cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Case Study: Reviewing Methods of Assessing Community Adaptive Capacity for Jefferson County, Texas

With the increased attention on community sustainability and resilience, different poles have developed voicing similarities and/or differences of the two concepts. This study quantifies adaptive capacity of Jefferson County, Texas, one of the coastal communities at the Gulf of Mexico having some of the worse adverse effects. Review of existing methods is presented. Analyses were conducted for the last ten years: from 2005 to 2014. Interestingly, statistical analyses showed that the County’s socio-economic profile or indicators have not changed throughout the ten years, but the environmental, institutional, and infrastructure indicators have. Focusing on one location magnifies the adaptive capacity of Jefferson County, the temporal aspect of both perspectives, and the relevance of existing methods to this community with its peculiarities. Future assessments need to be based on primary data collected through participatory engagement of all stakeholders. This calls for attempts to quantify adaptive capacity using the comparatively more challenging deductive reasoning, which would allow for incorporation of more risks and thus higher readiness.
Colorimetric Stress Memory Sensor Based on Disassembly of Gold Nanoparticle Chains

We report the development of a stress-responsive colorimetric film that can memorize the stress it has experienced. The system is designed by taking advantage of the plasmonic shift associated with the disassembly of one-dimensional gold nanoparticle chains driven by the plastic deformation of the surrounding polymer matrix. By modifying the plasticity of the polymer, we demonstrate that the plasmonic shift and colorimetric change respond to a large range of stresses. This novel pressure indicating film can be used to capture and record the pressure distribution and magnitude between two contacting or impacting surfaces by outputting color information.
Why Productivity Enhancing Reforms Will Help Greece Exit the Crisis and Usher in Long Run Growth

With the onset of the Greek crisis, Greece was dealt a huge economic shock of historical significance, resulting in losses of quantitative and qualitative significance. This paper takes a longer-run view in assessing where Greece is at in tackling the problems that the crisis has bequeathed us. An important dimension of the Greek crisis is that the Greek population lost not only income but also wealth. Such losses may be offset only by sustained increases in employment and economic growth. Public investment has virtually ceased during the crisis, so that because of depreciation public capital has decreased. Private capital has also decreased, because of the collapse of private investment. Moving forward, economic growth depends critically on the joint evolution of private capital and public debt. There are two additional elements whose joint dynamics are important for the debt dynamics, over and above the rate of private capital accumulation. They are the dynamics of population growth and of total factor productivity growth. In Greece nowadays, fewer births, increased return migration by recent immigrants, and out-migration by young, skilled and thus geographically mobile Greeks imply a contraction of population and a worrisome demographic change in the form of adverse age composition, which has major fiscal implications. Thus, Greece needs an accelerated creation of job opportunities, which will not only allow the unemployed to return to jobs but also to prevent outmigration. In order to create employment opportunities, we need massive private and public investments. The aging of the population (and the accelerated retirements from the public sector, a cost-saving measure) itself is a factor in declining savings and the need for increased investment. What is not discussed much, in the context of the crisis, is that domestic savings might constrain the massive investment that is necessary, even with modest government savings, and therefore massive inward foreign investment would be necessary. The paper first assesses various ideas about getting growth started, and what might be
The Influence of Secondary Burden Parameters on CVT

Powergridof110kVandhighervoltageclasshasbasicallyrealized themicrocomputer protection and theelectrical energymeasurement devices.The investigation indicated the practical secondaryburden ofvoltage transformer was less than one tenth ofrated secondaryburden,and even lower than one hundredth.The paper discussed practical requirement scope on secondaryburden ofvoltage transformer;analyzed toobigparameters ofsecondaryburden caused various negative function to capacitor voltagetransformer(CVT),and evaluated theerror performanceofCVTin operation conditions.
Mechanics of Turbulent Buoyant Jets and Plumes

The mechanics of submerged turbulent jets has received a good deal of research attention. This work has resulted in an understanding of the process by which jets grow by entrainment of surrounding fluid. While of direct scientific interest, this work has practical implications that are of interest to engineers concerned with the design of systems that utilize jet concepts. A fluid motion is called a jet if its primary source of kinetic energy and momentum flux is a pressure drop through an orifice. A fluid motion whose main source of kinetic energy and momentum flux is body forces is called a plume. The flows, whose motion is in transition from a jet to a plume, are called a forced plume or a buoyant jet. Almost all jets whose fluid density differs from the ambient fluid density become plumes. This chapter discusses the mechanics of jets and plumes whose interactions with their environment are self-generated. It discusses how such jets and plumes are influenced by changes in the environment such as density stratification of the surrounding fluid, uniform motion of the ambient fluid, or turbulence within the ambient fluid.
What We Can Learn About Digital Badges from Video Games

