cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reduction of meckelin leads to general loss of cilia, ciliary microtubule misalignment and distorted cell surface organization

Meckelin (MKS3), a conserved protein linked to Meckel Syndrome, assists in themigration of centrioles to the cell surface for ciliogenesis. We explored foradditional functions of MKS3p using RNA interference (RNAi) and expression of FLAGepitope tagged protein in the ciliated protozoan Paramecium tetraurelia.This cell has a highly organized cell surface with thousands of cilia and basalbodies that are grouped into one or two basal body units delineated by ridges. Thehighly systematized nature of the P. tetraurelia cell surface provides aresearch model of MKS and other ciliopathies where changes in ciliary structure,subcellular organization and overall arrangement of the cell surface can be easilyobserved. We used cells reduced in IFT88 for comparison, as theinvolvement of this gene’s product with cilia maintenance and growth is wellunderstood. FLAG-MKS3p was found above the plane of the distal basal body in the transitionzone. Approximately 95% of those basal bodies observed had staining for FLAG-MKS3.The RNAi phenotype for MKS3 depleted cells included global shortening andloss of cilia. Basal body structure appeared unaffected. On the dorsal surface,the basal bodies and their associated rootlets appeared rotated out of alignmentfrom the normal anterior-posterior rows. Likewise, cortical units were abnormal inshape and out of alignment from normal rows. A GST pull down using the MKS3coiled-coil domain suggests previously unidentified interacting partners. Reduction of MKS3p shows that this protein affects development and maintenance ofcilia over the entire cell surface. Reduction of MKS3p is most visible on thedorsal surface. The anterior basal body is attached to and moves along thestriated rootlet of the posterior basal body in preparation for duplication. Wepropose that with reduced MKS3p, this attachment and guidance of the basal body islost. The basal body veers off course, causing basal body rows to be misalignedand units to be misshapen. Rootlets form normally on these misaligned basal bodiesbut are rotated out of their correct orientation. Our hypothesis is furthersupported by the identification of novel interacting partners of MKS3p including akinetodesmal fiber protein, KdB2.
Shear- vs. nanotopography-guided control of growth of endothelial cells on RGD-nanoparticle-nanowell arrays.

Endothelialization of therapeutic cardiovascular implants is essential for their intravascular hemocompatibility. We previously described a novel nanowell-RGD-nanoparticle ensemble, which when applied to surfaces led to enhanced endothelialization and retention under static conditions and low flow rates. In the present study we extend our work to determine the interrelated effects of flow rate and the orientation of ensemble-decorated surface arrays on the growth, adhesion and morphology of endothelial cells. Human umbilical vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs) were grown on array surfaces with either 1 μm × 5 μm spacing (“parallel to flow”) and 5 μm × 1 μm spacing (“perpendicular to flow”) and were exposed to a range of shear stress of (0 to 4.7 ± 0.2 dyn·cm-2 ), utilizing a pulsatile flow chamber. Under physiological flow (4.7 ± 0.2 dyn·cm-2), RGD-nanoparticle-nanowell array patterning significantly enhanced cell adhesion and spreading compared with control surfaces and with static conditions. Furthermore, improved adhesion coincided with higher alignment to surface patterning, intimating the importance of interaction and response to the array surface as a means of resisting flow detachment. Under sub-physiological condition (1.7 ± 0.3 dyn·cm-2; corresponding to early angiogenesis), nanowell-nanoparticle patterning did not provide enhanced cell growth and adhesion compared with control surfaces. However, it revealed increased alignment along the direction of flow, rather than the direction of the pattern, thus potentially indicating a threshold for cell guidance and related retention. These results could provide a cue for controlling cell growth and alignment under varying physiological conditions.
Rapid Bactericidal Activity of Daptomycin against Methicillin-Resistant and Methicillin-Susceptible Staphylococcus aureus Peritonitis in Mice as Measured with Bioluminescent Bacteria

The rising rates of antibiotic resistance accentuate the critical need for new antibiotics. Daptomycin is a new antibiotic with a unique mode of action and a rapid in vitro bactericidal effect against gram-positive organisms. This study examined the kinetics of daptomycin's bactericidal action against peritonitis caused by methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) in healthy and neutropenic mice and compared this activity with those of other commonly used antibiotics. CD-1 mice were inoculated intraperitoneally with lethal doses of MSSA (Xen-29) or MRSA (Xen-1), laboratory strains transformed with a plasmid containing the lux operon, which confers bioluminescence. One hour later, the animals were given a single dose of daptomycin at 50 mg/kg of body weight subcutaneously (s.c.), nafcillin at 100 mg/kg s.c., vancomycin at 100 mg/kg s.c., linezolid at 100 mg/kg via gavage (orally), or saline (10 ml/kg s.c.). The mice were anesthetized hourly, and photon emissions from living bioluminescent bacteria were imaged and quantified. The luminescence in saline-treated control mice either increased (neutropenic mice) or remained relatively unchanged (healthy mice). In contrast, by 2 to 3 h postdosing, daptomycin effected a 90% reduction of luminescence of MSSA or MRSA in both healthy and neutropenic mice. The activity of daptomycin against both MSSA and MRSA strains was superior to those of nafcillin, vancomycin, and linezolid. Against MSSA peritonitis, daptomycin showed greater and more rapid bactericidal activity than nafcillin or linezolid. Against MRSA peritonitis, daptomycin showed greater and more rapid bactericidal activity than vancomycin or linezolid. The rapid decrease in the luminescent signal in the daptomycin-treated neutropenic mice underscores the potency of this antibiotic against S. aureus in the immune-suppressed host.
An efficient representation of radiation from a circular aperture with quadratic phase error

