cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Arsenic concentrations and speciation along a groundwater flow path: The Carrizo Sand aquifer, Texas, USA

Abstract Groundwater samples for arsenic (As) concentration and speciation analysis were collected from production wells along a flow path in the Carrizo Sand aquifer in southeastern Texas during June 2004. The study was conducted as part of a larger investigation of trace metal and metalloid concentrations, speciation, and geochemical behavior along a groundwater flow path in the relatively pristine, Carrizo Sand aquifer. Additional sample aliquots were collected and analyzed for Fe(II) and Fe(III) concentrations, H 2 S concentrations, pH, and alkalinity. Oxidation-reduction potential (Eh) and dissolved oxygen concentrations were also monitored in groundwaters at each well head. Dissolved inorganic As [i.e., As(III) and As(V)] species in Carrizo Sand aquifer groundwater samples were separated during sample collection using anion-exchange chromatography. Arsenic concentrations were subsequently determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Total dissolved arsenic, As T [i.e., As(III) + As(V)], ranges from ∼0.37 to 2.5 nmol kg − 1 in groundwater from the Carrizo Sand aquifer. Arsenate, which is the dominant form of As in Carrizo groundwaters collected from the first ∼15 km along the flow path, ranges from below the method detection limit (0.36 nmol kg − 1 ) to 2.0 nmol kg − 1 . Arsenite concentrations are relatively constant along the flow path compared to As(V), ranging from 0.29 to 0.87 nmol kg − 1 . Arsenic concentrations and speciation exhibit systematic changes along the Carrizo Sand aquifer flow path that correspond to changes in dissolved Fe(II) and Fe(III) concentrations, dissolved sulfide concentrations, pH, and alkalinity. The data are consistent with a combination of physiochemical reactions and inferred microbial processes (e.g., ferric iron reduction, adsorption, pH related desorption) playing significant roles in speciation, mobility, and cycling of As in the Carrizo Sand aquifer.
Structure of the BH domain from graf and its implications for Rho GTPase recognition.

Abstract Cellular signaling by small G-proteins is down-regulated by GTPase-activating proteins (GAPs), which increase the rate of GTP hydrolysis. The GTPase regulator associated with focal adhesion kinase (Graf) exhibits GAP activity toward the RhoA and Cdc42 GTPases, but is only weakly active toward the closely related Rac1. We determined the crystal structure of a 231-residue fragment of Graf (GrafGAP), a domain containing the GAP activity, at 2.4-A resolution. The structure clarifies the boundaries of the functional domain and yields insight to the mechanism of substrate recognition. Modeling its interaction with substrate suggested that a favorable interaction with Glu-95 of Cdc42 (Glu-97 of RhoA) would be absent with the corresponding Ala-95 of Rac1. Indeed, GrafGAP activity is diminished ∼40-fold toward a Cdc42 E95A mutant, whereas a ∼10-fold increase is observed for a Rac1 A95E mutant. The GrafGAP epitope that apparently interacts with Glu-95(Glu-97) contains Asn-225, which was recently found mutated in some myeloid leukemia patients. We conclude that position 95 of the GTPase is an important determinant for GrafGAP specificity in cellular function and tumor suppression.
Relationship between Human Immunodeficiency Type 1 Infection and Expression of Human APOBEC3G and APOBEC3F

Background. Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)-infected individuals with a high viral set point progress to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) more rapidly than those with a low viral set point. It is not entirely clear which host and viral factors are responsible for the viral set point. Host factors that affect virus replication are likely to influence the viral set point. Human APOBEC proteins have been shown to restrict HIV- 1 replication. Methods. This prospective study was conducted to determine the relationship between human APOBEC3G (hA3G) and APOBEC3F (hA3F) levels and the viral set point. Fourteen subjects were classified as having a high viral set point, and 16 were classified as having a low viral set point. We quantified the levels of hA3G and hA3F mRNA in HIV-1-infected, antiretroviral drug-naive individuals before and after infection. Results. We found a significant correlation between the hA3G mRNA level and the viral set point. The expression of hA3G and hA3F increased after infection, and the levels of hA3G and hA3F mRNA were significantly higher after infection in the low viral set point group, compared with the high viral set point group. Conclusions. The results suggest that the level of hA3G expression affects the establishment of the viral set point and may therefore function as a host determinant in the pathogenesis of HIV- 1 infection.
Low-cost printing of poly(dimethylsiloxane) barriers to define microchannels in paper.

