cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Deafferentation effects in lateral cuneate nucleus of the cat: Correlation of structural alterations with firing pattern changes

Abstract A correlated anatomical and physiological investigation of the effects of unilateral cervicothoracic dorsal rhizotomies upon lateral cuneate nucleus of the cat (LCN) is reported. Pairs of adult cats with identical survival times were selected to correlate structural and functional changes. Two phases are described in the development of alterations of neuronal firing patterns. In the first phase, a relative silence within LCN was associated with depletion of round synaptic vesicles in the presynaptic profiles (LR boutons) of primary dorsal root afferents. The second phase was characterized by a development of spontaneous electrical hyperactivity which corresponded anatomically to the presence of denuded postsynaptic specializations, transient increase of adjacent extracellular space and an apparent decrease in the number of dendritic spines. There was a persistence of an unaltered population of small presynaptic boutons with flattened vesicles (SF boutons). The LCN neuronal membrane is viewed as having an intrinsic tendency for repetitive firing which is enhanced by the functional effects of denuded postsynaptic specialization. A marked similarity was found between some of the spontaneous firing patterns of normal animals (doublets) and the high frequency bursting firing pattern in deafferented preparation. Three models for repetitive spike production are considered in our analysis: oscillator-produced spikes; EPSP-produced spikes; and spike-evoked spikes. The spike-evoked spikes model is considered to be the origin of normal doublet activity and a candidate for the deafferented burst activity. Abnormal hyperactivity after deafferentation may be a function of changes in the membrane characteristics occurring at or near the denuded postsynaptic specializations.
Device-Circuit Co-Optimization for Robust Design of FinFET-Based SRAMs

A set of device-circuit co-design techniques oriented to increase the resilience of FinFET SRAMs circuits is presented in this paper. Co-optimization of fin ratio, thickness, orientation and height are investigated and its impact on performance and area evaluated.
Homogeneous Domination Design using Dual Observers: A Tool for Global Output Feedback Stabilization of Nonlinear Systems with Polynomially Growing Unmeasurable States

This paper considers a formulation for the global output feedback stabilization of a planar nonlinear system whose nonlinear functions are polynomially bounded in the unmeasurable states. The primary novelty of this method is the utilization of a dual observer approach, estimating linear and higher-order states in parallel.
Marketing Social Marketing in the Social Change Marketplace

Abstract Social marketing faces significant barriers to growth because there is no clear understanding of what the field is and what its role should be in relation to other approaches to social change. However, growth is possible through increases in social marketing’s share of competition at the intervention, subject matter, product, and brand levels. The author proposes a specific social marketing branding campaign to advance the field, with roles for academics and the American Marketing Association.
Mechanisms of length history-dependent tension in an ionic model of the cardiac myocyte.

The ionic model of the ventricular myocyte developed by Luo and Rudy (Circ. Res. 74: 1071–1096, 1994) was used to investigate potential mechanisms of the slow changes in stress (SCS) that follow st...
Color Separation through Spectrally-Selective Optical Funneling

We present the concept and a basic design for a free-space color sorter, which can efficiently separate different spectral components of an optical beam. The structure is based on a resonant cavity formed between a metallic wall and a stack of partially reflecting screens. Such a cavity supports multiple leaky-wave resonances, which enable spectrally selective funneling of the incident beam through apertures in the metallic wall. The apertures are coupled to resonators with different resonance frequencies that allow separating different spectral components of the beam. The proposed concept can potentially overcome the efficiency limitations of color filter arrays, with important consequences in the design of fast and efficient spectral imaging systems.
Nanophase materials in solid freeform fabrication

Solid freeform fabrication (SFF) is a manufacturing technology that produces parts directly from computer-aided design databases. Examples of the SFF approach are selective laser sintering (SLS) and selective laser reactive sintering (SLRS), both of which have the potential to directly produce structurally sound metallic or ceramic parts. The development of suitable materials systems that can optimize the SLS or SLRS processes are critical to this technology. For instance, nanocomposites, in which the constituents are mixed on a nanometer scale, have the potential to provide important advantages in the SLS and SLRS processes. One strategy is to design and develop nanocomposites in which one nanosize component has a lower melting point than the other nanosize component, either of which can serve as the matrix phase. The nanoscale dispersion of the low-melting component can aid the sintering process during SLS or SLRS. In this article, the philosophical basis for SLS and SLRS of nanocomposites is discussed. Conceptual design of nanocomposite systems and the SLS/SLRS results of a few exploratory systems are presented.
The Origin and Development of Lowland Classic Maya Civilization

The southern Maya lowlands present a largely redundant environment which does not possess the potential for major internal symbiotic regions or for irrigation. In fact, the interior of this region is uniformly deficient in resources essential to the efficiency of every individual household engaged in the Mesoamerican agricultural subsistence economy: mineral salt, obsidian for blades, and hard stone for grinding. Yet, in the core of this rain forest region, the basic elements of Classic Maya civilization first coalesced. A model involving methods of procuring and distributing the resources necessary to the efficiency of an agricultural subsistence economy explains the loci of lowland Classic Maya development and the order in which these loci developed. This model can also be applied to the Olmec civilization.
Rhabdomyosarcoma masquerading as lymphadenopathy in a patient with newly diagnosed Hodgkin’s lymphoma

