cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Neural activity in the central complex of the cockroach brain is linked to turning behaviors

An animal moving through complex terrain must consider sensory cues around it and alter its movements accordingly. In the arthropod brain, the central complex (CC) receives highly preprocessed sensory information and sends outputs to premotor regions, suggesting that it may play a role in the central control of oriented locomotion. We performed tetrode recordings within the CC in cockroaches walking on an air-suspended ball to examine the role of the CC in turning behaviors. When a rod was placed near the cockroach's head, the cockroach touched the rod repeatedly with one or both antennae before locomotion was initiated. Some CC units responded to self-generated antennal contact with the object, but at lower levels compared with externally imposed antennal stimulation. The neural activity of other CC units responded to locomotion. We found that some CC units showed discrete firing fields corresponding to specific locomotion states. We also found that changes in firing rate of some CC units preceded changes in turning speed in one direction but not the other. Furthermore, such biased units were located in the side of the brain ipsilateral to the direction of the turning speed they could predict. Moreover, electrical stimulation of the CC elicited or modified locomotion, and the direction of some evoked locomotion could be predicted by the response property of locomotion-predictive units near the stimulation site. Therefore, our results suggest that, at the population level, asymmetrical activity in the CC precedes and influences turning behavior.
The electrochemical impedance of polarized 316L stainless steel: Structure-property-adsorption correlation

Electrochemical (EC) impedance and polarization data were synergistically coupled with AFM micrographs providing insight on the polarized alloy-electrolyte interface. Several regions of oxide topography/ impedance characteristic were apparent on a 316L SS surface. A relatively rough surface with apparent EC reaction products was observed below -500 mV. Smooth surfaces were seen from -500 mV to 200 mV. A transition region which displayed the aggregation of particles on the surface was seen from 200 mV to 600 mV. Above 600 mV these particles disappeared revealing a smooth topography. These topographical observations matched closely with the impedance behavior of the system, particularly the capacitance (C), polarization resistance (R(p)) and current density. The presence of pre-adsorbed Fb had a significant impact on C below approximately -500 mV (increased capacitance). The deviation from ideality of the current response as determined by a KWW empirical dielectric decay function showed significant differences between PBS-immersed and pre-adsorbed Fb cases. Earlier, changes in Fb area coverage, height, and eccentricity were observed between voltages lower and higher than 0 mV. The presence of the flat-band potential around -150 mV as well as high cathodic charge-transfer reactions taking place below -100 mV relate to these observations.
Communication effectiveness of organizational mission statements

An empirical investigation of mission statement communication effectiveness (readability and tone) was conducted using content analysis. All Fortune 500 companies and American Assembly of Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) in the United States were contacted by letter asking for a copy of their mission statement. Responses were received from 218 companies and 107 universities. Of these, 135 usable mission statements were evaluated. The results indicate that mission statement developers in both corporate as well as university settings need to improve their readability and the tone of their written statements in order to maximize their organizational image.
Microbial Fe(III) oxide reduction potential in Chocolate Pots hot spring, Yellowstone National Park

Chocolate Pots hot springs (CP) is a unique, circumneutral pH, iron-rich, geothermal feature in Yellowstone National Park. Prior research at CP has focused on photosynthetically driven Fe(II) oxidation as a model for mineralization of microbial mats and deposition of Archean banded iron formations. However, geochemical and stable Fe isotopic data have suggested that dissimilatory microbial iron reduction (DIR) may be active within CP deposits. In this study, the potential for microbial reduction of native CP Fe(III) oxides was investigated, using a combination of cultivation dependent and independent approaches, to assess the potential involvement of DIR in Fe redox cycling and associated stable Fe isotope fractionation in the CP hot springs. Endogenous microbial communities were able to reduce native CP Fe(III) oxides, as documented by most probable number enumerations and enrichment culture studies. Enrichment cultures demonstrated sustained DIR driven by oxidation of acetate, lactate, and H2 . Inhibitor studies and molecular analyses indicate that sulfate reduction did not contribute to observed rates of DIR in the enrichment cultures through abiotic reaction pathways. Enrichment cultures produced isotopically light Fe(II) during DIR relative to the bulk solid-phase Fe(III) oxides. Pyrosequencing of 16S rRNA genes from enrichment cultures showed dominant sequences closely affiliated with Geobacter metallireducens, a mesophilic Fe(III) oxide reducer. Shotgun metagenomic analysis of enrichment cultures confirmed the presence of a dominant G. metallireducens-like population and other less dominant populations from the phylum Ignavibacteriae, which appear to be capable of DIR. Gene (protein) searches revealed the presence of heat-shock proteins that may be involved in increased thermotolerance in the organisms present in the enrichments as well as porin-cytochrome complexes previously shown to be involved in extracellular electron transport. This analysis offers the first detailed insight into how DIR may impact the Fe geochemistry and isotope composition of a Fe-rich, circumneutral pH geothermal environment.
Leaving the lysosome behind: novel developments in autophagy inhibition

