cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
TGF-β1 Regulates Antigen-Specific CD4+ T Cell Responses in the Periphery

T cell expansion typically is due to cognate interactions with specific Ag, although T cells can be experimentally activated through bystander mechanisms not involving specific Ag. TGF-beta1 knockout mice exhibit a striking expansion of CD4+ T cells in the liver by 11 days of age, accompanied by CD4+T cell-dependent necroinflammatory liver disease. To examine whether hepatic CD4+T cell expansion in TGF-beta1(-/-) mice is due to cognate TCR-peptide interactions, we used spectratype analysis to examine the diversity in TCR Vbeta repertoires in peripheral CD4+T cells. We reasoned that Ag-nonspecific T cell responses would yield spectratype profiles similar to those derived from control polyclonal T cell populations, whereas Ag-specific T cell responses would yield perturbed spectratype profiles. Spleen and liver CD4+T cells from 11-day-old TGF-beta1(-/-) mice characteristically exhibited highly perturbed nonpolyclonal distributions of TCR Vbeta CDR3 lengths, indicative of Ag-driven T cell responses. We quantitatively assessed spectratype perturbation to derive a spectratype complexity score. Spectratype complexity scores were considerably higher for TGF-beta1(-/-) CD4+ T cells than for TGF-beta1(+/-) CD4+T cells. TCR repertoire perturbations were apparent as early as postnatal day 3 and preceded both hepatic T cell expansion and liver damage. By contrast, TGF-beta1(-/-) CD4+ single-positive thymocytes from 11-day-old mice exhibited normal unbiased spectratype profiles. These results indicate that CD4+ T cells in TGF-beta1(-/-) mice are activated by and respond to self-Ags present in the periphery, and define a key role for TGF-beta1 in the peripheral regulation of Ag-specific CD4+ T cell responses.
Investigating the Social-Adjustive and Value-Expressive Functions of Well-Grounded Attitudes: Implications for Change and for Subsequent Behavior

Recent demonstrations of the plausibility of functional theories of persuasion have occurred within advertising contexts or have targeted potentially nebulous or uninvolving attitudes, and may thus have demonstrated the utility of functional explanations of attitude formation rather than attitude change. In the present study, attitudes that participants have acted on and consider important (i.e., the criteria they use to select dating partners) were the targets of persuasion. High and low self-monitoring individuals, who hold different dating attitudes that serve different functions, were exposed to functionally relevant or functionally irrelevant messages that reached either proattitudinal or counterattitudinal conclusions. As anticipated by functional theory, (a) low self-monitoring individuals changed their dating attitudes only after hearing a counterattitudinal message that addressed thevalue-expressive functions their dating attitudes served, whereas (b) high self-monitoring individuals changed their opinions only after hearing a counterattitudinal message that addressed thesocial-adjustive functions served by their dating attitudes. Although the data revealed that important attitudes can be changed via a functionally relevant appeal, only the low self-monitoring individuals subsequently used their changed attitudes to guide their behavior in a subsequent couple-matching task. Implications of these results for functional theories of persuasion and for variations in attitude/behavior consistency were discussed.
Effect of acidification treatment and morphological stability of sulfonated poly(arylene ether sulfone) copolymer proton‐exchange membranes for fuel‐cell use above 100 °C

Directly copolymerized wholly aromatic sulfonated poly(arylene ether sulfone) copolymers derived from 4,4'-biphenol, 4,4'-dichlorodiphenyl sulfone, 3,3'-disulfonated, and 4,4'-dichlorodiphenyl sulfone (BPSH) were evaluated as proton-exchange membranes for elevated temperature operation (100-140 °C). Acidification of the copolymer from the sulfonated form after the nucleophilic step (condensation) copolymerization involved either immersing the solvent-cast membrane in sulfuric acid at 30 °C for 24 h and washing with water at 30 °C for 24 h (method 1) or immersion in sulfuric acid at 100 °C for 2 h followed by similar water treatment at 100 °C for 2 h (method 2). The fully hydrated BPSH membranes treated by method 2 exhibited higher proton conductivity, greater water absorption, and less temperature dependence on proton conductivity as compared with the membranes acidified at 30 °C. In contrast, the conductivity and water absorption of a control perfluorosulfonic acid copolymer (Nafion 1135) were invariant with treatment temperature; however, the conductivity of the Nafion membranes at elevated temperature was strongly dependent on heating rate or temperature. Tapping-mode atomic force microscope results demonstrated that all of the membranes exposed to high-temperature conditions underwent an irreversible change of the ionic domain microstructure, the extent of which depended on the concentration of sulfonic acid sites in the BPSH system. The effect of aging membranes based on BPSH and Nafion at elevated temperature on proton conductivity is also discussed.
The significance of basal ganglia infarction

The striatum is a selectively vulnerable region of brain in animal models of ischemic stroke. We performed cerebral blood flow with single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) on six patients with focal basal ganglia infarction and five patients with hemispheric infarction to determine whether the striatum is selectively vulnerable to ischemia in human stroke. SPECT was performed with a Toshiba model 602A digital scintillation camera using 30 mCi 99m Tc Ceretec. One hour after injection, scans were performed at 5° intervals to a complete 360° over 40 min. Data were processed into sagittal, axial, and coronal views. Groups were compared by Fischer's exact test. Five of the six patients with basal ganglia infarction had diffuse hemispheric ischemia. All five patients with focal hemispheric infarction had ischemia confined to that region ( p = 0.01). Focal infarction of the striatum occurs in diffuse cerebral ischemia because the striatum is a selectively vulnerable brain region.
The Food Friends Get Movin' with Mighty Moves: a physical activity program for preschoolers.

