cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Trilateral matroids induced by n 3 -configurations

We define a new class of a rank-3 matroid called a trilateral matroid. When defined, the ground set of such a matroid consists of the points of an n 3 -configuration, and its bases are the point triples corresponding to non-trilaterals within the configuration. We characterize which n 3 -configurations induce trilateral matroids and provide several examples.
Pre-pregnancy maternal depressive symptoms and low birth weight and preterm birth outcomes: Assessment of adolescent background characteristics and birth outcomes in adulthood

Abstract Purpose In the United States and other countries of the world , high prevalence of pre-pregnancy depressive symptoms and depression during pregnancy is an important public health concern, as they are associated with low birth weight (LBW) and preterm birth (PTB) outcomes in adulthood. However, the relationships among pre-pregnancy depressive symptoms, low birth weight, preterm birth outcomes and household characteristics have not been well established. Methods The study used data from 7120 adolescent female participants in the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health data from Waves I (1994-1995 in-school interview), II (1996 as in-home), III (2001-2002 as in-home interview), IV (2008 as in-home interview) and Wave V is currently underway. The main outcomes were LBW and PTB. Maternal depressive symptoms were assessed with the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale (CES-D) using a cut-off point of 24 to indicate higher depressive symptoms . Odds ratios were used as an estimate of the relative risk using generalized estimating equations (GEE). Results In Wave I, prevalence of depressive symptoms among age groups 11-15 (54.1%) was higher than older adolescents (45.9%) were. With the exception of depressive symptoms reported in Wave II, respondents reporting depressive symptoms in Waves I and III had similar unadjusted rates of LBW or PTB infants in adulthood. Mothers reporting higher depressive symptoms in older adolescence (15-19 years) had elevated odds of LBW infants (3.58 [95% CI=1.81, 7.09]) in Wave III compared with others reporting low depressive symptoms. Conclusions Undeniably, childhood socioeconomic circumstances are important determinants of disease risks and improved health functioning and in particular birth outcomes in adulthood. Since poorer households have fewer resources to cope with stressful events that generate mood and other depressive symptoms over the life course, findings of research suggest treating depressive symptoms prior to pregnancy will yield significant dividends for mothers and society . Furthermore, without careful control of household contexts, the association between depressive symptoms and birth outcomes is likely to be confounded.
T cell intrinsic deletion of the adenomatous polyposis coli gene causes homeostatic proliferation and inflammatory bowel disease (BA11P.142)

Accumulating data demonstrate a strong association between lymphopenia and autoimmune diseases. However, to our knowledge, none of the known single gene defects that cause lymphopenia are sufficient to cause autoimmune diseases. In addition, the intracellular programing involved in lymphopenia-driven homeostatic proliferation (HP) remains to be elucidated. Using a conditional knockout of adenomatous polyposis coli ( Apc) under the control of CD4-cre, we have previously reported that T-cell lineage-specific deletion of the Apc gene causes severe lymphopenia, due to naive T cell death, in part through activation of the cMyc gene. Here, we show that Apc deletion causes both T cell activation, lymphopenia-driven HP. Using this mouse model, we studied the association between lymphopenia-driven HP, and autoimmune diseases. We showed that APC deficiency and the resulting activation of Wnt signaling in T cells causes a fatal inflammatory bowel disease with Crohn’s disease-like pathology. Moreover, using T cells with targeted mutation of beta-catenin, we found that lymphopenia-drivinen HP depends on activation of beta-catenin in T cells, thus providing a missing link between Wnt signaling and homeostatic proliferation. Development of autoimmune diseases requires lymphopenia. This data provide the first genetic evidence that a T-cell intrinsic single-gene defect is sufficient to cause lymphopenia, homeostatic proliferation and autoimmune diseases.
The Emotionally Intelligent Manager: How to Develop and Use the Four Key Emotional Skills of Leadership

(2006). The Emotionally Intelligent Manager: How to Develop and Use the Four Key Emotional Skills of Leadership. Quality Management Journal: Vol. 13, No. 2, pp. 54-54.
Flow control devices in SAGD completion design: Enhanced heavy oil/ bitumen recovery through improved thermal efficiency

Abstract One method of thermal recovery, steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD), has proven a commercial success in heavy oil/bitumen production. However, geological and reservoir heterogeneity often complicate this task resulting in uneven production rates, higher operational costs, and stranded heavy oil/bitumen. This work theorizes that SAGD recovery is improved using flow control devices (FCDs) to force conformance in SAGD laterals. To test this theory, a novel protocol and test flow loop was developed to measure pressure drop across an autonomous hybrid FCD while flowing multiphase mixtures containing steam. This laboratory data was used to qualify existing pressure drop correlations and determine if nitrogen gas, a common test gas to describe FCD pressure drop response, creates suitable data for modeling steam systems. Finally, the flow loop was used to induce a steam “flash”, a transition of water at saturation temperature to vapor due to a suddenly decreased pressure environment, within the FCD to determine if steam flashing changes expected pressure drops. Using linear regression, a correlation of expected pressure drop across the autonomous hybrid FCD for mixtures of heavy oil/bitumen, water, and steam was generated. Existing correlations proved inadequate for mixtures containing steam, consistently underestimating pressure drop across the FCD. However, the empirical correlation of this research highly matched laboratory data with an R-squared value of 0.94. A secondary linear model captured modifications in FCD behavior due to steam flashing. This second model also exhibited a strong goodness-of-fit with an R-squared value of 0.96. For both empirical correlations, p-values less than 0.05 were easily obtained, inferring the statistical significance of each correlation. Correlations generated in this research were added to the REVEAL™ reservoir simulation package to accurately forecast FCD impact on SAGD well pair performance. Simulating four-year periods of production for SAGD well pairs in Albertan reservoirs consistently show that FCD usage simultaneous improved bitumen recovery by 50% or more and decreased cumulative steam/oil ratios (cSOR) by 12 m3/m3, largely through improved steam chamber conformance and by eliminating steam breakthrough events in the producer. Net Present Value (NPV) analysis of improvements with the additional cost of FCD completion tools unfailingly showed a strong economic argument for the use of FCDs to improve thermal efficiency.
Active Control Development in the U.S. and Case Studies

