cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Introduction of Xa21 ,a Xanthomonas-resistance gene from rice, into 'Hamlin' sweet orange (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck) using protoplast- GFP co-transformation or single plasmid transformation

SummaryPlasmid DNA (pARS108) containing the non-destructive selectable marker Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) gene, and a plasmid containing a cDNA of the Xa21 gene from rice (pXa21-mtaq) were co-transformed into ‘Hamlin’ orange protoplasts using polyethylene glycol (PEG). Alternatively, plasmid DNA (pAO3), containing both genes (GFP and Xa21) was directly transformed into ‘Hamlin’ orange protoplasts. Over 1,000 transgenic plantlets were regenerated from approx. 80 independent transformation events. The transgenic plants showed normal growth and stable GFP expression over more than 2 years in the greenhouse. This is the first report of a large population of transgenic ‘Hamlin’ sweet orange plants containing one or more target gene(s), using a protoplast-GFP transformation system. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) revealed the presence of the Xa21 cDNA and the GFP genes in all single plasmid transformed plants, and in 35% of the co-transformed plants. Southern blot analysis showed the integration of the cDNA...
LOCAL VORTEX IDENTIFICATION CRITERIA: INTER-RELATIONSHIPS AND A UNIFIED OUTLOOK

We consider local vortex identification in turbulent flows using the two kinematic parameter framework of Chakraborty, Balachandar & Adrian (2005) (hereafter referred to as CBA05). The inter-relationships between the various local crite- ria are summarized and the notion of 'equivalent thresholds' is applied to two canonical turbulent flows: sphere wake and channel flow. Remarkably similar vortex structures are extracted using the 'equivalent thresholds'.
An Interior Newton Method for Quadratic Programming

Quadratic programming represents an extremely important class of optimization problem. In this paper we propose a new (interior) approach for the general quadratic programming problem. We establish that our new method is globally and quadratically convergent published alternative interior approaches do not share such strong convergence properties for the nonconvex case. We also report on the results of preliminary numerical experiments: the results indicate that the proposed method has considerable prcatival potential.
WHEN ONE WIFE IS ENOUGH: A CROSS-CULTURAL STUDY OF THE DETERMINANTS OF MONOGAMY

Multiple proposed determinants of the long-term historical shift in marriage preference from polygynous to monogamous unions are tested simultaneously using data on a worldwide sample of 186 pre-industrial societies. Since the diffusion of monogamy though conquest and population migration is well documented, we employ network autocorrelation regression models that include the cultural transmission of monogamy as an endogenous predictor variable. Linguistic and spatial transmission processes are found to be significant factors that jointly affect the world-wide variance of monogamy, while religious transmission processes are not significant, suggesting genomic variation may play a role in shaping the incidence of monogamy. Other significant factors are reduction of extrinsic risks due to pathogen stress and endemic violence, a highly articulated extrahousehold division of labor, and a beneficent environment, results which are consistent with female choice as a binding constraint in marriage decisions.
Filled Pentagons and Electron Counting Rule for Boron Fullerenes

We have revisited the general constructing schemes for a large family of stable hollow boron fullerenes with 80 + 8n (n = 0, 2, 3, ...) atoms. In contrast to the hollow pentagon boron fullerenes with 12 hollow pentagons, the stable boron fullerenes constitute 12 filled pentagons and 12 additional hollow hexagons, which are more stable than the empty pentagon boron fullerenes including the "magic" B80 buckyball. On the basis of results from first-principles density-functional calculations, an empirical rule for filled pentagons is proposed along with a revised electron counting scheme to account for the improved stability and the associated electronic bonding feature.
Expression of early and late cellular damage markers by ARPE-19 cells following prolonged treatment with UV-A radiation.

Abstract Pathological alterations to the retinal pigment epithelium underlie several eye diseases, which lead to visual impairment and even blindness. Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation is associated with some skin and ocular pathologies; UV radiation may induce DNA breakdown and cause cellular damage through the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), thus leading to programmed cell death. The present study aimed to investigate the production of ROS and the gene expression levels of anti‑ and proapoptotic proteins [B‑cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl‑2), Bcl‑2‑associated X protein (Bax) and caspase‑3] in human retinal pigment epithelial cells (ARPE‑19) treated with UV‑A for 5 h consecutively. The results demonstrated that prolonged exposure to UV‑A induced: i) Cell death, the decrease in cell viability was time‑dependent and reached statistical significance after 3 h; ii) a significant and substantial increase in ROS levels that remained constant for the duration of the experiment, the levels were significantly increased after 1 h of exposure; iii) an activation of apoptotic genes (Bax and caspase‑3) after 1 h of treatment, which was accompanied by a decrease in the anti‑apoptotic gene Bcl‑2; and iv) a loss of apoptotic signals and a rapid decrease in cellular viability after 3 h of consecutive treatment. These processes may trigger necrosis, which was observed in the cells following treatment with UV‑A for 5 consecutive hours. In conclusion, the present study is the first, to the best of our knowledge, to provide in vitro evidence regarding the sequence of events that underlie the cellular damage induced by prolonged UV‑A radiation, starting from the first 30 min of treatment. UV‑A radiation resulted in the activation of apoptotic events, and subsequently led to irreversible cell necrosis.
Noninvasive EEG correlates of overground and stair walking