The authors derive an efficient series representation for I/sub pab/, a quadratic-phase integral commonly encountered in aperture-antenna theory. The accuracy and efficiency of the series formula relative to ordinary numerical integration are discussed. The formula may be effective in calculating the effect of quadratic-phase error on the gain and beamwidth characteristics of a radiation pattern, the field in the Fresnel region, on-axis defocus characteristics of the paraboloidal reflector, and the shadow region correction field due to a disk-shaped obstacle in front of a large aperture (such as a reflector). >
Circuit-level modeling of spot defects

Describes some of the problems faced in mapping spot defects (e.g. extra/missing material, gate oxide pinholes) to changes in the nominal circuit. Traditionally, a very simple mapping has been used, with circuit faults assumed to consist of shorts, opens and occasionally, extra devices. The authors discuss some of the problems in achieving the simple mapping and how they are solved in VLASIC catastrophic fault yield simulator. They also describe modeling problems that appear to require full 3-D device simulation. Finally some investigations into the hazy boundary between parametric and functional faults are described. >
Association and evidence for linked recognition of type IV secretion system proteins VirB9-1, VirB9-2, and VirB10 in Anaplasma marginale.

ABSTRACT Like several other bacterial pathogens, Anaplasma marginale has an outer membrane that induces complete protection from infection and disease. However, the proteins that confer protective immunity and whether protection requires interacting proteins and/or linked T-cell and immunoglobulin G epitopes are not known. Our goal is to target the conserved type IV secretion system (T4SS) to identify conserved, immunogenic membrane proteins that are interacting and linked recognition candidates. Linked recognition is a process by which a B cell is optimally activated by a helper T cell that responds to the same, or physically associated, antigen. A. marginale T4SS proteins VirB2, VirB4-1, VirB4-2, VirB6-1, VirB7, VirB8-2, VirB9-1, VirB9-2, VirB10, VirB11, and VirD4 were screened for their ability to induce IgG and to stimulate CD4+ T cells from outer membrane-vaccinated cattle. VirB9-1, VirB9-2, and VirB10 induced the strongest IgG and T-cell responses in the majority of cattle, although three animals with major histocompatibility complex class II DRB3 restriction fragment length polymorphism types 8/23, 3/16, and 16/27 lacked T-cell responses to VirB9-1, VirB9-1 and VirB9-2, or VirB9-2 and VirB10, respectively. For these animals, VirB9-1-, VirB9-2-, and VirB10-specific IgG production may be associated with T-cell help provided by responses to an interacting protein partner(s). Interacting protein partners indicated by far-Western blotting were confirmed by immunoprecipitation assays and revealed, for the first time, specific interactions of VirB9-1 with VirB9-2 and VirB10. The immunogenicity and interactions of VirB9-1, VirB9-2, and VirB10 justify their testing as a linked protein vaccine against A. marginale.
Biological implications of surf-zone flow complexity

Wave action imposes potentially large hydrodynamic forces on intertidal plants and animals, and can act as a primary agent of disturbance. It has also been proposed that rapid water accelerations produced by breaking waves might constrain the sizes to which intertidal organisms can grow. However, despite the proven ecological importance of surf-zone flows, few actual measurements of forces imposed on plants or animals by waves in nature have been conducted. In this study, real-time wave forces acting on individuals of the rockweed Pelvetia compressa and a sea urchin Strongylocentrotus purpuratus are recorded in the field. These measured forces are compared with values predicted from theory using laboratory-determined shape factors (i.e., drag and added mass coefficients) and simultaneous flow measurements conducted adjacent to the deployed samples. Results demonstrate that models predicting large contributions of force due to water's acceleration are likely inaccurate, most probably because such models fail to account for the small spatial scales of surf-zone accelerations. This likely eliminates any capacity for intertidal hydrodynamic accelerational forces to limit size, contrary to previous conjectures. Data also suggest that wave-induced forces predicted from simple fluid dynamic expressions can, but sometimes do not, reflect accurately the forces applied. Together these findings imply that although traditional hydrodynamic theory may indeed provide a valuable tool for predicting forces imposed on immersed surf-zone organisms, such approaches must be used with caution. Finally, the field recordings suggest that sharp, transient forces arising from the impingement of waves directly on non-submerged organisms may in general impose the most severe loadings experienced by intertidal plants and animals, a possibility that to date has received little attention. The precise consequences of such brief forces depend on the level of flexibility or rigidity of an organism's construction.
Hardware implementations of Swarming Intelligence — a survey

