cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Distribution of Herbal Remedy Knowledge in Tabi, Yucatan, Mexico.

Distribution of Herbal Remedy Knowledge in Tabi, Yucatan, Mexico. The distribution of herbal remedy knowledge among a group of people is studied for two main reasons: (1) to identify plants that are promising for pharmacological analysis, and (2) to examine the factors that lead to herbal remedy knowledge erosion as opposed to dynamism in the acquisition of knowledge. The goal of this particular study, which is aligned with the second reason, is to establish the variation in herbal remedy knowledge among the Yucatec Maya in Tabi, Yucatan, Mexico. Free listing and cultural consensus analysis revealed that knowledge about a few medicinal plants and herbal remedies was distributed widely among the Yucatec Maya in Tabi, whereas the majority of knowledge was idiosyncratic. This finding was consistent with other studies of herbal remedy knowledge distribution among indigenous groups in Latin America and Africa. Assessing patterns in the distribution of herbal remedy knowledge is an important next step in determining the degree of dynamism or erosion in knowledge acquisition and transmission in Tabi.
Non-coding RNA in fly dosage compensation

Dosage compensation modulates global expression of an X chromosome and is necessary to restore the balance between X-chromosome and autosome expression in both sexes. A central question in the field is how this regulation is directed. Large non-coding RNAs, such as Xist in mammals and roX in flies, have pivotal roles in targeting chromosome-wide modification for dosage compensation. Several recent studies in Drosophila provide new insight into the principles of X-chromosome recognition and the function of non-coding RNA in this process.
Inverse modeling for open boundary conditions in channel network

An inverse modeling problem for systems of networked one dimensional shallow water equations subject to periodic forcing is investigated. The problem is described as a PDE-constrained optimization problem with the objective of minimizing the norm of the difference between the observed variables and model outputs. After linearizing and discretizing the governing equations using an implicit discretization scheme, linear constraints are constructed which leads to a quadratic programming formulation of the state estimation problem. The usefulness of the proposed approach is illustrated with a channel network in the Sacramento San-Joaquin Delta in California, subjected to tidal forcing from the San Francisco Bay. The dynamics of the hydraulic system are modeled by the linearized Saint-Venant equations. The method is designed to integrate drifter data as they float in the domain. The inverse modeling problem consists in estimating open boundary conditions from sensor measurements at other locations in the network. It is shown that the proposed method gives an accurate estimation of the flow state variables at the boundaries and intermediate locations.
High-resolution phase sampled interferometry using symmetrical number systems

This paper identifies a new phase sampling interferometer approach that can he easily incorporated into the established techniques to provide a high resolution, small-baseline array with a fewer number of phase sampling comparators. The approach is based on preprocessing the received signal using symmetrical number systems (SNS). Antennas based on both an optimum symmetrical number system (OSNS) and a robust symmetrical number system (RSNS) are investigated. The SNS preprocessing is used to decompose the spatial filtering operation into a number of parallel suboperations (moduli) that are of smaller computational complexity. A much higher direction finding (DF) spatial resolution is achieved after the N different moduli are used and the results of these low precision suboperations are recombined. By incorporating the OSNS or RSNS preprocessing concept, the field of view of a specific configuration of interferometers and phase sampling comparator arrangements can be analyzed exactly. The OSNS gives the maximum dynamic range or number of spatial resolution bins while the RSNS reduces considerably the number of possible encoding errors. Experimental results for both a 5-bit OSNS and a 6-bit RSNS array are compared. The errors in the encoding of the direction of arrival are quantified for both architectures.
The Regulation of Neurofilament Protein Dynamics by Phosphorylation: Clues to Neurofibrillary Pathobiology

Neurofilament proteins are continuously modified during their lifetime by a succession of protein kinases and phosphatases. Site-specific phosphorylation or dephosphorylation within different polypeptide domains of each neurofilament subunit is now believed to regulate such behaviors of neurofilaments as subunit polymerization and exchange, axonal transport, interactions with other cytoskeletal proteins and degradation. Local regulation of phosphorylation events could account for variations in the size, morphology and dynamics of the neurofilament network in different regions of the neuron. The apparent greater plasticity of the neurofilament network in regions like the perikaryon, initial segment and nodes along the axon may provide some insight into the vulnerability of these regions in neurofibrillary disease.
Male and female civility: Toward gender justice

This article examines the concept of civility in American society taking into consideration the influence of gender and gender roles, especially that of women in 20th–century America. This was a century in which social roles, especially those of women, changed or expanded dramatically, influencing not only individual rights and relationships but also the structure of almost every organization from the family to the classroom, from corporations to statehouses. As women have transformed themselves and their presence in our culture, men have also been forced to examine their relationships with women and, more subtly, the role of men in our society. A study of male and female civility must take into consideration the history of relationships between the genders at the both the micro level (i.e., interpersonal relationships) as well as the macro level (organizational behavior). As we move forward into the 21st century, we must not only reflect on the progress made during the last several decades but also continue to explore strategies that will continue to advance a climate where gender civility becomes more entrenched in our cultural values. Some of the issues and possible solutions that must continue to be explored in terms of creating a more civil society for gender relations are discussed.
Preeclampsia and Chlamydia pneumoniae: is there a link?

