cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Design, Synthesis and Electrospinning of a Novel Fluorescent Polymer for Optical Sensor Applications

This work describes the synthesis and electrospinning of new fluorescent polymers and their use for the fabrication of optical chemical sensors. A new fluorescent monomer was first synthesized by coupling reactions between methacryloyl chloride and a pyrene derivative, 1-pyrene butanol. Fluorescent polymers containing pyrene molecules were then obtained by the copolymerization of this monomer with methylmethacrylate using 2, 2’-azobisisobutyronitrile as the initiator. These polymers show distinct and well-defined fluorescence that is characteristic of the pyrene chromophores. Electrospinning was used to process these polymers into high surface area nanofibrous membranes for optical sensing. The resulting membranes show a high sensitivity to 2, 4-dinitro toluene based on the fluorescence quenching of the pyrene chromophores. Fluorescence intensities decreased with increasing concentration of the 2, 4-dinitro toluene. The quenching behavior follows Stern-Volmer bimolecular quenching kinetics. The synthesis, characterization, electrospinning fabrication, and sensing capability of these polymers will be discussed.
Hypotension in NKCC1 null mice: role of the kidneys

NKCC1 null mice are hypotensive, in part, from the absence of NKCC1-mediated vasoconstriction. Whether these mice have renal defects in NaCl and water handling which contribute to the hypotension i...
An analysis of the axon populations in the nerves to the pelvic viscera in the rat.

The present study uses selective surgical ablations combined with electron microscopic analyses to determine the number of axons in yarious catagories in rat hypogastric, pelvic, and pudendal nerves, these being the nerves to the pelvic viscera in this animal. Unmyelinated fibers predominate in all of these nerves. One of the most significant findings is that the pelvic nerve contains almost as many postganglionic sympathetic fibers as the hypogastric nerve. Previous investigators thought that the pelvic nerve supplied the parasympathetic inflow and the hypogastric nerve the sympathetic inflow to the pelvic viscera. The finding that there is a sizable sympathetic component in the pelvic nerve negates this idea, at least for the rat, and presumably calls for a reevaluation of the syndromes that arise from pelvic as opposed to hypogastric nerve section. Other findings of interest are (1) that there are unmyelinated efferent axons in the pudendal nerve, indicating that the pudendal is not a typical somatic nerve, (2) that the hypogastric nerve has a very small sensory component, and (3) that there are fibers surviving in the distal stumps of all these nerves, particularly the pelvic and hypogastric nerves.
WOM with retained messages

Write-once memory (WOM) is a binary storage medium in which each memory cell is initially in state 0 and can be irreversibly programmed to state 1. This paper studies the problem of writing multiple messages into a WOM. Instead of writing a new message (and obliterating old ones) as in the traditional setup, the user wishes to retain access to some of the previously written messages. The capacity region is studied and code constructions are proposed for three canonical cases.
Successful community engagement: Laying the foundation for effective teen pregnancy prevention

This article explores the fundamental role that strong community partnerships play in successful recruitment and retention of program participants; prevention program implementation; program sustainability; and institutionalization of prevention strategies throughout the community. Our study revolves around the community engagement process that provided the foundation for the successful implementation of an adolescent pregnancy prevention program in a predominantly minority, low-income community. The community has long had high teen birth rates and a history of fragmented, short-lived partnerships with outside organizations. But the study found that a deliberate approach that uses a well-planned, well-executed strategy to build on existing community assets and partnerships, as well as create new ones, is a key factor in successful program implementation. This article identifies core principles and strategies that support strong community partnerships and specific engagement techniques that build, maintain...
Breaking Barriers, Crossing Borders, Building Bridges: Communication Processes in Intergroup Dialogues

Research in intergroup contact and intergroup education is increasingly focused on the psychological and pedagogical processes to explain the impact of interventions on desired outcomes. This emerging scholarship has enriched our understanding about what types of interventions are effective or not and how these interventions impact outcomes of prejudice reduction and social inclusion. In the present study, a new theoretical dimension of processes operating in intergroup contact and education is investigated: communication processes. Factor analyses of communication processes within an intergroup encounter, using data from a pretest/posttest design with a diverse group of students (n = 211), revealed four factors: (1) appreciating difference, (2) engaging self, (3) critical self-reflection, and (4) alliance building. Furthermore, path analysis shows that these communication processes fully mediate the impact of intergroup dialogue on bridging differences. The communication processes illuminate a deeper understanding of what happens within the context of intergroup encounters and provide a link between pedagogical strategies and psychological processes. Pettigrew’s (1998) reformulation of intergroup contact theory proposed friendship potential as an essential fifth condition for optimal contact, in addition to Allport’s (1954) original conditions of authority sanction, equal group status, common goals, and intergroup cooperation. Going beyond simple acquaintance potential (described by Cook, 1962), friendship potential involves interactions that
Late-Stage Maturation of the Rieske Fe/S Protein: Mzm1 Stabilizes Rip1 but Does Not Facilitate Its Translocation by the AAA ATPase Bcs1

