cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract 130: Ox-LDL Impairs The Survival Of Bone Marrow Stem Cells Partially Through Membrane Damage Independent Of ROS Production In Vitro

Aims: cell-based therapy with bone marrow stem cells (MSCs) remains a viable option for tissue repair and regeneration. One of the major challenges for cell-based therapy is the limited survival of the cells after in vivo administration. The exact mechanism(s) for impaired in vivo survival of the implanted MSCs remains to be defined. Oxidized low-density lipid protein (ox-LDL) is a natural product in human blood, and the major contributor to the development of atherosclerosis. The present study was to investigate the effect of ox-LDL on the survival of bone marrow stem cells and the mechanisms in vitro. Methods and Results: Rat bone marrow multipotent adult progenitor cells (MAPCs) were treated with ox-LDL (with the final concentration of 10 and 20 ug/ml) for up to 48 hours. Exposure to ox-LDL resulted in significant cell death and apoptosis of MAPCs in association with a significant increase in LDH release in the conditioned media in a dose- and time-dependent manner, indicating significant cell membrane damage. The membrane damage was further confirmed with the rapid entry of the small fluorescent dye FM1-43 as detected using confocal microscope. Ox-LDL generated a significant amount of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the culture system as measured with electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. The antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC, 0.1 mM) completely inhibited the production of ROS from ox-LDL. However, it didn’t prevent ox-LDL-induced cell death or apoptosis. However, pre-treatment of the cells with the specific membrane protective recombinant human MG53 protein (rhMG53)(66 ug/ml, final concentration) significantly, reduced LDH release and the entry of FM1-43 dye into the cells exposed to ox-LDL. Conclusion: Ox-LDL enhanced cell death and apoptosis of MAPCs with a mechanism independent of ROS generation in vitro. Ox-LDL impaired the survival of MAPCs partially through cell membrane damage in vitro.
Predicting Survival of Salmonella in Low–Water Activity Foods: An Analysis of Literature Data

Factors such as temperature, water activity (aw), substrate, culture media, serotype, and strain influence the survival of Salmonella in low-aw foods. Predictive models for Salmonella survival in low-aw foods at temperatures ranging from 21 to 80°C and water activities below 0.6 were previously developed. Literature data on survival of Salmonella in low-aw foods were analyzed in the present study to validate these predictive models and to determine global influencing factors. The results showed the Weibull model provided suitable fits to the data in 75% of the curves as compared with the log-linear model. The secondary models predicting the time required for log-decimal reduction (log δ) and shape factor (log β) values were useful in predicting the survival of Salmonella in low-aw foods. Statistical analysis indicated overall fail-safe secondary models, with 88% of the residuals in the acceptable and safe zones (<0.5 log CFU) and a 59% correlation coefficient (R2 = 0.35). A high variability in log δ-value...
The Kernel Technology of Computer-aided Design for Water-saving Irrigation

According to the characteristic of water-saving irrigation and with ObjectArx technology,the CAD software system for water-saving irrigation was developed, with which many multifarious works, such as optimizing the pipe-net,computing waterpower and material calculation can be conducted. The software is open and and flexibility and can be used by a non-professional for drip irrigation design.
Role of PET/CT in Workup of Fever without a Source

Fever without source is a febrile illness without localizing signs or initial obvious cause. Early workup will often include chest radiography and computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen and pelvis, with or without CT of the chest. To evaluate localizing signs or symptoms or to further evaluate findings from initial studies, targeted imaging according to body part can be performed by using radiography, ultrasonography, CT, or magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Nuclear medicine studies can provide imaging of the whole body and may be helpful when the clinical and conventional imaging workup findings are negative or equivocal in identifying a source of fever. Nuclear medicine studies can be used to detect pathologic changes early in a disease course, even in the absence of an anatomic abnormality. Gallium 67 scintigraphy, indium 111- and technetium 99m-labeled leukocyte scintigraphy, and fluorine 18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (PET)/CT studies are all useful in the evaluation of fever, but the radiopharmaceutical cost for PET/CT is much lower than that for radiolabeled leukocyte studies. The increased use of bundled payments for inpatient admissions requires updated cost evaluations for the preferred nuclear medicine study. For inpatients in whom the findings from the initial clinical workup and imaging studies are nondiagnostic, PET/CT examination may be preferable to radiolabeled leukocyte studies because of its high sensitivity and lower cost. Negative findings at PET/CT can be helpful in excluding a suspected site of infection, and positive findings at PET/CT can be helpful in confirming a suspected site of infection or in identifying an unexpected cause of fever. (©)RSNA, 2016.
Breast Forces on the Spine.