Automated walking intention detection remains a challenge in lower-limb neuroprosthetic systems. Here, we assess the feasibility of extracting motor intent from scalp electroencephalography (EEG). First, we evaluated the corticomuscular coherence between central EEG electrodes (C1, Cz, C2) and muscles of the shank and thigh during walking on level ground and stairs. Second, we trained decoders to predict the linear envelope of the surface electromyogram (EMG). We observed significant EEG-led corticomuscular coupling between electrodes and sEMG (tibialis anterior) in the high delta (3–4 Hz) and low theta (4–5 Hz) frequency bands during level walking, indicating efferent signaling from the cortex to peripheral motor neurons. The coherence was increased between EEG and vastus lateralis and tibialis anterior in the delta band (< 2 Hz) during stair ascent, indicating a task specific modulation in corticomuscular coupling. However, EMG was the leading signal for biceps femoris and gastrocnemius coherence during stair ascent, possibly representing afferent feedback loops from periphery to the motor cortex. Decoder validation showed that EEG signals contained information about the sEMG patterns during over ground walking, however, the accuracy of the predicted sEMG patterns decreased during the stair condition. Overall, these initial findings support the feasibility of integrating sEMG and EEG into a hybrid decoder for volitional control of lower limb neuroprostheses.
Virtual reality in general surgical training

BACKGROUND: Virtual-reality simulation in surgical training has become more widely utilized and intensely investigated as the result of changes in residency structure and the need to develop safer, more efficient, and measurable training processes. METHODS: The use of surgical virtual-reality devices and their evolution from simple nonanatomic and nonhaptic basic-skills trainers to whole-procedure and part-task procedural simulators are reviewed. RESULTS: A range of virtual-reality devices can currently be used to train laparoscopic manipulative tasks and flexible endoscopic tasks. Current data indicate that these training devices are of significant value in building surgical resident skills. Newer devices can be enabled with haptics, mentoring, and enhanced performance measurement capabilities. CONCLUSIONS: If executed properly, virtual reality offers inherent advantages over other training systems. The most important of these is facilitation of performance measurement, which makes proficiency-based training feasible. Accruing experience with multiple simulation systems indicates that this type of training is valuable and accessible. Significant challenges remaining to be overcome before wider implementation of training and assessment with these devices can occur include validation as well as the identification of resources for procurement and ongoing development.
Effect of Food Subsidies on Micronutrient Consumption

In this article, we study the effect of an exogenous increase in wheat and rice price subsidy to poor families resulting from a targeted food price subsidy programme in India called the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) on micronutrient intake in low-income families. Descriptive results show that wheat and rice have one of the lowest micronutrient density scores, suggesting that these are poor suppliers of micronutrients. Empirical analysis suggests that the increase in monthly per capita subsidy amount of ₹15–18 resulting from the TPDS expansion lowered calcium intake by 12–14 per cent and had negligible to small (often negative) effects on the consumption of most micronutrients.
Predicting the Risk of Bleeding in Patients Taking Warfarin

When considering anticoagulation therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation or venous thromboembolism (VTE), physicians and patients must balance the benefits of anticoagulation with the risk of bleeding, particularly major bleeding complications. For example, in patients who are at high risk of bleeding, physicians may wish to consider aspirin instead of warfarin, especially if the risk of stroke or recurrent VTE is relatively low.
Very-Low-Dose Methadone To Treat Refractory Neuropathic Pain in Children with Cancer.

Abstract Background: Compared with nociceptive pain, neuropathic pain is a challenging diagnosis to make and successfully treat in children with cancer. Objective: The objective of this case report was to see whether very-low-dose methadone (VLDM) (defined as <50% of accepted starting analgesic dose of methadone for children) would be an effective strategy to treat refractory neuropathic pain due to vincristine in two children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Methods: This case report is based on the clinical experience and parent-reported outcomes of two children with refractory neuropathic pain who received VLDM. Results: Based on parent/caregiver-reported outcome scores over a one-year period, both children's refractory neuropathic pain syndrome was successfully treated with the addition of VLDM to their pre-existing regimen of gabapentin. Neither child suffered any adverse effects from methadone. Conclusions: VLDM shows promise as an effective, safe, and inexpensive way to treat refractory neuropath...
Perioperative Antibiotic Prophylaxis to Prevent Surgical Site Infections in Solid Organ Transplantation

