cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
High fidelity information processing in folic acid chemotaxis of Dictyostelium amoebae

Living cells depend upon the detection of chemical signals for their existence. Eukaryotic cells can sense a concentration difference as low as a few per cent across their bodies. This process was previously suggested to be limited by the receptor–ligand binding fluctuations. Here, we first determine the chemotaxis response of Dictyostelium cells to static folic acid gradients and show that they can significantly exceed this sensitivity, responding to gradients as shallow as 0.2% across the cell body. Second, using a previously developed information theory framework, we compare the total information gained about the gradient (based on the cell response) to its upper limit: the information gained at the receptor–ligand binding step. We find that the model originally applied to cAMP sensing fails as demonstrated by the violation of the data processing inequality, i.e. the total information exceeds the information at the receptor–ligand binding step. We propose an extended model with multiple known receptor types and with cells allowed to perform several independent measurements of receptor occupancy. This does not violate the data processing inequality and implies the receptor–ligand binding noise dominates both for low- and high-chemoattractant concentrations. We also speculate that the interplay between exploration and exploitation is used as a strategy for accurate sensing of otherwise unmeasurable levels of a chemoattractant.
The origins of an important cactus crop, Opuntia ficus-indica (Cactaceae): new molecular evidence

Opuntia ficus-indica is a long-domesticated cactus crop that is important in agricultural economies throughout arid and semiarid parts of the world. The biogeographic and evolutionary origins of this species have been obscured through ancient and widespread cultivation and naturalization. The origin of O. ficus-indica is investigated through the use of Bayesian phylogenetic analyses of nrITS DNA sequences. These analyses support the following hypotheses: that O. ficus-indica is a close relative of a group of arborescent, fleshy-fruited prickly pears from central and southern Mexico; that the center of domestication for this species is in central Mexico; and that the taxonomic concept of O. ficus-indica may include clones derived from multiple lineages and therefore be polyphyletic.
Tissue displacement assay (TDA): a theoretical tool for following radiopharmaceuticals.

Abstract Entry of radiopharmaceuticals into tissues and subsequent retention of the radiolabel can be affected by the amount of carrier as well as by the use of analogues or inhibitors. Since these agents cause displacement of the kinetic curves, or result in displacing the radiolabel from tissue, a general term “tissue displacement assay” (TDA) is proposed. When results are compared to those without added medication, the procedure can be broadly viewed as providing additional data on organ function, and as important in the redistribution of radiotracer for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.
Neurophysiology of action anticipation in athletes: A systematic review

The purpose of this study was to provide a systematic review of action anticipation studies using functional neuroimaging or brain stimulation during a sport-specific anticipation task. A total of 15 studies from 2008 to 2014 were evaluated and are reported in four sections: expert-novice samples, action anticipation tasks, neuroimaging and stimulation techniques, and key findings. Investigators examined a wide range of action anticipation scenarios specific to eight different sports and utilized functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), electroencephalogram (EEG), and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Expert-novice comparisons were commonly used to investigate differences in action anticipation performance and neurophysiology. Experts tended to outperform novices, and an extensive array of brain structures were reported to be involved differently for experts and novices during action anticipation. However, these neurophysiological findings were generally inconsistent across the studies reviewed. The discussion focuses on strengths and four key limitations. The conclusion posits remaining questions and recommendations for future research.
Secondhand Smoke and CVD in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Case for Action

Second hand tobacco smoke (SHS) is an environmental toxin and an established cause of cardiovascular disease in nonsmokers. Smoke free laws reduce SHS and its downstream cardiovascular disease, but until recently evidence to support smoke free law implementation in low and middle income country settings was limited. In 14 low and middle income nations surveyed by the Global Adult Tobacco Survey active smoking prevalence in adults (≥15 years old) was universally higher in males (range 21.6-60.2%) compared with females (0.5-24.4%), and the highest burden of SHS exposure was in women (strong positive association between male/female active smoking ratio and female SHS exposure prevalence). A systematic review was conducted of MEDLINE-indexed studies of self-reported SHS exposure and cardiovascular harms in low or middle income nations. Eight papers reported the association of SHS with ischemic heart disease and four reported the association of SHS with stroke. For all the studies, and almost all sources of SHS surveyed, a strong positive association between SHS and ischemic heart disease (main relative odds ratio range 1.17-2.36) and SHS and stroke (odds ratio or hazard ratio 1.41-1.49). Prevalence of SHS exposure is high in low and middle income nations, especially among women. Epidemiologic evidence supports the conclusion that SHS harms are the same across low, middle and high income nations. Governments have an obligation to protect citizens from SHS exposure, enforcing smoke-free legislation and providing public education about SHS harms.
Identifying gene subnetworks associated with clinical outcome in ovarian cancer using Network Based Coalition Game

