cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Phenolic composition and antioxidant activity of prunes and prune juice (Prunus domestica)

Phenolic compounds in foods have been associated with reduced incidences of heart disease by acting as antioxidants for low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Commercial prune and prune juice extracts (Prunus domestica cv. French) were analyzed for phenolics by reversed phase HPLC with diode array detection and tested for the ability to inhibit the Cu2+-catalyzed oxidation of human LDL. The mean concentrations of phenolics were 1840 mg/kg, 1397 mg/kg, and 441 mg/L in pitted prunes, extra large prunes with pits, and prune juice, respectively. Hydroxycinnamates, especially neochlorogenic acid, and chlorogenic acid predominated, and these compounds, as well as the prune and prune juice extracts, inhibited the oxidation of LDL. The pitted prune extract inhibited LDL oxidation by 24, 82, and 98% at 5, 10, and 20 μM gallic acid equivalents (GAE). The prune juice extract inhibited LDL oxidation by 3, 62, and 97% at 5, 10, and 20 μM GAE. These data indicate that prunes and prune juice may provide a source of dietary anti...
Cyclic appearances and disappearances of pulsars: Application to pulsar in SN 1987A

It is shown that a very small asymmetric ellipicity of the pulsar discovered in SN 1987A could cause cyclic appearance and disappearance of the signals due to the slow rotation about the body symmetry axis which could carry the magnetic axis out of our line of sight. Taking account of gravitational-radiation damping, eccentricities that are consistent with the measured small rate of change of the millisecond period would yield a period for the disappearances ranging from about an hour to the age of the Universe. We also examine precession as a possible explanation of the observed eight-hour modulation of the millisecond pulses. While a sinusoidal frequency modulation of the correct period can be found, the amplitude of the modulation is much too small compared to observation.
Disuccinimidyl suberate cross-linked ricin does not inhibit cell-free protein synthesis

Abstract Ricin was reacted with disuccinimidyl suberate, to yield a molecule in which the A and B chains were covalently cross-linked through a non-reducible bond. After purification, this cross-linked ricin analog was unable to inhibit protein synthesis in a cell-free translation system from rat liver. In contrast, after modification with the cross-linking agent the isolated ricin A chain maintained its inhibitory activity. These results support the view that ricin must be cleaved into its constituent polypeptide chains to elicit its toxicity, and suggest that reduction of the disulfide bond alone is not sufficient for ribosome inactivation in vitro .
Growth inhibition of Zymomonas mobilis ATCC 10988 by ammonium ions.

This article communicates the inhibitory effect of ammonium ions in batch cultures of Z. mobilis at high initial glucose concentrations. Large amounts of ammonium ions in Z. mobilis cultures lead to growth inhibition, poor cellular yields, and decoupling of growth from ethanol production
New Insights into Mathematical Modeling of the Immune System

In order to understand the integrated behavior of the immune system, there is no alternative to mathematical modeling. In addition, the advent of experimental tools such as gene arrays and proteomics poses new challenges to immunologists who are now faced with more information than can be readily incorporated into existing paradigms of immunity. We review here our ongoing efforts to develop mathematical models of immune responses to infectious disease, highlight a new modeling approach that is more accessible to immunologists, and describe new ways to analyze microarray data. These are collaborative studies between experimental immunologists, mathematicians, and computer scientists.
2.3-Tbit/s (23×100-Gbit/s) RZ-DQPSK grooming switch (simultaneous add/drop, data exchange and equalization) using double-pass LCoS and bidirectional HNLF

We present a 2.3-Tbit/s network switching element by exploiting double-pass LCoS technology and bidirectional nonlinear effects inside a single HNLF. We demonstrate 2.3-Tbit/s grooming switch with simultaneous functions of add/drop, data exchange, and power equalization, for 23-channel 100-Gbit/s RZ-DQPSK signals.
Sleep and Student Achievement

We explore the relationship between sleep and student performance on standardized tests. We model test scores as a nonlinear function of sleep, which allows us to compute the hours of sleep associated with maximum test scores. We refer to this as “optimal” hours of sleep. We also evaluate how the sleep and student performance relationship changes with age. We use the Panel Study of Income Dynamics-Child Development Supplement, which includes excellent control variables that are not usually available in sleep studies. We find a statistically significant relationship between sleep and test scores. We also find that optimal hours of sleep decline with age.
Adoption of virtual worlds in libraries

This poster describes progress on a research project, based on Everett Rogers' Diffusion Theory as a theoretical framework, which analyzes factors contributing to the adoption of virtual worlds by librarians and educators. A mixed methods study, using both qualitative and quantitative methods, obtained study participants (n= 219) through online listservs. Survey questions were coded to match Rogers' five attributes: (relative advantage, compatibility, complexity, trialability, and observability). Results of the study identify five current predictors along with perceived benefits for the use of virtual worlds in educational settings and libraries.
Instructional practices and behavior during reading: A descriptive summary and comparison of practices in title one and non‐title elementary schools

