cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Influence of subsoiling on direct-seeded cereals in southeastern Idaho

The influence of shallow (20 cm deep) subsoil tillage on cereals planted with a no-till planter was investigated for 3 years at two locations in southeastern Idaho. Among Fusarium spp., F. culmorum was the primary fungus isolated from diffuse brown-black root lesions in the wetter location (Ririe), while F. semitectum, F. reticulatum, F. equiseti, and F. acuminatum were the dominant species isolated at the drier location (Arbon Valley). Increased yields resulting from methyl bromide fumigation indicated that biological factors were limiting the yield. However, subsoiling did not influence nematode populations or fungal root rots. The primary parasitic nematode found at both locations was Pratylenchus neglectus. Subsoiling had a tendency to increase soil moisture at depths between 61 and 90 cm, to increase organic matter, and to decrease nitrogen. Yield increased by 8% or more with subsoil tillage at both locations the first year. Yield increases were not significant in other years, when moisture was parti...
Nasal Toxicity of Manganese Sulfate and Manganese Phosphate in Young Male Rats Following Subchronic (13-Week) Inhalation Exposure

Growing evidence suggests that nasal deposition and transport along the olfactory nerve represents a route by which inhaled manganese and certain other metals are delivered to the rodent brain. The toxicological significance of olfactory transport of manganese remains poorly defined. In rats, repeated intranasal instillation of manganese chloride results in injury to the olfactory epithelium and neurotoxicity as evidenced by increased glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) concentrations in olfactory bulb astrocytes. The purpose of the present study was to further characterize the nasal toxicity of manganese sulfate (MnSO(4)) and manganese phosphate (as hureaulite) in young adult male rats following subchronic (90-day) exposure to air, MnSO(4) (0.01, 0.1, and 0.5 mg Mn/m(3)), or hureaulite (0.1 mg Mn/m(3)). Nasal pathology, brain GFAP levels, and brain manganese concentrations were assessed immediately following the end of the 90-day exposure and 45 days thereafter. Elevated end-of-exposure olfactory bulb, striatum, and cerebellum manganese concentrations were observed following MnSO(4) exposure to > or = 0.01, > or = 0.1, and 0.5 mg Mn/m(3), respectively. Exposure to MnSO(4) or hureaulite did not affect olfactory bulb, cerebellar, or striatal GFAP concentrations. Exposure to MnSO(4) (0.5 mg Mn/m(3)) was also associated with reversible inflammation within the nasal respiratory epithelium, while the olfactory epithelium was unaffected by manganese inhalation. These results confirm that high-dose manganese inhalation can result in nasal toxicity (irritation) and increased delivery of manganese to the brain; however, we could not confirm that manganese inhalation would result in altered brain GFAP concentrations.
The use of ertapenem for the treatment of lower extremity infections.

Lower extremity infections are a growing challenge. Moderate to severe infections are frequently polymicrobial in nature and require appropriate parenteral antibiotic therapy. Ideally, empiric treatment should be broad spectrum in coverage, simplistic in use, and economically reasonable for the patient and the health care system. This article retrospectively reviewed the outcomes of 230 patients, 159 (69.13%) of whom were diabetic, who were admitted with lower extremity infections and who were empirically treated with ertapenem. Ertapenem was well tolerated with a low adverse effect profile. We found a 79.13% rate (182 of 230 patients) of favorable outcome with this regimen, which is comparable to other published studies that have looked at the use of this agent. Ertapenem is a once-daily, broad-spectrum carbapenem antibiotic indicated for the treatment of complicated skin and skin-structure infections (cSSSI). Ertapenem is an appropriate choice for empiric antibiotic therapy of lower extremity infections. Level of Clinical Evidence: 2
Efficacy of Sulfuric Acid Scarification and Disinfectant Treatments in Eliminating Escherichia coli O157: H7 from Alfalfa Seeds Prior to Sprouting

