cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Synaptic transmission and the susceptibility of HIV infection to anti-viral drugs

Cell-to-cell viral transmission via virological synapses has been argued to reduce susceptibility of the virus population to anti-viral drugs through multiple infection of cells, contributing to low-level viral persistence during therapy. Using a mathematical framework, we examine the role of synaptic transmission in treatment susceptibility. A key factor is the relative probability of individual virions to infect a cell during free-virus and synaptic transmission, a currently unknown quantity. If this infection probability is higher for free-virus transmission, then treatment susceptibility is lowest if one virus is transferred per synapse, and multiple infection of cells increases susceptibility. In the opposite case, treatment susceptibility is minimized for an intermediate number of virions transferred per synapse. Hence, multiple infection via synapses does not simply lower treatment susceptibility. Without further experimental investigations, one cannot conclude that synaptic transmission provides an additional mechanism for the virus to persist at low levels during anti-viral therapy.
Evidence for disease penetrance relating to CNV size: Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease and manifesting carriers with a familial 11 Mb duplication at Xq22.

The potential causes for the incomplete penetrance of Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease (PMD) in female carriers of PLP1 mutations are not well understood. We present a family with a boy having PMD in association with PLP1 duplication and three females who are apparent manifesting carriers. Custom high-resolution oligonucleotide array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) and breakpoint junction sequencing were performed and revealed a familial complex duplication consisting of a small duplicated genomic interval (~56 kb) and a large segmental duplication (~11 Mb) that results in a PLP1 CNV gain. Breakpoint junction analysis implicates a replication-based mechanism underlying the rearrangement formation. X-inactivation studies showed a random to moderate advantageous skewing pattern in peripheral blood cells but a moderate to extremely skewed (≥ 90%) pattern in buccal cells. In conclusion, our data shows that complex duplications involving PLP1 are not uncommon, can be detected at the level of genome resolution afforded by clinical aCGH and duplication and inversion can be produced in the same event. Furthermore, the observation of three manifesting carriers with a large genomic rearrangement supports the contention that duplication size along with genomic content can be an important factor for penetrance of the PMD phenotype in females.
Are tourists willing to pay additional fees to protect corals in Mexico

This paper seeks to determine if tourists visiting the Riviera Maya, Mexico, are willing to pay an entrance fee to enhance coral reef protection; and if so, how much would they pay? A discrete choice contingent valuation experiment with almost 400 visitors was used to determine a measure of compensating variation for contributing to a public trust to protect corals. Results suggest that there are significant possibilities for implementing a “coral fund” to raise revenues for coral protection programs in the Riviera Maya region of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. We estimate a mean willingness to pay (WTP) of over $55.00. Additionally, all three estimation methods used produced relatively similar values for mean WTP, ranging from $42 to $58. With approximately five million visitors passing through the Cancun International Airport each year, this suggests that it may be possible to collect between $100 and $400 million annually for coral reef management programs. Thinking very conservatively, if we take a $20 fee and assume that only 50% of tourists would actually be willing to pay, that is still $50 million left on the table annually.
Multicystic Adenomatoid Hamartoma of the Pancreas: A Hitherto Undescribed Pancreatic Tumor Occurring in a 3-Year-Old Boy:

This report describes an unusual pancreatic tumor in a 3-year-old boy. He presented with abdominal pain secondary to pancreatitis and was found to have a complex, multicystic lesion within the head of the pancreas. He subsequently underwent a pancreatoduodenectomy. Grossly, the mass was 3 cm, multicystic, and well demarcated. Histologically, there were numerous variably sized, dilated ducts lined by tall columnar mucinous cells surrounded by a stroma that exhibited foci of cellular condensations resembling primitive pancreatic mesenchyme. Acinar and endocrine cells were often seen budding into the ducts forming "ductulo-insular bodies." As a result of its superficial resemblance to Stocker type 2 cystic adenomatoid malformation of the lung, we are proposing the name "multicystic adenomatoid hamartoma" for this lesion.
Auditors' Risk Management and Reputation Building in the Post-Enron Environment: An Examination of Earnings Conservatism of Former Andersen Clients

In the post-Enron world, the spot light is on the auditors who face a higher risk of litigation. This study provides evidence on one strategy employed by auditors to mitigate litigation risk and rebuild their reputation by enhancing earnings conservatism of their clients. I examine the earnings conservatism for a sample of former Arthur Andersen clients who switched to a Big 4 auditor in 2002. I find that prior to the switch earnings of former Andersen clients are less sensitive to bad news about future cash flows than earnings of non-Andersen clients. In 2002, earnings conservatism has increased for both former Andersen clients and non-Andersen clients. Further, the increase in earnings conservatism is more pronounced for Houston-based former clients of Andersen. The results are consistent with the notion that brand name auditors attempt to mitigate litigation risk by prevailing on their clients to recognize bad news in a timely fashion.
Filtering of nonlinear time-series coupled by fractional Gaussian processes

In this paper we consider a set of time-series that are coupled by latent fractional Gaussian processes. Specifically, we address time-series that combine idiosyncratic short-term and shared long-term features. The long-memory is modeled by fractional Gaussian processes, whereas the short-memory properties are captured by linear models of past data. The observations are nonlinear functions of the latent states and therefore, for inference of the latent states we resort to a sequential Monte Carlo sampling technique. The proposed solution is evaluated via simulations of an illustrative practical scenario.
Recommending Learning Materials to Students by Identifying their Knowledge Gaps.

