cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Deaths from necrotizing fasciitis in the United States, 2003–2013

Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a life-threatening infection requiring urgent surgical and medical therapy. Our objective was to estimate the mortality burden of NF in the United States, and to identify time trends in the incidence rate of NF-related mortality. We obtained data from the National Center for Health Statistics, which receives information from death certificates from all states, including demographic information and cause of death. The U.S. Multiple Cause of Death Files were searched from 2003 to 2013 for a listing of NF (ICD-10 code M72.6) as either the underlying or contributing cause of death. We identified a total of 9871 NF-related deaths in the United States between 2003 and 2013, corresponding to a crude mortality rate of 4·8 deaths/1,000,000 person-years, without a significant time trend. Compared to white individuals, the incidence rate of NF-associated death was greater in black, Hispanic, and American Indian individuals, and lower in Asian individuals. Streptococcal infection was most commonly identified in cases where a pathogen was reported. Diabetes mellitus and obesity were more commonly observed in NF-related deaths compared to deaths due to other causes. Racial differences in the incidence of NF-related deaths merits further investigation.
Studies of Electrochemical Polarization The Reaction of the Hydrogen Electrode with Oxidizing Agents, and the Determination of pH in Their Presence

The reaction of the hydrogen electrode with oxygen, permanganate ion, and ferric ion in acid solution and with chromate ion in basic solution was studied. It was found that the rates of these reactions are controlled by diffusion. The chemical polarization of the electrode can be quantitatively related to its electrical polarization.
Olive Fruit Fly (Diptera: Tephritidae) in California Table Olives, USA: Invasion, Distribution, and Management Implications

Olive fruit fly, Bactrocera oleae (Rossi), was discovered in California in late 1998. Thereafter, intensive research was conducted to develop pest control methods in table olives grown for canned fruit. The life history of olive fruit fly was elucidated, and the distribution and abundance of the adults determined through trapping programs. Olive samples from noncommercial trees were collected from 2002 through 2013 in different locations to determine the maximum number of larvae per fruit. Larvae were most abundant in September and October and ranged from <0.5 to 10 per fruit. The date of maximum fruit infestations may differ annually due to the amount of fruit set, fruit size, and weather. Very high numbers of larvae were collected from large green fruit (≥4 g), whereas smaller fruit (∼2–3 g) supported fewer insects. High larval numbers were found in fruit from areas with cooler summer weather than in fruit from the hot inland valleys. Olive fruit fly larval populations were prevalent in locations with high summer temperatures when buffered by cool marine air flow or slightly higher elevations from the inland valley floor. High larval infestations were found at an arid location with hot summers, suggesting that olive fruit fly may adapt to such conditions. Infested fruit was collected from the same locations in subsequent years, and the proximity of commercial olive orchards may enhance susceptibility to future infestation. Control methods are summarized, including intensive biological control programs and new techniques such as bait stations considered for pest management programs. Basic cultural practices such as removal of nonharvested fruit that support multiple generations, timing of harvest to avoid adult activity, and elimination of standing water required by olive fruit fly adults for survival would be of major importance in reducing pest populations.
Medicare Should, but Cannot, Consider Cost: Legal Impediments to a Sound Policy

Medicare must decide whether to pay for extremely expensive new medical advances. This article shows that Medicare does not have the legal power to consider cost when making these decisions, but does have a conflicting moral obligation to preserve scarce financial resources. Here, the legal, historical and political contexts that have led to this conflict are described and a proposal is made for fixing this by having Congress create independent boards to assess new technologies with an explicit mandate to consider cost.
Controlling the Growth Kinetics of Nanocrystals via Galvanic Replacement: Synthesis of Au Tetrapods and Star-Shaped Decahedra

By controlling the kinetics of nanocrystal growth via a galvanic replacement process, branched Au nanocrystals, including Au tetrapods and star-shaped decahedra, have been synthesized in high yield. Such control is achieved by the establishment of a Pt(II)/Pt redox couple during nanocrystal formation, which provides locally high concentrations of Au adatoms via galvanic replacement. These remarkable structures have been extensively characterized by microscopy techniques, which illustrate that the internal twin features of the nanocrystals provide a break in the symmetry of the face centered cubic lattice of the Au particles and account for the specific branching patterns observed. Significantly, this study validates a new class of redox couples for use in nanosyntheses and will enable the preparation of other nanocrystals as kinetic products.
Glial Protein Mutations in Alexander Disease

The role of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) mutations in Alexander disease was analyzed in 44 patients, including 18 with later onset, at the University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL, and at other centers in the US, UK and Europe.
Micro-encapsulation of asphalt rejuvenators using melamine-formaldehyde

