cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An evaluation of progressive amyloidogenic and pro-inflammatory change in the primary visual cortex and retina in Alzheimer's disease (AD).

James M. Hill , Prerna Dua, Christian Clement and Walter J. Lukiw* 1 Louisiana State University Neuroscience Center and Departments of Ophthalmology and Pharmacology, Louisiana State University Health Science Center, New Orleans, LA, USA 2 Department of Health Information Management, Louisiana State University, Ruston, LA, USA 3 Department of Natural Sciences, Infectious Diseases, Experimental Therapeutics and Human Toxicology Lab, Southern University at New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, USA 4 Department of Neurology, Louisiana State University Health Science Center, New Orleans, LA, USA *Correspondence: wlukiw@lsuhsc.edu
MIR-210 modulates mitochondrial respiration in placenta with preeclampsia

Preeclampsia (PE) affects 5-8% of all pregnancies and is associated with significant maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Placental mitochondrial dysfunction has been reported in PE. MicroRNAs (miRNA) are small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression through mRNA degradation and translational repression. MiR-210 has been previously shown to be upregulated in placentas from pregnancies complicated by PE. We hypothesized that placental mitochondrial dysfunction during PE can be mediated by miR-210. Placentas were collected at term from normotensive pregnancies (CTRL) and those complicated by severe PE (n = 6 each) following c-section (no labor). Villous tissue from PE showed significantly increased levels of HIF-1α compared to CTRL with no change in corresponding mRNA expression but with reduced DNA-binding activity. Mitochondrial complex III was significantly decreased in PE along with significantly reduced protein expression in complex I and IV during PE. Among the four miRNAs tested, miR-210 showed significant up regulation in PE and significant downregulation of its target, ISCU mRNA. To understand the role of miR-210 in PE, loss- and gain-of-function studies were performed using primary trophoblasts. Trophoblasts were transfected with miR-210 inhibitor or pre-miR-210 and mitochondrial function was measured using Seahorse Extracellular Flux Analyzer. Cells transfected with pre-miR-210 showed significant reduction in oxygen consumption. In contrast, transfection of trophoblast with AntagomiR-210 was sufficient to prevent the DFO-mediated respiratory deficiency. These data collectively suggest that miR-210 overexpression during PE could be responsible for placental mitochondria dysfunction.
Dissociation between the attentional effects of infusions of a benzodiazepine receptor agonist and an inverse agonist into the basal forebrain.

The effects of infusions of the benzodiazepine receptor (BZR) full agonist chlordiazepoxide (CDP) or the full inverse agonist β-CCM into the basal forebrain on behavioral vigilance were tested. Vigilance was measured by using a previously characterized task that requires the animals to discriminate between visual signals of variable length and non-signal events. Measures of performance included hits, misses, correct rejections, false alarms, side bias, and errors of omission. Following the infusion of saline (0.5 µl/hemisphere), the relative number of hits varied with signal length. In response to shorter signals, the number of hits decreased over time, indicating a vigilance decrement. Infusions of CDP (20, 40 µg/hemisphere) initially decreased the relative number of hits in response to shorter signals and, later in the course of the test sessions, to longer signals as well. CDP did not affect the relative number of correct rejections. In contrast, infusions of the inverse agonist β-CCM (1.5, 3.0 µg/hemisphere) did not affect the relative number of hits but decreased the relative number of correct rejections (i.e., increased the number of false alarms). These data suggest that the basal forebrain mediates the attentional effects of BZR ligands. As systemic or intrabasalis administration of BZR agonists and inverse agonists was previously demonstrated to decrease and augment, respectively, activated cortical acetylcholine (ACh) efflux, their effects on behavioral vigilance are hypothesized to be mediated via their effects on cortical ACh.
Bursal secretory cells: An electron microscope study

In addition to lymphocytes, macrophages, and epithelial cells, the bursa medulla possesses a cell we have named the secretory cell. The secretory cell, which makes up approximately 0.5% of the bursal cell population, exhibits an eccentric nucleus with a chromatin pattern similar to that of a small lymphocyte and an elongated cytoplasm with one or more cell processes. The electron-dense cytoplasmic granules of the immature secretory cell are localized around the cytocentrum, while in the mature secretory cell these granules are situated beneath the cell membrane of one process. The granular location endows a polarized appearance to the secretory cell. The surface of the membrane is covered with a finely spotted flocculated substance, which may originate from a granular discharge. The round, ovoid, or irregular-shaped granules reveal a homogeneous or distinctive internal pattern. The cortico-medullary border may be the germinal layer of the bursal medulla. The bursal secretory cell is a modified dendritic cell with possible endocrine functions that may be important in B-cell induction.
Dissecting Analogical Leveling Quantitatively: The Case of the Innovative Potential Suffix in Tokyo Japanese.