Childhood obesity continues to be a prevalent public health concern warranting considerable attention. Low levels of physical activity may have a significant role in the rise of the obesity epidemic. Physical activity levels in children have been correlated with their motor skill levels; children with poorer motor skill performance are less active than children with better-developed motor skills. Children who develop mature motor patterns in early childhood feel more coordinated and confident, which may lead to increased physical activity levels and enjoyment. Thus, efforts to enhance motor skill proficiency in young children are warranted. The preschool setting holds great potential for interventions aimed at grossmotor development and physical activity. However, programming should ensure that teachers' needs are being met, because they are instrumental in ensuring that children receive adequate activity experiences during preschool.
Improvements in Life Cycle Energy Efficiency and Greenhouse Gas Emissions of Corn‐Ethanol

Summary Corn-ethanol production is expanding rapidly with the adoption of improved technologies to increase energy efficiency and profitability in crop production, ethanol conversion, and coproduct use. Life cycle assessment can evaluate the impact of these changes on environmental performance metrics. To this end, we analyzed the life cycles of corn-ethanol systems accounting for the majority of U.S. capacity to estimate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and energy efficiencies on the basis of updated values for crop management and yields, biorefinery operation, and coproduct utilization. Direct-effect GHG emissions were estimated to be equivalent to a 48% to 59% reduction compared to gasoline, a twofold to threefold greater reduction than reported in previous studies. Ethanol-to-petroleum output/input ratios ranged from 10:1 to 13:1 but could be increased to 19:1 if farmers adopted high-yield progressive crop and soil management practices. An advanced closed-loop biorefinery with anaerobic digestion reduced GHG emissions by 67% and increased the net energy ratio to 2.2, from 1.5 to 1.8 for the most common systems. Such improved technologies have the potential to move corn-ethanol closer to the hypothetical performance of cellulosic biofuels. Likewise, the larger GHG reductions estimated in this study allow a greater buffer for inclusion of indirect-effect land-use change emissions while still meeting regulatory GHG reduction targets. These results suggest that corn-ethanol systems have substantially greater potential to mitigate GHG emissions and reduce dependence on imported petroleum for transportation fuels than reported previously.
Compositions of Solutions in Contact with Hydrating Tricalcium Silicate Pastes

The concentration of ionic species in the solution in contact with hydrating tricalcium silicate (C3S) has been studied as a function of time and in the presence of admixtures. The ionic product for calcium hydroxide (CH) was calculated as a function of time and correlated with calorimetric measurements and crystal growth data. The results support the hypothesis that nucleation of CH crystals controls the induction period and that their subsequent growth controls the second heat peak. The influence of admixtures can be predicted from their influence on CH crystal growth. However, solution data indicate that the system cannot properly be compared with the growth of pure CH; the combined role of C-S-H and CH must be considered. Some implications for C3S hydration are discussed.
Pharmacologic advances in orofacial pain: from molecules to medicine.

The management of chronic orofacial pain often follows a pattern of claims of efficacy based on clinical observations superseded by equivocal findings of effectiveness or belated recognition of toxicity. While therapeutic innovation spurred by genomics and proteomics is likely to result in new drugs for pain, inflammation, and neuropathic pain, the process of drug development and approval takes five to ten years and is often unsuccessful. Therapeutic strategies for improving treatment for chronic orofacial pain are proposed, but recognition of impediments to changing clinical practices suggest the need for interim measures. Greater understanding of the molecular and genetic events that contribute to pain chronicity and interindividual variations in pain responsiveness may eventually result in individualized molecular pain medicine to prevent and treat chronic orofacial pain. Dr. Dionne is a Senior Investigator at the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, NIH. His participation in the University of Washington Distinguished Professor Program and this article were performed outside the scope of his employment as a U.S. government employee. This article represents his personal and professional views and not necessarily those of the U.S. government. Address correspondence to him at 1351 28 th Street, NW, Washington DC 20007; dionnera@yahoo.com.
Requirements for a beam sweeping system for the Fermilab antiproton source target

In order to increase the rate of production of antiprotons, the intensity of the incident 120-GeV proton beam on the target is scheduled to increase to 5/spl times/10/sup 12/ protons per pulse. The intensity in the range of 3/spl times/10/sup 12/ has already been sufficient to damage the nickel antiproton production target. To continue to operate with a tightly-focused primary beam spot on the target and thus maintain yield, we plan to spread the hot spot on the target with a beam sweeping system. Operation of the system will require a deflection of the beam with pairs of 625-kHz magnets upstream and downstream of the target. We are investigating both ferrite and laminated-iron magnet designs for operation in the harsh environment downstream of the target.
Factors Influencing the Evaluation of Actinic Degradation of Fibers