The final step in the assembly of the ubiquinol-cytochrome c reductase or bc1 complex involves the insertion of the Rieske Fe/S cluster protein, Rip1. Maturation of Rip1 occurs within the mitochondrial matrix prior to its translocation across the inner membrane (IM) in a process mediated by the Bcs1 ATPase and subsequent insertion into the bc1 complex. Here we show that the matrix protein Mzm1 functions as a Rip1 chaperone, stabilizing Rip1 prior to the translocation step. In the absence of Mzm1, Rip1 is prone to either proteolytic degradation or temperature-induced aggregation. A series of Rip1 truncations were engineered to probe motifs necessary for Mzm1 interaction and Bcs1-mediated translocation of Rip1. The Mzm1 interaction with Rip1 persists in Rip1 variants lacking its transmembrane domain or containing only its C-terminal globular Fe/S domain. Replacement of the globular domain of Rip1 with that of the heterologous folded protein Grx3 abrogated Mzm1 interaction; however, appending the C-terminal 30 residues of Rip1 to the Rip1-Grx3 chimera restored Mzm1 interaction. The Rip1-Grx3 chimera and a Rip1 truncation containing only the N-terminal 92 residues each induced stabilization of the bc1:cytochrome oxidase supercomplex in a Bcs1-dependent manner. However, the Rip1 variants were not stably associated with the supercomplex. The induced supercomplex stabilization by the Rip1 N terminus was independent of Mzm1.
Brain edema after intracerebral hemorrhage: the effects of systemic complement depletion.

The complement cascade is activated after experimental intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and may play an important role in edema formation. This study investigated the effects of systemic complement depletion on brain edema formation following ICH. Thirty-six pentobarbital-anesthetized Sprague-Dawley rats were used. Treatment animals were complement-depleted with cobra venom factor (CVF) while controls received an equal volume of saline injection (i.p.). In both treatment and control rats, autologous blood (100-µL) was infused stereotactically into the right basal ganglia. Rats were sacrificed one and three days later for brain water and ion content measurements and immunohistochemical studies. Im-munohistochemistry was used to detect complement C3d, C5a, and C9. Western blot analysis was applied for C9 semiquantitation. Perihematomal brain edema was reduced by systemic complement depletion at one and three days. The water content of the cerebellum (a tissue distant from the hematoma site) was unaffected by complement depletion. Immunocytochemistry found complement depletion significantly reduced perihematomal C9 deposition, C3d production, and C5a positive cell accumulation. In conclusion, complement depletion by CVF attenuates brain edema in ICH perhaps by inhibiting the inflammatory response and membrane attack complex (MAC) formation.
A computational approach for the rational design of stable proteins and enzymes: optimization of surface charge-charge interactions.

Abstract The design of stable proteins and enzymes is not only of particular biotechnological importance, but also addresses some important fundamental questions. While there are a number of different options available for designing or engineering stable proteins, the field of computational design provides fast and universal methods for stabilizing proteins of interest. One of the successful computational design strategies focuses on stabilizing proteins through the optimization of charge–charge interactions on the protein surface. By optimizing surface interactions, it is possible to alleviate some of the challenges that accompany efforts to redesign the protein core. The rational design of surface charge–charge interactions also allows one to optimize only the interactions that are distant from binding sites or active sites, making it possible to increase stability without adversely affecting activity. The optimization of surface charge–charge interactions is discussed in detail along with the experimental evidence to demonstrate that this is a robust and universal approach to designing proteins with enhanced stability.
Bias Reduction and Likelihood Based Almost-Exactly Sized Hypothesis Testing in Predestricted Likelihoodictive Regressions Using the Restricted Likelihood

Difficulties with inference in predictive regressions are generally attributed tostrong persistence in the predictor series. We show that the major source of the problem is actually the nuisance intercept parameter and propose basing inference on the Restricted Likelihood,which is free of such nuisance location parameters and also possesses small curvature, making it suitable for inference. The bias of the Restricted Maximum Likelihood (REML) estimates is shown to be approximately 50% less than that of the OLS estimates near the unit root, without loss of efficiency. The error in the chi-square approximation to the distribution of the REML based Likelihood Ratio Test (RLRT) for no predictability is shown to be 3/4 âˆ’ I?2 nâˆ’1 (G3 (Â·) âˆ’ G1 (Â·)) + O nâˆ’2 , where |I?|
How Common is “Non-textbook” Migration in Hudson River Blueback Herring?

Anadromous fishes are commonly thought to use inland waters for spawning and for rearing in the first growing season. Thereafter, they emigrate seaward to feed, grow, and mature. However, yearling (age 1+) alosine herrings have been observed in the Hudson River estuary during the spawning season. We quantified the frequency of this behavior for Blueback Herring (Alosa aestivalis) in two contrasting time periods: the 1980s–1990s, a period of relatively high abundance, and 2012–2013, a period of low abundance. Using otolith chemistry, we (1) assayed whether yearlings captured during the spawning run had egressed to sea and then returned to fresh water, and (2) examined adult spawners and retrospectively estimated the frequency of yearling returns to fresh water in these recruited fish. At least 36 % and up to 90 % of yearlings showed evidence of overwintering at sea or very far down the estuary prior to returning to fresh water with the spawning adults. Of the adults, 67–75 % showed evidence of returns up to fresh water as yearlings, despite large changes in population size and demographic characteristics. We conclude that this cryptic, “non-textbook” migratory behavior is common, and suggest that the importance of estuarine and freshwater nurseries may extend beyond the young-of-year period.
Specific liver and brain monoamine oxidase inhibition by alkyl- and arylalkylhydrazines.

