cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Model of Chronic Inflammation

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting predominantly peripheral joints, often in a symmetrical pattern. The disease is not restricted to the joints, and some patients have extra-articular manifestations such as pericarditis, vasculitis, pleural effusions, and pulmonary fibrosis. The disease is found worldwide, and affects all races and ethnic groups. Rheumatoid arthritis has significant a socioeconomic impact. The lifetime cost in the United States is estimated to be $ 20,000 a patient based on 1977 dollars [1]. Patients lose on the average 2.5 work days per month, and are confined to bed on the average of 1.3 days per month. In addition to the loss of physical function, patients lose their independence and social interactions. Depression is also a significant problem in patients with this chronic debilitating illness [2].
Interest group coalitions and lobbying environments: toward a new theoretical perspective

In this paper, we provide a preliminary framework meant to fill a theoretical gap in the literature when assessing interest groups relations in collusive settings. Using data from 31 elite interviews with representatives of interest groups active at the European level, we seek first to identify, and then to test the variables that cause groups to coalesce or to work alone on policy initiatives. Upon testing hypotheses based on interest groups’ own perspectives, we find that contrary to both the existing scholarship and popular belief, the strongest predictor of a group’s inclination to coalesce lies in its relative strength vis-a-vis its resources and capacity, while its biggest obstacle to collusion is the relative hold its own membership places on its agenda and decision-making. By establishing the group as the unit of analysis, we are able to illustrate the need for a new stand-alone theoretical framework specific to collusive contexts, as the findings run counter to many theories of interest groups in competitive environments.
Evaluation of the MXQ mechanism by audio and video applications

This work discusses the congestion problems that may be caused by video and audio applications. These applications commonly use UDP to convey their data. Unlike TCP,UDP does not have any standard mechanisms for congestion control. Therefore, they might lead to severe congestion that would significantly damage all of the flows in the same traffic class and degrade network utilization. To overcome this problem, we propose the MXQ (MaXimal Queuing) mechanism which represents a new flow-aware forwarding policy. We evaluate this mechanism using UDP video and UDP audio applications. We also evaluate the mechanism using a TCP video application with outputs of hundreds of Mbps. The results show that the dynamic arbitration control realized by the MXQ mechanism can effectively control the congestion and enhance the efficiency of best-effort networks.
A parsimonious model for wireless connectivity in robotic networks

We present a minimalist model for estimating point-to-point wireless connectivity in robotic networks where every node in the network is mobile, i.e., the space of the problem is truly ℝ2 × ℝ2. This model is built on the idea that the geometry of an environment leads to a region-based decomposition where communication between pairs of regions can be approximated accurately by simple stochastic models. We develop an estimation framework that allows for these simple stochastic models to be predicted and updated based on sparse measurements as demonstrated experimentally.
Discovering Targets of Non-enzymatic Acylation by Thioester Reactivity Profiling

Non-enzymatic protein modification driven by thioester reactivity is thought to play a major role in the establishment of cellular lysine acylation. However, the specific protein targets of this process are largely unknown. Here we report an experimental strategy to investigate non-enzymatic acylation in cells. Specifically, we develop a chemoproteomic method that separates thioester reactivity from enzymatic utilization, allowing selective enrichment of non-enzymatic acylation targets. Applying this method to cancer cell lines identifies numerous candidate targets of non-enzymatic acylation, including several enzymes in lower glycolysis. Functional studies highlight malonyl-CoA as a reactive thioester metabolite that can modify and inhibit glycolytic enzyme activity. Finally, we show that synthetic thioesters can be used as novel reagents to probe non-enzymatic acylation in living cells. Our studies provide new insights into the targets and drivers of non-enzymatic acylation, and demonstrate the utility of reactivity-based methods to experimentally investigate this phenomenon in biology and disease.
Improving Response in Genomic Selection with a Population-Based Selection Strategy: Optimal Population Value Selection.

Genomic selection (GS) identifies individuals for inclusion in breeding programs based on the sum of their estimated marker effects or genomic estimated breeding values (GEBVs). Due to significant correlation between GEBVs and true breeding values, this has resulted in enhanced rates of genetic gain as compared to traditional methods of selection. Three extensions to GS, weighted genomic selection (WGS), optimal haploid value (OHV) selection, and genotype building (GB) selection have been proposed to improve long-term response, and to facilitate the efficient development of doubled haploids. In separate simulation studies, these methods were shown to outperform GS under various assumptions. However, further potential for improvement exists. In this paper, optimal population value (OPV) selection is introduced as selection based on the maximum possible haploid value in a subset of the population. Instead of evaluating the breeding merit of individuals as in GS, WGS, and OHV selection, the proposed method evaluates the breeding merit of a set of individuals as in GB. After testing these selection methods extensively, OPV and GB selection were found to achieve greater responses than GS, WGS, and OHV, with OPV outperforming GB across most percentiles. These results suggest a new paradigm for selection methods in which an individual’s value is dependent upon its complementarity with others.
Chronic inflammation triggered by the NLRP3 inflammasome in myeloid cells promotes growth plate dysplasia by mesenchymal cells

