cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Vaccine development for HIV infection

The immune response that develops subsequent to infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) consists of both humoral and cellular elements that, when tested in vitro, can inhibit virus infection and syncytium formation and lyse virus-infected target cells. The antiviral immune response may thus represent one of the primary host-defense mechanisms responsible for the protracted asymptomatic phase of the disease that, in most patients, can last several years. An important question to be answered in the development of vaccine strategies against HIV is whether this response might be an effective barrier to de novo HIV infection.
The Annual Cycle of East African Precipitation

AbstractEast African precipitation is characterized by a dry annual mean climatology compared to other deep tropical land areas and a bimodal annual cycle with the major rainy season during March–May (MAM; often called the “long rains”) and the second during October–December (OND; often called the “short rains”). To explore these distinctive features, ERA-Interim data are used to analyze the associated annual cycles of atmospheric convective stability, circulation, and moisture budget. The atmosphere over East Africa is found to be convectively stable in general year-round but with an annual cycle dominated by the surface moist static energy (MSE), which is in phase with the precipitation annual cycle. Throughout the year, the atmospheric circulation is dominated by a pattern of convergence near the surface, divergence in the lower troposphere, and convergence again at upper levels. Consistently, the convergence of the vertically integrated moisture flux is mostly negative across the year, but becomes wea...
PARAMETRIC STUDIES OF THE RESPONSE DECREMENT PRODUCED BY MECHANICAL STIMULI IN THE PROTOZOAN, Stentor coeruleus

SUMMARY A decrement in the probability of eliciting a response is observed during the course of repetitive stimulation in many response systems of both metazoa and protozoa. Those forms of metazoan response decrement called habituation have recently been characterized behaviorally. In the studies reported here, the response decrement of the contractile protozoan, Stentor coeruleus, to repeated mechanical stimulation was systemically characterized to provide a comparison with metazoan habituation. This change in response probability was closely approximated by a negative exponential function after the first few stimuli. Animals responded to parametric variations of stimulus amplitude, interstimulus interval and retention period in a manner paralleling that observed in metazoa. However, neither interpolated large amplitude mechanical stimuli nor suprathreshold electrical stimuli produced dishabituation in Stentor though these stimuli are among the most effective dishabituating stimuli for metazoan tactile response systems. Behavioral analysis of the response decrement proceeded on the assumption that Stentor contains receptor and effector mechanisms only. Since the response decrement was not correlated with a change in responsiveness to electrical stimuli, the ability of the animal to contract appears to be unaltered by the process producing the response decrement. On the other hand, weak mechanical prestimuli were found to increase the rate of the response decrement which suggests that a process of receptor adaption is operative.
Determinism and the Mystery of the Missing Physics

This article surveys the difficulties in establishing determinism for classical physics in the context of several distinct foundational approaches to the discipline. It also explains that such formulations commonly appear in an incomplete condition due to a deeper problem of "missing physics."
Raman Microprobe Analysis of Laser-Induced Microstructures

We study the composition, stress and structure variations across periodic surface undulations produced by pulsed laser illumination of semiconductors, by explosive crystallization of amorphous films, and by laser-assisted CVD. These variations are mapped out with a one micron spatial resolution using a Raman microprobe. Similarities and differences between the three cases are pointed out. These results are also compared to those obtained by deliberately exposing the sample to interfering beams.
Solubility of Trans-Stilbene in Binary Alkane + 1-Propanol Solvent Mixtures at 298.2 K

Abstract Experimental solubilities are reported for trans-stilbene dissolved in six binary alkane + 1-propanol solvent mixtures at 25°C. the alkane cosolvents studied were hexane, heptane, octane, cyclohexane, methylcyclohexane and 2,2,4-trimethylpentane. Results of these measurements are used to test two mathematical representations based upon the combined Nearly Ideal Binary Solvent (NIBS)/Redlich-Kister and Modified Wilson equations. for the six system studied, the combined Nearly Ideal Binary Solvent (NIBS)/Redlich-Kister equation provided the better mathematical representation of the experimental data, with an overall average absolute deviation between measured and calculated values being approximately 0.4%. Slightly larger deviations were noted in the case of the Modified Wilson equation.
What Can We Learn About the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program by Looking at the Tenants?

Using tenant-level data from fifteen states that represent more than thirty percent of all Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) units, this paper examines tenant incomes, rental assistance and rent burdens to shed light on key questions about our largest federal supply-side affordable housing program. Specifically, what are the incomes of the tenants, and does this program reach those with extremely low incomes? What rent burdens are experienced, and is economic diversity within developments achieved? We find that more than forty percent of tenants have extremely low incomes, and the overwhelming majority of such tenants also receive some form of rental assistance. Rent burdens are generally higher than for HUD housing programs, but vary greatly by income level and are lowered by the sizable share of owners who charge below maximum rents. Finally, we find evidence of both economically diverse developments and those with concentrations of households with extremely low incomes.
Measuring Shared Inefficiency Between Hospital Cost Centers