ABSTRACT: E. coli O157:H7 reduction on inoculated alfalfa seeds was investigated using acid scarification treat-ments with or without subsequent application of sanitizers. Scarification with 0.1 to 2N H 2 SO 4 for 2.5 to 45 min didnot affect (p # 0.05) seed viability. E. coli O157:H7 was reduced by 2.1 to 5.0 logs after treating with 0.1 to 2N H 2 SO 4 for 5 to 20 min. Combined scarification (0.5N H 2 SO 4 ) and H 2 O 2 or CH 3 COOH treatments enhanced microbial de-struction by less than 1 log compared to sanitizer alone. Chlorine, Na 2 CO 3 , or Na 3 PO 4 treatments preceded byscarification did not significantly increase microbial destruction compared to sanitizer alone. Appreciable reduc-tions in seed germination were only observed with chlorine treatments.Keywords: alfalfa, scarification, E. coli , sanitizer Introduction T HE treatments to increase germination (Townsend and Miklas 1987). INCREASED POPULARITY OF SEED SPROUTS WITHIN THE LAST 2 DE -cades has been largely attributed to their high nutrient con-tent (Kylen and McCready 1975). However, the seeds appear to beeasily contaminated with human pathogens during productionand storage. Foodborne disease outbreaks attributed to sprout con-sumption have been reported in Japan (Gutierrez 1997), Finland,Sweden (Ponka and others 1995), and the United States. In theUnited States alone, 11 sprout-related outbreaks were reportedbetween 1994 and 1999 (Federal Register 1999). As a result, theFood and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a consumer advi-sory to increase awareness of the risks associated with sprout con-sumption, especially among children, the elderly, and the immuno-compromised (FDA 1999).Contamination can occur during seed production if fields arefertilized using raw manure, irrigated using contaminated water, orif animals are allowed to graze in fields between harvests(Charkowski and others 2001). Therefore, it has become imperativeto apply some form of seed disinfection treatment prior to sprout-ing. Studies on disinfection of sprout seeds typically involve appli-cation of sanitizers and organic acids with or without mild heat treat-ments. Several researchers have evaluated the efficacy ofchemicals such as chlorine, hydrogen peroxide, and ethanol on thedestruction of
Frustrating Noble Intentions: The Clash between ICC’s Deterrent Effects and the Prosecutor’s Policy of Focused Investigations on Perpetrators Situated at the Highest Echelons of Responsibility

Abstract This article will show that the International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutorial strategy may hamper any deterrent effect created by the Court, by analyzing the flaws of the prosecutorial strategy as it relates to the ICC’s possibility of deterring future violations. The deterrence goal of the ICC and the Prosecutor’s “policy of focused investigations and prosecutions” on those “who bear the greatest responsibility” do not “constitute a harmonious whole; rather, they pull in different directions, diminishing each other’s power and creating tensions.”
Abstract 5402: Pre-clinical treatment of adrenal cortical carcinoma with a combination of small molecule inhibitors to IGF-1R and mTOR

Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare, aggressive cancer of the adrenal cortex. The five-year survival rate is 10-20% due to late diagnosis and lack of effective systemic therapy. The only treatment options available are surgical resection and chemotherapy in the form of mitotane; however, up to 95% of patients are not responsive to treatment, so new therapies are needed. Research has shown that the mitogenic hormone insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF-2) is overexpressed in 93% of sporadic cases of ACC. IGF-2 binds to the receptor tyrosine kinase IGF receptor 1 (IGF-1R). Inhibition of IGF-1R has been shown to be effective against ACC in animal studies using IGF-1R targeted therapies. The major IGF-1R signaling pathway is phosphotidylinositol-3′-kinase (PI3′K), which activates AKT leading to the activation of mTOR, the mammalian target of rapamycin. Recent research has shown that mTOR may be a viable target for inhibition to treat tumors. Work in our lab has shown that a combination of mTOR inhibition by rapamycin and IGF1-R inhibition by either PQ401 or NVP-AEW54 at sub optimal doses blocks proliferation of human ACC H295R cells compared to application of either drug alone. Further investigation will be conducted in a mouse model system to determine the effects of the mTOR inhibitor everlimus (RAD001) alone and in combination with IGF1-R inhibitor OSI-906 to determine possible synergistic effects of the drugs that can be clinically applicable to treat ACC. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5402.
Fern Rusts and Their Aecia

The rusts in general, a well circumscribed and readily recognized group of parasitic fungi, have not yet been assorted under any generally accepted classification, although the process of placing them in genera, families, orders, etc., has been actively proceeding for considerably over a hundred years. There are more than a thousand species of rusts in North America under about eighty genera. So great is the disparity in views between the most capable and advanced thinkers that there is no unanimity regarding what forms may be taken to represent primitive or ancient states, and what the most recent, specialized states. It is the situation the phanerogamic botanists were in before it was decided whether the cone-bearing plants (gymnosperms) were more suitably placed before all other flowering plants, in the middle, or at the end of the series. So long as the mycologists can not agree whether a short cycled form, like Puccinia Xanthii with its single stage and one kind of spores, is representative of rusts in their primitive condition in early geologic times, or a long cycled form, like Puccinia graminis with its several stages and diversity of spores, there is no hope for an acceptable classification of the rusts. If one were so blind as to be unable to tell which was the
Abstract 2225: GSK3β plays a significant role in Ras driven tumors potentially through an upstream effect on AKT