Skeletal complications are common features of neonatal-onset multisystem inflammatory disease (NOMID), a disorder caused by NLRP3-activating mutations. NOMID mice in which NLRP3 is activated globally exhibit several characteristics of the human disease, including systemic inflammation and cartilage dysplasia, but the mechanisms of skeletal manifestations remain unknown. In this study, we find that activation of NLRP3 in myeloid cells, but not mesenchymal cells triggers chronic inflammation, which ultimately, causes growth plate and epiphyseal dysplasia in mice. These responses are IL-1 signaling-dependent, but independent of PARP1, which also functions downstream of NLRP3 and regulates skeletal homeostasis. Mechanistically, inflammation causes severe anemia and hypoxia in the bone environment, yet down-regulates the HIF-1α pathway in chondrocytes, thereby promoting the demise of these cells. Thus, activation of NLRP3 in hematopoietic cells initiates IL-1β-driven paracrine cascades, which promote abnormal growth plate development in NOMID mice.
Meteorological and environmental variables affect flight behaviour and decision‐making of an obligate soaring bird, the California Condor Gymnogyps californianus

The movements of animals are limited by evolutionary constraints and ecological processes and are strongly influenced by the medium through which they travel. For flying animals, variation in atmospheric conditions are critically influential in movement. Obligate soaring birds depend on external sources of updraft more than do other flying species, since without that updraft they are unable to sustain flight for extended periods. These species are therefore good models for understanding how the environment can influence decisions about movement. We used meteorological and topographic variables to understand the environmental influences on the decision to engage in flight by obligate soaring and critically endangered California Condors Gymnogyps californianus. Condors were more likely to fly, soared at higher altitudes, and flew over smoother terrain when weather conditions promoted either thermal or orographic updrafts, for example when turbulence and solar radiation were higher and when winds from the east and north were stronger. However, increased atmospheric stability, which is inconsistent with thermal development but may be associated with orographic updrafts, was correlated with a somewhat higher probability of lower flight altitudes and flight over rougher terrain. The close and previously undescribed linkages between Condor flight and conditions that support development of thermal and orographic updrafts provide important insight into the behaviour of obligate soaring birds and into the environmental parameters that may define the currently expanding distribution of Condors within and outside of the state of California. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Compounds from plants that regulate or participate in disease resistance.

Disease resistance is multifactorial. The response phase includes: synthesis of phytoalexins, i.e. low molecular weight antimicrobial compounds which accumulate at sites of infection; systemically produced enzymes which degrade pathogens, e.g. chitinases, beta-1,3-glucanases and proteases; systemically produced enzymes which generate antimicrobial compounds and protective biopolymers, e.g. peroxidases and phenoloxidases; biopolymers which restrict the spread of pathogens, e.g. hydroxyproline-rich glycoproteins, lignin, callose; and compounds which regulate the induction and/or activity of the defence compounds, e.g. elicitors of plant and microbial origin, immunity signals from immunized plants and compounds which release immunity signals. Disease resistance in plants is not determined by the presence or absence of genes for resistance mechanisms, it is determined by the speed and degree of gene expression and the activity of the gene products. It is likely, therefore, that all plants have the genetic potential for resistance. This potential can be expressed systemically (immunization) after restricted inoculation with pathogens, attenuated pathogens or selected non-pathogens, or treatment with chemical substances that are produced by immunized plants or chemicals which release such signals. Immunization is effective against diseases caused by fungi, bacteria and viruses, and it has been successfully tested in the laboratory and field. Advances in science have provided information and technology to enhance resistance to plant pests. Pesticides are part of this technology, but they also contribute to a complex world problem which threatens our environment and hence our survival. The future will see the restriction of pesticide use and a greater reliance on resistant plants generated using immunization and other biological control technologies, genetic engineering and classical plant breeding. However, as with past and current technology, we will have created unique problems. The survival of our planet depends upon anticipating these problems and meeting the challenge of their solution.
User needs analysis and usability assessment of DataMed - a biomedical data discovery index

OBJECTIVE To present user needs and usability evaluations of DataMed, a Data Discovery Index (DDI) that allows searching for biomedical data from multiple sources. MATERIALS AND METHODS We conducted 2 phases of user studies. Phase 1 was a user needs analysis conducted before the development of DataMed, consisting of interviews with researchers. Phase 2 involved iterative usability evaluations of DataMed prototypes. We analyzed data qualitatively to document researchers' information and user interface needs. RESULTS Biomedical researchers' information needs in data discovery are complex, multidimensional, and shaped by their context, domain knowledge, and technical experience. User needs analyses validate the need for a DDI, while usability evaluations of DataMed show that even though aggregating metadata into a common search engine and applying traditional information retrieval tools are promising first steps, there remain challenges for DataMed due to incomplete metadata and the complexity of data discovery. DISCUSSION Biomedical data poses distinct problems for search when compared to websites or publications. Making data available is not enough to facilitate biomedical data discovery: new retrieval techniques and user interfaces are necessary for dataset exploration. Consistent, complete, and high-quality metadata are vital to enable this process. CONCLUSION While available data and researchers' information needs are complex and heterogeneous, a successful DDI must meet those needs and fit into the processes of biomedical researchers. Research directions include formalizing researchers' information needs, standardizing overviews of data to facilitate relevance judgments, implementing user interfaces for concept-based searching, and developing evaluation methods for open-ended discovery systems such as DDIs.
Turning big spatial data into smart routing

