cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Patterns of mammalian species richness and habitat associations in Pennsylvania

Abstract Landscape variables were employed as indices of habitat heterogeneity, fragmentation, and human influence on the environment to characterize constituent units of a 635 km2 grid covering the state of Pennsylvania. Species richness was determined by overlaying the distributions of all 60 terrestrial mammalian species found within the state. All landscape variables investigated were correlated with species richness. Areas with high topographic variation and low road density had the highest species richness. Species sensitive to habitat fragmentation were also associated with large forest patches and low road density. These landscape variables may be useful in identifying areas that are important for the conservation of these species. Associations between species distributions and landscape variables were substantiated by published habitat associations. Species with extremely limited distributions were not associated with landscape variables and represent special cases for conservation planners. Rare species, as defined by their limited geographical distribution, were not associated with areas of high species richness (hotspots). The utility of species richness hotspots for conservation planning is disputable. Hotspots of species richness were associated with large forest patches and low road density.
Nosocomial Transmission of Invasive Group A Streptococcus from Patient to Health Care Worker

Background. Nosocomial transmission of group A streptococcus (GAS) has been well described. Instances resulting in fulminant disease among health care workers have not been described. Contact and droplet precautions have been advised to minimize the risk of nosocomial transmission. We aimed to determine whether a case of invasive GAS pneumonia and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome in a respiratory therapist was acquired as a result of caring for a patient with GAS necrotizing fasciitis. Contacts of these patients were screened to determine if they were the reservoir of the GAS. Genetic testing to confirm clonal transmission was conducted. Methods. Contacts of the patients with GAS infection were screened using questionnaires and testing of pharyngeal specimens. Specimens from patients and carriers of GAS who were identified during screening were subjected to pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and emm gene typing. Results. We identified 705 contacts of the 2 patients; all contacts had oropharyngeal specimens collected for culture. Only the index patient and the respiratory therapist yielded identical pulse-field gel electrophoresis GAS isolates, with clonality indicated by emm typing. Conclusions. Nosocomial transmission of GAS from a patient to a health care worker who developed streptococcal toxic shock syndrome may have occurred after the index patient had received 48 h of antibiotic therapy and despite placement in contact isolation. Isolation guidelines for patients with severe GAS infection may need to be reviewed.
Estimating and simulating Poisson processes with trends or asymmetric cyclic effects

We present a heuristic that provides a nonparametric estimate of the mean-value function of a nonhomogeneous Poisson process having a long-term trend or some cyclic effect(s) that may lack sinusoidal symmetry over the corresponding cycle(s). This heuristic is a multiresolution-based method that allows one to estimate the overall long-term trend of the process at the lowest resolution and then add the details of the process associated with progressively smaller periodic components at progressively higher resolutions. In addition, we present an algorithm for generating realizations of nonhomogeneous Poisson processes with the estimated mean-value function in simulation experiments.
Gerry Brooks and epoxide hydrolases: four decades to a pharmaceutical.

The pioneering work of Gerry Brooks on cyclodiene insecticides led to the discovery of a class of enzymes known as epoxide hydrolases. The results from four decades of work confirm Brooks' first observations that the microsomal epoxide hydrolase is important in foreign compound metabolism. Brooks and associates went on to be the first to carry out a systematic study of the inhibition of this enzyme. A second role for this enzyme family was in the degradation of insect juvenile hormone (JH). JH epoxide hydrolases have now been cloned and expressed from several species, and there is interest in developing inhibitors for them. Interestingly, the distantly related mammalian soluble epoxide hydrolase has emerged as a promising pharmacological target for treating hypertension, inflammatory disease and pain. Tight-binding transition-state inhibitors were developed with good ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion). These compounds stabilize endogenous epoxides of fatty acids, including arachidonic acid, which have profound therapeutic effects. Now EHs from microorganisms and plants are used in green chemistry. From his seminal work, Dr Brooks opened the field of epoxide hydrolase research in many directions including xenobiotic metabolism, insect physiology and human health, as well as asymmetric organic synthesis.  2008 Society of Chemical Industry
A Survey for Novel Imprinted Genes in the Mouse Placenta by mRNA-seq

Many questions about the regulation, functional specialization, computational prediction, and evolution of genomic imprinting would be better addressed by having an exhaustive genome-wide catalog of genes that display parent-of-origin differential expression. As a first-pass scan for novel imprinted genes, we performed mRNA-seq experiments on embryonic day 17.5 (E17.5) mouse placenta cDNA samples from reciprocal cross F1 progeny of AKR and PWD mouse strains and quantified the allele-specific expression and the degree of parent-of-origin allelic imbalance. We confirmed the imprinting status of 23 known imprinted genes in the placenta and found that 12 genes reported previously to be imprinted in other tissues are also imprinted in mouse placenta. Through a well-replicated design using an orthogonal allelic-expression technology, we verified 5 novel imprinted genes that were not previously known to be imprinted in mouse (Pde10, Phf17, Phactr2, Zfp64, and Htra3). Our data suggest that most of the strongly imprinted genes have already been identified, at least in the placenta, and that evidence supports perhaps 100 additional weakly imprinted genes. Despite previous appearance that the placenta tends to display an excess of maternally expressed imprinted genes, with the addition of our validated set of placenta-imprinted genes, this maternal bias has disappeared.
Bridging research and practice to develop a two-way bilingual program

