cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fault tolerant motor drives for powered wheelchairs

A motor drive circuit consisting of the bridge and the interface unit is described. The behavior of current flow in the nonredundant bridge is shown. Failure modes in this bridge are described. In order to provide fault tolerance, a number of new designs using passive and active redundancy are presented and analyzed. An analysis of these designs is done. An interface unit for driving the high-side nFET is developed using the principles of bootstrapping. Calculations of the capacitance and resistance in this circuit are described. Finally, some test results using SPICE and some experimental results on the circuit implemented are presented. >
Microstructural Effects on Piezoelectric Cracking

The successful development of smart structures using piezoelectric sensors and actuators depends on a thorough characterization of the mechanical limits of these materials. However, fundamental discrepancies between theoretical predictions and empirical observations of their cracking behavior hinder attempts to provide appropriate design guidelines. The complex microstructure of a piezoelectric ceramic leads to severe nonlinear effects at the crack tip, motivating a physics-based investigation of the fracture mechanics. Specifically, the switching and saturation that occur at the level of individual polar domains require a multiscale viewpoint in order to evaluate the conditions which control crack advance. We introduce a model for domain switching based on discrete electric dipoles superimposed on a homogeneous medium with the macroscopic material properties. Each dipole then represents the deviation of a given domain’s polarization vector from the linear constitutive law. Within this framework, we develop a relationship between the apparent loads applied to a cracked sample and the local energetic forces driving the crack. Shrinking the length scale down to the crack tip reveals a “singularity conversion”, from the apparent combination of stress and electrical intensity factors to purely mechanical effective opening forces. Using the energy release rate derived from these local stress singularities to predict the dependence of failure load on applied electric field, we are able to reproduce the trends observed in the laboratory.
Excitation of the normal modes of a rotating earth model by an earthquake fault

Summary. The motion excited in a rotating earth model by a kinematically prescribed earthquake fault is solved for in closed form. In addition, expressions for the total energy released and the energy dissipated by bodily friction subsequent to faulting are obtained in terms of the normal-mode excitation amplitudes.
Evaluation of nitrogen retention and microbial populations in poultry litter treated with chemical, biological or adsorbent amendments

Poultry litter is a valuable nutrient source for crop production. Successful management to reduce ammonia and its harmful side-effects on poultry and the environment can be aided by the use of litter amendments. In this study, three acidifiers, two biological treatments, one chemical urease inhibitor and two adsorber amendments were added to poultry litter. Chemical, physical and microbiological properties of the litters were assessed at the beginning and the end of the experiment. Application of litter amendments consistently reduced organic N loss (0–15%) as compared to unamended litter (20%). Acidifiers reduced nitrogen loss through both chemical and microbiological processes. Adsorbent amendments (water treatment residuals and chitosan) reduced nitrogen loss and concentrations of ammonia-producing bacteria and fungi. The use of efficient, cost-effective litter amendments to maximum agronomic, environmental and financial benefits is essential for the future of sustainable poultry production.
BLACK IN TIME: EXPLORING NEW ONTOLOGIES, NEW DIMENSIONS, NEW EPISTEMOLOGIES OF THE AFRICAN DIASPORA1

This paper explores the way in which contemporary physics offers different categories of time, or temporal coordinates, that can help shed life on the “closed” epistemologies in African Diaspora Studies. Using the example of Kamari Clarke's “New Spheres of Transnational Formations: Mobilizations of Humanitarian Diasporas,” this article argues that Clarke's use of what physicists refer to as “B series time” provides a broader, more inclusive epistemology for the study of the African diaspora in the Social Sciences and Humanities.
Let the Record Speak: Medicolegal Documentation in Cases of Child Maltreatment

Children often present to emergency departments for evaluation and treatment of injuries or conditions that result from abuse. When child abuse is suspected, the physician must document the history, examination, medical impression, and report those concerns to the appropriate agency. Although physicians are often the first identifiers of abuse, the literature confirms that there is inadequate medical documentation for suspected child abuse victims. What is written in the medical record for these children significantly contributes to the success or failure of investigations and litigation. More importantly, however, medical documentation can ultimately impact the future of children who have suffered abuse. Therefore, emergency physicians must know what to document and put it into practice.
Embedded Surfaces with Ergodic Geodesic Flows

Following ideas of Osserman, Ballmann and Katok, we construct smooth surfaces with ergodic, and indeed Bernoulli, geodesic flow that are isometrically embedded in R3. These surfaces can have arbitrary genus and can be made analytic.
Regression of U-87 MG Human Glioblastomas in Nude Mice after Treatment with a Cytotoxic Somatostatin Analog AN-238

