cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A dual process approach to understanding prejudice toward Americans in Lebanon: An extension to intergroup threat perceptions and emotions

Using a stratified random sampling procedure, we interviewed 200 residents of Beirut, Lebanon and surrounding areas in order to test predictions of a dual process model of prejudice. We examined the role of social dominance orientation (SDO) and right-wing authoritarianism (RWA) in predicting prejudice toward Americans, mediating the relationships between personality dimensions and prejudice, and predicting intergroup emotions indirectly through intergroup threat perceptions. Three main findings emerged. First, whereas RWA was a positive predictor of prejudice toward Americans, SDO was a negative predictor. Second, RWA mediated a positive relationship between a social conforming personality and prejudice toward Americans; SDO mediated a negative relationship between a tough-minded personality and prejudice. Third, value threat perceptions mediated a positive relationship between RWA and feelings of disgust toward Americans; economic threat perceptions mediated a negative relationship between SDO and anger...
Sampling Issues in Trade Area Maps Drawn from Shopper Surveys

There are at least three sampling issues that can result in misleading trade area maps if not recognized. This paper discusses these issues, shows their effects on the trade area map of a large sho...
Mitochondrial Recruitment of Drp1 by Mff is Opposed by the Variable Domain

Mitochondria are critical cellular components and form a dynamically interconnected network that responds to several stimuli such as energy demands, apoptotic stimuli, and mitochondrial quality control. Concomitantly, the processes of mitochondrial fission and fusion are highly regulated in order to maintain a population of healthy organelles, and disruption of either process leads to mitochondrial dysfunction. In fact, a detailed mechanistic understanding of the fission process is not known. Dynamin related protein 1 (Drp1) is known to be the master regulator of mitochondrial fission. This large cytosolic protein is comprised of several domains, including the GTPase, middle, variable, and GTPase effector domains (GED). The role of the variable domain is largely uncharacterized and inherently disordered. Recently, the variable domain has been implicated in interactions between Drp1 and mitochondrial lipids, and we have shown that it regulates Drp1 self-assembly. This oligomerization forms a larger complex capable of generating mechanical force using energy from GTP hydrolysis. At the surface of mitochondria, Drp1 is recruited by various partner proteins anchored in the outer membrane. Mitochondrial fission factor (Mff) is a small protein with a C-terminal transmembrane helix that is critical for recruitment of Drp1 and subsequent mitochondrial fission. The direct Mff-Drp1 interaction has been investigated using transmission electron microscopy, a novel lipid scaffold, GTPase assays, and various biophysical methods. Interestingly, the variable domain of Drp1 limits its interaction with Mff. Removal of this domain allows for formation of a stable Drp1-Mff complex, and results in elevated Drp1 GTPase activity in the presence of Mff. Further characterization of Drp1, Mff, and various mutants of these proteins in MEFs lacking the endogenous protein will build on our current knowledge to refine the role of the variable domain and oligomerization in Drp1 interactions with Mff.
[Study on the immunization coverage and effects of hepatitis B vaccine in the 20-59 years-old population in Guangzhou city].

Objective To study the immunization coverage and immune effects of hepatitis B vaccine (HepB) among people who were immunized later than at birth in Guangzhou city. Methods A multistage randomized cluster sampling was used and the subjects were at age 20 to 59 years old,from the families of twelve districts in Guangzhou. Cross sectional analysis was carried out. Every study subject' s HepB immunization history and main risk were investigated through questionnaire.Venous blood samples were collected and then tested for HBsAg and anti-HBs by means of ELISA.The immunization coverage rate of HepB, prevalence rates of HBsAg and anti-HBs among every age group were valuated by sampling weights. The protective efficacy of the people with immunization of HepB was assessed by case-control study. Results The overall immunization rate of HepB was 24.71% (95%CI: 20.86%-28.56%)in the 20-59 age group. HBsAg prevalence rate was 14.91% (95% CI: 12.73%-17.08% ), and 8.52% in vaccinated group while 18.15% in the non-vaccinated group. Results from case-control study showed that HepB had good protective efficacy to HBV in people of 20-59 years old. The protective rate of HepB against HBV was 62.6%. Conclusion Vaccinating HepB on people after the neonatal period also non-nowbom could provide good immune effect to HBV. Key words: Hepatitis B vaccine; Efficacy; Case-control study
Nanobiomaterials in drug delivery

Abstract In recent years many diverse scientific strategies have been developed for cancer therapy. One of the most unique research areas is nanotechnology that is related to synthesis, manipulation of nanomaterials, and their application in cancer diagnosis and therapy. Multifunctional nanoparticles can be prepared for different biomedical applications that can carry and deliver small molecules (dyes or chemotherapeutic drugs) to target, detect, and treat. A well-established nanomaterial can enhance the efficiency of drug delivery to reach pathological areas by decreasing their toxicity and side effects. Small molecules can be conjugated to nanomaterials using different chemical linkages that can be released by biodegradation and self-regulation of nanomaterials. In this chapter, we introduce the design and characterization of various nanomaterials for drug delivery to treat cancer in vitro and in vivo.
A variation risk management methodology for an interactive pharmaceutical design and manufacturing environment