Abstract Received 1 April 1999; received in revised form 1 May 2000; accepted 1 October 2000 The development of a two-way bilingual program for children in preschool through second grade is described. The program was developed through a partnership between researchers and teachers. Researchers shared findings from previous studies, which were used to guide basic decisions about the nature of the program. They then collected systematic classroom observation data the first year of the program to guide programmatic fine-tuning for the second year. Observation data showed some gaps between the instructional program that was planned and the one that was implemented, especially in the amount of Spanish spoken. Data on children’s academic achievement showed very few differences in the academic gains of native English- and native Spanish speakers in the bilingual program, and native English speakers in the English-only classrooms. The discussion focuses on how teacher-researcher partnerships can be used to improve educational programs.
Mantle source variations beneath the Eastern Lau Spreading Center and the nature of subduction components in the Lau basin-Tonga arc system

[1] New high-density sampling of the Eastern Lau Spreading Center provides constraints on the processes that affect the mantle wedge beneath a back-arc environment, including the effect of the subduction input on basalt petrogenesis and the change in subduction input with distance from the Tonga arc. We obtained trace element and Pb-Sr-Nd isotopic compositions of 64 samples distributed between 20.2°S and 22.3°S with an average spacing of ∼3.6 km. The trace element and isotope variations do not vary simply with distance from the arc and reflect variations in the mantle wedge composition and the presence of multiple components in the subduction input. The mantle wedge composition varies form north to south, owing to the southward migration of Indian-like mantle, progressively replacing the initially Pacific-like mantle wedge. The mantle wedge compositions also require an enriched mid-ocean ridge basalt–like trace element enrichment that has little effect on isotope ratios, suggesting recent low-degree melt enrichment events. The composition of the subduction input added to the mantle wedge is geographically variable and mirrors the changes observed in the Tonga arc island lavas. The combination of the back-arc and arc data allows identification of several components contributing to the subduction input. These are a fluid derived from the altered oceanic crust with a possible sedimentary contribution, a pelagic sediment partial melt, and, in the southern Lau basin, a volcaniclastic sediment partial melt. While on a regional scale, there is a rough decrease in subduction influence with the distance from the arc, on smaller scales, the distribution of the subduction input reflects different mechanisms of the addition of the subduction input to a variable mantle wedge.
Evolving recurrent neural networks are super-Turing

The computational power of recurrent neural networks is intimately related to the nature of their synaptic weights. In particular, neural networks with static rational weights are known to be Turing equivalent, and recurrent networks with static real weights were proved to be super-Turing. Here, we study the computational power of a more biologically-oriented model where the synaptic weights can evolve rather than stay static. We prove that such evolving networks gain a super-Turing computational power, equivalent to that of static real-weighted networks, regardless of whether their synaptic weights are rational or real. These results suggest that evolution might play a crucial role in the computational capabilities of neural networks.
Poland’s Poverty from the US Perspective

The major objective of this study is to provide a tangible metric that can be used to assess the state of Polish poverty. To do so, we compare certain characteristics of poverty in Poland and United States, with a focus on different societal groups affected by poverty in each country. Based on official, mostly income-based statistics measuring poverty in the United States and Poland, we find that a higher percentage of the overall population in the United States is poor than in Poland and, relative to median country-specific incomes, that poverty is deeper. Examining selected societal groups that typically experience a high incidence of poverty, we find more American children, elderly, and disabled are poor than in Poland. In conclusion, the breadth of poverty is wider in the United States than in Poland and, perhaps more importantly, poverty in America may also, in some important ways, be more intractable.
Book Review: Dissonant Disabilities: Women with Chronic Illnesses Explore Their Lives

Editors: Diane Driedger & Michelle Owen Reviewer: Carrie Griffin Basas, J.D. Publisher: Toronto: Women’s Press, 2008 Paper ISBN : 978-0-88961-464-2, 258 pages Cost: $36.95 USD http://www.womenspress.ca $28.08 USD http://www.amazon.com
Review of Covering the United States Supreme Court in the Digital Age, Richard Davis (Ed.)

The challenges posed by the relationship between the Supreme Court and the media form the overarching theme of Covering the United States Supreme Court in the Digital Age. This collection of thirteen original chapters covers all aspects of the relationship between the press and the Supreme Court, from changes in news content over time to “war stories” from reporters on the Court beat. All in all, the book provides an in-depth and largely readable look at how the American people learn about the work of the Court.
Whole-Genome Sequences of Four Strains Closely Related to Members of the Mycobacterium chelonae Group, Isolated from Biofilms in a Drinking Water Distribution System Simulator.