Abstract Asphalt pavement roads are exposed to traffic loading and natural elements such as rain, sunlight and oxidation, which result in decreasing their relaxation capabilities and the initiation of cracks. Innovative maintenance techniques such as developing microcapsules with rejuvenators have emerged in order to reverse the aging process in asphalt binder. The objectives of this study were to assess the effectiveness of an asphalt rejuvenator to reverse the aging process in asphalt binder and to develop a microencapsulation procedure for the tested asphalt rejuvenator. Properties such as size, shell thickness and morphology of the prepared microcapsules were evaluated by varying the production parameters, i.e. agitation rate, heating temperature, and Ethyl Methyl Acrylate (EMA) concentration. Three binder types were considered in the experimental program, two virgin asphalt binders that were aged in the laboratory and a binder extracted from Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP). Based on the results of the experimental program, it was concluded that the binder Performance Grade (PG) 70-22 was partially restored at both high and low temperature grades with the use of the rejuvenator. In contrast, the low temperature grade of the binder PG 76-22 and the high temperature grade of the RAP binder were restored with the use of the tested rejuvenator product. Microcapsules containing the rejuvenator were synthesized and a characterization process was conducted based on microcapsule properties such as diameter, shell thickness and morphology of the prepared microcapsules.
Concentrated Mixtures for Aerial Spraying

The economic possibilities in the use of the autogiro and airplane for controlling the pests and diseases of forest and shade trees and agricultural crops have required the preparation and study of concentrated mixtures that might be used in aerial spraying. Since 1936 the writer has been investigating various aspects of this problem. In the laboratory special attention was given to the compatibility of the mixtures, the ratio of the various ingredients necessary to make the most economical and most effective mixtures, the most suitable method of mixing and the stability of the suspensions. In the field special attention was given to atomization, the degree to which the spray ingredients dried out before reaching the foliage, the effect on different kinds of foliage and the adherence. Methods used and data obtained are omitted from the present paper, which is a summarization and discussion of experience so far gained, with particular reference to composition and characteristics of the various mixtures studied. It is hoped that methods and results on various aspects of the general investigation may be published later.
Think deeply on Colleges and universities OF Emergent events of public health IN Colleges and universities

As an important basis in cultivating talents,the development of colleges and universities caused high attention in society.In recent years,there are reports of public health emergencies(Hereinafter referred to as health emergencies) in colleges and universities constantly.Many health emergencies happened in society has also influenced colleges and universities in different ways which made the government and society pay more and more attention to public health emergencies in colleges and universities.This essay is aimed to help colleges and universities respond to emergencies scientifically and make some simple consideration of getting emergencies mechanism to colleges and universities' emergencies by analyzing the reasons,features and hazards.
A saturated fat/cholesterol avoidance scale: sex and ethnic differences in a biethnic population.

Abstract Avoidance of saturated fat and cholesterol by 1,210 Mexican Americans and 866 non-Hispanic whites was assessed as part of a population-based survey of diabetes and cardiovascular risk factors. Participants ranged in age from 25 to 64 years and resided in three socioeconomically distinct neighborhoods of San Antonio, TX: low income, middle income, and upper income. A scale was constructed to assess the degree to which individuals avoided six dietary sources of saturated fat and cholesterol. Women of both ethnic groups were found to avoid saturated fat and cholesterol to a greater degree than men, scoring higher on five of the six components of the scale. Saturated fat/cholesterol avoidance increased significantly with increased socioeconomic status in both ethnic groups. Although there were no ethnic differences in overall saturated fat/cholesterol avoidance, more non-Hispanic whites recognized milk, eggs, and visible fat on meat as food sources to avoid. The scale described in this paper provides useful information about the specific food components recognized as dietary sources of saturated fat and cholesterol and helps identify those population groups that would benefit from nutrition education programs. Because of its simplicity and ease of administration, the scale may be a useful tool in epidemiological research. J Am Diet Assoc 88:172, 1988.
Rapid Sensing of Dietary Amino Acid Deficiency Does Not Require GCN2

Animals are unable to synthesize the nine essential amino acids (EAAs) and consequently must obtain them from their food. In 2005, two papers proposed an extraordinary mechanism for dietary amino-acid sensing (Hao et al., 2005; Maurin et al., 2005). According to these reports, the consumption of food lacking a single EAA leads to the development of an amino-acid imbalance in the anterior piriform cortex (APC) within minutes. This amino acid imbalance was proposed to be sensed in the APC by activation of the protein kinase GCN2, enabling animals to reject the EAA-deficient food within the first hour of feeding.
Excess Testosterone Exposure Alters Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Testicular Axis Dynamics and Gene Expression in Sheep Fetuses

