cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hox expression in the American alligator and evolution of archosaurian axial patterning

The avian body plan has undergone many modifications, most associated with adaptation to flight and bipedal walking. Some of these modifications may be owing to avian-specific changes in the embryonic Hox expression code. Here, we have examined Hox expression in alligator, the closest living relative of birds, and an archosaur with a more conservative body plan. Two differences in Hox expression between chick, alligator, and other tetrapods correlate with aspects of alligator or bird-specific skeletal morphology. First, absence of a thoracic subdomain of Hoxc-8 expression in alligator correlates with morphological adaptations in crocodilian thoracic segments. Second, Hoxa-5, a gene required to pattern the cervical-thoracic transition, shows unique patterns of expression in chick, alligator, and mouse, correlating with species-specific morphological patterning of this region. Given that cervical vertebral morphologies evolved independently in the bird and mammalian lineages, the underlying developmental mechanisms, including refinement of Hox expression domains, may be distinct.
The effect of protease inhibitor therapy on growth and body composition in human immunodeficiency virus type 1-infected children

Objective. To determine the effect of protease inhibitors (PIs) on growth and body composition in children with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection. Background. HIV-1-infected children have chronic problems with both linear growth and weight gain. Viral load may directly influence growth and nutritional status of HIV-1-infected children with reduction of viral load improving the nutritional condition. Design/Methods. Data from 67 patients who initiated PI therapy between 1996 and 1999 and who were enrolled in a prospective, longitudinal study of growth and nutrition in HIV-1-infected children were analyzed. Outcomes included pre-PI versus post-PI measures of height, weight, weight-for-height, triceps skinfold thickness, and arm muscle circumference. Predictor covariates included age, race, gender, Tanner stage, CD4 z score, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stage, route of infection, plasma HIV-1 RNA, other antiretroviral therapy, recommended daily allowances for calories, treatment with megestrol acetate, and PI therapy. Results. Sixty-seven children were followed for a median of 2.4 years with a total of 362 visits (median: 5 visits; range: 1–12). During follow-up, they received PIs for a median of 5 months. Fifty-one percent were girls, 54% black, 15% Hispanic, and 25% white. The mean age at first visit was 6.8 years. In a univariate analysis, weight z score (−0.67 to −0.35) and weight/height z score (0.25–0.76) improved on PI therapy. Using repeated-measures regression analysis, controlling for the above named covariates, PI treatment showed a significant effect on weight z score (increase in z score by 0.46), weight/height z score (increase in z score by 0.49), and arm muscle circumference (increase in percentile by 11.5). A borderline effect was found for height z score (increase in z score by 0.17) and no effect was found for triceps skinfold thickness. In a separate analysis, PI therapy increased CD4 counts twofold and reduced plasma HIV-1 RNA copies by 79%. Conclusion. In addition to a significant reduction in viral load, PI therapy in children has a positive effect on several growth parameters, including weight, weight/height, and muscle mass.
The Effects of Climate Modes on Growing-Season Length and Timing of Reproduction in the Pacific Northwest as Revealed by Biophysical Modeling of Lizards

Abstract The effects of climate change on environments are increasingly obvious and are leading to stronger and more varied biological responses as organisms compensate. To understand better the responses of terrestrial ectotherms to climate oscillations we created a biophysical model based on the degree-days concept to predict relevant life-history events. By studying side-blotched lizards, Uta stansburiana, we were able to calculate the timing and length of the growing season as well as the timing of the breeding season for this species at a site in the Pacific Northwest based primarily on temperature data. We then used historical meteorological data to test for the effects of short- and long-term fluctuations in climate modes on lizards using indices for the El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO). Results indicate that these two climate modes affect different aspects of life history and that their effects, either alone or in combination, have the potential to alte...
Cytoskeletal involvement in the modulation of cell-cell junctions by the protein kinase inhibitor H-7

The protein kinase inhibitor H-7 has been shown to block junction dissociation induced by low extracellular calcium in Madin Darby canine kidney epithelial cells (S. Citi, J. Cell Biol. (1992) 117, 169–178). To understand the basis of this effect, we have examined how H-7 affects the organization of junctions and the actin cytoskeleton in different types of epithelial cells in culture. Immunofluorescence microscopy showed that H-7 confers Ca2+ independence on cultured epithelial lens cells, which lack tight junctions and desmosomes but have microfilament-associated adherens junctions. In these cells, H-7 did not protect N-cadherin from trypsin digestion at low extracellular calcium, suggesting that H-7 does not stabilize the ‘active’ cadherin conformation. In cultured Madin Darby canine kidney cells, H-7 partially prevented the fall in transepithelial resistance induced by cytochalasin D, either alone or in conjunction with calcium chelators. Double-immunofluorescence microscopy showed that H-7 inhibits both the fragmentation of labeling for the tight junction protein cingulin and the condensation of actin into cytoplasmic foci induced by cytochalasin D. Taken together, these observations indicate that H-7 inhibits junction dissociation by affecting the contractility of the adherens junction-associated microfilaments following treatment with calcium chelators or cytochalasin D.
The Tipping Point: Legal Epidemics, Constitutional Doctrine, and the Defense of Marriage Act