The pharmaceutical manufacturing field is one of the most challenging fields due to stringent regulations, global harmonization and tough competition. It has been realized that quality, safety and efficacy of pharmaceutical drug products are key elements for success in market. However, improving quality requires better understanding of the product and process critical quality attributes (CQAs). The utmost goal is to build quality upfront during early design stages by implementing guidelines such as quality by design which focuses on targeting design quality into the ingredients, formulation and manufacturing process to deliver the intended performance of the drug product. Achieving such goal is possible by integrating important tools and functions in one interactive usable model. One significant opportunity has been found in the effective utilization of data gathered during different activities such as sampling and testing of pharmaceutical ingredients and products. Extracting patterns of interest of such data can be essential in targeting problems such as variation initiation and variation propagation. Variations are those unwanted deviations from nominal values which greatly impact the final quality and efficacy of products. Manufacturers face some challenges due to lack of quantitative models to prioritize CQAs and quantify their associated risk of variation. Therefore, there is a need for proactive quantitative mechanisms usable during the early design stages to reduce design’s sensitivity to manufacturing variations. The work here introduces a systematic interactive environment that integrates together the design model and the current process capabilities to capture the impact of manufacturing variations on top performance function. A case study on tablet’s crushing strength, expressed by tablet’s tensile strength, has been carried out successfully to prove the effectiveness of the proposed methodology in identifying design’s CQAs and assessing their risk of variation. Moreover, it introduces the mechanism for a quantitative ongoing monitoring of the risk of variation and decision making regarding manufacturers selection.
Simulations of realistic multifunctional nanoantenna enabled detectors

The goal of this paper is to investigate full-wave simulations of realistic implementations of multifunctional nanoantenna enabled detectors (NEDs). We realize a 2×2 pixelated array structure that supports two wavelengths of operation. After designing each resonating structure independently using full-wave simulations with periodic boundary conditions mimicking the whole infinite array, we construct a supercell made of a 2×2 pixelated array with periodic boundary conditions mimicking the full NED. In the NED, each pixel comprises 10–20 nanoantennas. Our simulations account for the cross-talk between contiguous pixels. We observe that, even though there are finite extent effects, the pixels work as designed, each responding at the respective wavelength of operation. We want to stress that realistic simulations of multifunctional NEDs need to be performed to verify the design functionality by taking into account finite extent and cross-talk effects.
Dissecting microsatellite instability in colorectal cancer: one size does not fit all.

Microsatellite instability (MSI) marks distinct subsets of tumors in many cancer types and is caused by mutations in genes required for mismatch repair. A recent report analyses the molecular foundations of MSI-positive colorectal cancers and reveals substantial molecular heterogeneity, which might have consequences for the potential use of immunotherapy in MSI-positive cancers. See related research by Sveen et al. 10.1186/s13073-017-0434-0
Introduction: Questioning Apes

A common definition of communication involves nothing more than the moving of information in time from one place to another. From this point of view, it is of little consequence whether the trafficked ware consists of random noise, the 1010 bits of information inherent in a strand of DNA programmed to rebuild itself, or some configuration of signs, as a sonata by Mozart, charged with high aesthetic value. If information is available, it can be communicated.
Role of Natural IgM Autoantibodies (IgM-NAA) and IgM Anti-Leukocyte Antibodies (IgM-ALA) in Regulating Inflammation

Natural IgM autoantibodies (IgM-NAA) are rapidly produced to inhibit pathogens and abrogate inflammation mediated by invading microorganisms and host neoantigens. IgM-NAA achieve this difficult task by being polyreactive with low binding affinity but with high avidity, characteristics that allow these antibodies to bind antigenic determinants shared by pathogens and neoantigens. Hence the same clones of natural IgM can bind and mask host neoantigens as well as inhibit microorganisms. In addition, IgM-NAA regulate the inflammatory response via mechanisms involving binding of IgM to apoptotic cells to enhance their removal and binding of IgM to live leukocytes to regulate their function. Secondly, we review how natural IgM prevents autoimmune disorders arising from pathogenic IgG autoantibodies as well as by autoreactive B and T cells that have escaped tolerance mechanisms. Thirdly, using IgM knockout mice, we show that regulatory B and T cells require IgM to effectively regulate inflammation mediated by innate, adaptive and autoimmune mechanisms. It is therefore not surprising why the host positively selects such autoreactive B1 cells that generate protective IgM-NAA, which are also evolutionarily conserved. Fourthly, we show that IgM anti-leukocyte autoantibodies (IgM-ALA) levels and their repertoire can vary in normal humans and disease states and this variation may partly explain the observed differences in the inflammatory response after infection, ischemic injury or after a transplant. Finally we also show how protective IgM-NAA can be rendered pathogenic under non-physiological conditions. IgM-NAA have therapeutic potential. Polyclonal IgM infusions can be used to abrogate ongoing inflammation. Additionally, inflammation arising after ischemic kidney injury, e.g., during high-risk elective cardiac surgery or after allograft transplantation, can be prevented by pre-emptively infusing polyclonal IgM, or DC pretreated ex vivo with IgM, or by increasing in vivo IgM with a vaccine approach. Cell therapy with IgM pretreated cells, is appealing as less IgM will be required.
Insect Growth Regulator Impact on Fecundity and Fertility of Adult Tufted Apple Bud Moth, Platynota idaeusalis Walker

The tufted apple bud moth, Platynota idaeusalis Walker, is a major pest of apples in the eastern United States. Resistance to conventional insecticide chemistries has made this pest difficult to co...
Removal of estrogenic hormones from manure-containing water by vegetable oil capture.

