cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sparx - Data Preprocessing Module

In the current scenario, there are a steady boom in Machine learning and Deep Learning areas which mainly enables us to build predictive models, CNN - Convolutional Neural Network. etc. But the most common problems that encountered are getting the right data. We have all sophisticated models, which are cutting edge, but with unclean data, it is going to be a real challenge in building an accurate model. Developers are facing the problem of handling unclean data when it is coming from multiple data sources such as Relational Databases, NoSQL, Text & API’s. Such problems can be solved using a common data-preprocessing platform, which is capable of taking inputs from multiple data-sources and preprocess it into a transformed dataset. Considering this problem current paper is giving a solution to get clean data, which is preprocessed. Data preprocessing is a fundamental stage of data analysis. Irrelevant, redundant or noisy and unreliable information will lead to difficulties in knowledge discovery during data analysis and data mining stage.[14][16] This paper has explained about a library named as Sparx which provides the solution for a programmer to acquire cleaned data for further analysis. Sparx is an exclusive data-preprocessing library, which involves transforming raw data into a machine-understandable format. The intention behind developing Sparx was to build a better, automated data-preprocessing library.
A Study of Hydrodynamics Based Community Codes in Astrophysics

Advances in mathematical models and numerical algorithms for understanding multiphysics and multiscale phenomena have made software development for simulations a large and complex task. Development and adoption of community codes is one way to address this challenge. The astrophysics community has been ahead of many other science communities in making research codes publicly available and therefore has led the development and adoption of community codes. A study of publicly available software and their penetration in the research conducted by the community can provide important insight for other communities that are facing similar issues. In this paper we analyze software available in Astrophysics Source Code Library, focusing on simulations that include hydrodynamics. We use the citation history of these codes to gauge their impact on the community.
Malignant melanoma arising in a primary mediastinal germ cell tumor

Primary mediastinal germ cell tumors with somatic malignancies are rare. We report a case of a 34-year old man with melanoma arising in a primary mediastinal mixed germ cell tumor. On initial biopsy, the patient was found to have a germ cell tumor containing yolk sac and embryonal components only. After chemotherapy, histopathological evaluation of the residual tumor in the wide local resection specimen revealed a mature teratoma with melanoma. Molecular studies demonstrated that the residual germ cell tumor harbored KIT and NRAS mutations associated with malignant melanoma.
Racial Disparities in Hysterectomy Route for Benign Disease: Examining Trends from 2007-2018 Using the NSQIP Database

Study Objective To examine national trends among race/ethnicity and route of benign hysterectomy from 2007-2018. Design This cohort study from 2007-2018 was conducted using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database and included the 2014-2018 targeted hysterectomy files. Setting NSQIP is a nationally validated, outcomes-based program containing perioperative data. Patients or Participants Current Procedural Terminology codes identified women undergoing benign hysterectomy and perioperative data including race and ethnicity were obtained. To determine relative trends in hysterectomy among racial cohorts (White, Black, Other) and ethnicity cohorts (Hispanic, Non-hispanic), we examined the proportion of each procedure performed annually compared to the others in the same category. Interventions N/A Measurements and Main Results From 2007 to 2018, 322,834 hysterectomies were collected (216,413 White, 46,248 Black, 60,173 Other; and 33,881 Hispanic). From 2007 to 2018, rates of laparoscopic hysterectomy increased in all cohorts (29% to 71% for White, 23% to 56% for Black, 16% to 60% for Other; and 20% to 64% for Hispanic; ptrend Conclusion As compared to White women, black women are less likely to undergo benign hysterectomy via a minimally invasive approach. Black women are more likely to have larger uteri and comorbid conditions which may attribute to higher rates of abdominal hysterectomy. Higher prevalence of abdominal hysterectomy among younger Black women highlights potential racial disparities in women's healthcare.
Heroin use is associated with liver fibrosis in the Miami Adult Studies on HIV (MASH) cohort.

Abstract Background People who use opioids and people living with HIV (PLWH) are at increased risk for liver-related morbidity and mortality. Although animal models suggest that chronic opioid use may cause liver damage, research in humans is limited. We aimed to determine whether opioid use, particularly heroin, was associated with liver fibrosis. Methods Cross-sectional analysis of 679 participants (295 HIV/HCV uninfected, 218 HIV mono-infected, 87 HCV mono-infected, 79 HIV/HCV coinfected) from the Miami Adult Studies on HIV (MASH) cohort. Liver fibrosis was assessed via magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) on a 3 T Siemens MAGNETOM Prisma scanner. Results A total of 120 (17.7 %) participants used opioids. Liver fibrosis was present in 99 (14.6 %) participants and advanced liver fibrosis in 31 (4.6 %). Heroin use (N = 46, 6.8 %) was associated with HCV-seropositivity, smoking, misuse of prescription opioids, and polysubstance use. The use of heroin, but not misuse of prescription opioids, was significantly associated with liver fibrosis (OR = 2.77, 95 % CI: 1.18―6.50) compared to heroin non-users, after adjustment for confounders including excessive alcohol consumption, polysubstance use and HIV and HCV infections. Both HIV and HCV infections were associated with liver fibrosis, whether virally suppressed/undetectable or viremic. Conclusions Heroin use was independently associated with increased risk for liver fibrosis irrespective of the use of other substances and HIV or HCV infections. Both HIV and HCV were associated with higher risk for liver fibrosis, even among those with suppressed or undetectable viral loads. The exact mechanisms for opioid-induced liver fibrosis remain to be fully elucidated.
Metagenomic Analysis Reveals Reduced Beneficial Microorganism Associations in Roots of Foot-Rot-Affected Citrus Trees