A procedure giving reproducible data has been devised for the preparation, exposure, and testing of yarns in fabric form for resistance to actinic degradation. Effects of season, test location, and sample presentation have been considered. It has been shown that ultraviolet radiation is a more useful index of exposure than total incident radiation. It is suggested that the cyclical seasonal variation of ozone in the upper atmosphere is responsible for the observed seasonal variations in ultraviolet radiation. It is also sug gested that the difference in degradation rate noted between South Florida and Arizona are primarily a function of the observed large difference in relative humidity between those sites. Preliminary accelerated tests in Xenon and Sunshine Carbon Arc Weather ometers are shown to correlate with direct-to-weather tests based on an ultraviolet radiation index.
Sampling of the Diurnal Cycle of Precipitation Using TRMM

We examine the temporal sampling of tropical regions using observations from the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Microwave Imager (TMI) and Precipitation Radar (PR). We conclude that PR estimates at any one hour, even using three years of data, are inadequate to describe the diurnal cycle of precipitation over regions smaller than 12 degrees, due to high spatial variability in sampling. We show that the optimum period of accumulation is four hours. Diurnal signatures display half as much sampling error when averaged over four hours of local time. A similar pattern of sampling variability is found in the TMI data, despite the TMI's wider swath and increased sampling. These results are verified using an orbital model. The sensitivity of the sampling to satellite altitude is presented, as well as sampling patterns at the new TRMM altitude of 402.5 km.
Mathematical analysis while in the wilderness

HAVING A BROAD INTENDED READERSHIP, this chapter should begin by a very rough characterization. Mathematical analysis is “like calculus but far more advanced.” An exact definition does not exist. This is not surprising, because truly important notions are left undefined, even in mathematics! This is argued in an appendix to the preface of M 1999N and in an overview chapter in M 2002H.
Separation of Serum Lipoproteins of Japanese Quail by Disc Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis and Single Discontinuous Density Gradient Ultracentrifugation

Abstract A method based on disc polacrylamide gel electrophoresis (disc PAGE) for the separation of serum lipoproteins of Japanese quail (Cotumix cotumix japonica) prestained with Sudan Black B is described and evaluated. Good separation was obtained by using 3% separating gel and decreasing the concentration of buffer solution A used for preparation of separating gel solution to one-half that recommended by Narayan (1975). Best resolution of the high density lipoproteins was achieved by using 7 to 10% of separating gel, which separated the high density lipoproteins into three bands. Clear lipoprotein bands were obtained after ultracentrifugation of prestained serum. For corresponding positions, the bands of unstained serum after staining had the same mobility in the disc (PAGE) as prestained lipoprotein bands. In quail, density smaller than 1.006 g/ml contains chylomicrons and very low density lipoproteins (VLDL); density from 1.018 to 1.05 g/ml contains the low density lipoprotein (LDL); and density more than 1.05 g/ml and less than 1.16 g/ml contains the high density lipoproteins (HDL). In the profile of serum lipoproteins after ultracentrifugation, two peaks were observed in the density range of HDL. There was one small peak with density 1.05 to 1.09 g/ml and one large peak with density 1.09 to 1.16 g/ml. Based on the lipoprotein profiles from both disc PAGE and ultracentrifugation, HDL is the predominant form, LDL is intermediate, and VLDL and chylomicrons are smallest in amount.
A CFD Analysis of Compressible Flow through Convergent-Conical Nozzles

Work presented at the 1 Propulsion Aerodynamics Workshop on the CFD study of compressible ow through convergent-conical nozzles is summarized. This work focused on assessing the accuracy of the CFD study in obtaining nozzle performance and ow structure, including nozzle thrust and discharge coe cients and the shock structure. The CFD studies were performed using Metacomp CFD++ software and compared with the available experimental data during the workshop. We con rmed that the discharge coe cient increases as the nozzle angle decreases and the choked nozzle pressure ratio is lower for a smaller nozzle angle. The discharge coe cient increases with increasing pressure ratio until the choked condition is reached. The thrust coe cient increases as the nozzle angle increases, and for a given nozzle angle, the thrust coe cient decreases as nozzle pressure ratio increases. Results and assessments are presented in this paper and at the 49 AIAA Joint Propulsion Conference.
Pilot Study to Assess Safety and Clinical Outcomes of Irreversible Electroporation for Partial Gland Ablation in Men with Prostate Cancer

