cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Biofeedback as a stress management tool: a systematic review

Inappropriate management of acute stress can negatively affect cognition and task performance. Frequently occurring acute stress encounters can lead to cardiovascular and immunity deficiencies, and psychological disorders such as depression, fatigue, and burnout. Biofeedback can be used as a non-invasive, passive, continuous method of managing stress in real time. A systematic review of biofeedback as a real-time stress management intervention for non-patients was conducted to identify literature between 2000 and 2017, yielding 17 studies evaluating physiological, psychological, and/or performance metrics. Participants represent convenience samples (N = 9 studies) and deliberately selected samples, whose optimal performance under stress is critical for occupational success (N = 8 studies). Various methods to collect data, display biofeedback, induce stress, and measure performance were reported. Overall, biofeedback is an effective intervention that can be used to reduce physiological and subjective stress, and enhance performance. This is especially true among professionals, whose job performance requires appropriate stress management.
Pifithrin-μ modulates microglial activation and promotes histological recovery following spinal cord injury

Background Treatments immediately after spinal cord injury (SCI) are anticipated to decrease neuronal death, disruption of neuronal connections, demyelination, and inflammation, and to improve repair and functional recovery. Currently, little can be done to modify the acute phase, which extends to the first 48 hours post-injury. Efforts to intervene have focused on the subsequent phases - secondary (days to weeks) and chronic (months to years) - to both promote healing, prevent further damage, and support patients suffering from SCI. Methods We used a contusion model of SCI in female mice, and delivered a small molecule reagent during the early phase of injury. Histological and behavioral outcomes were assessed and compared. Results We find that the reagent Pifithrin-μ (PFT-μ) acts early and directly on microglia in vitro, attenuating their activation. When administered during the acute phase of SCI, PFT-μ resulted in reduced lesion size during the initial inflammatory phase, and reduced the numbers of pro-inflammatory microglia and macrophages. Treatment with PFT-μ during the early stage of injury maintained a stable anti-inflammatory environment. Conclusions Our results indicate that a small molecule reagent PFT-μ has sustained immunomodulatory effects following a single dose after injury.
T-cell growth factor and the culture of cloned functional T cells.

Publisher Summary Detailed studies have indicated that the production of T-cell growth factor (TCGF) is augmented by macrophage-derived lymphocyte-activating factor (LAF). Since the effects of LAF are concentration dependent, and because T-cell clonal expansion is TCGF-concentration dependent, the magnitude of the resultant T-cell immune response is necessarily dictated by the available quantities of these lymphokines. that Minor alterations in the production or action of LAF and TCGF may result in major changes in T-cell proliferation that may have physiological and pathological relevance. A T-cell proliferative response to antigedlectin is actually mediated by a soluble protein TCGF. The T-cell proliferative response results from the interaction of at least three distinct cell types. As antigen or lectin is introduced to a mixed become “activated.” This results in at least three responses: release of LAF from monocytes and macrophages; under the influence of LAF, the release of TCGF by a specific T-cell subset; and binding of TCGF by separate T-cell subsets resulting in the proliferative response. Three signals are involved in the elicitation of TCGF release from TCGF producer cells: lectin or antigen cell membrane binding, Zr gene products, and LAF. The relative importance of these signals and their sequence of application to the T-cell have yet to be delineated. This chapter discusses clonal derivation and maintenance of functional T-cell lines. The latter include the clonal derivation of T-cell lines, cytolytic T-cell lines, helper T-cell lines, suppressor T-cell lines, and neoplastic T-cells and TCGF. Because LAF and TCGF both appear to interact with their target cells by means of specific membrane-binding sites, alterations of the active sites of these hormone-like factors, or their receptors, may lead to alterations in immunocyte function.
A comparison of daydream and dream perspectives.