Pancreatic cancer is a highly aggressive cancer that is resistant to most drug therapies. Lung cancer is the number one cause of cancer deaths in the US and worldwide. Both of these tumors are known to have high levels of Ras oncogenic mutations (50 and 90% respectively). AKT is known to phosphorylate and inactive Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 (GSK3). Additionally, GSK3 has been shown to play a role in oncogenesis in pancreatic cancer and lung cancer. Given the high level of AKT activity in transformed cells these two processes would appear to be at odds. However, much of the work on GSK3 has focused on the beta subunit. We have found that the alpha subunit plays a role in tumor proliferation and AKT activity. We see a significant effect of knockdown of GSK3β in Ras transformed pancreatic (Panc1, MiaPaca) and lung cancer (A549) cell lines in proliferation assays, with an approximately 70% decrease in growth compared to siControl cells. In contrast, the knockdown of the GSK3β subunit resulted in no decrease in cell proliferation in A549 cells compared to a 45% decrease in Panc 1 cells. Additionally, knockdown of GSK3β resulted in decreased levels of AKT activity by Western blot analysis as compared to siControl and GSK3β. Previous studies have focused on the role of the beta subunit of GSK3 in oncogenesis. Additionally, AKT has been studied as an upstream regulator rather than a downsteam target of GSK3. Our early studies suggest that the GSK3β subunit may play a significant role in the growth of Ras driven tumors cell lines upstream of AKT, and should be a potential target for therapeutic strategies. 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 2225. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-2225
Blood and hemoglobin: the evolution of knowledge of functional adaptation in a biochemical system, part I: The adaptation of chemical structure to function in hemoglobin.

The circulat ing blood, while pass ing through the lungs, discharges carbon dioxide and takes on oxygen. As it flows through the capillaries of the tissues, it releases oxygen and takes up carbon dioxide. By the late n ine teenth century the basic na ture of this respiratory funct ion of the blood was clearly recognized. In the t ranspor t of oxygen the centra l role of hemoglobin, the i ron-containing protein of the red blood cells, was also apparent . However, the adapta t ion of s t ructure to funct ion in the hemoglobin molecule, and in blood regarded as a physicochemical sys tem for the t ranspor t of oxygen and carbon dioxide, was in fac t f a r more subtle and more efficient than any invest igator could have ant icipated in the year 1900. Dur ing the first thir ty years of the twent ie th century a few invest igators succeeded in character iz ing these complex and subtle interact ions tha t demonstrated the biochemical basis of a remarkab le biological adaptation. By 1930 the f u n d a m e n t a l picture of blood as a highly organized system for t ranspor t of the gases involved in respirat ion was largely complete. Much has since been learned, and in the last for ty years our knowledge of the detailed s t ructure and funct ion of the hemoglobin molecule has increased immeasur ably. However, the central picture of blood as a funct ioning system, set for th by Lawrence J. Henderson in his Sill iman Lectures I on "Blood" in 1928, still s tands in its m a i n outlines as a definitive achievement . My central theme here is to trace the steps that led to this comprehensive unders tanding, which was largely the work of Chris t ian Bohr and August Krogh in Copen-
Incorporating CRS's GSN E-Broad into Micro Principles Classes

Catholic Relief Services sponsors a program called Global Solidarity Network E-Broad. Students engage with experts and students from other participating universities on current global topics, including food security, human trafficking, and economic justice and fair trade. This program gives students exposure to global issues, the opportunity to apply economic concepts, the opportunity to learn from other students and to observe an issue from several perspectives, both economic and non-economic. The program provides background papers and videos on the topic, written and developed by CRS experts in the field. There are discussion boards where the students interact online with each other and the experts. Each session culminates with a Q&A video conference, where the students ask questions and experts answer them.
Dorsal Hand Vein Recognition Algorithm Based on Effective Dimensional Feature

During dorsal vein recognition processing,for the problem that there may be some distractive information in acquired image,a recognition algorithm based on effective dimensional feature was proposed.Firstly,adaptive median filtering algorithm is applied in acquired image for denoising.Secondly,image is divided into blocks,and every sub image feature is extracted based on Gaussian mixture model and gradient information.Then,according to feature similarity between sub images,the method which judges whether the sub image includes distractive information or not is proposed.Finally,vein image feature vector can be acquired through fusing the characteristics of all sub images with real vein information,and sparse representation algorithm is proposed to match the feature vector of unknown sample with different effective dimensions.Experiments show that high recognition rate can be achieved by the proposed algorithm,and even though part of the region in vein image is blocked,good recognition effect can be also acquired.
Machine learning for learning how the brain recognizes speech and language.

Over the past several decades, automatic speech recognition has made great progress through the application of statistics and machine learning, combined with perceptual and structural knowledge about speech and language, as well as its variability. This paper reviews some recent work that applies some of these approaches to cortical processing of speech and language in the human brain to better understand how it functions. Specific experiments demonstrate feasibility for the discrimination of small sets of words (83% on 10 spoken words) and semantic categories (76% on 2 categories). This speech and language information is broadly distributed both spatially and temporally across the brain.
Nutrients and Their Acquisition: Phosphorus Physiology in Microalgae

The macronutrient phosphorus is critical to the physiological ecology of eukaryotic microalgae and cyanobacteria. What are the forms of phosphorus produced and used by these groups? This chapter reviews the distribution and processing of phosphorus in eukaryotic microalgae and cyanobacteria with a focus on how new so-called “omics” methods, advances in chemical analyses, and cell-specific approaches have driven new discoveries.
Hepatic vein sphincters in elasmobranchs and their significance in controlling hepatic blood flow.

