cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Regulation of articular chondrocyte phenotype by bone morphogenetic protein 7, interleukin 1, and cellular context is dependent on the cytoskeleton.

Abstract Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) induce cartilage differentiation and morphogenesis. There are profound changes in the cytoskeletal architecture during the morphogenesis of cartilage. To investigate the possibility that morphogenetic signals such as BMPs may regulate chondrocyte phenotype by modulation of cytoskeletal protein expression, we determined whether the expression and distribution of cytoskeletal proteins in chondrocytes are regulated by bone morphogenetic protein 7 (BMP 7), interleukin 1 (IL-1), and cellular context. Addition of BMP 7, a morphogen that induces chondrogenesis, to primary cultures of bovine and murine chondrocytes induced increased expression of four cytoskeletal proteins: tensin, talin, paxillin, and focal adhesion kinase (FAK). The expression of cytoskeletal proteins is dependent on cellular context; compared to monolayer, chondrocytes in suspension exhibited increased expression of cytoskeletal components. Conversely, addition of IL-1, a catabolic cytokine, induced loss of chondrocyte phenotype and decreased the expression of these cytoskeletal components. Treatment of chondrocytes with cytochalasin D (an agent that disrupts the actin cytoskeleton) inhibited BMP 7-induced upregulation of tensin, talin, paxillin, and FAK, and blocked the effect of BMP 7 on chondrocyte phenotype. Taken together these data demonstrate that cytoskeletal components play a critical role in the response to morphogens and cytokines in the regulation of chondrocyte phenotype.
Spatiotemporal factors affecting detection of black bears during noninvasive capture–recapture surveys

Accounting for low and heterogeneous detection probabilities in large mammal capture–recapture sampling designs is a persistent challenge. Our objective was to improve understanding of ecological and biological factors driving detection using multiple data sources from an American black bear ( Ursus americanus ) DNA hair trap study in south-central Missouri. We used Global Positioning System telemetry and remote camera data to examine how a bear’s distance to traps, probability of space use, sex-specific behavior, and temporal sampling frame affect detection probability and number of hair samples collected at hair traps. Regression analysis suggested that bear distance to nearest hair trap was the best predictor of detection probability and indicated that detection probability at encounter was 0.15 and declined to 330 m from hair traps. From remote camera data, number of hair samples increased with number of visits, but the proportion of hair samples from known visits declined 39% from early June to early August. Bears appeared attracted to lured hair traps from close distances and we recommend a hair trap density of 1 trap/2.6 km2 with spatial coverage that encompasses potentially large male home ranges. We recommend sampling during the late spring and early summer molting period to increase hair deposition rates.
Beliefs, Behaviors, and Perceptions of Community-Led Total Sanitation and Their Relation to Improved Sanitation in Rural Zambia

Inadequate hygiene and sanitation remain leading global contributors to morbidity and mortality in children and adults. One strategy for improving sanitation access is community-led total sanitation (CLTS), in which participants are guided into self-realization of the importance of sanitation through activities called "triggering." This qualitative study explored community members' and stakeholders' sanitation, knowledge, perceptions, and behaviors during early CLTS implementation in Zambia. We conducted 67 in-depth interviews and 24 focus group discussions in six districts in Zambia 12-18 months after CLTS implementation. Triggering activities elicited strong emotions, including shame, disgust, and peer pressure, which persuaded individuals and families to build and use latrines and handwashing stations. New sanitation behaviors were also encouraged by the hierarchical influences of traditional leaders and sanitation action groups and by children's opinions. Poor soil conditions were identified as barriers to latrine construction. Taboos, including prohibition of different generations of family members, in-laws, and opposite genders from using the same toilet, were barriers for using sanitation facilities. CLTS, through community empowerment and ownership, produced powerful responses that encouraged construction and use of latrines and handwashing practices. These qualitative data suggest that CLTS is effective for improving sanitation beliefs and behaviors in Zambia.
The Missouri Constitutional Convention

Under the provisions of a constitutional amendment adopted in November, 1920, the voters of Missouri, at a special election in August, 1921, approved the plan for a constitutional convention, to consist of two delegates from each of the 34 senatorial districts and 15 delegates elected at large. In order to secure representation from different political parties the amendment restricted each party to the nomination of one candidate for delegate in each senatorial district. The state committees of the two major political parties agreed also to the nomination by each of seven candidates for delegates-at-large, and jointly nominated a candidate for the fifteenth delegate-at-large, so that the convention was bipartisan in its membership. This arrangement prevented the consideration of questions involving party differences, except in one case where agreement was secured upon a compromise plan. The convention met on May 16, 1922 and adjourned sine die on November 6, 1923, after having been in session 267 working days. On account of the session of the legislature a recess was taken from December 15, 1922 to April 16, 1923. The convention continued to meet until September 7, 1923, when another recess was taken to enable the committees on phraseology and arrangement, submission and address, and others to complete their reports. The convention reassembled on October 2, 1923 and completed its work on October 5. In order to provide for any contingency that might arise it was decided to reconvene on November 6, with the understanding that the president and secretary with such delegates as might be present could declare the convention finally adjourned.
Dependencies of the thermal conductivity of individual single-walled carbon nanotubes