As we have seen, full-scale implementation of active control devices in buildings has taken place, but all installations in either full-scale test structures or new buildings can only be found in Japan. However, some of the operational full-scale active systems are the result of US-Japan research collaborations and U.S. researchers were responsible for the design, fabrication and installation of an active bracing system in a full-scale dedicated test structure for structural response control under seismic loads (Soong et al., 1991; Reinhorn et al., 1992; Reinhorn et al., 1993). In addition, at least two designs have been completed for the purpose of retrofitting existing deficient structures in the U.S. The active bracing system and one of the design projects are briefly described below.
On the robustness of variational multiscale error estimators for the forward propagation of uncertainty

Abstract The numerical simulation of physical phenomena and engineering problems can be affected by numerical errors and various types of uncertainties. Characterizing the former in computational frameworks involving system parameter uncertainties becomes a key issue. In this work, we study the behavior of new variational multiscale (VMS) error estimators for the propagation of parametric uncertainties in a Convection–Diffusion–Reaction (CDR) problem. A sensitivity analysis is performed to assess the performance of the error estimator with respect to the mesh discretization and physical parameters (here, the viscosity value and advection velocity). Three different manufactured analytical solutions are considered as benchmarking tests. Next, the performance of the VMS error estimators is evaluated for the CDR problem with uncertain input parameters. For this purpose, two probabilistic models are constructed for the viscosity and advection direction, and the uncertainties are propagated using a polynomial chaos expansion approach. A convergence analysis is specifically carried out for different configurations, corresponding to regimes where the CDR operator is either smooth or non-smooth. An assessment of the proposed error estimator is finally conducted for the three tests, considering both the viscous- and convection-dominated regimes.
A Sensitive and Improved Throughput UPLC-MS/MS Quantitation Method of Total Cytochrome P450 Mediated Arachidonic Acid Metabolites That Can Separate Regio-Isomers and cis/trans-EETs From Human Plasma

Abstract A method for the detection and quantification of hydroxyl and epoxy arachidonic acid (AA) metabolites in human plasma was developed using liquid-liquid extraction, phospholipid saponification followed by derivatization of the acid moiety and liquid chromatographic tandem mass spectrometric detection. Derivatization with a pyridinium analog allowed for detection in the positive ion mode, greatly improving sensitivity and the stability of the more labile AA metabolites. The entire method utilizes a 96-well plate format, increasing sample throughput, and was optimized to measure 5-, 8-, 9-, 11-, 12-, 15-, 19-, and 20- hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (HETE), 5,6-, 8,9-, 11,12-, and 14,15- dihydroxyeicosatrienoic acid (DHET), and the regio- and cis-/ trans- isomers of 5,6-, 8,9-, 11,12-, and 14,15-epoxyeicosatrienoic acid (EET). The method was validated for its applicability over the FA concentration range found in human plasma. Using 100 μL aliquots of pooled human plasma, EET levels, particularly 5,6-EET, were observed to be higher than previously reported, with measured concentrations of 23.6 ng/ml for 5,6-EET, 5.6 ng/mL for 5,6-trans-EET, 8.0 ng/mL for 8,9-EET, 1.9 ng/mL for 8,9-trans-EET, 8.8 ng/mL for 11,12-EET, 3.4 ng/mL for 11,12-trans-EET, 10.7 ng/mL for 14,15-EET, and 1.7 ng/mL 14,15-trans- EET. This method is suitable for large population studies to elucidate the complex interactions between the eicosanoids and various disease states and may be used for quantitation of a wide variety of fattyacids beyond eicosanoids from small volumes of human plasma.
text4peds: a randomised text‐messaging trial

