control) animals.
Laser Raman Characterization Of Tungsten Oxide On Alumina

The influence of calcination temperature upon the solid state chemistry of WO3/Al2O3 was examined with laser Raman spectroscopy. Laser Raman spectroscopy revealed the amorphous and crystalline structural transformations occurring in the WO3/Al2O3, oxide system. Below monolayer coverage of tungsten oxide on alumina, the tungsten oxide phase is present as a highly dispersed and amorphous surface complex on the support. A close-packed monolayer of the tungsten oxide surface complex on alumina is formed as the surface area of the alumina support decreases at high calcination temperatures. The close-packed tungsten oxide monolayer accommodates the further desurfacing at still higher temperatures by forming the bulk tungsten oxide phases WO3 and Al2(WO4)3. The Al2(wO4)3 phase is formed from the reaction of WO3 crystallites with the AT2O3 support. The parameter controlling the phases present in the WO3/Al2O3 system is the surface density of the tungsten oxide species on the alumina surface.
Mass Media Risk Communication

We have examined the communication of risk information primarily as it flows from health professional to patient. Interpersonal relationships modify risk communication, changing meanings and interpretations, and understanding these relationships is essential to understanding risk communication. However, patients receive risk information from other non-personal sources as well. The health education movement has fostered the growth of numerous print and audio-visual patient education materials (Green, Kreuter, Deeds and Partridge, 1980).
Electronic Cigarettes on Twitter - Spreading the Appeal of Flavors.

OBJECTIVES Social media platforms are used by tobacco companies to promote products. This study examines message content on Twitter from e-cigarette brands and determines if messages about flavors are more likely than non-flavor messages to be passed along to other viewers. METHODS We examined Twitter data from 2 e-cigarette brands and identified messages that contained terms related to e-cigarette flavors. RESULTS Flavor-related posts were retweeted at a significantly higher rate by e-cigarette brands (p = .04) and other Twitter users (p < .01) than non-flavor posts. CONCLUSIONS E-cigarette brands and other Twitter users pay attention to flavor-related posts and retweet them often. These findings suggest flavors continue to be an attractive characteristic and their marketing should be monitored closely.
2.04 – Neural, Hormonal, and Genetic Mechanisms of Alternative Reproductive Tactics: Vocal Fish as Model Systems

Teleost fish exhibit a diversity of reproductive phenotypes, including alternative reproductive tactics used by male morphs that differ in a suite of behavioral, somatic, neural, and endocrine traits. The hormonal and neurophysiological underpinnings of intrasexual divergence in reproductive-related behaviors are well studied in species that depend on acoustic communication for reproduction. Toadfishes are ‘vocal champions’ of acoustic communication among fishes, the largest group of living vertebrates, and include species exhibiting alternative reproductive strategies. Studies in toadfishes have elucidated neural, hormonal, and genetic mechanisms underlying sensory (auditory) and motor (vocal) control of acoustic communication that diverge between and within the sexes.
A Single-Hit Model of Embryonal Tumorigenesis

A singl hit model for dominantly heritable tumor syn­ dromes Is presented. This model suggests that: 1) During emb ogenesis replication tential may nor­ mally restrict by Interaction of ll lin s ific maturation factors with a finite num r of su a r ptors of each ll of the appropriately match line. 2) In dominantly heritable multlfocal tumor prone con­ ditions, emb onic "rest" lls may result from chance Insu iciencies of functional cell su ace r ptors at the time of ak con ntration of the appropriate em­ b onic maturation factor. 3) Congenital unlf al non­ heritable emb onic "rests" could arise as a con quen of rare chance failure of a normal, yet fallible, system. 4) Emb onal dominantly h eritable tumors are of monoclonal derivation.
Design, analysis, and prototyping of axial flux-switching permanent magnet machine

This paper proposes the analytical design methods of axial flux-switching permanent magnet (AxFSPM) machines. The analytical design methods take the influences of electric and magnetic loadings into account to calculate the specific sizing of the AxFSPM machine. In addition, the winding functions are implemented to derive the self-, mutual-, and d-axis and q-axis inductance. The results of analytical design methods indicate that the magnetic loading significantly influences the stator dimensions of AxFSPM machines than the electric loading. The d- and q-axis inductances of the all-pole-wound AxFSPM machines are similar under the same number of slots and turns. A prototype is manufactured using the analytical design methods. The experimental results show that the prototype machine achieves target specification and the usefulness of the proposed design method is verified.
An organic-inorganic hybrid photoelectrochemical storage cell for improved solar energy storage