Antibiotic prophylaxis in the perioperative period is the standard of care for nearly all surgical procedures and routinely prescribed during solid organ transplantation (SOT). The primary goal of perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis is to minimize postoperative surgical site infections (SSIs). SSIs are a significant issue in SOT. Depending on the organ transplanted, SSIs occur in 3% to 53% of patients, with the highest rates observed in small bowel/multivisceral, liver, and pancreas transplant recipients. SOT recipients are also at increased risk of developing SSIs with antimicrobial-resistant organisms. In this article, we describe the epidemiology and risk factors for SSIs in SOT and examine the available literature to guide the use of different regimens for perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis for each organ. We have further addressed specific situations that are unique to each organ transplant type, such as the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in thoracic organ transplantation, as well as an approach to perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis in the setting of recipient and/or donor infection before transplantation. We provide potential approaches to the selection, dosing, and duration of perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis for each of these clinical situations.
Fundamentals: Building Communities of Practice in Comparative Effectiveness Research

As collaborative peer networks based upon a shared area of inquiry, communities of practice are voluntary and focused both on learning and on building capacity. They are engaged in sharing knowledge, developing expertise, and solving problems. Communities of practice break down communication barriers through continuous exchange of data, information, and knowledge in a more open and informal manner, typically among those with clinical and research expertise. Recent debates have centered on increasing public understanding of science through citizen participation in the production of scientific knowledge, and the assessment of its applications in biotechnology. To sustain a “knowledge commons,” communities of practice can work toward diminishing the boundaries between the “expert” producers of research within the academic, public, nonprofit, and private sectors, and consumers across these sectors. Translating research into action promotes better decision-making by health care providers and their “active” patients, so that both may meaningfully engage in informed dialogues about the nature and quality of care. Collaborative methods, such as community-based participatory research, citizen science, learning communities, and lay health worker participation, will insure a more socially responsive transfer of comparative effectiveness research findings across diverse sectors and constituencies.
Artificial neural network based digital temperature compensation method for aluminum nitride MEMS resonators

This paper reports on the demonstration of an effective use of an artificial neural network (ANN) algorithm for the implementation of a digital temperature compensation method (DTCM) for aluminum nitride (AlN) MEMS resonators. This method resulted in an improved frequency-temperature stability (14 ppm from −40 °C to +80 °C with respect to 100 ppm when using a resistive-feedback control circuit), while consuming very low ovenization power (as low as 390 μW over the same temperature range). To our knowledge, this implementation exhibits the highest figure of merit (product of oven gain times temperature range and 1/power consumption) ever demonstrated for any ovenized MEMS resonators. Interestingly, the same technique can be used to compensate for fabrication-induced frequency variations, hence eliminating the need for trimming.
Quantifying medical student clinical experiences via an ICD Code Logging App.

Abstract Objectives The logging of ICD Diagnostic, Procedure and Drug codes is one means of tracking the experience of medical students’ clinical rotations. The goal is to create a web-based computer and mobile application to track the progress of trainees, monitor the effectiveness of their training locations and be a means of sampling public health status. Materials and Methods We have developed a web-based app in which medical trainees make entries via a simple and quick interface optimized for both mobile devices and personal computers. For each patient interaction, users enter ICD diagnostic, procedure, and drug codes via a hierarchical or search entry interface, as well as patient demographics (age range and gender, but no personal identifiers), and free-text notes. Users and administrators can review and edit input via a series of output interfaces. The user interface and back-end database are provided via dual redundant failover Linux servers. Results and discussion Students master the interface in ten minutes, and thereafter complete entries in less than one minute. Five hundred-forty 3rd year VCOM students each averaged 100 entries in the first four week clinical rotation. Data accumulated in various Appalachian clinics and Central American medical mission trips has demonstrated the public health surveillance utility of the application. Conclusion PC and mobile apps can be used to collect medical trainee experience in real time or near real-time, quickly, and efficiently. This system has collected 75,596 entries to date, less than 2% of trainees have needed assistance to become proficient, and medical school administrators are using the various summaries to evaluate students and compare different rotation sites.
Flow Diversion of Posterior Circulation Cerebral Aneurysms: A Single-Institution Series of 59 Cases

Background Posterior circulation cerebral aneurysms are at higher risk of rupture and are more symptomatic than those in the anterior circulation. Existing treatments carry significant morbidity. Early reports of flow diversion for posterior circulation aneurysms have suggested high complication and low occlusion rates. Objective To report safety and efficacy of flow diversion with the pipeline embolization device (ev3, Medtronic Inc, Dublin, Ireland) for aneurysms located throughout the posterior circulation. Methods A prospective, institutional review board-approved database was analyzed for all patients with posterior circulation aneurysms treated by flow diversion at our institution. Results Fifty-nine embolization procedures were performed on 55 patients. Average aneurysm size was 9.4 mm. Morphology was saccular (45%), fusiform (29%), or dissecting/pseudo-aneurysms (25%). Sixty-two percent of aneurysms arose along the vertebral artery. There were 7 mid-basilar (13%) and 7 basilar apex (13%) aneurysms. Procedural success was 98%; 1 Pipeline embolization device was placed in 85%; and coiling was performed in 17% of cases. There were 5 major complications (8%), all strokes. Patients with major stroke had modified Rankin Scale score at last follow-up of 1, 3, 4, 6, and 6 (2 mortalities). There were zero intracerebral or subarachnoid hemorrhages. No variable predicted complications on univariate or multivariate analysis. Follow-up digital subtraction angiography was performed for 43 patients (78%). Complete occlusion was 68% at 6 mo and 78% at 12 mo. Average follow-up was 11.8 mo. Fusiform or dissecting morphology and large or giant aneurysm size were predictors of aneurysm persistence at 6 mo on multivariate logistic regression. Conclusion This is a large single-institution series of Pipeline (Medtronic Inc) for posterior circulation aneurysms and demonstrates acceptable safety and effectiveness in these challenging cases.
CHEMICALLY MODIFIED ELECTRODE FOR LIPOSOME-MEDIATED HOMOGENEOUS IMMUNOASSAY