Several parallels exist between preeclampsia and atherosclerosis. Both are multifactorial diseases that share risk factors such as obesity, insulin resistance, lipid abnormalities, and elevated serum homocysteine. There are also similarities in the biochemical changes seen in both diseases, including elevated serum triglycerides, decreased HDL cholesterol and enhanced formation of small, dense LDL particles as well as vascular atherosclerotic lesions. Chronic infection with Chlamydia pneumoniae has been linked to coronary artery disease. This study evaluated a possible link between the incidence of preeclampsia and infection with C. pneumoniae by examining the rate of seropositivity in 81 women with preeclampsia, and 206 women with normal pregnancies. Although our data confirmed well‐known risk factors for preeclampsia such as obesity, diabetes, and hypertension, we found no difference in the rate of seropositivity between preeclampsia and normal pregnancy. On the contrary, the presence of chlamydial anti...
Parental Support, Behavioral Control, and Psychological Control Among African American Youth The Relationships to Academic Grades, Delinquency, and Depression

Associations among three dimensions of parenting (support, behavioral control, psychological control) and measures of adolescent depression, delinquency, and academic achievement were assessed in a sample of African American youth. All data were adolescent self-reports by way of school-administered questionnaires in random samples of classrooms in southeastern U.S. metropolitan areas. Path analysis revealed several associations between parenting dimensions and youth outcomes, including negative relationships between paternal support and depression and between parental behavioral control and delinquency. Group comparisons (by youth grade level, gender, and family socioeconomic status [SES]) were also conducted, and no age or SES differences were noted.
Phosphinoyl Radicals: Structure and Reactivity. A Laser Flash Photolysis and Time-Resolved ESR Investigation

The photochemistry of a series of bis(acyl)phosphine oxides and the rate constants of the reactions of their phosphorus radicals with n-butylacrylate, thiophenol, bromotrichloromethane, oxygen, and methyl viologen have been investigated by laser flash photolysis. The results were compared to a mono(acyl)phosphine oxide ((2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)diphenylphosphine oxide). The variation in reactivity of the different phosphorus radicals was correlated with the degree of radical localization and s-character on the phosphorus atom, as reflected by the 31P hyperfine coupling constant, which was measured by time-resolved ESR. High 31P hyperfine splitting is observed for high degree of spin localization in a σ-orbital. It was shown that typical radical reactions (addition to monomers and oxygen, and atom abstractions) correlate well with the 31P hyperfine coupling. An inverse correlation was observed for electron-transfer reactions (reduction of methyl viologen), were a higher p-character of a localized orbital en...
Adaptive attitude control for a small satellite with integrated singularity avoidance and momentum management

An adaptive attitude controller for a small satellite utilizing variable speed control moment gyroscopes (VSCMGs) is proposed, which performs integrated singularity avoidance and momentum management using null motion. An adaptive controller yields accurate attitude tracking while the VSCMG null motion achieves singularity avoidance and momentum management. The proposed controller compensates for parametric uncertainties present in the nonlinear satellite dynamics. Asymptotic attitude tracking and exponential momentum tracking are proven via Lyapunov stability analysis. Simulation results indicate the performance of the proposed controller as a VSCMG steering law.
The Distribution of Dye and Inorganic Ions Between Solid Polymers and Solutions Part III : C. I. Basic Blue 22 and Acrilan 16® Fibers

A simple theoretical model of the ion sorption equilibria in cationic dyeing systems has been developed. This model accounts for several aspects of the behavior which cannot be handled by, the existing theories. The parameter values required to fit the model to the data are in agreement with direct independent measurements of these parameters. The selectivity coefficient KNaD shows a complex behavior which cannot be explained by conventional formulations of "ion-binding" processes in the fiber.
Effects of visualization and note-taking on sensemaking and analysis

Many sophisticated tools have been developed to help analysts detect patterns in large datasets, but the value of these tools' individual features is rarely tested. In an experiment in which participants played detectives solving homicides, we tested the utility of a visualization of data links and a notepad for collecting and organizing annotations. The visualization significantly improved participants' ability to solve the crime whereas the notepad did not. Having both features available provided no benefit over having just the visualization. The results raise questions about the potential constraints on the usefulness of intelligence analysis tools.
A daily huddle facilitates patient transports from a neonatal intensive care unit

To improve hospital access for expectant women and newborns in the state of Maryland, a quality improvement team reviewed the patient flow characteristics of our neonatal intensive care unit. We identified inefficiencies in patient discharges, including delays in patient transports. Several patient transport delays were caused by late preparation and delivery of the patient transfer summary. Baseline data collection revealed that transfer summaries were prepared on-time by the resident or nurse practitioner only 41% of the time on average, while the same transfer summaries were signed on-time by the neonatologist 5% of the time on average. Our aim was to improve the rate of on-time transfer summaries to 50% over a four month time period. We performed two PDSA cycles based on feedback from our quality improvement team. In the first cycle, we instituted a daily huddle to increase opportunities for communication about patient transports. In the second cycle, we increased computer access for residents and nurse practitioners preparing the transfer summaries. The on-time summary preparation by residents/nurse practitioners improved to an average of 72% over a nine month period. The same summaries were signed on-time by a neonatologist 26% of the time on average over a nine month period. In conclusion, institution of a daily huddle combined with augmented computer resources significantly increased the percentage of on-time transfer summaries. Current data show a trend toward improved ability to accept patient referrals. Further data collection and analysis is needed to determine the impact of these interventions on access to hospital care for expectant women and newborns in our state.
Estimation of extraction fraction (EF) and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) using MRI: considerations derived from a new Gd-chelate biodistribution model Simulation

