cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The combined action of Rauscher leukemia virus and lactic dehydrogenase virus on mouse lymphatic tissue.

Mice inoculated with animal-passaged Rauscher leukemia virus contaminated with lactic dehydrogenase virus showed early gross and histological changes in their lymphatic tissues comparable to those in mice inoculated with lactic dehydrogenase virus alone. Some of the changes closely resembled those that have been ascribed to stress, which are mediated by corticosteroid hormones Except for early erythroblast activation, mice inoculated with a pool of animal-passaged Rauscher leukemia virus derived from cell culture and not contaminated with lactic dehydrogenase virus did not undergo these changes. Most notable were the absence of early lymphocyte destruction in thymus-dependent areas responsible for cell-mediated immunity and the lack of significant immunoblast activation and proliferation in lymphoid germinal centers (humoral immune compartment). The presence of lactic dehydrogenase virus in Rauscher leukemia virus pools or its addition to the uncontaminated pool resulted in an enhancement of the “erythro-blastic reaction” associated with Rauscher disease, as indicated by an increase in spleen weight. There was also prominent diffuse and persisting hyperplasia of germinal center cells (immunoblasts and immunocytes) after lactic dehydrogenase virus was added to the uncontaminated Rauscher virus pool. Furthermore, the presence of the lactic dehydrogenase virus enhanced the immunosuppressive properties of Rauscher leukemia virus. Two possibilities were considered to account for the enhancement of Rauscher disease by lactic dehydrogenase virus. First, by stimulating germinal center hyperplasia, the virus could supply greater numbers of target cells for Rauscher virus replication. Second, the depression of the cell-mediated immune response by lactic dehydrogenase virus could prevent the inactivation of Rauscher virus particles, or tumor cells by lymphocytes.
Revision Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction With Patellar Tendon Allograft Surgical Technique

Despite the marked advances in treatment and highly predictable success of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruc- tion, an approximate 10% to 15% failure rate is noted in the literature. The mechanism of failure is often difficult to ascertain and is often multifactorial. A strong patient-physician relationship must be estab- lished to proceed with revision ACL reconstruction. After the deci- sion has been made to proceed with revision ACL reconstruction extensive preoperative planning is warranted. Revision ACL recon- tructions are a ''salvage'' procedure to allow the patient to perform activities of daily living. A return to sports is a possibility, but the patient's expectations should be realistic and individualized. This article focuses on the surgical technique of revision anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with patellar tendon allograft.
Tracking the eyes to see what children remember

Relational memory is a canonical form of episodic memory known to rely on the hippocampus. Several lines of evidence suggest that relational memory has a developmental trajectory in which it is fragile, inflexible, and error-prone until around 6 years of age, which seems to mirror maturational changes in the morphology of the hippocampus. However, recent findings from Richmond and Nelson (2009) challenge this idea as they provide evidence suggestive of adult-like relational memory in 9-month-old infants. In this study the authors measured the eye movements of infants and showed that they preferentially gazed at correct, as opposed to incorrect, face–scene pairings at test. The goal of the present study was to evaluate the development of relational memory by assessing 4-year-olds using Richmond and Nelson's task and stimuli, but gathering two dependent measures of relational memory: overt response as well as eye movements. The results show that, overall, preferential looking at correct face–scene pairings ...
Increased Superoxide and Vascular Dysfunction in CuZnSOD-Deficient Mice

Increased superoxide is thought to play a major role in vascular dysfunction in a variety of disease states. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) limits increases in superoxide; however, the functional significance of selected isoforms of SOD within the vessel wall are unknown. We tested the hypothesis that selective loss of CuZnSOD results in increased superoxide and altered vascular responsiveness in CuZnSOD-deficient (CuZnSOD −/− ) mice compared with wild-type (CuZnSOD +/+ ) littermates. Total SOD activity was reduced ( P −/− as compared with wild-type mice. Vascular superoxide levels, measured using lucigenin (5 μmol/L)-enhanced chemiluminescence and hydroethidine (2 μmol/L)-based confocal microscopy, were increased (approximately 2-fold; P −/− mice as compared with wild-type mice. Relaxation of the carotid artery in response to acetylcholine and authentic nitric oxide was impaired ( P −/− mice. For example, maximal relaxation to acetylcholine (100 μmol/L) was 50±6% and 69±5% in CuZnSOD −/− and wild-type mice, respectively. Contractile responses of the carotid artery were enhanced ( P −/− mice in response to phenylephrine and serotonin, but not to potassium chloride or U46619. In vivo, dilatation of cerebral arterioles (baseline diameter=31±1 μm) to acetylcholine was reduced by approximately 50% in CuZnSOD −/− mice as compared with wild-type mice ( P
Synchronization of fishes' temporal feeding patterns with weather in mid- Missouri

