cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Uncoating of Plant Clathrin Coated Vesicles by Uncoating ATPase from Peas

In plants, clathrin coated vesicles are involved in the transport of proteins to the vacuole/protein body (Harley, 1989). This transport system requires a mechanism for uncoating the clathrin from the vesicle prior to or concomitant with fusion of the vesicle with the target membrane and deposition of the cargo proteins. In yeast and mammals, a cytosolic ATPase which is a member of the HSP 70 family has been shown to uncoat clathrin coated vesicles in vitro (Chappel, 1986; Gao, 1991). The present study shows that there is also a cytosolic uncoating ATPase in plants. When a postmicrosomal supernatant obtained from peas was chromatographed on ATP agarose under conditions previously described for the uncoating ATPase from yeast (Gao, 1991), the protein fraction that was eluted from this column with 1 mM ATP (Fraction 2) showed two conspicuous bands in the molecular range of 70 KD (Figure 1, lane 2) on SDS gels. Fraction 2 was applied to Phenyl Sepharose in 30% ammonium sulfate and adsorbed proteins were eluted stepwise with a buffer containing 10% ammonium sulfate, 0% ammonium sulfate or 80% ethylene glycol. The 70 KD proteins were markedly enriched in the fraction that eluted in 0% ammonium sulfate (Figure 1, lane 4). This fraction (fraction 4) was incubated with clathrin coated vesicles from peas or bovine brain in the presence of ATP and an ATP regenerating system. After separation of vesicles from soluble proteins by high speed centrifugation, some of the clathrin was contained in the fraction of soluble proteins as shown by SDS Page (Figure 1, lanes 8 and 9).
Meniscal Allograft Transplantation in the Adolescent Population.

Purpose To report the results of meniscal allograft transplantation (MAT) with minimum 2-year follow-up in an active adolescent population. Methods After institutional review board approval, all patients aged 16 years or younger who underwent MAT and had more than 2 years' clinical follow-up were identified from a prospectively collected database. Demographic data were collected and summary statistics calculated. Functional outcome scores were collected preoperatively and at 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, and final follow-up. Differences between scores at each time point were calculated using a mixed-model repeated-measures analysis of variance. All prior procedures and reoperations were documented. Results Thirty-seven MAT procedures were performed in 36 children (84% lateral and 16% medial). For 32 of these procedures (86%), the patients met the inclusion criteria with minimum 2-year follow-up. The mean age was 15.4 ± 1.04 years (range, 13 to 16 years). All patients had undergone prior knee surgery. Of the 32 patients, 23 (72%) were girls and 9 (28%) were boys. Eleven patients had open physes. Forty-eight percent of patients underwent concomitant procedures, mainly for chondral defects. The mean length of clinical follow-up was 7.2 ± 3.2 years (range, 2 to 15 years). MAT resulted in significant improvements in the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, Lysholm score, International Knee Documentation Committee subjective score, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index pain score, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index function score, and Short Form 12 physical score. After MAT, 7 patients (22%) underwent 8 surgical procedures, most of which were for chondral disease. The meniscal reoperation rate was 6%. No revision MAT procedures were required. No angular deformities or limb-length inequalities were reported. Conclusions MAT resulted in predictable improvements in functional outcomes in the adolescent population. The meniscal reoperation rate was low (6%), no revision MAT procedures were required, and no growth complications were reported. Chondral disease remains the primary reason for reoperation after MAT. Level of Evidence Level IV, therapeutic case series.
Two Potential Parasites of the Mexican Bean Beetle from India

Two parasites of Henosepilaehna sparsa (Herbst) from India were tested against the Mexican bean beetle, Epilachna Varivestis Mulsant, at the Insect Identification and Parasite Introduction Research Branch, Moorestown, N. J. Tetrastiehus ovulorum Ferriere attacked E. varivestis and damaged the host eggs, but only a few parasites were Alber to complete their development. Pediobius foveolatus (Crawford) attacked and reproduced in larvae of E. varivestis . Neither species of parasites attacked or showed interest in several species of beneficial coccinellids native to India and the United States.
CONTROL ALLOCATION WITH ADAPTIVE FAILURE CONTROL

In the age of modern aircraft and fly-by-wire control systems, the inclusion of mechanical backup systems for handling instances of control failures is becoming more uncommon. As a result, pilots are forced to fully rely on the failure immunities designed into these systems and be assured that, should such failures occur, the aircraft maintain adequate flying qualities long enough for a safe ejection or an emergency landing. This paper demonstrates the control reconfiguration aspects of a control allocation with rate limiting algorithm to adapt to various control failures while still achieving desired moments, thus providing a safe environment for the pilot.
Spectral decomposition along the travel path of signal wavelets

