cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Modulation of human Niemann-Pick C1-like 1 gene expression by sterol: Role of sterol regulatory element binding protein 2.

Niemann-Pick C1-like 1 (NPC1L1) is an essential intestinal component of cholesterol absorption. However, little is known about the molecular regulation of intestinal NPC1L1 expression and promoter ...
All-trans retinoic acid: tolerance and biologic effects in myelodysplastic syndrome.

PURPOSEWe conducted a study to evaluate the tolerance to and biologic effects of all-trans retinoic acid in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome.PATIENTS AND METHODSThirty-nine patients with myelodysplastic syndrome were treated with oral all-trans retinoic acid for 6 weeks. Dose levels were 10, 25, 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 mg/m2/d. At least three patients were treated on each dose level.RESULTSThe most common side effects were mucocutaneous dryness and erythema, and hypertriglyceridemia. Dose-limiting side effects were diverse and included dermatitic problems, sensorineural hearing loss, headaches, nausea and vomiting, myalgias, and dyspnea. The maximum-tolerated dose was 150 mg/m2/d. Only one response was seen among 29 patients considered assessable for response.CONCLUSIONAll-trans retinoic acid can be safely administered to patients at doses up to 150 mg/m2/d for 6 weeks. However, as administered in this study, this compound does not appear to have significant activity in myelodysplastic syndromes.
Heat Transfer to Liquid Metals Flowing Turbulently Between Parallel Plates

An analytical study has been made of the general problem of heat-transfer to liquid metals flowing between parallel plates. All the results are for the conditions of uniform heat fluxes and fully-e...
Trait and Daily Emotion Regulation in Social Anxiety Disorder

Emotion regulation strategies vary widely in use and effectiveness across psychological diagnostic categories. However, little data exists on (1) the use of these strategies in social anxiety disorder (SAD), and (2) how trait measures compare with actual daily use of emotion regulation strategies. We collected trait and daily assessments of emotion suppression, cognitive reappraisal, and positive and negative emotions from 40 adults with SAD and 39 matched healthy controls. Participants with SAD reported greater trait suppression and less cognitive reappraisal than healthy controls, and exhibited this same pattern of emotion regulation in daily life. Participants overall reported worse emotional experiences when suppressing positive (vs. negative) emotions, and better emotional experiences when reappraising to feel more positive (vs. less negative) emotions. However, SAD participants exhibited greater benefits (specifically increased positive emotions) from reappraising to feel less negative than healthy controls. These findings highlight the importance of positive emotion regulation strategies, particularly for individuals with SAD.
China and WTO: Chinese Cultural Traditions in the WTO Context (L'Adesione Della Cina All'Organizzazione Mondiale Del Commercio: Ovvero Come Conciliare Cultura E Diritto)

China's accession to the WTO represents a goal achieved after nearly fifteen years of exhausting negotiations. A special precautionary instrument, the Transitional Review Mechanism (TRM), was included in the Protocol of China's Accession to the WTO, as requested by the US and supported by the EU. The TRM has the objective of monitoring and enforcement of implementation of WTO commitments, promoting transparency and the exchange of information in trade relations with China. China is lowering the expectations of some of the WTO members for the outcome of the TRM. It follows that the WTO members' participation in the review had declined in favour of bilateral negotiations which result in the best means to overcome many problems in China's WTO compliance. It is necessary to try to understand if there are comprehensive and justifiable reasons for China to delegitimize the multilateral system at the WTO in general and in the TRM context. According to some scholars, the general Chinese behaviour not in favour of the TRM could be explained with reference to the Chinese cultural tradition, where the best way to resolve the disputes was through mediation and conciliation. China is a high-context society, where the central role is played by collective entities and groups and not by individuals. A key element in the Chinese mentality (such as in other Asian, Middle East and South American countries) is the concept of preserving group harmony and maintaining one's public image. The best behaviour is to try to avoid any direct confrontation, such as bringing a lawsuit.
Validity of Stokes Theory for Accelerating Spheres

Measured displacement-time relations for spheres gravitationally accelerating from rest through viscous fluids are compared with the displacement-time relations predicted by the Stokes flow solution. The Stokes flow solution, consisting of a viscous drag, an added mass effect, and a history-of-the-motion integral, agrees with experimental values over a range that is larger than expected. The total dimensionless distance for which the theoretical and measured values agree depends on the ratio of sphere density to fluid density. The instantaneous Reynolds number at the point of departure between measurements and theory depends on the Stokes theory terminal Reynolds number. For the experiments reported, the theory is valid to points for which the instantaneous Reynolds number is as high as 10,000.
Mobilization of fatty acids by epinephrine in normal and hypophysectomized rhesus monkeys.