Daily food consumption was estimated over 30 successive days in summer for bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) in a 13 ha impoundment, and simultaneously for green sunfish (Lepomis cyanellus) in a second-order mid-Missouri stream from the same watershed. Using temperature data from the Sanborn Field Station for the same period, a relationship between daily food consumption rate of the two fish species and synoptic-scale weather patterns or cycles was established using cross spectral analysis which is not found in the previous literature. Previous analyses of the two species in their respective aquatic environments showed that their daily consumption rates over 30-day periods were rhythmic and peaked on a time scale of 2 and 14 days. A spectral analysis of the temperature data from that period showed that there were statistically significant temperature variations on the time scale of 2, 6, and 15 days. The latter two periods are related to well-known synoptic meteorological rhythms (the passage of cyclones and...
General equilibrium theory and competitive trade models

A rough generalization is that by and large economists who have contributed to establishing the properties of general equilibrium models, such as existence and optimality, form a rather different group from those who deal with simplified versions of general equilibrium in asking about comparative static questions, that is, international trade theorists. Paul Samuelson was a towering exception, making important contributions for both sets. Following his lead, this paper attempts to use an important technique developed by Samuelson to discuss how the body of general equilibrium theorists can gain from the portfolio of special simple models dealt with in competitive trade theory.
An Analytical Modeling Method for Calculating the Current Delivery Capacity of a Thin-Film Cathode and the Stability of Localized Corrosion under Atmospheric Environments

Corrosion resistant materials under atmospheric conditions can suffer from localized corrosion (e.g., pitting, crevice, stress-corrosion cracking). The stability of such a localized corrosion site requires that the site (anode) must dissolve at a sufficiently high rate to maintain the critical chemistry and that it be coupled to a wetted surrounding area (cathode) that can provide a matching cathodic current. The objectives of this study were to computationally characterize the stability of such a local corrosion system and to explore the effects of physiochemical and electrochemical parameters. The overall goal of the work is to contribute to the establishment of a scientific basis for the prediction of the stabilization of localized attack. An analytical method is presented for evaluating the stability of localized corrosion of corrosion-resistant alloys under thin-layer (or atmospheric) conditions. The method requires input data that are either thermodynamic in nature or easily obtained experimentally. The maximum cathode current available depends on the cathode geometry, temperature, relative humidity, deposition density of salt (i.e., mass of salt per unit area of cathode), and interfacial electrochemical kinetics. The anode demand depends on the crevice geometry, the position of attack within the crevice, and the localized corrosion stability product. The localized corrosion stability product, i*x, is the product of the current density at the localized corrosion site and the depth of that localized corrosion site. By coupling these two approaches for analysis of the current capacity of the cathode and the current demand of the anode, the stability of a crevice can be determined for a given environmental scenario. The method has been applied to the atmospheric localized corrosion of Type 31GL stainless steel as well as Alloy C-22. The effects of the key parameters are described and compared.
Effect of ionic charge on the CH···π hydrogen bond

The CH···π hydrogen bonds (HBs) between trimethylamine (TMA) and an assortment of π-systems are generally weaker than those in which CF3H serves as a proton donor, despite the larger number of CH groups available to serve as donors in the amine. The added positive charge of tetramethylammonium (TMA+) enhances the binding energy by a factor between 4 and 7. The strongest such interaction for TMA+ occurs with indole, bound by 15.5 kcal/mol. Changing from ionic CH···π to NH···π further strengthens the interaction. Conjugation of the π-system improves its proton-accepting capacity, which is further enhanced by aromaticity. Dispersion plays a major role in CH···π HBs: It is the prime contributor in the neutral HBs of TMA, and comparable to Coulombic forces for CF3H and even in ionic CH···π HBs of TMA+. Many of the results can be understood on the basis of a combination of electrostatic potentials and charge transfers.
New Derivative Formulas for Integral and Probability Functions: Parallel Computations

New analytical differentiation formulas were recently developed for integral and probability functions. These theoretical achievements may result in new approaches and fast algorithms for practical applications, such as Optimal Targeting, Maximizing Survivability, Structural Reliability, and others involving integral or probability performance and constraint functions. Performance functions and their derivatives can be presented in a similar form that allow parallel calculations of partial derivatives with respect to control variables. An efficient sensitivity procedure calculates performance function and sensitivities during the same simulation/calculation run, resulting in savings in time and effort. Such procedure is a key element in implementing nonlinear optimization methods which need efficient and fast subroutines for calculating the gradients. This paper considers several applications.
Leaf: Light Capture in the Photosynthetic Organ

