cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Genetic and Apoptotic Changes in Lungs of Mice Flown on the STS-135 Mission in Space

AIM The goal of the study was to evaluate changes in lung status due to spaceflight stressors that include radiation above levels found on Earth. MATERIALS AND METHODS Within hours after return from a 13-day mission in space onboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis, C57BL/6 mice (FLT group) were euthanized; mice housed on the ground in similar animal enclosure modules served as controls (AEM group). Lung tissue was collected to evaluate the expression of genes related to extracellular matrix (ECM)/adhesion and stem cell signaling. Pathway analysis was also performed. In addition, immunohistochemistry for stem cell antigen-1 (SCA-1), the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay for apoptosis, and staining for histological characteristics were performed. RESULTS There were 18/168 genes significantly modulated in lungs from the FLT group (p<0.05 vs. AEM); 17 of these were up-regulated and one was down-regulated. The greatest effect, namely a 5.14-fold increase, was observed on Spock1 (also known as Spark/osteonectin), encoding a multi-functional protein that has anti-adhesive effects, inhibits cell proliferation and regulates activity of certain growth factors. Additional genes with increased expression were cadherin 3 (Cdh3), collagen, type V, alpha 1 (Col5a1), integrin alpha 5 (Itga5), laminin, gamma 1 (Lamc1), matrix metallopeptidase 14 (Mmp14), neural cell adhesion molecule 1 (Ncam1), transforming growth factor, beta induced (Tgfbi), thrombospondin 1 (Thbs1), Thbs2, versican (Vcan), fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (Fgfr1), frizzled homolog 6 (Fzd6), nicastrin (Ncstn), nuclear factor of activated T-cells, cytoplasmic, calcineurin-dependent 4 (Nfatc4), notch gene homolog 4 (Notch4) and vang-like 2 (Vangl2). The down-regulated gene was Mmp13. Staining for SCA-1 protein showed strong signal intensity in bronchiolar epithelial cells of FLT mice (p<0.05 vs. AEM). TUNEL positivity was also significantly higher in the FLT mice (p<0.05 vs. AEM), but no consistent histological differences were noted. CONCLUSION The results demonstrate that spaceflight-related stress had a significant impact on lung integrity, indicative of tissue injury and remodeling.
Modeling “psychosis” in vitro by inducing disordered neuronal network activity in cortical brain slices

Introduction Dysregulation of neuronal networks has been suggested to underlie the cognitive and perceptual abnormalities observed schizophrenia.
Orientation-Specific Computation in Stereoscopic Vision

The left and right eyes receive subtly different images from a visual scene. Binocular disparities of retinal image locations are correlated with variation in the depth of objects in the scene and make stereoscopic depth perception possible. Disparity stereoscopically specifies a stimulus; changing the stimulus in a way that conserves its disparity leaves the stimulus stereoscopically unchanged. Therefore, a person’s ability to use stereo to see the depth separating any two objects should depend only on the disparities of the objects, which in turn depend on where the objects are, not what they are. However, I find that the disparity difference between two stimuli by itself predicts neither stereoacuity nor perceived depth. Human stereo vision is shown here to be most sensitive at detecting the relative depth of two gratings when they are parallel. Rotating one grating by as little as 10° lowers sensitivity. The rotation can make a perceptible depth separation invisible, although it changes neither the relative nor absolute disparities of the gratings, only their relative orientations. The effect of relative orientation is not confined to stimuli that, like gratings, vary along one dimension or to stimuli perceived to have a dominant orientation. Rather, it is the relative orientation of the one-dimensional components of stimuli, even broadband stimuli, that matters. This limit on stereoscopic depth perception appears to be intrinsic to the visual system’s computation of disparity; by taking place within orientation bands, the computation renders the coding of disparity inseparable from the coding of orientation.
Defects and Electronic Transport in Rare Earth Doped Epitaxial SrTiO3 Thin Films

Semiconducting, epitaxial SrTiO3 thin films doped with Eu3+ donors were analyzed using transient photocapacitance spectroscopy to determine the nature of the charge compensating defects. Deep level defects were detected with optical thresholds at Ec - 0.6 eV, Ec - 0.8 eV, and Ec - 2.05 eV. The level at Ec - 0.8 eV was the dominant defect in all of the films examined, with concentrations ranging from 1.6×1015 to 1.2×1017 cm−3 that increased as the square of donor concentration. The level was attributed to the strontium vacancy.
Development of a measure of early mathematics achievement using the Rasch model: the Research‐Based Early Maths Assessment

There are only a few instruments to assess mathematics knowledge and skills in children as young as three to four years of age, and these instruments are limited in scope of content. We describe the development of a theoretically based, empirically tested instrument designed to measure the mathematical knowledge and skills of children from three to seven years of age, emphasising its submission to the Rasch model. After using the data to refine the instrument, they fit the model well, with high reliability. These data also provided empirical support for the developmental progressions for most topics. We conclude with a description of the research’s contribution to theory and empirical research regarding young children’s development of specific mathematical competencies.
SENSORY-MOTOR MAPPING WITH A SEQUENTIAL NETWORK

