cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Improved Lysosomal Trafficking Can Modulate the Potency of Antibody Drug Conjugates

Antibody drug conjugates (ADCs) provide an efficacious and relatively safe means by which chemotherapeutic agents can be specifically targeted to cancer cells. In addition to the selection of antibody targets, ADCs offer a modular design that allows selection of ADC characteristics through the choice of linker chemistries, toxins, and conjugation sites. Many studies have indicated that release of toxins bound to antibodies via noncleavable linker chemistries relies on the internalization and intracellular trafficking of the ADC. While this can make noncleavable ADCs more stable in the serum, it can also result in lower efficacy when their respective targets are not internalized efficiently or are recycled back to the cell surface following internalization. Here, we show that a lysosomally targeted ADC against the protein APLP2 mediates cell killing, both in vitro and in vivo, more effectively than an ADC against Trop2, a protein with less efficient lysosomal targeting. We also engineered a bispecific ADC ...
High Speed Image Mapping Spectrometer for Biomedical Applications

A high frame rate Image Mapping Spectrometer was developed. At the maximum resolution, instrument can acquire data at the rate of 100fps. The presented spectrometer provides a data-cube of 210×279×54 samples, instrument spectral range:515-842 nm.
Do Executive Departures to Signal the End of a Scandal Create or Reduce Uncertainty? An Examination of Market Reaction in Stock Option Backdating Scandal Events:

This study examines events at the conclusion of the 2006 stock option backdating scandal: the departures of C-level executives from firms implicated in backdating. The authors ask whether removing ...
Is a Narrative a Something or a Nothing

This paper examines how Wittgenstein’s remark that an inner sensation is “not a something, but not a nothing either” might help us understand certain prominent theories of narrative. Some theorists argue or imply that “narrativity” is evident in what is depicted, and focus on actions, events, persons, significance, and other textual features. Other prominent theorists define narrative by the impact that an utterance or text has on an audience: narratives are said to induce an emotional or intellectual arc of some kind. What unites these disparate theories is a picture of a narrative as a something, an entity in need of strict definition and clear boundaries, and something that could even be scientifically explained and elucidated. Wittgenstein helps draw us away from the search, evident among both literary theorists and philosophers, for singular definitions of “narrative,” and allows us to recognize the sheer diversity of works and utterances to which we apply the concept.
Chronic fibrosing osteomyelitis of the jaws: an important cause of recalcitrant facial pain. A clinicopathologic study of 331 cases in 227 patients

Objective This was a retrospective and follow-up analysis of 331 cases of chronic fibrosing osteomyelitis of the jaws (CFOJ) in 227 patients. Study Design Demographic, clinical, surgical, and microscopic characteristics were tabulated for all patients. A follow-up mail survey was used to determine the degree of symptom relief experienced after surgery. Results The female to male ratio approached 7:1, and mean age of patients was 53 years. The most common sites were the mandibular posterior region, followed by the maxillary posterior region. Consistent clinical findings included intractable jaw pain mimicking that of odontogenic origin but unresponsive to usual therapies, minimal or undetectable radiographic abnormalities on plain films but dramatic radiolucencies detected on cone beam computed tomography, and large cavities that were either empty or filled with blood mixed with lipid globules encountered at surgery. The most common histomorphologic findings were vital lamellar bone, prominent resting and reversal lines, microshards and splaying of trabeculae, rounded trabeculae, marrow fibrosis, and pools of erythrocytes and lipid globules, often together. Moderate to complete relief of symptoms for periods up to 108 months after surgery were reported by 83% of the 70 patients who returned the survey. Conclusions On the basis of the findings of this study, CFOJ can be considered a unique entity with consistent clinicopathologic features. Its features suggest a pathogenesis based on bone marrow ischemia. CFOJ can be treated on a rational basis with a justifiable expectation of success and probable cure.
Atmospheric Fate and Behavior of POPs

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are often transported from primary and secondary sources through the atmosphere. Investigations into the sources, transport, fate, timing of releases, and apportionment of residual contamination require an understanding of emission characteristics of various sources, as well as relevant atmospheric chemical and physical processes. The researcher may also need to compare measured POPs concentrations in ambient air and settled dust with results from other studies in settings similar to the subject or condition. In this chapter, we provide a literature review of this information for five families of POPs: polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyls, polybrominated compounds, polyfluorinated compounds, and polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (a.k.a. dioxins) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (a.k.a. furans). For each of the chemical groups, we discuss sources to the atmosphere, chemical transformations during atmospheric transport, levels found in ambient air, and levels found in settled dust. Environmental forensic case studies are also presented for each type of POP.
Sparse Wavelength Conversion in Wavelength-Routed WDM Optical Networks*