Previous reports have described the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to estimate single-kidney extraction fraction (EF) and glomerular filtration rate (GFR), by measuring the concentration difference of intravenously injected Gd-chelate ([Gd]) in the renal artery and renal vein from measurements of blood T1. Problematic is the fact that [Gd] measurements in the renal artery are often inaccurate due to the small size, tortuousness and motion of the vessel. Consequently, the [Gd] in the inferior vena cava (IVC) below the renal vein ostia (i.e., the infrarenal IVC) has been used instead of the renal artery [Gd], based on the assumption that the [Gd] in the infrarenal IVC is the same as it is in the renal artery. However, this assumption has neither been theoretically nor experimentally investigated. Herein, we describe new difference and differential equation pharmacological models that can predict the biodistribution of Gd-chelate throughout the extracellular space. Assuming known average normal blood flows and GFR, our models predict that the infrarenal IVC [Gd] is 3.2% to 4.7% greater than the renal artery [Gd], and that the EF estimate using this IVC measurement is overestimated by 14.2%-20.0%. To support these predictions, algebraic equations are derived which show that the infrarenal IVC must develop a relatively high [Gd] in order to satisfy Gd flux constraints within the vascular system. These results suggest that the infrarenal IVC [Gd] is not a valid substitute for the renal artery [Gd].
Imaging of vascular dynamics within the foot using dynamic diffuse optical tomography to diagnose peripheral arterial disease

Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) is the narrowing of the functional area of the artery generally due to atherosclerosis. It affects between 8-12 million people in the United States and if untreated this can lead to ulceration, gangrene and ultimately amputation. The current diagnostic method for PAD is the ankle-brachial index (ABI). The ABI is a ratio of the patient’s systolic blood pressure in the foot to that of the brachial artery in the arm, a ratio below 0.9 is indicative of affected vasculature. However, this method is ineffective in patients with calcified arteries (diabetic and end-stage renal failure patients), which falsely elevates the ABI recording resulting in a false negative reading. In this paper we present our results in a pilot study to deduce optical tomography’s ability to detect poor blood perfusion in the foot. We performed an IRB approved 30 patient study, where we imaged the feet of the enrolled patients during a five stage dynamic imaging sequence. The patients were split up into three groups: 10 healthy subjects, 10 PAD patients and 10 PAD patients with diabetes and they were imaged while applying a pressure cuff to their thigh. Differences in the magnitude of blood pooling in the foot and rate at which the blood pools in the foot are all indicative of arterial disease.
Transformation Plasticity of CeO2-Stabilized Tetragonal Zirconia Polycrystals: II, Pseudoelasticity and Shape Memory Effect

A macroscopic shape memory effect is demonstrated by first deforming a CeO2-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (Ce-TZP) between the Mb and As temperatures and then recovering the shape change by heating above Ab. Shape changes effected above Ab are immediately recoverable during unloading, giving rise to a pseudoelastic behavior. Deformation texture is reversible when the shape strain recovers. Both Mb and Ab, along with the associated temperature range for these effects, are depressed to lower temperatures by grain refinement. Prior deformation widens the gap between the transformation temperatures. These observations demonstrate that the shape accommodation in Ce-TZP arises from twinning and elastic distortions. The operation of pseudoelasticity and shape memory effect is rationalized in terms of martensitic nucleation statistics, the stability of thermoelastic martensite, and internal stresses at the martensitic interface. The implications on transformation plasticity and transformation toughening are explored.
Depression and emotional reactivity: Variation among Asian Americans of East Asian descent and European Americans.

Studies of Western samples (e.g., European Americans [EAs]) suggest that depressed individuals tend to show diminished emotional reactivity (J. G. Gehricke & A. J. Fridlund, 2002; G. E. Schwartz, P. L. Fair, P. Salt, M. R. Mandel, & G. L. Klerman, 1976a, 1976b). Do these findings generalize to individuals oriented to other cultures (e.g., East Asian cultures)? The authors compared the emotional reactions (i.e., reports of emotional experience, facial behavior, and physiological reactivity) of depressed and nondepressed EAs and Asian Americans of East Asian descent (AAs) to sad and amusing films. Their results were consistent with previous findings: Depressed EAs showed a pattern of diminished reactivity to the sad film (less crying, less intense reports of sadness) compared with nondepressed participants. In contrast, depressed AAs showed a pattern of heightened emotional reactivity (greater crying) compared with nondepressed participants. Across cultural groups, depressed and nondepressed participants did not differ in their reports of amusement or facial behavior during the amusing film. Physiological reactivity to the film clips did not differ between depressed and control participants for either cultural group. Thus, although depression may influence particular aspects of emotional reactivity across cultures (e.g., crying), the specific direction of this influence may depend on prevailing cultural norms regarding emotional expression.
Quality of life and acceptability of medical versus surgical management of early pregnancy failure

