cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
CpG-induced antitumor immunity requires IL-12 in expansion of effector cells and down-regulation of PD-1.

// Peng Yin 1 , Xin Liu 2 , Aaron S. Mansfield 3 , Susan M. Harrington 1 , Yinghua Li 2 , Yiyi Yan 3 , Haidong Dong 1, 2 1 Department of Urology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA 2 Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA 3 Division of Medical Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA Correspondence to: Haidong Dong, email: Dong.Haidong@mayo.edu Keywords: CpG ODN, IL-12, immune checkpoints, PD-1, tumor immunotherapy Received: February 29, 2016 Accepted: August 24, 2016 Published: September 02, 2016 ABSTRACT CpG oligodeoxynucleotides, as a ligand of toll-like receptor (TLR)-9, have demonstrated promising antitumor effects in some clinical trials; however, its toxicity and low efficacy as a systemic therapy has limited its therapeutic applications. In order to improve its therapeutic efficacy, we investigated the mechanisms of CpG-induced antitumor immunity in the context of CD8 + T cell responses. We show that IL-12 is required for the expansion of IFN-γ producing tumor-reactive CD8 + T cells capable of rejecting tumors. In addition, CpGs reduced PD-1 expression by effector CD8 + T cells via the IL-12 pathway. The combination of CpG and PD-1 blockade show a synergistic effect in generation of systemic antitumor immunity. Our studies define a critical role of IL-12 in CpG-induced antitumor immunity and provide a rationale for combined therapy with TLR agonists and immune checkpoint blockade in cancer treatment.
In Bed with the Military: First Amendment Implications of Embedded Journalism

In 2002, the Department of Defense’s new program to embed journalists with troops during the upcoming invasion of Iraq was heralded the program as the dawn of a new age of cooperation between the military and the media, a win-win measure that would give news outlets unprecedented access and counter enemy misinformation with true accounts of American military action. However, the program still places significant limits on reporter access and provides significant military discretion to censor sensitive information to ensure security and safety. Further, reporters may be more likely to adopt a pro-military slant after living, sleeping, and eating with soldiers and commanders who are protecting their lives. As a result, the news received by Americans at home may be less objective than it purports to be. This reflects the tension between free speech and security concerns consistent throughout First Amendment jurisprudence, and particularly prominent in issues involving wartime reporting. This Note evaluates the First Amendment implications of the embed program and its alternatives. It finds that the program does not facially violate the First Amendment and concludes the embed structure promotes free speech principles better than alternative methods of regulating wartime reporting. In an age of instantaneous news transmission which requires some regulation of battlefields to protect sensitive information, the formalized regulation of an embed program at least allows for an abundance of intimate coverage, increases the transparency of governmental discretion, and promotes identifiable standards for military accountability. It produces more information than a complete ban on press access. It also permits a broad variety of news outlets contact with troops, which might otherwise only be possible for a select few media entities in the absence of a formal military-facilitated system for access. Finally, the promulgation of formal standards provides greater transparency, and accountability, for government actors. It is up to the media and the public to monitor the program's application and to mitigate its potential to produce biased coverage.
Abstract 4395: Strategy to overcome inherent TRAIL-based therapeutic limitations

TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is a promising anti-cancer agent because of its selective ability to induce apoptosis in activated immune cells or cancer cells with minimal toxicity in normal cells. However, a short biological half-life and the development of inherent TRAIL resistance in a variety of cancer cells, including colorectal cancer cells (CRC), results in the poor performance of TRAIL as a chemotherapeutic agent. To overcome these limitation, we developed PEGylated TRAIL (PEG-TRAIL) to compensate the short half-life of TRAIL offering improved pharmacokinetics in non-human primates. In parallel, we found that pre-sensitization with doxorubicin resulted in the upregulated expression of the functional TRAIL receptor, DR5, in highly TRAIL-resistant HT-29 cells by Western blotting and qRT-PCR. Although neither individual treatment of doxorubicin nor TRAILPEG induced apoptosis, pre-sensitization with doxorubicin followed by PEG-TRAIL induced significant apoptosis through the activation of both extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic pathways promoted by the cleavage of caspases 8, 9, and 3. DR5, but not DR4, was recruited to the TRAIL-induced Death-Inducing Signaling Complex (DISC) within HT-29 cells pre-sensitized with doxorubicin, suggesting a TRAIL/DR5 specific pathway in CRC. To maximize the therapeutic efficacy of the sensitizer in vivo, doxorubicin was encapsulated in tumor-homing hyaluronic acid nanoparticles (HAC/DOX). Confocal microscopy and HPLC analysis enabled us to observe the efficient uptake and biodistribution of HAC/DOX in tumor tissues from xenografted HT-29 cells. HAC/DOX effectively sensitized the xenograft tumor, bearing the highly TRAIL-resistant HT-29 cells to TRAIL-induced apoptosis through the upregulated expression of DR5 and activation of caspases. Our study suggests an innovative approach to overcome the inherent TRAIL-based therapeutic limitations by introducing long-acting TRAIL and a tumor-homing TRAIL sensitizer to induce cancer cell-specific apoptosis in TRAIL-resistant CRC, particularly in physiological conditions. Citation Format: Yumin Oh, Maggie Swierczewska, Seulki Lee. Strategy to overcome inherent TRAIL-based therapeutic limitations. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 4395. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-4395
Template-free synthesis of hierarchical mixed-metal cobaltites: Electrocapacitive and Theoretical study