A wavelength-routed optical network can suffer inefficiencies due to the wavelength-continuity constraint (under which a signal has to remain on the same wavelength from the source to the destination). In order to eliminate or reduce the effects of this constraint, a device called a wavelength converter may be utilized. Due to the high cost of these wavelength converters, many studies have attempted to determine the exact benefits of wavelength conversion. However, most of these studies have focused on optical networks that implement full wavelength conversion capabilities. An alternative to full wavelength conversion is to employ only a sparse number of wavelength converters throughout the network, thereby reducing network costs. This study will focus on different versions of sparse wavelength conversion--namely, sparse nodal conversion, sparse switch-output conversion, and sparse (or limited) range conversion--to determine if most of the benefits of full conversion can be obtained using only sparse conversion. Simulation and analytical results on these three different classes of sparse wavelength conversion will be presented. In addition, this study will present heuristic techniques for the placement of sparse conversion facilities within an optical network.
How to model the world

Simulation and Similarity is a novel and comprehensive account of, in first place, models and modeling. The author’s writing is exceptionally clear and intelligible. Simulation is referred to in the book only once, where it is defined as a kind of numerical analysis involving ‘‘computing the behavior of the model using a particular set of initial conditions’’ (82). Modeling, which is defined as ‘‘the indirect study of real-world systems via the construction and analysis of models’’ (4), appears to be the primary focus of this book. This emphasis seems legitimate because the modeling practice precedes any simulation and is the key to its understanding as well. Chapter 2 ‘‘Three kinds of models’’ presents an account of the following kinds of models: concrete models (San Francisco Bay model being an example), mathematical models (Lottka–Volterra model of predation as an example), and computational models (illustrated by Schelling’s segregation model). First model example is a hydraulic one; the author discusses why the San Francisco Bay model was built, how it was calibrated and used to predict disastrous consequences of the proposed damming up the Bay. Second model is represented by a set of differential equations and was used to predict that a general biocide in an ecosystem can result in an increase of relative abundance of the pray population. Third, the computational one, is agent-based and is implemented as a chessboard grid filled with elements of different types, A or B, for each of which it is decided sequentially whether to move it in a new location or to leave in place. The author asserts that ‘‘all three models consist of an interpreted structure that can be used to represent a real or imagined phenomenon’’ (15). Weisberg’s view is that models are structures together with their interpretations defining relationship of denotation between them and their targets (this view has certain affinities to the work of other authors).
The Socialist Republic of Vietnam: An Overview

The Socialist Republic of Vietnam has recently emerged as a regional power through efforts at economic renovation and modernization. By joining various international and multilateral organizations such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), it has also developed its diplomatic ties. However, with no think tanks in the top 150, there is a lack of policy research and academic approaches to growing diplomatic demands, although certain think tanks, such as the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam (DAV), serve to advocate policies pertaining to emerging issues. The DAV specifically provides policies to tackle water security issues; it has elevated both national and regional awareness and influenced government decision-making through proactive initiatives for water security in the region.
Hermeneutics for psychotherapists.

The meaning and development of modern hermeneutics are explained and traced, and current controversies regarding the application of hermeneutics in psychiatry to conceptions of psychopathology, and...
Paleolakes of Northeast Hellas: Precipitation, Groundwater-Fed, and Fluvial Lakes in the Navua–Hadriacus–Ausonia Region, Mars

Abstract The slopes of northeastern Hellas Basin, Mars exhibit a wide variety of fluvial landforms. In addition to the Dao–Niger–Harmakhis–Reull Valles outflow channels, many smaller channels and v...
24-Hour Cities: Real Investment Performance, Not Just Promises

Winner of the Gold Award in the Tenth Annual Robert Bruss Real Estate Book Competition 24 Hour Cities is the very first full length book about America’s cities that never sleep. Over the last fifty years, the nation’s top live-work-play cities have proven themselves more than just vibrant urban environments for the elite. They are attracting a cross-section of the population from across the U.S. and are preferred destinations for immigrants of all income strata. This is creating a virtuous circle wherein economic growth enhances property values, stronger real estate markets sustain more reliable tax bases, and solid municipal revenues pay for better services that further attract businesses and talented individuals. Yet, just a generation ago, cities like New York, Boston, Washington, San Francisco, and Miami were broke (financially and physically), scarred by violence, and prime examples of urban dysfunction. How did the turnaround happen? And why are other cities still stuck with the hollow downtowns and sprawling suburbs that make for a 9-to-5 urban configuration? Hugh Kelly’s cross-disciplinary research identifies the ingredients of success, and the recipe that puts them together.
Neuronal Firing Rate As Code Length: a Hypothesis