Swarming intelligence (SI) is the property of a system whereby the collective behaviors of (unsophisticated) agents interacting locally with their environment cause coherent global patterns to emerge. Because there are no central processing requirements, SI is ideal for parallelization, which lends it well to hardware implementations in many inexpensive processors. Several implementations in hardware that exploit this property for rapid calculation and inexpensive construction are highlighted in this paper to provide a good starting point for developing hardware platforms for SI algorithms.
Echo chambers online?: Politically motivated selective exposure among Internet news users

A review of research suggests that the desire for opinion reinforcement may play a more important role in shaping individuals’ exposure to online political information than an aversion to opinion challenge. The article tests this idea using data collected via a webadministered behavior-tracking study with subjects recruited from the readership of 2 partisan online news sites (N = 727). The results demonstrate that opinion-reinforcing information promotes news story exposure while opinion-challenging information makes exposure only marginally less likely. The influence of both factors is modest, but opinionreinforcing information is a more important predictor. Having decided to view a news story, evidence of an aversion to opinion challenges disappears: There is no evidence that individuals abandon news stories that contain information with which they disagree. Implications and directions for future research are discussed.
State laws on insurance coverage for bariatric surgery: help or a hindrance?

Abstract Background The purpose of this study was to determine which states have proposed or passed laws regarding insurance coverage for bariatric surgery and to obtain feedback from bariatric surgeons/programs regarding the effectiveness of these laws. Methods The Departments of Insurance in all 50 states and the District of Columbia in the United States and all members of the American Society for Bariatric Surgery were surveyed. Results Responses were obtained from all states and the District of Columbia, and 16 responses were received from the bariatric surgeons/programs. Michigan law requires all Health Maintenance Organizations to pay for all medically necessary treatments or procedures in general, such that if bariatric surgery can be shown to be medically necessary, it should be covered. Four states (Louisiana, Ohio, South Carolina, and Tennessee) have proposed state laws regarding bariatric surgery coverage, and four states (Georgia, Indiana, Maryland, and Virginia) have such laws in effect. However, none of the state laws that were passed "mandate" coverage, but rather "recommend" coverage or mandate that the insurer offer the coverage, for which the insurer can charge additional premiums. Although the numbers of responses from bariatric surgeons/programs were few, all of their responses were in agreement that the state laws have not increased insurance approvals for bariatric surgery and, in some cases, has made it more difficult to obtain approval. Conclusion So far, the laws that have been passed have not adequately addressed the problems with decreasing coverage of bariatric surgery. Recommendations for future legislation are discussed.
Thermodynamic chemical energy transfer mechanisms of non-equilibrium, quasi-equilibrium, and equilibrium chemical reactions

Abstract Chemical energy transfer mechanisms at finite temperature are explored by a chemical energy transfer theory which is capable of investigating various chemical mechanisms of non-equilibrium, quasi-equilibrium, and equilibrium. Gibbs energy fluxes are obtained as a function of chemical potential, time, and displacement. Diffusion, convection, internal convection, and internal equilibrium chemical energy fluxes are demonstrated. The theory reveals that there are chemical energy flux gaps and broken discrete symmetries at the activation chemical potential, time, and displacement. The statistical, thermodynamic theory is the unification of diffusion and internal convection chemical reactions which reduces to the non-equilibrium generalization beyond the quasi-equilibrium theories of migration and diffusion processes. The relationship between kinetic theories of chemical and electrochemical reactions is also explored. The theory is applied to explore non-equilibrium chemical reactions as an illustration. Three variable separation constants indicate particle number constants and play key roles in describing the distinct chemical reaction mechanisms. The kinetics of chemical energy transfer accounts for the four control mechanisms of chemical reactions such as activation, concentration, transition, and film chemical reactions.
Balance-based torso-weighting may enhance balance in persons with multiple sclerosis: preliminary evidence.

Abstract Widener GL, Allen DD, Gibson-Horn C. Balance-based torso-weighting may enhance balance in persons with multiple sclerosis: preliminary evidence. Objective To determine whether weight placed on the trunk in response to directional balance loss would enhance function and stability in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Design Quasi-experimental study in which subjects served as their own controls. Setting Research laboratory. Participants Subjects (N=16) age 20 to 65 years with MS recruited through the Northern California Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Interventions Balance-based torso-weighting where up to 1.5% body weight was placed in a garment on the trunk. Subjects were tested at baseline and then in randomly ordered balance-based torso-weighting and nonweighted garment conditions. Main Outcome Measures Sharpened Romberg, eyes open (SREO) and Sharpened Romberg, eyes closed, computerized dynamic platform posturography (CDPP), Timed Up & Go (TUG), and 25-foot timed walk. Results Significant improvement ( P P Conclusions Improved performance in a group of adults with MS was seen when light weights were placed on the torso to counteract balance loss. Placement of weights may have the potential to produce immediate improvements in balance in this population.
An implicit acceleration algorithm in test generation for VLSI circuits