Background Hodgkin’s lymphoma (HL) is a rare malignancy which often presents with lymphadenopathy and classic “B symptoms” of weight loss, fever, and night sweats. Additional masses or nodes could easily be presumed to be a result of the initial diagnosis. On the other hand, adult rhabdomyosarcoma is a rare malignancy presenting with a new mass in a patient with previous diagnosis of Hodgkin’s lymphoma. In both cases, a tissue diagnosis should be obtained to appropriately confirm the diagnosis.
Directed Self-Assembly of Colloidal Crystals by Dielectrophoretic Ordering

In this Article, we report the dielectrophoretic assembly of colloidal particles and show how the kinetics of assembly and degree of ordering depend on the particle size, charge, solution ionic strength, and field strength and frequency. A special dielectrophoresis (DEP) sample cell is constructed and validated to quantitatively measure directed self-assembly via sequential light scattering and optical microscopy measurements. Our results confirm the recently established scaling for the order–disorder transition and extend it to higher scaled frequencies. The limiting scaling of the order–disorder transition and particle electrophoretic mobility are correctly predicted by the standard electrokinetic model (SEKM). In particular, the order–disorder transition line is predicted from the particle properties using a recently proposed empirical scaling law and the SEKM over an order of magnitude in particle size.
Abstract 1674: Two phase study of KCNJ1 polymorphisms, calcium, magnesium and colorectal adenoma risk, results from the Tennessee Colorectal Polyp Study

Background: Previous studies generated inconsistent results on the associations between intakes of calcium and magnesium with risk of colorectal adenoma and cancer. It is possible that some of the inconsistency is due to a modifying effect by genetic polymorphisms involved in calcium and magnesium homeostasis. The KCNJ1 gene encodes the Inward-rectifier potassium channel (ROMK). ROMK plays an essential role in the homeostasis of potassium, which is critical for the reabsorption of calcium and magnesium. Objectives: We hypothesize that common variants in KCNJ1 may modify the associations between intakes of calcium and/or magnesium and risk of colorectal adenoma risk. Methods: Included were participants of the Tennessee Colorectal Polyp Study (TCPS), a colonoscopy-based case control study conducted in Nashville, TN. In the phase I study, genotyping was performed using the Affymetrix Human Mapping 500K array set in 958 colorectal adenoma cases and 909 controls and 13 tagging single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the KCNJ1 gene were evaluated. SNPs identified as significant in phase I were genotyped in phase II in an independent set (860 cases and 3083 controls). Results: In phase I, 1 tagging SNP was significantly associated with adenoma risk and 8 SNPs were interacted significantly with calcium or magnesium intake in risk of colorectal adenoma. In phase II, only 1 of the 9 SNPs significantly interacted with calcium and magnesium intakes in relation to colorectal adenoma although the genotype per se was not directly associated with the risk. In combined analysis, the p value for the interaction between the SNP and calcium intake was 0.00015 and it remained statistically significant after Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons. In stratified analyses by levels of calcium and magnesium (above or below RDA levels), we found adenoma risk significantly increased for those who with at least 1 variant allele and whose intake levels of calcium and magnesium were below the RDA levels, with ORs (95% CI) of 1.35 (1.10, 1.67) and 1.43 (1.08, 1.89) respectively, compared to those who did not possess the variant allele. The corresponding ORs (95% CI) increased to 1.84 (1.33, 2.53) and 2.30 (1.53, 3.46), respectively, multiple adenomas versus controls. Conclusions: In this two-stage analysis, we found no overall association of adenoma with KCNJ1 genotype. However, common KCNJ1 variants significantly interacted with intakes of calcium and magnesium in risk of colorectal adenoma, particular for multiple adenomas. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1674. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-1674
Determination of Single-Event Effect Application Requirements for Enhancement Mode Gallium Nitride HEMTs for Use in Power Distribution Circuits

Characterization of destructive single-event effects in enhancement mode gallium nitride high electron mobility transistors is presented as related to the optimal application of and operating conditions for power management circuits. A mechanism for the phenomenon is also presented.
Perturbation Analysis of the New York Bight

