cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Is a Subtype of Autism an Allergy of the Brain

Background Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are characterized by deficits in social communication and language and the presence of repetitive behaviors that affect as many as 1 in 50 US children. Perinatal stress and environmental factors appear to play a significant role in increasing the risk for ASDs. There is no definitive pathogenesis, which therefore significantly hinders the development of a cure. Objective We aimed to identify publications using basic or clinical data that suggest a possible association between atopic symptoms and ASDs, as well as evidence of how such an association could lead to brain disease, that may explain the pathogenesis of ASD. Methods PubMed was searched for articles published since 1995 that reported any association between autism and/or ASDs and any one of the following terms: allergy, atopy, brain, corticotropin-releasing hormone, cytokines, eczema, food allergy, food intolerance, gene mutation, inflammation, mast cells, mitochondria, neurotensin, phenotype, stress, subtype, or treatment. Results Children with ASD respond disproportionally to stress and also present with food and skin allergies that involve mast cells. Brain mast cells are found primarily in the hypothalamus, which participates in the regulation of behavior and language. Corticotropin-releasing hormone is secreted from the hypothalamus under stress and, together with neurotensin, stimulates brain mast cells that could result in focal brain allergy and neurotoxicity. Neurotensin is significantly increased in serum of children with ASD and stimulates mast cell secretion of mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate and DNA, which is increased in these children; these mitochondrial components are misconstrued as innate pathogens, triggering an autoallergic response in the brain. Gene mutations associated with higher risk of ASD have been linked to reduction of the phosphatase and tensin homolog, which inhibits the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). These same mutations also lead to mast cell activation and proliferation. Corticotropin-releasing hormone, neurotensin, and environmental toxins could further trigger the already activated mTOR, leading to superstimulation of brain mast cells in those areas responsible for ASD symptoms. Preliminary evidence indicates that the flavonoid luteolin is a stronger inhibitor of mTOR than rapamycin and is a potent mast cell blocker. Conclusion Activation of brain mast cells by allergic, environmental, immune, neurohormonal, stress, and toxic triggers, especially in those areas associated with behavior and language, lead to focal brain allergies and subsequent focal encephalitis. This possibility is more likely in the subgroup of patients with ASD susceptibility genes that also involve mast cell activation.
Stochastic Hebbian learning with binary synapses

This paper explores a variant of Hebbian learning in which binary synapses are updated stochastically rather than deterministically. In this variant, a single potentiation or depression event is implemented by setting a synapse weight respectively to "one" or "zero" with a finite probability, if it is not this value already. This learning rule is compared to the conventional Hebbian rule where a continuously valued synapse moves a fraction towards 1.0 or 0.0. It is shown that given a set of input-output pattern pairs, the expected value of a particular synapse is the same for both learning rules. Also, as the network size and the input activity levels increase, the signal to noise ratio of the dendritic sums approaches infinity. These stochastic binary synapses are presented as a viable mechanism for the VLSI implementation of Hebbian-based neural networks.
Extending the Purview of the Risk Perception Attitude Framework: Findings from HIV/AIDS Prevention Research in Malawi

The risk perception attitude (RPA) framework posits that efficacy beliefs moderate the relationship between risk perception and health outcomes. To extend the purview of the theory, this central hypothesis was tested in the context of HIV/AIDS-prevention behaviors. Data (N = 890) were collected from 8 districts in Malawi in southern Africa as part of a baseline research effort to obtain benchmark measures on key behavior-change indicators. Results pertaining to 2 behaviors, use of condoms and remaining monogamous, are reported in this study. Relationships between risk perception and behavioral intentions were not significant, but those between efficacy beliefs and behavioral intentions were. Furthermore, efficacy beliefs were found to moderate the relationship between risk perception and intentions to remain monogamous, but not between risk perceptions and intentions to use condoms. The model was able to explain approximately 40% of the variance in intentions to use condoms, and 19% of the variance in intentions to remain monogamous. Implications for health campaigns, particularly the need to strengthen efficacy beliefs and the need to be careful in enhancing risk perceptions without simultaneously strengthening efficacy beliefs, are also discussed.
Innovative Real-Time Methodology for Detecting Travel Time Outliers on Interstate Highways and Urban Arterials