Receptors for somatostatin (SST) found on brain tumors could be used for targeting of chemotherapeutic agents. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of targeted cytotoxic SST analogue AN-238, consisting of 2-pyrrolinodoxorubicin (AN-201), a potent derivative of doxorubicin (DOX) linked to somatostatin analogue RC-121, on the growth of SST receptor-positive U-87 MG human glioblastomas. Nude mice bearing U-87 MG xenografts received i.v. saline or equimolar doses of AN-238 or AN-201 (150 nmol/kg). Experiments also included groups that were administered RC-121 prior to the injection of AN-238, and groups injected with AN-162, a cytotoxic SST analogue similar to AN-238 but containing DOX instead of AN-201. Tumor volume, weight, and burden were determined. The effect of AN-238 and AN-201 on the survival time of nude mice bearing orthotopically implanted U-87 MG tumors was also evaluated. The binding of AN-238 to U-87 MG tumors was determined by radioreceptor assay and SST receptor (SSTR) subtype by reverse transcription-PCR. Nineteen days after a single administration of AN-238 the growth of U-87 MG tumors in nude mice was significantly inhibited (P = 0.00168), whereas two injections of AN-238 produced the regression of tumors (P = 0.0046). AN-201 was toxic and ineffective at the same dose. The antitumor effect on AN-238 could be blocked by pretreatment of the tumor-bearing mice with RC-121. The mean survival time of nude mice inoculated orthotopically with U-87 MG cells into the brain was significantly prolonged by treatment with AN-238 (P = 0.0099). AN-162 failed to inhibit significantly the growth of U-87 MG xenografts. High affinity binding sites for SST and mRNA for SST-2 receptor subtype were detected in U-87 MG tumors. Cytotoxic SST analogue AN-238 can be targeted to SST receptors on U-87 MG human glioblastomas to produce powerful inhibition of growth.
Google Glass: A Driver Distraction Cause or Cure?

OBJECTIVE: We assess the driving distraction potential of texting with Google Glass (Glass), a mobile wearable platform capable of receiving and sending short-message-service and other messaging formats. BACKGROUND: A known roadway danger, texting while driving has been targeted by legislation and widely banned. Supporters of Glass claim the head-mounted wearable computer is designed to deliver information without concurrent distraction. Existing literature supports the supposition that design decisions incorporated in Glass might facilitate messaging for drivers. METHOD: We asked drivers in a simulator to drive and use either Glass or a smartphone-based messaging interface, then interrupted them with an emergency brake event. Both the response event and subsequent recovery were analyzed. RESULTS: Glass-delivered messages served to moderate but did not eliminate distracting cognitive demands. A potential passive cost to drivers merely wearing Glass was also observed. Messaging using either device impaired driving as compared to driving without multitasking. CONCLUSION: Glass in not a panacea as some supporters claim, but it does point the way to design interventions that effect reduced load in multitasking. APPLICATION: Discussions of these identified benefits are framed within the potential of new in-vehicle systems that bring both novel forms of distraction and tools for mitigation into the driver's seat. Keywords: Driver distraction; Keywords: Driver distraction; Language: en
The Proverbs of Solomon and the Wisdom of Women in the Old English Exeter Maxims

The Old English verse catalogue of proverbial statements and gnomic reflections known as Exeter Maxims (or Maxims I) is written out as three scribal sections in the Exeter Book of Old English poetry. Often remarking on general resemblances between Exeter Maxims and the Old Testament book of Proverbs, critics have not fully accounted for the importance of Proverbs’ overall structure as a poetic source for the vernacular poem. Authorized by King Solomon, the tripartite Proverbs is framed by a thematic antithesis of wandering and wise women that informs the lexical and thematic content of Exeter Maxims 62–65a and 93–106. These Old English passages paraphrase Proverbs and other Solomonic texts that share an interest in divine Wisdom. By identifying the influence of these Solomonic sources on Exeter Maxims, the present essay offers new interpretations of two difficult passages about women and wisdom in this sapiential poem. It also offers a new intellectual context for Exeter Maxims by connecting it to a rich tradition of Biblical poetry in praise of Wisdom, and thus contributes to a better understanding of the ‘Solomon complex’ in Old English poetry. This essay also sheds light on some of the ideological interests of an Anglo-Saxon readership contemporary with the poem’s inscribed form as well as its integrity as a tripartite poem.
A novel multi-coaxial hollow fiber bioreactor for adherent cell types. Part 1: hydrodynamic studies.

A novel multi-coaxial bioreactor for three-dimensional cultures of adherent cell types, such as liver, is described. It is composed of four tubes of increasing diameter placed one inside the other, creating four spatially isolated compartments. Liver acinar structure and physiological parameters are mimicked by sandwiching cells in the space between the two innermost semi-permeable tubes, or hollows fibers, and creating a radial flow of media from an outer compartment (ECC), through the cell mass compartment, and to an inner compartment (ICC). The outermost compartment is created by gas-permeable tubing, and the housing is used to oxygenate the perfusion media to periportal levels in the ECC. Experiments were performed using distilled water to correlate the radial flow rate (Q(r)) with (1) the pressure drop (DeltaP) between the media compartments that sandwich the cell compartment and (2) the pressure in the cell compartment (P(c)). These results were compared with the theoretical profile calculated based on the hydraulic permeability of the two innermost fibers. Phase-contrast velocity-encoded magnetic resonance imaging was used to visualize directly the axial velocities inside the bioreactor and confirm the assumptions of laminar flow and zero axial velocity at the boundaries of each compartment in the bioreactor. Axial flow rates were calculated from the magnetic resonance imaging results and were similar to the measured axial flow rates for the previously described experiments.
Noninvasive detection of anomalous origin of the left main coronary artery from the pulmonary trunk by pulsed Doppler echocardiography