Increasing achievement for all students is a focus of general and special education reform today. Especially in the area of reading, there are many children who are at risk for failure. The purpose of this study was to describe teachers' use of instructional time during literacy with students at schools with (Title One) and without (non-Title) high percentages of students in poverty. Teachers and students from 35 classrooms were each observed for approximately 5 hours, for a total of 175 observation hours. Teachers identified the time when they consistently taught literacy and were observed in 1-hour increments across 5 days. The Setting Factors Assessment Tool was used to measure the instructional context, teacher behavior, and student behavior. Main results from descriptive and statistical analyses indicate that teachers spent the majority of literacy time in whole group (40%) and independent work (32%). Only small percentages of instructional time were spent in peer work (8%), small-group work (8%), and transition (8%). When comparing Title One and non-Title classrooms, teachers in Title One classrooms used significantly more noninstructional related talk, had more instructional down time, and a higher number of student exits during instruction. A discussion of the limitations of this study and need for future research to extend these findings follows. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Incorporating Spirituality into Social Work Practice: A Review of What to Do:

The importance of spirituality in the lives of many clients has been acknowledged in the most recent curriculum policy statement of the Council on Social Work Education and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders of the American Psychiatric Association. A number of studies have also appeared in the professional literature advocating for the inclusion of spirituality in both social work practice and education. Despite this legitimacy, social workers are often reluctant to address this issue for a variety of reasons, most notably the lack of knowledge on this subject and its application to practice. To that end, this article presents general information on spirituality and discusses specific ways of incorporating the spiritual dimension into social work assessment and intervention.
Gastrointestinal inoculation of Cryptococcus neoformans in mice.

Twenty-four percent of mice inoculated with Cryptococcus neoformans by the gastrointestinal (G.I.) tract route shed viable C. neoformans in feces for several weeks after inoculation and 2% of the animals shed viable cells for 6–12 months. None of these animals had any clinical evidence of disease. Postmortem examination indicated that C. neoformans colonized the large intestine of the shedding animals. Approximately 3% of the animals died of disseminated cryptococcosis 9 to 19 weeks after inoculation, indicating that the G.I. tract may be a possible portal of entry in cases of cryptococcosis. Pre-treatment and post-treatment of animals with cortisone failed to increase their susceptibility to C. neoformans. Variations in the percent of animals shedding C. neoformans were observed between two different strains of mice, e.g. 44% of C3H/HE animals shed viable cells for several weeks. Age did not seem to be an important factor. Of the C. neoformans cells present in fresh faces, 5% were viable after 6 months' ...
SUMO-1 Modification Represses Sp3 Transcriptional Activation and Modulates Its Subnuclear Localization

The GC box binding transcription factor Sp3 both activates and represses transcription. We have found that Sp3 activity is regulated by SUMO-1 modification. Endogenous Sp3 is sumoylated and localized to the nuclear periphery and in nuclear dots. Removal of SUMO-1 from Sp3 by mutation of the SUMO acceptor lysines or expression of the SUMO-1 protease SuPr-1 converted Sp3 to a strong activator with a diffuse nuclear localization. Covalent attachment of SUMO-1 to Sp3 by gene fusion was sufficient to repress Sp3-dependent transcription and relocalize Sp3 to the nuclear periphery and nuclear dots. These studies reveal a direct effect of SUMO-1 modification on activity of a dual function transcription factor and provide a mechanism for functional specificity within the Sp transcription factor family.
IN-DATABASE RASTER ANALYTICS: MAP ALGEBRA AND PARALLEL PROCESSING IN ORACLE SPATIAL GEORASTER

Over the past decade several products have been using enterprise database technology to store and manage geospatial imagery and raster data inside RDBMS, which in turn provides the best manageability and security. With the data volume growing exponentially, real-time or near real-time processing and analysis of such big data becomes more challenging. Oracle Spatial GeoRaster, different from most other products, takes the enterprise database-centric approach for both data management and data processing. This paper describes one of the central components of this database-centric approach: the processing engine built completely inside the database. Part of this processing engine is raster algebra, which we call the In-database Raster Analytics. This paper discusses the three key characteristics of this in-database analytics engine and the benefits. First, it moves the data processing closer to the data instead of moving the data to the processing, which helps achieve greater performance by overcoming the bottleneck of computer networks. Second, we designed and implemented a new raster algebra expression language. This language is based on PL/SQL and is currently focused on the "local" function type of map algebra. This language includes general arithmetic, logical and relational operators and any combination of them, which dramatically improves the analytical capability of the GeoRaster database. The third feature is the implementation of parallel processing of such operations to further improve performance. This paper also presents some sample use cases. The testing results demonstrate that this in-database approach for raster analytics can effectively help solve the biggest performance challenges we are facing today with big raster and image data.
Application of an integrated LC-UV-MS-NMR platform to the identification of secondary metabolites from cell cultures: benzophenanthridine alkaloids from elicited Eschscholzia californica (california poppy) cell cultures