Abstract Manure-containing water (MCW) is frequently used for agricultural amendment, a practice that introduces natural and synthetic hormones to the environment. Advanced treatment processes are not practical for most animal operations, so inexpensively removing hormones from MCW by capture with vegetable oils was evaluated. Estrone (E1) and 17β-estradiol (E2) were used as model hormones due to their high biological activity and prevalence in MCW. Eight vegetable-based oils were able to remove >94% of E1 and >87% of E2 from nanopure water (NPW), and tested oils had log10 Koil-water values of 1.96-2.66 for E1 and 1.51-2.47 for E2. System parameters were optimized at 3 min of shaking time and 1:10 corn oil:water (v/v). Removal from real MCW and NPW was assessed at several initial concentrations of E1 and E2. While E1 removal was comparable across all initial concentrations and both water types (>93%), E2 removal exhibited concentration-dependent interaction with MCW matrix. Treatment capacity was assessed by using the same oil for multiple batches of NPW or MCW. After 18 cycles, removal dropped to 50–64% of E1 and 35–37% for E2. Treating MCW with vegetable oils may be a promising approach to inexpensively remove microcontaminants before MCW is used for land application.
The Lepidopteran Herbivores of the Model Plant Mimulus guttatus

Mimulus guttatus is a widespread riparian plant native to western North America. Due to its wide distribution and phenotypic variation it has been the subject of many studies incorporating genetic information into ecological and life history evolution studies. Mimulus guttatus defends itself from herbivory with physical defenses (e.g. trichomes) as well as a suite of phytochemical defenses; phenylpropanoid glycosides (PPGs). Despite its importance as a model organism little has been done on the herbivores that feed on this plant. We used literature records as well as field observations to construct a list of the Lepidoptera that utilize M. guttatus as a food plant. Sixteen species of Lepidoptera within five families were recorded as feeding on M. guttatus. Six of these species are classified as generalist herbivores, while the rest have varying degrees of host plant specialization.
The Identification of Torsades de Pointes via CEEG: A Case Report on a Patient with Physiologically Provoked Nonepileptic Events.

Continuous electroencephalography (CEEG) is chiefly performed at The Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) for identifying seizures, including its refined use within the epilepsy monitoring u...
Protein Folding In The Cell: The Role Of Molecular Chaperones

USA Understanding the mechanisms and pathways of protein folding constitutes a problem of fundamental biological significance. It has been known for more than three decades that all the information required for the acqisition of the native state is contained in the linear amino acid sequence of the polypeptide chain. Proteins are capable of spontaneous folding in the test-tube, at least under carefully chosen conditions, and this has led to the view that also within cells newly-synthesized polypeptides reach their native state in an essentially spontaneous reaction. Only more recently has it been realized that this is not generally the case. Cells contain a complex machinery of proteins, folding catalysts and so-called molecular chaperones, which mediate folding in the cytosol as well as within subcellular compartments such as mitochondria, chloroplasts and the endoplasmic reticulum (Hendrick and Hartl, 1993; Hard et al. , 1994; Hartl and Martin, 1995). Molecular chaperones, mostly constitutively expressed stress proteins, play a preeminent role in these processes and are the main focus of this chapter.
Where Is the Color in Art Education

Using the qualitative research approaches of portraiture and narrative inquiry with a Critical Race Theory lens, this lived practices chapter examines how racism and White privilege impact art and art teacher education. The life histories of art educators of color, gathered through interviews and questionnaires, address why so few Black women, in particular, pursue careers in art and art education. This research seeks to uncover, understand, and problematize the factors contributing to this phenomenon and suggest strategies for amelioration. Analytic induction of narrative evidence suggests that three recurring perceptions may account for low numbers of artist/educators of color: economic factors; lack of education about art/education as a profession and/or the low reputation of art/education as a profession; and scarcity of artist/educator role models of color.
Mitochondrial Dynamics: The Intersection of Form and Function

Mitochondria within a cell exist as a population in a dynamic ­morphological continuum. The balance of mitochondrial fusion and fission dictates a spectrum of shapes from interconnected networks to fragmented individual units. This plasticity bestows the adaptive flexibility needed to adjust to changing cellular stresses and metabolic demands. The mechanisms that regulate mitochondrial dynamics, their importance in normal cell biology, and the roles they play in disease conditions are only beginning to be understood. Dysfunction of mitochondrial dynamics has been identified as a possible disease mechanism in Parkinson’s disease. This chapter will introduce the budding field of mitochondrial dynamics and explore unique characteristics of affected neurons in Parkinson’s disease that increase susceptibility to disruptions in mitochondrial dynamics.
Quitting Failure and Success With and Without Using Medication: Latent Classes of Abstinence and Adherence to Nicotine Monotherapy, Combination Therapy, and Varenicline.

