cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
MSI2 is required for maintaining activated myelodysplastic syndrome stem cells

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are driven by complex genetic and epigenetic alterations. The MSI2 RNA-binding protein has been demonstrated to have a role in acute myeloid leukaemia and stem cell function, but its role in MDS is unknown. Here, we demonstrate that elevated MSI2 expression correlates with poor survival in MDS. Conditional deletion of Msi2 in a mouse model of MDS results in a rapid loss of MDS haematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) and reverses the clinical features of MDS. Inversely, inducible overexpression of MSI2 drives myeloid disease progression. The MDS HSPCs remain dependent on MSI2 expression after disease initiation. Furthermore, MSI2 expression expands and maintains a more activated (G1) MDS HSPC. Gene expression profiling of HSPCs from the MSI2 MDS mice identifies a signature that correlates with poor survival in MDS patients. Overall, we identify a role for MSI2 in MDS representing a therapeutic target in this disease.
Functional Responses of Salt Marsh Microbial Communities to Long-Term Nutrient Enrichment

ABSTRACT Environmental nutrient enrichment from human agricultural and waste runoff could cause changes to microbial communities that allow them to capitalize on newly available resources. Currently, the response of microbial communities to nutrient enrichment remains poorly understood, and, while some studies have shown no clear changes in community composition in response to heavy nutrient loading, others targeting specific genes have demonstrated clear impacts. In this study, we compared functional metagenomic profiles from sediment samples taken along two salt marsh creeks, one of which was exposed for more than 40 years to treated sewage effluent at its head. We identified strong and consistent increases in the relative abundance of microbial genes related to each of the biochemical steps in the denitrification pathway at enriched sites. Despite fine-scale local increases in the abundance of denitrification-related genes, the overall community structures based on broadly defined functional groups and taxonomic annotations were similar and varied with other environmental factors, such as salinity, which were common to both creeks. Homology-based taxonomic assignments of nitrous oxide reductase sequences in our data show that increases are spread over a broad taxonomic range, thus limiting detection from taxonomic data alone. Together, these results illustrate a functionally targeted yet taxonomically broad response of microbial communities to anthropogenic nutrient loading, indicating some resolution to the apparently conflicting results of existing studies on the impacts of nutrient loading in sediment communities. IMPORTANCE In this study, we used environmental metagenomics to assess the response of microbial communities in estuarine sediments to long-term, nutrient-rich sewage effluent exposure. Unlike previous studies, which have mainly characterized communities based on taxonomic data or primer-based amplification of specific target genes, our whole-genome metagenomics approach allowed an unbiased assessment of the abundance of denitrification-related genes across the entire community. We identified strong and consistent increases in the relative abundance of gene sequences related to denitrification pathways across a broad phylogenetic range at sites exposed to long-term nutrient addition. While further work is needed to determine the consequences of these community responses in regulating environmental nutrient cycles, the increased abundance of bacteria harboring denitrification genes suggests that such processes may be locally upregulated. In addition, our results illustrate how whole-genome metagenomics combined with targeted hypothesis testing can reveal fine-scale responses of microbial communities to environmental disturbance.
Relationships of testicular cholesterol to hormonal activity and behavior in the starling.

SummaryLevels of cholesterol were determined in testes of starlings collected from all portions of the gonadal and behavioral cycle. The lowest concentration of cholesterol was observed during recrudescence of the testes and at the time of most active behavior. The highest concentration was observed during regression of the testes and at the period of lowest behavioral activity. Intermediate concentrations of cholesterol accompanied the moderate behavioral activity observed in fall and winter. An hypothesis relating cholesterol concentration, hormone production and behavioral activity is advanced.
Chrysotile asbestos and H2O2 increase permeability of alveolar epithelium

The alveolar epithelium contains tight junctions and provides a barrier to passage of potentially injurious substances into the pulmonary interstitium. Alveolar epithelial injury is hypothesized to he an important early event in the pathogenesis of asbestosis. Mechanisms that may contribute to alveolar epithelial cell injury following asbestos exposure include the physicochemical interactions between asbestos fibers and cells, and the generation of reactive oxygen species such as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The present study examined changes in transepithelial resistance (Rt) (a measure of barrier function) and permeability of alveolar epithelium after chrysotile asbestos and H2O2 exposure. Alveolar epithelial cell monolayers, obtained from isolation of rat alveolar type II cells and grown on porous supports, were exposed to chrysotile asbestos or polystyrene beads (control) at concentrations of 5, 10, and 25 μg/cm2 for 24 h. In separate experiments, monolayers were exposed to H2O2 at concentrations of 50, ...
Pedestrian Safety at Rail Grade Crossings: Focus Areas for Research and Intervention