This paper deals with the problem of representing and generating unconstrained aiming movements of a limb by means of a sequential neural network. Targets are specified to the network as sensory stimuli; for each stimulus the network produces a time trajectory of a redundant limb from a starting posture towards the corresponding target. The network was trained using a bell-shaped velocity profile on the trajectories, which is a recurring feature of movements performed by biological systems. We performed a number of experiments, both during and after learning. Our results show that: (i) the task can be learned by a three-layer sequential network; (ii) the network successfully generalizes in trajectory space and adjusts the velocity profiles properly; (iii) the same task cannot be learned by a linear network; (iv) the model is robust to noise on the input signals; (v) the network exhibits attractor-dynamics properties; (vi) the network is able to solve the motor-equivalence problem. A key feature of this work is the fact that the neural network was coupled to a mechanical model of a limb in which muscles are represented as springs. This representation made it possible to deal with the redundancy of the motor apparatus.
Efficacy of topical tenofovir against transmission of a tenofovir-resistant SHIV in macaques

Topically delivered tenofovir (TFV) from intravaginal rings, tablets, or gels is being evaluated for HIV prevention. We previously demonstrated that TFV delivered vaginally by gel protected macaques from vaginal infection with SHIV. Here we investigated efficacy of the TFV gel against vaginal transmission of a TFV-resistant SHIV containing the K65R mutation (SHIV162P3K65R) and its relationship to drug levels in vaginal tissues. SHIV162P3K65R shows approximately a 5-fold reduction in susceptibility to TFV compared to wild-type SHIV. Efficacy was evaluated in pig-tailed macaques exposed vaginally twice-weekly (up to 10 weeks) to SHIV162P3K65R 30 min after receiving placebo (n = 6) or 1% TFV (n = 6) gel. Four of the six controls were infected after a median of 5 exposures. In contrast, five of six macaques that received TFV gel remained uninfected after 20 vaginal SHIV162P3K65R exposures, resulting in an estimated efficacy of 75%. The mean intracellular TFV-diphosphate (TFV-DP) concentrations in vaginal lymphocytes 4 h after a single gel dose were found to be high (1,631 fmol/106 cells, range 492–3,847) and within the in vitro IC75 range (1,206 fmol/106 cells) for SHIV162P3K65R. Both the modest resistance conferred by K65R and the high TFV-DP exposure in vaginal lymphocytes, likely explain the observed protection. The findings in this model do not predict complete loss of protection by topical TFV against vaginal exposure to HIV-1K65R viruses and provide a tissue drug target for high efficacy. These data will facilitate the development of TFV delivery platforms that have high activity on both wild-type and TFV-resistant viruses.
Intonational marking of given and new information: Some consequences for comprehension

The role of intonation in conveying discourse relationships in auditory sentence comprehension was investigated in two experiments. Using the simple comprehension time paradigm, Experiment 1 found that sentences with accented new information were understood faster than sentences with a neutral intonation contour and that the presence of accent in context sentences facilitated comprehension of subsequent targets. Both experiments showed faster comprehension times in conditions in which accent placement was appropriate for the information structure of the sentence. In Experiment I, comprehension times were faster when the accent fell on the information focus than when it fell elsewhere in the sentence. In Experiment 2, faster times resulted when new information was accented and given information was not, compared to conditions in which this accent pattern was reversed. This effect held for both active and passive sentences, and whether the new information occurred in the subject or object position.
Sagittal focusing of high-energy synchrotron X-rays with asymmetric Laue crystals. II. Experimental studies

The use of bent asymmetric Laue crystals to focus synchrotron X-rays sagittally from 15 to 50 keV is described. A four-bar bender, bending a rectangular planar crystal, produced the necessary sagittal and meridional bending for this unique application. Adjustments of the tilt angle and height of the bent crystal resulted in first- and second-order corrections, respectively, to the dependence of the angle of diffraction on the horizontal position on the crystal. After these corrections, the remaining variation of the diffraction angle was of the order of 10 µrad. The theoretical sagittal focal length was verified. A prototype of a double-crystal sagittally focusing monochromator was constructed and tested, using two identical Laue crystals. A horizontal divergence of 3 mrad was focused to a horizontal dimension of about 0.4 mm. The X-ray flux density at the focus was a few hundred times larger than that of unfocused X-rays.
Anxiety Sensitivity and Smoking Behavior Among Trauma-Exposed Daily Smokers The Explanatory Role of Smoking-Related Avoidance and Inflexibility