Abstract The present work elucidates synthesis and electrocapacitive performance of cobaltites viz. Co 3 O 4 , NiCo 2 O 4 , ZnCo 2 O 4 and MnCo 2 O 4 nanostructured particles synthesized using template free urea assisted hydrothermal method. Morphology and size of the synthesized cobaltites were examined by using scanning electron microscopy. Hierarchical structures namely fibrous and urchin-like microsphere were observed for the cobaltites. Electrochemical measurements were performed using standard three electrode system with 3 M KOH electrolyte via cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge-discharge methods. Amongst the cobaltite studied, NiCo 2 O 4 displayed high surface area (46.05 m 2 /g), high specific capacitance (173 F/g at 5 mV/s) and energy density (7 Wh/kg). The specific capacitance of all the cobaltites decreased with the increase in scan rate. Furthermore, the specific capacitance showed invariance with the current density up to 5 A/g. The cyclic stability of NiCo 2 O 4 was studied up to 5,000 cycles and about 76% retention in charge storage capacity was observed. Among all cobaltites, the EIS measurements confirm superior performance of NiCo 2 O 4 as it displays minimum impedance at all frequency. Furthermore, specific capacitance was compared for two and three electrode cells with NiCo 2 O 4 as an electrode material. The hybrid density functional theory (DFT) calculations of the electronic density of states of Co 3 O 4 , NiCo 2 O 4 , ZnCo 2 O 4 and MnCo 2 O 4 was performed. The DFT calculation predicted narrow band gap for NiCo 2 O 4 (∼1.4 eV) which is smallest among all cobaltites studied here in. The superior electrocapacitive behavior of the NiCo 2 O 4 is attributed to high surface area urchin like structure and its high electrical conductivity due to its narrow band gap amongst studied cobaltites.
Social engagement during game play in persons with Alzheimer’s: Innovative practice:

This study examined social engagement during game play among persons with Alzheimer's. In addition to being engaged with the game, engagement with players was noticed. Players would congratulate each other when they won, and they encouraged each other to do well. Natural conversation occurred as a result of playing the game. The researchers observed that as placement accuracy increased, the players developed a friendly competition. They played to win and experienced a sense of accomplishment when they correctly matched tile pieces. Interestingly, the game provided the players an opportunity to help each other. When a player was unable to figure out where to place a tile, oftentimes the other players would remind them of the rules and assist in tile placement. The ability to help and share knowledge is an opportunity often denied to persons with Alzheimer's.
WP-1066, a Next-Generation Member of JAK-Stat Inhibitors, Induces Cell Cycle Arrest, Abrogates Proliferation, and Induces Apoptosis of Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) Cells.

Janus kinases (JAK) are tyrosine kinases associated with both cytokine receptors and downstream signal transducer and activator of transcription (Stat) proteins. Upon activation of JAK by a variety of cytokines and growth factors, Stats translocate to the nucleus and promote transcription of target genes. Constitutive activation of Stat proteins in AML has been associated with poor prognosis and AG490, an inhibitor of this pathway, was shown to suppress AML cell proliferation in vitro. WP-1066 represents a further development of AG490 with biological activity at significantly lower concentrations. Therefore, we studied the effects of WP-1066 on the AML cell lines OCIM2 and K562 and on fresh bone marrow aspirates obtained from five newly diagnosed AML patients. We found that WP-1066 inhibited the proliferation of OCIM2 and K562 cells and of fresh marrow AML blast colony-forming cells in a dose-dependent fashion at concentrations ranging from 0.5 to 3 μM. WP-1066 completely abrogated the growth of leukemia cells at a concentration of 3 μM. Furthermore, WP-1066 induced a cell cycle arrest of OCIM2 and K562 cells. Incubation of AML cells with 2 μM of WP-1066 resulted in a time-dependent accumulation of OCIM2 and K562 cells in the sub-G0 phase of the cell cycle. Those leukemia cells underwent apoptotic cell death as assessed by annexin V-FITC. Incubation of OCIM2 cells with 0.5 to 3 μM WP-1066 for 2 hours induced a dose-dependent apoptosis in 52% of the cells. A 4 hour exposure of either OCIM2 or K562 cells to 2 μM of WP-1066 induced caspase 3 activation and PARP cleavage. As expected, WP-1066 inhibited Stat3 and Stat5 phosphorylation in K562 and OCIM2 cells both in a time- and dose-dependent manner, confirming that inhibition of the JAK-Stat pathway is its mechanism of action. Overall, our data showing that WP-1066 inhibits the JAK-Stat pathway, suppresses proliferation, induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis of AML cells, suggest that the activity of this compound warrants further exploitation aimed at developing WP-1066 for future therapy of AML.
A new model of respiration in blastoid (Echinodermata) hydrospires based on computational fluid dynamic simulations of virtual 3D models