SummaryAbility of several hydrazine derivatives selectively to inhibit liver or brain monoamine oxidase (MAO) in the intact rat has been compared. Of those studied, the compounds possessing an unsubstituted arylalkylhydrazine structure, such as benzyl hydrazine, β-phenylethylhydrazine, and β-phenylisopropylhydrazine showed greater brain than liver MAO inhibiting properties. Substitution on terminal hydrazine with an isonicotinyl group reversed the brain-liver MAO inhibiting relationship. Compounds lacking the benzene ring as in methyl-, ethyl-, and isopropylhydrazine also showed greater liver than brain MAO inhibiting effects. It is concluded that the benzene ring of the unsubstituted aryl-alkylhydrazines may aid in their passage into the brain.
The Geometric Quotient Theorem: Open on Invariant Sets

We now turn our attention to the second property of a geometric quotient. In other words, we want to prove the following:
Architectural design studio on sustainable tourism alternatives in the San Antonio Missions Historic District

Tourism is one of the fastest growing industries in the world. San Antonio is one of the Texas’ top tourist cities and a major tourism destination nationally. The city has a rich and unique histori...
Hydrodynamic Effects of Seepage on Bed Particles

The effect of effluent and influent seepage on the hydrodynamic forces acting on an idealized noncohesive sediment particle are investigated experimentally. The hydrodynamic conditions near and within the porous medium of the channel bed are simulated through the use of shear-velocity Reynolds number and seepage Reynolds number. Drag and lift forces on a sediment particle are measured by a force dynamometer with and without the effects of effluent or influent seepage flow. The results are presented in the form of drag and lift coefficients as functions of shear-velocity Reynolds number for different effluent or influent seepage Reynolds numbers. The effects of seepage on the dynamic forces acting on a sediment particle are analyzed in an attempt to explain the observed experimental results.
Philanthropy, cosmopolitanism, and the benefits of giving directly

ABSTRACTIn the face of widespread poverty, Peter Singer argues that the best response is giving money to charitable organizations that give aid to the poor. In response, much criticism has been leveled by cosmopolitan philosophers that philanthropy is unable to effectively combat poverty for many reasons: such funds fall prey to corrupt bureaucrats, the poor will waste the money, or become dependent upon donations rather than providing for themselves. In this paper, I argue that the work of the organization GiveDirectly offers an approach that can overcome the criticisms leveled against philanthropy. GiveDirectly works by providing direct cash transfers to the poor; by adopting such a straightforward method, GiveDirectly provides practical benefits to the poor, and overcomes key philosophical critiques. The poor are empowered to make choices to meet their own needs, and do not become dependent upon donations. While GiveDirectly does not constitute the solution to the problem of global poverty, it does pro...
Combined Inhibition of Wee1 and Poly(ADP Ribose) Polymerase1/2 Synergistically Inhibits Acute Myeloid Leukemia Cells By Enhancing DNA Damage and the Induction of Apoptosis

Abstract Introduction: Successful treatment of AML remains dependent upon cytotoxic chemotherapy. However, traditional regimens are not well tolerated by older patients who are at highest risk of disease, and salvage rates after relapse are low, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies. Our groups identified Wee1 as a potential therapeutic target in AML, particularly in the context of concomitant treatment with cytarabine (Tibes et al, Blood, 2012; Porter et al, Leukemia, 2012). Wee1 inhibits CDK1&2 via phosphorylation thereby stalling cell cycle progression. One consequence of Wee1 inhibition/CDK1 activation is impairment of DNA repair via homologous recombination (Krajewska et al, Oncogene, 2013). Cells in which HR is impaired are dependent upon Parp1/2 function, and HR deficient cells are particularly sensitive to Parp1/2 inhibition. Therefore, we hypothesized that combined Wee1 and Parp1/2 inhibition may result in greater inhibition of AML cell proliferation and survival than either alone. Methods: Human AML cell lines, MV4-11 and Molm-13, and a mouse AML that expresses MLL-ENL/FLT3-ITD were cultured with various concentrations of a Wee1 inhibitor (AZ1775) and a Parp1/2 inhibitor (olaparib) and counted 72 hours later by propidium iodide exclusion and flow cytometry. In some experiments, cells were split into fresh media to recover for 72 more hours. Combination Index (CI) values were calculated by the method of Chou and Talalay. Apoptosis was measured using Annexin V/7AAD and flow cytometry. Western blots were used to confirm inhibition of CDK1/2 phosphorylation and to measure DNA damage induction (gamma-H2AX). Results: Combined inhibition of Wee1 and Parp1/2 was synergistic, as measured by cell numbers at 72 hours, in all 3 cell lines tested, with combination index values ranging from 0.3 to 0.9. When cells were allowed to recover after treatment, those treated by single agents were able to continue proliferating. However, those treated with the combination did not recover as well or at all, indicating greatly impaired proliferative capacity. Combined inhibition of Wee1 and Parp1/2 also resulted in a significant increase in apoptosis greater than either drug alone. Western blots for gamma-H2AX confirmed that the combination of Wee1 and Parp1/2 resulted in more DNA damage than either drug alone. Discussion: Combined inhibition of Wee1 and Parp1/2 results in greater inhibition of AML cell proliferation, DNA damage and apoptosis than either drug alone. Future studies will include experiments with primary patient samples, as well as in vivo trials combining Wee1 inhibition with Parp1/2 inhibition. These preliminary studies raise the possibility of rational combinations of targeted agents for leukemia in those for whom conventional chemotherapeutics may not be well tolerated. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Targeted ShRNA Screening Identified Critical Role of Pleckstrin-2 in Erythropoiesis