Anxiety sensitivity (AS), defined as the extent to which individuals believe that anxiety-related sensations have harmful consequences, is associated with smoking processes and poorer clinical outcomes among trauma-exposed smokers. Yet the specific mechanisms underlying this association are unclear. Smoking-specific avoidance and inflexibility is a construct implicated in multiple manifestations of mood regulation that may underlie smoking behavior. The current study examined the explanatory role of smoking-specific avoidance and inflexibility in terms of the relation between AS and indices of smoking behavior among trauma-exposed smokers. The sample consisted of 217 treatment-seeking adult smokers (44% female; M age = 37.8; SD = 13.2; age range: 18-65 years), who were exposed to at least one lifetime Criterion A trauma event (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders [4th ed., text rev.; DSM-IV-TR] Criterion A for trauma exposure). Bootstrap analysis (5,000 re-samples) revealed that AS was indirectly related to the (a) number of cigarettes smoked per day, (b) number of years being a daily smoker, (c) number of failed quit attempts, and (d) heaviness of smoking index among trauma-exposed smokers through its relation with smoking-specific avoidance and inflexibility. These findings provide initial evidence suggesting that smoking-specific avoidance and inflexibility may be an important construct in better understanding AS-smoking relations among trauma-exposed smokers. Future work is needed to explore the extent to which smoking-specific avoidance and inflexibility account for relations between AS and other smoking processes (e.g., withdrawal, cessation outcome) in the context of trauma and smoking comorbidity.
Electrochemical Measurements of Corrosion and Biofouling Films on Simulated OTEC Heat Exchangers

Electrochemical measurements of corrosion and biofouling films have been performed using a recently developed technique called Electrode Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS). EIS is based on the hypothesis that corrosion and biofouling films can be characterized by observing the steady-state response to a small amplitude sinusoidal perturbing potential imposed on the heat exchanger material.
A variant of the classical superficial brachioulnoradial artery: morphology and clinical significances

We report a superficial brachioulnoradial artery (SBURA) presenting as a variant of the normal, originating from the proximal third of the right brachial artery of a 75-year-old female cadaver which bifurcated yielding a brachiointerosseous artery laterally and a SBURA medially, and the latter bifurcating 5 cm proximal to the elbow yielding a brachioradial artery laterally and the superficial brachioulnar artery medially, resulting in the formation of three instead of two brachial arteries as in the classical SBURA said to bifurcate at the elbow into the radial and ulnar arteries. Clinical implications of this variant are discussed.
Abstract 2675: Characterization of human thioesterase 2 and its potential for breast cancer drug discovery

Human thioesterase II (TE2) may limit the anti-tumour potential of fatty acid synthase (FASN) inhibitors designed to target endogenous thioesterase (TE1) domain of FASN in breast cancer. Recent studies have firmly established the anti-tumour effects of TE1-targeted FASN inhibition via the drug Orlistat in prostate tumour xenografts, and current studies are revealing similar cytotoxic effects in breast cancer cell lines. Both TE1 and TE2 act on the acyl carrier protein (ACP) domain of FASN to liberate fully saturated, long-chain or medium-chain fatty acids, respectively. Therefore, TE2 may rescue fatty acid synthesis on TE1 inhibited FASN in cancer cells, thus highlighting TE2 as a potential new target for cancer therapy. Encouraged by the developments in TE1 inhibitors and by the expression of TE2 in breast cancers, we are now investigating the biochemical and structural properties of recombinant TE2 in order to define the factors that determine substrate specificity. In addition, the expression profile of endogenous TE2 in several breast cancer cell lines is under investigation. The long-term goal of this project is to determine whether TE2 is a viable target for the development of breast cancer specific anti-tumour therapies and/or whether a combined drug discovery strategy against both thioesterases must be pursued. Here we report the kinetic profiling of human TE1 and TE2 using model substrates and select β-lactone inhibitors. As well, we report immunoblot analyses of endogenous TE2 in MCF 7, SKBr 3, and MDA 231 breast cancer cell lines. Finally, we report the current progress of determining the crystal structure of recombinant TE2. Our results show lower β-lactone inhibitor potency against TE2 compared with TE1, as well as differential expression of endogenous TE2 in breast cancer cell lines. These results suggest that TE2 may need to be specifically targeted in breast cancer in order to fully realize the anti-tumour potential of FASN inhibition. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2675.
Colony attendance and population monitoring of least and crested auklets on St. Lawrence Island, Alaska

Diurnal and seasonal patterns of attendance of Least Auklets (Aethia pusilla) and Crested Auklets (A. cristatella) were studied in 1987 at breeding colonies on St. Lawrence Island, Alaska. Numbers of auklets attending eight 200-m2 plots on talus slopes were counted throughout the day by observers on 11 occasions through the breeding season. Numbers attending smaller plots were recorded on time-lapse film on 71 different days. Another 16 200-m2 plots were censused for auklets using surface counts. Within-day patterns of attendance were extremely variable over small and large temporal scales. Peaks of attendance occurred in late morning and late evening, with a 7to 12-hr period of absence in the middle of the day. Attendance varied markedly between days, and numbers were negatively correlated with wind speed and the magnitude of tidal oscillations. Patterns of attendance also varied with stage of breeding, and counts were least variable during incubation and early chick rearing. Whereas Least Auklet numbers peaked during prelaying, Crested Auklet numbers peaked during incubation. Counts indicated that auklets at Kongkok Bay have increased about twofold since studies in the mid-1960s. Recommendations are made for future monitoring of auklet populations.
One-Cycle Control Grid-Tied Inverter Application in Yunnan Power Grid