Abstract This report describes the 2-dimensional (2-D) and Doppler echocardiographic features that may be helpful in the diagnosis of anomalous origin of the left main coronary artery (LM) from the pulmonary trunk (PT).
Non-BRAF targeted therapies for melanoma: protein kinase inhibitors in Phase II clinical trials

Introduction: Melanoma is one of the most aggressive forms of cutaneous malignancies displaying a substantial mortality rate among the various forms of skin cancers. The management of patients with advanced melanoma poses a significant challenge considering that the disease is refractory to most conventional therapies. Areas covered: This review highlights some of the genes and signaling molecules that are mutated in melanoma patients. The authors also discuss protein kinase inhibitors targeting non-BRAF mutations that are now being evaluated in Phase II clinical trials. Expert opinion: In light of several preclinical and clinical studies, it is clear that targeting single-gene mutations may not provide a desired therapeutic gain in the context of melanoma. Consequently, research will need to focus on rational combinations of novel therapeutic agents targeting multiple genetic aberrations or deregulated pathways to achieve a desired maximum clinical benefit. There is certainly a need for a better understa...
Data Sharing in a Multi-Tiered Supply Chain Network

As competition has intensified for both domestic and international firms, so has the need to increase operating and production efficiency and reduce costs, implying an increasing focus on integrating processes and sharing data between business partners (Edwards, Peters, & Sharman, 2001). The purpose of this study is to examine the state of data sharing practices between companies within a supply chain configuration and to assess the pervasiveness with which data moves beyond company boundaries.Our findings indicate that the number of tiers data shared correlates significantly with firm performance, but that the type of data shared varies depending on whether the partner is a customer or supplier. Customers appear more likely to receive inventory data and suppliers are most often provided forecast data. The sharing of data is most profound with adjacent supply chain partners. However, it is not uncommon for data to be shared directly with a nonadjacent supply chain member. The number of tiers moderated the...
Decoding fmri signatures of real-world autobiographical memory retrieval

Extant neuroimaging data implicate frontoparietal and medial-temporal lobe regions in episodic retrieval, and the specific pattern of activity within and across these regions is diagnostic of an individual's subjective mnemonic experience. For example, in laboratory-based paradigms, memories for recently encoded faces can be accurately decoded from single-trial fMRI patterns [Uncapher, M. R., Boyd-Meredith, J. T., Chow, T. E., Rissman, J., & Wagner, A. D. Goal-directed modulation of neural memory patterns: Implications for fMRI-based memory detection. Journal of Neuroscience, 35, 8531-8545, 2015; Rissman, J., Greely, H. T., & Wagner, A. D. Detecting individual memories through the neural decoding of memory states and past experience. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, U.S.A., 107, 9849-9854, 2010]. Here, we investigated the neural patterns underlying memory for real-world autobiographical events, probed at 1-to 3-week retention intervals as well as whether distinct patterns are associated with different subjective memory states. For 3 weeks, participants n = 16 wore digital cameras that captured photographs of their daily activities. One week later, they were scanned while making memory judgments about sequences of photos depicting events from their own lives or events captured by the cameras of others. Whole-brain multivoxel pattern analysis achieved near-perfect accuracy at distinguishing correctly recognized events from correctly rejected novel events, and decoding performance did not significantly vary with retention interval. Multivoxel pattern classifiers also differentiated recollection from familiarity and reliably decoded the subjective strength of recollection, of familiarity, or of novelty. Classification-based brain maps revealed dissociable neural signatures of these mnemonic states, with activity patterns in hippocampus, medial PFC, and ventral parietal cortex being particularly diagnostic of recollection. Finally, a classifier trained on previously acquired laboratory-based memory data achieved reliable decoding of autobiographical memory states. We discuss the implications for neuroscientific accounts of episodic retrieval and comment on the potential forensic use of fMRI for probing experiential knowledge.
Part I: Can States Require Proof of Citizenship for Voter Registration — Arizona v. Inter Tribal Council of Arizona

This term the Court will hear a case examining a perceived clash between state and federal law on voter registration. The federal law is the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) -- commonly known as “Motor-Voter” for the requirement that state’s provide voter registration materials when someone applies for a driver’s license. Under the NVRA, the Election Advisory Commission creates registration forms (in consultation with the states) that states must “accept and use.” Arizona law requires people registering to vote to provide proof of citizenship. A federal form that is not accompanied by proof of citizenship is not accepted. The Ninth Circuit ruled that the NVRA preempted the state law proof of citizenship requirements and the Supreme Court granted review.
ADAPTIVE DISTRIBUTION OF A SWARM OF HETEROGENEOUS ROBOTS