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was the development of a novel liposome-based homogeneous immunoassay. Marker-loaded liposomes are lysed and the released electroactive marker ions are measured by differential pulse voltammetry using a platinum electrode modified with a polymer film which serves to amplify the signal further and to protect the electrode from serum protein fouling. The self-assembly of diacyl-chain phospholipids in aqueous solutions results in the formation of spherical bilayered structures referred to as liposomes. Unlike micelles, which form from the single acyl chain species, liposomes enclose an aqueous void volume which can be “loaded” with molecules. Among the features of liposomes is the fact that antigens can be incorporated into these membranes. Complexation of the antigen-sensitized liposome with its specific antibody activates a series of naturally occurring serum proteins, collectively known as complement, which ultimately form a membrane attack complex that disrupts the membrane. A logical extension of this reaction is the measurement of markers released from liposomes as a secondary response for monitoring antigen-antibody interactions. The advantage of this approach to immunoassays lies in the fact that each liposome can contain approximately 10” marker molecules thereby providing an amplification of the response for each antigen-antibody interaction. This study addresses some of the limitations previously encountered with electroanalysis of liposome-encapsulated species in serum solutions. We have demonstrated the feasibility of using liposomes with a very sensitive electroanalytical technique, differential pulse voltammetry, to determine potassium ferrocyanide [K 4 Fe(CN) 6 ] after complement or surfactant lysis. The physical dimensions and stability of ferrocyanide-loaded liposomes have been investigated by photon correlation spectroscopy. The effects of lipids and surfactant on voltammetric peak amplitude were determined. Investigations using an ion-exchange polymer-modified electrode demonstrate the ability of the polymer film to preconcentrate the released marker at the electrode surface as well as to protect the surface from fouling during serum-mediated lysis. The system is illustrated by measuring the liposome lytic response to IgM antibody against dinitrophenol (DNP) using DNP-sensitized liposomes via the oxidation of the released ferrocyanide. From this study, we have demonstrated that liposomes can be used reliably as analytical reagents, and we are better equipped to make meaningful interpretations of further investigations into homogeneous immunoassays based on the ferrocyanide/liposome system.
Language Sensitive Health Education Lessons from the Field

In these times of language diverse communities, it is difficult to present health education programs in the first language of every participant. Use of language-sensitive techniques helps those with limited English to understand the health message and learn health skills. This article describes simple techniques that can be incorporated into any program serving low income, language-diverse populations. / En estos tiempos de comunidades con diversos idiomas, es muy dificil de presentar programas educativos de salud en el primer idioma de cada participante. El uso de tecnicas que sean sensitivas a diversos idiomas ayudan a aquellos con Ingles limitado a entender el mensaje de salud, al igual que aprender destrezas de salud. Este articulo describe tecnicas simples que pueden ser incorporadas en cualquier programa que provea servicios a poblaciones de bajo ingreso y diversos idiomas.
Altruism in Cyberspace: The Voluntary Sharing of Goods On-Line

Some believe that people act in self-interest and have limited ability to cooperate, unless coerced by powers such as corporate supervisors or government officials. Others have challenged this view. An excellent opportunity to contrast these views is on the internet, which has enabled new venues for interaction and cooperation. Here I study an internet-based organization that facilitates the transfer (“sharing”) of digital goods. In this field setting I document altruistic behavior that is naturally occurring, intended, and stable. People contribute to a public pool of digital goods although they cannot identify the beneficiaries, do not expect direct reciprocity, do not gain from externalities, and know that free riding is frequent. Using participant observation, I describe the technological environment, the interaction and coordination that define the organization. Using interviews, I provide participants’ views on their own and others behavior. Analyzing the data, I hypothesize on the sources of such wide-ranging cooperation. I then consider several alternative explanations: low cost, gain from externalities, direct reciprocity, social norms, common pool resources, and Warm Glow. I show that none of these explains the phenomenon well, and argue for a more comprehensive theory of altruistic behavior. I conclude with recommendations for managers, especially those in companies that engage in electronic business or produce content that can be digitized.
Decreasing rates of axillary lymph node dissections over time: Implications for surgical resident exposure and operative skills development.