BACKGROUND The use of cell phone text messaging in the medical field is of growing interest, but there are few data examining its value in medical education. The text4peds educational text-messaging program was created for third-year medical students preparing for the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) paediatric subject examination. METHODS A randomised, controlled trial was conducted with third-year medical students on their paediatric clerkship. Students in the intervention group received daily messages consisting of multiple-choice questions with links to online material. The control group received no text messages. The impact of the intervention was assessed by examining the participants' NBME examination scores and by participant surveys. RESULTS A total of 162 students participated in the study. There was no statistical difference between the two groups, with the texting group having a mean score of 77.7 and with the non-texting group having a mean score of 77.8 on the NBME. Subgroup analysis examining the effect of anticipated specialty and online material interaction also failed to find any statistically significant difference. Students reported satisfaction with the program, with 84% rating the text messages as helpful. The students rated their participation as high, with 92% saying that they looked at the messages more than 60% of the time. Among those who received text messages, 90% would recommend the program to others. There was no statistical difference between the two group CONCLUSION: A text-messaging-based educational tool had a perceived positive educational value for medical students. This study failed to show any statistically significant impact on NBME examination scores from the text-messaging intervention.
Response of Herbaceous Perennials to Growth Retardants Applied at Different Developmental Stages when Grown Under Night-Interrupted Lighting Outdoors in the Southern United States

A study was conducted in 2004 and 2005 to determine how ‘Early Sunrise’ coreopsis (Coreopsis grandiflora Hogg ex Sweet. ‘Early Sunrise’), ‘Moonbeam’ coreopsis (Coreopsis verticillata L. ‘Moonbeam’)...
"Call a Teenager… That's What I Do!" - Grandchildren Help Older Adults Use New Technologies: Qualitative Study.

Background: Although family technical support seems intuitive, there is very little research exploring this topic. Objective: The objective of this study was to conduct a subanalysis of data collected from a large-scale qualitative project regarding older adults’ experiences in using health information technology. Specifically, the subanalysis explored older adults’ experiences with technology support from family members to inform strategies for promoting older adults’ engagement with new health technologies. Although the primary analysis of the original study was theoretically driven, this paper reports results from an inductive, open-coding analysis. Methods: This is a subanalysis of a major code identified unexpectedly from a qualitative study investigating older adults’ use experience of a widespread health technology, the patient portal. A total of 24 older patients (≥65 years) with multiple chronic conditions (Charlson Comorbidity Index >2) participated in focus groups conducted at the patients’ primary clinic. While conducting the primary theoretically driven analysis, coders utilized an open-coding approach to ensure important ideas not reflected in the theoretical code book were captured. Open coding resulted in 1 code: family support. This subanalysis further categorized family support by who provided tech support, how tech support was offered, and the opinions of older participants about receiving family tech support. Results: The participants were not specifically asked about family support, yet themes around family assistance and encouragement for technology emerged from every focus group. Participants repeatedly mentioned that they called their grandchildren and adult children if they needed help with technology. Participants also reported that family members experienced difficulty when teaching technology use. Family members struggled to explain simple technology tasks and were frustrated by the slow teaching process. Conclusions: The results suggest that older adults ask their family members, particularly grandchildren, to support them in the use of new technologies. However, family may experience difficulties in providing this support. Older adults will be increasingly expected to use health technologies, and family members may help with tech support. Providers and health systems should consider potential family support and engagement strategies to foster adoption and use among older patients.
Photoelectrochemical Oxidation Enhanced by Nitride Plasmonics

Refractory nitride plasmonics offer the potential to realize enhanced light–matter interactions for energy harvesting and photo-driven chemistry with materials systems that are thermally rugged, inexpensive, and potentially catalytic. Here, we have embedded commercial and in-house synthesized titanium nitride (TiN) nanoparticles (NPs) into matrices of titanium dioxide (TiO2) and compared their ability to enhance electrochemical oxidation reactions to that of conventional gold (Au) NPs. Although the photon-to-carrier conversion efficiencies were low (∼10–4%), the reaction rates were enhanced by a factor of 4 in the visible and near-infrared (IR) regions for both Au and TiN compared to a pure TiO2 control, with TiN showing an order of magnitude improvement over Au in the near-IR region. The spectral dependence of reaction rate enhancement followed the NP extinction spectra, and a linear power dependence identifies a photoexcited carrier mechanism (i.e., decaying plasmons excite carriers that participate in ...
SATB2 in neuroendocrine neoplasms: strong expression is restricted to well-differentiated tumours of lower gastrointestinal tract origin and is most frequent in Merkel cell carcinoma among poorly differentiated carcinomas.

AIMS Special AT-rich sequence-binding protein 2 (SATB2) is a transcriptional regulator with critical roles in brain, craniofacial and skeletal development. It has emerged as a key marker of lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract columnar epithelial and osteoblastic differentiation. Transcription factor immunohistochemistry is useful in assigning site of origin in well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumours (NETs), and has had a limited role in poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs). This study sought to evaluate the role of SATB2 in assigning site of origin in neuroendocrine epithelial neoplasms. METHODS AND RESULTS Tissue microarrays were constructed from the following: 317 NETs (37 thyroid, 46 lung, 16 stomach, 12 duodenum, 70 pancreas, 106 jejunoileum, 24 appendix, and six rectosigmoid), 44 phaeochromocytomas/paragangliomas, and 79 NECs (29 Merkel cell, 30 lung, and 20 extrapulmonary visceral); nine appendiceal and 19 rectal NETs were examined in whole sections. SATB2 immunohistochemistry was scored for extent (%) and intensity (0-3+), with an H-score being calculated. SATB2 was expressed by 96% of rectosigmoid NETs, 79% of appendiceal NETs, and only 7% of other well-differentiated neoplasms (P < 0.0001). Expression in lower GI tract NETs (median H-score of 255) was stronger than in other positive tumours (median H-score of 7) (P < 0.0001). Any SATB2 expression was 86% sensitive/93% specific for lower GI tract origin. SATB2 was expressed by 79% of Merkel cell carcinomas (median H-score of 300), 33% of lung NECs (median H-score of 23), and 60% of extrapulmonary visceral NECs (median H-score of 110), with stronger expression in Merkel cell carcinoma (P < 0.001). At an H-score cutoff of ≥150, SATB2 was 69% sensitive/90% specific for Merkel cell carcinoma. CONCLUSIONS SATB2 is frequently and strongly expressed by lower GI tract NETs; we have adopted it as our rectal NET marker. Relatively frequent and strong expression in Merkel cell carcinoma may have value in assigning NEC site of origin.
Differences in the Tensor Veli Palatini Muscle and Hearing Status in Children With and Without 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome.