Contrary to the declining number of fatalities due to train–vehicle collisions at highway-rail grade crossings, the number of pedestrian and bicycle fatalities at highway- and pathway-rail grade crossings has increased in the last dozen years. While engineering solutions and education and enforcements initiatives have been proposed and implemented, little is known as to their effectiveness to mitigate such incidents. This paper reports on findings from the literature and discussions with professionals in the public and private sectors involved in safety at rail grade crossings. Major areas found in need for improvement include (a) advancing consistent standards for warning devices and treatments; (b) advancing consistent approaches for managing non-motorist risk; and (c) continuing commitment to education, engineering, enforcement, and evaluation efforts by enabling stakeholders to provide adequate resources. The paper highlights the multitude of factors related to pedestrian safety in this context, and provides an informed discussion for researchers and practitioners involved in advancing safety initiatives.
High resolution multiplexed functional imaging in live embyros(Conference Presentation)

Fourier multiplexed fluorescence lifetime imaging (FmFLIM) scanning laser optical tomography (FmFLIM-SLOT) combines FmFLIM and Scanning laser optical tomography (SLOT) to perform multiplexed 3D FLIM imaging of live embryos. The system had demonstrate multiplexed functional imaging of zebrafish embryos genetically express Foster Resonant Energy Transfer (FRET) sensors. However, previous system has a 20 micron resolution because the focused Gaussian beam diverges quickly from the focused plane, makes it difficult to achieve high resolution imaging over a long projection depth. Here, we present a high-resolution FmFLIM-SLOT system with achromatic Bessel beam, which achieves 3 micron resolution in 3D deep tissue imaging. In Bessel-FmFLIM-SLOT, multiple laser excitation lines are firstly intensity modulated by a Michelson interferometer with a spinning polygon mirror optical delay line, which enables Fourier multiplexed multi-channel lifetime measurements. Then, a spatial light modulator and a prism are used to transform the modulated Gaussian laser beam to an achromatic Bessel beam. The achromatic Bessel beam scans across the whole specimen with equal angular intervals as sample rotated. After tomography reconstruction and the frequency domain lifetime analysis method, both the 3D intensity and lifetime image of multiple excitation-emission can be obtained. Using Bessel-FmFLIM-SLOT system, we performed cellular-resolution FLIM tomography imaging of live zebrafish embryo. Genetically expressed FRET sensors in these embryo will allow non-invasive observation of multiple biochemical processes in vivo.
Piloting Blended Strategies to Resolve Laboratory Capacity Issues in a First-Semester General Chemistry Course.

Laboratory capacity is an issue that has plagued education for more than a century. New buildings, late night classes, and virtual laboratories have offered transitory relief at great expense. Missouri University of Science and Technology is employing blended strategies to increase capacity and student success. Blended strategies expand learning workspaces so that learners conduct traditional laboratory activities in both traditional and nontraditional laboratory environments. This article focuses on the proof of concept pilot results from blending the first-semester general chemistry laboratory course, which validate the adoption of this strategy for increasing student volume.
Fibromuscular Dysplasia and Childhood Stroke

Investigators at the Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary; the Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, and other centers in Canada screened Canadian pediatric stroke registries and the literature and found 81 cases (15 new, 66 from the literature) of pediatric stroke associated with fibromuscular dysplasia or renal arteriopathy.
Gender-Dependent Differences in Hip Range of Motion and Impingement Testing in Asymptomatic College Freshman Athletes.

Abstract Background Athletic activity is a proposed factor in the development and progression of intra-articular hip pathology. Early diagnosis and preventive treatments in "at-risk" athletes are needed. Objectives Our primary objective was to report hip range of motion (ROM) and prevalence of positive impingement testing in asymptomatic college freshman athletes. Our secondary objective was to determine whether an association exists between hip ROM and a positive flexion-adduction-internal rotation (FADIR) test. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting Collegiate athletic campus. Participants Four hundred thirty (299 male, 131 female) freshman athletes reporting no current or previous hip pain. Methods During the athletes' preseason medical screening, trained examiners performed a hip-specific exam to obtain data for hip ROM and impingement testing. Main Outcome Measurements Bilateral passive ROM measures included hip flexion, and hip internal and external rotation with the hip flexed 0° and 90°. Results Mean age of male participants was 18.5 ± 0.8 and female participants was 18.3 ± 0.6 years ( P = .003). Male participants demonstrated less hip ROM than female participants in flexion (115.8 ± 11.2° versus 122.0 ± 10.5°, P P P P P = .06). Pain with FADIR test on the right and left hip were reported in 11.9% and 14.5% of athletes, respectively. Gender and a positive FADIR were not related (male 12.2%, female 15.3%, P = .36). Conclusions In asymptomatic college freshman athletes, male athletes generally demonstrated less hip ROM than female athletes. In addition, a positive FADIR was more prevalent than previously reported in healthy young adults. Preseason screenings that use these baseline data in conjunction with other examination findings may allow identification of athletes at future risk for hip pain and/or injury. Level of Evidence IV
Monosynaptic Tracing in Developing Circuits Using Modified Rabies Virus

An attenuated rabies virus that expresses fluorescent protein has made it possible to analyze retrograde (presynaptic) monosynaptic connections in vivo. By combining attenuated rabies virus with a Cre-loxP based system to target cells in a subtype-specific fashion, it is possible to examine neuronal input in vivo onto any class of neuron, in development and in the mature brain. We describe here the methods to amplify deletion mutant, pseudotyped rabies virus, selectively target cells of interest using genetic and viral approaches, as well as the stereotaxic procedures required to target neuronal subtypes of interest in vivo.
Comparison of group-level, source localized activity for simultaneous functional near-infrared spectroscopy-magnetoencephalography and simultaneous fNIRS-fMRI during parametric median nerve stimulation

Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is a noninvasive neuroimaging technique, which uses light to measure changes in cerebral blood oxygenation through sensors placed on the surface of the scalp. We recorded concurrent fNIRS with magnetoencephalography (MEG) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in order to investigate the group-level correspondence of these measures with source-localized fNIRS estimates. Healthy participants took part in both a concurrent fNIRS-MEG and fNIRS-fMRI neuroimaging session during two somatosensory stimulation tasks, a blocked design median nerve localizer and parametric pulsed-pair median nerve stimulation using interpulse intervals from 100 to 500 ms. We found the spatial correlation for estimated activation patterns from the somatosensory task was R=0.54, 0.57, and −0.48 and the amplitude correlation was R=0.80, 0.52, and −0.70 for fMRI-MEG, fMRI-fNIRS oxy-hemoglobin, and fMRI-fNIRS deoxy-hemoglobin signals, respectively. Taken together, these results show good correspondence among the fMRI, fNIRS, and MEG with the great majority of the difference across modalities being driven by lower sensitivity for deeper brain sources in MEG and fNIRS. These results provide an important validation of source-localized fNIRS in the context of concurrent multimodal imaging for future studies of the relationship between physiological effects in the human brain.
Statistical Nearly Universal Glivenko—Cantelli Classes

Suppose given a parametric family of densitiesf (x θ).Let X1…X n … be i.i.d. observations with a law P not necessarily in the family. If the maximum likelihood estimates of θ exist and converge to some θ0=θ 0 (P)then 00is called the pseudo-true value of the parameter. Analogues of pseudo-true values, here called M-limits, also can occur as limits of M-estimators more general than maximum likelihood estimators, where the sample average of a functionp(x θ) is (approximately) minimized with respect to θ.In this paper, the question is for what p do M-limits exist for all probability measures P on the sample space X or for allPoutside some “small” exceptional class?
Building branched tissue structures: from single cell guidance to coordinated construction

Branched networks are ubiquitous throughout nature, particularly found in tissues that require large surface area within a restricted volume. Many tissues with a branched architecture, such as the ...
Testing causality among five fertilizer prices

ABSTRACTThis article identifies the causal relationships among the prices of five fertilizers using both asymptotic Wald test and resampling (bootstrap) techniques. Monthly data for urea, muriate of potash, rock phosphate, diammonium phosphate and triple super phosphate between 2008 (March) and 2016 (March) are used for the analysis. Results show that the urea price Granger causes all other fertilizer prices. The results of the study are significant in understanding the price dynamics and identify the reference fertilizer price that is useful for the fertilizer industry, farmers and government.
Transcription inhibition of heat shock proteins: A strategy for combination of 17AAG and actinomycin D

5728 Multiple myeloma (MM) is a cancer of the plasma cell that becomes resistant to several chemotherapeutic agents. Recently it has been shown that heat shock proteins (HSPs) are important in the survival of cancer cells. In particular, HSP90 and HSP70 have been linked to chemotherapeutic resistance in hematological malignancies. HSP90 inhibitors such as geldanamycin and its analog, 17AAG, show some antitumor activities in the clinic. However, treatment with these inhibitors results in the elevation of HSP70 antiapoptotic protein levels which may lead to resistance. The increase in HSP70 protein was due to transcription activation of HSP70 mRNA by binding of the transcription factor, HSF-1 to its promoter. We hypothesize that inhibition of HSP70 transcription by transcriptional inhibitors may enhance 17AAG-induced cell death. To test our hypothesis, we used 8226, a MM cell line which expresses high levels of HSP70. Actinomycin D (Act D), already in clinic, was used as a transcription inhibitor. To test the transcriptional inhibitory potency of Act D in 8226 cells, [ 3 H]uridine incorporation assay was conducted. Act D treatment at 0.05 µg/µL for 4h and 8h resulted in 75% decrease in total RNA synthesis. HSP27, 70, and 90 mRNA and protein levels were measured by real time RT-PCR and immunoblot assays. Treatment with HSP90 inhibitor, 17AAG (0.5 μM, 8h), resulted in a 1.5-fold induction in mRNA levels of HSP70 and HSP90 and a 7-fold increase in HSP27 mRNA. Compared to untreated cells, the treatment with Act D alone (0.05 µg/µL, 12h) decreased mRNA levels of all HSPs; there was a 65%, 50%, and 25% reduction in HSP70, HSP90, and HSP27 mRNA, respectively. Combination of Act D with 17AAG attenuated 17AAG-induced increase in transcript levels of HSPs. HSP70 mRNA was reduced to 30% of control, while HSP27 and HSP90 levels were same as the endogenous mRNA levels in untreated control. Consistent with mRNA levels, HSP protein levels were also affected. 17AAG resulted in a 5-fold increase in HSP70 protein levels and 3-fold enhancement of HSP27 and HSP90 protein levels. Compared to untreated control, treatment with the transcription inhibitor Act D did not change protein levels of HSP70, HSP90 and HSP27. However, Act D was able to counter balance 17AAG-induced increase in HSP protein levels as all were back to basal expression levels. Because Act D in combination with 17AAG was able to diminish the effect of 17AAG on both mRNA and protein levels of HSP70, we tested the consequence of these agents on cell death. At this concentration, 17AAG alone did not result in induction of cell death in 8226 cells as measured by annexin binding assay. Treatment with Act D showed 55% cell death while combination of 17AAG and Act D resulted in 80% cell death (more than additive effect). In conclusion, these results indicate that 17AAG-mediated induction of HSP70 and HSP27 mRNAs could be attenuated by Act D resulting in lowering of these HSP proteins and affecting cell death.
The Blood Pressure-Lowering Effect of 20-HETE Blockade in Cyp4a14(-/-) Mice Is Associated with Natriuresis.