Perspectives of college students dreams and daydreams were reported and compared. Proportions of students reporting each of four perspectives were found to be similar for dreams and daydreams. However, overall frequencies of dream perspectives were somewhat different that those found by others. Possible reasons for these differences were posited. A number of studies have focused on the point of view or "perspective" a person typically adopts when representing themselves in memory, or during altered states of consciousness (e.g. Nigro & Neisser, 1983; Blackmore, 1987; Foulkes & Kerr, 1994). The first-person perspective is viewing the scenario through one's own eyes; the third-person perspective is seeing the scenario as an outsider - viewing one's entire body, like on TV. In addition, researchers have described "mixed" perspectives where both first and third person perspectives are experienced by the same individual. Soper, Milford and Rosenthal, (1994) reported that the most common perspective in dreaming was "exclusively first person", followed by "mainly first but some third", and "mainly third but some first". "Exclusively third person" dreams were relatively rare. The present study is an attempt to determine: 1) if similar proportions of respondents report exclusively first-person, mixed, and exclusively third-person daydream perspectives; and 2) if there is continuity between the perspective an individual adopts while daydreaming and dreaming. Method Participants A total of 199 students (59 males and 140 females) from a small southern university participated in the study. Females comprised 70% of the sample, males 30%. The mean age of the volunteers was 21.2, SD=6.4 years. Ages were not significantly different between the sexes (t197=1.64, p [is greater than] .05). Instrument The instrument consisted of a cover sheet of instructions, a survey containing demographic questions, and items concerning daydream and dream perspective. Results The number and proportion of students reporting each of the four perspectives in daydreaming and dreaming are presented in Table 1. Proportions have been converted to percentages for clarity. Table 1 Percentage of Respondents Reporting Each Daydream and Dream Perspective and z Test Statistics Daydream Dream z Exclusively First-person 45.7% (n=91) 37.2% (n=74) 1.57 Mainly First-person some third 29.1% (n=58) 38.2% (n=76) -1.58 Mainly Third-person some first 18. …
Information Flow and Complexity in Large-Scale Metabolic Systems

A graph-theoretical model of multienzyme networks is described. Formal operations on the graph permit identification of the important paths for information flow in the system and the enzymes which control the metabolic activity of the network. Simplification of the graph facilitates the calculation of a normalized complexity index.
Ethics in Clinical Sociology

This chapter considers issues and problems that raise questions about good and bad human conduct. Ethics is the study of what constitutes good and bad human conduct, including related actions and values. Ethics is concerned with questions of right and wrong, of duty and obligation, of moral responsibility. Occasionally, the term ethics is used interchangeably with morals.Although this usage is acceptable, it is more accurate to restrict the terms moral and morality to the conduct itself and to use ethics and ethical to delineate the study of moral conduct or the code a person follows. We will focus on ethical issues in the practice of clinical sociology and the variety of contexts in which clinical sociologists practice.
Sex differences in predictors of illness intrusiveness in persons with multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex, chronic disease that can have debilitating effects on daily activities and well-being, compromising health-related quality of life. One underlying determinant of quality of life (QOL) is perceived illness intrusiveness, which examines the disruptiveness of the condition and/or its related treatment on engagement in interest and activities, in turn affecting psychological functioning. There is evidence that persons with MS (PwMS) have higher level of illness intrusiveness compared to those with other chronic conditions; however, limited research exists on differences by sex. This study aimed to explore these possible differences between men and women, hypothesizing that men with MS will have overall higher illness intrusiveness (lower QOL) when compared to women with MS. A total of 922 PwMS were primarily recruited through the North American Research Committee on MS Registry. The participants completed a one-time anonymous online survey. Illness intrusiveness was measured using the Illness Intrusiveness Ratings Scale (IIRS) total score and three subscales. Independent t-tests determined differences in demographics, disease characteristics, and IIRS outcomes. Hierarchical regressions were then used to further assess whether sex was a significant predictor of illness intrusiveness. Men exhibited greater overall, intimacy, and relationship and personal development-related perceived illness intrusiveness. However, sex was only a significant predictor of the Intimacy IIRS subscale after accounting for age, disability, and depression. These findings highlight the intrusiveness of MS on intimacy and sexual functioning, particularly among men. Potential clinical implications and future directions are discussed.
The Taoist Pedagogy of Pathmarks as Releasement

This final chapter pulls together connective threads among the preceding chapters to help readers develop another way to think about teaching, which I have called the Taoist Pedagogy of Pathmarks. It first discusses how this pedagogy can be cultivated through reflective experience in a recursive loop to “let learn” (Heidegger in Martin Heidegger basic writings. Routledge, London, p. 380, 1951, 1952/1993b), improvize, and promote the “collateral learning” of “enduring attitudes of likes and dislikes” in students (Dewey in Experience and education. Collier, New York, NY, p. 48, 1963). It then responds to the practical question, “What does the Taoist Pedagogy of Pathmarks mean to me, a practicing teacher, as I face my class on Monday morning?” Finally, this chapter concludes the cumulative work of this book with a brief discussion on the essence of the Taoist Pedagogy of Pathmarks as releasement.
Retroposition of the Globe After Le Fort III Midfacial Distraction.