Analogical leveling in progress of a potential suffix in Tokyo Japanese is analyzed within a quantitative paradigm. The phenomenon, whereby an innovative potential and a conservative potential alternate, is shown through a multivariate analysis to be controlled by five factors: sociological variable complex, length of the verb stem, conjugation pattern of the verb, the following inflectional form, and embeddedness of the clause containing the suffix. Most of the linguistic constraints are observed crosslinguistically in language change or variation, giving further credibility to the analysis. Although traditional frequency-based theory of analogical leveling would predict stem frequency to be a possible factor, I demonstrate that it is not in this case. As a principled explanation for this apparent lack of contribution from frequency, the Revised Frequency Hypothesis is proposed.
Taxonomy of Elytrigia sect. Caespitosae and sect. Junceae (Gramineae: Triticeae)

Elytrigia is a genus of the perennial Triticeae whose taxa have been treated very differently in morphologically and genomically based classifications. A series of studies considering morphology, anatomy, isozyme variation and field observations was undertaken to determine the biosystematic relationships among sections Caespitosae and Junceae. A classification is presented on the basis of their results and available cytogenetic data. Keys, descriptions, distributions and illustrations for the two sections are presented.
Skin graft reconstruction of the composite resection defect

Background. Reconstruction of the composite resection defect should provide for adequate speech and swallowing functions. Poorly designed reconstructive efforts can result in significant oral dysfunction. The composite resection defect can be reconstructed by a variety of methods. The split-thickness skin-graft method provides excellent speech and swallowing functions with minimal morbidity. Methods. Forty-three patients who underwent composite resections and were reconstructed by split-thickness skin graft (STSG) were analyzed. The patients' charts were reviewed for oncologic outcome, speech and swallowing functions, and length of hospital stay. Results. Speech and swallowing functions were excellent. At last follow-up, more than 90% of the patients tolerated either a soft or regular diet. The length of hospital stay was only 13 and 18 days for patients who underwent marginal and lateral segmental mandibulectomy, respectively. There were few complications. Radiation therapy had no adverse effects on the grafts. Conclusion. The STSG method is our preferred method for reconstruction of marginal or lateral segmental mandibulectomy defects that do not require tissue bulk.
High-resolution fluorescence imaging via pattern-illuminated Fourier ptychography

Fluorescence microscopy plays a vital role in modern biological research and clinical diagnosis. Here, we report an imaging approach, termed pattern-illuminated Fourier ptychography (FP), for fluorescence imaging beyond the diffraction limit of the employed optics. This approach iteratively recovers a high-resolution fluorescence image from many pattern-illuminated low-resolution intensity measurements. The recovery process starts with one low-resolution measurement as the initial guess. This initial guess is then sequentially updated by other measurements, both in the spatial and Fourier domains. In the spatial domain, we use the pattern-illuminated low-resolution images as intensity constraints for the sample estimate. In the Fourier domain, we use the incoherent optical-transfer-function of the objective lens as the object support constraint for the solution. The sequential updating process is then repeated until the sample estimate converges, typically for 5-20 times. Different from the conventional structured illumination microscopy, any unknown pattern can be used for sample illumination in the reported framework. In particular, we are able to recover both the high-resolution sample image and the unknown illumination pattern at the same time. As a demonstration, we improved the resolution of a conventional fluorescence microscope beyond the diffraction limit of the employed optics. The reported approach may provide an alternative solution for structure illumination microscopy and find applications in wide-field, high-resolution fluorescence imaging.
ACTIVITY OF BACILLUS THURINGIENSIS ISOLATES AGAINST DIAPREPES ABBREVIATUS (COLEOPTERA: CURCULIONIDAE)

Abstract A collection of Bacillus thuringiensis isolates plausibly active against coleopteran insects was obtained from the Agricultural Research Service Culture Collection. Each isolate was cultured, spores and δ-endotoxin crystals were pelleted by centrifugation and lyophilized, and the resulting product was incorporated in insect diet for testing against Diaprepes abbreviatus neonates. A bioassay method was developed that utilized small amounts of insect diet and B. thuringiensis spores and δ-endotoxin to treat single neonates confined to 0.2-mL clear polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tubes. The method was less expensive in terms of labor and materials as compared to previous methods and reduced control losses due to burrowing and aggressive behaviors of D. abbreviatus larvae confined together. Of 19 B. thuringiensis isolates screened for activity against D. abbreviatus with a discriminating dose of 250 ppm spores and δ-endotoxin on diet, 5 were selected for further evaluation in dose-response experiment...
A chiral synthesis of dapoxetine hydrochloride, a serotonin reuptake inhibitor, and its 14C isotopomer

The 14C-isotopomer of dapoxetine-[14C] HCl (S (+)-N,N-dimethyl-α-[2-(1-naphthalenyloxy)ethyl-2-14C]benzenemethanamine hydrochloride, 1a), a potent serotonin re-uptake inhibitor has been prepared by a chiral synthesis, starting with tert.-butyloxyphenylglycine (3). Borane reduction, followed by activation of the resulting alcohol 4 as its mesylate 5b, provided the chiral starting material. The radiolabel was introduced by reaction of 5b with sodium cyanide-[14C]. The desired product (1) was then elaborated from nitrile 6a,b via a five step synthesis in an overall 19.5% radiochemical yield.
Aging without driving: evidence from the Health And Retirement Study, 1993 to 2008.