Renewable energy power generation has become a global solving agenda which is the world's sustainable and clean energy supply issue. Grid-tied inverter is the key factors of the renewable energy power generation. OneCycle Control in the application of active power filter has tended to mature,but not to practical application of power quality regulator. According to the situation of domestic,the use of a new type of non-linear control method which is one-cycle control technology,application in the grid-tied inverter control strategy,this method is not only simple in structure and easy to realize. It can optimize and compensate system in a switch cycle. The simulation results verify the grid-tied inverter based on one-cycle control appliance is of certain practical value and popularization.
Mitigation of common-mode noise in wide band gap device based motor drives

MOSFETs built using wide band gap (WBG) materials offer numerous benefits to power electronic circuits. These benefits are quite apparent in applications requiring breakdown voltages ≥ 600V, where Silicon IGBTs are typically used due to their combination of high breakdown voltage and low conduction losses. Compared to Silicon IGBTs, WBG MOSFETs offer very short turn-ON and turn-OFF times, which reduce switching losses and enable significantly higher switching frequencies. This paper explores the application of WBG MOSFETs to motor drives, where higher switching frequencies reduce motor losses and torque ripple and allow higher control bandwidth, thus enabling greater output frequencies needed to operate motors at higher speeds. Specifically, two-level voltage source inverters utilizing Silicon Carbide (SiC) MOSFETs are constructed to operate a 1 HP induction motor. Experimental results are presented which show that the short turn-ON and turn-OFF transients as well as high switching frequencies lead to increased shaft voltage and conducted ground currents. Mitigation techniques are implemented and evaluated, including clamp-on ferrites and an open-end winding drive implementation. The shaft voltage and ground currents are found to be best suppressed in an open-end winding drive utilizing clamp-on ferrites.
Molecular Imaging of Tryptophan Metabolism in Tumors

Molecular imaging of the kynurenine pathway can be achieved by positron emission tomography (PET) of radiolabeled tryptophan derivatives. While tryptophan is the substrate of protein synthesis, the PET tracer 11C-alpha-methyl-L-tryptophan (AMT) is not incorporated into proteins; rather it is a substrate of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), the initial and rate-limiting enzyme of the kynurenine pathway. Recent studies of AMT-PET have demonstrated high AMT uptake and accumulation in a variety of WHO grade II–IV gliomas, glioneuronal tumors, and meningiomas. Increased AMT uptake can also readily detect lung cancers and breast cancers. Tracer kinetic analysis of dynamic PET images can differentiate between tryptophan transport and metabolic rates, thus enhancing the clinical utility of AMT-PET. Studies of resected tumor specimens have shown high expression of LAT1, a key transporter of tryptophan, and also IDO and tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase, in AMT-accumulating tumors. This chapter discusses the mechanisms of high AMT uptake on PET and provides a summary of potential clinical applications, including pretreatment tumor characterization, treatment planning, prognostication, as well as posttreatment tumor detection in various intra- and extracranial tumors.
Africa at its Nadir

Many in the media describe contemporary Africa as a “continent in crisis,” a “region in turmoil,” “on a precipice,” and “suffering.”1 These images recall sensationalist accounts by nineteenth-century missionaries eager to convince others of the continent’s need for “civilization” and “salvation,” but they also reflect today’s realities in Africa. Abusive and autocratic governance underlies economic decay, state collapse, ethnic violence, civil war, and humanitarian disaster in Africa. The very nature of the state in Africa and the lawlessness predispose the continent to massive corruption, nepotism, and the personal whims of a handful of dictators. The image of Africa as a sick continent remains firmly entrenched in many minds because African leaders have yet to show their determination, through concrete actions, to alter such an image. An overview of the horrors of civil wars, the tragedy in Rwanda, and the ravage of HIV/AIDS all show Africa at its worst.
Repressers, Sensitizers and the Politics of School Psychology.

School psychology is represented by a national organization and by a specialty division within another national organization, is beset by internal differences about role definition and entry level ...
Using silver and bighead carp cell lines for the identification of a unique metabolite fingerprint from thiram-specific chemical exposure

Abstract Conservation biology often requires the control of invasive species. One method is the development and use of biocides. Identifying new chemicals as part of the biocide registration approval process can require screening millions of compounds. Traditionally, screening new chemicals has been done in vivo using test organisms. Using in vitro (e.g., cell lines) and in silico (e.g., computer models) methods decrease test organism requirements and increase screening speed and efficiency. These methods, however, would be greatly improved by better understanding how individual fish species metabolize selected compounds. We combined cell assays and metabolomics to create a powerful tool to facilitate the identification of new control chemicals. Specifically, we exposed cell lines established from bighead carp and silver carp larvae to thiram (7 concentrations) then completed metabolite profiling to assess the dose-response of the bighead carp and silver carp metabolome to thiram. Forty one of the 700 metabolomic markers identified in bighead carp exhibited a dose-response to thiram exposure compared to silver carp in which 205 of 1590 metabolomic markers exhibited a dose-response. Additionally, we identified 11 statistically significant metabolomic markers based upon volcano plot analysis common between both species. This smaller subset of metabolites formed a thiram-specific metabolomic fingerprint which allowed for the creation of a toxicant specific, rather than a species-specific, metabolomic fingerprint. Metabolomic fingerprints may be used in biocide development and improve our understanding of ecologically significant events, such as mass fish kills.
Visual framing of the European refugee crisis in Der Spiegel and CNN International: Global journalism in news photographs:

Building on previous research that has theorized and operationalized the concept of global journalism, this study analyzed 287 photographs published on CNN International and Der Spiegel online news sites to examine the evidence of global journalism practices in visual news content. The results of the quantitative content analysis revealed that the transnational news outlet CNN International more frequently used close-ups and tracking shots to feature refugees in its visual reportage than the German news magazine Der Spiegel. The large presence of the ‘human interest’ and the ‘lose/gain’ frames in CNN International’s visual coverage emphasized the humanitarian aspect of global suffering. In contrast, apart from the ‘human interest’ frame, the ‘law and control’ and ‘xenophobia’ frames were adopted in Der Spiegel’s visual coverage. Using such a comparison, this study discussed if news sources’ capacity of managing the visibility of suffering could reflect a cosmopolitan viewpoint on a global issue.
Low Day 30 Total Donor Chimerism After Reduced-Intensity Conditioning Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Is Associated with Poorer Overall Survival In Myeloid but Not Lymphoid Disorders

Abstract 1325 While some studies associated an increased relapse rate and poorer progression-free survival with lower donor T-cell chimerism after reduced-intensity conditioning (RIC) allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT); early total donor cell chimerism, despite its use as a clinical trial endpoint, is not established as a predictor of survival. In part this may reflect its non-uniform impact across hematologic malignancies. Clarifying the survival impact of early donor chimerism could help identify patients who may benefit from additional interventions; and also define its value as a disease-specific endpoint. We undertook a retrospective analysis of adult patients undergoing 8/8 HLA-matched RIC HSCT from 2002–2008 with available day 30 total donor cell chimerism (range, 20–50 days; PB or marrow). All received fludarabine/busulfan-based conditioning with sirolimus- and/or tacrolimus-based GVHD prophylaxis. Umbilical cord blood transplants; ex-/in-vivo T-cell depletion (e.g. ATG); or malignant relapse/progression at or prior to day 30 chimerism were excluded. 414 patients with a median age of 58 years (range, 41–69) and median follow-up among survivors of 34 months (range, 6–80) were analyzed. Patient characteristics: 211 myeloid (116 AML, 63 MDS, 20 CML, 12 MPD); 203 lymphoid (70 NHL, 66 CLL, 39 HD, 21 MM, 6 ALL); 343 (83%) with high-risk disease; 265 (64%) were males; 404 (98%) received peripheral blood stem cells; 234 (57%) had matched-unrelated donors; and 132 (32%) had prior transplants. Day 30 total donor cell chimerism was Figure ). For both myeloid and lymphoid disorders, lower day 30 chimerism was associated with increased incidence of relapse (p In multivariable Cox-models, day 30 chimerism In conclusion day 30 total donor chimerism Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Effect of Systemic Illness, Medication, Radiation, and Infection on the Esophagus

Injury to the esophagus can result from infection, medical therapy, or systemic illness. Candida, herpes simplex virus, and cytomegalovirus comprise the bulk of clinically encountered esophageal infections. Esophageal injury secondary to medical therapy is most often caused by retained pills; however, chemotherapy and radiation therapy are also associated with esophagitis. Systemic diseases involving the connective tissue, skin, and neuromuscular system may also affect the esophagus, usually giving rise to dysmotility or mucosal injury. Although these etiologies of esophageal injury occur less frequently in the pediatric population, physicians and surgeons charged with the care of children should nonetheless be aware that esophageal symptoms may be the presenting feature of one of these systemic conditions.
Ultrasound of a prepubertal Leydig cell tumour of the testis

Leydig cell tumours of the testis are uncommon. They typically present in a bimodal age distribution between either 5 and 10 years of age, or 20 to 60 years of age. Affected prepubertal boys usually present with a palpable lump or precocious puberty. With improvements in imaging technology, diagnosis can be incidental and precede clinical symptoms. This report describes the incidental finding of a Leydig cell tumour of the testis in an eight-year-old boy with a history of scrotal trauma and haematuria.
Transcriptional Analysis of Flowering Time in Switchgrass