Plant cell and tissue cultures are a scalable and controllable alternative to whole plants for obtaining natural products of medical relevance. Cultures can be optimized for high yields of desired metabolites using rapid profiling assays such as HPLC. We describe an approach to establishing a rapid assay for profiling cell culture expression systems using a novel microscale LC-UV-MS-NMR platform, designed to acquire both MS and NMR each at their optimal sensitivity, by using nanosplitter MS from 4 mm analytical HPLC columns, and offline microdroplet NMR. The approach is demonstrated in the analysis of elicited Eschscholzia californica cell cultures induced with purified yeast extract to produce benzophenanthridine alkaloids. Preliminary HPLC-UV provides an overview of the changes in the production of alkaloids with time after elicitation. At the time point corresponding to the production of the most alkaloids, the integrated LC-MS-microcoil NMR platform is used for structural identification of extracted alkaloids. Eight benzophenanthridine alkaloids were identified at the sub-microgram level. This paper demonstrates the utility of the nanosplitter LC-MS/microdroplet NMR platform when establishing cell culture expression systems.
Plant-Based Diets for the Prevention and Treatment of Disabling Diseases:

Overestimates of the efficacy of surgical and pharmacological interventions for the prevention and treatment of chronic disease and underestimates of the associated risks may bias physicians and pa...
Simplified Rapid Electroimmunodiffusion Technique for Measuring α1-Antitrypsin in Serum

A rapid method is described for immunochemical quantitation of α1-antitrypsin by electroimmunodiffusion on cellulose acetate. Compared to earlier qualitative screening techniques for trypsin activity, including trypsin inhibitory capacity, the procedure presented here is specific, reproducible, and quantitative for α1-antitrypsin. It is inexpensive and less time consuming than electroimmunodiffusion or radial immunodiffusion in agar gel. The test is so simply done that this procedure can be routinely used by most hospital clinical laboratories. The technique is easily adapted to immunochemical quantitation of other protein fractions.
Open-Label Study of Duloxetine for the Treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Background: This study sought to investigate the efficacy of duloxetine for the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (DSM-IV). Methods: Twenty individuals were enrolled in a 17-week, open-label trial of duloxetine at Massachusetts General Hospital. Data were collected between March 2007 and September 2012. Study measures assessing obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms, quality of life, depression, and anxiety were administered at baseline and weeks 1, 5, 9, 13, and 17. The primary outcome measures were the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale and Clinical Global Improvement scale. Results: For the 12 study completers, pre- and posttreatment analyses revealed significant improvements (P < .05) on clinicianand self-rated measures of obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms and quality of life. Among the 12 completers, more than one-half (n = 7) satisfied full medication response criteria. Intention-to-treat analyses (n = 20) showed similar improvements (P < .05) on primary and secondary study outcome measures. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that duloxetine may provide a significant reduction in symptoms for patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00464698; http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00464698?term=NCT00464698&rank=1.
Finger sculpting with Digital Clay: 3D shape input and output through a computer-controlled real surface

The NSF Digital Clay project is focused on the design, prototyping, integration, and validation of a computer-controlled physical device capable of taking any of a wide range of possible shapes in response to changes in a digital 3D model or to changes in the pressure exercised upon it by human hands. Although it clearly is a natural and unavoidable evolution of 3D graphical user interfaces, its unprecedented capabilities constitute a major leap in technologies and paradigms for 3D display, for 3D input, and for collaborative 3D design. In this paper, we provide an overview of the Digital Clay project and discuss the challenges, design choices, and initial solutions for a new finger sculpting interface designed for the Digital Clay and prototyped using conventional 3D I/O hardware.
Analysis and improvement of the consistency of extended Kalman filter based SLAM

In this work, we study the inconsistency of EKF- based SLAM from the perspective of observability. We analytically prove that when the Jacobians of the state and measurement models are evaluated at the latest state estimates during every time step, the linearized error-state system model of the EKF- based SLAM has observable subspace of dimension higher than that of the actual, nonlinear, SLAM system. As a result, the covariance estimates of the EKF undergo reduction in directions of the state space where no information is available, which is a primary cause of inconsistency. To address this issue, a new "first estimates Jacobian" (FEJ) EKF is proposed, which is shown to perform better in terms of consistency. In the FEJ- EKF, the filter Jacobians are calculated using the first-ever available estimates for each state variable, which insures that the observable subspace of the error-state system model is of the same dimension as that of the underlying nonlinear SLAM system. The theoretical analysis is validated through extensive simulations.
"Perennially New": Santa Barbara and the Origins of the California Mission Garden