Many theories assume that a sensory neuron’s higher firing rate indicates a greater probability of its preferred stimulus. However, this contradicts (1) the adaptation phenomena where prolonged exposure to, and thus increased probability of, a stimulus reduces the firing rates of cells tuned to the stimulus; and (2) the observation that unexpected (low probability) stimuli capture attention and increase neuronal firing. Other theories posit that the brain builds predictive/efficient codes for reconstructing sensory inputs. However, they cannot explain that the brain preserves some information while discarding other. We propose that in sensory areas, projection neurons’ firing rates are proportional to optimal code length (i.e., negative log estimated probability), and their spike patterns are the code, for useful features in inputs. This hypothesis explains adaptation-induced changes of V1 orientation tuning curves and bottom-up attention. We discuss how the modern minimum-description-length (MDL) principle may help understand neural codes. Because regularity extraction is relative to a model class (defined by cells) via its optimal universal code (OUC), MDL matches the brain’s purposeful, hierarchical processing without input reconstruction. Such processing enables input compression/understanding even when model classes do not contain true models. Top-down attention modifies lower-level OUCs via feedback connections to enhance transmission of behaviorally relevant information. Although OUCs concern lossless data compression, we suggest possible extensions to lossy, prefix-free neural codes for prompt, online processing of most important aspects of stimuli while minimizing behaviorally relevant distortion. Finally, we discuss how neural networks might learn MDL’s normalized maximum likelihood (NML) distributions from input data.
Incidence of response and long-term follow-up in patients with hairy cell leukemia treated with recombinant interferon alfa-2a.

Thirty-five evaluable patients with hairy cell leukemia (HCL) were treated with recombinant interferon alfa-2a (rIFN-alpha 2a), given at a dose of 3 X 10(6) units (U) intramuscularly (IM) daily for 6 months followed by 3 X 10(6) U IM three times a week for an additional 18 months in a single institution study. All treatment was stopped after 24 months. Sixty-nine percent of patients achieved a partial response, 11% a minor response, and 3% (one patient) had stable disease. Six patients (17%) did not respond to rIFN-alpha 2a. Two patients (6%) achieved a response but later progressed on treatment. A total of 23 patients completed 2 years of treatment and are evaluable for long-term follow-up at a median of 20 months postcompletion of therapy (range 9 to 32 months). Eleven patients (48%) have had progression of their disease at a median of 10 months (range .5 to 25 months) after treatment was discontinued. Statistical analysis of pretreatment patient characteristics did not reveal any factor(s) associated with a high probability of responding to rIFN-alpha 2a; however, analysis of post-treatment variables measured after 2 years of treatment suggested that a low platelet count was associated with a high rate of disease progression. These findings are compared with other published trials using rIFN-alpha 2b, a similar but not identical rIFN preparation. We conclude that while rIFN-alpha 2a has a high overall response incidence, the rate of disease progression after therapy is discontinued approaches 50%, and that a subset of patients can be identified who are at high risk for recurrence after completing 2 years of treatment.
Transmission distribution, P(\ln T), of 1D disordered chain: low-T tail

We demonstrate that the tail of transmission distribution through 1D disordered Anderson chain is a strong function of the correlation radius of the random potential, $a$, even when this radius is much shorter than the de Broglie wavelength, $k_F^{-1}$. The reason is that the correlation radius defines the phase volume of the trapping configurations of the random potential, which are responsible for the low-$T$ tail. To see this, we perform the averaging over the low-$T$ disorder configurations by first introducing a finite lattice spacing $\sim a$, and then demonstrating that the prefactor in the corresponding functional integral is exponentially small and depends on $a$ even as $a \to 0$. Moreover, we demonstrate that this restriction of the phase volume leads to the dramatic change in the shape of the tail of ${\cal P}(\ln T)$ from universal Gaussian in $\ln T $ to a simple exponential (in $\ln T $) with exponent depending on $a$. Severity of the phase-volume restriction affects the shape of the low-$T$ disorder configurations transforming them from almost periodic (Bragg mirrors) to periodically-sign-alternating (loose mirrors).
The Paradox of Post-racialism: Black Hollywood’s Voice in Post-racial Discourse

Banjo’s chapter discusses the ways in which contemporary African-American or Black-centered movies treat race relations. On the one hand, non-Black characters (mostly White) are made visible by virtue of their numeric minority status and, at times, racial humor. On the other hand, friendship with non-Black characters (mostly white) in recent African-American films tends to be natural, normalized, and not forced. Banjo’s close reading of several contemporary films, including The Best Man Holiday (2013), Top Five (2014), and Dope (2015), illustrates what she calls the paradox of post-racialism in that the naturalizing and normalizing of interracial friendships between Blacks and Whites in films might blind us to forms of modern racism and its impact on racial minorities in the United States.
CSR Disclosure and Benchmarking-Learning: Emissions Responses to Mandatory Greenhouse Gas Disclosure

In 2010, the United States mandated the reporting of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for thousands of manufacturing facilities. Studying this rule, and focusing on facilities for which emissions information was largely not available elsewhere, I find a 7.9% emissions reduction following disclosure. I highlight the role of ‘benchmarking’. Specifically, facilities are able to assess their own, relative GHG performance once they can observe their peers' disclosures. This benchmarking facilitates emissions reductions. In contrast, I highlight uncertainty around whether measurement and reporting to the regulator alone, prior to disclosure, leads to emissions reductions. Lastly, I show that concern about future legislation partly motivates the observed responses. The main takeaway is that mandatory, granular disclosure can curb GHG emissions, and that benchmarking plays an important role in this process.
Use of patient-specific computational models for optimization of aortic insufficiency after implantation of left ventricular assist device.