This work is aimed at assessing the sensitivity of carbon nanotube (CNT) thermal conductivity to physical and numerical parameters owing to its wide variation in the litera- ture. CNTs of various lengths, chiralities, and temperatures are simulated with molecular dynamics. The Tersoff and AIREBO potentials are also compared in this study. Thermal con- ductivity is computed with two different non-equilibrium molecular dynamics (NEMD) meth- ods, which show interestingly divergent results; exploring the CNT phonon density of states reveals a proximate cause for the differences.
Examination of Sputtered Ion Mechanisms Leading to the Formation of C7H7+ during Surface Induced Dissociation (SID) Tandem Mass Spectrometry (MS/MS) of Benzene Molecular Cations

Recent work reported in the literature has shown new evidence of a sputtered ion mechanism for associative ion surface reactions occurring during surface induced dissociation (SID) tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). In the context of a sputtered ion mechanism, we have studied selected routes to the formation of C7H7+ during the low-energy collision (ca. 30 eV) of benzene molecular ions with surfaces covered with a hydrocarbon overlayer. A key approach utilized in this work is the use of gas phase ion molecule chemistry to model reactive ion surface collisions. Benzene, 2H6-labeled benzene, and 13C6-labeled benzene have been examined by SID and collision activated dissociation (CAD). The CAD experiments have been used to investigate the fragmentation of hydrocarbon adducts of benzene and labeled benzene formed by methane and isobutane chemical ionization (CI) as models of those ions which may be formed via a sputtered ion mechanism during SID. In addition, the thermodynamics of many of the possible sputtere...
Advanced Distillation Curve Analysis on Ethyl Levulinate as a Diesel Fuel Oxygenate and a Hybrid Biodiesel Fuel

Recently, a new processing technique was developed that converts the carbohydrates found in plant biomass into ethyl levulinate, which has properties making it a possible diesel fuel oxygenate additive. Additionally, the new processing technique applied to oil-containing seeds can create a biodiesel fuel at high yields, while possibly enhancing the cold flow properties that commonly plague biodiesel fuels. The first part of this two-part study focused on ethyl levulinate as a possible diesel fuel oxygenate additive, by investigating the volatility of petroleum diesel/ethyl levulinate mixtures. Volatility was measured with the advanced distillation curve (ADC) method for mixtures containing 1, 2.5, 5, 10, and 20% ethyl levulinate (v/v) and compared with unblended petroleum diesel fuel. In addition, the concentration of ethyl levulinate was tracked during the distillation for each mixture by use of the composition explicit data channel. The second part of this study investigated fatty acid−levulinate ester ...
Elimination of Phosphate Detergents and Psychological Reactance

This study explores the use of psychological reactance theory to explain consumer response to the elimination of phosphate laundry detergents. Consumers tended to express attitudes consistent with ...
Use of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody assay to distinguish between vasculitic disease activity and complications of cytotoxic therapy.

Anti–neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) determinations appear to be useful in the diagnostic evaluation and therapeutic monitoring of patients with necrotizing vasculitis. The purpose of this study was to determine whether semiquantitative ANCA measurements are useful in distinguishing between increases in primary disease activity and complications of cytotoxic or immunosuppressive therapy. The authors reviewed clinical data from 27 consecutive ANCA-positive patients who had at least three ANCA determinations performed at the University of Michigan Medical Center. Eleven patients had Wegener’s granulomatosis (WG), 3 had “limited” WG; 9 had “ANCA-positive” vasculitis; and 4 had “pauciimmune” rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis. During a period of 3 months to 3.8 years, 159 ANCA determinations were performed, primarily for the purposes of diagnosis and monitoring disease activity. Eleven episodes were identified in which a single ANCA assay was used to distinguish between increased primary disease activity and a suspected therapeutic complication. The suspected therapeutic complications included pneumonia (8 of 11), bacterial sinusitis (1 of 11), cyclophosphamide-induced pneumonitis (1 of 11), and cyclophosphamide-induced vestibular toxicity (1 of 11). In 10 of 11 instances in which an ANCA assay was used to distinguish between an exacerbation in vasculitic disease activity and a therapeutic complication, interpretation of the ANCA titer was pivotal in arriving at a therapeutically appropriate decision either to increase or discontinue cytotoxic therapy. This study suggests that ANCA determinations can be used reliably to distinguish between increased primary disease activity and complications of therapy that mimic an increase in disease activity.
Centralization of Authority in Protestant Denominations: An Organizational Classification