1. Discrete muscular sphincters have been discovered on the hepatic veins of elasmobranch fishes. Their anatomy has been studied by gross dissection and by histological techniques. Their functional significance has been assessed by application of drugs to excised sphincters and by measurements of intravascular pressures in free-swimming fishes by means of chronically indwelling catheters. 2. Topical application of acetylcholine caused contraction of the sphincters and adrenaline facilitated relaxation. 3. Pressure measurements disclosed that the hepatic venous pressures in general exceed those in the central systemic veins, thus indicating partial or complete closure of the hepatic vein sphincters. The hepatic vein pressures showed spontaneous phasic changes reflecting closure and opening of the sphincters. 4. It is suggested that hepatic vein sphincters are of particular significance in elasmobranchs since negative pressures prevail in the sinus venosus and central venous sinuses, exerting suctional attraction for venous blood. A sphincteric release of hepatic blood provides a structural basis for delicate adjustments of the volume and transit time of blood in the liver and for mobilization of blood stored in the liver at times of increased demand on cardiac output. 5. The findings are discussed in relation to general mechanics of venous return in fishes and are compared with studies of hepatic vascular sphincters in other vertebrates. Supported by grant GB-4038 from the National Science Foundation and grant GM-1194-02 from the U.S. Public Health Service. This work was done during the tenure of an Established Investigatorship of the American HeartAssociation and supported by the Northeastern Chapter of the Washington State Heart Association.
Story Goodness in Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and in Optimal Outcomes from ASD.

Purpose This study examined narrative quality of adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) using a well-studied “story goodness” coding system. Method Narrative samples were analyzed for dist...
Stakeholder considerations and timeliness of action by managers in the military

The military is best known for exercising regimented, top-down control with little attention given to considerations of stakeholders, particularly outside stakeholders. Data from 102 managers working in US military were used to test the influence of the perceived strength of stakeholder considerations on the timeliness of military managers' action orientation. Findings show military managers' perceptions of the strength of stakeholders demands directly influences the timeliness of their intentions to act. The paper concludes with implications for future research.
Development of High Affinity Anti-S2 Peptides for Stabilizing the Myosin Coiled Coil

Myosin subfragment-2 (S2), like tropomyosin, is a partially unstable coiled coil. Familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy mutations are found in clusters near the N-terminal side of S2 suggesting that they influence the coiled coils’ stability, since deletion mutations such as delE930 and delE927 are associated with very high rates of sudden cardiac arrest based on analysis of inheritance in family pedigrees. These deletion mutations will destabilize the coiled coil formation by disrupting the heptad repeat. Synthetic peptides designed to bind with high affinity and specificity to this region of S2 can stabilize the coiled coil structure thereby counteracting the mutations. To this end, synthetic peptides were designed and tested with the aid of computational simulations. Simulated force spectroscopy of myosin S2 in the presence of the candidate peptide sequences were evaluated based on the fitted contour length from a worm-like chain model when the S2 dimer was separated by an applied force. The sequences with the longest contour lengths were synthesized and used to titrate human cardiac S2 labeled with a time-resolved fluorescent probe that was quenched upon anti-S2 peptide binding. The highest affinity anti-S2 peptide had a dissociation constant of 100 ± 20 nM to wildtype and 85 ± 10 nM to the delE930 S2 and a stoichiometry of binding consistent with atomic modeling of one anti-S2 peptide per S2 dimer. S2 with a charge change, E924K, yielded a dissociation constant of 800 ± 240 nM demonstrating the specificity of the anti-S2 peptide. A competitive ELISA assay demonstrated that the anti-S2 peptide bound to unlabeled S2 with a dissociation constant of 21 ± 8 nM, while an isomer of the anti-S2 peptide had a dissociation constant of 100 ± 25 nM. These short peptides promise significant practical applications.
Compound effects of aging and experimental FSGS on glomerular epithelial cells

Advanced age portends a poorer prognosis in FSGS. To understand the impact of age on glomerular podocytes and parietal epithelial cells (PECs), experimental FSGS was induced in 3m-old mice (20-year old human age) and 27m-old mice (78-year old human age) by abruptly depleting podocytes with a cytopathic anti-podocyte antibody. Despite similar binding of the disease-inducing antibody, podocyte density was lower in aged FSGS mice compared to young FSGS mice. Activated PEC density was higher in aged versus young FSGS mice, as was the percentage of total activated PECs. Additionally, the percentage of glomeruli containing PECs with evidence of phosphorylated ERK and EMT was higher in aged FSGS mice. Extracellular matrix, measured by collagen IV and silver staining, was higher in aged FSGS mice along Bowman's capsule. However, collagen IV accumulation in the glomerular tufts alone and in glomeruli with both tuft and Bowman's capsule accumulation were similar in young FSGS and aged FSGS mice. Thus, the major difference in collagen IV staining in FSGS was along Bowman's capsule in aged mice. The significant differences in podocytes, PECs and extracellular matrix accumulation between young mice and old mice with FSGS might explain the differences in outcomes in FSGS based on age.
Gi-gikinomaage-min (we are all teachers): using history to give voice to urban native American communities:

This article explores one developing model for framing ethical, mutually beneficial collaborations between a predominantly White, non-tribal serving university and urban Native American communities...
Centralized and Local Color Doppler Ultrasound Reading Agreement for Diagnosis of the Chronic Cerebrospinal Venous Insufficiency in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis.