Abstract Objective Aortic incompetence (AI) is observed to be accelerated in the continuous-flow left ventricular assist device (LVAD) population and is related to increased mortality. Using computational fluid dynamics (CFD), we investigated the hemodynamic conditions related to the orientation of the LVAD outflow in these patients. Method We identified 10 patients with new aortic regurgitation, and 20 who did not, after LVAD implantation between 2009 and 2018. Three-dimensional models of patients' aortas were created from their computed tomography scans. The geometry of the LVAD outflow graft in relation to the aorta was quantified using azimuth angles (AA), polar angles (PAs), and distance from aortic root. The models were used to run CFD simulations, which calculated the pressures and wall shear stress (rWSS) exerted on the aortic root. Results The AA and PA were found to be similar. However, for combinations of high values of AA and low values of PA, there were no patients with AI. The distance from aortic root to the outflow graft was also smaller in patients who developed AI (3.39 ± 0.7 vs 4.07 ± 0.77 cm, P = .04). There was no significant difference in aortic root pressures in the 2 groups. The rWSS was greater in AI patients (4.60 ± 5.70 vs 2.37 ± 1.20 dyne/cm2, P Conclusions Using CFD simulations, we demonstrated that patients who developed de novo AI have greater rWSS at the aortic root, and their outflow grafts were placed closer to the aortic roots than those patients without de novo AI.
Gender-Based Pathways to Cognitive Aging in the Mexican-Origin Population in the United States: The Significance of Work and Family

Objectives This study uses the life course perspective to explore the role of key mid-life factors (occupation and number of children) for gender- and nativity-based pathways to cognitive aging for older Mexican Americans. Methods Using the Hispanic Established Populations for the Epidemiologic Study of the Elderly (H-EPESE, 1993/1994-2016, n=2,779), this study presents (a) cognitive impairment trajectories over 20 years of data and (b) multinomial logistic regression analyses of trajectory group membership by lifetime occupation and number of children, controlling for educational attainment. Results For older Mexican American men, lifetime employment in agricultural occupations is associated with elevated risk for late life cognitive impairment. Delayed risk for impairment is observed for U.S.-born men who were employed in factory work (e.g., production and repair) and in Mexican-born men who were employed in occupations with skilled or supervisory requirements. For all women, labor force participation, especially in skilled occupations, is related to a delayed risk of cognitive impairment. Number of children is unrelated to impairment for men; however, women with five or more children (compared to women with two to four children) are at risk for consistent and rapid cognitive impairment in late life. Discussion Late life cognitive health disparities that disproportionately impact the Mexican American population can be addressed by improving access to educational and occupational opportunities in early and mid-life. This study points to key areas of intervention within work and the home for the Mexican-origin population.
Impact of Surface Effects on RF Switching PIN Diodes

This paper presents a study of the impact of surface conditions on PIN diode resistance and carrier lifetime. The discussion shows that large radius PIN diodes exhibit less impact from surface conditions than do smaller radius devices. Knowledge of this feature is important for microwave and RF design engineers working in both high and low power applications. PIN diodes used in high power applications often need to be of wider radius to handle the larger current densities associated with the high-power operation, and so see a reduction of influence from the surface. PIN diodes in receive applications, where small cross section devices are often used, will see an associated greater influence of the surface on their operation. The advantage of the smaller radius device is that the capacitance of the device will be lower, impacting the upper frequency limit that these devices may be used. The discussion is verified with a series of measurements on carrier lifetime and resistance of PIN diodes of various geometries.
Fault propagation and surface rupture in geologic materials with a meshfree continuum method

We utilize smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH), a Lagrangian particle-based continuum method, to study the initiation and propagation of shear bands or faults in geologic materials over large deformations. We show that SPH is able to capture the formation of shear bands naturally without needing to introduce a heterogeneity or “seed.” In an actively or passively loaded backfill behind a moving retaining wall, we show that shear bands crossing the surface are inclined at an orientation given by the Arthur angle, $$\varTheta _{\mathrm{A}}=45^{\circ } \pm (\psi +\phi )/4$$ , with respect to the principal stresses. Additionally, we conduct simulations to explore the fault propagation problem, where a blind fault in rigid basement rock propagates through an overlying weak layer to reach the surface. Our results demonstrate that the resulting shear band rotates as the blind fault progressively accumulates more slip, initially taking the orientation given by the Roscoe angle, $$\varTheta _{\mathrm{R}}=45^{\circ } \pm \psi /2$$ , then that of the Arthur angle, and lastly, that of the familiar Coulomb orientation, $$\varTheta _{\mathrm{C}}=45^{\circ } \pm \phi /2$$ , in both extensional and contractional setups. Finally, we also evaluate the validity of empirical solutions describing the shear band propagation path and consider the effect of different material parameters on the geometry of the resultant shear bands, as well as on displacement and deformation at the surface. Our results show that SPH deals well with external loadings such as those applied by a retaining wall, or those induced by tectonic movement like in the fault propagation problem.
Application of Hybrid Network of UNet and Feature Pyramid Network in Spine Segmentation