Using Malcolm Gladwell's book The Tipping Point as a jumping off point, this brief article discuss whether the Supreme Court has reached a tipping point with regards to equal marriage and its benefits. The article suggests that to determine whether the Court has reached the tipping point - and more specifically, whether the constitutional question has reached the Court at the right time - requires that one look beyond the Court’s precedent and examine the “national conversation.” The article traces other significant shifts in constitutional doctrine and suggests that the Court’s other tipping points have paralleled shifts in societal norms. the article ultimately concludes that the time is not right for a Supreme Court review of the Defense of Marriage Act. The “national conversation” about marriage equality is in its infancy when compared to race and gender issues. Equal marriage remains a deeply divisive issue. A recent poll shows that a majority of Americans are still resistant to extending marriage rights to same-sex couples. A vast majority of states either have constitutional amendments or statutes that explicitly define marriage as between one man and one woman. If the Justices are looking for evidence of a societal tipping point through legislative changes, as they did in Lawrence v. Texas and Loving v. Virginia, they will not find it yet.
Dynamic Retractable Key Chain for the Hand

We have developed a dynamic hand splint, with a quantifiable force, to increase the range of motion of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint. A number of conservative methods, such as passive stretching, splinting, and serial casting, have been used to reduce finger joint contractures. Therapists often ask questions such as • What is the amount and duration of force that will produce the greatest increase in joint range of motion in the shortest period of time? • Are there some joint conditions that will have a greater increase in range of motion with a low force applied over longer periods of time as opposed to some joint conditions that respond better to higher forces applied for shorter periods of time? • What is the amount and duration of force, if exceeded, that will cause a loss in hand function?
Production and Convergence of Multiscale Clustering in Speech

Language entails the scaling of variability across levels of measurement—small linguistic variations occur at the millisecond level, larger variations occur at the next level, and even larger variations occur over longer timescales. For acoustic onsets in speech signals, small temporal variations occur at the phonetic level, larger variations occur at the phrasal level, and even larger variations occur at the conversational level. Scaling across levels of measurement can be quantified in terms of power law distributions. In this article we review recent investigations into power law clustering of acoustic speech onsets. Studies demonstrate that the multiscale clustering in onsets reflects communicative aspects of speech in adult conversations as well as infant vocalizations. We also review evidence that multiscale clustering in the vocalizations of individuals converges during vocal interactions. We relate multiscale convergence to the notion of complexity matching, that is, the hypothesis that maximal in...
Effect of pituitary and gonadal hormones on Friend Virus Disease in mice.

SummaryThe effect of pituitary and gonadal hormones on Friend Virus Disease in mice has been studied. Estradiol inhibited the virus-induced hypervolemic polycythemia, hepatomegaly, and splenomegaly. The effect was most evident during the second week following injection. Progesterone, adrenocor-ticotropic hormone, and testosterone did not influence significantly the hematologic and organ changes characterizing the disease. A possible mechanism of action of estrogen-induced suppressions of erythropoiesis in this disease is discussed.We extend thanks to Dr. P. Trudel, and to Edmund Dywinksi, Andres Bulba, Joyce Jividen, Ruth Deck-ert, Basilius Sywenkyj, A. G. Miramd, and W. Trudel.
A cinematic spatial sound display for panorama video applications

This paper describes a new sound spatialisation system which is an integral part of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute’s new Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center (EMPAC). The Cinematic Spatial Sound Display (CSSD) was originally conceived for interactive panorama video installations, but the architecture goes beyond this particular application. The CSSD is characterised by its scalability to various loudspeaker configurations. It spatialises sound from dry sound files or live sources using control data that describe the spatial scenes. The time lines for source positions and other experimental parameters can be stored and edited in the CSSD, and the system can also process live user input to control selected parameters. The CSSD is more than just a sound positioning tool, and the underlying Virtual Microphone Control (ViMiC) technology was developed to support artists in designing new forms of spatial imagery. The software enables the user to create computer-generated rooms with virtual microphones and sound sources. The algorithm uses physical laws to auralise acoustic scenes – allowing realistic effects such as the Doppler shift and the simulation of various classical microphone techniques. Various parameters of ViMiC can be adjusted in real time, including the directivity patterns and orientations of both the microphones and sound sources as well as their precise locations. Surreal scenes can be created by assigning artificial directivity patterns to microphones or changing the laws of physics in the model. An algorithm to extract the sound-source positions in recordings using a microphone array is also part of the CSSD. The algorithm was specifically designed to operate in multiple sound-source scenarios and can also be used for telematic music applications.
Sulfonated Poly(ether ether ketone) Ionomers and Their High Temperature Shape Memory Behavior

High temperature shape memory polymers (SMP) were prepared from metal salts of a sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) ionomer, M-SPEEK, using cations of varying valence from one to four. The ionomer...
Value of SATB2 immunostaining in the distinction between small intestinal and colorectal adenocarcinomas