ABSTRACT We report here the draft genome sequences of four Mycobacterium chelonae strains from biofilms subjected to a “chlorine burn” in a chloraminated drinking water distribution system simulator. These opportunistic pathogens have been detected in hospital and municipal water distribution systems, in which biofilms have been recognized as an important factor for their persistence.
A Narrative Review of Pharmacologic and Non-pharmacologic Interventions for Disorders of Consciousness Following Brain Injury in the Pediatric Population

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the most common cause of long-term disability in the United States. A significant proportion of children who experience a TBI will have moderate or severe injuries, which includes a period of decreased responsiveness. Both pharmacological and non-pharmacological modalities are used for treating disorders of consciousness after TBI in children. However, the evidence supporting the use of potential therapies is relatively scant, even in adults, and overall, there is a paucity of study in pediatrics. The goal of this review is to describe the state of the science for use of pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions for disorders of consciousness in the pediatric population.
Cytochemical Localization of Protein Using Kodavue™ Reagents

(1986). Cytochemical Localization of Protein Using Kodavue™ Reagents. Mycologia: Vol. 78, No. 2, pp. 304-306.
Verrocchio and Venice, 1469

The article explores the artistic consequences of a documented visit by Andrea del Verrocchio to Venice and Treviso in 1469. Although Verrocchio's main purpose in going to the Veneto was to obtain copper to make the palla for the cupola of Sta. Maria del Fiore and he did not stay more than seven months, the visit appears to have had a notable influence on his art. Certain formal and iconographic features of the Christ and Saint Thomas, the Monument of Bartolommeo Colleoni, the Putto with a Dolphin, the Berlin 104A Madonna and Child, and the Uffizi Baptism of Christ are traced to sources in the Veneto, and it is proposed that a pictorial direction that characterizes his work from 1469-1470 onwards, with implications for the formation of High Renaissance style in Florence, is indebted to the Venetian experience.
Investigation on reference intervals of kidney function tests among healthy children and adolescents based on dry chemical system in Shenzhen

Objective To establish the reference intervals of urea, creatinine(Cr), uric acid(UA) on dry chemical system among healthy children and adolescents in Shenzhen. Methods A total of 1 401 blood samples from 760 male and 641 female healthy children and adolescents aged from 3 months to 18 years were collected. Kidney function tests in venous blood were detected by the VITROS 350 system, and data were analyzed by statistical methods. Results 1 The urea, Cr of 7~12 years old boys and urea, Cr, UA of 13~18 years old boys were significantly higher than those in girls(P0.05). The remaining items showed no significant differences between boys and girls(P0.05). 2 The reference intervals of 3 items were increased with age, showing significant differences in different age groups(P0.05). However,urea showed no significant difference between 4~6 years group and 7~12 years group, as well as between 7~12 years group and 13~18 years group. 3 The reference intervals of serum urea were 1.3~6.1 mmol/L for 3 months to 3 years group, 2.1~7.1 mmol/L for 3~18 years group. The reference intervals of Cr were 14.6~56.5 μ mol/L for 3 months to 3years group, 27.2~52.5 μmol/L for 4~6 years group, 27.5~60.1 μmol/L for 7~12 years group, 30.5~103.5 μmol/L for13~18 years group(male), and 29.2~88.6 μ mol/L for 13~18 years group(female). The reference intervals of UA were144.6~378.5 μmol/L for 3 months to 6 years group, 165.5~429.9 μmol/L for 7~12 years group, 185.9~465.7 μmol/L for13~18 years group(male), and 159.9~429.1 μmol/L for 13~18 years group(female). Conclusion The reference intervals of urea, Cr, UA were established on dry chemical system among healthy children and adolescents in Shenzhen.
The Application of Delta Inverter on Gravure Printing Machine

This article introduces the application of Delta VE series inverter on gravure printing machine,based on a case study about the debugging of a gravure printing machine.
Effects of Freshness Keeping Agent on Respiratory Intensity and Storage Quality of 'Xuan-Hua' Milk Grapes

The effect of sulfur dioxide and chlorine dioxide freshness keeping agent treatment on `Xuan-Hua' milk grape storage was studied.The results showed that under the different conditions of storage,the respiratory pattern of `Xuan-Hua' milk grape was non-climacteric.Freshness keeping agent treatment inhibited obviously the respiration of grapes fruit,effectively controlled brown and decay incidence,extended the shelf life.Chlorine dioxide treatment had better effect on inhibiting the loss of chlorophyll,keeping `Xuan-Hua' milk grape green.
Effects of fresh gas flow, tidal volume, and charcoal filters on the washout of sevoflurane from the Datex Ohmeda ® (GE) Aisys ® , Aestiva ® /5, and Excel 210 SE Anesthesia Workstations

