cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bacterial Flora of Ground Beef and Soy Extended Ground Beef During Storage

Ground beef and ground beef extended with 20% textured soy protein (TSP) were examined to determine the predominant bacterial flora present during storage at 4°C for 6 days. Bacterial numbers in the extended ground beef increased with time and at a faster rate than the nonextended product. Spoilage odors were also detected earlier in the TSP containing ground beef. For both extended and nonextended ground beef, Pseudomonas species were the predominant bacteria of fresh and stored samples. By the sixth day of storage at 4°C, the only psychrotrophs recovered were species of Pseudomonas. Considering these similarities, it appears that differences in the spoilage rate of extended and nonextended ground beef cannot be attributed to differences in the composition of their respective bacterial flora.
PELAGIC FISHES | Physiology of Tuna

The 15 species of tunas are large, pelagic marine predators. They swim continuously, have high rates of feeding, growth, and reproduction, and are regional endotherms. Tunas possess many physiological characteristics that reflect their high energetic demands and high levels of performance. These include high aerobic and anaerobic metabolic capacities, large aerobic scopes that allow several aerobic activities to occur simultaneously, gills with a large surface area for gas exchange, specializations that enhance cardiovascular function, and high gastric-evacuation rates. The physiological diversity among tunas may explain their horizontal and vertical distributions and resource partitioning within their oceanic environment.
Temporal Visual Mechanisms May Mediate Compensation for Macular Pigment

Macular pigment (MP) is a pre-receptoral filter that is diet derived and deposited in relatively high optical density in the foveal region of the retina. Due to its yellow coloration, MP absorbs light of relatively short wavelengths, ranging from 400 nm to 520 nm. Despite the spectral and spatial nonuniformity imposed upon the sensory retina by MP, perception appears to be relatively uniform across the central visual field. MP therefore offers an opportunity to determine experimentally potential mechanisms responsible for mediating this uniformity. After assessing, in 14 subjects, MP's effects on the temporal sensitivity of both the short-wavelength- and middle-/long-wavelength-sensitive visual pathways, it appears that the visual system compensates for absorption of short-wavelength light by MP by slowing the sampling rate of short-wavelength cones and by increasing the processing speed of middle-/long-wavelength-sensitive cones. This mechanism could work via temporal summation or a temporal neural code, whereby slower response dynamics lead to amplification of relatively weak signals.
HAWAIIAN GEASTROID FUNGI

Geastrum floriforme, G. indicum, G. javanicum, G. minimum, G. pectinatum, G. recolligens, G. saccatum, and G. xerophilum are reported new to the Hawaiian Islands. The presence of Geastrum quadrifidum and Myriostoma coliforme is confirmed. A key to the identification of all species is provided. Additional notes are provided to distinguish similar species from one another. The geastroid (earth star) fungi are a distinctive group of terricolous Basidiomycetes that are frequently collected because of their striking morphology. It is surprising that this group has been little mentioned in the Hawaiian mycoflora previously. Burt (1923) recorded Myriostoma coliforme (Dicks. ex Pers.) Corda but not the 'few species of... Geaster' as reported by Bessey (1943). Ponce de Leon (1968) noted Geastrum quadrifidum Pers. based on a single specimen collected from Hawaii by Degener. Though the earth stars have been assigned to the genus Geastrum, we are also including a collection of Myriostoma in the concept of the obviously polyphyletic, geastroid fungi. The genus Myriostoma had been included in the Geastraceae until Dring (1973) placed it in the Astraceae (Sclerodermatales) due to the presence of the trabeculae in the gleba and the absence of a true hymenium. Based on the senior author's collections over the past two years, as well as specimens in herbaria [BISH, F, HAW, and NY (Holmgren and Keuken, 1974)], it is now possible to present a broad treatment of the Hawaiian geastroid fungi. Collection numbers are those of the senior author unless otherwise stated. This paper is the first in a series on the Hawaiian Gasteromycetes, a group well represented in the Islands but apparently largely ignored in the past. Over 100 specimens of earth stars have been examined in the herbarium and in the field. All specimens have been seen by one or both authors. The taxonomy used follows Ponce de Leon (1968). MORPHOLOGY
Breast Feeding and Toxigenic Intestinal Infections: Missing Links in Crib Death?

tioning of the "mucosal immune system" in humans. The hypothesis that some crib deaths might also result from other intestinally produced bacterial toxins was investigated by injecting infant rhesus monkeys with microgram amounts of purified Clostridium difficile toxins A and B; quiet death pathologically consistent with human crib death occurred within 4 hr to 10 hr. This and other evidence suggest that infant botulism may be the prototype of a putative class of heretofore unrecognized diseases, the "toxigenic intestinal infections of infancy." Collectively, these illnesses may account for a modest proportion of crib death, against which human milk may provide relative protection. This paper attempts to indicate how the investigation of a single infectious disease, infant botulism, has led to a hypothesis about the cause of some cases of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS or crib death) that may unify and explain existing epidemiologic, physiologic, and pathologic information. The hypothesis, if correct, suggests the present availability of a few practical preventive measures.
The United States’ Multidimensional Approach to Combatting Corruption

