cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The microenvironment determines the breast cancer cells' phenotype: organization of MCF7 cells in 3D cultures

Stromal-epithelial interactions mediate breast development, and the initiation and progression of breast cancer. In the present study, we developed 3-dimensional (3D) in vitro models to study breast cancer tissue organization and the role of the microenvironment in phenotypic determination. The human breast cancer MCF7 cells were grown alone or co-cultured with primary human breast fibroblasts. Cells were embedded in matrices containing either type I collagen or a combination of reconstituted basement membrane proteins and type I collagen. The cultures were carried out for up to 6 weeks. For every time point (1-6 weeks), the gels were fixed and processed for histology, and whole-mounted for confocal microscopy evaluation. The epithelial structures were characterized utilizing immunohistochemical techniques; their area and proliferation index were measured using computerized morphometric analysis. Statistical differences between groups were analyzed by ANOVA, Dunnett's T3 post-hoc test and chi-square. Most of the MCF7 cells grown alone within a collagen matrix died during the first two weeks; those that survived organized into large, round and solid clusters. The presence of fibroblasts in collagen gels reduced MCF7 cell death, induced cell polarity, and the formation of round and elongated epithelial structures containing a lumen. The addition of reconstituted basement membrane to collagen gels by itself had also survival and organizational effects on the MCF7 cells. Regardless of the presence of fibroblasts, the MCF7 cells both polarized and formed a lumen. The addition of fibroblasts to the gel containing reconstituted basement membrane and collagen induced the formation of elongated structures. Our results indicate that a matrix containing both type I collagen and reconstituted basement membrane, and the presence of normal breast fibroblasts constitute the minimal permissive microenvironment to induce near-complete tumor phenotype reversion. These human breast 3D tissue morphogenesis models promise to become reliable tools for studying tissue interactions, therapeutic screening and drug target validation.
Toward an Understanding of the Molecules that Sense Myocardial Ischemia

: Cardiac afferent neurons are activated in the setting of myocardial ischemia and mediate the sensation of angina. However, the precise stimuli and receptive molecules responsible are not completely understood. To further investigate the molecular components involved, cardiac afferents were isolated in dissociated culture and patch-clamp experiments were performed on these cells. It was found that acidic pH evoked large inward currents in almost all cardiac sympathetic afferents. By comparison, the responses to other potential chemical mediators were inconsistent and much smaller. The biophysical properties of the acid-evoked currents in cardiac afferents match the acid-sensing ion channel 3 (ASIC3).
The N-terminal domain of the large subunit of human replication protein A binds to Werner syndrome protein and stimulates helicase activity.

Abstract Werner syndrome (WS) is a recessive inherited human disease characterized by the early onset of aging. The gene mutated in WS encodes a DNA helicase that unwinds the double helical structure of DNA in the 3′→5′ direction as well as a 3′→5′ exonuclease. Our previous studies indicated that the activity of Werner syndrome helicase (WRN) could be stimulated by human replication protein A (hRPA), a heterotrimeric single-stranded DNA binding protein. We now localize the interaction between WRN and hRPA by measuring the stimulation of helicase activity and the binding of WRN by hRPA and its derivatives. The large subunit of hRPA (hRPA70) stimulates WRN helicase to the same extent as the hRPA heterotrimer, whereas the dimer of the two smaller subunits (hRPA 32·14) does not stimulate. By examining hRPA70 mutants with progressive deletions from either the C- or N-terminus, we found that the domain responsible for stimulation lies in the N-terminal half of the protein. By using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to examine physical interaction between WRN and the same deletion mutants, we found that the WRN-binding motif is located within amino acids 100–300 and overlaps with the single-stranded DNA binding domain (amino acids 150–450). We suggest that hRPA, by engaging in both protein–protein and protein–DNA interactions, facilitates unwinding events catalyzed by WRN helicase during DNA synthetic processes. These data should help further elucidation of the molecular mechanisms of genetic instability and premature aging phenotypes manifested by WS.
Morbidity and Discharge Timing of Late Preterm Newborns