Spine segmentation is a common task for spinal imaging and spinal surgical navigation. Spine segmentation provides valuable information for the diagnosis, and the segmentation output can also serve as an input for downstream surgical navigation. Unfortunately, spine segmentation is a labor-intensive task. In this study, we applied a deep network combining feature pyramid network (FPN) and UNet to the segmentation of vertebral bodies (VBs), referring as Res50_UNet. Compared with the original UNet, Res50_UNet has the following enhancements: 1) five consecutive spine MRI slices and two coordinate maps are concatenated as the input; 2) the convolutional block from ResNet are used; 3) an FPN architecture is applied to extracting rich multi-scale features and obtaining segmentation output. Experiments were conducted on an annotated T2-weighted MRIs of the lower spine dataset. We have benchmarked Res50_UNet against UNet and other UNet based network structures. It was found that Res50_UNet needs the lowest number of epochs (~1000 epochs) to achieve steady-state performance. The accuracy (AC) of Res50_UNet is higher than 99.5% with only 1000 epochs, which is very impressive. This study demonstrated the feasibility of applying Res50_UNet in spine segmentation. The network integrates the characteristics of FPN and UNet. These results have shown the potential for Res50_UNet in spine MRI segmentation, especially when a low number of epochs is desirable.
MeTILDA: Platform for Melodic Transcription in Language Documentation and Application

Blackfoot language is an endangered language that needs to be documented, analyzed, and preserved. Blackfoot is challenging to learn and teach because it is a pitch accent language whose words with same characters can take on different meanings when changing in pitch. Linguistics researchers are working to create visual aids, called Pitch Art, to teach the nuance in pitch changes. However, the existing techniques used to create Pitch Art fail to accurately indicate changes in pitch and require time-consuming work across multiple applications. To address this issue, this project proposes a system called MeTILDA (Melodic Transcription in Language Documentation and Application) to provide new forms of audio analysis and to automate the process of creating Pitch Art. MeTILDA provides value to a variety of stakeholders. Linguistics researchers are provided with tools to analyze and compare Blackfoot speeches. Teachers are given collections of words and recordings from native speakers to teach students. Students are given the ability to compare their own pronunciation of Blackfoot words to that of native speakers. We also present a new form of audio analysis, called perceptual scale, to provide more effective visuals of perceived changes in pitch movement. By collaborating with domain experts in this field, we have validated the effectiveness of MeTILDA in creating Pitch Art using the perceptual scale.
Why Not More States? States’ Importance to Democracy and Statehood’s Relevance to Twenty-First Century America

For the past 60 years it seems that the statehood discussion, which dominated national politics in the early part of American history, is dead. This document demonstrates that statehood is far from dead but very much alive through local and regional statehood movements, which reflect disconnect between citizens and their state governments. Statehood is as relevant now as it was in 1800; state governments continue to serve their citizens in concrete, impactful ways through taxing, spending, and legislating. States’ impact on American democracy has never changed as they are directly related to Congressional representation through Article I of the Constitution. Yet, the national statehood conversation has gone dormant. This document seeks to change how we approach statehood in the twenty-first century by exploring the legal requirements for statehood; how historically this process has played out through single issue and party politics; and how this process translates to the twenty-first century through modern statehood movements.
IT-Enabled Business Innovation

To qualify as truly innovative, new IT applications must successfully achieve customer value cocreation, adoption, and acceptance. Without this, a new technology isn't an innovation; it's just a failed product or service that didn't gain traction. We're now well into an era in which significant competitive advantage is achievable from IT-enabled business innovation. This special issue was conceived as a vehicle for understanding some of today's issues and for looking at opportunities for tomorrow. The authors' contributions in all the articles have implications for IT-enabled innovations that go beyond the immediate application settings on which they report. A video discussing emerging service innovations is available at http://youtu.be/4xBRfWt20-I.
“Natural” Th17 cells control Candida albicans infections in the oral mucosa (MUC7P.749)

Oropharyngeal candidiasis (OPC) is an opportunistic mucosal infection caused by the commensal fungus Candida albicans. To date, there is a paucity of research on oral mucosal immunity in general and to fungi in particular. Humans with rare mutations have revealed a vital protective role of IL-17 signaling to OPC. It has long been assumed that conventional “iTh17” cells produce IL-17. However, many innate populations also produce IL-17, but their role in oral immunity is unknown. Since rodents are naive to C. albicans, we evaluated OPC in a murine model. T cell receptor rearrangement is required for immunity, since Rag1-/-, SCID and IL-7Rα-/- mice are susceptible to OPC. However, iTh17, NK and NKT cells were dispensable. We identified a CD3+CD4+CD44hiTCRβ+ tissue-resident population in tongue that produces IL-17 rapidly upon Candida exposure. These were phenotypically identical to ‘natural Th17’ cells, a recently described, thymically derived innate lymphocyte population whose function is highly enigmatic. Development of nTh17 and iTh17 cells involves differential AKT/mTOR pathways, with nTh17 cells requiring mTORC2, and iTH17 cells requiring mTORC1. Consistently, mice deficient in the mTORC2 subunit Rictor were highly susceptible to OPC, whereas mice treated with rapamycin, which selectively targets mTORC1, were similar to WT mice. Therefore, innate immunity to Candida requires nTh17 cells, whose presence in the oral mucosa ideally positions them to control oral pathogens.
Distribution of insulin receptor and insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor in the digital laminae of mixed-breed ponies: An immunohistochemical study

