cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Oesophageal cancer: location, location, location

At the request of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC), non-anatomic (non-TNM) classifications were evaluated and important classifications incorporated into staging recommendations for oesophageal cancer in the 7th edition of the Cancer Staging Manual [1]. Cancer location, histopathological cell type and histological grade were demonstrated to enhance cancer staging [2]. Adenocarcinoma location was overwhelmingly in the lower thoracic oesophagus (96%), and thus the influence of cancer location on adenocarcinoma staging could not be evaluated [2, 3]. However, location was an important classification for squamous cell cancer. Distribution of squamous cell cancer location in worldwide data was upper thoracic (10%), middle thoracic (58%) and lower thoracic (32%) [3]. Only addition of histological grade to TNM improved staging of squamous cell cancers confined to the mucosa and submucosa (pT1). However, a complex interplay of cancer location and histological grade added to staging of pT2-T3N0M0 squamous cell cancer, such that four combinations were identified (Fig. 1). These ranged from lower thoracic well-differentiated (G1) squamous cell cancers (stage IB), which had the best survival, to middle and upper thoracic moderately differentiated to poorly differentiated (G2–G3) squamous cell cancers (stage IIB), which had the worst survival. G2– G3 lower thoracic squamous cell cancers and G1 upper and middle thoracic squamous cell cancers were grouped together (stage IIA), with intermediate survival. Non-anatomical classifications, including cancer location, did not influence staging of advanced squamous cell oesophageal cancer (T4 and N+) [1, 3]. Shi et al. [4] present their single-institution experience, analysing the importance of cancer location in squamous cell cancer. Prompted by the famous real estate quote, we reviewed their data and analysis (cancer location), the Asian experience (geographic location) and timing of this publication (temporal location).
Effect of FLCO2 Dynamics on Ti and Ttot in Spontaneously Breathing Birds

This study investigates whether the model of the respiratory pacemaker devised by Kunz and Miller (1974) is responsible for respiratory frequency in awake spontaneously breathing birds. This model hypothesizes that each inspiration causes an oscillation in fractional concentration of CO2 in the lung (\({\operatorname{F} _{{{\operatorname{LCO} }_2}}}\)) and that the timing of an event in this \({\operatorname{F} _{{{\operatorname{LCO} }_2}}}\) cycle sets the time of the next inspiration. These experiments used awake chickens which were spontaneously breathing from a gas flow line in which the fractional concentration of CO2 (\({\operatorname{F} _{{{\operatorname{ICO} }_2}}}\)) could be rapidly changed. During the first portion of the inspiratory period, \({\operatorname{F} _{{{\operatorname{ICO} }_2}}}\) was kept at a value near that of end expiratory \({\operatorname{F} _{{{\operatorname{CO} }_2}}}\) (0.05). Then τ seconds after the beginning of inspiration, the \({\operatorname{F} _{{{\operatorname{ICO} }_2}}}\) was decreased to 0.0 for 0.6 s and then returned to 0.05. Ventilatory movements were monitored by a whole body plethysmograph. When τ was varied within the range 0.1 to 0.6 s the inspiratory period, Ti, and total respiratory period, Ttot, were found to change proportionately. Sinusoidal and step forcing of τ showed an immediate response of Ti and Ttot with almost no hysteresis. These findings are believed to support the model.
Mesenchymal Cell Growth Factors

The study of growth factors has involved diverse fields that share a common interest in factors regulating cellular proliferation. These disciplines include wound healing since growth factors initiate repair or regeneration of injured tissue; cancer because transformed cells have been shown to have deregulated expression of growth factor genes; and diseases such as atherosclerosis and pulmonary fibrosis which are characterized by excessive cellular proliferation. This brief review of mesenchymal cell growth factors emphasizes growth factors that are likely to be involved in wound healing. Included in this discussion are platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), transforming growth factor-beta (TGFP), the insulin-like growth factors (IGFs), epidermal growth factor (EGF)/transforming growth factor alpha (TGF-a), and interleukin 1 (IL-1). These growth factors are significant because they participate in the local regulation of mesenchymal cells. Several other important mesenchymal cell growth factors are not discussed because of space limitations, including many produced by activated monocytes/macrophages and immune cells. The growth factors discussed in this review share several common features:
Gamma ray observations of the Crab pulsar - Past, present, future

The paper describes some of the high-energy observations of the Crab-Nebula pulsar, PSR0531+22. The pulse profiles of the Crab pulsar obtained in balloon-borne observations in 1967 and 1980 are presented. At present, gamma-ray scintillation detectors aboard the Gamma Ray Observatory (GRO) form the basis of the Burst and Transient Source Experiment (BATSE). The pulsar, which is observed daily by the BATSE, is used by all four GRO/BATSE detectors as a calibration source since it emits a steady, strong, well-known spectrum of gamma rays over the entire energy range to which detectors are sensitive. The paper presents an example of a pulse profile obtained with the BATSE.
Compact designs of mixcolumns and subbytes using a novel common subexpression elimination algorithm

Efficient hardware implementation of the advanced encryption standard (AES) is important due to its widespread applications. Applying a novel common subexpression elimination (CSE) algorithm to the two major transformations of the AES, mixcolumns and subbytes, we propose compact designs of the transformations. The hardware costs of our implementations are either the same as or smaller than those of prior works.
Wnt signaling blockage inhibits cell proliferation and migration, and induces apoptosis in triple-negative breast cancer cells.