This chapter discusses the use of achievements within commercial video game design and development. It also summarizes research designed around specialized learning games designed to test the effectiveness of badges on learner variables such as performance and motivation. To connect game achievements to digital badges in other educational scenarios, both psychological and design factors are considered. First, connections between games research and learner motivation are discussed, especially in regards to autonomy, mastery, and purpose. Implications for measurement and assessment are considered and strategies for evaluation from prior games researchers are reviewed. Next, an overview of achievement systems within popular game environments is provided. The second half of the chapter considers best practices for designing badges as proposed by game achievement researchers. One game, Fallout Shelter, is discussed in detail in regards to its use of effective achievement design. Educational badge designers who may be working in game-based systems or other interactive learning spaces can use this information to build better badging systems in other realms of learning. The chapter also shares some caveats gleaned from the use of achievements in video games. These cautionary notes about achievements taken too far, or achievements that overpower other features of learning spaces, are useful to consider for using digital badges effectively in educational environments. The chapter concludes by proposing directions for future research exploring the connections between video game achievements and digital badges.
To the Editor: Measles: More than the rash.

TO THE EDITOR : I read the excellent overview article on measles by Drs. Kumar and Sabella.[1][1] However, there are additional important clinical points regarding measles diagnosis that deserve further comment. Prior to definitive diagnosis, measles is a clinical diagnosis. Properly, much attention
Dephosphorylation of the Retinoblastoma protein (Rb) inhibits cancer cell EMT via Zeb.

ABSTRACTThe tumor suppressor Retinoblastoma (Rb) protein is highly phosphorylated in cancer cells largely due to the overexpression of cyclins or the loss of expression of cyclin dependent kinase inhibitors (cdki). Hyperphosphorylation of Rb promotes proliferation, and plays a role in the regulation of apoptosis. Recently, inhibition of cyclin dependent activity toward Rb has been identified as a strategy that has shown clinical efficacy. We utilized a method to induce phosphatase activity toward Rb in cells by shRNA silencing of PNUTS (Phosphatase Nuclear Targeting Subunit) that regulates PP1-mediated dephosphorylation of Rb. In this study, the effect of Rb dephosphorylation on the epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) was determined. The EMT transition is observed in cancer cells that have acquired invasive characteristics. In breast cancer cells grown in 3D Matrigel cultures, MCF7 cells undergo apoptosis in response to Rb dephosphorylation, whereas MDA-MB-231 and Hs578T cells exhibit a reduction i...
Model polymer system for investigating the generation of hydrogen peroxide and its biological responses during the crosslinking of mussel adhesive moiety.

Abstract Mussel adhesive moiety, catechol, has been utilized to design a wide variety of biomaterials. However, the biocompatibility and biological responses associated with the byproducts generated during the curing process of catechol has never been characterized. An in situ curable polymer model system, 4-armed polyethylene glycol polymer end-capped with dopamine (PEG-D4), was used to characterize the production of hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) during the oxidative crosslinking of catechol. Although PEG-D4 cured rapidly (under 30 s), catechol continues to polymerize over several hours to form a more densely crosslinked network over time. PEG-D4 hydrogels were examined at two different time points; 5 min and 16 h after initiation of crosslinking. Catechol in the 5 min-cured PEG-D4 retained the ability to continue to crosslink and generated an order of magnitude higher H 2 O 2 (40 μM) over 6 h when compared to 16 h-cured samples that ceased to crosslink. H 2 O 2 generated during catechol crosslinking exhibited localized cytotoxicity in culture and upregulated the expression of an antioxidant enzyme, peroxiredoxin 2, in primary dermal and tendon fibroblasts. Subcutaneous implantation study indicated that H 2 O 2 released during oxidative crosslinking of PEG-D4 hydrogel promoted superoxide generation, macrophage recruitment, and M2 macrophage polarization in tissues surrounding the implant. Given the multitude of biological responses associated with H 2 O 2 , it is important to monitor and tailor the production of H 2 O 2 generated from catechol-containing biomaterials for a given application. Statement of Significance Remarkable underwater adhesion strategy employed by mussels has been utilized to design a wide variety of biomaterials ranging from tissue adhesives to drug carrier and tissue engineering scaffolds. Catechol is the main adhesive moiety that is widely incorporated to create an injectable biomaterials and bioadhesives. However, the biocompatibility and biological responses associated with the byproducts generated during the curing process of catechol has never been characterized. In this manuscript, we design a model system to systemically characterize the release of hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) during the crosslinking of catechol. Given the multitude of biological responses associated with H 2 O 2 (i.e., wound healing, antimicrobial, chronic inflammation), its release from catechol-containing biomaterials need to be carefully monitored and controlled for a desired application.
Fads and fallacies in the name of small-sample microarray classification - A highlight of misunderstanding and erroneous usage in the applications of genomic signal processing

The purpose of this article is to highlight those topics that are believed to have displayed a record of misunderstanding and erroneous usage in the applications of genomic signal processing (GSP). We focus on the related subjects of feature selection, classifier design, and error estimation, which together form a microarray classification pipeline, discussing some of the most common "fads" and "fallacies" regarding classification methods that are routinely applied in the analysis of small-sample microarray data
Hendra virus fusion protein transmembrane domain contributes to pre-fusion protein stability.