This paper describes the use of a modified x,y-plotter to generate hydrophilic channels by printing a solution of hydrophobic polymer (pol(dimethylsiloxane; PDMS) dissolved in hexanes onto filter paper. The PDMS penetrates the depth of the paper and forms a hydrophobic wall that aqueous solutions cannot cross. The minimum size of printed features is ∼1 mm; this resolution is adequate for the rapid prototyping of hand-held, visually read, diagnostic assays (and other microfluidic systems) based on paper. After curing the printed PDMS, the paper-based devices can be bent or folded to generate three-dimensional systems of channels. Capillary action pulls aqueous samples into the paper channels. Colorimetric assays for the presence of glucose and protein are demonstrated in the printed devices; spots of Bromothymol Blue distinguished samples with slightly basic pH (8.0) from samples with slightly acidic pH (6.5). The work also describes using printed devices that can be loaded using multipipets and printed fl...
The personality of the Fourth Evangelist

The technique of personality-critical analysis (PCA) has been applied to the Fourth Gospel, identifying its major author as INFJ. The author is shown to have the personality type for developing both the high Christology of the preface and the meditations which characterise this Gospel. The bitter arguments with the Jews would have been particularly debilitating for him, but his faith would have helped him to win through this period so that he could then promote a time of renewal for the community. Many of the striking, and yet puzzling, features of this Gospel can be explained through a knowledge of the author's personality, together with an understanding of his view of the validity of that part of Jesus’ teaching which came through the Paraclete. The study also explains the widely differing reactions (ranging from inspiration to confusion) exhibited by different readers. Finally, it shows that the Elder (the author of the Johannine letters) could have written the final chapter of the Gospel as a Redactor.
Agile Inspection Planning Based on CAD-Data

Variations in components are inevitable and have to be dealt with efficiently. One way to reduce variation is by implementing efficient inspection plans that can minimize the total cost of the product. Manufacturers deal with this problem with many different strategies when minimal information is known about the product (newly launched products). In this paper, we develop a methodology for inspection planning for a new product based on CAD data and simulation. Decision variables in this formulation includes: how often to inspect a quality characteristic in a subassembly (probability of inspection), and the corrective action if the inspected quality characteristic is found to be out-of-tolerance. Inspection frequency as a decision variable was not proposed in this context before. Additionally, the proposed action plan is more realistic here than what has been proposed in the literature. Illustrative examples are presented and solved for demonstrative purposes and validation of our findings.
Phosphoglycolate phosphatase. Purification and properties.

Phosphoglycolate phosphatase (EC 3.1.3.18) was purified 1500-fold from field-grown tobacco leaves by acetone fractionation, DEAE-cellulose and molecular sieve chromatography, and preparative polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Preparations were judged 90 to 95% homogeneous by chromatography on DEAE-cellulose, polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and by isoelectric focusing. The highest specific activity obtained was 468 umol of phosphate released/min/ mg of protein. The native protein has a molecular weight of 80,500 by Ferguson plot analysis and 86,300 by sedimentation velocity on sucrose density gradients. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gels gave a molecular weight of 20,700, indicating that P-glycolate phosphatase is a tetramer with identical or near identical subunits. The enzyme, freshly purified or in crude homogenates, had a pi of 3.8 to 3.9 pH units by isoelectric focusing. Phosphoglycolate phosphatase from spinach leaves has a molecular weight of 93,000 and, unlike the enzyme from tobacco leaves, it is extremely unstable after DEAE-cellulose chromatography and is inactivated by lipase (EC 3.1.1.3). The phosphatase from both plants was stabilized by the addition of citrate or isocitrate in the buffers. Ribose 5-phosphate is a competitive inhibitor of phosphoglycolate phosphatase at physiological concentrations, while other phosphate esters of the photosynthetic carbon cycle were without effect.
Use of relevancy ratings by target respondents to develop health-related quality of life measures: an example with African-American elderly.

Background: Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) instruments assess functioning and well-being. Generic HRQOL measures are intended to be relevant to everyone whereas population-targeted measures are designed to be relevant to a particular population. Methods: We asked 99 African-American elderly (mean age 72, 33% female, 47% less than high school education) to rate the relevancy of 33 HRQOL items drawn largely from existing instruments. We assessed the reliability of the relevancy ratings across respondents, rank-ordered the items by relevancy, and tested the significance of difference in relevancy ratings for each item compared to the average of all other items. We also examined the associations of the relevancy ratings with sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. Results: The relevancy ratings were reliable (intraclass correlation = 0.71) and relevancy was generally distinct from HRQOL and demographic characteristics. Items assessing spirituality and weight-related health status were rated as significantly more relevant than other types of items. Generic HRQOL items were not rated as highly relevant. Conclusions: HRQOL measures assessing spirituality and weight-related concepts are important for future studies of HRQOL in African-American elderly. The method of identifying these concepts used in this study should be valuable in developing new measures targeted to other sociodemographically or clinically defined subgroups.
Transgender Dispossession in Transparent : Coming Out as a Euphemism for Honesty

