cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Wright's adaptive landscape versus Fisher's fundamental theorem

Two giants of evolutionary theory, Sewall Wright and R. A. Fisher, fought bitterly for over thirty years. The Wright-Fisher controversy forms a cornerstone of the history and philosophy of biology. I argue that the standard interpretations of the Wright-Fisher controversy do not accurately represent the ideas and arguments of these two key historical figures. The usual account contrasts the major slogans attached to each name: Wright's adaptive landscape and shifting balance theory of evolution versus Fisher's fundamental theorem of natural selection. These alternative theories are in fact incommensurable. Wright's theory is a detailed dynamical model of evolutionary change in actual populations. Fisher's theory is an abstract invariance and conservation law that, like all physical laws, captures essential features of a system but does not account for all aspects of dynamics in real examples. This key contrast between embodied theories of real cases and abstract laws is missing from prior analyses of Wright versus Fisher. They never argued about this contrast. Instead, the issue at stake in their arguments concerned the actual dynamics of real populations. Both agreed that fluctuations of nonadditive (epistatic) gene combinations play a central role in evolution. Wright emphasized stochastic fluctuations of gene combinations in small, isolated populations. By contrast, Fisher believed that fluctuating selection in large populations was the main cause of fluctuation in nonadditive gene combinations. Close reading shows that widely cited views attributed to Fisher mostly come from what Wright said about Fisher, whereas Fisher's own writings clearly do not support such views.
Experimental evidence for electrostatic discharging of dust near the surface of Mars

Laboratory experiments have shown that single non-conductive dust grains can attain large electric potentials due to triboelectric charging. When grains within a dust cloud interact, they become charged. An electric field forms when upwinds within the cloud cause a separation of large and small particles. We have performed laboratory experiments to determine the necessary conditions for triboelectric charging in a cloud of Martian regolith simulant to break down a low-pressure CO2 atmosphere and create electrical discharges. The range of pressures and the simulated wind speeds over which discharges are observed have been determined. The effects of particle-size distribution on the observed discharge rates are also discussed.
Review: high-quality evidence on the effectiveness of laxatives for functional constipation in children is limited.

Are laxatives and dietary measures effective for functional constipation in children? Included studies compared osmotic, bulk-forming, stimulant or emollient laxatives, lubricating agents, or dietary measures with placebo, no treatment, or alternative treatments in children ⩽18 years of age who had functional constipation. Exclusion criteria included studies of children with psychiatric disease, organic constipation, exclusively non-retentive faecal incontinence, or mental handicap. Outcomes included treatment success (defined by individual studies) or defecation frequency. Medline and EMBASE/Excerpta Medica (to Dec 2007) and reference lists were searched for randomised controlled trials (RCTs), comparative clinical trials (CCTs), or crossover studies. 28 studies (n = 1912, duration of follow-up 2 d to 12 mo) met the selection criteria: …
Aldomet® (Merck Sharp & Dohme)

The precise mechanism whereby methyldopa lowers blood pressure is not completely known, yet its antihypertensive effect is probably due to metabolism to alpha-methylnorepinephrine, which then lowers arterial pressure by stimulation of the central inhibitory alphaadrenergic receptors. False neurotransmission and/or reduction of plasma renin activity may also contribute to the action.
Gasteromycetes from Panama and Costa Rica

Collections of Gasteromycetes were made in Panama in 1935, 1937, and 1945 by G. W. Martin and in Panama and Costa Rica in 1952 by G. W. Martin and A. L. Welden. These collections include species previously reported from Barro Colorado Island by Standley (1927) and Weston (1933) and additional species not previously reported from Panama. To my knowledge there have not been any previous reports on Gasteromycetes from Cotsa Rica. No attempt has been made to include complete synonymy, but references are given to other names used in the literature cited.
Parasympathetic inhibition of sympathetic neural activity to the pancreas.

The present study tested the hypothesis that activation of the parasympathetic nervous system could attenuate sympathetic activation to the pancreas. To test this hypothesis, we measured pancreatic...
DETERMINATION OF INORGANIC ARSENIC IN LIQUOR BY HPLC-ICP-MS

The method for determination of arsenic species in liquor by using HPLC-ICP-MS has been developed.The mehod detection limits of each As species were as follows (count as As):AsB 0.02ppb,DMA 0.02ppb,As(Ⅲ). 0.04ppb,MMA 0.04ppb,As(Ⅴ)0.06ppb.The accuracy and precision of the method was evaluated by spike recovery testing. Recovery of inorganic arsenic were between 85.1%—103.2% and the relative standard deviation were within 2.52%—5.52%(n=6).Liquor sample from the market were analyzed according to the presented method hereby. The result showed that inorganic arsenic in the samples did not exceed national permission limits.
SYNTHESIS AND PERFORMANCE OF AN ORGANIC CHROME CROSSLINKING AGENT FOR DEEP PROFILE CONTROL

