cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Electrochemical quantification of DNA using aluminum oxide membranes

Abstract DNA extraction automation is a major concern in molecular diagnostic where processing of numerous and daily samples of blood represent a labor-intensive task and are difficult to automate. With the rapid growth in the area of DNA diagnostics, there is an URGENT need for the development of a micro total analysis system which can do all the three main steps involved during nucleic acid-based diagnostics: sample preparation, extraction of the DNA, detection and quantification on one SINGLE chip. This work presents design, fabrication and testing of an integrated system, which can extract and electrochemically quantify DNA simultaneously from any unknown sample on one single chip. The system is fabricated using aluminum oxide membranes (AOM) as substrates for the extraction and quantification of DNA, bonded with the PDMS (Polydimethylsiloxane) block for providing the microfluidic inlet and outlet. Cost effective fabrication methods such as xurography (knife plotter) and soft lithography are used to obtain integrated hybrid fluidic and detector prototypes.
Adhesion-independent mechanism for suppression of tumor cell invasion by E-cadherin

Loss of E-cadherin expression or function in tumors leads to a more invasive phenotype. In this study, we investigated whether the invasion suppressor activity of E-cadherin is mediated directly by tighter physical cell adhesion, indirectly by sequestering β-catenin and thus antagonizing β-catenin/T cell factor (TCF) signaling, or by other signaling pathways. To distinguish mechanisms, we expressed wild-type E-cadherin and various E-cadherin mutants in invasive E-cadherin–negative human breast (MDA-MB-231) and prostate (TSU-Pr1) epithelial carcinoma cell lines using a tetracycline-inducible system. Our data confirm that E-cadherin inhibits human mammary and prostate tumor cell invasion. We find that adhesion is neither necessary nor sufficient for suppressing cancer invasion. Rather, the invasion suppressor signal is mediated through the β-catenin–binding domain of the E-cadherin cytoplasmic tail but not through the p120ctn-binding domain. β-catenin depletion also results in invasion suppression. However, alteration in the β-catenin/TCF transcriptional regulation of target genes is not required for the invasion suppressor activity of E-cadherin, suggesting the involvement of other β-catenin–binding proteins.
Effects of foreign product names and country‐of‐origin attributions on advertisement evaluations

In an effort to correct methodological problems with previous research on effects of country-of-origin attributions, two experiments examined college students' reactions to brief oral or written ads for products with English, French, German, or Spanish names. Subjects rated how much they liked the ad and liked the product name and rated their likelihood of purchasing the product. Results showed that, overall, English names were generally favored over the foreign names. This finding, however, varied tremendously with the product; for several products one or more of the foreign names was preferred. Country of origin also frequently interacted with either sex or modality of the ad. In general, written ads were preferred over oral ones. Results were interpreted as arguing for great care and caution in interpreting country-of-origin effects. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Muscle gene expression patterns in human rotator cuff pathology.

Background: Rotator cuff pathology is a common source of shoulder pain with variable etiology and pathoanatomical characteristics. Pathological processes of fatty infiltration, muscle atrophy, and fibrosis have all been invoked as causes for poor outcomes after rotator cuff tear repair. The aims of this study were to measure the expression of key genes associated with adipogenesis, myogenesis, and fibrosis in human rotator cuff muscle after injury and to compare the expression among groups of patients with varied severities of rotator cuff pathology. Methods: Biopsies of the supraspinatus muscle were obtained arthroscopically from twenty-seven patients in the following operative groups: bursitis (n = 10), tendinopathy (n = 7), full-thickness rotator cuff tear (n = 8), and massive rotator cuff tear (n = 2). Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was performed to characterize gene expression pathways involved in myogenesis, adipogenesis, and fibrosis. Results: Patients with a massive tear demonstrated downregulation of the fibrogenic, adipogenic, and myogenic genes, indicating that the muscle was not in a state of active change and may have difficulty responding to stimuli. Patients with a full-thickness tear showed upregulation of fibrotic and adipogenic genes; at the tissue level, these correspond to the pathologies most detrimental to outcomes of surgical repair. Patients with bursitis or tendinopathy still expressed myogenic genes, indicating that the muscle may be attempting to accommodate the mechanical deficiencies induced by the tendon tear. Conclusions: Gene expression in human rotator cuff muscles varied according to tendon injury severity. Patients with bursitis and tendinopathy appeared to be expressing pro-myogenic genes, whereas patients with a full-thickness tear were expressing genes associated with fatty atrophy and fibrosis. In contrast, patients with a massive tear appeared to have downregulation of all gene programs except inhibition of myogenesis. Clinical Relevance: These data highlight the difficulty in treating massive tears and suggest that the timing of treatment may be important for muscle recovery. Specifically, earlier interventions to address tendon injury may allow muscles to respond more appropriately to mechanical stimuli.
Nocturnal panic: Biology, psychopathology, and its contribution to the expression of panic disorder