Hydrospires are internal structures in blastoids that primarily served a respiratory function. Historically, hydrospires have been modeled as passive-flow respiratory structures with a vertical orientation. This project constructed virtual 3D models of blastoids from legacy acetate peel collections at the Naturalis Museum in the Netherlands. Computational fluid dynamic (CFD) simulations of the blastoid models reconstructed in living position indicated that hydrospires likely were oriented horizontally when the blastoid was in feeding mode in current velocities>0.5 cm/s to 10 cm/s. In this range of current velocities, passive water flow through the hydrospires did not produce conditions optimized for efficient gas exchange. However, optimal water flow through the hydrospires could be achieved if the excurrent velocity of water exiting the hydrospire through the spiracle was approximately one-half the velocity of ambient environmental currents. Maintaining such a ratio in the dynamic current systems in which blastoids lived suggests that cilia-driven active water flow through the hydrospires is a better model for optimizing respiratory effectiveness.
Eyewitness Identification by Theft Victims

Since 1975, there has been much research on how eyewitnesses to a criminal event encode, retain, and retrieve information about what they have witnessed (see, e.g., Lloyd-Bostock & Clifford, 1983; Loftus, 1979; Yarmey, 1979). Although much useful information has been gained from this research, several investigators have questioned the generalizability of these results to naturally occurring situations (e.g., Malpass & Devine, 1980; Wells, 1978). For example, studies have questioned whether telling versus not telling eyewitnesses that a criminal event was staged affects the accuracy and confidence of their reports (Murray & Wells, 1982; Sanders & Warnick, 1981).
Viral Diseases of Nonhuman Primates

Viral infections pose a potential threat to the health of laboratory and zoological colonies of nonhuman primates as well as the personnel involved in their care. This chapter discusses those viral diseases of importance to nonhuman primates and their caregivers by taxonomic family to which the causative agent is classified. A doctrine of comparative virology is that infection of the immunocompetent, appropriate host often is associated with minimal disease, whereas infection of the inadvertent susceptible host can have devastating consequences. The likelihood of such transmission is increased when changes in the environment place different species in close proximity. Similarly, transmission of viral agents from nonprimate host to primate host may result in severe disease. Perhaps of equal importance is the realization that experimental manipulations may inadvertently expose animals to unrecognized pathogens with lethal consequences. For instance, a number of minimally pathogenic viruses may cause severe disease in animals immunosuppressed from pharmacologic manipulation or immunodeficient from concurrent infection with viruses that target the immune system. Numerous examples of each of these scenarios are documented within this chapter.
Randomised controlled pragmatic clinical trial evaluating the effectiveness of a discharge follow-up phone call on 30-day hospital readmissions: balancing pragmatic and explanatory design considerations

Introduction Hospital readmissions within 30 days are a healthcare quality problem associated with increased costs and poor health outcomes. Identifying interventions to improve patients’ successful transition from inpatient to outpatient care is a continued challenge. Methods and analysis This is a single-centre pragmatic randomised and controlled clinical trial examining the effectiveness of a discharge follow-up phone call to reduce 30-day inpatient readmissions. Our primary endpoint is inpatient readmission within 30 days of hospital discharge censored for death analysed with an intention-to-treat approach. Secondary endpoints included observation status readmission within 30 days, time to readmission, all-cause emergency department revisits within 30 days, patient satisfaction (measured as mean Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems scores) and 30-day mortality. Exploratory endpoints include the need for assistance with discharge plan implementation among those randomised to the intervention arm and reached by the study nurse, and the number of call attempts to achieve successful intervention delivery. Consistent with the Learning Healthcare System model for clinical research, timeliness is a critical quality for studies to most effectively inform hospital clinical practice. We are challenged to apply pragmatic design elements in order to maintain a high-quality practicable study providing timely results. This type of prospective pragmatic trial empowers the advancement of hospital-wide evidence-based practice directly affecting patients. Ethics and dissemination Study results will inform the structure, objective and function of future iterations of the hospital’s discharge follow-up phone call programme and be submitted for publication in the literature. Trial registration number NCT03050918; Pre-results.
Mediating relationship of differential products in understanding integration in introductory physics