Objective It is a well-established fact that women who have large, heavy breasts suffer from spine pain. The objective of this study is to assess the forces that the breast exerts on the spine. It is important that such women understand the stresses that the spine is forced to sustain because of heavy breasts. Materials and methods The study was conducted using finite element analyses (FEA) of a human spine under different loads, loads being defined as incremental weights being sustained by the spine. The goal was to assess the influence of female breast size and weight on the forces and stresses sustained by the spine. Results The magnitude of forces generated by the breast to the thoracic spine ranged between 8.5 pounds of force for underwire size 30 to 110 pounds of force for underwire size 60. All increments in between were assessed in Newton of force and pounds of force. Conclusion The magnification factor of forces generated by breast weight is 10X. Using the American bra sizing system a woman with a breast size of 36H would expect 52 pounds of force on the spine (for both breasts) while with weight loss she might reduce her breast size to 36D, with a corresponding reduction of force to 28 pounds of both breasts; that is, a total stress reduction of 24 pounds to the spine. On the other hand, surgical enlargement of size 34B breasts (18.4 pounds) to 34F (32.1 pounds) leads to an increase of ~14 pounds of force on the spine.
Topochemically De-Intercalated Phases of V2O5 as Cathode Materials for Multivalent Intercalation Batteries: A First-Principles Evaluation

The scarce inventory of compounds that allow for diffusion of multivalent cations at reasonable rates poses a major impediment to the development of multivalent intercalation batteries. Here, we contrast the thermodynamics and kinetics of the insertion of Li, Na, Mg, and Al ions in two synthetically accessible metastable phases of V2O5, ζ- and e-V2O5, with the relevant parameters for the thermodynamically stable α-phase of V2O5 using density functional theory calculations. The metastability of the frameworks results in a higher open circuit voltage for multivalent ions, exceeding 3 V for Mg-ion intercalation. Multivalent ions inserted within these structures encounter suboptimal coordination environments and expanded transition states, which facilitate easier ion diffusion. Specifically, a nudged elastic band examination of ion diffusion pathways suggests that migration barriers are substantially diminished for Na- and Mg-ion diffusion in the metastable polymorphs: the predicted migration barriers for Mg ...
An innovative lab environment for supporting hands-on networking exercises to distance learning students

This paper presents an innovative approach to designing hands-on networking exercises to support Distance Learning (DL) students. The telecom and networking curriculum requires a balance of theory and practice where students strengthen their learning of the theory through hands-on exercises at network labs. Hands-on exercise, as the name implies, requires hands on network devices for provisioning, configuration, and trouble shooting. With the significant growth of the Distance Learning students, it becomes a challenge to offer hands-on exercises to DL students. This paper presents three methods to address this need: (1) A Linux gateway for security control, (2) a terminal server for network device access, and (3) a web-based scheduling tool. The paper also discusses a major challenge which is technical support for the remote labs environment and presents solutions to address the challenge.
Dating the age of the last common ancestor of all living organisms with a protein clock

Publisher Summary The extant forms of life are divided into three domains: the Bacteria (eubacteria), the Archaea (archaebacteria), and the Eukarya (eukaryotes). Molecular data strongly indicate that the bacterial and archaebacterial lineages diverged first and later the eukaryotic lineage branched off from the archaebacterial lineage. Therefore, the date of divergence between the bacterial and the archaebacterial–eukaryotic lineages represents the last time that all living organisms shared a common ancestor—that is, the age of the last common ancestor (LCA) of all extant forms of life or the age of the cenancestor. 13 protein datasets were used to estimate the eubacteria–eukaryote divergence or the age of the last common ancestor (LCA) of living organisms. Three pairs of ancient duplicate proteins exist for which reliable alignment can be obtained for a substantial part of the sequences.
Oxygen Regulation of Cytochrome C554 Synthesis in Chloroflexus

Studies to elucidate the genetic control of development, by light and oxygen, of the synthesis of the pigments and proteins of the photochemical apChapautus of the green bacterium Chloroflexus aurantiacus have been undertaken. Chloroflexus is a facultative photosynthetic bacterium which grows either under anaerobic phototrophic conditions or under respiratory chemotrophic conditions in the dark. Under conditions of phototrophic growth, the cells contain reaction center and antenna bacteriochlorophyll-a (Bchl-a) located on an undifferentiated cytoplasmic membrane (CM). The major antenna bacteriochlorophyll (Bchl-c) is assembled in non-membranous cytoplasmic chlorosomes that are attached to the CM (1,2,3). Chlorosomes, reaction center, and their associated electron transport components are absent in dark grown respiratory cells. These photosynthetic components can be induced in these cells by imposing microaerophilic conditions (<50 µM O2) in the dark. In this work we have followed changes in oxygen concentration and correlated them with development of the photosynthetic apChapautus. Special attention was focused on cytochrome C554, the primary electron donor to the reaction center. Immunological and heme-staining analyses were used to determine how low oxygen induction affected both the synthesis of the cytochrome apoprotein and the assembly of the mature cytochrome with attached heme moieties.
Herpes Simplex Encephalitis

The successful outcome of a case of herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE) in a pregnant woman at 29 weeks gestation is reported from the Depts of Neurology and Gynecology and Obstetrics, Royal Perth Hospital and the State Health Lab Services, Perth, Western Australia.
Estimating Glomerular Filtration Rate Using the Chronic Kidney Disease-Epidemiology Collaboration Creatinine Equation Better Risk Predictions