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive clinical subtype of breast cancer that is characterized by the lack of estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) expression as well as human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) overexpression. The TNBC subtype constitutes approximately 10%–20% of all breast cancers, but has no effective molecular targeted therapies. Previous meta-analysis of gene expression profiles of 587 TNBC cases from 21 studies demonstrated high expression of Wnt signaling pathway-associated genes in basal-like 2 and mesenchymal subtypes of TNBC. In this study, we investigated the potential of Wnt pathway inhibitors in effective treatment of TNBC. Activation of Wnt pathway was assessed in four TNBC cell lines (BT-549, MDA-MB-231, HCC-1143 and HCC-1937), and the ER+ cell line MCF-7 using confocal microscopy and Western blot analysis of pathway components. Effectiveness of five different Wnt pathway inhibitors (iCRT-3, iCRT-5, iCRT-14, IWP-4 and XAV-939) on cell proliferation and apoptosis were tested in vitro. The inhibitory effects of iCRT-3 on canonical Wnt signaling in TNBC was evaluated by quantitative real-time RT-PCR analysis of Axin2 and dual-luciferase reporter assays. The effects of shRNA knockdown of SOX4 in combination with iCRT-3 and/or genistein treatments on cell proliferation, migration and invasion on BT-549 cells were also evaluated. Immunofluorescence staining of β-catenin in TNBC cell lines showed both nuclear and cytoplasmic localization, indicating activation of Wnt pathway in TNBC cells. iCRT-3 was the most effective compound for inhibiting proliferation and antagonizing Wnt signaling in TNBC cells. In addition, treatment with iCRT-3 resulted in increased apoptosis in vitro. Knockdown of the Wnt pathway transcription factor, SOX4 in triple negative BT-549 cells resulted in decreased cell proliferation and migration, and combination treatment of iCRT-3 with SOX4 knockdown had a synergistic effect on inhibition of cell proliferation and induction of apoptosis. These data suggest that targeting SOX4 and/or the Wnt pathway could have therapeutic benefit for TNBC patients.
ELISA-BASE

Summary:ELISA-BASE is an open source database for capturing, organizing and analyzing enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) microarray data. ELISA-BASE is an extension of the BioArray Software Environment (BASE) database system. Availability: http://www.pnl.gov/statistics/ProMAT/ELISA-BASE.stm. Contact: amanda.white@pnl.gov
Implementing “Corrections of Place” Ideas The Perspective of Clients and Staff

Restorative justice has recently become popular among practitioners, but there have been few rigorous evaluations of programs. For approximately 5 years, Ventura County, California, probation staff and other local organizations worked together on the South Oxnard Challenge Project (SOCP), a juvenile probation program designed to implement Clear’s “corrections of place” (COP) ideas. The program is evaluated using a randomized experimental design and the results of surveys with youth clients, staff, and the youths’ caregivers regarding the effectiveness of the SOCP in reaching COP-related goals are reported. Results reflect that there were few differences between SOCP clients and routine probationers’ perceptions of their experiences. SOCP staff members were significantly more likely to believe they were reaching COP goals than were routine probation officers. Caregivers believed the SOCP was more helpful than routine probation.
Conjunctival impression cytology as an indicator of vitamin A status in lactating Indonesian women

Conjunctival impression cytology (CIC) has been used to assess the vitamin A status of children but not women. We used CIC in a randomized controlled trial of high-dose vitamin A supplementation in Indonesian women. We report its association with biochemical indicators and evaluate its usefulness for several assessment functions, using two definitions for abnormal CIC. Serum retinol concentrations of all women and milk vitamin A concentrations of unsupplemented women decreased with worsening CIC category. CIC indicated risk of low milk vitamin A and low infant serum retinol with low sensitivity and high specificity. CIC did not identify women who benefited from supplementation. The usefulness of CIC to measure response to supplementation was limited by the low prevalence of abnormal status in these women. CIC may be a useful indicator of vitamin A deficiency in women or their breast-fed infants, or to measure response to supplementation, when a more sensitive cutoff point for abnormal status is used.
Thermal effects on infiltration of a solubility-sensitive volume-memory liquid

As the ion density at a solid–liquid interface changes, the interfacial tension varies accordingly, which can lead to a large energy density output, particularly when amplified by the high specific surface area of a nanoporous material. This concept is validated by the results of a controlled-temperature infiltration experiment on a hydrophobic zeolite immersed in a saturated aqueous solution of sodium acetate. As the temperature changes, the sodium acetate concentration varies significantly, which in turn causes a variation in infiltration pressure. Since the infiltration and defiltration are reversible, under the working pressure, this system exhibits a volume memory characteristic, with a non-monotonic temperature–volume relationship.
Anatomical and Biomechanical Considerations of the PCL

