cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Improvements in Left Atrial Appendage Velocities Following Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

Background: The natriuretic peptide family consists of atrial and b-type natriuretic peptide (ANP, BNP) and C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP). ANP and BNP are mainly produced in the heart and possess potent blood pressure lowering as well as natriuretic and diuretic actions through guanylyl cyclase receptor A (GC-A) and cGMP activation. Meanwhile, CNP is an endothelium and renal derived hormone of which its mature biological active form, CNP22, has the most robust cardiorenal anti-remodeling properties via GC-B activation and generation of cGMP compared to GC-A. Recently we reported that heart failure (HF) patients have increased plasma and markedly elevated urinary levels of a larger CNP molecular form, CNP53, which also is biologically active and generates cGMP through the GC-B receptor. Notably, preliminary studies have demonstrated that CNP53 is more biologically active and has renal enhancing actions in vivo, compared to CNP22. However, it remains unclear if CNP53’s biological and renal actions differ from that of BNP in vivo. Objectives: To define the cardiorenal and cGMP generating actions of CNP53, GC-B agonist, compared to BNP, a GC-A agonist, in vivo. Hypothesis: We hypothesize that CNP53 has cardiorenal and cGMP actions in vivo, but will exhibit less hypotension than BNP. Methods: Vehicle (V), an equimolar dose of BNP or CNP53 (Phoenix Pharmaceuticals, CA) was infused intravenously into anesthetized normal rats. Mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and urinary sodium (Na) excretion were assessed. Plasma and urinary cGMP was determined by radioimmunoassay. Data are presented as Mean6SE. *p!0.05 between all groups. Results: During CNP53 and BNP infusion, plasma cGMP (V: 961, CNP53: 9164, BNP: 190637*, pmol/ml) and urinary cGMP excretion (V: 3366, CNP53: 176628, BNP: 5096124*, pmol/min) significantly increased compared to vehicle. Moreover, GFR (V: 4.860.3, CNP53: 5.760.2, BNP: 7.260.5*, ml/min/kg) and urinary Na excretion (V: 0.860.1, CNP53: 1.460.2, BNP: 2.460.1*,uEq/min) also significantly increased with CNP53 and BNP compared to vehicle. Notably, BNP had the greatest drop in MAP compared to vehicle and CNP53 (DMAP V: 2.06 3.0, CNP53: -4.062.7, BNP: -11.363.8*, mmHg). Conclusion: We report CNP53 exerts favorable cardiorenal and cGMP actions without excessive hypotension as seen with BNP. These findings support an emerging concept that CNP53 may be an alternative therapeutic strategy for HF, especially in the setting of hypotension, and this warrants further investigation.
Chapter 6 – Bone Colour

The study of bone colour, a component of a larger GIS-based examination of the prehistoric Walker-Noe collection, aids in the reconstruction and interpretation of the burial deposit. Understanding the colour variation in controlled experiments and from forensic and archaeological samples is critical to burned bone studies. The use of the CIELAB colour coordinate system enables measurement of differences in overall colours and, additionally, a comparative assessment of the individual axis values. A slight variation is observable in bone surface colour between the core and peripheral regions of the site. Differences in surface colour can be recognised between elements from different skeletal divisions, collectively across the site and also between areas of the site. The interpretation of surface colour data for bone fragments recovered from Walker-Noe provides additional insight into site formation processes at the Middle Woodland period crematory. The approach detailed in this study can readily be applied to other archaeological and forensic investigations to address differential burning, site formation issues and taphonomic factors.
The Structural Variety of Historical Injustices

In this paper, the authors consider the ways in which formal structural differences between historical injustices bear on reparations claims made in the name of those injustices.
Effects of Technological Changes on Northeastern Agriculture

T ECHNOLOGICAL innovation in Northeastern agriculture has taken place in a system of farming long established and, in some respects, considerably matured under the patterns of regional competition and the farming methods of an earlier day. As far back as the turn of the century, agriculture in the Northeast, had already attained its maximum expansion in number of farms, farm acreage, and even in number of dairy cows. And by no means is the technological change all of recent vintage. Strong forces were at work at least as early as 1870. A rising degree of commercial production was steadily displacing the traditional, highly self-sufficient Down-East farm economy. Horsepowered equipment was rapidly introduced, and improvements, both in crops and livestock and in crop and livestock management, were much greater in this early period than is now generally acknowledged. Perhaps the most outstanding example of the improvement was a 70 percent increase in milk production per cow between 1870 and 1900-nearly twice the increase in milk yield that has been accomplished in the Northeast by all the cow and cow management improvements since then. The total of such developments in the 30 years prior to 1900 resulted in a 50 percent increase in the crop and livestock output of the eleven Northeastern states.
Robust techniques in space-time adaptive processing

