cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dissection of the molecular parameters for T-cell recognition of a myoglobin antigenic site.

Previous studies from this laboratory have resulted in the determination of the antigenic structure of sperm-whale myoglobin (Mb). In the present work, we have investigated the fine specificity requirements for T-cell recognition of one of the Mb antigenic sites (antigenic site 5). The antigenic site (peptide 145–153) and seven progressively longer peptides, increasing in length stepwise by two residues at a time up to 22 residues in length (peptide 132–153), were synthesized. In addition, four truncated peptides were synthesized with intentional deletions at Tyr-151 and Ala-144. The T-cell recognition of these purified synthetic peptides was examined here in detail in three strains of mice (BALB/cByJ, Bl0.D2/n and SJL/J). Mb-primed mice afforded T-cells which proliferated to smaller peptides (two or four residues longer than the site; i.e. peptides 145–153 and 143–153) and more so to the longer peptides 135–153 and 132–153 and to Mb. No response was obtained to the truncated peptides, thus underscoring the fine specificity of T-cells. No response was obtained also to intermediate-sized peptides. The latter result, due to an unfavorable mode of folding, suggested a conformational dependency in T-lymphocyte recognition and was confirmed by additional studies employing peptide priming. Thus priming with either the 11- or 22-residue peptides afforded T-cells which proliferated to both of these two peptides, but not to intermediate-sized peptides. More importantly, peptide-primed cells did not proliferate on challenge in vitro with Mb. This indicated that the in vivo recognition (priming) was to the unfolded peptide and these cells will not therefore recognize native Mb in vitro. Tolerization of neonatal mice with native Mb, which was total for the native protein at the T-cell level, had no effect on in vivo recognition (priming) and in vitro proliferation due to the unfolded peptide. Conversely, tolerization by any unfolded peptide had little or no effect on in vivo recognition of, and proliferation to, native Mb. It was concluded that T-cell recognition of native proteins (or at least of Mb) is dependent on protein conformation. A peptide may not cause proliferation of native protein-primed T-cells even though it contains an antigenic site. Finally, macrophage presentation of protein antigens is not related to processing via fragmentation of antigen by macrophage.
Elder Abuse Intervention Strategies -- Social Service or Criminal Justice?

Summary The debate in the field of elder abuse as to whether elder abuse is caused by caregiver stress or abuser impairment has precipitated a discussion as to whether elder abuse should be considered a social service issue, or a criminal justice problem (Wolf, 1999). Even when family violence rises to the level of a crime as defined by state penal code, some professionals argue that a social service approach is best suited to address this social problem. The study presented here compares an elder abuse program providing social services to elder abuse victims with another serving elderly victims of crimes.
Do retirement planning strategies alter the effect of time preference on retirement wealth

ABSTRACTAn individual’s willingness to accumulate retirement wealth is influenced by their preference for intertemporal consumption. People with a strong preference for current consumption (high personal discount rate) may choose to save less and face the risk of decreased retirement preparedness. A negative relation between a high personal discount rate and retirement wealth may be reduced when individuals engage in some form of retirement planning. Using the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth, we provide evidence that respondents with a high personal discount rate accumulated 37% less retirement wealth, on average, between 2004 and 2008, when compared with respondents with a low personal discount rate. However, when retirement planning strategies were included in the model, there was no statistical difference in retirement wealth between people with high and low personal discount rates. The retirement planning strategies included calculating a retirement income need, hiring a financial planner for re...
Cγ1 Deficiency Exacerbates Collagen-Induced Arthritis

Objective IgG antibodies protect by aggregating pathogens and activating complement and stimulatory Fcγ receptors (FcγR). Although IgG1 accounts for a large percentage of murine serum antibodies, it poorly activates complement, binds more avidly to inhibitory FcγRIIb than to stimulatory FcγRIII, and has a relatively low aggregating ability. We previously demonstrated that IgG1 protects against complement- and FcγR-independent renal disease by inhibiting immune complex obstruction of glomerular capillaries. The purpose of this study was to determine whether IgG1 also protects against the complement- and FcγR-dependent disorder, collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). Methods CIA was induced by injecting mice with type II collagen (CII) (active model) or with IgG2a and IgG2b anti-CII monoclonal antibodies (ArthritoMab) (passive model). Arthritis severity was assessed, and CII-specific IgG was titered. Results Cγ1-deficient C57BL/6 mice lack IgG1 (IgG1(-/-) ); in these mice, arthritis developed at a higher frequency and was more severe compared with IgG1(+/+) mice in the active model. Disease was FcγRIII- and C3-dependent in both the IgG(+/+) and IgG(-/-) mouse strains and was not influenced by interleukin-4 receptor α in either strain. CII-specific IgG2a/c titers were considerably higher in IgG1(-/-) than in IgG1(+/+) mice and correlated with CIA incidence and severity. IgG1(+/+) mice that developed CIA had higher CII-specific IgG1 and IgG2a/c levels than did those without CIA. CII-inoculated BALB/c IgG1(+/+) and IgG1(-/-) mice had much lower CII-specific IgG2a/c titers than did C57BL/6 mice and failed to develop CIA but developed passive CIA when given ArthritoMab. Conclusion The absence of a functional Cγ1 gene indirectly promotes the development of CIA, likely through increased production of IgG2a/c, an isotype that strongly activates complement and stimulatory FcγR.
Reef Fish Dispersal in the Hawaiian Archipelago: Comparative Phylogeography of Three Endemic Damselfishes