We investigated the effects of tidal volume (VT), fresh gas flow (FGF), and a charcoal filter in the inspiratory limb on the washout of sevoflurane from the following Datex Ohmeda® (GE) Anesthesia Workstations (AWSs): Aisys®, Aestiva®/5, and Excel 210SE. After equilibrating the AWSs with 2% sevoflurane, the anesthetic was discontinued, and the absorbent anesthesia breathing circuit (ABC), reservoir bag, and test lung were changed. The lung was ventilated with 350 or 200 mL·breath−1, 15 breaths·min−1, and a FGF of 10 L·min−1 while the washout of sevoflurane was performed in triplicate using a calibrated Datex Ohmeda Capnomac Ultima™ and a calibrated MIRAN SapphIRe XL ambient air analyzer until the concentration was ≤ 10 parts per million (ppm). The effects of decreasing the FGF to 5 and 2 L·min−1 after the initial washout and of a charcoal filter in the ABC were recorded separately. The median washout times with the Aisys AWS (14 min, P < 0.01) and the Aestiva/5 (17 min, P < 0.001) with VT 350 mL·breath−1 were significantly less than that with the Excel 210SE (32 min). The mean (95% confidence interval) washout time with the Aisys increased to 23.5 (21.5 to 25.5) min with VT 200 mL·breath−1 (P < 0.01). Decreasing the FGF from 10 to 5 and 2 L·min−1 with the Aisys caused a rebound in sevoflurane concentration to ≥ 50 ppm. Placement of a charcoal filter in the inspiratory limb reduced the sevoflurane concentration to < 2 ppm in the Aisys and Aestiva/5 AWSs within two minutes. The GE AWSs should be purged with large FGFs and VTs ~350 mL·breath−1 for ~25 min to achieve 10 ppm sevoflurane. The FGF should be maintained to avoid a rebound in anesthetic concentration. Charcoal filters rapidly decrease the anesthetic concentration to < 2 ppm.
Abstract P195: Transforming Growth Factor beta 1-Mediated Repression of Guanylyl Cyclase/Natriuretic Peptide Receptor-A Gene Expression and Function Involving TGF-beta 1 and Delta EF1 in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells

The binding of atrial and brain natriuretic peptides (ANP and BNP) to guanylyl cyclase-A/natriuretic peptide receptor-A (GC-A/NPR-A) produces second messenger cGMP, which lowers blood pressure and prevents cardiovascular events. The objective of the present study was to examine the repressive effect of transforming growth factor (TGF-β1) in the regulation of Npr1 (coding for GC-A/NPRA) gene expression and function. The rat thoracic aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (RTASMC) were cultured in Dulbecco’s modified Eagle’s medium containing 10% fetal bovine serum and treated with TGF-β1. The luciferase assay results showed that TGF-β1 significantly repressed Npr1 promoter activity in a dose- and time-dependent manner by 82% and 85% (2.5 ng/ml, 25.51 ± 2.2 and 24 h, 7.0 ± 0.6 vs. untreated control 70.06 ± 4.6, p < 0.001, respectively). Treatment with TGF-β1 decreased NPRA mRNA and protein levels by 62% (treated, 0.42 ± 0.05 vs. control, 0.9 ± 0.02, p < 0.01) and 55% (treated, 9603 ± 860 vs. untreated, 22211 ± 1449, p < 0.01), respectively. TGF-β1 attenuated ANP-dependent intracellular accumulation of cGMP by 59% (TGF-β1 + ANP-treated, 8.66 ± 0.9 pmol/1x 106 cells vs. ANP-treated cells 23.51 ± 2.2; p < 0.001). Chromatin immunoprecipitation and electrophoretic mobility shift assay showed that TGF-β1 enhanced the recruitment of transcription factor delta EF1 (δEF1) to form a transcriptional repressor complex with their binding sites in Npr1 promoter. Western blot analysis showed significant increase in δEF1 protein expression by 2.4-fold (treated, 907.9 ± 36.5. vs. untreated, 378.5 ± 10.3; p < 0.001) and phosphorylation of mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 2/3 (SMAD2/3) proteins by 2.3-fold (treated, 620.9 ± 10.6 vs. untreated, 269 ± 9.7; p < 0.01) in TGF-β1-treated cells. Collectively, the present results demonstrate that TGF-β1 represses Npr1 gene transcription and expression by interactive actions of δEF1 and phosphorylated SMADs. Together, the present results suggest that TGF-β1 and δEF1 inhibit Npr1 gene expression and function, which may be critical in regulating the blood pressure and cardiovascular homeostasis.
Anticancer sulfonamides target splicing by inducing RBM39 degradation via recruitment to DCAF15

Typically, cancer drugs that help only a small number of patients in clinical trials are not pursued. This might change in a future world of precision medicine, where biomarkers will match specific drugs to the patients most likely to respond. Han et al. identified the mechanism of action of a cancer drug called indisulam, a sulfonamide tested previously in patients with solid tumors. Indisulam and related sulfonamides killed cells by disrupting precursor mRNA splicing. The drugs targeted a specific RNA splicing factor for degradation by “gluing” it to the CUL4-DCAF15 ubiquitin ligase. Experiments with cancer cell lines suggest that future clinical trials of these drugs should focus on leukemias and lymphomas with high DCAF15 expression levels. Science , this issue p. [eaal3755][1] [1]: /lookup/doi/10.1126/science.aal3755
Recent developments on SMA actuators: predicting the actuation fatigue life for variable loading schemes

Shape memory alloys (SMAs), due to their ability to repeatably recover substantial deformations under applied mechanical loading, have the potential to impact the aerospace, automotive, biomedical, and energy industries as weight and volume saving replacements for conventional actuators. While numerous applications of SMA actuators have been flight tested and can be found in industrial applications, these actuators are generally limited to non-critical components, are not widely implemented and frequently one-off designs, and are generally overdesigned due to a lack of understanding of the effect of the loading path on the fatigue life and the lack of an accurate method for predicting actuator lifetimes. In recent years, multiple research efforts have increased our understanding of the actuation fatigue process of SMAs. These advances can be utilized to predict the fatigue lives and failure loads in SMA actuators. Additionally, these prediction methods can be implemented in order to intelligently design actuators in accordance with their fatigue and failure limits. In the following paper, both simple and complex thermomechanical loading paths have been considered. Experimental data was utilized from two material systems: equiatomic Nickel-Titanium and Nickelrich Nickel-Titanium.
Evaluation of chemical treatments for control of ciliate grazers in algae cultures: A site study