Aims Special AT-rich sequence-binding protein 2 (SATB2) is a novel immunomarker that is expressed in glandular cells of the lower gastrointestinal tract with retained expression in the majority of primary and metastatic colorectal adenocarcinomas (CRCs). Because of its tissue specificity, SATB2 has been shown to be a clinically useful marker to distinguish CRC from non-CRC. In this study, we investigated whether or not SATB2 can help differentiate CRC from small intestinal adenocarcinoma (SIA), a practical diagnostic challenge due to their morphological and immunophenotypic similarities. Methods Fifty surgically resected primary SIAs and 50 CRCs were immunohistochemically examined for the expression of SATB2. Positive staining was graded as 1+ (5–25% of the tumour cells stained), 2+ (26–50%), 3+ (51–75%) or 4+ (>75%), as well as weak, intermediate or strong for staining intensity. Results Positive SATB2 immunoreactivity was observed in 23 (46%) SIAs in contrast to 48 (96%) CRCs (p Conclusions SATB2 is not entirely CRC-specific and is expressed in a subset of SIAs. Unlike CRC, however, SIA infrequently shows a strong and diffuse staining pattern, which still makes SATB2 a useful immunomarker to distinguish SIA from CRC.
Shape and cytoplasmic filaments in control and lidocaine-treated human platelets

In order to examine the internal structure of platelets we used a negative stain technique following rapid lysis of gel-filtered platelets on electron microscope grids. Platelets activated by the preparative procedure contained an internal network of thin (7-8 nm) filaments in the body of the cells, continuous with parallel filaments in the microspikes. The filaments bound HMM-S1 to form arrowhead structures. The tight bundles of thin filaments in the microspikes possessed a striking axial periodicity similar to the periodicity seen in actin paracrystals containing muscle regulatory proteins. Nearly complete microtubule circlets were sometimes present in or adjacent to lysing cells with formed microspikes; they appeared as continuous loops. Lidocaine (30 mM) reversibly suppressed and reversed microspike formation in 70% or more of platelet populations even after adenosine diphosphate addition. Treated platelets were spherical, not discoid, lacked the thin-filament network and microtubules and contained an amorphous or granular internal cytoplasm. Bundles of thick 0.3-μm long filaments, similar to myosin aggregates, formed in vitro from purified platelet myosin were seen only in treated stored cells, and not in controls. We conclude that lidocaine suppression of microspikes is correlated with disassembly of thin-filament bundles, that reformation of microspikes involves reassembly of filaments into bundles, and that microtubules are not an obligatory part of microspikes.
Guidance and Attitude Control of Unstable Rigid Bodies With Single-Use Thrusters

In this paper, we introduce a novel computationally efficient and practical algorithm for robust guidance and attitude control of unstable rigid bodies using the discrete fixed-magnitude, fixed-duration actuation representative of single-use thrusters. New guidance and attitude continuous control laws are developed based on the nonlinear rigid-body motion model, where the objective is to intercept a target and maintain the near zero angle of attack. A methodology is then introduced to adapt the continuous control system to discrete impulsive forces with constant magnitude and duration. An actuation management scheme is presented based on the equivalence of the total impulse of the continuous control law and thruster force. Realistic time delays and noise distributions are included in a sensor fusion algorithm based on the extended Kalman filter. Simultaneous control for course corrections to ensure the target interception and stabilization of the vehicle attitude is presented through Monte Carlo simulations with various uniformly distributed direction and velocity errors.
Off-Angle Iris Correction Methods

In many real-world iris recognition systems, obtaining consistent frontal images is problematic do to inexperienced or uncooperative users, untrained operators, or distracting environments. As a result many collected images are unusable by modern iris matchers. In this chapter, we present four methods for correcting off-angle iris images to appear frontal which makes them compatible with existing iris matchers. The methods include an affine correction, a retraced model of the human eye, measured displacements, and a genetic algorithm optimized correction. The affine correction represents a simple way to create an iris image that appears frontal but it does not account for refractive distortions of the cornea. The other method account for refraction. The retraced model simulates the optical properties of the cornea. The other two methods are data-driven. The first uses optical flow to measure the displacements of the iris texture when compared to frontal images of the same subject. The second uses a genetic algorithm to learn a mapping that optimizes the Hamming Distance scores between off-angle and frontal images. In this paper, we hypothesize that the biological model presented in our earlier work does not adequately account for all variations in eye anatomy and therefore the two data-driven approaches should yield better performance. Results are presented using the commercial VeriEye matcher that show that the genetic algorithm method clearly improves over prior work and makes iris recognition possible up to 50\(^\circ \) off-angle.
Some Protein Disorders Associated with Neoplasms of Plasma Cells and Lymphocytes: Heavy Chain Diseases*