SummaryMobilization of NEFA by epinephrine in rhesus monkeys is abolished by hypophysectomy while the hyperglycemic response is retained. Pretreatment of hypophysectomized monkeys with cortisol acetate, ACTH, prolactin and growth hormone fails to restore response to epinephrine in terms of NEFA mobilization. Pretreatment with TSH or triiodothyronine, however, produced a restoration of the response. It is concluded that optimal thyroid function is requisite for the NEFA mobilizing action of epinephrine in vivo.
Nonlinear Adaptive Control with Persistent Disturbances

In this paper, we develop a Direct Model Reference Adaptive Tracking Controller for nonlinear systems. This controller can also reject bounded disturbances of known wave form but unknown amplitude, e.g. steps or sinusoids. We prove that the controller produces local asymptotic tracking with bounded controller gains when the linearized open-loop plant is almost strictly positive real (equivalently, is minimum phase and has CB positive definite) and the nonlinear part of the plant is locally Lipschitz continuous. An illustrative example is provided.
DECIPHERING INTRINSIC AND ADAPTIVE RESISTANCE TO PI3K PATHWAY INHIBITORS IN GLIOMA

BACKGROUND: Glioblastoma represents a compelling disease for signal transduction targeted therapy. Despite the evidence defining the PI3K network as a high quality target, regulatory feedback loops as well as cross talk with other networks make targeting the PI3K network a challenging task. Complete control of GBM is dependent on the elucidation of the escape mechanisms and the rational design of combination therapies. A major objective in our laboratory is to develop robust predictive molecular and genetic markers/signature that will lead to selection precision therapy. These predictive markers will allow us to determine rational combinatorial approaches to target aberrations in the PI3K network and at the same time prevent deleterious effects of feedback loops and cross talk. METHODS: We have utilized a large panel of glioma stem cell (GSC) lines to perform drug sensitivity/resistance screens. Reponses profiles of GSCs using multiple PI3K inhibitors in cytotoxicity assay were generated. Molecular targets/pathways contributing to alternate signaling pathway activation by inhibitors were identified using gene expression profiling and protein expression/activity profiling. Top gene targets were subjected to loss of function studies using RNAi. Synergistic effect of knocking down the target along with PI3K inhibitors on cell proliferation, and tumorigenicity were assessed. RESULTS: We have utilized several system approaches to identify targets in compensatory or parallel pathways after PI3K inhibition. Our results suggest that different molecular profiles in GSC dictate the differences in viability observed after drug treatment, despite a common blockade of PI3K pathway. Resistant and sensitive cell lines were profiled using the Affymetrix and RPPA platforms to identify genes that are differentially expressed in sensitive and resistant GSCs responsible for intrinsic resistance. Using gene expression profiling, we also identified adaptive response gene targets in pre- and post-treatment resistant GSC. This approach has uncovered alternate pathways and shutting down these pathways would synergize the effect on cell growth when combined with PI3K pathway inhibitors. We have selected the top 10 candidate genes and two targets are being studied for rational combination with PI3K inhibitors CONCLUSIONS: Failure of PI3K pathway inhibitors is due to escape through overlapping or parallel signaling pathways, and that complete control of GBM depend on the elucidation of these escape mechanisms and we show that therapies to target essential pathways overcome or circumvent treatment resistance and can provide the next generation of improved therapeutic options. SECONDARY CATEGORY: Tumor Biology.
Abstract 2661: The genomic landscape and clinical relevance of A-to-I RNA editing in human cancers

Adenosine-to-inosine (A-to-I) RNA editing is a widespread post-transcriptional mechanism, but its genomic landscape and clinical relevance in cancer have not been investigated systematically. We characterized the global A-to-I RNA editing profiles of >6000 patient samples of 20 cancer types from The Cancer Genome Atlas and revealed a striking diversity of altered RNA-editing patterns in tumors relative to normal tissues. We identified an appreciable number of clinically relevant editing events, many of which are in noncoding regions. We experimentally demonstrated the functional effects of several RNA editing events and provide the evidence that RNA editing could selectively affect drug sensitivity. These results highlight RNA editing as an exciting theme for investigating cancer mechanisms, biomarkers and treatments. Citation Format: Han Liang. The genomic landscape and clinical relevance of A-to-I RNA editing in human cancers. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 2661.
Molecular Interactions of slc26a6 and CFTR in Cardiomyocytes