We propose a new content-based method of providing recommendations of educational materials to the students by identifying gaps in their knowledge of the subject matter in the courses they take. We experimentally validate our method by conducting an A/B test on the students from an online university.
The Bioenhancer Piperine is at Least Trimorphic

Polymer-induced heteronucleation (PIHn), a powerful crystalline polymorph discovery method, has revealed two novel polymorphs of the low solubility bioenhancer piperine. Both of these forms exhibit enhanced solubility when compared to the commercial polymorph, thereby potentially improving the efficacy of piperine as a bioenhancer. Structural comparison of the three forms reveals that π–π interactions are only present in the two newly discovered forms. Combined with the stability data, this reveals that despite the extended conjugation present in the molecule such interactions are not preferred in the solid state.
Brain tumors in adults with medically intractable epilepsy.

Much of the literature on tumors arising in the setting of chronic epilepsy focuses on children. This study reviewed 1 institution’s 141-patient experience with tumors in adults arising in this clinical setting. The majority of tumors (71.6%) arose in the temporal lobe. The most common tumor types encountered included ganglioglioma (n = 38), low-grade fibrillary astrocytoma (n = 24), and low-grade oligodendroglioma (n = 22). Coexistent focal cortical dysplasia (type IA) was identified in 15 cases (10.6%). The largest group of tumors in adults were World Health Organization (WHO) grade II neoplasms compared with WHO grade I tumors in children. Gangliogliomas are the most commonly encountered neoplasms. Coexistent focal cortical dysplasia may be observed in a significant minority of tumors, suggesting a possible developmental origin for some of these neoplasms.
Genetic Composition of Fluctuating Populations of Peromyscus leucopus and Peromyscus maniculatus

Populations of two species of cricetine rodents, Peromyscus leucopus and P. maniculatus , sampled during a 6-year period were analyzed by electrophoresis for genetic variability at 33 presumptive loci. Population densities fluctuated concurrently for both species during this time period. There were no significant differences in mean heterozygosities, percent polymorphic loci, or average number of alleles per locus between species. During years with high-density populations, the two species were more similar genetically than during years with low to mid-density populations. Two isozyme systems, GDH and CAT, showed little or no difference between species within any 1 year, yet both exhibited highly significant differences among years. Over-all genetic-identity values for the populations among years were higher than genetic-identity values for the species within each year. However, for five isozyme systems (GDH, CAT, IDH-1, SDH, and βNA), genetic identities across species within years were greater than those for among-year comparisons within each species. Genetically, in many respects, these two sympatric species operated as one.
Quality Control of Molybdenum Target Radiography in Mammary Examine

Objective To discuss the influences of changing pitch and width of sets to image quality when scanning styloid process with multi-slice CT. Methods 50 patients, scanned styloid proces when pitch changing from 0.5-0.8mm with high differentiation ratio CT, are divided into 2 groups by the width of sets 0.75mm and 1.5mm. Images of coronary plane and that after 3-dimensional reconstruction with VR are analysed and assessed. Results The quality of images scanning with multi-slice spiral CT are good to display the tiny normal structures and abnormal styloid process.Compared to the width of sets at 0.75mm, the machine takes shorter time to scan with same pitch when the width is 1.5mm, and the quality of images do not decrease with lower radiation dose. Conclusion Roentgenography can be replaced by adjusting CT's pitch and width of sets and employing 3 -dimensional technology. It can reduce X -ray dosage and radiation to patients as providing better image quality to changing width of sets when changing pitch.
A Control-Oriented Notion of Finite State Approximation for Systems Over Finite Alphabets

We consider the problem of approximating discrete-time plants with finitevalued sensors and actuators by deterministic finite memory systems for the purpose of certified-by-design controller synthesis. We propose a control-oriented notion of input/output approximation for these systems, building on ideas from classical robust control theory. We demonstrate the relevance of the proposed notion of approximation to the control synthesis problem, and we conclude with a discussion of its key features, their merits and limitations.
Identification of Conserved Aromatic Residues Essential for Agonist Binding and Second Messenger Production at 5-Hydroxytryptamine2A Receptors