An organic chrome crosslinking agent of weak gel for deep profile control has been synthesized by using a monose compound as ligand based on its complexing constant of the complexing agent. Results indicate that the crosslinking system has the properties of convenient operation, easy injection and good performance. The contraction between the vertical and plane in formation has been solved effectively and the oil recovery has been enhanced.
DYNAMIC DISPATCH OF KNOWLEDGE IN RESERVOIR NUMERICAL SIMULATION EXPERT SYSTEM

The development of the assisted expert system for the history matching of reservoir numerical simulation is a process on the increase. The knowledge base is going to be proficient and expanded with the improvement of system function, the blocks of the knowledge can be formed in the light of the different solutions. This paper describes the dynamic dispatch mechanism of knowledge for consummate of the assisted expert system for the history matching of reservoir numerical simulation. In the modified clips system, the inferential mechanism is that the rules and facts are chosen into inferential machine dynamically according to present status during inference; the ODBC interface of the inferential service object is made to dispatch rules and facts stored in many heterogeneous databases. In the mean, the foundations of the research and development for multi-expert system is built.
Spatio-spectral exploration combining in situ and remote measurements

Adaptive exploration uses active learning principles to improve the efficiency of autonomous robotic surveys. This work considers an important and understudied aspect of autonomous exploration: in situ validation of remote sensing measurements. We focus on high-dimensional sensor data with a specific case study of spectroscopic mapping. A field robot refines an orbital image by measuring the surface at many wavelengths. We introduce a new objective function based on spectral unmixing that seeks pure spectral signatures to accurately model diluted remote signals. This objective reflects physical properties of the multi-wavelength data. The rover visits locations that jointly improve its model of the environment while satisfying time and energy constraints. We simulate exploration using alternative planning approaches, and show proof of concept results with the canonical spectroscopic map of a mining district in Cuprite, Nevada.
Equal Opportunity and School Financing: Towards a Moral Theory of Constitutional Adjudication

At the conclusion of a recent article, Professor Ronald Dworkin spoke in general terms of "a fusion of constitutional law and moral theory, a connection that, incredibly, has yet to take place."' This article adopts Dworkin's general thesis that "[c]onstitutional law can make no genuine advance" until such a fusion becomes a reality2 and tries to indicate, by critical examination of one constitutional problem, how this fusion might be accomplished. It seems generally implausible to hypothesize a necessary logical relation between concepts of law or a legal system and substantive moral values. Yet to suppose some type of necessary relation in American legal experience is not similarly implausible. In America we have written state and federal constitutions that literally incorporate substantive moral criteria into conditions of legal validity. For example, the fourteenth amendment speaks of "due process of law" and "equal protection of the laws." Such language approaches requiring that, to constitute valid law, governmental enactments or actions must give all people their moral due or treat them equally as persons. Of course, this statement is a rather inexact expression of a more complex truth;3 it is clear that constitutionally valid state laws can be substantively immoral4 and that laws can be moral yet constitutionally invalid.5
Engineering approaches for regeneration of T lymphopoiesis

T cells play a central role in immune-homeostasis; specifically in the induction of antigen-specific adaptive immunity against pathogens and mutated self with immunological memory. The thymus is the unique organ where T cells are generated. In this review, first the complex structures and functions of various thymic microcompartments are briefly discussed to identify critical engineering targets for regeneration of thymic functions in vitro and in vivo. Then the biomimetic regenerative engineering approaches are reviewed in three categories: 1) reconstruction of 3-D thymic architecture, 2) cellular engineering, and 3) biomaterials-based artificial presentation of critical biomolecules. For each engineering approach, remaining challenges and clinical opportunities are also identified and discussed.
Dermatology and Pruritus Ani

Pruritus ani is a dermatologic condition characterized by burning or itching at the perianal area, which is categorized as either primary (idiopathic) or secondary. Multiple etiologies have been recognized, but the majority of patients do not have a single distinct contributing pathology. Diagnosis requires a comprehensive and stepwise algorithm including a detailed history and physical exam, as well as biochemical and microbiology testing. Management can be complicated without a clear etiology or understanding of perianal dermatologic pathologies and should be evidenced based.
Dampening neutrophil integrins.