BACKGROUND Patients with syndromic craniosynostosis exhibit exorbitism due to supraorbital and midfacial retrusion. This study documented the change in sagittal orbital-globe relationship following Le Fort III midfacial advancement. METHODS This retrospective case series comprised patients with syndromic craniosynostosis who underwent midfacial distraction from 1997 to 2016. Changes in sagittal globe position in relation to the orbital rims were measured by pre- and postoperative direct anthropometry, computed tomographic scans, or both methods. Descriptive statistics were calculated; significance was set at P < 0.05. RESULTS Anthropometry showed a significant increase from superior orbital rim-to-corneal apex (os-acor) (4.1 ± 4.0 mm, P < 0.001) and from inferior orbital rim-to-corneal apex (oi-acor) (4.5 ± 5.3 mm, P < 0.001). The lateral orbital rim to the corneal apex (ol-acor) dimension did not change significantly. Computed tomography measurements confirmed retropositioned globes relative to the anterior border of the orbital cavity (2.5 ± 6.4 mm, P = 0.036). The 2 analytic methods yielded statistically similar results. CONCLUSION The globes move posteriorly a mean of 2.5 to 4.5 mm following Le Fort III midfacial distraction in patients with syndromic craniosynostosis. This finding is useful in attaining euophthalmos when planning and executing this procedure.
Criminal Justice Contact and Health Service Utilization among Women across Health Care Settings: Analyzing the Role of Arrest.

Abstract Background It is well-established in the United States that incarceration negatively influences women's health, and researchers have called for examinations of the health effects of criminal justice contact more broadly. This study uses the behavioral model for vulnerable populations to document the prevalence of illness and health risks for recently arrested women, and examines potential ways that illness and health risks are associated with health service use across health care settings. Methods We conducted a mediation analysis using pooled data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (2010–2014). Results These findings reveal that recent arrest is associated with different types of health care use among women. Specifically, women recently arrested are hospitalized and seek care at the emergency department at higher rates than non–recently arrested women and this may be associated with their vulnerable mental and behavioral health status. Conclusions The findings suggest an increasing overlap between criminal justice and public health sectors. Increased access to appropriate health services is a necessary strategy to reduce resource intensive hospitalizations and emergency department use among women experiencing a recent arrest.
Lipophilic Foreign Compounds

On the basis of solubility, foreign compounds that humans ingest or inhale can be classified into two categories. One class of foreign compounds is soluble in water (hydrophilic), but not in lipid medium. Another class is soluble in lipid medium (lipophilic), but not in water. Lipophilic substances require enzymatic conversion into hydrophilic, polar species before being excreted in the urine. The more lipophilic a foreign compound is, the more difficult it becomes for excretion via the kidney. Hydrophilic compounds can be excreted in the urine without enzymatic conversion to increase their solubility.
A NEW THEORY OF TIME

The chapter presents a new theory of time. For the cardinal properties of time, that is, the measurability of time distances on a ratio scale, something more is needed, namely, a homomorphism into some appropriate empirical relational system with concatenation and comparisons. This occurs because intervals of time can never be repeated and, for comparison with other intervals, must be represented in some form. Thus, two intervals of time with identical representations, for example, two intervals occurring on different days during which the hour hand of the clock makes one full circle, are of the same length. The model discussed in the chapter postulates that the memory traces are subject to specific deformations. This allows the derivation of formulas giving probabilities for the correct and incorrect decisions when dealing with the relationships between lengths of stimuli. Given such formulas, one may use the experimental results to estimate the relevant parameters of the model, thus learning about the memory traces and the rate of their fuzzification.
Hierarchical Multi-geodesic Model for Longitudinal Analysis of Temporal Trajectories of Anatomical Shape and Covariates

Longitudinal regression analysis for clinical imaging studies is essential to investigate unknown relationships between subject-wise changes over time and subject-specific characteristics, represented by covariates such as disease severity or a level of genetic risk. Image-derived data in medical image analysis, e.g. diffusion tensors or geometric shapes, are often represented on nonlinear Riemannian manifolds. Hierarchical geodesic models were suggested to characterize subject-specific changes of nonlinear data on Riemannian manifolds as extensions of a linear mixed effects model. We propose a new hierarchical multi-geodesic model to enable analysis of the relationship between subject-wise anatomical shape changes on a Riemannian manifold and multiple subject-specific characteristics. Each individual subject-wise shape change is represented by a univariate geodesic model. The effects of subject-specific covariates on the estimated subject-wise trajectories are then modeled by multivariate intercept and slope models which together form a multi-geodesic model. Validation was performed with a synthetic example on a \(S^2\) manifold. The proposed method was applied to a longitudinal set of 72 corpus callosum shapes from 24 autism spectrum disorder subjects to study the relationship between anatomical shape changes and the autism severity score, resulting in statistics for the population but also for each subject. To our knowledge, this is the first longitudinal framework to model anatomical developments over time as functions of both continuous and categorical covariates on a nonlinear shape space.
The evalaution of the foot core system in individuals with plantar heel pain