Late preterm newborns (LPNs), those with gestational ages (GAs) between 34 weeks and 36 weeks 6 days, account for 70% of preterm births. Because they have a mature appearance and are often cared for in a well baby nursery (WBN), parents may anticipate that the nursery course will be similar to that of a term infant and that their newborn will be discharged with his/her mother. How frequently their hospitalizations are prolonged beyond that of their mothers and the morbidities associated with prolonged hospitalization (PH) have not been well described. The objectives of the study were to (1) determine the proportion of LPNs with a PH and (2) describe the most common morbidities in LPNs and identify those associated with PH. The authors conducted retrospective chart reviews of the neonatal courses of LPNs born between December 2002 and April 2007 at the University of Utah Hospital. They compared maternal and newborn discharge dates to determine the proportion of LPNs with a PH and calculated frequencies of conditions and interventions indicating morbidity and identified associations between each of the conditions/interventions and PH. Of 235 LPNs, 94 (40%) had a PH; 75% of 34-week LPNs had a PH compared with 50% of those with GAs of 35 weeks and 25% of those with GAs of 36 weeks. The most common conditions/interventions were an oxygen need, phototherapy for jaundice, and hypothermia requiring an isolette. A need for nasogastric feeding and antibiotic administration for >3 days was consistently associated with a PH. LPNs whose only intervention was phototherapy for jaundice or IV antibiotics for <3 days did not have a PH. As a group, two thirds of LPNs experienced one or more conditions/interventions indicating morbidity, and 40% had a PH. Both were much more common in LPNs with GAs of 34 weeks compared with LPNs with GAs of 36 weeks. Nursery clinicians should counsel parents of LPNs regarding the likely possibility of morbidity and PH.
Juvenile dermatitis herpetiformis in the light of immunofluorescence studies.

Summary.— Eight cases of juvenile dermatitis herpetiformis (JDH) were investigated by direct and indirect IF methods with anti-IgG and anti-IgA conjugates. In 3 cases the results were completely negative. In 3 cases there were in vivo fixed IgG in the basement membrane, and in 1 case also circulating antibodies as in bullous pemphigoid in adults. In 2 cases there were in vivo bound IgA deposits in the papillae of the apparently unchanged skin surrounding the lesions, as in dermatitis herpetiformis in adults. The results of the IF studies suggest that JDH is not a nosological entity, and that cases occur with the immunological features of either bullous pemphigoid or dermatitis herpetiformis in adults. There remains the group of immunologically negative cases, the nature of which, moreover, requires further investigation.
ZnO, SiO2, and SrO doping in resorbable tricalcium phosphates: Influence on strength degradation, mechanical properties, and in vitro bone-cell material interactions.

To understand the combined effects of ZnO, SiO2, and SrO doping on mechanical and biological properties of tricalcium phosphate (TCP) ceramics, dense β-TCP compacts of different compositions (pure β-TCP; 1.0 wt % SrO; 0.25 wt % ZnO; 1.0 wt % SrO + 0.5 wt % SiO2; and 1.0 wt % SrO + 0.25 wt % ZnO) were prepared via dry pressing followed by sintering at 1250°C. X-ray diffraction of sintered compacts revealed that dopants retarded β- to α-TCP phase transformation during sintering. Doping with SrO, SrO/SiO2, and SrO/ZnO reduced compressive strength of the samples to 56% (173 ± 25 MPa), 57% (170 ± 15 MPa), and 47% (208 ± 72 MPa) of pure β-TCP (396 ± 58 MPa), respectively. However, addition of ZnO resulted in only 7% (365 ± 69 MPa) strength degradation. The impact of dopants on long-term in vitro strength degradation was evaluated by soaking in simulated body fluid (SBF) for a period of 8 weeks. In all cases, excellent apatite growth was observed on doped β-TCP samples. However, strength degradation rates were different depending on dopant chemistry and composition. Maximum degradation was observed in undoped and ZnO-doped β-TCP samples, which degraded to 41% and 68% of the original strength before soaking in SBF. Finally, in vitro cell–materials interaction study using human fetal osteoblast cells demonstrated that addition of dopants improved cell attachment and proliferation. These results indicate that tailorable strength and strength degradation behavior can be achieved in β-TCP via compositional modifications using small amount of dopants. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2012.
Stochastic summation of empirical Green's functions

Abstract Two simple strategies are presented that use random delay times for repeatedly summing the record of a relatively small earthquake to simulate the effects of a larger earthquake. The simulations do not assume any fault plane geometry or rupture dynamics, but realy only on the ω −2 spectral model of an earthquake source and elementary notions of source complexity. The strategies simulate ground motions for all frequencies within the bandwidth of the record of the event used as a summand. The first strategy, which introduces the basic ideas, is a single-stage procedure that consists of simply adding many small events with random time delays. The probability distribution for delays has the property that its amplitude spectrum is determined by the ratio of ω −2 spectra, and its phase spectrum is identically zero. A simple expression is given for the computation of this zero-phase scaling distribution. The moment rate function resulting from the single-stage simulation is quite simple and hence is probably not realistic for high-frequency (>1 Hz) ground motion of events larger than M L ∼ 4.5 to 5. The second strategy is a two-stage summation that simulates source complexity with a few random subevent delays determined using the zero-phase scaling distribution, and then clusters energy around these delays to get an ω −2 spectrum for the sum. Thus, the two-stage strategy allows simulations of complex events of any size for which the ω −2 spectral model applies. Interestingly, a single-stage simulation with too few ω −2 records to get a good fit to an ω −2 large-event target spectrum yields a record whose spectral asymptotes are consistent with the ω −2 model, but that includes a region in its spectrum between the corner frequencies of the larger and smaller events reasonably approximated by a power law trend. This spectral feature has also been discussed as reflecting the process of partial stress release (Brune, 1970), an asperity failure (Boatwright, 1984), or the breakdown of ω −2 scaling due to rupture significantly longer than the width of the seismogenic zone (Joyner, 1984).
Computer-aided gleason grading of prostate cancer histopathological images using texton forests