The problem of identifying interacting genes that jointly are associated with a phenotype is considered. When the number of features are extremely large compared to the number of samples, there may be several subsets of features that provide acceptable levels of predictability. This is particularly true in cancer genomics, where we are interested in finding functionally related gene sets likely to jointly drive cancer phenotypes. In this paper, a novel game theoretic solution is proposed by modeling genes as players of a Coalition Game. This method discovers and develops informative gene subnetworks by integrating gene expression profiling of cancer tissues with protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks. These subnetworks are gradually developed by selective addition of candidate genes that present maximal Shapely values in coalition with subnetworks of genes. We applied the proposed algorithm to an ovarian cancer dataset (N = 201), in order to identify optimal subnetworks that can predict cancer progression risk in response to platinum-based therapy. We show improved predictive power of the proposed method when compared to state-of-the-art feature selection methods, with the added advantage of identifying potentially functional gene subnetworks that may provide insights into the mechanisms underlying cancer progression.
Effect of primary particle size on colloidal stability of multiwall carbon nanotubes

Multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are one type of nanoparticles that have various special properties and potential applications. Due to their increasing production and potential toxicological effects, the environmental behavior and transport of MWCNTs have become important research topics. Particle size is one of the important properties of nanoparticles, yet its effects on MWCNT environmental behaviors have not been fully investigated. In this study, we tested how the length of MWCNTs influenced their settling in the presence of Na+ and/or natural organic matter (NOM), and postulated the governing mechanisms. The results showed that when adding Na+ the shorter MWCNTs exhibited preferential aggregation and settling. One possible reason could be that shorter MWCNTs possess larger specific surface area and consequently stronger attraction forces. However, NOM strongly mitigated such aggregation, and helps to disperse MWCNTs regardless of their length and aqueous conditions.
Deaths monitoring analysis of Salar Autonomous County of Qinghai Province resident in 2012

Objective To understand the death causes and distribution of Xunhua County residents, which will provide the scientific basis for the integrated prevention and control. Methods The death surveillance data of Xunhua county in2012 were analyzed descriptively by using mortality and proportion. Results It was shown that reported crude mortality rate was 475.00/100,000, the reported all-cause life expectancy was 69.4 years old in Xunhua County in 2012. And heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, gastric and duodenal ulcers, cancer, respiratory system diseases and accidental death were the main causes of death in the residents, accounting for 77.25 % of all causes of death.Conclusions Some chronic non-communicable diseases, for instance cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, cancer and respiratory system diseases and accidental death are the major risk factors of affecting the health of Xunhua county residents. It is urgent to strengthen prevention and control of chronic non-communicable diseases. So we should carry out the monitoring, prevention and control and injury interventions of chronic diseases actively.
Design and discussion on the mobile operating platform in poisoning event disposal

Objective: To explore the integrated research of poisoning event. Methods: The mechatronics and integration are as the guideline to explore the integrated equipment of poisoning event. Results: Epidemiological investigation, laboratory detection and individual protection can be integrated as enclosure equipment, and the platform can transmit the result of investigation results. Conclusion: The mobile operating platform can meet the need of disposal in poisoning event.
Evaluation of Inositol Brilliant Green Bile Salts and Plesiomonas Agars for Recovery of Plesiomonas shigelloides from Aquatic Samples in a Seasonal Survey of the Suwannee River Estuary

Two plating media, inositol brilliant green bile salts (IBB) and plesiomonas (PL) agars, were compared using surface plating procedures for the recovery of Plesiomonas shigelloides . IBB was more effective in both the percentage of positive samples recovered and the percentage of isolates confirmed as P. shigelloides . Pure culture studies of heat- and cold-injured cells, however, showed that IBB agar failed to recover many of these organisms. Samples examined were from the Suwannee River estuary and included water, sediment, fish, crabs and mollusks. This survey found a high incidence (58.7%) of Plesiomonas in environmental samples. Counts of P. shigelloides per gram of sample differed among the various types of samples, ranging from 101 CFU/g in water and oysters to 106 CFU/g in bream.
An Improved Approach for Interactive Ebooks

Motivated by widespread changes to how technology is used in education, perceived high costs of traditional textbooks, and a desire to incorporate interactivity into materials, the fundamental nature of the textbook is changing. We present our ebook approach in the form of an interactive Java resource that can fully replace a course textbook or be used as a supplementary resource. We will demonstrate a platform and approach to the interactive textbook that improves on the significant and ongoing efforts by others in this area and that uses higher degrees of interactivity to increase student engagement while maintaining the pedagogical value of a textbook as both a learning tool and a trusted reference.
Case 26-1983: A 65-Year-Old Woman with Recurrent Upper Abdominal Pain