Several models of agonist binding to G protein-coupled 5-hydroxytryptamine [5-HT] (serotonin) receptors have highlighted the potential importance of highly conserved aromatic residues for ligand binding and agonist efficacy. In this study, we tested these models by constructing and characterizing a number of point mutations of conserved and nonconserved aromatic residues using the 5-HT2A receptor as a model system. Mutations of three highly conserved tryptophans (W200A, W336A, and W367A) proposed to reside near the binding pocket markedly reduced agonist affinity and efficacy at 5-HT2A receptors. Mutations of two other highly conserved aromatic residues postulated to be near the agonist binding site (F340L and Y370A) also had dramatic effects on agonist binding and efficacy. Point mutations of neighboring conserved phenylalanines (F339L and F365L) had minimal effects on agonist binding, although the F365L mutation diminished agonist efficacy. Finally, mutations of two nonconserved aromatic residues (F125L and F383A) not predicted to be near the binding pocket had no effects on agonist binding, potency, or efficacy. Our results are best explained by models that suggest that helices III, V, VI, and VII can form a unit of interacting helices in which highly conserved aromatic residues are oriented toward the center of the helical aggregate to form an aromatic pocket. In addition, our novel results identify a series of aromatic residues essential for agonist-induced second messenger production. These results demonstrate that highly conserved aromatic residues residing in neighboring helices provide the optimum environment for both agonist binding and activation of 5-HT2A receptors.
Gene Signature of High White Blood Cell Count in B-Precursor Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.

In this study we sought to identify genetic factors associated with the presenting white blood cell (WBC) count in B-precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (BP-ALL). Using ETV6-RUNX1-positive BP-ALL patient samples, a homogeneous subtype, we identified 16 differentially expressed genes based on the presenting WBC count ( 50,000). We further confirmed that IL1R1, BCAR3, KCNH2, PIR, and ZDHHC23 were differentially expressed in a larger cohort of ETV6-RUNX1-negative BP-ALL patient samples. Statistical analysis demonstrated that expression levels of these genes could accurately categorize high and low WBC count subjects using two independent patient sets, representing positive and negative ETV6-RUNX1 cases. Further studies in leukemia cell line models will better delineate the role of these genes in regulating the white blood cell count and potentially identify new therapeutic targets.
Blood on the Marias: The Baker Massacre . By Paul R. Wylie.

Blood on the Marias: The Baker Massacre . By Paul R. Wylie. (Norman: University of Oklahoma Press, 2016. xiv + 322 pp. Illustrations, maps, notes, bibliography, index. $29.95.) The subject of massacre in the American West remains a topic of interest to contemporary historians as evidenced by a number of recent works related to acts of mass atrocity—whether at Sand Creek, on the Marias River, or at Wounded Knee Creek. Outside of academic circles, the Marias River massacre, or Baker massacre, constitutes one of the least well known of these events. To correct this deficiency, Paul R. Wylie offers a principally narrative account of the interaction between the Blackfeet tribes and Euro-Americans during the six decades preceding the massacre, on 23 January 1870, and an examination … Edward.Westermann{at}tamusa.edu
Daptomycin-Vancomycin–Resistant Enterococcus faecium Native Valve Endocarditis Successfully Treated With Off-Label Quinupristin-Dalfopristin

Multidrug-resistant enterococcal nosocomial invasive infections are a rising concern faced by the medical community. Not many options are available to treat these highly virulent organisms. Risk factors for developing these highly resistant organisms include prolonged hospital stay, previous antibiotic use, and immunosuppression. In this article, we report a case of daptomycin-resistant enterococcal native infective endocarditis treated with off-label use of quinupristin-dalfopristin.
Successful treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus genotype 1b infection of a patient with compensated cirrhosis after renal transplantation using daclatasvir-asunaprevir combination therapy: a case report and literature review

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection a major disorder that is not only a liver-related disease but also a cardiovascular complication in renal transplant recipient. Interferon-based therapy is a contraindication after transplantation because interferon is possibly induced to graft rejection. Only limited anecdotal evidence exists on the antiviral efficacy and tolerability of HCV direct acting antivirals (DAAs) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), including renal transplant recipients. Then, we report a successful treatment case of chronic hepatitis C virus genotype 1b infection in a patient with compensated cirrhosis after renal transplantation using daclatasvir-asunaprevir combination therapy and reviewed the literature. A 64-year-old female renal transplantation (RT) recipient complicated with compensated cirrhosis due to hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1b infection was treated with interferon (INF)–ribavirin-free combinations of DAAs such as daclatasvir plus asunaprevir. She was medicated with daclatasvir 60 mg once a day and asunaprevir 100 mg twice a day for 24 weeks. Her initial HCV RNA was log10 6.2 IU/ml, and HCV RNA was not detected from 10 weeks. She achieved a sustained virological response at 24 weeks (SVR24). During this therapy, her serum creatinine and tacrolimus trough level were slightly elevated, but those abnormalities were returned to the basal level by decreasing the dose of extended-release tacrolimus. No other adverse event requiring discontinuation of the treatment occurred. Almost all DAA treatments of HCV infection in renal transplant recipients have been sofosbuvir-based antiviral treatment, but we considered that daclatasvir-asunaprevir combination therapy is suitable to renal-impaired recipient because sofosbuvir is contraindicated in patients whose estimated GFR is <30 ml/min/1.73 m2, and both of daclatasvir and asunaprevir are mainly primarily metabolized by the liver. We showed excellent effect daclatasvir-asunaprevir combination therapy to a renal transplant recipient with chronic HCV infection and reviewed the literature.
Scattering from conductors partially coated by thin materials

