cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
FAST Technique for Agrobacterium-Mediated Transient Gene Expression in Seedlings of Arabidopsis and Other Plant Species

Genome sequencing has identified a massive number of uncharacterized genes in Arabidopsis thaliana and several other plant species. To decipher these unknown gene functions, several transient expression assays have been developed as rapid and convenient alternatives to the lengthy creation of transgenic plants. As one of these transient assays, Agrobacterium-mediated transformation harnesses the natural capability of Agrobacterium to transfer foreign DNA into plant cells with intact cell walls. However, pioneering applications of Agrobacterium-based transient transformation to Arabidopsis have led to rather limited success with great variability. In this protocol, we describe a Fast Agrobacterium-mediated Seedling Transformation (FAST) technique for transient gene expression analysis in Arabidopsis and other dicot or monocot species. This technique makes use of the cocultivation of young plant seedlings with Agrobacterium in the presence of the surfactant Silwet L-77. The young seedlings can be grown easily and were found to be more susceptible to Agrobacterium transformation compared with adult plants. The surfactant facilitates transformation of plant cells, thus replacing wounding or a device-dependent vacuum step during plant transformation. This protocol provides a quick, efficient, and economical assay for gene function in intact plants with minimal manual handling and without the need for a dedicated device.
Mollaret's meningitis: Cytopathologic analysis of fourteen cases

Mollaret's meningitis (MM) is a rare disease of benign nature characterized by recurrent episodes of aseptic meningitis. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) examination remains the sole diagnostic modality. Eighteen CSF samples from 14 patients were studied along with the clinical data. Specimens were prepared by cytocentrifugation and Millipore filtration and were stained with Diff-Quik and Papanicolaou stains. Eight patients were men and six were women, with an age range of 17-74 yr (mean age 37 yr). Most common clinical presentation was recurrent episodes of headaches and photophobia followed by a sustained mild fever lasting 5-7 days. The CSF showed markedly increased cellularity with pleocytosis. The differential count showed predominant monocytosis ranging from 84% to 100% (mean 96). In our series, two patients had herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) DNA detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the CSF. The monocytes were seen predominantly singly, but three cases showed a strong tendency to aggregate in small groups. Phenotypically, these cells had bean-shaped bilobed nuclei as well as multiple deep nuclear clefts depicting the so-called "footprint" appearance. In four cases, multiple blunt-tipped cytoplasmic pseudopods were noted. Degenerated monocytes with the appearance of the so-called "ghost cells" were noted in one-half of the cases. Background cells were mostly small mature lymphocytes; however, one-half of cases showed a significant amount of plasma cells and/or polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs). Lysed blood with hemosiderin-laden macrophages and numerous leptomeningeal cells were seen in two cases. CSF examination of MM presents a spectrum of cytomorphologic features. When interpreted in light of the appropriate clinical setting. the latter, although nonspecific, provides an accurate diagnosis. The differential diagnosis includes various degenerative, inflammatory/infectious, and lymphoproliferative disorders of the central nervous system.
Review of Cost Estimation Techniques and Their Strategic Importance in the New Product Development Process of Textile Products

Today, the strategy of innovation is perhaps the most pervasive strategy for textile companies to achieve a competitive advantage while facing severe competition in the global textile market. To be successful a company must bring new products to the market which can completely satisfy customers' expectations, as well as the company's desire to increase its profitability. Because product price is an important decisive factor which influences customers' purchase behavior, and it is generally established independently as a result of pure competition, the only way to get a higher profit margin is to reduce product costs. The product costs are committed as the product goes through new product development stages and it is therefore critical for the company to manage costs in every phase of this process. The main focus of this paper is to review current cost techniques and methods which can be successfully applied during the development of new textile products. This work builds a foundation for future research in the field of cost engineering of textile products and can be used by company's executives to become familiar with current cost estimating tools.
Psychiatric correlates of incest in childhood.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study was to describe more precisely the type of psychiatric illness associated with incest during childhood. METHOD: The Diagnostic Interview Schedule was administered to 52 adult women who had been victims of incest during childhood and to 23 age- and race-matched comparison subjects from local self-help agencies. RESULTS: The prevalence of 19 psychiatric disorders was higher in the incest group than base population rates. Rates of anxiety disorders (panic disorder, agoraphobia, social and simple phobia), major depression, and alcohol abuse and dependence were significantly higher in the incest group than in the comparison group. More severe types of incestuous abuse were associated with a higher risk for the development of psychiatric disorders. CONCLUSIONS: There was an association between incest and psychiatric disorders in this community-based treatment population. All patients, especially those who present with these specific psychiatric disorders, should be queried about childhood sexual abuse during the history. Language: en
Predation of Fishes in the Fossil Record