Introduction Nonadherence to pharmacotherapies complicates studies of comparative pharmacotherapy effectiveness. Modeling adherence and abstinence simultaneously may facilitate analysis of both treatment acceptability and effectiveness. Methods Secondary analyses of a three-arm randomized comparative trial of nicotine patch, varenicline, and combination nicotine patch and lozenge among adult daily smokers (N = 1086) were conducted. Adherence rates collected via interactive voice response systems during the first 27 days of quitting were compared across treatment conditions. Repeated measures latent class analyses of adherence and abstinence in 3-day parcels through 27 days of a quit attempt were conducted with treatment, demographic, and smoking history covariates. Results Adherence varied across treatments and was lowest for nicotine lozenge use in combination nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). Five latent classes that differed significantly in 6-month abstinence rates were retained, including three subgroups of adherent participants varying in treatment response and two nonadherent groups varying in abstinence probabilities. Nonadherence was more likely among those receiving varenicline and combination NRT, relative to patch monotherapy. Varenicline and combination NRT did not promote abstinence among adherent latent classes but did promote abstinence among those partially adherent, relative to patch alone. Combination therapy attenuated increased risk of treatment disengagement with more years smoking. Minority smokers, those high in dependence, and those with shorter past abstinence were at increased risk for low-adherence and low-abstinence latent classes. Conclusions Varenicline and combination nicotine patch and lozenge are less likely to be used as directed and may not increase first-month abstinence better than patch alone when taken adherently. Implications This secondary analysis of adherence and abstinence in a comparative effectiveness trial shows that adherence is highest for the nicotine patch, next highest for varenicline, and lowest for combination nicotine patch and lozenge therapy due to low lozenge use. Distinct latent classes were found that varied in both first-month abstinence and adherence. Varenicline and combination NRT may not enhance abstinence over patch alone among smokers who take medication adherently. Adherent use of medication especially benefits those who are low in dependence and have positive quitting histories; it is less beneficial to at-risk smokers and members of racial minorities.
The Global Goal of Sustainable Growth

This chapter introduces some of the major water-related challenges societies around the globe face in their efforts to achieve and maintain sustainable supplies of freshwater. It is also a discussion of some of the paths that some of the most threatened water suppliers are following in their efforts to overcome these barriers.
Network Modeling of Liver Metabolism to Predict Plasma Metabolite Changes During Short-Term Fasting in the Laboratory Rat.

The liver—a central metabolic organ that integrates whole-body metabolism to maintain glucose and fatty-acid regulation, and detoxify ammonia—is susceptible to injuries induced by drugs and toxic substances. Although plasma metabolite profiles are increasingly investigated for their potential to detect liver injury earlier than current clinical markers, their utility may be compromised because such profiles are affected by the nutritional state and the physiological state of the animal, and by contributions from extrahepatic sources. To tease apart the contributions of liver and non-liver sources to alterations in plasma metabolite profiles, here we sought to computationally isolate the plasma metabolite changes originating in the liver during short-term fasting. We used a constraint-based metabolic modeling approach to integrate central carbon fluxes measured in our study, and physiological flux boundary conditions gathered from the literature, into a genome-scale model of rat liver metabolism. We then measured plasma metabolite profiles in rats fasted for 5–7 or 10–13 h to test our model predictions. Our computational model accounted for two-thirds of the observed directions of change (an increase or decrease) in plasma metabolites, indicating their origin in the liver. Specifically, our work suggests that changes in plasma lipid metabolites, which are reliably predicted by our liver metabolism model, are key features of short-term fasting. Our approach provides a mechanistic model for identifying plasma metabolite changes originating in the liver.
Interdisciplinary collaboration needed in obtaining high-quality medical information in child abuse investigations.

Abstract Background Despite reporting legislation, healthcare providers (HCPs) do not always report and collaborate in cases of suspected child abuse. Recognizing this leaves children at risk, the Wisconsin Child Abuse Network (WI CAN) sought to understand barriers to mandated reporting and collaboration with child abuse investigators. Objective The purpose of the study was to investigate barriers for professionals in providing and obtaining high-quality medical information in child abuse investigations. Participants and setting Participants included five discipline-specific focus groups: HCPs, child protective services (CPS), law enforcement, lawyers, and judges. All professionals had been directly involved in Wisconsin child abuse cases. Methods This qualitative study consisted of discipline-specific focus groups, directed by open-ended interview questions. Data analysis was completed through the narrative inquiry methodology. Results Barriers to providing and obtaining high-quality medical information in child abuse investigations were both discipline-specific and universal amongst all groups. Discipline-specific barriers included: HCPs’ discomfort with uncertainty; CPS’ perception of disrespect and mistrust by HCPs; law enforcement’s concerns with HCPs’ overstepping professional boundaries; lawyers’ concern of HCPs’ discomfort with court proceedings; and judges’ perception of a lack of understanding between all disciplines. Universal barriers included: value of high-quality medical information in child abuse investigations, burden of time and money; unequal resources between counties; a need for protocols, and a need for interdisciplinary collaboration. Conclusion Findings from this study suggest several ways to address identified barriers. Possible interventions include equalizing resources between urban and rural counties (specifically financial resources and access to child abuse experts); protocolizing reporting and investigations; and, increasing interprofessional education.
Soft Tissue Sarcomas