Elizabeth Kryder-Reid examines the origins of California's mission gardens and explores their reception and their contribution to cultural memory. The evidence presented in "Perennially New": Santa Barbara and the Origins of the California Mission Garden shows that the iconic image of the mission garden was created a century after the founding of the missions in the late eighteenth century, and two decades before the start of the Mission Revival architectural style. The locus of their origin was Mission Santa Barbara, where in 1872 a Franciscan named Father Romo, newly arrived from a posting in Jerusalem, planted a courtyard garden reminiscent of the landscapes that he had seen during his travels around the Mediterranean. This invented garden fostered a robust visual culture and rich ideological narratives, and it played a formative role in the broader cultural reception of Mission Revival garden design and of California history in general. These discoveries have significance for the preservation and interpretation of these heritage sites.
Chemical softness in model electronic systems: dependence on temperature and chemical potential

Abstract Discrete and continuous model systems are studied in order to understand the behavior of average softness, for equilibrium states in a grand canonical ensemble, when the bath parameters are changed. While the former model seems to be appropriate for describing an isolated system, the latter could take care of atoms in a molecular framework. Three, four, and five level discrete models, and quadratic- and exponential-type continuous models were chosen for studying the dependence of average number of particles, average softness, average electronic, and Helmholtz free energies on temperature and chemical potential. For the quadratic model, the zero temperature limit of the average softness is the absolute softness of density functional theory. In the other models it generally goes to zero at 0 K, but for some specific values of μ. The high temperature limit of it is zero in all the studied cases. When the average number of particles is an integer or half integer in the discrete model at low temperature, there are local extrema in equilibrium softnes and the maximum hardness principle is shown to be valid.
A graphomorphemic approach to identifying and selecting a set of high utility, stable affixes common to the technical vocabulary of science

Adolescents often learn science vocabulary through reading. This vocabulary is frequently characterized by multisyllabic words derived from Greek and Latin roots. While most adolescents have acquired the decoding skills to read these multisyllabic words, many students, particularly those with disabilities, cannot engage in independent word learning because they lack the skills to decode these multisyllabic words. Graphomorphemic elements of words, including affixes, support effective decoding and can eventually support word learning. This article describes an approach used to identify the most frequently occurring, stable affixes within science words so that they could be used in “big word” decoding instruction. To illustrate the approach, a subset of high frequency science words and a list of high utility, stable affixes are provided.
HEMATOLOGIC RESPONSES IN CAPTIVE WHITE-WINGED DOVES (ZENAIDA ASIATICA), INDUCED BY VARIOUS RADIOTRANSMITTER ATTACHMENTS

White blood cell counts, heterophil–lymphocyte ratios, and leukocyte differentials of captive white-winged doves (Zenaida asiatica) from Texas equipped with different radiotransmitter attachment packages were monitored. Doves were segregated by gender and age by males, females, and hatching year; individuals housed in 30 large outdoor pens in groups of seven. Treatments consisted of controls, glue-on transmitters, body loop harnesses, surgically implanted intracoelomic transmitters, surgically implanted subcutaneous transmitters, intracoelomic surgery without implants, and subcutaneous surgery without implants. We used multivariate analysis of variance with pen as a blocking variable and gender nested and repeated measures analysis of variance to identify differences among any of the transmitter attachment techniques and the control for dependent variables. We found no difference in blood parameters between transmitter attachment technique versus a control.
How Does History Matter in Ecology

Cuddington, Kim, and Beatrix E. Beisner, editors. 2005. Ecological paradigms lost: routes of theory change. Theoretical Ecology Series. Elsevier, Burlington, Massachusetts. xxiv + 435 p. $79.95, ISBN: 0-12-088459-3 (alk. paper).
Genomic Profile of Fatigued Men Receiving Localized Radiation Therapy

