cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Detection of Genes Involved in Biodegradation and Biotransformation in Microbial Communities by Using 50-Mer Oligonucleotide Microarrays

To effectively monitor biodegrading populations, a comprehensive 50-mer-based oligonucleotide microarray was developed based on most of the 2,402 known genes and pathways involved in biodegradation and metal resistance. This array contained 1,662 unique and group-specific probes with <85% similarity to their nontarget sequences. Based on artificial probes, our results showed that under hybridization conditions of 50 degrees C and 50% formamide, the 50-mer microarray hybridization can differentiate sequences having <88% similarity. Specificity tests with representative pure cultures indicated that the designed probes on the arrays appeared to be specific to their corresponding target genes. The detection limit was approximately 5 to 10 ng of genomic DNA in the absence of background DNA and 50 to 100 ng of pure-culture genomic DNA in the presence of background DNA or 1.3 x 10(7) cells in the presence of background RNA. Strong linear relationships between the signal intensity and the target DNA and RNA were observed (r(2) = 0.95 to 0.99). Application of this type of microarray to analyze naphthalene-amended enrichment and soil microcosms demonstrated that microflora changed differently depending on the incubation conditions. While the naphthalene-degrading genes from Rhodococcus-type microorganisms were dominant in naphthalene-degrading enrichments, the genes involved in naphthalene (and polyaromatic hydrocarbon and nitrotoluene) degradation from gram-negative microorganisms, such as Ralstonia, Comamonas, and Burkholderia, were most abundant in the soil microcosms. In contrast to general conceptions, naphthalene-degrading genes from Pseudomonas were not detected, although Pseudomonas is widely known as a model microorganism for studying naphthalene degradation. The real-time PCR analysis with four representative genes showed that the microarray-based quantification was very consistent with real-time PCR (r(2) = 0.74). In addition, application of the arrays to both polyaromatic-hydrocarbon- and benzene-toluene-ethylbenzene-xylene-contaminated and uncontaminated soils indicated that the developed microarrays appeared to be useful for profiling differences in microbial community structures. Our results indicate that this technology has potential as a specific, sensitive, and quantitative tool in revealing a comprehensive picture of the compositions of biodegradation genes and the microbial community in contaminated environments, although more work is needed to improve detection sensitivity.
Effect of cervical cerclage on rate of cervical shortening

Objective Although cerclage has been shown to reduce the risk of recurrent preterm birth in a high-risk patient population, the mechanism by which this occurs is not well understood. Our objective was to evaluate whether cerclage affects the rate of cervical shortening taking into account exposure to 17-hydroxyprogesterone and vaginal progesterone. Methods This was a retrospective cohort study of women who had serial cervical length measurements due to a history of spontaneous preterm delivery. Demographic data, obstetric history, progesterone administration, delivery information and serial cervical length measurements were collected. The rate of cervical shortening was compared in women with and without cerclage. Subgroup analyses were performed to compare rates of cervical shortening by indication for cerclage (history indicated vs ultrasound indicated) and outcome in the current pregnancy (cerclage vs no cerclage among those who delivered preterm). Results A total of 414 women were included of whom 32.4% (n = 134) had a cerclage. There was no difference in the rate of cervical shortening between the cerclage (0.8 mm/week) and no-cerclage (1.0 mm/week, P = 0.43) groups. The rates of cervical shortening among history-indicated and ultrasound-indicated cerclage groups were similar (0.9 vs 1.3 mm/week, respectively, P = 0.2). Among patients with a preterm delivery in the index pregnancy, the rates of cervical shortening among those with (1.31 mm/week) and without (1.28 mm/week, P = 0.78) cerclage were also similar. Conclusion Cervical shortening among women with cerclage occurs at a similar rate to that among women without a cerclage, regardless of indication for cerclage or pregnancy outcome. Copyright © 2015 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Preliminary Model of Potomac Estuary Phytoplankton

The upper 40-mile reach of the Potomac Estuary is modeled by a nonlinear, time variable representation of phytoplankton dynamics. Nitrogen and phosphorous recycling is included. Sensitivity analyses indicate that phytoplankton from tidal embayments can contribute as much as 40 μg/l to observed chlorophyll in the main channel. Loss of phosphorous to the sediments is significant. Flow transport through the estuary and the nutrients and phytoplankton associated with increasing river flow are particularly important. Simulations indicate that under nondrought flows and a 90% reduction of untreated nutrient loads, chlorophyll concentrations in the main channel may rise to 50 μg/l and to 70 μg/l in tidal embayments. These concentrations are above an objective of 25 μg/l, but are about 60% less than present values.
Beta Decay of Fe 59

The decay of ${\mathrm{Fe}}^{59}$ was studied with particular interest in the shape of the beta spectrum and in the comparative half-life of the very weak, highest energy beta group. This group was found to result from 0.30% of the decays and to have an end-point energy of 1.573\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.003 MeV. The experimental data could be fitted with a shape factor ${p}^{2}+3.3 {q}^{2}$, consistent in form with that expected for a twice-forbidden $\ensuremath{\Delta}I=2$ (no) transition. The comparative half-life ($logft=10.96$) is relatively short. The two more intense beta transitions are 0.475\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.003 MeV, 51.2%, $logft=6.74 \mathrm{and} 0.273\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.005$ MeV, 48.5%, $logft=5.92$. The energies of the two high-energy gamma transitions, determined from their $K$ internal conversion lines, are 1.101\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.003 and 1.300\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.003 MeV.
Exploring Politics Through Literature and Film: The First Year Seminar as a 'Learning Centered' Introduction to College Writing and Creative Social Inquiry