Objective This study compares quality of life (QOL) and acceptability of medical versus surgical treatment of early pregnancy failure (EPF). Design A randomised clinical trial of treatment for EPF compared misoprostol vaginally versus vacuum aspiration (VA). Setting A multisite trial at four US Urban University Hospitals. Population A total of 652 women with an EPF were randomised to treatment. Methods Participants completed a daily symptom diary and a questionnaire 2 weeks after treatment. Main outcome measures The questionnaire assessment included subscales of the Short Form-36 Health Survey Revised for QOL and measures of wellbeing, recovery difficulties, and treatment acceptability. Results The two groups did not differ in mean scores for QOL except bodily pain; medical treatment was associated with higher levels of bodily pain than VA (P < 0.001). Success of treatment was not related to QOL, but acceptability of the procedure was decreased for medical therapy if unsuccessful (P = 0.003). Type of treatment was not associated with differences in recovery, and the two groups reported similar acceptability except for cramping (P = 0.02), bleeding (P < 0.001), and symptom duration (P = 0.03). Conclusions Despite reporting greater pain and lower acceptability of treatment-related symptoms, QOL and treatment acceptability were similar for medical and surgical treatment of EPF. Acceptability, but not QOL, was influenced by success or failure of medical management.
Statistical investigations into indicator bacteria concentrations in Houston metropolitan watersheds

Bacterial pollution in the Houston metropolitan area (Texas) watersheds was studied using statistical methods to determine the Escherichia coli levels and causes of their spatial and temporal variability. Houston bayous generally exhibit elevated E. coli concentrations. The more urban watersheds had higher concentration ranges and geometric means and had more spatial variation with higher overall ranges at downstream monitoring stations. They also were less sensitive to temperature variations and more strongly influenced by rainfall events. The median flow in the more urban bayous is predominantly wastewater. Frequent rainfall in the region, combined with relatively long travel times in the bayous, results in elevated bacterial levels in the bayous. Multiple regression models using water quality parameters were more representative on the segment level and not at the watershed level and may not be useful for predictions that rely on conventional water quality measures, particularly in urban watersheds, such as those studied here. Cluster analysis for the segments resulted in two distinct clusters differentiated by their developed land-use, population density, domestic animal density, and grassy land-use.
Induction of cardiomyocytes from cardiac fibroblasts.

The laboratory of which the authors are part had previously reported that a combination of 3 genes encoding transcription factors ( Gata4 , Mef2c , and Tbx5 ) could reprogram various types of fibroblasts into cells that had cardiomyocyte-like properties in vitro and that could be successfully transplanted into mouse heart; the authors hypothesized that delivery of these 3 genes directly into mouse heart following myocardial infarction could reprogram proliferating cardiac fibroblasts into functional cardiomyocytes in situ and thereby improve cardiac function.1 This is of particular interest because cardiac fibroblasts represent a large proportion of the cells in the heart and thus would serve as a ready pool for the generation of new muscle. The authors used a retroviral system to deliver the 3 reprogramming factors ( Gata4 , Mef2c , and Tbx5 ), as well as a gene encoding a red fluorescent marker into cells in …
Rights and the Criminal Law

According to Judith Jarvis Thomson ([11, p. If.), there are many rights that we have against others prior to the law recognizing those rights. And if the law did not recognize them we should still have them. However, she says, the law does recognize many of them. Indeed, according to Thomson, the law actually assigns these rights to us. 'For example, I have a right against you that you not break my nose. The criminal law assigns me that right against you in that it proscribes nose-breaking.' In the same way, according to Thomson, the law assigns to me a right against you that you not murder me, and, indeed, it would be defective if it did not. And she goes further: 'A legal system that does not assign to anyone governed by it a right not to be killed by others is perhaps not even an imaginable system.' ([1], p. 2; see also p. 74.) I shall suggest, on the contrary, that such a legal system is not only imaginable but actual; the American and British legal systems, for instance, are such systems. In those systems, the criminal law does not assign to citizens rights against others that they not aggress against them; nor does it even recognize in any way rights of individuals against other individuals not to be aggressed against. The civil law may do so; but not to the extent that would make Thomson's claim correct.
The cloning controversy

The contemporary scientific community largely takes for granted the safety of recombinant DNA technology and its utility for practical application. It was not always so. The two books under review probe the science, politics, legal parameters, and practical repercussions of the so-called recombinant DNA revolution of the 1970s. They chronicle in detail the breakthroughs and contentions accompanying the invention of recombinant technology and the raucous controversies over its potential safety. Both books also tackle the resulting shift in ethical, aspirational, and legal landscapes in biomedical research as molecular scientists rushed to form industrial ties, universities accelerated patenting and licensing activities, and entrepreneurs created biotechnology companies.
A Primer on Updates to the Neonatal Resuscitation Program