Abstract Background Sentinel lymph node biopsy has supplanted axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) in clinically node-negative breast cancer and select node-positive disease. We hypothesized a decreasing rate of both ALND and resident exposure over time. Methods We identified women with clinical Stage I-III breast cancer in the National Cancer Data Base (2004–2014). Adjusted multivariate logistic regression was used to estimate the effect of various factors on receipt of ALND. Yearly procedural rates for residents were extracted from surgical case log reports for comparison against procedural rates. Results 1,131,363 patients were identified; 255,306 received ALND, 876,057 underwent non-ALND management. ALND rates declined from 2004 (32%) to 2014 (16%, p Conclusions Significant declines in both ALND rates and procedural volume in residency may impact outcomes, as ALNDs are being performed in ever more challenging oncologic scenarios by potentially less-experienced surgeons.
Scour Under Ice: Potential Contributing Factor in the Schoharie Creek Bridge Collapse

The Schoharie Creek Bridge on I-90 along the New York State Thruway collapsed on the morning of April 5, 1987, killing 10 people in the five vehicles that plunged into the river. The failure was attributed to scour at the bridge pier foundations. However, the bridge was located just upstream of the confluence of the Schoharie Creek and the Mohawk River, both of which are known for ice jams and have extensive ice covers during winter. The influence of the river ice jams and ice covers on the bridge failure has yet to be explored. This paper discusses the potential impact of the ice jams and winter hydraulic conditions on the Schoharie Creek and Mohawk River that may have contributed to the collapse of the Schoharie Creek Bridge.
Introduction to 2D Transition Metal Carbides and Nitrides (MXenes)

Two-dimensional (2D) transition metal carbides and nitrides, known as MXenes, are a large family of 2D materials. Although the first MXene was discovered in 2011 without any prior prediction of their existence, the family has grown significantly, both from the chemistry and application perspectives. There are about thirty stoichiometric MXene compositions reported and many more are waiting to be discovered. MXenes reported to date are hydrophilic, typically with high metallic conductivity. MXenes have a variety of applications including energy generation and storage, electromagnetic interference shielding, water purification, catalysis, optoelectronics, gas- and biosensors, reinforcement for composites, and biomedical ones. This chapter gives an overview of MXenes and describes how each chapter of this book covers different properties and applications of MXenes.
NEW RECORD OF GIANT DEVIL RAY (CHONDRICHTHYES: MYLIOBATIDAE) FROM ORAN BAY (WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN SEA)

The present paper reports a new record of Giant devil ray Mobula mobular (Bonnaterre, 1788) from western Algerian waters that is encountered for the first time in that coast since its first description in 1901 and last observation in late 80’s. This elasmobranch is categorized as endangered on the IUCN Red List (Endangered A2d ver 3.1) and is likely to be the rarest of the nine species of Mobula genus. Occasionally it is captured in Mediterranean Sea by purse seines, bottom and pelagic trawls, pelagic nets, bottom longlines, drifters and harpoons. The specimen stranded in “la Madrague Beach” in Western Algerian coasts. Its disc length was measuring 108.96 cm and disc width was 226.02 cm. This Myliobatidae is rarely seen with daily landed fish at Oran fishery. Up to date no explicit reason can be given for the strand of M. mobular but ghost fishing and important maritime traffic stay the most plausible cause of this incident.
A Daily-Level Analysis of Moderators of the Association between Alcohol Expectancies and Alcohol Use among College Student Drinkers.

Background: Alcohol expectancies, or the perceived likelihood of experiencing certain effects after consuming alcohol, are associated with college student drinking such that heavier drinkers expect...
The Assad Presidency: Should Longevity Trump Acceptability?

A number of factors favoured the ascendency to ’presidency in 1972 of Hafez al-Assad: Syria’s revolving door governments since independence in 1948; the Arab defeat in 1968 against Israel; the burning Arab desire for unity and solidarity; and the ideology of Arab Ba’ath Socialism whose secular ethos favoured Assad’s minority community, the Alawi. Each of these played a major part in his acquisition, retention and consolidation of power. Hafez Assad positioned Syria as a hard-line state calling it the ‘bleeding heart of the Arab world’. By the time of his death in 2000, the Assad family was in absolute control of Syria’s future. Bashar al-Assad, his son and successor, promised a more open economy and polity to the Syrian people. Yet this was short-lived due to domestic imperatives of consolidating power and external constraints imposed by developments in Iraq. The chapter analyses the rise and consolidation by the Assad family of the country’s governance to highlight factors that led to increasing polarization of public opinion. At a time when Bashar al-Assad is in control of most of his country, he remains a potent force in any negotiations for a post-civil war political dispensation.
3D Alzheimer's disease in a dish: Implications for drug discovery