In this paper, I speak to both the potential pitfalls associated with learning-centered course design and the enormous promise it represents. I do so by reflecting critically on my experience teaching a first year seminar (FYS) at a small liberal arts college in the fall of 2012. First, I unpack the theory behind and practices associated with learning-centered design, as expressed by its proponents. Thereafter, I describe the process by which I created a writing-intensive seminar using learning-centered principles. I then underscore the lessons drawn from that experience — positive and negative — based on my perspective and those of students in the course, among other data. I conclude by recommending a set of practices to facilitate the integration of learning-centered teaching into the curriculum.
Local effects of epinephrine on the cerebral cortex.

Conclusions1. On the basis of these results, it may be concluded that epinephrine stimulates neuronal aggregates in the cerebral cortex. 2. The local effect is marked by an increase in duration and intensity of the period of over-excitation subsequent to a stimulus eliciting movement, and it is characterized by the appearance of after-discharges of cortex and muscle after stimuli just sufficient to produce movement.
Breast malignancy masquerading under the cloak of acute urticaria.

Urticaria is a common disorder characterised by well-demarcated and intensely pruritic erythematous skin swellings. Common triggers include infection, allergic reactions or medications. While often idiopathic, the presence of urticaria can be associated with underlying systemic disease. We report a case of a patient who presented with diffuse and refractory urticaria. A thorough workup was conducted to determine the aetiology including routine age-appropriate cancer screening. Mammography revealed four lesions in the patient9s left breast with biopsy consistent with invasive ductal carcinoma. Disappearance of the urticarial lesions with mastectomy suggests an association between breast malignancy and urticaria. Thus, refractory urticaria with unknown cause should prompt a thorough history, physical examination and review of age-appropriate cancer screening.
Optically guided linac radiosurgery with a Leksell head frame as an adjunct to Gamma Knife treatment.

Because of geometrical limitations in the helmet of the Leksell Gamma Knife™ (Elekta Corp., Atlanta, GA, USA) certain regions within the cranium cannot be targeted for treatment. We describe a method by which lesions in these regions can be treated with the Varian-Zmed stereotactic radiosurgery system utilizing an infrared optical positioning system attached to a Leksell head frame. We have measured the accuracy of the optical tracking system using a phantom attached to a Leksell frame and have determined that the system can target a linear accelerator radiosurgery beam to an accuracy of within 1 millimeter.
Preventing smoking in multiethnic communities.

OBJECTIVE To examine community-based efforts to prevent tobacco use among adolescents, compared and contrasted to efforts conducted in schools. METHODS Review effective school-based prevention efforts including the Surgeon General's research reports describing broader based community approaches. RESULTS By reducing illegal sales, making it physically more difficult to purchase and consume tobacco, promoting nonuse and increasing the price of cigarettes via other policy changes, and using aggressive media spots to complement these community changes, we can shift this focus back to the industry and allied political and economic interests. CONCLUSION By adopting specific approaches, further reductions in the stubbornly stable adolescent prevalence rates can be realized.
Prevalence and Prognostic Value of Lymph Node Dissection in Treating Adrenocortical Carcinoma: A National Experience.

AIM We examined a national database to investigate the role of lymph node dissection (LND) in adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) treated surgically. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patient data diagnosed with ACC between 1991 and 2011 were extracted from a national database. Predictors of LND, positive lymph nodes on LND, and the association between positive LND and cancer-specific death were examined. RESULTS Only 5.39% of patients underwent LND, and 31.03% had positive lymph nodes. Disease stage was the only significant predictor of LND (odds ratio=3.061; 95% confidence interval=1.158-8.091), and finding more than one positive lymph nodes on LND was the only significant predictor of cancer-specific death (hazard ratio=3.13; 95% confidence interval=1.233-7.95) in tumors larger than 3 cm in size. CONCLUSION LND is not a common practice in treating ACC in the United States. The finding of more than one positive lymph nodes on LND for ACC is associated with poor prognosis.
Recognizing off target drug effects in the gut and brain

It is difficult to recognize off-target drug effects, leading to delays in diagnosis and predisposing patients to additional harms. Key components in the formulation of the correct diagnosis include the temporal sequence of events. The sentinel injury may target the gut and brain because of common intermediary metabolites and neuroactive substrates. The description of the complaint may vary among practitioners. The biggest issue in recognizing off target drug effects is to consider the possibility.
Performance evaluation of a continuous-flow bioanode microbial electrolysis cell fed with furanic and phenolic compounds