While Protestant religious groups are self-classifying with regard to centralization of authority (polity), this dimension has been largely ignored in research on Protestants, in part due to the lack of an easily accessible scale. An attempt is made in this paper to derive such a classification, working from the hypothesis, following Takayama and Cannon (1979), that polity and structural characteristics independently predict centralization of authority. Using organizational indicators reported by the World Christian Encyclopedia—age of denomination, number of members, and number of congregations—discriminant and latent class analyses are used to derive a trichotomous ordinal scale of 214 denominations by centralization of authority: from "Decentralized" to "Moderate" to "Most Centralized". Construct validation demonstrates that the religious centralization scale replicates and extends a previous narrower measure of polity (Wood 1970). A comparison of the effects of religious centralization and fundamentalism on 13 common religious indicators on the General Social Survey illustrates the importance of religious centralization for understanding the belief and behavior of American Protestants.
Pathogenic bacteria distribution characteristics of bacterial food poisoning in Haizhu district of Guangzhou, 2008-2013

Objective To analyze the pathogenic bacteria distribution characteristics of bacterial food poisoning in Haizhu district of Guangzhou in recent 6 years, and provide a scientific basis for prevention and control food poisoning. Methods The data of pathogenic bacteria detection in food poisoning were statistically analyzed in Haizhu district during 2008-2013 for finding out the occurrence and epidemic regularity. Results There were 50 cases of bacterial food poisonings the 6 years.There were 341 positive strains in 1273 samples. The percent of pathogenic bacteria was 26.79% : Bacillus proteus(15.16%), Vibrio parahaemolyticus(5.42%), Bacillus cereus(4.63%), Salmonella(0.79%) and Staphylococcus aureus(0.79%).Conclusion The main pathogenic bacterias cause to food poisoning were Bacillus proteus and Vibrio parahaemolyticus in Haizhu district, and the popular trend was enhanced in September.
Research of anti-virus engine and automatic extraction of computer virus signatures

With the wide popularization of the Internet, security threats brought by computer virus become more and more serious. A design of anti-virus engine and an automatic extraction-arithmetic of computer virus signature are presented. This anti-virus engine adopts three formats for signatures. The first experiment compares the performance of the three formats and the second experiment demonstrates the accuracy and validity of the automatic extraction-arithmetic.
Pregnancy following tubocornual anastomosis

We have reviewed the pregnancy rate and outcome of 25 patients who underwent tubocornual anastomosis for correction of proximal tubal occlusion at Yale-New Haven Hospital between 1977 and 1981. Tubal occlusion was the result of previous tubal sterilization in 17 patients (11 laparoscopic electrocautery and 6 tubal ligation) and previous tubal infection in 8. Fourteen of the patients conceived (56%). Viable pregnancy was achieved in nine patients (36%) and tubal pregnancy in three (12%). No significant difference in pregnancy rates was found between patients with diseased cornua and those previously sterilized by either electrocautery or tubal ligation. Tubal length of ≥ 4 cm following corrective surgery as compared with ≤ 4 cm did not influence pregnancy rates. The patients with the shorter oviducts had a higher rate of early pregnancy wastage. All three tubal pregnancies occurred in patients with reoccluded fallopian tubes as demonstrated by a hysterosalpingogram. We conclude that tubocornual anastomosis still remains the treatment of choice for patients with proximal tubal obstruction.
Producing epoxy-model pressure vessels for fracture tests

A convenient and economical technique for producing large numbers of flaw-free, well-finished, epoxy-model pressure vessels is described. The novel feature of the technique is the dependence on all-metal cores. Also of interest is the low turn-around time per mold.
Review: Nectar biology: From molecules to ecosystems

Plants attract mutualistic animals by offering a reward of nectar. Specifically, floral nectar (FN) is produced to attract pollinators, whereas extrafloral nectar (EFN) mediates indirect defenses through the attraction of mutualist predatory insects to limit herbivory. Nearly 90% of all plant species, including 75% of domesticated crops, benefit from animal-mediated pollination, which is largely facilitated by FN. Moreover, EFN represents one of the few defense mechanisms for which stable effects on plant health and fitness have been demonstrated in multiple systems, and thus plays a crucial role in the resistance phenotype of plants producing it. In spite of its central role in plant-animal interactions, the molecular events involved in the development of both floral and extrafloral nectaries (the glands that produce nectar), as well as the synthesis and secretion of the nectar itself, have been poorly understood until recently. This review will cover major recent developments in the understanding of (1) nectar chemistry and its role in plant-mutualist interactions, (2) the structure and development of nectaries, (3) nectar production, and (4) its regulation by phytohormones.
Abstract A63: IFNAR1 downregulation during melanoma progression upregulates αv expression and promotes metastasis