We present a method that distributes a swarm of heterogeneous robots among a set of tasks that require specialized capabilities in order to be completed. We model the system of heterogeneous robots as a community of species, where each species (robot type) is defined by the traits (capabilities) that it owns. Our method is based on a continuous abstraction of the swarm at a macroscopic level as we model robots switching between tasks. We formulate an optimization problem that produces an optimal set of transition rates for each species, so that the desired trait distribution is reached as quickly as possible. Since our method is based on the derivation of an analytical gradient, it is very efficient with respect to state-of-the-art methods. Building on this result, we propose a real-time optimization method that enables an online adaptation of transition rates. Our approach is well-suited for real-time applications that rely on online redistribution of large-scale robotic systems.
Alzheimer’s Model Develops Early ADHD Syndrome

We describe the first invertebrate model of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) that reproduces its major features, including hyperactivity, male predominance, marked exacerbation by simple carbohydrates, reversible response to dextroamphetamine, and a “paradoxical response” to stimulants. This model may offer new insight into ADHD pathogenesis and treatment. Furthermore, these findings are of particular interest in light of the recent epidemiological evidence showing that patients with dementia have a high frequency of antecedent ADHD symptoms.
An energetically consistent concurrent multiscale method for heterogeneous heat transfer and phase transition applications

Abstract A concurrent multiscale method is developed to model time-dependent heat transfer and phase transitions in heterogeneous media and is formulated in a way such that the energy being exchanged between scales is conserved. Ensuring this energetic consistency among scales enables the implementation of high fidelity physics-based models at critical locations within the coarse-scale to temporally and spatially resolve highly complex and localized phenomena. To achieve this, only Neumann boundary conditions are applied over the fine scale domain, ensuring a conservative formulation. The coarse-scale solution is used to reconstruct these Neumann boundary conditions on the fine scale, which are then used to evolve a separate system of governing equations. The results on the fine scale are then sent back to the coarse scale through an energy-based homogenization scheme. Transient simulations for the heat equation are implemented with the proposed method to demonstrate its accuracy in energy conservation and effectiveness, including the coupling of a phase field model at the fine scale to a coarse-scale heat equation.
If Not Two States, What Else?

In his last briefing to the Security Council Serry had warned that prospects for a two state solution were fading and that by default a “one state reality” was on the parties’ doorstep. While examining the implications the author exposes the fallacy of believing that the one state reality could over time turn into a solution. At the same time, fresh thinking is urgently needed to restore prospects for the two state solution. In this regard, the question is raised if a compromise involving two vexing final status issues—refugees and settlers—could present another way forward. In an effort to stir some fresh debate on a different perspective for a two state outcome, a suggestion on a Compromise on Residency Exchange (CoRE) is explained in this chapter.
Expression of SREBP-1c Requires SREBP-2-mediated Generation of a Sterol Ligand for LXR in Livers of Mice

The synthesis of cholesterol and fatty acids (FA) in the liver is independently regulated by SREBP-2 and SREBP-1c, respectively. Here, we genetically deleted Srebf-2 from hepatocytes and confirmed that SREBP-2 regulates all genes involved in cholesterol biosynthesis, the LDL receptor, and PCSK9; a secreted protein that degrades LDL receptors in the liver. Surprisingly, we found that elimination of Srebf-2 in hepatocytes of mice also markedly reduced SREBP-1c and the expression of all genes involved in FA and triglyceride synthesis that are normally regulated by SREBP-1c. The nuclear receptor LXR is necessary for Srebf-1c transcription. The deletion of Srebf-2 and subsequent lower sterol synthesis in hepatocytes eliminated the production of an endogenous sterol ligand required for LXR activity and SREBP-1c expression. These studies demonstrate that cholesterol and FA synthesis in hepatocytes are coupled and that flux through the cholesterol biosynthetic pathway is required for the maximal SREBP-1c expression and high rates of FA synthesis.
Experimental Investigation of the Effect of Trailing-Edge Flaps on Delta Wings

A low-speed wind-tunnel investigation is presented, characterizing the effect of plain trailing-edge flaps on 65 and 70 deg sweep delta wings. Four flap angles and three hinge locations were evalua...
Customized targeted therapy in Hodgkin lymphoma: hype or hope?

Although the majority of patients with Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) are cured with primary therapy, patients with primary refractory disease or relapse after initial treatment have poor outcomes and represent an unmet medical need. Recent advances in unraveling the biology of HL have yielded a plethora of novel targeted therapies. This review provides an overview of the data behind the hype generated by these advances and addresses the question of whether or not clinically these targeted therapies offer hope for patients with HL.
Building Bridges to a Brighter Tomorrow: A Systematic Evidence Review of Interventions That Prepare Adolescents for Adulthood.