Over the past two decades, switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) has emerged as a priority biofuel feedstock. The bulk of switchgrass biomass is in the vegetative portion of the plant; therefore, increasing the length of vegetative growth will lead to an increase in overall biomass yield. The goal of this study was to gain insight into the control of flowering time in switchgrass that would assist in development of cultivars with longer vegetative phases through delayed flowering. RNA sequencing was used to assess genome-wide expression profiles across a developmental series between switchgrass genotypes belonging to the two main ecotypes: upland, typically early flowering, and lowland, typically late flowering. Leaf blades and tissues enriched for the shoot apical meristem (SAM) were collected in a developmental series from emergence through anthesis for RNA extraction. RNA from samples that flanked the SAM transition stage was sequenced for expression analyses. The analyses revealed differential expression patterns between early- and late-flowering genotypes for known flowering time orthologs. Namely, genes shown to play roles in photoperiod response and the circadian clock in other species were identified as potential candidates for regulating flowering time in the switchgrass genotypes analyzed. Based on their expression patterns, many of the differentially expressed genes could also be classified as putative promoters or repressors of flowering. The candidate genes presented here may be used to guide switchgrass improvement through marker-assisted breeding and/or transgenic or gene editing approaches.
A Human-Autonomy Teaming Approach for a Flight-Following Task

Human involvement with increasingly autonomous systems must adjust to allow for a more dynamic relationship involving cooperation and teamwork. As part of an ongoing project to develop a framework for human-autonomy teaming (HAT) in aviation, a study was conducted to evaluate proposed tenets of HAT. Participants performed a flight-following task at a ground station both with and without HAT features enabled. Overall, participants preferred the ground station with HAT features enabled over the station without the HAT features. Participants reported that the HAT displays and automation were preferred for keeping up with operationally important issues. Additionally, participants reported that the HAT displays and automation provided enough situation awareness to complete the task, reduced the necessary workload and were efficient. Overall, there was general agreement that HAT features supported teaming with the automation. These results will be used to refine and expand our proposed framework for human-autonomy teaming.
Blackleg in cattle: A case report of fetal infection and a literature review:

Clostridium chauvoei causes blackleg in cattle. The disease has been reported worldwide, and although it can be prevented by vaccination, sporadic cases and occasional outbreaks still occur. We describe a case of blackleg in a 2-y-old, pregnant Gyr cow with in utero transmission to the fetus. The cow had characteristic gross and microscopic lesions of blackleg including widespread necrohemorrhagic and emphysematous skeletal and myocardial myositis, and fibrinous pericarditis. Her uterus contained a near-term, markedly emphysematous fetus with skeletal muscle and myocardial lesions similar to those seen in the dam. Histopathology of dam and fetal tissues revealed numerous gram-positive bacilli, many of them with sub-terminal spores, in multiple tissues. These bacilli were identified as C. chauvoei by immunohistochemistry. Anaerobic culture and fluorescent antibody tests performed on skeletal muscle from both the dam and fetus were positive for C. chauvoei, confirming a diagnosis of blackleg. Blackleg is a so-called endogenous infection, and the currently accepted pathogenesis involves ingestion of spores that are transported to muscle tissues where they lie dormant until anaerobiosis prompts germination. Germinating bacteria are histotoxic, producing severe, local necrosis and ultimately lethal toxemia. This model, however, has not been confirmed experimentally and also fails to explain some cases of the disease. A presumptive diagnosis of blackleg is based on clinical, gross, and histologic findings. Diagnostic confirmation necessitates the detection of C. chauvoei by culture, PCR, or immunodetection methods.
Modeling of the formation kinetics and size distribution evolution of II–VI quantum dots

A deterministic model based on population balance equations is developed to describe the formation of II–VI semiconductor nanocrystals. After deriving the necessary equations and reviewing the link between model predictions and experimental results, a parametric study is carried out to showcase the model's features. A comparison with literature experimental data shows how the present model can satisfactorily describe average properties of the colloidal semiconductor nanocrystals such as the average diameter or the distribution width. This model represents a first step towards the development of more refined models that would open up the possibility of improved optimization and control of the nanocrystal production process.
Cervical Ribs and NTOS

Bone abnormalities of the C7 vertebrae include cervical ribs and elongated transverse processes, and represent space-occupying lesions within the confines of the thoracic outlet. These bone abnormalities, or the fibromuscular attachments between them and the underlying first thoracic rib, may cause irritation to the brachial plexus producing symptoms of NTOS. Conservative treatment may be the initial management, but is effective in a minority of patients. Surgical decompression of the thoracic outlet results in symptomatic improvement in most patients.
Re-mapping the mind: a probe into the nature and extent of mind*

ABSTRACTThis essay describes a long-standing conceptual impasse regarding the ontological status of “mind” at least since the time of Descartes. That impasse has roots in a mind–body dualism that casts the mind as an “ethereal substance,” or nonphysical entity located somewhere in the brain that translates sense data into thoughts-qua-representations, which then move the body accordingly. This outlook lost traction toward the end of the 20th century. However, a newly emboldened preoccupation with certain technological apparatuses has directed attention back onto the biological substrate of the brain. This article argues that this more purely physicalist stance that seeks to relocate representational features of memory, cognition, and consciousness in the brain confuses efforts to understand the nature of mind. After briefly describing representationalist and nonrepresentionalist theories of mind, a more nuanced, “nonlocalized,” or “extended representionalism” is proffered. This outlook, which was promoted...
Experimental evolution and proximate mechanisms in biology.