Background An impaired cerebrospinal venous drainage was postulated to be a cofactor in the multifactorial pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS). Chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) is characterized by abnormalities of the main extracranial cerebrospinal venous outflow routes, which can be detected by color Doppler Ultrasound (CDUS) using 5 venous hemodynamic (VH) criteria. Discrepant results between different investigators were reported in the past, therefore the usefulness and applicability of the CCSVI CDUS-based diagnosis in clinical research and practice has been questioned. The reproducibility of proposed criteria for CCSVI detection depends on the blinding, training level, skills of the operator and interpretation of VH criteria. Objectives To assess agreement between centralized and local reading of CDUS examination for diagnosis of CCSVI in trained Doppler sonologists. Methods This study was performed in 78 MS patients and 28 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (HCs). Extracranial and transcranial CDUS venous hemodynamic assessment was conducted, according to International Society of Neurovascular Disease (ISNVD) recommended criteria, by a single CCSVI-trained expert sonologist blinded to the subject disease status. After the local Doppler sonologist performed the investigation, all images and video clips of the CDUS examination were sent to the centralized reading center, where a second blinded reading was performed by two CCSVI-trained expert sonologists. Statistical analyses were performed comparing accuracy of CCSVI diagnosis (≥2 VH criteria) and each of the 5 individual VH criteria using Cohen kappa statistic, along with positive/negative agreement and Odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Results Diagnosis of CCSVI was obtained in 59.7% of local and 64.3% centralized readers (Kappa, 0.67, pl0.001). Similar Kappa values were obtained for CCSVI diagnosis and individual CCSVI criteria in both MS patients and HCs. The highest Kappa between local and centralized readers was observed for VH criteria 5 (0.93) followed by VH criteria 4 (0.70), VH criteria 1 (0.66), VH criteria 2 (0.64) and VH criteria 3 (0.58). The positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) for CCSVI diagnosis were 82.7% and 86,7%, respectively with an OR of 31.1 (95% CI 11.1-87.5, pl0.001). The highest agreement between local and centralized readers was observed for VH criteria 4 (OR 98.7, 95% CI 17.1-569.9, pl0.001) with 72.7% PPV and 97.3% NPV followed by VH criteria 5 (53, 95% CI 13.4-209.2, pl0.001) with 98.1% PPV and 100% NPV value. Conclusion Centralized reading of the CDUS examination for the diagnosis of CCSVI is feasible with high accuracy in CCSVI-trained Doppler sonologists. The most reproducible VH criteria between local and centralized readers were VH criteria 4 and 5.
Die Rolle des Genotypes der organständigen passageren Leukozyten bei der immunologischen Akzeptanz der Rattenleber

Hintergrund: Rattenlebern werden bei bestimmten MHC-inkompatiblen Stammkombinationen spontan akzeptiert. Es ist vorgeschlagen worden, das dieses Pha nomen auf zellula rem Mikrochima rismus im Empfa ngertier beruht, ein Status, welcher durch passagere Leukozyten im Spenderorgan induziert wird. Wir untersuchten, ob passagere Leukozyten vom Spender-Genotyp eine Voraussetzung fu r die immunologische Akzeptanz der Rattenleber im Transplantationsmodell sind.
High-Resolution Digital Soil Mapping: Kriging for Very Large Datasets

The ability to take many observations at precisely known spatial locations has given birth to precision agriculture and transformed traditional agriculture into a spatial science. An important aspect of precision agriculture is its intersection with pedometrics. Maps of soil properties are in great demand, but there is a point at which datasets from proximal soil sensors can, when very large, overload and ‘break’ the algorithms designed for production of the statistically optimal (kriging) maps. In this research, we present a geostatistical method that relies on highly flexible, nonstationary spatial covariances, for which exact kriging can be carried out for very large datasets (on the order of tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of elements). The methodology is applied to total counts obtained from gamma radiometer readings in several fields of Nowley Farm, New South Wales, Australia.
Oxidative Addition to Metal Atoms: Mechanism, Use of Resultant Reactive RMX and R2M Species in Homogeneous Catalytic Processes, and Metal Atom—Alkane Interactions

The mechanisms of oxidative addition or reductive elimination reactions1 dealing with transition metal systems in solution are quite complex and varied.2 Detailed stereochemical and kinetic studies of such systems have been prevalent in recent years.3,4
Financial Reporting of International Organizations: Voluntary contributions are the main issue