Summary Spectral decomposition is a window analysis to characterize the wavelet response of an interpretation target. Spectral analysis can deliver statistically robust results with finer frequency resolution if the analysis window can exclusively sample the signal wavelets while attenuating noise. The general workflow of the analysis algorithm is to pick a window centered on the interpretation seed along the Z axis and then perform the spectrum decomposition in the window. However, the same algorithm will not work properly to sample the signal wavelets when the interpretation targets have strong dips. In order to sample the signal wavelets while attenuating the noise, we developed an algorithm to sample the signal wavelet along the ray path in which the wavelet travels. The ray starts from a point in the picked horizon and follows a path with the minimum travel time, which is computed from the picked horizon as the exploding source. We use a wedge model to compare our algorithm with the traditional method. The result shows that for a wedge dipping at an angle, the measured tuning thickness using a window along the z axis overestimates the true tuning thickness of the dipping bed by a function of the dipping angle. The difference is due to the different wavelets sampled using different methods. This observation raises cautions on interpreting spectral decomposition results of high dipping events and other window analysis results when the analysis window internally samples the biased wavelet.
Curing Induced Structural Reorganization and Enhanced Reactivity of Amino-Terminated Organic Thin Films on Solid Substrates: Observations of Two Types of Chemically and Structurally Unique Amino Groups on the Surface

Infrared-visible sum frequency generation vibrational spectroscopy (SFG) was used to characterize the structure of 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) films deposited on solid substrates under controlled experimental conditions for the first time. Our SFG spectra in combination with complementary analytical data showed that APTES films undergo structural changes when cured at an elevated temperature. Before the films are cured, well-ordered hydrophobic ethoxy groups are dominantly present on the surface. A majority of hydrophilic surface amino groups are protonated, and they are either buried or randomly oriented at the interface. After the films are cured, chemically and structurally different neutral amino groups are detected on the surface. Unlike the protonated amino groups, a new class of neutral amino groups is ordered at the interface and shows enhanced reactivity.
Lidar-Based Methodology to Evaluate Fragility Models for Tornado-Induced Roof Damage

AbstractStructural fragility models have been developed to provide probabilistic estimates of building component damage states caused by exposure to differing wind speeds. Limitations in taking accurate measurements and gathering quantitative loss information in the aftermath of tornadoes has not allowed for comparing fragility-based information with actual building-loss data. This paper presents a methodology for extracting damaged building geometry and roof sheathing loss information from three-dimensional (3D) point cloud data collected with laser scanning technology. The observed building component damage states are then compared to fragility model predictions to validate the models. The methodology was tested on 3D data collected after the 2013 Moore, Oklahoma tornado. From this initial study, which was performed on 5 houses having 27 damaged roof surfaces, it was shown that fragility models underestimated the loss in the center of roof planes (Zone 1) and overestimated the loss in the corners of roo...
Number of Ribs Resected is Associated with Respiratory Complications Following Lobectomy with en bloc Chest Wall Resection.

Pulmonary lobectomy with en bloc chest wall resection is a common strategy for treating lung cancers invading the chest wall. We hypothesized a direct relationship exists between number of ribs resected and postoperative respiratory complications. An institutional database was queried for patients with non-small cell lung cancer that underwent lobectomy with en bloc chest wall resection between 2003 and 2014. Propensity matching was used to identify a cohort of patients who underwent lobectomy via thoracotomy without chest wall resection. Patients were propensity matched on age, gender, smoking history, FEV1, and DLCO. The relationship between number of ribs resected and postoperative respiratory complications (bronchoscopy, re-intubation, pneumonia, or tracheostomy) was examined. Sixty-eight patients (34 chest wall resections; 34 without chest wall resection) were divided into 3 cohorts: cohort A = 0 ribs resected (n = 34), cohort B = 1–3 ribs resected (n = 24), and cohort C = 4–6 ribs resected (n = 10). Patient demographics were similar between cohorts. The 90-day mortality rate was 2.9 % (2/68) and did not vary between cohorts. On multivariate analysis, having 1–3 ribs resected (OR 19.29, 95 % CI (1.33, 280.72); p = 0.03), 4–6 ribs resected [OR 26.66, (1.48, 481.86); p = 0.03), and a lower DLCO (OR 0.91, (0.84, 0.99); p = 0.02) were associated with postoperative respiratory complications. In patients undergoing lobectomy with en bloc chest wall resection for non-small cell lung cancer, the number of ribs resected is directly associated with incidence of postoperative respiratory complications.
Probing Flexural Properties of Cellulose Nanocrystal–Graphene Nanomembranes with Force Spectroscopy and Bulging Test