Abstract Objective To compare foot posture, plantar sensation, plantar fascia thickness, intrinsic foot muscle performance, and abductor hallucis morphology in individuals with and without plantar heel pain (PHP). Design Cross-Sectional. Setting Laboratory. Participants Sixteen individuals with PHP and sixteen matched healthy participants. Main outcome measures Static foot posture, plantar sensation, plantar fascia thickness, intrinsic foot muscle performance and abductor hallucis morphology were evaluated. Foot posture was assessed with the Foot Posture Index-6. Abductor hallucis morphology and plantar fascia thickness were measured utilizing diagnostic ultrasound. Plantar foot sensation was assessed at the head of the first metatarsal and medial longitudinal arch using Semmes-Weinstein Monofilaments. Intrinsic foot muscle performance was assessed using the intrinsic foot muscle test (IFMT). Mann-Whitney U and independent t-tests were used to examine between group differences. Results Individuals with PHP exhibited a more pronated foot posture and greater plantar fascia thickness at the proximal insertion compared to healthy controls. Plantar sensation thresholds were higher in the PHP compared to healthy controls at the head of the first metatarsal. There were no group differences in abductor hallucis morphology or IFMT performance. Conclusions Individuals with PHP exhibited a more pronated foot posture, thicker plantar fascia, and diminished plantar tactile sensation.
Precariedad, materia en deterioro y subjetividades destituidas: acerca de una «estética de la descomposición» en dos documentales de Heddy Honigmann

Este ensayo se aproxima al trabajo de la documentalista peruano-holandesa Heddy Honigmann a traves de dos de sus producciones —Metal y melancolia (1994) y El olvido (2008)—, situadas en Lima y centradas en la precaria subsistencia de sus personajes. El texto plantea una interpretacion de sus respectivas propuestas visuales partiendo de la conceptualizacion de una «estetica de la descomposicion», es decir, de la puesta en escena de objetos en proceso de desgaste. Al apuntar la camara hacia estos, la directora expone las circunstancias economicas y politicas que llevaron a la progresiva desintegracion de las condiciones de vida individuales y colectivas, asi como a la erosion de los beneficios de los que gozaban las clases medias en el Peru. Centrandose en la materialidad de los objetos en deterioro, este trabajo propone conectar el enfoque de Honigmann con los efectos de la implementacion del neoliberalismo en un tipo de subjetividad paradigmatica que podria concebirse como destituida.
Integrating Work–Life Balance with 24/7 Information and Communication Technologies: The Experience of Adult Students With Online Learning

This paper examines the online learning experience as related to work–life balance from the student’s perspective. Four open-ended discussion questions were asked of 302 students in sixteen graduat...
Bumblebee worker body size affects new worker production in different resource environments

ABSTRACT Behavior and organization of social groups is thought to be vital to the functioning of societies, yet the contributions of various roles within social groups have been difficult to quantify. A common approach to quantifying these role-based contributions is evaluating the performance of individuals at conducting certain roles, these studies ignore how these performances might scale up to effects at the population-level. Manipulative experiments are another common approach to determine population-level effects, but they often ignore potential feedbacks associated with these various roles. Here, we evaluate the effects of worker size distribution in bumblebee colonies on worker production, using functional linear models. Functional linear models are a recent correlative technique that has been used to assess lag effects of environmental drivers on plant performance. We demonstrate potential applications of this technique to explore contributions of social animals to ecological phenomenon. We found that the worker size distribution differentially affected new worker production across three resource environments. Specifically, more larger workers had mostly positive effects and more smaller workers had negative effects on worker production. Most of these effects were only detected under low or fluctuating resource environments suggesting that the advantage of colonies with larger-bodied workers becomes more apparent under stressful conditions. We demonstrate the wider ecological application of functional linear models. We highlight the advantages and limitations when considering these models, and how they are a valuable complement to many of these performance-based and manipulative experiments.
Underflow Curvature and Resultant Force on a Vertical Sluice Gate

AbstractSluice gates are an important component of many hydraulic engineering systems; they have been extensively used to regulate reservoir water levels and to measure discharges. This paper repor...
Ambicultural Ambassador between East and West: Interview with Dr. Ming-Jer Chen, Leslie E. Grayson Professor (Part II)

Purpose – This purpose of this article is to report the second part of a recent interview with Dr Ming-Jer Chen. He shares his values, beliefs and philosophies on life, business and scholarship; relates how these philosophies have shaped his approach to teaching, research and service; and outlines his strategies for making important career and professional decisions. Design/methodology/approach – Interview with Dr Ming-Jer Chen. Findings – Dr Ming-Jer Chen’s firm belief in the Oneness (精一) is reflected in his constant pursuit of “making the world smaller” by closing divides of various kinds. During his career journey, Dr Chen has applied the philosophy of “keeping a balanced and integrated view” to tackle professional and career challenges and reinforced that with the wisdom of his ambicultural perspective. His East–West background and beliefs shape his engagements with the research and business communities and his expertise includes management education and decision-making, as well as teaching, research and professional services. Research limitations/implications – Dr Chen’s unique life and career experiences make him a role model for those who intend to pursue a career in management research. His ambicultural insight and balanced and integrated perspective may help junior scholars to deal with challenges in their professional lives. Originality/value – The interview profiles a thought leader and strategist in management research and education, whose experience and wisdom may enlighten junior scholars along their career paths.
Phase-Change Materials for Controlled Release and Related Applications