We have recently identified and cloned cardiac isoforms of a solute carrier, slc26a6. Importantly, we demonstrated that slc26a6 mediated electrogenic Cl-/oxalate and Cl-/HCO3- exchanges in both atrial and ventricular myocytes. Slc26a6 was previously found to interact with cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) chloride channels in parotid duct cells. Indeed, CFTR is also expressed in the heart. Here, we hypothesize that slc26a6 and CFTR interact in cardiomyocytes to form functional protein complexes. We examined the expression of slc26a6 and CFTR in mouse cardiomyocytes using immunocytochemistry and confocal microscopy. We found that slc26a6 and CFTR are co-expressed and co-localized in the sarcolemma of cardiomyocytes. To verify the co-localization, we employed stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscopy. The high-resolution images provided further evidence supporting the co-localization of slc26a6 and CFTR in cardiomyocytes. In slc26a6 knockoutcardiomyocytes, not only is slc26a6 expression absent but CFTR expression is significantly reduced suggesting the importance of the interaction in the membrane targeting. We further used total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy (TIRF) to study the membrane targeting of slc26a6 (or CFTR) in the absence or presence of CFTR (or slc26a6). Indeed, the membrane targeting of slc26a6 (or CFTR) is enhanced by the co-expression of its putative interacting partner. Additionally, patch-clamp recordings demonstrate that the anion exchange activities of slc26a6 were enhanced by the activation of CFTR. In conclusion, slc26a6 and CFTR are co-expressed and co-localized in cardiomyocytes forming functional protein complexes. Activation of CFTR enhances the function of slc26a6. Moreover, the molecular interaction between slc26a6 and CFTR is essential for their membrane targeting. This new insight helps to pave the way for understanding the novel roles of slc26a6 and CFTR in the regulation of cardiac pH and excitability.Funded by AHA Western States Affiliate Beginning Grant-in-Aid (14BGIA18870087 to XZ).
Improving the retention of motor skills after reward-based reinforcement by incorporating haptic guidance and error augmentation

There has been significant research aimed at leveraging programmable robotic devices to provide haptic assistance or augmentation to a human user so that new motor skills can be trained efficiently and retained long after training has concluded. The success of these approaches has been varied, and retention of skill is typically not significantly better for groups exposed to these controllers during training. These findings point to a need to incorporate a more complete understanding of human motor learning principles when designing haptic interactions with the trainee. Reward-based reinforcement has been studied for its role in improving retention of skills. Haptic guidance, which assists a user to complete a task, and error augmentation, which exaggerates error in order to enhance feedback to the user, have been shown to be beneficial for training depending on the task difficulty, subject ability, and task type. In this paper, we combine the presentation of reward-based reinforcement with these robotic controllers to evaluate their impact on retention of motor skill in a visual rotation task with tunable difficulty using either fixed or moving targets. We found that with the reward-based feedback paradigm, both haptic guidance and error augmentation led to better retention of the desired visuomotor offset during a simple task, while during a more complex task, only subjects trained with haptic guidance demonstrated performance superior to those trained without a controller.
Glycomics for Microbes and Microbiologists

ABSTRACT The recent article “Lectin-Glycan Interaction Network-Based Identification of Host Receptors of Microbial Pathogenic Adhesins” by Ielasi et al. describes a new development in microbial carbohydrate analysis [Ielasi FS, Alioscha-Perez M, Donohue D, Claes S, Sahli H, Schols D, Willaert RG, mBio 7(4):e00584-16, 2016, http://dx.doi.org/10.1128/mbio.00584-16]. Specific carbohydrate ligands have been identified from the patterns of lectin binding to oligosaccharides printed on a chip. The new technique links the output to a comprehensive glycan database and offers a number of data visualization options. The graphs highlight the occurrence of potential ligands, organized by organism, tissue, and patterns of association with disease states. The analysis has successfully predicted novel glycoprotein ligands for microbial lectins, including an interaction of E. coli FimH with HIV gp120.
In vivo wide-field multispectral dosimeter for use in ALA-PpIX based photodynamic therapy of skin

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) for Actinic Kertoses (AK) using aminoluvelinic acid (ALA) is an FDA-approved treatment, which is generally effective, yet response rates vary. The origin of the variability is not well characterized, but may be related to inter-patient variability in the production of protoporphyrin IX (PpIX). While fiber-based point probe systems provide a method for measuring PpIX production, these measurements have demonstrated large spatial and inter-operator variability. Thus, in an effort to improve patient-specific dosimetry and treatment it is important to develop a robust system that accounts for spatial variability and reduces the chance of operator errors. To address this need, a wide-field multispectral imaging system was developed that is capable of quantifying maps of PpIX in both liquid phantoms and in vivo experiments, focusing on high sensitivity light signals. The system uses both red and blue excitation to elicit a fluorescent response at varying skin depths. A ten-position filter wheel with bandpass filters ranging from 635nm to 710nm are used to capture images along the emission band. A linear least-square spectral fitting algorithm provides the ability to decouple background autofluorescence from PpIX fluorescence, which has improved the system sensitivity by an order of magnitude, detecting nanomolar PpIX concentrations in liquid phantoms in the presence of 2% whole blood and 2% intralipid.
Dual-mobility components obviate the need for constrained components in revision total hip arthroplasty–Affirms

Abstract Dual-mobility hip components provide an additional articular surface, with the goals of improving range of motion and overall stability. In many European centers, these components are used for primary total hip arthroplasty. However, their greatest utility may be to prevent and treat recurrent dislocation after revision total hip arthroplasty. Several retrospective series have shown satisfactory results for this indication at medium-term follow-up. There are important concerns with these components, including intraprosthetic dislocation and polyethylene wear causing chronic dislocation, but these are rare phenomena. At present, dual-mobility components are the preferred solution to manage recurrent dislocation in revision surgery.
Accurate EM simulation of SMT components in RF designs