Publisher Summary This chapter describes some protein disorders associated with neoplasms of plasma cells and lymphocytes. The recent elucidation of the structure of immunoglobulins and the more widespread detailed characterization of the proteins in serum and urine of patients with proliferative disorders of plasma cells and lymphocytes have led to a clearer understanding of the biosynthetic alterations accompanying these disorders. As a result, these disorders are now frequently classified on the basis of the products of the neoplasties cells. Multiple myeloma is defined by the type of proteins produced (G, A, D, and E myeloma), and the biosynthetic processes in myeloma and macroglobulinemia can either be the balanced synthesis of heavy (H) and light (L) chains resulting in only a homogeneous serum immunoglobulin, or unbalanced synthesis manifested by the presence of L and occasionally H chains as an additional or, at times, the sole detectable product. In addition, the recognition of several new disorders of immunoglobulin synthesis has resulted in the identification of a number of new syndromes. Foremost among these are the group of heavy chain diseases, which represent extremes in the spectrum of disordered immunoglobulin synthesis and assembly.
Navigating the “Sea of Goodwill”: Lessons from Regional Veterans Collaboratives

ABSTRACTVeterans and military families face a complex set of challenges transitioning to civilian life. Following in a tradition of community collaboration and collective impact, we believe that a coordinated community-based approach can help ease this transition. Our comparative case study suggests that veteran collaborative efforts should be based on best principles including a neutral and natural convening organization; the presence of credibility, respect, and trust; resources to administer and facilitate; and using data for planning and implementation. Looking forward, these collaboratives need to address issues of scale, formalizing and broadening their scope to identify and achieve and evaluate their impact.
A Re-examination of Information Technology Related Meetups and Professional Organizations in the Greater Cincinnati Area

Information Technology (IT) related meetup groups and professional computer organizations are an important way for IT professionals to continue their education, earn certificates, network with other like-minded peers, and to get involved in their IT community. These groups provide a tremendous resource for the educators in terms of identifying possible new directions for an IT program. They also serve as a barometer to how the industry is doing as a whole in the region and as way to recruit new and seasoned IT professionals. This is a resource that has been largely untapped by the educational institutions in the Greater Cincinnati Area. This poster session examines the various IT-related organizations.
A new data path design for a PET data acquisition system: A packet based approach

We are proposing a new data path design for a position emission tomography (PET) data acquisition system (DAQ). The proposed design can transmit, receive, and process all types of data through a single data stream. Instead of having separate path for data, clock and control signals individually, which is the general case of a conventional DAQ system, the proposed system uses a packet concept to identify and process different data types in a single fast data stream.
Letter by Moris and Avgerinos Regarding Article, "Long-Term Outcome After Carotid Artery Stenting: A Population-Based Matched Cohort Study".

We read with great interest the recent publication of Jonsson et al1 assessing the long-term outcomes after carotid stenting (CAS) compared with carotid endarterectomy (CEA), in terms of stroke and death. The main finding of the study was that CAS was associated with an increased long-term risk of ipsilateral stroke and death during the perioperative phase when compared with CEA. These results were recently confirmed by a systematic review that demonstrated that stroke/death rates after CAS remain significantly higher than that after CEA in both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients.2 On the contrary, the long-term results of the CREST (Carotid Revascularization Endarterectomy Versus …
Salvianolic Acid B (Sal B) Protects Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells from Oxidative Stress-Induced Cell Death by Activating Glutaredoxin 1 (Grx1)

Protein glutathionylation, defined as the formation of protein mixed disulfides (PSSG) between cysteine residues and glutathione (GSH), can lead to cell death. Glutaredoxin 1 (Grx1) is a thiol repair enzyme which catalyzes the reduction of PSSG. Therefore, Grx1 exerts strong anti-apoptotic effects by improving the redox state, especially in times of oxidative stress. However, there is currently no compound that is identified as a Grx1 activator. In this study, we identified and characterized Salvianolic acid B (Sal B), a natural compound, as a Grx1 inducer, which potently protected retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells from oxidative injury. Our results showed that treatment with Sal B protected primary human RPE cells from H2O2-induced cell damage. Interestingly, we found Sal B pretreatment upregulated Grx1 expression in RPE cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), the key transcription factor that regulates the expression of Grx1, was activated in Sal B treated RPE cells. Further investigation showed that knockdown of Grx1 by small interfering RNA (siRNA) significantly reduced the protective effects of Sal B. We conclude that Sal B protects RPE cells against H2O2-induced cell injury through Grx1 induction by activating Nrf2 pathway, thus preventing lethal accumulation of PSSG and reversing oxidative damage.
Food System Fragility and Resilience in the Aftermath of Disruption and Controversy

Discussions about “disruptive” food controversies abound in popular and academic literatures, particularly with respect to meat production and consumption, yet there is little scholarship examining what makes an event disruptive in the first instance. Filling this gap will improve our understanding of how food controversies unfold and why certain issues may be more likely to linger in the public consciousness as opposed to others. I address these questions by using focus groups and in-depth interviews to analyze five potentially upsetting topics: dietary warnings about meat consumption, meat safety recalls, eating meat directly from the skull of the animal, the morality of killing animals for food, and the “pink slime” debate. Findings suggest that disruptive events involve negative affective reactions to safety hazards, disgust-provoking sensory cues, and/or ethical dilemmas. When these cues exist in isolation from one another, consumers’ reactions are quite often short-lived, while the simultaneous presence of multiple disruptive elements in the context of a single issue or event can trigger a far stronger reaction.
Serving the textbook needs of international students through course reserves