This chapter is a brief review of several traditional STAP schemes as well as an explanation of the complex detection environments in which many radar signal processors must operate. A review of the deterioration of the performance of algorithms, as well as the benefits and drawbacks of newly proposed adaptive processing approaches, has been provided. The chapter discusses that an engineering trade off exists between the design of the algorithm and its computational difficulties in real-world implementation. In the future, we look forward to the potential marriage of several of the presented signal processing techniques to provide overall system robustness and real-time target detection in real-world, non-ideal detection environments.
Phase II protocol for the evaluation of new treatments in patients with advanced gastric carcinoma: results of ECOG 5282

The study was a Phase II randomized study to evaluate the efficacy of new agents for the treatment of advanced gastric carcinoma. Patients were randomized to receive single agent chemotherapy with mitoxantrone, etoposide, aclacinomycin-A or spirogermanium. The patients were stratified by prior use of chemotherapy, prior doxorubicin use and ECOG performance status. Patients with a history of cardiac disease or prior doxorubicin exceeding a dose of 400 mg/m2 were restrictively randomized to sopirogermanium or etoposide only. One hundred and fourteen patients were registered for the study. Among 98 evaluable patients there were only two partial responses (both in the etoposide arm), and one complete response in the mitoxantrone arm. The median survival on the study was 3.3 months. One hundred and six patients were analyzable for toxicity. There were four treatment-related deaths and four life-threatening toxicities. Because of low response rates and relatively high toxicities the studied compounds were not deemed worth further investigation for advanced gastric cancer.
A New Notonecta from China. Notonecta suensoni sp. new. (Hemiptera-Notonectidæ).

In a collection of aquatic insects sent to me from China by Dr. Suenson, I find a single pair of an undescribed species of backswimmer. It represents a smaller and more slender species than one is accustomed to see from the orient. At first glance it reminds one of Notonecta lactitans Kirk., a species which lives in South Africa. It is, however, larger and structurally quite different. From China one expects to see handsome, red and black species as large, or larger, than our North American Notonecta irrorata Uhler. This new species is pale in color and the male is but a trifle broader than our common Notonecta undulata Say. Its greater length makes it a relatively more slender species than any save Notonecta lactitans Kirkaldy.
Insulin stimulation of intracellular free Ca2+ recovery and Ca(2+)-ATPase gene expression in cultured vascular smooth-muscle cells: role of glucose 6-phosphate.

Wa have previously reported that insulin accelerates recovery of intracellular Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]i) from pressor agonist-induced Ca2+ loads and stimulates both plasmalemmal and sarcoplasmic-reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase gene expression in cultured and freshly isolated vascular smooth-muscle cells (VSMCs), suggesting that insulin attenuation of vascular tone may result from modulation of [Ca2+]i. Accordingly, we have now evaluated the linkage between this insulin-regulation of VSMC[Ca2+]i and classical actions of insulin (i.e. glucose transport and metabolism). Cultured VSMCs were incubated in the presence or absence of insulin in a medium containing either pyruvate, glucose, 3-O-methylglucose or 2-deoxyglycose. Insulin caused an 87% increase in [Ca2+]i recovery rate after stimulation with arginine-vasopressin (P < 0.01) and caused a marked increase in Ca(2+)-ATPase mRNA and protein levels in the presence of glucose. Comparable increases in both [Ca2+]i recovery and Ca2(+)-ATPase expression were found when glucose was replaced by 2-deoxyglucose. In contrast, no stimulation was found in either the glucose-free or 3-O-methylglucose-containing medium. As both glucose analogues are transported, but only 2-deoxyglucose is phosphorylated, this indicates that glucose transport and metabolism to glucose 6-phosphate is essential for insulin regulation of VSMC [Ca2+]i, possibly via a glucose-6-phosphate-dependent carbohydrate-response element in the Ca2(+)-ATPase gene.
Research and Implementation of Synchronization Technology Base on Microsoft Framework

This paper introduces implementation principles of Microsoft's SS (synchronization system). The framework is a very complex. For any data type, any storage device, any transfer mode, any network topology are supported. It provides very wide surface of applications. In order to meet the requirements of real-time file synchronization, this paper introduce method of file monitor. Combine the monitor and Synchronization framework to achieve real-time synchronization between files. As long as the source files in the directory changes, the target directory changes too.
Archaeological Survey of Property for the Proposed Eagle Pass International Bridge, Maverick County, Texas

In May 1990, archaeologists for the Center of Archaeological Research, The University of Texas at San Antonio conducted a surface survey and subsurface testing program. at the site of the proposed Eagle Pass international bridge. The survey was conducted for Groves and Associates, Inc., consulting engineers and project planners, for the City of Eagle Pass. Survey and testing activities were performed in order to locate and evaluate any archaeological remains which might be affected by construction of the bridge and associated facilities. In addition, archival research was conducted at the Eagle Pass library and county courthouse in order to assess potential archaeological resources in the area of the proposed bridge site. The project area has been much disturbed by road, railroad, and water treatment facility constructions. No significant prehistoric or historic archaeological remains were identified during the survey and testing. However further machine and hand excavations within the river terraces to examine for deeply buried cultural deposits and conduct geomorphological recording will be required.
Direct domain decomposition method (D 3 M) for finite element electromagnetic computations

An exact arithmetic, memory efficient direct solution method for finite element method (FEM) computations is outlined. Unlike conventional black-box or low-rank direct solvers that are opaque to the underlying physical problem, the proposed method leverages physical insights at every stage of the development through a new symmetric domain decomposition method (DDM) with one set of Lagrange multipliers. Comparisons with state-of-the-art exact direct solvers on electrically large problems suggest up to 10 times less memory and better run-time complexity while maintaining the same accuracy.
Retrospective analysis of bendamustine and rituximab use in indolent and mantle cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma based on initial starting dose.