Abstract 3199 Mammalian erythropoiesis is globally regulated by erythropoietin (Epo). Epo binds to its receptor on the cell surface of erythroid precursor; induces a series of downstream pathways that promote cell differentiation and inhibit apoptosis. Recent genome wide transcriptional profile study demonstrated that over 500 genes are up-regulated during erythropoiesis. Many of these genes encode erythroid specific proteins that play well-known functions in red cells. However, the functions of the most other genes in the erythroid cells are still unknown. To identify novel genes in erythropoiesis, we infected mouse fetal liver erythroblasts with lentiviruses containing mammalian shRNA knockdown library that selectively includes the most highly upregulated 100 genes with unknown functions in erythroid cells. The infected cells were cultured in two different conditions for the characterization of early and late stage erythropoiesis using a high throughput flow cytometry based analysis. With these methods, we identified 33 novel genes that regulate cell differentiation or apoptosis in early stage erythropoisis; 20 genes play important roles in late stage erythropoiesis including enucleation. Significantly, there is an overlap of 16 genes that function in both early and late stage erythropoiesis. We focused on pleckstrin-2, which is specifically and abundantly expressed in erythroid cells, to further characterize its detailed functions in red cell development. We found that knockdown of pleckstrin-2 leads to dramatic apoptosis in early stage erythropoiesis. Knockdown of pleckstrin-2 in late stage erythropoiesis blocks enucleation with no apparent effects on cell differentiation, proliferation or apoptosis. We further discovered that pleckstrin-2 deficiency in early and late erythroblasts disrupts normal actin cytoskeleton as evidenced by super-resolution immunofluorescence microscope. To elucidate the detailed mechanisms of the functions of pleckstrin-2 in different stages of erythropoiesis, we performed proteomic studies and identified candidate proteins that interact with pleckstrin-2 that may contribute to the phenotypes of apoptosis and enucleation defects. In summary, our study identified pleckstrin-2 as a critical regulator of mammalian erythropoiesis and proved the significance of large-scale shRNA screening in the discovery of novel genes in development. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Abstract 51: Nucleostemin Induced by Pim-1 Kinase Is Critical to Maintain Pluripotency and Enhance Regenerative Potential of Cardiac Progenitor Cells

Myocardial regeneration and repair in response to injury are governed in part by cell survival, proliferation and pluripotency. Proliferation and survival in cardiac progenitor cells (CPCs) are mediated by Pim-1, a serine threonine kinase, and nucleostemin (NS), a nucleolar stress sensor protein. The role of NS in regulating CPC pluripotency and the molecular mechanism of NS induction and action is largely unknown. The hypothesis of the study is that NS, induced by Pim-1 mediated stabilization of transcription factor c-Myc is critical to maintain CPC pluripotency and inhibits senescence. NS and c-Myc protein levels are increased in cultured CPCs overexpressing Pim-1 (3.1 and 5.5 fold, p<0.01) while knockdown of Pim-1 using sh-RNA decreases c-Myc and NS expression (-60%, -54%, p<0.05), similar to effects mediated by a Pim-1 kinase inhibitor (p<0.01), indicating that Pim-1 regulates both c-Myc and NS. c-Myc is necessary and sufficient for NS regulation, as indicated by the increase (3.1 fold, p<0.01) and de...
Chimpanzee super strength and human skeletal muscle evolution.

Since at least the 1920s, it has been reported that common chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) differ from humans in being capable of exceptional feats of “super strength,” both in the wild and in captive environments. A mix of anecdotal and more controlled studies provides some support for this view; however, a critical review of available data suggests that chimpanzee mass-specific muscular performance is a more modest 1.5 times greater than humans on average. Hypotheses for the muscular basis of this performance differential have included greater isometric force-generating capabilities, faster maximum shortening velocities, and/or a difference in myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoform content in chimpanzee relative to human skeletal muscle. Here, we show that chimpanzee muscle is similar to human muscle in its single-fiber contractile properties, but exhibits a much higher fraction of MHC II isoforms. Unlike humans, chimpanzee muscle is composed of ∼67% fast-twitch fibers (MHC IIa+IId). Computer simulations of species-specific whole-muscle models indicate that maximum dynamic force and power output is 1.35 times higher in a chimpanzee muscle than a human muscle of similar size. Thus, the superior mass-specific muscular performance of chimpanzees does not stem from differences in isometric force-generating capabilities or maximum shortening velocities—as has long been suggested—but rather is due in part to differences in MHC isoform content and fiber length. We propose that the hominin lineage experienced a decline in maximum dynamic force and power output during the past 7–8 million years in response to selection for repetitive, low-cost contractile behavior.
Facebook privacy management strategies: A cluster analysis of user privacy behaviors