This article discusses the anatomy and biomechanics of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) and PCL reconstructions and their implications for clinical management of PCL injuries. The PCL consists of two functional components, the anterolateral and posteromedial, based on their reciprocal tensioning patterns. The anterolateral has been the focus of single-bundle PCL reconstructions. Recent biomechanical studies have indicated that the posteromedial bundle also plays an important role, and double-bundle PCL reconstructions have also been proposed. The PCL works closely with the posterolateral structures in providing posterior knee stability. The effects of several surgical variables, including graft fixation, associated injuries, and tunnel placement, that can significantly affect the outcome of PCL reconstruction are discussed. With improved knowledge of the PCL, new reconstructive techniques are being developed, offering the potential of more closely replicating the anatomy and biomechanics of the norma...
Seismic and aseismic slip indicators in serpentinite gouge

Structures observed within experimentally deformed serpentinite gouges provide information that may be used to identify the seismic behavior of natural fault zones. In laboratory friction experiments serpentinite exhibits two modes of behavior: one can only result in stable fault creep, and the other may result in stable slip, but has the potential for earthquakes. The microstructures that form during these experiments reflect the deformation style of the serpentinite: distributed deformation results from aseismic fault creep, and localized deformation results from conditions favorable for seismic slip. Distributed deformation produces a crystallographic preferred orientation of the serpentine grains (S foliation). Localized deformation forms Riedel shears. Similar structures occur within a natural serpentinite shear zone from Monterey County, California, and suggest a history of stable fault creep with intermittent seismic events.
Lecithin-retinol Acyltransferase Is Essential for Accumulation of All-trans-Retinyl Esters in the Eye and in the Liver

Lecithin-retinol acyltransferase (LRAT), an enzyme present mainly in the retinal pigmented epithelial cells and liver, converts all-trans-retinol into all-trans-retinyl esters. In the retinal pigmented epithelium, LRAT plays a key role in the retinoid cycle, a two-cell recycling system that replenishes the 11-cis-retinal chromophore of rhodopsin and cone pigments. We disrupted mouse Lrat gene expression by targeted recombination and generated a homozygous Lrat knock-out (Lrat-/-) mouse. Despite the expression of LRAT in multiple tissues, the Lrat-/- mouse develops normally. The histological analysis and electron microscopy of the retina for 6–8-week-old Lrat-/- mice revealed that the rod outer segments are ∼35% shorter than those of Lrat+/+ mice, whereas other neuronal layers appear normal. Lrat-/- mice have trace levels of all-trans-retinyl esters in the liver, lung, eye, and blood, whereas the circulating all-trans-retinol is reduced only slightly. Scotopic and photopic electroretinograms as well as pupillary constriction analyses revealed that rod and cone visual functions are severely attenuated at an early age. We conclude that Lrat-/- mice may serve as an animal model with early onset severe retinal dystrophy and severe retinyl ester deprivation.
Facilitating tacit knowledge exchange

Sharings insights from a humanistic and entertainment approach to improving organizational efficiency.
Relativistic red shift with 1 ? 10?16 uncertainty at the NIST, Boulder

The relativistic red shift for the new caesium fountain at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) at Boulder, USA, has been estimated using two independent methods. Method 1 uses the EGM96 geopotential model to estimate the geopotential number, C, and subsequently the frequency offset, −C/c2 (c being the speed of light), obtaining the value 1797.8 × 10−16 with an estimated standard uncertainty of 1.1 × 10−16. Method 2 uses the geopotential number from the National Geodetic Survey data sheet for the NIST marker and gives a frequency offset of 1798.9 × 10−16, with an estimated standard uncertainty of 0.2 × 10−16.
Accumulation of Glutathione Disulfide Mediates NF-κB Activation During Immune Stimulation with CpG DNA

Innate immune cells recognize pathogens by detecting molecular patterns that are distinct from those of the host. One such pattern is unmethylated CpG dinucleotides, which are common in bacterial DNA but not in vertebrate genomes. Macrophages respond to such CpG motifs in bacterial DNA or synthetic oligodeoxynucleotides (ODN) by inducing NF-kappaB and secreting proinflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), but the mechanisms regulating this have been unclear. CpG ODN-stimulated cells produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) and have a decreased ratio of intracellular glutathione/glutathione disulfide (GSH/GSSG), indicating a shift to a more oxidized intracellular redox state. To determine whether this may play a role in mediating the CpG-induced macrophage activation, the GSH/GSSG redox state was manipulated in the murine macrophagelike cell line RAW264.7. Treatment of cells with BCNU to inhibit glutathione reductase (GR) enhanced the CpG-induced intracellular oxidation and decreased the GSH/GSSG, with increased activation of NF-kappaB and a doubling in the CpG-induced production of IL-6 and TNF-alpha. Experimental manipulation of the intracellular GSSG concentration during inhibition of cellular prooxidant production demonstrated that increased intracellular GSSG is a primary signal that is directly or indirectly required for CpG-induced NF-kappaB activation but is not in itself sufficient to trigger this in the absence of CpG ODN. These data suggest the existence of a second CpG-induced intracellular signal, independent of GSSG, mediating the activation of innate immunity by bacterial DNA.
The two-woman phenomenon revisited.