Phase-change materials (PCMs) have emerged as a novel class of thermo-responsive materials for controlled release, where the payloads encapsulated in a solid matrix are released only upon melting the PCM to trigger a solid-to-liquid phase transition. Herein, the advances over the past 10 years in utilizing PCMs as a versatile platform for the encapsulation and release of various types of therapeutic agents and biological effectors are highlighted. A brief introduction to PCMs in the context of desired properties for controlled release and related applications is provided. Among the various types of PCMs, a specific focus is placed on fatty acids and fatty alcohols for their natural availability, low toxicity, biodegradability, diversity, high abundance, and low cost. Then, various methods capable of processing PCMs, and their mixtures with payloads, into stable suspensions of colloidal particles, and the different means for triggering the solid-to-liquid phase transition are discussed. Finally, a range of applications enabled by the controlled release system based on PCMs are presented together with some perspectives on future directions.
Association of Anticoagulant Use with COVID-19 Diagnosis

Background The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has challenged anticoagulation providers with providing optimal care while minimizing exposure risk, specifically in the management of patients on chronic warfarin. Here we provide data regarding our experience with managing patients on chronic anticoagulants, including warfarin, within Kaiser Permanente Northern California (KPNC), a large integrated healthcare delivery system serving more than 4 million patients. Aim To identify whether being on anticoagulation or antiplatelet agents correlates with an increased risk of contracting COVID-19. Methods We identified patients within KPNC electronic medical records on either warfarin, direct oral anticoagulation (DOAC) and/or antiplatelet agents between February 25 and July 3, 2020, as well as a randomly identified control group of patients not taking anticoagulation or antiplatelet. We looked for a correlation between taking anticoagulation and antiplatelets with the risk of testing positive for COVID-19. Results/Conclusions Among 188,438 patients on chronic anticoagulants or antiplatelets and 188,438 controls, 1,029 patients tested positive for COVID-19 during the study period. Being on chronic anticoagulants or antiplatelets was not associated with increased risk for a positive test. Patients on warfarin (N=30,242) also had no increased risk of developing COVID-19 compared to patients not on anticoagulation or antiplatelet therapy (odds ratio 0.87, 95% confidence interval 0.64-1.17). The time in the therapeutic range (TTR) of patients on warfarin during the COVID-19 pandemic remained near 72%, consistent with prior TTR, demonstrating persistent efficacy of anticoagulation despite measures to reduce COVID-19 transmission. Our data demonstrates the safety of continuing chronic warfarin in patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Deep Linear Modeling of Hierarchical Functional Connectivity in the Human Brain

The human brain exhibits hierarchical modular organization, which is not depicted by conventional fMRI functional connectivity reconstruction methods such as independent component analysis (ICA). To map hierarchical brain connectivity networks (BCNs), we propose a novel class of deep (multilayer) linear models that are constructed such that each successive layer decomposes the features of the preceding layer. Three of these are multilayer variants of Sparse Dictionary Learning (SDL), Non-Negative Matrix Factorization (NMF) and Fast ICA (FICA). We present a fourth deep linear model, Deep Matrix Fitting (MF), which incorporates both rank reduction for data-driven hyperparameter determination as well as a distributed optimization function. We also introduce a novel framework for theoretical comparison of these deep linear models based on their combination of mathematical operators, the predictions of which are tested using simulated resting state fMRI data with known ground truth BCNs. Consistent with the theoretical predictions, Deep MF and Deep SDL performed best for connectivity estimation of 1st layer networks, whereas Deep FICA and Deep NMF were modestly better for spatial mapping. Deep MF provided the best overall performance, including computational speed. These deep linear models can efficiently map hierarchical BCNs without requiring the manual hyperparameter tuning, extensive fMRI training data or high-performance computing infrastructure needed by deep nonlinear models, such as convolutional neural networks (CNNs) or deep belief networks (DBNs), and their results are also more explainable from their mathematical structure. These benefits gain in importance as continual improvements in the spatial and temporal resolution of fMRI reveal more of the hierarchy of spatiotemporal brain architecture. These new models of hierarchical BCNs may also advance the development of fMRI diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, given the recent recognition of disparities between low-level vs high-level network connectivity across a wide range of neurological and psychiatric disorders.
Sexual and Gender Minority Bariatric Patients: An Unseen Population

