cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
TRIM5α selectively binds a restriction-sensitive retroviral capsid

TRIM5 is a potent retrovirus inhibitor that targets viruses bearing particular capsid (CA) residues. In most primate species, retroviral restriction requires the C-terminal SPRY domain unique to the α-isoform of TRIM5, but the mechanism by which susceptible viruses are recognized and targeted for restriction is unknown. Here we show that TRIM5α binds retroviral CA from detergent-stripped virions in a SPRY-dependent manner with sufficient discrimination to account for the exquisite specificity of restriction.
Diagnosis of a Case of Acute Intermittent Porphyria with the Aid of Thin-Layer Chromatography—Thin-Layer Electrophoresis of Urine

δ-Aminolevulinic acid and porphobilinogen were identified in urine from a patient with acute intermittent porphyria on routine amino acid chromatography. The compounds were well and rapidly separated by a two-dimensional combination of high-voltage, thin-layer electrophoresis and chromatography. Both compounds gave a yellowish color with ninhydrin; the porphobilinogen gave a strong red color when Ehrlich’s reagent was then applied. Such a pattern has not been observed in any blood and urinary amino acid chromatograms from over 900 patients with other conditions, who were receiving a variety of drugs. We consider this a rapid, specific diagnostic aid in cases of acute intermittent porphyria.
Program and Project Evaluation

Educational technology research and development nearly always involves an intervention of some kind aimed at solving a problem or improving a situation pertaining to learning and instruction. Those involved—the stakeholders—naturally want to know whether the problem was solved and/or the extent to which the situation was improved. Attributing any outcomes to the intervention is not as easy as it may appear, as many factors are typically involved, beyond just the technology involved. This chapter describes a holistic approach to educational technology project and program evaluation. The emphasis is on evaluating the entire process from needs assessment through design, development, deployment, and support with particular attention to evaluating every aspect of the process so as to increase the likelihood of successful technology integration. The use of a logic model to organize evaluation as well as research is described.
Fusion enhancement in the 38S + 208Pb reaction

The capture-fission cross section was measured for the reaction of {sup 38}S with {sup 208}Pb for center-of-mass projectile energies E{sub cm} of 160-265 MeV. The {sup 38}S beam was prepared by projectile fragmentation at the NSCL at higher energies and degraded to 4-7 MeV/nucleon. The time of flight (energy) of each interacting beam particle was measured along with the fission fragments. The data were compared to previous measurements of the capture-fission excitation function for the {sup 32}S+{sup 208}Pb reaction. The interaction barrier for the {sup 38}S-induced reaction is 16.1{+-}10.1 MeV lower than the {sup 32}S-induced reaction whereas the reduced excitation functions for the two reactions are similar. A discussion of the systematics of barrier shifts in the fusion of n-rich nuclei is given and the implications of this shift for the synthesis of heavy nuclei with radioactive beams are discussed.
On the n-th Derivative of a Determinant of the j-th Order

We interpret Afo as the identity operator on f. The operator Afn acts only on the function f, so that (uv)A,= (u,An)v and (uv)Al =u(vA'). No meaning need be attached to vA' since we shall never apply A' to a function not containing u as a factor. Note that (uv) (Au +A,) = (uv)Au + (uv)A, and that AuAV = A,Au trivially, because Af operates specifically on the function f. Using equation (2), we can write equation (1) as
Blood gas analysis in retinopathy of prematurity

Objective To investigate the value of blood gas analysis within 3 days after birth in prediction of the risk of retinopathy of prematurity(ROP).Methods The results of blood gases analysis in the first 3 days after birth from 396 preterm infants were collected,and the upper and lower quartile of PaO2 and PCO2 and the lower quartile of pH value were calculated.Results The rates of preterm infants with ROP in the lower quartile of PaO2and pH value,and in the upper quartile of PaO2and PCO2were much higher than those without ROP(χ2=30.40,40.21,P0.05).Conclusions Preterm infants who had low PaO2and pH levels and high PaO2and PCO2levels appear to have increased risk of ROP,suggesting that high or low oxygen saturation and acidosis may be associated with the development of ROP.
Effect of No-Tillage on the Quality of Mechanical Transplanting,Growth and Grain Yield of Rice

Quality of mechanical transplanting,rice growth and grain yield was determined under no-tillage and mechanical transplanting in a field experiment with Zhongzheyou 1,Yongyou 9and Yangliangyou 6as material.The results showed that soil bulk density decreased from 1.0-1.1g/cm3to 0.8-0.9g/cm3 after 15days soaking in 0-25cm soil layer.The seedling planting depth significantly decreased by 40%under no-tillage,but the lodging and floating seedling rate increased.The total root biomass decreased under no-tillage,but the upper root percentage significantly increased compared with conventional tillage.For Zhongzheyou 1and Yongyou 9,the percentages were 77.18% and77.08%,respectively.Grain yield under no-tillage declined compared with conventional tillage,which was attributed to higher panicle number per square meter,lower grain number per panicle,seed setting rate and 1000-grain weight.
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Cells Can Induce Monocytes to Express High Levels of BAFF and Assume Properties of Nurselike Cells In Vitro.