Furanic and phenolic compounds, formed during the pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass, are problematic byproducts in down-stream biofuel processes. A microbial electrolysis cell (MEC) is an alternative technology to handle furanic and phenolic compounds and produce renewable hydrogen (H2). The present study evaluated the performance of a continuous-flow bioanode MEC fed with furanic and phenolic compounds at different operating conditions. All hydraulic retention times (HRTs) tested (6–24 h) resulted in complete transformation of the parent compounds at an organic loading rate (OLR) of 0.2 g L−1 per d and applied voltage of 0.6 V. Increasing the OLR to 0.8 g L−1 per d at an HRT of 6 h resulted in an increased H2 production rate from 0.07 to 0.14 L Lanode−1 per d, but an OLR of 3.2 g L−1 per d did not lead to a higher H2 production rate. Significant methane production was observed at an OLR of 3.2 g L−1 per d. The lack of increased H2 production at the highest OLR tested was due to a limited rate of exoelectrogenesis but not fermentation, evidenced by the accumulation of high acetate levels and higher growth of fermenters and methanogens over exoelectrogens. Increasing applied voltage from 0.6 to 1.0 V at an OLR of 3.2 g L−1 per d and HRT of 6 h enhanced exoelectrogenesis and resulted in a 1.7-fold increase of H2 production. Under all operating conditions, more than 90% of the biomass was biofilm-associated. The present study provides new insights into the performance of continuous-flow bioelectrochemical systems fed with complex waste streams resulting from the pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass.
Alcohol Vapor Inhalation as a Model of Alcohol-Induced Organ Disease

BACKGROUND: Chronic intermittent ethanol vapor (CIEV) exposure has been used extensively to produce rodent models of alcohol dependence, but unlike other models of alcohol abuse, CIEV has not been assessed as a model of end-organ damage. The purpose of this study was to characterize the effects of CIEV on peripheral organ systems affected by alcohol abuse, including the liver, lungs, and cardiovascular system. METHODS: Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to daily CIEV for a period of 8 weeks (14HR ON/10HR OFF), producing blood alcohol levels of ~200 mg/dl. Controls were exposed to room air. After 8 weeks, echocardiography was performed to assess cardiac function. Indices of liver injury (alanine and aspartate aminotransferases [ALT and AST]; cytochrome p450 2E1 [CYP2E1]; alcohol dehydrogenase [ADH]; Oil Red O and triglyceride content; lipid peroxidation; inflammatory cytokine expression; and macrophage infiltration), and lung inflammatory cell count, proinflammatory cytokine expression, and lipid peroxidation were measured. RESULTS: Left ventricular posterior wall thickness was significantly decreased, and systolic blood pressure was significantly elevated by CIEV compared with air controls. CIEV led to a significant increase in plasma ALT and triglycerides compared with room air controls. CIEV did not affect liver triglyceride content, lipid staining or peroxidation, but increased CYP2E1 and chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2) protein expression, while decreasing ADH expression. CIEV significantly increased numbers of both polymorphonuclear neutrophils and lymphocytes in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, indicative of pulmonary inflammation. However, CIEV did not produce significant changes in lung mass, pulmonary lipid peroxidation, inflammatory cytokine expression, or edema. CONCLUSIONS: These results show that CIEV produces hepatic, pulmonary, and cardiovascular effects in rats similar to those found in other models of chronic alcohol administration. Alcohol vapor administration is a novel method of alcohol-induced tissue injury with high potential for widespread use in alcohol toxicology research.Copyright © 2016 by the Research Society on Alcoholism. Language: en
Another Application of Transesophageal Echocardiography —Aortic Annulus Measurement

Transesophageal echocardiography has become a relatively common monitoring technique in recent years. It is valuable for the assessment of valve morphology and valve functional status. It also provides a means of evaluating wall motion abnormalities in patients with poor ventricular function, and of detecting ischemia perioperatively for better patients management. We have examined its application to the measurement of allograft aortic valves. With significant improvement in cryo-preservation of allografts, there has been renewed interest in free-hand aortic valve replacement with aortic allograft preserved in this way. Such replacement requires detailed knowledge of cardiac and aortic pathology and it demands technical excellence in sculpturing and free-hand insertion of an unstented human allograft valve.
Association of Adjuvant Chemoradiotherapy vs Radiotherapy Alone With Survival in Patients With Resected Major Salivary Gland Carcinoma: Data From the National Cancer Data Base

Importance Data on adjuvant concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CRT) after resection of salivary gland carcinomas (SGCs) are limited. Objective To examine overall survival (OS) outcomes of patients who receive CRT vs radiotherapy (RT) alone after resection of SGCs. Design, Setting, and Participants The National Cancer Data Base (NCDB), a hospital-based registry that represents 70% of all cancer cases in the United States, was queried for patients who underwent resection of major SGCs with at least 1 high-risk feature (T3-T4 stage, N1-N3 stage, or positive margins). Included patients had histologic findings for malignant SGC with grades 2 to 3 disease and at least 1 high-risk feature. All patients underwent resection with postoperative CRT or RT alone. Patients were treated from 1998 to 2011. Data were analyzed from January to March 2016. Exposures Patients received CRT, defined as chemotherapy start within 14 days of RT initiation, or RT alone. Main Outcomes and Measures Univariate, multivariate, and propensity score–matched analyses were performed to compare OS for patients undergoing CRT vs RT alone. Results Analyses included 2210 eligible patients (1372 men [62.1%] and 838 women [37.9%]; median age [range], 63 [18-90] years); of these, 1842 (83.3%) received RT alone and 368 (16.7%) received CRT. Median follow-up was 39 (range, 2-188) months. Most of the resected major SGCs occurred at the parotid gland (1852 [83.8%]), followed by the submandibular gland (276 [12.5%]), major gland not otherwise specified (66 [3.0%]), and sublingual gland (16 [0.7%]). Unadjusted 2-year OS was worse with adjuvant CRT vs RT alone (71.3% vs 80.2%), as was 5-year OS (38.5% vs 54.2%) (hazard ratio [HR], 1.51; 95% CI, 1.29-1.76; P P = .02) and propensity score–matched analysis (HR, 1.20; 95% CI, 0.98-1.47; P = .08) compared with RT alone. Subgroup analyses by age, comorbidity score, primary site, histologic type, grade, T stage, N stage, margin status, and chemotherapy (single agent vs multiagent) demonstrated equivalent or shorter OS with the addition of chemotherapy to RT. Conclusions and Relevance This large analysis compared survival outcomes between postoperative CRT and RT alone in patients undergoing resection of high-risk major SGCs using a nationally representative database. The addition of concurrent chemotherapy to RT in patients with high-risk major SGCs did not offer an advantage in OS.
Impact of enumeration method on diversity of Escherichia coli genotypes isolated from surface water.