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to explore gene expression changes in fatigued men with nonmetastatic prostate cancer receiving localized external beam radiation therapy (EBRT). METHODS Fatigue was measured in 40 men with prostate cancer (20 receiving EBRT and 20 controls on active surveillance) using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Fatigue (FACT-F). EBRT subjects were followed from baseline to midpoint and end point of EBRT, while controls were seen at one time point. EBRT subjects were categorized into high- and low-fatigue groups based on change in FACT-F scores from baseline to EBRT completion. Full genome microarray was performed from peripheral leukocyte RNA to determine gene expression changes related to fatigue phenotypes. Real-time polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay confirmed the most differentially expressed gene in the microarray experiment. RESULTS At baseline, mean FACT-F scores were not different between EBRT subjects (44.3 ± 7.16) and controls (46.7 ± 4.32, p = .24). Fatigue scores of EBRT subjects decreased at treatment midpoint (38.6 ± 9.17, p = .01) and completion (37.6 ± 9.9, p = .06), indicating worsening fatigue. Differential expression of 42 genes was observed between fatigue groups when EBRT time points were controlled. Membrane-spanning four domains, subfamily A, member (MS4A1) was the most differentially expressed gene and was associated with fatigue at treatment end point (r = -.46, p = .04). CONCLUSION Fatigue intensification was associated with MS4A1 downregulation, suggesting that fatigue during EBRT may be related to impairment in B-cell immune response. The 42 differentially expressed fatigue-related genes are associated with glutathione biosynthesis, γ-glutamyl cycle, and antigen presentation pathways.
Is Morrison Dead? Assessing a Supreme Drug (Law) Overdose

There was little doubt that the federal government would prevail in Gonzales v. Raich. What was, perhaps, unexpected was so expansive a repudiation of enforceable judicial limitations on federal power. In upholding the constitutionality of the Controlled Substances Act as applied to the non-commercial intrastate possession and consumption of marijuana for medical purposes as authorized under California law, the Supreme Court hollowed out the core of contemporary commerce clause jurisprudence. Insofar as United States v. Morrison had stood for the propositions that only intrastate economic activities could be aggregated for purposes of the "substantial effects" test, that attenuated connections between a regulatory scheme and interstate commerce exceeded Congress' limited and enumerated powers, and, perhaps most importantly, that judicial review should serve as the ultimate check on overly broad assertions of federal power, it may now be a dead letter. The rationale adopted by Justice Stevens' majority opinion undercuts the primary judicial safeguards of federalism. While the Raich majority purports to be following the doctrinal contours of Lopez and Morrison, it actually represents a repudiation of these prior cases. Further, Raich continued the Supreme Court's uninterrupted practice of rejecting as-applied challenges to federal statutes, and is likely to preclude any such suits in the future. The inability to mount as-applied challenges to broad regulatory statutes like the CSA is significant because it creates additional barriers to future commerce clause litigation. The lack of a viable way to challenge discrete applications of broader federal laws means few commerce clause challenges can ever hope to succeed. The central holding of Morrison, like the legendary Jim Morrison, now lives on only in the hearts of true believers.
Self-Made Men and Man-Made Selves

What if reproductive enhancements were developed to the point where they were technologically feasible, medically safe, and economically accessible to all parents on behalf of their children-to-be? Would anything be morally objectionable about parents choosing to have offspring of a particular type? Michael Sandel argues that if genetic interventions for non-health related traits, such as IQ, height, and athletic prowess became the normal way by which offspring came to acquire their particular biological constitutions, such practices would diminish the moral sentiments that social solidarity requires. Professor Sandel does not explain, however, why we should privilege an ethic of sharing. What need have we for solidarity or compassion, Kant asked, if their purpose is simply to correct for a bad state of affairs that we could remedy more effectively and more consistently by way of legislation? It is true that partiality and variability in the human expression of caring make it imprudent to rely on perfectly benevolent citizens. But even if just outcomes could be generated more reliably by enforcing a system of fair procedures and supporting institutions, few of the individual misfortunes - physical injury, dashed expectations, unrequited love - to which altruism and friendship respond can be avoided or alleviated by a system of enforceable rules alone. Moreover, unless people share a strong underlying moral bond, public institutions will be without compelling moral reason for the less advantaged to make claims on the social and economic resources of the more advantaged.
Interdependent Risk and Institutional Coordination for Nonpoint Externalities in Groundwater

Institutions evolve in response to uncertainty about the implications of complex interdependencies between individuals.' Farm producers' desire to minimize the risk associated with crop production can cause contamination of groundwater supplies and pose health risks for farm and nonfarm users of groundwater. This essay develops an analytical framework to address the interdependent risks created by this nonpoint externality and evaluates the potential of alternative institutions to coordinate the actions and relations between agents in the externality setting. This analysis leads to some conjectures about the evolution of specific institutional forms under different groundwater allocation systems.
A self-organizing lattice Boltzmann active contour (SOLBAC) approach for fast and robust object region segmentation

In this paper, we propose a self-organized learning based active contour model with a lattice Boltzmann convergence criteria for fast and effective segmentation preserving the precise details of the object's region of interest. A dual self-organizing map approach is being used to learn the object of interest and the background independently in order to guide the active contour to extract the target region. The lattice Boltzmann method is utilized to evolve the level-set function faster and terminate the evolution of the curve at the most optimum region, which segments objects in cluttered environments. Experiments performed on a challenging dataset (PSCAL 2011) show promising results in terms of time and quality of the segmentation and that our method is more than 53% faster than other state-of-the-art learning-based active contour model approaches.
COMPARATIVE GEOGRAPHIC STRUCTURES OF TWO PARASITOID-HOST INTERACTIONS.