Introductory physics instruction can help students develop a better understanding of integrals by focusing first on differentials and then on differential products.
Improved Diet Quality Associates With Reduction in Liver Fat, Particularly in Individuals With High Genetic Risk Scores for Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Background & Aims Dietary modification has been recommended for treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), although it is not clear whether improving diet quality can prevent its development. We performed a prospective study to examine the association between diet quality change and change in liver fat. We also examined the association between genetic risk score and liver fat change in individuals with different levels of diet quality change. Methods Our study included 1521 participants who attended the seventh and eighth examinations (1998–2001 and 2005–2008) of the second-generation cohort or attended the first and second examinations (2002–2005 and 2008–2011) of the third-generation cohort in the Framingham Heart Study. The self-administered semiquantitative 126-item Harvard food frequency questionnaire was used to determine dietary intake in the year leading up to an examination. We assessed levels of liver fat using liver-phantom ratio (LPR) on computed tomography images from 2002 through 2005 and again from 2008 through 2011. LPR values are inversely related to liver fat: increased LPR indicates decreased liver fat. We examined associations of changes in 2 diet scores, the Mediterranean-style diet score (MDS) and Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI), with changes in liver fat and new-onset fatty liver. We evaluated interactions between diet score change and a weighted genetic risk score for NAFLD, determined based on multiple single-nucleotide polymorphisms identified in genome-wide association studies of NAFLD. The primary outcome was change in LPR between baseline and follow-up measurement. Results For each 1 standard deviation increase in MDS, the LPR increased (meaning liver fat decreased) by 0.57 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.27–0.86; P Conclusions In an analysis of participants in the Framingham Heart Study, increasing diet quality, determined based on MDS and AHEI scores, is associated with less liver fat accumulation and reduced risk for new-onset fatty liver. An improved diet is particularly important for individuals with a high genetic risk for NAFLD.
Ion translocation by the Na/Bicarbonate Cotransporter (NBCe1): Role of transmembrane domain 8 (TMD8)

NBCs are members of a superfamily of bicarbonate transporters that includes anion exchangers (AEs) and Na-driven Cl-base exchangers. Specific residues of AE1 TMD8 are involved in ion translocation ...
Coronary artery compression from epicardial leads: More common than we think.

Background A child with an epicardial pacemaker presented with sudden death at our institution, secondary to coronary artery compression. This case prompted enhanced surveillance of all patients with epicardial pacing or defibrillation systems. Objective The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of coronary artery compression and the diagnostic yield of catheter angiography (CA) and computed tomography (CT). Methods All patients with epicardial leads who underwent CA or cine CT were retrospectively reviewed. A patient with postmortem diagnosis of coronary compression was also included. Results Coronary compression was noted in 8 of 145 patients (5.5%) with epicardial leads. Median age at diagnosis was 11.4 years (range 3.0–29.6 years). Six patients had compression noted by CA, 6 by CT, and 1 by postmortem analysis. Chest radiography had sensitivity and specificity of 57% and 96%, respectively; CT 100% and 93%, respectively; and CA 86% and 100%, respectively. There was no difference in age or weight at the time of lead implant between those who did and those who did not have compression (age: median 1.3 vs 2.4 years; P = .36; weight: 9.5 vs 11.8 kg; P = .46). Among those with coronary compression, 6 of 8 (75%) had symptoms (1 sudden death, 3 chest pain [2 with associated troponin leak]), 2 unexplained fatigue). Seven patients had surgical repositioning of their lead. Conclusion We found a higher incidence of coronary artery compression by epicardial leads (5.5%) than previously reported in the literature. Chest radiography can serve as a good surveillance tool, with cine CT scans considered in those with concerning radiographs or with symptoms. Confirmatory CA can be performed before surgical intervention.
Fitness, independent of physical activity is associated with cerebral blood flow in adults at risk for Alzheimer’s disease

Patterns of decreased resting cerebral blood flow (CBF) within the inferior temporal gyri, angular gyri, and posterior cingulate are a feature of aging and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and have shown to be predictive of cognitive decline among older adults. Fitness and physical activity are both associated with many indices of brain health and may positively influence CBF, however, the majority of research to date has examined these measures in isolation, leaving the potential independent associations unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine the unique contributions of fitness and physical activity when predicting CBF in cognitively healthy adults at risk for AD. One hundred participants (63% female) from the Wisconsin Registry for Alzheimer’s Prevention underwent a maximal exercise test, physical activity monitoring, and a 3-D arterial spin labeling magnetic resonance imaging scan. For the entire sample, fitness was significantly associated with CBF while accounting for physical activity, age, gender, APOE e4, family history of AD, education, and handedness (p = .026). Further, fitness explained significantly more variance than the combined effect of the covariates on CBF (R2 change = .059; p = .047). These results appear to be gender dependent, our data suggest fitness level, independent of physical activity, is associated with greater CBF in regions that are known to decline with age and AD for female (p = .011), but not male participants.
Desynchronization of Self-Powered FN Tunneling Timers for Trust Verification of IoT Supply Chain

The ability to precisely synchronize and desynchronize two spatially separated dynamical systems according to changes in their respective operating environment provides a powerful mechanism for authentication and trust verification in a supply chain. This paper explores the synchronization and desynchronization paradigm using our previously reported self-powered time-keeping device, to differentiate among passive Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices that were subjected to different variations in temperature or their ambient radio-frequency environment. The environmental variations were modeled as a modulation voltage that affects the rate of Fowler–Nordheim (FN) quantum tunneling and integration of electrons on a floating-gate, thus producing a time and history-dependent dynamic signature. We show that the operation of the self-powered FN device is reliable and repeatable even at single electron-per-second tunneling-rates and for durations greater than three years. We believe that the proposed solution could be cost-effective and scalable for authenticating different types of passive IoT ranging from credit cards, packaged chipsets, to pharmaceuticals.
Porous Hydrogels Embedded with Hydrated Ferric Oxide Nanoparticles for Arsenate Removal