The anti-metastatic effects of type 1 interferon (IFN1) prompted its use for adjuvant therapy in malignant melanoma patients at high risk for developing metastasis. While IFN1 adjuvant therapy continues to be the preferred treatment, many patients fail to elicit response to IFN1 treatment and progress to develop distal metastases often resulting in a lethal outcome. We observed downregulation of the IFNAR1 chain of the IFN1 receptor and suppression of IFN1 signaling in genetically engineered mouse melanomas driven by melanocyte-specific activation of Braf and inactivation of Pten . Induction of melanoma in animals expressing IFNAR1 that is deficient in ubiquitination and degradation led to a delayed onset of the disease and decreased number of local metastases. Remarkably, no distant metastases were found in these mice despite substantial primary tumor burden. Gene set enrichment analysis demonstrated a dramatic loss of the αv integrin pathway signature in mice harboring stabilized IFNAR1. Conversely, melanomas induced in Ifnar1 knockout mice yielded transplantable cell lines that displayed high levels of αv expression. Restoring IFNAR1 expression in these cells led to the loss of αv expression. We discuss the role of these mechanisms in melanoma metastasis and refractoriness to IFN1-based therapy. Citation Format: Angelica Ortiz, Yuliya V. Katlinskaya, Kanstantsin V. Katlinski, Serge Y. Fuchs. IFNAR1 downregulation during melanoma progression upregulates αv expression and promotes metastasis. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Tumor Metastasis; 2015 Nov 30-Dec 3; Austin, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(7 Suppl):Abstract nr A63.
Diet quality and risk of stunting among infants and young children in low‐ and middle‐income countries

Age-appropriate complementary feeding practices are far from optimal among low- and middle-income countries with available data. The evidence on the association between feeding practices and linear growth is mixed. We sought to systematically examine the association between two indictors of dietary quality—dietary diversity and animal source food (ASF) consumption (WHO, 2008)—and stunting (length-for-age z-score) employing existing data from 39 Demographic and Health Surveys. Data on 74,548 children aged 6–23 months were pooled and multiple logistic regression models, adjusting for child, maternal, and household characteristics, employed to assess the association between dietary quality and stunting. Stratified models by child age and by World Bank country-income classifications (World Bank, 2015) were also applied. Children aged 6–23 months consuming zero food groups in the previous day had a 1.345 higher odds of being stunted when compared to the reference group (≥5 food groups); those who did not consume any ASF in the previous day had a 1.436 higher odds of being stunted compared to children consuming all three types of ASF (egg, meat, and dairy). We estimated that 2,629 cases of stunting would have been averted (12.6% of those stunted) among the population studied if all children had consumed five or more food groups. Outcomes by country-income groupings showed larger associations of diet diversity and ASF consumption for upper- and lower-middle income countries compared to low-income countries. In summary, dietary diversity and ASF consumption were associated with stunting, with associations varying by stratified groups.
The Regulation Of Nox In Vascular Disease

Despite significant advances, cardiovascular disease remains the leading global cause of death. Studies over the past twenty years have shown that the NADPH oxidases regulate diverse signaling pathways in the development of cardiovascular disease, thus identifying this enzyme complex as a potential therapeutic target. Our laboratory has examined the regulation and function of the Nox1 and Nox4 NADPH oxidases in vascular smooth muscle cell (SMC) function. Activation of Nox1 contributes to matrix degradation, migration and proliferation of SMCs, central common processes to progression of multiple vascular diseases. Protein kinase C-beta1-mediated phosphorylation of Nox1 is necessary for its interaction with the NoxA1 subunit and generation of superoxide. A peptide inhibitor of this process prevents SMC migration. Meanwhile, the constitutively active Nox4 NADPH oxidase maintains SMCs in a quiescent contractile phenotype, in part through regulation of myocardin, a master regulator of SMC gene expression. In response to vascular injury, an increase in specific microRNAs cause a decrease in Nox4 levels through both translational suppression and proteasomal degradation. These changes in miRNA and Nox4 levels decrease myocardin expression allowing for SMC phenotypic switching. The coordination of Nox1 and Nox4-dependent signaling coordinates the de-differentiation and subsequent migration and proliferation of SMCs. Strategies to inhibit Nox1 phosphorylation or Nox4 silencing may mitigate the development of cardiovascular disease.
Age Influences Biomechanical Changes After Participation in an Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury Prevention Program

Background:The prevalence of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries increases during maturation and peaks during late adolescence. Previous studies suggested an age-related association between participation in injury prevention programs and reduction of ACL injury. However, few studies have investigated differences in biomechanical changes after injury prevention programs between preadolescent and adolescent athletes.Purpose/Hypothesis:The purpose was to investigate the influence of age on the effects of the FIFA Medical and Research Centre (F-MARC) 11+ injury prevention warm-up program on differences in biomechanical risk factors for ACL injury between preadolescent and adolescent female soccer players. It was hypothesized that the ACL injury risk factors of knee valgus angle and moment would be greater at baseline but would improve more after training for preadolescent athletes than adolescent athletes. It was further hypothesized that flexor-extensor muscle co-contraction would increase after traini...
Decoding the Silence

This chapter provides an empirical answer to the question, “What keeps followers silent in the face of an unethical executive decision?” While exploring the dynamics of King David’s royal court, a case is made that there are two kinds of laws. This foundational discussion sets the stage to explore the silence factor of historical experiments and develops a spiritual model to crack the code of indifference. Moreover, the scriptures are analyzed to understand how followers can rely on their faith to find the boldness to engage in the face of fear. The thoughts of an exemplar of courage are also unearthed to provide practical antidotes for fear. This chapter also makes a case that courage can be displayed at tactical, operational and strategic levels.
Information and Communication Technologies Interest, Access, and Use: Cross-Sectional Survey of a Community Sample of Urban, Predominantly Black Women.