This review covers selected highlights of predation of fishes. Understanding this group is important. Approximately one-half of all named vertebrate species are fishes. Fishes are the original bauplan and evolutionary source for the rest of the vertebrates. Our evolutionary history as vertebrates is explainable only with an understanding of fishes, which in turn can only be fully understood in the context of predation. In the first part of this paper, I will review the most influential historical and current theories of early fish predation from the past 100 years. In the second part, I describe the specific evidence for fish predation in the fossil record.
Direct effects of catecholamines on hepatic glucose production in conscious dog are due to glycogenolysis

The effects of catecholamines (CATS) infused into the hepatic portal vein were studied in ten 18-h-fasted conscious dogs. Glucose production (GP) and gluconeogenesis (GNG) were assessed using tracer ([3H]glucose, [14C]alanine) and arteriovenous difference techniques. Each experiment consisted of a 100-min equilibration, a 40-min basal, and two 90-min test periods. A pancreatic clamp (somatostatin + basal portal insulin and glucagon) was used to fix insulin and glucagon at basal levels. Propranolol (1 microgram.kg-1.min-1) and phentolamine (2 micrograms.kg-1.min-1) were infused intraportally during both test periods of the blockade group while a carrier solution was infused in the control group. Norepinephrine (NE; 100 ng.kg-1.min-1) and epinephrine (Epi; 40 ng.kg-1.min-1) were infused intraportally during the second test period of both protocols. Portal NE (70 +/- 46 to 8,404 +/- 674 and 162 +/- 57 to 6,530 +/- 624 pg/ml, respectively) and portal Epi (21 +/- 11 to 3,587 +/- 309 and 29 +/- 6 to 2,989 +/- 406 pg/ml, respectively) rose in the control and adrenergic blockade groups, respectively. The increases in arterial NE and Epi were modest in both groups. Intraportal infusion of CATS increased GP from 2.1 +/- 0.2 to 6.2 +/- 1.0 mg.kg-1.min-1 in the control group but did not change it (2.7 +/- 0.4 to 2.7 +/- 0.3 mg.kg-1.min-1) in the blockade group. Portal CATS had no effect on GNG in the presence or absence of adrenergic blockade (GNG rose from 0.7 +/- 0.2 to 0.9 +/- 0.2 and 0.8 +/- 0.2 to 1.0 +/- 0.2 mg.kg-1.min-1 in the control and blockade groups, respectively). In conclusion, portal infusion of catecholamines significantly augmented GP by selectively stimulating glycogenolysis. The increase in hepatic GP could be completely inhibited by intraportal adrenergic blockade.
The Al Qaeda doctrine: the framing and evolution of Al Qaeda's discourse

Donald Holbrook's The Al Qaeda Doctrine: The Framing and Evolution of Al Qaeda's Discourse is an analysis of Usama bin Laden and Ayman al-Zawahiri's public messages from the 1990s to 2014. Based on...
Modeling of the Human Leg in Ski Injuries

This study establishes that the human lower extremity-ski system has a fundamental frequency of approximately 1 Hz. The fundamental mode dominates the system response when loading times are short compared to the first natural frequency. Consequently, the use of a single degree of freedom approximation and the use of impulse criteria can provide important insights into the problem of skiing injuries. Specifically, the sport of snow skiing develops forces with frequency content in the static, transition, and impulse regions of the leg-ski response spectrum. Therefore, ski release bindings must be designed to safely and effectively couple the leg to the ski throughout this loading environment. An important means of evaluating possible binding designs is by simulating their characteristics in a computer model. The model will apply realistic loading histories to the ski or binding, will evaluate the strain in the bones and ligaments of the lower extremity, and will determine the release point of the binding. The program presented in this discussion is one stage in the development of this total system capability. Language: en
Prognostic Significance of p16 Cellular Localization in Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

OBJECTIVE p16 immunohistochemical expression serves as a surrogate for human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). While HPV-positive OPSCC commonly demonstrates prominent nuclear expression, aberrant cytoplasmic expression has been demonstrated in tobacco-related head and neck cancers. The purpose of this study is to investigate the prognostic significance of p16 cellular localization in OPSCC. METHODS Retrospective cohort study and immunohistochemical expression analysis of 159 OPSCC patients treated at a tertiary-care Veterans Affairs Medical Center. RESULTS All patients included in this study were male and the majority had significant tobacco (91%) and alcohol (88%) exposure. Overall, 57% of tumors were p16-positive, 32 (20%) subjects have tumors demonstrating low nuclear/low cytoplasmic (LN/LC) p16 expression, 29 (18%) high nuclear/high cytoplasmic (HN/HC) expression, 25 (16%) high nuclear/low cytoplasmic (HN/LC) expression, and 5 (3%) low nuclear/high cytoplasmic (LN/HC) expression. The 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) for the p16-negative group was 13.7%, compared to p16-positive LN/LC 28.4%, LN/HC 0%, HN/LC 74.7%, and HN/HC 93.1% (p<0.0001). Overall survival for the p16-negative group was 24.2%, compared to p16-positive LN/LC 23.5%, LN/HC 0%, HN/LC 74.2%, and HN/HC 88.7% (p<0.0001). On multivariable analysis, HN/HC and HN/LC expression patterns were associated with a statistically significant decreased risk of recurrence and death compared to p16-negative tumors. CONCLUSIONS P16 localization has prognostic significance in OPSCC, with high nuclear expression associated with significantly better oncologic outcomes compared to low nuclear expression with high or low cytoplasmic p16 expression. P16 localization may provide additional insight into OPSCC carcinogenesis, particularly in patients with heavy tobacco exposure.
The Impact of Brand National Affiliation and Country of Production on Consumer Preferences