Abstract Greater levels of solar energy storage provide a promising path for sustainable and reliable utilization of the renewable energy source. One of the greatest challenges towards large-scale implementation of this technology is improving storage capacity and efficiency. The conventional solar-storage architecture, where rechargeable batteries and solar cells are externally coupled, typically results in addition of unnecessary efficiency and reliability margins in design, redundancy of resources (i.e. higher cost), and missed opportunities to increase performance through synergistic integration. Here we overcome these challenges by developing an organic-inorganic hybrid photoelectrochemical storage cell (PESC) to capture and store energy at the point of solar energy generation. The PESC was built by integrating a TiO2 photoelectrode and a Quinone-Vanadium redox flow battery (RFB), which gives rise to superior photoelectrochemical reversibility and stability of the PESC. We demonstrated that photoelectron injection from the TiO2 photoelectrode to the catholyte during unbiased photocharging was significantly enhanced by adjusting pH of the supporting electrolyte. The important charge separation at the semiconductor electrolyte interfaces was also analyzed through electrochemical and photoelectrochemical studies.
Fall Hazards Within Senior Independent Living: A Case-Control Study

Aim:The main purpose of this research was to identify significant relationships between environmental hazards and older adults’ falling.Background:Falls can present a major health risk to older per...
Design and Construction of Biologically Active Peptides and Proteins Including Enzymes

At the present time, peptides up to 30 or 40 amino acids in length are readily accessible through the Merrifielđ solid—phase method (Barany and Merrifield 1980). The major strength of this method is that it is not necessary to purify the intermediate peptides in the course of synthesis and that very high yields can be obtained in the various coupling steps. With the great improvements that have occurred in high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) the purification of the target 30 or 40 amino acid-long peptide from impurities such as deletion analogs has become quite feasible. When one considers the preparation of larger peptides (50 amino acids or more) or small proteins (in the vicinity of 100 amino acids), it becomes far less practical to carry out preparations by the stepwise solid-phase method. In particular (Clark- Lewis et al. 1986), the separation of incomplete peptides from the target peptide becomes much more difficult as the length of the peptide grows and, while there have been reports of the synthesis of materials greater than 100 amino acids in length, the purification of these becomes very difficult, and it becomes extremely hard to make a case for the purity of the final product.
Incorporation of glyceraldehyde into the pyridine ring of nicotine.

Abstract d-Glyceraldehyde-3-14C was synthesized and administered to intact Nicotiana rustica. Degradation of the pyridine moiety of nicotine produced by these plants showed that over half of the incorporated 14C was in position 4 of the pyridine ring, and the remainder of the radioactivity was divided almost equally among carbon atoms 2, 3, and 6. Lack of randomization of the label in positions 4, 5, and 6 indicates that a nonsymmetrical compound condenses with aspartate to form the pyridine ring. Glyceraldehyde-3-14C was incorporated into the pyridine ring with a dilution of about 217 as compared with a dilution of about 300 when 14C-labeled glycerol was used as the precursor. This finding suggests that d-glyceraldehyde may be a more immediate precursor of the pyridine ring than glycerol. Incorporation of 14C into carbon atoms 2 and 3 of the pyridine ring indicates that d-glyceraldehyde is phosphorylated and metabolized through glycolysis to form acetate-2-14C which is then converted to aspartate-2,3-14C through the reactions of the tricarboxylic acid cycle.
CSF lipoproteins and Alzheimer's disease