The Gleason score is the single most important prognostic indicator for prostate cancer candidates and plays a significant role in treatment planning. Histopathological imaging of prostate tissue samples provides the gold standard for obtaining the Gleason score, but the manual assignment of Gleason grades is a labor-intensive and error-prone process. We have developed a texture classification system for automatic and reproducible Gleason grading. Our system characterizes the texture in images belonging to a tumor grade by clustering extracted filter responses at each pixel into textons (basic texture elements). We have used random forests to cluster the filter responses into textons followed by the spatial pyramid match kernel in conjunction with an SVM classifier. We have demonstrated the efficacy of our system in distinguishing between Gleason grades 3 and 4.
An economic analysis of binomial sampling for weed scouting

Abstract Full-count random sampling has been the traditional method of obtaining weed densities. Currently it is the recommended scouting procedure when using HERB, a herbicide selection decision aid. However, alternative methods of scouting that are quicker and more economical need to be investigated. One possibility that has been considered is binomial sampling. Binomial sampling is the procedure by which density is estimated from the number of random quadrats in which the count of individuals is equal to or less than a specified cutoff value. This sampling method has been widely used for insect scouting. There has also been interest in using binomial sampling for weed scouting. However, an economic analysis of this sampling method for weeds has not been performed. In this paper, the results of an economic analysis using simulations with binomial sampling and the HERB model are presented. Full-count sampling was included in the simulations to provide a benchmark for comparison. The comparison was made i...
Monoclonal Antibodies Specific to the Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia t(1; 19)-Associated E2A/pbx1 Chimeric Protein: Characterization and Diagnostic Utility

Nonrandom chromosomal abnormalities are found in most human malignancies, particularly leukemias and lymphomas. A characteristic t(1; 19) (q23; p13.3) chromosomal translocation is detected in 5% of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) cases. This translocation results in the formation of a fusion gene, which leads to the expression of an oncogenic E2A/pbx1 protein. Breakpoints in the E2A gene almost invariably occur within a single intron, and the identical portion of PBX1 is joined consistently to exon 13 of E2A in fusion mRNA. In this article, we report the development of monoclonal antibodies against E2A/pbx1 fusion protein using a specific peptide that corresponds to the junction region of the protein. The obtained antibodies recognize specifically the chimeric E2A/pbx1 fusion protein and lack cross-reactivities with E2A and pbx1. Immunohistochemical staining and flow cytometric studies show that these antibodies can distinguish t(1; 19)-positive from t(1; 19)-negative leukemic cells. These results indicate that the obtained E2A/pbx1-specific monoclonal antibodies might prove to be valuable diagnostic reagents and important tools for elucidating the mechanisms involved in oncogenesis and progression of t(1; 19)-positive childhood ALL.
Abstract 636: The Nuclear Receptor FXR Uncouples the Actions of Srebp2 and MiR-33

The role of microRNAs in fine-tuning gene expression has now been well established, but the mechanisms for microRNA regulation at the transcriptional level remain understudied. The physiologic context in which microRNAs are acting is likely linked to the function of these same microRNAs and how they are regulated. Here we identify miR-33 as a direct target gene of the bile acid nuclear receptor FXR. We show that pharmacologic FXR activation induces miR-33 in wild-type, but not FXR knockout mice. MiR-33 is located in the Srebp2 locus, and we show that FXR activation also induces the expression of Srebp2 mRNA. Using ChIP-Seq, we identify at least one functional FXRE in an intronic region of Srebp2, demonstrating that miR-33 and Srebp2 are both direct FXR targets. Although FXR activation increases Srebp2 mRNA levels, we also demonstrate that FXR in fact decreases Srebp2 proteolytic processing, which determines its transcriptional activity. This decreased activity is a result of the FXR dependent induction of the integral ER membrane protein Insig2, which is itself also a direct FXR target. Together these results identify a molecular mechanism for the transcriptional regulation of Srebp2 and miR-33, as well as the mechanism for the decreased activity of Srebp2 processing in the ER by FXR. The best characterized target of miR-33 is ABCA1. We have previously demonstrated that FXR activation decreases ABCA1 protein levels via the induction of miR-144, a microRNA that also targets ABCA1. Our new findings suggest that FXR induces two independent microRNAs that function together to repress ABCA1 and reduce HDL levels.
Assessment of the effectiveness of the CD3+ tool to detect counterfeit and substandard anti-malarials