SMD is designed into many MCM/SiP products, but accurate EM simulation of SMD in a design has been a challenge. In fact, circuit simulation with an EM MCM model connected with vendor-provided SMT models often leads to a shift of harmonic trap notch. Such shift may be attributed to the intrinsic inductance of an EM port. In this paper, we focus on EM models of HFSS, present discovery of intrinsic port inductance in an HFSS model and discuss issues and techniques on how to handle lumped SMT ports in an HFSS EM model for more accurate SMD circuit simulation.
Abstract P122: Mitochondrial Transcription Factor 2B Regulates Endothelial Cell Morphology

Mitochondrial dysfunction, such as observed in endothelial cells, has been implicated in various cardiovascular diseases including, hypertension and atherosclerosis. Mitochondrial transcription factor 2B (TFB2M) is an essential component to maintain proper transcriptional and functional control of mitochondrial DNA. As well, elongation of endothelial cells is a characteristic of atheroprotective regions within the vasculature, and the relationship between the mitochondria and EC shape is currently unknown. The aim of our study is to investigate the hypothesis that TFB2M has a novel role in enhancing endothelial function. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were harvested 72 hours after adenoviral transduction with TFB2M (100 moi). HUVECs transduced with TFB2M showed an elongated cell morphology when compared to GFP control. To further investigate the effect of TFB2M on regulating mitochondrial function and cell shape, immunoblotting was carried out for markers involved in mitochondrial function/dynamics and markers indicative of cytoskeleton reorganization. TFB2M transduction resulted in increased expression of mitochondrial biogenesis marker VDAC (2.6 fold increase), mitochondrial fusion protein MFN2 (2.1 fold increase), and phosphorylated myosin phosphatase targeting protein MYPT1 at Thr850 (2.2 fold increase, p p 0.001). These data indicate that TFB2M has a previously undiscovered function contributing to altered EC function and shape, potentially through a novel mitochondrial retrograde signaling mechanism. Further research will focus on distinguishing the exact mechanisms culminating in a protective EC phenotype and the beneficial role of endothelial TFB2M-mediated enhanced mitochondrial function in the treatment of EC dysfunction associated with various cardiovascular diseases.
Sprout-associated outbreaks and development of preventive controls

Abstract: Fresh produce is an important part of a healthy diet. However, produce is susceptible to contamination. Produce is often consumed raw, or only lightly cooked, which may allow pathogens to survive and cause illness. Sprouts are especially problematic because the conditions that encourage seeds to sprout are also ideal for growth of pathogens, if present. The steps of sprout production do not include processes to eliminate pathogens. This chapter describes an iterative process to better understand hazards associated with sprouted seeds and beans, to identify preventive controls for these hazards and to monitor and promote adoption of effective preventive controls.
Self-expression values, loyalty generation, and support for authoritarianism: evidence from the Arab world

ABSTRACTThis study examines the micro foundations of political support in Arab polities. Most Arab states rank highly in aggregate human development or economic wealth, but they lag behind in democ...
Impact of Home-Delivered Meals on Nutrition Status and Nutrient Intake among Older Adults in Central Texas

This study aimed to measure changes in nutrition risk and nutrient intake after older adults received home-delivered meals (HDM) for 3 months. This study used a pre-posttest study design, with data collected before and after 3 months of HDM services. Two HDM programs that serve the metropolitan areas of Austin and San Antonio, Texas. Study participants were aged 60 years or older, without dementia or terminal illness, and receiving HDM in Austin, Texas and San Antonio, Texas for 3 months. The Nutrition Screening Initiative (NSI) and Mini Nutrition Assessment-Short Form (MNA-SF) were used to assess nutritional risk. The National Cancer Institute Diet History Questionnaire II (DHQ II) was used to assess nutrient intake over the past month. After receiving 3 months of HDM, nutrition status significantly improved as measured by the NSI and MNA-SF. More participants met or exceeded the recommended dietary allowances (RDA) for magnesium and zinc after receiving HDM compared to before receiving HDM. Dietary supplement intake was associated with a higher nutritional risk. Improvements in nutrition status were found after 3 months of receiving HDM, whereas intake of most nutrients did not change significantly. Results of this study provide further evidence that HDM can reduce nutritional risk of older adults, and may inform HDM programs on the differences of NSI and/or MNA-SF to assess nutritional risk of clients.
Ethical Judgements: Does Gender Matter?