Algal cultivation and biomass production for biofuels and other products have many advantages over terrestrial crops. However, algal production is often negatively affected by zooplankton grazers resulting in a culture crash within days of detection. Controlling zooplankton is critical for sustainable algal productivity. In this study, we evaluated several chemical techniques to monitor and control ciliate grazers in algae cultures in flasks, columns, and small outdoor raceways. Eliminating CO2 addition in small outdoor raceways led to a maximum pH of 9.5, which was not high enough to inhibit the ciliate (Vorticella sp.) in Scenedesmus acutus LRB-0424 cultures; however, laboratory conditions that reached pH >10 successfully inhibited ciliate growth. Application of 10.0 mg-Cl L−1 of hypochlorite application in outdoor raceways eliminated 95% of the ciliate (Colpoda sp.) in the Chlorella vulgaris LRB-1201 culture and 65% of the Vorticella sp. in the S. acutus culture. Application of 20.0 mg L−1 of quinine sulfate in raceways eliminated 85% of the Colpoda sp. in the C. vulgaris culture for 2 weeks and 55% of the Vorticella sp. in the S. acutus culture for 1 week. Copper concentrations of 10.0 mg-Cu L−1 in raceways eradicated all the ciliates in C. vulgaris and S. acutus cultures, but also inhibited algal growth, which was not observed in 24-h flask/column tests with copper sulfate.
Large-scale transcriptome analysis reveals arabidopsis metabolic pathways are frequently influenced by different pathogens

Through large-scale transcriptional data analyses, we highlighted the importance of plant metabolism in plant immunity and identified 26 metabolic pathways that were frequently influenced by the infection of 14 different pathogens. Reprogramming of plant metabolism is a common phenomenon in plant defense responses. Currently, a large number of transcriptional profiles of infected tissues in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) have been deposited in public databases, which provides a great opportunity to understand the expression patterns of metabolic pathways during plant defense responses at the systems level. Here, we performed a large-scale transcriptome analysis based on 135 previously published expression samples, including 14 different pathogens, to explore the expression pattern of Arabidopsis metabolic pathways. Overall, metabolic genes are significantly changed in expression during plant defense responses. Upregulated metabolic genes are enriched on defense responses, and downregulated genes are enriched on photosynthesis, fatty acid and lipid metabolic processes. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) identifies 26 frequently differentially expressed metabolic pathways (FreDE_Paths) that are differentially expressed in more than 60% of infected samples. These pathways are involved in the generation of energy, fatty acid and lipid metabolism as well as secondary metabolite biosynthesis. Clustering analysis based on the expression levels of these 26 metabolic pathways clearly distinguishes infected and control samples, further suggesting the importance of these metabolic pathways in plant defense responses. By comparing with FreDE_Paths from abiotic stresses, we find that the expression patterns of 26 FreDE_Paths from biotic stresses are more consistent across different infected samples. By investigating the expression correlation between transcriptional factors (TFs) and FreDE_Paths, we identify several notable relationships. Collectively, the current study will deepen our understanding of plant metabolism in plant immunity and provide new insights into disease-resistant crop improvement.
Local and long-range order and the influence of applied magnetic field on single-crystalline NiSb 2 O 6

The magnetic and thermal properties of single-crystalline ${\mathrm{NiSb}}_{2}{\mathrm{O}}_{6}$ are reported. The ${\mathrm{Ni}}^{2+}$ ions exhibit local magnetic order below $\ensuremath{\sim}50$ K followed by long-range antiferromagnetic order below ${T}_{N}=6.7$ K. Analysis of the magnetic susceptibility data using the one-dimensional Heisenberg model with spin $\mathbb{S}=1$ results in a magnetic exchange coupling ${J}_{||}/{k}_{B}\ensuremath{\sim}26.0(1)$ K. ${T}_{N}$ is observed to either increase or decrease depending on whether field is applied perpendicular or parallel to the magnetic moment axis. A two-sublattice magnetic structure, with the axis of alignment alternating by $90{\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}}^{\ensuremath{\circ}}$ between neighboring layers along the crystallographic $c$ axis, is argued to result in two magnetic transition temperatures for certain magnetic field directions, which agrees well with theory. This leads to a highly anisotropic magnetocaloric effect.
Roosevelt Calls the Meeting

This chapter examines the origins of the Evian Conference of July 1938. Showing that it was the initiative of United States President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the chapter examines the domestic political stimulus behind his calling of the meeting in the immediate aftermath of the German invasion of Austria in March 1938. The chapter analyses the wording of the invitation to selected nations of the world to attend the projected conference to discuss the Jewish refugee problem, and what this wording signified. The chapter places the idea of the conference within the context of its time, showing that it was not intended to open up immigration for refugees but, rather, to discuss the policies of the various countries that would be attending the meeting once it was convened.
Microbial Signaling Compounds as Endocrine Effectors