There are numerous regulatory-approved E. coli enumeration methods, but it is not known whether differences in media composition and incubation conditions impact the diversity of E. coli populations detected by these methods. A study was conducted to determine if three standard water quality assessments, Colilert®, USEPA Method 1603, (modified mTEC), and USEPA Method 1604 (MI), detect different populations of E. coli. Samples were collected from six watersheds and analysed using the three enumeration approaches followed by E. coli isolation and genotyping. Results indicated that the three methods generally produced similar enumeration data across the sites, although there were some differences on a site-by-site basis. The Colilert® method consistently generated the least diverse collection of E. coli genotypes as compared to modified mTEC and MI, with those two methods being roughly equal to each other. Even though the three media assessed in this study were designed to enumerate E. coli, the differences in the media composition, incubation temperature, and growth platform appear to have a strong selective influence on the populations of E. coli isolated. This study suggests that standardized methods of enumeration and isolation may be warranted if researchers intend to obtain individual E. coli isolates for further characterization. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Abnormalities in granule formation in acute myelogenous leukemia.

Granule formation was investigated in differentiating neutrophils of a patient with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) by means of the combined techniques of electron microscopy and peroxidase cytochemistry. Two important pathologic features were observed: first, an abnormal concentration and packaging of peroxidase into Auer rods in leukemic promyelocytes, and second, the presence of Auer rods surrounded by single-unit membranes in some mature polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN). An additional unexpected finding was the discovery of two distinct populations of PMN circulating concurrently; a minor (less than 5%) normal one that contained both peroxidase-positive azurophilic and peroxidase-negative specific granules and a major abnormal one characterized by the absence of specific granules. None of these abnormalities was observed during the two remissions of this patient9s disease. During relapse a “hiatus leukemicus” occurred, which also revealed two populations of cells, a majority population of leukemic blasts, and a minority population of a few normal PMN. These findings documented several developmental abnormalities in the differentiating cells of myelogenous leukemia and also suggested that concurrent normal and abnormal populations of PMN may be a helpful diagnostic feature of a leukemic process.
Marshalling Students to Action

Abstract Promoting students' understanding and involvement in the public policy process is an ubiquitous task. A three-part policy framework forms the foundation for a family science curriculum that encourages and equips students for involvement in the public policy process. First, the curriculum integrates a sound knowledge base of relevant theories and research with an analysis of community needs. Secondly, students learn the value of a supportive political climate as they dialogue with legislators, professionals, individuals, groups, and the media, sharing research-based information to identify problems and solutions. Thirdly, students enter the public policy process as they establish relationships with decision-makers and key stakeholders. Through the carefully planned course activities and assignments, students make connections between academic coursework and future professional work. Ethnographic evaluation of public policy instruction reveals opportunities for students to actively engage in the leg...
Blockade of PDGF Receptors by Crenolanib Has Therapeutic Effect in Patient Fibroblasts and in Preclinical Models of Systemic Sclerosis

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a multi-organ fibrotic disease with few treatment options. Activated fibroblasts are the key effector cells in SSc responsible for the excessive production of collagen and the development of fibrosis. Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), a potent mitogen for cells of mesenchymal origin, has been implicated in the activation of SSc fibroblasts. Our aim was to examine the therapeutic potential of crenolanib, an inhibitor of PDGF receptor signaling, in cultured fibroblasts and in angiotensin II-induced skin and heart fibrosis. Crenolanib effectively inhibited proliferation and migration of SSc and healthy control fibroblasts and attenuated basal and transforming growth factor-β–induced expression of CCN2/CTGF and periostin. In contrast to healthy control fibroblasts, SSc fibroblasts proliferated in response to PDGFAA, whereas a combination of PDGFAA and CCN2 was required to elicit a similar response in healthy control fibroblasts. PDGF receptor α mRNA correlated with CCN2 and other fibrotic markers in the skin of SSc patients. In mice challenged with angiotensin II, PDGF receptor α-positive cells were increased in the skin and heart. These PDGF receptor α-positive cells co-localized with PDGF receptor β, procollagen, and periostin. Treatment with crenolanib attenuated the skin and heart fibrosis. Our data indicate that inhibition of PDGF signaling presents an attractive therapeutic approach for SSc.
Comparison of the adolescent and adult mouse prefrontal cortex proteome

