cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Self-assembled charged hydrogels control the alignment of filamentous actin

We demonstrate a novel route to control attachment of filamentous actin (F-actin) on hydrogel films. By incorporating an amine-terminated silane, the hydrogel surface charge and surface topography are varied. With increasing silane content, F-actin reorients from perpendicular to parallel to the hydrogel surface, ceases to wobble, and forms mainly elongated or cyclic structures. F-Actin coverage reaches a maximum at 2.5 vol% silane and declines at higher silane content. This biphasic behavior is explained by the simultaneous increase in surface charge and the self-assembly of a micron scale pattern of positively charged islands. Our approach provides guidelines for constructing nanoscale tracks to guide motor proteins underlying nano-engineered devices such as molecular shuttles.
Temperature optimization for superconducting cavities

Since our previous analysis of optimized operating temperature of superconducting cavities in an accelerator a decade ago, significant additional information has been discovered about SRF cavities. The most significant is the Q/sub 0/ (quality factor) shift across the Lambda line at higher gradients as a result of a slope in Q/sub 0/ vs. E/sub acc/ above Lambda. This is a result of the changing heat conduction conditions. We discuss temperature optimizations as a function of gradient and frequency. The refrigeration hardware impacts and changes in cycle efficiency are presented.
Taxonomic revision of the Pachycondyla apicalis species complex (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

The taxonomy of the Neotropical Pachycondyla apicalis species complex is revised. Contrary to the widely-held view that the apicalis complex contains only two species, P. apicalis (Latreille 1802) and P. obscuricornis (Emery 1890), morphological evidence indicates the existence of three broadly sympatric species. Examination of type specimens reveals that the name obscuricornis has been extensively misapplied in the literature, and that the valid name for the widespread species commonly misdiagnosed as P. obscuricornis is P. verenae (Forel 1922). True P. obscuricornis is shown to be an uncommonly collected South American species. The name apicalis is valid as currently employed for that species. A taxonomic key is provided, along with diagnoses, illustrations, and distributional data for all three species.
Isolation, culture, and characterization of rat lung microvascular endothelial cells

Highly pure primary cultures of rat lung microvascular endothelial cells were obtained from peripheral lung tissue using a combination of selective culture strategies. The cells had a characteristic morphology consistent with an endothelial origin and were positive for a number of endothelial cell markers, including uptake of fluorescent acetylated lactate dehydrogenase, binding of the lectin Bandeiraea simplicifolia I, and positive immunofluorescence staining with two endothelial cell monoclonal antibodies. The cells behaved as microvascular endothelial cells using an in vitro angiogenesis assay. This isolation method provides a simple method for culturing the pulmonary microvasculature of the rat and these studies support the idea that endothelial cells from different vessels exhibit phenotypic heterogeneity. This method should prove useful for studying specialized endothelial cell function and differentiation in vitro.
Computer simulation studies of a simplified model for a certain class of autoregressive systems

An autoregressive (AR) system x{n} = \Sigma\min{i=1}\max{M} a_{i}(n) x(n-i) + A(n) w(n) where {a_{i}(n)} , and A(n) are general stationary stochastic processes and w(n) is white noise, is well modeled by a similar equation in which the random processes are replaced by their averages, if the resulting constant coefficient model is sufficiently lowpass, low gain (LPLG) [1]. By computer simulation, we investigate the performance of this approximation for various AR systems. It is found that "sufficiently LPLG" implies a very restricted class (very LPLG) for the general case of unknown (large) perturbations on {a_{i}(n), A(n)} . Only as the perturbations become small can the very LPLG restriction be relaxed.
Insulin-like growth factor I improves renal function in patients with end-stage chronic renal failure

There is no pharmacological treatment to increase the glomerular filtration rate in end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The administration of 100 μg/kg of insulin-like growth factor (IGF) I twice a day...
A fiber-coupled 9xx module with tap water cooling

A novel, 9XX nm fiber-coupled module using arrays of highly reliable laser diode bars has been developed. The module is capable of multi-kW output power in a beam parameter product of 80 mm-mrad. The module incorporates a hard-soldered, isolated stack package compatible with tap-water cooling. Using extensive, accelerated multi-cell life-testing, with more than ten million device hours of test, we have demonstrated a MTTF for emitters of >500,000 hrs. In addition we have qualified the module in hard-pulse on-off cycling and stringent environmental tests. Finally we have demonstrated promising results for a next generation 9xx nm chip design currently in applications and qualification testing
Valence Bonding, Atomic Volumes, and Coordination Numbers for Y6Mn23, Th6Mn23, and their Hydrides

The interesting bonding, magnetic, and hydriding properties (1,2) of Y6Mn23 and Th6Mn23 are examined using Pauling’s metallic radii, polyhedral atomic volume (PAV), and partial coordination number coefficient (PCNC) calculations (3,4). The strong contraction that rare earth and early transition metals undergo in their formation of intermetallic compounds with small transition metals (3,5) is reversed upon hydride formation, suggesting that the latter process is partly driven by the compressed state of the large metal atom. This effect has been identified in LaNi5-type compounds (6), in TiFe and TiCu (5), and in Mg2Ni (7) and is investigated for the subject compounds. PAVs and valences for both selected Mn and H atoms suggest future areas for structure refinements.
Fragile Paradise: The Impact of Tourism on Maui, 1959-2000