In October 2015, the American Heart Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics released advanced notification of substantive changes to appear in the seventh edition of the Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) scheduled for release in the spring of 2016. The expectation is that all NRP providers will be educated in the seventh edition of the NRP during 2016, with the national implementation target date set as January 2017. This column presents a brief discussion and summary of changes to the NRP.
Regioselective Preferential Nucleophilic Addition of N-Heterocycles onto Haloarylalkynes over N-Arylation of Aryl Halides

The study of preferential addition of heterocyclic amines onto halo-substituted arylalkynes over N-arylation under various catalytic conditions is described. The present work supports and confirms the mechanistic pathway of our recent work on the tandem synthesis of indolo- and pyrrolo-[2,1-a]isoquinolines via hydroamination followed by oxidative addition and not vice versa.
Technical nuances and surgical results of radical retropubic prostatectomy in 150 patients.

AbstractWe reviewed the surgical results of radical retropubic prostatectomy in 150 patients, of whom 37 had undergone transurethral resection of the prostate. The number and type of complications in our series compared favorably to those reported in other series: only 15 of our last 100 patients had complications, most of which were minor. Incontinence occurred in 2 of our last 100 patients and there were no symptomatic urethral strictures. Complications were similar between patients who had and those who had not undergone transurethral resection of the prostate. Several technical considerations that contribute to these results are discussed, especially the use of perineal pressure to facilitate hemostasis and the technique of vesicourethral anastomosis. Radical retropubic prostatectomy is a relatively well tolerated procedure with low morbidity.
Injectables in the Nose: Facts and Controversies

Nasal injectables and surface treatments alter the appearance of the nose both primarily and following nasal surgery. Fillers such as hyaluronic acids, calcium hydroxyapatite, and fat have a variety of advantages and disadvantages in eliminating small asymmetries postrhinoplasty. All nasal injectables have rare but severe ocular and cerebral ischemic complications. The injection of steroids following nasal reconstruction has a role in preventing supratip swelling and can improve the appearance of grafts to the nose. Resurfacing techniques reduce the appearance of autotransplanted grafts to the nose; there is little controversy about their benefit but surgeon preference for timing is varied.
Learning in Public: Faculty and Student Opinions About Social Media in the Classroom:

For communication instructors charged with safely and constructively educating students, incorporating social media in communication coursework presents a variety of problems. Among them are how to...
T Cell Lymphopenia in Rhoh −/− Mice Results from Combined Defects of T Cell Migration and IL-7-Regulated Naïve T Cell Homeostasis.

The Rho family GTPases are increasingly implicated for their important roles in T cell development and function. We have found that RhoH, a hematopoietic-specific member of this family is essential for thymocyte development (Gu et al, Nat Immunol , in press). Further, Rhoh −/− mice showed T cell lymphopenia. In particular, naive T cells were reduced in secondary lymphoid organs and blood both in unchallenged and LCMV-challenged Rhoh −/− mice compared to WT controls. These findings suggest a possible defect in T cell emigration from thymus and peripheral T cell homeostasis in Rhoh −/− mice. To study the role(s) of RhoH in T cell migration and homeostasis, purified splenic T cells were adoptively transferred into common γ −/− ; Rag2 −/− mice. T cells were then recovered from spleens 3d and 8d post-transplantation. The recovery of Rhoh −/− T cells was decreased by 60% compared with WT cells. In vitro migration of Rhoh −/− T cells towards SDF-1α, a homeostatic chemokine for T cells, in a transwell migration assay was significantly reduced compared to WT cells. Flow analysis showed decreased number of CXCR4 expressing and reduced expression levels of CXCR4 on Rhoh −/− T cells. Furthermore, apoptotic T cells were increased twofold in Rhoh −/− mice compared to controls. CFSE staining of adoptively transferred T cells demonstrated a comparable proliferation rate between Rhoh −/− and WT cells in the recipient mice. Our data suggest that RhoH plays an important role in T cell homeostasis via regulating cell survival and SDF-1α-mediated migration. To further investigate how RhoH regulates T cell survival, we focused on IL-7, an essential factor for prolonged survival of naive T cells. One way IL-7 exerts its effect is through upregulating the Bcl-2 family of antiapoptotic proteins. Our data showed that in vitro survival of Rhoh −/− T cells in response to IL-7 was impaired, and expression of IL-7Rα and Bcl-2 were both decreased in Rhoh −/− T cells. To further study a potential role of RhoH in regulation of IL-7R expression, FACsvantage sorted naive T cells (CD4 + CD44 low , or CD8 + CD44 low ) were cytokine starved overnight, then cultured with or without the addition of IL-7 for 6 hrs, and analyzed for IL-7Rα expression by flow cytometry. In WT cells, during cytokine starvation CD4 and a subset of CD8 naive cells upregulated IL-7Rα expression, but this upregulation was reduced followed IL-7 stimulation. In contrast, Rhoh −/− T cells failed to show either up- or subsequent down-regulation of IL-7Rα in response to cytokine starvation and IL-7 exposure. These data may indicate a role for RhoH in regulating IL-7R expression in naive CD4 T cells. Taken together, these findings suggest that RhoH is required for IL-7-mediated T cell survival and SDF-1α-mediated homing and/or emigration from thymus. Thus, deficiency of naive T cells in Rhoh −/− mice likely results from combined defects in T cell migration and homeostasis.
A novel iron (II) preferring dopamine agonist chelator D-607 significantly suppresses α-syn- and MPTP-induced toxicities in vivo