Background. Data suggest that adverse social determinants during adolescence can set in motion a lifetime of poor social and health outcomes. Vulnerable youths are at particularly high risk in this regard.Objectives. To identify and assess the current evidence base for adolescent-focused interventions designed to influence adulthood preparation that could affect longer-term social determinants.Search Methods. Using a systematic review methodology, we conducted an initial assessment of intervention evaluations targeting 6 adulthood preparation subject (APS) areas to assess the quality and character of the evidence base. The review is specific to evaluated interventions that address at least 1 of the 6 APS areas: healthy relationships, adolescent development, financial literacy, parent–child communication, educational and career success, and healthy life skills.Selection Criteria. The inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) published in English in an independent, peer-reviewed journal; (2) conducted in deve...
How Do Racial/Ethnic Groups Differ in Their Use of Neighborhood Parks? Findings from the National Study of Neighborhood Parks

The current study examined racial/ethnic differences in use of parks and park facilities and features and self-reported park use and perceptions. We conducted observations in a nationally representative sample of 193 neighborhood parks in 27 US cities over a 1-week period between April and August of 2016 using the System of Observing Play and Recreation in Communities (SOPARC). To determine the propensity of different racial/ethnic groups to use parks relative to expectation based on their representation in the surrounding neighborhood, we calculated the percentages of park users of each race/ethnicity and compared these to the percentages of racial/ethnic groups residing in the neighborhood within a 1-mile radius of the park based on 2010 U.S. Census data. In the same parks, we administered an intercept survey to assess park users’ self-reported use and perceptions of the park (N = 1872). We examined racial/ethnic differences in self-reported use and perceptions of parks using GEE models that adjusted for several individual- and park-level covariates. Hispanics comprised a disproportionate percentage of observed park users. Racial/ethnic groups generally did not differ in their self-reported park use and perceptions, except for the social context of park visits. In adjusted models, Hispanics had significantly higher odds of visiting with a child family member (OR = 1.44) and lower odds of visiting alone than non-Hispanic whites (OR = .55). Findings highlight Hispanics’ greater propensity to use parks and indicate that parks may serve a communal purpose for Hispanics that they do not serve for other racial/ethnic groups.
Interactions between rising CO2 and temperature drive accelerated flowering in model plants under changing conditions of the last century

Past studies have shown that flowering times have accelerated over the last century. These responses are often attributed to rising temperature, although short-term field experiments with warming treatments have under-estimated accelerations in flowering time that have been observed in long-term field surveys. Thus, there appears to be a missing factor(s) for explaining accelerated flowering over the last century. Rising atmospheric CO2 concentration ([CO2]) is a possible candidate, and its contributions to affecting flowering time over historic periods are not well understood. This is likely because rising [CO2] is confounded with temperature in the field and preindustrial [CO2] studies are relatively rare. To address this, we tested the individual and interactive effects of rising [CO2] and temperature between preindustrial and modern periods on flowering time in the model system, Arabidopsis thaliana. We used a variety of genotypes originating from diverse locations, allowing us to test intraspecific responses to last-century climate change. We found that accelerated flowering time between the full-preindustrial and full-modern treatments was mainly driven by an interaction between rising [CO2] and temperature, rather than through the individual effects of either factor in isolation. Furthermore, accelerated flowering time was driven by enhanced plant growth rates and not through changes in plant size at flowering. Thus, the interaction between rising [CO2] and temperature may be key for explaining large accelerations in flowering times that have been observed over the last century and that could not be explained by rising temperature alone.
Oxidation of TiAl based intermetallics

The high temperature oxidation behaviour of the binary and ternary alloys of the Ti–48Al system was studied at different temperatures. The primary objectives of this work were the establishment of the activation energies, the migration tendencies of the alloy species, mechanism of oxidation and chemistry of the oxide scales. The ternary additions were Cr (1.5 at 19%), V (2.2 at%), W (0.2 at%) and Mn (1.4 at%). The addition of ternary additions did not play a significant role in the oxidation behaviour at 704°C. At 815°C the alloys with Cr and V exhibited linear oxidation behaviour with large weight gains while the base Ti–48Al alloys exhibited the best behaviour. At 982°C the Mn-containing alloy was the worst, exhibiting a linear oxidation behaviour while the alloy with V and W and the base alloy with 400 p.p.m. oxygen exhibited the best oxidation behaviour. At 982°C the outermost oxide layer in contact with air is always near stoichiometric TiO2. In all the alloys a layer of porosity is created just below the outer TiO2 layer by the Kirkendall mechanism due to the rapid outward diffusion of Ti atoms. The addition of trivalent atoms like Cr in small amounts appear to be detrimental to the oxidation process as they can generate additional oxygen vacancies while the addition of atoms with valence of 5, such as V, and 6, such as W, appear to have beneficial effect on the oxidation behaviour at 982°C by tying up oxygen vacancies.
A floating spherical Gaussian orbital model of molecular structure

The FSGO model has been used to make ab initio calculations of the geometrical structures of borazane and diborane. Where experimental data are available there is good agreement between calculated and observed values.
Reflection, Transmission, and Scattering of Waves

In this chapter we discuss behavior of waves at dielectric and conductor interfaces as well as scattering from bodies. The problem of conditions at the interfaces between two materials is a fundamental problem in testing. Many of the methods we use later depend on measurement of reflected or transmitted waves from a single interface or from multiple interfaces. To define the reflected fields, we define the reflection and transmission coefficients for a variety of interfaces.
DD44: Vertrauen – die Formel (August 2007)