The search for a single silver bullet for the treatment of cancer has now been overshadowed by the identification of multiple therapeutic targets unique to each malignancy and even to each patient. In recent years, autophagy has emerged as one such therapeutic target. In response to both therapeutic and oncogenic stress, cancer cells upregulate and demonstrate an increased dependence upon this intracellular recycling process. Particularly in malignancies that currently lack targeted therapeutic options, autophagy inhibitors are the next hopeful prospects for the treatment of this disease. In this review, we discuss the rapid evolution of autophagy inhibitors from early lysosomotropic agents to next-generation lysosome-targeted drugs and beyond.
An Empirical Investigation of the Link between Market Orientation and Business Performance in Nonprofit Service Providers

While researchers have explored the relationship between market orientation and finn performance in commercial organizations, such studies in non-profit organizations are scarce. This paper uses a structural equation model to show the impact of market orientation on the performance of non-profit organizations. To conduct the ’study, the authors employed the Kohli, Jaworski and Kumar (1993) market-orientation scale (MARKOR). Data for this study was collected by mail survey. One thousand market orientation surveys were sent to the executive directors of non-profit organizations across the U.S. One hundred forty-eight nonprofit agencies responded to the survey, representing 14.8% response rate. The performance criterion was based on the self-stated funding activities for the non-profit organizations collected in this sample. Results indicated that the Kohli, Jaworski and Kumar (1993) market-orientation scale provided a good measure of market orientation in non-profit organizations. The model of the relations...
Nutrient Content of Luncheon Meats with Emphasis on Sodium

According to a recent CDC report, 44% of U.S. sodium intake comes from 10 common food categories, one of them being cold cuts/cured meats. Research was conducted by scientists at USDA and Texas Tech University with the purpose of determining and comparing current nutrient values in luncheon meats including bacon to those previously reported (2002-2007), and determining the effect of cooking on sodium content of regular and low sodium bacon. Retail packages of three assorted brands of sliced ham, turkey breast, chicken deli meat, beef bologna, salami, regular/low sodium bacon and pre-cooked bacon, were purchased from 12 retail outlets using a nationwide sampling plan developed for USDA’s National Food and Nutrient Analysis Program Nutrient values for proximates and minerals were determined by commercial laboratories and cholesterol by TTU using validated methodology Quality control was assured through the use of standard . . reference materials and in-house control materials. Results indicated that the sodium content of turkey breast, chicken and beef bologna were lower than previously reported, while ham and salami were higher. There was little change in total fat, cholesterol, potassium, phosphorus, and iron content in all luncheon meats. Our study confirms the label values indicating that low sodium bacon contains 25% less sodium than regular bacon. These data will be used to update nutrient information in the National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference (SR) which provides current and accurate data used by researchers, dietitians, government agencies for nutrition assessment and monitoring. Data are available at www.ars.usda.gov/nutrientdata. Excessive dietary sodium consumption increases blood pressure, which increases the risk for stroke, coronary heart disease heart failure and renal disease 1According to a Introduction Results F ig 1 . C h a n g e s in s o d iu m le v e ls in m e a ts b e tw e e n 2 0 1 1 a n d 2 0 0 2 -2 0 0 7 2 0 0 0 2 0 1 1 • There was no significant change in sodium levels in these , , . recent CDC report on vital signs, 44% of sodium consumed came from 10 common food categories which included cold cuts/cured meats. Cold cuts may also be known as luncheon meats, sandwich meats, sliced meats or deli meats. A collaborative effort is being conducted by scientists at USDA and Texas Tech University (TTU) to monitor sodium content of bacon and popular cold cuts. di m C on ce nt ra tio n
Heat stress induces ROS production and histone phosphorylation in celomocytes of Eisenia hortensis

The effect of heat stress on celomocytes (leukocytes) from Eisenia hortensis was investigated by measuring the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). After culturing celomocytes at temperatures ranging from 4 °C (control) to 44 °C for 3-16 h, ROS levels were measured using a flow cytometric method employing dihydrorhodamine 123 (DHR123) for ROS detection and 7aminoactinomycin D (7-AAD) as a viability stain. Reproducibly we observed significant (p < 0.05) increases in ROS production and decreases in cell viability at temperatures of 28 °C and above. We then examined the effect of heat stress on histone phosphorylation employing antibodies specific for γH2AX as an indicator of histone modification. Celomocytes were incubated at temperatures ranging between 20 °C to 35 °C for 16 h and antibodies specific for phosphorylated serines in H2AX histones were employed through flow cytometric analysis. Comparing controls to heat-stressed samples using three separate assays reproducibly confirmed significant H2AX phosphorylation (p < 0.05). Collectively, these results emphasize the importance of selecting appropriate temperatures for rearing invertebrates in laboratory-based habitats and for culturing invertebrate cells when conducting in vitro assays in order to minimize oxidative stress. The possible cellular effects of heat stress in soil ecosystems associated with global warming events is also considered.
School-based social skills training for preschool-age children with autism spectrum disorder:

Individuals with autism spectrum disorder display impairments in social interactions and communication that appear at early ages and result in short- and long-term negative outcomes. As such, there is a need for effective social skills training programs for young children with autism spectrum disorder-particularly interventions capable of being delivered in educational settings. The study evaluated the effects of the Superheroes Social Skills program on accurate demonstration of social skills in young children with autism spectrum disorder. Two preschool-age children with autism spectrum disorder participated in a weekly social skills intervention. A multiple probe design across skills was used to determine the effects of the intervention. Both participants demonstrated substantial improvements in skill accuracy. Social skills checklists also indicated improvements in social functioning over baseline levels.
Design of a High-temperature-rise Evaporation Type Combustor

To meet the requirement of a combustor in a ground surface test facility for a high temperature rise,designed was an evaporation type combustor with a temperature rise of 1 350 K.According to the overall structure of the combustor,its main components were designed.Through the aerodynamic and thermodynamic calculation of the combustor,the overall dimensions of the combustor and the opening hole dimensions of the flame tube were determined.On this basis,a performance test of the combustor was conducted to a certain extent.The test and application results show that the combustor thus designed features a safe and reliable operation,a simple structure,as well as a high space utilization rate,a quick temperature rise speed and a clean exhaust gas.In the whole operation range,the combustion efficiency can reach 0.95~0.97 and the non-uniformity of the temperature field at the outlet is lower than 0.09,thus meeting the design requirements.
Protein S-nitrosylation: a role of nitric oxide signaling in cardiac ischemic preconditioning.

Nitric oxide (NO) has been shown as an important signaling messenger involved in cardioprotection of ischemic precondi- tioning (IPC). To date, most studies suggest that NO might provide its protective effects by regulating the mitochondrial ATP-sensitive potassium (K ATP ) channel via the classic NO/cGMP-dependent pathway. However, there is emerging data suggesting that NO might also elicit its physiological role through protein S-nitrosylation. Protein S-nitrosylation, the covalent attachment of an NO moiety to sulfhydryl group(s) of cysteine residue(s) of proteins, is a reversible post-translational protein modification involved in redox-based cellular signaling. IPC has been found to increase S-nitrosothiol content and result in increased S-nitrosylation of proteins, which not only induces the structural and functional changes of modified proteins, but also prevents the target cysteine residue(s) from the further oxidative modification. In addition, S-nitrosothiols could elicit pharmacological preconditioning effect and protect against myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury. Thus, protein S-nitrosylation is emerging as an important contributor to cardioprotection in IPC, pro- viding protection from cellular oxidative and nitrosative stress.
Effect of Phytoplankton Richness on Phytoplankton Biomass Is Weak Where the Distribution of Herbivores is Patchy.

Positive effects of competitor species richness on competitor productivity can be more pronounced at a scale that includes heterogeneity in ‘bottom-up’ environmental factors, such as the supply of limiting nutrients. The effect of species richness is not well understood in landscapes where variation in ‘top-down’ factors, such as the abundance of predators or herbivores, has a strong influence competitor communities. I asked how phytoplankton species richness directly influenced standing phytoplankton biomass in replicate microcosm regions where one patch had a population of herbivores (Daphnia pulicaria) and one patch did not have herbivores. The effect of phytoplankton richness on standing phytoplankton biomass was positive but weak and not statistically significant at this regional scale. Among no-Daphnia patches, there was a significant positive effect of phytoplankton richness that resulted from positive selection effects for two dominant and productive species in polycultures. Among with-Daphnia patches there was not a significant effect of phytoplankton richness. The same two species dominated species-rich polycultures in no- and with-Daphnia patches but both species were relatively vulnerable to consumption by Daphnia. Consistent with previous studies, this experiment shows a measurable positive influence of primary producer richness on biomass when herbivores were absent. It also shows that given the patchy distribution of herbivores at a regional scale, a regional positive effect was not detected.
Issues in the Philosophy of Science

In this chapter, we discuss the place of philosophy of science in the work of the local clinical scientist. Our goals are twofold. First, we provide the reader with basic background in philosophy of science so as to set a foundation for later discussion of the relationship between scientific methodologies and critical thinking in the professional psychologist. Second, we propose an extrapolation model that describes how philosophical analysis can be used to raise questions about the information a professional seeks in the local clinical situations. We use the term extrapolation as elaborated in the last chapter: It involves extending a concept beyond its existing domain of applicability into a new, or in our case, a more specific domain.
Adaptive communication in animals and robots

Abstract We present a real-time description of animal communication and cooperation in terms of the interaction between two identical models of operant behavior. Each model has been shown capable of describing many features of avoidance behavior in animals. In order to describe adaptive communication, it is assumed that the same mechanisms that control the generation of responses control the generation of communicative calls. Computer simulations demonstrate that the models describe one- and two-animal discriminative avoidance, as well as cooperative avoidance. The results suggest that completely specified communicating agents can be replaced by adaptive systems that define their own rules of action and communication.
Prime Lab Sample Handling And Data Analysis For Accelerator-Based Biomedical Radiocarbon Analysis