Here, we report the characterization of a novel hybrid D2/D3 agonist and iron (II) specific chelator, D-607, as a multi-target-directed ligand against Parkinson's disease (PD). In our previously published report, we showed that D-607 is a potent agonist of dopamine (DA) D2/D3 receptors, exhibits efficacy in a reserpinized PD animal model and preferentially chelates to iron (II). As further evidence of its potential as a neuroprotective agent in PD, the present study reveals D-607 to be protective in neuronal PC12 cells against 6-OHDA toxicity. In an in vivo Drosophila melanogaster model expressing a disease-causing variant of α-synuclein (α-Syn) protein in fly eyes, the compound was found to significantly suppress toxicity compared to controls, concomitant with reduced levels of aggregated α-Syn. Furthermore, D-607 was able to rescue DAergic neurons from MPTP toxicity in mice, a well-known PD neurotoxicity model, following both sub-chronic and chronic MPTP administration. Mechanistic studies indicated that possible protection of mitochondria, up-regulation of hypoxia-inducible factor, reduction in formation of α-Syn aggregates and antioxidant activity may underlie the observed neuroprotection effects. These observations strongly suggest that D-607 has potential as a promising multifunctional lead molecule for viable symptomatic and disease-modifying therapy for PD.
Range of motion and ankle injury history association with sex in pediatric and adolescent athletes.

ABSTRACTBackground: Ankle sprain is one of the most common musculoskeletal injuries among young athletes, and there remains a gap in the literature regarding susceptibility to such injuries among physically active youth.Objective: The primary purpose of this study was to determine the associations between sex, a history of ankle sprain, and ankle range of motion (ROM) in pediatric and adolescent athletes.Methods: Athletes under the age of 18 years old who presented to a sports injury prevention center underwent ankle ROM measurements including plantarflexion (PF), inversion (IV), and eversion (EV). A two-way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was performed to examine effect of sex and a history of ankle sprain on ROMs. Also, a binary logistic regression was performed to investigate variables that are associated with a history of ankle injury.Results: Among 452 pediatric and adolescent athletes [268 females (13.6 ± 2.3 years old) and 184 males (13.3 ± 2.5 years old)], 128 reported a history of previous ankle ...
The Nearest Neighbor Ant Colony System: A Spatially-Explicit Algorithm for the Traveling Salesman Problem

Inspired from the behavior of real ants, the ant colony algorithm has provided a new approach for solving discrete optimization problems, such as the traveling salesman problem. However, traditional ant colony algorithms may consume an inordinate amount of computing time to converge to a solution. In this chapter, a new heuristic algorithm called the nearest neighbor ant colony system (NNAC) is proposed in order to reduce computing time, without sacrificing on the optimality properties of the solutions. The NNAC is an intelligent form of the original ant colony system that follows a spatial strategy. Thanks to a search strategy that eliminates a large number of inefficient solutions up front on the basis of proximity-based neighborhoods, the NNAC is able to find the best solution in a fraction of the time that the conventional ant colony system consumes. The paper summarizes the principles of heuristics based on ant colony systems and highlighted some of their limitations. The proposed NNAC algorithm is presented in detail. The NNAC is tested on five different data sets and compared to a traditional ant colony system heuristic.
N.-peronaeus-communis-Läsion als Komplikation des V.-saphena-parva-Strippings

Zusammenfassung Zu den bei Varizenoperationen auftretenden Komplikationen im Bereich des peripheren Nervensystems zahlen Lasionen des N. saphenus sowie des N. suralis. Paresen des N. peronaeus communis im Rahmen von Varizenstripping wurden bisher kaum beschrieben. Wir berichten von 3 Patienten, die intraoperativ im Rahmen von Crossektomien der V. saphena parva jeweils inkomplette Lasionen des N. peronaeus communis erlitten. Eine derartige Nervenschadigung ist besonders bei hoher Parvamundung und tiefer Teilung des N. ischiadicus aufgrund einer engen raumlichen Beziehung zwischen Vene und Nerv moglich. Zusammmenfassend sind Schadigungen des N. peronaeus communis im Rahmen einer Sanierung einer Parvastammvarikose seltene, jedoch schwerwiegende Komplikationen, die auch bei fachgerechter Technik aufgrund der engen anatomischen Lagebeziehungen in der Kniekehle vorkommen konnen. Eine praoperative Aufklarung ist unbedingt zu fordern.
Quest and Identity within a Religious Ideological Surround

Current controversies over religious orientation center on issues that appear to be partially nonempirical, normative, and sociological. These issues, in other words, may be ideological. In explori...
The Western Pond Turtle; Habitat and History, 1993-1994 Final Report.