The latest studies on psychopathology and biology of nocturnal (or sleep) panic attacks and other findings related to sleep in panic disorder are reviewed. While some of the newer articles doubt that nocturnal panics present a more severe variation of panic disorder, older studies and some newer articles support this notion. Some studies suggest that nocturnal panic maybe also be associated with other, more severe pathology. This interesting syndrome, or variant of disorder, may have its own etiology, psychopathology, and underlying biology.
Bounded Verification of Adaptive Flight Control Systems

We formally verify a direct model-reference adaptive control (MRAC) method that is used to enable flight control in adverse conditions. We use the bounded verification approach and verify the system by introducing templates for both the assumptions and the guarantees, and using the tool QEPCAD to solve the resulting exists-forall formula. We also present results from an analysis performed on indirect and hybrid adaptive flight controllers.
Constraint-based brokering (CBB) for publishing and discovery of web services

Much effort is being made by the IT industry towards the development of a Web Service infrastructure to enable the discovery and sharing of heterogeneous applications and data resources. The existing implementation of Web Service registries does not have constraint specification and processing capabilities to achieve intelligent service discovery. In this work, we have extended the Web Service Description Language to allow service providers to specify their service constraints, and developed a Constraint-based Web Service Broker capable of matching a service requestor's requirement specification against providers' constraints to find their desired services. This paper presents the extended Web Service Description Language, the architecture and implementation of the Broker, the constraint matching technique, and the result of a performance evaluation.
Contralateral reperfusion injury after carotid endarterectomy.

Reperfusion brain edema occurs infrequently after carotid endarterectomy and has been reported only ipsilateral to the side of surgery. We report a 51-year-old woman who presented with transient right arm weakness followed by left hemiparesis. Angiography showed occlusion of the left internal carotid artery, 90% stenosis of the right internal carotid artery, filling of the left anterior cerebral artery from the right carotid circulation only, and filling of the left middle cerebral artery branches by pial collaterals from the left anterior cerebral and posterior cerebral arteries. The patient had a right carotid endarterectomy and 1 day postoperatively developed a severe headache but had no new focal neurologic findings. Computed tomography showed effacement of sulci and scattered areas of high attenuation in the left parietal lobe, consistent with cerebral edema and petechial hemorrhage or vascular engorgement. Magnetic resonance imaging 2 days later did not show a lesion in the left hemisphere, suggesting resolution of the edema. This report suggests that reperfusion brain edema can occur contralateral to carotid endarterectomy.
Sub-Miniature Five-Hole Probe Calibration Using a Time Efficient Pitch and Yaw Mechanism and Accuracy Improvements

A five-hole probe is a proven aerodynamic tool for the accurate measurement of flow fields, but is traditionally difficult to calibrate manually in an acceptable range of pitch and yaw angles. With advancements in computer technology, it is possible to improve the calibration process that is made up of tedious and repeating angular pitch and yaw angle movements. This paper proposes a way to increase the accuracy of measurements. The proposed approach uses computer automation, a mechanical pressure scanner, and precision rotary tables to significantly reduce the amount of time required to complete the calibration sequence. A five-hole probe is fastened to a precision calibration mechanism in a wind tunnel test section. This mechanism varied the pitch and yaw angle of the probe accurately via two computer controlled rotary tables. This approach allowed for a much greater degree of accuracy and a way to increase the number of data points taken, better defining the non-linear portions of the calibration maps. The scanivalve system minimized the number of transducers required from seven to one. While it takes more time than having multiple transducers, this approach lowered the overall equipment costs and helped to reduce measurement errors. The data acquisition device provides an interface between the rotary table stepper controllers, the scanivalve controller, and the transducer. A LabVIEW interface was then used to control all of the devices, while simultaneously retrieving data from the transducer and turning it into the coefficients needed to make the calibration map. The program allows for a degree of flexibility, allowing the user to choose the range of angles and the degrees between each point.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
MyPyramid for Older Adults

One of the new features of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2005, is the inclusion of Key Recommendations for Specific Population Groups, including older adults. The United States Department of Agriculture’s MyPyramid miniposter provides information for healthy Americans over 2 years of age but does not target any specific age group. With the rapid aging of the United States (US) population, there is a growing need for nutrition education and supporting educational resources targeted to adults over the age of 60, especially resources that address the special nutritional needs of this diverse age group. To address this need, the authors developed an adaptation of the MyPyramid miniposter entitled MyPyramid for Older Adults (MPOA).
Actin Cytoskeleton Regulation in Neuronal Morphogenesis and Structural Plasticity

▪ Abstract The actin cytoskeleton plays a major role in morphological development of neurons and in structural changes of adult neurons. This article reviews the myriad functions of actin and myosin in axon initiation, growth, guidance and branching, in morphogenesis of dendrites and dendritic spines, in synapse formation and stability, and in axon and dendrite retraction. Evidence is presented that signaling pathways involving the Rho family of small GTPases are key regulators of actin polymerization and myosin function in the context of different aspects of neuronal morphogenesis. These studies support an emerging theme: Different aspects of neuronal morphogenesis may involve regulation of common core signaling pathways, in particular the Rho GTPases.
An OM1 optical fiber as a mechanical sensor for high impact measurements