AbstractThe initial dose of bendamustine, an alkylating agent used in treating indolent lymphoma (iNHL) and mantle cell lymphoma, is variable in clinical practice. 134 patients treated with bendamustine and rituximab were evaluated for starting dosage, patient characteristics, toxicities, and clinical outcome. The starting dosage ranged from 50 to 90 mg/m2. Lower starting dosage (<90 mg/m2) was associated with relapsed disease, increased age and worse performance status (PS), histologic subtype other than follicular lymphoma, baseline renal impairment, and cytopenias. No significant difference was observed in toxicities between patients treated with 90 mg/m2 compared with lower doses. The starting dose of 90 mg/m2 was associated with a higher complete response rate (56% vs. 29%) and longer progression free survival (PFS) (39.5 months vs. 19.7 months). However, in a multivariable model, the higher starting dose was not associated with longer PFS in those with similar age, histology, PS, and number of prior...
Targeting castration resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) with autologous PSMA-directed CAR+ T cells.

TPS4700 Background: Based on our preclinical animal models, we initiated a phase I dose-escalating study to assess safety, dose requirement and targeting efficiency of genetically directed autologo...
Distributed computers in accelerator control systems

Abstract High-energy and nuclear-physics experiments have been leaders in the development and implementation of on-line computers and high-speed electronics for data acquisition. This development has been a consequence of the complexity of the detectors used as well as the raw data rates. It is not surprising, therefore, that the accelerators that provide the beam to the detectors have also been leaders in the application of computers to the needs of the machine physicists and the operators. This paper will review how distributed computers have been applied to accelerator control systems and indicate some future directions. One of the clear trends has been the increasing availability of the necessary hardware and software tools from industry as supported products. In the past, a considerable part of the effort in building a control system has been spent designing, building, and testing specialized hardware and software. With the careful choice of industrial products, it is now possible to concentrate on the accelerator aspects of the control system. In order to successfully select industrial components for an accelerator control system, it is important to understand how the requirements for such a system differ both from an experiment data-acquisition system and from an industrial process-control system. These differences will be explained and some future challenges for accelerator-controls engineers and physicists indicated.
How exposure to different opinions impacts the life cycle of social media

As a lot of communication and media consumption moves online, people may be exposed to a wider population and more diverse opinions. However, individuals may act differently when faced with opinions far removed from their own. Moreover, changes in the frequency of visits, posting, and other forms of expression could lead to narrowing of the opinions that each person observes, as well as changes in the customer base for online platforms. Despite increasing research on the rise and fall of online social media outlets, user activity in response to exposure to others’ opinions has received little attention. In this study, we first introduce a method that maps opinions of individuals and their generated content on a multi-dimensional space by factorizing an individual–object interaction (e.g., user-news rating) matrix. Using data on 6151 users interacting with 287,327 pieces of content over 21 months on a social media platform we estimate changes in individuals’ activities in response to interaction with content expressing a variety of opinions. We find that individuals increase their online activities when interacting with content close to their own opinions, and interacting with extreme opinions may decrease their activities. Finally, developing an agent-based simulation model, we study the effect of the estimated mechanisms on the future success of a simulated platform.
Identification of Linear Time-Invariant Multivariable Systems

Abstract In this paper, an efficient algorithm is introduced to identify the matrix fraction description of a multivariable linear time-invariant system from its noise-free input-output data. The resulting matrix fraction description is coprime and in the Popov form. A basic theorem in identification, which was originally established by using state equations follows readily from the algorithm. A set of necessary conditions for inputs to be persistently exciting is discussed. The problem of initial conditions is also studied. It is shown that in identification, the system can always be assumed to be initially relaxed no matter its initial state is zero or not.
"All Writing is Garbage": Reassessing the Fragment and the Anti-Narrative Rhetoric of Antonin Artaud in a Post-Narrative World