The flexural properties of ultrathin freely standing composite nanomembranes from reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) have been probed by combining force spectroscopy for local nanomechanical properties and bulging test for global mechanical properties. We observed that the flexural properties of these rGO–CNC nanomembranes are controlled by rGO content and deformational regimes. The nanomembranes showed the enhanced mechanical properties due to the strong interfacial interactions between interwoven rGO and CNC components. The presence of weak interfacial interactions resulted in time-dependent behavior with the relaxation time gradually decreased with increasing the deformational rate owing to the reducing viscous damping at faster probing regimes close to 10 Hz. We observed that the microscopic elastic bending modulus of 141 GPa from local force spectroscopy is close to the elastic tensile modulus evaluated from macroscopic bulging test, indicating the consistency of both appro...
Anesthesia for Colonoscopy

Millions of colonoscopies are performed around the world each year. Colonoscopies are associated with discomfort and pain, which can be problematic for the patient as well as the endoscopist. Most screening colonoscopies are performed on an outpatient basis where access to anesthesia providers may be limited. Interventional colonoscopies, retrograde double-balloon enteroscopies, and colonoscopies requiring deep levels of sedation are often performed with the assistance of anesthesia providers. Patients with multiple comorbidities, uncooperative patients, pediatric patients, patients with a history of difficult sedations, and patients with a history of airway related difficulties are best served by the involvement of an anesthesiologist. Sedation and patient care strategies will be reviewed in this chapter. Ultimately, the best anesthetic technique will be determined by patient factors, procedural difficulty, procedural duration, anticipated depth of sedation required, and ability to modify the chosen technique as the situation changes.
On Legitimacy: Is Public Administration Stigmatized?

Public administration scholarship has a long-standing tradition of examining the legitimacy of public administration. One of the motives behind this literature is the necessity to defend against constant criticisms directed toward public administration research, theory, and practice. In this article, we shift the focus from defending public administration by conceptualizing and accepting it as an illegitimate and stigmatized institution—one that cannot and should not rid itself of this label. Accepting and presupposing this label of illegitimacy, independent from any particular definition of legitimacy, allows scholars and practitioners to focus on creating new knowledge and performing professional responsibilities.
Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation for FA Patients with Acute Leukemia or Advanced MDS

Abstract Abstract 4146 Fanconi anemia (FA) patients with acute leukemia or advanced myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS with ≥ 5% blasts) have a poor prognosis and hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) experience is limited. We report on the outcomes of 21 patients with FA and acute myeloid leukemia (AML, n=16), acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL, n=2) or advanced MDS (n=3) who underwent allogeneic HCT at the University of Minnesota from 1988–2009. Five patients had biallelic BRCA2 mutations. Only 2 of 7 patients who received chemotherapy before HCT achieved remission both of whom had biallelic BRCA-2 mutations and T-cell ALL. Median age was 15.5 (range 1.1–48.5) years. Median age for BRCA2 patients was substantially lower at 1.9 (range 1.4–6.6) years. Patients received cyclophosphamide, antithymocyte globulin and either single fraction total body irradiation (n=15) or busulfan (n=6), with (n=11) or without (n=10) fludarabine (FLU) followed by HLA-matched sibling (n=3) or alternative (n=18) donor stem cells consisting of bone marrow (BM, n=14), single (n=4) or double (n=3) umbilical cord blood (UCB). Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis consisted of cyclosporine A and methylprednisolone. Probability of neutrophil engraftment was 75% without FLU and 100% with FLU based regimens. Probability of acute GVHD was 19%. For the entire cohort, probability of survival at 1 year was 43%. A higher rate of survival was observed in the 11 patients who received a FLU based regimens (50%; figure) and in the 5 patients with BRCA2 mutations (60%). Probability of relapse was 21% in these 11 patients. Download : Download high-res image (14KB) Download : Download full-size image These data suggest that HCT with a FLU based preparative regimen offers potential curative therapy for FA patients with acute leukemia or advanced MDS. Except perhaps for BRCA-2 patients with T cell ALL, there is no clear role for chemotherapy prior to HCT in FA patients with AML or MDS. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Tailoring trehalose for biomedical and biotechnological applications

Trehalose is a non-reducing sugar whose ability to stabilize biomolecules has brought about its widespread use in biological preservation applications. Trehalose is also an essential metabolite in a number of pathogens, most significantly the global pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis, though it is absent in humans and other mammals. Recently, there has been a surge of interest in modifying the structure of trehalose to generate analogues that have applications in biomedical research and biotechnology. Non-degradable trehalose analogues could have a number of advantages as bioprotectants and food additives. Trehalose-based imaging probes and inhibitors are already useful as research tools and may have future value in the diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis, among other uses. Underlying the advancements made in these areas are novel synthetic methods that facilitate access to and evaluation of trehalose analogues. In this review, we focus on both aspects of the development of this class of molecules. First, we consider the chemical and chemoenzymatic methods that have been used to prepare trehalose analogues and discuss their prospects for synthesis on commercially relevant scales. Second, we describe ongoing efforts to develop and deploy detectable trehalose analogues, trehalose-based inhibitors, and non-digestible trehalose analogues. The current and potential future uses of these compounds are discussed, with an emphasis on their roles in understanding and combatting mycobacterial infection.
Lenalidomide added to bendamustine-rituximab for untreated chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL): A phase 1 study.