The US FDA recently developed CD3+, a counterfeit detection tool that is based on sample illumination at specific wavelengths of light and visual comparison of suspect sample and packaging materials to an authentic sample. To test performance of the CD3+ in field conditions, a study was conducted in Ghana which compared the CD3+ side-by-side with two existing medicine quality screening technologies—TruScan™ Portable Raman spectrometer and GPHF Minilab®. A total of 84 anti-malarial test samples comprising artemether–lumefantrine tablets and artesunate–amodiaquine tablets were used. The technologies were evaluated for sensitivity in determining counterfeit/substandard (The term counterfeit or falsified is used in this article to refer to medicines that carry a false representation of identity or source or both. The term substandard is used to refer to medicines that do not meet the quality specifications given in the accepted pharmacopeia.) medicines, specificity in determining authentic products, and reliability of the results. Authentic samples obtained from manufacturers were used as reference standards. HPLC analysis data was used as the “gold standard” for decisions regarding a sample being authentic or substandard/counterfeit. CD3+ had a sensitivity of 1.00 in detecting counterfeit/substandard products compared to Minilab (0.79) and TruScan (0.79). CD3+ had a lower specificity (0.53) in determining authentic products compared to the specificities reached by Minilab (0.99) and TruScan (1.00). High sensitivity in this context means that the technology is effective in identifying substandard/counterfeit products whereas the low specificity means that the technique can sometimes mischaracterize good products as substandard/counterfeit. Examination of dosage units only (and not packaging) using CD3+ yielded improved specificity 0.64. When only assessment of sample identification was done, the TruScan provided sensitivity (1.00) and specificity (0.99); and the Minilab provided sensitivity (1.00) and specificity (1.00). All three technologies demonstrated 100 % reliability when used to analyse the same set of samples over 3 days by a single analyst and also when used to determine the same set of samples by three different analysts. Eight of the field samples were confirmed to be counterfeits with no active pharmaceutical ingredient content. All three technologies identified these samples as counterfeits. The study revealed the relative effectiveness of the technologies as quality control tools. Using a combination of CD3+, with either the Minilab or TruScan, to screen for medicine quality will allow for complete examination of both the dosage units and the packaging to decide whether it is authentic or counterfeit.
Framing the Accused: The Perp Walk as Media Ritual

This qualitative project examines an American photojournalism ritual known as the “perp walk,” defined as the nonconsensual imaging of a person who is either in custody or otherwise legally obligated to attend a legal proceeding. The project draws from interviews, participant observation, and visual textual analysis to analyze perp walks within a constructivist paradigm. Framing theory and gatekeeping also inform the analysis, characterizing perp walks as cultural sites for both material and discursive struggle. The study found that the discursive framing of their portrayals seems most painful to the subjects of perp walks and that the materiality of image access causes photojournalists to ignore everyday competition and work as a team to complete perp-walk assignments.
Study on Smoking Behavior and Related Factors in Three Groups Males in Yibin

ObjectiveTo survey the current status of smoking among males in doctors,teachers,and government staff in Yibin and explore the related factors. Methods A total of 982 people received the questionnaire survey,including 525 males. The descriptive analysis was conducted on the smoking status in these males,and logistic regression was performed to find out the related factors. Results The smoking rate of these males was 36.4%. The related factors included age,seniority,professional title,knowledge about tobacco and attitude to tobacco. Conclusion The smoking rate among the males in doctors,teachers and government staff in Yibin was high,so it is necessary to enhance the tobacco control and the education about smoking cessation in these populations to reduce the smoking rate and the hazard to others.
Technology’s Role in Stem Education and the Stem SOS Model

Technology is an indispensible component of any science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) or project-based learning (PBL) activity. Technology may contribute to the design and implementation of the STEM activities in multiple ways. However, two patterns emerge when technology use is analyzed for STEM education: 1) direct integration and embedding of technology into STEM activities; and 2) using technology as a tool or facilitator to enrich STEM PBL (Akgun, 2013).
CAVERNOUS NERVE GRAFTS RESTORE ERECTILE FUNCTION IN DENERVATED RATS

Although potency can be preserved in most men following radical prostatectomy, in some patients one or both cavernous nerves must be sacrificed in order to excise all tumor. For these patients we have considered nerve reconstruction at the time of surgery using an interposition nerve graft. This possibility has been tested in a rat model. Animals were divided into three groups. In the sham control group, a pelvic exploration was conducted without division of the cavernous nerves. In the nerve ablation group, a five mm. segment of cavernous nerve was excised. In the graft group, five mm. of cavernous nerve was excised bilaterally and replaced with an interposition graft of genito-femoral nerve. At one month intervals postoperatively animals from each group underwent mating tests to determine potency; the ratio of vaginal intromission to unsuccessful mounts (I/M ratio) was determined. Following the mating tests the animals were re-explored and attempts were made to stimulate erections electrically via the pelvic nerve. Results at two months show the I/M ratio of the rats with grafts (0.05) and the nerve ablations (0.14) are low compared with the sham operated animals (1.0). By month four the graft group (0.89) has approached the sham group (0.91) while the ablation group (0.18) remains unchanged (p less than .05). Electrical stimulation at month two produced no erections in the nerve ablated or the grafted rats and 100% erections in the sham-operated animals. At month four, 50% of the rats with grafts, 10% of the nerve ablated animals, and 100% of the intact animals produced erections upon electrical stimulation (p less than .05). These results suggest that cavernous nerve grafting in rats can be successful in restoring potency after surgical injury. Application of these techniques to man may be indicated.
Critical thermal maxima and body size positively correlate in red imported fire ants, Solenopsis invicta