The OM1 fibers are commodity and could be found in legacy systems, such as Ethernet, FDDI, or ATM. These fibers are suitable for mechanical sensor applications due to their big numerical aperture. Unfortunately, their mode field cannot be expressed analytically and therefore, calculation of macro bend loss sensing capability requires numerical or experimental techniques. It is shown that OM1 has low temperature and pressure sensitivity during embedding process. On the other hand, sensor dynamic is promising, so OM1 could be used for fast measurements such as bullet impact on the host material.
In vivo optical coherence tomography–based scoring of oral mucositis in human subjects: a pilot study

A preliminary study to assess noninvasive optical coherence tomography (OCT) for early detection and evaluation of chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis in five patients. In five patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy for primary breast cancer, oral mucositis was assessed clinically, and imaged using noninvasive OCT. Imaging was scored using a novel imaging-based scoring system. Conventional clinical assessment using the Oral Mucositis Assessment Scale was used as the gold standard. Patients were evaluated on days 0, 2, 4, 7, and 11 after commencement of chemotherapy. OCT images were visually examined by one blinded investigator. The following events were identified using OCT: (1) change in epithelial thickness and subepithelial tissue integrity (beginning on day 2), (2) loss of surface keratinized layer continuity (beginning on day 4), (3) loss of epithelial integrity (beginning on day 4). Imaging data gave higher scores compared to clinical scores earlier in treatment, suggesting that the imaging-based diagnostic scoring was more sensitive to early mucositic change than the clinical scoring system. Once mucositis was established, imaging and clinical scores converged. Chemotherapy-induced oral changes were identified prior to their clinical manifestation using OCT, and the proposed scoring system for oral mucositis was validated for the semiquantification of mucositic change.
Severity of Human Rhinovirus Infection in Immunocompromised Adults Is Similar to That of 2009 H1N1 Influenza

This retrospective chart review of patients at a tertiary referral center compares characteristics and clinical features of patients diagnosed with human rhinovirus (HRV) infection to those of patients with 2009 H1N1 influenza A (pH1N1) during the pandemic respiratory season of 2009 to 2010. Hospital admission rates, intensive care unit (ICU) admissions, and mortality were not statistically different between the HRV and pH1N1 groups; however, more patients in the HRV group were considered immunocompromised.
Galectin-Binding O-Glycosylations as Regulators of Malignancy

Cancer cells commonly display aberrant surface glycans and related glycoconjugate scaffolds. Compared with their normal counterparts, cancer cell glycans are variably produced and often structurally distinct, serving as biomarkers of cancer progression or as functional entities to malignancy. The glycan signature of a cancer cell is created by the collaborative activities of glycosyltransferases, glycosidases, nucleotide-sugar transporters, sulfotransferases, and glycan-bearing protein/lipid scaffolds. In a coordinated fashion, these factors regulate the synthesis of cancer cell glycans and thus are considered correlates of cancer cell behavior. Functionally, cancer cell glycans can serve as binding targets for endogenous lectin effectors, such as C-type selectins and S-type galectins. There has been a recent surge of important observations of the role of glycosytransferases, specifically α2,6 sialyltransferases, in regulating the length and lectin-binding features of serine/threonine (O)-glycans found on cancer cells. The capping activity of O-glycan-specific α2,6 sialyltransferases, in particular, has been found to regulate cancer growth and metastasis in a galectin-dependent manner. These findings highlight the functional importance of cancer cell O-glycans and related galectin-binding features in the virulent activity of cancer and raise the prospect of targeting cancer cell glycans as effective anticancer therapeutics.
Therapygenetics: moving towards personalized psychotherapy treatment

New research suggests that genetic variation predicts response to cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) for the treatment of pediatric anxiety. We discuss this intriguing finding, review its implications for understanding the etiology of psychopathology, and suggest that psychosocial treatment research would strongly benefit from routinely assessing genetic variation in clinical trials.
17O nuclear magnetic resonance spectra of steriods

The 17O NMR spectra of cholesterol and 31 other steroid alcohols, esters, ketones, and acids enriched by synthesis with 17O from H217O have been observed under ordinary operating conditions, and correlations between 17O chemical shift and structure have been adduced. Spectra-structure correlations for these steriods are in conformity with those previously adduced with simpler compounds by others.
Bluffing Contests: The Real Effects of Pre-Announcing Competitive Decisions