With its white sandy beaches, lush green uplands, and near-perfect weather, the Hawaiian island of Maui is more than a picture postcard: it is a multi-million-dollar tourist attraction that repeatedly has been voted "best island in the world" by Conde Nast Traveler readers. Consider, then, the bumper sticker seen on residents' cars in recent years: "If it's tourist season why can't we shoot them?" From its modest beginnings in the prewar era, tourism has become the most important segment of Maui's economy since the 1970s. But as Mansel Blackford shows, it is also a devil's bargain. By switching the island's income base from sugar cane to condos, tourism has offered a solution to economic problems but has also placed an unanticipated strain on Maui's infrastructure and made unexpected demands of its residents. Now as roads and sewers have reached their limits and escalating property values have ousted long-timers, the growth of the "visitor industry" has forced the people of Maui to make difficult choices about the future development of their island. Fragile Paradise chronicles the growth - and the growing pains - of the tourist economy on Maui. Blackford takes us into the heart of this island paradise to reveal the complexity of economic and environmental issues, especially as perceived by Maui's residents over the past four decades. He examines issues surrounding land-use policies, water development, electrical power generation, and transportation - particularly the controversy over the expansion of the Kahului Airport. He then shows how these issues came together in the development of two communities: the booming resor area of South Maui and the agricultural Upcountry Maui. Blackford also reveals the human side of tourism, through interviews with islanders representing both sides of the growth issue. Blackford's study shows how people living on a far western American frontier view their economic and physical environments and how they have sought to shape them. By addressing a number of crucial issues, from race and ethnicity to "quality of life" environmentalism, it offers a microcosm of the tourism industry that has implications for other travel destinations and for the economic future of the Pacific Rim.
Microbial Contamination of Cooked Meat in Large Supermarkets and Hotels in The City Zone of Longyan

[Objective]To understand the hygiene status of cooked meat in large supermarket and hotel in Longyan City,and further strengthen the control of table pollution.[Methods] 129 samples of cooked meat were collected from 13 large supermarkets and hotels in September 2007,and then conducted health microbiological test.[Results] Of 129 samples,the total superscale was 62.79%,among which 23.25% were colony count over standard,58.14% were coliforms overstandard,5 had staphylococcus aureus detections,Salmonella and Shigella were not detected.The differences of superscalar sampling rate among different types of cooked meat of Braised pork,dried meat floss and meat enema were significant(χ2=24.57,P0.01).The microbial superscale rate of cooked meat in large supermarkets was higher than that in hotels(χ2=4.86,P0.05).[Conclusion]Microbial contamination exists in large supermarkets and hotels in Longyan City.Health management in meat production and sale should be strengthened to prevent food-borne diseases.
Congenital heart defects and left ventricular non-compaction in males with loss-of-function variants in NONO

Background The non-POU domain containing octamer-binding gene ( NONO ) is located on chromosome Xq13.1 and encodes a member of a small family of RNA-binding and DNA-binding proteins that perform a variety of tasks involved in RNA synthesis, transcriptional regulation and DNA repair. Loss-of-function variants in NONO have been described as a cause of intellectual disability in males but have not been described in association with congenital heart defects or cardiomyopathy. In this article, we seek to further define the phenotypic consequences of NONO depletion in human subjects. Methods We searched a clinical database of over 6000 individuals referred for exome sequencing and over 60 000 individuals referred for CNV analysis. Results We identified two males with atrial and ventricular septal defects, left ventricular non-compaction (LVNC), developmental delay and intellectual disability, who harboured de novo, loss-of-function variants in NONO . We also identified a male infant with developmental delay, congenital brain anomalies and severe LVNC requiring cardiac transplantation, who inherited a single-gene deletion of NONO from his asymptomatic mother. Conclusions We conclude that in addition to global developmental delay and intellectual disability, males with loss-of-function variants in NONO may also be predisposed to developing congenital heart defects and LVNC with the penetrance of these cardiac-related problems being influenced by genetic, epigenetic, environmental or stochastic factors. Brain imaging of males with NONO deficiency may reveal structural defects with abnormalities of the corpus callosum being the most common. Although dysmorphic features vary between affected individuals, relative macrocephaly is a common feature.
Respiratory syncytial virus and influenza are the key viral pathogens in children <2 years hospitalized with bronchiolitis and pneumonia in Islamabad Pakistan