Processing and measurement of 200 biomedical samples has provided an opportunity to better understand the characteristics of accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) analysis of such samples. We have utilized established procedures (Vogel 1992) and developed new methods for handling various biological samples. We have included secondary standards of known isotope ratio for all assays. A method of determining maximum precision for each unknown sample value is also reported. The presented data are an update of the ongoing radiocarbon AMS biomedical program at Purdue University.
An Anatomy of Organizing I

Previous chapters have depicted who is involved in community organizing, where it takes place, and how it emerged historically and intellectually. We turn now to the question of how organizing is done. What are its tactics, strategies, and rules? And what repertoires of political action does it employ? Answering these questions entails addressing the key political questions about power (who does what to whom and how do they achieve it?), judgment (how, when, and where should we act and what should we do?), and legitimacy (why should we act this way rather than that way, who gets to act, and what is the meaning and purpose of our actions?). I shall explore these questions by focusing on the initiation, development, and culmination of the campaign for responsible lending undertaken by London Citizens from 2008 to 2010. The account of the campaign provides a window onto the practices of broad-based community organizing (BBCO) and the dynamics and processes through which London Citizens as a particular instantiation of BBCO achieves its aims and fulfills its vision of democratic politics. This and Chapter 5 investigate what is involved for participants as they move through the sequences of a campaign and how the sequence itself embodies a distinct vision and performance of citizenship. We begin with how an issue is initially identified and a specific policy formulated. We then move on to consider how the capacity to work on an issue and bring about change through political action is developed. Initiating the Process The story of how Citizens UK came into being was sketched in Chapter 2. What is given here is an account of the emergent process through which a particular campaign and sequence of actions come into being. Although the campaign focused on is the responsible lending initiative, comparisons will be made to other campaigns in order to give illustrative contrasts and help develop a fuller sense of what community organizing can involve. In any account of something as multifaceted as a political campaign, there is always a degree of tidying up the narrative in order to communicate what happened succinctly and clearly, but as a result, there is a tendency to make things sound more linear than they were. I highlight this danger here in order to raise awareness of the problem in the ensuing examination.
S02-4 Personal, psychosocial, and biomechanical risk factors for work disability from carpal tunnel syndrome: a pooled prospective study

Introduction Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), the most common peripheral entrapment neuropathy, results from compression of the median nerve at the wrist that leads to more disability than most other upper extremity disorders (Foley 2007). Method 4321 workers were followed up to 7 years with repeated symptom surveys and nerve conduction studies to identify prevalent and incident cases of CTS (N = 318). Work disability was derived from SF12 and quickDASH questionnaires, and defined as symptom driven: (1) change in work pace, (2) lost time, or (3) job change. Workplace psychosocial exposure was assessed using the Karasek Job Content Questionnaire. Job level biomechanical exposures were time weighted averages of peak hand force, HAL scale, total repetition rate, forceful repetition rate,% time all hand exertions, and% time in forceful hand exertions (≥1 kg-pinch or ≥4 kg-grip). Adjusted hazard ratios were estimated using Cox proportional hazards models. Results Being female was associated with increased work disability(HR = 1.75; 95% CI: 1.23–2.5) as was having rheumatoid arthritis(HR = 1.85; 95% CI: 1.04–3.26). High job strain compared to low job strain more than doubled the rate of disability (HR = 2.38; 95% CI:1.03–5.51). The HAL Scale (HRmiddle = 3.91;95% CI: 1.82–8.38;HRupper = 3.20; 95% CI: 1.43–7.19), total repetition rate(HRmiddle = 2.30; 95% CI: 1.15–4.58; HRupper = 2.58; 95% CI: 1.23–5.38),% time in forceful exertions (HRupper = 2.03; 95% CI: 1.02–4.05) and% time in all exertions (HRupper = 2.53; 95% CI: 1.17–5.43) were associated with job change. Forceful repetition rate was associated with lost time (HRmiddle = 2.46;95% CI: 1.11–5.48; HRupper = 1.86; 95% CI: 0.91–3.83) and the HAL Scale (HRmiddle = 1.97; 95% CI: 1.24–3.12) and % time in all exertions (HRupper = 1.94; 95% CI: 1.17–3.24) was associated with pace change. Discussion These results indicate that personal, workplace psychosocial and biomechanical factors are associated with an increased rate of work disability from CTS and should be taken into account for secondary prevention programs.
Macrolide Resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae .

Streptococcus pneumoniae is a common commensal and an opportunistic pathogen. Suspected pneumococcal upper respiratory infections and pneumonia are often treated with macrolide antibiotics. Macrolides are bacteriostatic antibiotics and inhibit protein synthesis by binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit. The widespread use of macrolides is associated with increased macrolide resistance in S. pneumoniae, and the treatment of pneumococcal infections with macrolides may be associated with clinical failures. In S. pneumoniae, macrolide resistance is due to ribosomal dimehtylation by an enzyme encoded by erm(B), efflux by a two-component efflux pump encoded by mef(E)/mel and, less commonly, mutations of the ribosomal target site of macrolides. A wide array of genetic elements have emerged that facilitate macrolide resistance in S. pneumoniae; for example erm(B) is found on Tn917, while the mef(E)/mel operon is carried on the 5.4- or 5.5-kb Mega element. The macrolide resistance determinants, erm(B) and mef(E)/mel, are also found on large composite Tn916-like elements most notably Tn6002, Tn2009, and Tn2010. Introductions of 7-valent and 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV-7 and PCV-13) have decreased the incidence of macrolide-resistant invasive pneumococcal disease, but serotype replacement and emergence of macrolide resistance remain an important concern.
Mobility and the Sharing Economy: Industry Developments and Early Understanding of Impacts

Author(s): Shaheen, Susan, PhD; Bansal, Apaar; Chan, Nelson; Cohen, Adam | Abstract: Shared mobility—the shared use of a vehicle, bicycle, or other mode—is an innovative transportation strategy that enables users to gain short-term access to transportation modes on an “as-needed” basis. Shared mobility includes various forms of carsharing, bikesharing, ridesharing, on-demand ride services, and microtransit. Additionally, smartphone and mobile “apps” aggregate and optimize these mobility services and are critical to many shared mobility modes. Courier network services connect couriers using their personal vehicles or bicycles with freight and seek to disrupt the existing package and food delivery industry. The emergence of automated vehicles into shared mobility could further transform the passenger and freight transportation system, with greater emphasis on shared mobility. This chapter describes the different models that have emerged in the shared mobility space and reviews research that has quantified the environmental, social, and transportation-related impacts of these services. The authors also project future trends as automated vehicles begin to emerge.
Flying IoT: Toward Low-Power Vision in the Sky

The Internet of Things (IoT) is rapidly enabling applications in many different fields by embedding itself into the physical world. Many potential IoT devices require some level of machine learning or cognitive capability to be truly effective, but the high computational complexity of cognitive algorithms makes them unsuitable for low-power IoT processors. To understand the design challenges of cognitive IoT devices, the authors study a cognitive drone application in a design space called Flying IoT. They find that the computing capability provided by typical drone processors falls far short of satisfying the real-time performance requirements of their application. To improve their processor’s performance on the edge while maintaining its low power consumption and small form factor, the authors propose a sensor-cloud architecture in which data collection is done at the edge and data processing is offloaded to the cloud. Their sensor-cloud architecture can process complex convolution neural network models nearly in real time with software optimizations such as downsampling and compression, while consuming less power than state-of-the art embedded processors such as the Jetson TX1.
Stable Rhodium Pair Sites on MgO: Influence of Ligands and Rhodium Nuclearity on Catalysis of Ethylene Hydrogenation and H–D Exchange in the Reaction of H2 with D2

Understanding of supported metal pair-site catalysts is largely lacking, because most are structurally nonuniform or incorporate stabilizing ligands that inhibit catalysis. We synthesized rhodium p...
Abstract 13000: Physical Activity is Associated With Reduced Left Ventricular Mass Index in Blacks: Insights From the Genetic Epidemiology Network of Arteriopathy (GENOA) Study

Background: Physical activity (PA) has been associated with decreased left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in some clinical studies, however factors which influence this relationship have yet to be clarified. Blacks are disproportionately affected by cardiac diseases including LVH, partly due to higher rates of hypertension and obesity. Because other factors may also play a role, we investigated clinical factors that may affect the relationship between PA and LVH in blacks. Methods and Results: We evaluated 1314 black participants with preserved LV ejection fraction (EF>50%) from the Genetic Epidemiology Network of Arteriopathy (GENOA) Study (mean age 62.4 years, 73% women). LV mass index (LVMI) was calculated from echocardiography using the Devereux formula and indexed by height 2.7 . Total hours of PA per day (TPA hours) were assessed by self-report. The relationship between TPA hours and LVMI was evaluated by generalized estimating equation (GEE) with identity link, and adjusted for possible confounders. The effect of TPA hours on LVMI by age group, sex, body mass index (BMI), history of hypertension, diabetes or coronary heart disease, estimated glomerular filtration rate and current smoking status were plotted. After adjustment for these factors, longer TPA hours were independently associated with lower LVMI (p Conclusions: More PA was associated with lower LVMI in blacks. The protective effect of PA against LVH was present in obese and hypertensive black participants illustrating the importance of recommending increasing PA to prevent LVH and potentially reduce the risk of heart failure.
A dynamic optimization framework for OpenMP

Developing shared memory parallel programs using OpenMP is straightforward, but getting good performance in terms of speedup and scalability can be difficult. This paper demonstrates the functionality of a collector-based dynamic optimization framework called DARWIN that uses collected performance data as feedback to affect the behavior of the program through the OpenMP runtime, thus able to optimizing certain aspects. The DARWIN framework utilizes the OpenMP Collector API to drive the optimization activity and various open source libraries to support its data collection and optimizations.
Zeta-Functions of Varieties Over Finite Fields at s=1

Let κ be a finite field of cardinality q = p ’ . Let \(\overline \kappa \) be a fixed algebraic closure of κ. Let X be a smooth projective algebraic variety of dimension d over κ such that \(\overline X = X \times \overline \kappa \) is connected.
Xenoantigen Deletion and Chemical Immunosuppression Can Prolong Renal Xenograft Survival.