Background: This article has two aims: review current literature addressing sexual and gender minority (SGM) bariatric patients and describe a pilot study identifying sexual minority (SM) bariatric...
Market Efficiency versus Behavioral Finance

Two finance experts, Malkiel and Mullainathan, debate the similarities and differences between the Efficient Market Hypothesis and Behavioral Finance.
Photoreactive salt cocrystal: N+–H⋯N hydrogen bond and cation–π interactions support a cascade-like photodimerization of a 4-stilbazole

We describe hydrogen bonds (i.e., N+–H⋯N) in combination with cation⋯π interactions to enable a cascade-like [2 + 2] photodimerization of 4-stilbazole in a salt cocrystal. A four-component crystal assembly is composed of photoactive pyridinium ion pair 4-stilbzH+ (4-stilbz = trans-1-(4-pyridyl)-2-(phenyl)ethylene) and photostable molecule pair 4-stilbz. UV irradiation gives rctt-1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)-3,4-bis(phenyl)cyclobutane (4-pyr-ph-cb) in quantitative yield. An intermediate structure 2(4-stilbz)·(4-pyr-ph-cb)2H+ is isolated that undergoes a partial single-crystal-to-single-crystal transformation. The single-crystal X-ray data provides a snapshot of movements in the salt cocrystal in the course of the photodimerization.
Zymomonas diversity and potential for biofuel production.

Zymomonas mobilis is an aerotolerant α-proteobacterium, which has been genetically engineered for industrial purposes for decades. However, a comprehensive comparison of existing strains on the genomic level in conjunction with phenotype analysis has yet to be carried out. We here performed whole-genome comparison of 17 strains including nine that were sequenced in this study. We then compared 15 available Zymomonas strains for their natural abilities to perform under conditions relevant to biofuel synthesis. We tested their growth in anaerobic rich media, as well as growth, ethanol production and xylose utilization in lignocellulosic hydrolysate. We additionally compared their tolerance to isobutanol, flocculation characteristics, and ability to uptake foreign DNA by electroporation and conjugation. Using clustering based on 99% average nucleotide identity (ANI), we classified 12 strains into four clusters based on sequence similarity, while five strains did not cluster with any other strain. Strains belonging to the same 99% ANI cluster showed similar performance while significant variation was observed between the clusters. Overall, conjugation and electroporation efficiencies were poor across all strains, which was consistent with our finding of coding potential for several DNA defense mechanisms, such as CRISPR and restriction–modification systems, across all genomes. We found that strain ATCC31821 (ZM4) had a more diverse plasmid profile than other strains, possibly leading to the unique phenotypes observed for this strain. ZM4 also showed the highest growth of any strain in both laboratory media and lignocellulosic hydrolysate and was among the top 3 strains for isobutanol tolerance and electroporation and conjugation efficiency. Our findings suggest that strain ZM4 has a unique combination of genetic and phenotypic traits that are beneficial for biofuel production and propose investing future efforts in further engineering of ZM4 for industrial purposes rather than exploring new Zymomonas isolates.
Mast Cells

Mast cells have been considered for many years to participate specifically in allergic reactions through the release of cytokines, chemokines, proteases, leukotrienes, and bioactive polyamines. Emerging roles for mast cells have been identified recently, which highlight their relevance in both innate and adaptive immunity. Mast cells play a role in many different processes, including clearance of enteric pathogens, food allergies, visceral hypersensitivity, and intestinal cancer. The activation of mast cells can initiate inflammatory reactions that are life-saving in some circumstances (eg, nematode infection) but life-threatening in others (eg, allergy). In recent years, mast cells, their products, and the mechanisms by which mast cell activity can be regulated by the microenvironment are a major area of investigation. The purpose of this review article is to summarize and highlight the latest findings in mast cell biology associated with intestinal homeostasis and pathologies.
Scalable construction of topic directory with nonparametric closed termset mining

A topic directory, e.g., Yahoo directory, provides a view of a document set at different levels of abstraction and is ideal for the interactive exploration and visualization of the document set. We present a method that dynamically generates a topic directory from a document set using a frequent closed termset mining algorithm. Our method shows experimental results of equal quality to recent document clustering methods and has additional benefits such as automatic generation of topic labels and determination of a clustering parameter.
Evolution of the BPX tokamak configuration

The present BPX (Burning Plasma Experiment) tokamak configuration represents the culmination of over six years of design study. During this period, many design options were examined. The significant design configurations are presented. These included a wedged/partial case machine with toroidal field (TF) and poloidal field (PF) conductors of a laminate construction, a modular bucked/case with Glidcop conductors, and modular wedged/partial case with beryllium copper (Be-Cu) TF/PF conductors. The rationale for studying a specific configuration, such as the physics requirements, and costs are explored, as well as their impact on the engineering design. An overview of the analysis performed is presented, as well as the important steps in the decision-making process. Particular emphasis is given to the selected configuration, i.e., the modular wedged/partial case with Be-Cu TF/PF conductors. >
Failure of erythromycin to eliminate airway colonization with ureaplasma urealyticum in very low birth weight infants.