Abstract Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia. Despite extensive efforts using traditional drug discovery platforms, so far none have proven successful. This chapter provides an overview of recent advances in three-dimensional (3D) modeling of AD using human neural cells and their implications for drug discovery. Mechanistic aspects of different types of 3D AD human cellular models, including 3D brain organoid models and our engineered 3D culture models, will be explained and their potential impacts on AD drug discovery will be discussed. Our ongoing efforts to develop a valid high-throughput 3D AD culture platform will be also described. Finally, the perspective and challenges of accelerating AD drug discovery using novel human 3D culture models of AD will be discussed.
Is There Always a Need for Speed? Testing for Differences in the Striking Behavior of Western Ratsnakes (Pantherophis obsoletus) When Encountering Predators and Prey

Prior to both offensive and defensive striking, snakes can display notable differences in prestrike behaviors between offensive and defensive contexts. However, few studies have investigated strike movements during the different scenarios with which snakes are faced. To better understand how snakes strike, we measured the strikes of Western Ratsnakes (Pantherophis obsoletus; N = 11) presented with two different targets: one simulated predator (a gloved human hand) and one prey (pre-killed mice). For each strike, we recorded strike distance, duration, velocity (average and peak), acceleration (average and peak), and time to start mouth gape. In both encounters, ratsnakes displayed similar time to the initiation of a mouth gape while all peak performances were significantly different between strike types with performances being higher in defensive strikes. Defensive strikes took longer (mean = 122 ± 13 ms), reached greater distances (mean = 15.1 ± 1.7 cm), had higher maximum velocities (mean = 1.80 ± 0.11 ms-1), and maximum accelerations (mean = 101.4 ± 15.2 ms-2). Offensive strikes had much shorter durations (mean = 49 ± 5 ms), distances (mean = 4.3 ± 0.6 cm), maximum velocities (mean = 1.06 ± 0.10 ms-1), and maximum accelerations (mean = 81.4 ± 18.9 ms-2). The results for average performance measurements are similar to those for the maximum performance comparisons. Our results show that snakes can recognize and differentiate prey from threats and respond differently in each situation. Our results also show that predatory and defensive strikes are quantitatively and situationally distinct, should be treated as separate behaviors, and therefore should be evaluated and analyzed separately from one another.
The Naked Truth: Viennese Modernism and the Body: George, Alys X. Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press 328 pp., $45.00, ISBN 978-0226669984 Publication Date: May 2020

Before Alys X. George ever mentions his name, both her book’s title and the image on the dust jacket—or, if the reader has missed that, a photograph of modernist author Hermann Barr standing next t...
Bronchoscopic extraction of a migrated endovascular coil.

A 32-year-old man presented with a 3-week history of productive cough and intermittent haemoptysis. 14 months prior, he underwent tricuspid valve replacement, pacemaker insertion, and coil embolisation of bilateral mycotic aneurysms due to endocarditis complicated by pulmonary and septic emboli in the setting of intravenous drug use. Chest X-ray (CXR) revealed right middle lobe (RML) consolidation with a coil extending centrally into the trachea (figure 1A). Figure 1 Chest x-ray showing (A) a migrated and uncoiled right middle lobe pulmonary pseudoaneurysm embolisation coil (red arrows). (B) Interval removal without residual coil in the airway immediately postprocedure, and (C) no further migration of remaining coils 7 weeks postprocedure. He was evaluated by interventional radiology (IR) for management of the migrated coil and referred to interventional pulmonology (IP) and thoracic surgery. Multidisciplinary consensus was to proceed with …
The Lipid Composition and Physical Properties of the Yeast Vacuole Affect the Hemifusion–Fusion Transition

Yeast vacuole fusion requires the formation of SNARE bundles between membranes. Although the function of vacuolar SNAREs is controlled in part by regulatory lipids, the exact role of the membrane in regulating fusion remains unclear. Because SNAREs are membrane-anchored and transmit the force required for fusion to the bilayer, we hypothesized that the lipid composition and curvature of the membrane aid in controlling fusion. Here, we examined the effect of altering membrane fluidity and curvature on the functionality of fusion-incompetent SNARE mutants that are thought to generate insufficient force to trigger the hemifusion–fusion transition. The hemifusion–fusion transition was inhibited by disrupting the 3Q:1R stoichiometry of SNARE bundles with the mutant SNARE Vam7pQ283R. Similarly, replacing the transmembrane domain of the syntaxin homolog Vam3p with a lipid anchor allowed hemifusion, but not content mixing. Hemifusion-stalled reactions containing either of the SNARE mutants were stimulated to fuse with chlorpromazine, an amphipathic molecule that alters membrane fluidity and curvature. The activity of mutant SNAREs was also rescued by the overexpression of SNAREs, thus multiplying the force transferred to the membrane. Thus, we conclude that either increasing membrane fluidity, or multiplying SNARE-generated energy restored the fusogenicity of mutant SNAREs that are stalled at hemifusion. We also found that regulatory lipids differentially modulated the complex formation of wild-type SNAREs. Together, these data indicate that the physical properties and the lipid composition of the membrane affect the function of SNAREs in promoting the hemifusion–fusion transition.
Thermodynamic Modeling of Metal Adsorption onto Bacterial Cell Walls: Current Challenges