Presentation of Case A 65-year-old woman was admitted to the hospital because of a question of recurrent pancreatitis. She was well until five years earlier, when she experienced an attack of pain in the epigastrium, right upper quadrant, and back, accompanied by nausea and jaundice. Laboratory studies showed abnormal results of liver-function tests and an elevated amylase level. The episode subsided, but four bouts of identical symptoms occurred during the succeeding five years. Four months before admission, after the most recent episode of pain, an attempted endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatographic (ERCP) examination performed at another hospital revealed a submucosal mass in . . .
Exploiting diversity in type checkers for better error messages

Producing precise and helpful type error messages has been a challenge for the implementations of functional programming languages for over 3 decades now. Many different approaches and methods have been tried to solve this thorny problem, but current type-error reporting tools still suffer from a lack of precision in many cases. Based on the observation that different approaches work well in different situations, we have studied the question of whether a combination of tools that exploits their diversity can lead to improved accuracy. Specifically, we have studied Helium, a Haskell implementation particularly aimed at producing good type error messages, and Lazy Typing, an approach developed previously by us to address the premature-error-commitment problem in type checkers. By analyzing the respective strengths and weaknesses of the two approaches we were able to identify a strategy to combine both tools that could markedly improve the accuracy of reported errors. Specifically, we report an evaluation of 1069 unique ill-typed programs out of a total of 11,256 Haskell programs that reveals that this combination strategy enjoys a correctness rate of 82%, which is an improvement of 25%/20% compared to using Lazy Typing/Helium alone. In addition to describing this particular case study, we will also report insights we gained into the combination of error-reporting tools in general. HighlightsWe propose the idea of combining error-reporting tools in complementary ways.We develop a strategy for combining two tools for debugging type errors.Our strategy significantly increases the precision of individual tools.We present an iterative process for deriving combining strategies in general.
Forgiveness Therapy in the Relief of Discomfort

Patients present with a myriad of complaints. These complaints cover a range from the physical to the psychological. Many of the presenting symptoms and ramifications of the "disease" process can be a reflection of the psycho-physical relationship in all human beings. The practice of forgiveness has been discussed throughout history usually through a religious lens, yet, research points to forgiveness as a means to reduce anger, depression, to improve health and happiness and to increase selfesteem. It is interesting to note that it is forgiveness work that enables individuals to enable lasting personal change and move forward in a positive fashion. It is also interesting to note that forgiveness therapy is a crucial part of the hypnotherapeutic interaction when dealing with pain and other discomfort.
AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION PREPARTICIPATION CARDIOVASCULAR SCREENING OF COMPETITIVE ATHLETES HISTORY ELEMENTS APPLIED TO A DIVERSE INTERNATIONAL SCREENING PROGRAM

Background: The history portion of the American Heart Association (AHA) preparticipation evaluation (PPE) consists of 7 personal & 3 family history questions. These were developed by expert opinion & have not been evaluated in a diverse international setting. Methods: At the 2015 Summer World
Developing the Totality of Evidence for Biosimilars: Regulatory Considerations and Building Confidence for the Healthcare Community

Biosimilars are highly similar versions of approved branded biologics. Unlike generics, they are not exact replicas of reference products. Minor differences between biosimilars and reference products in some aspects are expected; likewise, biosimilar products will differ from each other. The objective of this review is to discuss the challenges associated with the development and approval of biosimilar products that are unique because of their complex structure and specialized manufacturing processes, which can impact not only efficacy but also immunogenicity and safety. Regulatory guidelines recommend a totality-of-evidence approach focused on stepwise development that involves demonstration of structural similarity and functional equivalence. Structural and functional characteristics of the proposed biosimilar are compared with the reference product; similarity of these functions forms the foundation of the biosimilar development program, including potential animal studies, a human pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics equivalence study, and a clinical study to confirm similar efficacy, safety, and immunogenicity. The clinical study should be performed in a sensitive population using appropriate endpoints to allow detection of any clinically meaningful differences between the biosimilar and the reference product if such differences exist. In conclusion, development of biosimilars is focused on the minimization of potential differences between the proposed biosimilar and reference product and the establishment of a robust manufacturing process to consistently produce a high-quality biosimilar product.
Structure and Dynamics of the Tetra-A Loop and (A-A)-U Sequence Motif within the Coliphage GA Replicase RNA Operator.

The three-dimensional structure of a RNA hairpin containing the RNA operator binding site for bacteriophage GA coat protein is presented. The phage GA operator contains the asymmetric (A-A)-U sequence motif and is capped by a four-adenine (tetra-A) loop. The uridine of the (A-A)-U motif preferentially pairs with the 5′-proximal cross-strand adenine, and the 3′-proximal adenine stacks into the helix. The tetra-A loop is well-ordered with adenine residues 2–4 forming a 3′ stack. This loop conformation stands in contrast to the structure of the 5′-AUUA loop of the related phage MS2 operator in which residues 1 and 2 form a 5′ stack. The context dependence of the (A-A)-U sequence motif conformation was examined using structures of 76 unique occurrences from the Protein Data Bank. The motif almost always has one adenine bulged and the other adenine adopting an A-U base pair. In the case in which the (A-A)-U motif is flanked by only one Watson–Crick base pair, the adenine adjacent to the flanking base pair tend...
Dimensional Traits of Schizotypy Associated With Glycine Receptor GLRA1 Polymorphism: An Exploratory Candidate-Gene Association Study