Purpose:To investigate the dimensions of the tensor veli palatini (TVP) muscle using high image resolution 3-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the soft palate among children with norm...
Abstract MP24: Does Sleep Disturbance Vary Between Current Combustible and Electronic Cigarette Users?

Smoking cessation is critical to the goal of reducing cardiovascular diseases. Combustible cigarette smokers are more likely to have poor sleep health that is exacerbated upon cessation and can cau...
Abstract WP196: Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI) for Depression and Functional Recovery After Stroke: A Meta-Analysis

Background: Post-stroke depression is common and it impedes rehabilitation and function recovery after stroke, and numerous trials evaluated SSRI’s for depression prophylaxis. The objective of this...
Inconsistent Reporting of Discrimination Over Time Using the Experiences of Discrimination Scale: Potential Underestimation of Lifetime Burden.

Studies documenting self-reported experiences of discrimination over the life-course have been limited. Such information could be important for informing longitudinal epidemiologic studies of discrimination and health. We described trends in self-reports of racial, socioeconomic status, and gender discrimination over time measured using the Experiences of Discrimination scale, with a focus on whether individuals' reports of lifetime discrimination were consistent over time. Overall experiences of discrimination and the number of settings in which discrimination was reported in 1992, 2000 and 2010 were examined among 2,774 African American and White adults in the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults Study. Reports of "ever" experiencing discrimination decreased for all forms of discrimination across the three visits. 30-41% of the sample inconsistently reported ever experiencing any discrimination over time, which contributed to the observed decreases. Depending on the form of discrimination, inconsistent reporting patterns over time were more common among African American, younger, lower-educated, and lower-income individuals and women-- groups who are often most exposed to and severely impacted by the health effects of discrimination. Our findings highlight the possible underestimation of the lifetime burden of discrimination when utilizing the Experiences of Discrimination Scale to capture self-reports of discrimination over time.
BAMCAFE: A Bayesian Machine Learning Advanced Forecast Ensemble Method for Complex Nonlinear Turbulent Systems with Partial Observations

Ensemble forecast based on physics-informed models is one of the most widely used forecast algorithms for complex nonlinear turbulent systems. A major difficulty in such a method is the model error that is ubiquitous in practice. Data-driven machine learning (ML) forecasts can overcome the model error but they often suffer from the partial and noisy observations. In this paper, a simple but effective Bayesian Machine learning advanced forecast ensemble (BAMCAFE) method is developed, which combines an available imperfect physics-informed model with data assimilation (DA) to facilitate the ML ensemble forecast. In the BAMCAFE framework, a Bayesian ensemble DA is applied to create the training data of the ML model, which reduces the intrinsic error in the imperfect physics-informed model simulations and provides the training data of the unobserved variables. Then a generalized DA is employed for the initialization of the ML ensemble forecast. In addition to forecasting the optimal point-wise value, the BAMCAFE also provides an accurate quantification of the forecast uncertainty utilizing a non-Gaussian probability density function that characterizes the intermittency and extreme events. It is shown using a two-layer Lorenz 96 model that the BAMCAFE method can significant improve the forecasting skill compared to the typical reduced-order imperfect models with bare truncation or stochastic parameterization for both the observed and unobserved large-scale variables. It is also shown via a nonlinear conceptual model that the BAMCAFE leads to a comparable non-Gaussian forecast uncertainty as the perfect model while the associated imperfect physics-informed model suffers from large forecast biases.
Beyond Compliance: Students and FERPA in the Age of Big Data

P rivacy is governed by an array of laws in the United States, and this paper examines one facet of privacy regulation: the privacy of students’ academic records. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) protects the privacy of these records, but how do students understand their rights under FERPA, especially with the development of big-data and learning-analytics technologies that demand unprecedented sharing of student data? This paper begins to answer that question by examining existing literature on privacy in general and with regards to FERPA specifically. It suggests that FERPA places most of the power in controlling student data in the hands of educational institutions but is ultimately unable to address many legal and ethical concerns around current uses of student data. FERPA’s ineffectiveness makes it imperative that students understand their rights and are able to protect their own privacy, yet many students are probably not fully aware of their rights and privileges under FERPA. However, further empirical research is needed to explore exactly how students understand their FERPA rights and the implications of student perceptions of academic privacy.
Classification of Functional Movement Disorders with Resting State fMRI