Conjoint analysis is employed to quantify the trade-offs consumers make among multiple information cues in their preferences for automobiles. Among several other cues, two production location cues were incorporated into the study: "country of component manufacture" and "country of assembly." Cluster analysis followed the generation of conjoint utilities. "Country of assembly" was quite influential overall, and dominant in one cluster. The results indicate a significant reduction in the economic utility associated with an automobile when assembly is moved from the United States to Mexico. There is also a strong "national identification" embedded in responses to the brand variable.
Theoretical Models and Pedagogical Implications of Second Language Speech Perception

This paper analyzes the limitation of Contrastive Analysis(CA) and the functions of Categorical Perception(CP) and introduces four theoretical models of second language(L2) speech perception: Native Language Magnet(NLM),Perceptual Assimilation Model(PAM),Automatic Selective Perception(ASP),and Speech Learning Model(SLM).The theories of speech perception claim that the accuracy of L2 speech production is based on learners’discriminability in L2 speech perception.Factors that have been found to affect L2 category formation in empirical studies involve age of learning(AOL) L2,phonetic similarity between L2 category and its closest L1 category,phonetic salience in L2 speech,the role of attention in learning,and learners’development of L2 linguistic system.On the basis of the related theories and the results of empirical studies,pedagogical implications of L2 speech perception and the role of perceptual training in L2 speech acquisition are discussed.
Thinking about Constructing Political Psychology Subject System of China

Discussing development history of western and Chinese political psychology.Analyzes principles of constructing political psychology subject system of China,presents conception of political psychology subject system,including elementary theories and methods of political psychology,political individual psychological phenomena,political groups psychological phenomena and psychological phenomena in political activities.
Slippers and a white coat? (Hawai'i physician attire study).

OBJECTIVES To ascertain patient preference regarding physician attire in Hawai'i, based on a sampling of patients at the Physician Center at Mililani (PCM), and to compare the findings with studies of patients in the continental United States. METHODS Fifty patients were randomly given a questionnaire by front desk staff at PCM. The questionnaire asked if the participant felt it was acceptable for their physician to wear slippers, scrubs, short pants, blue jeans, and asked if they preferred their physician to wear a white medical coat. The second part of the questionnaire utilized a rating scale to measure levels of trust/confidence in their physician based on the previously noted items of attire. RESULTS Patients generally approved of scrubs and blue jeans, but disapproved of slippers and shorts, as acceptable physician attire. By a very small majority patients preferred their physician NOT to wear a white coat. Regardless of their preferences, trust and confidence in the physician was not greatly affected by physician attire, according to this survey with the exception of the white coat--those who preferred their physician to wear a white medical coat bestowed a high degree of trust and confidence on this article of attire. CONCLUSIONS Patients in Hawai'i, according to this small study, differ in many respects from their mainland counterparts. More casual forms of dress are generally accepted, and the white medical coat is actually NOT preferred, by a small majority. More extremes in casual attire, such as shorts and slippers were not approved as appropriate physician attire by the majority of Hawai'i patients in this study.
Feasibility of robotic radical prostatectomy for medication refractory chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome: Initial results

Four patients diagnosed with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS), met criteria for National Institute of Health (NIH) Category III prostatitis, failed multiple medicinal treatments and underwent robotic radical prostatectomy (RRP). Median operative time (range): 157 (127–259) min. Validated functional questionnaires responses and NIH CP symptom index (NIH-CPSI) score were collected for each patient's status at different time points pre- and post-operatively. Median decreases (range) were: International Prostate Symptom Score - 14 (1–19); Sexual Health Inventory for Men - 6 (−14–22); and NIH-CPSI total - 23.5 (13–33). Median length of follow-up (range) was 34 (24–43) months. RRP appears to be an option for carefully selected patients with medication-refractory CP/CPPS who understand that baseline sexual function may not be restored postoperatively.
Photochemical Nickel-Catalyzed C–H Arylation: Synthetic Scope and Mechanistic Investigations