This poster presents the PreGo system for smart touring services. PreGo is smart in the sense that it enables its users to consider many preferences, (e.g., distance, travel time, services, attractions, safety), in their routing queries. The recommended route is completely personalized based on each user's weights for each of the routing preferences.
Neonatal Outcomes Associated with Noncephalic Presentation at Delivery in Preterm Birth.

Objective The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of noncephalic presentation on neonatal outcomes in preterm delivery. Study Design In this study a secondary analysis of the BEAM trial was performed. It included women with singleton, liveborn, and nonanomalous fetuses. Neonatal outcomes were compared in noncephalic versus cephalic presentation. Adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for each outcome with logistic regression while controlling for possible confounders. A stratified analysis by mode of delivery was also performed in this study. Results A total of 458 noncephalic deliveries were compared with 1,485 cephalic deliveries. In multivariate analysis, noncephalic presentation was associated with increased risk of death in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) or death at Conclusion After controlling for possible confounders, neonates who are noncephalic at delivery have higher risk for death
A 0.3ppm dual-resonance transformer-based drift-cancelling reference-free magnetic sensor for biosensing applications

Cost-efficient, point-of-use diagnostics are critical for early disease detection. Traditionally, the majority of lab-based analysis equipment utilizes fluorescent markers for biodetection assays. However, magnetic-based labels have recently been shown to be promising alternatives to fluorescent tags for DNA, protein, and cell assays. Magnetic assays offer several key advantages over their fluorescent counterparts, namely that magnetic beads do not suffer from signal decay due to bleaching and that they can be detected with cheap CMOS-based sensors, eliminating the need for expensive lasers, photo-diodes, filters, and complicated post-processing steps. Significant progress has recently been made in the design of magnetic imager ICs, such as [1] which utilizes a gMr approach for detection and [2-4] which measure the resonance shift in an LC tank.
Macromolecule Diffusiophoresis Induced by Concentration Gradients of Aqueous Osmolytes

Diffusiophoresis is the migration of a particle in a fluid induced by the concentration gradient of another solute. We have experimentally investigated diffusiophoresis of a neutral macromolecule, poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG; molecular weight, 20 kg mol-1), in water induced by concentration gradients of osmolytes. Three osmolytes were examined: trimethylamine- N-oxide (TMAO), diethylene glycol (DEG), and urea. PEG diffusiophoresis coefficients were obtained from measurements of multicomponent-diffusion coefficients at 25 °C using Rayleigh interferometry. Osmotic diffusion coefficients, characterizing osmolyte diffusion from high to low PEG concentration, were also extracted. PEG diffusiophoresis was found to occur from high to low osmolyte concentration in all cases, with magnitude increasing in the order urea < DEG < TMAO. This ranking is consistent with that of osmolyte effectiveness in stabilizing protein native state. Osmotic diffusion coefficients, which allowed us to determine preferential-interaction coefficients, revealed that TMAO and DEG are preferentially excluded from the vicinity of PEG whereas urea was found to preferentially bind to this macromolecule. A novel model for macromolecule diffusiophoresis, which allowed us to examine the roles of preferential hydration, hydration, solute binding, and frictional dragging in this transport process, was developed. Our experimental results suggest that TMAO concentration gradients may be exploited to direct the motion of PEG and PEG-functionalized particles such as micelles, PEGylated proteins, and PEG-coated inorganic nanoparticles with potential applications to separation and adsorption technologies.
Obligatory Nasal Turbulence as a Trigger for the Development of Posterior Nasal Fricatives in a Child With Repaired Cleft Palate.

Posterior nasal fricatives (PNFs) are unusual articulations that occur in some children with and without cleft palate. The etiology of PNFs is unclear. A young girl with repaired cleft palate is de...
Improving Rigid-Body Registration Based on Points Affected by Bias and Noise

The task of registering two coordinate frames is frequently accomplished by measuring the same set of points in both frames. Noise and possible bias in the measured locations degrade the quality of registration. It was shown that the performance of registration may be improved by filtering out noise from repeated measurements of the points, calculating small corrections to the mean locations and restoring rigid-body condition. In the current study, we investigate experimental conditions in which improvement in registration can still be achieved without cumbersome collection of repeated measurements. We show that for sufficiently small noise relative to bias, the corrections calculated from a single measurement of points can be used and still lead to the improved registration.
Satellite monitoring of harmful algal blooms in the Western Basin of Lake Erie: A 20-year time-series