We examine a duopolistic setting in which firms pre-announce their future competitive decisions (e.g. prices, production quantities, capacity investments) before they actually undertake them. We show that firms overstate their future actions in their pre-announcements, and that their real action levels are higher than the ones they would choose absent pre-announcements. In addition, we show that, the equilibrium real actions and welfare in Cournot competition reach a maximum value when pre-announcements are intermediately credible, whereas, actions are maximized and welfare minimized at that same credibility level in Bertrand competition.We also examine the equilibrium with discretionary pre-announcements. We find that, in Cournot competition, there is a unique equilibrium in which both firms pre-announce regardless of whether disclosure policies are observable or not. In Bertrand competition, however, the equilibrium is contingent on the observability of the disclosure policies. If they are observable, unless both firms have a low credibility, only the firm with the higher credibility pre-announces and the other remains silent. Nevertheless, when disclosure policies are not observable, both firms pre-announce in a unique equilibrium.
Hedge Detection Using a Rewards and Penalties Approach

Semantic and syntactic features found in text can be used in combination to statistically predict linguistic devices such as hedges in online chat. Some features are better indicators than others, and there are cases when multiple features need to be considered together to be useful. Once the features are identified, it becomes an optimization problem to find the best division of data. We have devised a genetic algorithm approach towards detecting hedges in online multi-party chat discourse. A system was created using rewards and penalties for matching features in tokenized text, so optimizing the reward and penalty amounts are the main challenge. Genetic algorithms, a subset of Evolutionary Algorithms, are great for optimization; as they are massively parallel directed searches, and therefore suited to finding the best ratio of integer rewards and penalties. “Evolutionary algorithms (EAs) utilize principles of natural selection and are robust adaptive search schemes suitable for searching nonlinear, discontinuous, and highdimensional spaces. This class of algorithms is being increasingly applied to obtain optimal or near-optimal solutions to many complex real-world optimization problems” (Bonissone, et. al. 2006) We show results using 10-fold cross validation as commonly used in traditional machine learning. The best performance without further fine tuning is 79% in classifying whether an utterance in chat contains a hedge or not.
Mathematic modeling on flexible cooling system in hot strip mill

A novel cooling system combining ultra fast cooling rigs with laminar cooling devices was investigated. Based on the different cooling mechanisms, a serial of mathematic models were established to describe the relationship between water flow and spraying pressure and the relationship between water spraying heat flux and layout of nozzles installed on the top and bottom cooling headers. Model parameters were validated by measured data. Heat transfer models including air convection model, heat radiation model and water cooling capacity model were detailedly introduced. In addition, effects on cooling capacity by water temperature and different valve patterns were also presented. Finally, the comparison results from UFC used or not have been provided with respect to temperature evolution and mechanical properties of Q235B steel grade with thickness of 7.8 mm. Since online application of the sophisticated CTC process control system based on these models, run-out table cooling control system has been running stably and reliably to produce resource-saving, low-cost steels with smaller grain size.
Comfortably numb or just yet another movie? Media violence exposure does not reduce viewer empathy for victims of real violence among primarily Hispanic viewers.

Continued debate exists regarding the impact of media violence exposure on viewers’ thoughts and behaviors. One facet of this debate has focused on the possibility that viewing media violence may desensitize viewers to the suffering of others and reduce their empathy. In the current study, 238 mostly Hispanic, young adults were randomized to watch either a violent or nonviolent TV show. Participants also watched clips of either fictional victims of violence (i.e., movie clips) or clips of actual people being injured or killed. Participants were significantly more empathic of victims’ suffering when they knew they were watching real violence rather than fictional violence. However, previous exposure to a violent or nonviolent TV show did not reduce empathy. These results suggest that, at least among a primarily Hispanic audience, viewers’ processing of media depends upon whether they understand it to be real or fictional, and media violence does not necessarily reduce empathy to real-life violence.
Student-Led Project Teams Significance of Regulation Strategies in High- and Low-Performing Teams

We studied group and individual co-regulatory and self-regulatory strategies of self-managed student project teams using data from intragroup peer evaluations and a postproject survey. We found that high team performers shared their research and knowledge with others, collaborated to advise and give constructive criticism, and demonstrated moral responsibility by respecting project management processes and communication protocols. Low team performers lacked self-regulatory strategies to work autonomously and clearly explain their research and its purpose, to ask for clarification, and to work autonomously. Consequently, effective regulatory strategies are crucial for high team performance, for team skills development, and for preparing business and management students for future team-based work environments.
Tocopherol prophylaxis in multiple exposure to hypoxia.