Pneumonia remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in developing countries. Comprehensive surveillance data are needed to review the prevention and control strategies. We conducted active surveillance of acute lower respiratory infections among children aged 0.05). The average weight of the study group was 6.1 ± 2.25 kg. ≥1 viral pathogens were detected in 75% cases. Major respiratory viruses included RSV-A: 44%, RSV-B: 23%, Influenza-A: 24.5%, Influenza-B: 7%, Adenovirus: 8.4% and HmPV: 5.2%. A single, dual or multiple viral pathogens were detected in 43%, 27% and 5.2% patients respectively. Common symptoms were cough (95%), apnoea (84%), fever (78%), wheeze (64.5%), nasal congestion (55%) and rhinorrhea (48%). Among the RSV positive cases, 2-6 months age group had highest detection rate for RSV-A (30%, n = 21/69) and RSV-B (20%, n = 14/69) while patients infected with Influenza-A were in 2.1-6 months age group (61%, 23/38). Statistically significant difference was observed between RSV-positive and negative cases for nutrition status (p = 0.001), cigarette/wood smoke exposure (p = 0.001) and concomitant clinical findings. Most patients had successful outcome on combination therapy with bronchodilators, inhaled steroids and antibiotics. Our findings underscore high burden of ALRI in Pakistan. Interventions targeting viral pathogens coupled with improved diagnostic approaches are critical for better prevention and control.
Soccer in the Shadow of Death: Propaganda and Survival in the Nazi Ghetto-Camp of Terezín

As the world’s game, soccer captivates the imagination, stokes the competitive nature, and arouses intense emotion. And the political manipulation of these passions has a long history. One of the most notorious examples of the exploitation of the game of soccer is found in the story of a competitive league created by Jewish prisoners within one of the most infamous camps in the Nazi concentration camp system, Terezin, in former Czechoslovakia. Most accounts of the corruption of soccer in this era have been exclusively historical and political. The present essay addresses the legacy of the Holocaust through a unique, cross-disciplinary approach. The field of social psychology enhances historical interpretation though an exploration of the interplay between the sociocultural phenomenon of soccer in a wartime concentration camp and the psychology of the victims held captive in the Nazi terror state.
In-depth investigations of adolescents and adults with holoprosencephaly identify unique characteristics

PurposeWith improved medical care, some individuals with holoprosencephaly (HPE) are surviving into adulthood. We investigated the clinical manifestations of adolescents and adults with HPE and explored the underlying molecular causes.MethodsParticipants included 20 subjects 15 years of age and older. Clinical assessments included dysmorphology exams, cognitive testing, swallowing studies, ophthalmic examination, and brain magnetic resonance imaging. Genetic testing included chromosomal microarray, Sanger sequencing for SHH, ZIC2, SIX3, and TGIF, and whole-exome sequencing (WES) of 10 trios.ResultsSemilobar HPE was the most common subtype of HPE, seen in 50% of the participants. Neurodevelopmental disabilities were found to correlate with HPE subtype. Factors associated with long-term survival included HPE subtype not alobar, female gender, and nontypical facial features. Four participants had de novo pathogenic variants in ZIC2. WES analysis of 11 participants did not reveal plausible candidate genes, suggesting complex inheritance in these cases. Indeed, in two probands there was a history of uncontrolled maternal type 1 diabetes.ConclusionIndividuals with various HPE subtypes can survive into adulthood and the neurodevelopmental outcomes are variable. Based on the facial characteristics and molecular evaluations, we suggest that classic genetic causes of HPE may play a smaller role in this cohort.
Somatic Diseases (Cancer): Whole Exome and Whole Genome Sequencing

Exome and genome sequencing are often applied to the study of cancer as a discovery tool in the investigative setting. Because of limitations related to result interpretation and technical factors like depth of coverage and sensitivity, these broad approaches have not been widely adopted in clinical cancer testing. In this chapter, issues related to variant interpretation in clinical cancer testing will be addressed. Specifically, the limited utility of sequencing genes without established clinical significance will be discussed. The advantages and limitations of exome and genome sequencing in cancer from a technical perspective, including depth of coverage and variant detection, also will be considered.
Gene Delivery by Retroviruses

Gene delivery by retroviruses is an easy and safe tool to stably over express a gene of interest and determine its role in a cell model. The gene of interest is cloned into the multiple cloning site of a retroviral vector that also contains a packaging signal and an antibiotic resistance marker for selection. Packaging cell lines, transfected with a retroviral vector containing the gene of interest or with a control vector, produce retroviral RNA packaged into infectious, replication incompetent virus. This is a consequence of the stable integration of the viral genes necessary for particle formation and replication into the packaging cell genome. Retrovirus-containing conditioned medium from packaging cells is used to transduce target cells. After antibiotic selection, the target cells are tested for overexpression of the gene of interest and its biological effects.
Adolescent Mothers’ Relationships with their Mothers and their Babies’ Fathers during Pregnancy and Postpartum