A fast test generation algorithm called FPODEM (Fast PODEM) is developed to improve the original PODEM algorithm. FPODEM can generate test patterns more quickly to detect all single-stuck faults (including fanout faults) in combinational circuits. In order to accelerate the algorithm of test generation it is necessary to reduce the total number of PI (primary input) assignments which are examined to generate and propagate the D-cubes for all single-stuck faults. The idea of backtracking in combination with the input-sequence-reordering technique is developed to increase the speed of test pattern generation. No self-masking problem needs to be considered in this algorithm, i.e. all detectable faults can be detected. It is shown that the FPODEM algorithm is faster and more efficient than the PODEM algorithm. The algorithm and data structure used in FPODEM are described. The results of simulation on combinational circuits demonstrate that FPODEM performs test generation quickly and efficiently, especially when the size of the circuit under test is increased. >
Near-infrared spectroscopy and imaging for the monitoring of powder blend homogeneity

In-process testing requirements for adequacy of mixing are established in 21 CFR 211.110(a)(3). Considering also, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's draft guidance published in 1999 (Guidance for Industry, ANDAs: Blend Uniformity Analysis; http://www.fda.gov/cder/guidance/index.htm), the importance of when and how to perform blend uniformity analysis is obvious. Near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy was used noninvasively, in this study, to monitor powder blend homogeneity. Powder mixtures consisting of salicylic acid and Fast-Flo lactose were blended in an 8-qt. V-Blender. Optical ports installed at six positions on the blender allowed spectral collection using fiber optics. A traditional thief probe was used to collect powder samples for ultraviolet (UV) reference analysis. The blender was stopped at preselected time points for collection of NIR and UV data. Several algorithms and sampling protocols were studied to identify an optimum methodology for blend homogeneity determination. The blending process was also monitored with an InSb imaging camera for comparison with the traditional NIR spectroscopy and UV reference data. Data analysis indicates that multiple sampling points were essential for accurate and precise estimation of mixing end points. Moreover, multiple runs of identical blends often display homogeneity at unique end points, thus demonstrating the potential advantage of monitoring every blend.
Toward a General Theory of Group Therapy

We attempt in this paper to organize existing group therapy theory and set a comprehensive framework for group theory and therapy technique. Based on our prior work in developing the control-mastery theory approach to individual psychotherapy, we have attempted to show how individual and group processes in the therapy group can be integrated. This integration offers an understanding of individuals' needs and plans in relation to efforts that emerge from the collective. A clinical example of the principles is offered.
The importance of appropriate prophylaxis for the prevention of venous thromboembolism in at‐risk medical patients

Summary Background: Venous thromboembolism (VTE), which encompasses both deep-vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, is a significant healthcare problem, leading to considerable morbidity, mortality and resource utilisation. Aims: This review discusses the adherence to VTE guideline recommendations and the available clinical evidence on the appropriate type, dose and duration of VTE prophylaxis. Methods: A literature survey was conducted using Pub Med and EMBASE to identify publications related to appropriate thromboprophylaxis in medically ill patients at risk of VTE. Results: Despite evidence from clinical trials and national guidelines, VTE prophylaxis in medically ill patients remains underutilised. The use of unfractionated heparin three-times-daily, low-molecular-weight heparin once-daily and fondaparinux once-daily has demonstrated effectiveness in clinical trials of medically ill patients. However, controversy exists about the use of unfractionated heparin twice-daily, and fondaparinux has not yet received US Food and Drug Administration approval for VTE prophylaxis in medically ill patients. Conclusion: It is important for clinicians to have an understanding of the evidence-based literature when selecting an appropriate drug, at the appropriate dose, for the appropriate duration for VTE prophylaxis in medically ill patients. VTE prophylaxis in medically ill patients is cost-effective, and drugs that are expensive may still be cost-effective when considering improved efficacy and/or safety. Recently, the underutilisation of VTE prophylaxis has led to the involvement of government and other regulatory agencies in an attempt to increase appropriate VTE prophylaxis in US hospitals and improve the clinical and economic outcomes in medical patients at risk of VTE.
Impact of Universal Gowning and Gloving on Health Care Worker Clothing Contamination