CD14+ blood mononuclear cells co-cultured with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) B cells differentiate into nurselike cells (NLCs) that in turn can support CLL-cell survival in vitro and possibly in vivo. These cells appear similar to lymphoma-associated macrophages, which were identified in secondary lymphoid tissue of patients with follicular lymphoma and appear more prevalent in patients with therapy-resistant disease. To investigate the relationship between NLC and macrophages, we performed studies on macrophages and NLCs that were induced to differentiate from CD14+ blood mononuclear cells in vitro. Consistent with prior studies, we found that NLCs express significantly higher levels of CD68 than macrophages, as assessed via cytoplasmic flow cytometry. However, Affymatrix U113A microarray analysis of gene expression by NLC, macrophages, and monocytes-derived dendritic cells (DCs) from 3 donors revealed major differences in gene expression between DCs versus macrophages or NLCs, but no major differences in gene expression profiles between NLCs and macrophages. Flow cytometric analyses of NLCs and macrophages revealed that these two cell types also shared similar expression levels of CD16, CD32, CD35, CD86, CD58, MHC-II, CD40, and CD54. However, using flow cytometry we found that NLCs (n=9) expressed significantly higher levels than macrophages of the B-cell activating factor belonging to the tumor necrosis factor family (BAFF). Deconvolution microscopy confirmed the differences in BAFF expression and also revealed that NLCs express higher levels of a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL) than macrophages. These are two key factors involved in promoting leukemia/lymphoma B cell survival. Moreover, NLCs maintained high-level expression of BAFF even when cultured apart from CLL cells in fresh medium. We investigated whether co-culture of differentiated macrophages with CLL cells could induce the macrophages to express high-levels of BAFF. Although such co-culture induced progressive increase in macrophages-expression of BAFF, the levels of BAFF induced after even 7 days of co-culture were lower than those noted for NLCs. We cultured CD14+ blood monocytes and CLL cells separated across a transwell membrane to determine whether a soluble factor(s) was responsible for the induction of high BAFF levels noted on NLCs. Following several days in culture, the cultured monocytes acquired expression levels of BAFF similar to those detected for NLCs. These studies indicate that monocytes can respond to a soluble factor(s) elaborated by CLL cells to assume properties similar to those of NLCs. Moreover they suggest that NLCs may be a peculiar type of terminally differentiated macrophages-like cells induced by the leukemia-cell population to have properties that promote CLL cell survival. Agents that can block the maturation of monocytes into NLCs or that inhibit the capacity of NLCs to promote leukemia-cell survival may be effective in the treatment of CLL and related lymphoid malignancies.
Revolutionizing validation: The Intel approach for TTM

Intel is focused on gaining a foothold in the burgeoning mobile/IOT computing market. One of the unique challenges in this dynamic market is the aggressive time-to-market (TTM) requirement. In the past, the length of the silicon validation stage for Intel SoCs contributed to the company's inability to deliver products on time, taking up to two years for prior projects. To address this situation, the Devices System Validation group set a transformation goal to reduce time from first silicon to PRQ for base and derivative products. While a validation execution strategy can be optimized based on perceived risk in changes to HW, FW, and SW, accounting for silicon debug is far more difficult. It is nearly impossible to predict the amount of time necessary to debug the breadth and quantity of issues (Sightings) that will be found during execution. The number of sightings generated over the course of a project depends on many factors, including the health of the RTL and process, the stability of the FW and SW code base, and the technical strength of the execution team. This unpredictability results in many challenges when attempting to hit a target time window from first silicon to Production Ready Quality (PRQ). Moorefield, a platform based on Intel's 22 nm Atom-based SoC named Anniedale, was the first project to achieve a goal of first silicon to Production in two quarters. A major factor in this achievement was the strategy employed by the team to manage the risk in silicon validation and debug with aggressive shift left effort that included early and close collaboration with the customer, platform, and design teams. This strategy is built on several key pillars. 1) Comprehensive Design for Debug (DFD) features and tools that are fully validation in pre-silicon & emulation to prepare for critical debug scenarios at customer platforms. 2) Early and close engagement with the lead customer and platform teams to develop an alpha level quality SW in emulation. 3) Employing requirements-based validation to focus on validating only the form factor OS application use-cases. 4) A strict platform regressions strategy that can be scaled from pre to post silicon 5) Centralized System Debug organization to accelerate time to closure of critical sightings. In this talk we will be detailing and presenting the innovative strategies the System Validation (SV) organization took around the these pillars to achieve a successful launch of the Moorefield-based Asus tablet and phone in record breaking time.
Heme Oxygenase-1 Inhibits Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Proliferation