The physical transport of pollutants, their modification by the coastal food web, and their transfer to man are problems of increasing complexity on the continental shelf. In an attempt to separate cause and effect, a computer modeling technique is applied to problems involving the transport of pollutants as one tool in assessment of real or potential coastal perturbations. Approaches for further development of models of the biological response within the coastal marine ecosystem are discussed. Our present perturbation analyses consist of 1) a circulation submodel, 2) a simulated trajectory of a pollutant particle within the flow field, and 3) a time-dependent wind input for each case of the model. The circulation model is a depth-integrated, free surface formulation that responds to wind stress, bottom friction, the geostrophic pressure gradient, the Coriolis force, and bottom topography. The transport diffusion model is based on Lagrangian mass points, or “particles,” moving through an Eulerian grid. The trajectories of material moving on the surface and in the water column are computed. It has the advantage that the history of each particle is known. With these models, we have been able to successfully 1) reproduce drift card data for determining the probabilities of a winter oil spill beaching within the New York Bight, 2) analyze the source of floatables encountered on the south shore of Long Island in June, 1976, and 3) predict the trajectory of oil spilled in the Hudson River after it had entered the New York Bight Apex. For future analyses, the shallow water model can be modified or replaced with a numerical model that contains a more sophisticated parameterization of the physical circulation. Second, the particle-in-cell model can be modified to include explicitly chemical reactions and interactions with the biota. Any models however, should be used in the context of the level of resolution or aggregation to which the ecosystem is known and the management decision required as an aid in selecting situations that merit further analysis with more comprehensive ecological reasoning.
Comparative study of four passive energy dissipation systems

Passive energy dissipation devices have the potential to increase the seismic resistance of a structure by increasing its capability to dissipate energy and by reducing the seismic demand on the structure. They offer particular promise for seismic retrofitting as well as extensive applications in new construction. This paper describes and compares earthquake simulator tests of four new types of passive energy dissipators that were performed at the Earthquake Engineering Research Center of the University of California at Berkeley. The four types of energy dissipator are a Coulomb friction damper; a self-centering friction device in which the slip load is proportional to the slip displacement; a viscoelastic shear damper; and a shape memory alloy. Two different model structures were used in the experimental studies, and the energy dissipators were incorporated as part of the bracing systems of the structures.
Congenital Cyst of the Umbilical Cord

Umbilical cord cysts warrant evaluation for structural defects and chromosomal anomalies such as trisomy 18, depending on the type of cyst. The appearance of an enlarged or "gigantic" cord has particular association with a patent urachus, often requiring operative exploration to repair the associated urachal remnant. We describe the unusual case of an umbilical cord cyst-measuring 9 cm in maximal diameter and comprising histopathological features of an urachalcyst-presenting in a healthy ex-36 week newborn with no associated anomalies.
Venice: The Riches of Asia, Europe, and North Africa

Crusading Ventures Venice established the commercial and cultural connections that made it a world city during the three centuries following the first millennium. The remarkable course of maritime expansion began with the establishment of trade agreements with Constantinople, under the leadership of Doge Pietro Orseolo II (991–1008). Throughout the eleventh century Venice cultivated this lucrative alliance, lending critical assistance to the Byzantine emperor in 1082 in his struggle against Norman marauders. Venetian loyalties were in turn richly rewarded with permission to traffic the waters of the eastern Mediterranean. The renowned Crusades soon followed, creating a series of opportunities for further gain between 1099 and 1204. When the pope galvanized Europe’s restless warriors and pilgrims to reconquer the Holy Land in 1095, Venice became both a pilgrim stop and a point of departure on the way to adventure. The Crusading movement inaugurated the Venetian tourist industry , for the wayfarers required victuals and lodgings during their stopovers. At the same time, Venetian galleys of ered crusaders passage at sea, another lucrative business opportunity. On these expeditions merchants opened up new trade routes in the southern and eastern basins of the Mediterranean. Applying their maritime technology, naval strength, and business acumen, the leading families made Venice a Mediterranean power on equal footing with its former Byzantine rulers.
Differential Response to Low-Dose Dopamine or Low-Dose Nesiritide in Acute Heart Failure With Reduced or Preserved Ejection Fraction: Results From the ROSE AHF Trial (Renal Optimization Strategies Evaluation in Acute Heart Failure).

Background— The ROSE AHF trial (Renal Optimization Strategies Evaluation in Acute Heart Failure) found that when compared with placebo, neither low-dose dopamine (2 µg/kg per minute) nor low-dose nesiritide (0.005 μg/kg per minute without bolus) enhanced decongestion or preserved renal function in AHF patients with renal dysfunction. However, there may be differential responses to vasoactive agents in AHF patients with reduced versus preserved ejection fraction (EF). This post hoc analysis examined potential interaction between treatment effect and EF (EF ≤40% versus >40%) on the ROSE AHF end points. Methods and Results— ROSE AHF enrolled AHF patients (n=360; any EF) with renal dysfunction. The coprimary end points were cumulative urine volume and the change in serum cystatin-C in 72 hours. The effect of dopamine (interaction P =0.001) and nesiritide (interaction P =0.039) on urine volume varied by EF group. In heart failure with reduced EF, urine volume was higher with active treatment versus placebo, whereas in heart failure with preserved EF, urine volume was lower with active treatment. The effect of dopamine and nesiritide on weight change, sodium excretion, and incidence of AHF treatment failure also varied by EF group (interaction P <0.05 for all). There was no interaction between vasoactive treatment’s effect and EF on change in cystatin-C. Compared with placebo, dopamine was associated with improved clinical outcomes in heart failure with reduced EF and worse clinical outcomes in heart failure with preserved EF. With nesiritide, there were no differences in clinical outcomes when compared with placebo in both heart failure with reduced EF and heart failure with preserved EF. Conclusions— In this post hoc analysis of ROSE AHF, the response to vasoactive therapies differed in patients with heart failure with reduced EF and heart failure with preserved EF. Investigations of AHF therapies should assess the potential for differential responses in AHF with preserved versus reduced EF. Clinical Trial Registration— URL: . Unique identifier: [NCT01132846][1]. [1]: /lookup/external-ref?link_type=CLINTRIALGOV&access_num=NCT01132846&atom=%2Fcirchf%2F9%2F8%2Fe002593.atom
Abstract 4074: Macrophages promote the progression of premalignant mammary gland lesions through activation of the Axl signaling cascade