An iridium photocatalyst and visible light facilitate a room temperature, nickel-catalyzed coupling of (hetero)aryl bromides with activated α-heterosubstituted or benzylic C(sp3)–H bonds. Mechanistic investigations on this unprecedented transformation have uncovered the possibility of an unexpected mechanism hypothesized to involve a Ni–Br homolysis event from an excited-state nickel complex. The resultant bromine radical is thought to abstract weak C(sp3)–H bonds to generate reactive alkyl radicals that can be engaged in Ni-catalyzed arylation. Evidence suggests that the iridium photocatalyst facilitates nickel excitation and bromine radical generation via triplet–triplet energy transfer.
Thermal Stresses: Transient and Permanent

Under certain circumstances and in certain materials, (transient) thermal stresses can give rise to permanent stresses. The mechanisms involved in the genesis of such “frozen-in” thermal stresses are briefly reviewed in the context of the tempering of glass. The main purpose of the paper is to trace the development of theoretical treatments of this process. Some well developed computational schemes are now available, which may well find wider application.
Neighborhood-Level Factors Related to Asthma in Children Living in Urban Areas: An Integrative Literature Review

Asthma disproportionately affects children who are non-White and of low socioeconomic status. One innovative approach to address these health disparities is to investigate the child's neighborhood environment and factors influencing asthma symptoms. The purpose of this integrative review is to critique research investigating the relationships between neighborhood-level factors and asthma morbidity in urban children. Three literature databases were searched using the terms "asthma," "child," "neighborhood," and "urban." The articles included were organized into six themes within the larger domains of prevalence, physical, and social factors. Literature tables provide in-depth analysis of each article and demonstrate a need for strengthening analysis methods. The current research points to the necessity for a multilevel study to analyze neighborhood-level factors that are associated with increased asthma morbidity in urban children. School nurse clinicians, working within children's neighborhoods, are uniquely positioned to assess modifiable neighborhood-level determinants of health in caring for children with asthma.
Attitudes Toward Meat and Plants in Vegetarians

One of the most striking differences between vegetarians and meat eaters would seemingly exist in their cognitive, affective, and behavioral tendencies toward meat and plant-based sources of diet. The present chapter reviews the extant research on such attitudinal differences. Much of the relatively older literature focused on explicit attitudes toward meat, relied on small samples from North America and the United Kingdom, was overly liberal in defining what constitutes a vegetarian, and generally failed to analyze differences between vegetarian subgroups. Nonetheless, it seems clear from this work that vegetarians expressed strong antimeat attitudes. Recent studies have been more sensitive in how they have operationalized vegetarianism and have examined attitudinal differences between vegetarian subgroups. The available evidence suggests that differences in attitudes toward meat may help distinguish between semi- and true vegetarians, between vegans and other vegetarians, and between health and ethical vegetarians. The final section of the review speculates on the role that values, attitudes, and beliefs play in both the decision to adopt a vegetarian diet and in diet maintenance. The author suggests that at least for ethical vegetarians, attitudes about animals are more important than attitudes toward meat in choosing to become a vegetarian. Conversely, attitudes toward meat are expected to become more salient and negative following diet conversion, in part because of cognitive dissonance pressures, moralization, and social identity processes.
Clinical Uses of Botulinum Toxin in the Skin

The field of aesthetic dermatology has grown significantly over the last two decades, much of the success being led by injectables and non-surgical options for facial rejuvenation. The earliest pioneer within the injectable family is the use of botulinum toxin for dynamic facial rhytids, or expression lines and wrinkles. Over the years, the area of utilization has expanded from the upper central face and forehead to more complex uses around the eyes, mouth, and neck. Complemented with injectable fillers and lasers, botulinum toxin has become a staple in the anti-aging armamentarium. There will also be a discussion on the treatment of hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) using botulinum toxin, one of the few non-cosmetic uses in a dermatology clinic. The following section discusses both on- and off-label uses of botulinum toxin, which can be utilized safely and effectively. Injection technique and dosage varies from practice to practice based on the provider, but it is essential to know the underlying anatomy and muscles targeted. Equally important is the knowledge of potential side effects. Facial asymmetry and temporary functional impairment are real risks that should be incorporated into patient counseling prior to injections.
Novel VDR antagonists based on the GW0742 scaffold.

Abstract The vitamin D receptor is a nuclear hormone receptor that regulates cell proliferation, cell differentiation and calcium homeostasis. The receptor is endogenously activated by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, which induces transcription of VDR targets genes regulated by coactivator binding. VDR antagonists and partial agonists have been developed based on the secosteroid scaffold of vitamin D. Only a few non-secosteroid VDR antagonists are known. Herein, we report the rational design of non-secosteroid VDR antagonists using GW0742 as a scaffold. GW0742 is a PPARδ agonist previously identified by our group as a VDR antagonist. Several modifications including the replacement of the thiazole ring with an oxazole ring led to compound 7b, which inhibited VDR-mediated transcription (IC50 = 660 nM) without activating PPARδ-mediated transcription. However, inhibition of transcription mediated by other nuclear receptors was observed.
Elucidating the Role of Oxidative Debris in the Antimicrobial Properties of Graphene Oxide