Background Airway colonization of mechanically ventilated very low birth weight infants (birth weight < 1500 grams) by Ureaplasma urealyticum (Uu) is associated with an increased risk of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). While Uu is sensitive to erythromycin in vitro, the efficacy of intravenous (IV) erythromycin to eliminate Uu from the airways has not been studied.
HIV/AIDS fifty and older: a hidden and growing population.

Abstract Contrary to common belief, HIV and AIDS are prevalent in the older adult population. Currently, between ten to fifteen percent of HIV/AIDS new cases occur in individuals fifty and older (Chiao, Ries, & Sande, 1999). With the aging of the baby boomer generation, and the introduction of erectile dysfunction medications, such statistics are guaranteed to increase at alarming rates. This population also faces hazardous risk factors that increase its possibility of contracting the disease. Stereotypes and lack of information continue to limit older adults from receiving the medical, educational, and psychological attention they need to avoid and to combat the virus. This article discusses the rising trends in the fifty and older population as well as some of the factors that increase the prevalence of HIV/AIDS among this population. Prevention, assessment, and treatment practices are also outlined; if instituted, these interventions may help promote a significant reduction in the rate of HIV/AIDS infe...
Laser scanning confocal microscopy for in situ monitoring of alkali-silica reaction.

Summary Alkali–silica reaction (ASR) occurs in concrete between reactive siliceous components in the aggregate and the strongly alkaline pore solution, resulting in the formation of a potentially expansive gel product. Lithium additives have been shown to reduce expansion associated with ASR, but the mechanism(s) by which lithium reduces expansion have not been understood. Therefore, development of an in situ method to observe reactions associated with ASR is highly desirable, as it will allow for non-destructive observation of the reaction product formation and damage evolution over time, as the reaction progresses. A technique to image into mortar through glass aggregate by laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM), producing three-dimensional representations of the sample was developed. This LSCM technique was utilized to monitor the progress of alkali–silica reaction in mortar samples prepared with alkali-reactive glass aggregate both in the presence and in the absence of lithium additives: LiNO3, LiCl or LiOH. The method proved to be effective in qualitatively monitoring crack formation and growth and product formation, within cracks and at the paste/aggregate interface. In particular, dendritic products were observed at the paste/aggregate interface only in those samples containing lithium, suggesting that these products may play a role in ASR mitigation.
Evidence for internuclear signaling in drosophila embryogenesis.

Background: Syncytial nuclei in Drosophila embryos undergo their first 13 divisions nearly synchronously. In the last several cell cycles, these division events travel across the anterior–posterior axis of the syncytial blastoderm in a wave. The phenomenon is well documented but the underlying mechanisms are not yet understood. Results: We study timing and positional data obtained from in vivo imaging of Drosophila embryos. We determine the statistical properties of the distribution of division times within and across generations with the null hypothesis that timing of division events is an independent random variable for each nucleus. We also compare timing data with a model of Drosophila cell cycle regulation that does not include internuclear signaling, and to a universal model of phase-dependent signaling to determine the probable form of internuclear signaling in the syncytial embryo. Conclusions: The statistical variance of division times is lower than one would expect from uncoordinated activity. In fact, the variance decreases between the 10th and 11th divisions, which demonstrates a contribution of internuclear signaling to the observed synchrony and division waves. Our comparison with a coupled oscillator model leads us to conclude that internuclear signaling must be of Response/Signaling type with a positive impulse. Developmental Dynamics 244:1014–1021, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Potassium Content During Growth and Sporulation in Bacillus subtilis

Vegetative and sporulating cells of Bacillus subtilis retain a higher level of internal potassium than do nonsporulating stationary-phase cells. The addition of manganese to nonsporulating stationary-phase cells, at concentrations required for sporulation, rapidly stimulates uptake and net accumulation of potassium and induces sporulation.
Analysis of EMIC-wave-moderated flux limitation of measured energetic ion spectra in multispecies magnetospheric plasmas

[1] A differential Kennel-Petschek (KP) flux limit for magnetospheric energetic ions is devised taking into account multiple ion species effects on electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) waves that scatter the ions. The idea is that EMIC waves may limit the highest ion intensities during acceleration phases of storms and substorms (~ hour) while other mechanisms (e.g., charge exchange) may account for losses below those limits and over longer periods of time. This approach is applied to published Earth magnetosphere energetic ion spectra (~ keV to ~1 MeV) for radial positions (L) 3 to 6.7 RE. The flatness of the most intense spectral shapes for <100 keV indicate sculpting by just such a mechanism, but modifications of traditional KP parameters are needed to account for maximum fluxes up to 5.4 times greater than expected. Future work using the new capabilities of the Van Allen Probes mission will likely resolve outstanding uncertainties.
Replication issues in social experiments: lessons from US labor market programs