Endemic marine species at remote oceanic islands provide opportunities to investigate the proposed correlation between range size and dispersal ability. Because these species have restricted geographic ranges, it is assumed that they have limited dispersal ability, which consequently would be reflected in high population genetic structure. To assess this relationship at a small scale and to determine if it may be related to specific reef fish families, here we employ a phylogeographic survey of three endemic Hawaiian damselfishes: Abudefduf abdominalis, Chromis ovalis, and Chromis verater. Data from mitochondrial markers cytochrome b and control region revealed low but significant genetic structure in all three species. Combining these results with data from a previous study on Dascyllus albisella and Stegastes marginatus, all five endemic damselfish species surveyed to date show evidence of genetic structure, in contrast with other widespread reef fish species that lack structure within the Hawaiian Archipelago. Though individual patterns of connectivity varied, these five species showed a trend of limited connectivity between the atolls and low-lying Northwestern Hawaiian Islands versus the montane Main Hawaiian Islands, indicating that, at least for damselfishes, the protected reefs of the uninhabited northwest will not replenish depleted reefs in the populated Main Hawaiian Islands.
Upper Ocean Mixing Processes

stratiRed (vertical gradients of potential temperature, salinity and potential density, averaged horizontally or in time, are zero). The terminology is most precise in the case of a convectively forced boundary layer. Elsewhere, oceanographers use the term loosely to describe the region of the ocean that responds most directly to surface processes. Late in the day, following periods of strong heating, the mixed layer may be quite shallow (a few meters or less), extending to the diurnal thermocline. In winter and following series of storms, the mixed layer may extend vertically to hundreds of meters, marking the depth of the seasonal thermocline at midlatitudes. warmer than the mixed layer. Intermediate temperature maxima in the Antarctic Ocean are less pronounced (up to 0.53C) but occur persistently around Antarctica.
Comparative cytologic yield and quality of three Pap smear instruments.

BACKGROUND Various sampling techniques of the cervix have established false negative rates ranging from 18% to 45%. A number of studies suggest that this false negative rate can be reduced by sampling techniques that are associated with higher yields of endocervical cells. METHOD This study enrolled 301 women, each of whom had a Pap smear obtained using three different sampling instruments (a cervical brush, a plastic spatula, and a cotton swab) in random order. RESULTS The cervical brush yielded a better endocervical sample than either of the other instruments (P < .001), and there was no difference between the swab and spatula. In addition, the recovery of endocervical cells increased with each additional sample taken, regardless of instrument used (P < .001), although the difference in yield between the second and third samples was not significant. CONCLUSIONS To enhance the yield of endocervical cells in Pap smear sampling, consideration should be given to using the cervical brush routinely as a sampling instrument and to taking more than one sample per screening.
Prevention Springs from Action Coils: A Strategic Plan for Comprehensive Bystander-Focused Prevention

This chapter outlines a strategic plan for implementing comprehensive bystander prevention efforts to address sexual and relationship abuse. The models of bystander action we have used for prevention have led us to be overly focused on intra-individual decision making and prevention strategies narrowly concentrated on one or two pieces of how and why bystanders act. A broader view considers bystanders’ actions across time, both in the unfolding of the immediate risky situation, but also by considering bystander action across the lifespan. Bystander action coils also span different settings and different bystander roles. We need sets of prevention strategies for all of these time points and settings so that bystander actions spread across ecological niches. We need interventions that focus on community-level variables related to action. We need broader environments ready to have ongoing conversations with bystanders about what worked and what did not to work against entrenched stories that highlight only barriers to action. We need to consider building collective efficacy so that bystander intervention is not just about one’s own actions but about how individuals can support other bystanders who step in. This chapter describes a set of ideas for next steps in this work including revising helping scripts, expanding our view of bystanders’ roles, and better anticipating consequences of bystander actions.
Correlates and trends of IMRT use in locally advanced rectal cancer

Three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3DCRT) and intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) are both utilized in rectal cancer treatment. We investigated the impact of demographic and clinical factors for the selection of each modality utilizing the National Cancer Database. Adult patients with stage II and stage III adenocarcinoma of the rectum diagnosed from 2004 to 2013 were included. Chi-squared analysis was used to compare demographic and clinical variables in the 3DCRT and IMRT treatment groups. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression modeling was used to identify factors predictive of receipt of each radiation therapy (RT) modality. A total of 9027 patients were identified: 8141 in the neoadjuvant RT group and 886 in the adjuvant RT group. In both cohorts, the utilization of IMRT increased over the study period (p 5400 centigray (cGy) (OR 2.07, 95 % CI 1.69–2.53). The use of IMRT for locally advanced rectal cancer is increasing and surpassed 3DCRT as the most common radiation modality at the beginning of 2010. Intensity-modulated radiotherapy was given more commonly for adjuvant treatment than for neoadjuvant treatment and was associated with higher RT doses and treatment at an academic institution in the neoadjuvant setting.
Visually engaged ethnography: constructing knowledge and critical consciousness