Purpose: Partial prostate gland ablation is a strategy to manage localized prostate cancer. Irreversible electroporation can ablate localized soft tissues. We describe 30 and 90-day complications and intermediate term functional outcomes in men undergoing prostate gland ablation using irreversible electroporation.Materials and Methods: We reviewed the charts of 25 patients with prostate cancer who underwent prostate gland ablation using irreversible electroporation as a primary procedure and who were followed for at least 6 months.Results: Median followup was 10.9 months. Grade 3 complications occurred in 2 patients including epididymitis (1) and urinary tract infection (1). Fourteen patients experienced grade 2 or lower complications, mainly transient urinary symptoms, hematuria and urinary tract infections. Of 25 patients 4 (16%) had cancer in the zone of ablation on routine followup biopsy at 6 months. Of those with normal urinary function at baseline 88% and 94% reported normal urinary function at 6 a...
Collaborative management of river basins

Expansions in the scale of river management have led to expansion in the level of human resources involved in management, and therefore the need for partnering between government agencies, non-governmental organizations,and the public. Inclusion of partners requires a more flexible and evolving process to plan for change, and poses new challenges for all involved. Collaboration requires major institutional reorientation at the policy level to ensure responsiveness to local demand, and to empower and enable communities to act. At the program level, it means detailed outlines for action can no longer be drawn up at the outset because problem solving must be based on partnerships and cooperation. I review the relevance of collaborative management, approaches for initiating collaborative efforts, challenges associated with accommodating diverse interests, communication among partners, assembly and development of relevant information, development of an action plan, and selected case histories.
Theory of Dangling Orbital Defects at the Si/SiO2 Interface

We review the experimental and theoretical pictures of the dangling orbital defects at the Si/SiO2 interface. We show that recent theory agrees in detail with the observed hyperfine and super hyperfine. Also, the estimated level positions obtained from cluster calculations imply that the dangling orbital on the interface is a normal, positive U defect. This is at variance with recent local-density Green’s-function calculations on the dangling orbital in crystalline silicon, that predict that the dangling orbital is a negative U defect. We discuss possible sources of the discrepancy. Finally, calculations on the recently proposed model for the Pb defect involving a three-fold coordinated oxygen atom yield general disagreement with spin resonance data, as well as with electrical measurements. Hence, the original, simple model of a trivalent silicon atom continues to be strongly preferred.
Teaching Creativity through Inquiry Science.

The experience that students gain through creative thinking contributes to their readiness for the 21st century. For this and other reasons, educators have always considered creative thinking as a desirable part of any curriculum. The focus of this article is on teaching creative thinking in K-12 science as a way to serve all students and, especially, creatively gifted students. The premise is that teaching creativity through science is a good learning motivator and can lead to more meaningful science learning. Included is a model for teaching creative thinking through science with examples that show how a teacher can, at a minimum, start with an established series of inquiry lessons and incorporate more creative thinking. It is hoped that teachers with this experience can begin to include more creative aspects in the curriculum at the initial planning stages.
Nanocomposite Thermites with Calcium Iodate Oxidizer

Iodine bearing reactive materials and fuel additives are being developed to inactivate harmful aerosolized spores and bacteria by combined thermal and chemical effects. Nanocomposite thermites with aluminum and boron serving as fuels and calcium iodate as an oxidizer were prepared by arrested reactive milling. Both materials contained 80 wt % of calcium iodate. Morphology and particle sizes of the prepared materials were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Both powders comprised particles finer than ca. 10 μm with fuel and oxidizer mixed on the submicrometer scale. Powders were exposed to room air to assess their stability. They were ignited as a thin coating on an electrically heated filament. Powders were injected in an air-acetylene flame to observe combustion of individual particles. Pressed pellets for both prepared materials were prepared and ignited using a CO2 beam. Al ⋅ Ca(IO3)2 oxidizes rapidly in room air, whereas no aging was detected for B ⋅ Ca(IO3)2. Ignition of Al ⋅ Ca(IO3)2 occurs around 1150 K, after both aluminum and calcium iodate melt. Ignition is accompanied by ejection of sintered particles undergoing microexplosions while they are combusting. Ignition of B ⋅ Ca(IO3)2 occurs between 600 and 700 K, before either of the components melt. Combustion is accompanied by the formation of a luminous halo above the material, suggesting a vapor-phase reaction involving boron suboxides. Longer ignition delays are observed for the pellets of Al ⋅ Ca(IO3)2 heated by the CO2 laser beam compared to similar pellets of B ⋅ Ca(IO3)2. Burn rates of B ⋅ Ca(IO3)2 pellets are nearly twice as fast as those of Al ⋅ Ca(IO3)2, primarily due to the lower ignition temperature for the boron-based thermite. The flame temperatures obtained from the time-integrated optical spectra are close to 2140 and 2060 K for Al ⋅ Ca(IO3)2 and B ⋅ Ca(IO3)2, respectively. Individual particles of B ⋅ Ca(IO3)2 injected into an air-acetylene flame burn slower than similar Al ⋅ Ca(IO3)2 particles. Based on their better stability, lower ignition temperatures, shorter ignition delays, and longer burn times leading to a more gradual release of iodine, B ⋅ Ca(IO3)2 composites are suggested to be better suited as components of energetic formulations aimed to defeat stockpiles of biological weapons.
Interleukin-6 Deficiency Attenuates Retinal Ganglion Cell Axonopathy and Glaucoma-Related Vision Loss.