Soft tissue sarcomas are a heterogenous group of malignant tumors that arise from primitive mesenchyme, and thus arise in any anatomic location. They are uncommon and account for 7.4% of all cancers in children under 20 years of age. They are classified into rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) and non-rhabdomyosarcoma soft tissue sarcoma (NRSTS). RMS histologically resembles striated skeletal muscle, and is more common in children under 5 years of age. In contrast, NRSTS is more common in adolescents older than 10 years.
Head and Neck Squamous Cell Cancer: Approach to Staging and Surveillance

One pathologic tumor type, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), accounts for the majority of all head and neck (HN) cancers yet is a heterogeneous malignancy (Chegini et al., J Oral Pathol Med 00:1–5, 2019). SCC arises from the squamous lining of moist mucosal surfaces of the HN, the pharynx, larynx, and paranasal sinuses. It also arises from the skin surface, with the greatest proportion of cutaneous SCC arising in the sun-exposed head and neck (Gurudutt and Genden, J Skin Cancer 2011:502723, 2011; Ouyang, Semin Plast Surg 24:117–126, 2010). In most sites of the HN, tobacco is the most common causative agent in the development of mucosal dysplasia and neoplasia (Gandini et al., Int J Cancer 122:155–164, 2008). Alcohol is a synergistic cofactor while poor oral hygiene and genetics are also contributing risk factors to the development of SCC (Hashibe et al., Cancer Epidemiol Biomark Prev 15:696–703, 2006; Hashibe et al., J Natl Cancer Inst 99:777–789, 2007). Paralleling the declining trend of smoking over the last 30 years has been an overall decline in the incidence of HN SCC, particularly in the oral cavity, larynx, and hypopharynx. Conversely, in the oropharynx there has been a rise in lingual and palatine tonsillar SCC, particularly in patients under the age of 60 years, who may have no or a limited history of tobacco and alcohol use. This increasingly common group of SCC tumors has been shown to be positive for human papilloma virus (HPV) and most commonly the high-risk HPV 16 subtype, which is responsible for anogenital neoplasms. Currently in the USA about 70% of oropharyngeal tonsillar SCC are due to HPV (https://seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/oralcav.html). HPV-positive SCC is more responsive to chemoradiation than HPV-negative SCC, and patients have an overall better prognosis. Patients with HPV-positive tumors who are also smokers carry an intermediate prognosis.
Intervening with Multiplication Fact Difficulties: Examining the Utility of the Instructional Hierarchy to Target Interventions

Examining the use of conceptual frameworks such as the instructional hierarchy (IH) to drive academic interventions represents an important area of inquiry in order to understand why an intervention was effective. However, to date, the IH has only been examined retroactively to explain the effectiveness of math interventions and has not been used to drive intervention implementation based on students’ needs. Therefore, the current study used a multiple baseline single-case design to examine the utility of the IH to determine an appropriately targeted acquisition (incremental rehearsal) or proficiency (timed drill) intervention for difficulties with multiplication facts. Students first received the contraindicated intervention (i.e., non-targeted) and then their correctly targeted intervention. Results showed that all students demonstrated greater fluency growth during their targeted intervention and that students in need of an acquisition intervention also demonstrated greater multiplication fact retention and growth rate during their targeted intervention. The utility of the IH as a heuristic to correctly target interventions based on students’ baseline skill levels is discussed.
Reason, Sentiment, and Democratic Action

This chapter explores the relationship between reason and sentiment within systems of democratic political economy, recurring in particular to Vilfredo Pareto’s (1935) distinction between logical and non-logical action. One major result of this exploration is recognition that political action within a system of entangled political economy often intensifies the tectonic and kaleidic character of a society. In consequence, we are witnessing over the past century a continuing transformation from a liberal system where human interactions are mostly contractual and consensual into what could be described as a neo-feudal system where human interactions are subject to an expanding array of status relationships that infringe on contractual relationships.
High Synteny and Sequence Identity between Genomes of Nitrosococcus oceani Strains Isolated from Different Oceanic Gyres Reveals Genome Economization and Autochthonous Clonal Evolution