The United States legal system seeks to prevent and prohibit bribery and corruption through a myriad of laws, regulations and policies. Anti-corruption jurisprudence is more developed in the context of public sector contracts where the United States criminalizes bribery of public officials through 18 U.S.C. § 201 (Bribery of Public Officials and Witnesses). In addition, the United States was the first country to criminalize bribery of foreign government officials in 1977 with the passage of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). The FCPA has since been amended to comply with the adoption of the OECD Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials in International Business Transactions (the OECD Convention). The FCPA does not have a private right of action, but FCPA investigations and convictions have led to collateral civil actions, and it is predicted that as FCPA prosecutions increase in number, such collateral FCPA actions will also continue to increase. There is no federal law prohibiting private sector bribery per se, but 37 states have enacted “commercial bribery” statutes that criminalize bribery and corruption on the state level. In addition, at the federal level, there are a variety of criminal and civil statutes that allow private parties to address corruption, including, but not limited to, mail and wire fraud statutes, securities and anti-trust laws, and the Travel Act. Furthermore, federal government contracts can be voided under certain criminal conflict of interest statutes. Finally, there are contract law principles that have found utility in instances where a contract has been tainted due to actual bribery or potential breach of fiduciary duty, such as illegality, public policy, and unclean hands.
Clinical Measurement of Extravascular Lung Water

This article reviews the evolution of indicator-dilution technology, the theory of the technique, and its clinical application for the measurement of extravascular lung water (ELW). In addition to the thermal-dye technique, other technologies are discussed. The information is intended to give the clinician a better perspective on the future potential of bedside quantitation of ELW.
Carbon stock sequestered from the atmosphere by coniferous forests of Eastern Georgia in conditions of global warming

Abstract As well as worldwide the acceleration of extreme climate events, directly related to climate change, is observed in Georgia. The warming process is continuing, which may result in significant changes in forest expansion and forest diversity. Unfortunately these processes are already under way. In the present study we assessed the total biomass stocking in the pinewood cenosis in East Georgia and the carbon stock sequestered in it from the atmosphere. In Eastern Georgia pine-dominated forests make 66.7 thousand hectares, thus amounting to 72.6% of pinewood in Georgia. The total biomass of pinewood cenosis makes 8.74 Tg, where 4.45 Tg of carbon (is sequestered. In the above-ground and underground biomass of the primary floor 3.04 Tg are sequestered, in the shrub layer (underbrush, young plants) – 350.8 Gg; in the herbaceous layer – 10.4 Gg and in the forest floor there are 1.05 Tg of carbon. Average annual growth of pinewood biomass makes up to 123.7 Gg and annual carbon accumulation is 59.6 Gg. In the living biomass of pine-tree forests of East Georgia annually up to 220 Gg of carbon dioxide is sequestered.
Immunoisolation of a K+ channel from basolateral membranes of Necturus enterocytes

We have reported that a peptide composed of the NH2-terminal 22 amino acids of the Drosophila Shaker B K+ channel protein, which is responsible for the inactivation of this A-type channel, blocks the inner, open mouth of a voltage-gated K+ channel present in the basolateral membrane of Necturus maculosa small intestinal enterocytes. We now demonstrate that antibodies to this "inactivating" peptide interact with proteins in solubilized and intact basolateral membranes from Necturus enterocytes. Asolectin vesicles reconstituted with the full complement of solubilized basolateral membrane proteins display 86Rb+ uptake that is inhibited by tetraethylammonium ion and abolished by immunoprecipitation with these antibodies. Furthermore, asolectin vesicles containing protein eluted from an antibody-affinity column display 86Rb+ uptake that is abolished by boiling. Finally, reconstitution of the immunoisolated protein into planar phospholipid bilayers disclosed a K+ channel whose single-channel properties are identical to those of the voltage-gated channel in the native basolateral membranes. Our data are consistent with the notion that a 150-kDa protein present in basolateral membranes of Necturus enterocytes possesses inwardly rectifying K+ channel activity and that this protein is antigenically similar to the type A K+ channel present in the flight muscles of Drosophila melanogaster and encoded by the Shaker B locus.
How Middle Grade Teachers Think about Algebraic Reasoning.