The pleotropic cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) is implicated in retinal ganglion cell (RGC) survival and degeneration, including that associated with glaucoma. IL-6 protects RGCs from pressure-induced apoptosis in vitro. However, it is unknown how IL-6 impacts glaucomatous degeneration in vivo. To study how IL-6 influences glaucomatous RGC axonopathy, accompanying glial reactivity, and resultant deficits in visual function, we performed neural tracing, histological, and neurobehavioral assessments in wildtype (B6;129SF2/J; WT) and IL-6 knock-out mice (B6;129S2-IL6tm1kopf/J; IL-6-/-) after 8 weeks of unilateral or bilateral microbead-induced glaucoma (microbead occlusion model). IOP increased by 20% following microbead injection in both genotypes (p 0.05) and degenerating axon profiles were minimal. Preservation of RGC axons was reflected in visual function, where visual acuity decreased significantly in a time-dependent manner with microbead-induced IOP elevation in WT (p 0.05). Despite this preservation of RGC axons and visual acuity, both microbead-injected WT and IL-6-/- mice exhibited a 50% decrease in anterograde CTB transport to the superior colliculus, as compared to saline-injected controls (p < 0.01). Assessment of glial reactivity revealed no genotype- or IOP-dependent changes in retinal astrocytes. IOP elevation decreased microglia density and percent retinal area covered in WT mice (p < 0.05), while IL-6-/- mice exhibited only a decrease in density (p < 0.05). Together, our findings indicate that two defining features of RGC axonopathy-axon transport deficits and structural degeneration of axons-likely occur via independent mechanisms. Our data suggest that IL-6 is part of a mechanism that specifically leads to structural degeneration of axons. Furthermore, its absence is sufficient to prevent both structural degeneration of the optic nerve and vision loss. Overall, our work supports the proposition that functional deficits in axon transport represent a therapeutic window for RGC axonopathy and identify IL-6 signaling as a strong target for such a therapeutic.
In Very High-Risk Patients with Vascular Disease, Evolocumab Slightly Reduces Nonfatal MI But Not Mortality.

In an extremely high-risk group of patients with known vascular disease, taking evolocumab instead of placebo in addition to standard statin therapy for slightly more than two years will prevent one myocardial infarction (MI) for every 83 persons treated and prevent one stroke for every 250 persons treated.
On two special classes of transportation polytopes

The Hirsch conjecture on the diameter of polytopes, and the form and number of vertices are here established constructively for two special classes of transportation polytopes.
Arthroscopic Transfer of the Long Head of the Biceps Tendon 2-10 Year Functional Outcome and Clinical Results

Objectives:Evaluation of the mid-term clinical and functional outcome in a cohort of patients who underwent transfer of the long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT).Methods:Patients diagnosed with bic...
Multi-fidelity optimization of super-cavitating hydrofoils

Abstract We present an effective multi-fidelity framework for shape optimization of super-cavitating hydrofoils using viscous solvers. We employ state-of-the-art machine learning tools such as multi-fidelity Gaussian process regression and Bayesian optimization to synthesize data obtained from multi-resolution simulations, and efficiently identify optimal configurations in the design space. We validate our simulation results against experimental data, and showcase the efficiency of the proposed work-flow in a realistic design problem involving the shape optimization of a three-dimensional super-cavitating hydrofoil parametrized by 17 design variables.
Mathematical analysis of circadian disruption and metabolic re-entrainment of hepatic gluconeogenesis: the intertwining entraining roles of light and feeding.

The circadian rhythms influence the metabolic activity from molecular level to tissue, organ, and host level. Disruption of the circadian rhythms manifests to the host’s health as metabolic syndrom...
How and When to Perform Bayesian Acceptance Sampling

(1991). How and When to Perform Bayesian Acceptance Sampling. Journal of Quality Technology: Vol. 23, No. 4, pp. 371-372.
A New Mu Element from a Robertson’s Mutator Line

Robertson (8) described a maize line that, when self-pollinated, generated a 50-fold higher frequency of recessive mutants than expected spontaneously. Approximately 40% of these mutations were unstable genetically, a characteristic of transposon-induced mutants. The first insertional mutagen from a Robertson’s Mutator line, Mu1, was identified and cloned from an unstable mutant allele of Adh1 (3,9). Nine bp of genomic intron-1 DNA was duplicated upon insertion. A complete sequence analysis (2) of the Mu1 element determined that the 1,367-bp element contained 215-bp terminal repeats and 100-bp internal direct repeats. All Mutator lines were found to contain 10–70 copies of Mu1-homologous sequences (1,3). Zero-2 copies of Mu1 exist in non-Mutator lines (3,6). There are one larger and three smaller Mu1-related elements in Mutator lines (10). The largest-sized Mu1-family element described, Mu2 (also called Mu1.7), has a few hundred additional base pairs of internal DNA as compared to Mu1 (10).
Dichotomization without Steady Growth: Baseline Simulations