Abstract Insects possess several physiological and morphological adaptations to high temperatures; in particular, critical thermal maxima may be of increasing importance as climates warm. We sought to determine the relationship between critical thermal maxima and body size in red imported fire ants, Solenopsis invicta. Thermal maxima were measured and regressed against body mass, tibial length, head width including the eyes, and total body length in individuals from 35 fire ant colonies within and around Lubbock, Texas. Major and media workers survived higher temperatures more often than did minor workers. This may relate to surface-area-to-volume ratios, higher desiccation resistance in larger workers, or both; however, further studies are needed to confirm this. These results suggest that body size may be an important predictor of thermal performance for ectotherms.
An exploratory study of gait and functional outcomes after neuroprosthesis use in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy

AbstractPurpose: To evaluate the immediate orthotic, total and therapeutic effects of functional electrical stimulation (FES) neuroprosthesis use on clinic based measures of gait and function in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy.Methods: Eleven children (mean 9 years 11 months) participated in an FES neuroprosthesis (Ness L300) intervention (4 week accommodation period followed by 12 weeks of daily use) and were assessed at baseline and post in stimulation off and stimulation on conditions. Measures included clinic based outcomes of gait and function.Results: No significant immediate orthotic effects were observed. Significant (p < 0.01) total effects were noted for dorsiflexion at initial contact, Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), and walking speed. A significant therapeutic effect was found for steps off path on the Standardized Walking Obstacle Course (SWOC).Conclusions: Results support previous findings of neuroprosthesis total effects on gait and provide some evidence for effects on function. Therap...
Gabapentin Monotherapy for Refractory Seizures

The results of an 8-day, controlled, multicenter study of gabapentin monotherapy in 82 hospitalized patients with refractory complex partial or secondarily generalized seizures are reported by members of the US Gabapentin Study Group.
Factors Influencing Surveillance for Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis

Objective: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second most common cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, and a rising cause of cancer mortality in the U.S
Prenylated flavonol glycosides from Epimedium grandiflorum: Cytotoxicity and evaluation against inflammation and metabolic disorder

Abstract Two new prenylated flavonol glycosides, epimedigrandiosides A and B ( 1 and 2 ), and 28 previously known compounds including prenylated flavonol derivatives, flavonol glycoside, megastigmanes, phenyl alkanoids, sesquiterpenoid glycoside, lignan, and hexene glucoside were isolated from the methanol extract of Epimedium grandiflorum . Structure elucidation was achieved by means of spectroscopic and spectrometric techniques including 1D and 2D NMR and HRESIMS. The absolute configuration of sugars was determined by chemical methods Structure elucidation of 3‴-carbonyl-2″-β- l -quinovosyl icariin ( 19 ) was not previously described, so its 1 H and 13 C NMR data were reported for the first time. The methanol extract and the isolated compounds were evaluated for their activity towards several targets related to inflammation and metabolic disorder including NF-κB, iNOS, PPARα and PPARγ. Moreover, their cytotoxic activity against four cancer cell lines (SK-MEL, KB, BT-549, SK-OV-3) and two noncancerous kidney cell lines (LLC-PK1 and Vero) were also evaluated.
Decomposition Method in Multiobjective Discrete-Time Dynamic Problems

Abstract Decomposition methods for multicriteria dynamic (discrete time) problems are derived. In these methods, the original problem is reduced to a series of multicriteria subproblems related to individual stages. Hence, the dimensionality of decision-variables in each subproblem is smaller than in the original problem. In a general case where the objectives may change in time, also the number of objectives in a subproblem may be smaller than that of the overall problem. The following decomposition procedures are developed: 1) a dynamic programming method, 2) a two point boundary value problem method, 3) multilevel methods, and 4) temporal hierarchy is formulated. For completeness, methods for multicriteria dynamic problems that, at the outset, transform the problem into a series of single-objective problems are reviewed. A method (called gradient method) belonging to this class is developed. Applicability and properties of various methods with respect to several factors are indicated (discrete or continuous time problem, change of objectives in time, type of constraints and functions, availability of the decision-maker). The correspondence of the methods to the single-objective dynamic methods is indicated. Formulation of the multiobjective problem in the context of a multilayer temporal hierarchy is also presented. The temporal structure motivates problem simplification by decomposing the overall decision-making problem according to relative time scales.
Research Methods for Community Change: A Project-Based Approach