When evaluating a pilot or demonstration program, there are risks from drawing inferences from a single test. This paper reviews the experiences of replication efforts from demonstrations using randomized controlled trials in the initial evaluation and the replications. Although replications of promising programs are primarily gathered to increase sample size, replications are also used to learn if the intervention is successful for other target groups and geographic locations, and to vary some of the intervention’s features. In many cases, replications fail to achieve the same success as the original evaluation, and the paper reviews reasons that have been suggested for such failures. The paper reviews what has been learned from replications where random assignment was used in six instances: income maintenance experiments, unemployment insurance bonus experiments, the Center for Employment Training program, job clubs, job search experiments, and the Quantum Opportunity Program. The paper concludes by summarizing lessons learned from the review and areas where more research is needed.
G4 DNA: at risk in the genome.

Regions bearing G‐quadruplex (G4) DNA motifs can be sites of genomic instability and are frequently depleted in streamlined genomes, but are nevertheless maintained in many other genomes. Whether G4 secondary structures form in vivo , and how they are maintained or eliminated, remains little known. In this issue of The EMBO Journal , Lopes et al (2011) provide new evidence that G4 structures form and contribute to genomic instability in living cells, and identify specific mechanisms that minimize the risks posed by G4 motifs.
Astronuclear Physics with Short-Lived Isotopes

A revolution in nuclear physics is underway. If you know hadron physics you also know that it will last long, as most past developments in nuclear physics have shown. It will take many decades of dedicated efforts of theorists and experimentalists to give astronomers, cosmologists and stellar modelers what they need for the accuracy required in the description and modeling of many cosmic phenomena of interest. In this contribution I review a small number of examples of the utmost relevance for the nuclear in the astro and in particular the humongous importance of the new area of astronuclear physics studied in radioactive beam facilities.
Results of mathematical modeling of oil shale retorting in an aboveground, external-combustion, moving-bed retort

Abstract Our one-dimensional mathematical model for simulating the chemical reactions and physical processes in oil shale retorting was applied to the indirect mode of operating an aboveground retort in which externally heated recycle gas provides the heat required for the retorting process. Countercurrent to the hot gas flow, a moving bed of shale is pushed upward through an expanding conical reactor, as in the Union B retort. The model was applied to a hypothetical set of commercial-scale conditions in order to identify key operating or design parameters. Variations in recycle-gas temperature and flow rate, shale flow rate, shale grade, water content, particle size distribution, bed porosity, uniformity of bed porosity, and retort dimensions were studied. The results of these calculations help identify the relative importance of the different process parameters in terms of oil yield, pressure drop, exit temperature of gas and shale, fuel consumed in heating the recycle gas, compressor power, condenser cooling load, and reactor size.
Tensoresistive PVC Coating for Sensor-Enabled Geogrids

Abstract A study has been conducted to develop a new generation of geosynthetic materials based on the tensoresistivity of polymers filled with electrically conducting particles. These materials, called sensor-enabled geosynthetics (SEGs), allow their tensile strains to be measured without the need for conventional instrumentation (e.g., strain gauges). This paper reports a recent SEG development in which tensoresistive composites made of carbon black–filled plasticized PVC were formulated for the coating of polyester yarns, which are commonly used in commercially manufactured geogrids. Hence, the resulting geogrids are termed sensor-enabled geogrids (SEGGs). The effectiveness of three different blending methods to form the tensoresistive composites was examined by using the statistical consistency of the corresponding electrical conductivity results. The viscosity and stiffness of the resulting materials were measured to evaluate their pliability for industrial production purposes. In addition, a series ...
Cultivation in the Dark of the Blue‐green Alga Fremyella diplosiphon. A Photoreversible Effect of Green and Red Light on Growth Rate

The blue-green alga Fremyella diplosiphon Drouet can be grown in the dark on a medium consisting of mineral salts, glucose, and casein hydrolysate. A variety of organic substances was tested for effectiveness as a carbon or nitrogen source. The most effective individual compounds were glucose and citrulline, respectively. A daily irradiation of 5 min green light depresses the dark growth rate. The effect of green is reversible by brief irradiation with red light, and multiple photoreversibility was demonstrated. This green, red-reversible effect on dark growth rate may be related to other photomorphogenic responses to brief irradiation with green and red in the Cyanophyta. A master photoreversible pigment similar to phytochrome is a possible photoreceptor for these effects.