cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pectoral Anatomy of Tribodus limae (Elasmobranchii: Hybodontiformes) from the Lower Cretaceous of Northeastern Brazil

ABSTRACT New, undescribed material of the hybodont shark Tribodus limae, from the Lower Cretaceous of northeastern Brazil, provides new information on the pectoral endoskeleton in this taxon. This allows for a revision of its pectoral morphology, which may be broadly applicable to other Hybodontoidei. Four new specimens of Tribodus with well-preserved pectoral girdles are described, including the first complete, three-dimensionally preserved hybodont scapulocoracoid and partial pectoral fin. These specimens permit examination of the posterior surface of the scapulocoracoid, not visible in previously described hybodonts. Overall pectoral morphology of Tribodus is similar to that of other hybodontiforms and neoselachians. However, the new material shows that the pectoral articulation in Tribodus comprises an oblique posterior ridge on the scapulocoracoid, unlike previous reconstructions of pectoral anatomy in Tribodus and other hybodonts based on two-dimensionally preserved specimens. However, other elasmob...
The role of spin in biological processes: O2, NO, nucleobases, nucleosides, nucleotides and Watson–Crick base pairs

The experimental electron affinities of adenine, guanine, cytosine, thymine and uracil have been determined from reduction potentials and negative ion photoelectron spectra. Updated values for purine, pyrimidine and other nitrogen heterocyclics, which have not been measured in the gas phase, are presented. The electron affinity of Watson–Crick guanine–cytosine is estimated empirically. The experimental values are consistent with quantum mechanical semi-empirical multiconfiguration configuration interaction calculations. The bulk hydration energies of the nucleobase anions, 2.34 eV, determined from the experimental data and sequential anion hydration energy difference of about 0.20(5) eV suggest that 10–15 water molecules complete the hydration shell. The electron affinities for the formation of doublet and quartet anions of the nucleobases, nucleosides, nucleotides and Watson–Crick base pairs are calculated. We postulate that low-lying quartet anion states and their spin distribution can and will particip...
Repellency and toxicity of plant-based essential oils and their constituents against Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Psyllidae)

The Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, vectors Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (Las), the presumed causal agent of huanglong- bing. D. citri generally rely on olfaction and vision for detection of host cues. Certain plant volatiles and plant-derived essential oil products are known to repel several arthropod species and are considered minimum- risk pesticides. We examined the effect of five essential oils and eight chemicals previously reported to have activity against various insect spe- cies on D. citri behaviour in a two-port divided T-olfactometer in an effort to identify repellents for further consideration and testing as crop protectants for D. citi. Volatiles from essential oils of coriander, lavender, rose, thyme, tea tree oil and 2-undecanone, a major constituent of rue oil repelled D. citri adults compared with clean air. Also, coriander, lav- ender, rose and thyme oil inhibited the response of D. citri when co-pre- sented with citrus leaves. Volatiles from eugenol, eucalyptol, carvacrol, b-caryophyllene, a-pinene, a-gurjunene and linalool did not repel D. citri adults compared with clean air. In an effort to isolate the repellents and toxicants from effective essential oils, the headspace components of cori- ander and lavender oil were analysed by gas chromatography-mass spec- trometry and revealed that a-pinene and linalool were the primary volatiles present in coriander oil while linalool and linalyl acetate were the primary volatiles present in lavender oil. Coriander, lavender and garlic chive oils were also highly toxic to D. citri when evaluated as con- tact action insecticides using a topical application technique. The LC50 values for these three oils ranged between 0.16 and 0.25 lg/D. citri adult while LC50 values for rose and thyme oil ranged between 2.45 and 17.26 lg/insect.
Saturday Morning Children's Television Advertising: A Longitudinal Content Analysis

The content of advertisements broadcast in 1993 and 1999 during top-ranked Saturday morning children's network television programs was analyzed and compared with dietary recommendations and advertising guidelines. Study data were compared to earlier work to create a longitudinal perspective. One fourth to one sixth of broadcast time was devoted to commercials. Over the past three decades, food was the largest advertisement category. Produce, protein-rich foods, and dairy products were rarely advertised. Advertisements for breakfast cereals and foods high in sugar or fat predominated. Food advertisements over the past 30 years are not reflective of dietary recommendations. However, most adhered to advertising guidelines.
Pathologic Features of Breast Cancers in Women With Previous Benign Breast Disease

To compare pathologic features of the cancers arising after different types of benign breast disease (BBD), we reviewed the invasive breast cancer slides of 169 women with a previous benign biopsy result. Lesions were categorized previously as nonproliferative, proliferative without atypia, or atypical hyperplasia. Pathologic features of the cancers were evaluated without knowledge of the previous BBD category. Estrogen and progesterone receptor immunohistochemistry was performed on available tissue blocks. The median times between a benign result and cancer were 100, 124, and 92 months for women with nonproliferative lesions, proliferative lesions without atypia, and atypical hyperplasia, respectively. Cancers in the 3 groups did not differ significantly in tumor size, axillary lymph node status, or histologic grade, and there was no significant difference in the distribution of histologic types of breast cancer. Lymphatic vessel invasion, extensive intraductal component, and hormone receptor status did not differ among BBD categories. The pathologic features of breast cancers that develop in women with a previous benign biopsy result do not vary according to the histologic category of the previous BBD.
Intravenous valproate sodium in the treatment of daily headache.