Background: Information and communication technologies (ICT) offer the potential for delivering health care interventions to low socioeconomic populations who often face barriers in accessing health care. However, most studies on ICT for health education and interventions have been conducted in clinical settings. Objective: The aim of this study was to examine access to and use of mobile phones and computers, as well as interest in, using ICT for receipt of behavioral health information among a community sample of urban, predominately black, women with low socioeconomic status. Methods: Participants (N=220) were recruited from hair salons and social service centers and completed audio-computer assisted self-interviews. Results: The majority of the participants (212/220, 96.3%) reported use of a cell phone at least weekly, of which 89.1% (189/212) used smartphones and 62.3% (137/220) reported computer use at least weekly. Of the women included in the study, 51.9% (107/206) reported using a cell phone and 39.4% (74/188) reported using a computer to access health and/or safety information at least weekly. Approximately half of the women expressed an interest in receiving information about stress management (51%-56%) or alcohol and health (45%-46%) via ICT. Smartphone ownership was associated with younger age (odds ratio [OR] 0.92, 95% CI 0.87-0.97) and employment (OR 5.12, 95% CI 1.05-24.95). Accessing health and safety information weekly by phone was associated with younger age (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.94-0.99) and inversely associated with higher income (OR 0.42, 95% CI 0.20-0.92). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that ICT use, particularly smartphone use, is pervasive among predominantly black women with low socioeconomic status in urban, nonclinical settings. These results show that ICT is a promising modality for delivering health information to this population. Further exploration of the acceptability, feasibility, and effectiveness of using ICT to disseminate behavioral health education and intervention is warranted.
Glorifier le royaume et le souverain en temps de crise : émotions et royauté chez Christine de Pizan, les chroniqueurs de Charles VI, et Pierre de Ronsard

This article proposes to explore crises from seemingly different backgrounds and periods (the madness of Charles VI of France and the French Wars of Religion) to demonstrate how these elements were used by authors in order to create emotional narratives in support of the failing monarchy. In the two situations, the French community was constructed as an entity which duty was to support the king. However, the authors use different methods to transmit their messages. While Christine de Pizan and the chroniclers advocate for the building of an integrating, all encompassing community around the love of and for the king, Ronsard’s France is tasked at differentiating the Catholics and the Protestants, in an effort to construct France also as a monarchy loving community, of which the protestants are presented as the enemies.
The Role of Regulatory Focus and Message Framing on Persuasion of Anti-piracy Educational Campaigns

Drawing upon regulatory focus theory and message framing research, this study examines the impact of regulatory focus and message frame on the persuasive effectiveness of anti piracy campaign messages. Results of our experiment show that the message presented in positive frame is more persuasive when the message is promotion focus, whereas the negative frame is more persuasive when the message is prevention concerns. We also found that when the fit between regulatory goal and message frame is congruent, participants demonstrate more negative attitude toward pirated product. Therefore, anti piracy campaigns with a promotion focus should highlight achievement and advancement by approaching to desired end states (gains) while anti piracy cam paigns with a prevention focus should emphasize protection and safety by avoiding undesired end states (losses).
Biogenic Aggregate Sedimentation in the Black Sea Basin

The first recovery of undisturbed sediment/water interface samples from the Black Sea Basin occurred on Leg 1 of the 1988 Black Sea Expedition. The surface sediment composition was determined by geochemical and microscopic analyses on the sand to fine silt/clay-sized fractions of samples from the surface “fluff” or flocculent layer and on the underlying 2 cm of sediment obtained in box cores. Zooplankton fecal pellet aggregates and aggregate fragments were a major component of the coarse to fine sand fractions of the surface sediments. These samples represent the first documentation of Zooplankton fecal pellets as a major component of the underlying sediments from a large, modern oceanic basin. In contrast, fecal aggregates were extremely rare in the surface fluff layer indicating that the dense, coccolith-packed pellets and fragments sink through the porous fluff layer and are immediately incorporated into the sediments. The high carbonate content of the pellets (40–60%) coupled with their abundance in the sediments, suggests that they play a significant role in the deposition of the white, coccolith-rich laminae of Black Sea Unit 1 sediments. Numerous intact diatom frustules and silicoflagellate skeletons were common in the sedimentary fecal aggregates, indicating that the pellets not only transport but also protect the opaline material from dissolution in the surface sediments. Abundant pyrite framboids observed in the fecal pellets suggest that these sinking aggregates may be important sites for sulphate reduction, possibly within the water column.
Microvascular rarefaction and hypertension in the impaired recovery and progression of kidney disease following AKI in preexisting CKD states

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a major complication in hospitalized patients and is associated with elevated mortality rates. Numerous recent studies indicate that AKI also significantly increases th...
Measuring Workload in a Multitasking Environment Using Fractal Dimension of Pupil Dilation

ABSTRACTThe purpose of this study is to investigate the usefulness of the fractal dimension of pupil dilation as a measure of workload in a multitasking environment. Researchers have found that pup...
Early Treadmill Practice in Infants Born With Myelomeningocele: A Pilot Study.