Abstract Online privacy management research related to e-commerce mainly focuses on whether or not to disclose information. Online social networking on the other hand, offers a broader set of privacy management behaviors such as using vendor-provided privacy settings, limiting self-disclosures, and managing network size. While much prior research has examined these privacy behaviors individually, we investigate how Facebook users combine these behaviors to form privacy management strategies. Using communications privacy management and impression management theories we first develop four propositions about possible user strategies that combine differing levels of disclosure, network size, and privacy setting use. One strategy is the most public, whereas two others deviate from this public strategy by either limiting disclosures, or using privacy settings to restrict access. The final strategy is the most private. We then survey two samples of Facebook users (college students and the general population) about their privacy management behaviors, privacy perceptions, technology usage perceptions, and demographics. Using cluster analysis we find some support for all four propositions, and for an additional strategy that beginning users may employ. The findings also reveal intriguing differences among the privacy management strategies in terms of perceptions and demographics like privacy concern, usefulness, enjoyment, and age, gender, and experience. Implications for future research are discussed.
Carotid and Vertebral Injuries

Carotid and vertebral arterial injuries will continue to be a challenge for the trauma surgeon. Trauma to the carotid and vertebral arteries can be from either penetrating or blunt mechanisms. Penetrating injuries to the neck can result in not only arterial trauma but also aerodigestive injuries. Zone 2 of the neck is easily accessible, but carotid and other arterial injuries in zones 1 and 3 may require more challenging methods of exposure. Endovascular techniques may be crucial for control of these vessels in certain situations. Blunt cerebrovascular injuries (BCVIs) must be sought out using screening criteria when the physician has a high degree of suspicion. Antithrombotics and antiplatelet agents, including heparinoids, warfarin, and aspirin, are the cornerstone of treatment in order to prevent a cerebrovascular accident. Endovascular stent placement may be utilized for grade III injuries such as pseudoaneurysm.
Compression-Induced Crystallization in Sucrose-Polyvinylpyrrolidone Amorphous Solid Dispersions

Tablets of amorphous sucrose and sucrose-polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) amorphous solid dispersions were compressed at 25, 75, or 150 MPa at dwell times ranging from 5 to 900 s. Compression-induced physical destabilization was evident from differential scanning calorimetry. Crystallization kinetics was monitored using a laboratory source X-ray diffractometer, while crystallization was detected using highly sensitive synchrotron radiation. At the highest compression pressure, sucrose crystallization was evident immediately after compression. However, the addition of PVP, even at a low concentration of 1% w/w, inhibited crystallization. Furthermore, nucleation itself was completely prevented at higher PVP concentrations (≥15% w/w) under a compression pressure of practical interest (150 MPa with 5 s dwell time). However, an increase in dwell time (e.g., to 60 s) facilitated nucleation, and there was an increase in nucleation density as a function of dwell time. Both polymer content and sample history were pivota...
Elucidating the impacts of initial supersaturation and seed crystal loading on struvite precipitation kinetics, fines production, and crystal growth.

Abstract To reduce intra-plant nutrient cycling, and recover phosphorus (P) fertilizers from nutrient-rich sidestreams, wastewater utilities increasingly elect to employ struvite precipitation processes without a clear understanding of the inherent tradeoffs associated with specific design and operating decisions. Specifically, the impact of reactor conditions on struvite crystallization rate, and distribution between formation of fines particles and secondary growth onto large diameter seed crystals represent critical knowledge gaps limiting the predictive capabilities of existing process models. In this work, the relative impacts of initial supersaturation (Si), and seed loading, on P removal kinetics, and struvite solids distribution were investigated. In experiments conducted at different levels of initial supersaturation (1.7–2.4) and seed loading (0–25 g L−1), struvite fines represented the majority of phosphate solids formed in 10 of 12 conditions. While total P removal was dependent on Si, and primarily attributed to formation of fines, the concentration of struvite seed granules had a significant impact on the rate of P removal. Struvite seed granules increased the rate of precipitation by reducing induction time of primary nucleation of struvite fines. Secondary crystal growth represented the majority of struvite solids formed at high seed loading and low Si, but presented the tradeoff of low total removal and low rate of removal. To convey the significance of these findings on process modeling, we show how a prominent kinetic model with a first-order dependency on solid struvite concentration over-predicts P removal rate when total mass is dominated by large diameter seeds (0.9 mm). This works reveals the critical role of struvite fines in P removal, and highlights the need to account for their production and kinetic importance in struvite process design and operation.
Fluorescence and Near-Infrared Light Transillumination.

