cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
TBL3 and TBL31, Two Arabidopsis DUF231 Domain Proteins, are Required for 3- O -Monoacetylation of Xylan

Xylan, a major constituent of secondary cell walls, is made of a linear chain of β-1,4-linked xylosyl residues that are often substituted with glucuronic acid/methylglucuronic acid side chains and acetylated at O-2 and O-3. Previous studies have shown that ESK1, an Arabidopsis DUF231 protein, is an acetyltransferase catalyzing 2-O- and 3-O-monoacetylation of xylan. However, the esk1 mutation only causes a partial loss of xylan 2-O- and 3-O-monoacetylation, suggesting that additional xylan acetyltransferase activities are involved. In this report, we demonstrated the essential roles of two other Arabidopsis DUF231 genes, TBL3 and TBL31, in xylan acetylation. The expression of both TBL3 and TBL31 was shown to be induced by overexpression of the secondary wall master transcriptional regulator SND1 (secondary wall-associated NAC domain protein1) and down-regulated by simultaneous mutations of SND1 and its paralog NST1, indicating their involvement in secondary wall biosynthesis. β-Glucurondase (GUS) reporter gene analysis showed that TBL3 and TBL31 were specifically expressed in the xylem and interfascicular fibers in stems and the secondary xylem in root hypocotyls. Expression of fluorescent protein-tagged TBL3 and TBL31 in protoplasts revealed their localization in the Golgi, where xylan biosynthesis occurs. Although mutation of either TBL3 or TBL31 alone did not cause any apparent alterations in cell wall composition, their simultaneous mutations were found to result in a reduction in xylan acetylation. Further structural analysis demonstrated that the tbl3 tbl31 double mutant had a specific reduction in 3-O-acetylation of xylan. In addition, the tbl3 tbl31 esk1 triple mutant displayed a much more drastic decrease in 3-O-acetylation of xylan, indicating their functional redundancy in xylan 3-O-acetylation. These findings indicate that TBL3 and TBL31 are secondary wall-associated DUF231 genes specifically involved in xylan 3-O-acetylation.
Inhibition of COX1/2 alters the host response and reduces ECM scaffold mediated constructive tissue remodeling in a rodent model of skeletal muscle injury.

Extracellular matrix (ECM) has been used as a biologic scaffold material to both reinforce the surgical repair of soft tissue and serve as an inductive template to promote a constructive tissue remodeling response. Success of such an approach is dependent on macrophage-mediated degradation and remodeling of the biologic scaffold. Macrophage phenotype during these processes is a predictive factor of the eventual remodeling outcome. ECM scaffolds have been shown to promote an anti-inflammatory or M2-like macrophage phenotype in vitro that includes secretion of downstream products of cycolooxygenases 1 and 2 (COX1/2). The present study investigated the effect of a common COX1/2 inhibitor (Aspirin) on macrophage phenotype and tissue remodeling in a rodent model of ECM scaffold treated skeletal muscle injury. Inhibition of COX1/2 reduced the constructive remodeling response by hindering myogenesis and collagen deposition in the defect area. The inhibited response was correlated with a reduction in M2-like macrophages in the defect area. The effects of Aspirin on macrophage phenotype were corroborated using an established in vitro macrophage model which showed a reduction in both ECM induced prostaglandin secretion and expression of a marker of M2-like macrophages (CD206). These results raise questions regarding the common peri-surgical administration of COX1/2 inhibitors when biologic scaffold materials are used to facilitate muscle repair/regeneration.
Transient inactivation of the posterior paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus blocks cocaine-seeking behavior

Originally studied for its role in energy homeostasis, the paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus (PVT) has recently gained attention because of its involvement in the modulation of drug-directed behavior. The posterior part of the PVT (pPVT) is connected with brain structures that modulate motivated behavior, and we tested whether the pPVT plays a pivotal role in cocaine seeking. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether transient inactivation of the pPVT prevents cue-induced reinstatement of cocaine seeking but not natural reward seeking. Male Wistar rats were trained to associate a discriminative stimulus (S(+)) with the availability of cocaine or a highly palatable conventional reinforcer, sweetened condensed milk (SCM). Following extinction, the cocaine S(+) and SCM S(+) elicited comparable levels of reinstatement. Intra-pPVT administration of the γ-aminobutyric acid-A (GABAA) and GABAB receptor agonists muscimol and baclofen (0.06 and 0.6mM, respectively) prior to the presentation of the cocaine or SCM S(+) completely prevented the reinstatement of cocaine seeking, with no statistically significant effects on SCM seeking. These data show that the pPVT plays an important role in neuronal mechanisms that drive cocaine-seeking behavior.
Glomerulosclerosis in the diet-induced obesity model correlates with sensitivity to nitric oxide inhibition but not glomerular hyperfiltration or hypertrophy.