Serum creatinine is measured more than 280 million times annually in the United States, and more than 80% of clinical laboratories now report an estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) when serum creatinine is measured.1,2 The most commonly used equation is the Modification of Diet and Renal Disease (MDRD) Study equation. Recently, the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) developed and validated a new equation, the CKD-EPI creatinine equation, which uses the same variables as the MDRD Study but is more accurate compared with measured GFR2,3; however, as for other diagnostic tests, other criteria are also important in clinical practice and public health, including detecting disease and predicting prognosis. Article see p 309 In this issue of Circulation: Heart Failure , McAlister and colleagues compare the CKD-EPI and MDRD Study equations for estimating prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and predicting mortality in a pooled individual patient dataset from 25 studies of 20 754 patients with heart failure included in the Meta-Analysis Global Group in Chronic Heart Failure (MAGGIC).4 CKD was defined as estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60 mL/min per 1.73 m2 Mortality was defined as incidence per 1000 person years. During the average follow-up interval of 2.0 years, 4981 patients died. The authors showed that the CKD-EPI equation reclassified more people to lower than higher eGFR categories and more accurately predicted mortality risk than the MDRD Study equation. The finding of more accurate risk prediction using the CKD-EPI equation is consistent with previously published studies comparing the 2 equations for prediction of adverse outcomes (Table)4–9; however, in most other studies, reclassification to higher eGFR categories was more common than reclassification to lower eGFR categories. Understanding these findings requires some discussion of the GFR estimating equations …
Performance of Superconducting Magnet Prototypes for LCLS-II Linear Accelerator

The new LCLS-II Linear Superconducting Accelerator at SLAC needs superconducting magnet packages installed inside SCRF (superconducting radio frequency technology) cryomodules to focus and steer an electron beam. Two magnet prototypes were built and successfully tested at Fermilab. Magnets have an iron-dominated configuration, quadrupole and dipole NbTi superconducting coils, and splittable in the vertical plane configuration. Magnets inside the cryomodule are conductively cooled through pure Al heat sinks. Both magnets' performance was verified by magnetic measurements at room temperature, and during cold tests in liquid helium. Test results including magnetic measurements are discussed. Special attention was given to the magnet performance at low currents where the iron yoke and the superconductor hysteresis effects have large influence. Both magnet prototypes were accepted for the installation in FNAL and JLAB prototype cryomodules.
Getting Drugs Across Biological Barriers

The delivery of drugs to a target site frequently involves crossing biological barriers. The degree and nature of the impediment to flux, as well as the potential approaches to overcoming it, depend on the tissue, the drug, and numerous other factors. Here an overview of approaches that have been taken to crossing biological barriers is presented, with special attention to transdermal drug delivery. Technology and knowledge pertaining to addressing these issues in a variety of organs could have a significant clinical impact.
A Sensitive Near-Infrared Fluorescent Sensor for Mitochondrial Hydrogen Sulfide

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is an important gasotransmitter. Although a large number of fluorescent probes for cellular H2S have been reported, only a few can detect H2S in mitochondria, a cellular organelle connecting H2S with mitochondrial function and metabolic pathways. We hereby describe a novel near-infrared fluorescent probe, nimazide, by introducing sulfonyl azide to the core structure of a QSY-21 dark quencher. Nimazide responded quickly to H2S, resulting in robust fluorescence turn-off changes. This conversion displayed high specificity and fast kinetics. More impressively, we observed a robust fluorescence decrease in live cells loaded with mitochondrial nimazide in response to extracellular addition of nanomolar H2S, and successfully imaged biologically generated mitochondrial H2S in live mammalian cells. Nimazide is one of the most sensitive fluorescent probes for mitochondrial H2S.
Adolescent Physical Abuse

Research indicates that adolescent physical abuse represents an increasing proportion of child abuse. Adolescent abuse differs from the abuse of prepubertal children in its association with higher socioeconomic status, less severe injury, and family dynamics. This article presents a summary of the research on the prevalence, demographics, associated mental health problems, and treatment strategies for abused adolescents.
Accountability, Student Learning, and the Preparation and Licensure of Teachers: Oregon's Teacher Work Sample Methodology

This article describes Teacher Work Sample Methodology (TWSM) as one piece of an in-place accountability system for the initial preparation and licensure of teachers that includes evidence of student learning. The underlying tenets of both the methodology specifically and the notion of accountability systems generally are explored from the perspective of using evidence of student learning. This discussion includes the argument that teacher do indeed influence student learning and thus can ethically be part of an accountability system. However, the author also argues that the teaching and learning context is important and must be taken into account within such systems. The author also describes why, especially at the preservice level, the notion of accountability is part of a broader “social contract.” Finally, the author argues that the aim of any accountability system should be to develop personal, professional responsibility rather than to develop an external hammer for performance. A summary of the differences TWSM has made at the individual teacher level and within the institution, the state, and the nation generally is presented. The author concludes that the intended impact of the system—to develop personal, professional responsibility—has been largely achieved.
In Vitro Growth of Human Mast Cells and Their Functions