Objective Xenotransplantation using pig organs could end the donor organ shortage for transplantation, but humans have xenoreactive antibodies that cause early graft rejection. Genome editing can eliminate xenoantigens in donor pigs to minimize the impact of these xenoantibodies. Here we determine whether an improved cross-match and chemical immunosuppression could result in prolonged kidney xenograft survival in a pig-to-rhesus preclinical model. Methods Double xenoantigen (Gal and Sda) knockout (DKO) pigs were created using CRISPR/Cas. Serum from rhesus monkeys (n = 43) was cross-matched with cells from the DKO pigs. Kidneys from the DKO pigs were transplanted into rhesus monkeys (n = 6) that had the least reactive cross-matches. The rhesus recipients were immunosuppressed with anti-CD4 and anti-CD8 T-cell depletion, anti-CD154, mycophenolic acid, and steroids. Results Rhesus antibody binding to DKO cells is reduced, but all still have positive CDC and flow cross-match. Three grafts were rejected early at 5, 6, and 6 days. Longer survival was achieved in recipients with survival to 35, 100, and 435 days. Each of the 3 early graft losses was secondary to IgM antibody-mediated rejection. The 435-day graft loss occurred secondary to IgG antibody-mediated rejection. Conclusions Reducing xenoantigens in donor pigs and chemical immunosuppression can be used to achieve prolonged renal xenograft survival in a preclinical model, suggesting that if a negative cross-match can be obtained for humans then prolonged survival could be achieved.
Engagement of African Americans with Rapid HIV Testing and HIV Care.

Introduction/Background African Americans and Blacks experience the greatest human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) burden of any racial group in the US and globally. A number of challenges contribute to the higher rates of HIV infection among African Americans, including a lack of awareness of HIV status. African Americans account for nearly 50% of the newly estimated HIV/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) diagnoses, with the majority being tested only after developing symptoms of AIDS. Moreover, African Americans are more likely to postpone medical care after finding out that they are HIV positive. Purpose The aim of this study was to describe African Americans' likelihood of using salivary rapid testing (SRT) methods and entry into healthcare if HIV positive. Methods/Design Focus groups were conducted among 38 African Americans. The purpose of this study was to (1) describe personal factors, social resources, socio-demographic factors, cognitive appraisal, and health and coping behaviors which predict or influence the likelihood of African Americans' participation in SRT and, if positive, subsequent entry into healthcare and (2) to evaluate HIV Testing Survey items and modify them to be culturally and linguistically appropriate. A modified Comprehensive Health Seeking and Coping Paradigm guided the study (CHSCP). Results Of the 38 African American adults who participated in the study, 16 were female between the ages of 18-49 and the mean age was 23 years and there were 22 males, aged between 18-49 and the mean age was 29.5 years. Eight themes emerged from the data: familiarity, stigma, fear, access, immediacy, ease, degree of responsibility, and trust. Gender specific themes were health maintenance (women) and illness management (men). Sub-themes within gender-specific themes were stoicism (women) and anger (men). Implications Identifying the factors that influence the likelihood of HIV testing uptake can provide information on which to base development of interventions to facilitate HIV testing and earlier linkage to healthcare.
Paretic propulsion as a measure of walking performance and functional motor recovery post-stroke: A review.

Abstract Background Although walking speed is the most common measure of gait performance post-stroke, improved walking speed following rehabilitation does not always indicate the recovery of paretic limb function. Over the last decade, the measure paretic propulsion (Pp, defined as the propulsive impulse generated by the paretic leg divided by the sum of the propulsive impulses of both legs) has been established as a measure of paretic limb output and recently targeted in post-stroke rehabilitation paradigms. However, the literature lacks a detailed synthesis of how paretic propulsion, walking speed, and other biomechanical and neuromuscular measures collectively relate to post-stroke walking performance and motor recovery. Objective The aim of this review was to assess factors associated with the ability to generate Pp and identify rehabilitation targets aimed at improving Pp and paretic limb function. Methods Relevant literature was collected in which paretic propulsion was used to quantify and assess propulsion symmetry and function in hemiparetic gait. Results Paretic leg extension during terminal stance is strongly associated with Pp. Both paretic leg extension and propulsion are related to step length asymmetry, revealing an interaction between spatiotemporal, kinematic and kinetic metrics that underlies hemiparetic walking performance. The importance of plantarflexor function in producing propulsion is highlighted by the association of an independent plantarflexor excitation module with increased Pp. Furthermore, the literature suggests that although current rehabilitation techniques can improve Pp, these improvements depend on the patient’s baseline plantarflexor function. Significance Pp provides a quantitative measure of propulsion symmetry and should be a primary target of post-stroke gait rehabilitation. The current literature suggests rehabilitation techniques that target both plantarflexor function and leg extension may restore paretic limb function and improve gait asymmetries in individuals post stroke.
The Significance (or Insignificance) of Lower Lipids in Adolescents Who Were Exclusively Breastfed.