The diet-induced obesity (DIO) model is frequently used to examine the pathogenesis of obesity-related pathologies; however, only minimal glomerulosclerosis (GS) has been reported after 3 mo. We in...
On Classicalizing Fuzzy Databases

This paper describes a formal mechanism for classicalizing fuzzy relational databases. The mechanism employs partitions or “contexts” to capture and articulate the subjective equivalences underlying fuzziness. The semantics-based context formalism is used to specify database integrity constraints which support the uniform representation and processing of precise and fuzzy information. The resulting context-based model generalizes the classical relational database model and a family of fuzzy relational database models. A key advantage of the context formalism is that it considerably simplifies the implementation of fuzzy relational databases and eases their integration with existing classical relational database systems.
A Multiphase Mixture Theory for Fluid-Particle Flows

Publisher Summary This chapter presents a theory for suspension of particles in fluids based on the continuum theory of multiphase mixtures and it describes the application of the continuum mixture theory to the description of fluid–particle flows. The maximum concentration of particles can occur off the axis of symmetry because of a balance between lift forces and dynamic pressure forces. This provides a possible explanation of the Segre–Silberberg effect in the context of mixture theory. The classical theory of translational Brownian motion is concerned with the random migration of isolated colloidal particles in a suspending fluid. This random motion is a result of the collisions between the particles and the molecules of the fluid, which are undergoing thermal fluctuations. For neutrally buoyant particles, the particle flux, because of the fluctuating velocity field, is the same as that which can be produced by thermodynamic force acting on each particle. This thermodynamic force is equal to the gradient of the chemical potential of the particles.
Influence of income, being partnered/married, resilience, and discrimination on mental health distress for midlife and older gay men

ABSTRACTPredictors of mental health distress were examined in 316 older gay men in a cross-sectional analysis using resilience and minority stress theories. Stigma, discrimination, internalized homophobia, health locus of control, social supports, income, and age cohort were included in a stepwise regression that explained 46% of variance. Discrimination, resilience, income and being partnered emerged as significant main effects while interaction effects between internalized homophobia and age cohort and resiliency and being partnered/married were found. The importance of examining within group variability, resilience, and moderating factors, such as resilience and cohort effects, when examining mental distress among LGBT individuals are discussed.
The Effects of Substrates on Contractility of Isolated Rat Atria Depressed by Hydrochloric Acid1

SummaryAddition of 20 mM hydrochloric acid to isolated rat atria results in a biphasic action on both contractility and pH. Initially contractility fell to 18% of the control value and pH fell from...
Comparative Study on Microbial and Enzymatic Activities of Mercury Pollution of Paddy Soil in Rice/Chinese Cabbage Rotation System

Two representative soils for rice production in China,locally referred to as yellowish red soil(YRS) and silty loam soil(SLS),and classified as Gleyi-Stagnic Anthrosols in FAO/UNESCO nomenclature,were respectively collected from Deqing county and Huajiachi campus,Zhejiang university of Hangzhou city,Zhejiang province.Both laboratory and greenhouse pot experiments using rice and Chinese cabbage as indicator plants were conducted to investigate mercury ecological dose responses of microbial biomass carbon,basal respiration,metabolism quotient,and some important soil enzymes including urease,dehydrogenase,and acid phosphatase,which are related to cycling of soil C,N and P in the YRS and SLS soil at Hg2+ loadings of 0,0.25,0.5,1,1.5,2,3,6 mg/ kg after harvesting rice and Chinese cabbage.The similarities of microbial and enzymatic activities of paddy soils after harvesting rice or Chinese cabbage were that all measured microbial and enzymatic indices increased with the increasing level of Hg treatments at low concentrations and decreased at high concentrations.Its peak values depended on soil types,soil enzymes types and crop kinds.Their differences were that microbial biomass carbon,basal respiration and enzymatic activities of paddy soil except for metabolism quotient after harvesting rice were higher than after harvesting Chinese cabbage under the same soil types;microbial biomass carbon and enzymatic activities of YRS except for basal respiration and metabolism quotient were higher than theirs of SLS under the same crop kinds;Variation coefficient of enzymatic activities of SLS which weren't related to crop kinds was bigger than its of YRS.
Detection of Conformational Changes in Cellular Retinoid-Binding Proteins by Limited Proteolysis

Partial proteolysis of an undenatured protein is a wtdely used, powerful technique to probe protein conformation in the native state. The basts for thts technique is that the more exposed an amino-acid residue is to the solvent, the easier it 1s for a protease to cleave a peptide bond at that site (1,2). Therefore, regions of a protein with an extended conformation, such as those found in large multidomain proteins, are better substrates for proteolysis than are more tightly folded motifs. Using thus technique, it 1s possible to define protein domains, because the flexible regions between them are more susceptible to proteolysis. It is possible to further define these domains by obtaining N-terminal amino acid sequence of the resulting fragments. Likewise, by momtoring altered susceptibility to proteolysis, changes in protein conformation may be detected. If partial sequence of the resulting proteolytic fragments is obtained, the regions of the protein involved in these conformational changes can be mapped. Generally, the smaller the protein, the more resistant rt is to proteolysts. Changes in protein structure may expose (or hide) residues from attack. A number of factors may induce these structural changes, such as the binding of substrates or cofactors, heat, denaturants, and stabihzmg compounds such as DMSO and glycerol. Protease specificity can also affect the rate of proteolysis. Enzymes that recognize sites that include hydrophobic residues are less likely to cleave native structures than proteases that cleave bonds adjacent to charged side chains. The size of both the proteinase and its active site also influence the
Dual antiplatelet therapy after coronary stenting