This study characterized older adults who do not drive (former and never drivers) and examined how this group of elders has changed over the past 15 years. Sample included community-living adults a...
Effects of Prenatal Testosterone Exposure on Sexually Dimorphic Gene Expression in the Neonatal Mouse Cortex and Hippocampus

Using gene expression microarrays and reverse transcription with quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), we have recently identified several novel genes that are differentially expressed in the neonatal male versus female mouse cortex/hippocampus (Armoskus et al.). Since perinatal testosterone (T) secreted by the developing testes masculinizes cortical and hippocampal structures and the behaviors regulated by these brain regions, we hypothesized that sexually dimorphic expression of specific selected genes in these areas might be regulated by T during early development. To test our hypothesis, we treated timed pregnant female mice daily with vehicle or testosterone propionate (TP) starting on embryonic day 16 until the day of birth. The cortex/hippocampus was collected from vehicle- and TP-treated, male and female neonatal pups. Total RNA was extracted from these brain tissues, followed by RT-qPCR to measure relative mRNA levels of seven sex chromosome genes and three autosomal genes that have previously showed sex differences. The effect of prenatal TP was confirmed as it stimulated Dhcr24 expression in the neonatal mouse cortex/hippocampus and increased the anogenital distance in females. We found a significant effect of sex, but not TP, on expression of three Y-linked (Ddx3y, Eif2s3y, and Kdm5d), four X-linked (Eif2s3x, Kdm6a, Mid1, and Xist), and one autosomal (Klk8) genes in the neonatal mouse cortex/hippocampus. Although most of the selected genes are not directly regulated by prenatal T, their sexually dimorphic expression might play an important role in the control of sexually differentiated cognitive and social behaviors as well as in the etiology of sex-biased neurological disorders and mental illnesses.
Differential Diagnosis of Leukocoria

(1993). Differential Diagnosis of Leukocoria. Seminars in Ophthalmology: Vol. 8, No. 4, pp. 273-280.
Relationship between treatment-seeking behaviour and artemisinin drug quality in Ghana

Background Artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) is currently the recommended first-line treatment for uncomplicated malaria infections. However, a significant proportion of ACT is assumed to be of poor quality, particularly in Africa. In addition, little is known about how treatment-seeking behaviour of individuals or drug price is associated with drug quality.
How to organize digital photos: A case study with amateur digital photographers

Digital cameras are rapidly replacing older film camera both in personal and in professional level of photography. Many people already have a digital camera at home. Even a cell phone may have a digital camera on it. As a result, people have numerous digital photos on their PC taken by their digital camera. To manage the photos, numerous software packages are available; however, their effectiveness is still questionable.
The influence of removing extracellular Ca2+ in the desensitization responses to capsaicin, zingerone and olvanil in rat trigeminal ganglion neurons

Desensitization is a process that describes the diminishing effect of a drug upon repeated applications. In regard to capsaicin, the pungent compound in hot pepper, it is well established that removal of extracellular calcium markedly diminishes desensitization. To explore whether this behavior extends to other analogues of capsaicin, we have determined the effect of removing extracellular calcium with capsaicin analogues, zingerone and olvanil, by whole-cell patch clamping cultured rat trigeminal ganglion neurons. Zingerone, like capsaicin, is pungent but has a shorter acyl chain, whereas olvanil is non-pungent and has a longer acyl chain. The currents evoked by 30-s applications of 30 mM zingerone or 1 microM olvanil repeated every 3 min differ in two important ways from the responses evoked by 1 microM capsaicin under these same conditions. In the presence of extracellular calcium, repeated applications of zingerone and olvanil produce nearly complete desensitization. Also in contrast to capsaicin, removing extracellular calcium for these two agonists does not diminish desensitization. These data analyses suggest the existence of calcium-independent pathways that can result in desensitization, and that pungency is not related to the phenomenon of desensitization.
Cooperative Cache Invalidation Strategies for Internet-Based Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks

Internet-based vehicular ad hoc network (IVANET) is an emerging technique that combines a wired Internet and a vehicular ad hoc network (VANET) for providing universal information and service accessibility. A key design optimization technique in IVANETs is to cache the frequently accessed data items in a local storage of vehicles. Since vehicles are not critically limited by the storage/memory space and power consumption, cache replacement scheme for accommodating new data items is not an issue. Rather, a more critical design question is how to keep the cached copies valid or to invalidate them when the original data items are updated. This is particularly important in IVANETs, where vehicles move very fast. This paper proposes state-aware cooperative cache invalidation (CCI) scheme and its enhancement (ECCI) that take advantage of the underlying location management mechanism. Extensive performance study shows that the proposed schemes can reduce the query delay as much as 69% and increase the cache hit rate up to 57% in comparison to two existing cache invalidation techniques, called poll-each-read (PER) and extended asynchronous (EAS). Note that PER and EAS have been modified to work in IVANETs.
The role of weight management in the health of women