Recent studies of parasitoid-host interactions have demonstrated that parasitoids and their hosts are geographically structured for traits such as virulence and encapsulation defenses, but no studies have yet compared the geographic structure of parasitoids and hosts using neutral genetic markers. Such studies of geographic structure are needed to evaluate the underlying geographic scale at which these interactions evolve and allow assessment of the relative effects of selection and gene flow on the geographic structure observed in traits under selection. We used sequence data from the mitochondrial DNA cytochrome oxidase I and II subunits to document and compare the geographic structures of the parasitoid Agathis thompsoni and its moth host Greya subalba. We also documented the geographic structure of G. enchrysa and compared it to the geographic structure of its parasitoid Agathis n. sp. The results demonstrated that parasitoids and their hosts may have incongruent patterns of geographic structure as assessed by molecular markers. As a consequence, the geographic scale at which the interaction evolves may be different for each species involved in the interaction. Depending on the interplay of selection and gene flow, there may not be a one-to-one correspondence of traits important in the interaction between parasitoids and their hosts at the level of local populations. The geographic structures of A. thompsoni and G. subalba and Agathis n. sp. and G. enchrysa provide further evidence of the potential importance of the formation of geographic mosaics in coevolving parasitoid-host interactions and evolving interactions in general.
Resection and advancement of esophageal mucosa. A potential therapy for Barrett's esophagus.

Barrett’s esophagus affects 5–10% of patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and is associated with a 40-fold increased risk of malignant transformation. Ablative therapies may lead to esophageal perforation or stricture formation if applied too liberally and residual glandular tissue and persistent cancer risk if utilized too sparingly. Ten pigs underwent gastrotomy. Mucosa below the gastroesophageal (GE) junction was elevated by saline injections, circumferentially incised, and secured to an orogastric tube. By traction, the distal esophageal mucosa was inverted 10 cm proximally, then returned to the gastric lumen. In group A (n=4), the mucosa (5 cm) was resected and the remnant was allowed to retract. In group B (n=4), the mucosa was simply sutured back into its native position. In group C (n=2), the mucosa (5 cm) was resected and the proximal segment was advanced and sutured to the gastric mucosa. At 6 weeks, or sooner if stricture developed, the animals were killed. Stricture formation was determined by ex vivo barium esophagram and gross assessment. The extent of fibrosis and epithelial healing were established histologically. Group A (mucosa resected) developed weight loss and anorexia within 4 weeks. Pathology revealed dense fibrotic stricture without reepithelialization. Group B (mucosa elevated/replaced) gained weight after the operation. Histology demonstrated mucosal healing without significant stricture or fibrosis. Group C (mucosa resected/advanced) also thrived postoperatively. Histology confirmed mucosal healing without evidence of retraction or dense stricture. Exposure of submucosal tissues causes esophageal stricture. Mucosal coverage minimizes submucosal fibrosis after injury. Mucosal resection and advancement allows healing without stricture and may have therapeutic potential for patients with Barrett’s esophagus.
The medical management of diabetes in pregnancy

This article is divided into three sections. “Metabolic Adaptations to Normal Pregnancy” describes the changes in intermediary metabolism that normally attend pregnancy and relates these changes to states of insulin deficiency- i.e., diabetes. “Implications for the Conceptus” reviews our current understanding of how the metabolic derrangements that characterize maternal diabetes may affect embryo and fetal development. “Management” details practical aspects of a management program aimed at normalizing pregnancy outcome for women with both progestational and gestational diabetes mellitus.
Parapertussis pneumonia: Report of two fatal cases

Summary 1. Two cases of fatal pertussis-like infections in infants are reported with autopsy studies. 2. The etiologic agent was demonstrated to be B. parapertussis , instead of H. pertussis , upon bacteriologic, rather than pathologic, evidence. 3. The diagnosis of pertussis at autopsy should not be made without bacteriologicconfirmation. 4. Parapertussis may be a more serious disease than formerly thought.
Factors that affect conductance at the molecular level

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on two areas of computational research in nanotechnology that are related to the current flowing through molecules. It discusses recent work on using molecules as components in electrical circuits for the application of computing, and further it considers how gases adsorbed on the sidewalls of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) affect their electrical properties, for application as gas sensors. After describing recent work in these two areas, ones speculate on the future directions of the application of computational chemistry to nanotechnology. The close collaboration of physicists and chemists will probably be required to bring this area of nanotechnology to its full potential. The CNT sensor work shows that current calculations can be used to help answer some of the existing experimental problems.
Molecular Physiology of Mosquito Diapause