Summary and Conclusions1. With reference to “A” group, all tocopherol deficient animals died during the course of the 3 decompression exposures. None of the normal diet group, and only one of the tocopherol supplemented animals died. 2. Group “B”. No deficient diet animal survived 3 consecutive decompression experiences under the conditions of this experiment while 23.9% of the normal diet group survived these 3 experiences and 35.5% of the alpha-tocopherol supplemented synthetic diet group survived. 3. It can therefore be concluded that rabbits deficient in tocopherol to a dystrophic level did not elicit as much resistance to the hypoxic factor as did those animals on the normal or tocopherol supplemented diet. Those animals on the tocopherol supplemented diet had a greater survival rate (11z.6%) than did those on the normal diet.
Art Integration Fosters Empathy in the Middle School Classroom

ABSTRACTIn this article, I highlight findings from a nine-day unit embedded within a larger, four-month long qualitative action research study set in a public middle school. My goal in conducting this research was examination of relationships between visual culture and art integration as a method of fostering students to find voice while taking risks. A collaborative process was central to the unit in which the non-art educator and I developed and taught persuasion using art and art history. Students engaged in creating collaborative ecological installations, the integration of visual culture bridged art and other curricular areas while creating spaces for authentic learning. Through making art, students built shared knowledge, engaged in safe discourse, and expressed empathy.
Ultrafast Optical Control of Hole Spin Qubits: Suppressed Nuclear Feedback Effects

The strong contact hyperfine interaction between a single electron and the nuclear spins in a quantum dot [1–5] represents a severe limitation on its use as a qubit, as we discussed in Sect. 3.3.1. In particular, it results in non-linear, non-Markovian dynamics of the electron-nuclear system [6–9], making the use of the Larmor-precession as a single qubit gate cumbersome. While dynamical decoupling, in essence an extension of the simple spin echo presented in Sect. 3.3.2 to multiple refocusing pulses, could be used to decouple the effects of the nuclear spin bath [10–14], avoiding the contact hyperfine interaction altogether would be a much simpler solution. For some materials, this could be achieved by careful isotopic engineering: examples for group-IV and II–VI materials can be found in Refs. [15–19]. However, In, Ga and As do not possess any spin-0 isotopes, making this approach impossible for the self-assembled quantum dots used in this work.
Commelina mascarenica (Commelinaceae): an overlooked Malagasy species in Africa

Jusqu'en 2006 l'espece Commelina mascarenica etait connue avec certitude seulement de Madagascar et des Comores. Nous confirmons egalement sa presence en Afrique, en Somalie, au Kenya, en Tanzanie et au Mozambique. Les echantillons d'Afrique avaient ete negliges, mal identifies avec C. imberbis, ou traites comme espece distincte mais non nommee. Commelina mascarenica a apparemment le plus de proximite avec C. imberbis d'Afrique et de la peninsule arabe. Une description complete, une illustration et le premier nombre chromosomique pour C. mascarenica sont fournis.
Diabetes and Cognitive Dysfunction

Abstract Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder of the periphery characterized by hyperglycemia. The two most common types of diabetes mellitus are type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is often termed “juvenile diabetes” and is associated with insulin deficiency, whereas type 2 diabetes is characterized by insulin resistance. Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes are associated with numerous complications that affect multiple systems including the CNS. This chapter discusses the current understanding of the mechanisms behind diabetic complications with a focus on the impact of diabetes on cognitive function.
rpTextures: systematic layering for large texture generation

We use systematic layering of variously sized layers to quickly create large, seemingly non-repeating textures. This leads to significantly more control for artists to create expansive visual scenes without the need for large teams to create massive textures. Our method maintains the visual appeal of seamless and non-repeating design, while using little memory and rendering quickly.
Error Estimation by Means of Richardson Extrapolation with the Boundary Element Method in a Dirichlet Problem for the Laplace Equation

Richardson extrapolation can be used to improve the accuracy of numerical solutions for the normal boundary flux and the interior potential resulting from the boundary element method applied to a Dirichlet problem for the Laplace equation. Using numerical results related to the Richardson extrapolation, a technique will be developed that predicts the reliability of the Richardson extrapolation results.
Broad detection of bacterial type III secretion system and flagellin proteins by the human NAIP/NLRC4 inflammasome

Inflammasomes are cytosolic multiprotein complexes that initiate host defense against bacterial pathogens by activating caspase-1-dependent cytokine secretion and cell death. In mice, specific nucleotide-binding domain, leucine-rich repeat-containing family, apoptosis inhibitory proteins (NAIPs) activate the nucleotide-binding domain, leucine-rich repeat-containing family, CARD domain-containing protein 4 (NLRC4) inflammasome upon sensing components of the type III secretion system (T3SS) and flagellar apparatus. NAIP1 recognizes the T3SS needle protein, NAIP2 recognizes the T3SS inner rod protein, and NAIP5 and NAIP6 recognize flagellin. In contrast, humans encode a single functional NAIP, raising the question of whether human NAIP senses one or multiple bacterial ligands. Previous studies found that human NAIP detects both flagellin and the T3SS needle protein and suggested that the ability to detect both ligands was achieved by multiple isoforms encoded by the single human NAIP gene. Here, we show that human NAIP also senses the Salmonella Typhimurium T3SS inner rod protein PrgJ and that T3SS inner rod proteins from multiple bacterial species are also detected. Furthermore, we show that a single human NAIP isoform is capable of sensing the T3SS inner rod, needle, and flagellin. Our findings indicate that, in contrast to murine NAIPs, promiscuous recognition of multiple bacterial ligands is conferred by a single human NAIP.
Assessing Potato Cultivar Sensitivity to Tuber Necrosis Caused by Potato mop-top virus.