Biological functions – studied by molecular, systems and behavioral biology – are referred to as proximate mechanisms. Why and how they have emerged from the course of evolution are referred to as ultimate mechanisms. Despite the conceptual and technical schism between the disciplines that focus on each, studies from one side can benefit the other. Experimental evolution is an emerging field at the crossroads of functional and evolutionary biology. Herein microorganisms and mammalian cell lines evolve in well-controlled laboratory environments over multiple generations. Phenotypic changes arising from the process are then characterized in genetics and function to understand the evolutionary process. While providing empirical tests to evolutionary questions, such studies also offer opportunities of new insights into proximate mechanisms. Experimental evolution optimizes biological systems by means of adaptation; the adapted systems with their mutations present unique perturbed states of the systems that generate new and often unexpected output/performance. Hence, learning about these states not only adds to but also might deepen knowledge on the proximate processes. To demonstrate this point, five examples in experimental evolution are introduced, and their relevance to functional biology explicated. In some examples, from evolution experiments, updates were made to known proximate processes – gene regulation and cell polarization. In some examples, new contexts were found for known proximate processes – cell division and drug resistance of cancer. In one example, a new cellular mechanism was discovered. These cases identify ways the approach of experimental evolution can be used to ask questions in functional biology.
Anthropometric characteristics and ovarian cancer risk and survival.

Multiple studies have examined the role of anthropometric characteristics in ovarian cancer risk and survival; however, their results have been conflicting. We investigated the associations between weight change, height and height change and risk and outcome of ovarian cancer using data from a large population-based case–control study. Data from 699 ovarian cancer cases and 1,802 controls who participated in the HOPE study were included. We used unconditional logistic regression adjusted for age, race, number of pregnancies, use of oral contraceptives, and family history of breast or ovarian cancer to examine the associations between self-reported height and weight and height change with ovarian cancer risk. Cox proportional hazards regression models adjusted for age and stage were used to examine the association between the exposure variables and overall and progression-free survival among ovarian cancer cases. We observed an increased risk of ovarian cancer mortality and progression for gaining more than 20 pounds between ages 18–30, HR 1.36; 95% CI 1.05–1.76, and HR 1.31; 95% CI 1.04–1.66, respectively. Losing weight and gaining it back multiple times was inversely associated with both ovarian cancer risk, OR 0.78; 95% CI 0.63–0.97 for 1–4 times and OR 0.73; 95% CI 0.54–0.99 for 5–9 times, and mortality, HR 0.63; 95% CI 0.40–0.99 for 10–14 times. Finally, being taller during adolescence and adulthood was associated with increased risk of mortality. Taller stature and weight gain over lifetime were not related to ovarian cancer risk. Our results suggest that height and weight and their change over time may influence ovarian cancer risk and survival. These findings suggest that biological mechanisms underlying these associations may be hormone driven and may play an important role in relation to ovarian carcinogenesis and tumor progression.
Applying neutron transmission physics and 3D statistical full-field model to understand 2D Bragg-edge imaging

Bragg-edge imaging, which is also known as neutron radiography, has recently emerged as a novel crystalline characterization technique. Modelling of this novel technique by incorporating various features of the underlying microstructure (including the crystallographic texture, the morphological texture, and the grain size) of the material remains a subject of considerable research and development. In this paper, Inconel 718 samples made by additive manufacturing were investigated by neutron diffraction and neutron radiography techniques. The specimen features strong morphological and crystallographic textures and a highly heterogeneous microstructure. A 3D statistical full-field model is introduced by taking details of the microstructure into account to understand the experimental neutron radiography results. The Bragg-edge imaging and the total cross section were calculated based on the neutron transmission physics. A good match was obtained between the model predictions and experimental results at diffe...
Peritoneal strumosis: Presentation and management with multiple radioactive iodine treatments

Abstract Background Struma ovarii is a rare benign ovarian teratoma comprising of thyroid tissue. Infrequently, benign struma ovari can present with extra ovarian dissemination, thus posing a treatment challenge. Here we describe a case of peritoneal strumosis treated with thyroidectomy and two courses of radioiodine ablation. Case presentation 70 year old female with history of bilateral salphingo-oophorectomy 30 years prior presented with elevated thyroglobulin levels. Computed Tomography of the chest, abdomen and pelvis showed multiple peritoneal lesions. Subsequent biopsy revealed benign thyroid tissue. Thyroidectomy revealed papillary thyroid carcinoma; however, it did not match the peritoneal lesions. She was subsequently treated with radioiodine in two doses, each 30 mCi, 20 months apart. Follow up imaging and thyroglobulin levels showed a significant response to radioactive iodine treatment. Conclusion Peritoneal Strumosis is a rare presentation of extra ovarian struma ovarii with benign thyroid histology. We propose a treatment paradigm similar to a thyroid malignancy, including total thyroidectomy and radioactive ablation with I-131. Moreover, radioactive ablation can be performed in stages with smaller doses to avoid radiation-induced side effects with an excellent response.
Hypothalamic Serotonin in Relation to Appetite for Macronutrients and Eating Disorders