Abstract Blooms of harmful cyanobacteria (cyanoHABs) have occurred on an annual basis in western Lake Erie for more than a decade. Previously, we developed and validated an algorithm to map the extent of the submerged and surface scum components of cyanoHABs using MODIS ocean-color satellite data. The algorithm maps submerged cyanoHABs by identifying high chlorophyll concentrations (>18 mg/m3) combined with water temperature >20 °C, while cyanoHABs surface scums are mapped using near-infrared reflectance values. Here, we adapted this algorithm for the SeaWiFS sensor to map the annual areal extents of cyanoHABs in the Western Basin of Lake Erie for the 20-year period from 1998 to 2017. The resulting classified maps were validated by comparison with historical in situ measurements, exhibiting good agreement (81% accuracy). Trends in the annual mean and maximum total submerged and surface scum extents demonstrated significant positive increases from 1998 to 2017. There was also an apparent 76% increase in year-to-year variability of mean annual extent between the 1998–2010 and 2011–2017 periods. The 1998–2017 time-series was also compared with several different river discharge nutrient loading metrics to assess the ability to predict annual cyanoHAB extents. The prediction models displayed significant relationships between spring discharge and cyanoHAB area; however, substantial variance remained unexplained due in part to the presence of very large blooms occurring in 2013 and 2015. This new multi-sensor time-series and associated statistics extend the current understanding of the extent, location, duration, and temporal patterns of cyanoHABs in western Lake Erie.
Vesicle-associatedPseudomonas aeruginosaleucine aminopeptidase modulates bacterial biofilms grown on host cellular substrates

Abstract Pseudomonas aeruginosa, known as one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients, secretes a variety of virulence-associated proteases. These enzymes have been shown to contribute significantly to P. aeruginosa pathogenesis and biofilm formation in the chronic colonization of CF patient lungs, as well as playing a role in infections of the cornea, burn wounds and chronic wounds. Our lab has previously characterized a secreted P. aeruginosa peptidase, PaAP, that is highly expressed in chronic CF isolates. This leucine aminopeptidase is not only secreted solubly, it also associates with bacterial outer membrane vesicles (OMVs), structures known for their contribution to virulence mechanisms in a variety of Gram-negative species and one of the major components of the biofilm matrix. With this in mind, we hypothesized that PaAP may play a role in P. aeruginosa biofilm formation. Using a lung epithelial cell/bacterial biofilm coculture model, we show that PaAP deletion in a clinical P. aeruginosa background leads to increased early biofilm formation. We additionally found that only native vesicle-bound PaAP, as opposed to its soluble forms, could reconstitute the original PaAP-mediated inhibition phenotype, and that the PaAP-containing vesicles could disperse preformed biofilm microcolonies of Klebsiella pneumoniae, another lung pathogen. These data provide the basis for future work into the mechanism behind PaAP-OMV mediated bacterial microcolony dispersal and the application of these findings to clinical anti-biofilm research.
Subsurface mechanical damage correlations after grinding of various optical materials

Loose abrasive grinding was performed on a wide range of optical workpiece materials [single crystals of Al2O3 (sapphire), SiC, Y3Al5O12 (YAG), CaF2, and LiB3O5 (LBO); a SiO2-Al2O3-P2O5-Li2O glass-ceramic (Zerodur); and glasses of SiO2 : TiO2 (ULE), SiO2 (fused silica), and P2O5-Al2O3-K2O-BaO (phosphate)]. Using the magneto rheological finishing (MRF) taper wedge technique (where a wedge was polished on each of the ground workpieces and the resulting samples were appropriately chemically etched), the subsurface mechanical damage (SSD) characteristics were measured. The SSD depth for most of the workpiece materials was found to scale as E11/2 / H1, where E1 is the elastic modulus and H1 is the hardness of the workpiece. This material scaling is the same as that for the growth of lateral cracks, suggesting that lateral cracks are a dominant source for SSD rather than radial/median cracks, as previously proposed. Utilizing the SSD depth data from both this study and others, semiempirical relationships have been formulated, which allows for estimating the SSD depth as a function of workpiece material and important grinding parameters (such as abrasive size and applied pressure).
Effective Feedback Conversations

Cultural shifts in healthcare have changed expectations for communication between doctors of all specialties and their patients. The shift toward greater patient-doctor collaboration has been shown to produce better medical outcomes, even with complex, neurologically compromised patients. Neuropsychologists diagnose the presence of brain disorders like Alzheimer’s disease and autism or the effects of known brain disorders like stroke or traumatic brain injury. We therefore share a lot of difficult news. The conversations are particularly challenging as our patients usually have limitations in their ability to understand and remember information, and their family members are often so worried and stressed by the effects of the illness that it is hard for them to process information. Understanding how neuropsychologists provide feedback may be useful to those in other medical specialties who treat patients with central nervous system conditions. This chapter shares effective techniques that can be used across medical specialties to improve patient conversations in a way that not only delivers the message but also improves lives.
Introduction to this special section: Near-surface geophysics