Long-term coculture of mononuclear cells of human umbilical cord blood with mouse skin derived 3T3 fibroblasts resulted in the development of human mast cells. These mast cells are morphologically and functionally mature, contain 1.4–2.8 μg histamine per 106 cells, and bear approximately 105FceR1 per cell. The mast cells sensitized with human IgE released histamine upon challenge with anti-IgE. All of the cells contained human mast cell tryptase. Electron microscopic analysis of the cells showed that they were mature human mast cells and clearly different from basophilic granulocytes. Most of the mast cells contained some granules with regular crystalline arrays and both tryptase and chymase, thus resembling human skin mast cells.
EFFECTS OF SOLAR SIMULATOR LAMP SPECTRUM ON SOLAR COLLECTOR TEST RESULTS

ABSTRACT To evaluate the effects of the solar simulator lamp spectrum at the Canadian National Solar Test Facility, the optical properties of selected glazing and absorber materials used in solar collectors were measured using a spectrophotometer. Values of transmittance-absorptance optical products, xa, were calculated, based on the standard AM 1.5 [1] and the solar simulator spectrum. The results identify materials that may produce significant errors, relative to outdoors, when tested in the solar simulator. The method represents a general technique that can be used for any solar simulator.
Hurricane knowledge and interpretation of forecasted error cone and wind potential graphics

Objective: The purpose was to examine how participants understand, interpret, and make decisions using hurricane forecast graphics. Design: A four-part online survey was administered. Participants were provided an error cone graphic and one of three experimental potential for damaging winds graphics. Hurricane knowledge was also measured. Subjects: Two hundred eighty-six individuals initially responded to the survey. A subset of the sample was used for analysis (N = 203, with 130 responding to questions in all four parts). The average age was 41.97 (SD 12.97) with a range from 18 to 75. The reduced sample was 56.7 percent female and 43.3 percent male. Results: Responses were significantly different between those receiving the potential for damaging winds graphic and both other graphics. The addition of the error cone did not significantly change decision making. Perceived helpfulness of the forecast graphic increased with the addition of the track, but similarly, the addition of the error cone did not contribute significantly (means = 5.91, 7.78, 8.09). A majority of respondents answered five of the six hurricane knowledge questions correctly (62.1-79 percent). The lowest percentage knew what ingredients hurricanes needed to form (36.3 percent). Conclusions: Track information significantly altered participants’ perceptions of risk from damaging winds, but the error cone did not. Hurricane knowledge was good, with misconceptions existing regarding the effectiveness of taping windows and the meaning of the term “major hurricane.” Understanding of the two forecast graphics was also good.
Results of exploratory investigation into adherence to auditory coping instructions during an acutely stressful task.

AbstractHealthcare providers often perform under significant stress, during which their performance must be optimal, but is known to suffer. Stress management interventions in this context can prov...
Downsizing a Baerveldt Glaucoma Implant For the Management of Persistent Postoperative Hypotony: A Case Series.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to describe a surgical technique for treating persistent hypotony after Baerveldt glaucoma implant (BGI) surgery. Materials and methods The medical records of 10 patients with persistent postoperative hypotony who underwent truncation of one or both wings of a previously placed BGI, combined with external ligation of the tube using a polypropylene suture, were retrospectively reviewed. Results All 10 eyes that underwent BGI truncation and placement of a single, external, nonabsorbable (polypropylene) tube ligature exhibited resolution of hypotony within 24 hours and resolution of choroidal effusions within the first 2 postoperative weeks. The median time interval between primary BGI surgery and truncation was 5 months (range, 1.5 mo to 8 y). Median postrevision follow-up time was 12 months (range, 5 mo to 16.2 y). The mean preoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) was 2.1±1.0 mm Hg, and the mean IOP rose to 29.2±13.9 mm Hg on postoperative day 1. Mean IOP at week 1, month 1, and month 3 was 20.5±10.4, 19.7±11.8, and 18.0±8.2 mm Hg, respectively, using an average of 1.4±1.4 glaucoma medications at postoperative month 3. Ligature release after BGI revision was performed in 9 (90%) of the 10 patients. The median time to ligature release was 1.5 months (range, 3 wk to 4 y). There was no recurrence of hypotony in any of these patients. At most recent follow-up, the mean IOP was 12.9±6.0 mm Hg on an average of 1.5±1.3 glaucoma medications. Five patients demonstrated improvement in visual acuity from their prerevision best-corrected visual acuity. Conclusions Truncation of one or both wings of a BGI and complete closure of the tube with nonabsorbable, but releasable, suture ligature is an effective and safe method for reversing persistent postoperative hypotony while maintaining IOP control.
Robust Accurate Identification and Biomass Estimates of Microorganisms via Tandem Mass Spectrometry.