Since the 1990s, television narratives have increased visibility for LGBTQIA (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, and Asexual) individuals and underscored the need for a deep exploration of the heterosexism (homophobia) that pervades much mainstream American programming (Lee and Meyer in Sex Cult 141:234–250, 2010; Manuel in Soc Semiot 19(3):275–291, 2009). One such serial, Transparent, has been credited by many major media outlets with transforming the way Americans think about transgender, gender expansive (Ehrensaft in Gender born gender made, The Experiment, New York, 2011), or trans*, individuals. Exploring Transparent through Butler and Athanasiou’s (Dispossession: the performative in the political, Polity Press, Cambridge, 2013) framework of dispossession, this essay argues that the depiction of dispossession in Transparent may serve to hypostasize the gender binary rather than to disrupt it. By severing the rhetorical act of “coming out” from the historical pathologization of non-normative sexualities and gender expansiveness in America, Transparent risks undoing the very social progress that it has the potential to further. While the show could powerfully disrupt cisgender privilege (Brydum in The true meaning of the word cisgender, 2015), as of its second season, instead, it merely illustrates how the media produced trans* “coming out” narrative all too often reifies the gender binary and cisgender privilege. Although it is tempting to praise Transparent for its representation of gender expansiveness, its problematic use of the “coming out” rhetoric should not be ignored.
Ordinal and familial relationships of Ranunculid genera

A morphological-based cladistic analysis was conducted on 116 ingroup taxa and 5 outgroups coded for 109 characters and 192 apomorphic character states. Ranunculid genera are better organized as the two orders Lardizabalales and Ranunculales, rather than Ranunculales and Papaverales of contemporary systems. Within Lardizabalales, the genus Decaisnea is segregated as a new family, in contrast to Sargentodoxa, which is maintained within Lardizabalalceae. The Berberidaceae and Menispermaceae are early branches of Ranunculales, which is primitively woody. Hydrastidaceae (including Glaucidium), Papaveraceae, and Ranunculaceae form a herbaceous clade of derived Ranunculales. The Papaveraceae subfamilies Platystemonoideae, Papaveroideae, and Eschscholzioideae are early branches, whereas Pteridophylloideae, Hypoecoideae, and Fumarioideae are derived. The Chelidonioideae are transitional and paraphyletic and therefore, a new subfamily is recognized for Glaucium and Dicranostigma. The Ranunculaceae subfamily lsopyroideae is a first branch, and Helleboroideae and Ranunculoideae are sister graups. Within lsopyroideae, the Aquilegieae is a first branch, and lsopyreae and Coptidae (including Dichocarpum and Thalictrum) are sister groups. Within Helleboroideae, the Caltheae is a first branch, and Helleboreae (including Nigella) and Cimicifugeae (including Aconitum, Beesia, and Delphinium) are sister groups. Within Ranunculoideae, the Adonideae is a first branch, and Anemoneae and Ranunculeae are sister groups. Circaeaster and Kingdonia are sister groups and positioned as a first branch of the Anemoneae, and it is at least 7 steps less parsimonious to remove both from Ranunculaceae, and 14 steps longer to remove only Circaeaster. It is 10 steps less parsimonious to consider a Ranunculaceae ancestry for Paeonia, which is positioned in Dilleniales. The “ranunculidae” are paraphyletic because Ranunculales are closer to Dilleniales than to Lardizabalales.
Overview of Microarray Bioprinting Technology

Microarray bioprinting refers to printing extremely small amounts of biological samples in patterns on a chip platform, such as functionalized silicone wafers, glass slides, and plastic chips [1, 2]. This technology is mostly based on inkjet printing technologies that allows nanoliter droplet dispensing in high throughput to deposit and pattern biological samples on a chip, including genes, carbohydrates, proteins, viruses, cells, hydrogels, extracellular matrices (ECMs), growth factors, growth media, compounds, fluorescent dyes, and other reagents. In general, microarray chips are classified into six different categories depending on biological samples printed, fabricated, or immobilized: (1) gene, (2) carbohydrate, (3) protein, (4) virus, (5) cell, and (6) tissue. These chips have varied applications and methods for fabrication. For example, GeneChip® from Affymatrix (a well-known chip) contains high-density DNA microarrays on silicone wafers manufactured by photolithography technology. Likewise, carbohydrate microarrays contain immobilized oligosaccharides on the surface of glass slides to study interactions between oligosaccharides and antibodies, or other carbohydrate-recognizing proteins and viruses. Z Biotech offers several versions of glycan microarrays on glass slides. Antibody microarrays are a part of protein microarrays, which have a high-density array of antibodies on functionalized glass slides. RayBiotech is one of pioneers who invented various protein microarray-based assays. Our research group invented enzyme microarrays in 2005, which contained 525 spot arrays of drug metabolizing enzymes (DMEs) encapsulated in silicone precursors to simulate metabolism-induced toxicity in human livers [3–7]. The first cell microarrays have been introduced by David M. Sabatini’s group in 2001, which is a variant of DNA microarrays and based on reverse transfection of genes on cell monolayers [8]. In 2008, our group demonstrated a method of printing and encapsulating live human cells in 1080 hydrogel spots on a functionalized glass slide for three-dimensional (3D) cell culture and organ-specific toxicity assessment [9–11]. The cell microarray technology has been further improved on a micropillar/microwell chip platform with adenovirus microarrays to control expression levels of DMEs in hepatic cell lines and simulate drug-induced hepatotoxicity [12–17]. Tissue microarrays are somewhat different from other microarrays in terms of the method of fabrication. Typical tissue microarrays are prepared by removing tissue cores in paraffin-embedded tissue samples using a hollow needle, inserting them in a recipient paraffin block in an array pattern, sectioning this block using a microtome, and mounting the slices on glass slides. Tissue microarrays can be a useful tool for immunohistochemistry and fluorescent in situ hybridization in cancer research.
Modeling and Experiment to Determine the Role of Passive Stiffness on Mechanical (Strain Rate) Control of Relaxation