ABSTRACTThe University of Central Missouri has experienced a 1,498% increase in students from India since 2012. These international students utilize interlibrary loan to request textbooks at a rate not evident in other student population groups. Their search for course textbooks impacted librarians, staff, and student workers at public desks and on chat as well as the interlibrary loan staff as requests were placed for the titles. In an effort to help meet the demand for textbooks by this student group, the library has implemented a textbook reserves program for the texts needed in the most popular classes.
La placenta mórbidamente adherida

The incidence of morbidly adherent placentation has increased in the current era of obstetrics paralleling the cesarean rate. The problem of abnormal placental adherence is a significant contributor to maternal morbidity and requires multi-disciplinary care for management. The epidemiology, antenatal diagnosis, and a multidisciplinary care model are presented in this review. Multiple methods of imaging are reviewed in detail. In addition, both surgical and non-surgical interventions for management of the abnormally adherent placenta are evaluated.
CRT-100.66 Platelet Activity in Clopidogrel Users With and Without Omeprazole: Meta-analysis of Pharmacodynamic Function

Clopidogrel is metabolized by CYP2C19 enzyme to its active metabolite and omeprazole is a strong inhibitor of this enzyme and therefore is speculated to decrease the antiplatelet activity of clopidogrel. We searched PubMed, EBSCO and Google Scholar databases to identify studies assessing platelet
Targeting CPS1 in the treatment of Carbamoyl phosphate synthetase 1 (CPS1) deficiency, a urea cycle disorder.

Introduction: Carbamoyl phosphate synthetase 1 (CPS1) deficiency (CPS1D) is a rare autosomal recessive urea cycle disorder (UCD), which can lead to life-threatening hyperammonemia. Unless promptly ...
X-ray diffraction investigations of structural modifications in In-doped tin pyrophosphates

Abstract Laboratory and synchrotron x-ray powder diffraction were used to investigate the structural modifications that occur upon indium doping of tin pyrophosphate. The data collected under air, vacuum, and inert gas sample environments at temperatures (T) from 50 °C to 300 °C show that regardless of the In-doping level (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.18) all In x Sn 1-x P 2 O 7 samples are isomorphic (have the same P a -3 cubic crystal structure) at all temperatures and under all the conditions investigated. The cubic lattice parameter (a) increases linearly with T at all doping levels, but the “a vs. x| T “ isotherms exhibit a robust peak at x = 0.1 when data are collected on samples measured in air. On the other hand, Rietveld refinements against data collected on In x Sn 1-x P 2 O 7 samples yield values of O O bond lengths and P O P bond angles that show no major changes at x = 0.1 at any temperature. This is significant, as the Sn 0.9 In 0.1 P 2 O 7 (x = 0.1) compound is known to exhibit the highest proton conductivity within the series, but the microscopic details responsible for the increased proton conductivity are not understood. Finally, the peak observed in the “a vs. x| T “ curves vanishes if the measurements are taken on samples kept either under vacuum or in an inert gas environment. This is a remarkable behavior as it lends further support to our hypothesis that a key microscopic feature responsible for the large proton conductivity of the Sn 0.9 In 0.1 P 2 O 7 compound is the enlargement of the lattice constant at x = 0.1.
Orchestration of Entrepreneurial Ecosystem for New Venture Growth:Moderating role of TMT

The concept of entrepreneurial ecosystems has been gaining traction as we are moving more towards an entrepreneurial economy, and has emerged as a framework to explain the sustainability of high-gr...
A Glum Primer: How to Account for Risk with Uncertain Npvs

This note describes a method for adjusting uncertain future cash flows into a present certain equivalent. The use of net present value (NPV) to adjust a stream of future known cash flows into a single-value equivalent adjusted for the time value of money is common practice. The use of simulation to produce a risk profile of NPV values is also now common. While the expected net present value (ENPV) is often used to convert a risk profile of uncertain NPVs into a single-value equivalent, this approach ignores risk and the decision maker's attitude toward risk. Simply put, a 50% probability of receiving an NPV of $1 million is not as attractive as a 100% chance of receiving an NPV of $500,000. The general logarithmic utility model (GLUM) constructs a single certain equivalent from a risk profile (i.e., a “risk-adjusted NPV”) which goes beyond ENPV to incorporate risk aversion into the decision-making criterion. The simplicity and many attractive properties of the GLUM prompt us to suggest it as more attractive than other ways to adjust an NPV risk profile for risk. Excerpt UVA-QA-0849 Rev. Nov. 26, 2018 A GLUM Primer: How to Account for Risk with Uncertain NPVs We use net present value (NPV) to convert a stream of future known cash flows into a single-value equivalent. The NPV tool uses a discount rate to correctly account for the time value of money. We often next use expected net present value (ENPV) to convert a risk profile of uncertain NPVs into a single-value equivalent. Although ENPV accounts for all possible NPVs and their relative likelihoods, it ignores risk and the decision-maker's attitude toward risk. Simply put, a 50% probability of receiving $ 1,000,000 is not as attractive as a 100% chance of receiving $ 500,000. This makes ENPV an incomplete decision-making criterion. The purpose of this note is to describe the general logarithmic utility model (GLUM), which constructs a single-value equivalent from a risk profile. The resulting single-value equivalent is called a “present certain equivalent,” or “risk-adjusted NPV,” which goes beyond ENPV to incorporate risk aversion into the decision-making criterion. The simplicity and many attractive properties of the GLUM prompt us to suggest it as more attractive than other ways to adjust an NPV risk profile for risk. How to Use the GLUM . . .
Photonic integrated chips for low-power, high-bandwidth communications