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) with aspirin and a P2Y12 receptor inhibitor represents the mainstay of pharmacotherapy in patients undergoing coronary stenting. Currently, three P2Y12 receptor inhibitors are approved for clinical use, including clopidogrel, prasugrel, and ticagrelor, with the latter two being preferred in patients presenting with an acute coronary syndrome. The introduction into clinical practice of newer-generation drug-eluting stent (DES) with safer profiles (i.e. less stent thrombosis) compared with earlier platforms have led recent guideline updates to re-evaluate the optimal duration of DAPT therapy, which are now based on evidence of a multitude of randomized clinical trials, registries, and meta-analysis and take into consideration the ischemic and bleeding risk profile of the patients.Areas covered: Most recent updates on DAPT duration from professional societies in the United States and Europe are discussed. Moreover, an assessment of clinical trials, regis...
Geometry Explorer: Facilitating Geometry Education with Virtual Reality

A key to learning high-level geometry concepts is an individual’s ability to understand spatial dimensions and to mentally transform 3D shapes. However, prior research indicates that many students do not have adequate spatial understanding skills. On the other hand, immersive virtual reality (VR) has been shown to afford greater spatial understanding. In this paper, we present the Geometry Explorer, a VR system designed to facilitate geometry education by leveraging increased spatial understanding. The system uses a Samsung Gear VR to allow users to view and manipulate the dimensions of 3D shapes. We have created a game based on the goal of manipulating shapes to reach target volumes. We informally evaluated our initial prototype using the Rapid Iterative Testing and Evaluation (RITE) approach. In this paper, we present our modifications based on the usability issues discovered during RITE testing. We conclude by discussing the future of the Geometry Explorer.
Proteogenomic analyses indicate bacterial methylotrophy and archaeal heterotrophy are prevalent below the grass root zone

Annually, half of all plant-derived carbon is added to soil where it is microbially respired to CO2. However, understanding of the microbiology of this process is limited because most culture-independent methods cannot link metabolic processes to the organisms present, and this link to causative agents is necessary to predict the results of perturbations on the system. We collected soil samples at two sub-root depths (10-20 cm and 30-40 cm) before and after a rainfall-driven nutrient perturbation event in a Northern California grassland that experiences a Mediterranean climate. From ten samples, we reconstructed 198 metagenome-assembled genomes that represent all major phylotypes. We also quantified 6,835 proteins and 175 metabolites and showed that after the rain event the concentrations of many sugars and amino acids approach zero at the base of the soil profile. Unexpectedly, the genomes of novel members of the Gemmatimonadetes and Candidate Phylum Rokubacteria phyla encode pathways for methylotrophy. We infer that these abundant organisms contribute substantially to carbon turnover in the soil, given that methylotrophy proteins were among the most abundant proteins in the proteome. Previously undescribed Bathyarchaeota and Thermoplasmatales archaea are abundant in deeper soil horizons and are inferred to contribute appreciably to aromatic amino acid degradation. Many of the other bacteria appear to breakdown other components of plant biomass, as evidenced by the prevalence of various sugar and amino acid transporters and corresponding hydrolyzing machinery in the proteome. Overall, our work provides organism-resolved insight into the spatial distribution of bacteria and archaea whose activities combine to degrade plant-derived organics, limiting the transport of methanol, amino acids and sugars into underlying weathered rock. The new insights into the soil carbon cycle during an intense period of carbon turnover, including biogeochemical roles to previously little known soil microbes, were made possible via the combination of metagenomics, proteomics, and metabolomics.
Photocurrent Mapping in Single-Crystal Methylammonium Lead Iodide Perovskite Nanostructures

We investigate solution-grown single-crystal methylammonium lead iodide (MAPbI3) nanowires and nanoplates with spatially resolved photocurrent mapping. Sensitive perovskite photodetectors with Schottky contacts are fabricated by directly transferring the nanostructures on top of prepatterned gold electrodes. Scanning photocurrent microscopy (SPCM) measurements on these single-crystal nanostructures reveal a minority charge carrier diffusion length up to 21 μm, which is significantly longer than the values observed in polycrystalline MAPbI3 thin films. When the excitation energy is close to the bandgap, the photocurrent becomes substantially stronger at the edges of nanostructures, which can be understood by the enhancement of light coupling to the nanostructures. These perovskite nanostructures with long carrier diffusion lengths and strong photonic enhancement not only provide an excellent platform for studying their intrinsic properties but may also boost the performance of perovskite-based optoelectron...
Effects of Nutrients and Inhibitors in Olives on Aflatoxigenic Molds