While lack of social support for adolescent mothers has been tied to parenting stress and postpartum depression, the types of support received by adolescent mothers from their mothers and the fathers of their babies (FOBs) and changes in this support over time have not been thoroughly characterized. We performed a secondary analysis of data from a randomized controlled trial of 106 adolescents at an urban prenatal clinic between February 2007 and August 2008. Information on social support was collected at 20–24 weeks gestation, in the hospital after delivery, and at 6-weeks, 3-months, and 6-months postpartum using the Arizona Social Support Interview Schedule. We assessed the amount and types of support provided by mothers and FOBs, compared support between mothers and FOBs and assessed changes in support over time. The prevalence of support for adolescent mothers from their mothers and FOBs was similar, but FOBs provided more types of support compared with mothers at specific time points. Support from mothers peaked after delivery, whereas support from FOBs remained stable over time. FOBs provided more social-type support and intimate support than mothers did but were also frequently a source of social strain. Adolescent mothers’ FOBs and mothers have unique roles to play in their support networks. Understanding patterns of social support for adolescent mothers has the potential to inform future interventions to augment support for this vulnerable population, and, as a result, to influence maternal and early childhood health outcomes.
Effectiveness and safety of posterior titanium instrumentation in children with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a prospective study

OBJECTIVES This study aims to determine the effectiveness and the relative safety of posterior spinal fusion with titanium instrumentation in children with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). PATIENTS AND METHODS A prospective cohort (case-only) study was conducted to determine this effectiveness and safety. There were 24 patients (21 girls, 3 boys; mean age 14.1±1.8 years; range 11 to 17 years) who underwent surgery between January 2002 and December 2003 in our clinic, with a minimum of two years follow-up. Upper thoracic, thoracic, and thoracolumbar coronal curves as well as kyphosis from T5-T12 were measured as main outcome variables and repeated measure ANOVA was used to assess the data. RESULTS The main thoracic curve (coronal plane) correction achieved at the first erect period (the first 4 weeks postoperative) (mean 12.21±9.78 degrees), this correction was maintained at 24 months follow-up (mean 15.71±7.15 degrees) and both were significantly lower than the preoperative values (mean 57.0±12.75 degrees), (p<0.001). Sagittal plane (kyphosis angle between T5-T12) curve was not worsened by posterior titanium instrumentation and it was 19.50±10.53 degrees preoperatively, 16.45±6.68 degrees at the first erect period and 17.73±8.40 degrees at the 24 months follow-up (p=0.74). There were no evidence of pseudoarthrosis, no loss of correction and no infections. CONCLUSION Posterior titanium instrumentation in the treatment of AIS is effective due to its ability to achieve and maintain curve correction. Further, this instrumentation does not worsen hypokyphosis and is safe since there were no adverse events.
Alcohol and Cocaine

Both clinical experience and epidemiological studies in community and specialized (e.g., treatment) populations indicate that the prevalence of co-use of alcohol and cocaine, and the comorbidity of alcoholism and cocaine addiction, are greater than would be expected from the chance occurrence of two independent conditions. Alcohol and cocaine have pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interactions that may account for some of this co-use. While their reinforcing properties have neuropharmacological and behavioral differences, a unified theory of reinforcement by alcohol and cocaine has been proposed, involving dopamine activity in the ventral tegmental area-nucleus accumbens circuit. Regardless of their pharmacology, the prevalent co-use of alcohol and cocaine has important implications for drug abuse treatment and indicates the need for future research on this topic.
Effects of Ultraviolet Radiation on Microorganisms and Animal Cells

The photobiologic reactions of multicellular organisms depend upon what happens to individual living cells within their organ systems, which in turn is determined by individual intracellular photochemical reactions. Ultraviolet radiation may inactivate enzymes in numerous biologic systems by producing alterations in proteins. Peptide bonds may be split, photochemical oxidations may occur, sulfide and disulfide bonds may be altered, and DNA may be photochemically changed. In order for this photochemistry to occur, radiation must be absorbed, providing the molecular activation energy to initiate photochemical reactions. All absorption of radiant energy, however, does not lead to photochemistry, because of competition by other mechanisms for dissipating the absorbed energy, such as fluorescence, phosphorescence, or nonradiative deexcitation.
Apraxia, Handedness and Language Laterality

Apraxia is a disorder that is characterized by an impairment in the ability to perform new or previously learned movements that cannot be explained by sensory or motor abnormalities. It is often not recognized by the patient and family members, and the prevalence of apraxia may therefore be somewhat underestimated. The prognosis for recovery is very good, and the presence of apraxia during the acute period after a stroke is not associated with an overall worse prognosis for recovery. Although apraxia most often coexists with aphasia, the two phenomena can also be dissociated. Studies of right- and left-handed patients with apraxia have revealed that apraxia always results from a lesion of the hemisphere contralateral to the dominant hand. The theoretical importance of apraxia, therefore, is that it demonstrates a very close relationship between hemispheric dominance for programming of motor acts and handedness. Whereas the relationship between cerebral language dominance for language and handedness is highly variable, particularly in left-handers, the relationship between cerebral dominance for motor programming and handedness appears to be much more robust.
Cancer Stem Cells: Potential Targets for Molecular Medicine