In this paper, we investigate, for the first time, how oxidative debris affects the antimicrobial activity of graphene oxide (GO). Besides the conventional definition of GO structure, our study demonstrates that GO is also composed of one additional component called oxidative debris, small and highly oxidized fragments adsorbed on the GO surface. After the removal of oxidative debris using an alkaline washing process, the toxicity of GO sheets to Escherichia coli cells significantly decreased. Raman spectroscopy measurements and acellular oxidation of glutathione indicated that oxidative debris increase the antimicrobial activity of GO sheets by improving their ability to promote bacteria inactivation via cell membrane damage and oxidative stress mechanisms. Given the influence of oxidative debris on the antimicrobial activity of GO, our findings emphasize the need to investigate the presence of oxidative debris before establishing correlations between physicochemical properties and the bioreactivity of G...
Block-Supply Chain: A New Anti-Counterfeiting Supply Chain Using NFC and Blockchain

Current anti-counterfeiting supply chains rely on a centralized authority to combat counterfeit products. This architecture results in issues such as single point processing, storage, and failure. Blockchain technology has emerged to provide a promising solution for such issues. In this paper, we propose the block-supply chain, a new decentralized supply chain that detects counterfeiting attacks using blockchain and Near Field Communication (NFC) technologies. Block-supply chain replaces the centralized supply chain design and utilizes a new proposed consensus protocol that is, unlike existing protocols, fully decentralized and balances between efficiency and security. Our simulations show that the proposed protocol offers remarkable performance with a satisfactory level of security compared to the state of the art consensus protocol Tendermint.
Closed Head Injury Patients: A Family Therapy Approach to the Rehabilitation Process

After recovering closed head injury (CHI) patients have obtained maximum benefit from the rehabilitation unit, they are usually returned to the home, with continued therapy services offered on an outpatient basis. Describes a family-focused assessment and treatment model which can be utilized during the home-based treatment phase of the CHI patient in order to enhance the recovery process. (Author/KS) Language: en
Adaptive Robust Control of a Class of Multivariable Nonlinear Systems

Abstract This paper considers the adaptive robust control of a class of multi-input multi-output (MIMO) non linear systems with arbitrary known relative degrees transformable to a semi-strict feedback form. The form allows parametric uncertainties, unknown nonlinear functIons such as modeling errors and external disturbances. Parametric uncertainties can appear in the input channels. The last layer's state equations do not have to be completely linearly parametrized. The method achieves a guaranteed transient performance and a prescribed final tracking accuracy in the presence of both parametric uncertainties and unknown nonlinear functions. In addition, the method achieves asymptotic stability in the presence of parametric uncertainties without using high-gain feedback control. The applications of the method include the motion and force tracking control of robot manipulators in contact with unknown stiffness environments.
Nurses' perspectives on the personal and professional impact of providing nurse-led primary palliative care in outpatient oncology settings.

Background: Palliative care (PC) workforce shortages have led to a need for primary PC provided by non-specialists. The Care Management by Oncology Nurses (CONNECT) intervention provides infusion r...
“Just Wait Here Ten Minutes”: Mobility’s Masculinism Within Urban Exploration

In this piece, I place mobility and urban exploration in synecdochal relationship, illustrating how the latter is positioned as the near-ideal expression of the former. Urban exploration is praised as the consummate mobility practice, celebrating its rich subversive and liberatory potential despite acknowledgment that its practitioners are predominantly White men. My analysis of urban exploration’s masculinist rhetoric shows this praise to be misguided, as the masculinist and capitalist foundations of urban exploration illustrate the need for radical rethinking of both this practice and the conceptualization of mobility that sees subversive potential in it. After elucidating urban exploration’s underlying masculinism and habits of commodification of city spaces, I draw on the work of feminist geographer Doreen Massey to call for new relational paradigms of mobility that begin with a more just foundation of embodied experiences of difference.
Novel Circular Rep-Encoding Single-Stranded DNA Viruses Detected in Treated Wastewater.

ABSTRACT Here, we present the complete genome sequences of three circular replication-associated protein (Rep)-encoding single-stranded DNA (CRESS DNA) viruses detected in secondary treated and disinfected wastewater effluent. The discovered viruses, named wastewater CRESS DNA virus (WCDV)-1 to -3, represent novel viral species that seem to persist in wastewater effluent.
Consequences of EMT-Driven Changes in the Immune Microenvironment of Breast Cancer and Therapeutic Response of Cancer Cells

Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a process through which epithelial cells lose their epithelial characteristics and cell–cell contact, thus increasing their invasive potential. In addition to its well-known roles in embryonic development, wound healing, and regeneration, EMT plays an important role in tumor progression and metastatic invasion. In breast cancer, EMT both increases the migratory capacity and invasive potential of tumor cells, and initiates protumorigenic alterations in the tumor microenvironment (TME). In particular, recent evidence has linked increased expression of EMT markers such as TWIST1 and MMPs in breast tumors with increased immune infiltration in the TME. These immune cells then provide cues that promote immune evasion by tumor cells, which is associated with enhanced tumor progression and metastasis. In the current review, we will summarize the current knowledge of the role of EMT in the biology of different subtypes of breast cancer. We will further explore the correlation between genetic switches leading to EMT and EMT-induced alterations within the TME that drive tumor growth and metastasis, as well as their possible effect on therapeutic response in breast cancer.
Healthy Development as a Human Right: Lessons from Developmental Science

Healthy psychological and brain development is not a privilege, but a fundamental right that requires special protections and opportunities for building cognitive, emotional, and social skills necessary for becoming a contributing member of our society.
Pollen-borne microbes shape bee fitness

Teeming within pollen provisions are diverse communities of symbiotic microbes, which provide a variety of benefits to bees. Microbes themselves may represent a major dietary resource for developing bee larvae. Despite their apparent importance in sustaining bee health, evidence linking pollen-borne microbes to larval health is currently lacking. We examined the effects of microbe-deficient diets on the fitness of larval mason bees. In a series of diet manipulations, microbe-rich maternally collected pollen provisions were replaced with increasing fractions of sterilized, microbe-deficient pollen provisions before being fed to developing larvae. Convergent findings from amino acid and fatty acid trophic biomarker analyses revealed that larvae derived a substantial amount of nutrition from microbial prey and occupied a significantly higher trophic position than that of strict herbivores. Larvae feeding on increasingly sterile diets experienced significant adverse effects on growth rates, biomass and survivorship. When completely deprived of pollen-borne microbes, larvae consistently exhibited marked decline in fitness. We conclude that microbes associated with aged pollen provisions are central to bee health, not only as nutritional mutualists, but also as a major dietary component. In an era of global bee decline, the conservation of such bee-microbe interactions may represent an important facet of pollinator protection strategies.
TWO REGIONS OF THE MOLONEY LEUKEMIA VIRUS GENOME ARE REQUIRED FOR EFFICIENT TRANSFORMATION BY src/sarc

ABSTRACT Src -containing subgenomic DNA fragments of Moloney sarcoma provirus (MSV) with high transforming activity retain two regions of the parental Moloney leukemia virus (MuLV) genome. One MuLV region is the 600 base pair terminal repeat sequence of the provirus. The presence of this sequence either 5′ or 3′ to an internal MSV src sequence enhances transforming activity 1000-fold. The other MuLV region represents approximately 100 nucleotides preceeding the 5′ end of the src sequence. The requirement of this region for transformation is deduced by i) comparison of the endonuclease restriction maps of three MSV provirus isolates, ii) eliminating specific MuLV sequences in cloned subgenomic fragments without loss of biological activity, and iii) demonstrating that efficient transforming activity of the cell s arc sequence occurs only when MSV sequences have been substituted to replace the normal cell sequences at its 5′ end.
Defining the Relationship between Heart Failure (HF) and Cognitive Impairment (CI): A Quality Improvement Initiative

Background Higher 30-day readmission rates have been documented in older patients with heart failure (HF) and cognitive impairment (CI). A quality initiate at our hospital reviewed the CI among different age groups with heart failure, ranging from 50 - >80 years of age. Objective To determine prevalence of CI in younger hospitalized HF patients in comparison to older, and if early readmission's are associated with CI in younger HF patients. Methods Prospective QI program of cognitive testing and inclusion of caregivers in discharge education. Retrospective chart review for outcomes. Setting: Academic tertiary care hospital, two cardiovascular units with enhanced discharge program. Participants: 123 patients Results CI was common but much less prevalent in the patients Conclusions Screening for CI seems to be a useful part of CHF management only in those over 70 yrs of age where CI is common and results in frequent readmission's. For those under 50, CI is infrequent. For the middle age group, CI is fairly common, but is not associated with readmission's so the impetus for screening is reduced. We assumed that CI would impair HF management resulting in increased readmission's for all patients. Our data suggest targeting these efforts to the older HF patients.
Adsorption and Reaction of Methanol on Anatase TiO2(101) Single Crystals and Faceted Nanoparticles

Anatase TiO2 is used extensively in a wide range of catalytic and photocatalytic processes. As such, understanding its interactions with prototypical organics such as methanol is of high importance...
On the Nature of Public Interiority