Functional movement disorder (FMD) is a type of functional neurological disorder characterized by abnormal movements that patients do not recognize as self-generated. Prior imaging studies show a complex pattern of altered activity, linking regions of the brain involved in emotional responses, motor control, and agency. This study aimed to better characterize these relationships by building a classifier via support vector machine (SVM) to accurately classify 61 FMD patients from 59 healthy controls using features derived from resting state functional MRI (rs-fMRI). First, we selected 66 seed regions based on prior related studies, then calculated the full correlation matrix between them, before performing recursive feature elimination to winnow the feature set to the most predictive features and building the classifier. We identified 29 features of interest that were highly predictive of FMD condition, classifying patients from controls with 80% accuracy. The features selected by the model highlight the importance of the interconnected relationship between areas associated with emotion, reward and sensorimotor integration, potentially mediating relationships between regions associated with motor function, attention and executive function. Exploratory machine learning was able to identify this distinctive, abnormal pattern, suggesting that alterations in functional linkages between these regions may be a consistent feature of the condition in many FMD patients.
The Complex Epidemiological Relationship between Flooding Events and Human Outbreaks of Mosquito-Borne Diseases: A Scoping Review.

Background: Climate change is expected to increase the frequency of flooding events. Although rainfall is highly correlated with mosquito-borne diseases (MBD) in humans, less research focuses on un...
A leucine-derived fatty acid unlocks the mTOR to development

Understanding how nutrient-sensitive signaling pathways regulate development and aging is an active area of research. In this issue of Developmental Cell, Zhu and colleagues (2021) identify a specific monomethylated branched-chain fatty acid that overrides nutrient deprivation signaling and activates mTORC1 in C. elegans and mammalian cells.
Hematologic Toxicity Comparison of Intensity-Modulated Proton Therapy and Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy in Anal Cancer Patients.

Purpose/objective(s) IMPT has been shown to decrease the pelvic bone marrow (PBM) dose compared to IMRT in anal cancer dosimetric studies, however it is unknown whether IMPT reduces hematologic toxicity. By converting discrete adverse event (AEs) data into a continuous variable (0-5), the Toxicity Index (TI) is a novel method of accounting for all AEs within a class and multiple events with the same grade (Rogatko et al. Clin Cancer Res 2004). We hypothesize that the hematologic TI (Hem TI) is a feasible method for evaluating all AEs within the hematologic class during chemoradiation for anal cancer and that IMPT results in a decrease in Hem TI compared to IMRT. Materials/methods Patients enrolled on a prospective feasibility trial assessing the use of IMPT for anal cancer were compared to contemporaneous patients treated with IMRT. All patients received concurrent chemotherapy (83% 5-Fluorouracil/Mitomycin C). Radiation dose was prescribed according to RTOG 0529 in both groups. All hematologic events (CTCAE version 5.0 anemia, lymphopenia, thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, and leukopenia) during treatment were used to calculate the Hem TI for each patient. PBM was defined as all bone from L5/S1 interspace through the ischial tuberosity including the bilateral femoral heads. Demographics, PBM dosimetric parameters, and the Hem TI were compared between groups using the Wilcoxon rank-sum test and Fisher's exact test. A multivariable, probabilistic index model (PIM) was used to evaluate predictors of Hem TI in the setting of demographic and treatment (IMPT vs IMRT) variables. Results Forty-eight patients treated with definitive chemoradiation for anal cancer between 2015 and 2021 at a single institution were included in this analysis (IMRT = 34, IMPT = 14). Table 1 displays demographic, hematologic toxicity and PBM dose comparisons between the IMRT and IMPT groups. The Hem TI was not decreased in patients receiving IMPT despite reduction in all PBM metrics. Based on the PIM model, the probability that a randomly selected patient in the IMPT group has a higher Hem TI compared to a similar patient in the IMRT group is 82% (P Conclusion Hem TI is a feasible method for reporting the totality of hematologic events in anal cancer treatment. IMPT patients had lower PBM dose metrics but this was not associated with lower hematologic toxicity when compared to IMRT. Preferential treatment of the active bone marrow-rich lumbosacral space with standard PA fields used during IMPT will be evaluated further as a potential explanation of these findings.
Charmless Hadronic B Decays at CLEO

The CLEO collaboration has studied two-body charmless hadronic decays of $B$ mesons into final states containing two pseudo-scalar mesons, or a pseudo-scalar and a vector meson. We summarize and discuss results presented during the winter/spring 1999 conference season, and provide a brief outlook towards future attractions to come. In particular, CLEO presented preliminary results on the decays $B^\pm \to \pi^\pm\rho^0$ ($Br(B^\pm \to \pi^\pm\rho^0) = (1.5 \pm 0.5 \pm 0.4)\times 10^{-5}$), $B\to \pi^\pm\rho^\mp$ ($Br(B\to \pi^\pm\rho^\mp)=(3.5^{+1.1}_{-1.0}\pm 0.5)\times 10^{-5}$), $B\to \pi^\pm K^{\star\mp}$ ($Br(B\to \pi^\pm K^{\star\mp}) = (2.2^{+0.8+0.4}_{-0.6-0.5})\times 10^{-5}$), and $B^\pm \to K^\pm \pi^0$ ($Br(B^\pm \to K^\pm \pi^0) = (1.5 \pm 0.4 \pm 0.3) \times 10^{-5}$) at DPF99, APS99, APS99, and ICHEP98 respectively. None of these decays had been observed previously. The first two of these constitute the first observation of hadronic $b\to u$ transitions. In addition, CLEO presented preliminary updates on a large number of previously published branching fractions and upper limits.
Gastroretentive carbidopa/levodopa, DM-1992, for the treatment of advanced Parkinson's disease.