The concept of stem cells has become so pervasive in our society that most people have some idea of what stem cells are and some opinion regarding the debates surrounding their use in science and medicine. Stem cells, best studied in the hematopoietic system, are defined by their singular capacity to renew themselves and give rise to more specialized cells that comprise the organs and tissues of the body. Nevertheless, the idea that cancers, too, derive from stem cells or their progenitors is not as widely recognized. Even less well understood are the diagnostic and therapeutic implications of such a hypothesis.
Immune-related saliva micro-RNA’s to predict clinical response to a combination of cetuximab and low-dose chemotherapy in head and neck cancer (HNSCC) patients (pts) with poor performance status (PS).

e17548Background: Recurrent/Metastatic HNSCC is an immunosuppressive disease, especially in the group of patients with poor performance status. Recent studies have shown that low dose chemotherapy,...
Soils, Climate, and Ancient Civilizations

Abstract Civilization is tied to soil through our reliance on agriculture. As early civilizations rapidly developed new agricultural strategies, their knowledge of soil and soil management expanded as well. Major innovations that appeared over the first few thousand years of agricultural production included irrigation, terracing, plows, contour tillage, and soil classification. Early means of maintaining soil fertility included intercropping, crop rotations that included legumes, fallowing, manuring, and the addition of ash. By using these techniques some societies developed sustainable agricultural systems that persisted for thousands of years. However, human management has often caused soil degradation, which has contributed to civilization collapse. It is important that we learn from both the sustainable and unsustainable agricultural practices of the past to prevent future civilization collapses and upheavals. In addition to degradation issues, soils are influenced by and influence the global climate system. Changing climates have contributed to the collapse of past human civilizations, and societies relying on degraded soils are more susceptible to problems from climate change. It is important that we understand soil–climate–human interactions and how climate change has impacted past societies. Gaining this understanding transcends any single academic field. Interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary studies are needed that link archaeologists, physical and social scientists, soil scientists, and others who can contribute to a holistic understanding of the impact of climate change on past human societies and the natural resources, such as soils, that they depended on. This will allow us to better plan for and manage future potential impacts.
A pilot study investigating circulating trimethylamine N‐oxide and its precursors in dogs with degenerative mitral valve disease with or without congestive heart failure

Background Pathophysiologic mechanisms for the development and progression of degenerative mitral valve disease (DMVD) remain elusive. Increased concentrations of circulating trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) and its precursors choline and l-carnitine are associated with the presence and severity of heart disease in people. Objectives To determine if differences exist in plasma concentrations of TMAO, choline, or l-carnitine among dogs with DMVD and congestive heart failure (CHF), dogs with asymptomatic DMVD, and healthy control dogs. Animals Thirty client-owned dogs: 10 dogs with CHF secondary to DMVD, 10 dogs with asymptomatic DMVD, and 10 healthy control dogs. Methods A pilot cross-sectional study in which echocardiography was performed and fasting plasma concentrations of TMAO, choline, and l-carnitine (total and fractions) were measured. Results TMAO (P = .03), total l-carnitine (P = .03), carnitine esters (P = .05), and carnitine esters to free carnitine ratio (E/F ratio; P = .05) were significantly higher in dogs with CHF compared to those with asymptomatic DMVD. TMAO (P = .02), choline (P = .01), total l-carnitine (P = .01), carnitine esters (P = .02), free carnitine (P = .02), and E/F ratio (P = .009) were significantly higher in dogs with CHF compared to healthy controls. Conclusions and clinical importance Dogs with CHF secondary to DMVD had higher concentrations of TMAO compared to both asymptomatic DMVD dogs and healthy controls. Larger prospective studies are warranted to determine if TMAO plays a role in the development or progression of DMVD or CHF.
Three Recommendations for Improving the Use of p-Values

Researchers commonly use p-values to answer the question: How strongly does the evidence favor the alternative hypothesis relative to the null hypothesis? p-Values themselves do not directly answer...
Fcrl5 and T-bet define influenza-specific memory B cells that predict long-lived antibody responses

Abstract Early surrogates for long-lived immunity after inactivated influenza vaccination (IIV) are lacking. Antigen-specific memory B cells (Bmem) after IIV have been recently identified. We show that the antigen-specific Bmem compartment after IIV is heterogenous and comprises a clonotypically and transcriptionally distinct T-bethi subset that persists in circulation over time after vaccination and exclusively correlates with the long-lived antibody response. We demonstrate that this subset has an effector memory transcriptome and is epigenetically remodeled to facilitate intracellular immunoglobulin production. Finally, via clonal sharing, we show an enriched in vivo ontologic relationship between the secondary plasmablast response that develops after vaccine boost and the T-bethi fraction of the flu-specific Bmem response that forms after initial prime. Collectively, our data identify a novel biomarker of durable humoral immunity after influenza vaccination.
Entropy and unavailable energy

We improve and clarify an explanation of how the entropy increase during a process is related to the energy that becomes unavailable to be transformed into work.
Effect of Lactobacilli on production and selected compounds in blood, the liver, and manure of laying hens