Growth and aflatoxin production by Aspergillus parasiticus NRRL 2999 and Aspergillus flavus NRRL 6555 were studied on fresh olives, fresh olives supplemented with nutrients, and fresh olives treated with heat, lye, and freezing temperatures. Studies were also done on yeast extract sucrose agar (YESA) either mixed with chopped fresh olives or made with aqueous extracts of fresh and treated olives. Samples were incubated at 25°C for 7 d. Olive paste supplemented with zinc and sucrose supported little growth and no aflatoxin B1 production. Amino acids, yeast extract, and a combination of zinc, carbohydrate, and amino acids exhibited extensive growth and moderate amounts of aflatoxin. Fresh and frozen olive pastes supported poor growth and no aflatoxin production. Heat- and lye-treated olives supported extensive growth and little aflatoxin production. Heavy growth and moderate amounts of aflatoxin B1 were supported by YES A mixed with olive pastes. YES A made with aqueous extracts of olives supported extensive growth and moderate toxin production, except on YES A made with extract from frozen olives which exhibited poor growth and low toxin amounts. A. flavus grew similarly to A. parasiticus but was unable to produce any aflatoxin except on heat- and lye-treated olives, where traces were detected. Olives are a poor substrate for mold development and may contain inhibiting substances against growth and aflatoxin production.
Surgical Management of Known Multiglandular Parathyroid Disease

The majority of patients presenting with hyperparathyroidism have a single adenoma responsible for elevated parathyroid hormone levels. However, in about 10–15 % of cases, two or more parathyroid glands are involved in the disease process. Thus, any surgical intervention must address all diseased glands in order to provide benefit to the patient. While multiglandular disease is commonly sporadic, multiple other factors may lead to gland enlargement, including drugs such as lithium, renal disease, and genetic disorders such as multiple endocrine neoplasia; in these instances significantly more investigation and/or treatment is required than in those patients with sporadic disease. Thus, the clinician must carry a heightened level of suspicion for other causes of disease when multiglandular disease is recognized.
Variability in students' evaluating processes in peer assessment with calibrated peer review

This study investigated students' evaluating process and their perceptions of peer assessment when they engaged in peer assessment using Calibrated Peer Review. Calibrated Peer Review is a web-based application that facilitates peer assessment of writing. One hundred and thirty-two students in an introductory environmental science course participated in the study. Two self-reported surveys and a focus group interview were administered during the semester. The peer assessment data and demographic information were collected at the end of the semester. Although the study results support the agreement between peers and an expert, the variations in a group and individual level were found, in particular, when students evaluated mid-quality or low-quality writings regardless of their reviewing ability. Students tended to perceive that the process of evaluating peers' and own writings was helpful in their learning. Further, students' positive perceptions of peer assessment were associated with their understanding of the values of peer assessment tasks and their perceptions of achieving the course goal. We concluded that instructors should provide specific guidelines for how to decide a rating, use actual students' essays instead of instructor-developed samples to train students and require written explanation for rubric questions to reduce variation in students' ratings and promote learning.
Teaching Unemployment Across the Curriculum

The Economics-Across-the-Curriculum approach encourages the integration of economic concepts into various disciplines. This paper describes several creative lesson ideas about teaching Unemployment which were field-tested by high-school teachers who attended a multi-day workshop at a not-for-profit institution in Massachusetts. We hope that these ideas will inspire high school teachers to try them in their classrooms. Any subject area can be a fruitful ground for the infusion of economics, economic text analyses, or quantitative literacy concepts.
Optimal price-threshold control for battery operation with aging phenomenon: a quasiconvex optimization approach

This paper is concerned with grid-level battery storage operations, taking battery aging into consideration. Battery operations under price uncertainty are modeled as a Markov Decision Process with expected cumulated discounted rewards. The structure of the optimal policy is studied. An algorithm that takes advantage of the problem structure and works directly on the continuous state space is developed to maximize the objective over the life of the battery. The algorithm determines an optimal policy by solving a sequence of quasiconvex problems indexed by a battery-life state. Computational results are presented to compare the proposed approach to a standard dynamic programming method, and to evaluate the impact of refinements in the battery model. Error bounds for the proposed algorithm are established to demonstrate its accuracy.
Using Yoga Nidra to Improve Stress in Psychiatric Nurses in a Pilot Study

Given today's hurried and stressful heathcare system, nurses need mechanisms to take care of themselves, promote their own wellness, and build resilience in managing sick patients. Yoga is one such mechanism; it can decrease anxiety and improve sleep and quality of life. In this pilot study, nine nurses participated in 6 weekly sessions of yoga nidra. Measures of sleep, stress, and muscle fatigue were obtained to determine whether yoga had a positive impact upon quality of life and stress. Although based on a small sample of nurses, results indicated positive findings for both perceived stress level and muscle fatigue. This pilot study demonstrated the potential benefit of yoga in stress reduction, muscle tension, and self-care in nurses.
How do learners regulate their emotions