Im „must read“ Buch The Trusted Advisor schlagen David Maister, Charles Green und Robert Galford eine Formel fur Vertrauenswurdigkeit vor.
Effects of Plant Identity and Chemical Constituents on the Efficacy of a Baculovirus Against Heliothis Virescens

Baculoviruses are arthropod-specific, dsDNA viruses primarily used to control lepidopteran pests. A limitation of the use of baculoviruses for pest control is that their efficacy is modifiable by host-plant chemicals. The levels of phenolic substrates and two foliar oxidative enzymes, peroxidase (POD) and polyphenol oxidase (PTO), were significant predictors of disease caused by a baculovirus in Heliothis virescens fed on either cotton or lettuce; POD was the more influential of the two enzymes. The higher the plant phenolase activity, the lower the percent mortality and the slower the insects died from viral infection. Whether a particular class of phenolic substrates was correlated with enhanced or attenuated baculoviral disease depended upon context, i.e., admixture. Diminution of viral efficacy by plant oxidative activity may compromise the compatibility of baculoviruses with other components of an integrated pest management system such as host plant resistance.
It All Depends, But on What? Testing Contingency in Public Strategic Implementation

AbstractThis article examines the factors that lead to the successful implementation of strategic initiatives by U.S. municipalities by testing a contingent model of strategic implementation using ...
Evaluation of Moebius syndrome with hand manifestations.

Background: Moebius Syndrome (MS) is characterized by congenital paralysis of the 6th and 7th cranial nerves, sometimes combined with deficits in cranial nerves and with limb anomalies. We reported that identifying common upper extremity orthopedic manifestations of this syndrome would asist physicians who care for affected patients to promtly establish a dignosis and treatment plan. Material Method: Our internal medical record system was queried and a keyword search for “Mobius/Moebius Syndrome” was conducted. The clinical data collected for each patient consisted of age at diagnosis, date of first and date of final follow-up, treatment type, treatment duration, and complications from treatment. Clinical data collected for hand and upper limb deformities included effected side, diagnosis, surgical procedures, and any post-op complications. All data was collected from radiographic images including X-ray, ultrasound, CT, and MRI imaging, and clinical, physical therapy, orthotics, and operative notes. Conclusion : As regards older reports, it is realized that abnormalities in upper extremity in MS is associated with PS. We wish that this descriptive study will be helpful for those physicians who encounter this rare disease, in terms of identifying and providing timely treatment for associated upper extremity abnormalities and for assisting in counseling patients.
Economic value of vaccinating geographically hard-to-reach populations with measles vaccine: A modeling application in Kenya.

BACKGROUND Since special efforts are necessary to vaccinate people living far from fixed vaccination posts, decision makers are interested in knowing the economic value of such efforts. METHODS Using our immunization geospatial information system platform and a measles compartment model, we quantified the health and economic value of a 2-dose measles immunization outreach strategy for children <24 months of age in Kenya who are geographically hard-to-reach (i.e., those living outside a specified catchment radius from fixed vaccination posts, which served as a proxy for access to services). FINDINGS When geographically hard-to-reach children were not vaccinated, there were 1427 total measles cases from 2016 to 2020, resulting in $9.5 million ($3.1-$18.1 million) in direct medical costs and productivity losses and 7504 (3338-12,903) disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). The outreach strategy cost $76 ($23-$142)/DALY averted (compared to no outreach) when 25% of geographically hard-to-reach children received MCV1, $122 ($40-$226)/DALY averted when 50% received MCV1, and $274 ($123-$478)/DALY averted when 100% received MCV1. CONCLUSION Outreach vaccination among geographically hard-to-reach populations was highly cost-effective in a wide variety of scenarios, offering support for investment in an effective outreach vaccination strategy.
Temperature-dependence of the bending elastic constant of DNA and extension of the two-state model. Tests and new insights.

Abstract Review and analyses of the experimental data indicate that in nearly all cases bending elastic constants of the effective springs between bp of DNA actually undergo a net increase with increasing T from 278 to 315 K. The exceptions to this rule are bending elastic constants obtained from equilibrium topoisomer distributions of a 2686 bp pUC19 DNA by assuming a fixed T-independent value of the torsion elastic constant. When the same data are analyzed using measured T-dependent values of the torsion elastic constant, which decline with increasing T, a modest increase in bending elastic constant with increasing T is obtained. After revising the torsion elastic constants of the previously formulated two-state cooperative transition model to account for additional data, that model is fitted to the bending elastic constants reckoned from the aforementioned topoisomer distributions to determine the best-fit values for each state. The rather good fit implies a strong negative linear correlation between the inverse bending and inverse torsion elastic constants as T is varied. Predictions of the resulting two-state model, wherein each state has fixed bending and torsion elastic constants, agree surprisingly well with single-molecule relative extension and torque data. The same model also yields good agreement with numerous other experimental data. With increasing T the equilibrium is shifted from the (longer, torsionally stiffer, flexurally softer) b-state toward the (shorter, torsionally softer, flexurally stiffer) a-state. This transition is suggested to be the origin of the so-called broad pre-melting transition exhibited by many, but not all, DNAs.
Coats disease in 351 eyes: Analysis of features and outcomes over 45 years (by decade) at a single center.