20-Hydroxy-5,8,11,14-eicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE) has been linked to pro-hypertensive and anti-hypertensive actions through its ability to promote vasoconstriction and inhibit Na transport in the ascending limb of the loop of Henle, respectively. In this study, we assessed the effects of 20-HETE blockade on blood pressure, renal hemodynamics, and urinary sodium excretion in Cyp4a14(−/−) male mice, which display androgen-driven 20-HETE–dependent hypertension. Administration of 2,5,8,11,14,17-hexaoxanonadecan-19-yl 20-hydroxyicosa-6(Z),15(Z)-dienoate (20-SOLA), a water-soluble 20-HETE antagonist, in the drinking water normalized the blood pressure of male Cyp4a14(−/−) hypertensive mice (±124 vs. ±153 mmHg) while having no effect on age-matched normotensive wild-type (WT) male mice. Hypertension in Cyp4a14(−/−) male mice was accompanied by decreased renal perfusion and reduced glomerular filtration rates, which were corrected by treatment with 20-SOLA. Interestingly, Cyp4a14(−/−) male mice treated with 20-SOLA displayed increased urinary sodium excretion that was paralleled by the reduction of blood pressure suggestive of an antinatriuretic activity of endogenous 20-HETE in the hypertensive mice. This interpretation is in line with the observation that the natriuretic response to acute isotonic saline loading in hypertensive Cyp4a14(−/−) male mice was significantly impaired relative to that in WT mice; this impairment was corrected by 20-SOLA treatment. Hence, endogenous 20-HETE appears to promote sodium conservation in hypertensive Cyp4a14(−/−) male mice, presumably, as a result of associated changes in renal hemodynamics and/or direct stimulatory action on tubular sodium reabsorption.
DIELECTRIC AND MECHANICAL RELAXATIONS IN ETHYLENE-ACRYLIC ACID AND ETHYLENE-METHACRYLIC ACID COPOLYMERS

The dielectric relaxation behavior of ethylene-carboxylic acid copolymers has been studied over the frequency range of 50 Hz to 104 Hz and over the temperature range of -160°C to + 100°C. The copolymers studied consisted of four acrylic acid and two methacrylic acid copolymers of varying acid content. In the temperature and frequency region investigated, two dielectric dispersions occur and these are labelled β’ and γ in order of decreasing temperature. The β’ dispersion may be quantitatively accounted for on the basis of the orientation of free carboxylic acid groups. The concentration of these groups is assessed from temperature dependent infrared studies. It is suggested that the γ relaxation also involves free carboxyl group motion but quantitative correlations are not possible in this case.
Report of the ALCTS Collection, Evaluation, And Assessment Interest Group Meeting. American Library Association Annual Conference, Chicago, June 2017

The ALCTS Collection Evaluation and Assessment Interest Group (IG) has been meetingtwice each year in conjunction with the ALA Midwinter Meeting and AnnualConference for nearly a decade. Volunteer led, trying to host a mix of topics thatresonate with both academic and public librarians, who are the majority of the ALCTSmembership, topics have varied widely as the role of collection evaluation and assessmenthas expanded and those associated with this work has also grown and intensified.Libraries have increased the role of assessment to nearly all functions and non-costneutral activities to determine the role of importance and the priority or value thatsomething has to overall library services. As long as library collections and materials areamong the most expensive costs in library operations, collection evaluation and assessmentbecomes an even greater priority. The ACRL Top Trends in Academic Libraries: AReview of the Trends and Issues Affecting Academic Libraries in Higher Education, hasidentified Collection Assessment as among the top trends in the last several releasededitions. Public libraries have also identified Collection Assessment as a more importanttheme in their strategic planning.
Treatment of Recurrent or Metastatic Uterine Adenosarcoma.