Terrestrial photosynthesis fixes about half the carbon on the planet and most of that photosynthesis occurs in chloroplasts in the leaves of higher plants. Leaves protect the chloroplasts, distribute them for light interception, and provide enough surface area interfacing with the atmosphere to facilitate maximum carbon dioxide uptake. There is a balancing act between light levels and carbon dioxide supply: insufficient quantities of either one limit the amount of photosynthesis that a leaf can conduct. When leaves develop under low light they are usually thin because light harvesting limits the amount of carbon that can be fixed and photosynthesis is concentrated within a few cell layers. When leaves develop under high light they are usually thick and light absorption is distributed over many cell layers, greatly increasing the amount of carbon that can be fixed per unit leaf area. In nature, light is rarely constant and leaves are often exposed to too little or too much light. This chapter describes adaptations at the level of the leaf that control the amount of light that is absorbed by the photosynthetic tissues. Some of these adaptations are anatomical and the epidermis is the first optical boundary that can play a key role in controlling entry of light into leaves. The anatomy of the photosynthetic tissues and the directional quality of the ambient light also interact to determine the light absorption profile within the tissues, which sets an energetic boundary on the amount of photosynthesis that can be conducted within the individual cell layers. Other adaptations provide for screening of excess light by pigments and fine-tuning of light absorption through chloroplast movement. Additional adaptations occur at the biochemical and whole-plant level to balance light absorption with carbon fixation and this chapter concentrates on the intermediate level: the leaf.
Exactly What Is Evolution

Nobody knows what time of day it arrived nor from where it came, other than somewhere in outer space. After all, there was nobody here to see it. Perhaps some of the animals looked skyward and noticed it. Some may have fled in fear, finding a convenient hole to hide in or tree to hunker under. Some, depending on what kind of intelligence they may have had, might even have found themselves bewildered, having seen nothing like it before. Comet, planetoid, meteor? The words did not exist then, but some astral body figured to be 10 km—6 miles—across, roughly 65 million years ago, is thought by many scientists to have streaked over the sky and struck the earth in the shallow ocean near what is now the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, pulverizing itself in the gypsum substrate.
Surface Preparation and Coating

The coating of a device surface with resist is similar to the common practice of applying paint films. First, the correct paint must be selected for the intended purpose of resisting heat, radiation, physical forces, or chemical action. Next, the surface is cleaned to remove contaminants and a primer is applied to improve the adhesion of the paint film. Then, a variety of coating techniques such as spray, roll, dip, and spin can be used to apply the paint film. After drying, the paint may be hardened by the action of heat, electron beams, or by chemical cross-linking reactions. While these steps comprise the coating of paint films, similar processes are used to coat resist films.
Structure and Electrochemistry of Vanadium-Modified LiFePO4

Doping LiFePO4 with vanadium has proven to enhance electrochemical performance, but the underlying reasons for this improvement are not well understood. To better comprehend the relationships between the electrochemical performance, crystal structure, and surface carbon layer, we prepared vanadium-modified LiFePO4 by three different methods. The electrochemical performance of each sample was determined via a series of cycling studies, the detailed crystal structures of the doped samples were identified by X-ray diffraction and absorption spectroscopy, and the surface carbon coating was examined by high resolution transmission electron microscopy. In V-modified LiFePO4 prepared by a modified solid-state reaction, the vanadium is present in an impurity phase at the surface, which improves conductivity but has only a slight improvement in the electrochemical properties. The V-modified LiFePO4 samples prepared by the conventional solid-state reaction method and a solution method revealed that the vanadium was...
Effect of the Chemosterilant P,P′-Bias(1-aziridinyl)-N-(3-methoxypropyl) Phosphinothioic Acid on Esterases of the House Fly

Adult Musca domestica L. were chemosterilized by oral application of 5 μg/fly of P,P′ -bis(l-aziridinyl)-N-(3-methoxypropyl) phosphinothioic acid after they emerged. A considerable increase in the activity of acetylcholinesterase (AchE) during embryogenesis in the crude extract of the normal eggs was evident and was about double that present in the chemosterilized eggs. When the crude protein extract from chemosterilized eggs was purified by DEAE cellulose column chromatography, increased AchE activity was found. As shown by enzyme activity measurement and acrylamide gel electrophoresis patterns, AchE in ovaries, testes, and heads of chemosterilized flies appeared normal. During embryonic development period, the esterases showed a remarkable increase in the isoenzyme bands in the normal eggs over the chemosterilant eggs.
Two-photon microscopy with adaptive illumination power

We have introduced a feedback loop into a two-photon microscope to hold emitted fluorescence to a constant, enhancing effective dynamic range and increasing sensitivity at darker portions of an image without significantly changing overall exposure.
Knockdown by RNAi—proceed with caution

Small interfering RNAs, synthesized using phage polymerases but not by chemical methods, can trigger the interferon response in mammalian cells.
Analysis of pesticide poisoning reports in Baodi District of Tianjin City