In the present study, we overexpressed heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in rat aortic smooth muscle cells (SMC) by generating a recombinant defective adenovirus containing the rat HO-1 gene (AdHO-1) and examined the effect on SMC proliferation. Infection of SMC with AdHO-1 resulted in a dose-dependent increase in the expression of HO-1 protein. AdHO-1 inhibited growth factor-stimulated SMC proliferation and DNA synthesis. In contrast, the control adenovirus expressing the green fluorescent protein (AdGFP) failed to induce HO-1 expression and had minimal effects on SMC growth. In addition, the exogenous administration of carbon monoxide (CO) mimicked the antiproliferative effect of AdHO-1, whereas biliverdin and iron had no effect. These results demonstrate that HO-1 inhibits vascular SMC proliferation via the production of CO. Adenovirus-mediated transfer of the HO-1 gene may provide an important therapeutic approach in treating fibroproliferative disorders of the vessel wall.
CD73 regulates anti-inflammatory signaling between apoptotic cells and endotoxin-conditioned tissue macrophages.

CD73 regulates anti-inflammatory signaling between apoptotic cells and endotoxin-conditioned tissue macrophages
A retrospective risk assessment of patients (pts) with high grade upper (UE) and lower extremity (LE) sarcoma: Predictors of survival.

e21504 Background: Patient outcomes of high grade extremity soft tissue sarcomas (STS) are dependent upon grade and size of the primary tumor and extent of surgical resection. Poorer overall surviv...
Reexamining the Effect of Racial Propositions on Latinos’ Partisanship in California

Many seasoned politicians and scholars have attributed the loss in support for the Republican Party in California to its push for three racially divisive propositions in the mid- 1990s, especially the anti-immigrant Proposition 187. Their costs are said to involve the partisan realignment of Latinos against the Republicans. Using three separate data sources, we find no evidence of a “tipping point” or abrupt realignment among Latino registered voters who made up the electorate. Latinos’ partisanship within California did not change significantly; it did not change much when compared to nearby states; nor did voter registration change materially. The loss of support for Republicans occurred primarily among unregistered Latino voters whom historically had never been strong supporters. Our findings question the conventional wisdom about the powerful political effects of the propositions, and reaffirm the long standing conclusion in the literature that realignment due to a “critical election” is rare.
Modifiable Environmental Factors in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Environmental factors may influence predisposition to develop inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis) or alter its natural history by modification of both the host immune response and intestinal microbial composition. The purpose of this review is to translate such evidence into clinical practice by a focus on interventional studies that have modified such environmental influences to improve disease outcomes. Several environmental influences have been identified in the recent literature including tobacco use, diet, antibiotics, vitamin D deficiency, stress, appendectomy, and oral contraceptive use. Some risk factors have similar influences on both Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis while others are disease-specific or have divergent effects. Emerging epidemiologic evidence has confirmed the association of many of these factors with incident disease using prospective data. In addition, laboratory data has supported their mechanistic plausibility and relevance to intestinal inflammation.
A High-Content Screening Technology for Quantitatively Studying Podocyte Dynamics.

Podocytes form the visceral layer of a kidney glomerulus and express a characteristic octopus-like cellular architecture specialized for the ultrafiltration of blood. The cytoskeletal dynamics and structural elasticity of podocytes rely on the self-organization of highly interconnected actin bundles, and the maintenance of these features is important for the intact glomerular filtration. Development of more differentiated podocytes in culture has dramatically increased our understanding of the molecular mechanisms regulating podocyte actin dynamics. Podocytes are damaged in a variety of kidney diseases, and therapies targeting podocytes are being investigated with increasing efforts. Association between podocyte damage and disease severity—or between podocyte recovery and the performance of therapeutic molecules—have been the venues of research for years. In this perspective, more standardized high--content screening has emerged as a powerful tool for visualization and analysis of podocyte morphology. This high-throughput fluorescence microscopy technique is based on an automated image analysis with simultaneous detection of various phenotypes (multiplexing) across multiple phenotypic parameters (multiparametric). Here, we review the principles of high-content screening technology and summarize efforts to carry out small compound screen using podocytes.
Mechanical Restitution of Contractility in Stunned Myocardium of Open-Chest Dogs

The aim of the present study was to determine the interval–contractility relationship in the same myocardial area before and after ischemia, thereby testing the hypothesis that calcium handling is impaired in stunned myocardium. Myocardial stunning was created by 15-min occlusion of the left anterior descending branch of coronary artery (LAD) followed by reperfusion in 10 open-chest dogs. Complete atrioventricular (A-V) block was achieved by injecting formaldehyde into the A-V node and the heart was paced by right ventricular electrodes. Extrasystoles at various intervals were then produced by electrical stimulation after cessation of regular pacing. Miniature force gauges were used to assess contractility. Mechanical restitution curves (MRCs) were constructed in the LAD area before and after stunning, by plotting normalized contractility against extrasystolic intervals (ESIs). The MRC was fitted to the monoexponential function FRn = FRmax {1 − Exp[(ESI-ESI0)/Tc]}, where FRn is normalized contractile force, FRmax is the maximal value of a contractile response, Tc is the time constant for restitution, and ESI0 is the smallest ESI that produced a mechanical response. After occlusion–reperfusion, FRmax decreased from (136.5 ± 8.2)% to (111.2 ± 5.4)%, whereas Tc and ESI0 remained unchanged. These results suggested preserved sarcoplasmic reticulum function in stunned myocardium, but that the responsiveness of the contractile machinery is depressed.
Some Noetico-Noematic Analyses of Action and Practical Life