Diastolic dysfunction is increasingly linked to exercise intolerance and heart failure-like symptoms. The serendipitous discovery of a rat with a spontaneous mutation in the RNA Binding Motif-20 (RBM20) has led to new studies showing the effects of reduced titin-based passive tension. Decreased passive stiffness in the heart is associated with increased exercise tolerance, but also slowed crossbridge attachment and detachment rates. The influence on relaxation, and specifically mechanical control of relaxation by fast end systolic stretch, is not yet known. We utilized MyoSim, a computational modeling environment, and experiments using intact trabeculae to investigate the relationship between titin-based passive stiffness and mechanical control of relaxation. We have previously obtained physiological myofilament parameters by fitting a 2-state crossbridge model to experimental data using MyoSim. These model parameters were held fixed except for passive stiffness, which was reduced by 50 and 75% to match passive stiffness in heterozygous and homozygous RBM20 mutant tissues. Isometric relaxation was slowed by 4 and 5%, respectively, but relaxation rate became 19 and 23% more sensitive to mechanical control of relaxation (slope of relationship between relaxation rate and end systolic strain rate). These data predict that titin based stiffness may modify relaxation rate. Trabeculae experiments using wild-type, heterozygous, and homozygous RBM20 mutant rats, show no significant change in the mechanical control of relaxation. However, reduced titin stiffness was associated with a later time to peak contraction (shortening). Reducing crossbridge attachment and detachment rates in the computational model parameters replicates the experimental results. These data suggest that passive stiffness may play a role on mechanical control of relaxation and confirm that crossbridge properties significantly contribute to early diastolic relaxation.
Review of Recent Results in Instrumentation Design and Upgrade for Process Plants

Abstract This article discusses recent developments in the field of instrumentation design and upgrade. It also discusses some of the challenges in designing instrumentation for simultaneous robust monitoring and fault diagnosis.
Return to Play After Shoulder Instability Surgery in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Intercollegiate Football Athletes

Background:Recent attention has focused on the optimal surgical treatment for recurrent shoulder instability in young athletes. Collision athletes are at a higher risk for recurrent instability aft...
Local therapy to distant metastatic sites in stage IV rhabdomyosarcoma.

Purpose To determine the impact of surgery and/or radiation therapy on distant metastatic sites (DMS) in children with stage IV rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS). Methods A retrospective chart review was conducted on all patients with stage IV RMS at Texas Children's Hospital from 1992 to 2012. Data analyzed included age, gender, primary site, histologic subtype, number and sites of metastases, treatment including local therapy to DMS, and Oberlin score. Results The 5-year progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) rates were 20% and 25%. The 5-year PFS in patients receiving local therapy to all DMS (n = 16) and to less than all DMS (n = 19) was 31.3% versus 0% (P = 0.002), whereas the 5-year OS was 37.3% versus 0% (P < 0.001), respectively. The 5-year PFS in patients with isolated lung metastasis versus other types of metastasis was 29% versus 7% (P = n.s.), whereas the 5-year OS was 43% versus 10% (P = 0.01). The 5-year pulmonary local control was improved by the use of whole lung irradiation (WLI; 56% vs. 10%, P = 0.03). Conclusions Local treatment to all metastatic sites was associated with improved PFS and OS at 5 years. The use of WLI improved pulmonary control in patients with lung metastasis. We recommend an aggressive approach including local therapy to DMS in children with stage IV RMS.
Use of surfactant and enzymes in dry-grind corn ethanol fermentation improves yield of ethanol and distillers corn oil

Abstract Distillers corn oil (DCO) is a valuable co-product of dry-grind corn ethanol process. It can be used for bio-fuel production and in animal feed. DCO can be present in different forms in the fermentation matrix, including oil adhering to solid surfaces such as cell wall and protein matrix, and oil contained in unbroken cells, which is difficult to partition to thin stillage by decanting. Effects of using surfactant (Tween® 80) and enzymes during fermentation on DCO partition to thin stillage and DCO recovery from the condensed corn distillers with solubles (CCDS) were investigated. There was more than 8 ∼ 10% DCO adhered to wet cake solids in whole stillage produced by conventional procedure, and this part of DCO was moved to thin stillage when 500 ppm of Tween® 80 was used during fermentation. Enzymes reduced the particle size of wet cake solids and released more DCO from wet cake to thin stillage. However, the use of protease reduced oil recovery (4.0% versus 7.9% and 17.9%, protease versus control and non-starch polysaccharide hydrolyzing enzymes) by producing partially hydrolyzed protein, which may have acted as emulsifier. Moreover, a synergistic effect between the use of enzymes and Tween® 80 was found on DCO partition in thin stillage and its recovery from CCDS.
The Effectiveness of Bioskills Training for Simulated Lumbar Pedicle Screw Placement.