Electromagnetic scattering from axisymmetric conducting bodies partially coated by thin materials is computed numerically. The formulation of the problem is based on an existing formula for a completely coated object. This formulation is valid as the coating thickness approaches zero. Other existing implementations fail to obtain correct results in this case. Numerous examples are considered. The numerical solution is verified by comparison with the exact solution for a sphere.
Can the subaltern listen? Self-determination and the provisioning of expertise in Papua New Guinea

Voice is a major concern in contemporary liberal-democratic politics, one that stresses the political importance of speaking (“giving voice,” “speaking up”). But in the Yopno valley of Papua New Guinea, where NGO and government projects are expanding, people's sense that they are losing control of their future has led them to worry about their capacity to listen, not their capacity to speak. In largely acephalous villages, people's self-determination seems particularly threatened by their ignorance of the true nature of their own actions. From a perspective in which the antecedents and the consequences of action are deeply unclear—a perspective stressed in the provisioning of expertise prevalent in political discourse—self-determination hinges on listening and gaining the understanding needed to shape one's future. [political communication, expertise, self-determination, voice, listening, Papua New Guinea, Melanesia] Long tingting bilong planti saveman bilong demokratik politiks na arapela manmeri tu, toktok em i as bilong paua bilong ol manmeri. Tasol, ol manmeri i stap long Yopno veli, wanpela hap bilong Papua Niugini, ol i no save wari tumas long tokaut. Maski gavman na NGO i laik wokim planti samting long hap, ol i no tingting planti long toktok tumas. Tasol, ol i wari planti long harim: ol inap long harim toktok na i stap fri o nogat? Long hap, ol lida bilong ples na gavman, ol i nogat paua long bosim ol manmeri bilong ples. Ol manmeri i ken bihainim laik bilong ol. Tasol, ol i wari olsem, nogut tingting bilong mipela i paul na mipela i no save gut long wei bilong kamapim ol samting mipela laik kamapim. Ol i lukim olsem paul tingting na nogat save em i wanpela kain kalabus. Olsem na, ol save tok olsem, ol mas harim gut toktok bilong ol saveman na kisim save. Dispela em i rot bilong bihainim tru laik bilong ol na kamapim samting ol i laik kamapim bihain. [toktok, saveman, bihainim laik, tokaut, harim toktok, kisim save, Papua Niugini]
Optimization of Multiple Jet Arrays for Helium-Cooled Finger-Type Divertors

The leading candidate for the DEMO divertor is the helium-cooled modular divertor with multiple jets (HEMJ) design, which is to date the only design that has been experimentally shown to accommodat...
The occurrence of earlier changes in family dynamics and friendship conflict predicting adolescent functional somatic symptoms: A large-scale prospective study.

Objective To better understand the role earlier stressful environments have in predicting functional somatic symptoms (FSS) in late adolescence, this study explores the effect the occurrence of earlier changes in family dynamics and friendship conflict have on FSS. Method We used data from the Consortium for Longitudinal Studies on Child Abuse and Neglect (N = 1,314), a large, prospective study of children at risk for maltreatment and their parent/caregiver from approximately 4 to 18 years of age. Results We found a significant, small (Effect Size = .10), positive association between the frequency of family dynamic change during middle childhood (ages 6-12 years) and FSS at age 18 but not during middle adolescence (ages 14 and 16). Conflict with a same-sex best friend at age 16 moderated the association between the frequency of change and FSS. The frequency of family dynamic change in middle childhood and middle adolescence was associated with greater FSS among those who reported greater conflict but not for those who reported experiencing lower conflict. Overall, these effects were specific to friendship conflict and remained when other friendship processes (intimacy and companionship) were included, did not generalize to anxiety/depressive symptoms, and predicted FSS without comorbid anxiety/depressive symptoms. No gender differences were found. The change-conflict interaction differed according to type of family dynamic change (parental vs. residential). Conclusion Findings emphasize how earlier exposure to frequent changes in family dynamics in middle childhood is particularly associated with late-adolescent health, especially in the context of greater friendship conflict. (PsycINFO Database Record
Growth, structural, and electrical properties of germanium-on-silicon heterostructure by molecular beam epitaxy