Action and practical life and, for that matter, evaluation have received little attention in the literature of constitutive phenomenology thus far. This seems part of the intellectualism of modern philosophy in which Husserl and his followers and especially most of his interpreters have participated. Thus, recent discussions of the noema have emphasized hyletic data, sense, manners of givenness, thinking, and signification. Nevertheless, that there is a place for the description and justification of evaluation and action in phenomenology is clear at least as early as the discussion of normative and practical disciplines in the early chapters of the “Prolegomena” of the Logical Investigations (1900–1901). The philosophical significance of these themes for philosophical ethics and politics is obvious.
Genetic predisposition to β-thalassemia and sickle cell anemia in Turkey: a molecular diagnostic approach.

The thalassemia syndromes are a diverse group of inherited disorders that can be characterized according to their insufficient synthesis or absent production of one or more of the globin chains. They are classified in to α, β, γ, δβ, δ, and eγδβ thalassemias depending on the globin chain(s) affected. The β-thalassemias refer to that group of inherited hemoglobin disorders, which are characterized by a reduced synthesis (β(+)-thalassemia) or absence (β(0)-thalassemia) of beta globin (β-globin) chain production (1). Though known as single-gene disorders, hemoglobinopathies such as β-thalassemia and sickle cell anemia are far from being fully resolved in terms of cure, considering the less complex nature of the beta globin (β-globin) gene family compared to more complex multifactorial genetic disorders such as cancer. Currently, there are no definitive therapeutic options for patients with β-thalassemia and sickle cell anemia, and new insights into the pathogenesis of these devastating diseases are urgently needed. Here we address in detail the overall picture utilizing molecular diagnostic approaches that contribute to unraveling the population-specific mutational analysis of β-globin gene. We also present approaches for molecular diagnostic strategies that are applicable to β-thalassemia, sickle cell anemia, and other genetic disorders.
Laser Speckle Photography Technique Applied for Heat and Mass Transfer Problems

Publisher Summary The speckle photography refers to an optical method that measures the refractive index gradients of a phase object based on the optically created and refractively dislocated speckle patterns. The chapter introduces the operating principle of the speckle photography technique and discusses its unique features compared with other competing optical methods. Several different natural heat convection problems are presented for that speckle photography successfully measures the heat transfer coefficients without the need of corrections for the conduction and radiation losses. Speckle results provide data with high spatial resolution and make the experimental processes more reliable. Speckle photography measures the statistical properties for turbulent flows with density and temperature fluctuations. The chapter presents the tomographic reconstruction of a density field from multiple specklegrams. The potential of speckle photography for high-temperature applications such as combusting flames is discussed in the chapter. The viability of the technique emerges from its applications for premixed Bunsen flames of axisymmetric and laminar configuration. The chapter explores an example application of speckle photography for a liquid flow with density variation where the refractive index behaves quite differently from that of air or other gases.
Fibre types in the locomotory muscles of an Antarctic teleost, notothenia rossii. A histochemical ultrastructural and biochemical study.

The metabolic and structural differentiation of locomotory muscles of Notothenia rossii has been investigated. In this species sustained locomotion is achieved by sculling with enlarged pectoral fins (labriform locomotion), whilst the segmental myotomal muscle is reserved for burst activity. Red, white and subepidermal fibres can be distinguished in the trunk by histochemical and ultrastructural criteria. The main pectoral muscle (m. adductor profundus) consists entirely of red fibres. These three main fibres types show differences in histochemical staining profiles, capillarization, myofibril shape and packing, and lipid and mitochondrial content. The fractional volume of mitochondria amounts to 38% for pectoral, 30% for red myotomal and 1.9% for white myotomal fibres. Enzyme activities of red pectoral muscle are consistent with a higher potential for aerobic glucose and fatty acid oxidation than for the red myotomal fibres. Mg2+ Ca2+ -myofibrillar ATPase activities are similar for red pectoral and myotomal muscles and approximately half of those white fibres. Specialisations of N. rossii muscles associated with labriform swimming and locomotion at Antarctic temperatures are discussed.
E-Optimal Sensor Selection for Compressive Sensing-Based Purposes