Weight management plays a central role in preventing many diseases that affect women. Lifelong hormonal, psychological, and environmental influences on women elicit a set of behavioral and biological responses distinctive from men that place them at increased risk for overall weight concerns, weight gain, and obesity. Limitations of current treatment call for increased research to improve our understanding and guide efforts in this important aspect of women's health. Research needs to be conducted to define realistic and obtainable weight goals and to design educational strategies to promote health and self-esteem. Research in the field of weight management should be directed to understanding gender differences, etiologies, and effective treatments.
VisualGREP: A Systematic Method to Compare and RetrieveVideo Sequences

In this paper, we consider the problem of similarity between video sequences. Three basic questions are raised and (partially) answered. Firstly, at what temporal duration can video sequences be compared? The frame, shot, scene and video levels are identified. Secondly, given some image or video feature, what are the requirements on its distance measure and how can it be “easily” transformed into the visual similarity desired by the inquirer? Thirdly, how can video sequences be compared at different levels? A general approach based on either a set or sequence representation with variable degrees of aggregation is proposed and applied recursively over the different levels of temporal resolution. It allows the inquirer to fully control the importance of temporal ordering and duration. The general approach is illustrated by introducing and discussing some of the many possible image and video features. Promising experimental results are presented.
Quantifying Responses to Hybrid Striped Bass Predation across Multiple Trophic Levels: Implications for Reservoir Biomanipulation

Abstract Top-down effects from piscivores to phytoplankton have been documented in north temperate lakes, thus permitting managers to regulate these food webs. From our review of the literature, reservoir trophic interactions appear less amenable to biomanipulation owing to the presence of a fast-growing, omnivorous planktivore, gizzard shad Dorosoma cepedianum. If reservoir zooplankton can be enhanced by reducing gizzard shad through biomanipulation, this could increase survival of food-limited early life stages of sport fishes dependent on zooplankton and could improve water clarity by reducing phytoplankton. To quantify this potential, we evaluated responses of age-0 gizzard shad, crustacean zooplankton, and phytoplankton to the addition of hybrid striped bass Morone saxatilis × M. chrysops (22 kg/ha) to four of eight 0.4-ha ponds. Hybrid striped bass nearly eliminated age-0 gizzard shad from ponds within 10 d after being stocked, which permitted zooplankton density and size to increase but had no effe...
Influence of interfacial shear stress on first-matrix cracking stress in ceramic-matrix composites

The first-matrix cracking stress and fiber-matrix interfacial shear stress were measured in zircon-matrix composites uniaxially reinforced with either uncoated or BN-coated silicon carbide filaments to study the role of intentional changes in interfacial shear stress on first-matrix cracking stress. The first-matrix cracking stress was measured by mechanical tests performed in either tension or flexure, and the filament-matrix interfacial shear stress was measured by a fiber pushout test. The first-matrix cracking stress was independent of the measured interfacial shear stress and did not conform to the predictions of a number of energy-based micromechanics models. In contrast, the first-matrix cracking stress showed a good correlation with the first-matrix cracking strain, which is hypothesized to be a more realistic criterion for first-matrix cracking in this class of filament-reinforced ceramic-matrix composites.
Airway pressure release ventilation: what do we know?

Airway pressure release ventilation (APRV) is inverse ratio, pressure controlled, intermittent mandatory ventilation with unrestricted spontaneous breathing. It is based on the principle of open lung approach. It has many purported advantages over conventional ventilation, including alveolar recruitment, improved oxygenation, preservation of spontaneous breathing, improved hemodynamics, and potential lung-protective effects. It has many claimed disadvantages related to risks of volutrauma, increased work of breathing, and increased energy expenditure related to spontaneous breathing. APRV is used mainly as a rescue therapy for the difficult to oxygenate patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). There is confusion regarding this mode of ventilation, due to the different terminology used in the literature. APRV settings include the “P high,” “T high,” “P low,” and “T low”. Physicians and respiratory therapists should be aware of the different ways and the rationales for setting these variables on the ventilators. Also, they should be familiar with the differences between APRV, biphasic positive airway pressure (BIPAP), and other conventional and nonconventional modes of ventilation. There is no solid proof that APRV improves mortality; however, there are ongoing studies that may reveal further information about this mode of ventilation. This paper reviews the different methods proposed for APRV settings, and summarizes the different studies comparing APRV and BIPAP, and the potential benefits and pitfalls for APRV.
A new species of Bartramia (Bartramiaceae) from Chile

A new Bartramia species, B. bellolioella, is described from Arauco and Nuble provinces in the Bio-Bio Region of south-central Chile. The species belongs to section Vaginella Mull. Hal. It is closely related to the widespread B. ithyphylla Brid. and more distantly related to B. deciduaefolia Broth. & Yasuda from East Asia. Distinctive features of the species include its small size and spreading stem leaves that have enlarged, sheathing bases. Although sterile, B. bellolioella reproduces asexually by means of deciduous, linear-lanceolate leaves that lack sheathing bases. The deciduous leaves are produced at the stem apices or on whole plants.
Flow Cytometry as a Technique to Monitor the Effects of Environmental Genotoxins on Wildlife Populations