Zusammenfassung In den internationalen Organisationen findet derzeit eine wichtige Entwicklung der Rechnungslegung und Finanzberichterstattung statt, mit dem Ziel die Transparenz zu verbessern. Die Auswirkungen auf die dargestellte finanzielle Situation der Organisationen werden betrachtlich sein. Kontrovers und in diesem Artikel erortert ist die Erfassung und Darstellung der verschiedenen Ertrage, insbesondere der freiwilligen Beitrage. Deren unterschiedliche Substanz in verschiedenen Organisationen lasst keine einheitliche Behandlung zu. Resume Les organisations internationales menent actuellement une evolution majeure de leur comptabilite, afin de renforcer la transparence et la responsabilisation. L'impact sur la situation financiere presentee sera substantielle. La comptabilisation des contributions volontaires est discute vivement. A cause des variations en substance, il aboutit a une comptabilisation differente dans les diverses organisations internationales.
Applications of the characteristic mode theory to antenna design

In this article discusses the characteristic mode analysis was done to identify and select two eigen-modes of the antenna that are significant (MS > 0.707) and to obtain information on the phase difference of these modes. With this knowledge, antennas with circularly polarized patterns can be designed by combining the two orthogonal characteristic modes with a 90° phase difference. In the wideband antenna case, the MSs of the antenna's characteristic modes were examined to find modes that are significant over a wide bandwidth. Subsequently, the eigen-currents and the eigen-fields of the wideband modes were evaluated to find modes that possess omni-directional radiation patterns, which is an essential property of ultrawideband antennas. In the example of chassis antenna design, two significant chassis modes were excited using the same set of capacitive coupling elements. This was accomplished by understanding the MSs and the eigen-current distributions of the two desired modes, and by placing the capacitive coupling elements at the locations where the magnitudes of the eigen-currents are the weakest for these modes. Loop antennas were mainly used as inductive coupling elements to excite a desired mode of a metallic platform, and a systematic approach to enhance the bandwidth of the platform-based antenna was demonstrated. This approach employed the characteristic mode theory to examine the MSs and the eigen-current distributions of the platform modes, and to calculate the maximum available bandwidth that the desired characteristic mode could offer. The characteristic mode theory can be used as a tool to aid antenna design by allowing engineers to interpret the physical characteristics of the radiator(s).
Data Analytics and Data Warehouses

This chapter focuses on how to extract information from package software systems. This information will be used for decision support system (DSS) purposes and typically be presented to the user in an on-line display format or as a report. The concept behind DSS is that it deals with data “after the fact,” meaning that the data are no longer in a production mode, but rather in a storage mode where it can be used for different forms of analytical processing. The major benefit of operating on processed data is that it cannot be changed and therefore can be accessed without concern for data integrity. Another salient issue is that because the data are not subject to change it can be copied multiple times, allowing for some interesting performance improvements and “flattening” of the data stored in the relational database. The referential integrity that was attained in a production database does not maximize performance for the query of data for reporting purposes. Almost all systems today need to determine how best to extract information for what is now being called “data analytics,” that is, the ability to understand and analyze the information contained in application software systems. Increasingly, CIOs are being held responsible for providing this information.
Expanding the CRISPR Toolbox in Zebrafish for Studying Development and Disease

The study of model organisms has revolutionized our understanding of the mechanisms underlying normal development, adult homeostasis, and human disease. Much of what we know about gene function in model organisms (and its application to humans) has come from gene knockouts: the ability to show analogous phenotypes upon gene inactivation in animal models. The zebrafish (Danio rerio) has become a popular model organism for many reasons, including the fact that it is amenable to various forms of genetic manipulation. The RNA-guided CRISPR/Cas9-mediated targeted mutagenesis approaches have provided powerful tools to manipulate the genome toward developing new disease models and understanding the pathophysiology of human diseases. CRISPR-based approaches are being used for the generation of both knockout and knock-in alleles, and also for applications including transcriptional modulation, epigenome editing, live imaging of the genome, and lineage tracing. Currently, substantial effort is being made to improve the specificity of Cas9, and to expand the target coverage of the Cas9 enzymes. Novel types of naturally occurring CRISPR systems [Cas12a (Cpf1); engineered variants of Cas9, such as xCas9 and SpCas9-NG], are being studied and applied to genome editing. Since the majority of pathogenic mutations are single point mutations, development of base editors to convert C:G to T:A or A:T to G:C has further strengthened the CRISPR toolbox. In this review, we provide an overview of the increasing number of novel CRISPR-based tools and approaches, including lineage tracing and base editing.
Infections in Kidney and Pancreas Transplantation

The optimal treatment for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) requiring renal replacement therapy/dialysis is kidney transplantation. Additionally, pancreas transplantation alone or simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation offers improved quality of life as well as reversion or prevention of complications seen in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Patients with CKD on dialysis are at increased risk for bacterial and blood-borne viral pathogens. During the initial first month posttransplantation period, kidney and kidney-pancreas transplant recipients are at increased risk for healthcare-acquired infections and complications associated with surgery. Over the next 6 months, during the period of maximal immunosuppression, these patients are at increased risk for opportunistic infections such as BK polyomavirus and cytomegalovirus. Anti-infective prophylactic strategies have been developed to decrease rates of specific opportunistic infections during this time period. Beyond 6 months, patients are at increased risk for community-acquired infections, including bacterial and fungal infections such as invasive molds, endemic mycoses, as well as the complications of chronic immunosuppressive therapy. This chapter provides a brief overview of kidney and pancreas transplantation with regard to types of transplantations, selection criteria, surgical procedures, and immunosuppressive regimens. It will then focus on infectious complications encountered in patients on dialysis and the pretransplantation evaluation for patients awaiting organs. Infectious complications that are specific to kidney and pancreas transplantation are reviewed in detail, including the role of anti-infective prophylaxis. Specific infectious etiologies and syndromes that are related to kidney and pancreas transplantation will also be presented.
A stable hybrid method for feature subset selection using particle swarm optimization with local search