Objectives This study was undertaken to compare efficacy, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of DM-1992, an extended-release formulation of carbidopa/levodopa (CD/l-dopa) with immediate-release (IR) CD/l-dopa in patients with advanced Parkinson's disease. Methods This randomized, open-label, crossover study included a 3-d baseline and two 10-d treatment periods. Patients with daily OFF time of 2.5 h or more taking 400 mg or more l-dopa/d in four or more divided doses were titrated to stable regimens of DM-1992 2 times per day or CD/l-dopa IR 3 times to 8 times per day. Patients were allowed to take rescue CD/l-dopa as needed. Using home diaries, patients recorded OFF time and ON time with or without troublesome dyskinesia during baseline and treatment days 7 through 9. During 12-h clinic visits on day 10, plasma samples were collected for pharmacokinetics, and motor performance was assessed hourly. Results Thirty-four patients were enrolled; mean baseline l-dopa dosage was 968 mg/d. After titration, CD/l-dopa IR was dosed 4.8 times per day and DM-1992, 2 times per day. Rescue CD/l-dopa IR was given 1.3 times during the DM-1992 arm and 0.2 times during the CD/l-dopa IR arm. The reduction from baseline in % OFF time was greater for DM-1992 compared with CD/l-dopa IR (−5.52% vs. +1.33%; P = 0.0471). At steady-state, compared with CD/l-dopa IR, DM-1992 exhibited a smoother plasma l-dopa concentration profile mostly because of a significantly higher (day 10) predose l-dopa concentration, associated with enhanced motor performance. Although more patients taking DM-1992 had one or more adverse events (AEs) than CD/l-dopa IR patients (35% vs. 15%), no pattern to the AEs was seen, nor any resulting discontinuations. Conclusions DM-1992 was associated with a reduction in %OFF time compared with CD/l-dopa IR despite a reduced dosing frequency. Although the open-label study design and the greater number of rescue doses during the DM-1992 arm call for caution in interpreting the results, the elevated predose plasma l-dopa concentration (12 h after DM-1992 administration) lends objective support to our findings, suggesting that phase 3 studies are warranted. © 2015 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
The effect of glutaraldehyde fixation on the elucidation of the morphogenesis of annulate lamellae in oocytes of Rana pipiens.

Primary fixation of the frog oocyte with glutaraldehyde, compared to osmium tetroxide, alters the appearance of components involved in the morphogenesis of annulate lamellae. With glutaraldehyde, the outer layer of the nuclear envelope is connected with membranous laminae of variable length. Rounded blebs of the outer layer of the nuclear envelope are infrequently observed. Further, rather than clusters or rows of cytoplasmic vesicles as are observed in osmium tetroxide-fixed cells; numerous and long, smooth-surfaced lamellae are present in the ooplasm after glutaraldehyde fixation. The long membranous laminae then become concentrated in several ooplasmic packets. This is followed by the progressive alignment or orientation of the laminae within the packet. Eventually, those aligned and formerly smooth-surfaced lamellae are converted into annulate lamellae.
They've Kept On Keeping On

Fortey introduces readers to well-worn organisms that, having endured all of the difficulties thrown at them over the ages, he refers to as "messengers from deep geological time."
Deficiency of small GTPase Rac2 affects T cell activation.

Rac2 is a hematopoietic-specific GTPase acting as a molecular switch to mediate both transcriptional activation and cell morphological changes. We have examined the effect of Rac2 deficiency during T cell activation. In Rac2−/− T cells, proliferation was reduced upon stimulation with either plate-bound anti-CD3 or T cell receptor–specific antigen. This defect is accompanied with decreased activation of mitogen activated protein kinase extracellular signal–regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 and p38, and reduced Ca2+ mobilization. TCR stimulation–induced actin polymerization is also reduced. In addition, anti-CD3 cross-linking–induced T cell capping is reduced compared with wild-type T cells. These results indicate that Rac2 is important in mediating both transcriptional and cytoskeletal changes during T cell activation. The phenotypic similarity of Rac2−/− to Vav−/− cells implicates Rac2 as a downstream mediator of Vav signaling.
Research in Counseling: A 10‐Year Review to Inform Practice

This study reviewed 4,457 articles from 1998 to 2007 in American Counseling Association division-affiliated journals to identify research articles published in counseling; 1,139 articles (25.6%) were quantitatively research based. The authors provide details related to quantitative research publications, including individual journal contribution to the research base, focus areas for research, and independent and dependent variables highlighted by researchers. One summary finding was that only 6% of counseling research articles explored effectiveness of counseling interventions.
Device- and Circuit-Level Variability Caused by Line Edge Roughness for Sub-32-nm FinFET Technologies