Alterations in lipid homeostasis have been suggested to play a role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). This hypothesis is supported by the observed changes in lipid content and composition of AD brains when compared to age-matched control brains. The association between the e4 allele of the apolipoprotein E gene and increased risk of AD implicates lipoproteins in the pathogenesis. Lipoproteins are macromolecular particles responsible for lipid trafficking and metabolism. CNS lipoproteins are different from their plasma counter parts. We review the current understanding of the structure and functions of CNS lipoproteins. In addition to mediating lipid trafficking and metabolism, there is increasing evidence that apoE-containing lipoproteins are also involved in dendritic remodeling and synaptogensis and maintenance of the synapto-dendritic complexity during aging. Interestingly, these functions have been shown to be apoE-isoform specific with apoE4 lacking the activities of apoE3 and apoE2. In addition to the association between apoE4 and an increased risk of AD, oxidative stress is believed to play a role in the pathogenesis of this disease. Indeed evidence of lipid peroxidation in cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) lipoproteins from AD patients has been observed. Oxidation of lipoproteins not only eliminates their supportive roles in neurite outgrowth and synaptogenesis, but actually transforms them into neurotoxic agents. The elucidation of the pathways and mechanisms by which apoE-isoform and oxidation affect lipoprotein function in the CNS remains a challenge for scientist in the field of neurodegenerative disease.
Networked Control of Distributed Energy Resources Using an Adaptive Communication Policy

Abstract This work presents a model-based networked control structure with an adaptive communication policy for managing Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) over a shared, resource-constrained communication network. The central objective is to find a state-dependent strategy for establishing and terminating communication between the supervisor and the DERs in a way that minimizes network resource utilization without jeopardizing the desired stability and performance properties. To this end, a bounded robust Lyapunov-based controller that enforces constrained closed-loop stability in the absence of communication suspension is initially designed for each DER. A dynamic model of each DER is then included within the supervisor to provide estimates of the states of the DER when measurements are not transmitted through the network. To determine when communication between a given DER and the supervisor must be re-established, the evolution of the Lyapunov function is monitored within the DER's stability region such that if it begins to breach a state-dependent stability or performance threshold at any time, the sensor suite is prompted to send its data over the network to update its corresponding model in the supervisor. Communication is then suspended for as long as the Lyapunov function satisfies the specified threshold. The underlying idea is to use the Lyapunov stability constraint for each DER as the basis for adaptively switching on or off the communication with the supervisor. Finally, the results are illustrated through an application to a solid oxide fuel cell example.
Practice Patterns and Guideline Non-Adherence in Surgical Management of Appendiceal Carcinoid Tumors.

Background Surgical management of appendiceal carcinoid tumors is heavily debated, despite National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines recommending aggressive resection of tumors >2 cm. We investigated national practice patterns and the predictors and impact of guideline non-adherence. Study Design The National Cancer Database was queried for cases of appendiceal carcinoids diagnosed from 2004 to 2015 treated with either appendectomy or hemicolectomy. Multivariable logistic regression, adjusted for demographic and clinical factors, identified associations with the procedure type among patients stratified by tumor size ≤2 cm and >2 cm. Cox Proportional Hazards then identified associations with overall survival among stratified patient groups. Results Of 3,198 cases of appendiceal carcinoids, 1,893 appendectomies and 1,305 hemicolectomies were identified. Contrary to National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines, 32.4% of tumors ≤2 cm were treated with hemicolectomy and 31.3% of tumors >2 cm were treated with definitive appendectomy. Hemicolectomy for small tumors was associated with age 65 years and older (odds ratio [OR] 2.4; 95% CI 1.7 to 3.3; reference group age 18 to 39 years), history of malignancy (OR 2.0; 95% CI 1.6 to 2.6), tumor size 1.1 to 2 cm (OR 2.8; 95% CI 2.3 to 3.4; reference group size ≤1 cm), and lymphovascular invasion (OR 2.2; 95% CI 1.6 to 3.2); appendectomy for large tumors was associated with age 65 years and older only (OR 2.2; 95% CI 1.1 to 4.2). Procedure type was not associated with survival for small or large tumors (hazard ratio 1.0; 95% CI 0.7 to 1.4 and hazard ratio 1.1; 95% CI 0.6 to 2.0, respectively). Conclusions Despite well-known size-based treatment guidelines for appendiceal carcinoids, one-third of patients in the US undergo hemicolectomy for small tumors and appendectomy for large tumors. Guideline non-adherence, however, is not associated with overall survival. Reasons for these practice patterns should be explored, and guidelines revisited.
Peer Acceptance and Sexual Behaviors from Adolescence to Young Adulthood