The determination of a small set of biomarkers to make a diagnostic call can be formulated as a feature subset selection (FSS) problem to find a small set of genes with high relevance for the underlying classification task and low mutual redundancy. However, repeated application of a heuristic, evolutionary FSS technique usually fails to produce consistent results. Here, we introduce COMB-PSO-LS, a novel hybrid (wrapper-filter) FSS algorithm based on Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) that features a local search strategy to select the least dependent and most relevant feature subsets. In particular, we employ a Randomized Dependence Coefficient (RDC)-based filter technique to guide the search process of the particle swarm, allowing the selection of highly relevant and consistent features. Classifying cancer samples through patient gene expression profiles, we found that COMB-PSO-LS provides highly stable and non-redundant gene subsets that are relevant for the classification process, outperforming standard PSO methods.
Force field generalization and the internal representation of motor learning

When learning a new motor behavior, e.g. reaching in a force field, the nervous system builds an internal representation. Examining how subsequent reaches in unpracticed directions generalize reveals this representation. Although often studied, it is not known how this representation changes across training directions, or how changes in reach direction and the corresponding changes in limb impedance, influence these measurements. We ran a force field adaptation experiment using eight groups of subjects each trained on one of eight standard directions and then tested for generalization in the remaining seven directions. Generalization in all directions was local and asymmetric, providing limited and unequal transfer to the left and right side of the trained target. These asymmetries were not consistent in either magnitude or direction, even after correcting for changes in limb impedance. Relying on a standard model for generalization the inferred representations inconsistently shifted to one side or the other of their respective training direction. A second model that accounted for limb impedance and variations in baseline trajectories explained more data and the inferred representations were centered on their respective training directions. Our results highlight the influence of limb mechanics and impedance on psychophysical measurements and their interpretations for motor learning.
Predicting Public Support for Government Actions in a Public Health Crisis: Testing Fear, Organization-Public Relationship, and Behavioral Intention in the Framework of the Situational Theory of Problem Solving

This study aimed to examine a theoretical model to predict publics' communicative actions to take and transmit information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as well as their behavioral intentions to follow the CDC's instructions in the context of infectious disease outbreaks. Using the framework of the situational theory of problem-solving (STOPS), this study tested the roles of fear and positive organization-public relationship (OPR), linking STOPS and behavioral intentions to follow CDC instructions. The results of this study suggest that fear and positive OPR variables play vital roles in predicting individuals' information acquisition, information transmission, and willingness to follow the CDC's instructions to cope with infectious diseases.
2.7 Å cryo-EM structure of rotavirus core protein VP3, a unique capping machine with a helicase activity

In many viruses, including rotavirus (RV), the major pathogen of infantile gastroenteritis, capping of viral messenger RNAs is a pivotal step for efficient translation of the viral genome. In RV, VP3 caps the nascent transcripts synthesized from the genomic dsRNA segments by the RV polymerase VP1 within the particle core. Here, from cryo-electron microscopy, x-ray crystallography, and biochemical analyses, we show that VP3 forms a stable tetrameric assembly with each subunit having a modular domain organization, which uniquely integrates five distinct enzymatic steps required for capping the transcripts. In addition to the previously known guanylyl- and methyltransferase activities, we show that VP3 exhibits hitherto unsuspected RNA triphosphatase activity necessary for initiating transcript capping and RNA helicase activity likely required for separating the RNA duplex formed transiently during endogenous transcription. From our studies, we propose a new mechanism for how VP3 inside the virion core caps the nascent transcripts exiting from the polymerase.
What do you do when your best is suddenly completely inadequate? A Nigerian child's unexpected admission to an American hospital

We review the case of a 5 year-old well cared-for Nigerian male (“Folu”) with congenital hydranencephaly causing global developmental delay, occasional seizures, contractures, and poor oral skills resulting in failure to thrive, who was vacationing in the United States with his family when he developed a new seizure semiology prompting …
Assessing the presence of volatile-bearing mineral phases in the cratonic mantle as a possible cause of mid-lithospheric discontinuities