Adolescence is a developmental period characterized by unique behavioral phenotypes (increased novelty seeking, risk taking, sociability and impulsivity) and increased risk for destructive behaviors, impaired decision making and psychiatric illness. Adaptive and maladaptive adolescent traits have been associated with development of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), a brain region that mediates regulatory control of behavior. However, the molecular changes that underlie brain development and behavioral vulnerability have not been fully characterized. Using high-throughput 2D DIGE spot profiling with identification by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, we identified 62 spots in the PFC that exhibited age-dependent differences in expression. Identified proteins were associated with diverse cellular functions, including intracellular signaling, synaptic plasticity, cellular organization and metabolism. Separate Western blot analyses confirmed age-related changes in DPYSL2, DNM1, STXBP1 and CFL1 in the mPFC and expanded these findings to the dorsal striatum, nucleus accumbens, motor cortex, amygdala and ventral tegmental area. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) identified functional interaction networks enriched with proteins identified in the proteomics screen, linking age-related alterations in protein expression to cellular assembly and development, cell signaling and behavior, and psychiatric illness. These results provide insight into potential molecular components of adolescent cortical development, implicating structural processes that begin during embryonic development as well as plastic adaptations in signaling that may work in concert to bring the cortex, and other brain regions, into maturity.
Overexpresion of 20-Hydroxyeicosatetraenoic Acid Synthesis Increases Vascular Tone

P31 The cytochrome P450 (CYP)4A family catalyzes 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE) synthesis which promotes vasoconstriction. We transfected gracilis arterioles (GA) with an expression plasmid (pcDNA3.1) containing the cDNA of CYP4A1, the low K m arachidonic acid ω-hydroxylase, and examined the consequences of increasing intracellular levels of 20-HETE on vascular diameter. GA were isolated from SD rats and incubated with a mixture of pcDNA3.1/CYP4A1 (20μg)or pcDNA3.1 (control plasmid, 20μg) and liposomes (200μg) in Dubecco’s modified Eagle medium with 10% Nu-serum for 18h. Immunoreactive CYP4A protein levels were markedly increased in GA transfected with the pcDNA3.1/CYP4A1 compared to those transfected with empty plasmid. CYP4A1-transfected GA demonstrated a 2-fold increase in 20-HETE synthesis (0.019 ± 0.005 vs 0.009 ± 0.0017 ng/mg/h in vessels transfected with the CYP4A1 and empty plasmid, respectively). Treated GA were mounted on a pressure-myograph and pressurized to 100 mmHg for functional studies. The internal diameter (ID) of GA transfected with pcDNA3.1/CYP4A1 (55 ± 2μm) was exceeded by that of GA transfected with empty plasmid DNA (99 ± 5μm). Acute treatment with an inhibitor of 20-HETE synthesis (DDMS, 30 μM) increased the ID of CYP4A1-transfected GA to 83 ± 7μm but not of GA transfected with empty plasmid DNA (105 ± 5μm). Likewise, acute treatment with 20-HEDE (10μM), a 20-HETE antagonist, increased the ID of CYP4A1-transfected GA to 90 ± 4μm but not of GA transfected with empty plasmid DNA (101 ± 8μm). These results, together with the observation that CYP4A1 expression and 20-HETE synthesis are detected in untreated arterioles, support the view that 20-HETE of vascular origin contributes to vascular tone.
Splicing-Correcting Therapy for SMA

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is caused by deficiency of SMN protein, which is crucial for spliceosome subunits biogenesis. Most SMA patients have SMN1 deletions, leaving SMN2 as sole SMN source; however, a C→T substitution converts an exonic-splicing enhancer (ESE) to a silencer (ESS), causing frequent exon7 skipping in SMN2 pre-mRNA and yielding a truncated protein. Antisense treatment to SMN2 intron7-splicing silencer (ISS) improves SMN expression and motor function. To view this Bench to Bedside, open or download the PDF.
Increased alcohol use after Hurricane Ike: The roles of perceived social cohesion and social control.

Abstract Hurricane Ike, the third costliest hurricane in US history, made landfall in the Galveston Bay Area in September, 2008. Existing literature postulates that maladaptive behavior such as increased alcohol use is often exhibited by disaster survivors in coping with both disaster-related traumatic events and post-disaster stressful events. In addition, it has also been postulated that survivors’ perceptions of social cohesion and social control can potentially serve to moderate such behavior. The purpose of this paper is to study such hypotheses for Hurricane Ike. In particular, we investigate the following four hypotheses: (H1) There is an increase of alcohol use by survivors of Hurricane Ike in the Galveston Bay Area; (H2) There are positive associations between both Ike-related trauma and post-Ike stress events and the increase in alcohol use; (H3) There are negative associations between both perceived social cohesion and social control and the increase in alcohol use following Ike; and finally that (H4) perceived social cohesion and social control serve to moderate the associations between both Ike-related trauma and post-Ike stress events and increased alcohol use after Ike. Using public use survey-weighted data from the Galveston Bay Recovery Study (GBRS) of Ike survivors (N = 658), we tested these hypotheses using logistic regressions controlling for other key socioeconomic variables. Our results confirm H1 and H2. Hypotheses H3 and H4 are partially confirmed with respect to social control, but show that (i) there is a positive association between perceived social cohesion and the increase in alcohol use following Ike, and that (ii) while perceived social cohesion and social control do moderate the association between post-Ike stress events and increased alcohol use, they have no effect on the association between Ike-related trauma and increased alcohol use.
The role of social anarchism and geography in constructing a radical agenda: A response to David Harvey