The aim of this work is to assess the capabilities of porous hydrogels functionalized with hydrated ferric oxide nanoparticles to remove arsenate from aqueous media. Iron oxide nanoparticles can ef...
O-band Transmission of 255-Gb/s PAM8 Signal through 10-km SMF Using MLSE Based on Nonlinear Channel Estimation

We demonstrate 85- and 75-Gbaud PAM8 10- and 20-km transmissions with the bandwidth limitation of 20 GHz using MLSE in which Volterra filter emulates nonlinear channel response.
Investigation and Prediction of PWM-Induced Iron Loss in Lamination Steels Using High-Frequency Inverters with Wide-Bandgap Switches

The availability of wide-bandgap (WBG) power switches makes it possible to excite electric machines with much higher PWM switching frequencies. This paper experimentally characterizes the magnetic and iron loss properties of lamination steels over a wide range of frequencies and magnetization states excited by a voltage-source inverter (VSI) using GaN-based WBG switches. With the collected hysteresis loop and iron loss data, a new frequency-interconnected dynamic Jiles-Atherton (J-A) model is developed explicitly for PWM-induced iron loss analysis. Experiments have been conducted to verify the model prediction accuracy over a broad range of operating conditions. The obtained results demonstrate that the model parameters identified from a limited number of frequency and amplitude conditions are sufficient to apply to a much broader range of conditions. The proposed model has been integrated with a dynamic hysteresis model devoted to fundamental field iron loss estimation, providing an accurate and efficient tool for total iron loss estimation during PWM voltage excitation using high-frequency WBG devices.
COVID-19-Associated Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis – A Case Report

Abstract We present the first described case of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) in a COVID-19 patient. The clinical features with head CT and brain MRI changes were described. Our described case is an atypical presentation of the novel coronavirus in a young patient and is illustrative of the possible approaches to explore the treatable differential etiologies.
The extended evolutionary synthesis and human origins: Archaeological perspectives

Recent developments in evolutionary biology have led to a call for an extension of standard evolutionary theory, with its emphasis on processes such as selection and drift, into a much larger theoretical framework that includes processes such as niche construction, developmental plasticity, inclusive inheritance, and developmental bias. Skeptics argue that these processes are already subsumed within the standard theory and thus an extension is not required. Here, we outline what this evolutionary "rethink" might mean for the study of human origins. Specifically, can paleoanthropologists benefit from an extended theoretical toolkit? The papers in this special issue suggest it can be useful but may not be necessary, depending on the kinds of questions that are being asked.
An evolutionary perspective of DNA methylation patterns in skeletal tissues using a nonhuman primate model of osteoarthritis

Abstract Objective Epigenetic factors, such as DNA methylation, play an influential role in the development of the degenerative joint disease osteoarthritis (OA). These molecular mechanisms have been heavily studied in humans, and although OA affects several other animals in addition to humans, few efforts have taken an evolutionary perspective. This study explores the evolution of OA epigenetics by assessing the relationship between DNA methylation variation and knee OA development in baboons (Papio spp.) and by comparing these findings to human OA epigenetic associations. Methods Genome-wide DNA methylation patterns were identified in bone and cartilage of the right distal femora from 56 pedigreed, adult baboons (28 with and 28 without knee OA) using the Illumina Infinium MethylationEPIC BeadChip. Results Several significantly differentially methylated positions (DMPs) and regions (DMRs) were found between tissue types. Substantial OA-related differential methylation was also identified in cartilage, but not in bone, suggesting that cartilage epigenetics may be more influential in OA than bone epigenetics. Additionally, some genes containing OA-related DMPs overlap with and display methylation patterns similar to those previously identified in human OA, revealing a mixture of evolutionarily conserved and divergent OA-related methylation patterns in primates. Conclusions Overall, these findings reinforce current etiological perspectives of OA and enhance our evolutionary understanding of epigenetic mechanisms associated with OA. This work further establishes baboons as a valuable nonhuman primate model of OA, and continued investigations in baboons will help to disentangle the molecular mechanisms contributing to OA and their evolutionary histories.
Genetic diversity and population structure analysis of Franklinia alatamaha, a tree species existing only in cultivation