Background.—Treatment of chronic daily headache/transformed migraine is challenging, especially when it is complicated by overuse of analgesics, triptans, or both. One common approach involves the use of repetitive intravenous dihydroergotamine. We investigated the use of intravenous valproate sodium in the treatment of chronic daily headache/transformed migraine in patients who had contraindications to the use of or had failed treatment with dihydroergotamine. Methods.—We administered intravenous valproate sodium (Depacon) to patients with chronic daily headache/transformed migraine (loading dose 15 mg/kg, followed by 5 mg/kg every 8 hours). All analgesics and triptans were discontinued prior to treatment with divalproex sodium, and preventative medications for migraine were begun or continued. All patients received instruction in behavioral modification and the proper use of analgesics and triptans. Results.—Improvement in headache was reported by 80% of the patients treated, and valproate sodium was tolerated well by most. Conclusion.—Intravenous valproate sodium may be of assistance in the initial management of patients with chronic daily headache/transformed migraine and analgesic/triptan overuse, especially when dihydroergotamine is ineffective or contraindicated.
In Harm's Way: Factors Related to Psychological Distress Following Sexual Harassment:

The negative consequences for victims of sexual harassment are well documented. However, one area unexamined is the process that leads to harm. Researchers have proposed three influences (i.e., objective or stimulus factors, individual factors, and contextual factors) on the psychological, health-related, and organizational outcomes of sexual harassment. This article examines the relative contribution of these influences on psychological distress following sexual harassment. Two studies were conducted. First, we examined approximately 1,200 women in a financial industry class-action lawsuit. A series of hierarchical regressions and subsequent dominance analysis revealed that the severity of the experiences and attributions made about them were the most important influences on symptoms of psychological distress. Study 2 examined 85 female plaintiffs in sexual harassment litigation. Dominance analysis again showed that the magnitude of their experiences had the strongest relationship with distress. Implications of these findings are discussed.
Monte Carlo Simulation of a Lattice Model of Microemulsions in Porous Media

Monte Carlo simulations are used to study various properties of a new lattice model of microemulsions. In particular, we calculate the critical exponent β of the order parameter (water concentration) and the correlation length exponent ν, and find them to be in excellent agreement with those of the 3D Ising model, and also in agreement with the experimental measurements. However, when the same exponents are calculated for the microemulsions in a porous medium, they do not agree with those of either the dilute or the random-field Ising model.
Reducing older driver motor vehicle collisions via earlier cataract surgery

Older adults who undergo cataract extraction have roughly half the rate of motor vehicle collision (MVC) involvement per mile driven compared to cataract patients who do not elect cataract surgery. Currently in the U.S., most insurers do not allow payment for cataract surgery based upon the findings of a vision exam unless accompanied by an individual's complaint of visual difficulties that seriously interfere with driving or other daily activities and individuals themselves may be slow or reluctant to complain and seek relief. As a consequence, surgery tends to occur after significant vision problems have emerged. We hypothesize that a proactive policy encouraging cataract surgery earlier for a lesser level of complaint would significantly reduce MVCs among older drivers. We used a Monte Carlo model to simulate the MVC experience of the U.S. population from age 60 to 89 under alternative protocols for the timing of cataract surgery which we call "Current Practice" (CP) and "Earlier Surgery" (ES). Our base model finds, from a societal perspective with undiscounted 2010 dollars, that switching to ES from CP reduces by about 21% the average number of MVCs, fatalities, and MVC cost per person. The net effect on total cost - all MVC costs plus cataract surgery expenditures - is a reduction of about 16%. Quality Adjusted Life Years would increase by about 5%. From the perspective of payers for healthcare, the switch would increase cataract surgery expenditure for ages 65+ by about 8% and for ages 60-64 by about 47% but these expenditures are substantially offset after age 65 by reductions in the medical and emergency services component of MVC cost. Similar results occur with discounting at 3% and with various sensitivity analyses. We conclude that a policy of ES would significantly reduce MVCs and their associated consequences.
Hydrologic processes associated with the first transition of the Asian summer monsoon : A pilot satellite study

Abstract Results of a pilot study of the evolution of large-scale hydrologic processes associated with the first transition of the Asian summer monsoon in conjunction with the launching of the South China Sea Monsoon Experiment (SCSMEX) in May 1998 are presented. SCSMEX is a major international field experiment to study the water and energy cycles of the Asian monsoon region, with the aim toward better understanding and improved prediction of the onset, maintenance, and variability of the monsoon of southern China, Southeast Asia, and the western pacific region. In this paper, the utility of reliable satellite data in revealing characteristics of the South China Sea (SCS) monsoon is emphasized. Using a combination of satellite-estimated rainfall, moisture, surface wind, and sea surface temperature, the authors present some interesting and hitherto unknown features in large-scale atmospheric and oceanic hydrologic processes associated with the fluctuation of the SCS monsoon. Results show that, climatologic...
Identification of Loci Associated with Drought Resistance Traits in Heterozygous Autotetraploid Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) Using Genome-Wide Association Studies with Genotyping by Sequencing