In this issue of Blood , [Artz et al][1] show that growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15), a distant relative of transforming growth factor β (TGF-β), inhibits neutrophil integrin activation through canonical TGF-β receptor heterodimers.[1][2] ![Figure][3] Signals transmitted through
Festivals and Local Identities in a Global Economy: The Festival of India and Dance Umbrella

The Festival of India showcased Indian culture on a large scale for global audiences. A phenomenon of the 1980s and 1990s, the festival launched in Britain in 1982, then extended to sites such as the United States, France, the Soviet Union, Germany, and China. Although using a similar terminology to the Festival of India, Dance Umbrella began in 1978 as a showcase of independent performance, initially centred on a single, small-scale venue. Only gradually, over its 30-year history, has Dance Umbrella emerged as a mainstream showcase in which the world’s most prominent contemporary dance companies appear in London’s most renowned venues. These two festivals provide an arena for examining the workings of festival structures. In this chapter, I suggest that festival programming engages with three related histories: the relationship between scholarship, cultural tourism, and imperial display; the construction of national identities; and the relationship of dance to diplomacy.
Radioiodine-Refractory Thyroid Cancer: Restoring Response to Radioiodine Therapy

Most cases of thyroid cancer can be treated effectively with total thyroidectomy, in some cases followed by adjuvant radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy. Mortality is primarily associated with metastatic disease, especially when RAI avidity is lost. There have been many efforts to develop therapies to restore the ability of RAI-refractory thyroid cancers to trap iodide and respond to this treatment. Retinoids, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) agonists, histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors, and DNA-demethylating agents have shown some activity to restore RAI uptake in vitro. However, clinical trials with these agents have shown, at best, mixed results. Papillary thyroid cancers (PTC) are associated with mutually exclusive mutations of oncogenes encoding effectors of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. The activated BRAFv600E mutation is the most frequent genetic alteration in PTC and confers patients with a poor prognosis. Inhibitors of the MAPK pathway, such as MEK inhibitors, have been shown to restore sodium-iodine symporter (NIS) expression and iodide uptake in vitro and in mouse models and are currently undergoing clinical trials with promising results.
Camptodactyly and the 22q11.2 deletion syndrome.

We describe a 5-day-old male with minor facial anomalies, a congenital laryngeal web, severe laryngomalacia, and prominent fixed flexion of the proximal interphalangeal joints of digits 2 through 5 bilaterally. A whole genome SNP microarray analysis identified a 2.55 Mb interstitial deletion of 22q11.21, typical of that seen in the DiGeorge and Velocardiofacial syndromes. A review of the literature identifies 10 other cases with camptodactyly. Camptodactyly appears to be an associated but rarely reported anomaly in patients with the 22q11.2 microdeletion syndrome. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Quantification of Marrow Plasmacytosis in HIV Patients

Introduction : A reactive, polyclonal increase in marrow plasma cells in pts with HIV is relatively common, reported to occur in 25% of cases in one series (1) and recently noted to be "usually seen" (2). However, quantification of the degree of marrow plasmacytosis has not been well described. Methods : Pts with a diagnosis of HIV and who had a bone marrow aspirate and biopsy performed at our institution over a 10 year period (2/2004-9/2014) were reviewed. Pts with a diagnosis of myeloma were excluded. A 500 cell count was performed on each marrow aspirate and plasma cell percentage determined. Results : 65 pts were identified; 9 were excluded due to dry taps, so there were 56 evaluable marrow aspirates. Reasons for performing the aspirate and biopsy included: lymphoma staging (NHL in 11/65, HL in 4/65); abnormal SPEP (2/65); abnormal MRI (1/65); FUO (14/65), Kaposi's sarcoma/fevers (3/65), pancytopenia (15/65), thrombocytopenia (6/65), neutropenia (2/65) and anemia (10/65). The average marrow plasma cell percentage was 4.6%, with a range from 0- 21% (median 4%). Only 7/56 (12.5%) had >10% plasma cells. Of these 7 cases, only one had an identifiable cause (multicentric Castleman's) for the plasmacytosis. The 6 others had no neoplastic or infectious etiology, except for HIV itself (including one with 21% plasma cells). All had polyclonal plasmacytosis. Conclusions : In this small series of HIV marrows the degree of plasmacytosis was generally mild (average of 4.6%, which is barely above the upper limit of normal range of 3.5%). However, there were a minority of cases which exhibited significant plasmacytosis (as high as 21%) without any cause other than HIV. This suggests that, while significant marrow polyclonal plasmacytosis is usually not seen in HIV, it may occur as a result of HIV itself without any other identifiable cause. 1) Karchen DS and Frost AR. The bone marrow in HIV-related disease: Morphology and clinical correlation. Am J Clin Path. 1991; 95(1): 63-71. 2) Leibman HA and Tulpule A. "Hematologic manifestations of HIV/AIDS". Chapter 159. Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice, 6th edition. 2013. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
The efficacy of prazosin for the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder nightmares in U.S. military veterans.