Infiltrating inflammatory cells, including tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), have been shown to promote breast cancer cell invasion and have been correlated with metastasis and poor prognosis. While it is well-established that macrophages are recruited to the invasive fronts of established tumors to exert pro-tumor signals, their role in premalignancy remains poorly understood. Using a novel p53 −/− syngeneic transplantable model of premalignancy, we show that inflammatory cells, including macrophages, are indeed recruited to early lesions prior to invasion. Microarray analysis was performed on two different pre-invasive lines, termed PN1a, (high tumor-forming potential) and PN1b (low tumor-forming potential). Interestingly, several pro-inflammatory chemokines, macrophages markers, and the pro-inflammatory cytokine growth arrest specific 6 (Gas6) were increased in PN1a lesions as compared to PN1bs. In a 3-D co-culture system, macrophages were recruited to PN1a acini and induced invasion, while PN1b cells remained non-invasive, supporting our in vivo data. Depletion of macrophages in vivo with clodronate containing liposomes significantly delayed progression of PN1a lesions to invasive cancer, indicating a critical role for macrophages in early progression. Gas6 and its receptor tyrosine kinase, Axl, were highly expressed in PN1a preinvasive lesions, but decline in invasive tumors, suggesting that this pathway is a key driver of the transition from pre-invasive to invasive cancer. Further studies using our 3-D co-culture system with Gas6 −/− macrophages demonstrated that macrophages promote the formation of non-polar disorganized structures by activating Axl. Finally, transplantation of PN1a cells into Gas6 +/− mice resulted in a delay in tumor formation, indicating that stromal-derived Gas6 (and potentially macrophage derived) may promote the progression of early stage lesions through the paracrine activation of Axl. As a plethora of Axl inhibitors have been developed and are currently in clinical trial, these studies have critical implications for the prevention and treatment of invasive breast cancer. Citation Format: Emily C. Carron, Heather L. Machado, Samuel Homra. Macrophages promote the progression of premalignant mammary gland lesions through activation of the Axl signaling cascade. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 4074.
Guilt and Social Influence

Research bearing on the role of guilt in social influence is reviewed in this chapter. Guilt is an emotion naturally suited to exploitation in the service of social influence, by virtue of its action-motivating aspects and its ability to be aroused by relationally significant others. Guilt can be a very powerful influence mechanism, as indicated by studies of guilt arousal in everyday life (where self-reports of behavioral change suggest that guilt commonly effects change), by studies of the relationship between transgressions and compliance (in which, a meta-analytic review reveals, relatively large effects of transgression on compliance are obtained under a variety of conditions), and by studies of hypocrisy-induction effects (which commonly are ascribed to dissonance but might equally well reflect guilt). However, guilt-based influence can fail quite dramatically; a meta-analysis of research on guilt-based appeals in persuasive messages reveals that, although more-explicit guilt appeals successfully ar...
Role of Nitric Oxide Radicals in Asbestos-Induced Injury

It is well recognized that inhalation of asbestos fibers is linked to the causation of a variety of clinical disorders including interstitial pulmonary fibrosis, parietal pleural plaques, bronchogenic carcinoma and diffuse malignant mesothelioma of the pleura and peritoneum (Kagan, 1985; Mossman and Gee, 1989). Although the pathogenesis of these diseases has not been elucidated fully, there is evidence that alveolar macrophages (AM) play a pivotal role in mediating asbestos-related injury. Thus, studies in asbestosexposed rodents and in asbestos workers have shown that AM are recruited to the sites of deposition of inhaled asbestos fibers (Kagan, 1988; Rom et al., 1991). It has also been demonstrated that asbestos fibres can activate AM to secrete a diverse group of inflammatory mediators including cytokine growth factors, chemoattractants and arachidonic acid metabolites (Kagan, 1988; Rom, et al., 1991). Several studies also have demonstrated that the in vitro phagocytic uptake of asbestos fibers can generate a variety of reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as the superoxide anion \((O_2^{* - })\), the hydroxyl radical (OH*) and hydrogen peroxide (Shull, et al., 1992; Mossman, et al., 1986). It also has been reported that scavengers of oxygen free radicals, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase, may ameliorate the injurious effects of asbestos exposure (Mossman, et al,. 1986; Mossman, et al,. 1990). These studies are predicated on \((O_2^{* - })\)-driven, iron-catalyzed, Fenton-Haber-Weiss reactions which generate the OH* radical (Grisham, 1992), and suggest that ROS may have an important role in the pathobiology of asbestos-related disease.
Tether Stabilization at a Collinear Libration Point