We demonstrate a fully integrated photonic network-on-chip (NoC) circuit comprising of more than 400 components realized in heterogeneous silicon photonic process offering 2.56 Tbps transmission capacity.
Sphedamnocarpus andersonii (Malpighiaceae), a new species from Madagascar.

Sphedamnocarpus andersonii, a new species from the Ihorombe Region of Madagascar, is described and illustrated. The twiggy, white-flowered shrubs are characterized by linear leaves, unique in the genus.
Abstract 17047: SnoRNA33 as a New Therapeutic Target in Ischemia/Reperfusion Induced Myocardial Injury

Introduction: SnoRNA33 is a H/ACA RNA, which is predicted to guide the pseudouridylation of 28S rRNA U4966. Other than this information, roles and mechanisms of snoRA33 in human physiology and pathology are largely unknown. Our preliminary data showed that snoRNA33 expression was highly upregulated in mouse myocardial ischemic/reperfusion (I/R) injury. This study is intended to evaluate the utility of snoRNA33 as a new preventive and therapeutic target in I/R induced mouse myocardial injury and to investigate underlying cell and molecular mechanisms. Hypothesis: We hypothesize that snoRNA33 may be a genetic risk factor and therapeutic target in CAD. Methods: Male C57BL/6J mice, 8-12week-old, were subjected to either sham operation or myocardial I/R by a 40 min occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery followed by 3 h reperfusion without or with i.v. morpholino-snoRNA33 antisense oligo (MAO), or its scrambled control (MAOsc) either prior to or during the operation. 24 h later, mice were sacrificed and their hearts and sera were harvested for further analyses including assessing infarct size, assaying apoptosis and serum troponin-I levels. The mechanisms underlying the effect of snoRNA33 were also investigated in in vitro cell culture system by the TUNEL staining and RNA-seq analysis. Results: The size of myocardial infarction/area at risk or myocardial apoptosis was significantly smaller or less severe in MAO mouse group than in MAOsc mouse group administered either prior to or during the operation. Serum tCTn1 levels were significantly lower in the MAO group than the MAOsc group (%cTn-1: 60±20 vs. 100±1.1, p N=5/group ). Overexpression of snoRNA33 augmented apoptosis while inhibition of snoRNA33 expression reduced staurosporine induced apoptosis in cultured mouse HL-1 cardiomyocytes. RNA-seq analysis revealed that out of 890 differentially expressed genes, Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway was the top involved canonical pathway with 21 genes in the pathway downregulated in the MAO group vs MAOsc group. Conclusions: Inhibition of SnoRNA 33 could attenuate IR induced myocardial injury preventively and therapeutically. SnoRNA33 is promising as a new therapeutic target in CAD.
Developments in The Electrodiagnostic Assessment Of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

A systematic approach to the electrodiagnostic assessment of patients with symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome is important for good care. Patients with mild manifestations of median entrapment can present a great challenge in early detection for treatment and prevention of progression. The electrodiagnostic assessment should assess the degree of conduction slowing, the presence of neurapraxia, or axon loss, and isolate the site of injury. Frequent coexisting conditions such as polyneuropathy with predisposition to superimposed entrapment must be considered. The methods presented in this article are sensitive and accurate for median mononeuropathy at the wrist, but interpretation in light of clinical research is essential for patients to be well served.
Inversion Notice Boxes Out Foreign Insurers and Reinsurers