While not accepted by the Academy, brief, casual, fragmented text narratives or messages are changing the discourse of how we write. Twentieth century French playwright, poet, and "anti-rhetorician" Antonin Artaud foresaw such a future for writing in his early texts such as "The Nerve Meter," where, in one section titled "All Writing is Garbage," he dispels what he sees is a false rhetorical structure in traditional narrative technique. For Artaud, writing is essentially "a kind of incomprehensible stopping place in the mind, right in the middle of everything." Along with this text and others, I feel that Artaud's attack against traditional narrative and rhetoric is more about seeing how writing is a "kind of [mental] incomprehensible stopping place" that we perform every day in our cellphones and computers. Furthermore, I feel that Artaud's anti or "post literary theory" of writing still maintains a link with earlier classical visions of rhetoric. If Artaud demystifies literature as "garbage," is he also making a claim about the pervasive importance that literature and writing have always had in our everyday lives?
Psoas-bladder Hitch Procedure: Our Experience With Repair of the Injured Ureter in Men

AbstractNine patients with injury to the pelvic portion of the ureter successfully underwent the psoas-bladder hitch procedure and tunnelization as an antireflux measure. Of these 9 patients 1 had a Boari bladder wall flap next to the hitch procedure to further elongate the posterolateral corner of the bladder and to bridge a ureteral defect more than 5cm. Postoperatively, 2 patients had ureteral reflux on the side of repair and 1 had reflux on the opposite side, which was caused by excision of the bladder tumor and damage of the muscle layers backing the undamaged ureter.
Functionally Distinct Tendons From Elastin Haploinsufficient Mice Exhibit Mild Stiffening and Tendon-Specific Structural Alteration

Elastic fibers are present in low quantities in tendon, where they are located both within fascicles near tenocytes and more broadly in the interfascicular matrix (IFM). While elastic fibers have long been known to be significant in the mechanics of elastin-rich tissue (i.e., vasculature, skin, lungs), recent studies have suggested a mechanical role for elastic fibers in tendons that is dependent on specific tendon function. However, the exact contribution of elastin to properties of different types of tendons (e.g., positional, energy-storing) remains unknown. Therefore, this study purposed to evaluate the role of elastin in the mechanical properties and collagen alignment of functionally distinct supraspinatus tendons (SSTs) and Achilles tendons (ATs) from elastin haploinsufficient (HET) and wild type (WT) mice. Despite the significant decrease in elastin in HET tendons, a slight increase in linear stiffness of both tendons was the only significant mechanical effect of elastin haploinsufficiency. Additionally, there were significant changes in collagen nanostructure and subtle alteration to collagen alignment in the AT but not the SST. Hence, elastin may play only a minor role in tendon mechanical properties. Alternatively, larger changes to tendon mechanics may have been mitigated by developmental compensation of HET tendons and/or the role of elastic fibers may be less prominent in smaller mouse tendons compared to the larger bovine and human tendons evaluated in previous studies. Further research will be necessary to fully elucidate the influence of various elastic fiber components on structure-function relationships in functionally distinct tendons.
Ill-conditioned Information Matrices and the Generalized Linear Model: an Asymptotically Biased Estimation Approach

We consider continuous explanatory variables and a constant to formulate a specific generalized linear model of Nelder and Wedderburn (1972). Maximum likelihood parameter estimation, testing, and prediction problems, similar to those of least squares standard multiple regression, can arise from an ill-conditioned information matrix. Although maximum likelihood parameter estimation is asymptotically unbiased, the construction of asymptotically biased parameter estimates can alleviate the detriments resulting from near-singular information while, in many instances, provide a reduction in asymptotic mean squared error. Three adjustments to maximum likelihood are presented: ridge, principal component and Stein estimators.
Acute Withdrawal: General Principles

Patients with substance use disorders are frequent utilizers of medical and psychiatric services in the emergency department. Recognition of common withdrawal syndromes is essential in formulating a differential diagnosis and providing appropriate medical care. In the DSM-5, withdrawal syndromes are uniquely defined for each substance class but share core features in that, (1) they occur after cessation of heavy and prolonged drug use, (2) the cause significant distress or impairment in social, occupational or interpersonal function and, (3) the symptoms cannot be better attributed to another mental or medical disease. In this section the major substance withdrawals include alcohol, benzodiazepine, barbiturate, cannabis, opioid and stimulant (amphetamine-type substances and cocaine). While abrupt cessation of other substances listed in the DSM-5, such as tobacco, can lead to withdrawal, focus has been placed on the most common withdrawal syndromes that can lead to medical concerns.
In-field and abscopal response after short-course radiation therapy in patients with metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma progressing on PD-1 checkpoint blockade: a case series

Patients with metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma (mMCC) who experience disease progression on immunotherapy have limited additional standard options. Given evidence of synergism between radiation therapy (RT) and immunotherapy, two patients progressing on PD-1 inhibition were referred for short-course RT. Two patients were found to have progressive mMCC on PD-1 inhibitor therapy and were treated with single-fraction palliative RT. Both patients were observed to have local control at irradiated regions, as well as durable abscopal response at unirradiated, out-of-field, sites of metastatic disease. Short-course RT is a compelling strategy that could be a means to augment response in patients with mMCC who show progression on immune checkpoint blockade. Ongoing clinical trials are investigating the relationship between RT and immunotherapy in mMCC.
Management options and parental voice in the treatment of trisomy 13 and 18