Schizotypy captures the underlying genetic vulnerability to schizophrenia. However, the genetic underpinnings of schizotypy remain unexplored. The authors examined the relationship between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and schizotypy. A sample of 137 subjects (43 healthy controls, 34 subjects with schizotypal personality disorder [SPD], 32 with borderline personality disorder, and 25 with other personality disorders) completed the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire (SPQ). Subjects were genotyped using a custom array chip. Principal component analysis was used to cluster SPQ variables. Linear regression tested for associations between dimensional schizotypy and SNPs. Logistic regression tested for associations between SNPs and SPD diagnosis. There were significant associations between the minor alleles of three SNPs within the glycine receptor alpha 1 subunit (GLRA1) and the disorganized schizotypy dimension, even after Bonferroni correction. There were no significant associations between any S...
Quarter-flux Hofstadter lattice in a qubit-compatible microwave cavity array

Topological and strongly correlated materials are exciting frontiers in condensed-matter physics, married prominently in studies of the fractional quantum Hall effect [H. L. Stormer et al., Rev. Mod. Phys. 71, S298 (1999)], There is an active effort to develop synthetic materials where the microscopic dynamics and ordering arising from the interplay of topology and interaction may be directly explored. In this work, we demonstrate an architecture for exploration of topological matter constructed from tunnel-coupled, time-reversal-broken microwave cavities that are both low loss and compatible with Josephson-junction-mediated interactions [A. Wallraff et al., Nature (London) 431, 162 (2004)]. Following our proposed protocol [B. M. Anderson et al., Phys. Rev. X 6, 041043 (2016)], we implement a square lattice Hofstadter model at a quarter flux per plaquette ($\ensuremath{\alpha}=1/4$), with time-reversal symmetry broken through the chiral Wannier orbital of resonators coupled to yttrium-iron-garnet spheres. We demonstrate site-resolved spectroscopy of the lattice, time-resolved dynamics of its edge channels, and a direct measurement of the dispersion of the edge channels. Finally, we demonstrate the flexibility of the approach by erecting a tunnel barrier and investigating dynamics across it. With the introduction of Josephson junctions to mediate interactions between photons, this platform is poised to explore strongly correlated topological quantum science in a synthetic system.
Phosphorylation is required for the pathogen defense function of the Arabidopsis PEN3 ABC transporter

The Arabidopsis PEN3 ABC transporter accumulates at sites of pathogen detection, where it is involved in defense against a number of pathogens. Perception of PAMPs by pattern recognition receptors initiates recruitment of PEN3 and also leads to PEN3 phosphorylation at multiple amino acid residues. Whether PAMP-induced phosphorylation of PEN3 is important for its defense function or focal recruitment has not been addressed. In this study, we evaluated the role of PEN3 phosphorylation in modulating the localization and defense function of the transporter. We report that PEN3 phosphorylation is critical for its function in defense, but dispensable for recruitment to powdery mildew penetration sites. These results indicate that PAMP-induced phosphorylation is likely to regulate the transport activity of PEN3.
Rethinking Unconventional Translation in Neurodegeneration

Eukaryotic translation is tightly regulated to ensure that protein production occurs at the right time and place. Recent studies on abnormal repeat proteins, especially in age-dependent neurodegenerative diseases caused by nucleotide repeat expansion, have highlighted or identified two forms of unconventional translation initiation: usage of AUG-like sites (near cognates) or repeat-associated non-AUG (RAN) translation. We discuss how repeat proteins may differ due to not just unconventional initiation, but also ribosomal frameshifting and/or imperfect repeat DNA replication, expansion, and repair, and we highlight how research on translation of repeats may uncover insights into the biology of translation and its contribution to disease.
Porosity and Pore Size Distribution in High Surface Area Monolithic Cellular Ceramic Catalytic Substrates

Abstract High surface area extruded monolithic cellular substrates are being developed and evaluated for applications in the chemical process industries and for stationary emissions control. Alumina, 93% alumina + 7% silica, magnesium aluminate spinel, silicas, titania, and 91% titania +9% silica compositions are characterized in detail by porosity, pore size distribution and surface area as a function of heat treatment. Extruded high surface area alumina monoliths have the usual surface area and porosity characteristics of gamma alumina substrate material. However, the addition of silica increases the temperature stability and changes the pore size distribution from monomodal to multimodal, i.e. from 95 angstroms for 100% alumina to a material with mesopores concentrated at 70 and 140 angstroms plus pores extending from the mesopore to the macropore range, 0.02–0.18 microns. Titania is similar to alumina because the addition of silica also increases its thermal stability and changes the pore distribution from predominantly monomodal to bimodal. Silica compositions have surface areas that range upto 150 m2/g and have unique bimodal pore distributions. Data for magnesium aluminate spinel show high temperature stability for this material.
A Functional Neuroimaging Study of Expectancy Effects on Pain Response in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis

Abstract Placebo treatments and healing rituals share much in common, such as the effects of expectancy, and have been used since the beginning of human history to treat pain. Previous mechanistic neuroimaging studies investigating the effects of expectancy on placebo analgesia have used young, healthy volunteers. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), we aimed to investigate the neural mechanisms by which expectancy evokes analgesia in older adults living with a chronic pain disorder and determine whether there are interactions with active treatment. In this fMRI study, we investigated the brain networks underlying expectancy in participants with chronic pain due to knee osteoarthritis (OA) after verum (genuine) and sham electroacupuncture treatment before and after experiencing calibrated experimental heat pain using a well tested expectancy manipulation model. We found that expectancy significantly and similarly modulates the pain experience in knee OA patients in both verum (n = 21, 11 female; mean ± SD age 57 ± 7 years) and sham (n = 22, 15 female; mean ± SD age 59 ± 7 years) acupuncture treatment groups. However, there were different patterns of changes in fMRI indices of brain activity associated with verum and sham treatment modalities specifically in the lateral prefrontal cortex. We also found that continuous electroacupuncture in knee OA patients can evoke significant regional coherence decreases in pain associated brain regions. Our results suggest that expectancy modulates the experience of pain in knee OA patients but may work through different pathways depending on the treatment modality and, we speculate, on pathophysiological states of the participants. Perspective To investigate the neural mechanisms underlying pain modulation, we used an expectancy manipulation model and fMRI to study response to heat pain stimuli before and after verum or sham acupuncture treatment in chronic pain patients. Both relieve pain and each is each associated with a distinct pattern of brain activation.
Radical prostatectomy and the effect of close surgical margins: results from the Shared Equal Access Regional Cancer Hospital (SEARCH) database.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate biochemical recurrence (BCR) patterns amongst men undergoing radical prostatectomy (RP) with specimens having negative (NSM), positive (PSM), and close surgical margins (CSM) from the Shared Equal Access Regional Cancer Hospital (SEARCH) cohort, as PSM after RP are a significant predictor of biochemical failure and possible disease progression, with CSM representing a diagnostic challenge for surgeons. PATIENTS AND METHODS Men undergoing RP between 1988 and 2015 with known final pathological margin status were evaluated. The cohort was divided into three groups based on margin status; NSM, PSM, and CSM. CSM were defined by distance of tumour ≤1 mm from the surgical margin. BCR was defined as a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level of >0.2 ng/mL, two values at 0.2 ng/mL, or secondary treatment for an elevated PSA level. Predictors of BCR, metastases, and mortality were analysed using Cox proportional hazard models. RESULTS Of 5515 men in the SEARCH database, 4337 (79%) men met criteria for inclusion in the analysis. Of these, 2063 (48%) had NSM, 1902 (44%) had PSM, and 372 (8%) had CSM. On multivariable analysis, relative to NSM, men with CSM had a higher risk of BCR (hazard ratio [HR] 1.51, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.25-1.82; P < 0.001) but a decreased risk of BCR when compared to those men with PSM (HR 2.09, 95% CI 1.86-2.36; P < 0.001). Metastases, prostate cancer-specific mortality and all-cause mortality did not differ based on margin status alone. CONCLUSIONS Management of men with CSM is a diagnostic challenge, with a disease course that is not entirely benign. The evaluation of other known risk factors probably provides greater prognostic value for these men and may ultimately better select those who may benefit from adjuvant therapy.
The Determinants of Adolescent Neighborhood Satisfaction: Assessing the Importance of School Satisfaction

As traditional neighborhood institutions, public schools can have significant influence on adolescent neighborhood satisfaction. Scholars have argued, however, that various phenomena have detached ...
Quantitative Extraction and Mass Spectrometry Analysis at a Single-Cell Level

Quantitative live cell mass spectrometry analysis at a subcellular level requires the precisely controlled extraction of subpicoliter volumes of material from the cell, sensitive analysis of the extracted analytes, and their accurate quantification without prior separation. In this study, we demonstrate that localized electroosmotic extraction provides a direct path to addressing this challenge. Specifically, we demonstrate quantitative mass spectrometry analysis of biomolecules in picoliter volumes extracted from live cells. Electroosmotic extraction was performed using two electrodes and a finely pulled nanopipette with tip diameter of <1 μm containing a hydrophobic electrolyte compatible with mass spectrometry analysis. The electroosmotic drag was used to drive analytes out of the cell into the nanopipette. Analyte molecules extracted both from solutions and cell samples were analyzed using nanoelectrospray ionization (nanoESI) directly from the nanopipette into a mass spectrometer. More than 50 metabo...
Market Structure, Trade Practice Regulation, and Competition Policy