7082 Background: Lenalidomide is an immunomodulator with activity in CLL. Bendamustine-rituximab (BR) is a widely used upfront regimen. We conducted a phase I trial combining lenalidomide (len) wit...
Cooking to be Modern but Eating to be Healthy: The Role of Dawa-Dawa in Contemporary Ghanaian Foodways

AbstractDawa-dawa, the Hausa name for the fermented paste made from the seeds of the African locust bean tree (Parkia biglobosa) is a widely used ingredient in soups in the semi-arid regions of West Africa. With a very distinctive odor and taste, the perceived palatability of dawa-dawa has decreased over the past few decades, a shift in taste that has occurred alongside the increased availability of industrially produced bouillon cubes marketed for soup preparation. Instead of dichotomizing dawa-dawa and bouillon cubes, the intent of this paper is to use dawa-dawa as a means to explore how global pressures complexly contribute to processes of dietary change in rural West Africa. In this context there are two distinguishable fronts of global capitalism—one that shapes norms of what it means to be a “modern” cook or eater and one that shapes preferred and healthy diets as inaccessible. The intersection of these two processes produces what I argue are eaters in rural Upper West Ghana who overtly disregard da...
Spiking deconvolution for seismic waves using the Fractional Fourier Transform

This paper applies the Fractional Fourier Transform (FrFT) to a collected seismic trace to estimate the Earth's reflectivity function. This is done by computing the FrFT domain ‘a’ in which the source wavelet is as close to a delta (or spiking) function as possible, mimicking the concept of spiking deconvolution. We show by simulation that the proposed method outperforms conventional spiking deconvolution (SD) and time domain deconvolution (TDD) by nearly an order of magnitude over signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) of −10 to 20 dB.
Theoretical and Applied Issues in Self-Control

Recent developments in self-control research with children are critically reviewed, and a distinction is drawn between studies investigating self-determined performance standards and those investigating self-reinforcement. The reinforcing function of self-control in humans and animals is discussed, as is the potential functional value inherent in labeling certain strategies “self-determined.” The maintaining capacities of self-determined systems, as” well as their effects on initial performance, are compared to those of externally controlled systems. At present, self-control strategies are at least as effective, and in some cases more effective, than externally controlled strategies in promoting desired behavior change. The effects of stringency and leniency of performance standards and reinforcement levels are evaluated, and methods are advanced to elicit the self-selection of stringent standards. Future directions for research on self-control are proposed.
Electrocatalytic reduction of CO2 with CCC-NHC pincer nickel complexes.

A CCC-NHC pincer Ni(II)Cl complex was prepared according to the metallation/transmetallation methodology. It was fully characterized by electrochemical, NMR spectroscopic, theoretical, and X-ray crystallographic methods. The complex and its cation were evaluated for electrocatalytic reduction of CO2 under a variety of conditions and found to provide some of the fastest catalytic rates and highest substrate selectivities (CO2vs. H+) reported. Rates improved in the presence of water and, significantly, catalysis occurred at the first reduction potential, presumably at the Ni(I) state. Controlled potential electrolysis (CPE) was found to yield CO at 34% and formate at 47% Faradaic efficiency (FE).
Patient-family EoL communication and its predictors: Reports from caregivers of Latino patients in the rural U.S.-Mexico border region.

Objective:Family caregivers play an important role in end-of-life (EoL) decision making when the patient is unable to make his/her own decisions. While communication about EoL care between patients and family is perhaps a first step toward advance care planning (ACP)/EoL decisions, not every culture puts great value on open communication about this topic. The aims of the present study were to explore EoL communication and the aspects of communication among caregivers of Latino patients in the rural United States (U.S.)–Mexico border region.Method:This study analyzed data from a hospice needs assessment collected from 189 family caregivers of Latino patients at a home health agency in a rural U.S.–Mexico border region. Bivariate tests and logistic regression were used to address our aims.Results:About half of the family caregivers (n = 96, 50.8%) reported to have ever engaged in EoL discussion with patients. Significant predictors of EoL discussion included life-sustaining treatment preference (odds ratio [OR] = 0.44, p < 0.05); knowledge of an advance directive (AD) (OR = 5.50, p < 0.01); and distrust of physicians (OR = 0.29, p < 0.01). Caregivers who preferred extending the life of their loved one even if he/she had to rely on life supports were less likely to engage in EoL communication. Also, caregivers who worried that physicians might want to stop treatments (i.e., “pull the plug”) too soon were less likely to do so. Conversely, caregivers who had knowledge about ADs were more likely to engage in EoL communication.Significance of Results:EoL communication is a complex process influenced by individual, social, and cultural values and the beliefs of both the patient and his/her family. Inclusion of family caregivers in the ACP process and facilitating culturally tailored EoL communication between patients and family caregivers is important.
Phylogeography and genetics of the globally invasive snail Physa acuta Draparnaud 1805, and its potential to serve as an intermediate host to larval digenetic trematodes