Algebraic reasoning is an essential habit of mind for building conceptual knowledge in K-12 mathematics, yet little is known about how middle school mathematics teachers think about algebraic reasoning. In this article we describe a research project examining how algebraic reasoning was considered by grades 6, 7, or 8 mathematics teachers in a two-week professional development and over the following two months. We found these 21 teachers initially described algebraic reasoning in a way requiring only procedural knowledge to solve problems with a single solution, solution strategy, or representation. Teachers reported three activities influenced a shift in their thinking about algebraic reasoning, specifically by requiring conceptual knowledge to solve problems using multiple solutions, solution strategies, or representations. While some teachers also associated aspects of generalization and functional thinking as part of algebraic reasoning, two months after the professional development no teachers continued to associate these aspects as part of algebraic reasoning. These findings suggest the kinds of activities other teacher educators can use to develop teachers’ thinking about algebraic reasoning, and supports the need for additional research and interventions to support middle school teachers’ consideration of algebraic reasoning in more advanced ways.
On the Ichnotaxonomic Status of Haplotichnus indianensis (Miller, 1889)

ABSTRACTThe type specimens of the ichnospecies Haplotichnus indianensis and Treptichnus bifurcus were compared under low-angle light. H. indianensis was found to exhibit segments with projections, which are morphological characteristics of T. bifurcus. Consequently, H. indianensis is reinterpreted here as a shallow, subsurface burrow and is considered to be a subjective junior synonym of T. bifurcus. Traces assigned to H. indianensis, other than the type, should be reassigned to other ichnotaxa. Looping surface trails, for example, should be called Gordia isp.
Steroid hormone synthesis by the ovarian stroma surrounding epithelial ovarian tumors: a potential mechanism in ovarian tumorigenesis

Epithelial ovarian tumors are responsive to steroid hormone stimulation and the ovarian stroma may have a direct role in this process. We evaluated immunohistochemical markers of sex-steroid differentiation and steroidogenesis (calretinin, inhibin, steroidogenic factor 1), steroid enzymes involved in hormone biosynthesis (CYP17, CYP19, HSD17β1, AKR1C3), and hormone receptors (estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and androgen receptor) in 101 epithelial ovarian tumors and in normal structures implicated in ovarian carcinogenesis (ovarian surface epithelium and cortical inclusion cysts) in an attempt to elucidate this process. We hypothesized that ovarian stroma immediately adjacent to tumors express markers of sex-steroid differentiation and steroidogenesis and steroid enzymes whereas the epithelium contains corresponding hormone receptors. As the findings in seromucinous, endometrioid, and clear cell neoplasms, tumors closely associated with endometriosis, were very similar, these were combined into a group designated 'endometriosis-related tumors.' Significantly increased expression of markers of sex-steroid differentiation and steroidogenesis was found in stroma immediately adjacent to endometriosis-related tumors (P=0.003) and mucinous tumors (primary and metastatic mucinous tumors were combined because of similar findings) (P<0.0001) compared with more remote ovarian stroma. In addition, sex-steroid enzymes were increased in stroma adjacent to endometriosis-related tumors (P=0.02) and mucinous tumors (P=0.02) compared with more distant stroma. Steroid hormone receptors showed greater expression in epithelium compared with stroma in the endometriosis-related tumors (P=0.0009), low-grade serous tumors (P<0.0001), and high-grade serous carcinoma (P=0.0036). In contrast, there was greater expression in stroma compared with epithelium (P<0.0001) in mucinous tumors, which may be due to the fact that they are not derived from mullerian epithelium. In conclusion, our findings strongly support the view that the stroma surrounding epithelial tumors in the ovary is activated to elaborate steroid hormones which may stimulate further neoplastic growth. The precise mechanisms by which this process might occur are complex and require further investigation.
Gene Therapy for Atrial Fibrillation in Heart Failure

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia and a major cause of morbidity and mortality in an aging population. Unfortunately, current treatments for AF are suboptimal, in large part because the molecular mechanisms underlying AF are not well understood. Recent advances in our understanding of the AF disease state have led to the preclinical development of gene-based therapies that are targeted to key molecular mechanisms involved in the genesis and maintenance of AF.
Abstract 2480: Suppression of homology-dependent DNA double-strand break repair induces PARP inhibitor sensitivity inVHL-deficient human renal cell carcinoma

The von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) tumor suppressor gene is inactivated in the vast majority of human clear cell renal carcinomas. The pathogenesis of VHL loss is currently best understood to occur through stabilization of the hypoxia-inducible factors, activation of hypoxia-induced signaling pathways, and transcriptional reprogramming towards a pro-angiogenic and pro-growth state. However, hypoxia also drives other pro-tumorigenic processes, including the development of genomic instability via down-regulation of DNA repair gene expression. Here, we find that DNA repair genes involved in double-strand break repair by homologous recombination (HR) and in mismatch repair, which are down-regulated by hypoxic stress, are decreased in VHL-deficient renal cancer cells relative to wild type VHL-complemented cells. Non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) genes are not decreased in VHL-deficient cells, demonstrating specificity of the down-regulation and similarity to hypoxia. Functionally, this repression of HR genes is associated with impaired DNA double-strand break repair in VHL-deficient cells, as determined by the persistence of ionizing radiation-induced DNA double-strand breaks and reduced activity in a homology-dependent plasmid reactivation assay. Furthermore, VHL deficiency conferred increased sensitivity to the DNA crosslinking agent mitomycin C and PARP inhibitors, analogous to the synthetic lethality observed between hypoxia and these chemotherapeutic agents. Finally, we discovered a correlation between VHL inactivation and reduced HR, but not NHEJ, gene expression in a large panel of human renal carcinoma samples. Together, our data elucidate a novel connection between VHL-deficient renal carcinoma and hypoxia-induced down-regulation of DNA repair, and identify potential opportunities for targeting DNA repair defects in human renal cell carcinoma. Citation Format: Susan E. Scanlon, Parker L. Sulkowski, Peter M. Glazer. Suppression of homology-dependent DNA double-strand break repair induces PARP inhibitor sensitivity in VHL-deficient human renal cell carcinoma [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 2480. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-2480
Metabolic Regulation of Ca 2+ Handling in Permeabilized Insulinoma Cells