[Objective]To understand the status of pesticide poisoning in Baodi District of Tianjin City.[Methods]The annually reported pesticide poisoning cards were statistically analyzed from 2010-2012.[Results]From 2010-2012,102 cases of pesticide poisoning were reported in Baodi District.The cases of poisoning in production and in daily life occupied 67.65% and 32.35% of total cases,the mortality rate was 10.78%.The average age of the poisoned people was 37.26 years,20-59 years occupied 93.16%.Most cases of poisoning in production were male,and most cases of poisoning in daily life were female.The main kind of pesticide caused poisoning was insecticide(54.90%),mainly was dichlorvos organophosphate poisoning.[Conclusion]The severity of pesticide poisoning should attract social attentions in Baodi District,especially from government and health workers.
Purification and characterization of the multiple forms of β-galactosidase of Escherichia coli

Abstract 1. 1. In constitutive or fully induced lactose fermenting strains of Escherichia coli , the β-galactosidase (EC 3.2.1.23) activity may be separated into at least ten well-defined zones of activity on polyacrylamide disc gels. A method is presented for the purification of these multiple forms of β-galactosidase exclusive of the major (95%) tetrameric species of this enzyme. 2. 2. Ultracentrifugation of a purified mixture of all isoenzymes yields six species with sedimentation values of approx. 16, 23, 27, 32, 36, and 41–45 S which are estimated to be aggregates of 4N, 6N, 8N, 10N, 12N, and 16N, respectively. 3. 3. The 16-S species has previously been shown to be a tetramer composed of identical subunits. The monomeric units of the 16-S and the 23–45-S species produced in urea appear to be identical by ultracentrifugation, electrophoresis in polyacrylamide disc gels, and amino acid composition. 4. 4. Mixtures of the 23–45-S species were found to be more sensitive than tetramer to thermal inactivation and denaturation. Dissociation of the tetramer in urea has previously been shown to proceed directly to monomer. Dissociation of the higher molecular weight forms proceeded through intermediate forms with sedimentation coefficients of approx. 16 and 10, presumably representing tetramer and dimer. 5. 5. Renaturation of urea-denatured heavy isoenzymes results in the formation of tetramers but not the heavier forms. This renatured tetramer is indistinguishable from the 16-S renatured tetramer in its sensitivity to urea and heat. 6. 6. The isoenzymes do not represent macromolecular complexes of β-galactosidase with other cell proteins or nucleic acids.
The developmental potential of mouse embryos conceived in Ham's F-10 medium containing ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid

Objective To measure fetal developmental potential of mouse eggs fertilized and cleaved in modified Ham’s F-10 medium (Sigma Chemical Co., St. Louis, MO) containing the chelating agent, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), as a model for establishing criteria for human IVF and GIFT procedures. Design Optimum concentrations of EDTA in modified Ham’s F-10 were established by measuring blastocyst development of in vivo fertilized zygotes from a random bred (CD1) mouse strain. Postimplantation development of in vitro fertilized eggs from a hybrid inbred (B6D2F1) mouse strain was measured after conception in the modified Ham’s F-10 medium without or with human serum or EDTA and compared with the results of in vivo fertilized eggs. Mouse embryo development potential and pregnancy rates (PRs) of recipients were compared with those calculated from theoretical probabilities. Results The addition of 10 to 100 μM EDTA to modified Ham’s F-10 supported development of > 60% of the in vivo conceived zygotes to the blastocyst stage in the absence of serum; the addition of human serum significantly decreased embryo development to blastocysts (23%). Pregnancy rates (30% to 50%) of recipients of the in vitro conceived mouse embryos were similar for embryo cohorts from all culture conditions tested. The overall yield of fetuses from total embryos transferred was significantly higher for the groups developed in modified Ham’s F-10 with 100 μM EDTA (37%) compared with embryos developed in modified Ham’s F-10 alone (18%) or in modified Ham’s F-10 with human serum (18%). Conclusions [1] Based on fetal development in pregnant recipients, approximately two thirds of the mouse eggs fertilized in modified Ham’s F-10 with 100 μM EDTA (or in vivo) had the potential to give rise to offspring. [2] Given the viability rate, the observed PRs of foster mothers receiving four to six embryos were only two thirds of the theoretically possible, suggesting the hormone and/or surgical interventions of the recipients reduced their pregnancy potential. [3] Including 100 μM EDTA during mouse conception in modified Ham’s F-10 improved the fetal developmental potential to that of in vivo derived mouse embryos.
Die Entwicklung der visuellen Stabilisation des aufrechten Standes beim Kind: Ein Reifezeichen in der Kinderneurologie