In this article, a combination of data envelopment analysis, spreadsheet modeling and regression techniques is applied to a panel of nonprofit Washington State hospitals in an effort to determine whether (and if so, to what extent) inefficiency in one hospital cost center is shared with inefficiency in other cost centers. The findings suggest that a significant amount of inefficiency is shared across hospital cost centers. The authors further determine that certain cost centers contribute more to the overall performance of a given hospital than others. As such, managerial decisions and government policies designed to enhance hospital efficiency should be implemented differently, depending on the characteristics of the hospital in question.
A technique applicable to redundantly actuated, feedback linearizable systems

A class of systems that require special consideration when feedback linearization is applied is identified. The systems are characterized by redundancy in the actuation system. A linearizing transformation will decouple the subsystems corresponding to the redundant actuators from the system which it is of interest to control. Depending on the physical situation, linear control laws derived in this way may not yield reasonable results. A simple, alternative method for resolving the redundancy issue in these systems is described. >
Immunological characterization of a diabetogenic protein from bovine adenohypophysis

l. A diabetogenic protein isolated from bovine adenohypophysis which had previously been demonstrated to cause fasting hyperglycemia and decreased glucose tolerance in dogs and man is highly antigenic when injected into rabbits. 2. Immunoelectrophoresis and gel double diffusion studies did not provide evidence of multiple antibodies or antigens in the bovine diabetogenic protein: anti-bovine diabetogenic system. 3. Results of agar diffusion studies in which anti-bovine diabetogenic protein serum did not visibly react with homologous bovine serum proteins, serum albumin, ACTH or prolactin lend supporting evidence for the homogeneity of the reaction between bovine diabetogenic protein and its antiserum. 4. A comparative immunological study of diabetogenic proteins from various species was performed using agar double diffusion studies
Adaptive Longitudinal Control of Aircraft Using Synthetic Jets

This paper presents an adaptive control approach for controlling the longitudinal dynamics of a generic lifting surface using imbedded flow control actuators. Such actuators offer a unique opportunity for rapid maneuvering and gust rejection with low power consumption. The model’s state is controlled over a broad range of angles of attack and model dynamic characteristics when the baseline flow is fully attached using bi-directional pitching moment that is effected by flow-controlled trapped vorticity concentrations on the pressure and suction surfaces near the trailing edge of the lifting surface. The proposed adaptive non-model based control approach is motivated by the difficulty in constructing a reasonably accurate physical model of active flow control actuators. In addition, during dynamic maneuvers, possible interactions between unsteady fluid dynamics and vehicle dynamics introduce additional uncertainty. System modeling uses a neural network based architecture to capture the non-linearities of the flow actuation process. This model is employed for the simulation studies performed in this paper. The control architecture employs a neural network based adaptive element that permits adaptation to both parametric uncertainty and unmodeled dynamics. This paper represents an extension of the authors’ previous efforts to control a wing in pitch using synthetic jets. In the current design, the variable dynamic properties of the model are achieved in a wind tunnel using a novel traverse based on force control. The basic force control concept is addressed and simulations for longitudinal control are provided.
B1a Cells Enhance Susceptibility to Infection with Virulent Francisella tularensis via Modulation of NK/NKT Cell Responses

B1a cells are an important source of natural Abs, Abs directed against T-independent Ags, and are a primary source of IL-10. Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (btk) is a cytoplasmic kinase that is essential for mediating signals from the BCR and is critical for development of B1a cells. Consequentially, animals lacking btk have few B1a cells, minimal Ab responses, and can preferentially generate Th1-type immune responses following infection. B1a cells have been shown to aid in protection against infection with attenuated Francisella tularensis, but their role in infection mediated by fully virulent F. tularensis is not known. Therefore, we used mice with defective btk (CBA/CaHN-BtkXID/J [XID mice]) to determine the contribution of B1a cells in defense against the virulent F. tularensis ssp. tularensis strain SchuS4. Surprisingly, XID mice displayed increased resistance to pulmonary infection with F. tularensis. Specifically, XID mice had enhanced clearance of bacteria from the lung and spleen and significantly greater survival of infection compared with wild-type controls. We revealed that resistance to infection in XID mice was associated with decreased numbers of IL-10–producing B1a cells and concomitant increased numbers of IL-12–producing macrophages and IFN-γ–producing NK/NKT cells. Adoptive transfer of wild-type B1a cells into XID mice reversed the control of bacterial replication. Similarly, depletion of NK/NKT cells also increased bacterial burdens in XID mice. Together, our data suggest B cell–NK/NKT cell cross-talk is a critical pivot controlling survival of infection with virulent F. tularensis.
Clinical Evaluation of Disorders of the Sense of Smell

Each year, more than 200 000 persons in the United States consult physicians for smell or taste problems. Many more smell and taste disturbances go unreported. How these disorders are evaluated has a direct impact on how they are managed and treated.
The Design of Stratospheric Balloon-borne Gondola Motion Remote Virtual-scenes Monitor and Control System