This chapter summarizes research that improves our understanding of metal‐adsorption reactions involving bacterial cell walls. The chapter covers two general types of investigations: (1) those that aim to improve our molecular‐scale understanding of metal adsorption onto bacteria, thereby improving the accuracy of thermodynamic bacterial adsorption models and (2) those that aim to improve our ability to apply thermodynamic models of metal‐bacterial adsorption to complex realistic settings. The first type of research involves a range of experimental approaches, and the most common approaches are described here. The second type of research results from the need to balance the flexibility that comes with chemical sophistication in geochemical models with the practical impossibility of modeling the complexity of real systems at a molecular scale. Hybrid approaches that incorporate some degree of molecular‐scale insight with testable simplifying assumptions are described and offer some hope for extrapolating our newfound molecular‐scale understanding of metal–bacterial adsorption reactions to estimate mass transport in bacteria‐bearing systems. The objective of this chapter is to describe both progress and remaining challenges in order to promote research that ultimately will yield accurate and flexible models of the effects of bacterial adsorption on metal distributions and speciation in natural geologic systems.
Deriving high-resolution sediment load data using a nonlinear deterministic approach

[1] Accurate estimation of sediment load at high resolutions is crucial for river related activities. The existing methods for high-resolution load estimation involve either extrapolation and interpolation schemes using high-resolution water discharge and sediment concentration measurements or direct measurements using load movement detectors. The present study introduces a new (disaggregation) approach, which is based on scaling properties of the sediment load transformation process itself. The load transformation process between different scales is assumed as nonlinear deterministic. The disaggregation approach follows: (1) reconstruction of the scalar (sediment load) series in a multidimensional phase-space for representing the transformation dynamics; and (2) use of a local approximation (nearest neighbor) method for disaggregation. The effectiveness of the approach is demonstrated by employing it to suspended sediment load data observed in the Mississippi River basin. Data of successively doubled resolutions between daily and 16 days (i.e., daily, 2-day, 4-day, 8-day, and 16-day) are studied, and disaggregations are attempted between successive resolutions (i.e., 2-day to daily, 4-day to 2-day, 8-day to 4-day, and 16-day to 8-day). Comparison between the disaggregated values and the actual values (through statistical indicators, time series and scatterplots) reveal excellent agreements for all the cases studied, indicating the suitability of the nonlinear deterministic approach for sediment load disaggregation. The possible nonlinear deterministic nature of the sediment load transformation process between different scales is also evident from the best disaggregation results achieved for low phase-space dimensions (less than 4) and small number of neighbors (less than 100).
Mapping the slopes of expanding continental margins

The use of the modern mapping system, GLORIA, which provides imagery over a wide area, and Sea Beam, which provides swaths of detailed soundings, is considered. Sediments are transported down the continental slopes in canyons, as well as in gravity slides, with much of the material winding up in large fans. These sedimentary deposits subsequently are uplifted, expanding the continental margins seaward. One set of uplift structures with possible economic potential, which has been defined by Sea Beam in great detail, is a large field of diapirs in the Gulf of Mexico north of the Sigsbee Escarpment. Examples of uplift along the tectonically active north California and Oregon-Washington coasts also are discussed. It is concluded that the uplift of the tectonically active areas results from material pushing up from below, generally associated with Earth expansion. >
Aging characteristics of four hybrid glass ionomers

Summary form only given. The objective of this study was to evaluate the change in Barcol hardness of five different hybrid glass ionomers (GI) after storage in distilled H/sub 2/O at 37/spl deg/C. The materials were (A) Encapsulated and (B) Handmixed Variglass (Caulk Dentsply, Milford, DE), (C) Vitremer (3M, St. Paul, MN), (D) Fuji II (GC Corp., Tokyo, Japan) and (E) Photacfil (ESPE Premier, Norristown, PA). Barcol hardness measurements were taken on all the samples after twenty-four hours, 1 week and 1 month of aging. Comparison of the initial hardness using ANOVA (p<0.05) revealed no significant differences. However, materials A and B showed a decrease in hardness after 1 week of storage. In contrast, materials C, D and E showed a significant increase (p<0.05) in hardness after storage. Based upon these results, it may be concluded that materials C, D and E continue to react during aging resulting in a harder material. In contrast, the materials A and B do not continue to react but actually become softer due to plasticization by absorbed water. The additional reaction of materials C, D and E is most probably the result of further ionic crosslinking which may be facilitated by water absorption.
K Ic and J-resistance-curve measurements on Nevada tuff: Linear-elastic fracture mechanics and J-integral test methods have been used to determine the static fracture behavior of a porous volcanic tuff

Linear-elastic fracture mechanics and J-integral test methods were used to determine the static fracture behavior of a porous volcanic tuff. Notched and prefatigued specimens of two different sizes were tested in three-point bending. The fracture toughness (K Ic ) and theJ-resistance (J vs. crack growth) curve for each specimen was determined. The results indicate that there is good agreement between the fracture parameters determined by the two methods; however, there is some dependence of the results on specimen size. Possible reasons for this specimen-size dependence are discussed.
High-performance separations and mass spectrometric methods for high-throughput proteomics using accurate mass tags.