Bluetooth devices are a rich source of travel time data for transportation engineers. Like any other source, however, Bluetooth devices can generate outliers that may bias travel times and corridor speeds. In this study, the proposed, innovative statistical methodology is capable of real-time deployment when travel time and vehicle speed outliers collected from Bluetooth data collection systems are detected. The proposed statistical methodology identifies outliers by using a data point's standard residual in a robust Greenshields model. The efficiency and the feasibility of this statistical methodology are evaluated for both Interstate highways and urban arterial corridors. These roadways are selected because they display a wide range of traffic patterns and outlier generators. The effectiveness of one methodology, especially on a wide range of traffic patterns, would improve the potential for widespread implementation. Four subsets of the collected data are provided within this study to highlight the eff...
A Pricing Mechanism for Digital Content Distribution Over Peer-to-Peer Networks

This paper describes a usage-based pricing scheme for distributing digital content over peer-to-peer networks that rewards peer users who actively participate in the distribution process. We present a dynamic distribution model that is used to compare centralized, client-server distribuition with peer-to-peer network distribution. The conventional problem of free-riding in peer-to-peer networks is eliminated or vastly reduced. The participation incentive creates effective peer-to-peer network communities and leads to faster content distribution than in equivalent client-server settings while retaining the same profit level.
Generating finite-state global behavior of reconfigurable automation systems: DEVS approach

This paper introduces a method of achieving the finite-state global behavior of a reconfigurable automation system that consists of sub-components and which can be another component in a higher-level system. The approach introduced here is based on the discrete event system specification (DEVS) that has been regarded as a powerful simulation tool for modular and hierarchical systems, but its global states for whole behavior can be infinite. To achieve the finite state behavior that is needed for quantitative and qualitative analyses of a system, this paper introduces a new class of DEVS, called schedule-controllable DEVS (SC-DEVS) that can be seen as a middle class between the ordinary DEVS and schedule-preserved DEVS (SP-DEVS) that was proven that the global behavior of SP-DEVS networks can be abstracted in a finite number of states. The condition for finite-state space of SC-DEVS networks is addressed in the paper. In addition, the comparison between SC-DEVS and SP-DEVS in terms of the number of states and the time consumed in the generation procedure is illustrated by using a cluster tool example.
The ‘Gab’ in signal transduction

Abstract Tyrosine phosphorylation plays an important role in controlling cellular growth, differentiation and function. Abnormal regulation of tyrosine phosphorylation can result in human diseases such as cancer. A major challenge of signal transduction research is to determine how the initial activation of protein-tyrosine kinases (PTKs) by extracellular stimuli triggers multiple downstream signaling cascades, which ultimately elicit diverse cellular responses. Recent studies reveal that members of the Gab/Dos subfamily of scaffolding adaptor proteins (hereafter, ‘Gab proteins') play a crucial role in transmitting key signals that control cell growth, differentiation and function from multiple receptors. Here, we review the structure, mechanism of action and function of these interesting molecules in normal biology and disease.
Test-Response Variations Between Hearing-Impaired and Hearing Students

A sample of 508 hearing-impaired students were administered a language-arts achievement test containing 25 items drawn from a computerized item bank developed with hearing students. A Rasch analysis was performed to determine if the item responses of the hearing-impaired students were comparable to those of the hearing students. Also, an analysis was undertaken to determine whether selected demographic and deafness-related characteristics could account for differencs in item-response patterns between hearing-impaired students and hearing students with similar raw scores. Results showed that the items did not form an adequate Rasch-based test. Furthermore, the difficulty order of the items differed in the hearing and hearing-impaired calibrations. The analysis of item-response patterns revealed no differences between subgroups of the sample. The article discusses the comparability of test scores and the use of test-score information by educators of the hearing impaired.
AC magnetic field frequency dependence of magnetoacoustic emission

It has previously been proved that there is a strong correlation between the low-frequency AC applied magnetic field amplitude dependence of the asymmetry of the magnetoacoustic emission (MAE) burst and the strength of the domain-wall-defect interaction in iron-base ferromagnets. The AC magnetic field frequency dependence of the asymmetry is investigated in the range of 1 to 200 Hz. When represented by the third moment of the rectified acoustic emission pulses, the asymmetry becomes a bell-shaped function of frequency with its center located around 25 Hz. The experiment is performed with low-carbon, high-yield stress steel specimens of three different levels of domain-wall-defect interaction strength. The results show that the increase in the interaction strength causes a vertical down shift of the asymmetry in the entire frequency range investigated. >
Variational Data Assimilation in the Tropics Using Precipitation Data. Part III: Assimilation of SSM/I Precipitation Rates