OBJECTIVE To determine whether gowning and gloving for all patient care reduces contamination of healthcare worker (HCW) clothing, compared to usual practice. DESIGN Cross-sectional surveys. SETTING Five study sites were recruited from intensive care units (ICUs) randomized to the intervention arm of the Benefits of Universal Gown and Glove (BUGG) study. PARTICIPANTS All HCWs performing direct patient care in the study ICUs were eligible to participate. METHODS Surveys were performed first during the BUGG intervention study period (July–September 2012) with universal gowning/gloving and again after BUGG study conclusion (October–December 2012), with resumption of usual care. During each phase, HCW clothing was sampled at the beginning and near the end of each shift. Cultures were performed using broth enrichment followed by selective media. Acquisition was defined as having a negative clothing culture for samples taken at the beginning of a shift and positive clothing culture at for samples taken at the end of the shift. RESULTS A total of 348 HCWs participated (21–92 per site), including 179 (51%) during the universal gowning/gloving phase. Overall, 51 (15%) HCWs acquired commonly pathogenic bacteria on their clothing: 13 (7.1%) HCWs acquired bacteria during universal gowning/gloving, and 38 (23%) HCWs acquired bacteria during usual care (odds ratio [OR], 0.3; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.2–0.6). Pathogens identified included S. aureus (25 species, including 7 methicillin-resistant S. aureus [MRSA]), Enterococcus spp. (25, including 1 vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus [VRE]), Pseudomonas spp. (4), Acinetobacter spp. (4), and Klebsiella (2). CONCLUSION Nearly 25% of HCWs practicing usual care (gowning and gloving only for patients with known resistant bacteria) contaminate their clothing during their shift. This contamination was reduced by 70% by gowning and gloving for all patient interactions. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2014;00(0): 1–7
Associative learning is inversely related to reversal learning and varies with nestling corticosterone exposure

Intraspecies differences are fundamental to natural selection, yet individual differences in cognition in free-living populations have received little attention. Proactive and reactive coping styles describe individual differences in personality and related stress physiology; however, the coping style model can be extended to include predictions regarding measures of cognition. We compared two measures of personality (neophobia and exploratory behaviour) included in the coping style model to cognitive performance on colour-based associative and reversal learning tests in adult Florida scrub-jays, Aphelocoma coerulescens. Also, as exogenous glucocorticoid treatment can affect cognitive performance, we examined whether an individual's naturally occurring physiological phenotype, reflected by corticosterone measures obtained during development and at the time of the learning tests, covaried with learning performance. Performance on associative and reversal learning tests were inversely related. Scrub-jays with low levels of corticosterone as 11-day-old nestlings performed better on an associative learning test as adults, and there was a marginally nonsignificant trend for nestlings with high levels of corticosterone to perform better on a reversal learning test. There was also a marginally nonsignificant trend for neophobic birds to perform better on reversal learning tests. There were no relationships either between adult stress-induced corticosterone levels and learning, or between exploratory behaviour and learning. Our findings provide evidence that variation in sensitivity to environmental conditions, as reflected by an individual's coping style, underlie the specific strategy by which individuals perform cognitive tasks (i.e. cognitive style). Florida scrub-jays experience a trade-off in performance between types of learning that covary with early corticosterone exposure.
Systemic lupus erythematosus in 2015: Cellular and metabolic requirements of effector T cells.

Key advances in lupus research in 2015 highlight the contribution of T cells to the pathogenesis of the disease. The findings not only shed light on the regulation and activity of these cells, but also suggest several novel therapeutic targets.
Training volunteers as alcoholism treatment counselors.

The use of volunteers in an outpatient clinic for alcoholics increased the number of patients seen, improved the retention rate and helped to improve the continuity of care. The training program an...
Evaluating the Climate Benefits of CO2-Enhanced Oil Recovery Using Life Cycle Analysis

This study uses life cycle analysis (LCA) to evaluate the greenhouse gas (GHG) performance of carbon dioxide (CO2) enhanced oil recovery (EOR) systems. A detailed gate-to-gate LCA model of EOR was developed and incorporated into a cradle-to-grave boundary with a functional unit of 1 MJ of combusted gasoline. The cradle-to-grave model includes two sources of CO2: natural domes and anthropogenic (fossil power equipped with carbon capture). A critical parameter is the crude recovery ratio, which describes how much crude is recovered for a fixed amount of purchased CO2. When CO2 is sourced from a natural dome, increasing the crude recovery ratio decreases emissions, the opposite is true for anthropogenic CO2. When the CO2 is sourced from a power plant, the electricity coproduct is assumed to displace existing power. With anthropogenic CO2, increasing the crude recovery ratio reduces the amount of CO2 required, thereby reducing the amount of power displaced and the corresponding credit. Only the anthropogenic ...
A Diamond Quantum Photonic Interface for Nitrogen Vacancy Solid State Qubits

We report on the fabrication of single-crystal diamond photonic crystal nanocavities coupled the diamond nitrogen vacancy center. We discuss techniques to realize cavity-coupled NV centers with coherence times exceeding 100 microseconds.
PEMPHIGUS REVISITED: CHANGES IN GEOGRAPHIC VARIATION BUT CONSTANCY IN VARIABILITY AND COVARIATION.