Brain serotonin (5-HT) is known to have an inhibitory effect on feeding behavior. Recent studies have characterized more precisely the nature of this effect, identified the brain sites and receptors involved, and defined a possible physiological role of endogenous 5-HT in controlling natural patterns of eating and nutrient selection. The evidence reviewed here suggests that 5-HT in the hypothalamus modulates the circadian pattern of feeding, as well as the proportion of carbohydrate in the diet. The neural substrates for this modulation include serotonergic projections to the paraventricular and ventromedial nuclei of the medial hypothalamus, where there exist neurons that control satiety in relation to the body‘s energy stores, and also to the suprachiasmatic nucleus, a primary circadian pacemaker that controls temporal patterns of feeding. Rather than tonically inhibiting eating behavior, endogenous 5-HT appears to act phasically according to a distinct circadian rhythm, with a peak at the beginning of the active feeding cycle. At this time, freely-feeding rats consume meals that are rich in carbohydrate. It is proposed that gradually over the course of these meals, medial hypothalamic 5-HT increases its activity and then, through stimulation of 5-HTIBreceptors, evokes a state of satiety that is specific to carbohydrate. Biochemical evidence in humans suggests that disturbances in brain 5-HT may mediate certain symptoms of eating disorders which may be ameliorated by pharmacological agents that potentiate serotonergic activity.
Ganglionic Antibody Level as a Predictor of Severity of Autonomic Failure.

Abstract Objective To assess antibody level as a test of autonomic failure (AF) associated with ganglionic nicotinic acetylcholine receptor antibody (AChR-Ab) autoimmunity. Patients and Methods We searched the Mayo Clinic laboratory database of 926 ganglionic AChR-Ab–seropositive patients seen at our institution between October 1, 1997, and April 1, 2015, for initial level of 0.05 nmol/L or higher and contemporaneous autonomic reflex screen (standardized evaluation of adrenergic, cardiovagal, and sudomotor functions) from which Composite Autonomic Scoring Scale (CASS) scores could be calculated. Results Of 289 patients who met inclusion criteria, 163 (56.4%) were women, median age was 54 years (range, 10-87 years), median antibody level was 0.11 nmol/L (range, 0.05-22.10 nmol/L), and median CASS total score was 2.0 (range, 0-10). Using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, a level above 0.40 nmol/L predicted severe AF (CASS score, ≥7) with 92% specificity and 56% sensitivity. For at least moderate AF (CASS score ≥4 and anhidrosis ≥25%), a level of at least 0.20 nmol/L had 80% specificity and 59% sensitivity. Levels below 0.20 nmol/L were not predictive of the presence or absence of AF. For predicting orthostatic hypotension, ganglionic AChR-Ab level had excellent specificity above 0.4 nmol/L but lacked sensitivity. Autoantibodies to additional targets were present in 61 patients (21.1%). Conclusion Ganglionic AChR-Ab level of at least 0.40 nmol/L is a moderately sensitive and highly specific marker for severe AF, as is a level of at least 0.20 nmol/L for moderate AF if CASS score is coupled with anhidrosis of 25% or more, among patients with suspected ganglionic AChR-Ab autoimmune autonomic ganglionopathy. Antibody levels of less than 0.20 nmol/L have little clinical importance in the absence of clinical AF.
Genetic Contextualism and the Value of a Structured Process.

Garrison and colleagues offer a new conceptual approach to the long-standing discussion and debate over whether and how genetic information differs from non-genetic information (Garrison et al. 201...
Comments and Critique: Yes! There Is a Hermeneutics of Natural Science: A Rejoinder to Markus

In this rejoinder to Gyorgy Markus (Science in Context 1:5–51), I argue that although there are nonphilosophical hermeneutical studies of communication among scientists (a “weak” hermeneutics) from which much can be learned about scientific practices, there is also the philosophical genre of a hermeneutics of natural science (a “strong” hermeneutics), with which this paper is concerned. The former is the nonphilosophical use of hermeneutics in the study of texts and historical sources; the latter is a philosophy pursued within a working canon of philosophical works defined principally by the writings of Heidegger and Husserl. There is also a hermeneutically sensitive analytic philosophy of science, such as in the work of Kuhn, Toulmin, and Elkana. These genres are distinguished by their literary canons and their basic phenomenologies or critical experiential givens; each genre comprises an exemplary phenomenology as understood with the help of a characteristic fundamental literary canon.I argue that analytic philosophy is pursued within a canon that makes it difficult to raise hermeneutical questions about natural science, and that it assumes a generally positivistic phenomenology. I argue that hermeneutical phenomenology currently defines itself in dialectical opposition to “science” as understood (positivistically) by analytic philosophy, and has failed to exploit the opportunity of making its own positive contribution to the philosophy of science by examining for itself the phenomenology of laboratory work, especially data production, and the transformation of the language of theory into a descriptive language of scientific phenomena. A “strong” hermeneutical philosophy of natural science, then, challenges both analytic philosophy and the existing tradition of hermeneutical phenomenology.