David Harvey’s response to Simon Springer (2014) raises important questions about the places from which to draw ideas for a radical geography agenda. Nevertheless, Harvey ignores critical contributions that social anarchists (including social geographers) have made to understanding both the theory and practice of social transformation. We draw on studies of the anarchist movement in Spain before and during the Spanish Civil War to explore some of what social anarchism has to contribute to geography and contemporary struggles for a more equitable society.
An 8b subthreshold hybrid thermal sensor with ±1.07°C inaccuracy and single-element remote-sensing technique in 22nm FinFET

Thermal sensors are commonly used in modern highly dense systems-on-chip (SoC) to provide information about die temperature for thermal protection or performance optimization. To enable the deployment of multiple sensors in an SoC, the power and size of such sensors has been steadily reduced. Although most solutions are PNP-based [1-4], recently a low-power NPN-based current-mode thermal sensor [5] was implemented to meet the power and form-factor requirement with a robust architecture. However, since NPN devices are only available in a triple-well process, its use in low-cost dual-well processes is limited. This paper demonstrates a current-mode hybrid thermal sensor in an advanced 22nm FinFET process [6] based on subthreshold NMOS transistors and a parasitic PNP [7]. A simple voltage-based single-point soft-trimming was implemented to mitigate the sensitivity of the sensor to the subthreshold factor variability during manufacturing. Instead of placing the whole sensor system in multiple locations in a system, the hybrid architecture also supports single-element remote sensing. Only a 0.00021mm2 PNP device placed in the area of interest and a signal connection to the main sensor are then needed for temperature sensing. The sensor system achieves +/−1.07°C (±3σ) precision with 0.0043mm2 silicon area and 50uA current consumption from a 1V supply.
A Missed Opportunity: Health Care Reform, Rhetoric, Ethics and Economics at the End of Life

This article argues that congress’s failure to include a provision for Medicare reimbursement that would have incentivized physicians to consult with patients regarding end-of-life issues was a missed opportunity to both address rising costs for unwanted or unwarranted intensive and technological medical interventions at the end of life and enduring concerns about patient dignity and autonomy during their final days.
Synthesis and microstructure of poly(1-phenyl-1-sila-cis-pent-3-ene)

poly(1-Phenyl-1-sila-cis-pent-3-ene) (I) has been prepared by the anionic ring opening polymerization of 1-phenyl-1-sila-cyclopent-3-ene (II). This reaction is co-catalyzed by n-butyl-lithium and HMPA in THF at low temperature. I has been characterized by 1H, 13C and 29Si NMR, IR, UV, GPC and TGA. The low molecular weight of l permits end group analysis. Pyrolysis of l gives significant char yields.
Stages of Change and the Intake of Dietary Fat in African-American Women: Improving Stage Assignment Using the Eating Styles Questionnaire

Abstract Objective To develop an algorithm for determining the stage of change for dietary fat intake in African-American women. Design We examined the relationships between stage of change, dietary fat intake, and associated eating behaviors and developed an assessment tool for placing subjects in their appropriate stage of change. Subjects Working class and middle-income African-American women in Nashville, Tenn; 174 in study 1 and 208 in study 2. Statistical analyses Fat and fiber intake by stage of change was examined using multivariate analysis of variance. Hierarchical cluster analysis was performed using Ward's method. Results A significant difference in fat intake was noted between women trying to change their intake and those not trying to change in study 1 ( P P Applications/conclusions These data support the stage construct of the Transtheoretical Model for dietary fat reduction in African-American women. Moreover, the Eating Styles Questionnaire (ESQ) can improve determination of stage of change for this group of women. The ESQ can be used to diagnose the eating styles that contribute to a high-fat intake and help in the design of interventions to lower fat intakes. J Am Diet Assoc. 1999;99:1392–1399 .
Maverick: providing web applications with safe and flexible access to local devices

Web browsers do not yet provide Web programs with the same safe, convenient access to local devices that operating systems provide to native programs. As a result, Web programmers must either wait for the slowly evolving HTML standard to add support for the device classes they want to use, or they must use difficult to deploy browser plug-ins to add the access they need. This paper describes Maverick, a browser that provides Web applications with safe and flexible access to local devices. Maverick lets Web programmers implement USB device drivers and frameworks, like file systems or streaming video layers, using standard Web programming technologies such as HTML, JavaScript, or even code executed in a native client sandbox. These Web drivers and Web frameworks are downloaded dynamically from Web servers and executed by browsers alongside Web applications. Maverick provides Web drivers with protected access to the USB bus, and it provides Web drivers and frameworks with event-driven IPC channels to communicate with each other and with Web applications. We prototyped Maverick by modifying the Chrome Web browser and the Linux kernel. Using Maverick, we have implemented: several Web drivers, including a USB mass storage driver and a Webcam driver; several Web frameworks, including a FAT16 filesystem and a streaming video framework; and, several Web applications that exercise them. Our experiments show that Web drivers, frameworks, and applications are practical, easy to author, and have sufficient performance, even when implemented in JavaScript.
Iron(II)-Induced Generation of Hydrogen Peroxide from Dioxygen; Induction of Fenton Chemistry and the Activation of O2 for the Ketonization of Hydrocarbons; FeII(PA)2/(t-BuOOH)-Induced Activation of O2