ABSTRACTEngaged ethnography requires a deep rationale for involvement and a passion for a particular cause. Visual ethnography implements an aesthetic component, compliment, or fold into that complex, multi-layered engagement. This theoretical research attempts to move beyond traditional, epistemic debates and blend anthropological, communicative, and sociological concepts to form a cohesive approach to knowledge construction that exposes power, educates on publicly important issues, and reaches a critical consciousness to visually engage the public sphere. It is through that effort to recognize when a break from the shackle of our own limits of consciousness can create previously unattainable knowledge.
Interaction of Mycotoxins with Copper-Folin Reagent

To study the interference by mycotoxins in protein measurements, solutions of various concentrations of aflatoxin B1, citrinin, cytochalasin B, ochratoxin A, patulin, penicillic acid, rubratoxins A and B, T-2 toxin and zearalenone were tested for a positive copper-Folin reaction. Except for T-2 toxin, all mycotoxins tested developed a blue color, characteristic of proteins, in the copper-Folin solution. The Lowry reaction for the mycotoxins was linear over the concentration range of 20-100 μg/ml for most of these toxins. Aflatoxin B1 and citrinin at 2 μg/ml and zearalenone at 0.5 mg/ml developed a blue color in the copper-Folin solution. The linear relationship between color development and toxin concentration plus high sensitivity makes the copper-Folin reaction a potential analytical method for these toxins but only in the absence of protein or other copper-Folin positive materials.
Thoracoscopic Repair of Esophageal Atresia and Tracheoesophageal Fistula

Thoracoscopic repair of esophageal atresia with tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) is now offered at many pediatric surgery centers around the world. Focusing on the most common of the five types of TEF, this chapter briefly reviews the diagnosis of esophageal atresia and TEF, explores the operative technique in detail, and finally discusses standard postoperative care. A number of studies have reported equivalent outcome when compared with the open technique. Long-term studies are ongoing. Thoracoscopy offers the potential benefits of a reduction in scoliosis, muscle damage, postoperative pain, and improved appearance. Paramount in the application of thoracoscopy for TEF is appropriate patient selection, anesthesia team selection, and surgical expertise with neonatal minimally invasive surgery techniques. Future development of biologic grafts and novel techniques with magnets may further revolutionize the minimally invasive surgery approach to TEF repair.
Impact of microwave-assisted enzymatic hydrolysis on functional and antioxidant properties of rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss by-products

Fishery by-products can be better utilized following enzymatic hydrolysis treatment to produce fish protein hydrolysates (FPH) with potentially enhanced interface-stabilizing properties (e.g. functionality). The production of FPH could be accelerated through the application of rapid heating methods [e.g. microwave-assisted heating (MW)] rather than slower conventional heating (CH) treatments. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of microwave heating during enzymatic hydrolysis on the functionality and antioxidant properties of FPH. Trout by-products were hydrolyzed with Alcalase at an enzyme substrate ratio (E:S) of 0.5, 1.7, and 3.0% (w/v), respectively, for 3, 5 and 15 min using a microwave system (1200 W, 20% power with 50% duty cycle at 50–55 °C) and a conventional heating method (water bath at 50 °C). The degree of hydrolysis and protein solubility was higher (P < 0.05) for the MW-FPH than for the CH-FPH. MW-FPH at 5 min (0.5% E:S) demonstrated higher (P < 0.05) emulsifying activity and emulsion stability than CH-FPH with the same treatment. Foam capacity and stability were also greater (P < 0.05) for MW-FPH samples that were treated 15 min by microwave-assisted heating (0.5% E:S) when compared to CH. Overall, MW-FPH exhibited higher (P < 0.05) 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryhydrazyl and ferric ion reducing capacity than CH-FPH. We therefore conclude that microwave-assisted hydrolysis is an alternative method to produce FPH with improved solubility, emulsifying activity, foaming properties and antioxidant activity.
Kernel methods for changes detection in covariance matrices

Several methods have been proposed to solve the one-class classification problem for vectors. Three methods are mainly used: density estimation, boundary methods, and reconstruction methods. The fo...
Regional Responses to Black Carbon Aerosols: The Importance of Air-Sea Interaction