In Notice 2014-52, 2014-42 I.R.B. 712 (the Inversion Notice), the Internal Revenue Service described additions that will be made to the Treasury regulations under section 7874 of the Internal Revenue Code to curb inversions. As discussed in this article, the Inversion Notice targets the use of foreign "cash boxes" to complete inversions that otherwise would fall outside the purview of section 7874. In so doing, the Inversion Notice equates foreign insurers and reinsurers with cash boxes by offering only a limited exclusion for the assets that those companies hold in the ordinary conduct of their insurance businesses. Conversely, the Inversion Notice offers foreign banks and finance companies much broader exclusions for the assets that those companies hold in the ordinary conduct of their banking and financing businesses. Unfortunately, the policy justification underpinning the disparate treatment afforded foreign insurers and reinsurers is not apparent on the face of the Inversion Notice, and, in the absence of further clarification from Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service, that treatment could have a chilling effect on acquisitions of domestic corporations (whether insurance companies or otherwise) by foreign insurers and reinsurers, just when their interest in completing those acquisitions is picking up.
Dopamine and Glutamate in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a complex condition, thought to have multiple subtypes lurking within a broad, behaviorally defined phenotype, making it difficult to identify specific biological causes of this syndrome. However, the evidence from studies conducted over the past decade suggests that dopamine (DA) plays a prominent role in the etiology and treatment of ADHD. Here we will start with consensus views that have emerged about ADHD at the behavioral, biological, and genetic levels of analysis. Then, we will summarize the evidence that links DA to ADHD.
A New Marker of T Lymphocyte Activation in Type I Diabetes

Biological changes underlying T lymphocyte activation, are known to be complex and are still poorly understood (1). Prominent in the early activation-related phenomena (minutes to a few hours after the activation signal) are the elevation of cytoplasmic calcium and changes in transmembrane electrical potential (TMP) (2–4). Resting T lymphocytes possess a relatively constant TMP. However, following mitogen or antigen challenge, T cell TMP changes over several minutes to hours with consecutive periods of depolarization, repolarization and hyperpolarization (2). Selective membrane NA, K-ATP-ase, and the K and Na permeable channels, abrogate both the TMP changes and T cell activation indicating a relationship between them and suggesting that cell membrance depolarization is an integral part of cell activation (2).
Malformations of kidney and urinary tract in common chromosomal aberrations. I. Clinical studies.

A review of urinary tract malformations in chromosomal aberrations is presented. This study is based on a careful evaluation of published cases as well as of our own patients and autopsy material.
Crawling, indexing, and retrieving moments in videogames

We introduce the problem of content-based retrieval for moments in videogames. This new area for artificial intelligence in games exercises automated gameplay and visual understanding while making connections to information retrieval. We propose a number of techniques to discover the interesting moments in a game (crawling), show how to compress moments into an efficiently searchable structure (indexing), and recall those moments most relevant to a user-provided query (retrieving). We combine these ideas in a prototype visual search engine and compare it with commercial visual search engines. Searching within a corpus of moments from Super Nintendo Entertainment System games using query images extracted from YouTube videos, our prototype is able to identify moments that web-oriented search engines rarely see.
Connecting to Students Through Place

Two teaching residency programs in northern California have provided some insight into graduates’ preparation for, and inclination to pursue, teaching in a rural school. Both programs include early coursework that addresses the needs and strengths of rural communities and requires candidates to conduct an in-depth study of their placement community. This article specifically describes features of the community study assignment that aims to have preservice teachers examine their understandings about rural places, to create a connection to the place where students live, and to promote place-based pedagogy. Student feedback suggests the assignment is a promising practice for teacher preparation. A rural-focused curriculum and a strong understanding of the community creates conditions that support both the recruitment and retention of teachers in rural schools.
ADAM17-deficient mast cells exhibit decreased IgE-mediated activation due to impaired Lyn phosphorylation.

Allergies and asthma are common ailments that are on the rise globally. Mast cells play a direct role in the signs and symptoms commonly displayed by allergic patients. The family of A Disintegrin And Metalloproteinases (ADAMs) are involved in regulating many cellular processes by cleaving surface receptors, ligands, and signaling molecules. We sought to determine the role of ADAM17 in mast cell activity. Using inhibitor-based and genetic knockout studies, loss of ADAM17 reduced mast cell degranulation. This resulted in decreased cytokine and histamine release. ADAM17 MC−/− mice exhibited less severe IgE-mediated passive systemic anaphylaxis, while no difference was seen when initiated by exogenous histamine. We previously showed that ADAM17 forms a protein complex with the signaling molecule Lyn. Upon cross-linking, ADAM17 −/− mast cells have reduced Lyn phosphorylation which affects downstream signaling events. ADAM17 may play a role in apical FcɛRI signaling through interactions with Lyn.
Malignant: Polyps and Cancer

Colon and rectal cancers are highly prevalent in the United States as well as worldwide. Surgery offers the opportunity for cure in many of these patients. Different minimally invasive surgery (MIS) platforms exist that afford numerous benefits to patients while offering similar oncologic outcomes to open surgery. These techniques can be laparoscopic, robotic, or a combination of the two. As surgeons continue to gain experience in these techniques, their adoption will likely continue to grow. It is important to understand the available minimally invasive techniques for the treatment of colon and rectal surgery and to understand the benefits each technique has to offer in order to guide the care of patients with colon and rectal cancer. Additionally, knowledge of what surgical options are available may help guide referrals of interested patients seeking specialty care to centers that specialize in laparoscopic and robotic surgery. This chapter summarizes the minimally invasive techniques commonly employed in the treatment of colon and rectal surgery, their benefits compared with open surgery, as well as the evidence supporting their use.
Advancing the State of the Art in Operational Tropical Cyclone Forecasting at Ncep