Enveloped viruses utilize fusion (F) proteins studding the surface of the virus to facilitate membrane fusion with a target cell membrane. Fusion of the viral envelope with a cellular membrane is required for release of viral genomic material, so the virus can ultimately reproduce and spread. To drive fusion, the F protein undergoes an irreversible conformational change, transitioning from a metastable pre-fusion conformation to a more thermodynamically stable post-fusion structure. Understanding the elements that control stability of the pre-fusion state and triggering to the post-fusion conformation is important for understanding F protein function. Mutations in F protein transmembrane (TM) domains implicated the TM domain in the fusion process, but the structural and molecular details in fusion remain unclear. Previously, analytical ultracentrifugation was utilized to demonstrate that isolated TM domains of Hendra virus F protein associate in a monomer-trimer equilibrium (Smith, E. C., Smith, S. E., Carter, J. R., Webb, S. R., Gibson, K. M., Hellman, L. M., Fried, M. G., and Dutch, R. E. (2013) J. Biol. Chem. 288, 35726–35735). To determine factors driving this association, 140 paramyxovirus F protein TM domain sequences were analyzed. A heptad repeat of β-branched residues was found, and analysis of the Hendra virus F TM domain revealed a heptad repeat leucine-isoleucine zipper motif (LIZ). Replacement of the LIZ with alanine resulted in dramatically reduced TM-TM association. Mutation of the LIZ in the whole protein resulted in decreased protein stability, including pre-fusion conformation stability. Together, our data suggest that the heptad repeat LIZ contributed to TM-TM association and is important for F protein function and pre-fusion stability.
Formation of C1s-C1-inhibitor, kallikrein-C1-inhibitor, and plasmin-alpha 2-plasmin-inhibitor complexes during cardiopulmonary bypass.

Stimulation of platelets and neutrophils occurs during clinical cardiopulmonary bypass. We investigated whether the classical complement, contact, or fibrinolytic pathways are activated as potential sources of neutrophil agonists. Using enzyme-linked immunosorbent “sandwich” assays specific for C1s-C1-and kallikrein-C1- inhibitor complexes respectively, we found that there was a modest increase in plasma levels of each complex after clinical cardiopulmonary bypass was completed. The increased concentration of enzyme-inhibitor complexes reverted to baseline within 24 hours. Since these complexes are cleared in vivo, we measured their formation by assaying their plasma levels during in vitro simulated extracorporeal circulation. Over a period of two hours, C1s-C1-inhibitor complexes rose from a baseline of 2 +/- 1 nmol/L to 21 +/- 2 nmol/L, and kallikrein-C1-inhibitor complexes rose from 2 +/- 1 nmol/L to 25 +/- 5 nmol/L. However, there was no evidence of either in vivo or in vitro plasmin-alpha 2-plasmin-inhibitor complex formation. These results indicate that the pathways of classical complement and contact activation, but probably not fibrinolysis, may be associated with neutrophil activation seen during clinical cardiopulmonary bypass.
Community Replacement in Estuarine Pleistocene Deposits of Eastern North Carolina

Nearly all examples of succession described from studies of fossiliferous sequences are, in fact, instances of a wholly different synecologic process. This process is community replacement, the gradual to abrupt substitution of one benthic community for another during changes in environmental settings. Requiring time spans intermediate between those needed for succession and community evolution, replacement yields a fossil record that can be termed a community replacement sequence. Such subevolutionary sequences arise by 1) gradual replacement, mainly involving adjustments in species-abundance distributions with some minor species turnover, caused by slight alterations in habitats; and 2) attritional replacement, dominated by species turnover in habitats subjected to more rapid and drastic environmental change. A sequence of fossil beds in the middle Pleistocene Flanner Beach Formation, Neuse River valley, North Carolina, represents a case of gradual community replacement. The community replacement sequence is reflected in the following vertical order of estuarine fossil associations within the Smith Gut and Beard Creek members. (1) open bay; (2) slightly restricted bay; (3) restricted lagoonal; (4) open lagoonal; and (5) lagoonal firm-ground. The proximal causes of replacement of the Flanner Beach communities were long-term changes in average salinity levels and intensity of seasonal environmental rigor, and, to a lesser extent, changes in substrate properties. These were ultimately related to a changing geomorphic configuration as barrier islands formed and isolated this segment of the western Atlantic coastline during an interglacial high-stand of sea level.
Abstract TP192: Ability of the Khorana Score to Predict Recurrent Thromboembolism in Cancer Patients With Ischemic Stroke