Root endophytes have been shown to influence plant growth and plant responses to pathogens. Phytophthora spp. are important pathogens of citrus that cause foot rot and fibrous root decline. We hypo...
Combinatorial cancer therapy using a pharmacological inhibitor of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), a target of the cancer suppression gene Bin1

4589 Mutations produce a dynamic substratum from which modifier genes and the stromal microenvironment act to facilitate the development of a fully malignant state. Previous studies of Myc interactions identified Bin1 as a candidate suppressor or negative modifier gene in cancer. Bin1 encodes a set of alternately spliced adapter proteins implicated in nuclear processes but also actin-membrane dynamics. Expression of Bin1 is often attenuated in breast and prostate cancers; its restoration in cancer cells can stanch proliferation and facilitate cell death. Here we report that Bin1 loss also promotes tumor formation by facilitating escape from host anti-tumor immunity, and ongoing mechanistic investigations have identified a unique pharmacological strategy to correct this. We have found that homozygous deletion of the Bin1 gene enhances tumor formation by Myc+Ras-transformed murine fibroblasts and skin epithelial cells. Unexpectedly, the benefits conferred by Bin1 loss are reduced in immunocompromised hosts, suggesting cell autonomous effects on anti-tumor immunity. A candidate mediator of this effect has been identified in indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), an oxidoreductase found to interact genetically with Bin1. The classical function of IDO is to catalyze tryptophan degradation in the first step towards biosynthesis of the metabolic regulator NAD. However, more recently, catabolism of tryptophan by IDO has been shown to attenuate local activation of T cells. Bin1−/− cells exhibit superinducible IDO, possibly explaining the more aggressive growth of Bin1−/− isografts in immunocompetent hosts. We have tested whether IDO blockade may have therapeutic benefit in MMTV-neu transgenic mice (a model of breast cancer where Bin1 is epigenetically attenuated), using the competitive bioactive IDO inhibitor 1-methyl-tryptophan (1MT). By itself 1MT had little effect on tumor growth. In contrast, 1MT elicited massive cell death and tumor regression when combined with cytotoxic agents that alone were inefficacious in the model. No synergy occurred in tumors engrafted into nude mice, supporting the expectation that combinatorial efficacy is immune-based. Results of additional studies examining mechanism, PK/PD, and survival in response to treatment will be presented. Our findings 1) support the concept of Bin1 as a cancer suppression gene, 2) link Bin1 deficiency to a pharmaceutically tractable enzyme that may control tumor metabolism and immunity, and 3) identify IDO/cytotoxic combination therapy as a promising new strategy to treat cancer. One radical implication of this work is that combining immunotherapy and chemotherapy to treat cancer, which may seem counterintuitive in principle, may prove to be unexpectedly effective in practice.
Fas Resistance of Leukemic Eosinophils Is Due to Activation of NF-κB by Fas Ligation

TNF family receptors can lead to the activation of NF-kappaB and this can be a prosurvival signal in some cells. Although activation of NF-kappaB by ligation of Fas (CD95/Apo-1), a member of the TNFR family, has been observed in a few studies, Fas-mediated NF-kappaB activation has not previously been shown to protect cells from apoptosis. We examined the Fas-induced NF-kappaB activation and its antiapoptotic effects in a leukemic eosinophil cell line, AML14.3D10, an AML14 subline resistant to Fas-mediated apoptosis. EMSA and supershift assays showed that agonist anti-Fas (CH11) induced nuclear translocation of NF-kappaB heterodimer p65(RelA)/p50 in these cells in both a time- and dose-dependent fashion. The influence of NF-kappaB on the induction of apoptosis was studied using pharmacological proteasome inhibitors and an inhibitor of IkappaBalpha phosphorylation to block IkappaBalpha dissociation and degradation. These inhibitors at least partially inhibited NF-kappaB activation and augmented CH11-induced cell death. Stable transfection and overexpression of IkappaBalpha in 3D10 cells inhibited CH11-induced NF-kappaB activation and completely abrogated Fas resistance. Increases in caspase-8 and caspase-3 cleavage induced by CH11 and in consequent apoptotic killing were observed in these cells. Furthermore, while Fas-stimulation of resistant control 3D10 cells led to increases in the antiapoptotic proteins cellular inhibitor of apoptosis protein-1 and X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein, Fas-induced apoptosis in IkappaBalpha-overexpressing cells led to the down-modulation of both of these proteins, as well as that of the Bcl-2 family protein, Bcl-x(L). These data suggest that the resistance of these leukemic eosinophils to Fas-mediated killing is due to induced NF-kappaB activation.
Identifying radiation mechanisms on small conducting objects using radiation modes