The ammonia-oxidizing obligate aerobic chemolithoautotrophic gammaproteobacterium, Nitrosococcus oceani, is omnipresent in the world's oceans and as such important to the global nitrogen cycle. We generated and compared high quality draft genome sequences of N. oceani strains isolated from the Northeast (AFC27) and Southeast (AFC132) Pacific Ocean and the coastal waters near Barbados at the interface between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean (C-27) with the recently published Draft Genome Sequence of N. oceani Strain NS58 (West Pacific Ocean) and the complete genome sequence of N. oceani C-107, the type strain (ATCC 19707) isolated from the open North Atlantic, with the goal to identify indicators for the evolutionary origin of the species. The genomes of strains C-107, NS58, C-27, and AFC27 were highly conserved in content and synteny, and these four genomes contained one nearly sequence-identical plasmid. The genome of strain AFC132 revealed the presence of genetic inventory unknown from other marine ammonia-oxidizing bacteria such as genes encoding NiFe-hydrogenase and a non-ribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS)-like siderophore biosynthesis module. Comparative genome analysis in context with the literature suggests that AFC132 represents a metabolically more diverse ancestral lineage to the other strains with C-107 and NS58 potentially being the youngest. The results suggest that the N. oceani species evolved by genome economization characterized by the loss of genes encoding catabolic diversity while acquiring a higher redundancy in inventory dedicated to nitrogen catabolism, both of which could have been facilitated by their rich complements of CRISPR/Cas and Restriction Modification systems.
Chimpanzee: Lessons from our Sister Species

The chimpanzee is one of our planet's best-loved and most instantly recognisable animals. Splitting from the human lineage between four and six million years ago, it is (along with its cousin, the bonobo) our closest living relative, sharing around 94% of our DNA. First encountered by Westerners in the seventeenth century, virtually nothing was known about chimpanzees in their natural environment until 1960, when Jane Goodall travelled to Gombe to live and work with them. Accessibly written, yet fully referenced and uncompromising in its accuracy and comprehensiveness, this book encapsulates everything we currently know about chimpanzees: from their discovery and why we study them, to their anatomy, physiology, genetics and culture. The text is beautifully illustrated and infused with examples and anecdotes drawn from the author's thirty years of primate observation, making this a perfect resource for students of biological anthropology and primatology as well as non-specialists interested in chimpanzees.
Change-Point Analysis of Houston Crime During Hurricane Harvey

This study used time series analysis to identify statistically significant changes to Houston daily reported crime totals during Hurricane Harvey. The results indicate that burglaries increased by ...
Progress and Challenges in Building Monitoring Systems for Drosophila suzukii

After the introduction of an invasive species is confirmed in a new area, the next step in mitigation and management step is surveying to determine the range and extent of spread. Determining which monitoring methods are most effective and efficient is essential to determining range and spread, and research efforts at the onset of a biological invasive often focus on developing these technologies. This was certainly the case for Drosophila suzukii. A substantial amount of research in the early stages of the D. suzukii invasion into North America, and Europe focused on the design of monitoring traps and the identification of attractants. Later efforts shifting to interpreting monitoring data in the context of population estimation and crop risk. In this chapter, we review the current state of knowledge surrounding adult and larval D. suzukii monitoring methods, and how data generated using these methods can be applied to research and management questions.
Achieving Path-Dependent Equity for Global COVID-19 Vaccine Allocation.

Committing to global access for COVID-19 vaccines is key to avoiding a resurgence of the pandemic. However, agreements between countries and vaccine manufacturers have undermined a globally coordinated approach, and the ongoing vaccine rollout highlights long-standing inequities in health. Yet, the surest path out of this pandemic is one toward greater equity.
The Economic Impacts of Tropical Cyclones on a Mature Destination, Florida, USA

Abstract: Climatic hazards such as tropical cyclones pose multi-faceted threats to coastal tourism, inflicting physical damage to infrastructure, causing business interruption, and requiring the evacuation of tourists, not to mention the ensuing damage to the destination's image. Using the State of Florida, USA, as a case study, this research integrates GIS-based tropical cyclone wind swath data with industry-level monthly sales data in a cross-county panel to explore the differential impacts of these extreme weather events among inland and coastal destinations. This study uses secondary data collected by from the state of Florida and the US federal government to estimate revenue losses to 6 sectors in Florida's tourism economy due to tropical cyclones between 2008 and 2018. Based on the pooled sample of all counties, mean per county losses were estimated to be approximately $10 million during the month of the storm, $12 million in the first month post-storm, and $7 million in the second month post-storm. Coastal counties had mean estimated losses of approximately $12.5 million in the month of the storm and persistent effects for the following 2 months. Inland counties had estimated losses of approximately $7.5 million in the month of the storm and a positive recovery effect in the fourth ($1.6 million) and fifth ($2.7 million) months post-storm. These results suggest that Florida's coastal counties are most impacted by tropical cyclones in terms of tourism-related losses.
Gymnogrammitis dareiformis is a polygrammoid fern (Polypodiaceae) – Resolving an apparent conflict between morphological and molecular data