When balloon-borne gondola flies in stratosphere,gondola will deflect relative to its normal motion status due to intense atmosphere disturbance,which leads normal vector of drone that hung under gondola to deviate the direction of ground's lamp-house and influence the measurement of scientific data.Through the development of stratospheric balloon-borne gondola and motion control system,this paper introduces the methods for calculating gondola motion's deflection error and the remote control and monitor of gondola.In the program,component technique is used to create scenes' object model which improves software's performance of flexibility,portability and extensibility.Virtual-scenes simulate the whole flying course of balloon-borne,realistically and simultaneously demonstrate the balloon-borne's motion at high altitude.
Seeking q: The Marginal Efficiency of Liquidity and Its Effect on Investment Financing and Valuation

Just as portfolio managers are seeking positive alpha, corporate investors are seeking Tobin's q larger than 1. The present paper develops a quantitative framework in which this process can be analyzed, and prescriptions for concrete financing decisions can be obtained. Specifically, we focus on how firms finance -- and profit from -- investment projects for which they have exclusive rights. Methodologically, the paper adheres to the contingent-claims valuation framework, but with liquidity as one of the underlying fundamentals. We develop a pricing method, which is based on the general idea of dynamic programming and mimics Cox, Ross, and Rubinstein (1979).
Abstract P124: Reduction of Ventilator Associated Pneumonia Rates Associated With Two Stage Intervention in a Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit

Background: Prevention of hospital acquired infections in the critically ill patient is paramount to improving patient outcomes. A ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) prevention bundle (head of bed elevation, hypopharyngeal suctioning, oral care, stress ulcer prophylaxis, deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis, and sedation management/spontaneous breathing trials) was instituted in a medical/surgical cardiovascular intensive care unit (ICU) in early 2007, but VAP rates remained above target goals for cardiac surgery patients. Aim: To identify patients at high risk for VAP and implement a second stage intervention (chest physiotherapy-CP) in addition to the VAP prevention bundle to decrease infection risk. Methods: An intensive analysis was done on VAP cases that occurred during a 5 month period (July-November 2008, n=7 cases). We determined that cardiac surgery patients who acquired VAP all shared the following factors: 1) prolonged intubation (>6 hours post-operatively and not able to complete rapid extubation pathway), 2) prolonged operative time (>8 hours) or reoperation within 24 hours, and 3) reintubation after post-operative extubation. In early 2009 we incorporated into the prevention bundle an automated CP option integrated into the ICU bed features for cardiac surgery patients identified with one or more risk factors. Results: The incidence of VAP decreased after implementation of the secondary stage of VAP prevention with CP in patients identified as high risk (Figure). Conclusions: We identified risk factors associated with VAP in cardiac surgery patients in our ICU. Addition of CP to the VAP prevention bundle was associated with lower VAP rates in the ICU.
Design summary of the Mark-I pebble-bed, fluoride salt-cooled, high-temperature reactor commercial power plant

The University of California, Berkeley (UCB), has developed a preconceptual design for a commercial pebble-bed (PB), fluoride salt–cooled, high-temperature reactor (FHR) (PB-FHR). The baseline desi...
Assessment of the effect of reduced compositional heterogeneity on fracture resistance of human cortical bone using finite element modeling

The recent reports of atypical femoral fracture (AFF) and its possible association with prolonged bisphosphonate (BP) use highlighted the importance of a thorough understanding of mechanical modifications in bone due to bisphosphonate treatment. The reduced compositional heterogeneity is one of the modifications in bone due to extensive suppression of bone turnover. Although experimental evaluations suggested that compositional changes lead to a reduction in the heterogeneity of elastic properties, there is limited information on the extent of influence of reduced heterogeneity on fracture resistance of cortical bone. As a result, the goal of the current study is to evaluate the influence of varying the number of unique elastic and fracture properties for osteons, interstitial bone, and cement lines on fracture resistance across seven different human cortical bone specimens using finite element modeling. Fracture resistance of seven human cortical bone samples under homogeneous and three different heterogeneous material levels was evaluated using a compact tension test setup. The simulation results predicted that the crack volume was the highest for the models with homogeneous material properties. Increasing heterogeneity resulted in a lower amount of crack volume indicating an increase in fracture resistance of cortical bone. This reduction was observed up to a certain level of heterogeneity after which further beneficial effects of heterogeneity diminished suggesting a possible optimum level of heterogeneity for the bone tissue. The homogeneous models demonstrated limited areas of damage with extensive crack formation. On the other hand, the heterogeneity in the material properties led to increased damage volume and a more variable distribution of damage compared to the homogeneous models. This resulted in uncracked regions which tended to have less damage accumulation preventing extensive crack propagation. The results also showed that the percent osteonal area was inversely correlated with crack volume and more evenly distributed osteons led to a lower amount of crack growth for all levels of material heterogeneity. In summary, this study developed a new computational modeling approach that directly evaluated the influence of heterogeneity in elastic and fracture material properties on fracture resistance of cortical bone. The results established new information that showed the adverse effects of reduced heterogeneity on fracture resistance in cortical bone and demonstrated the nonlinear relationship between heterogeneity and fracture resistance. This new computational modeling approach provides a tool that can be used to improve the understanding of the effects of material level changes due to prolonged BP use on the overall bone fracture behavior. It may also bring additional insight into the causes of unusual fractures, such as AFF and their possible association with long term BP use.
The Efficiency of Estimators