The clinical syndrome of “the two-woman phenomenon” as described by Weiss in a previous publication is reviewed. The problem of the role of the bias of the analyst in the treatment of such cases is raised, and the formulation used by Weiss to explain the phenomenon, employing the assumption of early splitting of maternal representations, is challenged. Viewing the two-woman syndrome as a manifestation of narcissistic pathology in middle age is suggested as a better explanation, one that more cogently fits the commonly observed clinical facts. A spectrum of pathological solutions to narcissistic wounding can be delineated in the patient's marital situation. These range from an empty depleted collapse on the one hand, to suddenly abandoning a wife of many years and engaging in a fruitless search for a fantasized woman on the other. The two-woman phenomenon stands in between these extremes as an attempt at compromise formation.
Silicate weathering and North Atlantic silica burial during the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum

During the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM, ca. 56 Ma), thousands of gigatons of carbon were released into the ocean and atmosphere over several thousand years, offering the opportunity to study the response of ocean biogeochemistry to a carbon cycle perturbation of a similar magnitude to projected anthropogenic CO 2 release. PETM scenarios typically invoke accelerated chemical weathering of terrestrial silicate rocks as a significant negative feedback driving the recovery and termination of the event. However, the implications of this mechanism for the geochemical cycling of silica during the PETM have received little attention. I use “back-of-the-envelope” calculations and a simple two-box geochemical model of the marine silica cycle to demonstrate that the sequestration of thousands of gigatons of carbon by enhanced silicate weathering during the PETM would have dramatically increased the riverine supply of dissolved silica (H 4 SiO 4 ) to the oceans. This would have elevated seawater [H 4 SiO 4 ], encouraging both increased opal (SiO 2 ) production by siliceous organisms and enhanced preservation of SiO 2 in the water column and sediments. Both of these factors would have promoted a prompt (due to the relatively short oceanic residence time of silica) increase in sedimentary opal burial, thus balancing the marine silica budget. Several recently recovered deep-sea sedimentary records from the central North Atlantic demonstrate elevated SiO 2 content across the Paleocene-Eocene boundary, which I argue is the result of enhanced production and/or preservation of SiO 2 in response to elevated [H 4 SiO 4 ] in the North Atlantic, representing the ultimate fate of excess Si weathered from the continents during the PETM.
Abstract 3318: Exploring the utility of natural and synthetic resveratrol derivatives for bone regrowth following loss due to breast cancer therapies

Many of the most widely used therapies for the treatment of breast cancer have been associated with enhanced rate of bone loss, including chemotherapies and hormone therapies, due to alteration of normal hormone signaling. Bone loss is due to a shift in the balance between osteoblast and osteoclast cells that are derived from a common precursor, mesenchymal stem cells (MSC), found in the bone marrow. Estrogen is an important mediator of both hormone-responsive breast cancers and normal bone development and regeneration, favoring MSC differentiation down the osteoblast lineage. Stilbenes, defense compounds produced by plants including red grapes, peanuts, and blueberries, have been popularized in recent years based on observed health benefits. Resveratrol, the most widely studied stilbene, has been credited with many health benefits including cardiovascular health, anti-cancer and antioxidant effects, and inhibition of obesity and diabetes. Many stilbenes, including resveratrol can be classified as phytoestrogens due to their ability to bind and alter the activity of the estrogen receptor. A series of 28 stilbene compounds, including resveratrol and pterostilbene, were obtained by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and screened for effects on MSC differentiation. MSC were treated with stilbene compounds (both E and Z isoforms) and cultured in either osteogenic or adipogenic differentiation media for 7-21 days. Following differentiation, cells were stained with (1) Alizarin Red S to identify calcium deposits or (2) Oil Red O to identify lipid droplets. Several compounds were found to stimulate osteogenesis while inhibiting adipogenesis and were selected for further study and development. Realtime PCR for known genes associated with osteogenesis (ALPL, RUNX2, OCN, OPN) and adipogenesis (ADIPOQ, GLUT4, LEP, PPARG) were used to confirm differentiation and gain insight into the mechanism of altered differentiation. Unlike estrogen, stilbenes do not appear to negatively impact breast and reproductive organs. Stilbenes thus represent a novel option for inducing a preferential shift of MSCs toward the osteogenic lineage while potentially avoiding the negative health effects of estrogen. Targeting the differentiation of MSC to favor bone formation represents a viable target for the development of novel therapeutics for bone loss following cancer treatment. Further, identifying compounds that stimulate osteogenesis while repressing adipogenesis could benefit other metabolic disorders like obesity associated with increased breast cancer risk. Citation Format: Evan Robert, Lyndsay V. Rhodes. Exploring the utility of natural and synthetic resveratrol derivatives for bone regrowth following loss due to breast cancer therapies. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 3318.
Resilience and Growth in the Small States of the Pacific

Pacific island countries face unique challenges to realizing their growth potential and raising living standards. This book discusses ongoing challenges facing Pacific island countries and policy options to address them. Regional cooperation and solutions tailored to their unique challenges, as well as further integration with the Asia and Pacific region will each play a role. With concerted efforts, Pacific island countries can boost potential growth, increase resilience, and improve the welfare of their citizens.
Phosphinothricin Acetyltransferases Identified Using In Vivo, In Vitro, and Bioinformatic Analyses