Summary Reasons for performing study: Hyperinsulinaemia has been implicated in the pathogenesis of laminitis; however, laminar cell types responding to insulin remain poorly characterised. Objectives: To identify laminar cell types expressing insulin receptor (IRc) and/or insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R); and to evaluate the effect of dietary nonstructural carbohydrate (NSC) on their expression. Methods: Mixed-breed ponies (n = 22) received a conditioning hay chop diet (NSC ∼6%); following acclimation, ponies were stratified into lean (n = 11, body condition score [BCS]≤4) or obese (n = 11, BCS ≥7) groups and each group further stratified to remain on the low NSC diet (n = 5 each for obese and lean) or receive a high NSC diet (total diet ∼42% NSC; n = 6 each for obese and lean) for 7 days. Laminar samples were collected at the end of the feeding protocol and stained immunohistochemically for IRc and IGF-1R. The number of IRc(+) cells was quantified; distribution of IGF-1R was qualitatively described. Laminar IRc content was assessed via immunoblotting. Results: The number of IRc(+) cells was greater in the laminae of high NSC ponies than low NSC ponies (P = 0.001); there was a positive correlation between the change in serum insulin concentration and number of IRc(+) cells (r2= 0.74; P<0.0001). No epithelial IRc(+) cells were observed; IRc(+) cells were absent from the deep dermis. Analysis of serial sections identified IRc(+) cells as endothelial cells. The distribution of IGF-1R was more extensive than that of IRc, with signal in vascular elements, epithelial cells and fibroblasts. Conclusions: Increased dietary NSC results in increased laminar endothelial IRc expression. Laminar keratinocytes do not express IRc, suggesting that insulin signalling in laminar epithelial cells must be mediated through other receptors (such as IGF-1R). Potential relevance: Manipulation of signalling downstream of IRc and IGF-1R may aid in treatment and prevention of laminitis associated with hyperinsulinaemia.
Internet Radio: The Case for a Technology Neutral Royalty Standard

Since its debut in the mid-1990s, internet radio (or "webcasting") has grown rapidly and now attracts more than 69 million listeners every month — more than a quarter of all U.S. internet users. Internet radio listeners can select virtually any conceivable genre of music and listen to their selection anywhere they have an internet connection.All digital radio providers — internet radio, digital cable radio, and satellite radio — must pay a royalty for the performance of the sound recording. This royalty is imposed by § 114 and § 112 of the Copyright Act and the rate is determined by the Copyright Royalty Board (CRB). In 2007, the CRB issued a rate determination that threatens to shut down internet radio. The royalties required by the decision would demand internet radio operators to pay rates approaching or even exceeding 100% of revenue. Meanwhile, for the sound recording performance royalties for the other forms of digital radio — cable radio and satellite radio — the CRB adopted rates of 6-15% of revenue. Thus, the current copyright regime has a strong bias in favor of certain technologies providing digital radio (cable radio and satellite radio) and against another (internet radio), resulting in disproportionately high royalties for internet radio. While a variety of agreements between webcasters and SoundExchange adopted under the Webcaster Settlement Acts of 2008 and 2009 have delayed the onset of industry crushing royalties, the threat continues to hang over internet radio’s future.In this paper, I provide an overview of internet radio and the current copyright royalty regime, and I present and critique the recording industry’s argument that internet radio is a threat. I then analyze the economic impact of current royalty rates on internet radio and contrast it with the impact of the royalties for the other forms of digital radio. After showing the devastating impact of the current royalty rates, I analyze the source of the royalty rate inequities. I demonstrate that the disparate treatment of the different forms of digital radio has resulted from the statutory imposition of two standards for determining digital radio royalties: "§ 801(b)(1)" vs. "willing buyer, willing seller." I then make constitutional and policy arguments for having a single, technology neutral standard for determining the royalties for digital radio. I conclude by demonstrating that the standard that should be adopted is the § 801(b)(1) standard, and I propose amendments to the Copyright Act to effectuate the change. Amending the Copyright Act to apply a consistent, technology neutral standard would ensure that all forms of digital radio continue to thrive and would ensure that the music keeps playing for the 69 million Americans who tune in to internet radio every month.
Herbicide transformation. I. Studies with whole cells of Fusarium solani.