This chapter discusses several approaches to the determination of the efficiency of estimators in small and in large samples. A commonly used measure (or Index) of the relative efficiency of estimators is based on the ratio of their mean-squared errors. The motivation for using the mean-squared error of an estimator as its measure of precision is explained heuristically by pointing to the relationship between the mean-squared error and the coverage probability of intervals of fixed-width centered on the estimators. To provide the same comparison of all the estimators, it is customary, if the models satisfy certain regularity conditions, to compare the mean squared roots to a lower bound of all mean squared roots. The two important large sample properties of estimators are consistency and asymptotic efficiency. Consistency of estimators is their convergence in probability, or almost surely (strong consistency) to the value of the parameter. Consistency as an asymptotic property is insufficient for discriminating between good and inferior estimators.
New frontiers for zebrafish management

Abstract The zebrafish ( Danio rerio ) is a preeminent model organism with a wide and expanding utility for numerous scientific disciplines. The same features that once endeared this small freshwater minnow to developmental biologists combined with its relatively high genetic similarity to mammals and the advent of new, more efficient methods for genome editing are now helping to spur expanded growth in its usage in various fields, including toxicology, drug discovery, transplant biology, disease modeling, and even aquaculture. Continued maturation and adoption of the zebrafish model system in these and other fields of science will require that methods and approaches for husbandry and management of these fish in controlled settings be refined and improved to the extent that, ultimately, zebrafish research becomes more reproducible, defined, cost-effective, and accessible to the masses. Knowledge and technology transfer from laboratory animal science and commercial aquaculture will be a necessary part of this development.
Heterodyne detection of time-domain optical-memory signals

Frequency-selective optical data storage (FSDS) provides for the heavy multiplexing of data at single spatial storage locations. The time-domain approach to FSDS offers in addition the possibility of extremely high data input/output rates. Nevertheless, a variety of technical problems must be resolved before the widespread implementation of FSDS memories becomes feasible. In the case of time-domain FSDS, for example, one must detect signal beams despite the presence of relatively strong memory readout beams in close temporal and spatial proximity. We demonstrate that this difficulty can be turned into an advantage in the case of the newly introduced swept-carrier approach to FSDS.1
Robot assisted “en bloc” radical nephrectomy, splenectomy and distal pancreatectomy for renal cell carcinoma: case report and illustration of technique

A 57-year-old female presented with recurrent gross hematuria and a large left renal mass with solitary pancreatic metastasis. After thorough evaluation, an en bloc robot assisted radical nephrectomy, distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy was performed using a team-based approach between urologists and the transplant/hepatobiliary teams. A standard robotic nephrectomy approach was used with intraoperative ultrasound to determine the extent of pancreatic involvement. Left kidney, left adrenal gland, spleen and pancreatic tail were resected en bloc. Total operative time was 194 min. Perioperative Hemoglobin change was 2.3 g/dL. The final pathology demonstrated a 12.5 cm, Fuhrman grade 3, clear cell RCC along with a 2.5 cm pancreatic metastasis consistent with pT3a, N0, M1 with negative surgical margins. The patient was discharged on post-operative day three and experienced no postoperative complications. This case report highlights the feasibility of this procedure and calls for evaluation of surgical outcomes in this disease category.
17 - Alcohol Misure in Adolescents: Individual Differences, Prevention, Identification and Intervention

This chapter examines the prevalence of adolescent alcohol use, and associated morbidity, mortality, and financial costs. It also describes the course and prognosis of alcohol use among adolescents, genetic and psychosocial risk, protective factors, and assessment, prevention and treatment strategies. Large numbers of adolescents are drinking, resulting in untoward consequences for adolescents, their families and communities, and considerable economic burden for society. Consequently, healthcare providers, researchers, and government health agencies now recognize adolescent alcohol misuse as a significant public health problem. Adolescent alcohol misuse remains a salient public health issue in the United States. Alcohol use has an enormous impact on the physical and mental health of the nation's youth. In 2002, nearly 60% of adolescents 14 years old or younger reported having used alcohol, with 6% reporting use on 100 or more different occasions. This number increases linearly with age with 66% of 15-year-olds, 68% of 16 year olds, 75% of 17-year-olds, and 73% of those 18 years and several reporting a regular use of alcohol.
Brief paper: Probing signals for output constrained processes

Probing input signal design for enhancing the identification of process parameters is developed for scalar input-output processes with output constraints. The sensitivity approach is used and the problem is formulated as an open loop optimal control problem. The solution is via integer programming. Numerical examples illustrate the results.
Abstract IA26: Regulation of epithelial versus mesenchymal polarity and malignant progression