Trisomy 13 and 18 are rare genetic conditions associated with high rates of congenital anomalies, universal profound neurocognitive deficits, and early death, commonly in the first month after birth. Historically, efforts were made to keep these newborns comfortable, but parents were generally not offered medical or surgical interventions. This practice has begun to change in some hospitals, but remains controversial, and a clear consensus between and even within institutions does not appear to exist. This essay presents a summary of current data and an ethical analysis of the question of whether medical and surgical interventions should be offered to parents of newborns with trisomy 13 or 18. While compelling arguments can be found on both sides, it is here suggested that informed parents should be given a stronger voice in these decisions than has traditionally been the case. In an effort to improve clarity and consistency within single institutions, a process for developing an institutional guideline for management of patients with these, or similar, conditions is presented.
Unfolding the Potential of ICT for SRL Development

We live in an era of rapid technological change, affecting not only the sphere of work, but also (and perhaps to a greater extent) our social lives, our way to obtain information, our security and our learning. Learning has never been something that could be done once and for all in human life, and the ability to cope with innovation and change has always been important, not only to succeed, but even to survive. So, what’s new? Firstly, the speed and the extent of change; secondly, the fact that major changes are taking place not only in what we learn, but also in the tools used for learning. By this, we do not mean merely the technical tools, but the conceptual tools as well.
Decreased rectal meconium signal on MRI in fetuses with open spinal dysraphism

OBJECTIVE To evaluate rectal meconium signal in fetuses with open spinal dysraphism and correlate findings with postnatal exam. METHODS This is a single-institution Institutional Review Board-approved Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) compliant retrospective analysis of fetal MRIs of open spinal dysraphism from 2004 to 2016. Fetuses with diagnostic T1-weighted images and postnatal follow-up at our institution were included. RESULTS A total of 115 fetuses (average gestational age 23.9 ± 3.6 weeks) met inclusion criteria. Of these, 80% (92/115) had T1 hyperintense rectal meconium signal. Average height of the meconium column, measured from the base of the bladder to its most inferior extent, was 9.2 ± 4.3 mm in fetuses ≥20-week gestational age and 11.1 ± 4.4 mm in fetuses ≥23-week gestational age (n = 110) . None had bowel dilation. One of 115 fetuses had a simple form of anorectal malformation allowing complete repair in the neonatal period, but this fetus had a normal meconium column height on fetal MRI of 22 mm. The remaining 23/115 fetuses with lack of normal rectal meconium signal were born without evidence of anorectal malformation. CONCLUSION Decreased or absent T1-hyperintense rectal meconium signal in fetuses with open spinal dysraphism does not correlate with imperforate anus postnatal and may be a reflection of neurogenic bowel in this patient population.
Tobacco Use and Risk of Wound Complications and Periprosthetic Joint Infection: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Primary Total Joint Arthroplasty Procedures.

Abstract Background The purpose of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to quantitatively assess the association between tobacco use and the risk of any wound complication and periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) after primary total hip and total knee arthroplasty procedures. Methods Relevant articles published before January 2018 were identified by systematically searching PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane library databases. Pooled odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for end points of any wound complication and PJI. Additional analyses were performed to evaluate risks between current, former, and non–tobacco users. Results Fourteen studies were included in the meta-analysis. Tobacco users had a significantly higher risk of wound complications (OR, 1.78 [1.32-2.39]) and PJI (OR, 2.02 [1.47-2.77]) compared to non–tobacco users. Compared to non–tobacco users, there was an increased risk of PJI among current (OR, 2.16 [1.57-2.97] and former (OR, 1.52 [1.16-1.99]) tobacco users. Current tobacco users also had a significantly increased risk of PJI compared to former tobacco users (OR, 1.52 [1.07-2.14]). Conclusion Tobacco use before total hip and total knee arthroplasty significantly increases the risk of wound complications and PJI. This increased risk is present for both current and former tobacco users. However, former tobacco users had a significantly lower risk of wound complications and PJI compared to current tobacco users, suggesting that cessation of tobacco use before TJA can help to mitigate these observed risks.
A Review of Immunotherapeutic Strategies in Canine Malignant Melanoma

In dogs, melanomas are relatively common tumors and the most common form of oral malignancy. Biological behavior is highly variable, usually aggressive, and frequently metastatic, with reported survival times of three months for oral or mucosal melanomas in advanced disease stages. Classical clinical management remains challenging; thus, novel and more efficacious treatment strategies are needed. Evidence-based medicine supports the role of the immune system to treat neoplastic diseases. Besides, immunotherapy offers the possibility of a precise medicinal approach to treat cancer. In recent years, multiple immunotherapeutic strategies have been developed, and are now recognized as a pillar of treatment. In addition, dogs represent a good model for translational medicine purposes. This review will cover the most relevant immunotherapeutic strategies for the treatment of canine malignant melanoma, divided among five different categories, namely, monoclonal antibodies, nonspecific immunotherapy activated by bacteria, vaccines, gene therapy, and lymphokine-activated killer cell therapy.
Signal detection in American football play calling: A comprehensive literature review

Signal detection in sports is fundamental to the organization and performance of both the individual athletes as well as the teams. Coaches and players often signal to each other to express plays o...
Conservation seed physiology of the ciénega endemic, Eryngium sparganophyllum (Apiaceae).