Study Design:Prospective randomized study.Objectives:To define the impact of an inexpensive, user-friendly, and reproducible lumbar pedicle screw instrumentation bioskills training module and evalu...
Input-output properties of linearly-coupled dynamical systems: Interplay between local dynamics and network interactions

A classical model for coupled dynamical systems with identical linear components and structured linear couplings is enhanced to capture measurement and actuation of by an external player. Input-output properties of the enhanced model — including observability and controllability, decentralized fixed modes, and output controllability — are determined in terms of the components' internal dynamics, the network's interconnection topology, and the structured interfaces between components. Further analyses are also developed for the special case that the components are subsystems, which are coupled only through their inputs and outputs. As an illustration, these structural characterizations are used to study the manipulation of a canonical multi-agent-system model, namely a double-integrator-network model, by an external player.
Tissue-Nonspecific Alkaline Phosphatase Is Required for MC3T3 Osteoblast–Mediated Protection of Acute Myeloid Leukemia Cells from Apoptosis

The bone marrow microenvironment harbors and protects leukemic cells from apoptosis-inducing agents via mechanisms that are incompletely understood. We previously showed SDF-1 (CXCL-12), a chemokine readily abundant within the bone marrow microenvironment, induces apoptosis in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells that express high levels of the SDF-1 receptor CXCR4. However, differentiating osteoblasts found within this niche protect cocultured AML cells from apoptosis. Additionally, this protection was abrogated upon treatment of the differentiating osteoblasts with histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi). In this study, we begin to characterize and target the molecular mechanisms that mediate this osteoblast protection. Quantitative RT-PCR revealed that HDACi treatment of differentiating osteoblasts (mouse MC3T3 osteoblast cell line) reduced expression of multiple genes required for osteoblast differentiation, including genes important for producing mineralized bone matrix. Interestingly, pretreating differentiating osteoblasts with cyclosporine A, a drug known to inhibit osteoblast differentiation, similarly impaired osteoblast-mediated protection of cocultured AML cells (KG1a and U937 human AML cell lines). Both HDACi and cyclosporine A reduced osteoblast expression of the key mineralization enzyme tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatase (TNAP; encoded by Alpl). Moreover, specifically reducing TNAP expression or activity in differentiating osteoblasts significantly impaired the ability of the osteoblasts to protect cocultured AML cells. Together, our results indicate that inhibiting osteoblast matrix mineralization by specifically targeting TNAP is sufficient to significantly impair osteoblast-mediated protection of AML cells. Therefore, designing combination therapies that additionally target the osteoblast-produced mineralized bone matrix may improve treatment of AML by reducing the protection of leukemic cells within the bone marrow microenvironment.
Long-term intravenous therapy with use of peripherally inserted silicone-elastomer catheters in orthopaedic patients

We studied the results of prolonged intravenous therapy with antibiotics through a central venous silicone-elastomer catheter that had been peripherally inserted in thirty-five orthopaedic patients. The catheters remained in place for an average of twenty-nine days (range, five to seventy-four days). The 20-gauge (one-millimeter-diameter) catheters used in our study were smaller in diameter than the triple-lumen catheters or the double-lumen Hickman catheters used in previous studies. The catheters in our study were left indwelling for as long as, or for longer than, those in other studies. Our patients had no serious complications related to the insertion or use of the catheter. However, three (8 per cent) of thirty-eight inserted catheters failed mechanically and had to be removed. Two additional catheters (5 per cent) were removed because the lumen became plugged. One catheter in each of these groups was not replaced, because a catheter was no longer necessary. We believe that the problems with the catheters were related to the small diameter of the tubing that was used in our series. Use of the small-diameter catheter reduces the risk of cardiac tamponade and other complications associated with catheters that have larger diameters, and small-diameter catheters can remain indwelling for a long time. The peripheral route of insertion eliminates the risk of pneumothorax associated with the subclavian route of placement and allows for greater ease of insertion. In addition, the use of catheters made of silicone elastomer reduces the risk of thrombosis and infection, which are associated with catheters made of polyethylene.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Comparison of the Amino Acid Sequences of Ten Kappa I Amyloid Proteins for Amyloidogenic Sequences

It has been proposed that amyloid forming immunoglobulin light chains contain specific amino acid sequences in their variable region which predispose them to form amyloid. To elucidate whether such sequences exist and can be identified, we have investigated the amino acid sequence of the variable region of ten kappa I immunoglobulin light chains associated with amyloid. Comparison of the ten kappa I amyloid proteins to nonamyloid kappa I light chains identifies a number of amino acid substitutions which are presumed to be on the outside surface of the light chain dimer and which may participate in fibril formation by promoting dimer aggregation. Changes to more hydrophobic residues or from neutral to charged residues are present in the inner beta sheet which forms some of the contact regions for monomer-monomer interaction. These changes may increase dimer stability which then could form the amyloid aggregating subunit. In two proteins, the usual Arg at position 61 is replaced by an Asn with carbohydrate attached. It is possible that the presence of carbohydrate at the outer edge of this beta turn may promote fibril formation.
Controversies in Psycho-Oncology