Summary Lactobacillus species have been reported to reduce nitrogen-containing compounds in poultry manure and produce a safe environment for birds and humans. The effects of Lactobacillus species (Lactobacillus paracasei, Lactobacillus plantarum, and Lactobacillus rhamnosus) on production performance, nitrogenous compounds in manure, specific biological components in serum, and uric acid (UA) concentration in the liver were investigated in an eight-week-long study. Forty-eight white Leghorn hens (52- to 54-week-old) were randomly assigned to 2 treatments; standard drinking water was considered the control, and the treatment included the control and probiotics. Individual probiotics were combined to produce a total concentration of approximately 1.84 × 107 cfu/mL and 6.13 × 106 cfu/mL for each isolate. All layers received the same commercial feed for 8 wk. Nitrogenous compounds measured in manure included ammonia (NH3), ammonium nitrogen (NH4-N), total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN), and total nitrogen (TN). Blood serum was analyzed for NH3, UA, total protein, albumin, and creatine kinase. Uric acid concentration was also measured in the liver. No significant effects were observed for body weight, feed intake, egg production, and feed conversion ratio. Ammonia emissions and concentration, NH4-N, TKN, and TN concentration were unaffected; however, the interaction of treatment and week showed significant reduction in NH4-H. Moreover, NH3 concentration was lowered significantly in serum of hens fed with probiotics compared with that of the control. There was no significant effect on UA concentration in the liver. Overall, the results indicated that supplementation of Lactobacillus species could be useful in decreasing NH3 concentration in serum and depositing it in manure where other postconsumption methods (alum and urease inhibitors) could be used to reduce it. Reducing NH3 concentration in serum and in manure should result in more profit for industry in reference to health and productivity of laying hens and welfare of workers. As well, reduction of NH3 concentration satisfies the poultry industry's goal of reducing NH3 emission in the environment.
Expanding evaluator competency research: Exploring competencies for program evaluation using the context of non-formal education

The overlap of competencies between general program evaluation and specific contexts or content will always be reality because evaluators may need unique competencies to answer evaluation questions for particular contexts or content areas. Limited research exists that explores the essential competencies required by professionals who use evaluation as one part of their job portfolio, which leaves unanswered questions regarding the applicability of current evaluator competency models in such settings. We used a modified three-round Delphi technique to identify evaluator competencies for non-formal educators in Cooperative Extension (CE). Our panelists identified 36 competencies in the non-formal educational programming context for CE educators that they considered important to be included in evaluation capacity building efforts. We categorized our 36 identified competencies from the Delphi study into the five competency domains proposed by the American Evaluation Association. Our findings provide information to help guide professional development among non-formal educators related to program evaluation.
Bladder Cancer Involving Smooth Muscle of Indeterminate Type or Muscularis Mucosae in Transurethral Biopsy Specimens.

Objectives Bladder cancers invading the muscularis mucosae (MM) are treated differently from those invading the muscularis propria (MP). However, it may be difficult to determine the type of smooth muscle in transurethral resection (TUR) or biopsy specimens. We aimed to investigate the clinicopathologic features of bladder cancers involving smooth muscle of indeterminate type (SMIT) in TUR specimens in comparison with those invading the MM. Methods We identified 103 patients with bladder cancer involving SMIT (n = 27) or the MM (n = 76) in TUR specimens. All patients underwent subsequent restaging TUR or cystectomy. Results Bladder cancer with SMIT invasion showed a significantly higher rate of MP invasion in the subsequent specimens than those invading the MM (52% vs 29%). Lack of MP in the TUR specimens had a significantly higher risk of MP invasion in the subsequent specimens than those with the MP (61% vs 40%). The overall survival time for patients with SMIT invasion was significantly shorter than those with MM invasion. Conclusions Bladder cancers with SMIT invasion in TUR specimens show more frequent cancer upstaging in the subsequent specimens and a poorer clinical outcome than those invading the MM, which highlights the importance of a cancer restaging procedure for these patients.
Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma: A Prospective Series of 52 Patients.

Objective We sought to evaluate patients at a single academic institution in a prospective manner to report patient presentation, clinical course, treatment, and outcomes in breast implant ALCL patients. Background Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (breast implant ALCL) is an uncommon T cell lymphoma, which is associated with textured surface breast implants. The disease has received increasing attention over the last 20 years. Previous retrospective studies have begun to outline the clinical course of breast implant ALCL. Methods We prospectively followed women with cytologically proven breast implant ALCL from 2014 to 2019. Demographic, clinical, treatment, and outcome data were collected and descriptive statistics were performed on variables of interest. Results We identified 52 women with pathologically confirmed breast implant ALCL. Implants were placed for augmentation in 61.5% of women and reconstruction in 36.5% of women. All of the 41 patients with known implant information had implants with textured surface. The majority of patients presented with delayed seroma (69.2%) and without systemic symptoms (86.5%). Most patients with staging information presented with Stage IA disease. Patient outcomes were excellent with 2 disease recurrence (3.8%) and all patients ultimately achieved complete remission. Conclusions Further evaluation of the prospective and growing database of patients with breast implant ALCL will further improve our understanding of the disease and its clinical course. Robust participation in the breast implant ALCL PROFILE registry will improve our knowledge of long-term outcomes after implant placement. Finally, increasing awareness for patients and providers will lead to earlier diagnosis and improved outcomes for patients.
Method of transmission filters to measure emission spectra in strongly scattering media