Drought resistance is an important breeding target for enhancing alfalfa productivity in arid and semi-arid regions. Identification of genes involved in drought tolerance will facilitate breeding for improving drought resistance and water use efficiency in alfalfa. Our objective was to use a diversity panel of alfalfa accessions comprised of 198 cultivars and landraces to identify genes involved in drought tolerance. The panel was selected from the USDA-ARS National Plant Germplasm System alfalfa collection and genotyped using genotyping by sequencing. A greenhouse procedure was used for phenotyping two important traits associated with drought tolerance: drought resistance index (DRI) and relative leaf water content (RWC). Marker-trait association identified nineteen and fifteen loci associated with DRI and RWC, respectively. Alignments of target sequences flanking to the resistance loci against the reference genome of M. truncatula revealed multiple chromosomal locations. Markers associated with DRI are located on all chromosomes while markers associated with RWC are located on chromosomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7. Co-localizations of significant markers between DRI and RWC were found on chromosomes 3, 5 and 7. Most loci associated with DRI in this work overlap with the reported QTLs associated with biomass under drought in alfalfa. Additional significant markers were targeted to several contigs with unknown chromosomal locations. BLAST search using their flanking sequences revealed homology to several annotated genes with functions in stress tolerance. With further validation, these markers may be used for marker-assisted breeding new alfalfa varieties with drought resistance and enhanced water use efficiency.
Optical and Electrical Properties of Phase Change Materials

Optical and electrical properties of the phase change material Ge2Sb2Te5 are reviewed for its three phases. Implications of these data for the energy distribution of the density of electron states in the vicinity of the band edges are described. Near-band edge optical data obtained from ellipsometry and optical absorption spectra have been fitted with dispersion equations to determine values of ∼ 0.7 eV for the optical bandgap of the amorphous phase, and ∼ 0.5 eV for the highly conducting fcc and hexagonal phases. Infrared absorption spectra exhibit the effects of free carrier absorption in both crystalline phases. Conductivity at ∼ 300 K is dominated by holes in all three phases; hole concentrations and mobilities are 1020 cm−3 and ∼ 30 cm2/V-s in hexagonal, and 1020 cm-3 and ∼ 1 cm2/V-s in fcc. Temperature dependence of the sheet resistance of thin film Ge2Sb2Te5 documents the dramatic decreases in electrical resistance at the amorphous-to-fcc and fcc-to-hexagonal phase transitions. Comparison of the temperature dependence of the electrical properties in each of the three phases of Ge2Sb2Te5 provides additional insights concerning their conduction mechanisms.
Application and implications of polyethylene glycol-fusion as a novel technology to repair injured spinal cords

Conventional vs. polyethylene glycol (PEG)-fusion technologies to repair severed spinal axons: Most spinal cord injuries (SCIs) involve cut- or crush-severance of spinal tract axons in the central nervous system (CNS). Clinical outcomes after CNS axonal severance is very poor because proximal segments of CNS axons lack a suitable environment for outgrowth (Kakulas, 1999; Fitch and Silver, 2008; Rowland et al., 2008; Kwon et al., 2010) and therefore do not naturally regenerate (Ramon y Cajal, 1928). Current strategies to try to increase behavioral recovery after SCI are focused on enhancing the environment for axonal outgrowth. These strategies have had limited success to enhance return of function in animal model systems (Kwon et al., 2010). Encouraging outgrowths from surviving damaged axons may also provide significant benefits when spinal severance is not complete (Bittner and Fishman, 2000). However, these approaches, even if beneficial, do not prevent Wallerian degeneration of severed distal axonal segments, although PEG (Luo et al., 2002; Kwon et al., 2009, 2010), methylene blue (MB) (Rojas et al., 2009), and melatonin (MEL) (Stavisky et al., 2005; Raza et al., 2008) administered in low systemic concentrations may have some neuroprotective effects following SCI.
Long-term survival in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

Background Long-term survival (LTS) is uncommon for patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). We sought to identify factors that predict 10-year, LTS after resection of PDAC. Methods We identified all patients with PDAC who underwent resection at UCLA after 1990 and included all patients eligible for observed LTS (1/1/1990—12/31/2004). An independent pathologist reconfirmed the diagnosis of PDAC in patients with LTS. Logistic regression was used to predict LTS on the basis of patient and tumor characteristics. Results Of 173 included patients, 53% were male, median age at diagnosis was 66 years, and median survival was 23 months. The rate of observed LTS was 12.1% (n = 21). Age, sex, number of lymph nodes evaluated, margin status, lymphovascular invasion, and adjuvant chemotherapy and radiation were not associated with LTS. The following were associated with LTS on bivariate analysis: low AJCC stage (Ia, Ib, IIa) (P = .034), negative lymph node status (P = .034), low grade (well-, moderately-differentiated) (P = .001), and absence of perineural invasion (P = .019). Only low grade (odds ratio 7.17, P = .012) and absent perineural invasion (odds ratio 3.28, P = .036) were independently associated with increased odds of LTS. Our multivariate model demonstrated good discriminatory power for LTS, as indicated by a c-statistic of 0.7856. Conclusion Absence of perineural invasion and low tumor grade were associated with greater likelihood of LTS. Understanding the tumor biology of LTS may provide critical insight into a disease that is typically marked by aggressive behavior and limited survival.
Physicochemical Properties and ACE-I Inhibitory Activity of Protein Hydrolysates from a Non-Genetically Modified Soy Cultivar