Computer simulation has become a key technique for the study of boundedly rational (Simon 1955, 1978) choices in economics and cognitive science (Young 1998). In economics, “agent-based” simulations with either boundedly or unboundedly rational simulated agents can investigate interactions at the level of individuals, according to known rules, and thus provide new insights on the working of markets, the role of externalities, and similar population processes. When we understand rational choices as the results of application of procedural rules, as in “Production Systems,” (Newell and Simon), computer simulation comes as a natural representation, and when we further consider these procedural rules as products of an evolutionary process of variation and selection, or of learning by trial and error, the use of computer simulation is all the more essential. There is now a fairly large literature of evolutionary models in economics based on this mutation-and-selection approach. (Nelson and Winter, e.g.) In this book, instead, genetic algorithms (Rawlins) are used to model bounded rationality and the process of learning by trial and error.
Abstract 4300: Cell cycle pathway gene regulation in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and GBM derived stem cells: Implicating Pentraxin 3 upregulation

Introduction: Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) is the most aggressive type of brain cancer and progresses at a rapid rate. The major obstacle in the treatment of GBM is selective survival of a subpopulation of GBM derived stem cells (GSC) which are highly proliferative and resistant to drug induced apoptosis. The proteins involved in the regulation of the cell cycle impact survival potential of GBM and GSCs. Pentraxin 3 (PTX3), an angiogenic and survival factor plays a key role in cell proliferation, angiogenesis and invasion. However, little is known about the association of PTX3 and cell cycle regulation in GBM derived stem cells. Mehods: GBM patient tumor lines, and GSC derived from the same GBM lines were used. These cell lines were exposed to hypoxia and re-oxygenation. Cell cycle profiling and analysis were carried out using flow cytometry and FlowJo Single Cell Data Analysis Software. Xeno-transplanted mouse brain sections were used for PTX3 expression analysis by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence staining. Targeted proteomic approach was used to determine PTX3 levels in GBM and GSC. Alterations in the cell cycle regulatory gene expression in GSC and GBM tumor line in presence and absence of PTX3 was identified by transcriptome array analysis. Results: Our targeted proteomic approach using antibody array identified substantially higher levels of PTX3 in GSCs. GBM tumor lines showed higher percent of cells in G1 phase, where as GSCs showed increased number of cells in G2 and S-phase, both under normoxia and hypoxia. GSCs showed increased levels of GADD45A, known to protect GBM cells from apoptosis. Increased PTX3 expression correlated with increased cell cycle progression. Furthermore, exogenous PTX3 increased CyclinD1, a protein required for progression through the G1 phase of the cell cycle. Conclusion: GSC cells show cell cycle progression, presumably with an increased growth advantage. PTX3 expression is associated with GBM malignancy, and may contribute to GBM cell cycle progression and invasion. Overall, these results indicate that PTX3 and the cell cycle pathway are strongly associated with malignant GBM. Citation Format: Umadevi V. Wesley, Paul Clark, Jacob Jaeger, John Kuo, Robert Dempsey. Cell cycle pathway gene regulation in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and GBM derived stem cells: Implicating Pentraxin 3 upregulation [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 4300.
“Rehabilitation” as Boundary Object: Medicalization, Local Activism, and Narcotics Addiction Policy in New York City, 1951–621

AbstractIn the 1950s and early 1960s, a growing coalition of volunteer neighborhoods-based organizations emerged in New York and other U.S. cities that addressed youthful drug use through casework,...
Stability Assessment of a System Comprising a Single Machine and a Virtual Oscillator Controlled Inverter with Scalable Ratings

We present a small-signal stability study of a coupled synchronous generator and inverter system, where the inverter is controlled by virtual oscillator control (VOC). VOC is a recently proposed grid-forming inverter control strategy, which acts on faster time scales compared to droop control. In our study, we leverage a scalable VOC controller (that is by design agnostic of power levels) to test the system's small-signal stability at different inverter penetration levels. The impact of rotational inertia, reactive power support, and filter parameters on stability is then investigated. Results highlight possible issues that might arise in these mixed machine-inverter systems further motivating the need to develop next generation stabilizing grid-forming controllers.
Abstract TP16: Collateral Flow in Posterior Circulation Ischemic Stroke Predict Outcome in Basilar Artery Occlusion: Undergoing Mechanical Thrombectomy

Basilar artery thrombosis is typically associated with devastating outcomes. EVT has proven to be highly effective in the anterior circulation yet outcomes and ways of selecting patients for EVT fo...
Physical Activity and Cerebral Small Vein Integrity in Older Adults.