Abstract The performance of four-dimensional variational data assimilation (4D-VAR) in the Tropics is examined by assimilating radiosonde and pibal data over the globe and Special Sensor Microwave/Imager (SSM/I) precipitation rates over the tropical oceans for the period 0000–1200 UTC 22 August 1992. The cost function consists of a discrepancy term between model and observations and a penalty term for suppressing gravity wave noise. The assimilation model (forward model) is a full-physics global spectral model, while physics of the adjoint model only includes moist processes, horizontal diffusion, and simplified surface friction. Several types of discontinuity are removed from the parameterizations of the moist processes. It is found that the following three procedures improve the convergence performance of 4D-VAR in which the adjoint model includes moist processes: appropriate control of gravity wave level, removal of discontinuities from the parameterization schemes of the moist processes, and use of a ...
Effects of replacing ground corn with wet brewers grains on growth performance and concentrations of liver trace minerals and plasma fatty acids of preconditioning beef heifers fed medium-quality fescue hay

ABSTRACT Our goal was to evaluate growth performance and concentrations of liver trace minerals and plasma fatty acids of beef heifers supplemented with wet brewers grains (WBG) replacing ground corn (CN). On d 0, 27 Angus beef heifers (218 ± 3 kg; 225 ± 23 d of age) were randomly assigned into 1 of 9 drylot pens (3 heifers per pen). Treatments were randomly assigned to pens (3 pens per treatment) and consisted of heifers receiving a 42-d period of daily supple- mentation 'with 100% CN, 100% WBG, or a 50:50 mixture of CN and WBG (CNWBG). Supplements provided equal daily supplemental TDN (0.7% of BW). Average daily gain from d 0 to 42 was similar (P = 0.65) between CNWBG and WBG, and tended (P ≤ 0.08) to be least for CN. Hay and total DMI were less (P ≤ 0.05) for heifers fed WBG versus CN and CNWBG supplements in 3 of 6 wk. Thus, G:F was similar (P = 0.63) between CNWBG and WBG but least (P ≤ 0.004) for CN heifers. Intake of S, Cu, Se, and Zn increased (P ≤ 0.05) as WBG replaced corn. Yet, liver concentrations of trace minerals did not differ among treatments (P ≥ 0.16). Intake of supplemental fat and total fat increased (P ≤ 0.02) as WBG replaced corn. Plasma 18:1 trans-11 and 18:1 cis-9 concentrations were less for WBG versus CN and CNWNG heifers (P ≤ 0.04). Therefore, replacing ground corn with WBG enhanced growth performance but not concentrations of plasma fatty acids and liver trace mineral in beef heifers.
The Coupling of Interfacial, Rheological, and Thermal Control Mechanisms in Polymer Adhesion

It is easy to see, intuitively, that the adhesion of a polymer to a solid is profoundly influenced both by the rheological properties of the polymer and by the thermodynamic properties (free energy of adhesion) of the polymer/solid interface. But just how these properties are coupled has not been clear. If this problem of coupling can be solved, it should become possible to elucidate some important aspects of adhesion that have defied analysis, up to the present.
Review Essay -- Marginal Workers: How Legal Fault Lines Divide Workers and Leave Them Without Protection

American scholars, litigators, and activists are obliged to innovate and unearth new tactics and strategies in the effort to counterbalance the power of transnational capital. However, Ruben Garcia’s call for the elevation of human rights rhetoric in worker struggles in his book Marginal Workers invites caution. It may well be that Garcia’s emphatic statements in support of a human rights approach to U.S. workers’ rights are meant to disrupt the inertia of movement advocacy strategy. However, for any reader who might take these statements at face value, a zero-sum approach creates two dangers: First, it may lead one to overestimate the efficacy of human rights ideology in domestic struggles. Exploitative employers may or may not care that there is an international legal framework that favors workers. Large employers such as Wal-Mart are likely to attempt to alter those legal norms rather than improving conditions of work or allowing workers to organize as a union. Second, the presumption that there may be a “silver bullet” solution to the crisis of labor may lead scholars and activists to focus excessively on the content of legal rules and rhetorical approaches rather than the mechanics of resistance and disobedience.
Room-Temperature cw Tm3+:YAG and Tm3+YSGG Lasers Continuously Tunable over the Range of 1.85-2.16 µm