Collaborative estimation of a sparse vector $\mathbf {x}$ x by $M$ M potential measurements is considered. Each measurement is the projection of $\mathbf {x}$ x obtained by a regressor, i.e., $y_m=\mathbf {a}_m^T \mathbf {x}$ y m = a m T x . The problem of selecting $K$ K sensor measurements from a set of $M$ M potential sensors is studied where $K\ll M$ K ≪ M and $K$ K is less than the dimension of $\mathbf {x}$ x . In other words, we aim to reduce the problem to an under-determined system of equations in which a sparse solution is desired. This paper suggests selecting sensors in a way that the reduced matrix construct a well conditioned measurement matrix. Our criterion is based on E-optimality, which is highly related to the restricted isometry property that provides some guarantees for sparse solution obtained by $\ell _1$ l 1 minimization. The proposed basic E-optimal selection is vulnerable to outlier and noisy data. The robust version of the algorithm is presented for distributed selection for big data sets. Moreover, an online implementation is proposed that involves partially observed measurements in a sequential manner. Our simulation results show the proposed method outperforms the other criteria for collaborative spectrum sensing in cognitive radio networks (CRNs). Our suggested selection method is evaluated in machine learning applications. It is used to pick up the most informative features/data. Specifically, the proposed method is exploited for face recognition with partial training data.
A COMPLEX CASE OF DIAGNOSING BEREAVEMENT

Introduction Diagnostic criteria regarding mood symptoms that develop after the loss of a loved one have changed significantly with the introduction of the DSM V. The DSM V provides additional guidance regarding the diagnosis of several disorders in the setting of a loss. These include normal grief, Major Depressive Disorder, Persistent Complex Bereavement Disorder with or without traumatic bereavement, and PTSD. However, accurate diagnosis may still pose a challenge, as the symptoms of these diagnoses have significant overlap especially when the loss is in the context of trauma. A case that highlights this diagnostic challenge will be presented. This case also illustrates the importance of gaining a thorough understanding of a patient's symptoms and associated thought content to distinguish between diagnoses. Methods Ms. A is a 70-year-old patient seen in the geriatric psychiatry clinic for depressive symptoms one year after the traumatic death of her longtime boyfriend. He had a cardiac arrest in their home, and she provided CPR until EMS arrived and took him to the hospital where he later passed. Despite the time that has lapsed, she still thinks of the circumstances surround his death quite often, and she feels significant guilt about his passing and about what more she could have done to save him. She also reports flashbacks to the event where she sees herself doing CPR on him, though she has no avoidance behaviors and goes on dates occasionally. Though she feels like she is slowly ‘getting over’ the loss, she has had worsening middle insomnia, lack of energy, and mild anhedonia for the past few months. Her mood is intermittently poor, feeling irritable and isolative for parts of the day and lasting for a few hours each time. She has had some weight gain, but no changes in concentration or appetite. She also denies thoughts of death and dying, and does not have thoughts of wanting to join her boyfriend in death. Results Testing included MOCA: 23/30, GAD-7: 2, DAST-10: 0, PHQ-9: 4. She did not meet diagnostic criteria for MDD or PTSD. As her symptoms have persisted more than 6 months after the stressor, Adjustment Disorder is not an appropriate diagnosis. Her final diagnosis was determined to be Persistent Complex Bereavement Disorder with Traumatic Bereavement. She was referred for psychotherapy, and an SSRI was deferred because of her wish to minimize medications. She was also started to trazadone 50mg at night for symptomatic relief of her sleep disturbance. Conclusions Understanding the subtleties of these symptoms is paramount in establishing an accurate diagnosis and therefore referring patients to the most effective therapy. This case demonstrates some complexities of psychiatric diagnosis in the setting of grief in the context of trauma. As part of this case presentation, a chart comparing symptoms among the differential diagnoses will be outlined. This research was funded by None PDF: http://submissions.mirasmart.com/Verify/AAGP2019/Original/AAGP2019-000371/AAGP2019-000371_Fig1.pdf
The impact of geographic isolation on mental disability in the United States

Geographic isolation has long been hypothesized to have a role in the origins and development of mental disabilities. A considerable body of research has established such a correlation. However, study designs have limited researchers' ability to establish a causal connection and rule out rival hypotheses. This study, therefore, aims to assess the strength of the geographic isolation - mental disability relationship and to disentangle it from alternative possibilities, namely that it reflects socioeconomic status, social isolation, economic inequality, or reverse causation. The study employs an analysis of variations in the rates of mental disability throughout 2960 U.S. counties using both Census and CDC data. In addition to partial correlation and ordinary least square analyses, the study employs two-stage least squares regression with instrumental variables (2SLS-IV), a procedure that permits resolution of the problem of endogeneity involving the potential effects of unmeasured variables and reverse causation. Results reveal that the initial bivariate effects of geographic isolation on rates of mental disability are robust after controls for socioeconomic status, income inequality, social isolation, and other predictors are introduced and when tested with the 2SLS-IV procedure. Most variation (54.4%) in county mental disability rates is accounted for by the independent effects of geographic isolation, socioeconomic status, income inequality, and other variables. The results presented, although not conclusive, supports more targeted service planning and more equitable resource investments in rural parts of the United States and other nations.
Premises, promises, and perils of the Academic Potemkin Village:

Increased competition for students and financial resources has contributed to a managerialist perspective in higher education. In this competitive landscape, institutional decision-making may prior...
Preparation and Applications of Metal–Organic Frameworks (MOFs): A Laboratory Activity and Demonstration for High School and/or Undergraduate Students

The chemistry of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), a new class of emerging crystalline porous solids with three-dimensional (3D) networks composed of metals and multidentate organic molecules, was i...
Treatment of an Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma Allograft with Recombinant Myxoma Virus and Oclacitinib.