Abstract The dormant state of diapause is exploited by numerous mosquito species to survive seasonal periods of environmental stress. We discuss embryonic, larval and adult diapauses in mosquitoes and probe the molecular and physiological distinctions that comprise the diapause phenotype. Diapause evokes diverse and unique attributes including behavioural changes, arrested development, enhanced stress tolerance, fat accumulation and suppressed metabolic rates. Like most insects, mosquitoes in temperate latitudes precisely monitor daylength as a cue for diapause initiation. We examine the role of circadian clock genes in this response and trace downstream hormonal pathways involved in the diapause response. Insulin and the FOXO transcription factor signalling pathways appear to be keys for generating the diapause phenotype in adult females of Culex pipiens and perhaps other species. Elucidating the molecular regulation of diapause-associated physiology may provide a basis to identify novel targets for the control of mosquito vectors.
Gender Differences in Intimacy, Emotional Expressivity, and Relationship Satisfaction

This research explores how intimacy and emotional expressivity affects perceived relationship satisfaction in undergraduate couples. A survey was administered to college students from ages 18 to 24 and they participated in the surveys on a volunteer basis. The study consisted of a convenience sample of college-aged students in various types of romantic relationships (i.e. dating, long distance, engaged, and casual or “friends with benefits”). Our hypothesis stated that men with high verbal emotional expression would experience higher relationship satisfaction; however, our analysis of the survey responses of the participants (n=103) indicated that this was not the case, as men who reported high verbal emotional expression also reported lower relationship satisfaction. The findings also revealed: generally, males have a more positive perspective of their own intimacy in relationships while women have a more negative perception of their own intimacy and under the category of emotional expressivity, men self-reported higher for verbal and nonverbal affection while women self-reported higher for supportiveness.
Correcting Political and Consumer Misperceptions: The Effectiveness and Effects of Rating Scale Versus Contextual Correction Formats:

While fact-checking has grown dramatically in the last decade, little is known about the relative effectiveness of different formats in correcting false beliefs or overcoming partisan resistance to new information. This article addresses that gap by using theories from communication and psychology to compare two prevailing approaches: An online experiment examined how the use of visual “truth scales” interacts with partisanship to shape the effectiveness of corrections. We find that truth scales make fact-checks more effective in some conditions. Contrary to theoretical predictions and the fears of some journalists, their use does not increase partisan backlash against the correction or the organization that produced it.
Abstract A50: Direct oncogene cancer killing and selective tumor Treg killing through the TNFR2 receptor via dominant antibody antagonists

A major barrier to cancer immunotherapy is lack of selective inhibitors of the regulatory T cells (Tregs) of the cancer microenvironment and methods to directly kill tumors through novel surface oncogenes. Tumor necrosis factor receptor 2 (TNFR2) is a target protein with restricted expression on the most potent Tregs of the tumor infiltrate and on human tumors as a newly discovered human oncogene. We characterized the effect of TNFR2 antibody antagonists via TNFR2 in human samples from ovarian ascites compared to healthy controls. TNFR2 antagonists potently inhibited Treg proliferation with exponential potency and selectivity for the tumor microenvironment Tregs. Furthermore, common ovarian cancer cell lines such as OVCAR3 expressed the TNFR2 oncogene and were rapidly and completely killed by TNFR2 antagonistic antibodies. Dominant TNFR2 antagonists demonstrate tumor-specific Treg depletion. Blocking TNFR2 signaling with antagonist antibodies also creates a novel tool to possibly eliminate tumors expressing the TNFR2 oncogene and to more potently suppress Tregs of the tumor environment. Citation Format: Heather Torrey, John Butterworth, Toshi Mera, Yoshiaki Okubo, Limei Wang, Danielle Baum, Sarah Warden, Sara Plager, Daniel Huang, Eva Vanamee, Rosemary Foster, Denise Faustman. Direct oncogene cancer killing and selective tumor Treg killing through the TNFR2 receptor via dominant antibody antagonists. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy; 2016 Oct 20-23; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Immunol Res 2017;5(3 Suppl):Abstract nr A50.
One-Pot Hydrothermal Synthesis of TbIII13(GeO4)6O7(OH) and K2TbIVGe2O7: Preparation of a Stable Terbium(4+) Complex

Two terbium germanates have been synthesized via high-temperature and high-pressure hydrothermal synthesis with 20 M KOH as a mineralizer using Tb4O7 as a starting material. Tb13(GeO4)6O7(OH) crystallizes in trigonal space group R3, is built up of isolated GeO4 units, and contains a complex arrangement of terbium oxide polyhedra. K2TbGe2O7 is a terbium(4+) pyrogermanate that is isostructural with K2ZrGe2O7 and displays a rare stable Tb4+ oxidation state in the solid state.
What can be controlled: actionable ICT4D in the case of Palestine