The major focus of this book is how chemical signals, including classic hormones, produced by the mammalian endocrine system alter the behavior of microbes residing in the host. However, it is also apparent that residential and transient microbes also produce signals within a host and that these signals are incorporated into the chemical milieu shared by mammalian and microbial cells. Therefore, this chapter explores the possibility that microbe-derived chemicals can transmit signals to host cells and alter host-cell behavior. We define the properties expected of a cross-kingdom signal, citing specific examples from the plethora of metabolites, toxins, second messengers, and other small chemicals produced by microbes. Furthermore, we describe published evidence of the potential physiological effects of microbial signals on host cells. In keeping with the classic model of endocrine signaling, we also discuss potential microbial signal–mammalian receptor interactions. Thus, this chapter extends the concept of Microbial Endocrinology by highlighting the bidirectional nature of signal exchange between host and microbe in the human microbiome, a concept termed interkingdom signaling.
Thickness and resistivity variations over the upper surface of the human skull

A study of skull thickness and resistivity variations over the upper surface was made for an adult human skull. Physical measurements of thickness and qualitative analysis of photographs and CT scans of the skull were performed to determine internal and external features of the skull. Resistivity measurements were made using the four-electrode method and ranged from 1360 to 21400 Ohm-cm with an overall mean of 7560±4130 Ohm-cm. The presence of sutures was found to decrease resistivity substantially. The absence of cancellous bone was found to increase resistivity, particularly for samples from the temporal bone. An inverse relationship between skull thickness and resistivity was determined for trilayer bone (n=12, p<0.001). The results suggest that the skull cannot be considered a uniform layer and that local resistivity variations should be incorporated into realistic geometric and resistive head models to improve resolution in EEC Influences of these variations on head models, methods for determining these variations, and incorporation into realistic head models, are discussed.
Characterization and correlates of exercise among adolescents with anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa.

Objective To characterize exercise behaviors among adolescents with anorexia nervosa (AN), atypical AN, or bulimia nervosa (BN), and determine associations between exercise and medical risk. Study design Cross-sectional electronic medical records of all patients evaluated by the Eating Disorder Program at Stanford between January 1997 and February 2011 were retrospectively reviewed. Results 1,083 subjects (961 females, 122 males; mean age 15.6) met eligibility criteria. Most patients (89.7%) reported exercise (mean 7.0 h per week over mean 5.4 days per week) prior to presentation. Running (49.9%), calisthenics (40.7%), walking (23.4%), soccer (20.9%), and swimming (18.2%) were the most common exercises; a majority (60.6%) reported team sport participation. Males were less likely to report team exercise (p = .005). Bradycardia (heart rate <50) at presentation was associated with team sport participation (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.66, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02–2.72) and hours of exercise per week (AOR 1.05, 95% CI 1.02–1.09), controlling for diagnosis, sex, age, duration of illness, rate of weight loss, and percent median body mass index (%mBMI). Discussion Adolescents with AN, atypical AN, and BN reported high levels of exercise. Females reported more team sport participation. Greater exercise frequency and team sport participation were associated with bradycardia. Further studies assessing the relationship between exercise and bradycardia may help inform the medical management of adolescents with these eating disorders who are more physically active.
Direct Acting Antivirals Improve HCV Treatment Initiation and Adherence Among Underserved African Americans.

Introduction and aim Adherence to hepatitis C (HCV) care was suboptimal in the interferon era among underserved African Americans (AA), but adherence data in the era of direct acting antivirals (DAA) is lacking in this population. We aimed to evaluate the impact of DAA on HCV care in underserved AA. Material and methods Clinical records of AAs undergoing HCV evaluation attending a safety net health system liver clinic were reviewed from 2006 to 2011 (pre-DAA), and January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2016 (post-DAA). Results 291 patients were identified (129 pre-DAA, and 162 post-DAA). Median age was 58, 66% were male, 91% had HCV genotype 1, and 70% had fibrosis ≥ stage 2. Post-DAA patients were older (60 vs. 53 years; p l 0.001), had higher rates of insurance (98 vs. 88%; p l 0.001), liver fibrosis ≥ stage 2 (77 vs. 61%; p = 0.048), ≥ 2 medical comorbidities (19 vs. 0.8%; p l 0.001), and median baseline log10 HCV RNA (6.07 vs. 5.81 IU/mL; p l 0.001), but lower median ALT (46 vs. 62 U/L; p l 0.001). Post-DAA, fewer patients were treatment ineligible (5.6 vs. 39%; p l 0.001) and more initiated therapy (71 vs. 8.5%; l 0.001), were adherent to HCV care (82 vs. 38%; p l 0.001), and achieved cure (95.7 vs. 63.6%, p l 0.001). Availability of DAA was independently associated with improved adherence to HCV care (OR 10.3, 95% CI 4.84-22.0). Conclusion Availability of DAA is associated with increased treatment eligibility, initiation, adherence to HCV care, and cure in HCV-infected underserved AAs; highlighting the critical role of access to DAA in this population.
Solvent-Dependent Conformational Studies of Acetylcholine and Some Related Molecules

In view of the relatively large number of theoretical conformational studies of acetylcholine (Ach+) and related molecules which have been reported it seems questionable that yet another paper appear on this subject. References [1] and [2], and the references therein, cover the literature review of most experimental and theoretical studies of Ach+ and many of its homologs. Why then do we dare present yet another theoretical conformational study of Ach+ and related molecules using empirical potential functions, which, conceptually, should be inferior to the various quantum mechanical studies already attempted? The answer is that our investigation takes into account two important conformational ingredients left out of all prior studies. First, we have allowed complete conformational flexibility with respect to internal bond rotations.
Robotic Microsurgery for Male Infertility