Purpose Rhabdomyosarcomas (RMS) are difficult tumors to treat with conventional therapies. Publications indicate that oncolytic virotherapy (OV) could benefit cancer patients with tumors that are refractory to conventional treatments. It is believed that the efficacy of OV can be enhanced when used in combination with other treatments. This study evaluated the response of mice with aggressive alveolar RMS (ARMS) allografts to treatment with an OV [recombinant myxoma virus (MYXVΔserp2)] in combination with a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor (oclacitinib). Oclacitinib is known to inhibit JAK1 and JAK2 cell signaling pathways, which should limit the antiviral Type I interferon response. However, oclacitinib does not inhibit immune pathways that promote antigen presentation, which help stimulate an anti-cancer immune response. Materials and methods To determine if MYXVΔserp2 and oclacitinib could improve outcomes in animals with ARMS, nude mice were inoculated subcutaneously with murine ARMS cells to establish tumors. Immune responses, tumor growth, and clinical signs in mice treated with combination therapy were compared to mice given placebo therapy and mice treated with OV alone. Results Combination therapy was safe; no viral DNA was detected in off-target organs, only within tumors. As predicted, viral DNA was detected in tumors of mice given oclacitinib and MYXVΔserp2 for a longer time period than mice treated with OV alone. Although tumor growth rates and median survival times were not significantly different between groups, clinical signs were less severe in mice treated with OV. Conclusion Our data indicate that MYXVΔserp2 treatment benefits mice with ARMS by reducing clinical signs of disease and improving quality of life.
Dynamic evolution of the major transcription factor DNA binding domain, and protein-protein interaction families during the evolution of the avian lineage

ABSTRACT Transcription factors are characterized by their domain architecture, including DNA binding and protein-protein interaction domain combinations, which regulate their binding specificity, as well as their ability to effect a change on gene expression of their downstream targets. Transcription factors are central to organismal development, thus they potentially are instrumental in producing phenotypic diversity. Transcription factor abundance was estimated via 49 major DNA binding domain families, as well as 34 protein-protein interaction domain families, in 48 bird genomes, which were then compared with 6 available reptile genomes, in an effort to assess the degree to which these domains are potentially connected to increased phenotypic diversity in the avian lineage. We hypothesized that there would be increased abundance in multiple transcription factor domain families, as well as domains associated with protein-protein interactions, that would correlate with the increased phenotypic diversity found in birds; instead, this data shows a general loss/contraction of major domain families, with the largest losses in domain families associated with multiple developmental (feather, body-plan, immune) and metabolic processes. Ultimately, the results of this analyses represent a general characterization of domain family composition in birds, thus the specific domain composition of TF families should be probed further, especially those with the largest reductions seen in this study.
Passive learning of the interference graph of a wireless network

A key challenge in wireless networking is the management of interference between transmissions. Identifying which transmitters interfere with each other is crucial. Complicating this task is the fact that the topology of wireless networks can change from time to time, and so the identification process may need to be carried out on a regular basis. Injecting active probing traffic to assess interference can lead to unacceptable overhead, and so this paper focuses on interference estimation based on passive traffic monitoring in networks that use the CSMA/CA (Carrier Sense Multiple Access/Collision Avoidance) protocol. A graph is used to represent the interference in the network, where the nodes represent transmitters and edges represent interference between pairs of transmitters. We investigate the problem of learning the graph structure based on passive observations of network traffic transmission patterns and information about successes or failures in transmissions. Previous work has focused on algorithms and validations in small testbed networks. This paper focuses on the scaling behavior of such methods which is unaddressed in prior work. In particular we establish bounds on the minimum observation period required to identify the interference graph reliably. The main results are expressed in terms of the total number of nodes n and the maximum number of interfering transmitters per node (i.e., maximum node degree) d. The effects of hidden terminal interference (i.e., interference not detectable via carrier sensing) on the observation time requirement are also quantified. We show that it is necessary and sufficient that the observation period grows like d2 log n, and we propose a practical algorithm that reliably identifies the graph from this length of observation. We conclude that the observation requirements scale quite mildly with network size, and that the networks with sparse interference patterns can be more rapidly identified than those with dense interference patterns.
The Role of Philosophy of Ecology and Religion in the Face of the Environmental Crisis