Acetylation of small molecules is widespread in nature, and in some cases, cells use this process to detoxify harmful chemicals. Streptomyces species utilize a Gcn5 N-acetyltransferase (GNAT), known as Bar, to acetylate and detoxify a self-produced toxin, phosphinothricin (PPT), a glutamate analogue. Bar homologues, such as MddA from Salmonella enterica, acetylate methionine analogues such as methionine sulfoximine (MSX) and methionine sulfone (MSO), but not PPT, even though Bar homologues are annotated as PPT acetyltransferases. S. enterica was used as a heterologous host to determine whether or not putative PPT acetyltransferases from various sources could acetylate PPT, MSX, and MSO. In vitro and in vivo analyses identified substrates acetylated by putative PPT acetyltransferases from Deinococcus radiodurans (DR_1057 and DR_1182) and Geobacillus kaustophilus (GK0593 and GK2920). In vivo, synthesis of DR_1182, GK0593, and GK2920 blocked the inhibitory effects of PPT, MSX, and MSO. In contrast, DR_1057 did not detoxify any of the above substrates. Results of in vitro studies were consistent with the in vivo results. In addition, phylogenetic analyses were used to predict the functionality of annotated PPT acetyltransferases in Burkholderia xenovorans, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Acinetobacter baylyi, and Escherichia coli IMPORTANCE: The work reported here provides an example of the use of a heterologous system for the identification of enzyme function. Many members of this superfamily of proteins do not have a known function, or it has been annotated solely on the basis of sequence homology to previously characterized enzymes. The critical role of Gcn5 N-acetyltransferases (GNATs) in the modulation of central metabolic processes, and in controlling metabolic stress, necessitates approaches that can reveal their physiological role. The combination of in vivo, in vitro, and bioinformatics approaches reported here identified GNATs that can acetylate and detoxify phosphinothricin.
Looking Backward, Looking Forward: The Long, Torturous Struggle with Mosquitoes

The American anti-mosquito movement grew out of the discovery of the role of mosquitoes in transferring pathogens and public concern about pest and nuisance mosquitoes in the late 1800s. In the 20th century, organized mosquito control in the United States passed through three eras: mechanical, chemical, and integrated mosquito control. Mosquito control in the 21st century faces the challenge of emerging pathogens, invasive mosquito species, and balancing concerns about the environment with effective control strategies.
Language Trajectory through Corrective Feedback

This quasi-experimental study was designed to investigate the effects of corrective feedback on SLA/EFL to determine the potential benefits of two different corrective feedback techniques, namely recasts and elicitation. The research hypotheses were: 1) Learners who are exposed to interactive focused task that requires CR will benefit more than those who are exposed to communicative activities only; 2) Elicitation will be more effective than recasts in leading to L2 development; Three intensive EFL classes in a language center in Songkhla province, Thailand were selected to participate in the study. Based on the study design, two class were assigned to the treatment conditions elicitation group and recasts group and the third was used as a control group. The treatment took place over a period of 9 meetings focusing on teaching third person singular –s morpheme and the provision of CF where it was necessary . The participants' knowledge of the intended syntantic point was tested before treatment and post tested after receiving the treatment. A multiple choice and focused-cloze reading grammar test was used in the pre-test and the post-test to evaluate the effects of the treatments on the learners' acquisition of third person singular morpheme. This classroom-based study showed that the two treatment groups benefited from CF strategies, but according to the study, elicitation group outperformed the recast one.
Daoism in History : Essays in Honour of Liu Ts'un-yan

On Dreaming of Being Left-Handed: Liu Ts'un-yan and Daoist Studies "Benjamin Penny" "Let Living and Dead Take Separate Paths": Bureaucratisation and Textualisation in Early Chinese Mortuary Ritual "Peter Nickerson "Preliminary Considerations in the Search for a Daoist Dhammapada "T.H. Barrett" The Visvantara-jataka in Buddhist and Daoist Translation "Stephen R. Bokenkamp" Visions of Evil: Demonology and Orthodoxy in Early Daoism "Christine Mollier " Between Karmic Retribution and Entwining Infusion: Is the Karma of the Parent Visited Upon the Child? "Maeda Shigeki "Early Daoist Meditation and the Origins of Inner Alchemy "Fabrizio Pregadio "The Dynamic Design: Ritual and Contemplative Graphics in Daoist Scriptures "Franciscus Verellen "Was Celestial Master Zhang a Historical Figure? "Liu Ts'un-yan"
Postnatal Development of Olfactory-Guided Behavior in Rodents

Olfaction is among the first sensory systems in vertebrates to become functional during ontogenesis (Alberts 1984). Even in the most altricial species, i.e., those that produce extremely immature newborns, the sense of smell is operable at birth and is often vital to the early survival of the young (Alberts 1976, 1981, 1985). From birth to sexual maturity, most vertebrates encounter an expanding array of social and environmental challenges. The roles of olfaction in survival and reproductive success broaden accordingly. In rodents, for example, the sense of smell is a critical avenue for information affecting exploration, aggression, feeding, sexual maturation, estrous cycles and sexual behavior. Similarly, olfaction regulates maternal behavior, dominance relations, as well as recognition of kin, non-kin, mates, prey, predators, and territory (see Alberts 1976, 1981; Cheal 1975; Doty 1976; Schulz and Tapp 1973).
Demonstration of human reagin in monkey tissues. IV. In vitro sensitization of monkey ileum with globulin fractions from sera of patients sensitive to ragweed.