Background and purpose Nightmares associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are a hallmark symptom among U.S. military veterans who have seen combat. Management of combat-related nightmares can be difficult and current pharmacologic options are limited and tend to have adverse side effects. The aim of this review is to explore recent literature regarding the efficacy of prazosin for the treatment of nightmare disorder in the veteran population. Methods Recent literature consisting of three systematic reviews was reviewed, as well as current clinical guidelines published by The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and The Department of Defense (DoD) and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM). Conclusions Prazosin has been shown to be effective in the treatment of PTSD trauma-related nightmares. As a result of its low side effect profile and abilities to improve both sleep and reduce trauma nightmares, prazosin has been recommended as an adjunct therapy. Implications for practice Prazosin should be initiated as an adjunctive treatment to promote sleep in those suffering from PTSD nightmares. It should be initiated at 1 mg and then titrated upward until absence or desired reduction of nightmares is achieved, with a maximum dosage recommendation of 20 mg at bedtime and 5 mg midmorning.
Automation of Network-Based Scientific Workflows

Comprehensive, end-to-end, data and workflow management solutions are needed to handle the increasing complexity of processes and data volumes associated with modern distributed scientific problem solving, such as ultrascale simulations and high-throughput experiments. The key to the solution is an integrated network-based framework that is functional, dependable, faulttolerant, and supports data and process provenance. Such a framework needs to make development and use of application workflows dramatically easier so that scientists’ efforts can shift away from data management and utility software development to scientific research and discovery. An integrated view of these activities is provided by the notion of scientific workflows - a series of structured activities and computations that arise in scientific problem-solving. An information technology framework that supports scientific workflows is the Ptolemy II based environment called Kepler. This paper discusses the issues associated with practical automation of scientific processes and workflows and illustrates this with workflows developed using the Kepler framework and tools.
The Growth and Dynamics of Saccharomyces Cerevisiae

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses a wide range of topics related to the growth of Saccharomyces. cerevisiae , culminating with an examination of several mathematical models. The development of industrialized society has created a need, increasingly evident in recent years, to quantify the metabolic processes of microorganisms so that they can be most thoroughly and efficiently exploited. Nevertheless, limited success has been reported in monitoring, controlling, and optimizing of microbial systems using material balancing techniques and empirical process models. A prominent subject for the development of mechanistic microbial growth models is Saccharomyces cerevisiae , which is commonly known as bakers' or brewers' yeast. This chapter discusses a wide range of topics related to the growth of S. cerevisiae , culminating with an examination of several mathematical models. The use of S. cerevisiae in the baking and brewing industries and in the production of single-cell protein makes it a familiar microorganism of major industrial importance. Any modeling advances may, then, be of impending practical utility. There is an abundance of information available on many aspects of the morphology, physiology, biochemistry, and genetics of S. cerevisiae. This wealth of knowledge arises not only from the industrial importance of the microorganism but also from its popularity as an experimental organism in fundamental studies of cellular structure, functions, and metabolism.
Geometry and Reality

As we saw in the preceding chapter, on a curved surface, geodesics replace the straight lines of the Euclidean plane. It also became clear that, in general, when figures are formed from geodesics, some of the most cherished results of Euclidean geometry - such as the theorem on angle sum of a triangle - must be given up. But, Euclid’s theorems are derived by logical arguments from a set of postulates (or axioms). Physical intuition is allowed to enter the theory only through the postulates; after these are stated, only rules of logic can be appealed to in the proofs (although, of course, the inspiration for a theorem can come from intuition). It must therefore be the case that some of the properties ascribed to lines in Euclid’s postulates cannot be true in general for geodesics. For, if all of Euclid’s postulates held for geodesics, then so would his theorems. Let us examine some of the Euclidean postulates to see what goes wrong when they are interpreted to hold for geodesics.
All About ‘e’ (Well, Almost All)

Leonhard Euler identified the base of the natural logarithm system with the letter ‘e.’ “Why did he [Euler] choose the letter e? There is no consensus. According to one view, Euler chose it because it is the first letter of the word exponential. More likely, the choice came to him naturally, since the letters a, b, c, and d frequently appeared elsewhere in mathematics.
Immunosemiotics: Whither the Immune Response? Factors Directing the Response to Humoral or Cell-Mediated Immunity

The effector phase of an immune response is commonly described as being either humoral or cell-mediated. The pathological consequences of an immune response are largely determined by the nature of the effector pathway followed. However, the factors that determine which effector mode is activated are not understood. As this represents a major choice made by the immune system, and as the result of the choice has biological and theoretical consequences, studies in my laboratory have been addressing this issue.
Sublinear Equations and Schur’s Test for Integral Operators

We study weighted norm inequalities of (p, r)-type, ||G(f dσ)||Lr(Ω,dσ) ≤ C|f|Lp(Ω,σ), for all f ∈Lp(σ), for 0 < r < p and p = 1, where G(fdσ)(x) = ⎰Ω G(x, y)f(y)dσ(y) is an integral operator associated with a nonnegative kernel G(x, y) on Ω×Ω, and σ is a locally finite positive measure in Ω. We show that this embedding holds if and only if ⎰Ω Gσ) pr p–r dσ < +∞, provided G is a quasi-symmetric kernel which satisfies the weak maximum principle. In the case p = r q, where 0 < q < 1, we prove that this condition characterizes the existence of a non-trivial solution (or supersolution) u ∈ Lr(Ω, σ), for r = q, to the sublinear integral equation u –G(uq dσ) = 0, u≥ 0. We also give some counterexamples in the end-point case p = 1, which corresponds to solutions u ∈ Lq(Ω, σ) of this integral equation studied recently in [19, 20]. These problems appear in the investigation of weak solutions to the sublinear equation involving the (fractional) Laplacian, (-Δ)αu – σ uq = 0, u≥ 0, for 0 < q < 1 and 0 < α < n 2 in domains Ω ⊆ ℝn with a positive Green function.
STAT3 inhibition for gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors: Potential for a new therapeutic target?