The combination of FeII(DPAH)2 (DPAH2 = 2,6-dicarboxyl pyridine) and O2 in a 2:1 pyridine/acetic acid solution results in a rapid autoxidation to produce HOOH and FeIII(DPA)(DPAH) (k1, 1.8±0.5 M-1s-1). The resultant HOOH reacts with excess FeII(DPAH)2 via a nucleophilic addition to give a Fenton reagent [(DPAH)2-FeIIOOH + pyH+] (1) that reacts with (a) excess FeII(DPAH)2 to give FeIII(DPA)(DPAH) [k2, (2±1) x 103 M-1s-1], (b) excess c-C6H12 and PhSeSePh (a carbon radical trap) to give c-C6H11SePh [kinetic-isotope-effect (\(\matrix{ {\{ {\rm{F}}{{\rm{e}}^{{\rm{II}}}}{{({\rm{PA}})}_2} + {\rm{HOOH}}} & {\mathrel{\mathop{\kern0pt\longrightarrow} \limits_{{{({\rm{py}})}_2}{\rm{HOAc}}}^{{\rm{k}},2 \times {{10}^3}{{\rm{M}}^{ - 1}}{{\rm{s}}^{ - 1}}}} } & {[{{({\rm{PA}})}_2} - {\rm{F}}{{\rm{e}}^{{\rm{II}}}}} \cr } {\rm{OOH + py}}{{\rm{H}}^{\rm{ + }}}](1)\} \)), 1.7], and (c) excess O2 to form an adduct [(DPAH)2-FeIIIOOH(O2) + pyH+](5), which reacts with excess c-C6H12 via an intermediate [(DPAH)2FeIV(OH)(OOC6H11)] (6) and FeII(DPAH)2 to give c-C6H10(O) [KIE, 2.6] and FeIII(DPA)(DPAH) [32 mM FeII(DPAH)2,O2 (1 atm, 3.4 mM), and 1 M c-C6H12 yield 6 mM c-C6H10(O)]. The related FeII(PA)2 complex in combination with t-BuOOH (or HOOH) catalytically activates O2 to oxygenate hydrocarbons {e.g., c-C6H12 → c-C6H10(O) [9 O2 turnovers per FeII(PA)2]; PhCH2CH3 → PhC(O)CH3 (25 O2 turnovers); c-C6H10 → c-C6H8(O) (5 O2 turnovers); and PhCH(Me)2 → PhC(O)Me, Ph(Me)2COH, and Ph(Me)C=CH2 (5 O2 turnovers). With large t-BuOOH (or HOOH)/FeII(PA)2 ratios spontaneous decomposition occurs to give free O2 that is incorporated into the substrates. The first-formed intermediate is a one-to-one t-BuOOH/FeLx adduct {[(PA)2-FeIIOOBu-t + pyH+] (1)}, which reacts with (a) excess t-BuOOH to give O2 and t-BuOH, (b) excess FeII(PA)2 to give (PA)2FeIIIOH(Bu-t), (c) excess c-C6H12 to give (c-C6H11)py [KIE, 4.6 with t-BuOOH and 1.7 with HOOH], and (d) O2 to form an adduct, [(PA)2-FeIII(O2)(OOBu-t) + pyH+](5), that reacts with c-C6H12 to form c-C6H10(O) [KIE, 8.7 (2.5 with HOOH)]. When PhCH2Me or c-C6H10 are the substrates (RH), 5 reacts to form [(PA)2FeIV(OH)(OOR)] (6), which in turn reacts with RH and O2 in a catalytic cycle to give PhC(O)Me or c-C6H8(O) [2-3 O2 turnovers per FeII(PA)2]. The FeII(bpy) 2 2+ , FeII(OPPh3) 4 2+ , (Cl8TPP)FeII(py)2, FeIIICl3, and CuI(bpy) 2 + complexes in MeCN are similar effective catalysts.
Large eddy simulations of the turbulent flows of twin parallel jets

Abstract Turbulent jet interactions play a significant role in terms of momentum and heat transfer. For example, in next generation nuclear reactors, high temperature flow mixing in the lower plenum and mixing fluctuations in the coolant may influence power oscillations. Thus, the estimation of the mixing condition needs to be accurate. Recent benchmark experiments using particle image velocimetry (PIV) technique provided high-fidelity experimental data that could be used in comparative studies. In the present study, large eddy simulation (LES) numerical methodology is used on a parallel jet system and validated with benchmark PIV experiments. The results indicate good agreement in terms of the merging point and time averaged velocity profile. Spectral analyses via Welch’s power spectral density functions are used to analyze frequency information in turbulence jets. The proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) analysis method is applied using a snapshot method. The POD analysis indicates vortex structures similar to those in the benchmark PIV experiment.
THE EFFECTS OF ACTIVIST INVESTORS ON FIRMS’ MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS

We investigate the effects of activist investors on firm acquisitions, where activist investors include both hedge fund activists and entrepreneurial activists (venture capital funds, private equity funds, and individual investors). For completed deals, acquirers with activist investors experience significantly higher announcement cumulative abnormal returns compared to acquirers without activist investors. In addition, acquirers with activist investors are more likely to withdraw from value‐destroying transactions. Furthermore, the market reacts more favorably to acquirers with activists than to those without activists when these value‐destroying transactions are withdrawn. Our results highlight the role of activist investors in aligning managers’ and shareholders’ interests in acquisition decisions.
Radiomics of the lesion habitat on pre-treatment MRI predicts response to chemo-radiation therapy in Glioblastoma

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a highly aggressive brain tumor with a median survival of 15 months. Unfortunately, chemo-radiation therapy (CRT), the standard-of-care treatment for GBM, fails in over 40% of the patients within 6 months of treatment, likely on account of the highly infiltrative and heterogeneous nature of the disease. Consequently, there is a need to differentiate patients who might be at high-risk of poor outcome due to treatment failure from those who may respond favorably to CRT treatment. In this work, we analyzed the lesion heterogeneity on clinical multi-parametric MRI (MP-MRI) by interrogating radiomic features from the lesion habitat" (comprising enhancing tumor, necrotic core, T2/FLAIR hyperintensities), to determine if we could non-invasively stratify patients into low-risk and high-risk categories based on their progression-free-survival (PFS). We employed a total of 124 pre-treatment MP-MRI scans (Gadolinium (Gd)-enhanced T1w, T2w, FLAIR) and dichotomized high-risk from low-risk patients using the median PFS information. Of the 124 scans, 90 studies were used for training and 34 studies were used for independent validation. For each MRI scan, necrotic core, enhancing tumor, and edematous sub-compartments were annotated by an expert. Thereafter, a total of 1008 radiomic descriptors (e.g. Haralick, Laws energy, CoLlAGe) were extracted from every sub-compartment across all three MRI protocols (Gd-T1w, T2w, FLAIR). The top 5 most discriminatory radiomic features (p _ 0.05) were selected from the training cohort using a one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test after removing multi-collinearity for each sub-compartment across all three MRI protocols. A linear discriminant analysis (LDA) classifier was employed individually for each sub-compartment, using the top 5 features selected from the training cohort. These features were then used to differentiate between high-risk and low-risk groups in the independent validation set. We further concatenated the top 5 radiomic features from each sub-compartment to evaluate the combined impact of the tumor habitat in predicting patient outcome. The best accuracy of 72.2% on the training cohort, and 73.3% on the independent validation cohort was obtained from the enhancing tumor sub-compartment, in distinguishing the low-risk from the high-risk group. Interestingly, when top features from the 3 sub-compartments were combined together for risk-stratification, an accuracy of 82.3% was obtained on the independent validation cohort (N=34). Our preliminary results seem to suggest that radiomic features from the tumor habitat might be reflective of tumor heterogeneity and could potentially differentiate high-risk from low-risk groups in predicting patient's response to treatment.
What Do Students Know about University Rankings? Testing Familiarity and Knowledge of Global and Domestic University League Tables in China.

While academics and university administrators often criticize rankings, league tables have become important tools for student decision-making, especially in the Chinese sector. Yet, research has not fully explored how students in China have engaged with both global and local rankings, as most studies have focused on one setting or the other. Likewise, researchers have not tested students’ knowledge of rankings, despite the intense focus on these actors by universities. Using a survey of over 900 students from Chinese universities, the author explored how knowledge of rankings varies in different student populations. Through multivariate analysis, it is found that students from elite institutions and those with educated parents were more attuned to university rankings in general. However, when testing students’ knowledge of rankings, elite university students performed better in knowing their domestic ranking, but worse when guessing their global ranking, while associations to parental education disappeared. This study, the first of its kind in terms of testing student knowledge, illustrates that the impact from university rankings are mitigated by local and individual characteristics.
Pharmacometabolomics of Respiratory Phenotypic Response to Dexamethasone in Preterm Infants at Risk for Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia.

A prospective cohort study was performed in preterm infants less than 32 weeks gestation at birth who were treated with dexamethasone for developing or established bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Respiratory phenotype (Respiratory Severity Score (RSS)), serum, and urine metabolomics were assessed before and after treatment. Ten infants provided nine matched serum and nine matched urine samples. There was a significant decrease in RSS with steroid treatment. Serum gluconic acid had the largest median fold change (140 times decreased, P = 0.008). In metabolite set enrichment analysis, in both serum and urine, the urea cycle, ammonia recycling, and malate-aspartate shuttle pathways were most significantly enriched when comparing pretreatment and post-treatment (P value < 0.05). In regression analyses, 6 serum and 28 urine metabolites were significantly associated with change in RSS. Urine gluconic acid lactone was the most significantly correlated with clinical response (correlational coefficient 0.915). Pharmacometabolomic discovery of drug response biomarkers in preterm infants may allow precision therapeutics in BPD treatment.