Prenatal exposure to excess androgen may result in impaired adult fertility in a variety of mammalian species. However, little is known about what feedback mechanisms regulate gonadotropin secretion during early gestation and how they respond to excess T exposure. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of exogenous exposure to T on key genes that regulate gonadotropin and GnRH secretion in fetal male lambs as compared with female cohorts. We found that biweekly maternal testosterone propionate (100 mg) treatment administered from day 30 to day 58 of gestation acutely decreased (P < .05) serum LH concentrations and reduced the expression of gonadotropin subunit mRNA in both sexes and the levels of GnRH receptor mRNA in males. These results are consistent with enhanced negative feedback at the level of the pituitary and were accompanied by reduced mRNA levels for testicular steroidogenic enzymes, suggesting that Leydig cell function was also suppressed. The expression of kisspeptin 1 mRNA, a key regulator of GnRH neurons, was significantly greater (P < .01) in control females than in males and reduced (P < .001) in females by T exposure, indicating that hypothalamic regulation of gonadotropin secretion was also affected by androgen exposure. Although endocrine homeostasis was reestablished 2 weeks after maternal testosterone propionate treatment ceased, additional differences in the gene expression of GnRH, estrogen receptor-β, and kisspeptin receptor (G protein coupled receptor 54) emerged between the treatment cohorts. These changes suggest the normal trajectory of hypothalamic-pituitary axis development was disrupted, which may, in turn, contribute to negative effects on fertility later in life.
Global Activism or Media Spectacle? An exploration of ‘Bring Back Our Girls Campaign’

In April 2014 over 270 girls were abducted from their school in Chibok Nigeria by an Islamist group, Boko Haram. Distraught parents launched #bringbackourgirls on Facebook and Twitter to put pressure on the Nigerian government to act speedily to recover the girls. Picked up by celebrities and world leaders, the campaign went viral and brought to light retrogressive movements rolling back some of the gains achieved worldwide in women’s education. The purpose of the chapter is to analyse the feminist content of the campaign messages. To what extent are gender lenses used to analyse the problem and proposing solutions? The analysis of the campaign discourse on Facebook shows it resonates with that of gender equality. However, the discussion fits more on the liberal-inclusive side than the progressive side of the continuum of feminism. It is widely expected that policy and legislation for gender equality within the current configuration of power will bring the changes needed to uplift the lot of girls. The prospect of transformation of power relations remains largely unacknowledged.
The Context of Sexual Decisions and Intrapersonal and Interpersonal Factors Related to Sexual Initiation Among Female Military-Dependent Youth.

Despite the sizable population of military-dependent youth (MDY) in the United States and the military stressors they experience (e.g., relocations, parental deployment), little is known about MDY’s sexual behavior, especially about the perceived role that military stressors play in their sexual decisions, such as the decision to initiate sex. We conducted 25 semistructured, in-depth interviews with sexually experienced female MDY aged 15 to 19 years to (a) describe MDY’s general perceptions of military life and (b) identify intrapersonal and interpersonal characteristics related to MDY’s sexual initiation, including the perceived impact of military stressors. We analyzed life history grids and transcripts to identify common and unique themes across participants’ experiences. Most participants reported having positive experiences related to military life, and most did not believe that military stressors influenced their decision to initiate sex. Common intrapersonal and interpersonal characteristics relat...
Understanding Low Vision People's Visual Perception on Commercial Augmented Reality Glasses

People with low vision have a visual impairment that affects their ability to perform daily activities. Unlike blind people, low vision people have functional vision and can potentially benefit from smart glasses that provide dynamic, always-available visual information. We sought to determine what low vision people could see on mainstream commercial augmented reality (AR) glasses, despite their visual limitations and the device's constraints. We conducted a study with 20 low vision participants and 18 sighted controls, asking them to identify virtual shapes and text in different sizes, colors, and thicknesses. We also evaluated their ability to see the virtual elements while walking. We found that low vision participants were able to identify basic shapes and read short phrases on the glasses while sitting and walking. Identifying virtual elements had a similar effect on low vision and sighted people's walking speed, slowing it down slightly. Our study yielded preliminary evidence that mainstream AR glasses can be powerful accessibility tools. We derive guidelines for presenting visual output for low vision people and discuss opportunities for accessibility applications on this platform.
Use of Adjuvant Chemotherapy, Radiation Therapy, or Combined Modality Therapy and the Impact on Survival for Uterine Carcinosarcoma Limited to the Pelvis

Objective Clinical outcomes for patients with uterine carcinosarcoma are poor after surgical management alone. Adjuvant therapies including chemotherapy (CT) and/or radiation therapy (RT) have been previously investigated, but the optimal management of this disease remains controversial. The purposes of this study were to analyze the patterns of use of adjuvant CT and RT and to assess the impact on survival of each of these treatment regimens using the National Cancer Data Base. Methods/Materials The National Cancer Data Base was queried for patients given a diagnosis of uterine carcinosarcoma confined to the pelvis who underwent total hysterectomy/bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy between 2004 and 2011. Patients were excluded if they survived less than 4 months after diagnosis. Data regarding CT and RT use were collected. Overall survival (OS) was analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Multivariable Cox regression analysis was performed to evaluate the effect of covariates on OS. Results A total of 4906 patients were included in this study. Median age was 67 years (interquartile range, 60–75 years). Median follow-up was 28.9 months (interquartile range, 15.4–52.9 months). There were 1777 patients (36.2%) who received no adjuvant treatment, 971 (19.8%) who received CT alone, 1060 (21.6%) who received RT alone, and 1098 (22.4%) who received both RT and CT. The 5-year OS for patients receiving no adjuvant therapy, adjuvant RT alone, adjuvant CT alone, and combined CT and RT were 44.9%, 47.1%, 47.5%, and 62.9%, respectively. On pairwise analysis, combined CT and RT was associated with improved survival compared with all other subgroups (P Conclusions Combination therapy with CT and RT was associated with significantly improved 5-year OS compared with no further therapy, RT alone, or CT alone.
Combined Inference and Satisfiability Based Methods for Complete Signal Restoration in Post-Silicon Validation