The development of the visual contribution to postural stabilization has been tested using a large visual display rotating around the stationary subject's line of sight. This, in the adult, causes a marked optokinetic postural reaction with a shift of the body center of gravity toward the direction of pattern motion. Scalings of the reactions in children between 6 months and 16 years revealed three phases of development: (1) 6--12-month-old-babies show none or very little optokinetic disturbance of their newly acquired ability to sit. With the development of upright stance and gait, optokinetic influences become increasingly important. (2) Children between the age of 2--5 show a marked dependence of postural stability on vision. In them, the disturbing optokinetic stimulus leads to a marked ipsilateral postural deviation or irresistible fall. (3) From 5 to 15 years of age, visual effects on postural balance slowly decrease to their final strength in adulthood--moderate head and body tilt--in response to the rotating stimulus. It is concluded that the optokinetic loop participates rather late in the multisensory process of postural stabilization. The calibration of the three main loops, visual, vestibular, and proprioceptive, seems to be sequential and mutually interactive. Optimal functioning requires the continuous evaluation of the reafferent sensory consequences of self-generated body movements. Optokinetic destabilization of stance requires the maturity of opto-vestibulo-spinal pathways. Its clinical applicability as a maturity test, however, sofar seems limited.
Quasiparticle Motion on a Chain with Alternating Site Energies and Intersite Interactions

We present exact calculations of the amplitude and the probability self-propagator of a quasiparticle moving among the sites of an infinite linear chain with alternating nearest-neighbour matrix elements for transfer and alternating site energies. A general solution is given and extreme limits are studied.
Good College, Bad College

Good college, bad college is a novel that illustrates the demands and day-to-day challenges and experiences of a community college student government advisor. Although a quick read, the book provid...
MASL1 Induces Erythroid Differentiation In Human Erythropoietin-Dependent CD34+ Cells Involving Raf/MEK/ERK Signaling Pathway

Abstract 4228 Human erythropoiesis is a dynamic complex multistep process that involves differentiation of early erythroid progenitors to enucleated red blood cells. Importantly, erythroid differentiation involves lineage-specific activation and restriction of gene expression. However, the mechanisms that play a role in erythropoiesis still remain incompletely understood. We previously demonstrated that erythropoietin-stimulated clone-1 (EP1), which is selectively expressed in normal human erythroid lineage cells shares 99.5% identity with the malignant fibrous histiocytoma amplified sequence 1(MFHAS1 or MASL1). MASL1 is an important oncogene that is highly expressed in malignant fibrous histiocytomas (MFH). MASL1 protein has several domains; ras, three leucine zipper, ATP/GTP-binding site and leucine-rich tandem repeat motif which are important structural or functional elements for interactions among proteins related to the cell cycle. However, the function of the MASL1 gene in erythropoiesis has not been studied. We hypothesized that MASL1 gene plays a role in the erythroid differentiation, and used a human liquid erythroid culture system to explore this concept. MASL1 mRNA and protein expression levels were significantly increased during the erythroid differentiation of CD34 + cells following EPO treatment. Conversely, small interfering RNA-mediated knock down of MASL1 in CD34 + cells resulted in a reduction of a double positive of transferrin receptor and glycophorin A (GPA) (14.1 ± 4.7%) when compared with mock (77.9 ± 4.4%) or control vector-transfected CD34 + cells (76.7 ± 8.8%) at day 14. May-Grunwald-Giemsa staining confirmed a phenotype of MASL1 knockdown CD34 + cells that most of cells were pro- or basophilic erythroblasts. Western blotting also showed a significant decrease in hemoglobin protein levels in MASL1 knockdown CD34 + cells. In addition, MASL1-knockdown in CD34 + cells demonstrated an interruption of Raf/MEK/ERK signaling pathway. Inhibition assay of SH3 domain of Son of Sevenless (SOS) which is an upstream adapter protein in EPO-induced erythroid differentiation, confirmed that a suppression of MASL1 reduced the phosphorylation of Raf/MEK/ERK kinases and delays erythroid differentiation of Epo-induced CD34 + cells. Taken together, our study provides novel insights into MASL1-regulated erythropoiesis through the Raf/MEK/ERK signaling pathway. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Adjoint-Free 4D Variational Data Assimilation into Regional Models

The ongoing trend towards parallelization in computer technologies propels ensemble methods toward the forefront of data assimilation studies in geophysics. Of particular interest are ensemble techniques which do not require the development of tangent linear numerical models and their adjoints for optimization . These “adjoint-free” methods detect effective search directions for optimization through direct perturbation of the numerical model across carefully chosen sets of states. Optimization proceeds by minimizing the cost function within the sequence of subspaces spanned by these perturbations. In this chapter, an adjoint-free variational technique (a4dVar) is described and demonstrated in an application estimating initial conditions of two numerical models: the Navy Coastal Ocean Model (NCOM ), and the surface wave model (WAM ). It is shown that a4dVar is capable of providing forecast skill similar to that of conventional 4dVar at comparable computational expense while being less susceptible to excitation of ageostrophic modes that are not supported by observations. Prospects of further development of the a4dVar methods are discussed.
The Georgetown symposium on global mental health: Transdisciplinary perspectives

Georgetown University hosted a one-day symposium, ‘Global Mental Health: Transdisciplinary Perspectives’ on 17 April 2016. This meeting followed four days of intensive meetings on global mental hea...
Assisted Dying & Disability