Signal generation in the pancreaticscell requires metabolism of the stimulatory fuel and is accompanied by increases in oxygen consumption and intracellular free Ca2+ (Hedeskov, 1980; Matschinskyet al., 1983; Meglasson and Matschinsky, 1986; Prentki and Matschinsky, 1987). We hypothesized that fuel phosphorylation decreased the cytosolic MgATP/MgADP ratio sufficiently to stimulate O2consumption, and simultaneously reduced the activity of Ca2+ -ATPase with resulting increases in free-Ca2+ levels. To explore this hypothesis, we varied the MgATP/MgADP ratio in permeabilized RINm5F insulinoma cells that maintain a low-medium Ca2+ concentration in the presence of MgATP. Either of the following was added: (1) creatine phosphokinase plus various fixed ratios of creatine/creatine phosphate, or (2) a cell-free extract of rat skeletal muscle that exhibits spontaneous oscillatory behavior of glycolysis, and linked oscillations in the MgATP/MgADP ratio when provided with glucose and a hexokinase (Tornheim, 1979). We found that the free-Ca2+ level maintained by the permeabilized cells varied inversely with the MgATP/MgADP ratio, regardless of the mechanism used to vary MgATP/MgADP. In addition, free Ca2+ was decreased by increasing levels of orthophosphate (Pi). Ca2+ levels oscillated in phase with glycolytic oscillations and correlated closely with the MgATP/MgADP ratio. Ca2+ oscillations were evoked by increasing glucose levels from 2.5 to 10 or 20 mM in the presence of glucokinase, whereas oscillations occurred at 2.5 mM glucose in the presence of hexokinase and were unaffected by increasing the glucose concentration. These results provide the first demonstration of a link between metabolite changes and free-Ca2+ levels, and suggest a mechanism by which fuel metabolism might be coupled to activation of the Ca2+ messenger system in pancreaticβcells.
Nanoporous Gold Nanoparticles and Arrays for Label-Free Nanoplasmonic Biosensing

Surface plasmons (SP) are depicted in the classical picture as a fundamental electromagnetic mode of an interface between a metal (or a semi-conductor) and a dielectric medium and involving surface collective electronic oscilSurface plasmonslations Dror and William (Modern introduction to surface plasmons. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK, [1]).
Westfront Nieuwpoort: The (Collected) Memory of the Belgian Front

The final chapter to this volume by Karen Shelby highlights the importance of memorialization. Shelby recounts the history of the Wacht aan de IJzer (The Guard on the IJzer), which determined the position of the Belgian Front during the First World War, and looks at the role of the Westfront Nieuwpoort Visitors’ Centre, with its famous facsimile of a section of the Panorama of the IJzer 1914 by Alfred Bastien, illustrating the devastation in Flanders.
Lipodystrophy: The experiment of nature to study leptin

Lipodystrophic syndromes consist of a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by generalized or partial loss of adipose tissue, and are commonly associated with severe insulin resistance, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia and hepatic steatosis. In women, other features may include acanthosis nigricans, hirsutism and oligomenorrhea. Inherited lipodystrophy first recognized more than on hundred years ago is rare, while acquired lipodystrophy associated with antiretroviral drug treatment now accounts for the majority of cases. Our understanding of the mechanisms underlying lipodystrophies has been enhanced by advances in molecular genetics, as well as studies in rodents and humans linking lipid and glucose abnormalities to deficiency of adipose secreted hormones, in particular leptin. This review focuses on the classification of human lipodystrophy, mouse models which resemble the human condition, metabolic and hormonal changes observed in this disorder, and the role of leptin in the pathophysiology and treatment of lipodystrophy.
Büchner's Critique of Platonism in Dantons Tod

Buchner integrates an esoteric critique of two interrelated forms of Platonism into his historical drama. To understand the significance and implications of this critique, we must analyze a philosophical work, written by the young Feuerbach, which is the provenance of this complex stratum of meaning in the play. In this work Feuerbach develops a Neo-Spinozan ontology of nature, on the basis of which he eschews the idealization of reality which his phenomenology of religious consciousness ascribes to the metaphysical tradition of Christian-personalism.
Rawlsian Political Identity