Abstract Sera of four ragweed-sensitive patients were fractionated. Three protein fractions were obtained: euglobulin (IgM), zinc precipitate at 22° C. (ZnPpt 22 °) (IgG), and zinc supernatant (ZnSup) (IgA). Other serum components could also be detected in these fractions. The fractions of all four sera were examined by the Prausnitz-Kustner (P-K) test and the Schultz-Dale test with monkey ileum. All 3 fractions sensitized the monkey ileum, but in different concentrations. The highest activity was found in the ZnSup (IgA) fractions. Inactivation at 56° C. for 4 hours and 2-mercaptoethanol diminished the activity in the ZnSup and whole sera. All ZnSup and 2 of the 4 ZnPpt 22 ° fractions were positive by the P-K test. The IgG globulin was isolated from both P-K-positive ZnPpt 22 ° fractions. The skin-sensitizing activity was retained in one of these IgG globulins. The reaginic activity associated with the ZnSup fractions and with the IgG globulin are discussed. The possibility that antibody other than reagin may passively sensitize the monkey ileum is presented.
Graph Convolutional Networks With Argument-Aware Pooling for Event Detection

The current neural network models for event detection have only considered the sequential representation of sentences. Syntactic representations have not been explored in this area although they provide an effective mechanism to directly link words to their informative context for event detection in the sentences. In this work, we investigate a convolutional neural network based on dependency trees to perform event detection. We propose a novel pooling method that relies on entity mentions to aggregate the convolution vectors. The extensive experiments demonstrate the benefits of the dependency-based convolutional neural networks and the entity mention-based pooling method for event detection. We achieve the state-of-the-art performance on widely used datasets with both perfect and predicted entity mentions.
Pneuma and the Pre-Socratics

To make clearer the range of associations which pneuma could have, we look at an extreme example of its importance in the work of the Pre-Socratic philosophers. They associated ‘prime matter’ with a single substance. Air, or breath – pneuma – has an observable association with life, so for Anaximenes pneuma or breath became identified with life and hence with soul, in the sense of intelligence, as well.
Can MRI-only replace MRI-CT planning with a titanium tandem and ovoid applicator?

Abstract Purpose/Objective(s) To evaluate dosimetric differences between MRI-only and MRI-CT planning with a titanium tandem and ovoid applicator to determine if all imaging and planning goals can be achieved with MRI only. Materials/Methods We evaluated 10 patients who underwent MRI-CT-based cervical brachytherapy with a titanium tandem and ovoid applicator. High-risk clinical target volume and organs at risk were contoured on the 3D T2 MRI, which were transferred to the co-registered CT, where the applicator was identified. Retrospectively, three planners independently delineated the applicator on the axial 3D T2 MRI while blinded to the CT. Identical dwell position times in the delivered plan were loaded. Dose-volume histogram parameters were compared to the previously delivered MRI-CT plan. Results There were no significant differences in dose to D90 or D98 of the high-risk clinical target volume with MRI vs. MRI-CT planning. MRI vs. MRI-CT planning resulted in mean D0.1cc bladder of 8.8 ± 3.4 Gy vs. 8.5 ± 3.2 Gy (p = 0.29) and D2cc bladder of 6.2 ± 1.4 Gy vs. 6.0 ± 1.4 Gy (p = 0.33), respectively. Mean D0.1cc rectum was 5.7 ± 1.2 Gy vs. 5.3 ± 1.2 Gy (p = 0.03) and D2cc rectum 4.0 ± 0.8 Gy vs. 4.2 ± 1.0 Gy (p = 0.18), respectively. Mean D0.1cc sigmoid was 5.2 ± 1.3 Gy vs. 5.4 ± 1.6 Gy (p = 0.23) and D2cc sigmoid 3.9 ± 1.0 Gy vs. 4.0 ± 1.1 Gy (p = 0.18), respectively. Conclusion There were no clinically significant dosimetric differences between the MRI and MRI-CT plans. This study demonstrates that cervical brachytherapy with a titanium applicator can be planned with MRI alone, which is now our clinical standard.
Pediatric movement disorders.