A critical environmental issue facing society is the problem of toxic waste disposal. The escape of toxins into the environment has resulted in local (e.g., Love Canal) or regional (e.g., Chernobyl) human health problems. The threat to human health posed by such pollution is profound, including both short-term and long-term effects. Environmental mutagens can cause somatic mutations that result in cancer or germ cell mutations that lead to impaired fertility or birth defects. Heritable mutations can affect levels of genetic polymorphism and evolutionary processes. Thus, the effects of exposure to such contaminants might be expressed years after the immediate problem has been resolved. Indeed, future generations as well as ourselves are at risk. Therefore, the detection of environmental mutagens, and the development of techniques to accomplish this, should be a high research priority for both health-related and environmental-related agencies. The primary focus of the author’s laboratory has been the comparative cytogenetics and population genetics of various wildlife species. Investigations into vertebrate chromosomal evolution have led to an interest in mutagenesis and the role that environmental mutagens play in ecological and evolutionary processes.
Erectile dysfunction and testosterone deficiency as gender-specific markers of cardiometabolic risk in minority and non-minority men: potential role of social determinants

Abstract Evaluation of cardiometabolic risk has become vital in the primary prevention of adverse vascular events (coronary artery disease, heart attack, stroke or congestive heart failure), particularly in younger middle-aged men (aged 40–60 years old). To discern the prevalence of events in these men, clinicians often stratify cardiovascular risk and treat according to traditional Framingham risk criteria. The Framingham Risk Score (FRS) is a useful and often used tool for estimating the 10-year risk for myocardial infarction or coronary death of an individual. It is supported by the 2010 ACCF/AHA guideline for assessment of cardiovascular risk in asymptomatic adults. The FRS is based on data obtained from the Framingham Heart Study and it incorporates age, gender, total and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, smoking, systolic blood pressure (BP), and use of antihypertensive medications. However, it is important to note that the Framingham study includes few data from patients <40 years of age ...
Multi-Physics Driven Co-Design of 3D Multicore Architectures

The high heat flux and strong thermal coupling in the 3D ICs has limited the performance gains that would otherwise be feasible in 3D structures. The common practice of adopting worst-case design margins is in part responsible for this limitation since average-case performance would be limited by worst-case thermal design margins. The coupling between temperature and leakage power exacerbates this effect. However, worst-case thermal conditions are not the common state across the package at runtime. We argue for the co-design of the package, architecture, and power management based on the multi-physics interactions between temperature, power consumption and system performance. This approach suggests an adaptive architecture that accommodates the thermal coupling between layers and leads to increased energy efficiency over a wider operating voltage range and therefore higher performance.In this paper, we target at a 3D multicore architecture where the cores reside on one die and the last level cache (LLC) resides on the other. The DRAM stack may be stacked on top of the package (e.g., 3D) or in the same package (e.g., 2.5D). We propose a novel adaptive cache structure — the constant performance model (CPM) cache — based on voltage adaptations to temperature variations. We construct a HSPICE model for the SRAM to explore the relationship between temperature, supply voltage, and the circuit delay in the context of the LLC. This model is used to investigate, characterize, and analyze the effect of the temperature-delay dependence of the SRAM LLC configuration on the system-level performance and energy efficiency. This analysis gives rise to an intelligent scheme for dynamic voltage regulation in the LLC cache that is sensitive to the temperature of the individual cache banks. Each cache bank is thermally coupled to the associated cores and thus is sensitive to the local core-level power management. We show that this local adaptation to the temperature-delay dependence leads to a significant power reduction in the LLC cache, and improvement of system energy efficiency computed as energy per instruction (EPI). We evaluate our approach using a cycle-level, full system simulation model of a 16-core x86 homogenous microarchitecture in 16nm technology that boots a full Linux operating system and executes application binaries. The advantages of the proposed adaptive LLC structure illustrate the potential of the co-design of the package, architecture, and power management in future 3D multicore architectures.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
“The Truth Is . . . My Soul Is with You”: Documenting a Tale of Two Evitas

One evening in 1973, or so the story goes, Tim Rice caught the last part of a BBC program about Eva Peron on his car radio. Intrigued enough to make a point of tuning into a later rebroadcast, he became fascinated with this woman, whose single saving grace—he later stated—was that “she had style, in spades.” In late 1976, after more than two years spent researching, writing, composing, and recording (and one or two trips to Buenos Aires), Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber released the studio album of Evita , their rock-opera follow-up to the hugely successful Jesus Christ Superstar . They would not work together again until they reunited to create the song “You Must Love Me” for the 1997 film version of Evita. The original staging of Evita , under Harold Prince's direction, premiered on 21 June 1978 in London's Prince Edward Theatre. The U.S. premiere came barely eleven months later, on 8 May 1979 in Los Angeles's Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. In December 1980, the Spanish-language version (translated and adapted by Jaime Azpilicueta and Ignacio Artime) opened at Madrid's Monumental Theatre. Although director Azpilicueta did not stray far from the original staging, except for a few “Argentinizing” modifications, on 26 June 1981 Prince premiered his own staging of the Azpilicueta—Artime translation in Mexico City.
Support and assist: approaches to mentoring in a yearlong teacher residency