The ability of carcinoma cells to acquire cell-biological phenotypes associated with advanced malignancies is increasingly associated with activation of the EMT (epithelial-mesenchymal transition) program. Among the acquired phenotypes are those of motility, invasiveness, the ability to disseminate, and the ability to form increased numbers of tumor-initiating cells/cancer stem cells (CSCs). We have investigated the regulation of the EMT program and found that a key intracellular determinant is the levels of the cAMP second messenger molecule. When elevated, it causes exit of more mesenchymal carcinoma cells into an epithelial state. The formation of the CSCs within tumors has long been posited to arise following the conversion of normal tissue SCs into CSCs. However, in our hands, in a transgenic model of breast carcinoma formation, the SCs reside in one cell layer of the mammary ducts while the CSCs arise in another, making the direct derivation of CSCs from normal SCs unlikely, at least in this experimental model of mammary carcinogenesis. Once the EMT program is activated, carcinoma cells are able to acquire attributes that not only enable their dissemination from the primary tumor but also affect their subsequent post-extravasation proliferation in the lung parenchyma. The basis of this proliferation derives from the EMT-induced ability of extravasated carcinoma cells to form mature focal adhesions and activate the mitogenic signaling pathway via focal adhesion kinase (FAK). Additional consequences of EMT action will be discussed. Citation Format: Diwakar Pattabiraman, Diwakar Pattabiraman, Tsukasa Shibue, Tsukasa Shibue, Xin Ye, Xin Ye, Robert A. Weinberg, Robert A. Weinberg, Robert A. Weinberg. Regulation of epithelial versus mesenchymal polarity and malignant progression. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference: Function of Tumor Microenvironment in Cancer Progression; 2016 Jan 7–10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(15 Suppl):Abstract nr IA26.
The Proof is in the Project: Integrating the Framework for Information Literacy in Developmental Education Through Project-Based Learning

ABSTRACTReading and library faculty collaborated in the revision of the developmental reading curriculum at Chandler-Gilbert Community College in an effort to strengthen students’ reading and information literacy skills through project-based learning. This article describes how the new curriculum addresses the challenging concepts defined in the Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education in an effort to prepare students more effectively for college-level courses. The results of this new curriculum included stronger posttest scores and student success data.
Brief of Amici Curiae Professors Simona Grossi, Allan Ides, Et Al.--No. 16-2653

The district court’s application of Rule 23 is fundamentally at odds with the philosophy of the Federal Rules and their intended mission to promote “the just, speedy, and inexpensive determination of every action and proceeding.” It frontloads the merits and discards the case before it can be fully developed. In essence, the district court opinion transforms a motion for certification into a motion for summary judgment. This treats the Federal Rules as independent obstacle to litigation process. But the Federal Rules must be read as outlining a system of procedure that is holistic and designed to give each case its rightful and thorough consideration. It is true that this more aggressive approach to access of justice might promote efficiency, help clear the docket, and provide solace to a wide array of institutional defendants. But judicial efficiency is only a legitimate value to the extent that it advances the project of justice; and a clear docket is not necessarily a just one. In this brief, we show how the district court’s reading and application of Rule 23 provides a crude method through which to dispose of a case, for it exalts case management considerations and the formality of procedure over substantive rights, and it does so without consideration of countervailing costs and consequences. The standard imposed by the district court is also in deep tension with the judicial obligation to provide a forum for the vindication of individual claims of right and with our constitutional commitment to the rule of law. Thus, we argue, the district court’s ruling demands reversal.
Critique [of The Ethnic Matrix: Implications for Human Service Practitioners by Jesse M. Vazquez]

The main subject of Jesse Vazquez9s article is clearly the ethnic matrix, although several related issues are also covered. While any of the latter could be discussed here, my comments will focus on the matrix itself.
Groucho Marx: The Comedy of Existence. By Lee Siegel. (New Haven, CT: Yale University Press, 2015. Pp. vii, 162. $25.00.)

Look out Margaret Dumont, hell's other source of matchless fury is a comic scorned, especially one named Groucho Marx. Lee Siegel's slim yet substantial contribution to Yale University's Jewish Liv...
Hierarchical Bayesian estimation of unobserved salmon passage through weirs

We developed a hierarchical Bayesian model (HBM) to estimate missing counts of Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha (Walbaum in Artedi, 1792)) at a weir on the Kogrukluk River, Alaska, between ...
Value of Antibiotic Prophylaxis for Percutaneous Gastrostomy: A Double-Blind Randomized Trial.