In an online survey, one hundred and thirteen college students were asked to describe the emotion regulation strategies they frequently use during learning. We found that learners tend to report using certain strategies more frequently than others, and that generally the strategies that are used most often are considered by leaners to be the most effective. We discuss the implications of these findings for the development of intelligent tutoring systems that train and scaffold effective strategies to help learners regulate their emotions.
Scars for Life(s)

This essay explores the relationship between performance, disability, and the ephemera of traumatic experience by using the bodily scar as a focal point for multi-temporal and multi-spatial reflection.
Simulated sensitivity of secondary organic aerosol in the South Coast Air Basin of California to nitrogen oxides and other chemical parameters

ABSTRACTSensitivity of secondary organic aerosol (SOA) concentrations in the South Coast Air Basin (SoCAB) of California to nitrogen oxide (NOx) emission is simulated using gas-phase chemistry and gas-particle partitioning modules. These modules are implemented into a three-dimensional air quality model applied for high-pollution summer meteorology and 2008 emissions. To test sensitivity, NOx emissions in all locations and at all times are scaled by factors ranging from 0.1 to 10.0 in separate model runs. The basin-wide average SOA concentration exhibits a ‘turnover’ NOx emission multiplicative factor, above and below which the average SOA concentration decreases. For the entire SoCAB, this critical NOx emission factor is ∼0.3; while the magnitude of SOA concentrations changes with time, this peak value (∼0.2–0.3) appears to be relatively independent of the hour of the simulated day. When considering individual locations within the SoCAB, this peak factor shows a slightly broader range. Projected emission...
Why National Biomechanics Day

National Biomechanics Day (NBD) seeks to expand the influence and impact of Biomechanics on our society by expanding the awareness of Biomechanics among young people. NBD will manifest this goal through worldwide, synchronized and coordinated celebrations and demonstrations of all things Biomechanics with high school students. NBD invites all Biomechanists to participate in NBD 2018, http://nationalbiomechanicsday.asbweb.org/.
Band flips and bound-state transitions in leaky-mode photonic lattices

We present analytical and numerical results on the formation and properties of the leaky stop band in one-dimensional photonic lattices. At the second stop band, one band edge mode suffers radiation loss generating guided-mode resonance whereas the other band edge mode becomes a non-leaky bound-state in the continuum. We show that the frequency location of the leaky band edge, and correspondingly the bound-state edge, is determined by superposition of Bragg processes generated by the first two Fourier harmonics of the spatial dielectric constant modulation. At the closed-band state, we discover an analytic condition for the exceptional point where frequency is fully degenerate.
Nitric Oxide in AIDS-Associated Neurological Disease

Approximately one-quarter of adults and one-half of children with AIDS eventually suffer from neurological manifestations, including dysfunction of cognition, movement, and sensation, that are a direct consequence of HIV-1 infection of brain (Bacellar et al., 1994; Lipton, 1994). These neurological problems can occur in the absence of superinfection with opportunistic pathogens or secondary malignancies (Price et al., 1988). Clinical manifestations include difficulty with mental concentration and slowness of hand movements and gait. This malady was initially termed the AIDS dementia complex by Price et al. (1988), but more recently has been placed under the heading HIV-1associated cognitive/motor complex. Pathologically, HIV-1 infection in the central nervous system (CNS) includes HIV encephalitis and is characterized by widespread reactive astrocytosis, myelin pallor, and infiltration by monocytoid cells, such as blood-derived macrophages, resident microglia, and multinucleated giant cells (Budka, 1991). In addition, most investigators have reported that particular subsets of neurons display a striking degree of injury, including dendritic pruning and simplification of synaptic contacts, as well as frank cell loss in some cases, which may herald the onset of cognitive and motor deficits in affected individuals (Ketzler et al., 1990; Everall et al., 1991; Wiley et al., 1991; Masliah et al., 1992; Tenhula et al., 1992). Neuronal injury may result in reversible dysfunction rather than inevitable demise. In contrast to many
Murder, Execution, and Suicide in Ancient Greece and Rome

Judging from the many cases of poisoning reported in ancient literature involving such notables as Socrates in 399 bce, Cleopatra in 30 ce, and Nero in 68 ce, one could conclude that the use of poisons for criminal purposes, executions, or suicides was widespread in antiquity. A closer examination of the evidence, however, shows that not all such historical narratives can be accepted at face value. Poisons were certainly used in Socrates’ execution, but the exact details of their use in other cases cannot be verified. Roman laws forbidding the use of poisons clearly indicate that poisons were, in fact, used. However, precise details about the agents used and their methods of administration are rarely available. Also, not only were poisons used in fact but they generated a body of myths and literature blurring the line, in many instances, between reality and imagination.
Carcinoembryonic antigen staining in choriocarcinoma