Well-liked adolescents are more likely than their peers to engage in sexual behaviors, which may place them at higher risk of negative outcomes such as sexually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancy. Yet, little is known regarding whether peer acceptance in adolescence predicts sexual outcomes in young adulthood. Understanding developmental links between peer acceptance and sexual outcomes will inform theories of how peers affect health and can help identify targets for health promotion efforts. Using longitudinal sociometric data from 1878 participants in the PROSPER study (54% female, 82% White, mean age = 11.79 at baseline), the present research examined the association of adolescent peer acceptance, reported annually from grades 6–11, with adolescent and young adult sexual outcomes. Well-liked adolescents were more likely to have sexual intercourse by age 16. At age 19, well-liked individuals were more likely to have had sexual intercourse but were less likely to be diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection. For boys but not girls, peer acceptance was linked to having more past year sexual partners in young adulthood. Adolescent peer acceptance was not associated with other young adult sexual outcomes, such as sex without a condom or casual sex. Overall, well-liked adolescents demonstrated healthy sexual development into young adulthood, despite a higher likelihood of sexual initiation early in adolescence. Findings demonstrate the importance of peer acceptance for healthy development into young adulthood and suggest that well-liked adolescents may be appropriate targets for peer-led sexual health education programs.
Impact of Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy on Concordance of PD-L1 Staining Fidelity between the Primary Tumor and Lymph Node Metastases in Bladder Cancer.

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To evaluate programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) staining fidelity between the primary tumor and associated lymph node metastases in bladder cancer. To secondarily evaluate whether neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) affects this relationship. METHODS Sixty-seven subjects with residual bladder cancer on cystectomy and associated positive lymph nodes were identified between 2008 and 2015. PD-L1 staining of tumor cells was evaluated using H score and 49 specimens were also evaluated using combined positive score (CPS). Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis were used to assess how various clinical variables affected odds of PD-L1 fidelity between primary and metastatic tumors. RESULTS Tumor PD-L1 staining was concordant in 79.1% of cases and CPS was concordant in 79.6% of cases. NAC did not significantly impact odds of PD-L1 or CPS fidelity (OR 1.974, 95% CI 0.673-5.784, OR 0.500, 95% CI 0.093-2.700). Among clinical variables analyzed on univariable analysis of tumor PD-L1 fidelity, H-score, and PD-L1 staining intensity were associated with significantly increased odds of PD-L1 fidelity and the association with staining intensity was confirmed on multivariable analysis. CONCLUSION PD-L1 fidelity between primary bladder tumors and nodal metastases was observed in >75% of cases in this study. Additionally, NAC was not shown to diminish this propensity to maintain PD-L1 staining status. Further standardization of immunohistochemistry of tumor and infiltrating imsmune cells in metastatic bladder cancer is needed to improve application of therapeutics.
Early Menarche and Internalizing and Externalizing in Adulthood: Explaining the Persistence of Effects

Abstract Purpose Earlier ages at menarche are associated with elevations in internalizing and externalizing that persist into adulthood. The present study examines whether early pubertal timing precipitates experiences during adolescence that account for long-term elevations in depressive symptoms and antisocial behavior among early maturing girls. Methods Using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent and Adult Health (Add Health), the study examines significant postmenarcheal life events that might mediate associations of age at menarche with depressive symptoms and antisocial behavior in adulthood: teenage criminal arrest, teenage pregnancy and childbearing, high school dropout, and different forms of postpubertal physical and sexual traumatic assault. Results Results indicate that earlier menarche was associated with greater likelihood of postmenarcheal discontinued education, physical and sexual assault, and teenage pregnancy and childbearing. Discontinued education, physical assault, and sexual assault mediated associations of pubertal timing with adult depressive symptoms; sexual assault mediated associations of pubertal timing with adult antisocial behavior. Conclusions Earlier menarche seems to precipitate postpubertal stressful events that, in turn, account for higher rates of psychological problems in adulthood. These results suggest that the adolescent experiences of early maturing girls channel them into life paths where stress, adversity, and other risks to psychological well-being are more likely to be a continuing facet of daily life.