There is a tension in research activity that is often overlooked. Basic or general social research, of the type typically undertaken in academe, most often seeks to develop general knowledge – know...
Framework for Assessment and Phytoremediation of Asbestos-Contaminated Sites

We examine the feasibility of phytoremediation as an alternative strategy to limit the exposure of asbestos in site with asbestos-containing materials. We collected soils from four locations from two sites—one with naturally occurring asbestos, and another, a superfund site, where asbestos-containing materials were disposed over decades—and performed ecotoxicology tests. We also performed two experiments with crop cultivar and two grasses from serpentine ecotype and cultivar to determined best choice for phytoremediation. Asbestos concentrations in different size fractions of soils varied by orders of magnitude. However, different asbestos concentrations had little effect on germination and root growth. Presence of co-contaminants such as heavy metals and lack of nutrients affected plant growth to different extents, indicating that several of these limiting factors should be considered instead of the primary contaminant of concern. Crop cultivar survived on asbestos-contaminated soil. Grasses from serpentine ecotype did not show higher biomass than the cultivar. Overall, these results showed that soil conditions play a critical role in screening different crop species for phytoremediation and that asbestos concentration has limited to no effect on plant growth. Our study provided a framework for phytoremediation of asbestos-contaminated sites to limit long-term asbestos exposure.
Trump as a Machiavellian Prince? Reflections on Corruption and American Constitutionalism

For the last two years journalists have asked whether Donald Trump is a Machiavellian “prince.” But a truly “Machiavellian” prince would never be suspected as such. He would follow Machiavelli’s advice always to appear to be merciful, faithful, humane, honest, and religious. Trump does not manifest any of these qualities. To prevent him from enacting dangerous policies, Machiavelli would advise us to rely on the checks and balances established by our constitution. Some critics have argued that the constitutional checks are no longer effective, because the American people have become corrupt. The problem, however, is not popular corruption so much as a lack of leadership and imagination in designing remedies for the weakening of the constitutional checks that have resulted from changes in election laws and advances in modern technology.
Higher Cortical Functions in Children

Higher cortical functions in children proceed through different stages of development. Significant limitations in our knowledge exist as to the process of the normal developing human brain with respect to neurophysiological, neurochemical, neuroanatomical, and other related disciplines. Attempts have been made to correlate anatomical and behavioral data in a direct manner, leading to a surfeit of postulations in the literature against a shortage of supporting data for known brain—behavior relationships in children (Taylor, Fletcher, & Satz, 1984). Much emphasis tends to be placed on proposed neural mechanisms accounting for changes regarding development of the human CNS versus description of changes taking place with respect to normal development of the child’s brain. Difficulties exist in drawing conclusions because each human brain is unique with respect to its cellular differentiation, acculturation factors, and neural growth patterns (Cooke, 1980).
Surface free energy contribution to cell interactions

The quantitative distinction between, and the measurement of, apolar and polar surface tension components and parameters of liquids and solids has become possible in the late 1980s. Using the Lifshitz approach, it could be demonstrated that the surface tension components associated with the three electrodynamic (van der Waals) interactions, i.e., the dispersion (London), induction (Debye) and orientation (Keesom) forces, follow the same equations and should be treated in the same manner (Chaudhury, 1984; van Oss et al.. 1988a). These are the apolar interactions which, together, are designated as Lifshitz-van der Waals (LW) interactions. Once this matter was clarified, the entirely distinct polar, i.e., electron-acceptor/electron-donor, or Lewis acid-base (AB) interactions could be studied as separate phenomena that follow a different set of equations (van Oss et al., 1987a; 1988a,b).
The Sign of A Mean Regression: Characterisation, Estimation and Applications

There exist a number of important applications in which interest centers on the sign rather than the overall shape of a mean regression. These include certain decision-making problems as well as the problems of calibration and econometric equation inversion. We show that the sign of a mean regression for Y may be viewed as a generalisation of a quantile regression for the sign of Y. This characterisation is used to construct three related estimators that require only a very weak specification condition for the estimated model's sign to be consistent for the regression's sign. The relative merits of each estimator are discussed and simulations are used to study one of the estimators.
Polymer Nanofibers Reinforced with Cellulose Nanocrystals