The western pond turtle is known from many areas of Oregon. The majority of sightings and other records occur in the major drainages of the Klamath, Rogue, Umpqua, Willamette and Columbia River systems. A brief overview is presented of the evolution of the Willamette-Puget Sound hydrographic basin. A synopsis is also presented of the natural history of the western pond turtle, as well as, the status of this turtle in the Willamette drainage basin. The reproductive ecology and molecular genetics of the western pond turtle are discussed. Aquatic movements and overwintering of the western pond turtle are evaluated. The effect of introduced turtle species on the status of the western pond turtle was investigated in a central California Pond. Experiments were performed to determine if this turtle could be translocated as a mitigation strategy.
Cognitive processing speed in Lyme disease.

Objective The goal of this study was to more precisely define the nature of the cognitive processing deficits in the patients with Lyme disease. Background Lyme disease has been associated with cognitive disturbances. Method Sixteen patients who met the Centers for Disease Control's case definition for Lyme disease and 15 age- and education-matched control subjects completed two computerized assessments. The first was a matching procedure that assessed perceptual/motor speed. The second task was an alphabet-arithmetic (AA) test that measured the speed of mental arithmetic. On the matching task, subjects judged as true or false simple identity equations (e.g., B + 0 = B). On the AA task, subjects indicated the veracity of equations of the same form as those of the matching task but which required mental arithmetic (e.g., A + 3 = D). The use of this paradigm permits sensory or motor slowing to be distinguished from slowed cognitive processing speed. Also, the tests do not involve automated or overlearned responses. Results Lyme disease patients and healthy controls did not differ in perceptual/motor speed. However, Lyme disease patients' response times were significantly longer than those of healthy controls during the AA task, demonstrating specific impairments in mental activation speed. Conclusions These results suggest that Lyme disease patients show specific deficits when initiating a cognitive process. These impairments are independent of sensory, perceptual, or motor deficits.
Structure and Reactivity of Hydrocarbon Ions

In kinetic studies of free-radical reactions, which are largely based on information obtained from end-product analysis, the structures of the free radicals formed in a given system are generally well established, and the rate constants measured for elementary reactions can be unambiguously ascribed to a well-characterized reactant radical. In contrast, kinetic studies of the reactions of hydrocarbon ions have generally been carried out in the mass spectrometer, where the structure of a reactant ion cannot be determined directly. Although numerous attempts have been made to derive information about ionic structures by correlating mass spectrometric information such as appearance potentials or measured reaction rates with the properties of ions of known structure (techniques which will be described in detail below), there are few cases where the structures of reactant hydrocarbon ions have been unambiguously established in the mass spectrometer. The problem is complicated by the well-known tendency of ions to isomerize. Thus, the propyl ions formed in the fragmentation of n-butane parent ions cannot be assumed to have the n-propyl structure, but may have several structures; in contrast, the propyl radicals formed in the pyrolytic fragmentation of n-butane are known to have the n-propyl structure. Furthermore, the relative abundances of the various isomers will depend on the energy deposited in the ions. This means that the composition of the isomeric reactant ions will vary with temperature and with pressure (since the extent of collisional deactivation of the excited precursors of certain isomer ions will vary with pressure) and with the ionizing energy.
Future Directions in Amyloid Research

Since its recognition, the subject of amyloid and amyloidosis has been fraught with misconceptions and errant pathways. Although Virchow applied to it a misnomer over 130 years ago, he correctly realized that the systemic disease was caused by a substance from the blood (1). Although it was authoritatively promulgated that amyloid was a single compound (2), more astute physicians realized that the diversity in clinical symptomatology ruled for chemical diversity (3,4), and that amyloid was a generic term signifying a disease complex (4). The early polarization studies of Congo red stained amyloid inherently implied a highly oriented ultrastructure which was proven by the earliest electron microscopic studies (5,6). X-ray diffraction studies revealing that all amyloid was composed of proteins in a s-pleated sheet configuration (7), and the chemical purification of the first AL proteins (8,9) suggested that “tissue depositon of anti-parallel, s-pleated sheet fibrils [may result] from portions of immunoglobulins other than light chains or of proteins other than immunoglobulins” (9). These suspicions were confirmed with the discovery of clinically distinct amyloid fibril proteins e.g. AL, AA, AF, AE, etc. (10). With the realization that all amyloid deposits are composed of β-pleated fibrils came the awareness that the polarization color after Congo red staining was due to the unusual predilection of Congo red for the β-structure (11,12) and was not the result, as was suggested, of the staining of glycoprotein deposits (2) even though a rare amyloid protein has been found to have a polysaccharide moiety (13).
OR48: REVELANCE OF HLA ANTIBODY TITER COMPARED TO PRA AND ANTIBODY MFI WHEN TRYING TO IDENTIFY CLINICALLY RELEVANT UNACCEPTABLE ANTIGENS