340Background: Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs) are highly vascular tumors with similar treatments applied to all sites. The expression of pro-angiogenic factors (STAT3, VEGF...
COMPLEX ATRIAL SEPTAL DEFECT WITH AN IATROGENIC DIVERSION

42 year old female with a history significant for multiple atrial septal defects (ASD), repaired 6 year ago presents with exertional dyspnea. During her ASD repair, the intraatrial septum was found to have multiple openings communicating with the left atrium (LA). The septum was excised and
Treatment of HCV in the Department of Corrections in the Era of Oral Medications.

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) is widely prevalent in the Virginia Department of Corrections (DOC). However, sustained virologic response (SVR) with all oral direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy ...
Prevalence of Alcohol Use and Reasons for Drinking Among Occupational Therapists: An Exploratory Investigation

Alcohol use by occupational therapists (OTs) and reasons for consuming alcohol were examined. Five hundred participants, randomly selected from American Occupational Therapy Association membership,...
Geographic Variation in Sex Ratios of the US Immigrant Population: Identifying Sources of Difference

This paper describes geographic variation in the sex composition of the foreign-born population in the US since 1990, and uses Blinder-Oaxaca decomposition to identify key sources of variation in regional sex ratios. We use data from the 1990 and 2000 US Censuses, and from the 2007–2011 American Community Survey, to create estimates of the size and characteristics of foreign-born populations at the level of Consistent Public-Use Microdata Areas. We find substantial local- and region-level variation in population sex ratios, with the highest sex ratios in the South and Midwest. This variation is partly explained by differences in the age- and national origin-composition of immigrants, but the effects of immigration history, age, and national origin on sex ratio vary substantially by region. The West in particular stands out as having high levels of unexplained difference from other regions. Future research is necessary to understand these regional differences in gendered immigration patterns.
Effects of spin current on ferromagnets (invited)

When a spin-polarized current flows through a ferromagnet, the local magnetization receives a spin torque. Two consequences of this spin torque are studied. First, the uniformly magnetized ferromagnet becomes unstable if a sufficiently large current is applied. The characteristics of the instability include spin-wave generation and magnetization chaos. Second, the spin torque has profound effects on the structure and dynamics of the magnetic domain wall. A detailed analysis on the domain-wall mass, kinetic energy, and wall depinning threshold is given.
Lower Gastrointestinal Tract and Microsatellite Instability

Use of immunohistochemistry in the diagnostic gastrointestinal pathology of the lower GI tract is similar to that of the upper GI tract. CK20, CK7, and CDX-2 are probably the most commonly used markers and can identify the histogenesis of the vast majority of lower GI tract carcinomas. Tumors of neuroendocrine origin are also common in the lower GI tract, and for these, CDX-2, synaptophysin, and chromogranin immunostains are very helpful. Diagnosis of tumors of mesenchymal origin is generally straightforward based on tumor histology with the help of immunohistochemistry. The differential diagnosis between appendiceal mucinous tumors and ovarian muci­nous tumors occasionally could be challenging because the two share significant similarities in both tumor his­tology and immunophenotype. As microsatellite instability (MSI) is thought to play a role not only in tumorigenesis but also in prognosis and response to adjuvant chemo­therapy regimens, MSI testing is becoming popular. In general, immunohistochemistry and PCR-based tests for MSI correlate very well. Immunohistochemical studies are approximately 90–95% sensitive for hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) syndrome. Finally, in conjunction with immunohistochemistry, molecular pathology may broaden its use in pathology practice as demonstrated by K-ras and BRAF mutation test in colorectal carcinomas.
Expanding molecular diversity with pseudopeptides and macrotorials: Synthesis, characterization, and biological activities of macrocyclic combinatorial libraries

Combinatorial mixtures represent a potentially rich source of drug leads if problems involving deconvolution and structure optimization can be overcome. Cyclic peptides and their analogs are partially constrained systems that reduce the complexities inherent with linear macromolecules. Through careful optimization of synthetic procedures, we have been able to prepare, test, and interpret biological results from both small and large (>1000 component) cyclic peptide libraries.
Mechanistic Statistical Theory of Nonequilibrium Thermodynamics