Forward inference and backward justification (FB) methods are commonly used for signal restoration in post-silicon validation and debug. We show that the FB method can miss a large number of restorable signal values. We propose a novel hybrid method, combining FB and satisfiability (SAT) checking based on time frames along with a signal prioritization heuristic, for efficient and accurate restoration of all signal values that can possibly be restored. Experimental results show that the proposed method can increase the signal restoration ratio by a factor of 18x. For large circuits where this method takes a long time and becomes impractical, we apply the time frames technique with SAT method employed locally in each frame to improve efficiency while compromising the restoration ratio. Using this method, experimental analysis shows up to 5x improvement in restoration ratio for large benchmarks.
Molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis of NBS-LRR genes in wild relatives of eggplant (Solanum melongena L.)

Eggplantor brinjal (Solanum melongena L.), is highly susceptible to various soil-borne diseases. The extensive use of chemical fungicides to combat these diseases can be minimized by identification of resistance gene analogs (RGAs) in wild species of cultivated plants. In the present study, degenerate PCR primers for the conserved regions ofnucleotide binding site-leucine rich repeat (NBS-LRR) were used to amplify RGAs from wild relatives of eggplant (Black nightshade (Solanum nigrum), Indian nightshade (Solanumviolaceum)and Solanu mincanum) which showed resistance to the bacterial wilt pathogen, Ralstonia solanacearumin the preliminary investigation. The amino acid sequence of the amplicons when compared to each other and to the amino acid sequences of known RGAs deposited in Gen Bank revealed significant sequence similarity. The phylogenetic analysis indicated that they belonged to the toll interleukin-1 receptors (TIR)-NBS-LRR type R-genes. Multiple sequence alignment with other known R genes showed significant homology with P-loop, Kinase 2 and GLPL domains of NBS-LRR class genes. There has been no report on R genes from these wild eggplants and hence the diversity analysis of these novel RGAs can lead to the identification of other novel R genes within the germplasm of different brinjal plants as well as other species of Solanum.
Quantitative long-term measurements of burns in a rat model using Spatial Frequency Domain Imaging (SFDI) and Laser Speckle Imaging (LSI).

Author(s): Ponticorvo, Adrien; Burmeister, David M; Rowland, Rebecca; Baldado, Melissa; Kennedy, Gordon T; Saager, Rolf; Bernal, Nicole; Choi, Bernard; Durkin, Anthony J | Abstract: The current standard for diagnosis of burn severity and subsequent wound healing is through clinical examination, which is highly subjective. Several new technologies are shifting focus to burn care in an attempt to help quantify not only burn depth but also the progress of healing. While accurate early assessment of partial thickness burns is critical for dictating the course of treatment, the ability to quantitatively monitor wound status over time is critical for understanding treatment efficacy. SFDI and LSI are both non-invasive imaging modalities that have been shown to have great diagnostic value for burn severity, but have yet to be tested over the course of wound healing.In this study, a hairless rat model (n = 6, 300-450 g) was used with a four pronged comb to create four identical partial thickness burns (superficial n = 3 and deep n = 3) that were used to monitor wound healing over a 28 days period. Weekly biopsies were taken for histological analysis to verify wound progression. Both SFDI and LSI were performed weekly to track the evolution of hemodynamic (blood flow and oxygen saturation) and structural (reduced scattering coefficient) properties for the burns.LSI showed significant changes in blood flow from baseline to 220% in superficial and 165% in deep burns by day 7. In superficial burns, blood flow returned to baseline levels by day 28, but not for deep burns where blood flow remained elevated. Smaller increases in blood flow were also observed in the surrounding tissue over the same time period. Oxygen saturation values measured with SFDI showed a progressive increase from baseline values of 66-74% in superficial burns and 72% in deep burns by day 28. Additionally, SFDI showed significant decreases in the reduced scattering coefficient shortly after the burns were created. The scattering coefficient progressively decreased in the wound area, but returned towards baseline conditions at the end of the 28 days period. Scattering changes in the surrounding tissue remained constant despite the presence of hemodynamic changes.Here, we show that LSI and SFDI are capable of monitoring changes in hemodynamic and scattering properties in burn wounds over a 28 days period. These results highlight the potential insights that can be gained by using non-invasive imaging technologies to study wound healing. Further development of these technologies could be revolutionary for wound monitoring and studying the efficacy of different treatments. Lasers Surg. Med. 49:293-304, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
JAK/STAT Signaling of Natural Killer (NK) Cells Following Cytokine Stimulation