A number of studies have addressed the question, ``Whois more ethical, men or women?'' Using ethicaljudgement as a measure of how ethical a person is,some studies have found that women are more ethicalwhile other studies have found no differences betweenthe sexes. This study investigates the influencesthat a character's gender, the evaluator's gender, andthe interaction between the two genders have onethical judgements. We conducted an experiment wheresubjects (evaluators) read a scenario that describedan action taken by a character. We found someevidence to suggest that both women and men applygender-based double standards when making ethicaljudgements. The widest gap in ethical judgementoccurred between the female evaluator/male charactergroup and the male evaluator/male character group. Consistent with prior research, we found that femaleevaluators made ethical judgements more consistentwith those of experts.
Adhesion at metal interfaces

When two solid surfaces are brought into contact, strong adhesive bonding forces can develop at the interface formed by the solids. The magnitude of the forces will depend on the state of the surfaces, their cleanliness, and the fundamental properties of the two solids, both surface and bulk.
Structure of Polyelectrolyte Solutions.

We present a liquid-state theory for polyelectrolyte solutions. The theory predicts liquidlike structure on long length scales in dilute solution which disappears in semidilute solutions. The predictions of the theory for the static structure factor in tobacco mosaic virus solutions are in good agreement with light-scattering experiments in both dilute and semidilute solutions. Predictions for the scaling of the position of the maximum in the structure factor with concentration are consistent with experiments.
Chapter 1 – Ethics in Biomedical Animal Research: The Key Role of the Investigator

This chapter presents an overview of ethical principles that are essential for the proper conduct, and the continuing progress, of animal research aimed at understanding human disease. The chapter identifies fundamental principles of animal research ethics, and discusses ethical and empirical foundations of these principles. Guidelines are offered for applying these fundamental principles in the design and implementation of animal research projects. The chapter highlights several important ethical issues regarding which the biomedical research community has expressed lack of clarity or disagreement, and suggests considerations that are relevant for resolution of these issues. Recommendations are offered for participation by investigators in ethical discussion of their work, and of biomedical animal research generally. The general themes of the chapter are that investigators play the primary role in assuring the ethical conduct of biomedical animal research, and that a crucial foundation of ethical animal research is sound science.
Nature of the persisting canges in afferent discharge from muscle following its contraction.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the nature of the persisting canges in afferent discharge from muscle following its contraction. In an experiment presented in the chapter, the postcontraction increase in sensory discharge is observed to study the effects of tenotomy. Several conclusions are drawn from these observations—a persisting increase in discharge at a maintained muscle length and in response to stretch appears after a muscle has undergone contraction, under the condition that the efferent background is otherwise quiet; fusimotor activation alone—that is, contraction of intrafusal fibers, can produce this effect, though extrafusal contraction also seems to contribute; the enhanced discharge, as it is recorded, arises to a major extent in Ia afferent fibers; and the cause of the effect is probably of a mechanical nature. It is believed that the cause of the postcontraction effect is mechanical, rather than due to the sensory ending being affected by a contraction-induced change in the metabolic milieu. Momentary stretch of the muscle results in an immediate disappearance of the postcontraction effect; it is unlikely that this action would rapidly dispel an excess accumulation of metabolite that is capable of such long-lasting effect. The duration of stimulus needed for the response is a few tenths of a second; excitatory levels of K + would probably not build up in this time.
Benzop(a)pyrene in Cigarette Smoke Enhances HIV‐1 Replication in Monocytic Cells: Potential Role of Cytochrome P450s and Oxidative Stress

Smoking aggravates HIV-1 pathogenesis and leads to decreased responses to antiretroviral therapy. However, the exact mechanism by which smoking enhances HIV-1 pathogenesis is unknown. Benzo(a)pyren...
Asylum Seekers and House Prices: Evidence from the United Kingdom

Abstract We estimate the effect of asylum seekers on house prices in England and Wales from 2004 to 2015, and find, using panel data and time series methods, that the government’s dispersal policies have had small but statistically significant negative effects on housing prices, especially for lower-priced and lower-quality housing units. Our panel data regressions rely on variation across time and localities, and account for endogeneity bias using instrumental variables, to identify these causal effects. Time series regressions depend on plausibly exogenous nationwide flows of new asylum seekers, and provide evidence that negative house price effects are larger in areas that supported Brexit.
Diagnosis of Eating Disorders Among College Students: A Comparison of Military and Civilian Students.