A modal decomposition based on the real part of the method of moments impedance matrix is used to analyze the radiation mechanisms of small planar conducting objects. Here we show analytically that spatially-uniform current components are solutions to the corresponding continuous eigenvalue operator equation for the real component of the scattered electric field on the surface of the radiating object. Power is predominately radiated through these uniform modes. We present an example demonstrating the relatively small variance of low-order spatially-varying modes on a planar object with various geometry modifications.
Sphingosine analogue drug FTY720 targets I2PP2A/SET and mediates lung tumour suppression via activation of PP2A-RIPK1-dependent necroptosis.

Mechanisms that alter protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A)-dependent lung tumour suppression via the I2PP2A/SET oncoprotein are unknown. We show here that the tumour suppressor ceramide binds I2PP2A/SET selectively in the nucleus and including its K209 and Y122 residues as determined by molecular modelling/simulations and site-directed mutagenesis. Because I2PP2A/SET was found overexpressed, whereas ceramide was downregulated in lung tumours, a sphingolipid analogue drug, FTY720, was identified to mimick ceramide for binding and targeting I2PP2A/SET, leading to PP2A reactivation, lung cancer cell death, and tumour suppression in vivo. Accordingly, while molecular targeting of I2PP2A/SET by stable knockdown prevented further tumour suppression by FTY720, reconstitution of WT-I2PP2A/SET expression restored this process. Mechanistically, targeting I2PP2A/SET by FTY720 mediated PP2A/RIPK1-dependent programmed necrosis (necroptosis), but not by apoptosis. The RIPK1 inhibitor necrostatin and knockdown or genetic loss of RIPK1 prevented growth inhibition by FTY720. Expression of WT- or death-domain-deleted (DDD)-RIPK1, but not the kinase-domain-deleted (KDD)-RIPK1, restored FTY720-mediated necroptosis in RIPK1−/− MEFs. Thus, these data suggest that targeting I2PP2A/SET by FTY720 suppresses lung tumour growth, at least in part, via PP2A activation and necroptosis mediated by the kinase domain of RIPK1.
An international multilevel analysis of product innovation

This paper studies multilevel determinants of product innovation by incumbent firms with data from 68 countries, covering over 25,000 firms in eight manufacturing sectors. The author assesses the predictions of interdisciplinary research on firm behavior in different contexts, which have emphasized that product innovation is affected by three sets of factors: the extent of global engagement, information spillovers, and market structure. The empirical model of the probability of observing a product innovation, a probit model, by a firm considers three levels of analysis: firm characteristics, industry characteristics, and the national context. The econometric evidence supports the global engagement and information spillovers hypotheses, but the evidence on the role of market structure is mixed. Regarding global engagement, the evidence suggests that product innovation by incumbent firms is positively correlated with the act of investing in R&D and licensing of foreign technologies, and country-level average import tariffs reduce the probability of product innovation. Regarding information spillovers, the evidence also shows that a country's patent density is positively correlated with product innovation. In contrast, concerning the market structure hypotheses, country-level indicators of business density and of policy-induced costs of entry are not robustly correlated with product innovation.
Further Correspondences and Similarities of Shamanism and Cognitive Science: Mental Representation, Implicit Processing, and Cognitive Structures

Properties of mental representation are related to findings in cognitive science and ideas in shamanism. A selective review of research in cognitive science suggests visual images and spatial memory preserve important functional information regarding physical principles and the behavior of objects in the natural world, and notions of second-order isomorphism and the perceptual cycle developed to account for such findings are related to shamanic experience. Possible roles of implicit processes in shamanic cognition, and the idea that shamanic experience may involve normally unconscious information becoming temporarily available to consciousness, are considered. The existence of a cognitive module dedicated to processing information relevant to social knowledge and social interaction is consistent with cognitive science and with shamanism, and may help account for the extension of intentionality and meaning that characterize shamanic practice. Overall, findings from cognitive science and ideas from shamanism exhibit a number of correspondences and similarities regarding basic properties of cognition, and this suggests that shamanic and nonshamanic cognition may not be fundamentally different.
Personality and birth order in large families

Abstract The influence of birth order on the personality traits of siblings belonging to large families (⩾6 siblings) was investigated using 361 sibling members (190 females, 171 males, mean age 32 ± 9.14) belonging to 42 large families. The personality traits of Psychoticism, Extraversion and Neuroticism were quantified for each participant who completed the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire. Overall, the youngest and three youngest siblings significantly differed from the oldest and oldest three siblings for Extraversion within and across families. The effects of age, gender and family size category on these personality traits were examined based on a hierarchical linear model. An age effect was detected for Extraversion in the model, whereas gender and family size did not have an impact. The age effect held for the two sensitivity analyses and is suggestive of a birth order effect.
Discussion of 'Mandatory Audit-Partner Rotation, Audit Quality and Market Perception: Evidence from Taiwan'