Purpose To determine the feasibility of an early treadmill training program for infants with myelomeningocele (MMC) and to measure changes in overt infant motor development and control, including mechanisms underlying the overt changes. Methods Ten infants with MMC were initially enrolled: 8 infants completed 12 consecutive months of training, and 2 completed 6 months of training. Training consisted primarily of home-based, parent-administered treadmill stepping practice 5 days per week, 10 minutes per day starting within 6 months postbirth. We measured motor milestones, treadmill steps, spinal-level reflexes, and body composition. Results Infants showed earlier acquisition of gross motor skills than previously reported. The number of alternating steps performed increased, indicating more complex neuromotor control and strength. Integrity of monosynaptic pathways and body composition were improved after controlling for chronological age. Conclusions This study demonstrates the feasibility of using early, home-based treadmill training for infants with MMC starting within 6 months postbirth.
The social functions of complex vocal sequences in wild geladas

Several studies show that highly social taxa produce relatively more complex vocalizations. Yet, very few of these cases have demonstrated the function that vocal complexity plays within a highly social setting. Here, we assess potential functions of vocal complexity in male geladas (Theropithecus gelada) living in the Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia. Geladas are known for both their diverse vocalizations (routinely produced in long sequences) and their complex social structure (extremely large groups and long-term male-female bonds). We tested whether sequence complexity (i.e., including elaborate “derived” calls that are unique to geladas and absent in closely related taxa) or size (i.e., number of calls) may function (1) to counteract the challenges of living in a large group (overcoming conspecific noise and crowding, maintaining cohesion), or (2) to maintain social bonds with females. We found that an increase in conspecific noise contributed to the use of longer and more complex sequences. However, behavioral contexts in which the risk of separation was highest (i.e., traveling) were associated with only longer (but not more complex) sequences. We also found that sequence complexity (but not size) was associated with male-female bonding as complex call sequences were produced primarily when males were in close proximity to and approached females, and they led to males being groomed by females. Together, these findings suggest that, while a noisy backdrop of conspecific vocalizations might contribute to vocal complexity, the potential driver of gelada vocal complexity is the need to maintain cross-sex bonds. Why do some animals make many diverse sounds while others make only a few simple sounds? Broad comparisons suggest that sociality may be important as more social species (e.g., those with large group size and social bonding) tend to make more types of sounds. Yet, it remains unclear why gregarious species need an expanded call repertoire. Here, we take advantage of previous work on a highly social primate (geladas) that identified several complex vocalizations that contribute to gelada’s expanded vocal repertoire. To better understand why geladas evolved an expanded set of calls, we focus on the context where complex calls are produced and the responses those calls elicit. We found that the potential driver of the use of more call types is the need to maintain cross-sex bonds, suggesting an important role for male-female bonds in the evolution of vocal complexity.
Abstract 247: Reducing Costs and Intensive Care Unit Length of Stay in Patients with Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Background/Objectives: Intravenous (IV) antihypertensive infusions are often used acutely in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). However, they are often administered inconsistently with c...
Application of VNIIRS for target tracking

The Motion Imagery Standards Board (MISB) has created the Video National Imagery Interpretability Rating Scale (VNIIRS). VNIIRS extends NIIRS to scene characterization from streaming video to include object recognition of various targets for a given size. To apply VNIIRs for target tracking, there is a need to understand the operating conditions of the sensor type, environmental phenomenon, and target behavior (SET). In this paper, we explore VNIIRS for target tracking given the sensor resolution to support the relative tracking performance using track success. The relative assessment can be used in relation to the absolute target size associated with the VNIIRS. In a notional analysis, we determine the issues and capabilities of using VNIIRS video quality ratings to determine track success. The outcome of the trade study is an experiment to understand how to use VNIIRS can support target tracking evaluation.
Engineering Value: The Returns to Technological Talent and Investments in Artificial Intelligence

Employees with technological skills are highly complementary to the intangible knowledge assets that firms accumulate. This paper describes how technical talent is a source of rents for corporate employers, particularly for the case of Google’s surprising open source launch of TensorFlow, a deep learning software package. First, I present a simple model of how employers intangible assets expose them to the returns to their employees’ skill acquisition efforts. Then, using over 180 million position records and over 52 million skill records from LinkedIn, I build a panel of firm-level skills to measure the market value of exposure to newly available deep learning talent. AI skills are strongly correlated with market value, though variation in AI skills from 2014-2017 does not explain contemporaneous revenue productivity within firms. AI-intensive companies rapidly gained market value following the launch of TensorFlow, while companies with opportunities to automate relatively larger quantities of labor with machine learning did not. Using a difference-in-differences approach, I show that the TensorFlow launch is associated with an approximate market value increase of $11 million per 1 percent increase in AI skills for AI-using firms. AI superstar firms in the top quintile also appear to benefit more over the sample period than less intensive adopters. These results suggest that the primary mechanism responsible for the market valuation increases of AI adopters at the time of the AI skill shock from TensorFlow is a revaluation of existing firm-specific technology-exposed assets.
A coverage dependent study of the adsorption of pyridine on the (111) coinage metal surfaces