Franklinia alatamaha is a small tree in the tea family (Theaceae) that has been valued for its ornamental qualities since 1765, when it was first recorded by John and William Bartram on the Georgia Coastal Plain. The only known population of F. alatamaha became extinct in the wild by the early 1800s. However, F. alatamaha has been cultivated as an ornamental for nearly 250 years. The plants existing today are derived from seeds collected from the Georgia population by the Bartrams. To examine the genetic variation of the cultivated F. alatamaha population, leaves from live and herbarium accessions were obtained from 42 sites worldwide. Genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) was used to determine the genetic diversity and structure of 76 F. alatamaha accessions, including a 178-year-old herbarium specimen. STRUCTURE analysis with 9604 high-quality single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) identified two subpopulations within the cultivated accessions. This result was supported by UPGMA (unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean) and principal component analyses. F statistics indicated that there was a moderate level of genetic diversity among the cultivated accessions (FST = 0.09), with more genetic diversity among accessions within a subpopulation than between the two subpopulations. The inbreeding coefficient of the cultivated accessions was low (FIS = − 0.4902), indicating that the sampled trees represent what was once a highly outcrossing population. Polymorphism was also detected by GBS analysis of 19 F. alatamaha plants grown from gamma-irradiated seeds. The genetic differentiation identified in this study may be useful for further development of new horticultural traits of F. alatamaha.
Acoustic transducer system

An acoustic transducer system employs a seawater return cable as a receiver element. The cable is either open ended or short circuited with the seawater. A carrier frequency is applied at one end of the cable. Acoustic pressure waves impinging the cable change the characteristic input impedance of the cable. The changes in the impedance amplitude and phase angle are processed to derive information descriptive of the acoustic source.
Neurocognitive Predictors of Treatment Outcomes in Cognitive Processing Therapy for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder: Study Protocol.

Background Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a prevalent, debilitating, and costly psychiatric disorder. Evidenced-based psychotherapies, including Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), are effective in treating PTSD, although a fair proportion of individuals show limited benefit from such treatments. CPT requires cognitive demands such as encoding, recalling, and implementing new information, resulting in behavioral change that may improve PTSD symptoms. Individuals with PTSD show worse cognitive functioning than those without PTSD, particularly in acquisition of verbal memory. Therefore, memory dysfunction may limit treatment gains in CPT in some individuals with PTSD. Methods and analysis Here, we present a protocol describing the Cognition and PsychoTherapy in PTSD (CPTPTSD) study, a prospective, observational study examining how cognitive functioning affects treatment response in CPT for PTSD (NCT# 03641924). The study aims to recruit 105 outpatient veterans with PTSD between the ages of 18 and 70 years. Prior to beginning 12 sessions of CPT, Veteran participants will have standardized assessments of mood and functioning and complete a comprehensive neurocognitive battery assessing episodic learning, attention and speed of processing, language ability, executive control, and emotional functioning. This study aims to fill gaps in the current literature by: (1) examining the specificity of memory effects on treatment response; (2) exploring how baseline cognitive functioning impacts functional outcomes; and (3) examining potential mechanisms, such as memory for treatment content, that might explain the effects of baseline memory functioning on PTSD symptom trajectory. Discussion If successful, this research could identify clinically relevant neurocognitive mechanisms that may impact PTSD psychotherapy and guide the development of individualized treatments for PTSD.
Selective morphological and volumetric alterations in the hippocampus of children exposed in utero to gestational diabetes mellitus

Prior epidemiological studies have found that in utero exposure to gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is associated with increased risk for neurodevelopmental disorders. However, brain alterations associated with GDM are not known. The hippocampus is pivotal for cognition and emotional regulation. Therefore, we assessed relationships between in utero exposure to GDM and hippocampal morphology and subfield structure during childhood. One hundred seventeen children aged 7-11 years (57% girls, 57% exposed to GDM), born at Kaiser Permanente Southern California, participated in the BrainChild Study. Maternal GDM status was determined from electronic medical records. Children underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging. Freesurfer 6.0 was used to measure hippocampal and individual hippocampal subfield gray matter volume (mm3 ). Morphological analyses on the hippocampal surface were carried out using shape analysis. GDM-exposed children exhibited reduced radial thickness in a small, spatially-restricted portion of the left inferior body of the hippocampus that corresponds to the CA1 subfield. There was a significant interaction between GDM-exposure and sex on the right hippocampal CA1 subfield. GDM-exposed boys had reduced right CA1 volume compared to unexposed boys, but this association was no longer significant after controlling for age. No significant group differences were observed in girls. Our results suggest that GDM-exposure impacts shape of the left hippocampal CA1 subfield in both boys and girls and may reduce volume of right hippocampal CA1 only in boys. These in-depth findings illuminate the unique properties of the hippocampus impacted by prenatal GDM-exposure and could have important implications for hippocampal-related functions.
Proximal Humeral Fractures

Proximal humeral fractures encompass many combinations of fractures, dislocations, and fracture dislocations. Fractures associated with significant displacement may heal and still have a very functional outcome. Surgical treatment options and techniques are described.
Correlation of Chronic Histologic Changes on Preimplantation Frozen Section Biopsy With Transplant Outcomes After Deceased Donor Kidney Transplantation.