Abstract Purpose To compare peristomal infection rates following percutaneous gastrostomy (PG) after a single dose of prophylactic antibiotics versus placebo and evaluate rates of peristomal infection in patients receiving concurrent antibiotics. Materials and Methods This single-center, randomized trial (2012–2016) enrolled 122 patients referred for image-guided PG; all enrolled patients completed the study. Of enrolled patients, 68 were randomly assigned to receive either antibiotics (n = 34) or placebo (n = 34) before PG placement. The remaining 54 patients were taking pre-existing antibiotics and were assigned to an observation arm. Stoma sites were assessed for signs of infection by a blinded evaluator at early (between 3–5 d and 7–10 d) and late (between 14–17 d and 28–30 d) time points after the procedure. The primary outcome was peristomal infection. Results Under intention-to-treat analysis, early infection rate was 11.8% (4/34 patients; 95% CI, 0.0%–9.4%) in the placebo arm and 0.0% (0/34 patients; 95% CI, 0.0%–8.4%) in the antibiotic arm ( P = .057 for comparison of infections in the 2 arms). Under per-protocol analysis, early infection rate was 13.3% (4/30 patients; 95% CI, 4.4%–29.1%) in the placebo arm and 0.0% (0/32 patients; 95% CI, 0.0%–8.9%) in the antibiotic arm ( P = .049). The number needed to treat to prevent 1 early infection was 8.5 and 7.5 from the 2 analyses, respectively. Conclusions There is a trend toward reduction in rate of peristomal infection after PG when prophylactic antibiotics are administered.
Linking Landscapes to Wetland Condition: A Case Study of Eight Headwater Complexes in Pennsylvania

A major focus of wetland management is on documenting condition, identifying stressors, and determining the relationship between the two. One challenge of this work is to relate and understand the pathways between stressors that are being controlled at the landscape scale to microbially mediated ecosystem ­processes (e.g., nitrification, denitrification, decomposition, methanogenesis) ­happening at much smaller spatial extents. In this chapter, we use a preexisting multiple-stress function (alternately termed an anthropogenic or human disturbance indicator) to select study sites for comparison of condition metrics. More specifically, this is a case study of eight headwater complexes, four reference standard sites, and four “stressed” sites, where landscape and site level structural components are compared and contrasted. The site level components that were selected for this analysis were those known to influence microbially mediated ecosystem processes. We reveal many significant differences in these groups for both landscape parameters across space and time, and in site level components. In addition to collecting process-based data, we suggest that connecting structural baseline data such as those parameters described herein with process-based models, as a way to begin to hypothesize what the collective effects of wetland components are on microbially mediated ecosystem processes, as well as to understand which components are most influential. With this understanding it becomes easier to link processes to landscape-driven stressors, through preexisting knowledge about the links between stressors and wetland structure. We also suggest shifting some attention to spatiotemporal dynamics of the stressor(s), in order to determine the feasibility in managing, restoring, and/or protecting wetland ecosystems.
Plant Health Management: Pathogen Suppressive Soils

Pathogen-suppressive soils are soils that because of their microbiological makeup and activity result in one of the following conditions: (1) the pathogen cannot establish itself, (2) it establishes itself but fails to cause disease, or (3) it establishes itself and causes disease at first but the disease then declines with continued monoculture of the host crop. Pathogen-suppressive soils can fall into a continuum that ranges from ‘general suppression,’ owing to the collective, competitive, and other antagonistic activities of the soil microbiota, to ‘specific suppression,’ owing to the activity of a specific microbial antagonist or group of antagonists suppressive to a specific pathogen on a specific crop. General suppression can be enhanced by the addition of compost or other source of carbon and energy and is a property of the soil that cannot be transferred from one field to another. Specific suppression can be transferred and accounts for those examples of disease that decline with continued monoculture of the host crop. Pathogen-suppressive soils are examples of naturally occurring biological control.
Mathematics and the world wide web

Mathematics is an ancient and honorable study. It has been called The Queen and The Language of Science. The World Wide Web is something brand-new that started only about a quarter of a century ago. But the World Wide Web is having a considerable effect on the practice of mathematics, is modifying its image and role in society, and can be said to have changed some of its content. This paper explores some of the issues this raises.
Chronic metabolic acid load induced by changes in dietary electrolyte balance increased chloride retention but did not compromise bone in growing swine

The effects of chronic dietary acid loads on shifts in bone mineral reserves and physiological concentrations of cations and anions in extracellular fluids were assessed in growing swine. Four trials were conducted with a total of 38 (8.16 +/- 0.30 kg, mean +/- SEM) Large White x Landrace x Duroc pigs randomly assigned to one of three dietary treatments. Semipurified diets, fed for 13 to 17 d, provided an analyzed dietary electrolyte balance (dEB, meq/kg diet = Na+ + K+ - Cl-) of -35, 112, and 212 for the acidogenic, control, and alkalinogenic diets, respectively. Growth performance, arterial blood gas, serum chemistry, urine pH, mineral balance, bone mineral content gain, bone-breaking strength, bone ash, and percentage of bone ash were determined. Dietary treatments created a range of metabolic acid loads without affecting (P > 0.10) growth or feed intake. Urine pH was 5.71, 6.02, and 7.65 +/- 0.48 (mean +/- SEM) and arterial blood pH was 7.478, 7.485, and 7.526 +/- 0.006 for pigs fed acidogenic, control, and alkalinogenic treatments, respectively. A lower dEB resulted in an increased (P 0.10) bone mineral content gain, bone-breaking strength, bone ash, percentage of bone ash, or calcium and phosphate balance. In conclusion, bone mineral (phosphate) was not depleted to buffer the dietary acid load in growing pigs over a 3-wk period.
Comparative studies on the effects of aminoglutethimide, metopirone, ACTH and hydrocortisone on the adrenal cortex of adult male rats. I.