In the preceding chapter we introduced the idea of elementary molecular processes and showed that they provide a natural description of bimolecular collision dynamics and chemical kinetics. By adopting a statistical interpretation of the transition rate for elementary processes, it was possible to develop a statistical description of the Boltzmann theory and to generalize the linear Onsager theory of concentration fluctuations for chemical reactions. The idea of elementary processes seems to be tailor-made for describing transport processes like chemical reactions which are caused directly by molecular collisions. In fact, all dissipative processes which transport extensive variables have their origin in molecular events, and the language of elementary processes turns out to be a natural one to describe their effects. In this chapter we develop the general theory of elementary processes in a form that is applicable to a wide range of transport processes.
Conveying Genetic Risk to Teenagers

With the mapping of the human genome and the rapid discovery and application of new technologies, recent years have brought about unprecedented advances in genetics and genomics, the latter being defined as “the study not just of single genes, but of the functions and interactions of all the genes in the genome” (Guttmacher & Collins, 2002, p. 1512). In the foreseeable future, it is expected that predictive genetic tests will be available for as many as a dozen common conditions (Collins & McKusick, 2001). For example, strides have been made in the discovery of genetic and genomic markers for such diseases as asthma, diabetes, certain cancers, and heart disease (Altshuler et al., 2000; Bell, 2004; Bottini, Musumeci, Alonso, Rahmouni, Nika et al., 2004; Malerba & Pignatti, 2005; Ober & Hoffjan, 2006; Palma, Ristori, Ricevuto, Giannini, & Gulino, 2006; Sogaard, Kjaer, & Gayther, 2006; Wooster et al., 1994). Results of genetic testing for these common disorders will be used to inform, often in individuals with family histories of the disorder, their chance of developing the disease and as a consequence what steps can be taken, if any, to minimize or eliminate future harm.
Genomic Pathology: Training for New Technology

Genomic testing is being incorporated into almost all areas of medicine. There is evidence, however, that many physicians do not understand single-gene testing, let alone genomic analysis. Pathologists, given their background in molecular diagnostics and experience directing clinical laboratories, must play a major role in translating genomic technology to patient care. This chapter reviews the significant progress that the pathology community has made in genomic medicine training.
Artificial Lighting at Night in Estuaries—Implications from Individuals to Ecosystems

Artificial lighting at night (ALAN) produced by urban, industrial, and roadway lighting, as well as other sources, has dramatically increased in recent decades, especially in coastal environments that support dense human populations. Artificial “lightscapes” are characterized by distinct spatial, temporal, and spectral patterns that can alter natural patterns of light and dark with consequences across levels of biological organization. At the individual level, ALAN can elicit a suite of physiological and behavioral responses associated with light-mediated processes such as diel activity patterns and predator-prey interactions. ALAN has also been shown to modify community composition and trophic structure, with implications for ecosystem-level processes including primary productivity, nutrient cycling, and the energetic linkages between aquatic and terrestrial systems. Here, we review the state of the science relative to the impacts of ALAN on estuaries, which is an important step in assessing the long-term sustainability of coastal regions. We first consider how multiple properties of ALAN (e.g., intensity and spectral content) influence the interaction between physiology and behavior of individual estuarine biota (drawing from studies on invertebrates, fishes, and birds). Second, we link individual- to community- and ecosystem-level responses, with a focus on the impacts of ALAN on food webs and implications for estuarine ecosystem functions. Coastal aquatic communities and ecosystems have been identified as a key priority for ALAN research, and a cohesive research framework will be critical for understanding and mitigating ecological consequences.
Organometallic-Organic Hybrid System as Flexible Dielectric Material

Dielectric flexible film with high dielectric permittivity and low dielectric loss has received increased demands over the past decade due to its wide range of applicability in modern electronics like flexible circuits, hybrid vehicles, pulsed power systems. Novel Sn-polyester based organometalllic pDMTDMG polymer is processed with organic polyimide based pBTDA-HDA polymer to form a flexible free-standing film with tunable dielectric properties. Its dielectric properties were characterized by frequency domain dielectric spectroscopy and high voltage DC breakdown test. In addition, films were characterized by using Differential Scanning Calorimetry for their thermal behavior and by Wide Angle X Ray diffraction for microstructural analysis. Hybrid film with 60% pDMTDMG and 40% PI was found to have improved dielectric properties over previously synthesized and processed organic polyimide and organometallic Sn-polyester homopolymers.
Biodiversity conservation of Morlocks in west-central Texas