Surgical management of male infertility began with a microsurgical approach starting in 1975 when a Zeiss operating microscope was used to fashion a two-layer vasovasostomy, achieving a higher vasal patency rate and pregnancy rate than that achieved with non-microscopic repair [1, 2]. In an attempt to further promote enhanced microsurgical efficiency, ease of performance and enhanced reproducible precision, the use of robotic-assisted microsurgery is being explored. This chapter presents a detailed description of the robotic-assisted surgical techniques that we have developed for vasovasostomy, vasoepididymostomy, varicocelectomy, and testicular sperm extraction (TESE). Preliminary outcomes from our early series of approximately 300 procedures are presented.
Nutrition Facts and Formulas

Adequate nutrition is paramount to optimize survival from critical illness. Many patients in intensive care units cannot or will not take adequate nutrition orally and, thus, supplementation of nutrients via alternative enteral or parenteral routes may be important. The following facts and formulas represent the information necessary for assessment and administration of nutritional support.
Harvard University Department of Biostatistics

The Department of Biostatistics was founded in 1922 (initially as the Department of Vital Statistics) with the creation of the Harvard School of Public Health. Its first chair was E. B. Wilson, who served from 1922–1946. The department was renamed the Department of Biostatistics with the appointment of Hugo Muench as chair in 1946. Subsequent chairs were Robert Reed (1961-1963), Jane Worcester (1973-1977), Fred Mosteller (1977-1981), Marvin Zelen (1981-1990), Nan Laird (1990-1999), Stephen Lagakos (1999-2007), Louise Ryan (2007-2009), and Victor DeGruttola (2009-present). The department offers both doctoral and master’s degree programs; currently there are approximately 90 graduate students in these programs. The department is home to 56 primary and secondary faculty, as well as 100+ postdoctoral fellows, research associates, and scientists. The department’s faculty work in a wide variety of methodological areas of research, including the design and analysis of clinical trials, survival analysis, sequential methods, statistical genetics, longitudinal analysis, semi-parametric methods, causal inference, measurement errors, Bayesian methods, surveillance, screening for the early detection of disease, bioinformatics and computational biology, personalized medicine, comparative effectiveness, network analysis, signal and imaging processing, and computationally intensive methods. They direct the statistical coordinating centers for the AIDS Clinical Trials Group (ACTG), the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG), and the International Breast Cancer Study Group (IBCSG). In addition, the department has a very active research program in environmental health.
Intravitreal toxicology and duration of efficacy of a novel antiviral lipid prodrug of ganciclovir in liposome formulation.

Purpose To evaluate the intraocular safety and antiviral treatment efficacy of the sustained lipid prodrug of ganciclovir, 1-O-hexadecylpropanediol-3-phospho-ganciclovir (HDP-P-GCV), as an intravitreal injectable drug system for viral retinitis. Methods HDP-P-GCV was synthesized by coupling 1-O-hexadecyl-propanediol-3-phosphate to either free hydroxyl of ganciclovir in pyridine with dicyclohexylcarbodiimide as catalyst. The compound was formulated into liposomes. The antiviral activity was assessed by DNA reduction in vitro, and intraocular safety was assessed by ophthalmoscopy, electrophysiology, and histology after intravitreal injections, with resultant intravitreal concentrations of 0.2, 0.632, 1.12, and 2 mM. The treatment efficacy was evaluated by simultaneous intravitreal injection of HDP-P-GCV and herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) or by intravitreal injection of HDP-P-GCV at various times before HSV-1 intravitreal inoculation. Retinitis was scored with ophthalmoscopy and compared with controls. Results In vitro, the IC50 of HDP-P-GCV against HSV-1 and human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infected cells was 0.02 and 0.6 microM, respectively. In rabbits in vivo, HDP-P-GCV dispersed evenly and maintained a good vitreous clarity at all doses except 2 mM final intravitreal concentration. Although cataracts were observed in some eyes at the higher doses, they were not observed in eyes with 0.2 mM final intravitreal concentration. No other indications of ocular toxicity were observed. Intravitreal injection of HDP-P-GCV with resultant 0.2 mM intravitreal concentration in the HSV-1 retinitis rabbit model demonstrated a complete protection of the retina with the simultaneous treatment strategy and a 4 (P = 0.03) to 6-(P = 0.058) week significant protection of retina with the pretreatment strategies when compared with ganciclovir or blank liposome controls. Conclusions In the rabbit model of HSV-1 retinitis HDP-P-GCV acts as a long-lasting intravitreal injectable anti-CMV or anti-HSV compound. This self-assembling liposome system could be applicable for many compounds available for intraocular diseases.
Abstract LB-365: Microscopic imaging for understanding gold nanorods-protein interactions in inhibiting cancer cell migration