Physa acuta is a globally invasive freshwater snail native to North America. Prior studies have led to conflicting views of how P. acuta populations are connected and genetic diversity is partitioned globally. This study aims to characterize phylogeographic and population genetic structure within the native range of P. acuta, elucidate its invasion history and assess global patterns of genetic diversity. Further, using meta-analytic methods, we test the ‘Enemy-Release hypothesis’ within the P. acuta – digenetic trematode system. The ‘Enemy-Release hypothesis’ refers to the loss of native parasites following establishment of their host within an invasive range. Population genetic data is combined with surveys of trematode infections to map range-wide trematode species richness associated with P. acuta, and to identify relevant host-population parameters important in modeling host-parasite invasion. Phylogenetic analyses using mtDNA uncovered two major clades (A & B). Clade A occurs globally while clade B was only recovered from the Western USA. All invasive populations sampled grouped within Clade A, where multiple independent source populations were identified from across North America. Significant population genetic structure was found within the native range of P. acuta, with some evidence for contemporary geographic barriers between western and eastern populations. Mito-nuclear discordance was found suggesting historical isolation with secondary contact between the two mitochondrial clades. Trematode species richness was found to differ significantly between native and invasive populations, in concordance with the ‘Enemy-Release hypothesis’. Further, our data suggests a positive relationship between nucleotide diversity of invasive populations and trematode prevalence and richness. This study includes a wider geographic sampling of P. acuta within its native range that provides insight into phylogeographic and population genetic structure, range-wide genetic diversity and estimation of the invasion history. Meta-analysis of P. acuta – trematode surveys globally is consistent with the ‘Enemy-Release hypothesis’. Additionally, results from this study suggest that host demographic parameters, namely genetic diversity as a proxy for population size, may play an essential role in how parasite communities assemble within invasive host populations. This knowledge can be used to begin to construct a framework to model host-parasite invasion dynamics over time.
Using GeoChoicePerspectives in Collaborative Spatial Decision Making

This paper evaluates the use of spatial group decision support software during collaborative decision making in small, inter-organisational groups. To study human-computer-human interaction, our experimental design used a conference room setting and 109 volunteers formed into 22 groups of 5 persons, each containing multiple (organisational) stakeholders. Digital maps were integrated with multiple criteria decision models to select habitat restoration sites in the Duwamish Waterway of Seattle, Washington. Experimental findings demonstrated that groups used maps predominantly to visualise evaluation results and much less to structure/design the decision problem. While the use of multiple criteria decision models by groups remained steady throughout different phases of the decision process, the use of maps was much lower during the initial (deliberative-structuring) phase, than during the later (analytical) phase. Group conflict was higher during the analytical phase and much lower during the deliberative-structuring phase. A higher level of conflict during the analytical phase suggests that analytical decision aids aimed at conflict management are likely to help mitigate conflict, often a necessary part of making progress in public decision problems.
Examining the current standards for genetic discovery and replication in the era of mega-biobanks.

With the recent deluge of mega-biobank data, it is time to revisit what constitutes “replication” for genome-wide association studies. Many replication samples are unavailable or underpowered, therefore alternatives beyond strict statistical replication are needed until the required resources become available. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have become a mainstay in genetics research to understand genotype-phenotype relationships. Following the second release of UK Biobank data and the flood of publications using these data, here the author revisits the standards for discovery, replication and follow-up in GWAS today.
3 Autism Spectrum Disorders

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is an umbrella term that refers to a group of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by impairments in social communication and a restricted range of interests and behaviors. The core social communication impairments, identified through the application of developmental principles to understanding psychopathological presentation, include disruptions in social attention, joint attention, face and emotion perception, and imitation that result in reduced social-emotional reciprocity and use of nonverbal behaviors as well as impaired peer relationships. Core characteristics also include disruptions in play, atypical language use and repetitive and restricted interests and behaviors. The clinical presentation of ASD is highly heterogeneous reflecting the now understood conception that ASD is likely a collection of complex developmental disabilities. This clinical variability reflects different etiological contributions, individual differences in the age of onset and treatment response, and developmental symptom profiles of social-emotional development that have been observed among individuals with ASD. Etiological research has highlighted the contribution of genetic and environmental risk factors while brain studies have illuminated several neural systems structured and functioning atypically in ASD. Despite the variability in clinical presentation, behaviorally based treatments have emerged as an effective treatment for many children with ASD. Keywords: autism spectrum disorder; autistic disorder; Asperger's syndrome; pervasive developmental disorder; Leo Kanner; applied behavioral analysis (ABA); social communication; restricted and repetitive interests and behaviors (RRBs)
Reduced defenses and increased herbivore preference of island chaparral shrubs compared to mainland relatives