In PNAS, Devitt et al. (1) present a profoundly interesting and important report of phylogeographic and phylogenetic analyses of a group of salamanders in the genus Eurycea in the Edwards and Trinity aquifers in west-central Texas. These analyses led the authors to extend the scope of their study to analyze important conservation concerns for these salamander species and the ecosystems upon which they depend. These salamanders are mysterious and challenging to those who want to learn about them. An important first step would be to ask how many species are associated with this aquifer system and how are those species distributed in space. However, even this first step is a remarkable challenge insofar as the habitat for the species is within the subterranean interstices of karstic (porous rock) aquifers. These salamanders remind one of the Morlocks in the 19th-century novel by H. G. Wells, The Time Machine (2), because both Morlocks and Eurycea spp. live mostly underground. It would be hard enough to conduct a phylogeographic study of pond-dwelling frogs that can be easily found by listening for their loud breeding calls, but the Morlock-like salamanders do not vocalize and they inhabit parts of the world that are terribly hard to access. Devitt et al. (1) sampled salamanders in caves, water wells, and springs at the recharge and discharge areas of these underground stream systems, yet much of the habitat for these salamanders could not be sampled. Actually, the comprehensive book of standard methods for sampling amphibians (3) offers no guidance on how to sample amphibians within the water table. In fact, sampling these salamanders in their habitat within the water table is likely best accomplished by using water-drilling rigs (Fig. 1), which are not generally the tools of field biologists. Nevertheless, some sampling was done … [↵][1]1Email: dtracy{at}unr.edu. [1]: #xref-corresp-1-1
Flow Cytometric Measurement Of ROS Production In Macrophages In Response To FcγR Cross-linking

The oxidative or respiratory burst is used to describe the rapid consumption of oxygen and generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by phagocytes in response to various immune stimuli. ROS generated during immune activation exerts potent antimicrobial activity primarily through the ability of ROS to damage DNA and proteins, causing death of microorganisms. Being able to measure ROS production reproducibly and with ease is necessary in order to assess the contribution of various pathways and molecules to this mechanism of host defense. In this paper, we demonstrate the use of fluorescent probes and flow cytometry to detect ROS production. Although widely used, fluorescent measurement of ROS is notoriously problematic, especially with regards to measurement of ROS induced by specific and not mitogenic stimuli. We present a detailed methodology to detect ROS generated as a result of specific FcγR stimulation beginning with macrophage generation, priming, staining, FcγR cross-linking, and ending with flow cytometric analysis.
Second primary malignancies in multiple myeloma: A review

As survival times of multiple myeloma (MM) patients continue to improve, second primary malignancies (SPM) have become an increasingly relevant long-term risk among MM survivors. Population studies since the 1950s have consistently observed an increased incidence of hematologic SPMs, specifically acute leukemia, among MM survivors. Prolonged treatment with alkylators, especially melphalan, was associated with an increased hematologic SPM risk; likewise, autologous stem cell transplantation appeared to minimally increase SPM risk. Immunomodulatory drugs, specifically lenalidomide, was associated with an increased SPM incidence, although most studies concluded that the benefits of therapy outweighed any risks of SPM. Newer anti-myeloma therapy such as proteasome inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies did not appear to increase SPM risk although robust long-term follow-up is lacking. This review discusses current understanding regarding SPMs among survivors of MM, how different host-, disease- and treatment-related factors contribute to SPM incidence and highlights emerging screening guidelines and prognosis for SPMs.
Gun Rights Delayed Can Be Gun Rights Denied

Legitimate protests of police killings have led to greater levels of violence across the nation. As people have felt less secure, applications for gun licenses have surged. This essay reflects on this intertwining of the need for protest and the need for self-defense and thus the connection between the First and Second Amendments. It argues based on new evidence that James Madison, the key architect of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, understood the First Amendment and Second Amendment similarly as protecting the individual's natural right to speak and the individual's natural right to self-defense respectively. The similar nature of the First and Second Amendments support making doctrinal analogies between them. The First Amendment helps judges gauge the strength of the public interest justification needed to set a natural right aside. It also can bring to bear a comprehensive body of neutral First Amendment principles to help guide a Second Amendment law that is still in its infancy and to which judges may not be as well-disposed because of professional and social position. This analogy can help answer a pressing Second Amendment issue arising from the unrest in the wake of legitimate protests. Some jurisdictions facing an upswing in violence have delayed the licenses for purchasing or carrying guns for more than month. While the First Amendment permits states to require licenses for demonstrations (for reasons of externalities that also underlie licensing requirements for guns), such licenses cannot be unreasonably delayed as that delay effectively undermines the right of free speech. Delays in licensing guns for self-defense during unrest would make the Second Amendment right of self-defense as ineffective as would delays in licensing for demonstrations to protest recent events.
Introduction to the Finite Element Method and Implementation with MATLAB

Connecting theory with numerical techniques using MATLAB®, this practical textbook equips students with the tools required to solve finite element problems. This hands-on guide covers a wide range of engineering problems through nine well-structured chapters including solid mechanics, heat transfer and fluid dynamics; equilibrium, steady state and transient; and 1-D, 2-D and 3-D problems. Engineering problems are discussed using case study examples, which are solved using a systematic approach, both by examining the steps manually and by implementing a complete MATLAB®code. This topical coverage is supplemented by discourse on meshing with a detailed explanation and implementation of 2-D meshing algorithms. Introducing theory and numerical techniques alongside comprehensive examples this text increases engagement and provides students with the confidence needed to implement their own computer codes to solve given problems.
Effect of Donor Heart Preservation Temperature Monitoring Technology on Primary Graft Dysfunction and Outcomes in Heart Transplantation