Adult male rats were injected daily for 5 days with 0.9% NaCl (0.3 ml s. c), hydrocortisone acetate (2.5 mg i.m.), ACTH (2 x 1.5 IU i.m.), metopirone (30 mg i.p.) or aminoglutethimide phosphate (2 x 20 mg s.c). After treatment with aminoglutethimide, metopirone or with a small dosis of ACTH an increase in adrenal weight was observed. ACTH leads to increase in plasma corticosterone concentration.
Analysis of primary cilia in renal tissue and cells

Primary cilia are singular, sensory organelles that extend from the plasma membrane of most quiescent mammalian cells. These slender, microtubule-based organelles receive and transduce extracellular cues and regulate signaling pathways. Primary cilia are critical to the development and function of many tissue types, and mutation of ciliary genes causes multi-system disorders, termed ciliopathies. Notably, renal cystic disease is one of the most common clinical features of ciliopathies, highlighting a central role for primary cilia in the kidney. Additionally, acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease are associated with altered primary cilia lengths on renal epithelial cells, suggesting ciliary dynamics and renal physiology are linked. Here we describe methods to examine primary cilia in kidney tissue and in cultured renal cells. We include immunofluorescence and scanning electron microscopy to determine ciliary localization of proteins and cilia structure. Further, we detail cellular assays to measure cilia assembly and disassembly, which regulate cilia length.
Exploiting hydrophobicity and hydrophilicity in nanopores as a design principle for “smart” MOF microtanks for methane storage

Widespread use of methane-powered vehicles likely requires the development of efficient on-board methane storage systems. A novel concept for methane storage is the nanoporous microtank, which is based on a millimeter-sized nanoporous pellet (the core) surrounded by an ultrathin membrane (the shell). Mixture adsorption simulations in idealized pores indicate that by combining a pellet that features large, hydrophobic pores with a membrane featuring small, hydrophilic pores, it would be possible to trap a large amount of “pressurized” methane in the pellet while keeping the external pressure low. The methane would be trapped by sealing the surrounding membrane with the adsorption of a hydrophilic compound such as methanol. Additional simulations in over 2000 hypothesized metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) indicate that the above design concept could be exploited using real nanoporous materials. Structure–property relationships derived from these simulations indicate that MOFs suitable for the core (storing over 250 cc(STP)CH4 per cc) should have a pore size in the 12–14 A range and linkers without appreciably hydrophilic moieties. On the other hand, MOFs suitable for the shell should have a pore size less than 9 A and linkers with hydrophilic functional groups such as –CN, –NO2, –OH and –NH2. Simulation snapshots suggest that the hydrogen bonding between these groups and hydrophilic moieties of methanol would be critical for the sealing function.
Stability Optimization of Two-Fingered Anthropomorphic Hands for Precision Grasping with a Single Actuator

In this paper, we present a constrained optimization framework for evaluating the post-contact stability of underactuated precision grasping configurations with a single degree of actuation. Relationships between key anthropomorphic design parameters including link length ratios, transmission ratios, joint stiffness ratios and palm width are developed with applications in upper limb prosthetic design. In addition to grasp stability, we examine post-contact system work, to reduce reconfiguration, and consider the range of objects that can be stably grasped. External wrenches were simulated on a subset of the heuristically evaluated optimal solutions and an optimal configuration was experimentally tested to determine favorable wrench resistible gripper orientations for grasp planning applications.
Violent Crime in Bars: A Quantitative Analysis

Research suggests that some barroom settings create a milieu conducive to the outbreak of violence. Few studies, however, use a large national dataset to investigate the nature and prevalence of vi...
Attribution Biases and Trust Development in Physical Human-Machine Coordination: Blaming Yourself, Your Partner or an Unexpected Event:

Reading partners’ actions correctly is essential for successful coordination, but interpretation does not always reflect reality. Attribution biases, such as self-serving and correspondence biases,...
Vagus Topographic Map: Wandering through a gRAdient

Topographic map development requires precise coordination between navigating axons and their targets in a dynamic environment. In this issue of Developmental Cell, Isabella et al. describe a mechanism in which a changing gradient of the morphogen retinoic acid regulates the expression of guidance factors to shape topographic axon targeting.
Prognostic Value of Computed Tomography Versus Echocardiography Derived Right to Left Ventricular Diameter Ratio in Acute Pulmonary Embolism.