Identifying promoters of cerebral small vein integrity is important to counter vascular contributions to cognitive impairment and dementia. Purpose In this preliminary investigation, the effects of a randomized 24-month physical activity (PA) intervention on changes in cerebral small vein integrity were compared to those of a health education (HE) control. Methods Cerebral small vein integrity was measured in 24 older adults (n = 8, PA; n = 16, HE) using ultra-high field MRI before and at the end of the 24-month intervention. Deep medullary veins were defined as straight or tortuous; percent change in straight length, tortuous length, and tortuosity ratio were computed. Microbleed count and white matter hyperintensities were also rated. Results Accelerometry-based values of PA increased by 17.2% in the PA group but declined by 28.0% in the HE group. The PA group, but not the HE group, had a significant increase in straight vein length from baseline to 24-month follow-up (P = 0.02 and P = 0.21, respectively); the between-group difference in percent change in straight length was significant (increase: median, 93.6%; interquartile range, 112.9 for PA; median, 28.4%; interquartile range, 90.6 for HE; P = 0.07). Between group differences in other markers were nonsignificant. Conclusions Increasing PA in late-life may promote cerebral small vein integrity. This should be confirmed in larger studies.
Preprocedural computed tomography before cardiac implanted electronic device lead extraction: Indication, technique, and approach to interpretation

Cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) frequently need to be extracted due to infection, hardware failure, and other causes. The extraction of the CIED is typically performed using percutaneous methods. While these procedures are mostly performed without incident there is a small risk of significant complications. Dedicated imaging pre-CEID removal to include the central veins and heart with multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) can be utilized to evaluate the lead course and termination, the integrity of the central veins and cardiac chambers, and identify potential complications that may alter the lead extraction procedure as well as reimplantation of subsequent leads. Indications for preprocedural imaging, the technique of dedicated preprocedural lead extraction MDCT, and the approach to the interpretation of the images is discussed in this review.
Who Benefits Most from Adding Technology to Depression Treatment and How? An Analysis of Engagement with a Texting Adjunct for Psychotherapy

Introduction: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an established treatment for depression, but its success is often impeded by low attendance. Supportive text messages assessing participants' mood in between sessions might increase attendance to in-clinic CBT, although it is not fully understood who benefits most from these interventions and how. This study examined (1) user groups showing different profiles of study engagement and (2) associations between increased response rates to mood texts and psychotherapy attendance. Methods: We included 73 participants who attended Group CBT (GCBT) in a primary care clinic and participated in a supportive automated text-messaging intervention. Using unsupervised machine learning, we identified and characterized subgroups with similar combinations of total texting responsiveness and total GCBT attendance. We used mixed-effects models to explore the association between increased previous week response rate and subsequent week in-clinic GCBT attendance and, conversely, response rate following attendance. Results: Participants could be divided into four clusters of overall study engagement, showing distinct profiles in age and prior texting knowledge. The response rate to texts in the week before GCBT was not associated with GCBT attendance, although the relationship was moderated by age; there was a positive relationship for younger, but not older, participants. Attending GCBT was, however, associated with higher response rate the week after an attended session. Conclusion: User groups of study engagement differ in texting knowledge and age. Younger participants might benefit more from supportive texting interventions when their purpose is to increase psychotherapy attendance. Our results have implications for tailoring digital interventions to user groups and for understanding therapeutic effects of these interventions.
Detection and discrimination of influenza B Victoria lineage deletion variant viruses by real-time RT-PCR.

Background During the 2016/17 influenza season, influenza B/VIC lineage variant viruses emerged with two (K162N163) or three (K162N163D164) amino acid (aa) deletions in the haemagglutinin (HA) protein. There are currently five antigenically distinct HA proteins expressed by co-circulating influenza B viruses: B/YAM, B/VIC V1A (no deletion), B/VIC V1A-2DEL (2 aa deletion) and two antigenically distinguishable groups of B/VIC V1A-3DEL (3 aa deletion). The prevalence of these viruses differs across geographical regions, making it critical to have a sensitive, rapid diagnostic assay that detects and distinguishes these influenza B variant viruses during surveillance. Aim Our objective was to develop a real-time RT-PCR (rRT-PCR) assay for detection and discrimination of influenza B/VIC lineage variant viruses. Methods We designed a diagnostic assay with one pair of conserved primers and three probes specific to each genetic group. We used propagated influenza B/VIC variant viruses and clinical specimens to assess assay performance. Results This rRT-PCR assay detects and distinguishes the influenza B/VIC V1A, B/VIC V1A-2DEL, and B/VIC V1A-3DEL variant viruses, with no cross-reactivity. This assay can be run as a multiplex reaction, allowing for increased testing efficiency and reduced cost. Conclusion Coupling this assay with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Human Influenza Virus Real-Time RT-PCR Diagnostic Panel Influenza B Lineage Genotyping Kit results in rapid detection and characterisation of circulating influenza B viruses. Detailed surveillance information on these distinct influenza B variant viruses will provide insight into their prevalence and geographical distribution and could aid in vaccine recommendations.
The Impact of Social Capital on Individual Responses to COVID-19 Pandemic: Evidence from Social Distancing

This paper employs the theoretical lens of social capital to examine social distancing behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic. By exploiting daily mobile GPS location data, we provide strong evidence for the diverse effects of the two constituents of social capital, civic norms and social networks, on social distancing. While civic norms have a positive effect, social networks have a negative impact on social distancing as measured by time spent at home. These results are consistent with a nuanced view of social capital: civic norms facilitate cooperation and self-sacrifice for the common good, whereas social networks increase individual embeddedness and hence inertia in maintaining social interactions, resulting in opposite effects on social distancing. Our results contribute to the research at the intersection of social capital and individual ethical behavior and provide valuable insights for policy makers and businesses in dealing with a global pandemic.
Adults' Self-Management of Chronic Cancer and Noncancer Pain in People with and Without Cognitive Impairment: A Concept Analysis.