This article describes the current applications of various technologies based on either autofluorescence or near-infrared light illumination, tailored to aid practitioners in detecting and quantitatively monitoring oral diseases such as dental caries and oral cancer at the earliest stage of their formation, or in the conservative surgical excision of necrotic bones in diseases such as chronic osteomyelitis, osteoradionecrosis, and medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw. The data discussed are primarily based on published scientific studies and reviews from case reports, clinical trials, and in vitro and in vivo studies. References have been traced manually, by MEDLINE, or through manufacturer's websites.
Conversion of Molecules and Clusters to Extended 3-D Cage and Channel Networks

Inorganic solids with inner cavities such as zeolites have found widespread use as industrial sorbents, ion-exchangers and shape-selective catalysts due to their ability to reversibly bind small molecules and ions.1 In an effort to explore the possibility of producing zeolite-like materials that are not based on oxides, we and others have prepared coordination solids composed of organic ligands linked to metal ions to give extended structures. Bifunctional rod-like ligands such as, cyanides2 and 4,4′-bipyridyl3 have been utilized as anchors in linking transition metal ions to support the formation of structures with cavities where organic molecules or charge balance ions are accommodated. This synthetic strategy is schematically shown in Figure 1 for the formation of a diamond lattice from a rod like ligand and a metal ion capable of tetrahedral coordination. In principle, an extensive number of other frameworks with diverse topologies may be assembled by choosing the appropriate units of building blocks and guest species.
Quantum Mechanical Measurements

One of the main purposes of physics is to gain an understanding of the natural universe. Such an understanding cannot be achieved all at once so the physicist concentrates on a limited physical system S (say an electron). The experimentalist performs experiments or measurements on S in an attempt to discover various properties. The theoretician uses these properties to try to find regularities and patterns in the behavior of S under prescribed conditions. In this way, a theory may be developed that predicts the behavior of S and this predicted behavior may be checked by the experimentalist in the laboratory. If the predictions are experimentally verified, the theory stands for the time being and if they are refuted the theory must be altered or abandoned. Since the main enterprise of physics (and practically all the basic natural sciences) is performing and predicting the results of measurements, it is important to understand the structure of a set of measurements. For example, can measurements be decomposed into simpler ones? Conversely, how can measurements be combined to form new measurements and what are the properties of these combinations? Investigators who have studied measurement theory have developed mathematical models for the description of measurements. In this article, we shall discuss one of these models in very simple terms. Although we shall primarily be concerned with quantum mechanical measurements, what we say can be applied to practically any natural science. Moreover, there is the intriguing possibility that similar models may be employed in the arts, humanities and social sciences. Although it has evolved from more restrictive models over a period of many years, the model that we shall present has been developed only recently. Quantum measurement theory is not a closed subject but is still intensively studied and discussed.
Media effects on public displays of brutality: the case of Mexico’s drug war

ABSTRACTThis paper presents preliminary empirical evidence to show that media attention may influence public displays of brutality by Mexican drug cartels. We defined public displays of brutality a...
Investigation of electrochemical performance of montmorillonite clay as Li-ion battery electrode

Abstract The intercalation of Li+ ions into layer structured compounds montmorillonite (MMT) clay was investigated. It is demonstrated that the interlayer water acting as ion transportation channel could affect the electrochemical performance. Before and after dehydration, initial capacities of 95 mAh g−1 and 105 mAh g−1 at current density of 0.5 A g−1 were recorded, respectively. Similar capacity changing trends in electrochemical cycle performance was observed before and after dehydration. Both cycle profiles could be divided into three zones: the capacity decrease zone I (1–40 cycles), the capacity increase zone II (40–400 cycles) and the stabilized capacity zone III (>400 cycles). Before and after dehydration reversible capacities of 80 and 36 mAh g−1 was recorded at 1000 cycle at current density of 0.2 A g−1, respectively. The interlayer water facilitates faster ion transfer and better kinetics in the MMT electrode. This work indicates that MMT clay could be a promising material in lithium ion battery application.
Evaluation of Sirtuin-3 probe quality and co-expressed genes using literature cohesion.

Gene co-expression studies can provide important insights into molecular and cellular signaling pathways. The GeneNetwork database is a unique resource for co-expression analysis using data from a variety of tissues across genetically distinct inbred mice. However, extraction of biologically meaningful co-expressed gene sets is challenging due to variability in microarray platforms, probe quality, normalization methods, and confounding biological factors. In this study, we tested whether literature derived functional cohesion could be used as an objective metric in lieu of ‘ground truth’ to evaluate the quality of probes and microarray datasets. We examined Sirtuin-3 (Sirt3) co-expressed gene sets extracted from either liver or brain tissues of BXD recombinant inbred mice in the GeneNetwork database. Depending on the microarray platform, there were as many as 26 probes that targeted different regions of Sirt3 primary transcript. Co-expressed gene sets (ranging from 100–1000 genes) associated with each Sirt3 probe were evaluated using the previously developed literature-derived cohesion p-value (LPv) and benchmarked against ‘gold standards’ derived from proteomic studies or Gene Ontology classifications. We found that the maximal F-measure was obtained at an average window size of 535 genes. Using set size of 500 genes, the Pearson correlations between LPv and F-measure as well as between LPv and mitochondrial gene enrichment p-values were 0.90 and 0.93, respectively. Importantly, we found that the LPv approach can distinguish high quality Sirt3 probes. Analysis of the most functionally cohesive Sirt3 co-expressed gene set revealed core metabolic pathways that were shared between hippocampus and liver as well as distinct pathways which were unique to each tissue. These results are consistent with other studies that suggest Sirt3 is a key metabolic regulator and has distinct functions in energy-producing vs. energy-demanding tissues. Our results provide proof-of-concept that literature cohesion analysis is useful for evaluating the quality of probes and microarray datasets, particularly when experimentally derived gold standards are unavailable. Our approach would enable researchers to rapidly identify biologically meaningful co-expressed gene sets and facilitate discovery from high throughput genomic data.
Draft Genome Sequence of Enterococcus durans OSY-EGY, a Multiple-Antimicrobial-Peptide Producer Isolated from Egyptian Hard Cheese.