Arkansas-grown non-genetically modified soybean cultivar, R08-4004, was selected to prepare a protein isolate, which was treated with Alcalase for limited enzymatic hydrolysis. The objective was to optimize the Alcalase hydrolysis condition to produce soy protein hydrolysate (SPH) with high protein yield, low bitterness, and clarity for beverage applications. The degree of hydrolysis ranged between 14 and 52 % during the study at varying incubation times using two different concentrations of Alcalase enzyme. Recovery of soluble protein, between 21 and 53 %, was achieved with a decrease in turbidity. There was an increase in surface hydrophobicity (S 0) which is correlated with bitterness of SPH treated with 1.0 AU (3.2 µL/g) of Alcalase 2.4 L. The sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis showed a distinct hydrolysis pattern in which 7S globulin and the two acidic sub-units of 11S globulin were hydrolyzed extensively in comparison to the two basic sub-units of 11S globulin. Limited enzymatic hydrolysis produced low molecular weight peptides <17 kDa. Among these SPHs, the one derived after 120 min incubation had the highest soluble protein yield (43 %), low S 0 value (35.4), low turbidity (0.88), and highest angiotensin-I converting enzyme (ACE-I) inhibition activity (66.6 %). This hydrolysate has potential use as protein rich nutraceutical for developing many non-genetically modified food product applications.
Dynamic performance of MEMS deformable mirrors for use in an active/adaptive two-photon microscope

Active optics can facilitate two-photon microscopic imaging deep in tissue. We are investigating fast focus control mirrors used in concert with an aberration correction mirror to control the axial position of focus and system aberrations dynamically during scanning. With an adaptive training step, sample-induced aberrations may be compensated as well. If sufficiently fast and precise, active optics may be able to compensate under-corrected imaging optics as well as sample aberrations to maintain diffraction-limited performance throughout the field of view. Toward this end we have measured a Boston Micromachines Corporation Multi-DM 140 element deformable mirror, and a Revibro Optics electrostatic 4-zone focus control mirror to characterize dynamic performance. Tests for the Multi-DM included both step response and sinusoidal frequency sweeps of specific Zernike modes. For the step response we measured 10%-90% rise times for the target Zernike amplitude, and wavefront rms error settling times. Frequency sweeps identified the 3dB bandwidth of the mirror when attempting to follow a sinusoidal amplitude trajectory for a specific Zernike mode. For five tested Zernike modes (defocus, spherical aberration, coma, astigmatism and trefoil) we find error settling times for mode amplitudes up to 400nm to be less than 52 us, and 3 dB frequencies range from 6.5 kHz to 10 kHz. The Revibro Optics mirror was tested for step response only, with error settling time of 80 μs for a large 3 um defocus step, and settling time of only 18 μs for a 400nm spherical aberration step. These response speeds are sufficient for intra-scan correction at scan rates typical of two-photon microscopy.
High Contaminant Air Filtration System for US Navy Hovercraft Gas Turbines

The Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) is the U.S. Navy’s high speed hovercraft used for amphibious landings. The LCAC uses four Allied Signal TF40B gas turbines for propulsion and air cushion lift, and two Sundstrand T-62 gas turbines for auxiliary power. Because of the craft’s low height at sea, the air cushion pressure and the propeller thrust the LCAC generates a high volume of sea spray, dust and airborne beach sand during its amphibious mission.For what can be considered the most severe environment of any U.S. NAVY gas turbine application, a combustion air system was designed to efficiently remove the airborne contaminants of seawater, salt and sand. This paper discusses the design, developmental testing, fleet experience and improvements for the LCAC gas turbine combustion air inlet system.Copyright © 1996 by ASME
Psychiatric comorbidity and paediatric migraine: examining the evidence.

Purpose of reviewPsychiatric comorbidities are sometimes assumed in children with migraine. The goal of this review is to review the evidence for an association between psychiatric comorbidities and pediatric migraine.Recent findingsAlthough depression or anxiety symptom scores may be higher in chil
Behavior and Control of the Grape Mealybug on Pear