Purpose. This study retrospectively evaluated overall survival (OS) by treatment of recurrent or metastatic uterine adenosarcoma including surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and hormonal therapy and evaluated OS and progression-free survival (PFS) after 1st line systemic chemotherapy. Methods. 78 patients with recurrent or metastatic adenosarcoma comprised the study population. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate OS and PFS. The log-rank test was performed to test the difference in survival between groups. Results. Median OS from diagnosis of recurrent or metastatic disease was 1.8 yrs. OS was influenced by pathology on recurrence, . Median OS differed by surgery for 1st recurrence 26.3 months versus 15.1 months. OS was not influenced by chemotherapy, , palliative radiation, , or hormonal therapy, . The response rate (CR + PR) per RECIST 1.1 for chemotherapy was 31.2% for doxorubicin-based regimens and 14.3% for gemcitabine/docetaxel. OS since 1st line chemotherapy was not significantly different among chemotherapy regimens. However, the median PFS was superior for doxorubicin/ifosfamide (15.4 months) compared to gemcitabine/docetaxel (5.0 months), platinum-based regimens (5.7 mo), or other doxorubicin-based regimens (6.5 months). Conclusion. These results suggest that surgery is an important treatment modality for recurrent or metastatic uterine adenosarcoma, and the most effective chemotherapeutics are doxorubicin/ifosfamide and gemcitabine/docetaxel.
The Sovereign Signifier: Agamben and the Nonhuman

This chapter reads the work of Giorgio Agamben against the grain of its seeming affinity with Foucault and the latter’s critique of Law. My claim is that Agamben preserves and describes with some inventiveness the ontological status of, or role for, Law after its tie to normative or determinative Power has been severed. Like Lacan, Agamben insists on a Law that is constitutive or structurally necessary. Bereft of commanding or even referential content—of ends and outcomes that might legitimize it—this Law redeems the politics of its use. Appearing in an ‘event of language,’ this Law is the very condition for politics and a shared world. Such a Law is exemplified in the lyric poems that appear in Falkoff’s Poems from Guantanamo: The Detainees Speak.
Toward image-guided partial nephrectomy with the da Vinci robot: exploring surface acquisition methods for intraoperative re-registration

Our overarching goal is to facilitate wider adoption of robot-assisted partial nephrectomy through image- guidance, which can enable a surgeon to visualize subsurface features and instrument locations in real time intraoperatively. This is motivated by the observation that while there are compelling lifelong health benefits of partial nephrectomy, radical nephrectomy remains an overused surgical approach for many kidney cancers. Image-guidance may facilitate wider adoption of the procedure because it has the potential to increase surgeons' confidence in efficiently and safely exposing critical structures as well as achieving negative margins with maximal benign tissue sparing, particularly in a minimally invasive setting. To maintain the accuracy of image-guidance during the procedure as the kidney moves, periodic re-registration of medical image data to kidney anatomy is necessary. In this paper, we evaluate three registration approaches for the da Vinci Surgical System that have the potential to enable real-time updates to the display of segmented preoperative images within its console. Specifically, we compare the use of surface ink fiducials triangulated from stereo endoscope images, point clouds obtained without fiducials using a stereoscopic depth mapping algorithm, and points obtained by lightly tracing the da Vinci tool tip over the kidney surface. We compare and contrast the three approaches from both an accuracy and a workflow perspective.
Evaluation of genotoxicity and mutagenic effects of vector/DNA nanocomplexes in transfected mesenchymal stem cells by flow cytometry.

Abstract In recent years, there has been a great deal of interest in ex-vivo genetic modification of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to meet various biomedical needs. Considering the self-renewal potential of MSCs, it is critically important to ensure that transfection vectors (gene carriers) do not induce genotoxicity because they could theoretically turn a single stem cell into a cancer-initiating cell. Unfortunately, there is currently no reliable, unbiased, and quantitative method to measure genotoxicity (micronuclei formation) of gene carriers directly in transfected MSCs. Consequently, it has not been possible to study the correlation of vectors’ physicochemical characteristics with their impact on stem cell genome stability. To address this deficiency, a flow cytometry-based method with a specialized gating protocol was developed that not only measures micronuclei formation, but also determines the mechanism of mutagenesis (i.e., clastogenic vs. aneugenic) of each vector in transfected MSCs. This gating protocol effectively eliminates all interfering signals associated with aggregated nanoparticles (viral and non-viral), exogenous DNA, and apoptotic/necrotic bodies from the micronuclei measurement process. The presented gating protocol for flow cytometry, which is provided as a template, enables investigators in academia, industry and regulatory bodies to rapidly and reliably evaluate the genosafety profiles of gene carriers. The findings of this study also indicate that highly positively charged lipid- and polymeric-based vectors can induce genotoxicity even without manifesting substantial somatic toxicity. Thus, extreme care must be taken before implanting ex-vivo-modified MSCs back into a patient’s body. Statement of Significance There is a great interest in genetic modification of stem cells (SCs) by using vectors for various biomedical needs. Considering the self-renewal potential of SCs, it is essential to ensure that such vectors do not induce genetic aberrations (genotoxicity) because they could theoretically turn a single stem cell into a cancer-initiating cell. Unfortunately, there is currently no reliable method to measure genotoxicity of vectors directly in transfected SCs. To address this deficiency, a specialized flow cytometry-based method was developed that quantitatively analyzed genotoxicity and determined the mechanism of mutagenesis that occurred in transfected SCs during the transfection process. The developed technique will enable scientists to design safer vectors for genetic modification of stem cells.
Species diversity, abundance, and phenology of aphid natural enemies on spring wheats resistant and susceptible to Russian wheat aphid