* Abbreviation: USPSTF — : US Preventive Services Task Force In their article, “Breastfeeding in Infancy and Lipid Profile in Adolescence,” Hui et al1 report that exclusive breastfeeding in early infancy may promote a healthier lipid profile in adolescence. In the original study, 8327 infants and families were recruited to prospectively study the impact of secondhand smoke. The sample represented 88% of all births in Hong Kong. Multiple factors were assessed at birth and early in life. At 17.5 years of age, 3261 participants agreed to a biobank clinical follow-up including anthropometric and lipid measurements. Key findings from this longitudinal follow-up included lower total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol for those who had been exclusively breastfed as infants compared with those who were formula fed. Similar results were not seen for those with mixed breast and formula feeding. Per Hui et al,1 the associations between exclusive breastfeeding and lower cholesterols were independent of BMI. This study has several strengths. The original population … Address correspondence to Alex H. Krist, MD, MPH, Department of Family Medicine and Population Health, Virginia Commonwealth University, One Capital Square, Room 631, 830 E. Main St, Richmond, VA 23219. E-mail: ahkrist{at}vcu.edu
What Students Learn from Engineering Instruction: Perspectives from Elementary Teachers

ABSTRACTEngineering design activities are a common way for teachers to incorporate engineering into their science classrooms, as called for by current science policy documents in the United States....
Design of Multilayer, Dualband Metasurface Reflectarrays

Reflectarray antennas are typically designed under the local periodicity approximation. Thus, mutual coupling is modeled as though the array is infinite in extent and made of identical elements. In dualband reflectarrays, elements are typically designed separately, with those at one frequency band operating with elements at the other band in the background. Elements are typically tuned to find the best compromise between the reflectarray’s performance at one frequency versus the other. Such a design process leads to nonoptimal designs. Here, we present an algorithm to design both layers of the reflectarray at both frequencies simultaneously. The reflectarray consists of two metasurfaces above a ground plane. The method accurately accounts for mutual coupling within the homogenized reflectarray, without resorting to local periodicity approximations. The design process produces practically realizable structures fabricable with standard printed circuit technologies. Subwavelength element patterning of the reflectarray surfaces also give rise to higher bandwidth.
Structural properties of target binding by profilaggrin A and B domains and other S100 fused-type calcium-binding proteins.

Abstract Background Profilaggrin belongs to the S100 fused-type protein family expressed in keratinocytes and is important for skin barrier integrity. Its N-terminus contains an S100 (“A”) domain and a unique “B” domain with a nuclear localization sequence. Objective To determine whether profilaggrin B domain cooperates with the S100 domain to bind macromolecules. To characterize the biochemical and structural properties of the profilaggrin N-terminal “AB” domain and compare it to other S100 fused-type proteins. Methods We used biochemical (protease protection, light scattering, fluorescence spectroscopy, pull-down assays) and computational techniques (sequence analysis, molecular modeling with crystallographic structures) to examine human profilaggrin and S100 fused-type proteins. Results Comparing profilaggrin S100 crystal structure with models of the other S100 fused-type proteins demonstrated each has a unique chemical composition of solvent accessible surface around the hydrophobic binding pocket. S100 fused-type proteins exhibit higher pocket hydrophobicity than soluble S100 proteins. The inter-EF-hand linker in S100 fused-type proteins contains conserved hydrophobic residues involved in binding substrates. Profilaggrin B domain cooperates with the S100 domain to bind annexin II and keratin intermediate filaments in a calcium-dependent manner using exposed cationic surface. Using molecular modeling we demonstrate profilaggrin B domain likely interacts with annexin II domains I and II. Steric clash analysis shows annexin II N-terminal peptide is favored to bind profilaggrin among S100 fused-type proteins. Conclusion The N-terminal S100 and B domains of profilaggrin cooperate to bind substrate molecules in granular layer keratinocytes to provide epidermal barrier functions.
It’s about perspective! Modern monetary misconceptions and the people’s economy

The Deficit Myth: Modern Monetary Theory and the Birth of the People’s Economy by University of Missouri-Kansas City economist Stephanie Kelton could not be timelier. Published in 2020, the book “w...
Modulation of PKM activity affects the differentiation of TH17 cells.