The growth, morphological, and electrical properties of thin-film Ge grown by molecular beam epitaxy on Si using a two-step growth process were investigated. High-resolution x-ray diffraction analysis demonstrated ∼0.10% tensile-strained Ge epilayer, owing to the thermal expansion coefficient mismatch between Ge and Si, and negligible epilayer lattice tilt. Micro-Raman spectroscopic analysis corroborated the strain-state of the Ge thin-film. Cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy revealed the formation of 90 ° Lomer dislocation network at Ge/Si heterointerface, suggesting the rapid and complete relaxation of Ge epilayer during growth. Atomic force micrographs exhibited smooth surface morphology with surface roughness < 2 nm. Temperature dependent Hall mobility measurements and the modelling thereof indicated that ionized impurity scattering limited carrier mobility in Ge layer. Capacitance- and conductance-voltage measurements were performed to determine the effect of epilayer dislocation densi...
Memetic Algorithm Optimization of Thin-film Photonic Structures for Thermal and Energy Applications

We present an effective thin-film optimization method using the memetic algorithm for thermal and energy applications. This method rigorously treats broadband material dispersion and produces structures with superior performances than their counterparts in the literature.
Q&A: How do gene regulatory networks control environmental responses in plants?

A gene regulatory network (GRN) describes the hierarchical relationship between transcription factors, associated proteins, and their target genes. Studying GRNs allows us to understand how a plant’s genotype and environment are integrated to regulate downstream physiological responses. Current efforts in plants have focused on defining the GRNs that regulate functions such as development and stress response and have been performed primarily in genetically tractable model plant species such as Arabidopsis thaliana. Future studies will likely focus on how GRNs function in non-model plants and change over evolutionary time to allow for adaptation to extreme environments. This broader understanding will inform efforts to engineer GRNs to create tailored crop traits.
Lessons from Butterflies of the Black Belt Prairie: The Southern Dogface as an Indicator of Prairie Remnants

Of all terrestrial ecosystems in North America, grasslands are the most threatened. With continued threats and increased fragmentation of North American prairies, there is a need for proper identification of the remaining functional prairie remnant patches. In this study, we propose the Southern Dogface butterfly, Zerene cesonia, may serve as an indicator for identifying functional prairie remnant patches. To formally test for indicator status we focus on the critically imperiled Black Belt prairie. We investigated the relationship between Pierid, sulphur, butterflies, prairie host plant distributions, and environmental conditions (soil pH and area) across several grassland sites in the Black Belt region of Mississippi. The Black Belt is a grassland association that is understudied and poorly known outside of its local region. The Black Belt system hosts many species of flora and fauna either native or disjunct from the Great Plains. One such species is Z. cesonia, which is observed to be limited in its distribution to prairie grasslands. The results from field observations showed that Z. cesonia is clear indicator of prairie remnant patches. The results from laboratory oviposition experiments show Z. cesonia has a strong preference for prairie clover, (Dalea purpurea). Collectively, these results suggest Z. cesonia has an association with prairie remnants that may be driven by its preference of prairie clover as its larval host. Broadly, this study provides an example of how butterfly communities and their environmental interactions can be used to assess grassland function and conservation efforts.
Cryptogamic Crusts as Potential Indicators of Disturbance in Semi-Arid Landscapes

Cryptogamic crusts,† consisting of nonvascular photosynthetic plants (primarily algae, lichens, and mosses) that live on the soil surface, are important elements of arid and semi-arid ecosystems worldwide (Cameron and Fuller, 1960; Shtina and Bolyshev, 1963; Snyder and Wullstein, 1973; Johansen et al., 1984; Harper and Marble, 1988). Because of a deficiency of available moisture, arid and semi-arid regions of the world are characterized by a lack of significant vegetative cover. Cryptogamic crusts, which often occur alone and mixed with grasses in the interspaces between woody plants, can perform critical functions of protecting the soil from erosion (Bailey et al., 1973), aiding in water infiltration, augmenting sites for seed germination (St. Clair et al., 1984; Harper and Marble, 1988), and increasing the soil’s supply of nutrients (Shields and Durrell, 1964; Loope and Gifford, 1972; Rychert and Skujins, 1974; Brotherson and Rushforth, 1983; Jeffries, 1989; Beymer and Klopatek, 1991).
Adolescent Decision-Making

Adolescence is a time of increased desire for decision-making opportunities, with some decisions subject to restriction. Learning to make decisions, experience related positive and negative consequences, learn from these outcomes, and navigate the multiple influences on decision-making is an important developmental task for adolescents. This article provides an overview of adolescent decision-making, including definitions of competent decision-making and decision-making models, and the physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and contextual influences on adolescent decision-making. This article also discusses implications of adolescent decision-making that are relevant to health educators, healthcare providers, policy makers, and adolescent researchers.
FUEL CELLS – PROTON-EXCHANGE MEMBRANE FUEL CELLS | Impurities in Fuels and Air