Samples of the gall-forming aphids Pemphigus populicaulis and P. populitransversus (both elongate and globular morphs) were re-collected at sites in eastern North America after 13 to 16 years. Twenty-three morphometric characters of the galls, stem mothers, and alate fundatrigeniae were analyzed by univariate and multivariate methods. Varying proportions of the variance of each character are attributable to the four levels of variation-locality, year, year by locality interaction, and among galls (within one year and locality). The year by locality interaction level generally has the greatest variation and is highly significant. Year and locality effects tend to be lower and not significant. The variance components do not exhibit trends with time. Geographic variation patterns of single variables or factor scores in the original and revisited populations show significant spatial structure overall but lack clear-cut spatial patterns, especially clines. Observable patterns of variation match results of the spatial analyses: most characters lack clear trends; patterns in the revisited data do not resemble patterns for the same variables in the original data. Variability profiles for characters change little over the time span and are comparable among and within localities. Covariation among characters over localities is largely maintained during the time interval despite the changes in patterns. Fluctuating interclonal competition among aphids on secondary hosts is believed to cause the marked heterogeneity in space and time among the aphids in the galls.
Proof Without Words: The Pentagon-Hexagon-Decagon Identity

SummaryUsing Ptolemy′s theorem and similar triangles, we prove the pentagon–hexagon–decagon identity, Proposition 10 in Book XIII of Euclid′s Elements.
Bispecific Antibody Affords Complete Post-Exposure Protection of Mice from Both Ebola (Zaire) and Sudan Viruses

Filoviruses (Ebola and Marburg) cause severe hemorrhagic fever. There are five species of ebolavirus; among these, the Ebola (Zaire) and Sudan viruses (EBOV and SUDV, respectively) are highly pathogenic and have both caused recurring, large outbreaks. However, the EBOV and SUDV glycoprotein (GP) sequences are 45% divergent and thus antigenically distinct. Few antibodies with cross-neutralizing properties have been described to date. We used antibody engineering to develop novel bispecific antibodies (Bis-mAbs) that are cross-reactive toward base epitopes on GP from EBOV and SUDV. These Bis-mAbs exhibit potent neutralization against EBOV and SUDV GP pseudotyped viruses as well as authentic pathogens, and confer a high degree (in one case 100%) post-exposure protection of mice from both viruses. Our studies show that a single agent that targets the GP base epitopes is sufficient for protection in mice; such agents could be included in panfilovirus therapeutic antibody cocktails.
Cohesive Zone Parameters for a Cyclically Loaded Copper-Epoxy Molding Compound Interface

Bimaterial interfaces, like the one consisting of epoxy mold compound (EMC) cured over copper leadframe, are commonly present in microelectronic packages. Failure in such bimaterial interfaces can be simulated through the use of cohesive zone modeling (CZM). To date, nearly all CZM modeling of bimaterial interfaces has been performed for monotonic loading conditions. However, most of the interfacial failures in microelectronic packages occur during operating conditions where repetitive or fatigue loading conditions are present. The CZM work for fatigue seen in literature utilizes methods which while demonstrably accurate, are data correlation schemes rather than derivations formulated from the underlying micromechanical behavior. Most proposed fatigue CZM models incorporate fatigue damage by decreasing the critical strain energy release rate (SERR), Gc, though a modified CZM damage parameter. This work presents a new characterization approach which continuously modifies CZM parameters as fatigue loading occurs. This new characterization method offers the potential of higher predictive value as it requires no assumptions beyond that of energy conservation, an assumption already inherent to the formulation of cohesive zone modeling. Through the addition of fatigue effects to CZM behavior, this method is capable of predicting and modeling crack propagation for loads below the monotonic critical level.
Cytosolic Accumulation of L-Proline Disrupts GABA-Ergic Transmission through GAD Blockade

Proline dehydrogenase (PRODH), which degrades L-proline, resides within the schizophrenia-linked 22q11.2 deletion suggesting a role in disease. Supporting this, elevated L-proline levels have been shown to increase risk for psychotic disorders. Despite the strength of data linking PRODH and L-proline to neuropsychiatric diseases, targets of disease-relevant concentrations of L-proline have not been convincingly described. Here, we show that Prodh-deficient mice with elevated CNS L-proline display specific deficits in high-frequency GABA-ergic transmission and gamma-band oscillations. We find that L-proline is a GABA-mimetic and can act at multiple GABA-ergic targets. However, at disease-relevant concentrations, GABA-mimesis is limited to competitive blockade of glutamate decarboxylase leading to reduced GABA production. Significantly, deficits in GABA-ergic transmission are reversed by enhancing net GABA production with the clinically relevant compound vigabatrin. These findings indicate that accumulation of a neuroactive metabolite can lead to molecular and synaptic dysfunction and help to understand mechanisms underlying neuropsychiatric disease.
All-Silicon Waveguide Photodetection for Low-Bias Power Monitoring and 20-km 28-Gb/s NRZ-OOK Signal Transmission

We investigate the detection characteristics of a vertical p-n junction embedded waveguide in the low-gain region and strong avalanche gain region. Due to the “L” shape p-n junction and relatively high doping concentration, the photon absorption is enhanced and the working bias is reduced. The detection has linear response to input power in a wide dynamic range and continuous response to wavelength throughout C+L bands. We obtain a responsivity of 0.54 A/W, a 3-dB OE bandwidth of 26 GHz and a gain-bandwidth product of 28 THz at the bias of –9 V in the proposed device. Up to 28-Gb/s NRZ-OOK signal is successfully modulated and detected in an all-silicon scheme in up to 20-km optical fiber transmission link. We believe the proposed device has the potential for applications in integrated power monitors and all-silicon transceivers.
Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase Is a Regulator of Alcohol Consumption and Excitatory Synaptic Plasticity in the Nucleus Accumbens Shell.

Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) is a receptor tyrosine kinase recently implicated in biochemical, physiological, and behavioral responses to ethanol. Thus, manipulation of ALK signaling may represent a novel approach to treating alcohol use disorder (AUD). Ethanol induces adaptations in glutamatergic synapses onto nucleus accumbens shell (NAcSh) medium spiny neurons (MSNs), and putative targets for treating AUD may be validated for further development by assessing how their manipulation modulates accumbal glutamatergic synaptic transmission and plasticity. Here we report that Alk knockout (AlkKO) mice consumed greater doses of ethanol, relative to wild-type (AlkWT) mice, in an operant self-administration model. Using ex vivo electrophysiology to examine excitatory synaptic transmission and plasticity at NAcSh medium spiny neurons that express dopamine D1 receptors (D1MSNs), we found that the amplitude of spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) in NAcSh D1MSNs was elevated in AlkKO mice and in the presence of an ALK inhibitor, TAE684. Furthermore, when ALK was absent or inhibited, glutamatergic synaptic plasticity – long term depression (LTD) of evoked EPSCs – in D1MSNs was attenuated. Thus, loss of ALK activity in mice is associated with elevated ethanol consumption and enhanced excitatory transmission in NAcSh D1MSNs. These findings add to the mounting evidence of a relationship between excitatory synaptic transmission onto NAcSh D1MSNs and ethanol consumption, point toward ALK as one important molecular mediator of this interaction, and further validate ALK as a target for therapeutic intervention in the treatment of AUD.
Connecting with technology in lower-income US families:

Digital equity initiatives traditionally enable access to devices and Internet service, but increasingly, designers are also recognizing the importance of access to people and programs that support...
Ground Pine Chips as a Substrate for Container-grown Woody Nursery Crops

Abstract The objective was to compare pine wood chips (PC) to pine bark (PB) for use as a container substrate for the production of a wide range of woody species. The PC substrate was prepared by grinding coarsely ground [approximately 2.5 cm × 2.4 cm × 0.6 cm (1 in × 1 in × ¼ in)] debarked pine logs (Pinus taeda L.) in a hammer mill to pass a 6.35 mm (0.25 in) screen. Plants of several woody taxa were potted on two different dates (April 4 and May 18, 2005) in each of the two substrates in 3.8 liter (1 gal) containers and grown in a glass house or on outdoor beds in Blacksburg, VA, until late August. Shoot dry weight (SDW) of 13 of 18 species in the April planting was not different between PB and PC, with SDW of four species in this planting being higher when grown in PB and one being higher when grown in PC. Shoot dry weight for 6 of 10 species in the May planting was higher in PB compared to PC. Instances of reduced growth with PC compared to PB were attributed to reduced nutrient availability in PC co...
Non-cosmetic Botulinum Toxin Treatments in the Head and Neck

Treatment of dystonias in the head and neck can be challenging for even the most experienced otolaryngologist. Available oral therapeutic options often fail to provide improvement in many patients and oftentimes come with intolerable systemic side effects that limit their use. With the introduction of botulinum toxin (BTX) to the treatment armamentarium for patients with dystonias, patients would have the chance for treatment by targeting only focal areas. With the use of BTX, treating physicians can focus treatment to only areas affected by the dystonia. This greatly minimizes the occurrence of systemic side effects. In this chapter, we will present a review of the history of the medical applications of BTX and discuss its role in the treatment of various dystonias of the head and neck.
An innovative model to coordinate healthcare and social services for people with serious mental illness: A mixed-methods case study of Maryland's Medicaid health home program.

Abstract Objective We conducted a case study examining implementation of Maryland's Medicaid health home program, a unique model for integration of behavioral, somatic, and social services for people with serious mental illness (SMI) in the psychiatric rehabilitation program setting. Method We conducted interviews and surveys with health home leaders (N = 72) and front-line staff (N = 627) representing 46 of the 48 total health home programs active during the November 2015–December 2016 study period. We measured the structural and service characteristics of the 46 health home programs and leaders' and staff members' perceptions of program implementation. Results Health home program structure varied across sites: for example, 15% of programs had co-located primary care providers and 76% had onsite supported employment providers. Most leaders and staff viewed the health home program as having strong organizational fit with psychiatric rehabilitation programs' organizational structures and missions, but noted implementation challenges around health IT, population health management, and coordination with external providers. Conclusion Maryland's psychiatric rehabilitation-based health home is a promising model for integration of behavioral, somatic, and social services for people with SMI but may be strengthened by additional policy and implementation supports, including incentives for external providers to engage in care coordination with health home providers.
Evaluating Student Cultural Competence in an Associate in Science in Nursing Program