Introduction: Cancer patients who develop acute ischemic stroke (AIS) are at high risk for recurrent thromboembolism. No risk stratification model exists to predict recurrent events in this population. The Khorana score is a validated risk score for predicting venous thromboembolism in newly diagnosed cancer patients. Hypothesis: The Khorana score can effectively classify the risk of recurrent thromboembolism (RTE) in cancer patients with AIS. Methods: We retrospectively identified all adults with active systemic cancer diagnosed with AIS by MRI at a tertiary-care cancer center from 2005 through 2009. Two neurologists independently reviewed all available medical records through July 31, 2012. The Khorana score at the time of index stroke was calculated for each patient. Points were assigned for specific cancer sites (2 points for very high-risk sites: stomach or pancreas; 1 point for high-risk sites: lung, lymphoma, gynecologic, bladder, testicular, or renal), platelet count ≥350,000/mcL, hemoglobin Results: Among 263 study patients, 90 (34%) were diagnosed with RTE, including 36 (14%) with recurrent AIS. The median Khorana score was 2 (IQR 1-2, range 0-5). None of the individual components of the score were independently associated with RTE, although there was a nonsignificant trend for high-risk cancer sites (OR 1.56, 95% CI 0.88-2.77). The rate of RTE was 28% among patients with a score of 0, 36% among patients with a score of 1-2, and 32% among patients with a score of 3-6. The c-statistic was 0.52 (95% CI 0.45-0.58) for predicting RTE and 0.49 (95% CI 0.38-0.59) for predicting recurrent AIS. Discussion: The Khorana score has poor discriminatory ability for predicting RTE in cancer patients with AIS, probably because these patients represent an especially high-risk group. Future research is needed to identify better methods for predicting RTE in this high-risk population.
Recurrent Prostate Cancer with Fluciclovine

Fluciclovine is a radiotracer indicated for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging in men with suspected prostate cancer recurrence based on elevated blood prostate-specific antigen levels treated by hormone therapy or castrate-resistant prostate cancer. Fluciclovine is effective as part of a whole-body PET/MR imaging protocol and aids in the detection of local, lymph node, and bone relapse of metastatic prostate cancer.
Saturation Kinetics of Phosphate Reabsorption in Rats

It is a well known fact that increasing plasma concentration of phosphate is followed by enhancement of phosphate clearance, a finding which has been ascribed to saturation of phosphate reab-sorption. However, although it has been possible to determine a maximal transport rate for a given experimental situation, further description of the kinetics has not been possible with the use of clearance techniques.
重症熱性血小板減少症候群の疫学，病態および特異的治療・予防法の開発

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) was first reported in 2011 as an emerging virus infection caused by a novel Phlebovirus in the Bunyaviridae family [SFTS virus (SFTSV)]. In addition, it was reported to be endemic to Hubei, Henan, Shandong, and Heilongjiang provinces in China. The primary symptoms of SFTS are gastrointestinal symptoms such as fever, general fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. The total blood cell counts in patients with SFTS reveal thrombocytopenia and leukopenia. A woman in her 50s died due to multiorgan failure, intestinal hemorrhage, and hemophagocytosis in the autumn of 2012. She was retrospectively diagnosed with SFTS, suggesting that SFTS was endemic not only to China but also to Japan. Subsequently, SFTS was reported to be endemic to South Korea as well. Approximately 5 years have passed since the discovery of SFTS endemicity in Japan. To date, 40-100 patients with SFTS from the western part of Japan have been reported annually to the National Institute of Infectious Diseases. The case-fatality rate of SFTS is approximately 20%. This high case-fatality rate could be attributed to multiorgan failure, coagulopathy, and hemophagocytosis, which are induced in most patients with SFTS. Reportedly, an antiviral drug, favipiravir, was effective in treating SFTSV infection in an animal infection model. SFTSV has been found to circulate between wild animals and several species of ticks in nature, suggesting that we cannot escape the risk of infection with SFTSV and that SFTS will continue to occur in endemic areas. Hence, the development of specific treatment and preventive measures with SFTS vaccines is imperative.
Adverse Childhood Experiences: Prevalence and Association With Adolescent Health in Malawi.

Introduction Childhood adversity is robustly associated with poor health across the life course. However, very few studies have examined the prevalence and implications of adverse childhood experiences in low- and middle-income countries. The objective of this study is to measure adverse childhood experiences among adolescents in Malawi and examine the association with mental and physical health outcomes. Methods From 2017 to 2018, baseline data were collected among adolescents aged 10–16 years (n=2,089). Respondents were interviewed in their local language at their homes. Respondents completed questions on childhood adversity (Adverse Childhood Experiences-International Questionnaire), self-rated health, mortality expectations, and mental health (Beck Depression Inventory and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Scale). Stunting, obesity, and grip strength were measured. Analyses were conducted in 2018. Frequencies described the prevalence of adverse childhood experiences, and adjusted multivariate models examined whether cumulative adversity predicts current health. Results Adolescents reported a high burden of adversity (i.e., 5 lifetime adverse childhood experiences on average). Adolescents who scored in the top adverse childhood experiences quintile were more likely to report depression (OR=3.11, 95% CI=2.10, 4.60), post-traumatic stress disorder (OR=4.19, 95% CI=2.43, 7.23), worse self-rated health (OR=3.72, 95% CI=2.03, 6.81), and a higher expected likelihood of dying in the next 5 years (RR=5.02, 95% CI=2.15, 7.88) compared with those in the bottom quintile. However, adverse childhood experiences did not demonstrate a graded relationship with obesity, stunting, or grip strength. Conclusions These patterns are quite consistent with evidence from high-income countries and suggest that primary prevention of adverse childhood experiences should be a priority to ensure lifelong health in low-resources settings.
Novel MscL agonists that allow multiple antibiotics cytoplasmic access activate the channel through a common binding site.