The variability impact of line edge roughness (LER) on sub-32-nm fin-shaped FET (FinFET) technologies is investigated from both device- and circuit-level perspectives using computer-aided design simulations. Resist-defined FinFETs exhibit sizeable device performance variation (up to 10% fluctuation in threshold voltage and 200% in leakage current) when subjected to fin roughness up to 1 nm root-mean-square amplitude. Spacer-defined FinFETs show negligible device performance variation and exhibit quadratic dependence with LER amplitude. For both patterning technologies, the resulting impact on large-scale digital-circuit performance variation is found to be minimal in terms of the overall delay mean and variation. This is attributed to self-averaging of uncorrelated LER effects between individual devices within the circuits, resulting in minimal delay impact for digital-circuit design. The impact of LER on leakage power variation is also found to be minimal for all technologies; however, the mean value increases by up to 40% for 15-nm resist FinFETs. On this basis, the impact of LER on sub-32-nm FinFET device-level variability is only significant for resist devices, whereas the resulting digital-circuit impact is important only in terms of mean leakage power increase.
Rational Delivery Strategies for the Design of Peptides with Enhanced Oral Delivery

AbstractOne of the most significant biological barriers to delivery of peptides and peptide mimetics is the intestinal mucosa, which is a cell monolayer with tight intercellular junctions representing both an anatomical and an enzymatic barrier to the permeability of most polar molecules. In order to properly evaluate strategies for enhancing membrane permeability of peptides and peptide mimetics, our laboratory has developed an in vitro model of the intestinal mucosa, which consists of human adenocarcinoma cells (Caco-2) grown onto microporous membranes. This cell culture system, as well as an in situ intestinal perfusion model, has been employed in our laboratory to evaluate strategies for enhancing membrane permeability of peptides. The strategies that will be discussed in this article include: (1) designing conjugates of peptide mimetics targeted to endogenous transporter systems (e.g., bile acid) so as to enhance their intestinal permeability by a carrier-mediated pathway; and (2) optimizing the lipo...
Performance of a MEMS-based AO-OCT system using Fourier Reconstruction

Adaptive optics (AO) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) are powerful imaging modalities that, when combined, can provide high-resolution (3.5 μm isotropic), 3-D images of the retina. The AO-OCT system at UC Davis has demonstrated the utility of this technology for microscopic, volumetric, in vivo retinal imaging. The current system uses an AOptix bimorph deformable mirror (DM) for low-order, high-stroke correction and a 140-actuator Boston Micromachines DM for high-order correction. Developments to improve performance or functionality of the instrument are on-going. Based on previous work in system characterization we have focused on improved AO control. We present preliminary results and remaining challenges for a newly implemented Fourier transform reconstructor (FTR). The previously reported error budget analysis is also reviewed and updated, with consideration of how to improve both the amount of residual error and the robustness of the system. Careful characterization of the AO system will lead to improved performance and inform the design of future systems.
Cardiac MR imaging and MR angiography in pediatric congenital heart disease: a comparison between 1.5T and 3.0T

Author(s): Nguyen, KL; Khan, SN; Moriarty, J; Mohajer, K; Renella, P; Satou, G; Ayad, I; Patel, S; Boechat, I; Finn, P
The Nation's Gem Collection — One Hundred Years

In 1984 the Smithsonian's National Gem Collection celebrated its 100th anniversary. It has grown from a 1,000 specimen collection, which was assembled by F.W. Clarke for the 1884 New Orleans Exposition, and little of which is now exhibited, to a highly respected major gem collection that ranks among the best in the world. From its inception the collection has grown steadily, but it was not until 1958, when the Museum was given the Hope Diamond, that the addition of phenomenal pieces of jewelry and first class gems began. The most recent of these additions was the 168-carat emerald pendant that dominates the Anna Case Mackay necklace, received through bequest in 1984.Unfortunately, the gem hall is twenty-eight years old, and its age is all too obvious. Obtaining funding for a complete renovation of the exhibit is a high priority of the Museum's staff.
Reverse transcriptase genotypes in pediatric patients failing initial antiretroviral therapy in Gaborone, Botswana.

BackgroundLimited data are available on patterns of resistance mutations in pediatric patients in southern Africa, where HIV-1 subtype C (HIV-1C) predominates.MethodsRetrospective chart review of p...
Patterns of chemical defense among Caribbean gorgonian corals: a preliminary survey