ABSTRACT Enterococcus durans OSY-EGY was isolated recently from cheese. The strain produces potent antimicrobial agents. Here, we present the draft genome sequence of the strain, with a genome size of 3,230,625 bp and an average G+C content of 37.69%. Draft genome mining identified several biosynthetic gene clusters encoding multiple antimicrobial peptides.
Days alive and outside of hospital from diagnosis of transthyretin vs. light chain cardiac amyloidosis.

Cardiac amyloidosis is an increasingly recognized cause of restrictive cardiomyopathy, associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Days alive and outside of hospital (DAOH) is an emerging ...
Electron-Deficient Borinic Acid Polymers: Synthesis, Supramolecular Assembly, and Examination as Catalysts in Amide Bond Formation

The Lewis acidic character of borinic-acid-functionalized polymers suggests broad potential applications in supramolecular materials, chemo- and biosensors, as well as supported catalysts. Two highly electron-deficient borinic acid copolymers (3 a and 3 b) with variable steric hindrance at the boron center were prepared by reaction of aryldibromoboranes ArBBr2 (2, Ar=2,4-Cl2 Ph, 3,5-Cl2 Ph) with a 10 % stannylated polystyrene random copolymer, followed by conversion to the desired PS-B(Ar)OH functionalities. The supramolecular assembly of these polymers through Lewis acid-Lewis base interactions and reversible covalent B-O-B bond formation was investigated. Exposure of a polymer solution of 3 a to pyridine triggered spontaneous gelation, whereas 3 b only gelled upon addition of molecular sieves to favor formation of boroxane crosslinks. The crosslinking process was readily reversed by addition of small amounts of water or wet solvent. The dynamic processes were studied in detail by variable-temperature (VT) NMR by using molecular model compounds. The polymers and their corresponding model compounds were also examined as catalysts in the amide bond formation reaction between phenylacetic acid and benzylamine. The 3,5-dichlorophenyl borinic acid derivatives proved to be the more effective catalysts. Mechanistic studies suggested that the borane Lewis acid-catalyzed coupling involves initial acid-induced protodeboronation to release the dichlorophenyl boronic acid as the active catalyst.
Cryopreserved G-CSF Mobilized Donor Lymphocyte Infusion (DLI) without Withdrawal of Immunosuppression Is Safe and Highly Effective for Treating Isolated Poor Donor T-cell Chimerism Following Reduced Intensity Allogeneic Transplantation (RICT).

Abstract 3308 Poster Board III-196 The use of lineage-specific chimerism studies following allotransplantation has shown that low levels of donor T-cell chimerism can be seen following some preparative regimens despite good engraftment of donor myeloid-origin cells. Furthermore, low levels of early T-cell chimerism have been associated with eventual graft rejection, malignant relapse and poorer event-free survival [Maris et al Blood 102: 2021-2030 (2003); Saito et al Biol Blood Marrow Transplant 14: 1148-1155 (2008)]. There is no consensus regarding the management of such differential engraftment. Withdrawal of immunosuppression, DLI, and second transplant with repeat conditioning have all been used. We utilized a strategy of low dose DLI (initial dose 0.1-1 × 10e7 CD3+ cells/kg) without additional conditioning or withdrawal of immunosuppression in patients with donor T-cell chimerism 90% donor-derived CD3+ cells) was achieved after one DLI in 9 evaluable patients (50%) at a median 90 d post infusion (range 30-180 d). Eight patients received additional DLI (median 1 range 1-3) at a CD3+ cell dose up to 4 × 10e7/kg and 7 of these patients achieved FDC in CD3+ cells [total success rate in achieving FDC = 89%]. FDC was durable in all cases. Acute GVHD (none > gd 2 overall) developed in three evaluable patients following DLI (17% - median 43d [35-57d]) and chronic GVHD (extensive mild 1, moderate 8, severe 1) developed in ten patients (55% -median 119d [53-166d]). One patient died of chronic GVHD. With a median follow-up of 728d (135-1240d) estimated 2yr survival from DLI is 74%. Conclusion This strategy is highly effective at correcting poor donor T-cell chimerism without inducing severe GVHD. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
DENDRO: genetic heterogeneity profiling and subclone detection by single-cell RNA sequencing