Purpose: To assess features and outcomes of Coats disease over 5-decades. Methods: Retrospective review of Coats disease patients at a single center. Features and outcomes were compared based on decade of presentation. Results: There were 351 patients with Coats disease. The presenting median age (6 years), male sex (84%), and unilaterality (100%) did not change per decade. Coats disease classification did not change per decade with Stage 1 (1%), Stage 2 (21%), Stage 3 (68%), Stage 4 (6%), and Stage 5 (1%). Clinical features that changed per decade (1970s vs. 1980s vs. 1990s vs. 2000s vs. 2010s) included 1980s features of more eyes with exudation in all 4 quadrants (22% vs. 58% vs. 44% vs. 33% vs. 27, P = 0.01) and total exudative retinal detachment (33% vs. 53% vs. 39% vs. 27% vs. 21%, P
Medieval Lyric: A Translatable or Untranslatable Zone?

This article argues that the role of Erich Auerbach and Leo Spitzer in debates about ‘world literature’ needs to be re-assessed in the light of their field specialism as medievalists. Hailed as the...
Selective Vulnerability of the Nucleus Basalis of Meynert Among Neuropathologic Subtypes of Alzheimer Disease

Importance Corticolimbic patterns of neurofibrillary tangle (NFT) accumulation define neuropathologic subtypes of Alzheimer disease (AD), which underlie the clinical heterogeneity observed antemortem. The cholinergic system, which is the target of acetylcholinesterase inhibitor therapy, is selectively vulnerable in AD. Objective To investigate the major source of cholinergic innervation, the nucleus basalis of Meynert (nbM), in order to determine whether there is differential involvement of NFT accumulation or neuronal loss among AD subtypes. Design, Setting, and Participants In this cross-sectional study, retrospective abstraction of clinical records and quantitative assessment of NFTs and neuron counts in the nbM was completed in January 2019 at the Mayo Clinic using the Florida Autopsied Multi-Ethnic (FLAME) cohort, which had been accessioned from 1991 until 2015. The FLAME cohort is derived from the deeded autopsy program funded throughout the State of Florida’s memory disorder clinic referral services. Of the 2809 consecutively accessioned FLAME cohort, 1464 were identified as neuropathologically diagnosed AD cases and nondemented normal controls available for clinicopathologic assessment. Quantification of NFTs and neuronal density in the anterior nbM was performed blinded to neuropathologic groupings. Main Outcomes and Measures Demographic and clinical characteristics, including cognitive decline measured using the Mini-Mental State Examination score (range, 0-30), were evaluated. The anterior nbM was investigated quantitatively for neuronal loss and NFT accumulation. Results In total, 1361 AD subtypes and 103 nondemented controls were assessed. The median (interquartile range) age at death was 72 (66-80) years in hippocampal sparing (HpSp) AD, 81 (76-86) years in typical AD, and 86 (82-90) years in limbic predominant AD. The median (interquartile range) count per 0.125 mm2of thioflavin S–positive NFTs was highest in the nbM of HpSp AD (14 [9-20]; n = 163), lower in typical AD (10 [5-16]; n = 937), and lowest in limbic predominant AD (8 [5-11], n = 163) (P Conclusions and Relevance These data provide supportive evidence that NFT accumulation in the nbM may underlie more widespread and severe cholinergic deficits in young-onset AD, in particular in patients with HpSp AD. Moreover, these findings underscore the importance of considering age at onset, sex, and apolipoprotein E genotype when assessing outcomes in AD.
The Paneth Cell: The Curator and Defender of the Immature Small Intestine.

Paneth cells were first described in the late 19th century by Gustav Schwalbe and Josef Paneth as columnar epithelial cells possessing prominent eosinophilic granules in their cytoplasm. Decades later there is continued interest in Paneth cells as they play an integral role in maintaining intestinal homeostasis and modulating the physiology of the small intestine and its associated microbial flora. Paneth cells are highly specialized secretory epithelial cells located in the small intestinal crypts of Lieberkuhn. The dense granules produced by Paneth cells contain an abundance of antimicrobial peptides and immunomodulating proteins that function to regulate the composition of the intestinal flora. This in turn plays a significant role in secondary regulation of the host microvasculature, the normal injury and repair mechanisms of the intestinal epithelial layer, and the levels of intestinal inflammation. These critical functions may have even more importance in the immature intestine of premature infants. While Paneth cells begin to develop in the middle of human gestation, they do not become immune competent or reach their adult density until closer to term gestation. This leaves preterm infants deficient in normal Paneth cell biology during the greatest window of susceptibility to develop intestinal pathology such as necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). As 10% of infants worldwide are currently born prematurely, there is a significant population of infants contending with an inadequate cohort of Paneth cells. Infants who have developed NEC have decreased Paneth cell numbers compared to age-matched controls, and ablation of murine Paneth cells results in a NEC-like phenotype suggesting again that Paneth cell function is critical to homeostasis to the immature intestine. This review will provide an up to date and comprehensive look at Paneth cell ontogeny, the impact Paneth cells have on the host-microbial axis in the immature intestine, and the repercussions of Paneth cell dysfunction or loss on injury and repair mechanisms in the immature gut.
Abstract A20: Single-cell immune TCR repertoire profiling in the context of immunotherapy by using three 10x Genomics libraries