Natural Killer (NK) cells are an important component of the innate immune system, capable of providing a fast and effective response against virally infected cells. NK cells are mainly characterized by their cytotoxic function and their ability to secrete cytokines. It has been shown that infant NK cells have decreased cytotoxicity and cytokine-secreting function, suggesting hyporesponsiveness of NK cells during the first year of life. Because NK cell activation is dependent on cytokine stimulation, we hypothesized that infant NK cells are hyporesponsive due to deficiencies in signaling following cytokine stimulation. We examined the activation of human infant and adult NK cells in response to IL2, IL12 or IFNα stimulation, cytokines important in NK survival and function. Using Phosflow analysis, we measured the phosphorylation of transcription factors, STATs, specific for the distinct cytokines. Cord blood NK cells showed significantly lower pSTAT activation when compared to adult NK cells when treated with IL2 or IFNα but not IL12. However, despite pSTAT4 activation in response to IL12, no nuclear translocation was observed by ImageStreamX Mark II analysis. NK cells in 6 and 12-month-old infants showed similar frequencies of pSTAT NK cells compared to adults when treated with IL2, IL12 or IFNα, suggesting that cytokine signaling in NK cells is age-dependent. Surprisingly, pSTAT activation was restored in cord blood NK cells when treated with a cocktail of IL2, IL12 and IL15. These results suggest that JAK/STAT signaling in infant NK cells is impaired at different steps in the pathway in response to specific cytokines.
Investigating the foundations of spatial thinking in meteorology

ABSTRACTA survey with nine meteorological charts, maps, and images from a 2015 significant weather event was administered to meteorologists (N = 93) to identify which spatial thinking skills they report using with each chart, map, and image. Results reveal high reported use of mental animation (74.6%), disembedding (72.4%), and perspective taking (71.6%) with the meteorological charts, maps, and images. Lower rates accompany reported use of object location memory, visual penetrative ability, and mental rotation, contrasting with the prominence of these skills in geology. Analysis of response patterns reveals significant independence between student and professional groups. The majority (70.2%) of student meteorologists reported they do not use mental animation when working with a surface analysis chart; however, 67.9% of professional meteorologists reported that they do. This striking finding likely results from professionals’ extensive mental catalogs of weather scenarios that allow predicting future sce...
A phase I/II study of ribociclib plus everolimus in patients (pts) with metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma (mPAC) refractory to chemotherapy.

TPS4150Background: mPAC has a poor prognosis, with a 5-year survival rate of 2.3%. CDK4/6 is often deregulated in mPAC due to loss of CDKN2A via homozygous deletion or epigenetic silencing, resulti...
Concentration dependent cholesteryl-ester and wax-ester structural relationships and meibomian gland dysfunction

Abstract Background With dry eye, the ratio of cholesteryl ester (CE) to wax ester (WE) decreases substantially in meibum, but the functional and structural consequences of this change are speculative. The aim of this study is to confirm this finding and to bridge this gap in knowledge by investigating the effect of varying CE/WE ratios on lipid structure and thermodynamics. Methods Infrared spectroscopy was use to quantify CE and WE in human meibum and to measure hydrocarbon chain conformation and thermodynamics in a cholesteryl behenate, stearyl stearate model system. Results The CE/WE molar ratio was 36% lower for meibum from donors with dry eye due to meibomian gland dysfunction compared with meibum from donors without dry eye. CE (5 mol %) dramatically increased the phase transition temperature of pure WE from -0.12 °C to 63 °C in the mixture. Above 5 mol % CB, the phase transition temperature increased linearly, from 68.5 °C to 85 °C. In the ordered state, CE caused an increase in lipid order from about 72% trans rotamers to about 86% trans rotamers. Above 10% CE, the hydrocarbon chains were arranged in a monoclinic geometry. Conclusions The CE/WE is lower in meibum from donors with dry eye due to meibomian-gland dysfunction. Major conformational changes in the hydrocarbon chains of wax and cholesteryl ester mixtures begin to occur with just 5% CB and above. General significance CE-WE interactions may be important for in understanding lipid layer structure and functional relationships on the surface of tears, skin and plants.
Preliminary Experience with Haploidentical Stem Cell Transplantation for Children with Sickle Cell Disease and Stroke.

Abstract Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation has been shown to be curative for approximately 83% of symptomatic children with sickle cell disease who have undergone the procedure. Despite these encouraging results, only 15% of children with symptoms that might merit consideration for transplantation have an available, unaffected HLA-matched sibling donor, severely limiting this therapeutic option. To address this problem, we developed a protocol for children with SCD and stroke using reduced-intensity conditioning and CD34-selected peripheral blood stem cells from haploidentical parental donors. We now report our preliminary experience using this approach in three children with SCD and stroke. After a chemotherapy-only conditioning regimen of fludarabine 150–200 mg/m2, thiotepa 10 mg/kg, i.v. busulfan targeted to a steady state concentration of 900 ng/ml, and OKT3, patients received an average of 27.2 x 106 CD34+cells/kg and 1.1 x 104 CD3+ cells/kg. Two patients required additional immunosuppression with methylprednisolone and OKT3 followed by a CD34 boost after graft rejection. One of these two had durable long-term engraftment, while one had a second rejection. Two of three patients have durable donor engraftment 20 and 24 months after transplantation, respectively. Donor T-cell chimerism evolved from predominantly host-derived to donor-derived over a number of months. One patient developed grade I acute GVHD and none developed chronic GVHD. Two engrafted patients have had no further SCD events. Both have recovery of immune function with normal CD4+ T-cell counts and normal thymic function. This preliminary experience demonstrates the feasibility of using mismatched parental donors for children with sickle cell disease. Future studies will focus on achieving reliable donor engraftment through additional graft manipulation strategies.
Tau: A Novel Entry Point for mTOR-Based Treatments in Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Dysregulation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway has become a point of convergence in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In this issue of Neuron, Tai et al. (2020) identify a therapeutic role for tau reduction in downregulating this pathway and ameliorating ASD-like symptoms.
Healthier school food and physical activity environments are associated with lower student body mass index