Abstract The purpose of this study was to evaluate student development of cultural competence over time and to identify factors that influence the development of cultural competence in an associate in science in nursing (ASN) program. This longitudinal quantitative study used a pretest and posttest survey to collect data on 145 ASN students' cultural competence. The results indicated that students performed at a culturally competent level. The predictor of cultural encounters contributed approximately 58.5% of the variance in cultural competence.
The Specific Laws

The specific laws are concerned ordinarily with contract, persons and property. It is a thesis of this work that contract takes precedence, and that legal personality and property relations are derived from it. First, then, under this theory it will be necessary to examine contract.
Nanosecond Scale Optical Pulse Separations for Holographic Investigation of High-Speed Transient Events

The dynamics of detonation for dispersed solid particulate explosives are not well understood. These explosives, used for mine neutralization, are comprised of a fine, solid particulate dust which is dispersed as a cloud over a given area. When detonation is initiated in some portion of the cloud, the ensuing detonation wave propagates throughout the entire cloud and results in an explosion, generating a tremendous pressure which serves to destroy any land mines present. However, the mechanism with which individual explosive particles interact to sustain detonation in these solid dispersed particle explosives is not clear. In liquids, for example, it is known that coupling between a propagating shock front and the chemical reaction front which follows is maintained by a “stripping” action of the shock front on the explosive droplets so that an ultrafine mist is produced and swept along in the convective flow behind the shock front [1]. Thus, upon ignition and combustion of this ultrafine mist, coupling is maintained between the shock and reaction fronts. In the case of solid particulate explosives, it is unclear whether it is the shock front alone or a combination of the shock and reaction fronts which initiate subsequent particle detonation. In an effort to more closely examine the generation and propagation of the shock and reaction fronts arising from single particle detonation, and the interaction of these fronts with neighboring particles, high-speed holography is being used to visualize and study these transient phenomena. The shock front generated by detonation of a single explosive particle (100p.m diameter) may exist as a true shock front only 10-50 particle diameters away, and may propagate at velocities approaching 5000m/s. As a result, the holographic techniques used to study these dispersed particle explosives need be capable of capturing events with lifetimes shorter than 1gs, thus requiring optical pulse separations between 10 and 200 ns.
The Use of Dimethyl Sulfoxide in Mammalian Cell Fusion

Since Pontecorvo (1975) first demonstrated that polyethylene glycol (PEG) is an efficient fusogen of mammalian cells, its usefulness for this purpose has been demonstrated in a wide variety of cell types and organisms, including bacterial L forms (Yoshiyuki et al., 1979) and fungal protoplasts (Anne and Peberdy, 1976). There have been a number of publications describing refinements of the basic fusion protocol outlined in the earlier reports (Pontecorvo, 1975; Davidson and Gerald, 1976). Methods to fuse cells in suspension with PEG have been perfected (O’Malley and Davidson, 1977; Hales, 1977). Schneiderman et al. (1979) reported that decreasing the Ca++ concentration during and immediately following fusion diminished the toxicity of PEG, resulting in a higher recovery of proliferating hybrids. Another laboratory reported that the treatment of cultures with the lectin phytohemagglutinin prior to fusion enhanced the effectiveness of PEG at lower concentrations, thus decreasing the cytotoxicity of the procedure (Mercer and Schlegel, 1979). Norwood et al. (1976) reported that dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) enhanced fusion of human diploid cells over a range of concentrations of PEG. All of these refinements provide the investigator with greater maneuverability in developing chemically induced cell fusion systems suitable for his or her needs. In this chapter the role of DMSO in the optimization of mammalian cell fusion will be discussed. However, as will be discussed below, the mechanism of cell fusion remains to be elucidated. Therefore, it should be emphasized that the utility of DMSO or any other additive in facilitating mammalian cell fusion must be experimentally determined for any given experimental situation. We do not propose that DMSO is a panacea which will solve all problems encountered in cell fusion, but rather that it is one of a number of additives (Klebe and Mancuso, 1981) available to the investigator which enhance mammalian cell fusion.
Extension of the Hooge equation and of the Hooge parameter concept

L'equation de Hooge est etendue au cas ou le spectre du bruit est de la forme 1/f γ avec γ legerement different de 1. Ceci permet la generalisation du parametre de Hooge et corrige une ambiguite anterieure
Epidemiology of Psychiatric Illness

The science of epidemiology has much to offer in assisting clinical investigators and practicing psychiatrists to place the work on inpatient units and outpatient clinics into context. Epidemiologists first emphasize the importance of case identification and finding (who is a case of, for example, major depression and who is not). Once a method of case identification is established, the frequency and distribution of cases in varying populations (such as the community or general medicine clinic) can be established. New cases can be enumerated from a population at risk over time (for example, estimating the oneyear incidence of major depression in a community). Epidemiology has been most instrumental through informing our current nomenclature as to the nature and extent of psychiatric disorders which are comorbid. Mental health service use, especially in community based populations is another focus of psychiatric epidemiology. Finally, psychiatric epidemiology assists investigators and clinicians to identify risk factors for psychiatric disorders, ranging from demographic factors to biological risks. The preliminary explorations into risk provide the bases for more extensive studies of etiology.