The positional stability of a cable-connected satellite that is located in the vicinity of a collinear libration point is analyzed. Because the gravitational field is nonlinear, the location of the satellite's equilibriumpoint is dependent on the length of the cable. It is shown that, by varying the cable's length in a prescribed manner, it is possible to achieve positional stability. A sample calculation shows that an aluminum cable with a diameter of only 6.22 × 10 - 3 cm could be used to maintain two 10,000 kg satellites at the Earth-Moon L 2 libration point.
The survival outcome of patients with relapsed/refractory peripheral T-cell lymphoma-not otherwise specified and angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma.

Summary Survival outcome of patients with peripheral T-cell lymphoma-not otherwise specified (PTCL-NOS) and angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL) who experience disease progression/relapse remains very poor. A total of 321 patients, newly diagnosed with PTCL-NOS (n = 180) or AITL (n = 141) between 1999 and 2015, were analysed. Failure-free survival (FFS) and overall survival (OS) were calculated from the time of first disease progression (FFS1, OS1), from second disease progression (FFS2, OS2) and from third progression (FFS3, OS3). With a median follow-up duration of 52 months, 240 patients (135 PTCL-NOS, 105 AITL) experienced progression/relapse. In patients with PTCL-NOS, the median durations of FFS1, FFS2 and FFS3 were 3·1, 2·5 and 2·1 months, respectively. In patients with AITL, they were 5·5, 2·9 and 2·3 months, respectively. There was no improvement in FFS1 and OS1 by the time of recurrence during this period (1999–2004, 2005–2009 and 2010–2015). The median FFS after pralatrexate and romidepsin was only 3·0 and 2·5 months, respectively. The 5-year OS rates after salvage autologous and allogeneic transplant were 32% and 52%, respectively; while the 5-year OS rates for patients who did not undergo transplant was 10%. Further research for novel therapeutic approaches with higher efficacy and better safety profile are needed.
Public's Views toward Return of Secondary Results in Genomic Sequencing: It's (Almost) All about the Choice.

The therapeutic use of genomic sequencing creates novel and unresolved questions about cost, clinical efficacy, access, and the disclosure of sequencing results. The disclosure of the secondary results of sequencing poses a particularly challenging ethical problem. Experts disagree about which results should be shared and public input – especially important for the creation of disclosure policies – is complicated by the complex nature of genetics. Recognizing the value of deliberative democratic methods for soliciting informed public opinion on matters like these, we recruited participants from a clinical research site for an all-day deliberative democracy (DD) session. Participants were introduced to the clinical and ethical issues associated with genomic sequencing, after which they discussed the tradeoffs and offered their opinions about policies for the return of secondary results. Participants (n = 66; mean age = 57 (SD = 15); 70% female; 76% white) were divided into 10 small groups (5 to 8 participants each) allowing interactive deliberation on policy options for the return of three categories of secondary results: 1) medically actionable results; 2) risks for adult-onset disorders identified in children; and 3) carrier status for autosomal recessive disorders. In our qualitative analysis of the session transcripts, we found that while participants favored choice and had a preference for making information available, they also acknowledged the risks (and benefits) of learning such information. Our research reveals the nuanced reasoning used by members of the public when weighing the pros and cons of receiving genomic information, enriching our understanding of the findings of surveys of attitudes regarding access to secondary results.
Decomposition and nitrogen dynamics of turtle grass (Thalassia testudinum) in a subtropical estuarine system

Seagrass beds are pivotal in the functioning of coastal ecosystems in terms of productivity, organic matter turnover and nutrient cycling. Aiming to document decay and nitrogen (N) dynamics of turtle grass (Thalassia testudinum) in a subtropical estuarine system, decomposition patterns of leaves and rhizomes were characterized and compared. Nitrogen usage during decomposition of tissues, and of live tissues and epiphytes growing on live leaves, was also quantified and compared. Stable isotope ratios allowed tracing N within the seagrass bed, following N incorporation into seagrass tissues from the surrounding media (water, sediment). Leaves had a higher N content and decomposed at a faster rate (~6.4 times) compared to rhizomes. Leaching of soluble materials explain the rapid (0–3 days) initial mass loss of leaves (20%) and rhizomes (18%); with a loss of 85 and 56%, respectively, by the end of the study (77 days). Overall, leaves released N while rhizomes immobilized it. Nitrogen concentration was significantly different among live tissues. The main source of N for both seagrass tissues was the sediment, and water column for epiphytes. Differences in decomposition rates among seagrass tissues can be explained by the quality of the substrate and its susceptibility to microbial use. Seagrass leaves and rhizomes are equally important in taking up nutrients from either the water column or the sediments. This study provides a platform to study energy and matter transfers through detrital foodwebs linked to seagrass meadows.
The Trump Status: An Analysis of First-Semester Freshmen

This research examined first-semester Tarleton State University freshmen student attitudes towards differences relating to gender, age, race, and socioeconomic statuses. An open-ended survey of 253 incoming freshmen students was evaluated for their attitudes among the four indicated dimensions on various status positions, particularly to determine the trumping statuses and their attitudes toward diversity. Results indicated where the focus of diversity education should be, as well as providing a baseline for follow-up assessment in these studentsâ€™ senior year that may help determine effects of embedded diversity education throughout university curricula.
Evaluation of an Intimate Partner Violence Training for Home Visitors Using the Theory of Planned Behavior.