Rapid and accurate identification of microorganisms and estimation of their biomasses are of extreme importance to public health. Mass spectrometry has become an important technique for these purposes. Previously we published a workflow named Microorganism Classification and Identification (MiCId v.12.26.2017) that was shown to perform no worse than other workflows. This manuscript presents MiCId v.12.13.2018 that, in comparison with the earlier version v.12.26.2017, allows for biomass estimates, provides more accurate microorganism identifications (better controls the number of false positives), and is robust against database size increase. This significant advance is made possible by several new ingredients introduced: first, we apply a modified expectation-maximization method to compute for each taxon considered a prior probability, which can be used for biomass estimate; second, we introduce a new concept called ownership, through which the participation ratio is computed and use it as the number of t...
Monocytes and the Host Response to Fungal Pathogens

Monocytes and their derivatives, including macrophages and dendritic cells, play diverse roles in the response to fungal pathogens. Sensing of fungi by monocytes triggers signaling pathways that mediate direct effects like phagocytosis and cytokine production. Monocytes can also present fungal antigens to elicit adaptive immune responses. These monocyte-mediated pathways may be either beneficial or harmful to the host. In some instances, fungi have developed mechanisms to evade the consequences of monocyte activation and subvert these cells to promote disease. Thus, monocytes are critically involved in mediating the outcomes of these often highly fatal infections. This review will highlight the roles of monocytes in the immune response to some of the major fungi that cause invasive human disease, including Aspergillus, Cryptococcus, Candida, Histoplasma, Blastomyces, and Coccidioides, and discuss potential strategies to manipulate monocyte responses in order to enhance anti-fungal immunity in susceptible hosts.
Prevalence of Periapical Abscesses in Patients with Hypertension: A Cross-sectional Study of a Large Hospital Population.

Abstract Introduction Hypertension is a common major systemic disease and 1 of the most significant causes of mortality worldwide. Persistent hypertension is 1 of the risk factors for stroke, heart attack, heart failure, and arterial aneurysm and is a leading cause of chronic kidney failure. Common medications used to treat hypertension include beta blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers, and calcium channel blockers. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of periapical abscesses in patients with different types of hypertension conditions and to evaluate the effect of commonly used antihypertensive medications on the prevalence of periapical abscesses. Methods The integrated data of hospital patients were used. Data from the corresponding diagnosis codes for hypertensive conditions and periapical abscess were retrieved by searching the appropriate query in the database. The odds ratio (OR) of periapical abscesses, its association with hypertensive conditions, and the intake of 4 antihypertensive medications were calculated and analyzed statistically. Results The prevalence of periapical abscesses in patients with hypertensive conditions was 1.2% compared with 0.558% in the general patient population of the hospital. The OR for the prevalence of periapical lesions in patients with hypertension was 2.32. For primary hypertension, the OR was 2.02; for hypertensive heart disease, the OR was 2.68; for hypertensive chronic kidney disease, the OR was 2.1; for hypertensive heart and chronic kidney diseases, the OR was 4.16; for secondary hypertension, the OR was 4.16; and for hypertension crisis, the OR was 5.64. For patients treated with beta blockers, the OR was 2.58; for patients treated with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, the OR was 2.73; for patients treated with angiotensin II receptor blockers, the OR was 1.93; and for patients treated with calcium channel blockers, the OR was 2.79. The differences were statistically significant (P Conclusions Under the conditions of this study, it appears that the prevalence of perapical abscesses is significantly higher in hypertensive patients. The prevalence of periapical abscesses is higher in patients with secondary hypertension than in those with primary hypertension. Angiotensin II receptor blockers may significantly lower the prevalence of periapical abscesses in hypertensive patients.
Descolonizando a saúde planetária

Intimamente conectada com decisoes politicas e interesses de mercado, a pandemia de Covid-19 e uma calamidade cronica agudizada que assola o mundo inteiro, desestabilizando conhecimentos e praticas biomedicas hegemonicas e revelando a precariedade dos sistemas de saude publica, assim como a impotencia profunda das redes de seguridade social e a fragilidade dos lacos de solidariedade que imaginavamos estaveis. O artigo reflete sobre os desafios impostos aos cientistas sociais e profissionais da saude em contextos neoliberais e a beira da autocracia num momento em que seus metodos e conceitos-chave sao chamados a dar conta de forma mais adequada aos complexos enredos territorializados pela emergencia generalizada e a cultivar micro, meso e macromodos de resistencia. Assim, instrumentos analiticos da antropologia medica e da saude global critica, como vulnerabilidade estrutural, determinantes politicos, racializacao, farmaceuticalizacao e descolonizacao do saber, podem ser valiosos recursos para leitura do presente e de intervencao nele, mas sao tambem desafiados pela dinâmica realidade que se desdobra. Contra o pano de fundo de uma crescente tensao entre a tecnocratica producao de microdispositivos humanitarios e o desenvolvimento de uma ciencia integrada de saude planetaria, o artigo ilumina a urgencia da articulacao de uma etica amazonica de cuidado.
Formation, collective motion, and merging of macroscopic bacterial aggregates