The grape mealybug, Pseudococcus maritimus (Ehrhorn), is a chronic pest of pears which became a serious problem in several pear-growing areas in 1960 and 1961. Biology studies showed that the over wintering crawlers invaded and fed upon tissue in the fruit buds from the period of bud crack until petal fall. After this time, the mealy bugs migrated to the base of sucker shoots where rough bark provided protection. Because the insects are exposed within the open fruit buds, a spray timed at the cluster bud stage of tree development is preferred. Spray trials were conducted at the dormant, cluster bud, and petal fall periods on Bartlett pears. The results indicated that parathion or Diazinon® ( O,O -diethyl O -(2-isopropyl-4-methyl-6-pyrimidinyl) phosphorothioate) at a dosage of 2 pounds 25% per 100 gallons or a 1 pound dosage combined with either oil or a welting agent provided the best control. Dormant oil combined with lime sulfur, polysulfide, dinitrophenol, and dimethoate did not provide acceptable control. Zectran® (4-dimethylamino- 3,5 -xylyl methylcarbamate) and Dilan (a mixture of I part of 1,1-bis( p -chlorophenyl)-2-nitropropane (Prolan) and 2 parts of 1,1-bis( p -chlorophenyl)-2-nitrobutane (Bulan)) reduced meal. bugs. but were less effective than either parathion or Diazinon.
Extended Topological Persistence and Contact Arrangements in Folded Linear Molecules

Structure plays a pivotal role in determining the functional properties of self-interacting linear biomolecular chains, for example proteins and nucleic acids. In this paper, we propose a method for representing each such molecule combinatorially - as a one-dimensional simplicial complex - in a novel way that takes into account intra-chain contacts. The representation allows for efficient quantification of structural similarities and differences between molecules, and for studying molecular topology using extended persistence. This method performs a multi-scale analysis on a filtered simplicial complex as it tracks clusters, holes, and higher dimensional voids in the filtration. From extended persistence we extract information about the arrangement of intra-chain interactions, a topological property which demonstrably affects folding and unfolding dynamics of the linear chains.
Hemodynamic effects of endothelin in conscious rats.

The hemodynamic responses to endothelin, a recently isolated vasoconstrictor peptide, were determined in conscious rats with and without the three major known neurohumoral control systems. Rats (n = 6) were instrumented with arterial and venous catheters and an electromagnetic flow probe around the ascending aorta. Neurohumoral blockade was achieved with 10 mg/kg chlorisondamine, 0.5 mg/kg methscopolamine, 1 mg/kg captopril, and 10 micrograms/kg d(CH2)Tyr5(Me)AVP. Resting mean arterial pressure (MAP), cardiac output (CO), and total peripheral resistance (TPR) in areflexic rats were restored to normal levels with a constant norepinephrine infusion. Endothelin was infused intravenously for 25 min in doses ranging from 0.01 to 1,000 ng.kg-1.min-1. Rats with intact reflexes did not respond significantly until a dose of 100 ng.kg-1.min-1 that increased MAP 20%, decreased CO 22% and increased TPR 58%. At a dose of 1,000 ng.kg-1.min-1 of endothelin (infused for 10 min), MAP increased 35%, CO decreased 66%, and TPR increased 303%. In areflexic rats, 1 ng.kg-1.min-1 of endothelin caused significant increases in MAP (14%), small decreases in CO (-5%), and a 20% increase in TPR. At a dose of 10 ng.kg-1.min-1, MAP increased 17%, CO decreased 3%, and TPR increased 21%; at 100 ng.kg-1.min-1, MAP increased 40%, CO decreased 13%, and TPR increased 67%; at 1,000 ng.kg-1.min-1, MAP increased 48%, CO decreased 61%, and TPR increased 319%. The pressor effects of endothelin were therefore significantly buffered by neurohumoral systems; however, the decreases in CO caused by high doses of endothelin were independent of neurohumoral control.
Psychiatry: unresolved grief. Clinical considerations.

Grief normally is a three-stage process: shock, acute mourning, and resolution. Arrest of the grief process occurs most often in the acute mourning stage, with clinical presentations that may be mistakenly diagnosed as medical illness.
Age-related differences on a new test of temporal order memory for everyday events

We developed a new test to examine incidental temporal order memory for a self-generated sequence of tasks one might complete in everyday life. Young and older adults were given 10 cards, each listing a task one might accomplish in a typical day. Participants were asked to self-generate a "to do" list by placing the 10 cards in a sequence representing the order in which they would accomplish the tasks, but were not informed of a subsequent memory test. We assessed immediate free recall, delayed free recall, and delayed cued recall for the order of the tasks in the sequence. Older adults were significantly impaired relative to young adults on immediate free recall, delayed free recall, and delayed cued recall. Correlation analyses with standardized neuropsychological tests provide preliminary evidence for construct validity for our test, which is portable and can be rapidly administered in clinical or laboratory settings.
Pathology of Neurodegenerative Diseases

Neurodegenerative disorders are characterized by progressive loss of selectively vulnerable populations of neurons, which contrasts with select static neuronal loss because of metabolic or toxic disorders. Neurodegenerative diseases can be classified according to primary clinical features (e.g., dementia, parkinsonism, or motor neuron disease), anatomic distribution of neurodegeneration (e.g., frontotemporal degenerations, extrapyramidal disorders, or spinocerebellar degenerations), or principal molecular abnormality. The most common neurodegenerative disorders are amyloidoses, tauopathies, α-synucleinopathies, and TDP-43 proteinopathies. The protein abnormalities in these disorders have abnormal conformational properties. Growing experimental evidence suggests that abnormal protein conformers may spread from cell to cell along anatomically connected pathways, which may in part explain the specific anatomical patterns observed at autopsy. In this review, we detail the human pathology of select neurodegenerative disorders, focusing on their main protein aggregates.
Awareness of the Public versus Private Accounting Divide, and Its Impact on the Career Path Preference of Accounting Students.