Despite impressive developments in the technology of proton-exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), large-scale commercialization still faces issues of low stability and durability that continue to be adversely affected by impurities in the PEMFC system. This article provides a thorough discussion of the impurity and contamination issues that have plagued PEMFC performance. After a brief introduction to the operational principles of the PEMFC, the common sources of impurities in PEMFC systems are discussed, including fuel-side impurities (COx, H2S, and NH3), air-side impurities (NOx, SOx, and COx), and impurities coming from the cell components themselves. The effect of contamination and the mechanisms of these impurities on fuel cell operation and performance are presented, followed by a detailed discussion of current strategies for mitigating contamination. Finally, suggestions are provided for future work in PEMFC contamination research.
Characteristics and Outcomes of Kidney Transplant Recipients with a Functioning Graft for More than 25 Years.

Background Information regarding the clinical characteristics and outcomes of kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) with > 25 years of graft survival is limited. Methods In this single-center observational study, we characterized KTRs transplanted between 1973 and 1992 with active follow-up as of July 31, 2017. Results We identified 112 patients with > 25 years of allograft function. The mean posttransplantation follow-up was 29.8 ± 4.0 years. Glomerulonephritis was the most common cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) (52%). The majority received live donor transplants (66%), including 25 patients (22%) with human leukocyte antigen-matched kidneys. The incidence of biopsy-confirmed acute rejection was 21%, ranging from 0 to 26 years post transplantation. Donor-specific antibodies (DSA) were checked in 80% of patients at a mean of 28.4 ± 0.11 years post transplantation. Of these, only 15% were positive. The incidence of malignancy was 44%, with nonmelanoma skin cancers being most common. The incidence of infectious complications was 77%, mostly represented by urinary tract infections. At the time of last follow-up, 63% were on a calcineurin inhibitor (CNI)-free regimen, mean serum creatinine was 1.4 ± 0.6 mg/dL, and the prevalence of hypertension and dyslipidemia was 89 and 88%, respectively. Conclusion The majority of patients with a long-term functioning graft had glomerulonephritis as cause of ESRD, had received a live donor kidney, were on a CNI-free regimen, and had a low incidence of DSA and opportunistic infections. These characteristics define a unique group of patients requiring specific posttransplantation monitoring and management.
Pharmacogenomic Next-Generation DNA Sequencing: Lessons from the Identification and Functional Characterization of Variants of Unknown Significance in CYP2C9 and CYP2C19

CYP2C9 and CYP2C19 are highly polymorphic pharmacogenes; however, clinically actionable genetic variability in drug metabolism due to these genes has been limited to a few common alleles. The identification and functional characterization of less-common open reading frame sequence variation might help to individualize therapy with drugs that are substrates for the enzymes encoded by these genes. The present study identified seven uncharacterized variants each in CYP2C9 and CYP2C19 using next-generation sequence data for 1013 subjects, and functionally characterized the encoded proteins. Constructs were created and transiently expressed in COS-1 cells for the assay of protein concentration and enzyme activities using fluorometric substrates and liquid chromatography- tandem mass spectrometry with tolbutamide (CYP2C9) and (S)-mephenytoin (CYP2C19) as prototypic substrates. The results were compared with the SIFT, Polyphen, and Provean functional prediction software programs. Cytochrome P450 oxidoreductase (CPR) activities were also determined. Positive correlations were observed between protein content and fluorometric enzyme activity for variants of CYP2C9 (P C and CYP2C19 65A>G activities were much lower than predicted based on protein content. Substrate intrinsic clearance values for CYP2C9 218C>T, 343A>C, and CYP2C19 337G>A, 518C>T, 556C>T, and 557G>A were less than 25% of wild-type allozymes. CPR activity levels were similar for all variants. In summary, sequencing of CYP2C9 and CYP2C19 in 1013 subjects identified low-frequency variants that had not previously been functionally characterized. In silico predictions were not always consistent with functional assay results. These observations emphasize the need for high-throughput methods for pharmacogene variant mutagenesis and functional characterization.
A syndemic of psychosocial and mental health problems in Liberia: Examining the link to transactional sex among young pregnant women

Transactional sex may be a driver of the rising HIV epidemic in Liberia, especially among young women. The goal of this study was to explore the independent and additive effects of psychosocial con...
Practical Use of Modified Hoek–Brown Criterion for Soil Slope Stability Analysis