Potato mop-top virus (PMTV) causes mop top disease in potato. This disease can result in a decline in tuber quality causing economic losses to growers due to the production of necrotic lesions and ...
Seeing Religion in Language Teaching Contexts and in Language Learning Processes

An introduction is presented to a section of the issue on the relation between religion and language learning.
Is Genetic Drift to Blame for Testicular Dysgenesis Syndrome in Semliki Chimpanzees (Pan Troglodytes Schweinfurthii)

BACKGROUND We present 3 likely cases of testicular dysgenesis syndrome (TDS) within a community of chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii). We tested whether genetic drift may be the culprit, as a genetic cause has been suspected to account for TDS among other wildlife. METHODS We successfully sequenced a 367-bp segment spanning the first hypervariable region within the D-loop of the mitochondrial genome for 78 DNA samples. RESULTS We found 24 polymorphic sequence sites consisting of 7 singletons and 17 parsimony informative sites. This sample contained 9 haplotypes with a diversity index of 0.78 (SD = 0.03). All tests against the null hypothesis of neutral polymorphisms were non-significant (P > .10). The mismatch distribution of pairwise differences does not fit a Poisson's curve (raggedness index = 0.166; SSD = 0.12; P = 1). CONCLUSIONS Thus, we found no significant signs of genetic isolation, population expansion, or genetic bottleneck. Alternative causes of TDS and how they might pertain to this population are discussed.
An inferential framework for network hypothesis tests: With applications to biological networks

AN INFERENTIAL FRAMEWORK FORNETWORKHYPOTHESIS TESTS: WITH APPLICATIONS TO BIOLOGICAL NETWORKS By Phillip D. Yates, Ph.D. A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at Virginia Commonwealth University. Virginia Commonwealth University, 2010. Major Director: Nitai D. Mukhopadhyay, Assistant Professor, Department of Biostatistics The analysis of weighted co-expression gene sets is gaining momentum in systems biology. In addition to substantial research directed toward inferring co-expression networks on the basis of microarray/high-throughput sequencing data, inferential methods are being developed to compare gene networks across one or more phenotypes. Common gene set hypothesis testing procedures are mostly confined to comparing average gene/node transcription levels between one or more groups and make limited use of additional network features, e.g., edges induced by significant partial correlations. Ignoring the gene set architecture disregards relevant network topological comparisons and can result in familiar n ≪ p over-parameterized test issues. In this dissertation we propose a method for performing oneand two-sample hypothesis tests for (weighted) networks. We build on a measure of separation defined via a local neighborhood metric. This node-centered additive metric exploits the network properties of nearby neighbors. The use of local neighborhoods seeks to lessen the effect of a large number of (potentially) estimable parameters; biology or algorithms are commonly used to further reduce the prospect of spurious biological associations. Where possible, we avoid specifying dubious network probability models. In order to draw statistical inferences we use a resampling approach. Our method allows for both an overall network test and a post hoc examination of individual gene/node effects. We evaluate our approach using both simulated data and microarray data obtained from diabetes and ovarian cancer studies.
Hyperthyroid adult rat cardiomyocytes. II. Single cell electrophysiology and free calcium transients

The effects of hyperthyroidism on electrophysiological properties and intracellular free calcium transients in single adult rat cardiomyocytes were studied using conventional microelectrodes and time-resolved single cell fura-2 fluorescence microscopy. Under control conditions, resting membrane potentials and triggered action potentials were not different in euthyroid and hyperthyroid myocytes. Calcium transients produced by electrical stimulation, however, were markedly abbreviated in hyperthyroid myocytes. During a train of stimuli, the duration of the calcium transients at half peak amplitude (half time) was 124 +/- 14 ms at the fifth beat in hyperthyroid cells vs. 287 +/- 35 ms in euthyroid cells. Isoproterenol (1 microM) prolonged time to 50% repolarization (APD50) of the action potentials and increased the peak calcium transients in both euthyroid and hyperthyroid myocytes. It also shortened the half time of the calcium transients in euthyroid myocytes but had little effect on the half time in hyperthyroid cells. These data are consistent with the electrophysiology and mechanical performance in intact euthyroid and hyperthyroid cardiac tissues, and the intrinsic changes in hyperthyroid tissues can therefore be illustrated in single ventricular myocytes. Furthermore, the results suggest that alterations in intracellular calcium handling by sarcoplasmic reticulum may account for contractile changes of the heart induced by hyperthyroidism.
IL-9 receptor: Regulatory role on FLS and pannus formation.