Introduction. Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a public health issue with recent intervention focus by home visiting programs with at-risk families in the United States. Home visitors are typical...
Regulation, land constraints, and California’s boom and bust

Abstract Using new data from a survey of top local land-use officials, this paper provides a measure of both local regulatory stringency and the degree to which land constraints inhibit local development in California. After briefly exploring differences in patterns of regulation and land constraints across the state, the index is applied to a model of housing prices. While regulation did not play a meaningful role in the recent housing market boom and bust in California, this paper finds that where housing demand increased through the expansion of subprime lending, land constraints exacerbated the run-up and subsequent crash of local housing prices.
The neuromechanics of proleg grip release

ABSTRACT Because soft animals are deformable, their locomotion is particularly affected by external forces and they are expected to face challenges controlling movements in different environments and orientations. We have used the caterpillar Manduca sexta to study neuromechanical strategies of soft-bodied scansorial locomotion. Manduca locomotion critically depends on the timing of proleg grip release, which is mediated by the principal planta retractor muscle and its single motoneuron, PPR. During upright crawling, PPR firing frequency increases approximately 0.6 s before grip release but during upside-down crawling, this activity begins significantly earlier, possibly pre-tensioning the muscle. Under different loading conditions the timing of PPR activity changes relative to the stance/swing cycle. PPR motor activity is greater during upside-down crawling but these frequency changes are too small to produce significant differences in muscle force. Detailed observation of the proleg tip show that it swells before the retractor muscle is activated. This small movement is correlated with the activation of more posterior body segments, suggesting that it results from indirect mechanical effects. The timing and direction of this proleg displacement implies that proleg grip release is a dynamic interplay of mechanics and active neural control.
Cost Control and Performance Measurement: A Problem Diagnosis and Some Recommendations for the New Manufacturing Environment

The recent modernization and automation of American factories have created a demand for new cost management systems to make U.S. companies competitive in the world market. This paper summarizes the implications of the changing manufacturing environment on management accounting. It identifies major cost accounting problems in the areas of product costing, cost control and performance measurement. We review the major characteristics of traditional cost systems, such as emphasis on direct labor and unit volume, and contrast those with the current need to control activities that cause overhead costs to be incurred, such as inventory levels, production set-ups, reworks, downtime and other “cost drivers.” Examples are presented on how the widespread practice of allocating overhead costs to products based on direct labor and other volume-related measures can distort product line comparisons and lead to wrong decisions with respect to strategically critical areas such as product costing, performance measurement and sourcing.
Some Methodological Considerations in the Study of Abnormal Conditions

This chapter deals with two aspects of concern in the study of abnormal populations: (1) sample definition and selection, and (2) the assessment of outcome following intervention. The issues discussed are broader than those contained in most of the other chapters which tend to be more substantive in nature. Rather, procedural considerations and research strategy relevant to the study and evaluation of intervention outcomes with abnormal developmental conditions are examined. The focus is primarily on studies with humans, although many of the points made are equally applicable to the study of infrahuman organisms. While I have chosen the childhood malnutrition syndrome discussed by Richardson as my primary example, the comments apply equally to other developmental disorders described in this volume.
The Educational Television Facilities Act of 1962

Suffering intensely from lack of funds for construction of trans mission facilities and under heavy criticism from commercial broadcasters, industry, some federal agencies, and other opponents of ETV expansion for their slow activation of educationally reserved channels, proponents of the ETV movement turned to Congress for help. In 1956, the idea of federal aid to ETV took specific shape with Leonard H. Marks, a Washington communications attorney, Senator Warren Magnuson, and those within the ranks of various educational institutions. Although under constant pressure from the U. S. Office of Education, the NAEB, the NEA, and other educational organizations and citizens who contributed long hours of testimony to show the need for federal assistance to ETV, Congress—especially the House of Representativeswas not altogether willing to enact legislation which would give the federal government even the slightest excuse for becoming involved in what was considered by many to be a state problem. Nevertheless, after considerable testimony and debate, including the addition of a strong “no Federal control” clause, Congress approved a modified version of Magnuson’s original bill; and what has proved to be the most significant development in educational television since the Sixth Report and Order of 1952, Public Law 87–447 provided $32 million for the construction of ETV facilities. Through the efforts of men like Marks, Magnuson, Roberts, and others of the Congress; of organizations such as the NAEB, the NEA, and the U. S. Office of Education; and because of the willingness of the American public to accept promising educational innovation at a time when it was most urgently needed—and via the controversial federal pursestrings, at that—ETV was probably snatched from the jaws of disaster. But now, for better or worse, it is with us to stay—a giant among the new educational technology of the twentieth century.
Supporting Diverse Customers and Prioritized Traffic in Next-Generation Passive Optical Networks