The impact of modern black carbon aerosols on climate via their changes in radiative balance is studied using a coupled model where sea surface temperatures (SSTs) are allowed to vary and an atmosphere-only version of the same model where SSTs are held fixed. Allowing the ocean to respond is shown to have a profound impact on the pattern of temperature change. Particularly, large impacts are found in the North Pacific (which cools by up to 1 K in the coupled model) and in north central Asia (which warms in the coupled simulation and cools in the fixed SST simulation). Neither set of experiments shows large changes in surface temperatures in the Southeast Asian region where the atmospheric burden of black carbon is highest. These results are related to the stabilization of the atmosphere and changes in oceanic heat transport. Over the North Pacific, atmospheric stabilization results in an increase in stratiform clouds. The resulting shading reduces evaporation, freshening the surface layer of the ocean and reducing the inflow of warm subtropical waters. Over the land, a delicate balance between greater atmospheric absorption, shading of the surface and changes in latent cooling of the surface helps to determine whether warming or cooling is seen. Our results emphasize the importance of coupling in determining the response of the climate system to black carbon and suggest that black carbon may play an important role in modulating climate change over the North Pacific.
El efecto de la traducción pedagógica en la precisión morfosintáctica: un estudio preliminar con estudiantes avanzados de ESL

En este articulo se exponen los resultados de un estudio longitudinal de cuatro semanas de duracion sobre el efecto de la traduccion pedagogica en la precision morfosintactica en la segunda lengua. Seis estudiantes universitarios matriculados en un curso de nivel avanzado de espanol como segunda lengua en la Universidad de Houston participaron en el estudio. El curso tenia como objetivo contribuir al desarrollo la competencia comunicativa de los estudiantes mediante la introduccion de la practica de la traduccion directa (L2>L1) e inversa (L1>L2), con un particular enfasis en esta ultima modalidad. Los participantes llevaron a cabo una actividad de traduccion a modo de pretest/postest al comienzo y al final del curso. Los resultados sugieren que la incorporacion de la traduccion pedagogica mediante una metodologia activa que promueve la reflexion y combina el trabajo individual y colaborativo tiene un impacto considerable en la precision morfosintactica en la segunda lengua. Este impacto positivo se hace particularmente notorio en el uso de preposiciones, adjetivos y del tiempo y modo verbales. Asi, este estudio se suma a los trabajos de Cook (2010) y Gonzalez Davies (2002), que proponen la practica de la traduccion inversa (L1>L2) para el desarrollo de la precision gramatical.
Setup methodology of an electronic ACR or ICANL compliance program

2330 Objectives After an institution has successfully navigated through the submission and accreditation process for bodies such as ACR or ICANL, it is important to set up an organized and easy to comprehend program for continued compliance. This abstract covers our electronic solution for organizing and tracking our ongoing ACR program at Mayo Clinic Arizona. Methods Our large nuclear medicine department is located on two physical sites. We utilized Microsoft SharePoint to build an ACR compliance program that was accessible by staff at either location. The site includes links to acquisition parameters, storage for quarterly image data, a calendar and an all-inclusive ACR task check-off list. The hyperlinks access PDF directions that include: 1. ACR preset acquisition and processing parameters for staff review are clearly laid out. 2. Auto calculation functionality is built into each SPECT acquisition PDF. This allows the technologist to set the acquisition time on each unit based on the count rate so total counts are appropriate to ACR guidelines. The site’s calendar functionality ensures that all technologists have access to a testing schedule. This allows for all staff to be aware that they will need to fulfill the ACR quarterly tests if it is scheduled during their rotation. A point person has been assigned to maintain the ACR task calendar and ensure that staff are aware of upcoming testing. The ACR task check-off list is filled in with staff initials as quarterly tasks are completed. This list is broken into quarters and is able to be exported to a database and saved for historical auditing purposes. Results Having all accreditation information electronically at your fingertips helps to ensure that all staff fully participate in the compliance program. It also will streamline audits and ensure that they are completed in a timely and efficient manner. Conclusions While the initial setup of a website based ACR or ICANL compliance program can be initially daunting, it is worth the effort to ensure future success. It’s minimal upkeep and ease of access have clear benefits
Predicting the Influence of Situational and Immigration Stress on Latino Day Laborers’ Workplace Injuries: An Exploratory Structural Equation Model

Latino day laborers are a socially and economically marginalized immigrant population with a high risk of occupational injury. These workers confront multiple social, psychological, and environmental hardships that increase their risk for adverse health outcomes. How these stressors interact and influence work-related injuries in this population remains unclear. We conducted an exploratory study with 327 Latino day laborers who completed a community survey. We developed a structural equation model, using cross-sectional data to explore the relationships among socioeconomic status, situational and immigration stress, depression, work risk exposure, and occupational injury. The model revealed a statistically significant mediated effect from situational stress to injury through work risk exposure as well as a significant mediated effect from immigration stress through depression to injury. These initial findings suggest that situational and immigration-related stress have a detrimental impact on Latino day laborers’ mental health and workplace safety and, ultimately, increase their risk of occupational injury.
First-Year Composition as “Big Data”: Towards Examining Student Revisions at Scale