The near surface of the earth, a.k.a. the critical zone (National Research Council, 2001), is defined as the outer 50–100 m of the planet, which contains biota, bedrock, soil, water, and gasses. As...
New Conceptions and Research Approaches to Creativity: Implications of a Systems Perspective for Creativity in Education

At the beginning of the third millennium, the importance of creativity becomes ever more critical. Age-old problems, such as coexistence on an increasingly interdependent planet, need new solutions for our species to survive. And the unintended results of the creativity of past centuries require even more creativity to be resolved, as we must learn to cope with the aftermath of previous successes, such as increasing population density and chemical pollution.
Practitioner perspectives of legacy: insights from the 2015 Pan Am Games

© 2019, © 2019 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. Although legacy frameworks exist in academia and legacies are oft discussed in relation to publicly- and privately funded events, there remains a dearth of knowledge on practitioner conceptualisations of the concept. A case study of the Toronto 2014 Pan Am and Parapan Am Games was conducted using semi-structured interviews with event organisers and city officials to understand how practitioners conceptualise legacies, and what their goals are in relation to legacies. The findings show that organisers conceptualise legacies as solely positive, and include Games-time impacts and outcomes as part of the legacy. The positive frame supports the three central legacy goals: justifying public spending on events, boosting public support for event hosting, and advancing city development goals through event hosting. This research contributes to the discourse on event legacy and takes an important step in expanding understandings of practitioner conceptualisations of legacy.
Operating Temperature Based Vulnerabilities in ReRAM

Resistive Random-Access Memory (ReRAM) devices have caught significant research attention as scalable non-volatile memory (NVM) technology for high-density data storage in 3-D crossbar architectures. ReRAM devices can switch with low programming voltages (<±1 V) at fast time-scales (~ 10-100 ns) that make them an attractive option for on-chip embedded memory applications or off-chip high density memory storage. Memory storage read/write schemes rely on specific timing, voltage, and sensing thresholds to change and determine the states of the devices. While several in-memory computing architectures with ReRAM have been proposed, the impact of chip operating temperatures on write and read operations of ReRAM and the impact on resistive states is not well studied. This paper reports the impact of the temperature on the ReRAM devices during the write and read operations.
Pharmacokinetic characterization of fluorocoxib D, a cyclooxygenase-2-targeted optical imaging agent for detection of cancer.

Significance: Fluorocoxib D, N-[(rhodamin-X-yl)but-4-yl]-2-[1-(4-chlorobenzoyl)-5-methoxy-2-methyl-1H-indol-3-yl]acetamide, is a water-soluble optical imaging agent to detect cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)-expressing cancer cells. Aim: We evaluated the pharmacokinetic and safety properties of fluorocoxib D and its ability to detect cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Approach: Pharmacokinetic parameters of fluorocoxib D were assessed from plasma collected at designated time points after intravenous administration of 1 mg / kg fluorocoxib D in six research dogs using a high-performance liquid chromatography analysis. Safety of fluorocoxib D was assessed for 3 days after its administration using physical assessment, complete blood count, serum chemistry profile, and complete urinalysis in six research dogs. The ability of fluorocoxib D to detect COX-2-expressing cancer cells was performed using human 5637 cells in vitro and during rhinoscopy evaluation of specific fluorocoxib D uptake by canine cancer cells in vivo. Results: No evidence of toxicity and no clinically relevant adverse events were noted in dogs. Peak concentration of fluorocoxib D (114.8 ± 50.5 ng / ml) was detected in plasma collected at 0.5 h after its administration. Pretreatment of celecoxib blocked specific uptake of fluorocoxib D in COX-2-expressing human 5637 cancer cells. Fluorocoxib D uptake was detected in histology-confirmed COX-2-expressing head and neck cancer during rhinoscopy in a client-owned dog in vivo. Specific tumor-to-normal tissue ratio of detected fluorocoxib D signal was in an average of 3.7 ± 0.9 using Image J analysis. Conclusions: Our results suggest that fluorocoxib D is a safe optical imaging agent used for detection of COX-2-expressing cancers and their margins during image-guided minimally invasive biopsy and surgical procedures.
Regular exercise and patterns of response across multiple cardiometabolic traits: the HERITAGE family study.

Objectives We investigated whether high responsiveness or low responsiveness to exercise training aggregates in the same individuals across seven cardiometabolic traits. Methods A total of 564 adults (29.2% black, 53.7% female) from the HERITAGE family study completed a 20-week endurance training programme (at 55%–75% of participants’ maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max)) with VO2max, per cent body fat, visceral adipose tissue, fasting levels of insulin, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, small low-density lipoprotein particles and inflammatory marker GlycA measured before and after training. For each exercise response trait, we created ethnicity-specific, sex-specific and generation-specific quintiles. High responses were defined as those within the 20th percentile representing the favourable end of the response trait distribution, low responses were defined as the 20th percentile from the least favourable end, and the remaining were labelled as average responses. Results Only one individual had universally high or low responses for all seven cardiometabolic traits. Almost half (49%) of the cohort had at least one high response and one low response across the seven traits. About 24% had at least one high response but no low responses, 24% had one or more low responses but no high responses, and 2.5% had average responses across all traits. Conclusions Interindividual variation in exercise responses was evident in all the traits we investigated, and responsiveness did not aggregate consistently in the same individuals. While adherence to an exercise prescription is known to produce health benefits, targeted risk factors may not improve.
Indirect Lumbar Decompression Combined With or Without Additional Direct Posterior Decompression: A Systematic Review.