The species composition, relativeabundance, and seasonal dynamics of selectednatural enemies of cereal aphids were monitoredin spring wheat fields in Moscow, Idaho in 1997and 1998. Trials also examined the potentialimpact of resistance to Russian wheat aphid(RWA), Diuraphis noxia (Mordvilko)(Homoptera: Aphididae) in wheat, on aphidbiological control agents. Natural enemypopulations were monitored on two springwheats: D. noxia susceptible variety`Centennial' and resistant genotype `IDO488'. Field plots were artificially infested withadult D. noxia, and sampled for cerealaphids and parasitoids weekly. Coccinellidpredators were monitored once in 1997 and twicein 1998. The coccinellids Hippodamiaconvergens Guerin, Coccinellaseptempunctata L., C. transversoguttataBrown and C. trifasciata Mulsant weredetected. No significant differences in adultor immature coccinellid densities were observedbetween the D. noxia resistant andsusceptible genotypes. During both years, themost abundant primary hymenopteran parasitoidswere Diaeretiella rapae (M'Intosh), Aphidius ervi Haliday, A. avenaphis(Fitch), and Lysiphlebus testaceipes(Cresson), Aphelinus varipes (Foerster),Aphidius colemani Viereck, Aphidiuspicipes (Nees), Aphidius sp., Monoctonus washingtonensis Pike & Stary, Praon gallicum Stary, Praon occidentaleBaker, and Praon sp. were also detected. Numbers of both D. noxia and D.rapae were significantly greater on Centennialthan on IDO488 in both years. When all speciesof cereal aphids and parasitoids areconsidered, the total percentage parasitism wasnot significantly different between thegenotypes. There was no interaction betweenD. noxia resistance and the populationdensity of the predators or parasitoidsmonitored. These results suggest that the D. noxia resistant line had no adverse impacton natural enemies under the conditions ofthese field experiments.
Treatment approaches and outcomes in extramedullary plasmacytomas.

8050Background: There is a lack of contemporary studies analyzing the optimum radiation dose and prognostic factors for outcomes of extramedullary plasmacytomas. In this study, we aim to answer the...
A Xenopus oocyte model system to study action potentials

Action potentials (APs) are the functional units of fast electrical signaling in excitable cells. The upstroke and downstroke of an AP is generated by the competing and asynchronous action of Na+- and K+-selective voltage-gated conductances. Although a mixture of voltage-gated channels has been long recognized to contribute to the generation and temporal characteristics of the AP, understanding how each of these proteins function and are regulated during electrical signaling remains the subject of intense research. AP properties vary among different cellular types because of the expression diversity, subcellular location, and modulation of ion channels. These complexities, in addition to the functional coupling of these proteins by membrane potential, make it challenging to understand the roles of different channels in initiating and “temporally shaping” the AP. Here, to address this problem, we focus our efforts on finding conditions that allow reliable AP recordings from Xenopus laevis oocytes coexpressing Na+ and K+ channels. As a proof of principle, we show how the expression of a variety of K+ channel subtypes can modulate excitability in this minimal model system. This approach raises the prospect of studies on the modulation of APs by pharmacological or biological means with a controlled background of Na+ and K+ channel expression.
Continuous Wavelet Transform for Decoding Finger Movements From Single-Channel EEG

Human body movements can be reflected in brain signals and collected noninvasively with electroencephalography (EEG). Motor-related signals include sensory motor rhythms (also known as the Mu wave) in the upper-alpha band of 8–13 Hz and slow cortical potentials (SCPs) in the low frequency range of 0.1–5 Hz. This study compares the two signals for decoding finger movements. Human subjects were asked to individually lift each of the five digits of their right hand, at the rate of one every 10 s. EEG was recorded using a bipolar montage between ipsilateral and contralateral motor cortices. Electromyograms were obtained for identifying movement onsets. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) generated significant performance with SCPs but not with Mu. Meanwhile, continuous wavelet transform (CWT) was applied to SCPs or Mu to create a spectrogram for each finger, showing distinctive amplitude and phase patterns. A dprime-based weighting algorithm was used to extract time–frequency features. With a template-matching paradigm, both SCP and Mu spectrograms yielded significant classification accuracies for multiple subjects, with the highest being >50% (chance = 20%). Interestingly, the index finger was better distinguished with Mu for most of the subjects, whereas the ring finger was better distinguished with SCPs. The CWT algorithm outperformed LDA by better decoding the thumb. This study suggests that the time–frequency characteristics of a single-channel EEG, when phase is preserved, contain critical information on finger movements. SCPs and Mu seem to work in an independent but complementary manner.
Evaluation of incidental pelvic fluid in relation to physiological changes in healthy pubescent children using pelvic magnetic resonance imaging