Abstract Given the central role revision plays in our First-Year Composition (FYC) program and the enormous number of papers students produce each semester across all course sections, we approached student revision as a “big data” phenomenon, assembling a large corpus of student papers and developing software to process them. Unlike past studies of revision which found that students focus almost exclusively on minor edits and surface errors, we found that student revisions primarily involve deleting and, more frequently, inserting complete sentences. After describing our software and reviewing its results, we examine several situational variables that may influence this unanticipated practice, and discuss ways to integrate revision more fully into the writing classroom.
The Relationship of STEM Attitudes and Career Interest

This study examines the relationships between attitudes toward all core STEM subjects and interest in STEM careers among 4th through 12th grade US students through the administration of the Student Attitudes toward STEM (S-STEM) Survey to over 15,000 public school students. The research developed a model based on expectancy-value theory that incorporates key demographic factors of age, gender, and race/ethnicity. Our findings reinforce prior research that students across key demographic factors perceive biological/clinical and physical science career paths differently, resulting in two career clusters. Of interest, the relationship of mathematics attitudes to career interest varied by STEM career cluster. Findings were also supportive of the conclusion that students’ attitudes towards STEM careers are not static over their primary and secondary grades, stabilizing and leveling during their secondary years. Gender showed significantly different interest levels for the two career clusters: males higher for physical sciences and females higher for biological/clinical sciences. Racial/ethnic disparity in STEM career interests can be seen more readily in physical sciences and engineering than in the biological sciences. Overall, our work reinforces findings that students, as young as elementary grades, are forming attitudinal associations between their academic and life experience and future STEM careers.
Restoration of Salt and Brackish Tidelands in Southern New England

Tidal restriction, dredge spoil deposition, and other fill activities have converted about 2000 ha of Connecticut’s tidal salt marshes to non-tidal or microtidal systems vegetated by near monocultures of Phragmites australis or Typha angustifolia. In addition, Phragmites is also expanding in certain undisturbed brackish tidelands, replacing the typical tidal marsh angiosperms. Returning normal tidal hydrology to formerly restricted polyhaline (18 to 30 ‰) and euhaline (30 to 35 ‰) marshes results over time in re-establishment of typical Spartina-dominated marsh vegetation and associated macroinvertebrate populations. Vegetation and invertebrates, along with full use of these systems by estuarine fish and salt marsh dependent birds, are collectively considered high level integrators of multiple, complex, interacting tidal marsh functions. These various attributes return at different rates, and full functional equivalence relative to undisturbed marshes may require decades. Excavating dredged spoil filled sites to low marsh elevations and restoring tidal action allows natural repopulation by marsh angiosperms and invertebrates. Within the first year these open sites support seedling populations of Spartina alterniflora and annuals such as Salicornia europaea. Within five years Spartina alterniflora dominates and annuals are rare. Initial invertebrate colonizers are those with planktonic larvae, such as Melampus bidentatus, Geukensia demissa and Uca spp. Invasion of brackish tidelands at the mouth of the Connecticut River by Phragmites appears to have little effect on macroinvertebrate populations or fish use. The vegetation of such Phragmites-dominated tidal wetlands can be restored, at least temporarily, by a combination of herbicide and mowing treatments.
Examining Pathways of Childhood Maltreatment and Emotional Dysregulation Using Self-Compassion

Childhood maltreatment has well-documented relationships with emotional dysregulation. Emotional dysregulation confers heightened risk for psychopathology and therefore represents an important ther...
The Least Squares Lattice Algorithm

This chapter will examine the derivation of the least squares lattice (LSL) adaptive filter through the use of vector space concepts. As seen from Chapters 3 and 7, the lattice form is a specific implementation for the Nth order linear prediction filter. It is order recursive in nature, meaning that all lower order prediction filters are also computed in the process of calculating the Nth order filter. After the error minimization problem has been formulated properly in the appropriate vector space, the resulting derivation for the LSL equations is straightforward. For simplicity and to introduce the application of vector space concepts, this chapter investigates the use of the lattice as a linear predictor.
Thromboprophylaxis Strategies in Acute Medically Ill Patients

We review pivotal clinical trials of extended-duration venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis strategies in acute medically ill patients. For VTE prophylaxis in medically ill patients, current guidelines recommend the use of parenteral anticoagulants during hospitalization but not for extended duration prophylaxis. In 2017, betrixaban was approved for VTE prophylaxis in acute medically ill patients based on the results of the APEX trial. The MARINER trial missed its primary endpoint of reducing the composite of symptomatic VTE and VTE-related mortality with rivaroxaban compared with placebo. It did show that rivaroxaban halved the symptomatic VTE rate compared with placebo and did achieve its secondary endpoint. The EXCLAIM, ADOPT, and MAGELLAN trials did not demonstrate a net clinical benefit in reduction of VTE events due to an increase in bleeding events. The risk of VTE remains high in acute medically ill patients after hospital discharge. Based on the results of the APEX trial which showed a reduction in VTE, the FDA approved betrixaban for use in acute medically ill patients for extended duration VTE prophylaxis. Next steps are to implement the findings from APEX and MARINER into clinical practice to reduce recurrent VTE, lower healthcare cost, and reduce rehospitalization.
The End of Capitalism: Eugene V. Debs and the Argument for Socialism in America