ABSTRACTThis research assesses what knowledge upper-level accounting students possess about the distinctions between the public and private branches of accounting, as well as the influence such knowledge might have on their accounting branch choice. Overall, the study concluded that, before they were aware of the pros and cons of each career path, students preferred a career in public accounting over private accounting. But upon learning the pros and cons of each career path, however, students showed a slight preference toward private accounting. The study suggests research on accountant personality be supplemented by research on the impact of practical knowledge about private versus public accounting work environments on accounting career choice. It suggests greater importance be placed in accounting education on instilling such knowledge.
Student research highlights: Quadrotor electronics and intelligent control

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have seen diverse applications, including radiation or border surveillance, with quadrotors offering small size, relatively low cost, high mobility, mass production, and easy access to challenging environments. In addition, quadrotors can carry sensors, cameras, or other gadgets for information collection, data fusion, and subsequent actions of targets, as was exemplified during the Fukushima nuclear plant disaster, by visual and sensory surveillance or for an air delivery system. UAVs have also spurred extensive research on physical design, operation principles, components, and control algorithms, partially due to complex stabilization problems, including the Stanford testbed of autonomous rotorcraft for multiagent control [1] quadrotor with linear controllers for position control systems, the X-4 flyer [2] with discrete model controllers, and the MikroKopter [3] with an open-source code development, as well as implementation and control with state estimation. Inherently nonlinear UAV dynamics can also be governed by intelligent controllers that can handle complex, nonlinear systems for superior outcomes. As an intelligent framework, fuzzy logic (FL) reflects real-life vagueness and imprecise data to provide decisions via nonlinear mapping via fuzzy sets, rules, and membership functions [4]. This project describes the development and implementation of a practical, low cost, lightweight quadrotor electronic test platform design to evaluate the FL closed-loop controller for roll and pitch stabilization.
The PM&R Journal Implements a Social Media Strategy to Disseminate Research and Track Alternative Metrics in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Implementation science is an evolving part of translating evidence into clinical practice and public health policy. This report describes how a social media strategy for the journal PM&R using metrics, including alternative metrics, contributes to the dissemination of research and other information in the field of physical medicine and rehabilitation. The primary goal of the strategy was to disseminate information about rehabilitation medicine, including but not limited to new research published in the journal, to health care professionals. Several different types of metrics were studied, including alternative metrics that are increasingly being used to demonstrate impact in academic medicine. A secondary goal was to encourage diversity and inclusion of the physiatric workforce-enhancing the reputations of all physiatrists by highlighting their research, lectures, awards, and other accomplishments with attention to those who may be underrepresented. A third goal was to educate the public so that they are more aware of the field and how to access care. This report describes the early results following initiation of PM&R's coordinated social media strategy. Through a network of social media efforts that are strategically integrated, physiatrists and their associated institutions have an opportunity to advance their research and clinical agendas, support the diverse physiatric workforce, and educate the public about the field to enhance patient awareness and access to care.
Development and validation of the environmental literacy instrument for adolescents

Environmental education (EE) practitioners struggle to consistently and rigorously evaluate their programs, particularly when little time is available for evaluation. Since environmental literacy (...
A Tri-Institutional Approach to Address Disparities in Children's Oncology Group Clinical Trial Accrual for Adolescents and Young Adults and Underrepresented Minorities

Purpose: Enrollment in Children's Oncology Group (COG) clinical trials has led to significant improvements in survival; however, disparities in survival persist, particularly among ethnic minorities, adolescents and young adults (AYAs), and the underinsured, partly due to inadequate access to cooperative group cancer clinical trials. In 2008, two COG sites University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) and Rush University Medical Center, and a nonmember institution, John H Stroger Hospital, created a unified COG program utilizing one lead Institutional Review Board and research team. This study assesses the impact that the tri-institutional COG program had on clinical trial accrual for minority, AYA, and uninsured patients. Methods: Analysis and comparison of COG enrollment data from 2002 to 2008 (pre-merger) and 2008 to 2017 (post-merger) by age, ethnicity, insurance type, clinical trial type, oncologic diagnosis, and specialty of the enrolling physician were completed. Results: Following the merger, the total studies open to enrollment increased by 100%, enrollments increased by 446%, and, for each diagnoses, increased by more than 200%. Enrollment of ethnic minorities rose by 533%, most significantly for Hispanic patients by 925%. AYA enrollments increased by 822%. There was a 28-fold increase in enrollment of uninsured patients. Significantly more providers from various oncology specialties were engaged in enrolling patients and a consistent increase in the percentile standing of the program occurred after the merger. Conclusions: Creation of a tri-institutional COG research program was associated with significant increases in clinical trial enrollments, especially for underrepresented minorities, AYAs, and uninsured patients. The UIC/Rush/Stroger COG Program provides a novel and exemplary approach to address cancer health disparities for these vulnerable populations.
Kashaya Foot Extrametricality as Post-Accentuation