We describe a method based on a pair of transmission filters placed in the emission path of a microscope to resolve the emission wavelength of every point in an image. The method can be applied to any type of imaging device that provides the light in the wavelength transmission range of the filters. Unique characteristics of the filter approach are that the light does not need to be collimated and the wavelength response does not depend on the scattering of the sample or tissue. The pair of filters are used to produce the spectral phasor of the transmitted light, which is sufficient to perform spectral deconvolution over a broad wavelength range. The method is sensitive enough to distinguish free and protein-bound NADH and can be used in metabolic studies.
Population genetics of polymorphism and divergence in rapidly evolving populations

In rapidly evolving populations, numerous beneficial and deleterious mutations can arise and segregate within a population at the same time. In this regime, evolutionary dynamics cannot be analyzed using traditional population genetic approaches that assume that sites evolve independently. Instead, the dynamics of many loci must be analyzed simultaneously. Recent work has made progress by first analyzing the fitness variation within a population, and then studying how individual lineages interact with this traveling fitness wave. However, these "traveling wave" models have previously been restricted to extreme cases where selection on individual mutations is either much faster or much slower than the typical coalescent timescale T_c. In this work, we show how the traveling wave framework can be extended to intermediate regimes in which the scaled fitness effects of mutations (T_c s) are neither large nor small compared to one. This enables us to describe the dynamics of populations subject to a wide range of fitness effects, and in particular, in cases where it is not immediately clear which mutations are most important in shaping the dynamics and statistics of genetic diversity. We use this approach to derive new expressions for the fixation probabilities and site frequency spectra of mutations as a function of their scaled fitness effects, along with related results for the coalescent timescale T_c and the rate of adaptation or Muller9s ratchet. We find that competition between linked mutations can have a dramatic impact on the proportions of neutral and selected polymorphisms, which is not simply summarized by the scaled selection coefficient T_c s. We conclude by discussing the implications of these results for population genetic inferences.
Addicted to smoking or addicted to nicotine? A focus group study on perceptions of nicotine and addiction among US adult current smokers, former smokers, non-smokers and dual users of cigarettes and e-cigarettes.

Background and aims In 2017, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) proposed to reduce nicotine in cigarettes to minimally or non-addictive levels. This study qualitatively explored perceptions of nicotine and addiction, both independently and in response to messages communicating about nicotine reduction. Design Qualitative study using focus groups. Participants described their perceptions of nicotine and addiction and their responses to messages about the nicotine reduction. Setting Atlanta, GA and San Francisco, CA, USA. Semi-structured focus groups were conducted virtually in Spring 2020. Participants Exclusive smokers (n=27), dual users (of cigarettes and electronic cigarettes) (n=25), former smokers (n=32), and young adult non-smokers (n=31). Measurement Inductive thematic analysis of transcripts was conducted, and results were compared across smoking status groups. Findings Participants across all smoking status groups associated nicotine with tobacco products, but consistently misperceived that nicotine caused disease. Perceptions of addiction were largely negative and varied by smoking status. Experienced smokers (exclusive smokers, former smokers, and dual users) differentiated tobacco use from other addictions and minimized their own experiences of addiction. Perceptions of addiction across experienced smokers included not only the chemical properties of nicotine, but also the behavioral aspects of tobacco use, including oral fixation, having a smoking routine, and response to internal and external cues. In response to messages, many believed that removing the nicotine would not make cigarettes less addictive because of the multi-factorial nature of smoking addiction that includes nonpharmacological cues. Conclusions Perceptions of nicotine and addiction among nonsmokers, former smokers, exclusive smokers and dual users of cigarettes and e-cigarettes vary based on smoking status, but there is a common tendency to believe that nicotine is addictive, that addiction results from more than just nicotine, and that very low nicotine cigarettes will not necessarily reduce the addictiveness of cigarettes.
Topological phonon-magnon hybrid excitations in a two-dimensional honeycomb ferromagnet

We develop a phonon-magnon interaction model for the two-dimensional honeycomb ferromagnet and calculate the band structure of the hybrid phonon-magnon excitation. When the phonon (either acoustic or optical) energy overlaps with the magnon energy, the degeneracies at the crossing points are lifted by the phonon-magnon interaction, leading to topological band inversion. We show that the Berry curvatures and Chern numbers are nonzero around the phonon-magnon band-crossing areas but vanish throughout the rest of the Brillouin zone. We calculate the thermal Hall conductance enabled by the phonon-magnon interaction, which is also an indicator of nontrivial topological properties. In addition, we show that band topologies can be manipulated by varying spin-exchange coupling strengths and Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interactions strengths.
Problem Learning: Towards the Free Will of Machines.