We are in the midst in the United States, the world’s foremost capitalist country, of a surge of interest in Socialism. Many Americans contend, or at least have begun to imagine, that Socialism might remedy income inequality, limited or flawed health-care, poverty, hunger, and other ongoing social and economic problems. Yet few Americans know much about the history of Socialism, and about its major U. S. advocates and campaigners, above all Eugene V. Debs (1855-1926). Born in Terre Haute, Indiana, Debs was a socialist, political activist, charismatic speaker and writer, radical trade-unionist, one of the founding members of the Industrial Workers of the World, five times the candidate of the Socialist Party of America for President of the United States, and a passionate fighter for free speech and the right to dissent. He is a powerful source of inspiration and enlightenment for those drawn to the theory and practice of socialism, and for those who believe in the possibility of a new American revolution.
Propranolol exhibits activity against hemangiomas independent of beta blockade

Propranolol is a widely used beta blocker that consists of a racemic mixture of R and S stereoisomers. Only the S stereoisomer has significant activity against the beta-adrenergic receptor. A fortuitous clinical observation was made in an infant who received propranolol for cardiac disease, and regression of a hemangioma of infancy was noted. This has led to the widespread use of propranolol for the treatment of large and life-threatening hemangiomas of infancy. Infants receiving propranolol require monitoring to ensure that they do not suffer from side effects related to beta blockade. The exact mechanism of activity of propranolol in hemangioma of infancy is unknown. In this study, we treated hemangioma stem cells with both beta blockade active S- and inactive R-propranolol and looked for genes that were coordinately regulated by this treatment. Among the genes commonly downregulated, Angiopoietin-like 4 (ANGPTL4) was among the most regulated. We confirmed that propranolol isomers downregulated ANGPTL4 in endothelial cells, with greater downregulation of ANGPTL4 using the beta blockade inactive R-propranolol. ANGPTL4 is present in human hemangiomas of infancy. Finally, R-propranolol inhibited the growth of bEnd.3 hemangioma cells in vivo. The implication of this is that hemangioma growth can be blocked without the side effects of beta blockade. Given that humans have been exposed to racemic propranolol for decades and thus to R-propranolol, clinical development of R-propranolol for hemangiomas of infancy and other angiogenic diseases is warranted.
Physical Review Letters: Stark Effect Revisited

We extend the rigorous theory of complex scaling to atoms in constant electric field. This allows one to give a precise mathematical definition of resonance and leads to several results about the perturbation series: Borel summability at nonreal field and a relation between the asymptotics of the perturbation coefficients for large n and the width of the resonance for small field.
Reaching Students with Low Interest: Subject Matter Interest and Perceptions of Open Educational Resources in an Introductory American Government Course

Much of the research on Open Educational Resources (OER) focuses on student perceptions of materials and their impact on student learning outcomes. However, in the case of large, general education ...
Ultra-Low Loss and Fabrication Tolerant Silicon Nitride (Si3N4) (de-)Muxes for CWDM Optical Interconnects

Low-loss, fabrication-tolerant Si3N4 CWDM lattice filters and AWGs are demonstrated for 990 – 1065nm bottom-emitting VCSELs. Channel separation of 25 nm, XT < −35 dB and −20 dB are reported with temperature shift of 14.5 pm/°C.
5 – Consumer Choice

Publisher Summary Consumer choice decision is made by comparing the costs and benefits that any individual action provides. In purchasing an item, the good acquired provides benefits in terms of use, satisfaction, and utility. Because resources are finite, the decision to purchase one item requires that other goods are foregone. An individual's demand curve for an item is downward sloping to reflect the fact that, at higher prices, opportunity costs are higher and utility is maximized at a lower quantity consumed. When price is lower, the benefits from the purchase of a good outweigh the lower opportunity cost, resulting in higher total purchases. Market demand curves are the sum of individual demands for goods and services. The demand curve for a particular good, changes whenever something happens to alter the benefits and costs that enter into the consumption decision. Consumers decide how much time to spend working, on leisure, and on other activities. Benefits from these activities are weighed against the opportunity costs in each case to arrive at a decision. Government policies alter opportunity costs and affect the results of the consumer choice.
Volumetric and Rheological Properties of Vitrimers: A Hybrid Molecular Dynamics and Monte Carlo Simulation Study

Contrary to thermosets, vitrimers adjust their topology upon heating without loss of network integrity. Here, the proposed simulation methodology utilizes coarse-grained molecular dynamics in conju...
The Fast Track intervention’s impact on behaviors of despair in adolescence and young adulthood