Knowledge of seed dormancy and optimal propagation techniques is crucial for successful ex situ restoration and reintroduction projects, and determining the seed storage behaviour of a species is critical for the long-term conservation of seeds, further supporting future ex situ efforts. Eryngium sparganophyllum (Apiaceae) is a globally critically endangered plant species endemic to cienega wetlands of southwest North America. To support in situ and ex situ conservation efforts of E. sparganophyllum, we asked (i) how does the embryo: seed (E:S) ratio change over time once imbibed, (ii) how does germination respond with varying periods of exposure to cold (5°C) and warm (25°C) stratification, and concentrations of gibberellic acid (GA3). By answering these questions, (iii) can dormancy class be inferred, and (iv) what storage behaviour category is exhibited? To answer these questions, we collected seeds in Southern Arizona from one of the few remaining wild populations. We measured embryo growth and tested the effects of cold (0-18 weeks) and warm (0 and 4 weeks) stratification, and 0-1000 ppm gibberellic acid on germination. We also tested the effects of cold (-80°C) dry (~20% equilibrium relative humidity) storage on germination. We found that (i) embryos grow inside seeds prior to germination; (ii) compared to control, cold stratification for at least 6 weeks increased germination and warm stratification had no effect; (iii) 1000-ppm GA3 had the highest germination success; (iv) therefore this species exhibits morphophysiological dormancy; and (v) seeds are orthodox and can therefore be conserved using conventional storage methods. This information will aid managers in the propagation of E. sparganophyllum that is crucial for in situ reintroduction and restoration projects, and seed banking represents a critical ex situ conservation strategy for the preservation of this species.
Joint effects of prenatal exposure to per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances and psychosocial stressors on corticotropin-releasing hormone during pregnancy.

Prenatal exposure to per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and psychosocial stressors has been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, including preterm birth. Previous studies have suggested that joint exposure to environmental chemical and social stressors may be contributing to disparities observed in preterm birth. Elevated corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) during mid-gestation may represent one biologic mechanism linking chemical and nonchemical stress exposures to preterm birth. Using data from a prospective birth cohort (N = 497), we examined the cross-sectional associations between five individual PFAS (ng/mL; PFNA, PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS, and Me-PFOSA-AcOH) and CRH (pg/mL) using linear regression. PFAS and CRH were measured during the second trimester in serum and plasma, respectively. Coefficients were standardized to reflect change in CRH associated with an interquartile range (IQR) increase in natural log-transformed PFAS. We additionally examined if the relationship between PFAS and CRH was modified by psychosocial stress using stratified models. Self-reported depression, stressful life events, perceived stress, food insecurity, and financial strain were assessed using validated questionnaires during the second trimester and included as binary indicators of psychosocial stress. An IQR increase in PFNA was associated with elevated CRH (β = 5.17, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.79, 8.55). Increased concentrations of PFOA were also moderately associated with CRH (β = 3.62, 95% CI = −0.42, 7.66). The relationship between PFNA and CRH was stronger among women who experienced stressful life events, depression, food insecurity, and financial strain compared to women who did not experience these stressors. This cross-sectional study is the first to examine the relationship between PFAS exposure and CRH levels in mid-gestation. We found that these associations were stronger among women who experienced stress, which aligns with previous findings that chemical and nonchemical stressor exposures can have joint effects on health outcomes.
Fast and Memory-Efficient TFIDF Calculation for Text Analysis of Large Datasets

Term frequency – Inverse Document Frequency (TFIDF) is a vital first step in text analytics for information retrieval and machine learning applications. It is a memory-intensive and complex task due to the need to create and process a large sparse matrix of term frequencies, with the documents as rows and the term as columns and populate it with the term frequency of each word in each document.
Bending Forks and Wagging Dogs—It’s about the DNA 3′ Tail

Protecting, reversing, and remodeling stalled replication forks are critical to genome stability and require coordinating DNA replication, remodeling, and repair. In this issue, Kile et al. (2015) find that unexpected HLTF specificity for DNA's 3′-hydroxyl tail helps control these biological functions.
Relationship of carcinogenesis and epidermization during 20-methylcholanthrene treatment of the mouse uterine cervix.