The antibiotic resistance crisis is becoming dire, yet in the past several years few potential antibiotics or adjuvants with novel modes of action have been identified. The bacterial mechanosensitive channel of large conductance, MscL, found in the majority of bacterial species, including pathogens, normally functions as an emergency release valve, sensing membrane tension upon low-osmotic stress and discharging cytoplasmic solutes before cell lysis. Opening the huge ~30A diameter pore of MscL inappropriately is detrimental to the cell, allowing solutes from and even passage of drugs into to cytoplasm. Thus, MscL is a potential novel drug target. However, there are no known natural agonists, and small compounds that modulate MscL activity are just now being identified. Here we describe a small compound, K05, that specifically modulates MscL activity and we compare results with those obtained for the recently characterized MscL agonist 011A. While the structure of K05 only vaguely resembles 011A, many of the findings, including the binding pocket, are similar. On the other hand, both in vivo and molecular dynamic simulations indicate that the two compounds modulate MscL activity in significantly different ways.
Inversion in rough surface scattering via the frequency-difference autoproduct

The forward scattering of acoustic waves, with wavenumber k, from a rough surface is a well-known problem in underwater acoustics. A random rough surface, statistically characterized by its root-mean-square roughness h and its correlation length L, exponentially reduces reflected field coherence as kh increases. The frequency-difference autoproduct is a nonlinear mathematical construction that recovers field coherence in rough surface scattering by down shifting recorded signal frequencies, thereby minimizing apparent surface roughness. Salient features of frequency-difference-autoproduct forward-scattering results, including the dependence on both h and L, are shown. Further, this presentation describes the unique capability afforded by the frequency-difference autoproduct to approach the inverse problem in a rough surface scattering environment. In particular, inference of a random rough surface's root-mean-square height and correlation length is accomplished via autoproduct-based signal processing methods. The work implements an isotropic surface roughness profile corresponding to in-band roughness values of 1.25 < kh < 3.5. Using the same scattered signals, conventional in-band inversion techniques are compared to the results obtained via the frequency-difference autoproduct. Experimental results from a laboratory water tank may be discussed as well. [Work supported byONR.]
Developing Physical Exam Skills in Residency: Comparing the Perspectives of Residents and Faculty About Values, Barriers, and Teaching Methods.

Background:The physical examination (PE) skills of residents are often not improved since medical school. Unfortunately, how residents learn PE is not well understood. There is a paucity of researc...
The prospects and potential opportunities of low salinity water flooding for offshore applications in sandstones

Abstract Low salinity water flooding (LSWF) is an emerging enhanced oil recovery (EOR) technology with enormous potential for offshore applications in sandstones. The objective of this study is to provide a review on LSWF offshore field applications and summarize the key lessons learned. A review was also conducted on the capabilities of existing sulfate removal units (SRUs) for seawater injection in offshore fields. Furthermore, the potential of targeting offshore oil fields with de-sulfated seawater (DSSW) injection, either ongoing or planned, as primary candidates to switch over to LSWF EOR has been investigated. For LSWF field trials, the chance of success can be significantly improved when it is based on key laboratory screening tests such as reservoir condition corefloods. The LSWF field tests implemented in offshore fields mainly comprise of single well chemical tracer tests (SWCTT) and interwell trials. However, the reported interwell field trials are restricted to unconfined pilots, which makes the injection and production allocation difficult. Therefore, confined pilots are recommended for future consideration of LSWF field trials to provide better estimations on swept volumes and accurately determine the improvements in the displacement efficiency. Globally there are more than 80 sulfate removal units in operation for de-sulfated seawater (DSSW) injection in offshore waterflooding. All these offshore fields with DSSW injection either currently ongoing or planned can become potential candidates for screening and switch over to LSWF EOR for the following two reasons: (1) The divalent cations can act as bridges between negatively charged rock surfaces and negatively charged polar oil components to increase the oil-wet tendency. These bridges can become primary targets to be replaced by un-complexed cations in low salinity water for EOR. (2) The de-sulfated seawater injection processes can easily be switched to LSWF by retrofitting the existing sulfate removal units with reverse osmosis (RO) desalination systems and upgrading the facilities to handle larger water volumes. Such retrofitting is considered sufficient to generate low salinity water, which can bring significant gains to increase oil recovery with minimal additional investment. The availability of RO desalination systems on offshore platforms can also provide potential opportunities for the cost-effective implementation of tertiary chemical EOR technologies especially polymer flooding. The novelty of this study is that it provides useful guidelines for reservoir screening and offshore field implementation of LSWF processes. Also, the new potential of evaluating the offshore oil fields with existing DSSW injection for switching over to LSWF has been identified. These findings will have a potential impact on enhancing the LSWF prospects and opportunities for EOR in different offshore fields.
The Iodide Transport Defect-Causing Y348D Mutation in the Na+/I− Symporter Renders the Protein Intrinsically Inactive and Impairs Its Targeting to the Plasma Membrane