Many slopes are comprised of soils that exhibit a nonlinear shear strength or failure envelope, and multiple mathematical relationships have been developed to account for this nonlinearity. At the same time, the numerical shear strength reduction (SSR) method has become a common method for analyzing the stability of slopes. Despite these developments, a practical, commercially available method to include nonlinear shear strength in numerical analysis has not been established for soil. The Generalized Hoek–Brown (GHB) model provides a nonlinear failure criterion, but is formulated for use with rock. This paper proposes a Modified Hoek–Brown (MHB) criterion to make the model applicable to soil and leverage the GHB criterion present in many numerical analysis packages. Past applications of SSR to the GHB are discussed and a numerical method for reduction of the parameters in the context of soil slopes is proposed. A simple wedge analysis validates the MHB method for a linear envelope. Three examples of increasing complexity compare results of limit equilibrium with both finite element and finite difference SSR analyses. In general, the different numerical methods yield very similar results. The SSR method using MHB predicts critical strength reduction factors 2–5% lower than the limit equilibrium factors of safety. The approach presented in this paper allows practitioners to model nonlinear shear strength in finite element strength reduction analysis for cases where this nonlinearity is judged to be an important factor.
Covid-19 is an unnatural disaster: Hope in revelatory moments of crisis

The unfolding COVID-19 pandemic has closed borders, grounded planes, quarantined more than half of the world’s population, triggered anxiety en masse, and shaken global capitalism to its core. Scho...
Constraints on cosmological parameters from gamma-ray burst peak photon energy and bolometric fluence measurements and other data

We use measurements of the peak photon energy and bolometric fluence of 119 gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) extending over the redshift range of $0.3399 \leq z \leq 8.2$ to simultaneously determine cosmological and Amati relation parameters in six different cosmological models. The resulting Amati relation parameters are almost identical in all six cosmological models, thus validating the use of the Amati relation in standardizing these GRBs. The GRB data cosmological parameter constraints are consistent with, but significantly less restrictive than, those obtained from a joint analysis of baryon acoustic oscillation and Hubble parameter measurements.
What Drives the Use of Dual-Class Structures in Technology IPOs?

This paper contributes to the longstanding and escalating debate over the use of dual-class structure in initial public offerings (IPOs) by introducing a novel measurement to analyze factors influencing technology-based firms in their decision to employ a dual-class structure. Using media coverage of firms’ founders prior to their IPO as a proxy for their idiosyncratic vision, this paper’s first and primary finding indicates that idiosyncratic vision strongly predicts the use of dual-class structure among technology-based firms. Further analysis shows that the effect of media coverage as a proxy for a founder’s idiosyncratic vision differs according to a firm’s state of incorporation, such that idiosyncratic vision is of greater importance for firms incorporated outside of the state of Delaware. While exploring possible explanations for this striking finding, this analysis also highlights certain costs associated with the penalties and obstructions institutional investors impose to discourage divergence from a single-class, one-share, one-vote structure.
Teacher Workplace Bullying: How Pervasive is the Problem?

Bullying in schools is a national problem receiving much needed attention. Teacher workplace bullying is a lesser known but equally debilitating problem. Our purpose in doing this study is to exami...
Image-guided EBUS bronchoscopy system for lung-cancer staging

The staging of the central-chest lymph nodes is a major step in the management of lung-cancer patients. For this purpose, the physician uses a device that integrates videobronchoscopy and an endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) probe. To biopsy a lymph node, the physician first uses videobronchoscopy to navigate through the airways and then invokes EBUS to localize and biopsy the node. Unfortunately, this process proves difficult for many physicians, with the choice of biopsy site found by trial and error. We present a complete image-guided EBUS bronchoscopy system tailored to lymph-node staging. The system accepts a patient's 3D chest CT scan, an optional PET scan, and the EBUS bronchoscope's video sources as inputs. System workflow follows two phases: (1) procedure planning and (2) image-guided EBUS bronchoscopy. Procedure planning derives airway guidance routes that facilitate optimal EBUS scanning and nodal biopsy. During the live procedure, the system's graphical display suggests a series of device maneuvers to perform and provides multimodal visual cues for locating suitable biopsy sites. To this end, the system exploits data fusion to drive a multimodal virtual bronchoscope and other visualization tools that lead the physician through the process of device navigation and localization. A retrospective lung-cancer patient study and follow-on prospective patient study, performed within the standard clinical workflow, demonstrate the system's feasibility and functionality. For the prospective study, 60/60 selected lymph nodes (100%) were correctly localized using the system, and 30/33 biopsied nodes (91%) gave adequate tissue samples. Also, the mean procedure time including all user interactions was 6 min 43 s All of these measures improve upon benchmarks reported for other state-of-the-art systems and current practice. Overall, the system enabled safe, efficient EBUS-based localization and biopsy of lymph nodes.
Change in Perceived Stress and Health Behaviors of Emerging Adults in the Midst of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Background The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in unprecedented disruptions, restrictions, and concerns about physical and mental health. Emerging adulthood, including the first year of college, is associated with declines in healthy eating and physical activity, as well as possible heightened distress. The impact of COVID-19 may exacerbate these concerns. Purpose The purpose of this study was to examine changes in health behaviors and perceived stress in emerging adults over the first year of college and to determine whether prepandemic health behaviors were protective for mental health and stress during the initial changes after the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods First-year college students (N = 234, 58.6% female) completed three surveys during their first year of school, the third being after the onset of COVID-19 and during a stay-at-home order. At Time 3, we also assessed symptoms of anxiety and depression. Results Using linear mixed modeling, sedentary time increased and physical activity decreased over time, but 20%-35% of students reported improvements in these behaviors. Dietary changes appeared mixed, with some improvements noted early during COVID-19. Perceived stress increased over time. Multiple regression indicated that of the health behaviors examined for protective effects on mental health and stress during the pandemic, only diet quality emerged as a significant predictor. Conclusions Although notable declines in some health habits were observed over time, including following COVID-19 disruptions, some students reported improved health behaviors. Efforts should be directed at identifying and intervening with students most at risk for poor functioning.
Time-varying motor control strategy for proximal-to-distal sequential energy distribution: insights from baseball pitching.