INTRODUCTION Eating disorders are often under-detected, which poses a serious threat to the health of individuals with eating disorder symptoms. There is evidence to suggest that the military represents a subpopulation that may be susceptible to high prevalence of eating disorders and vulnerable to their underdiagnosis. Underreporting of eating disorder symptoms in the military could lead to this underdiagnosis of individuals with eating disorder symptoms. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between military affiliation and eating disorder symptoms among college students and the likelihood of eating disorder diagnosis among those with eating disorder symptoms using a large, diverse college-aged sample of both military-involved and civilian students. MATERIALS AND METHODS Participants for this study were from the 2015-2016, 2016-2017, and 2017-2018 Healthy Minds Study (HMS). Healthy Minds Study is a large, cross-sectional cohort study of both undergraduate and graduate students from universities and colleges across the United States and Canada. The Healthy Minds Study survey questions include assessment of demographic information, military status, self-reported eating disorder symptoms using the SCOFF questionnaire, and self-reported eating disorder diagnosis. Univariate analysis, chi-square analysis, and logistic regression with an unadjusted and covariate adjusted model were used to examine the association between eating disorder symptoms and military affiliation. These analyses were also used to examine the association between eating disorder diagnosis among those with eating disorder symptoms and military affiliation. All analyses were conducted using SPSS. RESULTS The prevalence of eating disorder symptoms was high among both the civilian (20.4%) and military-involved (14.4%) students. Among females, there was a significantly higher (P value = .041) prevalence of eating disorder symptoms among civilian college students (24.7%) compared to military-involved students (21.3%). Among those with eating disorder symptoms, the prevalence of diagnosis was low in both military and civilian students. Specifically, the prevalence of diagnosis was significantly lower (P value = .032) among military-involved college students (10.8%) compared to civilian college students (16.4%). Differences in sociodemographic characteristics (e.g., gender, race/ethnicity, and age) among military-involved and civilian college students appear to explain this association. CONCLUSIONS The underdiagnosis of eating disorders is far too common, and this represents a threat to the health of military and civilian populations alike. Underdiagnosis of eating disorders within military environments may be due to underreporting, particularly among men and racial/ethnic minority groups.
Familial Pulmonary Fibrosis: Genetic Features and Clinical Implications

Pulmonary fibrosis comprises a wide range of fibrotic lung diseases with unknown pathogenesis and poor prognosis. Familial pulmonary fibrosis (FPF) represents a unique subgroup of patients in which at least one other relative is also affected. Patients with FPF exhibit a wide range of pulmonary fibrosis phenotypes, although idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is the most common subtype. Despite variable disease manifestations, patients with FPF experience worse survival compared with their counterparts with the sporadic disease form. Therefore, ascertaining a positive family history not only provides prognostic value but should also raise suspicion for the inheritance of an underlying causative genetic variant within kindreds. By focusing on FPF kindreds, rare variants within surfactant metabolism and telomere maintenance genes have been discovered. However, such genetic variation is not solely restricted to FPF, as similar rare variants are found in patients with seemingly sporadic pulmonary fibrosis, further supporting the idea of genetic susceptibility underlying pulmonary fibrosis as a whole. Researchers are beginning to show how the presence of rare variants may inform clinical management, such as informing predisposition risk for yet unaffected relatives as well as informing prognosis and therapeutic strategy for those already affected. Despite these advances, rare variants in surfactant and telomere-related genes only explain the genetic basis in about one-quarter of FPF kindreds. Therefore, research is needed to identify the missing genetic contributors of pulmonary fibrosis, which would not only improve our understanding of disease pathobiology but may offer additional opportunities to improve the health of patients.
Coming in, or going out? Measuring the effect of discourse factors on perspective prominence

Although perspectival expressions are a diverse group, they share a common property: their meanings depend on the perspective of a discourse-given individual whose identity is under-specified. This paper investigates how perspective holder prominence is determined through a series of forced choice experiments on American English motion verbs exploring a number of discourse factors: definiteness, mention order, topicality, and subjecthood. The results suggest that both global and local prominence effects play a role in determining how perspectival motion verbs are interpreted.
How Does Iron Deficiency Anemia Impact Outcomes following Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty

Purpose: Studies have shown the prevalence of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) increasing worldwide, and currently the literature is limited on the impact of IDA on outcomes following revision total hip arthroplasty (RTHA). Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine whether IDA patients undergoing RTHA have longer: 1) in-hospital lengths of stay (LOS); 2) medical complications; and 3) costs of care. Materials and Methods: A retrospective query of a nationwide administrative claims database was performed. Using Boolean command operations, the study group consisted of all patients in the database undergoing RTHA with IDA; whereas, patients without IDA served as controls. To reduce the effects of confounding, study group patients were matched to controls in a 1:5 ratio by age, sex, and medical comorbidities yielding 92,948 patients with (n=15,508) and without (n=77,440) IDA undergoing revision THA. A P-value less than 0.001 was considered statistically significant. Results: IDA patients were found to have significantly longer in-hospital LOS (5 days vs. 4 days, P<0.0001). Additionally, the study showed IDA patients were found to higher incidence and odds of (73.84% vs. 11.77%, OR 5.04, P<0.0001) 90-day medical complications. IDA patients also incurred high 90-day episode of care costs ($25,597.51 vs. $20,085.70, P<0.0001). Conclusion: After adjusting for age, sex, and medical comorbidities this study of over 92,000 patients demonstrated IDA is associated with longer in-hospital LOS, complications, and costs of care. Future studies should compare the duration and severity of IDA on outcomes.
In vitro antibacterial activity of nimbolide against Helicobacter pylori