How to mitigate the dramatic increase in the number of self-inflicted deaths from suicide, alcohol-related liver disease, and drug overdose among young adults has become a critical public health question. A promising area of study looks at interventions designed to address risk factors for the behaviors that precede these -often denoted-"deaths of despair." This paper examines whether a childhood intervention can have persistent positive effects by reducing adolescent and young adulthood (age 25) behaviors that precede these deaths, including suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, hazardous drinking, and opioid use. These analyses test the impact and mechanisms of action of Fast Track (FT), a comprehensive childhood intervention designed to decrease aggression and delinquency in at-risk kindergarteners. We find that random assignment to FT significantly decreases the probability of exhibiting any behavior of despair in adolescence and young adulthood. In addition, the intervention decreases the probability of suicidal ideation and hazardous drinking in adolescence and young adulthood as well as opioid use in young adulthood. Additional analyses indicate that FT's improvements to children's interpersonal (e.g., prosocial behavior, authority acceptance), intrapersonal (e.g., emotional recognition and regulation, social problem solving), and academic skills in elementary and middle school partially mediate the intervention effect on adolescent and young adult behaviors of despair and self-destruction. FT's improvements to interpersonal skills emerge as the strongest indirect pathway to reduce these harmful behaviors. This study provides evidence that childhood interventions designed to improve these skills can decrease the behaviors associated with premature mortality.
Further engineering of R. toruloides for the production of terpenes from lignocellulosic biomass

Mitigation of climate change requires that new routes for the production of fuels and chemicals be as oil-independent as possible. The microbial conversion of lignocellulosic feedstocks into terpene-based biofuels and bioproducts represents one such route. This work builds upon previous demonstrations that the single-celled carotenogenic basidiomycete, Rhodosporidium toruloides, is a promising host for the production of terpenes from lignocellulosic hydrolysates. This study focuses on the optimization of production of the monoterpene 1,8-cineole and the sesquiterpene α-bisabolene in R. toruloides. The α-bisabolene titer attained in R. toruloides was found to be proportional to the copy number of the bisabolene synthase (BIS) expression cassette, which in turn influenced the expression level of several native mevalonate pathway genes. The addition of more copies of BIS under a stronger promoter resulted in production of α-bisabolene at 2.2 g/L from lignocellulosic hydrolysate in a 2-L fermenter. Production of 1,8-cineole was found to be limited by availability of the precursor geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (GPP) and expression of an appropriate GPP synthase increased the monoterpene titer fourfold to 143 mg/L at bench scale. Targeted mevalonate pathway metabolite analysis suggested that 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMGR), mevalonate kinase (MK) and phosphomevalonate kinase (PMK) may be pathway bottlenecks are were therefore selected as targets for overexpression. Expression of HMGR, MK, and PMK orthologs and growth in an optimized lignocellulosic hydrolysate medium increased the 1,8-cineole titer an additional tenfold to 1.4 g/L. Expression of the same mevalonate pathway genes did not have as large an impact on α-bisabolene production, although the final titer was higher at 2.6 g/L. Furthermore, mevalonate pathway intermediates accumulated in the mevalonate-engineered strains, suggesting room for further improvement. This work brings R. toruloides closer to being able to make industrially relevant quantities of terpene from lignocellulosic biomass.
Production and purification of ATP-sensitive potassium channel particles for cryo-electron microscopy.

Abstract ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channels are multimeric protein complexes made of four inward rectifying potassium channel (Kir6.x) subunits and four ABC protein sulfonylurea receptor (SURx) subunits. Kir6.x subunits form the potassium ion conducting pore of the channel, and SURx functions to regulate Kir6.x. Kir6.x and SURx are uniquely dependent on each other for expression and function. In pancreatic β-cells, channels comprising SUR1 and Kir6.2 mediate glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and are the targets of antidiabetic sulfonylureas. Mutations in genes encoding SUR1 or Kir6.2 are linked to insulin secretion disorders, with loss- or gain-of-function mutations causing congenital hyperinsulinism or neonatal diabetes mellitus, respectively. Defects in the KATP channel in other tissues underlie human diseases of the cardiovascular and nervous systems. Key to understanding how channels are regulated by physiological and pharmacological ligands and how mutations disrupt channel assembly or gating to cause disease is the ability to observe structural changes associated with subunit interactions and ligand binding. While recent advances in the structural method of single-particle cryo-electron microscopy (cryoEM) offers direct visualization of channel structures, success of obtaining high-resolution structures is dependent on highly concentrated, homogeneous KATP channel particles. In this chapter, we describe a method for expressing KATP channels in mammalian cell culture, solubilizing the channel in detergent micelles and purifying KATP channels using an affinity tag to the SURx subunit for cryoEM structural studies.
Specific modulation of the root immune system by a community of commensal bacteria