The importance of a proximal-to-distal (P-D) sequential motion in baseball pitching is generally accepted; however, the mechanisms behind this sequential motion and motor control theories that explain which factor transfers mechanical energy between the trunk and arm segments are not completely understood. This study aimed to identify the energy distribution mechanisms among the segments and determine the effect of the P-D sequence on the mechanical efficiency of the throwing movement, focusing on the time-varying motor control. The throwing motions of 16 male collegiate baseball pitchers were measured by a motion capture system. An induced power analysis was used to decompose the system mechanical energy into its muscular and interactive torque-dependent components. The results showed that the P-D sequential energy flow during the movement was mainly attributed to three different joint controls of the energy generation and muscular torque- and centrifugal force-induced energy transfer. The trunk muscular torques provided the primary energy sources of the system mechanical energy, and the shoulder and elbow joints played the roles of the energy-transfer effect. The mechanical energy expenditure on the throwing hand and ball accounted for 72.7% of the total muscle work generated by the trunk and arm joints (329.2 J). In conclusion, the P-D sequence of the throwing motion is an effective way to utilize the proximal joints as the energy source and reduce muscular work production of the distal joints. This movement control assists in efficient throwing, and is consistent with the theory of the leading joint hypothesis.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Children with Down Syndrome

Children with Down syndrome have certain characteristic physical features—including relative macroglossia, maxillary hypoplasia, and hypotonia—that put them at a much higher risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) than the typical population. This chapter discusses the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and the consequences of Down syndrome that lead to OSA, as well as diagnosis and treatment for OSA in Down syndrome children.
RF Mems Based Reconfigurable Antennas

The presentation will first of all address the advantages of RF MEMS circuit in antenna applications and also the need for electronically reconfigurable antennas. Next, discuss some of the recent examples of RF MEMS based reconfigurable microstrip antennas. Finally, conclude the talk with a summary of MEMS antenna performance.
Signal Transmission and Specificity in the Sporulation Phosphorelay of Bacillus subtilis

Publisher Summary The survival of a bacterium depends on its ability to adapt to a changing environment. Bacillus subtilis sporulates in response to poor growth conditions and then, under more favorable conditions, the genetic matter in the spore is used to produce a new bacterium. It uses a very complex molecular machinery to decide whether to sporulate or to divide. The backbone of this complex machinery is a phosphorelay, which is an expanded version of a two component system commonly used by bacteria for monitoring and responding to the environment. In this process, the transmission of information is accomplished through the exchange of a phosphoryl group from one protein. To keep the signal on track, the proteins must specifically recognize their partners and transfer the phosphoryl group. The problem of specificity is particularly severe in bacteria, which possess 30–40 two-component pairs with considerable similarities. Structural characterization of the components of the sporulation phosphorelay in Bacillus subtilis has shown how a response regulator interacts with a phosphotransferase domain. The interaction has provided clues on how discrimination and specificity are achieved in response regulator: histidine kinase interactions. The interacting surface of a response regulator consists of conserved core residues surrounded by variable residues. Conserved residues appear to initiate the binding, whereas variable residues give rise to specificity.
Recruitment in Estuarine Benthic Communities: The Role of Physical Processes

The mechanisms for retention of invertebrate larvae are governed by the interaction of several physical processes within Delaware Bay. Work during the last two years has combined numerical models of estuarine circulation with biological sampling and with field studies of small scale fronts and tidal circulation. The combination of tidal currents, wind-induced currents and the interactions of frontal systems are important factors governing the recruitment of oyster larvae into the benthic community. Two-dimensional and three-dimensionals models are used to calculate particle trajectories for one tidal cycle and for twelve-day periods. The results indicate that under certain conditions, primarily controlled by the wind, the estuarine circulation may favor the retention of oyster larvae within the oyster beds during most of their two-week larval phase. However, the particle trajectories are critically dependent on the vertical distribution of larvae within the water column.
Comprehending Genocide: The Case of Rwanda

In 1994 Rwanda erupted into one of the most appalling cases of genocide that the world had witnessed since World War II. Since genocide is the most aberrant of human behaviors, it cries out for exp...