Abstract School food and physical activity (PA) environments can influence children’s dietary and physical activity behaviors. However, evidence on whether school environment is associated with students’ weight status is less definitive. In this study, we examined the association between students’ body mass index (BMI) and measures of school food and PA environments. We calculated BMI from nurse-measured data collected on 19,188 6–19-year-old students from 90 public schools in four low-income cities in New Jersey in 2015–2016. Based on a questionnaire administered to school nurses, we constructed 6 food and 3 PA indices capturing the healthfulness of key dimensions in the school food and PA environment domains. Multilevel linear models, stratified by school level (elementary and secondary), examined the association between BMI z-scores and indices of the school environment. The food and PA domains were modeled separately and then combined. Joint significance of indices within each domain was tested. Analyses were conducted in 2019–2020. In the combined model for elementary schools, indices in both the food and PA domains were jointly significant (p = 0.005 and p
On a two-fluid Hele-Shaw problem with an elliptical interface

Abstract The two-phase Hele-Shaw problem when two immiscible fluids have different viscosities is considered. A method of solution using the Schwarz function approach is discussed. Examples of different scenarios of the evolution of an elliptical interface in Hele-Shaw cells with both constant and a uniformly changing distance between the plates are shown. In these examples, the sinks and sources are not only points, but also line distributions located in the exterior and the interior domains. The latter drastically enriches the family of exact solutions for zero surface tension compared to the literature. Asymptotic solutions for nonzero surface tension when the eccentricity of an ellipse is small are presented.
Limited Liability Partnerships: An (Overlooked) Hole in the Shield

There is a split of judicial authority on whether limited liability applies when the creditor is a partner of a limited liability partnership. The New York Court of Appeals narrowly interpreted the partnership statute and denied the applicability, but the California Court of Appeals upheld it. The difference has been overlooked by the legal and business communities. This paper shows that the narrow interpretation is inconsistent with the legislative intent, laden with procedural obstacles in enforcement, and inharmonious with settled legal doctrines and tenets of law-making.
Maximal Attainable Equilibrium Temperature of Ideal Spectral Selective Solar Light Absorbers

Maximal attainable equilibrium temperatures are calculated for ideal spectral selective solar light absorbers by a new angular dependence of the surface thermal emission model. The highest equilibrium temperature of 2204 K is predicted.
Learning to claim power in a contentious public sphere: A study of youth movement formation in South Africa

Research about learning in youth activism has generated important findings about how young people learn to critique inequality and exercise collective agency. This emerging line of research, howeve...
Transforming Schooling for the Mexican Immigrant Community: Integrating Christ's Love and Academic Excellence

Escuela Luz del Mundo (ELM) or “Light of the World School” was a progressive Christian middle school that served a high poverty, Mexican immigrant community in Albuquerque, New Mexico USA for seven...
Intensified recovery of switchable hydrophilicity solvents in flow

We present an integrated flow chemistry strategy using two membrane-based flow reactors to enhance the extraction and recovery rates of switchable hydrophilicity solvents (SHSs) by five times compared to batch reactors. The developed green flow chemistry strategy achieves an overall single-pass recovery efficiency of 60.1% for 2-(dibutyl amino)ethanol.
Derivation of the Evolutionary Variational Inequality Approach

In this chapter we will provide motivation for the mathematical (analytical and numerical) investigation of evolutionary variational inequalities containing a memory term. These inequality problems are the result of a Baiocchi type transformation applied to a general degenerate moving free boundary problem with space- and, in particular, time-dependent coefficients in the differential operator and also in the boundary conditions.
Dirichlet Boundary Control of Parabolic Systems with Pointwise State Constraints

In this paper we study an optimal control problem for linear parabolic systems with pointwise state constraints and measurable controls acting in the Dirichlet boundary conditions. Using the framework of mild solutions to parabolic systems with nonregular dynamics, we prove a general existence theorem of optimal controls and derive necessary optimality conditions for the state-constrained problem under consideration. Our variational analysis is based on a well-posed penalization procedure to approximate state constraints and then to study a parametric family of approximating problems. The final result estab- lishes necessary optimality conditions for the original state-constrained problem by passing to the limit from approximating problems under a proper constraint qualification.
Reaction and Flux of Manganese within the Oxic Sediment and Basin Water of an Alaskan Fjord