10x Genomics single-cell sequencing provides a comprehensive and scalable solution for cell characterization and gene expression profiling of hundreds to tens of thousands of cells. For performance comparison of single-cell immune TCR repertoire profiling, we tested three libraries: (1) 5-prime gene expression, (2) direct enrichment for TCR, and (3) post-cDNA-amplification enrichment for TCR, on two invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells, on B240 and B241, with iNKT purity at 90% and 45%, respectively. We also performed correlation analysis between gene expression data and clonotype data by library 3. About 1,100 cells of B240 and 580 cells of B241 were sequenced. The numbers of productive clonotypes of B240 were identified as 165, 284, and 332 for the three libraries, respectively, while 47 clonotypes overlapped among the libraries. The numbers of productive clonotypes of B241 were 88, 152, and 148, respectively, while 35 clonotypes overlapped. Each sample is a mixture of iNK T cells and non-invariant NK T cells. We were able to identify the clusters of iNKT cells using the 5’ gene expression data by library 1 in tSNE plots for both B240 and B241. More importantly, the clusters correlated strongly with the TCR clonotypes identifying iNKT cells by library 3. Based upon our data, we noticed that the number of clonotypes identified is proportional to the number of cells sequenced regardless of libraries. Library 1 has low sensitivity in terms of clonotype detection, due to un-enrichment of TCR genes, and mainly detected single chain in each cell (beta chain most of the time). The other two libraries are able to identify high and similar number of clonotypes. However, library 3 is able to associate gene expression pattern with TCR clonotype usage, which is a big advantage over the other two libraries for 10x Genomics single-cell immune TCR repertoire profiling. Note: This abstract was not presented at the conference. Citation Format: Yuan Qi, Jin Seon Im, Xiaoping Su. Single-cell immune TCR repertoire profiling in the context of immunotherapy by using three 10x Genomics libraries [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on the Advances in Pediatric Cancer Research; 2019 Sep 17-20; Montreal, QC, Canada. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(14 Suppl):Abstract nr A20.
Rechargeable Batteries from the Perspective of the Electron Spin

Rechargeable batteries generate current through the transfer of electrons between paramagnetic and/or metallic electrode materials. Electron spin probes, such as electron paramagnetic resonance (EP...
MethylationToActivity: a deep-learning framework that reveals promoter activity landscapes from DNA methylomes in individual tumors

Although genome-wide DNA methylomes have demonstrated their clinical value as reliable biomarkers for tumor detection, subtyping, and classification, their direct biological impacts at the individual gene level remain elusive. Here we present MethylationToActivity (M2A), a machine learning framework that uses convolutional neural networks to infer promoter activities based on H3K4me3 and H3K27ac enrichment, from DNA methylation patterns for individual genes. Using publicly available datasets in real-world test scenarios, we demonstrate that M2A is highly accurate and robust in revealing promoter activity landscapes in various pediatric and adult cancers, including both solid and hematologic malignant neoplasms.
Kumanoa chaugulei (Batrachospermales, Rhodophyta), a new species of freshwater red algae from the Western Ghats, India

A new species of Kumanoa, K. chaugulei sp. nov., is described from Idamalayar, a major tributary of Periyar River flowing through the state of Kerala, India, based on morphological and molecular ev...
Human endothelial colony-forming cells provide trophic support for pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes via distinctively high expression of neuregulin-1

The search for a source of endothelial cells (ECs) with translational therapeutic potential remains crucial in regenerative medicine. Human blood-derived endothelial colony-forming cells (ECFCs) represent a promising source of autologous ECs due to their robust capacity to form vascular networks in vivo and their easy accessibility from peripheral blood. However, whether ECFCs have distinct characteristics with translational value compared to other ECs remains unclear. Here, we show that vascular networks generated with human ECFCs exhibited robust paracrine support for human pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (iCMs), significantly improving protection against drug-induced cardiac injury and enhancing engraftment at ectopic (subcutaneous) and orthotopic (cardiac) sites. In contrast, iCM support was notably absent in grafts with vessels lined by mature-ECs. This differential trophic ability was due to a unique high constitutive expression of the cardioprotective growth factor neuregulin-1 (NRG1). ECFCs, but not mature-ECs, were capable of actively releasing NRG1, which, in turn, reduced apoptosis and increased the proliferation of iCMs via the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Transcriptional silencing of NRG1 abrogated these cardioprotective effects. Our study suggests that ECFCs are uniquely suited to support human iCMs, making these progenitor cells ideal for cardiovascular regenerative medicine.