Abstract A strain of Fusarium solani isolated from soil by enrichment techniques used propanil (3′, 4′-dichloropropionanilide) as a sole source of organic carbon and energy for growth in pure culture. The primary product of the transformation of propanil by F. solani was isolated and identified as 3,4-dichloroaniline (DCA). This compound accumulated in the medium to a level (80 μg/ml) which stopped further herbicide utilization. Herbicide utilization by F. solani was influenced by various environmental and nutritional factors. It was more sensitive to acid than alkaline pH. Added glucose and yeast extract increased the rate of propanil decomposition, and the reduced aeration retarded growth of the fungus and herbicide utilization. The growth of F. solani on propionate was inhibited by added DCA.
Tamara Shapiro Ledley Receives 2013 Excellence in Geophysical Education Award: Citation

It gives me great pleasure to cite Tamara Shapiro Ledley for the AGU Excellence in Geophysical Education Award “for her outstanding sustained leadership in Earth systems and climate change education.” Tamara has shown an ongoing commitment to bridging the scientific and educational communities to make geophysical science knowledge and data accessible and usable to teachers and students and by extension to all citizens. She works extensively with both the scientific and educational communities. She began her educational work in 1990 as the leader for weather and climate in my Teacher Research program at Rice University. She continued as the lead for atmospheric sciences in our projects Earth Today and Museums Teaching Planet Earth, which introduced her to the Earth Science Information Partners (ESIP Federation). She has served many roles at ESIP, including creating the Standing Committee for Education and serving as vice president. ESIP recognized her many accomplishments with its President's Award in 2012. At TERC her education and outreach efforts have blossomed. She was the lead author of the “Earth as a System” investigation of the GLOBE Teacher's Guide. She was a member of the original Digital Library for Earth System Education (DLESE) Data Access Working Group in 2001, where the idea for a cookbook-like resource to facilitate the use of Earth science data by teachers and students resulted in her leading the development of the “Earth Exploration Toolbook” (EET), which allows teachers to easily access and use real scientific data in the classroom. Her efforts were recognized with the EET being awarded Science Magazine's Science Prize for Online Research in Education in 2011.
User Experience of Hurricane Visualization in an Immersive 3D Environment

Numerical models such as the Mesoscale Model 5 (MM5) or the Weather Research and Forecasting Model (WRF) are used by meteorologists in the prediction and the study of hurricanes. The outputs from such models vary greatly depending on the model, the initialization conditions, the simulation resolution and the computational resources available. The overwhelming amount of data that is generated can become very difficult to comprehend using traditional 2D visualization techniques. We studied the presentation of such data as well as methods to compare multiple model run outputs using 3D visualization techniques in an immersive virtual environment. We also relate the experiences and opinions of two meteorologists using our system. The datasets used in our study are outputs from two separate MM5 simulation runs of Hurricane Lili (2002) and a WRF simulation run of Hurricane Isabel (2003).
Formen von Gedächtnis und Erinnerung in Beim Häuten der Zwiebel und Die Box1

Dieser Beitrag befasst sich mit medialen Formen von Gedachtnis und Erinnerung in Gunter Grass' Romanen Beim Hauten der Zwiebel und Die Box. Der Schwerpunkt liegt in der literarischen Darstellung von Spannungen zwischen Faktischem und Fiktivem im Rahmen von Debatten uber Autobiographie und Autofiktion. Orientiert an der Auffassung vom Text als Ort, an dem das beschreibende und das beschriebene Ich aufeinandertreffen, mochte ich mich mit Moglichkeiten und Grenzen von Theorien uber literarische Texte als Reprasentationsraume des kollektiven und kulturellen Gedachtnisses befassen. Mein Ziel ist es, die These zu begrunden, dass das beschreibende und das beschriebene Ich individuell innerhalb eines kulturell konstruierten Kontexts im Text interagieren. Diese Interaktion vollzieht sich durch literarische Strategien am Text-Ort, der selbst zu einem Raum individueller und kultureller Gedachtnis- und Erinnerungsarbeit wird, in dem die Grenzen des Faktischen und Fiktiven ineinander ubergehen.
Hydrogenase Activity and the H2-Fumarate Electron Transport System in Bacteroides fragilis

Hydrogenase activity and the H(2)-fumarate electron transport system in a carbohydrate-fermenting obligate anaerobe, Bacteroides fragilis, were investigated. In both whole cells and cell extracts, hydrogenase activity was demonstrated with methylene blue, benzyl viologen, flavin mononucleotide, or flavin adenine dinucleotide as the electron acceptor. A catalytic quantity of benzyl viologen or ferredoxin from Clostridium pasteurianum was required to reduce nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide or nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate with H(2). Much of the hydrogenase activity appeared to be associated with the soluble fraction of the cell. Fumarate reduction to succinate by H(2) was demonstrable in cell extracts only in the presence of a catalytic quantity of benzyl viologen, flavin mononucleotide, flavin adenine dinucleotide, or ferredoxin from C. pasteurianum. Sulfhydryl compounds were not required for fumarate reduction by H(2), but mercaptoethanol and dithiothreitol appeared to stimulate this activity by 59 and 61%, respectively. Inhibition of fumarate reduction by acriflavin, rotenone, 2-heptyl-4-hydroxyquinoline-N-oxide, and antimycin A suggest the involvement of a flavoprotein, a quinone, and cytochrome b in the reduction of fumarate to succinate. The involvement of a quinone in fumarate reduction is also apparent from the inhibition of fumarate reduction by H(2) when cell extracts were irradiated with ultraviolet light. Based on the evidence obtained, a possible scheme for the flow of electrons from H(2) to fumarate in B. fragilis is proposed.
The effect of parental intellectual disability status on child protection service worker decision making.