Maximum parsimony and maximum likelihood analyses of the combined data sets of two chloroplast genes, rbcL and rps4, demonstrate that nk;the monotypic genus Gymnogrammitis is part of the polygrammoid clade (Polypodiaceae + Grammitidaceae), and not the Davalliaceae as proposed in most studies. The genus forms a clade together with two Asiatic genera of the Polypodiaceae, Arthromeris and Selliguea. These last two genera have either simple or once-pinnate leaves, whereas Gymnogrammitis has highly divided (3- to 4-pinnate) blades. Two characters of this genus, the basic chromosome number of x=36 and the absence of indusia, support a relationship with the Polypodiaceae. Neither feature is found within Davalliaceae. Three morphological characters support the placement of Gymnogrammitis within the selligueoid lineage of Polypodiaceae: spores with a thick perine extending in microspines, sclerenchymatous strands in the rhizome, and non-clathrate rhizome scales. These results demonstrate that molecular and morphological data are phylogenetically congruent with the exception of blade dissection. Our study clearly shows the pitfalls of classifications based on single characters, and illustrates the importance of phylogenetic assessment of all taxonomic conclusions.
Tree shelters and weed control: Effects on protection, survival and growth of cherrybark oak seedlings planted on a cutover site

In the southern USA oaks (Quercusspp.) are often favored by forest owners havingmultiple objectives for forest ownership as oaksprovide mast for wildlife, are consideredaesthetically pleasing, and are valuable for timberproducts. Regeneration and early seedling growth isa concern to those forest owners interested insustaining oaks as a component of their forests. Theeffects of tree shelters and herbaceous weed controlon second-year seedling survival, browse by deer andrabbits, and seedling growth of hand-plantedcherrybark oak (Quercus pagoda Raf.) wereexamined. The study was established on a cutovermixed pine-hardwood forest in Alabama. Fourtreatments were: weed control only, tree shelter only,tree shelter with weed control, and a controlconsisting of a seedling without a tree shelter orweed control. No significant difference in seedlingsurvival was found among the treatments after twoyears. Tree shelters were effective in preventingbrowsing. No seedlings in the tree-shelter-onlytreatment were browsed. There was no significant,difference, however, in the percentage of seedlingsbrowsed between the control treatment and the weedcontrol treatment. The use of tree shelters with weedcontrol was the most effective treatment for promoting2-year ground-line diameter, height, and stem volumegrowth.
The effects of commensal bacteria on innate immune responses in the female genital tract.

Citation Mirmonsef P, Gilbert D, Zariffard MR, Hamaker BR, Kaur A, Landay AL, Spear GT. The effects of commensal bacteria on innate immune responses in the female genital tract. Am J Reprod Immunol 2011; 65: 190–195 The innate and adaptive immune systems are important mechanisms for resistance to pathogens in the female lower genital tract. Lactobacilli at this site help maintain a healthy vagina by producing several factors including lactic acid. Indeed, bacterial vaginosis, a condition in which the genital microbiota is altered, is strongly associated with increased rates of a number of infections including HIV. However, the precise factors that contribute to increased rates of microbial and viral infections in bacterial vaginosis remain to be elucidated. We have studied the effects of bacterial microbiota in the lower genital tract on innate immunity and have found that Toll-like receptor ligands and short chain fatty acids, produced by bacterial microbiota, have dramatic effects on immune function. In this review, we will discuss these results, in addition to some recent articles that we believe will enhance our understanding of how microbes might interact with the immune system.
Synthesis of Neoclerodane Diterpenes and Their Pharmacological Effects

Salvinorin A is a neoclerodane diterpene that has been shown to be an agonist at kappa opioid receptors. Its unique structure makes it an attractive target for synthetic organic chemists due to its seven chiral centers and diterpene scaffold. This molecule is also interesting to pharmacologists because it is a non-serotonergic hallucinogen, and the first opioid ligand discovered that lacks a basic nitrogen. There have been several total synthesis approaches to salvinorin A, and these will be detailed within this chapter. Additionally, research efforts have concentrated on structure modification of the salvinorin A scaffold through semi-synthetic methods. Most modifications have focused on the manipulation of the acetate at C-2 and the furan ring. However, chemistry has also been developed to generate analogs at the C-1 ketone, the C-4 methyl ester, and the C-17 lactone. The synthetic methodologies developed for the salvinorin A scaffold will be described, as well as specific analogs with interesting biological activities.
A Signal Detection Framework to Evaluate Models of Tree Mortality Following Fire Damage

(...) Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves show the tradeoffs that are possible by varying the decision criteria, show predictive performance with respect to chance, and show the difference between various models. Two ROC curves were generated to predict ponderosa pine mortality following fall prescribed fires in northern Idaho. One ROC curve was developed from rules of thumb using percent crown scorch. A second ROC curve was developed from a logistic mortality model using diameter at breast height and scorch height. (...)
The SERK1 receptor‐like kinase regulates organ separation in Arabidopsis flowers