Abstract Ethnopharmacological relevance Nimbolide is one of hundreds of phytochemicals that have been identified within the neem tree (Azadirachta indica A. Juss). As an evergreen tree native to the Indian subcontinent, components of the neem tree have been used for millennia in traditional medicine to treat dental, gastrointestinal, urinary tract, and blood-related ailments, ulcers, headaches, heartburn, and diabetes. In modern times, natural oils and extracts from the neem tree have been found to have activities against a variety of microorganisms, including human pathogens. Aim of the study: Helicobacter pylori, a prevalent gastric pathogen, shows increasing levels of antibiotic resistance. Thus, there is an increasing demand for novel therapeutics to treat chronic infections. The in vitro activity of neem oil extract against H. pylori was previously characterized and found to be bactericidal. Given the numerous phytochemicals found in neem oil extract, the present study was designed to define and characterize specific compounds showing bactericidal activity against H. pylori. Materials and methods Azadirachtin, gedunin, and nimbolide, which are all common in neem extracts, were tested for antimicrobial activity; the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined for nine strains of H. pylori. The specific properties of nimbolide were further characterized against H. pylori strain G27. Bactericidal kinetics, reversibility, effectiveness at low pH, and activity under bacteriostatic conditions were examined. The hemolytic activity of nimbolide was also measured. Finally, neem oil extract and nimbolide effectiveness against H. pylori biofilms were examined in comparison to common antibiotics used to treat H. pylori infection. Results Nimbolide, but not azadirachtin or gedunin, were effective against H. pylori; MICs and MBCs against the nine tested strains ranged between 1.25-5 μg/mL and 2.5–10 μg/mL, respectively. Additionally, neem oil extract and nimbolide were both effective against H. pylori biofilms. Nimbolide exhibited no significant hemolytic activity at biologically relevant concentrations. The bactericidal activity of nimbolide was time- and dose-dependent, independent of active H. pylori growth, and synergistic with low pH. Furthermore, nimbolide-mediated H. pylori cell death was irreversible after exposure to high nimbolide concentrations (80 μg/mL, after 2 h of exposure time and 40 μg/mL after 8 h of exposure). Conclusions Nimbolide has significant bactericidal activity against H. pylori, killing both free living bacterial cells as well as cells within a biofilm. Furthermore, the lack of hemolytic activity, synergistic activity at low pH and bactericidal properties even against bacteria in a state of growth arrest are all ideal pharmacological and biologically relevant properties for a potential new agent. This study underscores the potential of neem oil extract or nimbolide to be used as a future treatment for H. pylori infection.
INCIDENT DETECTION METHODS FOR SURFACE STREET INCIDENT MANAGEMENT

A new method for detecting traffic-delaying events at intersections is proposed. Two test thresholds that identify incident patterns in intersection traffic, using only changes in lane volume distribution data, are developed. The thresholds are incorporated in two algorithms, which are tested with simulated traffic data. The simulations are performed using the current version of the NETSIM software, that features the placement of incidents within intersections. The test site is an intelligent intersection in downtown Minneapolis and real data from the intersection are used in the simulation. Test results, expressed in terms of detection and false alarm rates, are used to compare the performance of the algorithms.
Nanosecond, pulsed microdischarge UV and VUV sources

Using voltage pulses, 10s–100s of nanoseconds in length, microdischarges (MDs) are driven with up to 1 kV, and current levels from 30–150 A. Time-averaged input power levels from 10 W–1+ kW are achieved depending on the selection of pulse width and pulse repetition rate (1 kHz–1 MHz). Using an argon-hydrogen mixture, intense VUV radiation is generated at 121.6 nm (10.2 eV, Lyman-alpha). With this source, instantaneous power levels in excess of 60 watts have been achieved with several watts time-averaged power in the VUV. Additional work utilizing XeCl∗ (308 nm) and XeF∗ (351 nm) excimer sources is also reported. Achieved power levels, instantaneous and time-averaged, efficiency, and impurity content are reported. As an application, the MD-UV source is utilized as an alternative to a high power laser for the triggering of high voltage photoconductive SiC switches.
APPLICATION OF NUCLEAR ELECTRIC PROPULSION TO UNMANNED SCIENTIFIC PROBE MISSIONS.

Abstract Advanced scientific missions throughout the solar system are analyzed to determine payload and velocity requirements for nuclear-electric propelled spacecraft. Emphasis is placed upon those missions that are too difficult for all-chemical propulsion, even with boosters as large as Saturn V. In parallel with the mission analysis, spacecraft designs were prepared, and key problems of powerplant integration were investigated. Particular attention is given to the radiator and its effect upon vehicle configuration. The spacecraft integration studies have shown that advanced nuclear powerplants should weigh on the order of 25 to 35 lb/kw for systems of about 2000°F maximum temperature and 250 kw to 3 MW power output. Propulsion times range from about 5000 to more than 30,000 hr, depending upon the mission. Lower specific powerplant weight (less than 30 lb/kw) has only a slight effect in reducing powerplant life requirements. In terms of maximum flexibility and multimission capability, the most attractive system is a 90,000-lb spacecraft with 1 MW of power to the engines. This vehicle is boosted to earth escape velocity by Saturn V. Other favorable combinations of powerplant and spacecraft are obtained with ratings as low as 250 kw, by boosting beyond escape velocity to achieve minimum propulsion time.
Abstract P127: Ayurveda Improves Arterial Stiffness and Cardiometabolic Risk in Coronary Patients: A Prospective Pilot Study