Movement disorders in children encompass disorders of motor control-both hyperkinetic (excessive movement) and hypokinetic (decreased movement). This article focuses on the hyperkinetic movement disorders, particularly tremor, Wilson's disease, dystonia, tics and Tourette syndrome, chorea, myoclonus, neuroleptic-induced movement disorders, and psychogenic movement disorders. Phenomenology of the disorders as well as clinical presentation, basic pathophysiology, genetics, and treatment are discussed.
Gender Differences in Cognitive and Emotional Adjustment to Traumatic Brain Injury

This study examined gender differences in cognitive and emotional status after traumatic brain injury (TBI) among 262 men and 140 women with TBI referred for neuropsychological evaluations. In this cross-sectional study, cognition was measured in terms of both absolute level of functioning (i.e., raw/standard scores) and estimated decline from premorbid levels expressed as z-deficit scores in the following domains: intelligence [Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale—Revised (WAIS-R)], memory and attention [Wechsler Memory Scale—Revised (WMS-R)], processing speed (Trails A), and cognitive flexibility (Trails B). Emotional functioning was measured in terms of depression (Beck Depression Inventory) and general emotional distress (Brief Symptom Inventory). Kruskal–Wallis nonparametric one-way ANOVAs indicated that women and men differed significantly on 2 of 8 raw/standard cognitive scores [men demonstrated lower WMS-R General Memory (p < .05) and Trails B scores (p < .0001) and 4 of 8 relative decline scores [women demonstrated more estimated change in VIQ (Verbal IQ) [p < .0001], FSIQ (Full Scale IQ) [p < .01], and Attention (p < .01)]; men demonstrated greater estimated z-decline scores on Trails B (p < .01)]. Women reported significantly higher levels of depression (p < .01), but men endorsed significantly greater general psychological distress (p < .05). Research and assessment recommendations are suggested.
Parenting and family systems.

Family systems theory provides a rich conceptual framework and body of research devoted to understanding the larger relational context in which parenting takes place. Although in some ways inherent to research on parenting more broadly, family systems thinking also stands apart as an independent body of thought. Indeed, given that the term “family” inherently refers to a constellation including parents and children, it might be thought that all parenting theory and research concerns the family system. However, family systems theory stands apart from mainstream parenting research and provides an umbrella for a group of theoretical perspectives that, although diverse in some respects, share a number of assumptions that can be best summed up as “the effect of relationships on relationships” (Emde, 1988). For example, a distinction can be made between family-related variables that affect children and their parents (e.g., poverty, community violence, and adversity) and family systemic processes that affect the entire system of interrelationships within the family, including their structure, patterns, and reciprocal transactions (Cowan and Cowan, 2006; Kerig, 2016). To this end, this chapter reviews key theoretical propositions underlying the family systems approach, describes the research and interventions that have derived from this perspective, and discusses future directions in the field.
Ultralow Power Nonvolatile Logic Based on Spin-Orbit and Exchange Coupled Nanowires

The rapid growth of Internet of Things and emphasis on low power mobile devices has inspired researchers to explore newer devices, such as nonvolatile logic devices. Due to their miniaturized dimensions and zero leakage, spintronic devices are among the most promising devices in literature. In this paper, we propose a new logic style based on spin-orbit and exchange coupled nanowires. Our logic style takes advantage of two key features, namely, spin-orbit coupling and exchange coupling fields to enhance energy efficiency. Furthermore, we demonstrate dedicated input and output paths for the proposed device resulting in inherent asymmetry and simplified operation. Furthermore, thanks to our device structure, fringing dipole fields between devices are eliminated leading to improved area utilization and smaller area. In order to evaluate our proposed logic style, a simulation framework was developed. This simulation framework consists of a micromagnetic dynamics module, electron transport module, and a circuit integrator. Using our simulation framework, we demonstrate 88% reduction in power delay product and 93% reduction in the delay and 37% reduction in the area for an inverter compared to previously logic styles based on motion of domain walls.
Psychological predictors of memory decline in a racially and ethnically diverse longitudinal sample of older adults in the United States.

Objectives In the United States, racial and ethnic disparities in memory dysfunction and Alzheimer disease are evident even after accounting for many risk factors. Psychological factors, such as psychological well-being, perceived control, depressive symptoms, and negative affect, may influence memory dysfunction, and associations may differ by race and ethnicity. This study examined whether psychological factors are differentially associated with episodic memory trajectories across racial and ethnic groups in the United States. Methods/design The National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS), is a US-representative, longitudinal study of Medicare-eligible adults 65+ years old. Analyses of 5 years of data, included a total of 9411 participants without dementia at baseline. Adjusting for relevant covariates, a linear mixed model estimated the associations between psychological predictors and a composite of immediate and delayed trials from a word list memory test. Results More depressive symptoms (B = -0.02), lower psychological well-being (B = 0.03), and lower perceived control (B = 0.05) were independently associated with lower initial memory. Depressive symptoms were associated with faster rate of memory decline (B = -0.01). Black (B = -0.34) and Hispanic (B = -0.28) participants evidenced lower initial memory level than whites, but only Hispanic (B = -0.04) participants evidenced faster memory decline than whites. There were no significant interactions between the psychological variables and race and ethnicity. Conclusions Results extend previous studies showing racial and ethnic disparities in episodic memory trajectories, and the longitudinal effects of depressive symptoms on episodic memory in US samples. Epidemiological studies of cognitive aging should incorporate more psychological factors clarify cognitive decline and disparities.
Association of Immune Thrombocytopenia and T-Lymphoblastic Lymphoma in a Pediatric Patient