In the preceding chapters, I’ve discussed the contours of the debate between the liberals and communitarians, which I’ve suggested connects in important ways with the more general debate over perfectionism versus anti-perfectionism in politics. That debate also connects with the conceptions of persons that are at work in Rawls’s theory—the conception of the person in the original position and the political conception of the person. As I said at the outset, the main goal of this book is to articulate and defend a Rawlsian conception of political identity. Up to now, my goal has been to lay the groundwork needed to show the considerations relevant to a conception of political identity. I also have tried to explain the tension between the considerations that are (arguably) most salient in personal identity and those that are most salient for justifying political principles to—and thereby coercive force over—a polity characterized by intractable disagreement on reasonable conceptions of what is intrinsically valuable. It is this tension that Rawls’s critics have seized on, yielding the metaphysical and normative objections explained in earlier chapters. Surveying the objections provided a framework for seeing the kinds of consideration that are relevant to the project of defending a conception of political identity. I now turn to the more positive project of explaining and justifying a Rawlsian conception of political identity. This discussion is intended to lay the groundwork for thinking through the issues surrounding political identity in general as well as how one could justify Rawlsian political identity. It is beyond the scope of this book fully to explain and defend these views.
Spermatogenesis In Vitro: Searching for In Vivo Correlates

The development of methodology for the study of spermatogenesis in vitro has been a major task that remained elusive (Wolff and Haffen, 1965; Steinberger, 1975). Significant advances have been reported in the culture of meiotic cells of lilaceous plants (Hotta et al., 1966), and spermatogenic cells of Xenopus (Risley, 1983) and Drosophila (Liebrich, 1981). Attempts to maintain isolated spermatogenic cells viable for long periods of time (more than 48 h) have been relatively unsuccessful. In fact, the seminiferous epithelium contains spermatogenic cells that maintain spatial and functional relationships with Sertoli cells, and this cell-cell interaction is likely to play an important role in spermatogenesis in vivo and in vitro.
Lattice approach for α+ H 2 + collisions

We solve the time-dependent Schr\"odinger equation for an ion-molecule collision using a lattice approach. This method carries over naturally from similar lattice treatments of ion-atom collisions, and is free from the multicenter problems that make extensions of other ion-atom methods difficult.
Surgical Treatment of Pelvic Sarcomas

Soft tissue sarcomas affect tissues and locations in the pelvis. Advances in surgical techniques have led to improvements in the resectability rate of these tumors and in limb salvage. These techniques can also be used advantageously in the resection of carcinomas of the pelvis.
Prediction of interfacial shear stress of vertical upward adiabatic annular flow in pipes

Abstract Interfacial shear stress in annular two-phase flow is essential both for detailed modeling of two-fluid model and calculation of pressure gradient. Most of existing correlations on interfacial friction factor are based on Wallis’s (1969) correlation, which considers the interfacial friction factor as a function of film thickness. As film thickness is a parameter not easy to obtain, it needs either high accuracy instrument to measure from experiment or to be calculated from available correlations. The calculated film thickness from available correlations introduces additional uncertainties to interfacial friction factor. Because of this, a new correlation of interfacial friction factor based on a group of non-dimensional numbers which are easy to obtain has been proposed. From data comparison, the new correlation has a mean absolute percentage error of 15% for all data listed in four databases.
Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) perfusion and neuropsychological performance in mild cognitive impairment.

Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) is an affordable neuroimaging technique that measures cerebral perfusion and has been utilized repeatedly in aging populations. However, we are aw...
Regulation of MT dynamics via direct binding of an Abl family kinase

Abl family kinases are essential regulators of cell shape and movement. Genetic studies revealed functional interactions between Abl kinases and microtubules (MTs), but the mechanism by which Abl family kinases regulate MTs remains unclear. Here, we report that Abl2 directly binds to MTs and regulates MT behaviors. Abl2 uses its C-terminal half to bind MTs, an interaction mediated in part through electrostatic binding to tubulin C-terminal tails. Using purified proteins, we found that Abl2 binds growing MTs and promotes MT polymerization and stability. In cells, knockout of Abl2 significantly impairs MT growth, and this defect can be rescued via reexpression of Abl2. Stable reexpression of an Abl2 fragment containing the MT-binding domain alone was sufficient to restore MT growth at the cell edge. These results show Abl2 uses its C-terminal half to bind MTs and directly regulate MT dynamics.
Training Social Workers for Political Engagement: Exploring Regional Differences in the United States

Social workers are challenged by the profession’s Code of Ethics to engage in social and political action to create social change, and social work education is challenged by our Code and accreditat...
Single bioengineered ncRNA molecule for dual-targeting toward the control of non-small cell lung cancer patient-derived xenograft tumor growth