Although scRNA-seq is now ubiquitously adopted in studies of intratumor heterogeneity, detection of somatic mutations and inference of clonal membership from scRNA-seq is currently unreliable. We propose DENDRO, an analysis method for scRNA-seq data that clusters single cells into genetically distinct subclones and reconstructs the phylogenetic tree relating the subclones. DENDRO utilizes transcribed point mutations and accounts for technical noise and expression stochasticity. We benchmark DENDRO and demonstrate its application on simulation data and real data from three cancer types. In particular, on a mouse melanoma model in response to immunotherapy, DENDRO delineates the role of neoantigens in treatment response.
Variation in clinical and patient-reported outcomes among complex heart failure with preserved ejection fraction phenotypes

AIMS The aim of this study is to use six previously described heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) phenotypes to describe differences in (i) the biological response to spironolactone, (ii) clinical endpoints, and (iii) patient-reported health status by HFpEF phenotype and treatment arm in the Treatment of Preserved Cardiac Function Heart Failure with an Aldosterone Antagonist Trial (TOPCAT). METHODS AND RESULTS We analysed 1767 patients in TOPCAT from the Americas. Using 11 clinical variables, patients were classified according to six HFpEF phenotypes previously identified in the I-PRESERVE and CHARM-Preserved studies. Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ) measured health status. All phenotypes showed increase in potassium with spironolactone, although only three phenotypes showed significant increase in creatinine, and two phenotypes showed significant decrease in systolic blood pressure. Rate of the TOPCAT primary outcome (cardiovascular death, aborted cardiac arrest, or heart failure hospitalization) differed by HFpEF phenotype (P < 0.001) but not by treatment arm within each HFpEF phenotype. Baseline KCCQ score differed by HFpEF phenotype (P < 0.001), although some phenotypes with poor health status had lower rates of the TOPCAT primary outcome, and some phenotypes with better health status had higher rates of the TOPCAT primary outcome. However, within 3/6 phenotypes, higher baseline KCCQ score was associated with lower risk of the TOPCAT primary outcome. Change in KCCQ scores at 4 and 12 months did not differ among HFpEF phenotypes overall or by treatment arm. CONCLUSIONS Complex, data-driven HFpEF phenotypes differ according to biological response to spironolactone, baseline health status, and clinical endpoints. These differences may inform the design of targeted clinical trials focusing on improvement in outcomes most relevant for specific HFpEF phenotypes.
Genetic and environmental risk structure of internalizing psychopathology in youth.

Background Internalizing disorders (IDs), consisting of syndromes of anxiety and depression, are common, debilitating conditions often beginning early in life. Various trait-like psychological constructs are associated with IDs. Our prior analysis identified a tripartite model of Fear/Anxiety, Dysphoria, and Positive Affect among symptoms of anxiety and depression and the following constructs in youth: anxiety sensitivity, fearfulness, behavioral activation and inhibition, irritability, neuroticism, and extraversion. The current study sought to elucidate their overarching latent genetic and environmental risk structure. Methods The sample consisted of 768 juvenile twin subjects ages 9-14 assessed for the nine, abovementioned measures. We compared two multivariate twin models of this broad array of phenotypes. Results A hypothesis-driven, common pathway twin model reflecting the tripartite structure of the measures were fit to these data. However, an alternative independent pathway model provided both a better fit and more nuanced insights into their underlying genetic and environmental risk factors. Conclusions Our findings suggest a complex latent genetic and environmental structure to ID phenotypes in youth. This structure, which incorporates both clinical symptoms and various psychological traits, informs future phenotypic approaches for identifying specific genetic and pathophysiological mechanisms underlying ID risk.
Is biochar applied as surface mulch beneficial for grassland restoration

Biochar produced from low-value juniper was evaluated for its utility in improving restoration of native bunchgrasses. We hypothesized that biochar could expand the window of favorable conditions for seedling establishment by slowing soil drying. In a greenhouse study, applications of biochar on the soil surface were compared to incorporation of biochar, and improvements in water content, germination, and seedling survival were evaluated. Underlying hydraulics were investigated with measurements of soil and biochar water retention and Hydrus-1D simulations. The greenhouse study showed that applying any depth of biochar on top of soil was not effective at improving soil water content, and furthermore inhibited germination of bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata [Pursh] A. Love). In contrast, mixing biochar into soil significantly slowed initial soil drying and increased seedling biomass by 70% compared to unamended soil. However, moisture benefits of biochar incorporation were temporary and, as the soil dried, the treatment with incorporated biochar lost more water than soil that was unamended, because biochar increased unsaturated hydraulic conductivity. Model simulations of the experimental conditions similarly showed that incorporating biochar improved early soil water content, but also suggested that this result was specific to the drainage conditions of pots and may not translate to a deeper soil. Model simulations also supported the idea that biochar applied as a mulch could have an increasing benefit over time by reducing evaporation. This study suggested that both incorporation and mulch application of biochar may benefit seedling establishment, but further investigations in a naturally-draining soil are needed to validate these findings.