Background: The sodium/iodide (Na+/I−) symporter (NIS) mediates active transport of I− into the thyroid gland. Mutations in the SLC5A5 gene, which encodes NIS, cause I− transport defects (ITDs)—whi...
Botulism in cattle

Botulinum toxins are considered the most lethal toxic substances known to man. Eight botulinum toxins are produced by different strains of Clostridium botulinum, C. baratii and C. butyricum. Cattle are primarily affected by botulinum toxins B, C and D. Although these botulinum toxins can be found worldwide, certain botulinum toxins have predominance in certain geographical regions. Poisoned cattle often show muscle weakness, constipation, colic, ataxia, muscle fasciculation, decreased tongue tone and dirty noses. Currently no treatments other than supportive care are available for affected cattle.
Deciphering the Mechanisms of COVID-19 Induced Anosmia

SARS-CoV-2 infects less than 1% of cells in the human body, yet it can cause severe damage in a variety of organs. Thus, deciphering the non-cell autonomous effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection is imperative for understanding the cellular and molecular disruption it elicits. Neurological and cognitive defects are among the least understood symptoms of COVID-19 patients, with olfactory dysfunction being their most common sensory deficit. Here, we show that both in humans and hamsters SARS-CoV-2 infection causes widespread downregulation of olfactory receptors (OR) and of their signaling components. This non-cell autonomous effect coincides with a dramatic reorganization of the neuronal nuclear architecture, which results in dissipation of genomic OR compartments and elimination of genomic contact domains genomewide. Our data provide a novel mechanism by which SARS-CoV-2 infection alters the cellular morphology and the transcriptome of cells it cannot infect, providing insight to its systemic effects in the nervous system and beyond. Funding Information: NIDCD 3R01DC018744-01S1 (SL, JO) National Institutes of Health grant, 4D Nucleome Consortium U01DA052783 (SL) Howard Hughes Medical Institute Faculty Scholar Award (SL), Zegar Family Foundation (SL). Ethics Approval Statement: The study was approved by the ethics and Institutional Review Board of Columbia University Medical Center (IRB AAAT0689, AAAS7370). LVG Golden Syrian hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) were treated in compliance with the rules and regulations of IACUC under protocol number PROTO202000113-20-0743.
SYSTEMATIC SIMULATIONS OF AEROSOL OPTICAL PROPERTY RETRIEVAL UNCERTAINTY FOR SCANNING POLARIMETERS

Scanning polarimeters, which utilize multi-angle, multispectral polarimetric observations from aircraft and orbit, represent the next generation of instruments capable of determining aerosol and cloud properties remotely. Retrieval of these properties from observations, however, are not straightforward. Iterative minimization techniques are often used to match radiative transfer simulations to the observations, where the aerosol and cloud parameters of the optimal model match are considered the best estimate of what is physically present in the scene. If the radiative transfer model perturbation sensitivity, expressed as a Jacobian matrix, can be assessed at the solution, then the observation uncertainty can be projected into the domain of the retrieved parameters. These parameter uncertainties provide are an extremely useful means to assess retrieval success. Another aspect of our iterative minimization techniques is the need for a reasonable initial estimate of optical properties. This estimate is provided by matching observations to a Lookup Table (LUT) of pre-computed radiative transfer scenes. This LUT spans a wide range of aerosol and cloud optical properties, and also includes numerical estimates of the Jacobian matrix at each element in the LUT. Using the Jacobians, we can estimate the retrieval uncertainty for all elements of the LUT, and therefore build a table of expected uncertainty. This paper presents how this approach is used in a systematic manner, and how it can be used to test retrieval capability for various combinations of polarized, multi-angle and multispectral observations.
The use of high-resolution melting analysis for genotyping Symbiodinium strains: a sensitive and fast approach.