Chemotactic bacteria form emergent spatial patterns of variable cell density within cultures that are initially spatially uniform. These patterns are the result of chemical gradients that are created from the directed movement and metabolic activity of billions of cells. A recent study on pattern formation in wild bacterial isolates has revealed unique collective behaviors of the bacteria Enterobacter cloacae. As in other bacteria species, Enterobacter cloacae form macroscopic aggregates. Once formed, these bacterial clusters can migrate several millimeters, sometimes resulting in the merging of two or more clusters. To better understand these phenomena, we examine the formation and dynamics of thousands of bacterial clusters that form within a 22 cm square culture dish filled with soft agar over two days. At the macroscale, the aggregates display spatial order at short length scales, and the migration of cell clusters is superdiffusive, with a merging acceleration that is correlated with aggregate size. At the microscale, aggregates are composed of immotile cells surrounded by low density regions of motile cells. The collective movement of the aggregates is the result of an asymmetric flux of bacteria at the boundary. An agent based model is developed to examine how these phenomena are the result of both chemotactic movement and a change in motility at high cell density. These results identify and characterize a new mechanism for collective bacterial motility driven by a transient, density-dependent change in motility. Author summaryBacteria growing and swimming in soft agar often aggregate to form elaborate spatial patterns. Here we examine the patterns formed by the bacteria Enterobacter cloacae. An unusual behavior of this bacteria is the movement of cell clusters, millions of bacteria forming a tiny spot and moving together in the same direction. These spots sometimes run into each other and combine. By looking at the cells within these spots under a microscope, we find that cells within each spot stop swimming. The process of switching back and forth between swimming and not swimming causes the movement and fusion of the spots. A numerical simulation shows that the migration and merging of these spots can be expected if the cells swim towards regions of space with high concentrations of attractant molecules and stop swimming in locations crowded with many cells. This work identifies a novel process through which populations of bacteria cooperate and control the movement of large groups of cells.
Red flags and rave reviews: Explaining too-good-to-be-true crowdfunding campaigns

Abstract Crowdfunding platforms enable entrepreneurs to bring to life ideas that may otherwise have remained unrealized. When crowdfunding campaigns go well, campaigners are able to fulfill their vision, funders’ engagement is rewarded, and society gains access to a range of new offerings. But some recent high-profile medical-technology campaigns have failed to deliver their promised rewards despite reaching and at times far exceeding their funding goals. The objectives of this article are to shed light on why donors fund campaigns that turn out to be too good to be true and to examine how this engagement reduces trust in crowdfunding. To this end, I explore the role of product creativity as a dual mechanism for both funding success and postfunding delivery failure. Product creativity is typically associated with positive crowdfunding outcomes. But in the context of medical-technology campaigns, product creativity may make community members more attracted to campaigns that are less likely to deliver on their campaign promises. This phenomenon then increases the likelihood that the campaign will reduce trust in crowdfunding, hurting donors, the focal venture, and future campaigners. I offer practical implications for crowdfunding platforms, campaigners, and supporters interested in learning more about the pitfalls associated with initially successful crowdfunding campaigns.
Composing (with/in) extended reality: How students name their experiences with immersive technologies

Abstract While scholars of computers and writing would readily recognize XR technologies as composing technologies, different terminology used to describe these technologies and the act of creation could make it hard for students to recognize the rhetorical features and possibilities of their XR work. As scholars of writing, we need to know how students understand the technology in their own words to think about how to support their critical digital literacy work with XR. In this article, we share survey results revealing patterns in the ways students name and describe work with XR technologies. This data provides an opportunity for instructors and scholars of computers and writing to reflect on their own naming practices and on the power of naming in both reflecting and shaping students’ dispositions towards technologies and towards themselves as users and composers of them.
Intervention with Organizations

This chapter reviews the broader organizational literature on intervention strategies for improving organizational effectiveness and describes a comprehensive, planned intervention model labeled ARC for Availability, Responsiveness and Continuity, that was designed for social service and mental health service organizations. The chapter includes a brief review of several historical trends in the organizational intervention literature and an analysis of the work environments and organizational social contexts that must be addressed to improve social and mental health service systems. The ARC model provides a framework for implementing organizational interventions using a team-based process that is built on five guiding principles and 12 intervention components. The components were selected from the existing organizational change literature, adapted for social and mental health service systems, and arranged in three stages across the four phases of an organizational change effort. The ARC model is one of the few organizational change strategies to be tested in a controlled clinical trial and there is evidence that it is effective in decreasing staff turnover and improving work environments in child welfare and juvenile justice systems. Keywords: organizational intervention; organizational change; organizational culture; organizational climate; service effectiveness
A Benchmarking Algorithm to Determine Minimum Aggregation Delay for Data Gathering Trees and an Analysis of the Diameter-Aggregation Delay Tradeoff