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) have been used as effective reinforcing nanofillers for a variety of polymer nanofibers, taking advantage of their high-modulus and high-strength mechanical properties. Continuous polymer nanofibers incorporated with various contents of CNCs were fabricated using a simple and versatile electrospinning technique driven by a high-voltage electric field. Prior to the electrospinning process, CNCs were dispersed with polymers in solutions. Effects of the addition of CNCs on solution properties were investigated and correlated with the morphology and diameter of the nanofibers. Polymer nanocomposite fibers, usually several hundreds of nanometers in diameter, were produced as either randomly oriented porous mats or uniaxially aligned mats. CNCs were highly aligned along the fiber long axis. Thermal analysis suggested that the incorporation of CNCs influences thermal behaviors of polymer nanofibers, such as glass transition temperatures and melting enthalpies. Increases in tensile strength, Young’s modulus, and elastic modulus have been demonstrated from mechanical studies of the nanocomposite fibers containing CNCs.
Click Chemistry-Based DNA Labeling of Cells for Barcoding Applications

Cell labeling and tracking methodologies can play an important role in experiments aimed at understanding biological systems. However, many current cell labeling and tracking techniques have limitations that preclude their use in a variety of multiplexed and high-throughput applications that could best represent the heterogeneity and combinatorial complexity present in physiologic contexts. Here, we demonstrate an approach for labeling, tracking, and quantifying cells using double-stranded DNA barcodes. These barcodes are introduced to the outside of the cell membrane, giving the labeled cells a unique identifier. This approach is compatible with flow cytometric and PCR-based identification and relative quantification of the presence of barcode-labeled cells. Further, utilizing this strategy, we demonstrate the capacity for sorting and enrichment of barcoded cells from a bulk population. In addition, we illustrate the design and utility of a range of orthogonal barcode sequences, which can enable the use of multiple independent barcodes to track, sort, and enrich multiple cell types and/or cells receiving distinct treatments from a pooled sample. Overall, this method of labeling cells has the potential to track multiple populations of cells in both high-throughput in vitro and physiologic in vivo settings.
Average crossing number and writhe of knotted random polygons in confinement

Abstract In this paper we study the average crossing number and writhe of random freely-jointed polygons in spherical confinement. Specifically, we use numerical studies to investigate how these geometric quantities are affected by confinement and by knot complexity within random polygons. We report and compare our results with previously published results on knotted random polygons that are unconfined. While some of the results fall in line with what have been observed in studies of unconfined random polygons, some surprising results have emerged from our study, showing properties that are unique due to the effect of confinement. For example, under tight confinement, the average crossing number and the squared writhe grow proportional to the polygon length squared. However, the squared writhe of polygons with a fixed knot type (such as the trefoil) grows much slower than the squared writhe of all polygons. We also observe that while the writhe values at a given length and confinement radius are normally distributed, the distribution of the average crossing number values around their mean are not normal, but rather log-normal.
Essential Urban Variables from Satellite Observations: An Introduction

The applications of remote sensing technology have been focused on environmental issues and natural resources. Coarse- and medium-resolution optical and radar imagery has limited usage in urban areas. At the turn of the 21 st century, we have witnessed great advances in remote sensing and imaging science. Commercial satellites acquire imagery at a spatial resolution previously only possible to aerial platforms, but these satellites have advantages over aerial imageries including their capacity for synoptic coverage, inherently digital format, short revisit time, and capability to produce stereo image pairs conveniently for high-accuracy 3D mapping thanks to their flexible pointing mechanism. Hyperspectral imaging affords the potential for detailed identification of materials and better estimates of their abundance in the Earth's surface, enabling the use of remote sensing data collection to replace data collection that was formerly limited to laboratory testing or expensive field surveys. Lidar (Light Detection and Ranging) technology can provide high-accuracy height and other geometric information for urban structures and vegetation. In addition, radar technology has been re-inventing itself since the 1990s, due largely to the increase of spaceborne radar programs. These technologies are not isolated at all. In fact, their integrated uses with more established aerial photography and multispectral remote sensing techniques have been the main stream of current remote sensing research and applications. With the advent of the new sensor technology, the reinvention of “old” technology, and more capable computational techniques, the field of remote sensing and Earth observation is rapidly gaining, or regaining, interest in the geospatial technology community, governments, industries and the general public. The integration of the internet technology with remote sensing imaging science and GIS have led to the emergence of geo-referenced information over the web, such as Google Earth and Virtual Globe. These new geo-referenced “worlds”, in conjunction with GPS, mobile mapping, and modern telecommunication technologies, have sparked much interest in the public for remote sensing and imaging science (Weng, 2012). Within this context, urban remote sensing has become a new frontier in geospatial technology. This trend has been demonstrated by rapidly increasing publications on the topic and its widespread applications
Antimicrobial efficacy of household sanitizers against artificially inoculated Salmonella on ready-to-eat spinach ( Spinacia oleracea )