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine mentor teachers’ approaches to mentoring preservice teachers in a yearlong teacher residency program (TRP). Design/methodology/approach – This multiple-methods study examined 15 mentor teachers’ approaches over the course of a year in an urban TRP through the lens of Wang and Odell’s (2002) framework for mentoring. Data sources included mentors’ self-assessments over three points in time across one academic year. These self-assessments included numerical ratings of practice (quantitative) as well as open-ended rationales and goal setting (qualitative). Findings – Mentors predominately provided support and technical assistance to the residents learning to teach, drawing on humanistic, and situated apprentice perspectives on mentoring. They worked to develop residents’ self-confidence and exposed residents to a range of practices and school contexts. Glimmers of a more critical constructive approach were apparent in some mentors’ discussions of reflection an...
meshCurve: An Automated Low-Order to High-Order Mesh Generator

In this paper, we provide an overview of the soon-to-be released program meshCurve. The software aims to be a user-friendly tool to convert linear unstructured meshes to curved high-order meshes, based on a geometry reconstruction procedure. Usability and accuracy are its goals. Using state-of-the-art algorithms, the software reconstructs a highorder curved surface from the linear surface mesh, while retaining sharp feature edges from the original low-order surface. The upgrade process is automatic and does not require a CAD file. meshCurve may be used by CFD practitioners and researchers to easily produce quality high-order meshes from existing low-order meshes. The CGNS standard is used as the file format for input and output.
Fuzzy adjustment of weighting factor in model predictive control of permanent magnet synchronous machines using current membership functions

One of the problems pertaining to model predictive control (MPC) of a motor drive system is choosing the weighting factors in the cost function. The prevalent approach to obtain the weighting factors is an empirical method. The weighting factors chosen by this method are always fixed and designed based on a single operating point. Therefore, the designed weighting factors are not suitable for the whole range of operation of the system. In this paper, a fuzzy based adaptive scheme for updating the weighting factors in a permanent magnet synchronous drive system is proposed to overcome this problem. Simulation and experimental results are provided to prove the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Elimination of Impulsive Modes by Output Feedback in

In this paper,a Problem of eliminating the impulsive modes by output feedback in descriptor Systems is considered. First, we redefine the impulsive controllable subspace Ric,unobservable subspace RIb of the descriptor systems from a new point of view. Secondly, on the basis of these subspaces defined above, an interesting and meaningful mathematical identity is established as follows:dim(RIC)-dim (R R)+r=max deg det (sE-A+BKC).()As a corollary of(),a siSnificant conclusion,i.e.,there exist p linearly independent impulsive modes which can be eliminated by an output feedback law if and only if the SyStem possesses p linearly independent impulsive modes which are controllable and observable.It is alsO shown that the equality()holds for almost any gain K.
Immune checkpoint blockade reveals the stimulatory capacity of tumor-associated CD103+ dendritic cells in late-stage ovarian cancer

ABSTRACTAlthough immune infiltrates in ovarian cancer are associated with improved survival, the ovarian tumor environment has been characterized as immunosuppressive, due in part to functional shifts among dendritic cells with disease progression. We hypothesized that flux in dendritic cell subpopulations with cancer progression were responsible for observed differences in antitumor immune responses in early and late-stage disease. Here we identify three dendritic cell subsets with disparate functions in the ovarian tumor environment. CD11c+CD11b(−)CD103+ dendritic cells are absent in the peritoneal cavity of healthy mice but comprise up to 40% of dendritic cells in tumor-bearing mice and retain T cell stimulatory capacity in advanced disease. Among CD11c+CD11b+ cells, Lair-1 expression distinguishes stimulatory and immunoregulatory DC subsets, which are also enriched in the tumor environment. Notably, PD-L1 is expressed by Lair-1(hi) immunoregulatory dendritic cells, and may contribute to local tumor an...
Effects of para-substituents of styrene derivatives on their chemical reactivity on platinum nanoparticle surfaces

Stable platinum nanoparticles were successfully prepared by the self-assembly of para-substituted styrene derivatives onto the platinum surfaces as a result of platinum-catalyzed dehydrogenation and transformation of the vinyl groups to the acetylene ones, forming platinum–vinylidene/–acetylide interfacial bonds. Transmission electron microscopic measurements showed that the nanoparticles were well dispersed without apparent aggregation, suggesting sufficient protection of the nanoparticles by the organic capping ligands, and the average core diameter was estimated to be 2.0 ± 0.3 nm, 1.3 ± 0.2 nm, and 1.1 ± 0.2 nm for the nanoparticles capped with 4-tert-butylstyrene, 4-methoxystyrene, and 4-(trifluoromethyl)styrene, respectively, as a result of the decreasing rate of dehydrogenation with the increasing Taft (polar) constant of the para-substituents. Importantly, the resulting nanoparticles exhibited unique photoluminescence, where an increase of the Hammett constant of the para-substituents corresponded to a blue-shift of the photoluminescence emission, suggesting an enlargement of the HOMO–LUMO band gap of the nanoparticle-bound acetylene moieties. Furthermore, the resulting nanoparticles exhibited apparent electrocatalytic activity towards oxygen reduction in acidic media, with the best performance among the series of samples observed with the 4-tert-butylstyrene-capped nanoparticles due to an optimal combination of the nanoparticle core size and ligand effects on the bonding interactions between platinum and oxygen species.
Exhibition Announcement – Pharaoh in Canaan: The Untold Story. The Israel Museum, Jerusalem