We discuss the Chi, Huang, Liao, and Xie (2009) study of the effects of mandatory audit partner rotation, and then identify areas where we see the greatest potential for future research on audit partner rotation and audit quality. First, we discuss how Chi et al. (2009) fits in the context of the extant literature, and we review challenges of examining audit partner rotation versus audit firm rotation. Second, we consider the study's research design. As Chi et al. suggest, the Taiwanese data provide an opportunity to address a research question that cannot be similarly addressed in a North American context. But the data and research design carry their own set of problems, including issues of statistical power. Third, we consider measures of audit quality. Interpreting the study as providing evidence on audit quality assumes not only that audit quality and earnings quality are the same, but also that abnormal accruals and ERCs are good measures of earnings quality, and by extension, audit quality. While such arguments are common in the archival audit literature, we believe it is time to move beyond these generic proxies. Our discussion concludes with suggestions for future research.
The Interrelationship between Fosterage, Schooling, and Children’s Labor Force Participation in Ghana

This paper examines the interrelationship between fosterage, school attendance, and children’s employment in Ghana. Using the 1991/1992 Living Standards Survey data on children aged 7–17 years and a trivariate probit model, the paper demonstrates that ignoring the linkages between these outcomes leads to downward-biased estimates of the impact of fosterage on schooling and upward-biased estimates of the impact of fosterage on work. Gender and age are important considerations in family decisions regarding children’s activities. Joint decision-making is more common for girls aged 12–17 than for boys of a similar age. A significant negative correlation is also observed between the likelihood of employment and the likelihood of school attendance among adolescent girls.
3D sensing and visualization of occluded objects

In this paper, we present a system to reconstruct a free view of a partially occluded object by using computational integral imaging. The system is analyzed to sense information of off-center views from a elemental images set. To obtain unobstructed images with high resolution, low focus error, and large depth of focus, synthetic aperture integral imaging utilizing a digital camera has been adopted. Two novel algorithms are proposed: 1) an algorithm for reconstructing volumetric perspective images and 2) an algorithm for scaling reconstruction images at arbitrary distances.
Encouraging responses to good news on a peer support line

When callers to a warm line report on good news tied to a current or ongoing problem, call takers use four different methods to endorse this good news and encourage actions implied within the report. Building upon 93 potentially encouraging responses in 65 actual warm line calls, this study describes four different methods of encouragement used by call takers within news delivery sequences: 1) positive assessments; 2) assessments plus formulations; 3) statements of agreement to a planned action; and 4) second assessments. Across these methods, call takers must do more than what is minimally required as a response in order to encourage and endorse good news.
Performance of a ten-stage electrostatic depressed collector for klystrons

A ten-stage electrostatic depressed collector has been designed and tested on a one-kilowatt CW klystron. The collector design is based on an extensive study of electron trajectories, utilizing an alalog computer. The computer program includes both the effect of space charge and the effect of the residual magnetic field in the collector.
Evanohm resistance to 18 T (180 kG) at 4.2 K

Evanohm alloy resistance wire for applications in magnetic field, illustrating percentage change at 4.2 K
The Complexity of Diagnosing Melanoma

Recognizing that a cure lies in timely detection, dermatologists strive to diagnose malignant melanoma (MM) at the earliest possible stage. The desire to achieve this goal without injudiciously and unnecessarily excising many benign lesions has led to numerous techniques that assist clinicians in differentiating nevi from MM, including clinical mnemonics and algorithms, optical imaging instruments, and computer-assisted diagnostic systems. Most of these seemingly diverse methods rely on evaluating the in vivo morphology of lesions. In this issue, Guitera et al. compare dermoscopy with reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) in an attempt to determine which imaging modality facilitates accurate diagnosis of melanocytic lesions using diagnostic parameters such as sensitivity and specificity.
Predicting a safe screw length for volar plate fixation of distal radius fractures: lunate depth as a marker for distal radius depth

Purpose We hypothesized that the lunate depth as measured on plain lateral radiographs can be used to predict distal radius depth radially and ulnarly and serve as a useful reference for intraoperative screw placement in volar plate fixation of distal radius fractures. Methods Plain radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the wrists of 30 patients were reviewed. The lunate depth and the maximal depth of the distal radius were determined from plain lateral radiographs. Depth of the distal radius, measured in quartiles, was determined from axial MRI images, and the lunate depth was obtained from sagittal MRI images. The depth of the distal radius in each quartile was then calculated related to the lunate depth. Results The mean depth of the lunate on plain radiographs and MRI was 17.5 mm and 17.4 mm, respectively. The depth of the distal radius from ulnar to radial was 18.4 mm, 20.2 mm, 19.4 mm, and 15.1 mm for the 1st through 4th quartiles, respectively. The depth of the distal radius is the least radially (4th quartile), with a mean 87% of the lunate depth, and greatest in the 2nd quartile, with a mean 116% of the lunate depth. Conclusions The depth of the lunate as measured on plain radiographs can be used as a marker for drilling and placement of safe screw lengths during volar plate fixation of distal radius fractures. We recommend that surgeons use the lunate depth as an estimate for the length of their longest screw when fixing distal radius fractures with volar plate techniques to avoid extensor tendon irritation and rupture. Type of study/level of evidence Therapeutic III.
Estimating channel capacity and power transfer efficiency of a multi-layer acoustic-electric channel