Abstract Objective Functions of the Th9 cells and its signature cytokine IL-9 in human autoimmune diseases is currently under extensive research. Here we are reporting new functions of IL-9-receptor (IL-9R); its regulatory role on (i) FLS (fibroblast like synoviocyte) biology and (ii) pannus formation in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Methods RA, PsA, and OA synovial tissue biopsies were obtained; FLS were derived and cultured from these tissues. T quantify protein and messenger RNA levels of IL9-receptor (IL-9R) Western blot and real-time PCR techniques were used. For Pro-growth/survival effect of IL-9 (rIL-9) Annexin-V (apoptosis assay) and MTT assays were used. Results Immunoblot and RT-PCR studies demonstrated IL9-R in FLS of RA, PsA, and OA. IL9-R was functionally active. rIL-9 induced significant proliferation of FLS (p Conclusions Proliferation of FLS, induction of pro-nflammatory cytokines and upregulation of metaloprotinase (MMP 3) the key pathologic events for pannus formation are regulated by IL-9 and its recptor. Thus the IL-9/IL-9R system is a new contributing factor in the cytokine network of PsA and RA.
Screening for At-Risk Alcohol and Drug Use in the Antenatal Period: How Do Young Women Compare with Older Adult Women?

Abstract Study Objective In the present study we compared results of standardized screening tools for problem alcohol and other drug use in younger (ages 18-24 years) and older (ages 25 and older) women attending the same clinic. We separately investigated pregnant and nonpregnant women. Design, Setting, Participants, Interventions, and Main Outcome Measures This was a cross-sectional study of women attending an urban, university-affiliated obstetrics and gynecology clinic. Women were recruited while awaiting appointments with their providers. In total, 3317 provided consent and completed a brief anonymous survey with standardized questions about alcohol and other drug problems. Measures included the T-ACE (acronym for Tolerance, Annoyed when others express concern, Cut down on drinking, Eye-opener) for alcohol and CAGE for other drugs (CAGE is a mnemonic for the following items: (1) Have you ever felt you should cut down on your use of other drugs? (2) Have people annoyed you by criticizing your use of other drugs? (3) Have you ever felt bad or guilty about your use of other drugs? and (4) Have you ever used drugs first thing in the morning to steady your nerves, avoid withdrawal, or get rid of a hangover [eye opener]?). Individual item responses and screener summary scores were compared separately for pregnant and nonpregnant younger (ages 18-24 years) and older adult (25 years of age or older) women using χ2 for categorical and t tests for continuous variables. Results For pregnant women, 386/1460 (26%) of older women screened at-risk for problem drinking compared to 250/1203 (21%) of younger women (P = .001). For other drugs, however, 192/1203 (16%) of younger pregnant women screened at risk compared to 186/1461 (13%) of older adult pregnant women (P = .02). For nonpregnant women, screen positive rates for at-risk drug use were nearly 2 times higher among older compared with younger women, with 48/321 (15%) of older women screening at risk compared to 28/332 (8%) of younger women (P Conclusion The present findings affirm the need for routine screening for alcohol and drug problems in women of all ages, regardless of pregnancy status.
Commodification and transfiguration: Socially mediated identity in technology and theology

Social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter allow users to create an online identity with preferences, photos including ‘selfies’ and links to other users. These platforms allow users to present and edit their identities or profiles in accordance with their subjective desires and aspirations as well as in response to feedback from others. Defining individual identity online presents new challenges for many individuals. This article explores those challenges and engages the culture and the practices of online identity formation critically. Identity formation online raises profound theological questions, which are explored in relation to Christian theology and its understanding of personhood as defined in relationship. This view originates in the earliest Christian theology as an attempt to understand the Christian God as three identities that are mutually defined by their relationship to each other. The article asks how the experience of identity formation online in social media can challenge and inform a Christian view of the human relationship with the divine.
Sexual orientation-related stigma and relationship functioning among female same-sex couples

This article discusses how sexual orientation-based stigma serves to undermine functioning in female same-sex relationships. We particularly focus on the unique roles of interpersonal stigma (e.g., victimization, microaggressions) and structural stigma (e.g., institutional forms of discrimination), highlighting critical limitations and gaps in this literature and offering suggestions for future studies. We also discuss the need for future work on sexual orientation-related stigma and relationship functioning to consider the unique experiences of bisexual women, intersecting identities, and couple-level perspectives on stigma.
K2 OF POLYNOMIAL RINGS AND OF FREE ALGEBRAS

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the K 2 of polynomial rings and of free algebras. The K 2 functor of Milnor has been computed for certain fields. It turns out that some deep number theory is required in the process. By contrast, K 2 of polynomial rings can be reduced to K 2 of the ground field, using only a presentation of GL n for these polynomial rings. To show that R is a generalized Euclidean (GE) ring, one has to express every invertible matrix as a product of elementary matrices. It is found that to prove that R is universal for GE n , one has to show that every product of elementary matrices can be brought to a certain standard form, and the only product in this standard form equal to I is the empty product. It is assumed that R is a ring with a weak algorithm relative to a degree function. It is found that R is a GE -ring and if one can show it to be universal, this will certainly cover the case of free k -algebras.
Effect of Particle Formation Process on Characteristics and Aerosol Performance of Respirable Protein Powders