The absence of herbivores from certain environments may select for plants that are less defended and more palatable compared to plants in similar environments that are exposed to herbivory. This potential loss of defenses becomes especially important when exotic herbivores are introduced to islands that historically lack such organisms, potentially resulting in negative effects on native island ecosystems. To test the hypothesis that island plants have reduced defensive traits, we measured structural defenses and palatability of 10 taxonomic pairs from contrasting island and mainland environments. Our study compares plants from Santa Catalina Island, California—which has a long history without large native herbivores followed by more recent human-caused introductions—to the adjacent southern California mainland where ungulate herbivores are native and common. Our results suggest that island plants have reduced structural defenses and are more preferred by herbivores compared to their mainland plant relatives. These patterns are likely driven by selection on plant traits in the unique and insular island environment. Reduced defenses and increased palatability of island plant species should be considered when developing management strategies for island ecosystems that historically lack native ungulate herbivores.
Using Paraffin PCM for Thermal Management of BOLAS Planetary CubeSats with Ion Thrusters

The Bi-sat Observations of the Lunar Atmosphere above Swirls (BOLAS) is a NASA planetary CubeSat mission concept in low lunar orbit. The BOLAS lower CubeSat is at a 90 km altitude above the lunar surface during spiraling down from the Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) Secondary Payload Adapter (ESPA) to the Moon. Without phase change material (PCM), the worst hot case temperature prediction for the Command and Data Handling (C&DH) exceeds the 61°C maximum operating limit, and those for the Iris solid state power amplifier (SSPA) and transponder exceed the 50°C maximum operating limit. Miniature n-Tricosane PCM packs on the Iris SSPA and transponder, and miniature n-Hexacosane PCM packs on the C&DH are used to store thermal energy in sunlight and release it in the eclipse. With paraffin PCM, all the temperatures are within the maximum operating limits.
Estrogenic, Antiestrogenic and Antiproliferative Activities of Euphorbia bicolor (Euphorbiaceae) Latex Extracts and Its Phytochemicals

Estrogen receptor antagonists are effective in breast cancer treatment. However, the side effects of these treatments have led to a rise in searching for alternative therapies. The present study evaluated the estrogenic, antiestrogenic, and antiproliferative activities of Euphorbia bicolor (Euphorbiaceae), a plant native to south-central USA. Estrogenic and antiestrogenic activities of latex extract and its phytochemicals were evaluated with a steroid-regulated yeast system expressing the human estrogen receptor α and antiproliferative properties were assessed in the ER-positive MCF-7 and T47-D and triple-negative MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-469 breast carcinomas. Genistein and coumestrol identified in the latex extract induced higher estrogenic and antiestrogenic activities compared to diterpenes and flavonoids. The latex extract, resiniferatoxin (RTX) and rutin induced antiproliferative activities in all cell lines in a dose-dependent manner, but not in human normal primary dermal fibroblast cultures. A biphasic effect was observed with MDA-MB-468 breast carcinoma in which the latex extract at low concentrations increased and at high concentrations decreased cell proliferation. Treatments with latex extract in combination with RTX or rutin reduced even more the proliferation of MCF-7 breast carcinoma compared to the individual latex, RTX, and rutin treatments. E. bicolor latex phytochemicals could contribute to developing commercial therapeutic agents for breast cancer treatment.
Chapter 17 – CONCLUSION

Publisher Summary There is a considerable statistical component at the peripheral as well as at subsequent levels. The physical input is subject to fluctuations as is the state of individual neurons and cell assembles. Thus, the peripheral organs, themselves exposed to some variability, must cope with the statistics of the physical stimulus. Moreover, the latter is unknown until it is perceived and it is not surprising that in such circumstances some sampling of the stimulus scene must occur to determine its characteristics. In view of the numerous influences converging onto single cells and their own inherent variability as well as that of the input sources, reliable operation assumes increased significances. Second, stimuli are not transmitted point by point rather they are processed by a large number of cells, the receptive fields that converge onto single cells at a subsequent stage.
Assessment of traceability measurement for Streptococcus suis nucleic acid detection