Aggregation delay is the minimum number of time slots required to aggregate data along the edges of a data gathering tree (DG tree) spanning all the nodes in a wireless sensor network (WSN). We propose a benchmarking algorithm to determine the minimum possible aggregation delay for DG trees in a WSN. We assume the availability of a sufficient number of unique CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) codes for the intermediate nodes to simultaneously aggregate data from their child nodes if the latter are ready with the data. An intermediate node has to still schedule non-overlapping time slots to sequentially aggregate data from its own child nodes (one time slot per child node). We show that the minimum aggregation delay for a DG tree depends on the underlying design choices (bottleneck node-weight based or bottleneck link-weight based) behind its construction. We observe the bottleneck node-weight based DG trees incur a smaller diameter and a larger number of child nodes per intermediate node; whereas, the bottleneck link-weight based DG trees incur a larger diameter and a much lower number of child nodes per intermediate node. As a result, we observe a complex diameter-aggregation delay tradeoff for data gathering trees in WSNs.
A Linux-based Lab for Operating Systems and Network Courses

Computer science students at Auburn University learn about operating systems and networking using Linux in the computer lab
Zygotic Genome Activation Triggers Chromosome Damage and Checkpoint Signaling in C. elegans Primordial Germ Cells

Summary Recent findings have identified highly transcribed genes as a source of genome instability; however, the degree to which large-scale shifts in transcriptional activity cause DNA damage was not known. One example of a large-scale shift in transcriptional activity occurs during development, when maternal regulators are destroyed and zygotic genome activation (ZGA) occurs. Here, we show that ZGA triggers widespread chromosome damage in the primordial germ cells of the nematode C. elegans . We show that ZGA-induced DNA damage activates a checkpoint response, the damage is repaired by factors required for inter-sister homologous recombination, and topoisomerase II plays a role in generating the damage. These findings identify ZGA as a source of intrinsic genome instability in the germline and suggest that genome destabilization may be a general consequence of extreme shifts in cellular transcriptional load.
Large calculated electron-phonon interactions in La2-xMxCuO4.

Results of self-consistent linearized-augmented-plane-wave calculations within the local-density-functional approximation (LDA) are presented of the electron-phonon-induced linewidths and interaction strength of selected phonons in ${\mathrm{La}}_{2\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathit{x}}$${\mathit{M}}_{\mathit{x}}$${\mathrm{CuO}}_{4}$ at x=0.15. Through the use of a supercell geometry, rigid-ion-type approximations are avoided and the full electron-phonon matrix elements are determined from finite differences of the LDA potentials corresponding to frozen-in phonon at \ensuremath{\Gamma} X, and Z. At the X point, all fully symmetric ${\mathit{A}}_{\mathit{g}}$ modes (i.e., having the symmetry of the oxygen planar-breathing mode) as well as three modes having ${\mathit{B}}_{3\mathit{g}}$ symmetry are examined. Small linewidths were found for the three ${\mathit{B}}_{3\mathit{g}}$ modes, and moderate linewidths for the ${\mathit{A}}_{\mathit{g}}$ modes, the largest corresponding to ratios ${\ensuremath{\gamma}}_{\mathit{q},\ensuremath{\nu}}$/${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\omega}}}_{\mathit{q},\ensuremath{\nu}}$=0.02 for the oxygen breathing and axial modes.The axial ${\mathit{O}}_{\mathit{z}}$ mode at the Z point has a very large width, ${\ensuremath{\gamma}}_{\mathit{q},\ensuremath{\nu}}$/${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\omega}}}_{\mathit{q},\ensuremath{\nu}}$=0.11. Unusual long-range Madelung-like interactions are found to yield large matrix elements, especially for modes near the zone center and are responsible for couplings of the cations (La) to the charge carriers. The linewidth of a mode also directly determines ${\ensuremath{\lambda}}_{\mathit{q},\ensuremath{\nu}}$, the contribution of mode (q,\ensuremath{\nu}) to the electron-phonon coupling constant, \ensuremath{\lambda}, and an approximate average over the Brillouin zone yields \ensuremath{\lambda}\ensuremath{\simeq}1.3, about the magnitude necessary to explain ${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{c}}$ in ${\mathrm{La}}_{2\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathit{x}}$${\mathit{M}}_{\mathit{x}}$${\mathrm{CuO}}_{4}$. In spite of some very strong coupling to low-frequency modes, the mean frequency ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\omega}}}_{\mathrm{log}}$ that is important in determining ${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{c}}$ is large: ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\omega}}}_{\mathrm{log}}$=321 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$=462 K. The calculated large electron-phonon coupling arises from a combination of weak screening and unusual nonlocal Madelung-like interactions, in concert with strong Cu-O hybridization that results in good metallic behavior within the planes. These features are common to all of the layered cuprates, indicating that the entire class should show strong electron-phonon coupling.
C P -odd component of the lightest neutral Higgs boson in the MSSM