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is characterized by isolated thrombocytopenia of unclear etiology. We present a unique case of an 8-year-old girl with chronic ITP who was subsequently diagnosed with T-lymphoblastic lymphoma at age 11. The clinical course was complicated by the occurrence of nonepileptiform events with bizarre behavior changes following the administration of nelarabine and intrathecal and high-dose systemic methotrexate. This case highlights an unusual co-occurrence of hematologic malignancy and chronic ITP in an otherwise healthy child. We speculate that underlying genetic or immunologic lesions may predispose a subset of pediatric ITP patients to the development of hematologic malignancies.
'Who Knows What': Audience Targeting for Question Asking on Facebook

Social networking sites are becoming increasingly popular venues for seeking information. To the extent that users can understand who knows what in their networks and target those friends appropriately, they can make effective use of the site as a knowledge base of information. This paper explores how targeting one's Facebook network when asking questions influences the breadth and quality of answers they receive. An experiment (N = 64) was conducted in which participants posted questions to their Facebook networks in four broadcast level conditions: status update to their full networks, status update to a custom subset of their networks, posting on a friend's Timeline, and sending a direct message. Results indicate that posting a question more broadly results in more information, which is moderated by perceptions of Facebook as a transactive memory system and as a source of social capital. However, informational and social value of responses is greatest when posting to a custom subset of their network. These results suggest that while targeting specific individuals may be the most effective means of gathering information in offline networks, the broadcast affordance of Facebook may be a more useful way to gather information on the site.?
A Prokaryotic Membrane Sculpting BAR Domain Protein

Abstract Bin/Amphiphysin/RVS (BAR) domain proteins belong to a superfamily of coiled-coil proteins that influence membrane curvature in eukaryotes and are associated with vesicle biogenesis, vesicle-mediated protein trafficking, and intracellular signaling(1-6). BAR domain proteins have not been identified in bacteria, despite certain organisms displaying an array of membrane curvature phenotypes(7-16). Here we identify a prokaryotic BAR domain protein, BdpA, from Shewanella oneidensis MR-1, an iron reducing bacterium known to produce redox active membrane vesicles and micrometer-scale membrane extensions. BdpA is required for uniform size distribution of outer membrane vesicles and is responsible for scaffolding outer membrane extensions (OMEs) into membrane structures with consistent diameter and curvature. While a strain lacking BdpA produces OMEs, cryogenic transmission electron microscopy reveals more lobed, disordered OMEs rather than the membrane tubes produced by the wild type strain. Overexpression of BdpA promotes OME formation even during planktonic conditions where S. oneidensis OMEs are less common. Heterologous expression also results in OME production in Marinobacter atlanticus CP1 and Escherichia coli. Based on the ability of BdpA to alter membrane curvature in vivo, we propose that BdpA and its homologs comprise a newly identified class of prokaryotic BAR (P-BAR) domains that will aid in identification of putative P-BAR proteins in other bacterial species. Significance Statement BAR domain proteins are a crucial component of membrane architecture and vesicle trafficking in eukaryotic cells. Despite the recognized importance of BAR domain proteins in eukaryotic cell biology, this family of proteins has never before been reported for prokaryotes. Previously, outer membrane extensions of Shewanella oneidensis were shown to transition between chains of vesicles and tubules. We identified a component critical to structural transition as the first BAR domain protein in prokaryotes, which we term BdpA (BAR domain-like protein A). We show that BdpA (i) is enriched in outer membrane structures; (ii) is critical to regulate size of outer membrane vesicles; (iii) controls the shape of outer membrane extensions; (iv) confers membrane extension formation capabilities when expressed in other bacteria.
Against Philosophical Anarchism

Philosophical anarchists claim that all states lack political authority and are illegitimate, but that some states are nevertheless morally justified and should not be abolished. I argue that philosophical anarchism is either incoherent or collapses into either statism or political anarchism.
An Assessment of Maasai People-Water Relationships in a Changing Landscape: A Case Study of Former Kimana Group Ranch in the Amboseli Ecosystem, Southern Kenya

Water is a centerpiece of environmental discourse and community livelihoods. This is more so in landscapes that are characterized by water scarcity. This study sought to investigate Maasai-water re...
A fundamental model and predictions for the spread of the COVID-19 epidemic

The spread of the novel coronavirus is characterized by two phases: (I) a natural exponential growth phase that occurs in the absence of intervention and (II) a regulated growth phase that is affected by enforcing social distancing and isolation. We have developed a fundamental spreading model for the COVID-19 epidemic that has two parameters: the community transmission rate and a metric describing the degree of isolation and social distancing in a given community or region (country, state, county, or city). These two parameters are calibrated to data from the community, so the model uncertainty depends on the quality of the data and ability to test for COVID-19. The model shows that social distancing significantly reduces the epidemic spread and flattens the curve. The model predicts well the spreading trajectory and peak time of new infections for a community of any size and provides an upper estimate for the total number of infections and daily new infection rate for weeks into the future, providing the vital information and lead time needed to prepare for and mitigate the epidemic. The theory has immediate and far-reaching applications for ongoing outbreaks or similar future outbreaks of other emergent infectious diseases (LA-UR-20–22877). Disclaimer This material is not final and is subject to be updated any time. Contact information: bcheng@lanl.gov.