PHARAOH IN CANAAN: THE UNTOLD STORY THE ISRAEL MUSEUM, JERUSALEM, ISRAEL 4 March 2016–25 October 2016
Negotiating Pharmaceutical Prices: A Change in Chinese Health Policy

Like many other nations, China believed the key to restricting national health expenditures for pharmaceuticals was the use of governmentally imposed price caps. Given the recent growth in pharmaceutical expenditures, China is moving away from price caps to a new process that includes locally negotiated prices in the hope that such price competition will lower national pharmaceutical pricing. The success of this policy endeavour will depend significantly on managing other aspects of pharmaceutical purchasing.
TH-CD-209-05: Impact of Spot Size and Spacing On the Quality of Robustly-Optimized Intensity-Modulated Proton Therapy Plans for Lung Cancer

Purpose: To investigate how spot size and spacing affect plan quality, especially, plan robustness and the impact of interplay effect, of robustly-optimized intensity-modulated proton therapy (IMPT) plans for lung cancer. Methods: Two robustly-optimized IMPT plans were created for 10 lung cancer patients: (1) one for a proton beam with in-air energy dependent large spot size at isocenter (σ: 5–15 mm) and spacing (1.53σ); (2) the other for a proton beam with small spot size (σ: 2–6 mm) and spacing (5 mm). Both plans were generated on the average CTs with internal-gross-tumor-volume density overridden to irradiate internal target volume (ITV). The root-mean-square-dose volume histograms (RVH) measured the sensitivity of the dose to uncertainties, and the areas under RVH curves were used to evaluate plan robustness. Dose evaluation software was developed to model time-dependent spot delivery to incorporate interplay effect with randomized starting phases of each field per fraction. Patient anatomy voxels were mapped from phase to phase via deformable image registration to score doses. Dose-volume-histogram indices including ITV coverage, homogeneity, and organs-at-risk (OAR) sparing were compared using Student-t test. Results: Compared to large spots, small spots resulted in significantly better OAR sparing with comparable ITV coverage and homogeneity in the nominal plan. Plan robustness was comparable for ITV and most OARs. With interplay effect considered, significantly better OAR sparing with comparable ITV coverage and homogeneity is observed using smaller spots. Conclusion: Robust optimization with smaller spots significantly improves OAR sparing with comparable plan robustness and similar impact of interplay effect compare to larger spots. Small spot size requires the use of larger number of spots, which gives optimizer more freedom to render a plan more robust. The ratio between spot size and spacing was found to be more relevant to determine plan robustness and the impact of interplay effect than spot size alone. This research was supported by the National Cancer Institute Career Developmental Award K25CA168984, by the Fraternal Order of Eagles Cancer Research Fund Career Development Award, by The Lawrence W. and Marilyn W. Matteson Fund for Cancer Research, by Mayo Arizona State University Seed Grant, and by The Kemper Marley Foundation.
Thirty Miles at Sea - Providing Consistent Care in an Inconsistent Environment.

Nantucket Cottage Hospital, a 19-bed facility and one of the smallest hospitals in Massachusetts, has to navigate the complexity of operating on an island 30 miles offshore, where the year-round population of 15,000 swells to more than 60,000 during the summer months.
What’s old is new again: Autologous stem cell transplant for AMD

Transplanted RPE cells derived from induced pluripotent stem cells maintained vision and were well tolerated in a patient with age-related macular degeneration.
ACHIEVEMENT IN SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS OF SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN RELATION TO EXPOSURE TO INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY

The study was under taken to investigate the relationship between achievement in Science and Mathematics with exposure to information and communication technology. The study was conducted on 200 students studying in 10+1 class in Government schools of Ludhiana District of Punjab (India). Marks obtained by the students in Science and Mathematics in their matriculation examination were taken as achievement in Science and Mathematics. Questionnaire prepared by investigator was used to collect data of exposure to use of information and communication technology. Results of the study revealed significant positive relationship of achievement in Science and Mathematics with exposure to information and communication technology.
Modeling interest-based social networks: Superimposing Erdős-Rényi graphs over random intersection graphs