Abstract Using density functional theory we explore the adsorption of pyridine (NC5H5) on Cu, Ag, and Au(111) surfaces. To study the effect of coverage we run calculations on a 3 × 4 (12 atom), 4 × 4 (16 atom), 5 × 4 (20 atom), and 4 × 6 (24 atom) surface. To examine the role of the van der Waals interaction we use the following vdW inclusive functionals: optB86-vdW, optB88-vdW, optPBE-vdW, revPBE-vdW, rPW86-vdW2, SCAN+rVV10 along with the PBE functional. Regardless of functional, metal, and coverage we find the most energetically stable adsorption site to be a vertical site with the pyridine's N atom directly above a metal atom, which contradicts the available experimental literature. Introducing the vdW interaction lowers the energy gap between the most energetically favorable flat and vertical adsorption configurations. Moving to a higher coverage increases the overall interaction of the pyridine molecule with the surface. We also find that the SCAN+rVV10 functional performs similarly to the optB86b-vdW and optB88-vdW functional. Along with the geometric properties of the substrate/adsorbate system, we report several electronic properties of the substrate/adsorbate system such as charge transfer from the surface to the molecule, change in the surface's work function, and change in d-band of the atoms in the first layer of the substrate.
Activation and suppression of 〈c + a〉 dislocations in a textured Mg–3Al–1Zn alloy

Abstract In this work, we statistically studied the activation and suppression of 〈c + a〉 dislocations in a textured Mg–3Al–1Zn alloy after compression. Our results revealed that the activation and suppression of 〈c + a〉 dislocations in polycrystals are primarily governed by the overall texture, regardless of the crystallographic orientation of each grain. This observation is explained by the requirement of five independent slip systems, reduced anisotropy, and twin-induced strain localization. These direct observations of 〈c + a〉 dislocation activities offer a key insight into understanding the deformation mechanism of polycrystalline Mg alloys.
Eine kritische Bestandsaufnahme der Forschung

Dieses Kapitel liefert einen kategorisierenden Uberblick des Forschungsstandes zum Rechtsextremismus. Abhandlungen, die sich primar und dezidiert der Literaturlage widmen, sind eher selten – die wohl wichtigsten Untersuchungen hierzu finden sich bei Backes/Jesse (grundlegend z.B. 1989). Beispielsweise gilt der komplette erste Band ihres Standardwerkes „Politischer Extremismus in der Bundesrepublik Deutschland“ einem intensiven Blick auf die Literatur.
Childhood Misfortune and Late-Life Stroke Incidence, 2004-2014.

Background and objectives Although most strokes occur in later life, recent studies reveal that negative exposures decades earlier are associated with stroke risk. The purpose of this study was to examine whether accumulated and/or specific domains of early misfortune are related to stroke incidence in later life. Research design and methods A decade of longitudinal data from stroke-free participants 50 years or older in the Health and Retirement Study were analyzed (N = 12,473). Incident stroke was defined as either self-reported first incident stroke or death due to stroke between 2004 and 2014. Results Analyses revealed that accumulated misfortune was associated with increased stroke risk, but the relationship was moderated by wealth. Examining specific domains of childhood misfortune revealed that stroke incidence was greater for persons with behavioral/psychological risks, but that this relationship also was moderated by higher wealth for those with only one behavioral/psychological risk. Discussion and implications Accumulated childhood misfortune and adolescent depression heighten the risk of stroke in later life, but the influence is remediable through adult wealth. Reducing poverty in later life may decrease stroke incidence for persons exposed to negative childhood exposures.
Perinatal depressive symptoms and breastfeeding behaviors: A systematic literature review and biosocial research agenda

Abstract Background Breastfeeding is recommended to improve maternal and infant health globally. Depression has been posited to negatively impact breastfeeding, although potential causal and bidirectional pathways between these two phenomena have not been sufficiently characterized. We therefore conducted a systematic review to critically evaluate available evidence on the relationship between perinatal depressive symptoms and breastfeeding behaviors; to identify knowledge gaps and propose a biosocial research agenda to advance our understanding of this topic. Methods A systematic search strategy was applied across seven databases. Data were extracted and aggregated using the matrix method to provide a narrative synthesis of findings. Results Thirty-eight studies from 20 countries spanning 1988 through 2018 fit the inclusion criteria. In general, methods across studies were heterogeneous. Fourteen different tools were used to measure perinatal depressive symptoms. Nearly half the studies did not provide breastfeeding definitions. No studies from low-income countries met inclusion criteria. More than half (63%) of studies demonstrated a negative association between depressive symptoms across the perinatal period and less exclusive breastfeeding and/or shorter breastfeeding durations. Limitations Heterogeneity in study design, definitions, assessment tools, and measurement time points limited the comparability of study findings. Causality cannot be assessed. Conclusions Available evidence suggests perinatal depressive symptoms negatively associated with breastfeeding exclusivity and duration, which can lead to suboptimal infant nutrition and detrimental impacts on maternal mental and physical health. To better understand this relationship, we propose including consistent operationalization and assessment of depression and breastfeeding globally and concurrent repeated measures of key biological and social factors.
Selling Quality-Differentiated Products in a Markovian Market with Unknown Transition Probabilities