Pulmonary delivery of biopharmaceuticals may enable targeted local therapeutic effect and noninvasive systemic administration. Dry powder inhaler (DPI) delivery is an established patient-friendly approach for delivering large molecules to the lungs; however, the complexities of balancing protein stability with aerosol performance require that the design space of biopharmaceutical DPI formulations is rigorously explored. Utilizing four rationally selected formulations obtained using identical atomization conditions, an extensive study of the effect of the particle formation process (spray drying or spray freeze-drying) on powder properties, aerosol performance, and protein stability was performed. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to understand the relationship between powder properties, device dispersion mechanism, and aerosol performance. Spray drying and spray freeze-drying, despite the same spraying conditions, produced powders with vastly different physical characteristics, though similar aerosol performance. The resulting regression model points to the significance of particle size, density, and surface properties on the resulting aerosol performance, with these factors weighing differently according to the device dispersion mechanism utilized (shear-based or impaction-based). The physical properties of the produced spray dried and spray freeze-dried powders have differing implications for long-term stability, which will be explored extensively in a future study.
Relational processing in the semantic domain is impaired in medial temporal lobe amnesia

It has been argued that the hippocampus supports cognition by virtue of its role in flexibly binding together distinct elements of experience. Such 'relational processing' enables us to (re)construct episodic representations of real or imagined events. The present study examined whether hippocampally mediated relational processing also contributes to the construction of semantic representations. To do so, we asked amnesic individuals with medial temporal lobe (MTL) lesions including the hippocampus to generate hypothetical meanings for novel word compounds (e.g., cactus carpet), a task that requires existing concepts to be flexibly linked. The quality of definitions and number of features generated for the novel compounds were lower in patients with MTL lesions than in control participants. Whereas the subset of patients with lesions extending into lateral temporal cortex had additional difficulty generating meanings for pre-existing compounds (e.g., bus station), patients with lesions limited to the MTL showed no such deficit, indicating that their impairment in the novel compound condition was not due to reduced access to semantic information. These findings suggest that the role of hippocampally mediated relational processing extends beyond the episodic domain to include the generation of novel semantic representations.
Is the DSM-5 Anxious Distress Specifier Interview a valid measure of anxiety in patients with generalized anxiety disorder: A comparison to the Hamilton Anxiety Scale

Abstract DSM-5 includes criteria for an anxious distress specifier for major depressive disorder, and measures have been developed to assess these criteria. The validity of measures of the severity of anxious distress has been established in depressed patients. In the present report from the Rhode Island Methods to Improve Diagnostic Assessment and Services (MIDAS) project, we examined whether a severity measure of anxious distress was as valid as the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) as a measure of the severity of anxiety in patients with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Eighty-five patients with GAD were interviewed by trained raters who administered the DSM-5 Anxious Distress Specifier Interview (DADSI), HAMA, and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD). The patients completed self-report measures of depression, anxiety, and irritability. The DADSI and HAMA were significantly correlated (r 0.52, p
Testing Mindful Awareness as a Moderator in the Association Between HIV-Related Stress and Drug and Alcohol Use Problems Among People Living with HIV

People living with HIV (PLWH) are disproportionately affected by stressful life events. HIV-related stress adds to general life stressors to increase health risks among this population. Stress has not only been associated with HIV progression but it is also linked to HIV transmission risk behavior (e.g., substance use). Older adults living with HIV (OALWH) experience additional age-related stress and are at increased risk for substance use. Mindfulness buffers against stress for PLWH; however, research has yet to examine mindfulness as a buffer between HIV-related stress and substance use for OALWH. Participants were 130 OALWH (Mage = 54.65, SD = 4.20) and 74.6% were Black. The majority were male (69.2%), and nearly half identified as heterosexual (48.5%). A hierarchical linear regression examined the main and interactive effects of mindful awareness and two types of HIV-related stress (e.g., stigma and rumination) on alcohol and drug use problems. In step one of the model, we examined HIV stigma (β = .231, p = .015) and found no significant interaction with mindful awareness. In step two, HIV rumination (β = .288, p = .001) was added. We found a significant interaction (β = .196, p = .020), indicating those with low mindful awareness and high rumination reported the greatest substance use problems. Exploratory analyses revealed an indirect effect of HIV stigma on substance use through HIV rumination as well as a significant effect for second-stage moderated mediation. These findings support mindful awareness as a buffer against HIV rumination for OALWH. Further, our results have important implications for the utility of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) with OALWH and comorbid substance use disorders.
A Calreticulin Tail: C-terminal Mutants of Calreticulin Allow Cancer Cells to Evade Phagocytosis

In the current issue of Molecular Cell, Liu et al. (2020) show that the secretion of cancer-linked forms of mutant calreticulin allow cancer cells to escape protective immune responses induced by chemotherapeutic and immunotherapeutic drugs, thereby promoting tumor growth.