Small molecules that promote the metabolic activity of the pyruvate kinase isoform PKM2, such as TEPP-46 and DASA-58, limit tumorigenesis and inflammation. To understand how these compounds alter T cell function, we assessed their therapeutic activity in a mouse model of T cell–mediated autoimmunity that mimics multiple sclerosis (MS). TH17 cells are believed to orchestrate MS pathology, in part, through the production of two proinflammatory cytokines: interleukin-17 (IL-17) and GM-CSF. We found that both TEPP-46 and DASA-58 suppressed the development of IL-17–producing TH17 cells but increased the generation of those producing GM-CSF. This switch redirected disease pathology from the spinal cord to the brain. In addition, we found that activation of PKM2 interfered with TGF-β1 signaling, which is necessary for the development of TH17 and regulatory T cells. Collectively, our data clarify the therapeutic potential of PKM2 activators in MS-like disease and how these agents alter T cell function.
Adiposity, cardiovascular, and health-related quality of life indicators and the reallocation of waking movement behaviors in preschool children with overweight and obesity: An isotemporal data analysis.

Background Isotemporal substitution evaluates hypothetical time replacement scenarios of physical movement on health, with few studies conducted among ethnically diverse preschool-aged populations. This study examines the reallocation of waking movement behaviors on adiposity, cardiovascular, and quality of life indicators among low-income, majority Hispanic preschool-aged youth (2-5 years) with overweight. Methods Participants wore an ActiGraph monitor (waist) and completed adiposity, cardiovascular, and health-related quality of life health assessments. Covariates included age, sex, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. The isotemporal substitution approach was employed to address study aims. Results Complete data were available for 131 preschoolers. For boys, reallocating 5 minutes of stationary time with light intensity, moderate to vigorous intensity, or total physical activity showed a relation with beneficial reductions in adiposity indicators; for girls, these relations were statistically null. For boys and girls, reallocating 5 minutes of stationary time [-2.2 (95% CI: -3.7, -0.7) mmHg], light intensity [-2.1 (95% CI: -3.7, -0.7) mmHg], or moderate intensity activity [-2.7 (95% CI: -5.0, -0.4) mmHg] to vigorous intensity activity was related to favorable systolic blood pressure. Reallocating 5 minutes of stationary time to moderate to vigorous intensity activity [0.6 (95% CI: -1.0, -0.1) mmHg] or total physical activity [-0.2 (95% CI: -0.3, -0.01) mmHg] was related to lowered systolic blood pressure. Reallocating 5 minutes of stationary time to moderate to vigorous intensity activity [0.6 (95% CI: -1.1, -0.02) bpm] was related to lowered resting heart rate. No significant results for quality of life were found. Conclusion Reallocation of time from stationary time to other movement behaviors is associated with several favorable adiposity and cardiovascular health outcomes among preschool children with overweight and obesity.
Automated fault detection of residential air-conditioning systems using thermostat drive cycles

Abstract Residential air conditioning equipment comprises a significant portion of the total energy consumption of a home. Unfortunately, air-conditioning systems can be susceptible to faulty operation either from installation errors or faults that accrue over the equipment’s lifetime. This paper presents a novel automated fault detection algorithm for residential air-conditioning systems that can alert the homeowner of the presence of these faults. The proposed algorithm utilizes only the home’s thermostat and outside air temperature to perform automated fault detection over the course of the equipment’s lifetime, including immediately after installation. The algorithm uses an extended Kalman filter approach to identify a three-resistor, two-capacitor (3R2C) electrical equivalent thermodynamic model. The identified 3R2C model is used to predict cooling times during a testing period comprising of a series of thermostat drive-cycle experiments. We tested the algorithm on an EnergyPlus™ model of a typical residential building in Orlando, Florida. Duct faults, indoor airflow faults, and refrigerant undercharge faults were introduced into the building model one at a time. The algorithm was able to accurately determine duct-leak faults, 40% airflow faults, 40% undercharge faults, and no-fault cases with an accuracy of 70%, 77%, 82%, and 87%, respectively.
Some thoughts on the relation between behavior analysis and behavioral neuroscience

A comprehensive science of behavior is concerned with two related, but nevertheless distinct, questions. The first question is “How is an organism’s behavior functionally related to its environment?” The second question is “How do the organism’s neural and hormonal systems mediate those functional relations?” Behavior analysis addresses the first question, whereas behavioral neuroscience addresses the second. The neural and hormonal information that behavioral neuroscience provides is important for a comprehensive science of behavior because the information enhances the possibilities for the prediction and control, rather than because it logically validates an explanation of behavior. Although cognitive psychology is ostensibly concerned with internal events, it reflects the influence of social and cultural mentalistic traditions more than the means by which neural and hormonal systems mediate functional relations.
Role of Alicyclic Conformation-Isomerization in the Photomechanical Performance of Azobenzene-Functionalized Cross-Linked Polyimides Containing Tetra-Substituted Cyclohexane Moieties

The classical “chair-twist boat–boat” conformational dynamics (CD) of cyclohexane is thermally activated. Here we report on the photoinduced/azobenzene-assisted CD of bilaterally fused cyclohexane ...