Introduction Cardiac tissue preservation is an essential component of heart transplantation (HTx). Recently, The International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation 2020 consensus statement on donor heart procurement recommended heart preservation at a temperature greater than 4°C, ideally between 5-10°C, to avoid freezing and subsequent irreversible myocardial cell damage. Paragonix Technologies Inc. SherpaPak (SP) (Boston, MA, USA) is a novel cardiac transport system with continuous, real-time temperature monitoring which allows for users to keep the recommended temperature for the duration of transport. The effect of SP technology has not been well described in the literature. We reviewed a series of cases at our single center to analyze the impact on primary graft dysfunction (PGD) and HTx outcomes. Case Report A review of 30 HTx cases at a single center since the first use of SP (November 2019 to October 2020) was conducted. Cases numbers of SP and ice in standard cooler box were 13 (43.3 %) and 17 (56.7%), respectively. There were no significant differences in pre-HTx donor and recipient characteristics except for donor heart ischemic time (SP 217.8 ± 14.7 vs. Ice 187.9 ± 44.0 minutes, p =0.03) (Table 1). There were no significant differences in PGD rates and length of stay metrics post-HTx. Summary In our case series, although mean donor ischemic time was 30 minutes longer on SP, post HTx outcomes including PGD rates were similar compared to traditional preservation methods. Further, larger studies are warranted to understand the potential benefits of this new technology.
The Impact of Partial Measurement Invariance on Between-group Comparisons of Second-Order Factor Means

A simulation study was conducted to explore the influence of partial measurement invariance on the second-order factor mean difference estimation. The types, positions, numbers, and directions of b...
Survey Fraud and the Integrity of Web-Based Survey Research.

Compared to traditional paper surveys, online surveys offer a convenient, efficient, and socially distant way to conduct human subjects research. The popularity of online research has grown in rece...
Traumatic spinal cord injury in mice with human immune systems

Mouse models have provided key insight into the cellular and molecular control of human immune system function. However, recent data indicate that extrapolating the functional capabilities of the murine immune system into humans can be misleading. Since immune cells significantly affect neuron survival and axon growth and also are required to defend the body against infection, it is important to determine the pathophysiological significance of spinal cord injury (SCI)-induced changes in human immune system function. Research projects using monkeys or humans would be ideal; however, logistical and ethical barriers preclude detailed mechanistic studies in either species. Humanized mice, i.e., immunocompromised mice reconstituted with human immune cells, can help overcome these barriers and can be applied in various experimental conditions that are of interest to the SCI community. Specifically, newborn NOD-SCID-IL2rg(null) (NSG) mice engrafted with human CD34(+) hematopoietic stem cells develop normally without neurological impairment. In this report, new data show that when mice with human immune systems receive a clinically-relevant spinal contusion injury, spontaneous functional recovery is indistinguishable from that achieved after SCI using conventional inbred mouse strains. Moreover, using routine immunohistochemical and flow cytometry techniques, one can easily phenotype circulating human immune cells and document the composition and distribution of these cells in the injured spinal cord. Lesion pathology in humanized mice is typical of mouse contusion injuries, producing a centralized lesion epicenter that becomes occupied by phagocytic macrophages and lymphocytes and enclosed by a dense astrocytic scar. Specific human immune cell types, including three distinct subsets of human monocytes, were readily detected in the blood, spleen and liver. Future studies that aim to understand the functional consequences of manipulating the neuro-immune axis after SCI should consider using the humanized mouse model. Humanized mice represent a powerful tool for improving the translational value of pre-clinical SCI data.
Preface to Part III

The seven chapters in this part present a diverse set of perspectives regarding early algebra instruction and ways of supporting teachers’ efforts to foster the development of students’ algebraic thinking. In particular, the chapters range in focus from teachers’ algebra content knowledge to teachers’ use of classroom opportunities to foster algebraic thinking to international comparisons of instructional approaches with regard to algebra. As a collection, the chapters not only highlight the critical role that teachers play in fostering students’ algebraic thinking, but also provide insight into both the challenges and opportunities associated with efforts to promote algebra in the early grades. The part closes with a commentary that considers the implications of the seven chapters with regard to the ability of teachers to foster the development of students’ algebraic thinking.
Effect of Additives on Grain Size and Shape in TiC‐Ni3Al Composites

TiC-Ni 3 Al composites are under development for application in diesel engines because of desirable physical and mechanical properties. High wear resistance of the composites is critical and smaller grains with less faceting are believed to be beneficial. The various additives can categorized into three basic types: strong carbide formers; moderate carbide formers; and additions that do not alloy with TiC.