Abstract Background Computed Tomography (CT) Pulmonary Angiography is the most commonly used diagnostic study for acute pulmonary embolism (PE). Echocardiogram (ECHO) is also used for risk stratification in acute PE, however the diagnostic performance of CT versus ECHO for risk stratification remains unclear. Methods CT and ECHO right ventricle (RV) and left ventricle (LV) diameters were measured in a retrospective cohort of patients with acute PE. RV:LV diameter ratios were calculated and correlation between CT and ECHO RV:LV ratio was assessed. Sensitivity and specificity for the composite adverse events endpoint of mortality, respiratory failure requiring intubation, cardiac arrest, or shock requiring vasopressors within 30 days of admission were assessed for CT or ECHO derived RV:LV ratio alone and in combination with biomarkers (troponin or B-type natriuretic peptide). Results A total of 74 subjects met the inclusion criteria and had a mean age of 62±18 years. The proportion of patients with RV:LV >1 was similar when comparing CT (37.8%) versus ECHO (33.8%) (P = 0.61). A statistically significant correlation was found between CT derived and ECHO derived RV:LV diameter ratio (r = 0.832, P 1 together with positive biomarker status was similar with sensitivity and specificity of 87% and 41% versus 87% and 42%, respectively. Conclusions In patients with acute PE, CT and ECHO RV:LV diameter ratio correlate well and identify similar proportion of PE patients at risk for early adverse events. These findings may streamline risk stratification of patients with acute PE.
Primary Care of the Adult Kidney Transplant and Kidney-Pancreas Transplant Recipient

Kidney transplantation is the most common type of solid organ transplant performed. The increasing number of kidney transplant recipients provides both a need and an opportunity for primary care providers to play an important role in caring for this patient population. Care of the kidney and kidney-pancreas transplant recipient requires a thorough review of the patient’s transplant history, knowledge of common transplant protocols and medications, familiarity with the adverse effects of medications, and meticulous evaluations of the patient in both routine follow-up visits as well as acute care visits. Primary care providers can partner with nephrologists to take care of a range of issues for these patients, including metabolic and cardiovascular complications. This chapter addresses important background information as well as guidance on evaluation and management of the kidney transplant recipient in the primary care setting.
Genome-wide CRISPR screen identifies noncanonical NF-κB signaling as a regulator of density-dependent proliferation

Epithelial cells possess intrinsic mechanisms to maintain an appropriate cell density for normal tissue morphogenesis and homeostasis. Defects in such mechanisms likely contribute to hyperplasia and cancer initiation. To identify genes that regulate the density-dependent proliferation of murine mammary epithelial cells, we developed a fluorescence-activated cell sorting assay based on fluorescence ubiquitination cell cycle indicator, which marks different stages of the cell cycle with distinct fluorophores. Using this powerful assay, we performed a genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 knockout screen, selecting for cells that proliferate normally at low density but continue to divide at high density. Unexpectedly, one top hit was Traf3, a negative regulator of NF-κB signaling that has never previously been linked to density-dependent proliferation. We demonstrate that loss of Traf3 specifically activates noncanonical NF-κB signaling. This in turn triggers an innate immune response and drives cell division independently of known density-dependent proliferation mechanisms, including YAP/TAZ signaling and cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors, by blocking entry into quiescence.
Occurrence, density, and distribution of longleaf pine regeneration in southeastern forests: An assessment by forest type, disturbance and site quality

Abstract Regenerating longleaf pine is essential for the long-term sustainability of longleaf pine forest ecosystems and the important services those forests provide, particularly for endangered organisms. The objective of this study was to investigate the occurrence, density, and distribution of longleaf regeneration across a range of site quality, forest type, and disturbance regimes within the longleaf pine range from 1995 to 2019. We used 6,128 plots from multiple inventory cycles of the USDA Forest Service Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) dataset covering the entire longleaf pine range. The methods of analysis included logistic regression and the Inverse Distance Weighted (IDW) interpolation method. Two sets of measurements of 2,092 plots were used for change detection analysis. Longleaf regeneration was abundant in longleaf and loblolly pine-dominated stands. For a one-unit increase in the basal area ratio of longleaf pine trees in the plots, the probability of occurrence of longleaf pine seedlings and saplings increased up to 239% and 362%, respectively. The density and occurrence of longleaf regeneration were significantly greater on low-quality sites than on high-quality sites. Longleaf seedlings occurred with less frequency on disturbed sites, particularly by insects, diseases, and animals, than on undisturbed sites. Similarly, longleaf saplings were found with less frequency on sites disturbed by harvesting, weather, insects, diseases, and animals. We found a declining geographic range of longleaf pine trees, saplings, and seedlings during the 1995–2019 period. The density and ratio of longleaf seedlings decreased in about 25.2% and 14.0%, and increased in around 13.5% and 6.2% of the study area, respectively. Likewise, the density and ratio of longleaf saplings decreased in nearly 36.1% and 24.8% and increased in approximately 14.4% and 11.5% of the study area, respectively. Understanding the regeneration dynamics of longleaf pine is essential to restore and effectively regenerate longleaf pine forest ecosystems.