The dynamic food and agricultural markets continue to evolve, generally leading to larger farms and marketing firms with potentially more market power throughout the supply chain. As the structure of the industry has changed, the ways of doing business have moved further from the perfectively competitive norm to a much more interlinked production and marketing system integrated vertically and horizontally. The US food and agricultural sector has long been regulated or guided by policies and programs which proscribe or limit trade practices or market firm conduct. This chapter addresses to what extent the current US programs adequately regulate market activities or set a framework within which market participants operate in today’s global marketing system. It examines existing federal policies and programs to provide countervailing power to producers facing much larger marketing entities in their transactions beyond the farm gate. It also reviews trade practice regulations designed to provide a more fair system of exchange, and to proscribe certain conduct to enhance market performance. Some options for improving the effectiveness of these programs are identified and evaluated for their impacts on market efficiency. Finally, potential for greater public–private sector collaboration and needed additional research and education to foster improved market performance are briefly explored.
Determination of erectile penile volume by ultrasonography.

AbstractA total of 58 men with organic erectile dysfunction underwent penile blood flow studies with a 10MHz. high resolution ultrasonogram and pulsed Doppler analysis after papaverine injection. The average volume increase for the entire group was 52.62 cc (445.9 per cent). No statistical differences in volume increase were noted among 3 groups separated by age. The average volume increase in 23 patients with venous insufficiency was greater than that in 20 patients with primary arterial insufficiency (p <0.033). Eleven patients who had erections satisfactory for vaginal penetration after papaverine injection had a statistically greater increase in penile length but no difference in volume increase than those with a poor response.The 10MHz. high resolution sonogram provides the most accurate assessment of penile volume, which if measured at specific intervals after papaverine injection should allow an accurate assessment of penile flow. Patients with venous insufficiency may have weakness of the tunica, ...
T-DNA Insertion Mutagenesis and the Untagged Mutants

Insertion mutagenesis is defined as the insertion of DNA of known sequence into a gene. In plants there are two types of insertion elements that have been used for this purpose: transposons and T-DNA. Numerous genes have been isolated from species such as Zea mays and Antirrhinum majus that harbour endogenous transposable elements. In species such as Arabidopsis thaliana, heterologous transposons have been used to mutagenize genes (Bhatt et al., 1996). Transposon mutagenesis will be described elsewhere in this volume (Chapter 19).
Nasal Obstruction Considerations in Cosmetic Rhinoplasty

Cosmetic rhinoplasty is an increasingly popular procedure in the United States. There are critical aspects of preoperative planning and intraoperative execution that facilitate successful rhinoplasty. Thorough preoperative assessment of the structures comprising the internal and external nasal valves and identification of potential at-risk areas for static or dynamic compromise must be done before surgery. Thoughtful maneuvers and meticulous surgical technique must be used. Postoperative counseling ranges from simple reassurance to medical therapy to procedural efforts to alleviate a patient's concerns. It is important to establish rapport with the patient and dutifully address all cosmetic and functional concerns.
Cardiovascular Ultrasound Contrast Agent and Microembolic Signals on Transcranial Doppler

Transcranial Doppler (TCD) monitoring of the intracranial vessels is useful for the detection of microembolic signals (MES), which can help with risk stratification and evaluation of therapies. The...
HPV 6-associated HSIL/Squamous Carcinoma in the Anogenital Tract.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) type 6 is historically classified as low-risk HPV type and associates with low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions of the anogenital tract. Rare squamous carcinomas have been reported in association with these HPV types but the mechanism(s) behind this carcinogenic sequ
Biomarkers of Macrophage Activation and Immune Danger Signals Predict Clinical Outcomes in Alcoholic Hepatitis

Although mortality due to acute alcoholic hepatitis (AH) correlates with Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) scores, biomarkers are critically needed to manage this disease. Increases in inflammatory markers and macrophage activation are associated with acute AH and could be potential biomarkers of clinical events and/or mortality. We enrolled 89 clinically diagnosed AH patients in four US academic medical centers. Plasma from AH patients had a significant increase in gut microbial translocation indicators (endotoxin, bacterial 16S ribosomal DNA) and host response indicators (soluble cluster of differentiation 14 [sCD14] and lipopolysaccharide binding protein [LBP]) compared to controls. Patient MELD score and Glasgow Alcoholic Hepatitis score (GAHS) correlated with endotoxin levels. AH patients also had a significant increase in high mobility group protein 1 (HMGB1), a sterile danger signal molecule, and osteopontin (OPN), a multifunctional phosphoprotein involved in neutrophil activation, compared to controls. Increased levels of OPN positively correlated with increasing MELD score, GAHS, and LBP levels. Consistent with these results, AH patients had significantly increased circulating levels of macrophage activation (sCD163 and sCD206) markers compared to healthy controls, and sCD163 and sCD206 significantly and positively correlated with OPN, HMGB1, and LBP levels as well as with MELD score and GAHS. These findings indicate a connection between microbial translocation, immune cell activation, and AH severity. Plasma sCD14, OPN, sCD163, and sCD206 levels were significantly higher in nonsurvivors than survivors. In multivariate regression models, we identified sCD14, sCD163, and OPN as independent predictors of 90-day mortality, infection, and organ failure development, respectively. Conclusion: Our study suggests that sCD14, LBP, OPN, sCD163, and sCD206 are biomarkers to indicate severity and predict clinical outcomes in AH.
A Switch for Education: Utilizing Simplified Microswitch Technology:

Special opportunities for growth and development must be provided to enable students with disabilities to develop an increasing degree of control of the environment, including other people and them...
Irregular dynamics of cellular blood flow in a model microvessel.

The flow of red blood cells within cylindrical vessels is complex and irregular, so long as the vessel diameter is somewhat larger than the nominal cell size. Long-time-series simulations, in which cells flow 105 vessel diameters, are used to characterize the chaotic kinematics, particularly to inform reduced-order models. The simulation model used includes full coupling between the elastic red blood cell membranes and surrounding viscous fluid, providing a faithful representation of the cell-scale dynamics. Results show that the flow has neither classifiable recurrent features nor a dominant frequency. Instead, its kinematics are sensitive to the initial flow configuration in a way consistent with chaos and Lagrangian turbulence. Phase-space reconstructions show that a low-dimensional attractor does not exist, so the observed long-time dynamics are effectively stochastic. Based on this, a simple Markov chain model for the dynamics is introduced and shown to reproduce the statistics of the cell positions.
The group care quality standards assessment: A framework for assessment, quality improvement, and effectiveness

Abstract Concerns about the quality of residential care for children and youth are longstanding. These concerns prompted a Florida-based initiative aimed at transforming residential care through the integration of research-informed practice standards, on-going assessment, and continuous quality improvement. The initiative resulted in the development of the Group Care Quality Standards and the Group Care Quality Standards Assessment (GCQSA) as mechanisms for guiding transformation efforts. In this article, we elaborate on the conceptual and implementation frameworks guiding the development and efforts to scale up the GCQSA throughout Florida. We begin by summarizing empirical sources that informed the guiding frameworks. Next, we describe the project phases highlighting the aims, methods and summarizing results where relevant. The aim of this article is to offer a working blue print to guide the adaptation of quality initiatives in other child welfare organizations or jurisdictions while taking into consideration the fit of such initiatives within the service environment and the complexities of system-wide change.
Flow-Arrest Transitions in Frictional Granular Matter.

The transition between shear-flowing and shear-arrested states of frictional granular matter is studied using constant-stress discrete element simulations. By subjecting a dilute system of frictional grains to a constant external shear stress and pressure, friction-dependent critical shear stress and density are clearly identified with both exhibiting a crossover between low and high friction. The critical shear stress bifurcates two nonequilibrium steady states: (i) steady state shear flow characterized by a constant deformation rate, and (ii) shear arrest characterized by temporally decaying creep to a statically stable state. The onset of arrest below critical shear stress occurs at a time ${t}_{c}$ that exhibits a heavy-tailed distribution, whose mean and variance diverge as a power law at the critical shear stress with a friction-dependent exponent that also exhibits a crossover between low and high friction. These observations indicate that granular arrest near critical shear stress is highly unpredictable and is strongly influenced by interparticle friction.
Circulating versus lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory markers as correlates of subthreshold depressive symptoms in older adults.

Objectives: Circulating cytokines have been associated with depression, but their detection has limitations, which may be overcome by direct detection of intracellular cytokines (ICCs) after lipopo...
Recruiting and training disaster volunteers

Abstract This chapter provides an overview of how to recruit and train disaster volunteers. The chapter begins with a focus on recruiting so that managers will know how to attract a diverse set of volunteers. An overview then lays out a range of training needs starting with the importance of safety. Training strategies are then considered followed by a discussion of potential legal concerns. Additional ideas will be found in the chapters that follow which include managing disaster volunteers.
Clinical associations of quarterly Patient Health Questionnaire-9 depression screening results in adolescents with type 1 diabetes.