Abstract Aim To report a concept analysis of adult self-management of chronic pain. Background Self-management of chronic pain has received increasing attention in the clinical research literature. Although with only limited conceptual work. Despite the pervasiveness of pain in adults, there has been a lack of conceptual work to elucidate meaning of adult's self-management of chronic pain. Design Concept Analysis. Method Rodgers (2000) evolutionary approach of concept analysis was used to systematically analyze 44 articles from different databases. Only 12 articles used the concept of chronic pain self-management. Data were extracted using standardized forms and analyzed using thematic analysis. Results This concept analysis identified six attributes of adult self-management of chronic pain: (1) multimodal interventions; (2) patient-provider relationship; (3) goal setting; (4) decision making; (5) resource utilization; and (6) chronic pain problem solving.
The Cannabinoid Receptor Agonist, WIN, Suppresses the Activation of Proinflammatory Genes Induced by Interleukin 1 Beta in Human Astrocytes

Background: Alterations of astrocyte function play a crucial role in neuroinflammatory diseases due to either the loss of their neuroprotective role or the gain of their toxic inflammatory properties. Accumulating evidence highlights that cannabinoids and cannabinoid receptor agonists, such as WIN55,212-2 (WIN), reduce inflammation in cellular and animal models. Thus, the endocannabinoid system has become an attractive target to attenuate chronic inflammation in neurodegenerative diseases. However, the mechanism of action of WIN in astrocytes remains poorly understood. Objective: We studied the immunosuppressive property of WIN by examining gene expression patterns that were modulated by WIN in reactive astrocytes. Materials and Methods: Transcriptomic analysis by RNA-seq was carried out using primary human astrocyte cultures stimulated by the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin 1 beta (IL1β) in the presence or absence of WIN. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis was conducted on selected transcripts to characterize the dose-response effects of WIN, and to test the effect of selective antagonists of cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR). Results: Transcriptomic analysis showed that the IL1β-induced inflammatory response is robustly inhibited by WIN pretreatment. WIN treatment alone also induced substantial gene expression changes. Pathway analysis revealed that the anti-inflammatory properties of WIN were linked to the regulation of kinase pathways and gene targets of neuroprotective transcription factors, including PPAR and SMAD (mothers against decapentaplegic homolog). The inhibitory effect of WIN was dose-dependent, but it was not affected by selective antagonists of CB1 or PPAR. Conclusions: This study suggests that targeting the endocannabinoid system may be a promising strategy to disrupt inflammatory pathways in reactive astrocytes. The anti-inflammatory activity of WIN is independent of CB1, suggesting that alternative receptors mediate the effects of WIN. These results provide mechanistic insights into the anti-inflammatory activity of WIN and highlight that astrocytes are a potential therapeutic target to ameliorate neuroinflammation in the brain.
Religiosity, Shareholder Lawsuits, and Employee Whistleblowing

We investigate how the level of religiosity in the county in which a firm is headquartered affects the incidence of shareholder lawsuits and employee whistleblowing. We hypothesize that the local religiosity promotes an environment in which employees are prone to be more truthful, less expedient and more prone to whistleblowing if their managers make untruthful disclosures and/or unethical decisions. Consequently, firm shareholders are more likely to trust managers by giving them the benefit of the doubt, which mitigates the prospective elements of the harmful deed and fraudulent intent associated with shareholder lawsuits. We find monetary incentives to be positively related to employee whistleblowing, but this effect disappears in religious firms. The effect of religiosity on lawsuits and whistleblowing is more pronounced. With weaker external monitoring. Collectively, these results are consistent with religiosity inducing a corporate environment with enhanced whistleblowing and ethical managerial decisions, leading to fewer outside shareholder lawsuits.
Dermal EZH2 orchestrates dermal differentiation and epidermal proliferation during murine skin development

Skin development and patterning is dependent on factors that regulate the stepwise differentiation of dermal fibroblasts concomitant with dermal-epidermal reciprocal signaling, two processes that are poorly understood. Here we show that dermal EZH2, the methyltransferase enzyme of the epigenetic Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2), is a new coordinator of both these processes. Dermal EZH2 activity is present during dermal fibroblast differentiation and is required for spatially restricting Wnt/β-catenin signaling to reinforce dermal fibroblast cell fate. Later in development, dermal EZH2 regulates the expression of reticular dermal markers and initiation of secondary hair follicles. Embryos lacking dermal Ezh2 have elevated epidermal proliferation and differentiation that can be rescued by small molecule inhibition of retinoic acid (RA) signaling. Together, our study reveals that dermal EZH2 is acting like a rheostat to control the levels of Wnt/β-catenin and RA signaling to impact fibroblast differentiation cell autonomously and epidermal keratinocyte development non-cell autonomously, respectively.