Patients listed for renal transplant derive a CPRA from the HLA antibody (Ab) specificities present in patient sera. Unacceptable antigens (UAgs) are identified using the mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) of the patient’s HLA Ab specificity. Each center has an MFI cut-off for UAgs. However, another way to identify UAgs is to use the concentration or titer of the Ab specificity. We studied 21 sera of potential recipients. PRAs, HLA Ab specificities and specificity titers were done using One Lambda, Inc. reagents. The presence of cI/cII HLA Ab specificities was determined in high and low PRA sera and the MFIs of Ab specificities were compared at neat, 1:8 and 1:16 titers. The MFIs of 2523 ± 520 vs 2,647 ± 983 of cI HLA Ab specificities present in neat but gone at a 1:8 serum titer were similar in both low and high PRA sera (34 ± 17% vs 98 ± 3%, p p p p These data are relevant because we had 54 patients with donor specific antibody (DSA) titers of ⩽1:16. 81% (44/54) of these patients had negative cytotoxic (AHG) and flow cytometric crossmatches (FCXMS) and 19% (10/54) displayed a negative AHG but a positive FCXM. The two year graft survival of the low titer, DSA positive but XM negative patients was 91% vs 60% for the DSA positive, XM positive recipients ( p The data suggests that while the presence of DSA at low titer (⩽1:16) may yield a positive virtual XM the actual XM can be negative. MFI and PRA did not correlate to UAgs that were eliminated with titration. More importantly, UAgs present in neat sera may be eliminated after serum titrations. By only identifying UAgs in neat sera we do not take into account that some UAgs may have a low Ab concentration and may not be clinically deleterious. Since we have data suggesting good clinical transplant outcome in the presence of low titer DSA it may be of benefit to use specificity titration studies to identify UAg specificities.
Re-Imagining the First Year on Campus: A Closer Look at Indiana University Kokomo and the University of Wisconsin La Crosse

At the beginning of the 2016 academic year 77,214 freshman students began the fall semester on a campus participating in the Re-Imagining the First Year (RFY) initiative of the American Association...
Systematic Study on Aluminum Composition Nonuniformity in Aluminum Gallium Nitride Metal–Semiconductor–Metal Photodetectors

The influence of aluminum composition (Al%) nonuniformity on AlGaN metal–semiconductor–metal photodetectors was thoroughly studied on a device level. The Al% fluctuation was precisely measured by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and mapped by energy dispersive spectrometry; the dislocation density was investigated by X-ray diffraction rocking curve. Both theoretical simulation and experimental testing showed a significant difference in the responsivity, dark current, and decay time in the device with different Al%. The Al% fluctuation is also a likely cause of the long decay time of the device.
Abstract IA03: Functional lung cancer genomics through in vivo genome editing

Cancer genome sequencing has been instrumental in identifying the genomic alterations that occur in human tumors. However, the functional importance of the vast majority of these alterations, both alone and in combination, remains unknown. I will describe methods that integrate tumor barcoding with CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing and ultradeep barcode sequencing to interrogate multiple tumor genotypes simultaneously in autochthonous mouse models of human cancer. We initially used this method to quantify the effects of eleven of the most frequently inactivated genes in human lung adenocarcinoma on tumor growth in vivo. We also investigated the in vivo fitness advantage conferred by inactivation of each of these eleven genes in combination with inactivation of p53 or Lkb1. This map of tumor-suppressive effects for >30 common lung adenocarcinoma genotypes revealed a complex landscape of context dependence and variability in effect strength. I will also describe a platform that integrates multiplexed Cas9-mediated homology-directed repair (HDR) with DNA barcoding and high-throughput sequencing to simultaneously investigate multiple oncogenic alterations in parallel. Using this approach, we introduced a library of nonsynonymous mutations into endogenous Kras in adult somatic cells to initiate tumors. High-throughput sequencing of barcoded Kras HDR alleles from bulk tumor-bearing lung uncovered surprising diversity in Kras variant oncogenicity. These in vivo approaches may redefine our ability to understand how diverse genomic alterations impact tumor initiation, growth, malignant transformation, and therapy responses. Citation Format: Ian P. Winters, Zoe N. Rogers, Christopher D. McFarland, Pranav V. Lalgudi, Shin-Heng Chiou, Mark A. Kay, Dmitri Petrov, Monte M. Winslow. Functional lung cancer genomics through in vivo genome editing [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Fifth AACR-IASLC International Joint Conference: Lung Cancer Translational Science from the Bench to the Clinic; Jan 8-11, 2018; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2018;24(17_Suppl):Abstract nr IA03.
Mary Shelley's Mothers: The Weak, The Absent, and The Silent in Lodore and Falkner

(1997). Mary Shelley's Mothers: The Weak, The Absent, and The Silent in Lodore and Falkner. European Romantic Review: Vol. 8, No. 3, pp. 298-322.
The '15 Days' Debate: Evidence from 10-K Submissions

I analyze the effects of SEC rule 33-8644, which decreased the deadline for a 10-K submission by 15 days. The results prove to be in the SEC favor against the opposing firms. I find that investors value the early release of information, as proxied by absolute abnormal return around the 10-K release date. Using regression discontinuity design, I do not find that firms with the shorter deadline tend to make more mistakes relative to firms with a longer deadline.