CONTEXT.— It is unclear if preimplantation frozen section biopsy correlates with outcomes after deceased donor kidney transplantation. OBJECTIVE.— To assess if chronic histologic changes on the preimplant frozen section correlates with graft loss and estimated glomerular filtration rate independently of kidney donor profile index (KDPI). DESIGN.— Seven hundred three preimplantation biopsies were reviewed and a Banff sum score was calculated using glomerular sclerosis, interstitial fibrosis, vascular intimal thickening, and arteriolar hyalinosis. The posttransplant outcomes were compared for preimplantation biopsy Banff sum 0-1, 2-3, and 4-9. The cohort was also stratified by KDPI 85 or less versus more than 85. RESULTS.— For the entire biopsy cohort, graft survival, estimated glomerular filtration rate at 1 year and chronic changes on a 1-year posttransplant biopsy were superior in the group with preimplantation Banff sum 0-1. After stratifying by KDPI, the Banff sum no longer correlated with graft survival. In a univariate mode, using the Banff sum score as a continuous variable, a higher Banff sum score was significantly associated with graft failure (P = .03); however, after adjusting the KDPI, the Banff sum score no longer correlated with graft failure (P = .45). The 1-year estimated glomerular filtration rate and 1 year biopsy changes were superior in the group with Banff sum 0-1 only in the cohort with KDPI 85 or less. CONCLUSIONS.— In donor kidneys used for transplant, preimplantation biopsy chronic changes correlate with estimated glomerular filtration rate and biopsy findings at 1 year, but biopsies with mostly mild chronicity and sum scores less than or equal to 5 did not impact graft survival beyond KDPI.
Dynamics of a hybrid cubic vibro-impact oscillator and nonlinear energy sink

Various dynamical engineering systems involve purely nonlinear stiffness that lacks linear properties even under the assumption of small displacements. The most common is the cubic nonlinearity that may stem from either geometric or material properties. Examples include flexible structural components, pre-tensioned cables, springs, and polymers. When subjected to tight rigid constraints collisions might take place, leading to an additional infinitely strong nonlinearity. The resulting dynamical regime involves both smooth nonlinear oscillations (SNOs) and a hybrid cubic vibro-impact (HCVI) regime. The adaptive nonlinearity of the HCVI oscillator is used by the HCVI-nonlinear energy sink (NES) as an effective mechanism for efficient vibration mitigation in broad energy and frequency ranges. Due to the multiple essential nonlinearities of the HCVI oscillator, traditional analytical methods are inapplicable for the description of its transient dynamics. In the current work, we model the HCVI oscillator by a forced particle in a hybrid quartic-square potential well with infinite depth under periodic external forcing. Unlike previous studies, three underlying dynamical mechanisms that govern the occurrence of bifurcations are identified: two maximum mechanisms and one saddle mechanism. The maximal transient energy is predicted analytically over the space of excitation parameters and described using iso-energy contours. The response curves of the system are obtained analytically, allowing a full perspective on the HCVI-oscillator dynamical response, and the HCVI-NES performances and design optimization. All theoretical results are supported by numerical simulations.
Future Research on the Role of the Mesentery in Health and Disease

With the recent recognition of the mesentery as an independently functioning organ, a tremendous opportunity has developed to investigate the role of the mesentery in health and disease. In this chapter, the authors discuss selected potential areas of research on the mesentery related to their specific areas of interest. New areas of possible future study include improved understanding of the physiologic functions of the mesentery and detailed investigation of the role of the mesentery in systemic disease. The authors discuss the effect of genomic variance on mesenteric function, mesenteric pharmacokinetics, potential new clinical approaches to pathologic conditions of the mesentery, updated mesenteric imaging. developments in mesenteric surgery and the use of next generation technology in developing new understanding of the mesentery in health and disease.
Mobile Cloud Gaming: Issues and Challenges

Recent developments in mobile, cloud, and graphics processing technologies have enabled mobile cloud gaming, a gaming model where players use mobile devices to play graphics-intensive games that run remotely on cloud servers. This delivery paradigm is called Gaming as a Service GaaS. GaaS is used to stream computer games across the Internet. It gives rise to various technical, legal, and ethical issues. In this paper, we present the current state of the art in GaaS along with open issues and research challenges.
Infant temperament and postpartum depression: A review

Although limited in number, reported research studies indicate a relationship between maternal perceptions of infant temperament and postpartum depression. Excessive crying in particular and the extent of adaptability and predictability have been implicated as infant behavioral indices. In this article, we present the results of a review of the literature linking early infant temperament to postpartum depression. Measurement issues for both infant temperament and depression are discussed. Recommendations for future research are offered.
Civility, Tact, and the Joy of Communication