A variety of DBA (Dynamic Bandwidth Allocation) and DWBA (Dynamic Wavelength and Bandwidth Allocation) algorithms have been proposed which are based on different PONs (e.g. EPON, GPON, XG-PON, 10G-EPON, etc.). But to our knowledge, no DWBA scheme for NG-PON2 system, with diverse customers and prioritized traffic, has been proposed yet. In this work, this problem is addressed and we focus on the wavelength assignment part, assuming that the system applies conventional DBA method described in the standard ITU-T G.989. Considering this assumption, we propose five different dynamic wavelength and bandwidth allocation (DWBA) schemes. First, mixed integer linear programming (MILP) models are developed to minimize the total delay of the high priority data. Due to the MILP’s high computational complexity, heuristic algorithms are developed based on the MILP model insights. The five heuristics algorithms are: No Block-Split Heuristic (NBH), Equal Block-Split Heuristic (EBH), Priority Based No Block-Split Heuristic (P-NBH), Priority Based Equal Block-Split Heuristic (P-EBH), and Priority Based Decider Block-Split Heuristic (P-DBH). Six priority classes of requests are introduced with the goal of minimizing the total delay for the high priority data and to lessen the bandwidth wastage of the system. Finally, experiments for the performance evaluation of the five DWBA schemes are conducted. The results show that P-DBH is the most efficient among the five because this scheme offers the lowest delay for high priority data and the minimum bandwidth wastage for lower priority ones.
Matriptase cleaves the amyloid-beta peptide 1–42 at Arg-5, Lys-16, and Lys-28

The type-II transmembrane extracellular serine protease matriptase was shown to cleave at Arg-102 in the amino-terminal region of the amyloid precursor protein (APP). In this study we determined matriptase cleavage sites in the amyloid-beta (Aβ) peptide region of APP (Asp-597 to Ala-638 in the APP695 isoform). A recombinant human matriptase protease domain was used to cleave a synthetic human Aβ1–42 peptide. The human APP695 or mutants at the candidate matriptase cleavage sites was co-expressed with the human matriptase or its protease-dead mutant in HEK293 cells to evaluate matriptase cleavage of APP. Overexpression of matriptase in the M17 human neuroblastoma cells was performed to determine the effect of matriptase expression on endogenous APP. The human Aβ1–42 peptide can be cleaved by the matriptase serine protease domain, at Arg-5, Lys-16, and Lys-28, as determined by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Co-expression of matriptase but not its protease-dead mutant with APP695 resulted in site-specific cleavages of the latter. Replacement of Arg-601 (Arg-5 in Aβ1–42) by Ala in APP695 prevented matriptase cleavage at this site. Overexpression of matriptase but not its protease-dead mutant in the M17 cells resulted in a significant reduction of the endogenous APP quantity.
Abstract 3064: Epigenetic manipulation can sensitize AML cells to differentiate with ATRA

Sulforaphane (SFN), a compound found at high levels in broccoli and broccoli sprouts, is a potent inducer of phase 2 detoxification enzymes and inhibits tumorigenesis in animal models. SFN also has a marked effect on cell cycle checkpoint controls and cell survival and/or apoptosis in various cancer cells, through mechanisms that are poorly understood. We tested the hypothesis that SFN acts as an inhibitor of histone deacetylase (HDAC). In human embryonic kidney 293 cells, SFN dose-dependently increased the activity of a β-catenin-responsive reporter (TOPflash), without altering β-catenin or HDAC protein levels. Cytoplasmic and nuclear extracts from these cells had diminished HDAC activity, and both global and localized histone acetylation was increased, compared with untreated controls. Studies with SFN and with media from SFN-treated cells indicated that the parent compound was not responsible for the inhibition of HDAC, and this was confirmed using an inhibitor of glutathione S-transferase, which blocked the first step in the metabolism of SFN, via the mercapturic acid pathway. Whereas SFN and its glutathione conjugate (SFN-GSH) had little or no effect, the two major metabolites SFN-cysteine and SFN-N-acetylcysteine were effective HDAC inhibitors in vitro. Finally, several of these findings were recapitulated in HCT116 human colorectal cancer cells: SFN dose-dependently increased TOPflash reporter activity and inhibited HDAC activity, there was an increase in acetylated histones and in p21Cip1/Waf1, and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays revealed an increase in acetylated histones bound to the P21 promoter. Collectively, these findings suggest that SFN may be effective as a tumor-suppressing agent and as a chemotherapeutic agent, alone or in combination with other HDAC inhibitors currently undergoing clinical trials.
Geographic Variation in Medical Neighborhoods for Breast Cancer Care: Diagnosis and Beyond