BACKGROUND Awareness of comorbid depression in type 1 diabetes (T1D) patients is necessary to optimize health and diabetes care. Depression can occur or recur requiring regular review for depression symptoms. A validated tool to screen adolescents for symptoms of depression is the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ)-9 Modified for Teens (PHQ91-9 ). METHODS PHQ91-9 depression screen results, depression-related ICD-codes, demographic data, and information on complications and comorbidities of adolescents ≥11 years old with T1D were obtained. Longitudinal and single observation multivariable analyses identified associations of covariates with positive PHQ91-9 depression screens. RESULTS 5032 PHQ91-9 surveys were completed by 1225 unique participants. Overall, 6% (286/5032) of the PHQ91-9 depression screens were positive, and 60% (171/286) of the positive screens occurred in 107 unique patients without documented depression. In the longitudinal analysis, positive PHQ91-9 screens were associated (P < .05) with a diagnosis of depression listed in the medical record (OR 9.8), diabetic retinopathy (OR 4.3), female sex (OR 1.9), and use of an insulin pump (OR 0.5), while the single observation analysis at the time of a positive PHQ91-9 indicated presence of depression in the medical record (odds ratio 12.1), female sex (OR 1.9), and obesity (OR 1.8) were significantly (P < .05) associated with positive PHQ91-9 results. CONCLUSION Quarterly PHQ91-9 depression screening of adolescents with T1D during routine clinic visits can immediately inform care, and previous diagnosis of depression is the most strongly associated covariate, highlighting the importance of documenting depression in the medical record. Additionally, awareness for higher odds of positive PHQ91-9 depression screens in females, obese adolescent, and patients on insulin injections is important.
NRAO and Radio Astronomy in the Twenty-First Century

Following the inauspicious experience with the 140 Foot Telescope, NRAO apparently learned to manage big projects. The VLA and VLBA were built on schedule and on budget. But the Green Bank Telescope project was funded before the design was complete and was prematurely rushed into construction with unfortunate consequences to the cost and schedule. However, by the beginning of the twenty-first century NRAO was operating the most powerful radio telescopes in the world, the VLA, the VLBA, and the GBT, and had become the acknowledged leader in the evolution of radio astronomy from a technique to an astronomical-based science. As radio telescopes became more sophisticated and computer-aided, observations and reduction became more automated; radio astronomers evolved from experimenters to observers to data analysts. By the turn of the century, the traditional breed of radio astronomers was disappearing. NRAO users often no longer participated in the observing, and with the start of ALMA observations in 2011, often did not even participate in the planning of the observations or the reduction of data.
Authors’ reply to Comment on “Fomepizole as an adjunctive treatment in severe acetaminophen ingestions”

Thank you for the response to our letter. Our interest in fomepizole as an adjunct therapy for severe acetaminophen toxicity is grounded in preclinical investigations and initial human reports. Unf...
Face Mask Effects of CO2, Heart Rate, Respiration Rate, and Oxygen Saturation on Instructor Pilots

The COVID-19 pandemic has required people to take new measures to mitigate the spread of the communicable virus. Guidelines from health organizations, government offices, and universities have been disseminated. Adherence to these guidelines cannot be more critical for flight training. This study explored the effects face masks had on CO 2 , heart rate, respiration rate, and oxygen saturation while wearing a face mask at an oxygen level simulated to 5,000 feet. Thirty-two instructor pilots (IP) volunteered to participate in the study. IPs spent 90 minutes in a normobaric chamber while wearing a cloth face mask or a paper face mask. Participants were measured before entering the chamber, at the 15-minute mark, at the 45-minute mark, at the 90-minute mark, and after exiting the chamber where they briefly removed their mask for a final measurement. No differences were found between type of face mask. Wearing face masks did not present any potential health or safety issues for the IPs. However, IPs did report moderate dislikes (e.g., comfort, issues with fatigue, restriction of movement) of wearing face masks. Although face masks may be a nuisance, it does not appear to create any health or safety issues at a simulated altitude of 5,000 feet.
Improving Artificial Neural Network Based Streamflow Forecasting Models through Data Preprocessing

The real time hydrological data may contain noise, missing information and deviation from its original scale due to complex and nonlinear nature of hydrological processes. The data when used as it is in hydrological forecasting may create uncertainty in hydrological models, especially in data-driven models which fully rely upon the input-output data. The current research provides a simple preprocessing approach to improve the performance of ANN-based streamflow estimation models through providing a better input state. The two-step preprocessing approach includes; the data transformation through a family of power transformation, the Box-Cox transformation, and the selection of appropriate input variables through the Gamma Test. The original data, which is essentially antecedent upland catchment information of thirteen stations located in Upper Indus Basin (UIB), comprises of twenty inputs, including precipitation, solar radiation and discharge. The Box-Cox transformation has been applied to prepare a transformed data-set and the power factor, λ, (with best value of 0.005), for this transformation, has been determined using probability plots and histogram characteristics. Input combination selection procedure is carried out in WinGamma environment with the help of Genetic Algorithm (GA). Two-layer ANN models have been trained through Broyden, Fletcher and Goldfrab Shano (BFGS) training algorithm for both original and transformed data-sets. The comparison of models clearly indicate that the models developed through transformed data-set showed better performance in both training and testing phases with high values of NSE and R2 which is above 90% in most of the cases, and less other statistical errors including RMSE, VARIANCE and BIAS. Simple preprocessing options, could significantly reduce the uncertainty in ANN based hydrological models through improving the quality of real time hydrological data.