Recent research has shown that acoustic waves can be used to transmit data and power through metallic barriers. In this paper, we extend this work to consider the case where the channel consists of multiple layers of different materials. In particular, a steel-water-steel type of interface i.e., a layer of water sandwiched between two steel walls, is investigated. A pair of 1 MHz resonant (25.4 mm diameter) piezoelectric transducers are co-axially aligned and mounted on the dry side of each steel wall to form the channel. This channel is acoustic-electric in nature and is modeled as cascade of layers and interfaces in MATLAB. Each layer (single material) and interface is interpreted as transmission line in the acoustic domain. Experimental channels are implemented and the measured channel characteristics are compared to those obtained using the model. The power transfer efficiency and channel capacity are determined using the measured channel data. To maximize the capacity and reduce interference, it is assumed that data transmission is performed using orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM). The width of water column is varied and its effect on the power transfer efficiency and data capacity are shown. Results indicate that a channel formed by two steel walls of 15.97 mm and 10.92 mm thickness separated by 88.3 mm water column is capable of supporting data rates of several megabits/sec and of transferring power with more than 30 percent efficiency.
Myelin sheath thickness in the CNS is regulated near the axon.

Abstract Two myelin sheaths sharing a common outer tongue process are illustrated in a thin section electron micrograph from mouse optic nerve. Although they derive from the same outer tongue process, and therefore from the same oligodendrocyte, the two sheaths are of different thickness (6 and 9 turns). The example demonstrates that myelin sheath thickness is regulated independently for each axon, at a site very near the axon.
A semi-systolic decoder for the PDSSC-73 error-correcting code

Abstract This paper presents a semi-systolic architecture for decoding cyclic linear error-correcting codes at high speed. The architecture implements a variant of Tanner's Algorithm B, modified for simpler and faster implementation. The main features of the architecture are low computational complexity, a simple, regular arrangement of cells for easy layout, short critical paths, and a high clock rate. A prototype chip has been designed to decode a 73-bit perfect difference set code. This 4600μm×6800μm chip should achieve 25MHz decoding in 2μm n-well cMOS. The success of the implementation illustrates the value of using technology dependent constraints and cost measures to guide the design of algorithms and architectures.
Submonolayer island growth with adatom exchange

Submonolayer epitaxy is studied with two simple theoretical models where adatom exchange with a surface atom yields a stable nucleus for island growth. The results are relevant to systems where surface layer inclusions are formed by alloying and where buried islands are formed in the presence of surfactants. Rate equations and Monte Carlo simulations are used to study the evolution of the island size distributions. The rate equations reproduce all of the qualitative features found in both the simulations and in recent experiments when the coverage-dependent rate of adatom capture by islands is calculated self-consistently.
Dying to entrain: Regulating ipRGC spacing

In a recent issue of Neuron, Chen et al. (2013) show that apoptosis is required to ensure the even distribution of a class of retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs), which sense luminance both intrinsically and through input from rods and cones. Disrupting apoptosis impairs photoentrainment mediated by rods/cones, but not that mediated by ipRGC-expressed melanopsin.
Regeneration: Did You Hear the News?

In the mammalian cochlea, hair cell death is irreversible. New work shows that stem cells might exist in the inner ear of the mouse, opening a door to the possibility of repopulating damaged sensory epithelia in humans.
Coronary artery disease and the thrombospondin single nucleotide polymorphisms

GeneQuest was a high throughput, large-scale analysis of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to identify gene associated with familial, premature coronary artery disease and myocardial infarction. The three SNPs showing the highest and most significant associations with disease were all members of the thrombospondin gene family, thrombospondin-1, thrombospondin-2 and thrombospondin-4. These unanticipated associations have kindled efforts to understand how the three SNPs influence the structures and functions of the thrombospondins. The SNP in thrombospondin-1 and thrombospondin-4 reside in their coding regions and result in single amino acid changes: in thrombospondin-1, the predominant asparagine at position 700 is changed to a serine while, in thrombospondin-4, it is a change of an alanine to a proline at position 387. The SNP in thrombospondin-2 is a base change in the 3'-untranslated region of the mRNA. At this early stage of investigation, predictive analyses suggest that the substitutions in thrombospondin-2 and thrombospondin-4 should alter structure, and there is direct evidence to indicate that the thrombospondin-1 SNP alters conformational stability. In addition, profound differences in the function of the thrombospondin-4 SNP variants have been identified with respect to their capacity to support endothelial cell adhesion and proliferation. While substantial additional information is needed to understand if and how the polymorphic forms of the thrombospondins affect coronary artery disease, the data assembled to date suggest marked effects of these SNPs on the structures and functions of the thrombospondins, which are consistent with induction of a proatherogenic and prothrombotic phenotype.
“De-satiation”: the reinstatement of feeding in glucose-satiated rats