Due to health concerns regarding the microbiological safety of fresh produce, consumers frequently wash fresh produce before consumption. Household sanitizers including tap water, vinegar (5.0, 1.5, 1.0%), baking soda, commercial wash, and bleach solutions were evaluated for their effectiveness in reducing counts of Salmonella enterica on spinach leaves. Treatments were carried out at 23 °C for 2 min. An online survey was also conducted in different parts of the United States to collect information on consumers’ practices of washing produce with common household sanitizers. A significantly higher (p < 0.05) bacteria reduction (1.95–2.19 log CFU/g) was achieved using chlorine solution (200 ppm) when compared with other treatments (0.01–1.64 log CFU/g). Running tap water physically reduced bacteria on spinach by 1.52–1.62 log CFU/g. Vinegar solutions at 5, 1.5, and 1.0% promoted reductions of 1.56–1.64, 1.01–1.12, and 0.9–1.02 log CFU/g, respectively. Notably, none of the household sanitizers were capable of entirely removing Salmonella on spinach leaves. With exclusion of chlorinated water and 5% vinegar solution, Salmonella was present in all spend solutions. Our survey showed that three washing solutions were most commonly used by consumers; rubbing produce under running tap water (54.3%), holding produce under running tap water (53.5%), and soaking produce in water (32.9%). Bleached water was the least applied household sanitizer (0.59%). Based on the results of the present work, household sanitizers do not guarantee the complete inactivation of pathogenic bacteria on leafy produce, particularly Salmonella on spinach.
Cross-reality environments in smart buildings to advance STEM cyberlearning

Real time data associated with the Building Information Model plays a critical role in the interpretation of the built environment, which is particularly relevant as an increasing number of education facilities and institutions promote sustainable engineering practices and monitoring data available to the public. However, it is challenging for non-technical audiences to fully comprehend or use information concealed in scientific data related to the performance of structures and materials. It is especially difficult for them to connect these concepts to physical contexts and phenomena. In this paper, we present how cross-reality paradigms in Architecture, Engineering, and Construction, coupled with multimodal representation techniques, enhance data literacy in both professionals and laypeople alike. In particular, we present the design of a learning environment where cutting-edge holographic interfaces and display technologies are combined with sonified and visual data to create a more immersive environment for data analysis and exploration, empowering users with situated data awareness and new ways of understanding real-time data.
Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infection

Necrotizing soft tissue infections progress rapidly and are a surgical emergency. Patients often have significant comorbidities and will likely need critical care support after broad-spectrum antibiotics and aggressive debridement of all necrotic tissue. Multiple debridements are usually required, as well as rehabilitation and reconstruction of the affected area.
Heme oxygenase-1 dampens the macrophage sterile inflammasome response and regulates its components in the hypoxic lung.

Exposure to hypoxia causes an inflammatory reaction in the mouse lung, and this response can be modulated by overexpressing the hypoxia-inducible stress-response enzyme, heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). We...
Impact of Preoperative Atrial Fibrillation on Patients with the HeartMate 3

Purpose Atrial fibrillation (AF) is common in patients with the left ventricular assist device (LVAD), but the little is known about the impact of AF on clinical outcomes. The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of AF on outcomes in patients with the HeartMate 3 (HM3) LVAD. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 113 patients (December 2014 to June 2018) who underwent HM 3 implantation at Columbia University Medical Center. We divided patients into 3 cohorts: no AF, paroxysmal AF (PAF), or persistent AF (PeAF). The primary endpoint was a death at 2-year and a composite of death and hospital readmission due to recurrent heart failure, stroke, and gastrointestinal bleeding. Results AF was present in 61 patients (54%). Forty-three (38%) patients had PAF and 18 (16%) patients had PeAF at the time of LVAD implantation. Patients with PeAF were more likely to be older and have larger left atrial dimension. Patients with PAF or PeAF had higher incidence of perioperative right heart ventricular assist device support compared to patients with no AF (P=0.03). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that patients with PeAF were significantly worse survival at 2-years (PeAF 65%, PAF 93%, no AF 93%, P=0.007). Composite event at 2-year occurred in 54% in PeAF, 75% in PAF, 69% in no AF (P=0.049). Conclusion PeAF was associated with significantly worse clinical outcomes in patients with the HM 3 LVAD. Patient undergoing HM 3 may require additional intervention to reduce AF burden.
Acquired Disorders of Coagulation in Neonates and Children

Acquired disorders of coagulation, including both primary and secondary hemostasis, commonly occur in the critically ill neonate or child. In both the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU), clinicians are confronted with acutely bleeding patients due to a myriad of causes including sepsis, trauma, liver failure, and renal failure. Sepsis is associated with multiple hematologic manifestations of varying severity including subclinical coagulopathy, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), anemia, thrombocytopenia, and thrombosis. In this chapter, we will discuss the acquired coagulopathies associated with sepsis, thrombocytopenia-associated multiple organ failure (TAMOF), DIC, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), and hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS) and how they lead to pediatric sequential multi-organ failure (pSMOF). In addition, we will discuss platelet dysfunction associated with renal failure as well as the acquired coagulation abnormalities that occur in the setting of liver failure and massive blood transfusion therapy for life-threatening bleeding.