Objective By establishing quantitative PCR (QPCR) assay for Streptococcus suis DNA detection and preparing reference materials in order to research the measurement traceability technology and metrological standard to apply on pathogenic microbes nucleic acid inspection. Methods According to reported Streptococcus suis DNA sequence,16S rRNA specific primers were designed and synthesized and the concentration ratio of forward to reverse primer was tested and employed for QPCR. A standard curve was drawn according as the concentration of reference DNA materials. From there, the relation between Ct (Cycle threshold) value and sample DNA copies was demonstrated. The specificity, sensitivity, stability and uncertainty of the assay were evaluated, and the useful-life of the reference material was tested. Results The QPCR assay for the Streptococcus suis DNA detection was established and Streptococcus suis DNA from clinical samples was quantitatively analyzed. There was no in-specific amplification. The primer concentration ratio was 0.6 μmol/L (Fw) to 0.3 μmol/L (Re). The sensitivity was 18.6 DNA copies. Reaction system was good for 1.86 × 102-1.86 × 104 DNA copies/10 μL detection. Experiment data from different experimenters and different time were analyzed by mixed effective model. It was suggested that the variety of Ct value was associated with the initial template concentration ( F = 597.60, P ＜ 0.01 ). There were no significant differences with time or experimenters ( F = 0.60, 1.90, P ＞0.05). The uncertainty of Ct value was 0.46％-5.40％. The useful-life of DNA reference material was at least half a year for stored at 4℃ or one year for - 66℃. Conclusions This QPCR assay with its well specificity and stability could be used as Streptococcus suis DNA quantitative detection. The prepared DNA reference material provided with international metrical standard with its good useful-life could be used as a certified reference material for the demonstration of measurement traceability and transfer in Streptococcus suis DNA quantitative analysis. Key words: Streptococcus suis; Quantitative PCR; Measurement traceability
Crapemyrtle Bark Scale Acanthococcus (=Eriococcus) lagerstroemiae (Kuwana) (Insecta: Hemiptera: Eriococcidae)

The crapemyrtle bark scale is an invasive felt scale in the family Eriococcidae (or Acanthococcidae, as the taxonomy of this family is still being debated). This group is in the superfamily Coccoidea (scale insects) and the order Hemiptera (true bugs). Felt scales, also called bark scales, are not considered either armored scales or soft scales. As of early 2018, crapemyrtle bark scale has not yet been reported in Florida, however, it has been found in Alabama and Georgia and is expected eventually to spread into Florida. At that time, early detection and treatment will be critical to minimize further spread within the state. Includes: Introduction - Synonymy - Distribution - Description - Life Cycle and Biology - Hosts - Damage - Management - Selected References.https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in1218 Previously published at http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/ORN/SCALES/crapemyrtle_bark_scale.html
New Insights into Water Treatment Materials with Chemically Sensitive Soft and Tender X-rays

Adequate access to clean, safe water is required for humanity’s well-being and continued prosperity. However, over one billion people around the world lack this access [1, 2]. Materials science and...
Association between premature ventricular contraction burden and Exercise Stress Test Parameters in children with normal hearts

Purpose: Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) are common in children even in the absence of structural heart disease or channelopathy. Risk stratification in this subset of children is predicated on clinical symptoms such as syncope, as well as the results of stress test, Holter evaluation, and echocardiogram. Suppression of PVCs with exercise portends a favorable prognostic marker. However, there is paucity of data regarding exercise stress tests variables and PVC characteristics noted on Holter in this population. Our aim is to investigate the association between exercise stress parameters and PVC burden ascertained with a 24 hour Holter in …
Leukemia Cutis With Histopathologic and Immunophenotypic Features Resembling S100-Negative CD1a-Positive Cutaneous Histiocytosis.

ABSTRACT S100-negative CD1a-positive cutaneous histiocytosis is an exceedingly rare histiocytosis that is defined histopathologically by a dense dermal infiltrate of ovoid mononuclear cells with grooved nuclei and ample cytoplasm with variable nuclear atypia and mitoses that are immunohistochemically positive for CD1a and negative for S100 and CD207 (langerin). The histogenesis of S100-negative CD1a-positive histiocytosis is unclear, and its precursor cell has yet to be characterized. Although all cases thus far have been described as benign and occasionally self-resolving, the clinical course and outcome of this disease are not fully understood. This case expands the spectrum of disease associated with S100-negative CD1a-positive histiocytosis given its malignant course.
Abstract PS16-11: Potential therapeutic effects of HDACi FK228 on TNBC using various models