Abstract Ship-board assays employing the common Caribbean wrasse Thalassoma bifasdatum (Bloch) were undertaken to determine the palatability of food pellets coated with freshly-extracted, lipid-soluble metabolites of 37 types of Caribbean gorgonian corals representing at least 19 species from 11 genera. Extracts of 19 types (51%) were highly unpalatable (zero or one of five pellets eaten), four types (11%) were moderately unpalatable (two or three of five pellets eaten) and 14 (38%) were palatable (four or five of five pellets eaten) to fish in feeding assays. Gorgonians of the genera Pterogorgia (three types) and Eunicea (nine types) were consistently highly unpalatable, those of the genus Plexaurella (four types) were palatable and those of the genus Plexaura were most frequently palatable (six of eight types). Further assays of serial dilutions of extracts from seven representative, unpalatable types revealed that extracts inhibited fish feeding at pellet concentrations near or below the concentrations that metabolites occur in the gorgonian soft tissue. Extracts of Erythropodium caribaeorum (Duchassaing and Michelotti) and Pseudopterogorgia rigida (Bielschowsky) deterred fish feeding at pellet concentrations less than an order of magnitude lower than those found in the soft tissues of the corresponding gorgonians. Thin layer chromatographic analyses of extracts revealed the presence of lipid-soluble, secondary metabolites in a majority of the highly unpalatable extracts, although secondary metabolites were also present in a smaller percentage of palatable extracts. These data support the hypothesis that the soft tissues of many gorgonian corals contain lipid-soluble feeding deterrents which act as a defense against predation.
Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Ileal Bladder Augmentation: Defining Techniques and Potential Pitfalls

Purpose: Laparoscopic bladder augmentation has been limited because of the extensive suturing required. The use of robot-assisted laparoscopic (RAL) procedures may circumvent this limitation and al...
GAS-LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS OF MONOGLYCERIDES AS THEIR TRIMETHYLSILYL ETHER DERIVATIVES.

A quantitative method is described for the rapid gas-liquid chromatographic analysis of monoglycerides of long chain fatty acids as their trimethylsilyl (TMS) ether derivatives. The TMS derivatives are formed rapidly and quantitatively at room temp without isomerization. The TMS derivatives of 1- and 2-monoglycerides may be separated on polyester columns, which can also be used for the analysis of methyl esters. A mixture of the 1- and 2-isomers of monopalmitin and monoolein was quantitatively analyzed. A mixture of monocaprin, monolaurin, monomyristin, monopalmitin and monosterin was also analyzed. A mixture of 1-monostearin, 1-monoolein and 1-monolinolein was also resolved. The analyses were carried out on packed and large bore capillary columns of diethylene glycol succinate polyester (DEGS) and Apiezon L. Capillary columns that required the use of a splitter were nonquantitative, resulting from what appeared to be fractionation at the splitter. Acid conditions, including those provoked by the use of phosphoric acid stabilized polyesters, cleaved the TMS derivatives to yield the original hydroxy compound.
ROS-cleavable proline oligomer crosslinking of polycaprolactone for pro-angiogenic host response

A reactive oxygen species (ROS)-degradable scaffold is fabricated by crosslinking biocompatible, hydrolytically-degradable poly(e-caprolactone) (PCL) with a ROS-degradable oligoproline peptide, KP7K. The ROS-mediated degradability triggers favorable host responses of the scaffold including improved cell infiltration and angiogenesis in vivo, indicating its unique advantages for tissue engineering applications.
THE EFFECTS OF INHOMOGENEITIES ON COSMIC EXPANSION

We evaluate the effect of inhomogeneity energy on the expansion rate of the universe. Our method is to expand to Newtonian order in potential and velocity but to take into account fully nonlinear density inhomogeneities. To linear order in density, the kinetic and gravitational potential energies contribute to the total energy of the universe with the same scaling with expansion factor as spatial curvature. In the strongly nonlinear regime, growth saturates, and the net effect of the inhomogeneity energy on the expansion rate remains negligible at all times. In particular, the contributions due to inhomogeneities never mimic the effects of dark energy or induce an accelerated expansion.
Development and learning: An historical perspective on acquisition of motor control

A historical overview on infant motor development is provided, using the concepts of learning and development as a vehicle to travel from Darwin, through the 20th century till today. The different theoretical perspectives are highlighted with attention to how the two concepts are treated.
The substitutes condition and the lattice structure of the set of stable allocations

Abstract In the many-to-one matching model with contracts, I show that there is no restriction on preferences weaker than substitutable preferences which guarantees that the set of stable allocations is a lattice. Thus, when contracts are not substitutes, removing agents from the economy may decrease the payoffs to existing agents on both sides of the market.
Identification of [MII(Arene)2]2+ (M = V, Cr) as the Key Intermediate in the Formation of V[TCNE]x·ySolvent Magnets and Cr[TCNE]x·Solvent

To elucidate the mechanism of the reaction between V0(C6H6)2 and tetracyanoethylene (TCNE) that leads to the room-temperature magnet V[TCNE]]x·yCH2Cl2 (x ∼2; y ∼1/2), reactions between bis(arene)vanadium (arene = 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene, 1,3,5-tri-tert-butylbenzene) and its cations and TCNE and its anion were studied. The reaction of Vo(arene)2 with TCNE yields magnets with critical temperatures ranging from 28 to 400 K. Products from the reaction of [VI(arene)2]+ with [TCNE]•- were not magnets; however, reaction of [VI(arene)2]+ with [TCNE]•- in the presence of TCNE forms a magnetically ordered material. The reaction of V0(1,3,5-C6H3Me3)2 with 2 equiv of one-electron oxidant [FeIII(C5H5)2]+, and subsequently with [TCNE]•-, also leads to a magnetic material. The results of these investigations suggest that V0(arene)2 undergoes two one-electron oxidation reactions with TCNE to form sequentially [VI(arene)2]+ and “[VII(arene)2]2+”, the latter being the key intermediate that reacts with [TCNE]•- to produce th...