Study Design:Systematic review.Objective:Indirect decompression via lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) can ameliorate central and foraminal lumbar stenosis. In severe central stenosis, addition...
Treatment with FLT3 inhibitor in patients with FLT3-mutated acute myeloid leukemia is associated with development of secondary FLT3-tyrosine kinase domain mutations

BACKGROUND FLT3–internal tandem duplication (ITD) mutations are found in approximately 30% of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). FLT3 inhibitors have shown clinical activity in AML with FLT3-ITD, but responses are usually short-lived. METHODS This study examined 69 FLT3-mutated patients with AML, who were treated with different FLT3 inhibitors to analyze emergence of new mutations. RESULTS At baseline, 87% of patients had an ITD mutation, 7% had a D835/I836 mutation, and 6% had combined ITD and D835/I836 mutations. Responses occurred in 32% of patients, all with FLT3-ITD; none of the patients with D835/I836 or ITD+D835/I836 responded. Mutational assessment at the time of FLT3 inhibitor discontinuation showed that 68% of patients were unchanged, 10% had become undetectable, and 22% of patients progressed from a single ITD to have combined ITD+D835/I836 mutations. In those patients with unchanged FLT3 mutation at progression, the median survival was 5 months, whereas in those with undetectable and with combined ITD+D835/I836 mutations, the median survival was 7 months, respectively. CONCLUSIONS These data confirm in vitro observations that a secondary tyrosine kinase domain mutation may arise after the use of FLT3 inhibitors in patients with single FLT3-ITD mutated AML, a phenomenon that is associated with resistance and a poor prognosis. Cancer 2014;120:2142–2149. © 2014 American Cancer Society.
Cello-oligosaccharides released from host plants induce pathogenicity in scab-causing Streptomyces species

Thaxtomin, a phytotoxic dipeptide that inhibits cellulose synthesis in expanding plant cells, is a pathogenicity determinant in scab-causing Streptomyces species. Cellobiose and cellotriose, the smallest subunits of cellulose, stimulated thaxtomin production in a defined medium, while other oligosaccharides did not. Cellobiose upregulated transcription of thaxtomin biosynthetic genes. Streptomyces scabies, Streptomyces acidiscabies, and Streptomyces turgidiscabies did not hydrolyze cellulose, suggesting that these cello-oligosaccharides are plant-derived. Cellotriose was released from rapidly growing plant seedlings growing in vitro. These data support a model in which scab-causing pathogens upregulate thaxtomin production in response to cellotriose released from thaxtomin-sensitive plant tissue.
Phosphorylation of Glycerol in Staphylococcus aureus

Staphylococcus aureus dissimilates glycerol via an adenosine triphosphate-dependent kinase and not by the phosphoenolpyruvate phosphotransferase system.
Impact ionization enhancements in AlxGa1−xSb avalanche photodiodes

The apparent inconsistency among several experiments examining the presence of an enhanced hole to electron impact ionization coefficient ratio in AlxGa1−xSb is shown to be associated with the failure to recognize that measurements at high and low electric fields lead to physically different results. The ratio exhibits an enhancement only for low fields because of “resonant” band structure effects associated with the equality of the energy gap and the spin orbit splitting. This effect is shown to be unimportant at high fields. The impact ionization calculations utilize realistic pseudopotential band structure Coulomb scattering matrix elements. Effects associated with alloy scattering are found to be unimportant.
Uniqueness in activation energy and charge-to-breakdown of highly asymmetrical DRAM Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/ cell capacitors

Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/ cell capacitors for dynamic random access memory (DRAM) applications were tested using constant voltage, time-dependent dielectric breakdown (TDDB) tests. The capacitors had area-enhancing, hemispherical grain (HSG) polysilicon as bottom electrodes (BEs). These electrodes acted as points of high electric field, and eased charge injection into the Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/. As a result, the capacitors had highly asymmetric current-voltage (I-V) characteristics. Time-to-fails (TTFs) were polarity-dependent, and, thus, much worse for HSG injection. However, activation energy (E/sub a/) and charge-to-breakdown (QBD) obtained from conducting stress under opposite polarities were a unique function of the electric field only. The results point to a common, polarity-independent mechanism responsible for final breakdown, and the possibility that only the kinetics of degradation is electrode controlled. Good correlation with the thermochemical E model suggests that the breakdown mechanism in Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/ might be similar to SiO/sub 2/.
Framework for Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) Based Environmental Decision Making During the Conceptual Design Phase for Commercial Buildings

Introduction In the U.S., about 50% of total CO2 emissions stem from the built environment (e.g., building construction, operation [heating, lighting, cooling], and end-of-life) (EPA 2012). Improving the performance and efficiency of the built environment offers the largest and least cost GHG mitigation option of any sector of the global economy (IPCC 2007). Science-based Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methods are increasingly being used to analyse the environmental impact of construction materials and products.
Use of the BCR probe to demonstrate extramedullary recurrence of CGL with a T cell lymphoid phenotype following bone marrow transplantation.