Choriocarcinoma of the colon presented as life-threatening lower gastrointestinal bleeding and a pathologic femoral fracture in a 42-year-old man. Elevated serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels and immunohistochemical positivity for CEA in neoplastic syncytiotrophoblasts were noted, as well as the expected positivity for the beta subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin (beta HCG). Additional cases, including one of two gestational choriocarcinomas and one of four testicular choriocarcinomas studied immunocytochemically for CEA also demonstrated positivity. Although CEA staining is commonly associated with tumors derived from the surface epithelium of the gastrointestinal tract and other organs, its presence in choriocarcinomas should not be interpreted as conclusive evidence of primary origin from these sites.
Tardive Dyskinesia: Reversible and Irreversible

The long-term prognosis of tardive dyskinesia (TD) has been insufficiently studied. Symptoms are reversible in many patients, but an irreversible course is widely believed to be the expected outcome. This pessimistic view has led to the assumption that neuroleptics should not be used in patients with TD because these drugs will produce an inevitable aggravation of TD. To clarify this issue, 27 patients were serially evaluated over 5 years for changes in neuroleptic treatment, TD, and mental status. Ten patients were able to discontinue medications; 15 required continued low-dose neuroleptic therapy [average 223 mg/day chlorpromazine (CPZ) equivalents], and two needed high doses (1000–2000 mg/day CPZ equivalents) to control psychosis. The majority of patients improved by more than 50% in both treated and untreated groups. In 8 of 27 patients (29.6%) TD resolved; in 1 patient TD increased by 25%. Younger patients improved the most. Prognosis was most favorable if neuroleptics were discontinued, but improvement was still possible with low to moderate doses (less than 600 mg/day CPZ equivalents). The large majority of patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective illness relapsed, and required continued drug treatment. TD must be evaluated over several years to monitor the resolving/persisting course. Control of psychosis and improvement of TD during low-dose neuroleptic treatment suggest the antipsychotic and neurological effects of neuroleptics may involve different thresholds or mechanisms of action.
Effects of Phase Relationships on Wall Shear Stress in Curved and Straight Elastic Artery Models

Wall shear stress, diameter and flow waveforms were measured in elastic curved and straight tube physical models under sinusoidal flow conditions with up to 11% diameter variation. The straight tube experiments were simulated with a theoretical model. Both the experiments and the theoretical model predict extreme sensitivity of wall shear stress to the phase angle between wall shear stress and diameter. Under fixed flow waveform conditions, the experiments showed as much as a five-fold increase in wall shear stress over a 20–40 deg change in phase angle. The onset of strong wall shear stress reversal was also observed in this sensitive phase angle range. Even greater effects were predicted by the theoretical model which covered a broader range of phase angle variations. These results suggest that wall elasticity may play an important role in determining wall shear stress distributions in large arteries.
44-OR: EVALUATION OF IMPACT OF UPDATES TO THE COMMON AND WELL DOCUMENTED ALLELE LIST (CWD2) ON HLA TYPING OF US POPULATIONS

Aim Most HLA alleles described in the IMGT/HLA database are very rare. The Common and Well Documented (CWD) allele list was created in 2007 to identify the subset of HLA alleles likely to be observed again, and the CWD list was revised in 2013 (CWD2). Our aim was to identify which protein-level CWD2 alleles were estimated from US registry HLA data. Methods We evaluated allele frequency coverage of CWD2 “Common” and “Well Documented” categories in estimated haplotype frequencies for A,C,B,DRB1,DQB1 loci derived from all DNA-based registry typings in 26 US populations (http://bioinformatics.nmdp.org/FullRegistryHaplo/). We also identified CWD2 alleles not present in the US frequencies, the most frequent non-CWD2 alleles, and percentage of single-pass SBT requiring additional typing to meet CWD2-based typing resolution requirements. Results Common CWD2 alleles constituted a minimum of 91.1% of allele frequency at any locus in any population. Inclusion of Well Documented CWD2 alleles reached 99.5% coverage. 5 CWD2 alleles, all Well Documented category, were not observed in US frequencies (B*40:22N, B*52:21 C*07:67, DRB1*04:12, DRB1*14:14), however all 5 were estimated in a preliminary 2012 global BMDW dataset. Additionally, there were haplotype frequency estimates for many non-CWD2 alleles (514 A, 257 C, 707 B, 276 DRB1, 49 DQB1). The estimated percent of single-pass SBT typings with CWD2 genotypic ambiguity was at most 16.6% at any locus in any population, up from 9.6% for CWD1. Conclusions Available US haplotype frequencies offer near complete coverage of CWD2 alleles, and offer additional advantages of providing population-specific allele frequency and haplotype linkage information. Publication of global BMDW haplotype frequencies is a goal of an international collaborative effort by the World Marrow Donor Association (WMDA) Registry Diversity working group, and will cover all CWD2 alleles when complete. The most frequenct non-CWD alleles may predict future additions to the living CWD list.
Abstract 56: Frequency, Determinants, and Outcomes of Distal Emboli Related to Mechanical Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke

Introduction: Clot fragmentation and distal embolization is a feared complication of mechanical thrombectomy treatment for acute ischemic stroke, but the frequency, determinants, and outcomes of distal emboli (DE) with modern endovascular reperfusion techniques is poorly characterized. Gradient refocused echo (GRE) MRI, performed before and after intervention, is a novel technique to directly visualize distal emboli and characterize their causes and consequences. Methods: We analyzed consecutive acute ischemic stroke thrombectomy patients who had MR imaging pre- and post-intervention. Distal emboli were defined as new post-procedure susceptibility vessel signs on GRE, within arteries distal to the target occlusion or within new territories. Results: Among 50 consecutive patients, age was 70.4 (±15.8), 44% were female, and NIHSS was 15 (IQR 8-19). Thrombectomy techniques include retrievers alone in 42%, aspiration alone in 8%, both retriever and aspiration in 50%, and other (e.g. angioplasty, wire macerati...
Advances in enteric neurobiology: The “brain” in the gut in health and disease

The enteric nervous system (ENS) is a large, complex division of the peripheral nervous system that regulates many digestive, immune, hormonal, and metabolic functions. Recent advances have elucidated the dynamic nature of the mature ENS, as well as the complex, bidirectional interactions among enteric neurons, glia, and the many other cell types that are important for mediating gut behaviors. Here, we provide an overview of ENS development and maintenance, and focus on the latest insights gained from the use of novel model systems and live-imaging techniques. We discuss major advances in the understanding of enteric glia, and the functional interactions among enteric neurons, glia, and enteroendocrine cells, a large class of sensory epithelial cells. We conclude by highlighting recent work on muscularis macrophages, a group of immune cells that closely interact with the ENS in the gut wall, and the importance of neurological–immune system communication in digestive health and disease.
SDMAC: A Software-Defined MAC for Wi-Fi to Ease Implementation of Soft Real-Time Applications

In distributed control systems where devices are connected through Wi-Fi, direct access to low-level medium access control (MAC) operations may help applications to meet their timing constraints. In particular, the ability to timely control single transmission attempts on air, by means of software programs running at the user space level, eases the implementation of mechanisms aimed at improving communication timeliness and reliability. Relevant examples are deterministic traffic scheduling, seamless channel redundancy, rate adaptation algorithms, and so on. In this paper, a novel architecture is defined, we call software-defined MAC (SDMAC), which in its current embodiment relies on conventional Linux PCs equipped with commercial Wi-Fi adapters. Preliminary SDMAC implementation on a real testbed and its experimental evaluation showed that integrating this paradigm in the existing protocol stacks constitutes a viable option, whose performance suits a wide range of applications characterized by soft real-time requirements.
Designing a wearable technology application for enhancing executive functioning skills in children with ADHD

There are limitations and poor adherence to pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions when treating children with ADHD. Wearable technology has great potential to overcome this limitation due to their portability and capability to measure biosignals. Unfortunately, the acceptance of this technology in children with ADHD has not been explored. The purpose of this study was to understand the acceptability of wearables and propose designs for applications to enhance executive functioning in these children. Results from a qualitative study involving children with ADHD and their teachers showed that concerns from the children outweighed the advantages for using smartwatch technology, and suggested that an application should mimic the current practices of self-regulation taught at their school and be able to monitor self-reflection of mood and behavior. These findings suggest that wearables can potentially be used as interventions supporting the executive function of children with ADHD.
English language teaching in Morocco: A focus on the English department

This overview article opens up with the key factors contributing to the growth of English in the education system in Morocco. The subsequent section places a special focus on English language teach...
The derivation of highest subject questions and the nature of the EPP

This squib argues that matrix subject wh-phrases reside in SpecCP and moreover during the course of the derivation, never move to SpecTP. This observation raises an immediate problem for languages with a strong EPP requirement on T, such as English. I argue that Chomsky (2013)’s approach to EPP effects (and other similar approaches) predict the observed pattern, while other prominent theories of the EPP fail to account for it.
Digital Monitoring of Sleep, Meals, and Physical Activity for Reducing Depression in Older Spousally-Bereaved Adults: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.

Abstract Objectives To evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a behavioral intervention and explore its impact on depression symptom burden among older spousally-bereaved adults. Methods Participants were age ≥60 years, bereaved ≤8 months, and at high risk for depression. Participants were randomized to 12 weeks of digital monitoring of sleep, meals, and physical activity; digital monitoring plus health coaching; or enhanced usual care and followed for 9 months for new-episode depression. Results We enrolled 57 participants, 85% of eligible adults and 38% of all adults screened. We observed high levels of adherence in both digital monitoring (90%) and health coaching (92%); 88% of participants were retained. In linear mixed-effects models, depression symptoms significantly decreased, but the interaction between time and intervention was not significant. Conclusion A behavioral intervention that uses both digital monitoring and motivational health coaching is feasible and acceptable to older bereaved adults.
Early Medical Complications and Delayed Discharge after Spinopelvic Fusion: A Comparative Analysis of 887 NSQIP Cases from 2006 to 2016.