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide and accounts for more than 22% of all cancer-related deaths in the US. Developing new therapies is essential to combat against deadly lung cancer, especially the most common type, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). With the discovery of genome-derived functional small noncoding RNA (ncRNA), namely microRNAs (miRNA or miR), restoration of oncolytic miRNAs lost or downregulated in NSCLC cells represents a new therapeutic strategy. Very recently, we have developed a novel technology that achieves in vivo fermentation production of bioengineered miRNA agents (BERA) for research and development. In this study, we aimed at simultaneously introducing two miRNAs into NSCLC cells by using single recombinant "combinatorial BERA" (CO-BERA) molecule. Our studies show that single CO-BERA molecule (e.g., let-7c/miR-124) was successfully processed to two miRNAs (e.g., let-7c-5p and miR-124-3p) to combinatorially regulate the expression of multiple targets (e.g., RAS, VAMP3 and CDK6) in human NSCLC cells, exhibiting greater efficacy than respective BERA miRNAs in the inhibition of cell viability and colony formation. Furthermore, we demonstrate that CO-BERA let-7c/miR-124-loaded lipopolyplex nanomedicine was the most effective among tested RNAs in the control of tumor growth in NSCLC patient-derived xenograft mouse models. The anti-tumor activity of CO-BERA let-7c/miR-124 was associated with the suppression of RAS and CDK6 expression, and enhancement of apoptosis. These results support the concept to use single ncRNA agent for dual-targeting and offer insight into developing new RNA therapeutics for the treatment of lethal NSCLC.
Sports- and physical activity-related concussion and risk for youth violence

Introduction Sports and physical activities are an important cause of traumatic brain injury among adolescents. Childhood traumatic brain injury has been associated with cognitive impairment, emotional problems, and impaired behavior control, and these neuropsychological changes may place these youth at increased risk for engagement in violence-related behaviors. Methods Data from the 2017 National Youth Risk Behavior Survey (N=14,765), a nationally representative survey of U.S. high school students, were analyzed in 2019 to examine the associations between sports- and physical activity–related concussion and violence-related behaviors occurring in the community and at school. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to calculate sex-stratified, adjusted (for race/ethnicity, grade, athlete status, impaired cognitive functioning, feeling sad/hopeless, and current substance use) prevalence ratios. Prevalence ratios were considered statistically significant if p Results Male students (17.1%) were more likely than female students (13.0%) to experience a sports- and physical activity–related concussion during the 12 months preceding the survey. Compared with students who did not have a concussion, those who experienced ≥1 sports- and physical activity–related concussion were more likely to be in a physical fight (male students, adjusted prevalence ratio=1.45; female students, adjusted prevalence ratio=1.55), carry a weapon (male students, adjusted prevalence ratio=1.24; female students, adjusted prevalence ratio=1.79), and fight at school (male students, adjusted prevalence ratio=1.40; female students, adjusted prevalence ratio=1.77). In addition, male students were more likely to carry a gun (adjusted prevalence ratio=1.62) and carry a weapon at school (adjusted prevalence ratio=1.73). Conclusions Although the direction of these associations is unknown, return-to-school programs may benefit from inclusion of assessment and counseling around issues of psychological and social functioning, conflict resolution, and coordination with violence prevention programs.
Initial Impact of COVID-19 on ambulatory antibiotic prescribing for respiratory viral infections

Background: Between 15-50% of patients seen in ambulatory settings are prescribed an antibiotic At least one third of this usage is considered unnecessary In 2019, our institution implemented the MITIGATE Toolkit, endorsed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to reduce inappropriate antibiotic prescribing for viral respiratory infections in emergency and urgent care settings In February 2020 we identified our first hospitalized patient with SARS-CoV(2) In March, efforts to limit person-to-person contact led to shelter in place orders and substantial reorganization of our healthcare system During this time we continued to track rates of unnecessary antibiotic prescribing Methods: This was a single center observational study Electronic medical record data were accessed to determine antibiotic prescribing and diagnosis codes We provided monthly individual feedback to urgent care prescribers, (Sep 2019-Mar 2020), primary care, and ED providers (Jan 2020 - Mar 2020) notifying them of their specific rate of unnecessary antibiotic prescribing and labeling them as a top performer or not a top performer compared to their peers The primary outcome was rate of inappropriate antibiotic prescribing Results: Pre toolkit intervention, 14,398 patient visits met MITIGATE inclusion criteria and 12% received an antibiotic unnecessarily in Jan-April 2019 Post-toolkit intervention, 12,328 patient visits met inclusion criteria and 7% received an antibiotic unnecessarily in Jan-April 2020 In April 2020, patient visits dropped to 10-50% of what they were in March 2020 and April 2019 During this time the unnecessary antibiotic prescribing rate doubled in urgent care to 7 8% from 3 6% the previous month and stayed stable in primary care and the ED at 3 2% and 11 8% respectively in April compared to 4 6% and 10 4% in the previous month Conclusion: Rates of inappropriate antibiotic prescribing were reduced nearly in half from 2019 to 2020 across 3 ambulatory care settings The increase in prescribing in April seen in urgent care and after providers stopped receiving their monthly feedback is concerning Many factors may have contributed to this increase, but it raises concerns for increased inappropriate antibacterial usage as a side effect of the SARSCoV( 2) pandemic
Machine Learning Algorithms Identify Optimal Sagittal Component Position in Total Knee Arthroplasty.