Abstract A case of Philadelphia chromosome (Ph1) positive chronic granulocytic leukemia (CGL) is described in which the patient underwent successful treatment with supralethal chemoradiotherapy and allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT) after transformation to blast crisis. Supraclavicular adenopathy developed 5 months after BMT and biopsy revealed a hematopoietic lymphoid neoplasm with an early T cell phenotype. A concurrent bone marrow was microscopically and cytogenetically normal. A metaphase chromosome preparation could not be obtained from nodal tissue. Lymph node DNA, however, was easily extracted and a rearrangement of BCR identical to that in the bone marrow prior to BMT was demonstrated indicating recurrent CGL rather than a de novo lymphoproliferative process. Appropriate therapy for lymphoid blast crisis resulted in a marked regression of measurable disease. The BCR probe may prove to be a useful tool for the diagnosis of CGL when standard cytogenetic techniques cannot be applied.
Stress and alcohol use in rural Chinese residents: A moderated mediation model examining the roles of resilience and negative emotions

Objective Little research has been done on alcohol use and dependence among rural residents in China, a sub-population that might be under increased stress due to the rapid modernization and urbanization processes. We aimed to assess rural residents’ levels of stress, negative emotions, resilience, alcohol use/dependence and the complex relationships among them.
An Experimental Alternator With A Superconducting Rotating Field Winding

This paper describes the design, fabrication, and testing of a two-pole, 3600 r/min, three-phase, 80 kVA alternator with a rotating, super-conducting field winding and an air-cooled copper armature. The major contribution is the experimental proof that liquid helium can be used in a rotating dewar vessel to successfully cool a rotating, superconducting field winding.
Trends in the electronic properties of substitutional 3 d transition-metal impurities in GaAs

The $X\ensuremath{\alpha}$ scattered-wave method, in its spin-restricted version, has been used to calculate the electronic states associated with an ideal gallium vacancy as well as with the following substitutional transition-metal impurities in gallium arsenide: chromium, manganese, iron, cobalt, nickel, and copper. The gallium vacancy is found to behave as a simple acceptor with an ionization energy of approximately 0.50 eV. In addition, a level of ${a}_{1}$ symmetry with considerable amplitude in the vacancy sphere is found at an energy of approximately 0.75 eV below the valence edge. The transition-metal impurities can be broken up into two categories, depending on whether or not the $3d$ states of the transition metal play an active role in determining the active electronic states of the defect. Those impurities to the left of (and including) cobalt are found to behave in the "standard" way, as the active impurity states in the gap have substantial $d$ character and there is clear evidence of bond formation involving the impurity and the neighboring host ligands. By contrast, nickel and copper appear to behave as simple acceptors in the sense that the active defect levels have little $d$ character and are rather more characteristic of the broken bonds at the impurity site. The $d$ states of this latter group appear as "resonances" in the host valence band and play little direct role in determining the electronic properties of the material. The paper concludes with a discussion of these results and possible factors that might affect their validity.
And then there was snow in Alaska: A sharing of experience with Allan Wicker

A perennial problem with theorizing is the improper context which experiments and correlational studies assume without understanding first the environmental levels of correspondence at which variables operate in nature. Ecological studies show variables can operate within separate contexts in such a way as to cancel the influence if too large or too small a context is chosen. One must first determine the proper level of correspondence before investigating the causal relationship. An example of the variable of snow in Alaska is explored and different levels of correspondence cited in attitude studies and economics. Only when levels of correspondence are understood does the true causal relationship permit measurement and interpretation.
Good guys or bad? Middle class blacks and the black community

William Alan Muraskin. Middle Class Blacks in a White Society: Prince Hall Freemasonry in America. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1975. 318 pp. $14.95.
Ammonia, theÃ←X˜transition

Abstract A new hypothesis regarding the dynamics of ammonia in theA←X˜transition is implemented. Unlike previous hypotheses, it is able to accurately reproduce the observed frequencies and account for the irregular band spacings and the asymmetric band shapes.
Brain atrophy over time in genetic and sporadic frontotemporal dementia: a study of 198 serial magnetic resonance images.