The reality that there is an environmental crisis confronting the planet and her peoples is indisputable. The crisis can be seen in the forms of climate change, atmospheric and marine pollution, deforestation, desertification, drought and famine, resource wars and conflicts, etc. In spite of the many governmental efforts, scientific and technological progress of humankind, the crisis continues unabated. This paper argues that in combating the environmental crisis, the role which philosophy of ecology and religion can play should not be overlooked. Philosophy of ecology and religion may not be the only panacea to the environmental crisis, but they can make contribution. The paper uses critical analysis and hermeneutic methods. Hermeneutics will be used to interpret the concepts. There was also a rational analysis of the role of philosophy of ecology and religion in resolving the environmental crisis. The paper finds that there is an environmental crisis taking place on planet earth. The paper concludes that philosophy of ecology and religion has a role to play in resolving the crisis. With this done, there will be a more ecologically sustainable planet.
Observation of the rotational Doppler shift with spatially incoherent light

The rotational Doppler shift (RDS) is typically measured by illuminating a rotating target with a laser prepared in a simple, known orbital angular momentum (OAM) superposition. We establish theoretically and experimentally that detecting the rotational Doppler shift does not require the incident light to have a well-defined OAM spectrum but instead requires well-defined correlations within the OAM spectrum. We demonstrate measurement of the rotational Doppler shift using spatially incoherent light.
ANALYSIS STUDY OF EGYPTIAN FRESH GRAPE EXPORTS TO ITS MOST IMPORTANT INTERNATIONAL MARKETS

the development of Egyptian agricultural exports is one of the main pillars of the agricultural sector. Grapes is one of the most important horticultural export crops in Egypt. The value of Grapes exports is about LE 1922 million representing about 8.2% of the value of agricultural exports for the period (2014-2016). The results showed the following: The total area of export grape varieties increased from about 3671 fedden in 2001 to about 48800 fedden in 2016, it represent about 14.5% of the total area of grapes as an average of the study period (2001-2016). The results of the instability coefficients of the quantity of production of export grapes, the quantity of grape exports and the export price during the two periods (2001-2008), (2009-2016) indicate the stability of grape production and exports during the second study period compared to the first period Export in recent years. The EU accounts for approximately 77.6 thousand tons of the total Egyptian exports of fresh grapes as an average for the period (2014-2016) representing about 68%, this quantity represents about 4.8% only of the total imports of the European Union of fresh grapes. The main importers of fresh Egyptian grapes are United Kingdom and Netherlands, which estimated at 31.5%, 20.1% respectively of the total quantity ofEgyptian grape exports as an average for the period 2014- 2016. Chile is considered to be the most competitive market for Egyptian exports of fresh grapes as it shares with Egypt in the export season. The total imports of the United Kingdom of fresh grapes amounted to 264 thousand tons as an average for the period (2014-2016). Germany achieved the best price competitiveness within the English market. The price index for Egyptian grapes reached 0.30 and thus is in good shape with the rest of the competing countries such as Chile and South Africa, with a price competitiveness index of 0.17 and 0.28, respectively, the market penetration rate was around 0.088, which indicates the difficulty of increasing exports of Egyptian grapes to the English market Netherland's total imports of fresh grapes reached 351 thousand tons as an average for the period 2014-2016. Chile achieved the best price competition within the Dutch market. The Egyptian grape price index reached 0.47, and the market penetration rate reached 0.288 Indicates that there is a great opportunity to increase the amount of exports of Egyptian grapes to the Dutch market.The most important factors affecting the quantity of Egyptian exports of fresh grapes to UK were the quantity of fresh grapes imports to UK. The most important factors affecting the quantity of Egyptian exports of fresh grapes to Netherlands were the quantity of fresh grapes imports to Dutch market. So the research recommended followings: 1- Produce early varieties of maturity 2. Study the foreign markets well and open new markets 3 - Attention to training and awareness of producers and exporters with quality specifications and health requirements 4. Studying the marketing behavior of export grapes
More Generous than Accurate: The GILTI Foreign Tax Credit and Coordination of the Foreign Tax Credit Rules with the New International Tax Provisions of the TCJA

The recent Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) enacted massive changes to the U.S. tax system’s international tax rules, including changes to the U.S. foreign tax credit. (Foreign tax credits reduce U.S. tax by the amount of the U.S. taxpayer’s foreign taxes, subject to many requirements.) Among other changes, the TCJA added a new type of foreign tax credit for U.S. shareholders who suffer GILTI (global intangible low-taxed income) inclusions. In addition, the TCJA reduced the foreign tax credits available in some circumstances, to coordinate with new international tax provisions. Such new provisions include a one-time deemed repatriation of certain foreign subsidiaries’ earnings, a 100 percent deduction for dividends received from certain foreign subsidiaries, and the BEAT (base erosion and anti-abuse tax). This Article discusses the impact of the GILTI-related foreign tax credit rules and the coordination of other new international provisions with the existing foreign tax credit system. The Article argues that the GILTI-related foreign tax credit is more generous than accuracy (exact reduction of double taxation) would demand. The TCJA’s coordination of other new rules with the foreign tax credit system also tends to be more taxpayer favorable than mere fairness would require, with some notable exceptions. The interaction of the foreign tax credit with the new international tax provisions also creates some surprising effects and incentives.
Lithographically patterned micro-nozzles for controlling fluid flow profiles for drug delivery and in vitro imaging applications