Introduction The effect of pelvic fixation on postoperative medical complications, blood transfusion, length of hospital stay, and discharge disposition is poorly understood. Determining factors that predispose patients to increased complications after spinopelvic fusion will help surgeons to plan these complex procedures and optimize patients preoperatively. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study using data from the ACS-NSQIP database between 2006 and 2016 of patients who underwent lumbar fusion with and without spinopelvic fixation. Data regarding demographics, complications, hospital stay, and discharge disposition were collected. Results A total of 57,417 (98.5%) cases of lumbar fusion without spinopelvic fixation (LF) and 887 (1.5%) cases of lumbar fusion with spinopelvic fixation (SPF) were analyzed. The transfusion rate in the SPF group was 59.3% vs 13% in the LF group (p < 0.001). The mean length of stay (LOS) and discharge to skilled nursing facility (SNF) were significantly different (LOS: SPF 6.5 days vs LF 3.5 days p < 0.001; SNF: SPF 21.3% vs LF 10.4% p < 0.001). After controlling for demographic differences, the overall complication rates were not significantly different between the groups (p = 0.531). The odds ratio for transfusion in the SPF group was 2.9 (p < 0.001). The odds ratio for increased LOS and increased care discharge disposition were elevated in the SPF group (LOS OR: 1.3, p < 0.012, Discharge disposition OR: 1.8, p < 0.001). Conclusions Patients who underwent SPF had increased complications, transfusion rate, LOS, and discharge to SNF or subacute rehab facilities as compared with patients who underwent LF. SPF remains an effective technique for achieving lumbosacral arthrodesis. Surgeons should consider the implications of the associated complication profile for SPF and the value of preoperative optimization in a select cohort of patients.
Comparing the nature of grief and growth in bereaved, divorced, and unemployed individuals.

Abstract Background While grief research has focused on death-related losses and distressed outcomes, contemporary findings suggest that role losses can lead to grief, and growth can accompany grief. The current study aimed to replicate and extend the Papa, Lancaster, & Kahler, 2014 study by: (1) assessing common loss responses (prolonged grief, major depression, posttraumatic stress) and role centrality among bereaved, divorced, and unemployed individuals, and (2) exploring posttraumatic growth and stress appraisals among loss groups. Method A cross-sectional online survey was completed by 372 recently bereaved, divorced, and unemployed individuals. Exploratory factor analysis assessed common loss responses in the bereaved group. In the sample, multiple regressions assessed the relationship between role centrality, stress appraisals, and outcome variables (prolonged grief, posttraumatic growth); correlational analysis assessed the relationship between posttraumatic growth and psychopathology variables; qualitative analysis assessed examples of posttraumatic growth. Results A subset of each loss group reported prolonged grief and posttraumatic growth. Prolonged grief was a distinct factor from major depression and posttraumatic stress. Role centrality and stress appraisals were significantly associated with outcome variables. There was a weak, positive relationship between posttraumatic growth and psychopathology variables. Limitations Limitations included convenience sampling and a cross-sectional study design, which precluded assessing responses over time. Strengths included replicating existing literature and incorporating a strength-based measure. Conclusions Prolonged grief can emerge from death-related loss and role loss. Also, posttraumatic growth can accompany prolonged grief. In clinical practice, loss can be conceptualized broadly beyond bereavement and addressed with the potential for posttraumatic growth.
Spider-Analogues: The Unmarking and Unmasking of White Male Superheroism

This essay outlines the concept of comic book ‘multiplicity’ as it applies to Spider-Man variations featured in Marvel Comics’ massive crossover event Spider-Verse (2014–2015). The fact that a primary Spider-Man is regarded as a fictional figure with a core set of immutable characteristics—a semiotic grounding point—allows the Spider-Man analogues to explore a range of social positions without jeopardizing the primary identity of the character. In particular, this essay will argue that despite all of the different Spider-Men that present important variations in the ethnicity and the gender of Spider-Man, the character’s overall status as an avatar of hegemonic masculinity is reinforced. All of the Spider-Men of different ethnicities—as well as the number of Spider-Women and Spider-Girls—represent an inclusionary logic inherent in multiplicity, but also, ultimately, reaffirms white American masculinity as the unmarked pinnacle of heroism.
Disease-linked super-trafficking of a mutant potassium channel

ABSTRACT Gain-of-function (GOF) mutations in the KCNQ1 voltage-gated potassium channel can induce cardiac arrhythmia. We tested whether any of the known GOF disease mutations in KCNQ1 act by increasing the amount of KCNQ1 that reaches the cell surface—“super-trafficking”. We found that levels of R231C KCNQ1 in the plasma membrane are 5-fold higher than wild type KCNQ1. This arises from both enhanced translocon-mediated membrane integration of the S4 voltage-sensor helix and an energetic linkage of C231 with the V129 and F166 side chains. Whole-cell electrophysiology recordings confirmed that R231C KCNQ1 in complex with KCNE1 is constitutively active, but also revealed the single channel activity of this mutant to be only 20% that of WT. The GOF phenotype associated with R231C therefore reflects the net effects of super-trafficking, reduced single channel activity, and constitutive channel activation. These investigations document membrane protein super-trafficking as a contributing mechanism to human disease.