This chapter summarizes four current controversies in the field of psycho-oncology: (1) the benefit of screening for distress among cancer patients; (2) the effectiveness of psychological interventions among cancer patients; (3) the role of “positive psychology” (optimism, benefit finding) in cancer care; and (4) the benefit of group therapy in extending survival among cancer patients. Each controversy is briefly described with a general overview of the opposing viewpoints, a summary of the state of the science, and suggestions made for future directions in each case.
Implementation of a new model for gravitational collision cross sections in nuclear aerosol codes

Models currently used in aerosol source codes for the gravitational collision efficiency are deficient in not accounting fully for two particle hydrodynamics (interception and inertia), which becomes important for larger particles. A computer code that accounts for these effects in calculating particle trajectories is used to find values of efficiency for a range of particle sizes. Simple fits to these data as a function of large particle diameter for a given particle diameter ratio are then obtained using standard linear regression, and a new model is constructed. This model is then implemented into two computer codes. AEROMECH and CONTAIN, Version 1.2 For a test problem, concentration distributions obtained with the new model and the standard model for efficiency are found to be markedly different.
An Electrical Failure Analysis (EFA) Flow to Quantitatively Identify Invisible Defect on Individual Transistor: Using the Characterization of Random Dopant Fluctuation (RDF) as an Example

An EFA flow is proposed to characterize a defective PMOS transistor that suffered abnormal high threshold voltage (Vth). Forward-Reverse (F-R) measurements observe asymmetric electrical characteristics in Id-Vg curves. Further body effect measurements confirm that the asymmetry symptoms are attributed to abnormal dopant concentration on well region, where RDF is suspected. Calculation shows that the well concentration of defective transistor is 1.8x of the well concentration of reference transistor. Technology Computer Aided Design (TCAD) and Simulation Program with Integrated Circuit Emphasis (SPICE) simulations all show that this 1.8x of well concentration will lead to a about 190 mV Vtsat increase, which explains 46% of the total Vtsat increase at T0. This study shows that RDF limits yield and performance on advanced IC technology. With the adopting of low implantation process and Fin structure, FinFET technology exhibits significant reduction on Vth variability and reaches unprecedented low value on minimum operating voltage (Vccmin).
Response of Surface Ultraviolet and Visible Radiation to Stratospheric SO2 Injections

Climate modification by stratospheric SO2 injections, to form sulfate aerosols, may alter the spectral and angular distributions of the solar ultraviolet and visible radiation that reach the Earth’s surface, with potential consequences to environmental photobiology and photochemistry. We used modeling results from the CESM1(WACCM) stratospheric aerosol geoengineering large ensemble (GLENS) project, following the RCP8.5 emission scenario, and one geoengineering experiment with SO2 injections in the stratosphere, designed to keep surface temperatures at 2020 levels. Zonally and monthly averaged vertical profiles of O3, SO2, and sulfate aerosols, at 30 N and 70 N, served as input into a radiative transfer model, to compute biologically active irradiances for DNA damage (iDNA), UV index (UVI), photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), and two key tropospheric photodissociation coefficients (jO1D for O3 + hν (λ < 330 nm) → O(1D) + O2; and jNO2 for NO2 + hν (λ < 420 nm) → O(3P) + NO). We show that the geoengineering scenario is accompanied by substantial reductions in UV radiation. For example, comparing March 2080 to March 2020, iDNA decreased by 25% to 29% in the subtropics (30 N) and by 26% to 33% in the polar regions (70 N); UVI decreased by 19% to 20% at 30 N and 23% to 26% at 70 N; and jO1D decreased by 22% to 24% at 30 N and 35% to 40% at 70 N, with comparable contributions from sulfate scattering and stratospheric O3 recovery. Different responses were found for processes that depend on longer UV and visible wavelengths, as these are minimally affected by ozone; PAR and jNO2 were only slightly lower (9–12%) at 30 N, but much lower at 70 N (35–40%). Similar reductions were estimated for other months (June, September, and December). Large increases in the PAR diffuse-direct ratio occurred in agreement with previous studies. Absorption by SO2 gas had a small (~1%) effect on jO1D, iDNA, and UVI, and no effect on jNO2 and PAR.
Managing complications of collagenase Clostridium histolyticum (CCH) injection.