Abstract A number of possible hypotheses have been proposed to explain the origin of mid-lithospheric discontinuities (MLDs), typically characterized by ∼2-6% reductions in seismic shear wave velocity (VS) at depths of 60 km to ∼150 km in the cratonic sub-continental lithospheric mantle (SCLM). One such hypothesis is the presence of low-shear wave velocity, hydrous and carbonate mineral phases. Although, the presence of hydrous silicates and carbonates can cause a reduction in the shear wave velocity of mantle domains, the contribution of volatile metasomatism to the origins of MLDs has remained incompletely evaluated. To assess the metasomatic origin of MLDs, we compiled experimental phase assemblages, phase proportions, and phase compositions from the literature in peridotite + H2O, peridotite + CO2, and peridotite + H2O + CO2 systems at P-T conditions where hydrous silicate and/or carbonate minerals are stable. By comparing the experimental assemblages with the compiled bulk peridotite compositions for cratons, we bracket plausible proportions and compositions of hydrous silicate and carbonate mineral phases that can be expected in cratonic SCLMs. Based on the CaO and K2O contents of cratonic peridotite xenoliths and the estimated upper limit of CO2 content in SCLM, ≤∼10 vol.% pargasitic amphibole, ≤∼2.1 vol.% phlogopite and ≤∼0.2 vol.% magnesite solid solution can be stable in the SCLM. We also present new elasticity data for the pargasite end member of amphibole based on first principles simulations for more accurate estimates of aggregate VS for metasomatized domains in cratonic mantle. Using the bracketed phase compositions, phase proportions, and updated values of elastic constants for relevant mineral end members, we further calculate aggregate VS at MLD depths for three seismic stations in the northern continental U.S. Depending on the choice of background wave speeds of unmetasomatized peridotite and the cratonic geotherm, the composition and abundance of volatile-bearing mineral phases bracketed here can explain as much as 2.01 to 3.01% reduction in VS. While various craton formation scenarios allow formation of the amphibole and phlogopite abundances bracketed here, presence of volatile-bearing phases in an average cratonic SCLM composition cannot explain the entire range of velocity reductions observed at MLDs. Other possible velocity reduction mechanisms thus must be considered to explain the full estimated range of shear wave speed reduction at MLD depths globally.
Post-stroke Dysphagia: Recent Insights and Unanswered Questions

We explored themes in recent post-stroke dysphagia literature, focusing on the following questions: (1) What does post-stroke dysphagia look like?; (2) Who gets post-stroke dysphagia?; (3) What are the consequences of post-stroke dysphagia?; and (4) How can we improve treatment of post-stroke dysphagia? There have been several improvements in quantitative descriptions of swallowing physiology using standard and new evaluation techniques. These descriptions have been correlated with lesion locations, and several factors can predict development of post-stroke dysphagia and its sequelae. Novel treatment paradigms have leveraged post-stroke neuroplastic improvements using neurostimulation and biofeedback techniques. Despite recent findings, the field is limited by lack of standardization and unanswered questions on rehabilitation variables. Our improved understanding of post-stroke dysphagia will enhance our ability to prevent, identify, and treat it. Future work should be grounded in swallowing physiology and continue refining treatments, particularly in the acute stage.
New identities with Stirling, hyperharmonic, and derangement numbers, Bernoulli and Euler polynomials, powers, and factorials

A number of identities are proved by using Stirling transforms. These identities involve Stirling numbers of the first and second kinds, hyperharmonic and derangement numbers, Bernoulli and Euler numbers and polynomials, powers, power sums, and factorials.
Lessons Learned from Airs for Future Grating IR Sounders

Spaceborne infrared atmospheric sounders measure the spectrum of the upwelling radiance in the infrared with ultrahigh spectral resolution. The resolution is sufficient to measure absorption features of atmospheric constituents enabling retrieval of atmospheric temperature and water vapor profiles, surface emission and atmospheric constituents. The Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) was the first hyperspectral grating-based infrared sounder designed for this purpose and is still operational today. Future IR sounders must achieve higher spatial and temporal resolution to match improvements in forecast models and be less costly to match anticipated future budget pressures. Higher temporal resolution can be achieved in several ways including operation in Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) or in constellations of LEO satellites. Higher spatial resolution can be achieved using larger format focal plane assemblies in the instruments and larger aperture telescopes. Grating spectrometer IR sounders are well suited to both these applications.
Time-Varying Effect Modeling to Study Historical Change

In this chapter, we introduce the use of time-varying effect modeling (TVEM) to examine historical change in the prevalence of health behaviors, investigate how these historical trends vary across population subgroups, and estimate the time-varying associations between risk factors and health behaviors. The empirical example focuses on the historical trends in the prevalence of cigarette smoking and the perceived risk of smoking among high school seniors from 1990 to 2017, the time-varying association between cigarette use and the perceived risk of smoking, and the time-varying moderation effect of sex. We use the publicly available repeated (annual) cross-sectional data from the Monitoring the Future study. The national sample analyzed here consists of n = 68,422 high school seniors who were assessed during this 28-year period. This chapter presents a roadmap for using TVEM to address research questions about historical shifts in (1) prevalence of outcomes and of corresponding risk factors, (2) associations between risk factors and outcomes, and (3) moderation effects that unfold over historical time.
A Meta-Analysis of Group Interventions for Trauma and Depression Among Immigrant and Refugee Children:

Purpose:A meta-analysis of group interventions to reduce post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and/or depression among refugee and immigrant children and adolescents.Methods:A systematic search was...