Summary Through a sensitized screen for novel components of pathways regulating organ separation in Arabidopsis flowers, we have found that the leucine-rich repeat receptor-like kinase SOMATIC EMBRYOGENESIS RECEPTOR-LIKE KINASE1 (SERK1) acts as a negative regulator of abscission. Mutations in SERK1 dominantly rescue abscission in flowers without functional NEVERSHED (NEV), an ADP-ribosylation factor GTPase-activating protein required for floral organ shedding. We previously reported that the organization of the Golgi apparatus and location of the trans-Golgi network (TGN) are altered in nev mutant flowers. Disruption of SERK1 restores Golgi structure and the close association of the TGN in nev flowers, suggesting that defects in these organelles may be responsible for the block in abscission. We have also found that the abscission zones of nev serk1 flowers are enlarged compared to wild-type. A similar phenotype was previously observed in plants constitutively expressing a putative ligand required for organ separation, INFLORESCENCE DEFICIENT IN ABSCISSION (IDA), suggesting that signalling through IDA and its proposed receptors, HAESA and HAESA-LIKE2, may be deregulated in nev serk1 abscission zone cells. Our studies indicate that in addition to its previously characterized roles in stamen development and brassinosteroid perception, SERK1 plays a unique role in modulating the loss of cell adhesion that occurs during organ abscission.
Simple Linear Regression

In this chapter, we study extensively the estimation of a linear relationship between two variables, Y i and X i , of the form: $${Y_i} = \alpha + \beta {X_i} + {u_i}\;i = 1,2, \ldots ,n$$ (3.1) where Y i denotes the i-th observation on the dependent variable Y which could be consumption, investment or output, and X i denotes the i-th observation on the independent variable X which could be disposable income, the interest rate or an input. These observations could be collected on firms or households at a given point in time, in which case we call the data a cross-section. Alternatively, these observations may be collected over time for a specific industry or country in which case we call the data a time-series. n is the number of observations, which could be the number of firms or households in a cross-section, or the number of years if the observations are collected annually. α and β are the intercept and slope of this simple linear relationship between Y and X. They are assumed to be unknown parameters to be estimated from the data. A plot of the data, i.e., Y versus X would be very illustrative showing what type of relationship exists empirically between these two variables. For example, if Y is consumption and X is disposable income then we would expect a positive relationship between these variables and the data may look like Figure 3.1 when plotted for a random sample of households. If α and β were known, one could draw the straight line (α + βX ) as shown in Figure 3.1. It is clear that not all the observations (X i , Y i ) lie on the straight line (α + βX). In fact, equation (3.1) states that the difference between each Y i and the corresponding (α + βXi) is due to a random error u i .
Somatic Hypermutation of Immunoglobulin Genes is Linked to Transcription

Immunoglobulin (Ig) genes are rearranged in pre-B cells. Pre-B cells that express Ig heavy (H) and light (L) chain genes whose V(D)J recombination results in a functional reading frame mature into B cells that exit the bone marrow. The V(D)J recombination process creates a large repertoire of different variable regions from a restricted pool of germline genes. Additional variablity arises during the process of somatic hypermutation in mature B cells proliferating in germinal centers of lymphoid organs (reviewed in French et al. 1989). B cells that have mutated to express high-affinity antibodies are selected and develop into plasma cells or memory cells. B cells with mutations that decrease the affinity of the expressed Igs or that prevent Ig expression die by apoptosis. The somatic point mutations are located within the variable region and their proximate upstream and downstream flanks, but not generally within the constant region.
Charge-symmetry-breaking three-nucleon forces

Leading-order three-nucleon forces that violate isospin symmetry are calculated in heavy-baryon chiral perturbation theory. The effect of the charge-symmetry-breaking three-nucleon force is investigated in the trinucleon systems using Faddeev calculations. We find that the contribution of this force to the $^{3}\mathrm{He}\ensuremath{-}^{3}\mathrm{H}$ binding-energy difference is given by $\ensuremath{\Delta}{E}_{3\mathrm{NF}}^{\mathrm{CSB}}\ensuremath{\approx}5$ keV.
GnRH regulates steroidogenic factor-1 (SF-1) gene expression in the rat pituitary.

Recent studies have demonstrated that the nuclear receptor, steroidogenic factor 1 (SF-1) plays a role in the regulation of pituitary gonadotropin gene expression. As GnRH is critical to stimulating LH and FSH gene expression, the present study was conducted to determine whether GnRH also regulates pituitary SF-1 mRNA. Pituitary SF-1 mRNA levels were measured in individual animals by RNase protection assay. In the first study, adult male and female rats were gonadectomized (GDX) for 7 days and some received testosterone (T) to prevent the post-GDX rise in GnRH, and compared to intact animals. Pituitary SF-1 mRNA levels increased significantly (3 fold in males, 2 fold in females; p < 0.05 vs intacts) after gonadectomy, which was blocked by exogenous T. Similar changes were observed in serum LH. To directly test whether GnRH stimulates SF-1 mRNA, we used a GnRH-deficient rat model (phenoxybenzamine-treated, ovariectomized females) and administered GnRH pulses for 6h (5ng at 30 min intervals; saline pulses t...
Microwave and high-speed GaAs technology

Technology aspects that will be covered in this increasingly expanding area include GaAs materials, power FETs, high frequency FETs, microwave amplifier circuits, monolithic RF circuits, and monolithic digital signal processing circuits. The present status and future directions of the technology will also be discussed.