Tunable continuous wave laser emission is observed at room temperature for the 3F4→ 3H6 transition in Tm3+:YAG and Tm3+:YSGG. Continuous tuning is obtained over the range 1.87 to 2.16μm in YAG and 1.85 to 2.14μm in YSGG.
An Interview with Susan H. Warne, LVN, CCRC

It is my pleasure to share this issue’s Careers—Passing it On interview with a longtime colleague: ACRP advocate and volunteer, Susan H. Warne, LVN, CCRC. Susan is a strategic site relationships manager with Quintiles, although she has held multiple roles during her extensive clinical research
On the Reliability and Validity of the Scoring in Mandarin Level Test

The present Mandarin Level Test has some problems concerning its reliability and validity.The solution relies on the standardization of the pronunciation rules,the improvement of the test quality based on both qualitative and quantitative evaluation.
Study on the Negative Pressure Exponent Gas Generating Propellant Used in Kinetic Kill Vehicles

The main components of gas generating propellant formulation were fixed by theory analysis and calculation. The effectsof binders,solid content,coolants and pressure exponent modifiers on pressure exponents were studied in detail. The key techniques ofdecreasing pressure exponent were broken through. The PT-20/AP/JW2 composite solid negative pressure exponent gas generatingpropellant was first prepared in China. Its kinetic pressure exponent was -0.1 and combustion temperature was 1480K.
9-color and 10-color flow cytometry in the clinical laboratory.

Abstract Context.—The development of commercial flow cytometers capable of detecting more than 10 simultaneous fluorescent signals presents opportunities for improved diagnosis and monitoring of patients with leukemia and lymphoma. Objective.—To describe instrument and reagent characteristics necessary for successful 9-color and 10-color flow cytometry in a clinical setting. Design.—Systematic review of issues related to instrument settings, reagent performance, and general principles of panel construction. Results.—Nine-color and 10-color flow cytometry offers the possibility for increased accuracy in population identification, the ability to obtain detailed information from paucicellular specimens, improved laboratory efficiency, and the means to consistently detect abnormal populations at low levels. Careful attention to details of instrument and reagent performance allows for the development of panels suitable for screening of samples for leukemia and lymphoma in a clinical setting. Conclusions.—The c...
Can EEG monitoring with the Trend Analyzer replace stump pressure measurement in carotid surgery

Berichtet wird uber das intraoperative Monitoring bei der Carotisdesobliteration mit dem EEG-trend-analyzer. Beschreibung der Funktionsweise und der Auswertungskriterien. Bei 92 Patienten wurde prospektiv sowohl ein kontinuierliches Monitoring mit dem EEG-Trend-Analyzer durchgefuhrt, wie auch die Stumpfdruckmessung der A. carotis interna. Wahrend das EEG eine Sensitivitat von 100% aufwies, bezogen auf ischamische Lasionen, lag diese bei der Stumpfdruckmessung bei 67%, angenommen einem Schwellenwert von 50 mm Hg. Allerdings zeigt die EEGAuswertung falsch positive Werte in einer Rate von 25%, jedoch keine falsch negativen Werte. Die Stumpfdruckmessung ist wenig verlaslich und der EEG-Trend-AnalyzerUntersuchung unterlegen.
Posttranscriptional regulation of 14-3-3ζ by RNA-binding protein HuR modulating intestinal epithelial restitution after wounding.

The 14‐3‐3ζ is a member of the family of 14‐3‐3 proteins and participates in many aspects of cellular processes, but its regulation and involvement in gut mucosal homeostasis remain unknown. Here, we report that 14‐3‐3ζ expression is tightly regulated at the posttranscription level by RNA‐binding protein HuR and plays an important role in early intestinal epithelial restitution after wounding. The 14‐3‐3ζ was highly expressed in the mucosa of gastrointestinal tract and in cultured intestinal epithelial cells (IECs). The 3′ untranslated region (UTR) of the 14‐3‐3ζ mRNA was bound to HuR, and this association enhanced 14‐3‐3ζ translation without effect on its mRNA content. Conditional target deletion of HuR in IECs decreased the level of 14‐3‐3ζ protein in the intestinal mucosa. Silencing 14‐3‐3ζ by transfection with specific siRNA targeting the 14‐3‐3ζ mRNA suppressed intestinal epithelial restitution as indicated by a decrease in IEC migration after wounding, whereas ectopic overexpression of the wild‐type 14‐3‐3ζ promoted cell migration. These results indicate that HuR induces 14‐3‐3ζ translation via interaction with its 3′ UTR and that 14‐3‐3ζ is necessary for stimulation of IEC migration after wounding.
Postdefoliation ecosystem carbon and water flux and canopy growth dynamics in sagebrush steppe bunchgrasses