Breast cancer is the most prevalent type of cancer among women. Most breast cancers are hormone sensitive, however triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), a more aggressive subtype of breast cancer is characterized by its negative expression of estrogen and progesterone receptors, and lack of Her2/NEU amplification. Because of its receptor status, hormone receptor targeted treatments are ineffective against TNBC making it difficult to treat. FK228, known as Romidepsin, is a histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi) that specifically targets the enzymes HDACs 1 and 2, tumor suppressor and other proteins exerting epigenetic changes on tumor cells resulting in anticancer activity. FK228 has not been studied in TNBC, but has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL), where the mechanism of action has demonstrated cell cycle arrest and apoptosis [1,2]. To assess the preliminary role of FK228 in breast cancer, a number of TNBC cell lines were treated with the drug and analyzed for suppression of cell cycle genes. Similar to PTCL, TNBC cell lines showed an increase in cell cycle arrest genes such as p21 and others subsequent to treatment. Moving forward, to recapitulate the tumor microenvironment we have utilized 2D and 3D culture, while PDXs (patient derived xenografts), an excellent translational tool. We first identified changes in morphology and migration in 2k1, MDA-MB 231 and HS-578t cell lines treated with FK228 under in-vitro conditions. Additional molecular studies also show a reversal of the epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) in FK228 treated BC cell lines; specifically in relation to EMT genes CDH1 and ZEB2, both directly connected to HDAC1/2 activity. To further study the effects of FK228, PDXs are implanted into mice to study growth patterns, recurrence, metastatic potential and response to FK228 in different patient tumor models. FK228 showed a drastic suppression in tumorigenesis in model TU-BCX-2O0, prompting the study of several other models in tumorigenesis including TU-BX-4IC, 4M4 and 4QX. Metastasis was also monitored by HE 2020 Dec 8-11; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(4 Suppl):Abstract nr PS16-11.
Outcomes of Specialty Palliative Care Interventions for Patients with Hematologic Malignancies: A Systematic Review.

Abstract Context The outcomes of specialty palliative care (PC) interventions for patients with hematologic malignancies (HMs) is under-investigated. Objectives We performed a systematic review to evaluate the effect of PC interventions on patient- and caregiver- reported outcomes and healthcare utilization among adults with HMs (leukemia, myeloma, and lymphoma). Methods From database inception through September 10, 2020, we systematically searched PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Reviews using terms representing HMs and PC. Eligible studies investigated adults aged 18 years and older, were published in the English language, and contained original, quantitative, or qualitative data related to patient- and/or caregiver-centered outcomes and healthcare utilization. Results We screened 5345 studies;16 met inclusion criteria and found that specialty PC led to improved symptom management, decreased likelihood of inpatient death, decreased healthcare utilization, decreased cost of healthcare, and improved caregiver-reported outcomes. Patients with HM have a high need for PC which, though increasing over time, is often provided late in the clinical disease course. Conclusions Specialty PC interventions improve healthcare outcomes for patients with HMs and should be implemented early and often. There remains a need for additional studies investigating PC use exclusively in patients with HMs.
Main Trends In the Oil Sector In 2018-2019

Amid raising global oil prices, crude oil production in Russia in 2018 hit an all-time high for the post-Soviet period. Under the first stage of tax maneuver in force in the oil industry, production and export of fuel oil moved down resulting in contraction of oil refining volumes but refining depth went up notably. Year 2019 saw the launch of the second stage of the tax maneuver in force in the oil industry and the tax on extra revenue was adopted.
Project Link!: Dynamics and Control of In-Flight Wing Tip Docking

Project Link! is a NASA-led effort to study the feasibility of multi-aircraft aerial docking systems. In these systems, a group of vehicles physically link to each other during flight to form a larger ensemble vehicle with increased aerodynamic performance and mission utility. This paper presents a dynamic model and control architecture for a system of fixed-wing vehicles with this capability. The dynamic model consists of the 6 degree-of-freedom fixed-wing aircraft equations of motion, a spring-damper-magnet system to represent the linkage force between constituent vehicles, and the NASA-Burnham-Hallock wingtip vortex model to represent the close-proximity aerodynamic interactions between constituents before the linking occurs. The control architecture consists of a guidance algorithm to autonomously drive the constituents towards their linking partners and an inner-loop angular rate controller. A simulation was constructed from the model, and the flight dynamic modes of the linked system were compared to the individual vehicles. Simulation results for both before and after linking are presented.
Machine-Learned Energy Functionals for Strongly Correlated Systems

We introduce multiconfiguration data-driven functional theory (MC-DDFT) as a new approach to multiconfiguration nonclassical functional theory (MC-NCFT), in which the classical energy of a multiconfigurational wave function is combined with a machine-learned functional for the nonclassical exchange-correlation energy. We also present results obtained by a related approach, multiconfiguration energy-correcting functional theory (MC-ECFT), in which the total energy of a wave function method (e.g. CASSCF or NEVPT2) is corrected with a machine-learned functional. On a dataset of carbene singlet-triplet energy splittings, we demonstrate that these new multiconfiguration data-driven functional methods (MC-DDFMs) are able to achieve near-benchmark performance on systems not used for training while being less active-space dependent than multiconfiguration pair-density functional theory using currently available translated functionals.