This essay explores the intersection between interiority, urbanism, and human perception. I view interiority as a condition of the senses rather than an indoor place. Revelations of interiority can be discovered within the urban realm, in public spaces, and in intimate interior conditions. I am especially interested in “public interiority” or these cases of interiority that can be found in exterior urban places. Understanding interiority as a perceived condition grounds the built environment in phenomenology, varied human experiences, and everyday conditions. Herein, I begin with an ontology of interiority, which focuses on various ways of perceiving the nature of things—phenomenology, structuralism, and object-oriented-ontology (OOO). From there, I will analyse a taxonomy of public interiorities, including various strains of form-based, programmatic, atmospheric, and psychological public interiorities. Using real-world examples from my previous research in Bucharest, Romania, New York, and Knoxville, Tennessee as well as well-established examples in art and design, I will then analyse various urban experiences of interiority, and the way built conditions shape experience. In this way, I will bring the interior to the city.
Synergistic anticancer effects of curcumin and 3',4'-didemethylnobiletin in combination on colon cancer cells

Chemoprevention strategies employing the use of multiple dietary bioactive components and their metabolites in combination offer advantages due to their low toxicity and potential synergistic interactions. Herein, for the first time, we studied the combination of curcumin and 3',4'-didemethylnobiletin (DDMN), a primary metabolite of nobiletin, to determine their combinatory effects in inhibiting growth of human colon cancer cells. Isobologram analysis revealed a synergistic interaction between curcumin and DDMN in the inhibition of cell growth of HCT116 colon cancer cells. The combination treatment induced significant G2 -M cell-cycle arrest and extensive apoptosis, which greatly exceeded the effects of individual treatments with curcumin or DDMN. Proteins associated with these heightened anticarcinogenic effects were p53, p21, HO-1, c-poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase, Cdc2, and Cdc25c; each of the proteins was confirmed to be substantially impacted by the combination treatment, more than by individual treatments alone. Interestingly, an increase in the stability of curcumin was also observed with the presence of DDMN in cell culture medium, which could offer an explanation in part for the synergistic interaction between curcumin and DDMN. This newly identified synergy between curcumin and DDMN should be explored further to determine its chemopreventive potential against colon cancer in vivo. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: This study identifies for the first time the synergistic inhibition of colon cancer cell growth by the dietary component curcumin present in turmeric, in combination with a metabolite of nobiletin, a unique citrus flavonoid. The synergism of the combination may be due to cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis induced by the combination as well as an improvement in the stability of curcumin as a result of the antioxidant property of the nobiletin metabolite. These significant findings of synergism between curcumin and the nobiletin metabolite could offer potential chemopreventive value against colon cancer.
The Mechanism of NEDD8 Activation of CUL5 Ubiquitin E3 Ligases

Abstract Cullin RING E3 ligases (CRLs) ubiquitylate hundreds of important cellular substrates. Here we have assembled and purified the Ankyrin repeat and SOCS Box protein 9 CUL5 RBX2 ligase (ASB9-CRL) in vitro and show how it ubiquitylates one of its substrates, CKB. CRLs occasionally collaborate with RING between RING E3 ligases (RBRLs), and indeed, mass spectrometry analysis showed that CKB is specifically ubiquitylated by the ASB9-CRL-ARIH2-UBE2L3 complex. Addition of other E2s such as UBE2R1 or UBE2D2 contributes to polyubiquitylation but does not alter the sites of CKB ubiquitylation. Hydrogen–deuterium exchange mass spectrometry (HDX-MS) analysis revealed that CUL5 neddylation allosterically exposes its ARIH2 binding site, promoting high-affinity binding, and it also sequesters the NEDD8 E2 (UBE2F) binding site on RBX2. Once bound, ARIH2 helices near the Ariadne domain active site are exposed, presumably relieving its autoinhibition. These results allow us to propose a model of how neddylation activates ASB-CRLs to ubiquitylate their substrates.
Child Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Bad Situation Made Worse.

* Abbreviation: COVID-19 — : coronavirus disease 2019 Pediatricians have long recognized that social determinants (the circumstances in which children live, learn, and play) influence the health and well-being of children and their families.1 The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has highlighted the importance of this broader scope of health care, which encompasses more than simply addressing a child’s medical conditions. Although the vast majority of COVID-19 cases in children have been mild, the secondary effects on the health of children have been profound. Downstream effects of the virus on a family’s social circumstances, including increased food insecurity, housing instability, school closures, and lack of child care, have exacerbated preexisting socioeconomic and racial disparities.2 Although it has often been overlooked, the need for safe and enriching child care that allows parents to be able to work, particularly for the most vulnerable children in our society, has become more acute over the last several months and requires urgent action. The pandemic has brought to light the lack of safe, reliable, and affordable child care options. Even before the closure of many facilities, child care was plagued by long waitlists, ballooning costs, and safety concerns. Child care costs for preschool-aged children can rival college tuition,3 making high-quality child care nearly inaccessible for many families, especially those experiencing material hardships. With recent school closures due to … Address correspondence to Nikita Kalluri, MD, Boston Medical Center, 801 Albany St, Boston, MA 02119. E-mail: nikita.kalluri{at}childrens.harvard.edu
Contemporary Experience with Paravisceral Aortic Aneurysm (PVAAA) Repair in a Tertiary Center.