This article explores at least two dominant critiques of assisted dying from a disability rights perspective. In spite of these critiques, I conclude that assisted dying ought to be permissible. I arrive at the conclusion that if we respect and value people with disabilities, we ought to permit assisted dying. I do so in the following manner. First, I examine recent changes in legislation that have occurred since the Royal Society of Canada Expert Panel on End-of-Life Decision-Making report, published in this journal. I suggest that these changes are likely to only strengthen opposition to assisted dying from disability rights activists and people with disabilities. Second, I focus on respect for people with disabilities and in particular, respect for their autonomy and decision-making abilities. Third, I explore the opposition to assisted dying that focuses on risk and the vulnerability of people with disabilities. Here I suggest that this risk ought not to be of special concern. Ultimately, I conclude that upholding respect for the disabled requires the legalization of assisted dying, rather than the denial of access in a misguided effort to protect people with disabilities.
T Cell Receptor and Co-Stimulatory Signals for Th9 Generation.

In vitro polarization of naive CD4+ T cells toward distinct T helper lineages is crucial for establishing the factors and features that determine the differentiation, stability, and effector function for each T helper subsets. In this regard, the recently defined Th9 subset has been reported with two essential cytokines requirement for their generation. Generating Th9 cells in vitro from naive CD4+ T cells requires the combination of TGF-β and IL-4. However, the amount of IL-9 producing under these minimal conditions is often small. The intent of this chapter is to provide examples to increase the generation of IL-9 producing T cells in vitro by modulating TCR strength and co-stimulation through the TNF family member TL1A. We hope that these methods to efficiently differentiate naive CD4+ T cells toward IL-9 producing cells will facilitate understanding the differentiation and function of Th9 cells and their pathogenesis in various inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.
Barriers to exercise for patients with renal disease: an integrative review

Renal disease is a common health condition that leads to loss of physical function, frailty, and premature loss of independence in addition to other severe comorbidities and increased mortality. Increased levels of physical activity and initiation of exercise training is recommended in the current guidelines for all patients with renal disease, but participation and adherence rates are low. The barriers to exercise and physical activity in patients with renal disease are not well defined and currently based on patient provider perception and opinion. There have been no published reviews that have synthesized published findings on patient reported barriers to exercise. This integrative literature review therefore aimed to identify the current understanding of patient reported barriers to regular exercise. This integrative review found that patient perceived barriers to exercise are not consistent with the barriers that have been identified by renal disease specialists and healthcare providers, which were disinterest, lack of motivation, and being incapable of exercise. The patient reported barriers identified through this review were complex and diverse, and the most frequently reported patient perceived barrier to exercise was low energy levels and fatigue. It is clear that additional research to identify patient perceived barriers to exercise is needed and that patient directed interventions to address these barriers should be developed. This integrative review provides information to the interdisciplinary nephrology team that can be used to tailor their assessment of barriers to exercise and provide exercise education for patients with renal disease.
Chapter 13 Aluminium

Abstract Aluminium monitoring is of vital importance to patients with chronic renal failure being treated with intermittent hemodialysis. Aluminium sources in these patients are dialysate contamination and the ingestion of aluminium-containing medications. The development of unbiased and precise methods, for the determination of aluminium in biological materials is crucial to monitoring these hemodialysis patients after areas of aluminium toxicity. Several techniques have been used for the determination of aluminium, the best being neutron activation analysis, inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometry and graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. The latter technique has been most widely used. Separation of aluminium species in plasma can be accomplished by ultrafiltration and by gel permeation chromatography. Several forms of aluminium appear to exist in plasma. Many types of specimens have been used to assess biological effects of aluminium; serum and bone samples have provided the best clinical information. Collection and processing of specimens must be carried out in such a manner as to minimize contamination.
Automated ICF Capsule Characterization Using Confocal Surface Profilometry

Capsule ablators are precision hollow spheres used in inertial confinement fusion targets used in high-peak-power laser systems such as the National Ignition Facility. These capsules have high surf...
Abstract WMP7: Cost-Effectiveness of Combined Thrombectomy with Intravenous Thrombolysis vs Thrombectomy Alone for Acute Ischemic Stroke

Introduction: Meta-analysis of 13 studies suggested that combined mechanical thrombectomy (MT) with intravenous thrombolysis (IV-tPA) is more effective than MT alone. Limited economic analyses have explored this topic. We aimed to determine the cost-effectiveness of combined vs MT alone therapy in patients with large-vessel occlusive stroke. Hypothesis: Combined MT with IV-tPA is more cost-effective than MT alone. Methods: Markov model was constructed to simulate health outcomes and costs of two therapies (combined MT with IV-tPA, MT alone) over a 20 years lifetime horizon. The model incorporated an acute phase (0-90 days) and a rest of life phase (>90 days) with modified Rankin categories at 90days as the primary health states. Probabilities, utilities, and cost data were obtained from published sources. Incremental costs, quality-adjusted life-year (QALY), net monetary benefits, incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) were derived from the models. The willingness-to-pay was set to ICER $50,000/QALY....
Activation of estrogen receptor alpha by decitabine inhibits osteosarcoma growth and metastasis