Metastasis is the primary cause of cancer-related deaths. Current clinical treatments for anti-metastasis, however, are not effective. Gold nanorods (AuNRs), which are safe within biological systems, were recently discovered to inhibit cancer cell migration and prevent metastasis. However, the mechanism of how AuNRs inhibit cancer cell migration remains largely unexplored. The migration of cancer cells from one site to another requires dramatic remodeling of cytoskeleton proteins. Our recent studies have shown a great impact of AuNRs treatment on proteins that regulate the cytoskeleton. However, the interaction of AuNRs and the cytoskeletal structures are not well studied due to the lack of advanced microscopic technologies at single nanoparticle-single protein level. Herein, we used cutting-edge imaging techniques to enable the study of the direct correlation between cytoskeleton filaments (microtubule) and AuNRs . Differential interference contrast (DIC) (for imaging AuNRs) and the stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (STORM) (for imaging proteins) were combined to resolve the interaction of how AuNRs interact with the cytoskeleton filaments, disrupt the cytoskeleton structures, including microtubule and therefore inhibit cell migration. In conclusion, we are able to visualize the interaction of AuNRs with cytoskeleton filaments at nanometer resolution with their accurate intracellular location, which is beneficial for the future studies of nanoparticle-cell interactions. Citation Format: Yue Wu, Moustafa R. Ali, Ning Fang, Mostafa A. El-Sayed. Microscopic imaging for understanding gold nanorods-protein interactions in inhibiting cancer cell migration [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-365.
Integrating Artificial and Human Intelligence in Complex, Sensitive Problem Domains: Experiences from Mental Health

This article presents a position highlighting the importance of combining artificial intelligence (AI) approaches with natural intelligence, in other words, involvement of humans. To do so, we specifically focus on problems of societal significance, stemming from complex, sensitive domains. We first discuss our prior work across a series of projects surrounding social media and mental health, and identify major themes wherein augmentation of AI systems and techniques with human feedback has been and can be fruitful and meaningful. We then conclude by noting the implications, in terms of opportunities as well as challenges, that can be drawn from our position, both relating to the specific domain of mental health, and those for AI researchers and practitioners.
Methods for Sampling Fluids in the Vadose Zone

This paper reviews available methods for sampling water-borne pollutants in the vadose zone. The "standard" method for sampling pore fluids in the vadose zone is core sampling of vadose zone solids, followed by extractionof pore fluids. The preferred method for solids sampling is the hollow-stem auger with core samplers. Core sampling does not lend itself to sampling the same location time and again. Membrane filter samplers and porous suction samplers are an alternative approach for sampling fluids in both saturated and unsaturated regions of the vadose zone. There are three basic porous suction sampler designs: (1) vacuum-operated suction samplers, (2) pressure-vacuum lysimeters, and (3) high-pressure-vacuum samplers. Suction samplers are constructed mainly of ceramic and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The effective range of ceramic cups is 0 to 60 cbar of suction. The operating range of PTFE cups installed with silica flour is 0 to 7 cbar of suction. This paper reviews a method for extending the sampling range of suction samplers using an injection-recovery procedure. Factors affecting the operation of porous suction samplers include the physical properties of the vadose zone, hydraulic conditions, cup-wastewater interactions, and climatic conditions. Innovative procedures include the water extractor and the filter-tip system sampler. The free-drainage samplers include pans, blocks, and wick-type samplers. Techniques for sampling from perched ground-water zones include profile samplers, sampling from cascading wells, and sampling from dedicated wells.
Neural correlates of perceived physical and mental fatigability in older adults: A pilot study.

Abstract This pilot work examined associations of brain grey matter volumes (GMV) with perceived fatigability in older adults to elucidate disablement mechanisms. A subsample (n = 29; age = 77.2 ± 5.5; 86% female) of participants from the Lifestyle Interventions and Independence for Elders (LIFE) Study was utilized to quantify GMV for regions of interest in the basal ganglia and limbic system normalized to intracranial volume. The Pittsburgh Fatigability Scale measured physical and mental fatigability (score 0–50; higher physical fatigability ≥ 15; higher mental fatigability ≥ 13). We used an exploratory alpha level of p
Assisted Cycling Therapy (ACT) Improves Adaptive Behaviors in Adolescents with Down Syndrome

The aim of this research study was to examine the effects of Assisted Cycling Therapy (ACT) on adaptive/maladaptive behaviors, depression, and self-efficacy in adolescents with Down syndrome (DS). The participants were counterbalanced to either intervention groups of 1) Assisted Cycling Therapy (ACT), in which the participants’ voluntary pedaling rates were augmented with a motor to ensure the maintenance of 80 rpm or greater 2) Voluntary Cycling (VC), in which participants cycled at their self-selected pedaling rate or 3) No Cycling (NC), in which the participants sat and watched a video. The ACT and VC groups exercised 3 days a week for 8 weeks for 30 min. Adaptive behavior was measured by the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale (VABS) II to analyze the changes in daily living skills and maladaptive behaviors, depression was measured by the Children’s Depressive Inventory, and exercise perception and self-efficacy were measured by the PASE scale, pre and post interventions. The result of this study revealed that social coping skills (p = .001) and depression (p = .022) improved more after participating in ACT than VC or NC interventions. In addition, externalizing maladaptive behaviors (p = .023) improved pre and post ACT and VC interventions but not NC. Our results are discussed with respect to neurological mechanisms associated with our interventions and their effect on functioning in adolescents with DS.