The Higgs sector of the minimal supersymmetric extension of the Standard Model (MSSM) may be described with a two Higgs doublet model with properties that depend on the soft supersymmetry breaking parameters. For instance, flavor independent $CP$-violating phases associated with the gaugino masses, the squark trilinear mass parameters and the Higgsino mass parameter $\ensuremath{\mu}$ may lead to sizable $CP$-violation in the Higgs sector. For these $CP$-violating effects to affect the properties of the recently observed SM-like Higgs resonance, the nonstandard charged and neutral Higgs boson masses must be of the order of the weak scale, and both $\ensuremath{\mu}$ as well as the trilinear stop mass parameter ${A}_{t}$ must be of the order or larger than the stop mass parameters. Constraints on this possibility come from direct searches for nonstandard Higgs bosons, precision measurements on the lightest neutral Higgs properties, including its mass, and electric dipole moments. In this article, we discuss these constraints within the MSSM, trying to evaluate the possible size of the $CP$-odd component of the lightest neutral Higgs boson, and the possible experimental tests of this $CP$-violating effect at the LHC.
Stochastic Mean‐Field Dynamics For Nuclear Collisions

We discuss a stochastic approach to improve description of nuclear dynamics beyond the mean‐field approximation at low energies. For small amplitude fluctuations, this approach gives a result for the dispersion of a one‐body observable that is identical to the result obtained previously through a variational approach. Furthermore, it incorporates one‐body dissipation and fluctuation mechanisms in accordance with quantal fluctuation‐dissipation relation.
Familial aggregation of anxiety associated with bruxism

Background: This paper reports the co-occurrence of heritable anxiety-related disorders and awake bruxism in a family and discusses the heritability of anxiety and implications of awake bruxism as comorbidity to anxiety disorders. Subjects: Ten out of 14 members of an extended family reported having a professionally diagnosed anxiety-related disorder. All individuals with anxiety disorders also showed intraoral signs of wear from bruxism and reported being aware of grinding their teeth while awake. Additionally, three out of the four family members without an anxiety-related disorder did not report grinding their teeth and showed no occlusal wear from bruxism. All of the individuals that were examined were educated about the short-term and long-term complications associated with bruxism, but all of them elected to not have treatment performed. Practical Implications: Anxiety disorders are highly related to suicidal behaviors, particularly in children and adolescents. Additionally, awaken bruxism can often serve as an indicator of anxiety or stress. By recognizing bruxism as a possible manifestation of psychological distress, the dental practitioner may be able to direct patients to life-saving services like psychologists and crisis hotlines when appropriate.
Defibrillator therapy in chronic kidney disease: is it worth it?

Chronic kidney disease (CKD), affecting >6% to 9% of the US population, is a major public health problem that is increasing in incidence.1 Because of the overlapping clinical comorbidities of age, diabetes mellitus, atherosclerotic disease, and hypertension, heart failure (HF) and CKD are both inextricably linked and synergistic.1 CKD and HF often coincide, whereas the overall prevalence of cardiovascular disease in the Medicare population is 7% to 9%, in patients with CKD it is 31%.1,2 It is well established that patients with CKD have a markedly increased risk of death when compared with those without CKD; current estimates of mortality are 77 to 241 per 1000 patient years, with risk increasing in a step-wise fashion according to severity of renal disease.1 The majority of deaths in patients with CKD are caused by cardiovascular disease (43%), and ≈60% of those are classified as sudden cardiac death (SCD), resulting in an annual SCD mortality rate of 7% in the dialysis population.3 In patients with coronary heart disease and CKD, the risk of SCD is strongly associated with severity of CKD, each 10 mL/min decrement in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) increases the risk for SCD by 11%.4 Article see p 793 In this issue of Circulation: Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology , Hess et al5 report from the National Cardiovascular Data Registry ICD registry clinical factors associated with excess mortality in patients with CKD. Patients with CKD, not surprisingly, were more likely to be older, women, and have more comorbidities. The risk of death in the patients with CKD on dialysis was nearly 5× that of those without CKD. Less ill patients with CKD still had a markedly worse—twice (GFR, 30–60) and 4× higher (GFR, <30)—risk of death than those without CKD. These findings align …
Computer simulation of EPR and ST-EPR spectra of nitroxide spin labels in the rigid-lattice limit

Abstract The rapid computer simulation of 9.5- and 35-GHz EPR and saturation transfer EPR spectra obtained employing finite Zeeman modulation amplitudes and microwave field intensities is discussed. The methodology outlined is relevant not only to the determination of magnetic tensors (e.g., electron Zeeman and electron-nuclear hyperfine) but also to the determination of molecular relaxation rates. Such data are in turn useful in the analysis of spectra from nitroxide spin labels undergoing rotational diffusion. The computer algorithms developed here are also relevant to the analysis of spectra of certain classes of oriented systems and certain classes of systems undergoing anisotropic rotational diffusion.
Watershed assessment along a segment of the Rio Conchos in Northern Mexico using satellite images

Satellite images were used to illustrate the usefulness of such data in evaluating the ecological impacts of precipitation and land use on selected segments of the lower Rio Conchos in northern Mexico. Variations in the size and turbidity of impounded reservoirs, riparian vegetation, soil salinity and land use within the Rio Conchos basin were analysed using four Landsat TM images over a period of 10 years. A variety of image enhancements were applied to determine subtle changes between the images. These, when combined with precipitation and historical land-use data as well as one time water quality and soil EC, provided useful interpretation of the images, and therefore, in the monitoring of the basin.