The introduction of collagenase Clostridium histolyticum (CCH) has revolutionized the treatment of Peyronie’s disease. The efficacy of this therapy has been well demonstrated and the safety profile is favorable. However, post-injection complications are poorly characterized and management of these complications lacks standardization. This review includes literature published in English and indexed in the PubMed®, Embase® or Google Scholar™ databases. What follows is a synopsis of relevant articles, including original research studies, in an attempt to better define CCH complications and their respective management strategies. Adverse effects of therapy are common but generally self-limiting. Penile pain and edema are expected events, and most patients experience hematologic sequelae (bleeding, hematoma, ecchymosis, etc.). The intervention rate for penile hematoma is low. Penile fracture is a morbid complication of therapy that is rare and may be challenging to diagnose given the frequency with which pronounced bruising and swelling are encountered. Imaging is a useful adjunct in situations of diagnostic uncertainty. Alternative injection protocols have been evaluated to limit the cost and morbidity of CCH therapy. Clinical efficacy of these protocols is promising, but prospective evaluation is lacking. No standardized protocols exist for management of post-injection complications of CCH therapy. The majority of these complications are managed conservatively, but suspected penile fracture should be carefully evaluated and imaging employed when needed. Future prospective studies of alternative injection protocols are warranted to decrease morbidity while maintaining efficacy.
Contestation of Rhetoric within the Chinese Tradition: An Overview of Confucian Moralistic Rhetoric, Daoist Transcendental Rhetoric, and Mohist Utilitarian Rhetoric

ABSTRACTThis paper reviews and compares diverse rhetorical conceptualizations within Chinese rhetorical tradition during the fifth to third century B.C.E. Textual evidence shows that three schools ...
Celebrating the Achievements of Prison Dog Programs

Most prison dog programs (PDPs) have instituted a variety of practices that recognize the contributions of inmates, staff, volunteers, organizations, and sponsors. This chapter begins with a discussion on the dynamics between informal observations of dog behavior and empirical research. Next, it describes the persistent tensions between two models of justice: retributive (meting out punishment to fit the crime) and restorative (working toward rehabilitation, restitution, and re-entry into society). The chapter then moves to the widely reported outcomes for inmates involved in effective prison dog programs. Specifically, these outcomes include: (1) establishing reciprocal human-canine bonds, (2) forging new identities for offenders and canines, (3) providing outlets for healthy expression of emotions, (4) impelling meaningful behavioral changes, (5) increasing communication among stakeholders, and (6) participating in prosocial activities. Next, we recommend strategies to celebrate the contributions of PDPs. The chapter concludes with evidence from the field of neuroscience that links the production of the “calm and connect” hormone, oxytocin, to empathy, compassion, and self-forgiveness. There is a growing body of research to support the assertion that prison dog programs often can influence change in individuals and institutions.
Effects of 12-week avocado consumption on cognitive function among adults with overweight and obesity.

Abstract Objectives Excess adiposity increases risk for cognitive impairment. Consumption of avocado, a highly bioavailable source of the xanthophyll lutein, has been shown to improve retinal lutein accumulation and cognitive function. Thus, we evaluated the influence of avocado consumption on cognitive function and lutein status among adults with overweight and obesity using a randomized-controlled trial with matching design for pertinent study outcomes. Methods A cohort of 84 adults (25–45 years, 31 males) were randomized to a treatment group (N = 47) that received a 12-week daily meal with fresh Hass avocado or a control group (N = 37) that received an isocaloric meal ( clinicaltrials.gov , NCT02740439 ). Serum lutein and macular pigment optical density (MPOD) were used to assess xanthophyll status. Attention and inhibition were assessed using the Flanker, Oddball and Nogo tasks with accompanying electroencephalographic (EEG) recording. Results Participants in the treatment group exhibited improvements in serum lutein and accuracy in the Flanker task. However, there were no relationships between performance and changes in lutein status, nor neuroelectric variables. No significant changes in MPOD were observed. Conclusion Daily avocado intake over 12 weeks, after controlling for covariates, improved attentional inhibition and increased serum lutein concentrations among adults with overweight and obesity. However, the cognitive benefits were independent of changes in lutein concentrations. Additional work is necessary to determine non-carotenoid, or carotenoid interactive, mechanisms by which avocados may influence cognitive function.
Recipient-Derived Immune Cell Phenotyping of Bronchoalveolar Lavage Identifies Patients with Biopsy Proven Early Acute Cellular Rejection after Lung Transplantation: A Pilot Study

Purpose Acute cellular rejection (ACR) is associated with the ultimate development of chronic lung allograft dysfunction. Transbronchial biopsy, the gold standard for the diagnosis of ACR, is associated with potential morbidity. We set out to define the correlation between the recipient-derived immune cell content in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and biopsy proven early ACR ( Methods We analyzed BAL samples from 8 lung transplant recipients with early ACR and 5 without ACR. Immunophenotyping was performed using spectral flow cytometry; cell origin (donor v recipient) was determined by staining for human leukocyte antigen. T test was used to identify differences in immune cell populations between those with and without ACR. Live CD45+ cells were defined as CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, B cells (CD19+, CD20+), CD56+ lymphocytes, and monocytes (CD14+CD206+/CD64+). Results BAL was obtained at 1.5 months (range 0.5-3.5) from transplant at time of ACR and at 1.6 months (range 0.5 - 2.8) for non-ACR. The presence of ACR was associated with a statistically significant decrease in the proportion of donor monocytes (Figure 1: Mean 85%, SD 15% v 34%, SD 16%; p Conclusion Biopsy proven, early ACR is associated with a relative decline in donor monocytes and donor Tregs, and increased proportion of recipient-derived CD4+ T cells. These results support further investigation into the role of BAL immune cell phenotyping as a potential less-invasive biomarker for ACR.
Gastroenterologist-Lead Management of Iron Deficiency Anemia in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Is Effective, Safe, and May Increase Quality of Life.