Peritoneal free fluid can indicate an underlying disease process; however detection of minimal peritoneal free fluid in healthy children is not uncommon. To assess the significance of incidental peritoneal free fluid within healthy children by MRI and its relation to physiological changes during puberty. This prospective study was performed on 32 healthy volunteers (20 boys) between the ages of 8 years and 13 years, with consecutive follow-ups every 8–10 months for an average of 3 years. Body mass index (BMI) z-score, pubertal status, C-reactive protein and sex hormone concentrations were assessed prior to MRI studies. We reviewed a total of 120 pelvic MRI studies (61 boys) and measured the quantity of peritoneal free fluid. For statistical analysis we used linear mixed-model accounting for within-patient correlations. The mean ± standard deviation volume of peritoneal free fluid was 4.7±5.7 mL in girls and 1.9±3.1 mL in boys, with a maximum volume of 25 mL and 17 mL, respectively. The prevalence of peritoneal free fluid was significantly higher in girls (91%) compared to boys (67%; P=0.0035). In 15% of the girls and 3% of the boys the fluid was greater than 10 mL. The mean volume of peritoneal free fluid in the fourth stage of puberty was higher and significantly different from the mean volume in the first stage of puberty (P=0.01). Among healthy pubescent children, the prevalence of peritoneal free fluid is significantly higher in girls. The volume of peritoneal free fluid can reach volumes greater than 10 mL during normal puberty, especially in the fourth stage, and can be assumed normal in the absence of active disease.
Can we and should we use animal models to study neurobehavioral comorbidities of epilepsy

Animal systems have been widely used to examine mechanisms of neurobehavioral comorbidities of epilepsy and to help in developing their effective therapies. Despite the progress made in the field, animal studies have their limitations stemming both from issues with modeling neuropsychiatric disorders in the laboratory and from drawbacks of animal models of epilepsy themselves. This review discusses advantages and weaknesses of experimental paradigms and approaches used to model and to analyze neurobehavioral comorbidities of epilepsy, from the perspectives of their needs, interpretation, ways of improvement, and clinical relevance. Developmental studies are required to adequately address age-specific aspects of the comorbidities. The deployment of preclinical Common Data Elements (pCDEs) for epilepsy research should facilitate the standardization and the harmonization of studies in question, while the application of Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) to characterize neurobehavioral disorders in animals with epilepsy should help in closing the bench-to-bedside gap. Special Issue: Epilepsy & Behavior's 20th Anniversary.
Donor-host Lymphatic Anastomosis After Murine Lung Transplantation.

Background Establishing lung lymphatic drainage is thought to be important for successful lung transplantation. To date, there has been a complete absence of knowledge of how lymphatic connections are reestablished after lung transplant, despite evidence suggesting that this does indeed occur. The present study aimed to elucidate whether and how lymphatic anastomosis occurs after lung transplant. Methods An orthotopic murine model of lung transplant using lymphatic reporter mice and whole mount immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate the lymphatic vasculature and donor-host connections after lung transplantation. Results Immunohistochemistry of transplanted lungs demonstrated robust lymphatic vessels, and functional assays demonstrated lymphatic drainage in the transplanted lung that was comparable with that in native lungs. Lymphatic vessels in the donor lung exhibited active sprouting toward the host at the anastomosis within the first 3 days after lung transplantation, with more numerous and complex lymphatic sprouting developing thereafter. Donor lymphatic vessels were numerous at the site of anastomosis by day 14 after lung transplantation and formed physical connections with host lymphatic vessels, demonstrating a mechanism by which lymphatic drainage is reestablished in the transplanted lung. Conclusions Lymphatic drainage after lung transplantation is established by active sprouting of donor lymphatic vessels towards the host and the formation of donor-host lymphatic connections at the level of the transplant anastomosis.
Surgical resection of calcifying nested stromal-epithelial tumor in an adolescent female: A case report

Abstract Introduction Calcifying nested stromal-epithelial tumor (CNSET) is an extremely rare, indolent tumor of the liver of uncertain cellular origin. With only 38 cases reported in the literature, pathogenesis and optimal therapeutic approach are not well characterized. Based on the available literature, the risk of recurrence is low with surgical resection with negative margins. Presentation of case In this case report, we describe an adolescent patient with CNSET who underwent right trisectionectomy. Discussion In order to avoid posthepatectomy liver failure, special consideration must be given to the amount of residual liver parenchyma after resection when considering surgical approach. Single stage right trisectionectomy and two stage via associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy (ALPPS) were both considered for surgical approach in this case in order to provide sufficient functional liver parenchyma remnant. Conclusion Given that obtaining negative margins is important in reducing the risk of recurrence, the method of surgical resection utilized is based on the amount of future functional residual hepatic parenchyma.
Relationship Education and HIV Prevention for Young Male Couples Administered Online via Videoconference: Protocol for a National Randomized Controlled Trial of 2GETHER.