Osteosarcoma is a malignant tumor in the bone, which originates from normal osteoblasts or osteoblast precursors. Normal osteoblasts express estrogen receptor alpha (ERα); however, osteosarcomas do not express ERα due to promoter DNA methylation. Here we show that treatment of 143B osteosarcoma cells with decitabine (DAC, 5-Aza-2′-deoxycytidine) induces expression of ERα and leads to decreased proliferation and concurrent induction of osteoblast differentiation. DAC exposure reduced protein expression of metastasis-associated markers VIMENTIN, SLUG, ZEB1, and MMP9, with a concurrent decrease in mRNA expression of known stem cell markers SOX2, OCT4, and NANOG. Treatment with 17β-estradiol (E2) synergized with DAC to reduce proliferation. Overexpression of ERα inhibited proliferation and induced osteoblast differentiation, whereas knockout of ERα by CRISPR/Cas9 prevented the effects of DAC. In an orthotopic model of osteosarcoma, DAC inhibited tumor growth and metastasis of 143B cells injected into the tibia of NOD SCID gamma mice. Furthermore, ERα overexpression reduced tumor growth and metastasis, and ERα knockout prevented the effects of DAC in vivo . Together, these experiments provide preclinical evidence that the FDA-approved DNA methylation inhibitor DAC may be repurposed to treat patients with osteosarcoma based on its efficacy to decrease proliferation, to induce osteoblast differentiation, and to reduce metastasis to visceral organs. Significance: These findings describe the effects of DNA methyltransferase inhibition on ERα and its potential role as a tumor suppressor in osteosarcoma. See related commentary by Roberts, p. 1034 See related article by El Ayachi and colleagues; Cancer Res 79(5);982–93 .
Acute Vascular Ischemic Events in Patients With Central Retinal Artery Occlusion in the United States: A Nationwide Study 2003-2014.

Purpose Central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) confers a high risk of acute vascular ischemic events, including stroke and myocardial infarction (MI). Understanding the burden and risk factor profile of these ischemic events can serve as a valuable guide for ophthalmologists in the management and appropriate referral of these patients. Design Retrospective cross-sectional study. Methods The Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) was queried to identify all inpatient admissions with a diagnosis of CRAO in the United States between the years 2003 and 2014. The primary outcome measure was the incidence of in-hospital acute vascular ischemic events. Results There were an estimated 17 117 CRAO inpatient admissions. The mean age was 68.4 ± 0.1 years and 53% of patients were female. The incidence of in-hospital stroke and acute MI were 12.9% and 3.7%. The incidence of stroke showed an increasing trend over the years, almost doubling in 2014 in comparison to 2003 (15.3% vs 7.7%). The combined risk of in-hospital stroke, transient ischemic attack, acute MI, or mortality was 19%. Female sex, hypertension, carotid artery stenosis, aortic valve disease, smoking, and alcohol dependence or abuse were positive predictors of in-hospital stroke. Conclusion There is a significant burden of vascular risk factors, associated with an increased risk of in-hospital stroke, acute MI, and death in CRAO patients. The risk of CRAO-associated stroke is highest in women and in those with a history of hypertension, carotid artery stenosis, aortic valve disease, smoking, or alcohol abuse.
The effect of nuts on markers of glycemic control: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background Observational evidence suggests higher nut consumption is associated with better glycemic control; however, it is unclear if this association is causal. Objectives We aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials to examine the effect of tree nuts and peanuts on markers of glycemic control in adults. Methods A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials was conducted. A total of 1063 potentially eligible articles were screened in duplicate. From these articles, 40 were eligible for inclusion and data from these articles were extracted in duplicate. The weighted mean difference (WMD) between the nut intervention and control arms was determined for fasting glucose, fasting insulin, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) using the DerSimonian and Laird random-effects method. For outcomes where a limited number of studies were published, a qualitative synthesis was presented. Results A total of 40 randomized controlled trials including 2832 unique participants, with a median duration of 3 mo (range: 1-12 mo), were included. Overall consumption of tree nuts or peanuts had a favorable effect on HOMA-IR (WMD: -0.23; 95% CI: -0.40, -0.06; I2 = 51.7%) and fasting insulin (WMD: -0.40 μIU/mL; 95% CI: -0.73, -0.07 μIU/mL; I2 = 49.4%). There was no significant effect of nut consumption on fasting blood glucose (WMD: -0.52 mg/dL; 95% CI: -1.43, 0.38 mg/dL; I2 = 53.4%) or HbA1c (WMD: 0.02%; 95% CI: -0.01%, 0.04%; I2 = 51.0%). Conclusions Consumption of peanuts or tree nuts significantly decreased HOMA-IR and fasting insulin; there was no effect of nut consumption on HbA1c or fasting glucose. The results suggest that nut consumption may improve insulin sensitivity. In the future, well-designed clinical trials are required to elucidate the mechanisms that account for these observed effects.
Market Valuation of Stock Option Compensation: Changes in Sentiment or Reporting?