Abstract Background Advanced technologies, like robotics, provide enhanced precision for implanting total knee arthroplasty (TKA) components; however, the optimal targets for implant position specifically in the sagittal plane do not exist. This study identified sagittal implant position which may predict improved outcomes using machine learning algorithms. Methods A retrospective review of 1091 consecutive TKAs was performed. All TKAs were posterior cruciate ligament retaining or sacrificing with an anterior-lip (49.4%) or conforming bearing (50.6%) and performed with modern perioperative protocols. Preoperative and postoperative tibial slope and postoperative femoral component flexion were measured with standardized radiographic protocols. Analysis groups were categorized by satisfaction scores and the Knee Society Score question ‘does this knee feel normal to you?’ Machine learning algorithms were used to identify optimal sagittal alignment zones that predict superior satisfaction and knees “always feeling normal” scores. Results Mean age and median body mass index were 66 years and 34 kg/m2, respectively, with 67% being female. The machine learning model predicted an increased likelihood of being “satisfied or very satisfied” and a knee “always feeling normal” with a change in tibial slope closer to native (−2 to +2°) and femoral component flexion 0 to +7°. Worse outcomes were predicted with any femoral component extension, femoral component flexion beyond +10°, and adding or removing >5° of native tibial slope. Conclusion Superior patient-reported outcomes were predicted with approximating native tibial slope and incorporating some femoral component flexion. Deviation from native tibial slope and excessive femoral flexion or any femoral component extension were predictive of worse outcomes. Level of Evidence Therapeutic level III.
Radical surgery in malignnant pleural mesothelioma (MPM): An analysis of SEER database.

8554Background: MPM is an aggressive malignnancy with poor overall prognosis. A combined treatment approach involving radical surgery (RS), radiation (RT) and chemotherapy (CT) provide improved sur...
Structure-based protein design with deep learning.

Abstract Since the first revelation of proteins functioning as macromolecular machines through their three dimensional structures, researchers have been intrigued by the marvelous ways the biochemical processes are carried out by proteins. The aspiration to understand protein structures has fueled extensive efforts across different scientific disciplines. In recent years, it has been demonstrated that proteins with new functionality or shapes can be designed via structure-based modeling methods, and the design strategies have combined all available information — but largely piece-by-piece — from sequence derived statistics to the detailed atomic-level modeling of chemical interactions. Despite the significant progress, incorporating data-derived approaches through the use of deep learning methods can be a game changer. In this review, we summarize current progress, compare the arc of developing the deep learning approaches with the conventional methods, and describe the motivation and concepts behind current strategies that may lead to potential future opportunities.
APPROXIMATE PROBABILISTIC METHOD OF CALCULATING SHIP LONGITUDINAL STRENGTH

Recently, classification societies have taken an interest in the statistical approach to ship longitudinal strength and the probabilistic methods for defining new design criteria. This interest is partially a result of the development and the growing demand for large tankers; it is reflected in the increasing research done by the regulatory bodies in these areas. This paper presents a framework for an approximate probabilistic method to calculate ship longitudinal strength with possible implementation in classification societies rules in mind. The most important features of this method are that it is simple, realistic, consistent, and distribution-free. No assumptions are made with regard to the forms of the distribution functions of the random variables involved in the procedure. Nevertheless, the uncertainties associated with these variables are taken into consideration and are quantified by their coefficients of variation. Analyses of eighteen ships of different types are made in order to serve as a preliminary investigation of the appropriate level of safety as measured by a proposed safety index.
Heterogeneous Database Query Optimization in DB2 Universal DataJoiner

DataJoiner (DJ) is a heterogeneous database system that provides a single database image of multiple databases. It provides transparent access to tables at remote databases through user defined aliases (nicknames) that can be accessed as if they were local tables. DJ is also a fully functional relational database system. A couple of salient features of the DataJoiner query optimizer are: (1) A query submitted to DataJoiner is optimized using a cost model that takes into account the remote optimizer’s capabilities in addition to the remote query processing capabilities and (2) If a remote database system lacks some functionality (eg: sorting), DataJoiner compensates for it. In this paper, we present the design of the Datajoiner query optimizer. Permission to copy without fee all ot part of this material is granted provided that the copies are not made 07 distributed for direct commercial advantage, the VLDB copyright notice and fhe title of the publicdion and its date appear, and notice is given that copying ir by permission of the Very Large Data Base Endowment. To copy otherwise, or to republish, requires a fee and/or special permiaaion from the Endowmeni. Proceedings of the 24th VLDB Conference New York, USA, 1998 Tian Zhang IBM Santa Teresa Labs San Jose, CA 95141 tzhang@us.ibm.com
Professionalism in Construction