Abstract New squamous stratified cpithelium (epidermization) was induced in the cervical canal of C 3 H mice 2 and 4 weeks after implantation of beeswax or beeswax and 20-methylcholanthrene-impregnated threads, thereby suggesting new models for the study of this phenomenon. Squamous carcinomas appeared in half of the animals treated for 4 weeks with methylcholanthrene, and in most cases, the location of the tumors indicated an origin from areas of benign epidermization or adjacent columnar cells, rather than from original endocervical stratified epithelium. Further, the evidence suggested that a disturbance of normal epithelial-mesenchymal relationships may be a possible factor in cervical carcinogenesis.
Going above and beyond for implementation: the development and validity testing of the Implementation Citizenship Behavior Scale (ICBS).

In line with recent research on the role of the inner context of organizations in implementation effectiveness, this study extends research on organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) to the domain of evidence-based practice (EBP) implementation. OCB encompasses those behaviors that go beyond what is required for a given job that contribute to greater organizational effectiveness. The goal of this study was to develop and test a measure of implementation citizenship behavior (ICB) or those behaviors that employees perform that go above and beyond what is required in order to support EBP implementation. The primary participants were 68 supervisors from ten mental health agencies throughout California. Items measuring ICB were developed based on past research on OCB and in consultation with experts on EBP implementation in mental health settings. Supervisors rated 357 of their subordinates on ICB and implementation success. In addition, 292 of the subordinates provided data on self-rated performance, attitudes towards EBPs, work experience, and full-time status. The supervisor sample was randomly split, with half used for exploratory factor analyses and the other half for confirmatory factor analyses. The entire sample of supervisors and subordinates was utilized for analyses assessing the reliability and construct validity of the measure. Exploratory factor analyses supported the proposed two-factor structure of the Implementation Citizenship Behavior Scale (ICBS): (1) Helping Others and (2) Keeping Informed. Confirmatory factor analyses with the other half of the sample supported the factor structure. Additional analyses supported the reliability and construct validity for the ICBS. The ICBS is a pragmatic brief measure (six items) that captures critical behaviors employees perform to go above and beyond the call of duty to support EBP implementation, including helping their fellow employees on implementation-related activities and keeping informed about issues related to EBP and implementation efforts. The ICBS can be used by researchers to better understand the outcomes of improved organizational support for implementation (i.e., implementation climate) and the proximal predictors of implementation effectiveness. The ICBS can also provide insight for organizations, practitioners, and managers by focusing on key employee behaviors that should increase the probability of implementation success.
Predictions of Cumulative Fatigue Damage Using Condensed Load Histories

This paper presents predictions of fatigue crack initiation life for three distinctly different, irregular load histories, each applied to keyhole-notched compact tension specimens at several maximum load levels and using two different structural steels. Three computerized prediction methods (Landgraf, Wetzel, and a Nominal Stress Range approach) are used. All predictions are based on load histories condensed to 10% of their original number of reversals by the "Racetrack Method." This method, which is described in detail, selects the most damaging overall ranges in an irregular load history while preserving the sequence of the original loading. Predictions are compared with test data for the two dozen combinations of loading type and level and steel used. Comments are made on the relative merits of the different prediction methods.
Parading the First Amendment Through the Streets of South Boston

The real question that presented itself about this case is why all this litigation was necessary, if the legal principle was so clear? The fact is that GLIB was interested in the confrontation, and while it takes two to make a fight, it only takes one to start one. GLIB wanted to make a statement similar to the one made by ILGO. GLIB filed the original suit. The Veterans, on the defensive, simply kept appealing, all the way to the United States Supreme Court. By then, GLIB may have preferred to walk away, but the battle lines had already been drawn. Fortunately, the story has a happy ending. The First Amendment won.
A Feminist Framework for Analyzing Powered Cultural Landscapes in Historical Archaeology

“Powered cultural landscapes” is my term for landscapes that express social power dynamics. Historical archaeologists have not adopted or developed adequate definitions or theorizations of the terms “power” or “landscape.” Since these terms are predominantly considered separately in the literature, this article first briefly defines power and develops a heterarchical theory of power. Then cultural landscapes are defined and categories of human-landscape interactions are constructed. The bulk of the article applies my heterarchical paradigm to analyze the social power dynamics in selected examples of historical archaeological research concerned with each category of human-landscape interaction.
Archaeal Viruses, Not Archaeal Phages: An Archaeological Dig

Viruses infect members of domains Bacteria, Eukarya, and Archaea. While those infecting domain Eukarya are nearly universally described as "Viruses", those of domain Bacteria, to a substantial extent, instead are called "Bacteriophages," or "Phages." Should the viruses of domain Archaea therefore be dubbed "Archaeal phages," "Archaeal viruses," or some other construct? Here we provide documentation of published, general descriptors of the viruses of domain Archaea. Though at first the term "Phage" or equivalent was used almost exclusively in the archaeal virus literature, there has been a nearly 30-year trend away from this usage, with some persistence of "Phage" to describe "Head-and-tail" archaeal viruses, "Halophage" to describe viruses of halophilic Archaea, use of "Prophage" rather than "Provirus," and so forth. We speculate on the root of the early 1980's transition from "Phage" to "Virus" to describe these infectious agents, consider the timing of introduction of "Archaeal virus" (which can be viewed as analogous to "Bacterial virus"), identify numerous proposed alternatives to "Archaeal virus," and also provide discussion of the general merits of the term, "Phage." Altogether we identify in excess of one dozen variations on how the viruses of domain Archaea are described, and document the timing of both their introduction and use.
Prenylation and membrane localization of Cdc42 are essential for activation by DOCK7