Background and purpose The aim of our study was to determine the utility of longitudinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measurements as potential biomarkers in the main genetic variants of frontotemporal dementia (FTD), including microtubule-associated protein tau (MAPT) and progranulin (GRN) mutations and C9ORF72 repeat expansions, as well as sporadic FTD. Methods In this longitudinal study, 58 subjects were identified who had at least two MRI and MAPT mutations (n = 21), GRN mutations (n = 11), C9ORF72 repeat expansions (n = 11) or sporadic FTD (n = 15). A total of 198 serial MRI measurements were analyzed. Rates of whole brain atrophy were calculated using the boundary shift integral. Regional rates of atrophy were calculated using tensor-based morphometry. Sample size estimates were calculated. Results Progressive brain atrophy was observed in all groups, with fastest rates of whole brain atrophy in GRN, followed by sporadic FTD, C9ORF72 and MAPT. All variants showed greatest rates in the frontal and temporal lobes, with parietal lobes also strikingly affected in GRN. Regional rates of atrophy across all lobes were greater in GRN compared to the other groups. C9ORF72 showed greater rates of atrophy in the left cerebellum and right occipital lobe than MAPT, and sporadic FTD showed greater rates in the anterior cingulate than C9ORF72 and MAPT. Sample size estimates were lowest using temporal lobe rates in GRN, ventricular rates in MAPT and C9ORF72, and whole brain rates in sporadic FTD. Conclusion These data support the utility of using rates of atrophy as outcome measures in future drug trials in FTD and show that different imaging biomarkers may offer advantages in the different variants of FTD.
Effect of a partial trisomy in the mouse upon cellular and nuclear RNA.

In a previous paper (Rake and Edwards, 1987) it was shown that the majority of the chromatin from trisomic mouse cells has nucleosomes with a smaller repeat length of DNA than the nucleosome repeat length of normal cells. Here it is shown that the RNA content of the total cell and of the nuclei is the same in all tissues studied, in both normal and trisomic cells. However, the amount per unit time or rate of RNA synthesis is depressed in the trisomic liver and brain nuclei. The depression of RNA synthesis could not be specified to the small trisomic section of the chromatin but instead must reflect the overall nuclear activity. These results, along with those of Devlinet al. (1988), indicate that the trisomic condition alters a substantial part of nuclear organization and activity, not just the small trisomic part.
Cost-Benefit Model for the Construction of Tornado Shelters

Tornadoes have been identified as one of the leading causes of death and injuries among natural disasters in the United States. Shelters play an important role in tornado mitigation efforts, since tornado-related mortality and injury rates are higher when tornado shelters are not available. This paper describes a methodology to address the viability of construction of tornado shelters in areas which have significant tornado hazards. A cost-benefit model that estimates the relative advantages of three tornado shelter construction strategies was developed and tested. The model accounts for factors such as probability of tornado occurrence, historical death and injury rates, economic incentives, and local construction and maintenance costs. The implications of factors such as useful life period, discount rate, and occupancy on the viability of the shelter were also studied. Relevance of this model to decision makers, as well as future needs for the model, is discussed.
Networking as a Tool for Career Advancement among Academic Psychologists.

The central thesis of this article is that a successful academic career, which is based largely on the quality or importance of one's scholarly work and teaching skill, can be enhanced by effective networking. Networking is defined as the set of strategies academic psychologists use to increase their visibility among and interactions with other professionals. We point to the recent focus on networking skills in the fields of business and career development and argue that little attention is given to such skills in the graduate training of psychologists. To remedy this, we describe several networking strategies that may be helpful for the budding academic psychologist.
Gender differences in learning and earning in nineteenth-century America: The role of expected job and career attachment☆

Abstract Quick, short-lived payoffs to experience in women's occupations about the turn of the century have led to the suggestion that gender differences in occupational distribution and wage rates were the result of profit- and income-maximizing choices in the context of differences in expected firm and occupational tenure. Using micro-level data on California workers in 1892 we develop the first estimates of completed firm and occupational tenure by gender. We show that, while women's tenure was indeed briefer than men's, the differences were too small to have warranted differences in training.
Using Quality Improvement Methods To Improve Public Health Emergency Preparedness: PREPARE For Pandemic Influenza

Many public health departments seek to improve their capability to respond to large-scale events such as an influenza pandemic. Quality improvement (QI), a structured approach to improving performance, has not been widely applied in public health. We developed and tested a pilot QI collaborative to explore whether QI could help public health departments improve their pandemic preparedness. We demonstrated that this is a promising model for improving public health preparedness and may be useful for improving public health performance overall. Further efforts are needed, however, to encourage the robust implementation of QI in public health.
Some reactions of neptunium hexafluoride

Abstract Hydrolysis of neptunium hexafluoride in nearly anhydrous hydrogen fluoride solution yields a new oxide fluoride, NpOF 4 , which is isostructural with the trigonal form of UOF 4 , NpOF 4 is n ot oxidised to Np(VII) by KrF 2 in anhydrous HF solution. The exchange reaction between NpF 6 and BCl 3 leads initially to the formation of NpF 4 . NpF 6 combines with CsF at 25° to yield CsNpF 6 ; in the presence of ClF 3 as solvent and at lower temperatures there is evidence for the possible formation of an unstable Np(VI) complex.