Background: Young men who have sex with men have a high HIV incidence, and a substantial proportion of incident infections occur in the context of main partnerships. However, romantic relationships also provide numerous benefits to individual health and wellbeing. 2GETHER is a relationship education and HIV prevention program for young male couples, and the 2GETHER USA randomized controlled trial (RCT) was launched to establish the efficacy of an online version of 2GETHER. Objective: The objective of 2GETHER is to optimize relationship functioning in young male couples as a method to improve communication about sexual risk behaviors and reduce HIV transmission. In the 2GETHER USA study, 2GETHER was adapted for online administration to couples across the United States via videoconferencing. The intervention in question aims to address the unique needs of couples from varied racial/ethnic backgrounds and geographic regions. Methods: This is a comparative effectiveness RCT of 2GETHER USA relative to existing public health practice (control). 2GETHER USA is a hybrid group- and individual-level intervention that delivers three weekly online group discussion sessions for skills delivery, followed by two individualized couple sessions that focus on skills implementation in each couple. The control condition differs by participant HIV status: (1) the Testing Together protocol for concordant HIV-negative couples; (2) medication adherence and risk reduction counseling for concordant HIV-positive couples; or (3) both protocols for serodiscordant couples. Follow-up assessments are delivered at 3-, 6-, 9-, and 12-months post-intervention in both conditions. Testing for rectal and urethral Chlamydia and Gonorrhea occurs at baseline and 12-month follow-up. The primary behavioral outcome is condomless anal sex with serodiscordant serious partners or any casual partners. The primary biomedical outcome is sexually transmitted infection incidence at a 12-month follow-up. Results: As of October 11, 2019, the trial has enrolled and randomized 140 dyads (Individual N=280). Enrollment will continue until we randomize 200 dyads (N=400). Assessment of intervention outcomes at 3-, 6-, 9-, and 12-months is ongoing. Conclusions: 2GETHER is innovative in that it integrates relationship education and HIV prevention for optimizing the health and wellbeing of young male couples. The 2GETHER USA online adaptation has the potential to reach couples across the United States and reduce barriers to accessing health care services that are affirming of sexual minority identities for those who live in rural or under-resourced areas. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03284541; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03284541
From thought to action: The brain-machine interface in posterior parietal cortex.

A dramatic example of translational monkey research is the development of neural prosthetics for assisting paralyzed patients. A neuroprosthesis consists of implanted electrodes that can record the intended movement of a paralyzed part of the body, a computer algorithm that decodes the intended movement, and an assistive device such as a robot limb or computer that is controlled by these intended movement signals. This type of neuroprosthetic system is also referred to as a brain–machine interface (BMI) since it interfaces the brain with an external machine. In this review, we will concentrate on BMIs in which microelectrode recording arrays are implanted in the posterior parietal cortex (PPC), a high-level cortical area in both humans and monkeys that represents intentions to move. This review will first discuss the basic science research performed in healthy monkeys that established PPC as a good source of intention signals. Next, it will describe the first PPC implants in human patients with tetraplegia from spinal cord injury. From these patients the goals of movements could be quickly decoded, and the rich number of action variables found in PPC indicates that it is an appropriate BMI site for a very wide range of neuroprosthetic applications. We will discuss research on learning to use BMIs in monkeys and humans and the advances that are still needed, requiring both monkey and human research to enable BMIs to be readily available in the clinic.
Space-energy separated representations for multigroup neutron diffusion using proper generalized decompositions

Abstract Proper generalized decomposition (PGD) can be described as a numerical extension of separation of variables and thus be employed as a solution technique for multi-dimensional problems, where dimensions should be understood in the phase-space context of the governing law at hand. This paper presents a PGD approach on efficiently solving problems involving multigroup neutron diffusion. Two PGD approaches are described: space-only and space-energy decompositions. Numerical results include 2-D and 3-D examples with two-, seven-, and 145-group structures. The PGD solutions are compared against traditional multi-dimensional finite element discretization. For few-group problems, both PGD approaches prove effective for mildly heterogeneous geometries, but showed reduced performance with increasing heterogeneity. The space-energy representation was found to be slower than the space-only approach for two-group problems, but proved more effective for seven-group problems. For even larger numbers of groups, the space-energy PGD decomposition was very effective at reducing the computational time.
The Enduring Effects of State Party Tradition on the Voting Experience

The U.S. Constitution and historical practice leave election administration largely to the states, and state constitutions establish the institutional arrangements and processes that set the broad ...
Optimal test and sensor selection for active fault diagnosis using integer programming

Abstract A model-based method is presented for the simultaneous selection of tests and sensors in fault detection and isolation (FDI) of systems subject to uncertainty. Tests and sensors are selected out of a continuous or discrete set of options based on their contribution to information gain with respect to fault identifiability. The objective of the optimization of the tests designed is to maximize the sensitivity of sensed outputs with respect to faults and minimize the joint confidence between faults and sources of uncertainty. The methodology is intended for active FDI in systems that can be limited to a finite number of input design scenarios, with a set of sensors that may or may not be valuable for the purpose of fault detection. The optimization of discrete sensors and input designs is formulated as a constrained mixed integer non-linear program that maximizes a measure of Fisher information, which calculates output sensitivities with respect to faults and uncertainty, by treating those as parameters in the system model. Kullback–Leibler divergence is used to determine the isolation capacity of a FDI test when there is uncertainty in inputs and parameters. FDI tests are executed using k -nearest neighbor classification, which is used as a verification method for test designs and sensor networks that result in high correct classification rates. The proposed design framework is tested on a virtual benchmark three-tank system, subject to multiple faults and sources of uncertainty.