This study examines whether market valuation of stock option compensation has changed as the accounting for stock option compensation moved from footnote disclosure to income statement recognition. We also examine whether market sentiment for stock options shifted following the financial scandals of 2001-2002. Using a market returns model, we find that the market initially valued stock option compensation positively, suggesting that stock option grants provide a net accretive effect on firm value. However, investor sentiment towards option compensation turned significantly negative in the period after 2001. Further, although prior studies document that there was a positive abnormal return at the time firms first announced their decision to voluntarily recognize option expense, this benefit may have proved short-lived as the market reacts negatively to options compensation once included in income.
Secrecy in Limbo: What the Most Recent Settlement with the IRS Means for UBS and the Rest of the Swiss Banking Industry

Over the past century, Switzerland has developed a highly secure banking system predicated on banking laws that stress restriction and secrecy.1 Historically, Swiss banks have maintained the strictest privacy for their clients by identifying the accounts only by a generated number.2 The Swiss have gained a reputation for their ability to afford the utmost honesty, secrecy, and protection for their clients.3 Amid concerns of terrorism, money laundering, and tax fraud and evasion, Swiss Banks have faced growing pressure to reform and loosen the protection over accounts that the bank laws provide.4 An estimated one-third of all crossborder private banking is managed by a Swiss bank, totaling billions of dollars in assets held in a relative lack of scrutiny.5 Tax avoidance benefits exist for corporations as well as individuals, and in the 1990’s both R.J. Reynolds and Phillip Morris shifted their tobacco headquarters from the United States to Switzerland to maximize the tax benefits provided by the Swiss legal and banking system.6 More recently, UBS, one of Switzerland’s largest banks, has been under scrutiny by the United States regarding the identity of the US account holders overseas.7 Part I of my paper will introduce the origins and backgrounds of Swiss Bank Secrecy laws and provide some context for the discussion that follows. Part II examines the history of banking secrecy in Switzerland and how it has helped to shape the various treaties that help to enforce the secrecy as well as facilitate information sharing amongst various nations. Further, the evolution of these treaties today have impacted the current events surrounding these laws and have laid the groundwork for the new settlements reached today. Part III of my paper examines the current legal battle between UBS and the IRS and United States Department of Justice over the turnover of client data pursuant to a deferred prosecution agreement. A brief
An Efficient Framework for Computing Structure- And Semantics-Preserving Community in a Heterogeneous Multilayer Network.

Multilayer networks or MLNs (also called multiplexes or network of networks) are being used extensively for modeling and analysis of data sets with multiple entity and feature types and associated relationships. Although the concept of community is widely-used for aggregate analysis, a structure- and semantics preserving definition for it is lacking for MLNs. Retention of original MLN structure and entity relationships is important for detailed drill-down analysis. In addition, efficient computation is also critical for large number of analysis. In this paper, we introduce a structure-preserving community definition for MLNs as well as a framework for its efficient computation using the decoupling approach. The proposed decoupling approach combines communities from individual layers to form a serial k-community for connected k layers in a MLN. We propose a new algorithm for pairing communities across layers and introduce several weight metrics for composing communities from two layers using participating community characteristics. In addition to the definition, our proposed approach has a number of desired characteristics. It: i) leverages extant single graph community detection algorithms, ii) introduces several weight metrics that are customized for the community concept, iii) is a new algorithm for pairing communities using bipartite graphs, and iv) experimentally validates the community computation and its efficiency on widely-used IMDb and DBLP data sets.
Economic analysis of open space box model utilization in spacecraft

It is a known fact that the amount of data about space that is stored is getting larger on an everyday basis. However, the utilization of Big Data and related tools to perform ETL (Extract, Transform and Load) applications will soon be pervasive in the space sciences. We have entered in a crucial time where using Big Data can be the difference (for terrestrial applications) between organizations underperforming and outperforming their peers. The same is true for NASA and other space agencies, as well as for individual missions and the highly-competitive process of mission data analysis and publication. In most industries, conventional opponents and new candidates alike will influence data-driven approaches to revolutionize and capture the value of Big Data archives. The Open Space Box Model is poised to take the proverbial “giant leap”, as it provides autonomic data processing and communications for spacecraft. We can find economic value generated from such use of data processing in our earthly organizations in every sector, such as healthcare, retail. We also can easily find retailers, performing research on Big Data, by utilizing sensors driven embedded data in products within their stores and warehouses to determine how these products are actually used in the real world.