In rats “satiated” for glucose in solution, feeding can be reinstated by presentation of the same commodity (glucose) in powdered form. The effect is not reciprocal, so it is not a response to change or variety per se; and it does not reflect a greater palatability of the powder, which is rejected in favor of the solution in choice tests. Sucrose powder leads to an even larger “second meal” than glucose powder, showing that intake in the solution-sated rat remains sensitive to the stimulus properties of the diet. We conclude that the postingestive conditions necessary for satiety must be set by the stimulus properties of the diet—including, but not limited to, the properties that specify a diet's nutrient composition.
The synthesis and characterization of 2,3-methanopyroglutamic acid

Abstract Details of the synthesis of 2,3-methanopyroglutamic acid ( 1 ), its N-methylamide ( 7 ) and N-β-naphthylamide ( 6 ) are reported. An NMR study of the conformation of 7 is discussed and the stability of the amide 6 to pyroglutamylaminopeptidase is detailed. The crystal structure of an alkene ( 4 ) formed during the pyrolysis of an intermediate pyrazoline ( 2 ) indicates that the (Z)-configuration is conserved during nitrogen extrusion.
An enhancer sequence instability that diversifies the cell repertoire for expression of a murine leukemia virus.

Abstract Studies of recombinants between murine leukemia viruses (MuLVs) that cause thymic or erythroid leukemias have shown that enhancer sequences in the long-terminal repeats (LTRs) can determine the target tissues for pathogenesis. It has been inferred that the enhancers may specifically target viral expression into the cells that then become neoplastic. However, the neoplasms in those studies formed after latencies and contained ultimate viruses (called MCFs) that differed from the injected viruses in their enhancer sequences and envelope ( env ) genes. Transcriptional activities of LTRs from these proximal and ultimate viruses have not been thoroughly analyzed in different hematopoietic lineages. We present evidence that the enhancer of Friend spleen focus-forming virus (SFFV), an ultimate erythroleukemogenic retrovirus, contains an unstable 42-nucleotide direct repeat. Other ultimate erythroleukemogenic MuLVs (Friend MCFs) contain an enhancer nearly identical to that of SFFV both in its sequence and in its specific instability. The instability occurs in sequences that contain inverted repeats and we propose that it occurs by a simple reverse transcriptase hop mechanism. We constructed plasmids that contain the two forms of the SFFV LTR linked to the bacterial chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) gene, and we compared these in transient transfection assays with LTR-CAT plasmids constructed from Friend and Moloney MuLVs. The assays employed erythroleukemia cells, thymic lymphoma cells, and fibroblasts. The tropisms of expression correlated only weakly with tissue specificities of pathogenesis and each LTR was active in all cells. The SFFV 42-nucleotide duplication reduced expression in erythroid cells and increased expression in fibroblasts. We conclude that retroviral enhancers do not stringently direct gene expression into specific cell lineages, but on the contrary they are leaky and contain replicative instabilities that also expression into specific cell lineages, but on the contrary they are leaky and contain replicative instabilities that also may facilitate viral entrenchment throughout the host. These results have important implications for understanding murine retroviral evolution and the multi-step process of leukemogenesis.
The fallacy of facts

Are your students learning isolated bits of information which they skillfully parrot back on objective examinations? Do you feel professional pride in the tremendous amount of information they possess? Facts are essential and serve as an adjunct to the skeletal framework of the problem solving process. However, are we educators confusing facts for this basic framework and ignoring problem solving which is the real backbone of learning? Just how far should we go with this teaching of cold facts? It is possible for the average of the more capable student to assimilate all or even the
Sodium Acetate as a Replacement for Sodium Bicarbonate in Medical Toxicology: a Review

Sodium bicarbonate is central to the treatment of many poisonings. When it was placed on the FDA drug shortage list in 2012, alternative treatment strategies to specific poisonings were considered. Many hospital pharmacies, poison centers, and medical toxicologists proposed sodium acetate as an adequate alternative, despite a paucity of data to support its use in medical toxicology. The intention of this review is to educate the clinician on the use of sodium acetate and to advise them on the potential adverse events when given in excess. We conducted a literature search focused on the pharmacology of sodium acetate, its use as a buffer in pathologic acidemia and dialysis baths, and potential adverse events associated with excess sodium acetate infusion. It appears safe to replace sodium bicarbonate infusion with sodium acetate on an equimolar basis. The metabolism of acetate, however, is more complex than bicarbonate. Future prospective studies will be needed to confirm the efficacy of sodium acetate in the treatment of the poisoned patient.
Solid-state electronic spin coherence time approaching one second

Nitrogen-vacancy centres in diamond are a promising route for solid-state quantum information processing and magnetometry, but longer coherence times are needed to optimize protocols. Here, Bar-Gill et al. suppress decoherence to realize nitrogen-vacancy spin coherence times approaching one second.
A comparison of the short-term kinetics of zinc metabolism in women during fasting and following a breakfast meal.