Developing land-use practices that lead to sustainable net primary productivity in rangelands are important, but understanding their consequences to population and community processes is not often accounted for in basic ecosystem studies. Grazed and ungrazed upland ecosystems generally do not differ in net ecosystem CO2 exchange (NEE), but the underlying mechanisms and the concurrent effects of defoliation to vegetative and reproductive biomass allocation are unclear. To address this, we measured evapotranspiration (ET), NEE, and its constituent fluxes of ecosystem respiration (Reco) and gross ecosystem photosynthesis (GEP) with live canopy leaf area index (LAIlive; m2 live leaf area/m2 ground area) and aboveground leaf, culm, and reproductive biomass in plots of clipped and unclipped squirreltail (Elymus elymoides) and bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata) growing in intact sagebrush steppe. Clipping reduced LAIlive by 75%, but subsequent re-growth rates in clipped plots was similar to LAIlive accumulation in unclipped plots. Concurrently, ET and NEE was similar between clipped and unclipped plots, with NEE primarily determined by GEP. GEP was initially lower in clipped plots, but then converged with unclipped GEP even as LAIlive continued to increase in both treatments. GEP convergence was driven by higher whole-plant photosynthesis (GEPlive = GEP/LAIlive) in clipped plots. Ecosystem water use efficiency (GEP/ET) was reduced by 16% with clipping, due to low GEP/ET 2 weeks following defoliation, but GEP/ET converged before GEP levels did. Proportional reproductive biomass was higher in E. elymoides (21.4% total biomass) than in P. spicata (0.5% total biomass) due to lower allocation to specific leaf and culm mass. Clipping reduced reproductive effort in E. elymoides, in terms of total reproductive biomass (−56%), seed mass per unit leaf area (−64%), and seed mass per flowering head (−77%). We concluded defoliation increased canopy-level light penetration, facilitating rapid recovery of ecosystem fluxes, but that allocation to vegetative regrowth supporting this led to lower reproductive effort in these range grasses. Insights from studies such as this will be useful in formulating systems-based land management strategies aimed at maintaining annual productivity and long-term population and community goals in semiarid rangeland ecosystems.
The Future — Genetics/Biotechnology

Plant lipid biochemistry has made remarkable strides since the early 1950s when only primitive concepts and primitive techniques were available to the biochemist. As these concepts and techniques developed in the 1960s and 1970s rapid advances occurred along traditional lines.
Gas-diffusion-layer structural properties under compression via X-ray tomography

There is a need to understand the structure properties of gas-diffusion layers (GDLs) in order to optimize their performance in various electrochemical devices. This information is important for mathematical modelers, experimentalists, and designers. In this article, a comprehensive study of a large set of commercially available GDLs' porosity, tortuosity, and pore-size distribution (PSD) under varying compression is presented in a single study using X-ray computed tomography (CT), which allows for a noninvasive measurement. Porosities and PSDs are directly obtained from reconstructed stacks of images, whereas tortuosity is computed with a finite-element simulation. Bimodal PSDs due to the presence of binder are observed for most of the GDLs, approaching unimodal distributions at high compressions. Sample to sample variability is conducted to show that morphological properties hold across various locations. Tortuosity values are the lowest for MRC and Freudenberg, highest for TGP, and in-between for SGL papers. The exponents for the MRC and Freudenberg tortuosity demonstrate a very small dependence on compression because the shapes of the pores are spherical indicating minimal heterogeneity. From the representative-elementary-volume studies it is shown that domains of 1 × 1 mm in-plane and full thickness in through-plane directions accurately represent GDL properties.
Changes in the Microstructural Connectome Underlie Visual Memory Deficits in the Prematurely Born at Age 16 Years (I15.004)

OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that alterations in the microstructural connectome are associated with visual memory deficits in prematurely born adolescents compared to term controls at age 16 years. BACKGROUND: Preterm (PT) children without neurosensory findings exhibit deficits in visual-spatial abilities and visual memory. The microstructural alterations underlying these findings remain relatively unexplored. DESIGN/METHODS: 39 PT and term (T) controls at age 16 underwent diffusion MRI (dMRI) to assess the integrity of white matter tracts by fractional anisotropy (FA). Cohorts had similar race, maternal education, age at scan, and gender. These 78 adolescents were part of a cohort of 182 PT with no brain injury and 92 T tested with the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test (ROCF: visual-spatial ability, visual memory), the Developmental Test of Visual-Motor Integration (VMI: visual-motor integration), and the Grooved Pegboard Test (GPT: fine motor dexterity). RESULTS: Unbiased whole-brain subtraction revealed eight tracts in which FA differed between PT and T (p≤0.05). Controlling for age/gender, PT exhibited negative associations (p<0.05) between FA of corpus genu and all ROCF subscores, between FA of the L and R anterior corona radiata and visual memory (delayed recall), and between FA of the R posterior corona radiata and fine motor dexterity (GPT). In whole-brain voxel-wise analysis, PT showed negative correlations (p<0.05) between FA of the R middle cerebellar peduncle and GPT score, and R and L middle cerebellar peduncles and ROCF copy. GPT scores partially mediated group differences in visual memory measures of the ROCF. CONCLUSIONS: Alterations in the microstructural connectome contribute to persistent visual memory deficits in adolescents born preterm. Specifically, connectivity deficits in the middle cerebellar peduncle correlate with poorer fine motor dexterity, which was shown to be a partial mediator of group differences in visual memory. Study Supported by: NS27116 and Vernon W. Lippard, M.D., Student Summer Research Fellowship Disclosure: Dr. Thomas has nothing to disclose. Dr. Scheinost has nothing to disclose. Dr. Vohr has nothing to disclose. Dr. Lacadie has nothing to disclose. Dr. Constable has nothing to disclose. Dr. Ment has nothing to disclose.
OR16 Antibodies to donor human leukocyte antigen induce exosomes containing tissue-restricted self-antigens in acute and chronic rejection

Aim Immune responses to tissue-restricted self-antigens (SAgs) are known contributors to acute and chronic rejection in solid organ transplantation (Tx). The goal of this study was to determine whether a donor-specific antibody (DSA) induces exosomes during lung and kidney allograft rejection and to define its antigenic compositions. Methods Exosomes were isolated from sera and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) of lung Tx recipients with acute or chronic rejection who developed both DSA and antibodies to SAgs, and from sera of kidney Tx recipients with transplant glomerulopathy (TG) who developed both DSA and antibodies to kidney-associated SAgs. The exosomes were isolated by ultracentrifugation, and then purified by the sucrose cushion method. Expression of lung-associated SAgs Collagen-V and K α 1-tubulin was examined by immunogold labelling and visualized by transmission electron microscopy. The presence of lung-associated SAgs and kidney-associated SAgs (i.e., Collagen-IV, fibronectin), and exosome-specific marker annexin-V was detected by Western immunoblot. Results Exosomes isolated from patients with acute rejection, chronic rejection, and TG showed the presence of tissue-restricted SAgs. Lung-associated SAgs Collagen-V and K α 1-tubulin were confirmed on the surface of exosomes. Exosomes with Collagen-V were detectable in exosomes isolated from sera just 1 month after lung Tx in all patients with acute rejection, much earlier than it could be diagnosed clinically (i.e., 3 months). Similarly, exosomes from sera in patients with bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome contained Collagen-V 6 months after lung Tx, before clinical diagnosis was possible. Exosomes from patients with TG had significantly higher expression of kidney-associated SAgs compared with the stable group. Conclusions The exosomes isolated from lung Tx recipients with acute and chronic rejection who developed DSA and antibodies to lung-associated SAgs and from kidney Tx recipients with TG confirm the presence of tissue-restricted SAgs in these patients, while the respective stable control groups do not. We therefore conclude that antibodies to human leukocyte antigen after lung or kidney Tx induce exosomes containing SAgs, which may result in the spread of immune response to tissue-restricted SAgs. T. Mohanakumar: Grant/Research Support; Company/Organization ; NIH R21AI123034 .
Criminal Enterprises and Governance in Latin America and the Caribbean