High-resolution melting (HRM) analysis is a closed-tube, rapid and sensitive technique able to detect DNA variations. It relies on the fluorescence melting curves that are obtained from the transition of double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) to single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) as a result of temperature increase. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of HRM as a tool to rapidly and precisely genotype monotypic Symbiodinium populations using the internal transcribed spacer, region 2, ribosomal DNA (ITS2 rDNA). For this, Symbiodinium denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) profiles, where gel bands were excised and sequenced, were compared to HRM genotypes. Results showed that twenty cultures were correctly genotyped in 90%. Limitations of the technique were also investigated. Unlike other techniques used for genotyping Symbiodinium, such as DGGE and other fingerprint profiles, HRM is a technique of great advantage for field coral reef ecologists and physiologists as no expertise in advanced molecular methods is required.
Promoting Value As Such

Without needing to commit to any specific claims about what states of affairs have most agent-neutral value, we can nevertheless predict that states of affairs which are relatively valuable are also relatively likely to occur—on the grounds that, all else equal, at least some other agents are likely to recognize the value of those states of affairs, pursue them because they are valuable, and successfully bring them about as a consequence of that pursuit. This gives us a way to promote value as such, rather than promoting it under some more tendentious description. We can predict that actions which help other people—or our own future selves—to recognize valuable states of affairs, actions which motivate them to pursue whatever states of affairs they believe to be valuable, or actions which help them succeed at their pursuits will, all else equal, have positive consequences. So we have a pro tanto reason to take such actions, and the subjective justification of that reason is independent of other moral claims.
Poverty, Public Policy, and Children's Wellbeing

Approximately 20% of the children in the United States live in poverty. By the age of 2 years, the average child in a poor family is behind in intellectual, language, and social development; that child reaches school without good preparation to meet its demands. Longitudinal evidence indicates that poverty in the first 5 years has especially strong effects on later achievement and earnings, a finding that is consistent with emerging information about the critical importance of early environments for insuring children's physical, mental, and intellectual health. The United States has a set of “safety net” programs designed to reduce child poverty and to ameliorate the effects of poverty on child development. They fall into five domains—economic and income supports, food and nutrition, early care and education, health care, and the physical and social environment. Empirical evidence indicates that most of these programs counteract some of the disadvantages associated with poverty. Income assistance programs, child-care subsidies, and housing assistance reduce child poverty both directly and indirectly, and many other programs reduce hardship by providing food, medical care, and housing. Although the current safety net protects some children from the consequences of poverty, the United States continues to have much higher rates of child poverty and income inequality than other industrialized countries. The safety net is frayed in part because some of its programs do not serve all eligible families, allowing many people to fall through its holes, a problem that is exacerbated during economic downturns when assistance is most needed. We can do a better job by examining successful policies to identify those that best address the needs of our children.
Production of a proposed international reference standard Alternaria extract. II. Results of a collaborative trial.

Abstract A lyophilized Alternaria extract prepared from a defined eight-strain source material was compared with three other Alternaria extracts to assess its potential suitability as an international standard (IS). Twenty-two laboratories in 12 different countries collaborated. Assay methods included RAST inhibition, quantitative immunoelectrophoresis, thin-layer isoelectric focusing, skin testing, leukocyte histamine release, and various other methods for thorough characterization of the extracts. In addition, three laboratories quantitated specific allergen in each extract. The proposed IS extract could be used to assign a relative potency to other test extracts. In separate studies, the proposed IS extract was demonstrated to be stable for at least 21 months when it is stored at −70 °C, −20 °C, and 4 °C.
Hybrid System Games: Extraction of Control Automata with Small Topologies

Abstract : We propose a game framework for analyzing, extracting and verifying digital control programs for continuous plants by regarding such programs as finite state winning strategies in associated games. We call such interacting systems of digital control programs and continuous plants hybrid systems and model them as networks of interacting concurrent digital programs or automata. This extends to hybrid systems the paradigm introduced by Nerode, Yakhnis and Yakhnis for analysing concurrent digital programs meeting program specifications as winning finite state strategies in associated two person games.
Carbonic anhydrase-azosulfonamide complexes. Spectral properties.

Abstract Carbonic anhydrase combines with the optically inactive azosulfonamide (disodium 2-(4-sulfamylphenylazo)-7-acetamido-1-hydroxynaphthalene-3,6-disulfonate) to form a highly colored enzyme-inhibitor complex. Large visible Cotton effects ([M] = 120,000°) are induced in the multiple visible absorption bands (e500 = 25,000) of the phenylazonaphthol chromophore by the dissymmetric environment of the protein binding site. Bathochromic-hypochromic shifts of these bands accompanying binding indicate the presence of a hydrophobic binding site. Circular dichroism spectra of azosulfonamide complexes of five isozyme and species variants of carbonic anhydrase reveal that both sign and magnitude of the multiple large visible ellipticity bands ([θ] = ± 0.5 - 8.0 x 104 deg cm2 per decimole, Rk = ± 0.4 - 19.7 x 10-39 c.g.s.u.) are unique for each isozyme. Thus the azosulfonamides become sensitive probes for conformational features of the active center of carbonic anhydrase. Ultraviolet ellipticity bands ([θ] = 1.5 x 106 deg cm2 per decimole) induced in the phenylazonaphthol chromophore are large enough in certain isozyme complexes to completely dominate both the circular dichroism and the rotatory dispersion of the enzyme-inhibitor complexes. In accordance with the metal ion specificity observed for the induction of hydration or esterase activity in apocarbonic anhydrase, only Zn(II) and Co(II) at the active site induce the specific binding of the azosulfonamide which imparts optical activity to the visible absorption bands of the sulfonamide. Marked differences in the pattern of ellipticity bands induced in the sulfonamide by the Zn(II) and Co(II) enzymes, however, indicate participation of the metal ion in determining the final conformation of the bound sulfonamide or the active center as well as determining the binding affinity of the enzyme for the sulfonamide inhibitors.
Educating for cultural citizenship: Reframing the goals of arts education