My purpose in this essay is to develop a robust concept of civility that establishes civility’s aesthetic-ethical significance, while addressing some recent critiques. Synonyms for civility include etiquette, politeness, decorum, courtesy, social grace, and manners. Civility rarely appears in contemporary philosophical literature, perhaps because philosophers view it as too conventional and inconsequential to warrant serious philosophical consideration. They would not be alone in assuming that there are more important and pressing issues with which to concern themselves than the social graces. Are the social graces worthy of philosophical inquiry? Are they superficial? Or, is this a false dichotomy? I argue for the latter. The engagement in civility can be seen as superficial, in the sense that it betrays an interest in surfaces; civility involves deliberately cultivating behavioral responses that serve as a communicative membrane that is responsible for mediating between individuals. However, the engagement in civility is not superficial, if superficiality means that the individual lacks depth or meaning. I argue that it is possible for the behavioral responses that are characteristic of civility to imply depth — knowledge, understanding, feelings, aspirations, and judgments — and thereby establish meaningful human connection. For these reasons, civility has an aesthetic-ethical significance that makes it worthy of attention and cultivation.
Comparison of Low-Dose Higher-Relaxivity and Standard-Dose Lower-Relaxivity Contrast Media for Delayed-Enhancement MRI: A Blinded Randomized Crossover Study

OBJECTIVE. The gadolinium-based MRI contrast agent gadobenate dimeglumine has nearly twice the MR relaxivity of gadopentetate dimeglumine at 1.5 T. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a lower dose (0.1 mmol/kg) of gadobenate dimeglumine can be used to obtain delayed-enhancement MR images comparable to those obtained with a standard dose (0.2 mmol/kg) of gadopentetate dimeglumine. SUBJECTS AND METHODS. In this blinded randomized crossover study, 20 patients with known myocardial infarction underwent two separate delayed-enhancement MRI examinations after receiving 0.1 mmol/kg gadobenate dimeglumine and 0.2 mmol/kg gadopentetate dimeglumine (random administration). The conspicuity of lesion enhancement 5, 10, and 20 minutes after contrast administration was quantified as relative enhancement ratio (RER). RESULTS. With either gadolinium-based contrast agent, damaged myocardium had higher signal intensity than normal remote myocardium (RER > 4) on delayed-enhancement MR images, and the blood RE...
Identifying, locating, and sequencing picture communication symbols: Contributions from developmental visuospatial and temporal memory

AbstractThis study investigated visuospatial and temporal working memory through assessment of feature binding abilities of typically developing first-, third-, and fifth-grade school-age children. One hundred and twelve children were asked to identify, locate, and sequence various numbers and arrays of picture communication symbols during a picture span assessment task. Feature binding was assessed through analysis of object recall, location recall, object–location recall, object–sequence recall, and location–sequence recall. Significant increases in picture span occurred with increasing grade level. Objects were highly salient with most children having recall greater than 90%. Most children had difficulty with recall of location, object sequence, and location sequence. A significant increase in location–sequence binding ability was noted as grade level increased from first to third grade. When visuospatial and temporal working memory capacity is exceeded, limitations in the ability to bind multiple feat...
Which came first, the hypha or the yeast?

[ P. T. Magee ][1] The yeast Candida albicans can exist in several morphological forms. Now a report by [Braun and Johnson][2] in this week's issue of Science and two recent papers in Microbiology and EMBO Journal have elucidated the molecular control of one morphological variant of this organism called the pseudohyphal growth form. In his Perspective, Magee synthesizes a model of this growth regulatory system. [][3] [1]: http://www.sciencemag.org#affiliation [2]: http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/short/277/5322/105 [3]: http://
The effects of a weighted vest on aggressive and self-injurious behavior in a child with autism

Objective: Analyse the effects of a weighted vest on the aggressive and self-injurious behavior of a young boy with autism.Methods: The effects of the weighted vest were examined during a functional analysis utilizing an ABAB design with an embedded multielement design, in which the participant wore a five pound weighted vest or no vest.Results: The results do not suggest the existence of a functional relationship between the use of a weighted vest and challenging behavior, as the weighted vest had no marked effect on levels of aggression and self-injurious behavior.Conclusions: Weighted vests are a commonly implemented form of sensory integration therapy, frequently used as a treatment for disruptive behaviors associated with autism spectrum disorder [Stephenson J, Carter M. The use of weighted vests with children with autism spectrum disorders and other disabilities. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disabilities 2009;39:105–114]. However, the current findings support previous literature which states ...
Performance comparison of wedge-shaped and planar luminescent solar concentrators

Abstract A wedge-shaped luminescent solar concentrator (LSC) with the capability of high collection efficiency and flux gains is described. Monte Carlo simulations of direct insolation conditions for a mid-latitude location are used to form a comparison of a realistically sized wedge LSC and conventional LSC with the same area footprint. The results show that when the sun is high in the sky, such as during early summer, the planar LSC outperforms the wedge LSC in terms of efficiently concentrating light. Under these conditions, the average wedge LSC concentrator efficiency is 3.5%, while the planar LSC achieves an efficiency of 6.3%. However, when the sun stays low in the sky, such as during early winter, the wedge LSC concentrates light with a maximum efficiency of 32.8%; more than four times greater than that of the planar LSC at 7.6%. Moreover, on a seasonal basis, the wedge LSC is estimated to produce more electrical energy per square meter of PV cells than a planar LSC or conventional solar panel placed parallel to the horizon.