This book examines security in three cities that suffer from chronic violence: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Medellin, Colombia; and Kingston, Jamaica. In each, democratic states contend with subnational armed groups that dominate territory and play important roles in politics even as they contribute to fear and insecurity. Through a nested three-city, six-neighborhood analysis of the role of criminal groups in governance, this research provides a deep understanding of the impact of crime on political experience. Neighborhoods controlled by different types of armed actors, operating in the same institutional context, build alliances with state officials and participate in political life through the structures created by these armed actors. The data demonstrates the effects criminal dominance can have on security, civil society, elections, and policymaking. Far from reflecting a breakdown of order, varying types of criminal groups generate different local lived political experiences.
Evaluation of climatic variables as yield‐limiting factors for maize in Kansas

Kansas is situated from the lower Missouri Basin to the high plains lying along the eastern slope of the Rockies so that distinct climates across the state make crop production systems vulnerable to changes in climate. Based on climatic indices such as growing degree-day (GDD), extreme degree-day (EDD), and precipitation (P), this study assessed the sensitivity of maize (Zea mays L.) yield to a changing climate for seven diverse cropping areas from 1981 to 2013 across Kansas. Our results indicated that maize yield increased by 2.4 and 3.4% per annum 100 GDD increase under non-irrigated (i.e. rainfed) and irrigated environments, respectively. Maize yield positive response to changes in GDD during the pre-silking period was more significantly pronounced for irrigated environments than rainfed sites. Rainfed yields showed a significantly negative response to EDD (−3.0% per +10 EDD) compared with irrigated environments (−1.2% per +10 EDD). This EDD negative effect was more pronounced during post-silking growth as compared with the pre-silking period for both irrigated and non-irrigated conditions. Yield sensitivity to a unit change of P (mm) was less than the sensitivity to a unit change of GDD (in °C days) and EDD (in °C days) indices. Nonetheless, maize productivity has a positive response to post-silking P with a greater yield gain at rainfed sites compared with irrigated sites. Irrigation could partially mitigate the effect of extreme heat on maize yield potential. Because the frequency of extreme temperatures and P are predicted to increase in Kansas and the Great Plains region, this study might provide guidelines to farmers, crop consultants, and agronomists to manage maize production thereby providing the ability to mitigate or adapt to climate change impacts.
Micromechanical testing of electroplated gold alloy films using theta-like specimens

Micromechanical testing of electroplated gold alloy films has been conducted using theta-like specimens. Specimens were formed by a standard combination of photolithography, electroplating, and deep reactive ion etching. Testing was performed using an instrumented indenter and the results interpreted using a finite-element model with a Ramberg-Osgood constitutive law to extract elastic and plastic material properties. The observed results were highly repeatable and appear to be sensitive to variations in both sample dimensions and material properties. These qualities suggest that the testing methodology may have significant value as a quality control technique in the fabrication of metal micro-electromechanical systems.
Institutional Herding and Future Stock Returns

When the trading of institutional investors is imbalanced between buys and sells, how are stock prices affected? The extant literature on such herding by institutions concludes that herding promotes price discovery. That is, herding correctly predicts stock returns in the near term. Examining a longer window, we find that herding is negatively related to returns in the second year after the herding. This longer run reversal in returns dominates any shorter run return continuation and suggests that herding pushes prices beyond their intrinsic levels. In addition, consistent with a price pressure interpretation of the longer run reversal, we detect an asymmetry in the relations between buy and sell herding and longer run reversal that mirrors the well-documented buy/sell asymmetry found in the high-frequency studies of institutional trades. Buy herds during up markets push prices too high; sell herds during down markets push prices too low.
On the Reservation: Toward a Job Guarantee Program for American Indian Nations