Kashaya, an endangered Pomoan language of northern California, has an iambic stress pattern, assigned within words and phrases. Accent regularly shifts rightward from a (CV:) foot onto the following foot, including opaque contexts when length is lost or moved by other processes. This paper brings into the analysis a class of lexical triggers of accent shift: specific stems with no long vowels on the surface that nonetheless also trigger this shift. I propose an analysis of all varieties of accent shift as alignment of constituents, requiring the head foot to follow the triggering foot. Particular evidence for alignment comes from the fact that it is blocked by phrasal resyllabification of a word-final consonant. I argue for a unified analysis of all cases that employs a diacritic at the level of the foot, which also provides an account for opacity.
Self-management Processes Used by Healthy Middle-aged Women to Change Behaviors:

The purpose of this descriptive qualitative study was to understand the processes women used to change osteoporosis prevention health behaviors. Twenty healthy, predominately white, middle-aged women engaged in an osteoporosis prevention program shared behavior change stories. Results indicated that behavior change was a highly personalized process influenced by a myriad of factors that are unique to the individual. Approaches to behavior change varied across individuals over time and were shaped by personal preferences, capacity, and past experiences. Rather than relying on a systematic approach to health behavior change, women selected and restructured aspects of research-based recommendations to match their personal needs and preferences. We identified four person-initiated behavior change processes: (a) picking and choosing, (b) doing it my way, (c) recognizing how I am doing, and (d) using prompts and feedback. Understanding the process people use to change behaviors might uniquely contribute to increasing the effectiveness of theory, research, intervention development, and clinical care.
A Molecular Analysis of Cereblon-Related Immunomodulatory Drug Resistance in Commpass Multiple Myeloma Patients

Abstract Immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs) are commonly used in first-line therapy to treat multiple myeloma (MM), a plasma cell malignancy. Previous studies have shown that cereblon (CRBN) is critical for the efficacy of IMiDs, such as lenolidomide, pomalidomide and thalidomide, in MM. In a small cohort of 9 patients with lenalidomide-resistant MM, CRBN expression decreased 20-90% after treatment. In a MM cell line, acquired deletion of CRBN was the primary genetic event conferring IMiD resistance. Although CRBN expression is copy number (CN) dependent, CN aberrations affecting CRBN are thought to be rare, with less than 2% of patients exhibiting monoallelic deletion of CRBN. We analyzed clinical and molecular data from the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) CoMMpass trial (NCT145429) IA11 release to better understand the molecular basis underlying CRBN-related IMiD resistance. IMiDs were used in first-line therapy for 75% (728/971) of patients in the CoMMpass cohort. We identified five CRBN mutations in 5/891 ( RNAseq data was available for 32 serial patients of which 23 (72%) were IMiD treated. Only a subset of IMiD-treated patients (13/23, 57%) exhibited a decrease (ranging from 5-75%) in CRBN expression at relapse, however the decrease from baseline (mean = 41.4 transcripts per million (TPM)) to relapse (mean = 26.8 TPM) was significant (p=0.004) in this group. We analyzed the change in transcript expression of nine noncoding and four protein-coding CRBN transcripts from baseline to relapse in this patient subset and found four differentially expressed non-coding transcripts and two differentially expressed protein coding transcripts; CRBN-001 ENST00000231948 (17.4 versus 10.7 mean TPM; p = 0.04) which codes the full length CRBN protein, and CRBN-010 ENST00000450014 (3.3 versus 2.1 mean TPM; p = 0.02) which is missing exons 10 and 11. Reduced expression of CRBN-001 plays the greatest role in the overall reduction of CRBN and since it contains the IMiD binding motifs, likely also plays a greater role in CRBN resistance in IMiD-treated patients. Of the 13 patients who exhibited a decrease in CRBN expression at relapse, 10 had whole genome sequencing (WGS) CN data at both timepoints and 2/10 (20%) patients experienced CRBN CN loss from baseline to relapse. This suggests that CRBN CN loss may account for acquired IMiD resistance in a larger subset of patients than previously reported. Across the cohort, 14/871 (2%) patients with WGS data exhibit CRBN CN loss at baseline, while 342/871 (39%) patients exhibit CRBN CN gain, primarily whole chromosome gains related to trisomies of chr3 in a subset of hyperdiploid patients at baseline. Survival analyses revealed that IMiD-treated patients with CRBN CN gains at baseline exhibit better progression free survival (PFS) (median = 43 months) and overall survival (OS) (median = 55 months) than non IMiD-treated patients with CRBN CN gains (median PFS = 24 months, p Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
The Role of a Symptom Assessment Tool in Shaping Patient-Physician Communication in Palliative Care.