The expanding complexity of technology in buildings, increased design sophistication, and need for total project responsibility is demanding more comprehensive and professional construction management services to control quality, cost, and time and to be more responsive to society's needs. This paper explains the specialized aspects of the construction service and compares the principal characteristics of professionalism with the qualifications and conduct of the constructor person. The criteria for professionalism including expert knowledge, autonomy and freedom to communicate, authority, an altruistic or public-service motivation, a learned technical society and a code of ethics, licensing and registration requirements, client orientation, the colleague community and peer control, public recognition and trust, collective identity, and other similar considerations were particularly studied in the context of the new technologies and today's social, economic, and political changes.
Behavioral Medicine Paradigm: Behavioral Interventions for Chronic Pain and Headache

Abstract Physical problems are often related to lifestyle and an individual's interaction with the environment (Raines & Erickson, 1997). The behavioral medicine paradigm depends upon careful analysis of all of these factors in relation to disease etiology and maintenance of health (Pinkerton. Hughes, & Wenrich, 1982). Social work is a field with unlimited job opportunities, no longer limited to mental health and case work. In terms of behavioral medicine, social workers can work in conjunction with primary care physicians, in hospitals, outpatient clinics, and schools. The possibilities to reach people for prevention are unlimited. This article outlines the various behavioral techniques utilized in social work practice. The application of these techniques to two chronic conditions, chronic pain and headache, are illustrated as well.
The Strategic Role of 'Cost of Capital' in Residual Income Measurement

This paper examines the strategic role of "cost of capital" in residual income measurement in an oligopoly. Because of imperfect competition in the product market, firm market valuation and managerial performance evaluation based on residual income measures or Economic Value Added (EVA) are most closely related to each other so that an interactive effect arises. Facing a stochastic production-technology with diminishing marginal returns in the decision context of capital investment, firm owners can use the "cost of capital" in residual income measures as a competitive tool for their managers. We show that the mode of competition (i.e., Cournot versus Bertrand) has a significant impact on the strategic role, and determines whether the firm owners levy a lower or higher "cost of capital" on their managers than their own opportunity cost of capital. They will charge the managers with their own cost of capital if, and only if, their managers' actions do not cause their competitors to counteract so that the firm's market value is affected (i.e., price-takers in perfect competition or price-setters in monopoly). Consequently, imperfect competition separates the capital's ownership and management, and perfect competition or monopoly unites the two. We consider three different sources of uncertainty: industry-wide demand, firm-specific technological input and output. Our results prove that neither industry-wide demand uncertainty nor firm-specific input uncertainty affects the equilibrium "cost of capital." Furthermore, firm-specific output uncertainty moves the equilibrium "cost of capital" closer to the firm owners' own cost of capital, and hence, makes the strategic role less valuable, although its effect on the strategic role is of secondary relative to that of imperfect competition.
A new property of a class of Jacobi polynomials

Polynomials whose coefficients are successive derivatives of a class of Jacobi polynomials evaluated at x = 1 are stable. This yields a novel and short proof of the known result that the Bessel polynomials are stable polynomials. Stability-preserving linear operators are discussed. The paper concludes with three open problems involving the distribution of zeros of polynomials.
Taking Theories of Cultural Dialogue From the Classroom to the Street Corner

This article contributes to the Communication Studies’ literature on cultural dialogue, based on challenges we faced when putting theory into practice in community-based research courses and local social justice struggles. Specifically, we attempt to elaborate theories of cultural dialogue on/in the streets—considering how Cultural Studies, Critical Intercultural Communication, Critical Pedagogy, and Performance Studies work synergistically to illuminate particular aspects of the process of applied cultural dialogue in new ways. As we engaged in discussions on race and immigration in Aurora, Colorado, our experience required us to theorize particular aspects of the process of dialogue in new ways. This article contains voices of multiple authors in conversation and addresses the negotiations of dialogue, identity, and power. Ultimately we address dialogue writ large as process that combines shared experiences in different yet connected sites of education, community conflict, and cultural differences.
Identification of a putative Salmonella enterica serotype typhimurium host range factor with homology to IpaH and YopM by signature-tagged mutagenesis.

The genetic basis for the host adaptation of Salmonella serotypes is currently unknown. We have explored a new strategy to identify Salmonella enterica serotype Typhimurium (S. typhimurium) genes involved in host adaptation, by comparing the virulence of 260 randomly generated signature-tagged mutants during the oral infection of mice and calves. This screen identified four mutants, which were defective for colonization of only one of the two host species tested. One mutant, which only displayed a colonization defect during the infection of mice, was further characterized. During competitive infection experiments performed with the S. typhimurium wild type, the mutant was defective for colonization of murine Peyer's patches but colonized bovine Peyer's patches at the wild-type level. No difference in virulence between wild type and mutant was observed when calves were infected orally with 1010 CFU/animal. In contrast, the mutant possessed a sixfold increase in 50% lethal morbidity dose when mice were infected orally. The transposon in this mutant was inserted in a 2.9-kb pathogenicity islet, which is located between uvrB and yphK on the S. typhimurium chromosome. This pathogenicity islet contained a single gene, termed slrP, with homology to ipaH of Shigella flexneri and yopM of Yersinia pestis. These data show that comparative screening of signature-tagged mutants in two animal species can be used for scanning the S. typhimurium genome for genes involved in host adaptation.