ABSTRACT Regional Hurricane modeling systems developed and implemented into operations at National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Weather Service (NWS) are now used for tropical cyclone forecast guidance in all ocean basins of the world. Lately, HWRF (Hurricane Weather Research and Forecast) modeling system has made significant improvements to the state of the art in numerical guidance for tropical cyclone track, intensity, size, structure and rainfall forecasts. These improvements come from advances in various components of the modeling system that are incorporated into the model in yearly upgrade cycles. NWS/NCEP/Environmental Modeling Center’s hurricane team has also developed another non-hydrostatic hurricane model in NOAA Environmental Modeling System (NEMS) framework known as HMON (Hurricanes in a Multi-scale Ocean-coupled Non-hydrostatic) model which was implemented at NCEP operations this past year. Development of HMON is consistent with, and a step closer to developing Next Generation Global Prediction System (NGGPS) chosen Finite Volume Cubed-Sphere (FV3) dynamic core based global to local scale coupled models in a unified modeling framework. In this paper, operational configuration details of this new HMON model are discussed along with operational HWRF model upgrades, and their forecast performance is compared to other models. We also discuss plans for hurricane model improvements in the next two to five years.
Transgene stacking in potato using the GAANTRY system.

GAANTRY (Gene Assembly in Agrobacterium by Nucleic acid Transfer using Recombinase technologY) is a flexible and effective system for stably stacking multiple genes within an Agrobacterium virulence plasmid Transfer-DNA (T-DNA). We examined the ability of the GAANTRY Agrobacterium rhizogenes ArPORT1 ‘10-stack’ strain to generate transgenic potato plants. The 28.5 kilobase 10-stack T-DNA, was introduced into Lenape potato plants with a 32% transformation efficiency. Molecular and phenotypic characterization confirmed that six of the seven tested independent transgenic lines carried the entire desired construct, demonstrating that the GAANTRY 10-stack strain can be used can be used in a tissue culture-based callus transformation method to efficiently generate transgenic potato plants. Analysis using droplet digital PCR showed that most of the characterized events carry one or two copies of the 10-stack transgenes and that ‘backbone’ DNA from outside of the T-DNA was absent in the transgenic plants. These results demonstrate that the GAANTRY system efficiently generates high quality transgenic potato plants with a large construct of stacked transgenes.
Radon as a natural tracer of gas transport through trees

Trees are sources, sinks, and conduits for gas exchange between the atmosphere and soil, and effectively link these terrestrial realms in a soil-plant-atmosphere continuum. We demonstrated that naturally produced radon-222 (222 Rn) gas has the potential to disentangle the biotic and physical processes that regulate gas transfer between soils or plants and the atmosphere in field settings where exogenous tracer applications are challenging. Patterns in stem radon emissions across tree species, seasons, and diurnal periods suggest that plant transport of soil gases is controlled by plant hydraulics, whether by diffusion or mass flow via transpiration. We establish for the first time that trees emit soil gases during the night when transpiration rates are negligible, suggesting that axial diffusion is an important and understudied mechanism of plant and soil gas transmission.
A Descriptive Analysis of the Effects of Weather Disasters on Community Resilience

Weather and climate disasters are increasing threats to the survival of human communities across the globe. The aim of this descriptive analysis was to analyze the ways by which the citizens of Puerto Rico responded to Hurricane Maria’s landfall. For this purpose, we used the elaborated account of the metacontingency (Houmanfar, Rodrigues, & Ward, 2010, “Emergence & Metacontingency: Points of Contact and Departure,” Behavior and Social Issues, 19, 78–103) to analyze the community’s process of recovery and adaptation. At the group level, we identified the cultural milieu (i.e., contextual variables), as well as the emerging macrocontingencies and metacontingencies in Puerto Rico’s recovery process. The results of this analysis have theoretical and applied implications. At the theoretical level, the 5-term metacontingency effectively orients scientific work toward the identification of the psychological and sociological factors involved in the human response to natural disasters. At the applied level, identifying these factors can potentially inform future weather disaster–related preventive recovery and adaptive measures and procedures.
Improving Outcomes of Transition-Age Youth With Disabilities: A Life Course Perspective:

This article synthesizes policy and intervention options for youth with disabilities based on recent reports from the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine and the Department of L...
Anticoagulation and Spine Surgery.

Study Design:Literature review.Objective:Preoperative management of therapeutic anticoagulation in spine surgery is critical to minimize risk of thromboembolic events yet prevent postsurgical compl...
Proceedings From the 2019 Stanford Single Ventricle Scientific Summit: Advancing Science for Single Ventricle Patients: From Discovery to Clinical Applications.

Abstracts Because of remarkable advances in survival over the past 40 years, the worldwide population of individuals with single ventricle heart disease living with Fontan circulation has grown to ...