Objectives To describe contemporary outcomes from a single center capable of both complex open and endovascular aortic repair for paravisceral aortic aneurysms (PVAAA). Methods Data on all patients receiving open or endovascular (endo) treatment for aortic aneurysms with proximal extent at or above the renal arteries and distal to the inferior pulmonary ligament (IPL) were reviewed. Coarsened exact matching (CEM) on age, aneurysm type, gender, coronary artery disease (CAD), previous aortic surgery and symptomatic status created balanced cohorts for outcomes comparisons. Results Between October, 2006 and February, 2018, 194 patients were treated for juxtarenal (40%), pararenal (21%), paravisceral (6%) and Type 4 thoracoabdominal (34%) aortic aneurysms with open (81, 42%) or endo (113, 58%) at a single tertiary center. Endo repairs included renal coverage with a bifurcated graft (2%), unilateral (13%) or bilateral (4%) renal snorkels, Z-fen (15%), multi-branched graft (IDE protocol; 62%) and unique complex configurations (4%). On multivariable analysis, patients selected for open surgery were more likely to be symptomatic, whereas older patients, female patients and those with Type 4 TAAA extent were more often selected for endovascular treatment. Matching based on the significant independent covariates reduced the open and endovascular groups by one-third. Survival at 30 days was 97% for endo and 94% for open repair, 98% for both subgroups when excluding symptomatic cases, and was not different between the matched groups (98% vs 89%; P=0.23). Hospital and ICU stays were longer in open patients (8 vs. 10 days, 2 vs. 4, both P≤0.001). Post-op CVA, MI, lower extremity ischemia, surgical site infections and reoperation were not different between matched groups (all p>0.05), while pulmonary and intestinal complications, as well as grade 1/2 renal dysfunction by RIFLE criteria, were more common after open repair (all P Conclusions Contemporary repair of PVAAA demonstrates safe outcomes with durable survival benefit when patients are well-selected for open or complex endovascular repair. We believe these data have implications for off-label device use in the treatment of PVAAA, and that open repair remains an essential option for younger, good risk patients in experienced centers.
Member States: Healthcare Provision

This chapter is devoted to the operation of healthcare delivery systems in the Member States. The financing of systems and the provision of services are presented along with the role of secondary health insurance. The purposes for which the latter is used and by whom are described. Systems are financed and operate differently. Oral health care falls short to the chagrin of the Council of European Chief Dental Officers.
Uncoupling Fermentative Synthesis of Molecular Hydrogen from Biomass Formation in Thermotoga maritima

When carbohydrates are fermented by the hyperthermophilic anaerobe Thermotoga maritima, molecular hydrogen (H2) is formed in strict proportion to substrate availability. Excretion of the organic acids acetate and lactate provide an additional sink for removal of excess reductant. However, mechanisms controlling energy management of these metabolic pathways are largely unexplored. To investigate this topic, transient gene inactivation was used to block lactate production as a strategy to produce spontaneous mutant cell lines that overproduced H2 through mutation of unpredicted genetic targets. Single-crossover homologous chromosomal recombination was used to disrupt lactate dehydrogenase (encoded by ldh) with a truncated ldh fused to a kanamycin resistance cassette expressed from a native PgroESL promoter. Passage of the unstable recombinant resulted in loss of the genetic marker and recovery of evolved cell lines, including strain Tma200. Relative to the wild type, and considering the mass balance of fermentation substrate and products, Tma200 grew more slowly, produced H2 at levels above the physiologic limit, and simultaneously consumed less maltose while oxidizing it more efficiently. Whole-genome resequencing indicated that the ABC maltose transporter subunit, encoded by malK3, had undergone repeated mutation, and high-temperature anaerobic [14C]maltose transport assays demonstrated that the rate of maltose transport was reduced. Transfer of the malK3 mutation into a clean genetic background also conferred increased H2 production, confirming that the mutant allele was sufficient for increased H2 synthesis. These data indicate that a reduced rate of maltose uptake was accompanied by an increase in H2 production, changing fermentation efficiency and shifting energy management. Importance: Engineering a hyperthermophilic strain producing 5.7 mol H2/glucose, Hydrogen production beyond Thauer limit (4 mol/glucose) Biorenewable energy sources are of growing interest to mitigate climate change, but like other commodities with nominal value, require innovation to maximize yields. Energetic considerations constrain production of many biofuels, such as molecular hydrogen (H2) because of the competing needs for cell mass synthesis and metabolite formation. Here we describe cell lines of the extremophile Thermotoga maritima that exceed the physiologic limits for H2 formation arising from genetic changes in fermentative metabolism. These cell lines were produced using a novel method called transient gene inactivation combined with adaptive laboratory evolution. Genome resequencing revealed unexpected changes in a maltose transport protein. Reduced rates of sugar uptake were accompanied by lower rates of growth and enhanced productivity of H2.