Abstract Context Patients with cancer experience many symptoms that disrupt quality of life, and symptom communication and management can be challenging. The Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS) was developed to standardize assessment and documentation of symptoms, yet research is needed to understand patients' and caregivers' experiences using the tool and its ability to impact patient-provider aligned care. Objectives The objective of this study was to understand how the ESAS shapes communication between patients and providers by exploring patients' and caregivers' experiences using the ESAS and assessing the level of agreement in symptom assessment between patients and palliative care physicians. Methods This study used a mixed-methods design. Thirty-one semistructured interviews were conducted and audio-recorded with patients (n = 18) and caregivers (n = 13). Data were analyzed following a social constructionist grounded theory approach. Patient and provider ESAS scores were obtained by medical chart review. Intraclass correlation coefficients were used to assess the level of agreement between patient-completed ESAS scores and provider-completed ESAS scores. Results Participants reported that the ESAS was a beneficial tool in establishing priorities for symptom control and guiding the appointment with the palliative care physician, despite challenges in completing the ESAS. Filling out the ESAS can also help patients more clearly identify their priorities before meeting with their physician. There was a good to excellent level of agreement between patients and physicians in all symptoms analyzed. Conclusion The ESAS is beneficial in enhancing symptom communication when used as a guide to identify and understand patients' main concerns.
Interaction of the neutral amino acid transporter ASCT2 with basic amino acids

Glutamine transport across cell membranes is performed by a variety of transporters, including the alanine serine cysteine transporter 2 (ASCT2). The substrate-binding site of ASCT2 was proposed to be specific for small amino acids with neutral side chains, excluding basic substrates such as lysine. A series of competitive inhibitors of ASCT2 with low µM affinity were developed previously, on the basis of the 2,4-diaminobutyric acid (DAB) scaffold with a potential positive charge in the side chain. Therefore, we tested whether basic amino acids with side chains shorter than lysine can interact with the ASCT2 binding site. Molecular docking of L-1,3-diaminopropionic acid (L-DAP) and L-DAB suggested that these compounds bind to ASCT2. Consistent with this prediction, L-DAP and L-DAB, but not ornithine, lysine or D-DAP, elicited currents when applied to ASCT2-expressing cells. The currents were carried by anions and showed the hallmark properties of ASCT2 currents induced by transported substrates. The L-DAP response could be eliminated by a competitive ASCT2 inhibitor, suggesting that binding occurs at the substrate binding site. The KM for L-DAP was weakly voltage dependent. Furthermore, the pH dependence of the L-DAP response showed that the compound can bind in several protonation states. Together, these results suggest that the ASCT2 binding site is able to recognize L-amino acids with short, basic side chains, such as the L-DAP derivative β-N-methylamino-l-Alanine (BMAA), a well-studied neurotoxin. Our results expand the substrate specificity of ASCT2 to include amino acid substrates with positively charged side chains.
Chapter 9 – Proteomics

Today we have the genome sequences for humans as well as many other animals, plants, fungi, and bacteria. All these data have given scientists a global view of the various genes in humans and others. However, genes are only the first step to understanding how an organism works. Genes are transcribed into mRNA and then translated into protein. So if we are to truly understand gene function, the gene product or protein must be characterized also—hence, the advent of proteomics. Proteomics refers to the global analysis of proteins, and the proteome refers to the entire protein complement of an organism. The translatome, or the complement of proteins expressed under specific circumstances, also falls into this field of study. Note that the translatome is dynamic and changes when environmental conditions change.
Incentive pay and rent in oligopoly

Our purpose is to examine strategic delegation in nonlinear Cournot oligopoly. The findings generalize earlier results and show that managerial contracts reward sales under the condition of a fixed input price. Alternatively, under a variable input price, owners might punish sales even when goods are strategic substitutes. We conclude that optimal strategic motivation depends critically on the input price. For example, motivation that supports positive owner profit under a fixed input price nullifies owner‐profit if an upstream monopolist with convex costs sets the input price. In a vertical relationship between a duopoly and an upstream monopolist, strategic delegation punishes sales.
The effect of rifampin on the production of 822 phage by Bacillus subtilis

Abstract The RNA polymerase which transcribes phage 822 following infection of Bacillus subtilis retains the rifampin sensitivity of the host cell enzyme. Competition-hybridization experiments show that several populations of phage-specific RNA molecules are produced during infection. The ability of rifampin to prevent the maturation of phage 822 is partially lost as soon as the complement of RNA species is qualitatively complete; however, the addition of the antibiotic continues to depress the yield of phage until shortly before lysis, indicating that the quantity of the late RNA species is correlated with the yield of phage.
Kenneth McNeil, Scottish Romanticism and Collective Memory in the British Atlantic

Review by Gerald Egan (California State University, Long Beach) of Kenneth McNeil, Scottish Romanticism and Collective Memory in the British Atlantic . Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press, 2020. Pp. 384. £90. ISBN 978474455466.
Emergency Department Utilization of Adolescents and Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder

This study examined emergency department (ED) utilization by adolescents and young adults, 12–30 years of age (AYA) with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) using the 2016 Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project/National Emergency Department Sample (HCUP/NEDS). We investigated the principal reason for an ED visit, presence of an ambulatory care sensitive condition (ACSC), and likelihood of hospital admission following ED encounter in ASD and Non-ASD cohorts. The ASD cohort had a higher proportion of ED visits for ACSC diagnoses as compared to the Non-ASD cohort. In addition, the likelihood of admission following an ED visit in the ASD cohort was 3.7 times greater than in the Non-ASD cohort.