AbstractArts education does more than transfer the skills and knowledge needed to create artistic works. It also helps to shape young people's orientations towards participation in the cultural life of their communities. In this article, Paul Kuttner argues for reframing arts education as a process of developing cultural citizenship. Cultural citizenship, a concept from political theory and cultural studies, is concerned with the development of diverse cultural practices and identities alongside full participation in cultural and political life. Using this lens, we can look at different forms of arts education and ask, “What types of cultural citizens are these programs developing?” Building on the work of civic education scholars Westheimer and Kahne (2004), Kuttner suggests a few initial types before delving into a fuller description of what he calls the “justice-oriented cultural citizen.” This concept is illustrated with data from an ethnographic case study of one arts organization that is developing ...
Protective effects of tumor necrosis factor in experimental Legionella pneumophila infections of mice via activation of PMN function

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) was found in the lung lavage fluids of Legionella pneumophila-infected mice within 24 hr of intratracheal (i.t.) inoculation. Since this cytokine has been reported to activate polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) function, the effect of TNF on the in vitro bactericidal capacity of PMN-enriched cultures was determined. Murine thioglycollate-elicited PMN which were treated with recombinant human TNF demonstrated augmented killing of L. pneumophila bacteria in vitro. Furthermore, treatment of PMN suspensions with cytokine-containing lung lavage fluid was found to enhance the bactericidal activity of PMN. The addition of anti-cachectin/TNF antibodies partially abrogated the stimulatory effects of the lavage fluid, suggesting that in vivo activation of PMN during the course of infection was likely, and that TNF was partially responsible for the enhanced bactericidal activity. In vivo treatment of animals with TNF resulted in significant protection of the animals from mortality. Furthermore, the rate of clearance of bacteria from the lung tissues of infected mice was increased in those animals treated with TNF, and correlated with the ability of this cytokine to protect the animals. These data suggest that the induction of TNF by Legionella bacteria during infection are involved in the non-specific host defense mechanisms, and that PMN activated by the TNF may be instrumental in clearing the organism from infected lung tissues, thereby protecting the animal.
Developmental changes and individual differences in young children's moral judgments.

Developmental trajectories and individual differences in 70 American middle-income 2½- to 4-year olds’ moral judgments were examined 3 times across 1 year using latent growth modeling. At Wave 1, children distinguished hypothetical moral from conventional transgressions on all criteria, but only older preschoolers did so when rating deserved punishment. Children’s understanding of moral transgressions as wrong independent of authority grew over time. Greater surgency and effortful control were both associated with a better understanding of moral generalizability. Children higher in effortful control also grew more slowly in understanding that moral rules are not alterable and that moral transgressions are wrong independent of rules. Girls demonstrated sharper increases across time than boys in understanding the nonalterability of moral rules.
Fertility, family planning, and development: indirect influences.

This paper focuses on the indirect influences on changing fertility and on the direct and indirect influences on family planning effort. Complete data on the variables under consideration were gathered from a variety of sources for 65 developing countries. The results here should be generalized only to high fertility high mortality low education and low per capita gross national product nations. 1) Some social variables like education are more important than others for explaining fertility and family planning effort. The treatment of social setting as a single variable obscures the importance of lower level education (literacy primary and secondary school enrollment) for fertility and family planning. 2) Ignoring the indirect influences on fertility may lead us to understimate the importance of some variables on fertility and perhaps to overestimate the importance of others. When both direct and indirect effects (the latter through family planning effort) are examined the impact of education increases to nearly equal that of family planning effort in 3 of the 4 models developed here. 3) Program effort can be explained at least as well with a single variable (literacy or female school enrollment) as with the composite variable "social setting." 4) In addition to its importance in explaining fertility education may also be important in explaining mortality. 5) It appears that the absolute and relative status of women may be an important variable which has not yet been adequately measured. Overall the results of this study lend additional support to the position that in addition to family planning effort education may play a more crucial role than is obvious in fertility reduction in developing countries.