A machine intelligence pipeline usually consists of six components: problem, representation, model, loss, optimizer and metric. Researchers have worked hard trying to automate many components of the pipeline. However, one key component of the pipeline--problem definition--is still left mostly unexplored in terms of automation. Usually, it requires extensive efforts from domain experts to identify, define and formulate important problems in an area. However, automatically discovering research or application problems for an area is beneficial since it helps to identify valid and potentially important problems hidden in data that are unknown to domain experts, expand the scope of tasks that we can do in an area, and even inspire completely new findings. This paper describes Problem Learning, which aims at learning to discover and define valid and ethical problems from data or from the machine's interaction with the environment. We formalize problem learning as the identification of valid and ethical problems in a problem space and introduce several possible approaches to problem learning. In a broader sense, problem learning is an approach towards the free will of intelligent machines. Currently, machines are still limited to solving the problems defined by humans, without the ability or flexibility to freely explore various possible problems that are even unknown to humans. Though many machine learning techniques have been developed and integrated into intelligent systems, they still focus on the means rather than the purpose in that machines are still solving human defined problems. However, proposing good problems is sometimes even more important than solving problems, because a good problem can help to inspire new ideas and gain deeper understandings. The paper also discusses the ethical implications of problem learning under the background of Responsible AI.
Improved oral fenretinide delivery with novel Lym-X-Sorb™ organized lipid complex

Proc Amer Assoc Cancer Res, Volume 45, 2004 642 High-dose oral N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)retinamide (fenretinide, 4-HPR) is in phase II clinical trials in neuroblastoma, prostate, and ovarian cancers. However, in phase I trials, the limited bioavailability of the current 4-HPR capsule formulation caused high inter-patient variation in plasma levels and decreased patient compliance (due to the large number of capsules consumed). To improve the oral delivery of 4-HPR, and possibly increase plasma and tissue levels, 4-HPR was complexed with the novel lipid matrix Lym-X-Sorb™ (LXS). LXS is an organized lipid matrix of lysophosphatidylcholine, monoglyceride and fatty acid that enfolds drug in acyl-constituents of LXS monomer backbones for absorbtion in the proximal intestinal. The LXS monomers form chylomicron-like elements and enter systemic circulation via the thoracic duct. Earlier single-dose studies of oral LXS/4-HPR complexes in dogs and humans demonstrated improved plasma concentrations of 4-HPR compared to the current capsule. At equal doses, the LXS/4-HPR complex obtained a four-fold peak plasma increase in dogs. In humans, equivalent peak plasma concentrations were obtained using LXS/4-HPR at 20% of the capsular dose. In the present work, BALB/c mice were fed doses of 120, 250, or 560 mg/kg/day of LXS/4-HPR complex, expelled 4-HPR capsule contents, or expelled capsule contents mixed with an equivalent of 10 oz of vegetable oil per day. Four LXS formulations were examined; two formulations were also mixed with a soy-based nutritional supplement, or water. Mice were treated BID for 4.5 days and sacrificed 3 hours post treatment. 4-HPR levels were assayed by HPLC in plasma, liver, lung, kidney, and brain. Results demonstrated LXS/4-HPR complexes obtained higher plasma and tissue levels compared to the capsular formulation. At least one LXS/4HPR formulation increased 4-HPR levels: 1) At 120 mg/kg/day, in plasma, 2.5-fold (P<0.01); in liver, 2-fold (P<0.02); in lung, 2-fold (P<0.03); in kidney, 2-fold (P<0.01); in brain, 3-fold (P<0.01) 2) At 250 mg/kg/day, in plasma, 3-fold (P<0.01); in liver, 4-fold (P<0.01); in lung, 3-fold (P<0.04); in kidney, 8-fold (P<0.02); in brain, 4-fold (P=0.11) 3) At 560 mg/kg/day (single animal results), in plasma, 4-fold; in liver, 5-fold; in lung, 7-fold; in kidney, 1.5-fold; in brain, 2-fold. We conclude that LXS/4-HPR formulations have the potential to improve the oral delivery of high-dose 4-HPR. Phase I trials of an oral powdered LXS/4-HPR formulation in pediatric and adult cancer patients are planned for 2004.
Evolutionary Contributions to Solving the “Matrilineal Puzzle”

Matriliny has long been debated by anthropologists positing either its primitive or its puzzling nature. More recently, evolutionary anthropologists have attempted to recast matriliny as an adaptive solution to modern social and ecological environments, tying together much of what was known to be associated with matriliny. This paper briefly reviews the major anthropological currents in studies of matriliny and discusses the contribution of evolutionary anthropology to this body of literature. It discusses the utility of an evolutionary framework in the context of the first independent test of Holden et al.’s 2003 model of matriliny as daughter-biased investment. It finds that historical daughter-biased transmission of land among the Mosuo is consistent with the model, whereas current income transmission is not. In both cases, resources had equivalent impacts on male and female reproduction, a result which predicts daughter-biased resource transmission given any nonzero level of paternity uncertainty. However, whereas land was transmitted traditionally to daughters, income today is invested in both sexes. Possible reasons for this discrepancy are discussed.