There is a recent rise of interest-based social networks (e.g., Pinterest and Goodreads), which connect users by relations based on shared interests. In these networks, links between users manifest from selecting common interests from a pool of available interests. For example, two users may establish a link on Pinterest because of both liking dog photos, or on Goodreads due to reading the same novel. In this paper, we introduce a random graph model to represent an interest-based social network, in consideration of users' shared interests as well as their friend relations. More specifically, the graph model is the result of superimposing an Erdős-Renyi graph (representing friendships) over a uniform random d-intersection graph (representing common interests). We present critical conditions of the model parameters so that the network is connected. Our connectivity results are useful to understand interest-based social networks and particularly beneficial for publish-subscribe services in these networks. The formally-proved results are also confirmed via experiments.
Factor screening experiments using fractional factorial split plot designs and regression analysis in developing a top-down nanomanufacturing system for recycling of welding rod residuals

AbstractA promising technology for integration of top-down nanomanufacturing is equal channel angular pressing, a process transforming metallic materials into nanostructured or ultra-fine grained materials with significantly enhanced performance characteristics. To bridge the gap between process potential and actual manufacturing output a novel prototype system identified as indexing equal channel angular pressing (IX-ECAP) was developed to capitalize on sustainable engineering opportunities of transforming spent or scrap engineering elements into key engineering commodities by recycling 4043 aluminium alloy welding rod residuals. A resolution III fractional factorial split-plot experiment assessed significance of predictors on the response, microhardness, with multiple linear regression used for model development. Five process parameters involving pressing temperature, number of passes, pressing speed, back pressure, and vibration were studied. Microhardness conversions allowed theoretical determination ...
Antagonistic pleiotropy can maintain fitness variation in annual plants

Antagonistic pleiotropy (AP) is a genetic trade-off between different fitness components. In annual plants, a trade-off between days to flower (DTF) and reproductive capacity often determines how many individuals survive to flower in a short growing season, and also influences the seed set of survivors. We develop a model of viability and fecundity selection informed by many experiments on the yellow monkeyflower, Mimulus guttatus, but applicable to many annual species. A viability/fecundity trade-off maintains stable polymorphism under surprisingly general conditions. We also introduce both spatial heterogeneity and temporal stochasticity in environmental parameters. Neither is necessary for polymorphism, but spatial heterogeneity allows polymorphism while also generating the often observed non-negative correlations in fitness components.
Tumor infiltrating T cells have abnormal lipid metabolism that can be modulated by PD-L1 blockade.

T cell activation and function are tightly regulated by nutrient availability and cellular metabolism. The solid tumor environment has several attributes that affect the metabolism of tumor infiltrating T cells (TILs). For example, tumor cells compete with T cells for glucose and thereby limit T cell effector function. Moreover, highly hypoxic conditions that are found in the tumor environment impair the oxidative metabolism of T cells. Checkpoint inhibitory and co-stimulatory pathways have been shown to regulate T cell metabolism, indicating that cancer immunotherapies may modulate T cell function via metabolic processes. Here we show that tumor infiltrating T cells have abnormally high fatty acid uptake and lipid content, which is associated with increased expression of CD36, a fatty acid transporter. The abnormal metabolism is associated with the expression of exhaustion markers programmed death-1 (PD-1) and T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin-domain containing-3 (TIM3) and is due to the cancer microenvironment rather than antigen exposure. Blocking PD-1 signaling in vivo significantly reduced tumor progression and normalized lipid metabolism. In summary, immunometabolism including lipid metabolism can serve as biomarkers of T cell anti-tumor efficacy. Targeting immunometabolism represents a promising venue in cancer immunotherapy.
Prevailing Wages, Side-By-Side Bids, and School Construction Costs:

School districts in Maryland may ask contractors to submit two bids for the same construction project: one bid includes the payment of minimum prevailing wage and benefit rates, the other bid does ...
Parent Involvement in the Pediatric Resident Applicant Interview.

Abstract Background Parents and patients are actively involved in the clinical learning environment, yet scant literature exists about their involvement in the residency interview process. We aimed to pilot a process of including parents in resident interviews and to determine its value. Methods During the 2016-17 residency interview cycle, 22 parent volunteers, blinded to applicant credentials, conducted brief structured interviews with 118 applicants. We then surveyed all parents and applicants with the use of mixed methods: descriptive statistics to analyze 5-point Likert-type-scale responses, and content analysis to identify themes from open-ended questions. Although parent interviews were not used in ranking, we later compared final composite parent interview scores (1–10, with 10 being high) among the final rank and match list candidates. Results Response rates were high for both groups (parents 100%; resident applicants 98.3%). Parents felt strongly positive about meeting applicants (mean ± SD, 5.00 ± 0.00), the value of parent participation (4.90 ± 0.30), and their own experience (4.95 ± 0.22). Applicants felt positive about meeting parents (4.45 ± 0.70), the value of parent participation (3.92 ± 0.84), and their own experience (4.51 ± 0.67). Several themes emerged from both groups, with the most salient parent themes including the value of patient-centered perspectives and appreciation and joy of meeting applicants. Parent interview scores correlated with the final match list, with matched applicants scoring higher (9.08 vs 8.51; P = .05). Conclusions Involvement of parents in the pediatric residency interview process is achievable, is perceived positively by parents and applicants, and may provide valuable perspectives for consideration in residency selection.