Manganese occurs in two oxidation states - one insoluble, one mobile - over the redox potential range found in near surface estuarine sediments. This geochemical character leads to partial remobilization of deposited manganese in the sediments below the redox boundary and a flux into the oxic marine environment where oxidation and reprecipitation occur. Such closed sub-cycle behaviour is of considerable interest; not least because of potential control on the distribution of many other trace elements.
A Tissue-Engineered Model of A Tendon-to-Bone Enthesis

The tendon-to-bone enthesis has a four-zone gradation of connective tissue that includes tendon followed by uncalcified cartilage, calcified cartilage, and bone. The loss of the tendon-to-bone attachment is a common and difficult problem in orthopedic injuries of the hand, elbow, shoulder, knee, heel and foot. These injuries may be treated surgically by repair, reconstruction or grafting methods, processes that may be beneficial to the patient but may also lead to complications such as adhesion formation, tenolysis, persistent tears and sub-optimal function. This study develops a tissue-engineering approach to generate a functional tendon-to-bone insertion site (an 'enthesis'), utilizing a phalanx model well characterized previously. This complete tissue-engineering process included fabrication of tendon-to-bone constructs, culture of constructs for 1-2 weeks, implantation of constructs in nude mice serving as bioreactors in vivo, construct harvest from mice, and retrieved construct immunohistological and...
The dollar as an international money

The paper attempts a brief restatement of some recent developments in monetary theory. The author then draws some conclusions for the international monetary system. The first of these is that a multiple-currency system is inferior to a two-currency system, so it is advantageous for Europeans to develop a single currency. Second, a two-currency system is inferior to a one-currency system. Finally, welfare is increased if the dollar is used as a medium of exchange. The problems of seigniorage and management are discussed briefly at the end.
Eroding Entitlements as Litigation Commitment

This Comment on Omri Ben-Shahar's excellent article makes two points: 1. Entitlements might be more valuable under an erosion rule than under a no-erosion rule. 2. In contractual settings, any observed irrelevance is likely to be the product of forces that are independent of Omri BenShahar's '"itigation commitment" antierosion effect. But before discussing these two issues, let me briefly reformulate Ben-Shahar's contribution.' First, erosion rules can give rise to an "antierosion" effect because erosion rules are a litigation commitment device that helps entitlement holders commit to prosecuting a broader class of opportunistic breaches. In BenShahar's model, erosion is caused by promisors who intentionally chisel on their duties, knowing, because of the costs of litigation, that the promisees cannot credibly threaten to sue. Second, Ben-Shahar's irrelevance claim is both stronger and weaker than he acknowledges. The irrelevance claim is stronger, because his model shows not just that erosion costs will be the same under different erosion rules, but that we know that these costs will always be exactly equal to litigation costs saved. The promisors will always chisel to the point where the promisee is almost indifferent between paying litigation costs and swallowing the erosion costs. The irrelevance claim is weaker than Ben-Shahar suggests because, while total erosion costs stay the same, different erosion rules produce different profiles (or cash flows) of erosion. The model predicts that no-erosion rules will produce constant amounts of erosion in each period, but that erosion rules will produce increasing amounts of erosion in each period (less erosion than under a no-erosion rule in early periods and more erosion than under a no-erosion rule in later periods). These different erosion profiles predicted by the model provide an important
Progeroid syndrome; report of a case of pseudo-senilism.

The case of a severely dwarfed microcephalic child is reported whose growth disturbance probably began in utero. Serial cephalometric studies were done and are reported. No explanation could be found for her condition, and no similar case can be found in the literature. The superficial resemblance of the child to an aged person warrants the classification of her condition with a miscellaneous group of cases under the term "progeroid syndrome," but it must be noted that her appearance was the result of a severe growth disturbance rather than of true premature aging.
Second-site homologous recombination in Epstein-Barr virus: insertion of type 1 EBNA 3 genes in place of type 2 has no effect on in vitro infection.

This study was undertaken to develop a general strategy for the introduction of mutations into specific sites in the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) genome. Previous approaches were limited by the need for physical linkage of the transfected EBV DNA fragment to a positive selection marker. In our experiments, a positive selection marker was introduced into one site in the EBV genome and a distant, nonlinked, marker was introduced into another site. Each marker was on a large EBV DNA fragment and was inserted into the genome by transfection into cells carrying a resident EBV genome. The resident EBV genome was simultaneously induced to replicate by using a cotransfected expression plasmid for the EBV immediate-early transactivator, Z (J. Countryman, H. Jenson, R. Seibl, H. Wolf, and G. Miller, J. Virol. 61:3672-3679, 1987; G. Miller, M. Rabson, and L. Heston, J. Virol. 50:174-182, 1984). Eleven percent of the resultant EBV genomes which incorporated the positive selection marker also incorporated the nonlinked marker. Both markers uniformly targeted the homologous EBV genome site. In this way novel EBV recombinants were constructed in which the EBV type 1 EBNA 3A, EBV type 1 EBNA 3A and 3B, or EBV type 1 EBNA 3A, 3B, and 3C genes were introduced into a largely type 2 EBV genome, replacing the corresponding type 2 gene(s). No difference was observed in primary B-lymphocyte growth transformation, in latent EBV gene expression, or in spontaneous lytic EBV gene expression. These new recombinants should be useful for ongoing analyses of the type specificity of the immune response. Images
Solving Regular Tree Grammar Based Constraints