A thriving information and communication technology (ICT) economy is an aspiration for developing countries. This research identifies the factors that can motivate or inhibit ICT opportunities in a...
Methodology and performance comparison of statistical learning pulse shape classifiers as demonstrated with organic liquid scintillator

Abstract In this paper, we present novel methods for automated pulse shape discrimination. The classifiers are trained using simple radionuclide sources and do not require ground truth labeling. We test their performance using labels derived from time of flight experiments and present the results in terms of energy-dependent Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves. In addition, we also train and test standard pulse shape discrimination methods on the same data for comparison. We find multiple methods that can yield similar false neutron and true neutron rates at 24 keVee as tail-to-total or Gatti’s optimal linear filter yield at 54 keVee .
False Choices: Common Objections to Human Space Colonization

We have seen how humanity’s adaptive trick of niche construction has allowed our relatively frail genus, Homo, to proliferate across the globe. We have also argued that this survival technique is a normal part of our evolution, and that to cease it now would be to move counter to evolution itself, a poor choice. Before describing some ways to better inform our adaptation to space it is necessary to dismantle some of the more common critiques of the concept of human space colonization. Inasmuch as wide public support will be necessary for human space colonization - and we argue that while that would be useful, it is decreasingly necessary as space is increasingly becoming privately accessible - then the usual argwnents against human space colonization will need to be defused. Our central point in this chapter is that while there are plenty of Earth issues to address, human space colonization would not be about abandoning Earth, but about adapting to space; two very different things.
The Prevalence of Sleep Disturbance and Hypnotic Use

A variety of studies suggest that a high proportion of Americans are dis-satisfied with their sleep (Table II). Baiter and Bauer (1975), for instance, found that 11% of men and 17% of women felt that they had “a lot of trouble” getting to sleep or staying asleep, while an additional 19% reported milder degrees of the same complaints. A survey sponsored by the American Cancer Society, in which over one million men and women were interviewed in 1959 and 1960, found that 13.0% of men and 26.4% of women complained of “insomnia” (Hammond, 1964).
Immediate rigidity of an eye

The immediate stress-strain relation (rigidity) of the tunic of an eye and of its parts has been determined by many investigators. Although mechanical experiments on segments and strips from the eye are useful in themselves, the data from them cannot be quantitatively summed to yield valid whole-eye rigidity data. A continuous fast injection was found to be equivalent to rapid incremental injections in determining pressure-volume relations. The difference between live-eye rigidity and enucleated-eye rigidity is discussed. The difference can be either neglected as insignificant or explained as a result of the expulsion of a small amount (4%) of the total blood volume of the eye.
Money, Subsistence and Morality in Little Spruce Harbour

“Little Spruce Harbour”1 is a fishing community of approximately 350 people, constituting 130 households. It is located in a sheltered cove in the middle of one of the large bays on the eastern coast of Newfoundland. Behind the belt of houses, curved around the entire cove, are woods that once made Little Spruce Harbour a good place for logging as well as fishing. Today the logging activities are limited. There are no sawmills left in the community, even though there is one left in the neighbouring village.
Biophysical Bases of Autism.

This paper reviews a variety of biophysical variables which contribute to autism or autistic symptoms. Now that autism is viewed no longer as a certain outcome of poor and ineffectual parenting or ...
Castleman's disease requiring repeat surgical excision

Abstract Castleman's disease is an uncommon lymphoproliferative disorder that can be found in both unicentric and multicentric forms. Although the multicentric form is typically seen in immunocompromised patients, the unicentric variety often presents as an asymptomatic mass in otherwise healthy patients. While these lesions are rare in the pediatric population, recognizing the potential diagnosis may help dictate pre- and intraoperative imaging and operative technique and approach.
Educating the Martial Spirit

Adam Smith condemns the public education of his day as a “useless and pedantick heap of sophistry and nonsense” (WN ii 168). Most of what men learn in public institutions in no way prepares them for their future lives or professions. Women’s education, on the other hand, focuses on what it is necessary and useful for women to learn. Becky Sharp in Thackeray’s Vanity Fair understands that “a virtuous woman is a crown to her husband” and convincingly plays the part of the girlish, guileless loving wife – for as long as it suits her (VF 699). The conduct literature of the late eighteenth and early nineteenth century prescribes that a woman should soften a man’s heart and polish his manners, and Becky appears a perfect domestic angel while she is striving to better her condition and gain power through her performance. While Adam Smith laments the decline of what he calls the “martial spirit,” Becky shows that women, largely absent from Smith’s account, are forced to develop the “masculine firmness” and “Spartan discipline” Smith finds lacking in the male members of commercial society. Women resemble the “savages” Smith describes with some awe: forced to dissimulate, they become unpredictable and dangerous.