Publisher Summary The aim of strategy for proteome analysis is to exploit a combination of instrumental and methodological approaches to provide broad proteome coverage, high sensitivity, and the capability for greatly increased throughput compared with conventional technologies. The chapter reviews the technological basis and progress toward a global proteomics strategy that aims to provide large improvements in sensitivity, dynamic range, comprehensiveness, and throughput based on the use of polypeptide “accurate mass tags” (AMTs). The two-stage strategy exploits a single high-resolution capillary liquid chromatography (LC) separation combined with Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FTICR) to validate polypeptide AMTs for a specific organism, tissue, or cell type. The key attractions of the approach include the feasibility of completely automated high-confidence protein identification, extensive proteome coverage, and the capability for exploiting stable isotope-labeling methods for high-precision abundance measurements. Additional developments—including the use of multiplexed MS/MS capabilities and methods for dynamic range expansion of proteome measurements—are also described that promise to further extend the quality of measurements and their extension to much more challenging mammalian proteomes. Although increases in sensitivity can be advanced by different means, dynamic range expansion is a key factor when dealing with complex mixtures in which several species may be detected in a single spectrum.
The Image and Meaning of Yom Kippur in the Works of S. Y. Agnon and K. E. Franzos

The modern Hebrew writer, being the son of a secular period, revolts against or thodox Judaism, and wrestles in a desperate struggle of divided loyalties against values sanctioned by age-old tradition. He questions its demands and challenges its authority. Thus he faces the crisis of a cultural split: the separation of his Jewish identity from the only tradition he has, which is a religious tradition. This is a painful process and one which serves as a dramatic theme in modern Hebrew literature.
Cutting Edge: CD40 Engagement Eliminates the Need for Bruton’s Tyrosine Kinase in B Cell Receptor Signaling for NF-κB

The Tec kinase Bruton's tyrosine kinase (Btk) represents a key intermediary for B cell receptor (BCR) signaling. Btk mutation produces B cell deficiency in mice with X-linked immunodeficiency (xid), and surface Ig-mediated responses of mature B cells are seriously deranged. The central role that Btk plays in directing downstream events produced by BCR engagement is demonstrated by the complete failure of NF-kappa B induction and cellular proliferation following anti-Ig treatment of B cells obtained from xid mice. In this study, we report that the block in BCR signaling produced by Btk mutation is reversed by CD40 engagement. Prior treatment with CD40 ligand normalized subsequent responses of xid B cells to BCR cross-linking, so that typical outcomes of BCR signaling such as NF-kappa B activation and cell cycle progression occurred in a Btk-independent fashion. These results demonstrate that a specific genetic lesion interrupting BCR-mediated intracellular signaling is circumvented through stimulation of CD40.
On some neglected paradoxes of modern logic

A four-valued truth-functional logic is presented. Among the specific features of the logic is a similarity to PROLOG and also to intuitionism. The logic is machine hardware representable by means of greater and lesser voltages or by means of a two-wire scheme. Without sacrificing truth functionality, without introducing modal operators, without making relevance a precondition for reasoning, without any gimmicks of unorthodoxies, and without any untoward consequences, one can avoid various paradoxes of standard logic. The initial focus is on two paradoxes. The first is that denying a conditional statement implies affirming its antecedent. The second is that approximately (p(=)q) implies (p x-or q), and that approximately (p x-or q) implies (p(=)q). The author shows that the first paradox can be avoided. Then, he develops several different varieties of equivalence and mutual exclusivity, and dispel the second paradox. Finally he considers some new issues, focusing on whether or not ( approximately (p=)q) and (r=)q)) implies ( approximately r). This proposition is a theorem both of standard logic and of his own system. Consequently, his main aim is to show that this proposition is unobjectionable. >
Island flap anoplasty for treatment of transsphincteric fistula-in-ano.

BACKGROUND: Treatment of fistula-in-ano often replaces one problem, risk of persistent anal sepsis, with another, either incontinence after fistulotomy or mucosal ectropion after rectal flap advancement. A new technique for treatment of transsphincteric fistulas is described that could eliminate risk of both complications. TECHNIQUE: Island flap anoplasty, previously used in management of anal strictures or ectropion, is modified to treat transsphincteric fistulas. RESULTS: The operation has been performed in 11 patients, 3 of whom had Crohn's disease. Follow-up varied from one to ten months. Early recurrences have occurred in three patients, two with Crohn's disease and one without. Remaining patients have done well. CONCLUSION: This procedure is technically easy to perform and appears to cure transsphincteric fistulas while preserving anal sphincter. In the event of persistence of fistula, other operative options are not eliminated by this procedure. We feel that further experience and longer follow-up is needed to define precise indications for this procedure and to determine if continence is improved more so than with standard fistulotomy.