The physiological importance and mechanism of the postprandial fall in plasma Zn concentration is not well understood. In order to gain further information on this apparent redistribution of plasma Zn, a stable isotope, 70 Zn, was used to study the effect of a breakfast meal on plasma Zn kinetics. Nine women participated in two trials, a fasting trial and a breakfast-meal trial; five of the women participated in a third trial in which the energy content of the breakfast meal was doubled. At each trial, 0· 1m g of 70 Zn was infused intravenously, and the plasma disappearance of the isotope was analysed using a two-compartment model of Zn kinetics. Plasma Zn concentration fell significantly following the two trials in which the subjects were given meals, reaching low points that were 13 and 19 %, respectively, below concentrations at comparable times during the fasting trial. Kinetic analysis revealed that after the doubled breakfast meal there was a significant fall (P < 0·007) in the size of the most rapidly turning over Zn pool (pool (a)) from 2 . 90 (SE 0·13) mg in the fasting state to 2·47 (SE 0·14) mg postprandially. The fractional turnover rate of pool (a) to other extravascular Zn pools, i.e. outside the two-compartment system, was also significantly elevated after the doubled breakfast meal (P < 0·05). These results suggest that the decline in plasma Zn concentration following a meal is due to a redistribution of Zn from the plasma to other more slowly turning over extravascular pools that may be involved in the assimilation and metabolism of fuels following food intake. Zinc: Postprandial metabolism: Kinetics
Detection of trace amounts of NO 2 using frequency modulated off-axis cavity ring-down spectroscopy

Detection of NO 2 at the ppb-level is demonstrated using a vibration-insensitive variation of cavity ring-down spectroscopy. Modulating the laser frequency and off-axis alignment simplify the detector making it more suitable for in-situ monitoring.
Metabolism of androgens and estrogens by human fecal microorganisms

Abstract Modifications of androgens and estrogens were observed in incubations with mixed human fecal cultures. Both oxidative and reductive reactions have been shown to occur. Moreover, the fecal concentration determines the types of metabolites formed. Analysis of reactions of high fecal concentration resulted in the identification of products formed by reduction. 4-ene-3-ketosteroids were reduced in ring A. 5β-3-ketosteroids were reduced to 5β-3-hydroxysteroids. 17-keto-androgens and estrogens were reduced to 17β-hydroxy products. Analysis of low fecal concentration incubations resulted in products formed by oxidation and by cleavage of conjugated steroids. 5β-androstane-3,17-dione was found to be converted to 4-androstene-3,17-dione. And 17β-hydroxysteroids were converted to 17-oxosteroids. Furthermore the estrogen conjugates estrone-3-sulfate and estradiol-3-glucuronide were hydrolyzed to form estrone and estradiol respectively. A number of the reductive reactions occurred under aerobic conditions. This may reflect the ability of the fecal extract to lower the oxidation-reduction potential of the reaction mixture. The androgen and estrogen metabolites varied depending on the concentration of feces and the availability of oxidizing agents, such as phenazine methosulfate or menadione
Origins of Behavior Genetics: The Role of The Jackson Laboratory

The field of behavior genetics as an entity developed during the middle of the twentieth century. Developments at the Jackson Laboratory in Bar Harbor, Maine played an important role in this process. The role included an important conference, education and training, research, and publications, included Thompson and Fuller’s (1960) Behavior Genetics, the book that is often credited with establishing the field.
Rate dependent compressive response of 2D triaxially braided carbon fiber composites and the effects of resin on the interfacial shear strength

Abstract 2D triaxially braided carbon fiber composites were subjected to off-axis compression under static and low velocity impact loading. Three types of specimens with axial fiber tows at angles of 30°, 60°, and 75° to the direction of loading were studied under uniaxial compression loading using a modified compression loading fixture that has anti-buckling guides. Static tests were carried out using a hydraulically activated MTS loading frame, while, low velocity impact tests were conducted using a drop tower facility. A three parameter homogenized orthotropic plasticity model was used to characterize the inelastic response and the constants associated with this characterization were determined uniquely. Results from this characterization were subsequently used to analyze the rate dependent interfacial effects in these materials. Two types of composites made from two different resins, but with the same textile architecture were used for this study. The effect of the resin properties on the unusual rate effects exhibited by the composite is seen to be captured well with the three parameter orthotropic plasticity model adopted.
Pemoline Alters Dopamine Modulation of Synaptic Responses of Neostriatal Neurons in vitro

Pemoline, a central stimulant, administered systemically at high doses (300 mg/kg) reliably produces self-biting behavior in rats. Pemoline-induced self-biting shares many similarities with self-injur
Pulmonary sequestration presenting as mitral valve insufficiency