Precisely controlling delivery of drugs and other reagents is important for intravital microscopy studies. In this work, photolithographic integration of micro-nozzles onto a microfluidic platform was performed to tune the fluid flow profile and depth of penetration into biological tissue mimics. Performance characteristics were measured by correlating the flow rate through the device to the applied pressure and/or delivery of dyes into solution and agarose gel-based phantom tissue. From these results, the implementation of micro-nozzles was demonstrated to significantly improve the lateral dispersion of delivered fluid and increase the depth of penetration into phantom tissue.
Neutrophils and zinc in infection-prone children with sickle cell disease.

Neutrophils can be distinguished as EA negative (EA - N) or EA positive (EA + N), according to rosette formation with sheep erythrocytes. EA - neutrophils show a bactericidal activity 50% to 70% lower than EA + neutrophils. Thirty children with sickle cell disease were studied during steady state and crises/infections, together with matched control children. EA + and EA - neutrophils, zinc levels in the body, and frequency of previous bacterial infection were evaluated. Sixty percent of the patients (18/30) had zinc deficiency (zinc 10 RBC): of this group, more than three fourths (14/18) had a high frequency of infections (≥3/yr) and most of those (11/14) also had an increased percentage of EA - neutrophils (80% to 85% v 35% to 45% in control subjects). Only 4/18 of patients with zinc deficiency had a low frequency of infections, and only one of these four had a higher percentage of EA - neutrophils. In patients with normal zinc levels (12/30 or 40%), only three had frequent infections, but only one of these had an increased percentage of EA - neutrophils. The number of EA + neutrophils increased after stimulation with epinephrine or during crises/infections. In six patients with more pronounced zinc deficiency and more severe crisis/infection, a delay in the increase of EA + neutrophils occurred and was corrected by treatment. These findings suggest that a higher percentage of neutrophils with less bactericidal activity in many children with sickle cell disease and zinc deficiency may be a factor in the higher incidence of infections noted in these patients, and zinc might play a role in the formation, release, and activity of neutrophils.
Partisans in Robes: Party Cues and Public Acceptance of Supreme Court Decisions

The public perceives the Supreme Court to be a legal institution. This perception enables the Court's legitimacy-conferring function, which serves to increase public acceptance of its decisions. Yet, the public acknowledges a political aspect to the Court as well. To evaluate how the public responds to the different images of the Supreme Court, we investigate whether and how depictions of specifically partisan (e.g., Republican) Court rulings shape public acceptance of its decisions while varying institutional, legal, and issue characteristics. Using survey experiments, we find that party cues and partisanship, more so than the imprimatur of the Court, affect public acceptance. We also find that polarization diminishes the effect of party cues. Attributing a decision to the Court does little to increase baseline acceptance or attenuate partisan cue effects. The Court's uniqueness, at least in terms of its legitimacy-conferring function, is perhaps overstated.
HaTCh: a two-level caching scheme for estimating the number of active flows

In this paper, we present a Markov model to examine the capability of SRED in estimating the number of active flows. We show that the SRED cache hit rate can be used to quantify the number of active flows. We then propose a modified SRED scheme, called HaTCh (hash-based two-level caching), that uses hashing and a two-level caching mechanism to accurately estimate the number of active flows under various workloads. We formulate a preliminary Markov model of the proposed scheme to show its effectiveness in preventing the monopoly of misbehaving flows. Simulation results indicate that the proposed scheme provides better estimation of the number of active flows compared to SRED, stabilizes the estimation with respect to workload fluctuations, and prevents performance degradation by efficiently isolating the misbehaving flows.
The effect of steep-front short-duration pulses on polyethylene cable insulation

The authors study the effect of steep-front short-duration (SFSD) impulses on 15-kV cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) cable insulation. They use a laboratory simulation of fast rise-time pulses that are being, and/or have the potential of being, observed on power systems. A special steep-front pulser was constructed which is capable of producing risetimes below 60 ns. The cables were subjected to these pulses to determine the degradation of the insulation as a function of applied voltage and the number of impulses. The voltage breakdown level as a function of the number of applied shots was determined for cable supplied from two different manufacturers. It is concluded that the voltage breakdown strength appears to be the most repeatable and accurate indicator of the degradation of the XLPE cable insulation as a function of repeated SFSD impulse applications and voltage levels. >
Proton radiation damage of Si APD single photon counters

Proton radiation damage of Si avalanche photodiodes were measured at 53 to 189MeV proton energy. The annealing rates were monitored at -10/spl deg/C, room temperature, and 55/spl deg/C. The results are compared with the previously published data.