The unconventional guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) family comprising 11 DOCK180 related proteins is classified into four subfamilies, A through D, based on their relative GEF activity toward the closely related Rac and Cdc42 GTPases. DOCK proteins participate in the remodeling of the actin cytoskeleton and are key regulators of cell motility, phagocytosis, and adhesion. Here we show that the guanine nucleotide exchange domain of DOCK7, DHR2 (for DOCK homology region 2), is a potent GEF for prenylated Cdc42 and Rac1 in a model liposome system, demonstrating that the prenylation and membrane localization of Cdc42 or Rac1 are necessary for their activation by DOCK7. Additionally, we identify DOCK7 residues that confer GTPase GEF specificity. Finally, using our liposome reconstitution assay, we show that a more narrowly defined GEF domain of DHR2 (designated DHR2s) harbors an N-terminal site distinct from the GEF active site that binds preferentially to the active, GTP-bound forms of Cdc42 and Rac1 a...
The Politics of Culture in Multicultural Korea

The South Korean government has demonstrated a strong commitment towards the social integration of international brides and the children of mixed ethnic heritage by establishing 100 ‘multicultural family support centres’ throughout the country. Given its record of opposing the long-term settlement of foreigners in Korea, this recent government announcement signals a very significant change in its policies concerning international migrants. Consequently, the proliferation of migrant support programmes bearing the title ‘multiculturalism’ unwittingly suggests that Korean society is receptive toward the internationalisation of families. In this article I show that the establishment of these support centres represents a governmental response to the accumulated societal pressure from below that sought to improve the precarious social conditions of international migrants and to embrace multiculturalism as an inevitable, but positive, social force. Despite their impressive scope and resource allocation, the cont...
Nanostructured latexes made by a sequential multistage emulsion polymerization

A series of linear and lightly crosslinked nanostructured latices was prepared by a sequential multistage semicontinuous emulsion polymerization process alternating styrene (S) and n-butyl acrylate (BA) monomer feeds five times, that is ten stages, and vice versa, along with several control latices. Transmission electron micrographs of the RuO4-stained cross sections of nanostructured and copolymer latex particles and films showed that their particle morphologies were not very different from each other, but the nanostructured latex particles were transformed into a nanocomposite film containing both polystyrene (PS) and poly(n-butyl acrylate) (PBA) nanodomains interconnected by their diffuse polymer mixtures (i.e. interlayers). The thermal mechanical behaviors of the nanostructured latex films showed broad but single Tgs slightly higher than those of their counterpart copolymer films. These single Tgs indicated that their major component phases were the diffuse interlayers and that they behaved like pseudopolymer alloys. The minimum film formation temperatures of nanostructured latices capped with PBA and PS, respectively, were 15 °C lower than and equal to those of their counterpart copolymer latices, but their Tgs were about 10 °C higher. Consequently, nanostructured latices enabled us to combine good film formation with high strengths for adhesives and coatings applications. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 2826–2836, 2006
Solution structure of oxidized Saccharomyces cerevisiae iso-1-cytochrome c.

The solution structure of oxidized Saccharomyces cerevisiae Cys102Ser iso-1-cytochrome c has been determined using 1361 meaningful NOEs (of 1676 total) after extending the published proton assignment [Gao, Y., et al. (1990) Biochemistry 29, 6994−7003] to 77% of all proton resonances. The NOE patterns indicate that secondary structure elements are maintained upon oxidation in solution with respect to the solid state and solution structures of the reduced species. Constraints derived from the pseudocontact shifts [diamagnetic reference shift values are those of the reduced protein [Baistrocchi, P., et al. (1996) Biochemistry 35, 13788−13796]] were used in the final stages of structure calculations. After restrained energy minimization with constraints from NOEs and pseudocontact shifts, a family of 20 structures with rmsd values of 0.58 ± 0.08 and 1.05 ± 0.10 A (relative to the average structure) for the backbone and all heavy atoms, respectively, was obtained. The solution structure is compared with the crystal structure and the structures of related systems. Twenty-six amide protons were detected in the NMR spectrum 6 days after the oxidized lyophilized protein was dissolved in D_2O (pH 7.0 and 303 K); in an analogous experiment, 47 protons were observed in the spectrum of the reduced protein. The decrease in the number of nonexchanging amide protons, which mainly are found in the loop regions 14−26 and 75−82, confirms the greater flexibility of the structure of oxidized cytochrome c in solution. Our finding of increased solvent accessibility in these loop regions is consistent with proposals that an early step in unfolding the oxidized protein is the opening of the 70−85 loop coupled with dissociation of the Met80−iron bond.