The health care system in the United States (U.S.) is a fragmented system with little coordination between primary care and specialty care. Along the cancer care continuum, failures in the delivery of adequate processes of care, defined as the “types of care provided and the transitions between them,” directly result in suboptimal care quality and outcomes for cancer patients. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality defines a “medical neighborhood” as the “patient-centered medical home (PCMH) and the constellation of other clinicians providing health care services to patients within it, along with communication and social service organizations and state and local public health agencies.” The increasing health care consolidation in the U.S. over the past decade, including the acquisition of independent physician practices into hospital and other integrated systems, could have profound impact on the geography of medical neighborhoods for cancer patients and access to cancer care services across population subgroups and geographic areas. In this chapter, we describe emerging research in medical neighborhoods and cancer care delivery and recommendations for future geographic-based research to better inform ways to address breast cancer care and cancer disparities. We specifically identify emerging models of care that facilitate cancer care coordination and focus on geographic access and medical neighborhood factors required to meet the needs of medically underserved populations.
A multiscale in silico model of endothelial to mesenchymal transformation in a tumor microenvironment

Endothelial to mesenchymal transformation (EndMT) is a process in which endothelial cells gain a mesenchymal-like phenotype in response to mechanobiological signals that results in the remodeling or repair of underlying tissue. While initially associated with embryonic development, this process has since been shown to occur in adult tissue remodeling including wound healing, fibrosis, and cancer. In an attempt to understand the role of EndMT in cancer progression and metastasis, we present a multiscale, three-dimensional, in silico model. The model couples tissue level phenomena such as extracellular matrix remodeling, cellular level phenomena such as migration and proliferation, and chemical transport in the tumor microenvironment to mimic in vitro tissue models of the cancer microenvironment. The model is used to study the presence of EndMT-derived activated fibroblasts (EDAFs) and varying substrate stiffness on tumor cell migration and proliferation. The simulations accurately model the behavior of tumor cells under given conditions. The presence of EDAFs and/or an increase in substrate stiffness resulted in an increase in tumor cell activity. This model lays the foundation of further studies of EDAFs in a tumor microenvironment on a cellular and subcellular physiological level.
Major seed size QTL on chromosome A05 of peanut (Arachis hypogaea) is conserved in the US mini core germplasm collection

Pod and seed size are important characteristics for the peanut industry and have been under strong selection pressure since peanut domestication. In order to dissect the genetic control of peanut pod and seed size, a recombinant inbred mapping population from a cross of Florida-07 by GP-NC WS 16 was used to determine the genomic regions associated with traits including 100 pod weight, 100 seed weight, pod weight of double-seeded pods, seed weight of double-seeded pods, and area of double-seeded pods. Nine QTL on linkage groups (LGs) A05, A06, A09, B10, B04, A03, B05, and B08 were associated with pod and seed size. A majority of the QTL have small effects except the locus on LG A05 (93 to 102 Mbp) which explained up to 66% phenotypic variation for all measured pod and seed traits. A comparison of QTL previously reported for yield component traits showed a common QTL on LG A05 was detected in two genetic populations whose parentage is distinct from those used in this study. The markers tightly linked to this major QTL were informative in distinguishing large versus small-seeded germplasm lines in the mini core collection originating from thirty-one countries, suggesting selection for this seed size QTL in large-seeded ecotypes. However, the large seed size allele appeared to co-segregate with a late leaf spot disease susceptibility allele inherited from the Florida-07 parent. Therefore, peanut breeders need to weigh the pros and cons before integrating the large seed size QTL from Florida-07 in their breeding program.
Lack of racial and ethnic-based differences in acute care delivery in intracerebral hemorrhage

Early diagnosis and treatment of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is thought to be critical for improving outcomes. We examined whether racial or ethnic disparities exist in acute care processes in the first hours after ICH. We performed a retrospective review of a prospectively collected cohort of consecutive patients with spontaneous primary ICH presenting to a single urban tertiary care center. Acute care processes studied included time to computerized tomography (CT) scan, time from CT to inpatient bed request, and time from bed request to hospital admission. Clinical outcomes included mortality, Glasgow Outcome Scale, and modified Rankin Scale. Four hundred fifty-nine patients presented with ICH between 2006 and 2018 and met inclusion criteria (55% male; 75% non-Hispanic White [NHW]; mean age of 73). In minutes, median time to CT was 43 (interquartile range [IQR] 28, 83), time to bed request was 62 (IQR 33, 114), and time to admission was 142 (IQR 95, 232). In a multivariable analysis controlling for demographic factors, clinical factors, and disease severity, race/ethnicity had no effect on acute care processes. English language, however, was independently associated with slower times to CT (β = 30.7 min, 95% CI 9.9 to 51.4, p = 0.004) and to bed request (β = 32.8 min, 95% CI 5.5 to 60.0, p = 0.02). Race/ethnicity and English language were not independently associated with worse outcome. We found no evidence of racial/ethnic disparities in acute care processes or outcomes in ICH. English as first language, however, was associated with slower care processes.