In this paper, we study a firm's dynamic pricing problem in the presence of unknown and time-varying heterogeneity in customers' preferences for quality. The firm offers a standard product as well as a premium product to deal with this heterogeneity. First, we consider a benchmark case in which the transition structure of customer heterogeneity is known. In this case, we analyze the firm's optimal pricing policy and characterize its key structural properties. Thereafter, we investigate the case of unknown market transition structure, and design a simple and practically implementable policy, called the bounded learning policy, which is a combination of two policies that perform poorly in isolation. Measuring performance by regret—i.e., the revenue loss relative to a clairvoyant who knows the underlying changes in the market—we prove that our bounded learning policy achieves the fastest possible convergence rate of regret in terms of the frequency of market shifts. Thus, our policy performs well without relying on precise knowledge of the market transition structure.
Review of Retrogression Forming and Reaging for AA7075-T6 Sheet

Retrogression forming and reaging (RFRA) is a new warm-forming process designed to produce automotive structural components from high-strength aluminum alloys. A scientific approach is described to determine appropriate RFRA conditions for AA7075-T6 and is applied to laboratory-scale forming experiments. The concept of reduced time is used with the activation energy of retrogression measured for AA7075-T6 to predict appropriate times and temperatures for retrogression forming. Conditions recommended for AA7075-T6 are retrogression at 200 °C for 3 to 12 min while forming at strain rates of up to 10–1 s−1. The recommended reaging heat treatment to fully restore strength to the T6 condition after retrogression forming is 120 °C for 24 h. These RFRA conditions were successfully applied in laboratory-scale experiments to form AA7075-T6 Alclad sheet and produce a final strength equivalent to the T6 condition. Data from tensile tests provide flow stresses and tensile ductilities across the range of conditions appropriate for RFRA.
Snord116 Post-transcriptionally Increases Nhlh2 mRNA Stability: Implications for Human Prader-Willi Syndrome

The smallest genomic region causing Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) deletes the non-coding RNA SNORD116 cluster; however, the function of SNORD116 remains a mystery. Previous work in the field revealed the tantalizing possibility that expression of NHLH2, a gene previously implicated in both obesity and hypogonadism, was downregulated in PWS patients and differentiated stem cells. In silico RNA: RNA modeling identified several potential interaction domains between SNORD116 and NHLH2 mRNA. One of these interaction domains was highly conserved in most vertebrate NHLH2 mRNAs examined. A construct containing the Nhlh2 mRNA, including its 3'-UTR, linked to a c-myc tag was transfected into a hypothalamic neuron cell line in the presence and absence of exogenously-expressed Snord116. Nhlh2 mRNA expression was upregulated in the presence of Snord116 dependent on the length and type of 3'UTR used on the construct. Furthermore, use of actinomycin D to stop new transcription in N29/2 cells demonstrated that the upregulation occurred through increased stability of the Nhlh2 mRNA in the 45 minutes immediately following transcription. In silico modeling also revealed that a single nucleotide variant (SNV) in the NHLH2 mRNA could reduce the predicted interaction strength of the NHLH2:SNORD116 diad. Indeed, use of an Nhlh2 mRNA construct containing this SNV significantly reduces the ability of Snord116 to increase Nhlh2 mRNA levels. For the first time, these data identify a motif and mechanism for SNORD116-mediated regulation of NHLH2, clarifying the mechanism by which deletion of the SNORD116 snoRNAs locus leads to PWS phenotypes.
Recipes for resistance: Practical applications of restorative food justice in New Haven, Connecticut

In the United States, many people of color recently released from prison are likely to be food insecure. The intersections between race, food security, and release from prison are starting to be recognized. However, food justice should be informed by the perspectives and work being done by returning citizens and people of color. With the help of EMERGE CT, a transitional employment social enterprise for returning citizens in New Haven, Connecticut, I collected food access survey data and narratives of crewmembers at EMERGE to explore these issues. I merged restorative justice and food justice frame­works into one framework to develop an initiative that focuses on the availability of healthy, sustainable, and culturally appropriate food for returning citizens and addresses the social trauma that is perpetuated through both the food and prison systems. Further, I write about the importance of compensating food system leaders of color. I provide insight on the challenges in planning such a program. I discuss why we need to amplify the voices of returning citizens in food justice work. Lastly, I consider how these collaborative, cross-movement coalitions develop creative ways to re-envision equity.