Plants have an innate immune system to fight off potential invaders that is based on the perception of nonself or modified-self molecules. Microbe-associated molecular patterns (MAMPs) are evolutionarily conserved microbial molecules whose extracellular detection by specific cell surface receptors initiates an array of biochemical responses collectively known as MAMP-triggered immunity (MTI). Well-characterized MAMPs include chitin, peptidoglycan, and flg22, a 22-amino acid epitope found in the major building block of the bacterial flagellum, FliC. The importance of MAMP detection by the plant immune system is underscored by the large diversity of strategies used by pathogens to interfere with MTI and that failure to do so is often associated with loss of virulence. Yet, whether or how MTI functions beyond pathogenic interactions is not well understood. Here we demonstrate that a community of root commensal bacteria modulates a specific and evolutionarily conserved sector of the Arabidopsis immune system. We identify a set of robust, taxonomically diverse MTI suppressor strains that are efficient root colonizers and, notably, can enhance the colonization capacity of other tested commensal bacteria. We highlight the importance of extracellular strategies for MTI suppression by showing that the type 2, not the type 3, secretion system is required for the immunomodulatory activity of one robust MTI suppressor. Our findings reveal that root colonization by commensals is controlled by MTI, which, in turn, can be selectively modulated by specific members of a representative bacterial root microbiota.
Pulsed reduced dose-rate radiotherapy for previously irradiated tumors in the brain and spine.

Background Patients with unresectable locoregional cancer recurrences have limited management options. Reirradiation increases the risk of toxicity, particularly when perilesional dose-volume constraints are exceeded. We present and discuss two cases of previously irradiated tumors in the central nervous system (CNS) that was reirradiated using the pulsed reduced dose-rate radiotherapy (PRDR) technique. Case description A 58-year-old female with a history of metastatic small cell lung cancer to the brain status post multiple rounds of radiation and chemotherapy presented with increasing weakness in her right arm and leg. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a growly peripherally enhancing 1.2 cm mass in the left precentral gyrus that had previously received prophylactic cranial irradiation and stereotactic radiosurgery. The patient was re-irradiated with 35 Gy in 100 fractions over 3 weeks, using PRDR with improved motor function at 3-month follow-up. A 41-year-old male with recurrent glioblastoma of the thoracic spinal cord presented with worsening neurological symptoms, including inability to ambulate due to bilateral leg weakness, causing wheelchair use. MRI thoracic spine revealed a recurrent thoracic lesion 2.2 × 1 × 0.8 cm. In addition to chronic chemotherapy, the patient was retreated palliatively in the same area at 50 Gy in 250 fractions, over 6 weeks, using PRDR. The treated lesion was stable on follow-up imaging, and the patient was able to walk with the assistance of a walker. Conclusion In our two cases, PRDR proved effective in the treatment of recurrent malignant CNS tumors that were previously irradiated. Prospective studies are needed to delineate the efficacy and toxicity of PRDR.
Virtue, Narrative, and Self: Explorations of Character in the Philosophy of Mind and Action: Joseph Ulatowski and Liezl van Zyl, eds, New York: Routledge, 2021, pp. xi + 257, US$128 (hardback).

After a helpful introduction containing summaries of the articles, the anthology gets underway with a philosophically rich article by Christine Swanton. Swanton lists five character traits that add...
Cascading effect of meteorological forcing on extreme precipitation events: Role of atmospheric rivers in southeastern US

Abstract The past few decades have witnessed an intensification of extreme precipitation (EP) events triggered by atmospheric rivers (ARs), leading to massive flooding, highlighting the importance of studying the physical mechanisms associated with these types of events. This study aims to investigate the spatiotemporal evolution of ARs and related extreme precipitation (AR-EP) events, and the cascading effect of the synoptic-scale meteorological patterns on underlying processes in the Coastal States of the Southeastern United States (SUES) during the 1979–2019 period. The seasonal frequency of EP events associated with ARs suggests that more frequent AR-EP events occur during the colder months (November to April). In contrast, the AR-EP events are less frequent but more severe in the warmer months (May to October). A total of 12–15 AR-EP events, with severity exceeding the 99th percentile precipitation threshold, were observed during the 3-month overlapping seasons between November and April from 1979 to 2019 that affected Georgia, Florida, Alabama, and South Carolina. On the other hand, the average precipitation magnitude of the AR-EP events is relatively higher (55–90 mm/day) in the warmer months (May to October). To explore the cascading nature of relevant meteorological forcing on the physical processes that favor such events, we performed an event-centered composite analysis based on the top 100 severe AR-EP events observed during the extended cold and warm season, separately. It was observed that during the progression of the AR-EP events, the anomalies associated with composite mean sea level pressure (MSLP) and 850mb geopotential height (Z850) make a transition from the trough to ridge formation along with a south-eastward extension of Bermuda High in the cold season. The spatiotemporal evolution of these meteorological variables is found to have a cascading effect on the mode of moisture transport indicated by integrated vapor transport (IVT) and moisture availability shown by total column water vapor associated with the major AR-EP events. The warm season IVT field gets stronger 2-days before the AR-EP event occurrences indicating a continuous increase in moisture influx into the Gulf and Atlantic Coastal Plains. Similar strengthening of IVT is noted over the Gulf Coastal Plains during the cold season. A cascading effect is also noted for the moisture availability indicated by a significant increase in total column water vapor (TCWV) over the Gulf of Mexico 2 days before the events. Overall, the cold season AR-EPs are driven by relatively stronger dynamical systems indicated by greater IVT intensity. In contrast, the warm season AR-EPs are associated with a weaker IVT field, higher atmospheric instability, and more moist conditions.