Background There is evidence to suggest that parents with an intellectual disability (ID) constitute a higher proportion of child-protective services (CPS) cases than would be expected based on the prevalence of ID in the general population. Researchers have suggested that the stereotypic assumptions and expectations that CPS workers have about parents with an ID might influence decisions and responses made to such parents. This study examined whether parental ID (having an ID vs. not) had an effect on CPS workers' emotional reactions, attributions and decisions about risk to the child, whether to remove the child and workers' general willingness to help the parent. Method Two hundred and twelve CPS workers read vignettes describing parents who were labelled as either having or not having an ID. Workers responded to the vignettes by making ratings of their emotional reactions, attributions and decisions regarding risk, removal and helping. Results CPS workers made significantly higher ratings of pity, willingness to help and risk for parents with an ID than for parents without an ID. Lower ratings of anger and disgust were found for parents with an ID than for parents without an ID. Parents' intellectual status did not have a direct effect on workers' attributions or removal decisions. Conclusions The results show evidence for the influence of stereotypes regarding parental ID due to its differential effect on CPS workers' emotional reactions and decisions about child risk and their willingness to help.
Bacterial Modulation of Human Fetal Membrane Toll-like Receptor Expression

Problem Preterm premature rupture of fetal membranes (pPROM) occurs in 30–40% of spontaneous preterm births (PTB) and is associated with intra-amniotic infection and inflammation. The membranes may sense and respond to microbes via Toll-like receptors (TLRs); however, little is known about their expression and regulation in this tissue. The objective of this study was to evaluate the expression of TLRs 1–10 in fetal membranes after exposure to pathogens associated with intra-amniotic infection and PTB. Method of study Normal human term fetal membrane explants were exposed to various bacteria. After 24 hrs, RNA was extracted and quantitative RT-PCR performed for TLRs1–10. Results Treatment of fetal membranes with Mycoplasma hominis increased expression of TLR4, TLR6, and TLR8 mRNA. Ureaplasma parvum upregulated TLR8 mRNA, and Porphyromonas gingivalis significantly increased fetal membrane TLR7 expression. In contrast, treatment with Gram-negative Escherichia coli (and its cell wall component lipopolysaccharide) downregulated TLR10 mRNA. No effect was detected for Ureaplasma urealyticum, Gardnerella vaginalis, or Group B Streptococcus. Conclusion These findings demonstrate that different types of bacteria have distinct effects on fetal membrane TLR expression patterns. Moreover, these findings highlight the disparity of fetal membrane responses to infection and thus suggest heterogeneity in the mechanisms by which infection-associated pregnancy complications, such as pPROM and PTB, arise.
MAIZE ADOPTION AND INTENSIFICATION IN THE CENTRAL ILLINOIS RIVER VALLEY: AN ANALYSIS OF ARCHAEOBOTANICAL DATA FROM THE LATE WOODLAND TO EARLY MISSISSIPPIAN PERIODS (A.D. 600–1200)

AbstractWe consider the causes and timing of maize (Zea mays) intensification in the central Illinois River valley and argue that an understanding of changes in maize production requires a consideration of changes occurring in the entire plant subsistence system. To this end, we explore trends in the collection and production of plant foods from the Late Woodland (A.D. 600–1100) to Early Mississippian periods (A.D. 1100–1200). The plant data reveal a stepwise decrease in nut collection during the Late Woodland period, and again during the transition to the Early Mississippian period. This pattern is accompanied by statistical increases in maize abundance, indicating an intensification of maize production around A.D. 1100. We consider these patterns in light of similar maize increases occurring throughout the Eastern Woodlands and evaluate several possible interpretations related to population pressure, climate change, competitive generosity, and cultural emulation, the latter which appears to have been in...
Efficacy of computed tomography of the abdomen--early results.

Abstract Our experience with 153 CT scans of the abdomen and pelvis over the first eight months of availability at our institution has been analyzed. The efficacy in terms of contribution to the diagnosis in each patient was assessed and accuracy determined. CT was found to have made a significant contribution to the diagnosis in patients with diseases of the pancreas, aorta, retroperitoneal structures, and in cases of abdominal and pelvic masses and abscesses. It has been somewhat less helpful in evaluation of liver and renal diseases. Overall, CT scanning appears to be a significant new diagnostic modality in the evaluation of patients with abdominal and pelvic diseases.