Introduction: Ayurveda is the ancient East Indian holistic approach to health that includes yoga, meditation, breathing exercises, medicinal herbs, and other practices. Although it has been practiced for nearly 5000 years there is little objective data regarding its efficacy in coronary disease. Hypothesis: Can the addition of Ayurveda to usual care improve markers and risk factors of cardiovascular disease? Methods: Twenty-six volunteers with a history of prior myocardial infarction, coronary bypass surgery, or coronary angioplasty/stent were recruited from the University of New Mexico cardiology clinics. Each patient underwent consultation with a single Ayurvedic specialist and received personalized instruction in daily yoga, meditation, breathing, medicinal herbs, and a caloric unrestricted Ayurvedic diet. Standardized measurements of arterial stiffness (pulse wave velocity) and cardiometabolic risk factors were obtained at baseline and after 90 days of therapy. Results: Nineteen patients, mean age 71.6 years, completed the study, six dropped out and one was lost to follow up. Among hypertensive patients (n=15), 60% (9 of 15) had either a >10 mm Hg drop in systolic blood pressure (n=4) or required a reduction in anti-hypertensive medications due to persistent systolic blood pressure Conclusion: This pilot study suggests that short term Ayurvedic therapy improves arterial stiffness and many cardiometabolic risk factors in patients with coronary artery disease. These findings support the need for a randomized controlled trial to further study the effects of Ayurveda on cardiovascular disease.
Chapter 18 Teacher Quality

Abstract Improving the quality of instruction is a central component to virtually all proposals to raise school quality. Unfortunately, policy recommendations often ignore existing evidence about teacher labor markets and the determinants of teacher effectiveness in the classroom. This chapter reviews research on teacher labor markets, the importance of teacher quality in the determination of student achievement, and the extent to which specific observable characteristics often related to hiring decisions and salary explain the variation in the quality of instruction. The evidence is applied to the comparison between policies that seek to raise quality by tightening the qualifications needed to enter teaching and policies that seek to raise quality by simultaneously loosening entry restrictions and introducing performance incentives for teachers and administrators.
Surface Quasi-Conformal Mapping by Solving Beltrami Equations

We consider the problem of constructing quasi-conformal mappings between surfaces by solving Beltrami equations. This is of great importance for shape registration. In the physical world, most surface deformations can be rigorously modeled as quasi-conformal maps. The local deformation is characterized by a complex-value function, Beltrami coefficient , which describes the deviation from conformality of the deformation at each point. We propose an effective algorithm to solve the quasi-conformal map from the Beltrami coefficient. The major strategy is to deform the conformal structure of the original surface to a new conformal structure by the Beltrami coefficient, such that the quasi-conformal map becomes a conformal map. By using holomorphic differential forms, conformal maps under the new conformal structure are calculated, which are the desired quasi-conformal maps. The efficiency and efficacy of the algorithms are demonstrated by experimental results. Furthermore, the algorithms are robust for surfaces scanned from real life, and general for surfaces with different topologies.
The functional neuroanatomy of PTSD: a critical review

Neuroimaging provides an opportunity to understand core processes that mediate the experience of emotions in healthy individuals as well as dysregulation of these processes in conditions such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The first decade of neuroimaging research produced symptom provocation, cognitive activation, and functional connectivity studies that highlighted the role of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), amygdala, sublenticular extended amygdala (SLEA), and hippocampus, in mediating symptom formation in PTSD. There is a growing realization that a number of other psychological processes are relevant to PTSD, and they are emerging as a new focus of neuroimaging research. These include fear conditioning, habituation, and extinction; cognitive-emotional interactions; and self-related and social emotional processing. Neuroimaging findings are reviewed that suggest that the mPFC is implicated in a number of these processes. It is proposed that the mPFC plays a role in the "contextualization" of stimuli, and dysregulation of contextualization processes might play a key role in the generation of PTSD symptoms.
How Do Proteins Interact

New results provide support for the hypothesis that interactions between proteins involve selection from an ensemble of different conformations.
Comparison of cold enrichment and U.S. Department of Agriculture methods for isolating Listeria monocytogenes from naturally contaminated foods. The Listeria Study Group.

We compared the cold enrichment (CE) and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) methods for isolating Listeria monocytogenes by examining 402 food samples. The food samples were collected from refrigerators of listeriosis patients as part of a multistate active surveillance project to determine the role of foods in sporadic listeriosis in the United States. L. monocytogenes was isolated from 51 food samples (13%). The USDA method was significantly better (P less than 0.001) than the CE method. The isolation efficiencies of the USDA and CE methods were 96 and 59%, respectively. Quantitation of L. monocytogenes in the food samples revealed that many food samples containing less than 0.3 CFU/g were negative as determined by the CE method but positive as determined by the USDA method.