Background The effectiveness and safety of gastroenterologist (GI)-lead treatment of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have not been well-studied. Methods A retrospective chart review of patients with IBD, IDA, and evidence of treatment with iron at a tertiary IBD center was conducted. Results In 351 patients, hemoglobin and quality of life scores increased significantly after treatment with iron. Twelve of 341 patients treated with intravenous iron had an adverse effect. Twenty-seven patients required a hematology referral. Conclusion GIs should consider treating patients with IBD and IDA with intravenous iron as it is safe and effective.
Natural Calamity, Its Impact and Level of Preparations: Significance and Implications to the Community

The purpose of the study is to analyze the knowledge of natural calamity, its impact and level of preparations of respondents in Central Luzon, Philippines. This study employed a descriptive-correlation design. 125 respondents participated in the survey with the use of convenience sampling technique. We drafted a questionnaire and subjected it to validity and reliability test which yielded an overall Cronbach alpha score of .969. After the survey, We analyzed the data using SPSS 20 and the following statistical tools: frequency, percentage, means, t-test, ANOVA, Pearson-r and Regression Analysis. The study found that the respondents are knowledgeable on natural calamities and its impacts. They are also prepared when a calamity occurs. There are significant differences on the knowledge of natural calamity and impact of natural calamity in terms of community and family members. There is also a significant relationship observed between community, knowledge of natural calamity and impact of natural calamity. The same is observed between knowledge of natural calamity, impact of natural calamity and level of preparations of respondents. The community is a significant determinant of knowledge on natural calamity and impact of natural calamity and age is a significant determinant of knowledge on natural calamity.
Gradually Increasing Surgical Site Infection Prevention Bundle with Monitoring of Potentially Preventable Infections Resulting in Decreasing Overall Surgical Site Infection Rate

Objective: Reduction of surgical site infection. Methods: Retrospective evaluation of a surgical infection prevention program consisting of the gradual introduction of specific infection prevention methods and a surveillance system identifying and reporting on potentially preventable surgical site infections as defined by the omission of a preventive method. Setting: A university tertiary referral medical center. Results: The sequential introduction of infection prevention elements in the bundle resulted in a fluctuating rate of potentially preventable surgical site infections simultaneously with a slow, gradual reduction of the clean wound SSI rate. Conclusions: Change in a complex, multidisciplinary environment such as an inpatient surgical unit happens gradually and requires focused attention and input from all involved professionals.
Ly-α Radiation Densities in Planetary Nebulae

The average Ly-α radiation densities are calculated for 9 planetary nebulae from the observed λ10830/λ5876 line-intensity ratios under the assumption that the 23S state of Hei is depopulated via photo-ionization by Ly-α radiation. Three of the nebulae are probably optically thick in their respective hydrogen Lyman continua. For these objects, the Ly-α radiation densities as determined from the λ10830/λ5876 line-intensity ratios may represent the actual Ly-α radiation densities. If they do, then the Ly-α radiation pressures exceed the respective gas pressures in these objects. For the remaining nebulae, it seems that the observationally determined Ly-α radiation densities are representative only if either one or both of the following conditions is fulfilled in each case: (1) The object is essentially optically thick in the hydrogen Lyman continuum when other properties show it to be optically thin in the hydrogen Lyman continuum. (2) We are viewing the object during a specific 100-year time span during the course of its evolution.
Chapter 10 – Recombinant Proteins

Proteomics has opened the door to identify more and more clinically relevant proteins. Once identified, these proteins need to be studied in detail, including expression of the protein in model organisms by using recombinant DNA techniques. Some proteins will become therapeutic agents, and large amounts of purified protein will be required.
An Interview with Jane Cooper

Jane Cooper: That's a very complicated question. But yes, you're right, I do think this is my most American book. First of all, it's a book that's very much concerned with history, and how the sense of history extends an individual life, both as you look back and as you look ahead into the future. I used to think that what was most important for Americans was to focus outward, to accept internationalism; this was the legacy of World War II for me. At the same time, three-quarters of my ancestors came from what used to be called "old American families," from Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, Delaware. What's changed is that in the "Family Stories" section of Green Notebook I've consciously explored that legacy, rather than turning away from it, toward internationalism, as I did earlier. But both these attitudes are aspects of my consciousness of being an American, and of being a citizen, if you will. Then, I've always been very interested in imagining what the task is for an American writer, an American artist. In this book there are two extended meditations, on Willa Cather and Georgia O'Keeffe, and the American landscapes they chose as their signatures, and that's obviously a very different focus from writing a long poem about Rosa Luxemburg. Cather says at one point?she paraphrases Virgil in My Antonia?"For I shall be the first, if I live, to bring the Muse into my country." Of course she's leaving out the Native Americans, which points to a central flaw in her, but, you know, this too is part of our legacy, that until quite recently someone could still feel that way. . . .