This paper describes the precise specification, design, analysis, implementation, and measurements of an efficient algorithm for solving regular tree grammar based constraints. The particular constraints are for dead-code elimination on recursive data, but the method used for the algorithm design and complexity analysis is general and applies to other program analysis problems as well. The method is centered around Paige's finite differencing, i.e., computing expensive set expressions incrementally, and allows the algorithm to be derived and analyzed formally and implemented easily. We propose higher-level transformations that make the derived algorithm concise and allow its complexity to be analyzed accurately. Although a rough analysis shows that the worst-case time complexity is cubic in program size, an accurate analysis shows that it is linear in the number of live program points and in other parameters, including mainly the arity of data constructors and the number of selector applications into whose arguments the value constructed at a program point might flow. These parameters explain the performance of the analysis in practice. Our implementation also runs two to ten times as fast as a previous implementation of an informally designed algorithm.
Measurement of cross-phase modulation in optical materials through the direct measurement of the optical phase

Advances in ultrashort-pulse laser systems have fueled recent interest in developing practical methods to completely characterize the intensity and phase of ultrashort laser pulse pulses.1-3
Abstract 002: Activation of AT1 receptors on Dendritic Cells Restrains Angiotensin II-Dependent Hypertension Through a CCR7-dependent Mechanism

Dendritic cells (DCs) trigger an adaptive immune response by presenting processed antigens to T lymphocytes. Given the emerging importance of adaptive immunity in hypertension, we posited that DCs may sample neoantigens in the kidney in order to prime pro-hypertensive T cells. Using CD11c-Cre mT/mG mice in which DCs fluoresce green, we detected robust green signals within the kidney after 2 wks of angiotensin (Ang) II-induced hypertension, confirming infiltration of DCs into the hypertensive kidney. As activation of type 1 angiotensin (AT1) receptors on other immune cell lineages has been shown to alter inflammatory responses, we explored the role of the DC AT1 receptor in blood pressure regulation by generating mice with DC-specific deletion of the AT1A receptor (CD11c Cre+ Agtr1aflox/flox = DC KO) and littermate controls (Agtr1aflox/flox = WT). Compared to WTs, the DC KOs had an ≈87% reduction in AT1A receptor mRNA expression in DCs (p<0.0001) but preserved AT1A expression in B and T lymphocytes, kidney, and heart (p=NS). Next, we infused uni-nephrectomized DC KO mice and wild-type (WT) controls with Ang II (500ng/kg/min) for 4 wks. At baseline, the mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) was similar in WT and DC KO mice (123±2 vs. 126±2 mm Hg; p=NS). By contrast, after the 1st week of Ang II infusion, DC KO mice had markedly exaggerated MAP elevations compared to WTs (174±4 vs. 158±5 mm Hg; p=0.026). Expression of the chemokine receptor CCR7 on mature DCs and T cells directs both cell lineages to the lymph node where the DC can display a processed antigen and activate the T cell. We detected higher levels of CCR7 mRNA in the kidneys from the Ang II-infused DC KOs compared to WTs (2.98±0.90 vs. 1.00±0.16 au; p=0.04), and posited that enhanced DC priming of T cells in the DC KOs contributed to their exaggerated hypertension. Consistent with this possibility, uni-nephrectomized CCR7-deficient (KO) mice had a significantly blunted chronic hypertensive response to Ang II (165±4 vs. 178±2 mm Hg; p=0.03) and ameliorated albuminuria (2.1±0.2 vs. 3.7±0.8 mg/24hrs; p=0.02) versus WT controls. We conclude from these data that stimulation of AT1 receptors on DCs constrains Ang II-induced blood pressure elevation, possibly by limiting the CCR7-dependent activation of T lymphocytes by DCs.
3-D moment forms: their construction and application to object identification and positioning

The 3-D moment method is applied to object identification and positioning. A general theory of deriving 3-D moments invariants is proposed. The notion of complex moments is introduced. Complex moments are defined as linear combinations of moments with complex coefficients and are collected into multiplets such that each multiplet transforms irreducibly under 3-D rotations. The application of the 3-D moment method to motion estimation is also discussed. Using group-theoretic techniques, various invariant scalars are extracted from compounds of complex moments via Clebsch-Gordon expansion. Twelve moment invariants consisting of the second-order and third-order moments are explicitly derived. Based on a perturbation formula, it is shown that the second-order moment invariants can be used to predict whether the estimation using noisy data is reliable or not. The new derivation of vector forms also facilities the calculation of motion estimation in a tensor approach. Vectors consisting of the third-order moments can be derived in a similar manner. >