Although pulmonary sequestrations commonly present with infectious complications, problems relating to high blood flow through the lesion are rarely apparent. A 4-year-old girl was referred for cardiac catheterization and evaluation for mitral valve surgery. An echocardiogram had demonstrated left atrial and ventricular enlargement and significant mitral regurgitation with an enlarged valve annulus. Angiography results showed a very large aorta to left atrial shunt through an unsuspected intralobar sequestration. Lobectomy with removal of the sequestration resulted in significant improvement in cardiac chamber size and function over a 2.5-year follow-up period, thus obviating the need for cardiac surgery and removing a potential source of infection. Careful evaluation of chest imaging studies will lead to the correct diagnosis and treatment in patients with pulmonary sequestration who are thought initially to have primary cardiac disease.
Connections between transcriptional regulation and type III secretion

Type III secretion is a mechanism of protein export in bacteria, by which proteins (termed effectors) are exported from the bacteria to the external environment. One topic that has escaped much attention is the potential link between the secretion of effectors and transcriptional regulation of genes encoding the effectors. The goal of this commentary is to highlight some of the work that has been done and to stimulate additional research.
Gold Coated Lanthanide Phosphate Nanoparticles for Targeted Alpha Generator Radiotherapy

Targeted radiotherapies maximize cytotoxicty to cancer cells. In vivo α-generator targeted radiotherapies can deliver multiple α particles to a receptor site dramatically amplifying the radiation dose delivered to the target. The major challenge with α-generator radiotherapies is that traditional chelating moieties are unable to sequester the radioactive daughters in the bioconjugate which is critical to minimize toxicity to healthy, non-target tissue. The recoil energy of the 225Ac daughters following α decay will sever any metal-ligand bond used to form the bioconjugate. This work demonstrates that an engineered multilayered nanoparticle-antibody conjugate can deliver multiple α radiations and contain the decay daughters of 225Ac while targeting biologically relevant receptors in a female BALB/c mouse model. These multi-shell nanoparticles combine the radiation resistance of lanthanide phosphate to contain 225Ac and its radioactive decay daughters, the magnetic properties of gadolinium phosphate for easy separation, and established gold chemistry for attachment of targeting moieties.
The legal aspects of plant tissue culture and patents

Abstract This paper covers three areas of patenting: patents in general, plant patents and a discussion of the potential hybridization of both kinds of patents in view of the Supreme Court decision involving the patentability of bacteria.
Working with Clients Who Self-Injure: Providing Alternatives.

The topic of self-injurious behavior (SIB) has been gaining widespread attention. Although college counselors engage in various types of treatments in order to uncover the underlying reasons for a client's SIB, there is another step in treatment that might be helpful to clients who self-injure.This step involves alternatives to self-injury. The authors provide various alternatives to self-injury and discuss matching the alternative to the function and type of SIB.
Abnormal Immune Function In Vivo in a Murine Model of Lysosomal Storage Disease

Lysosomal storage diseases are a class of inborn errors of metabolism that lead to widespread disease in multiple tissues. The murine model of mucopolysaccharidosis type VII (MPS VII) closely parallels the human syndrome and has been extensively used to investigate the natural history and therapeutic strategies for lysosomal storage diseases in general. Here we demonstrate a previously undescribed immune defect in the MPS VII mouse. Although the normal populations of cells are present in lymph nodes of these mice, MPS VII mice show a blunted T cell proliferative response and decreased antibody production after immunization with antigens. One mechanism of this defect is ineffective processing of protein antigens, as responses to peptide antigens are normal. This phenotype is presumably caused by the lysosomal disorder, as the defect can be corrected in vivo by direct enzyme replacement therapy. These findings have implications for the use of this animal model, and may have clinical significance for other, more-common lysosomal storage diseases.
Bilinear compressed sensing for array self-calibration

We consider array self-calibration algorithms for direction finding in the presence of unknown complex sensor gains. By exploiting the sparsity in the azimuth domain, we can utilize methods developed in the context of compressive sensing. A self-calibration algorithm is proposed that alternates between solving a joint-sparse optimization problem and estimating the unknown array gains. Furthermore, for the case of fully correlated signals we introduce a convex programming algorithm based on bilinear compressive sensing.
Polarization properties of photorefractive diffraction in electrooptic and optically active sillenite crystals (Bragg regime)

The polarization properties of diffraction from volume phase gratings in photorefractive sillenite crystals such as bismuth silicon oxide (Bi12SiO20), bismuth germanium oxide (Bi12GeO20), and bismuth titanium oxide (Bi12TiO20) are strongly modified by the presence of concomitant natural optical activity and electric-field-induced linear birefringence. A set of coupled-wave equations that characterize the Bragg regime has been derived for the 〈110〉 and the 〈001〉 crystallographic orientations typically employed in volume holographic storage and multiwave-mixing applications. The predicted anisotropic behavior of the grating diffraction is experimentally confirmed, and a significant efficiency improvement is shown to occur for proper choice of the operating mode and the probe beam polarization in a given configuration.
Bose Einstein Condensate in a Box

Bose-Einstein condensates have been produced in an optical box trap. This optical trap type has strong confinement in two directions comparable to that which is possible in an optical lattice, yet produces individual condensates rather than the thousands typical of a lattice. The box trap is integrated with single-atom detection capability, paving the way for studies of quantum atom statistics.