The chapter proposes a job guarantee (JG) program for residents of American Indian reservations to combat chronic poverty and unemployment. The chapter furthers research on the racial wealth and employment gap; and serves as a case-study on the social costs of unemployment and the moral necessity of full employment. The chapter details the social and economic injustice laid upon American Indians from 200 years of US policy geared toward assimilation, termination, and acculturation. This history contextualizes the failing, pro-capitalist, Euro-centric policies of today which struggle to combat chronic poverty and lasting unemployment. Instead these mainstream policies further encroach on American Indian sovereignty. The chapter makes a case for a new progressive approach to development that centers on the non-profit nature of job guarantee proposals to sustain economic growth, enrich cultural development, and strengthen American Indian sovereignty.
Randomized Sobol’ Sensitivity Indices

Classical Sobol’ sensitivity indices assume the distribution of a model’s parameters is known completely for a given model, but this is usually difficult to measure in practical problems. What is measurable is the distribution of parameters for a particular data set, and the Sobol’ indices can significantly vary as different data sets are used in the estimation of the parameter distributions. To address this issue, we introduce a hierarchical probabilistic framework where Sobol’ sensitivity indices are random variables. An ANOVA decomposition in this hierarchical framework is given. Some analytical examples and an application to interest rate modeling illustrate the use of the randomized Sobol’ indices framework.
Prediction and Data Mining

Queries often aim to discover what the data predict, that is, imply for the future, or what other precious patterns may be discovered from the data. This chapter considers these two types of queries. In particular, Section 19.1 considers predictions in the context of environmental modeling, where many important prediction problems from global warming to deforestation occur. Section 19.2 discusses data mining. Section 19.3 considers model-based diagnosis.
Fracture analysis of ductile materials

In the present paper, Newman's (1973) two-parameter fracture criterion is used to analyze failure of single-edge-crack tension specimens made of bolting steel and rotor steel, with thicknesses and widths of the same order. It is shown that for width-to-thickness ratios of roughly unity, the plastic-collapse stress is strongly influenced by the state of stress on the net section and the collapse stress is closer to the plane-strain value.
A National Dyadic Study of Oral Sex, Relationship Quality, and Well-Being among Older Couples.

Objectives We examine how giving versus receiving oral sex, 2 processes that are linked to relationship quality, are associated with older men's and women's well-being. Method We analyzed 884 heterosexual couples from the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (2010-2011). We estimate Actor-Partner Interdependence Models using the SEM approach to assess three well-being outcomes: general happiness, psychological distress, and self-reported mental health. Results Older adults with better relationship quality gave oral sex to their partner more often than those with worse relationship quality; this association was stronger for men than for women. While receiving oral sex was positively related to both men's, and women's perceptions of relationship quality, women's relationship quality was more strongly linked to their partners' well-being than men's. Correspondingly, men's giving of oral sex (and thus their female partner's receiving of oral sex) was positively related to their own well-being through increasing their female partner's perceived relationship quality. Discussion Given the high prevalence of sexual dysfunctions among older adults, oral sex may play an important but overlooked role in maintaining an active sexual life, a high-quality relationship, and psychological vibrancy in late life.
Obstructive sleep apnea and structural/functional properties of the thoracic ascending aorta: The multi-ethnic study of atherosclerosis (MESA)

BACKGROUND Structural and functional properties of the proximal thoracic aorta have important implications in clinical and subclinical cardiovascular disease (CVD). We examined whether obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with proximal aortic size and aortic stiffness in a multi-ethnic community-based cohort. METHODS The sample included the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) Sleep Ancillary study participants without known CVD who underwent cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. The main exposure variable was OSA severity based on the polysomnography-derived apnea hypopnea index (AHI; normal, AHI <5/h; mild, 5≤ AHI <15/h; moderate to severe, AHI ≥15/h). The study outcomes were ascending aortic diameter (AoD, cm), aortic pulse wave velocity (AoPWV, m/s), and ascending aortic distensibility (AAD, %/mm Hg). Analyses were performed in the overall sample and in sex-specific strata, adjusted for multiple potential confounders. RESULTS The 708 participants were 55.9% female and on average 68 years old (54-93 years). There was a significant trend (p < 0.0001) of greater mean (SD) AoD across the three OSA groups: normal (n = 87), 3.13 cm (0.35); mild (n = 215), 3.25 (0.34); moderate to severe (n = 406), 3.37 (0.36). In adjusted analysis, participants with moderate to severe OSA had a greater mean AoD compared with the normal group: adjusted mean difference (95% CI), 0.12 cm (0.05, 0.20), p = 0.002. This AoD gradient was observed in women but not in men (p for interaction = 0.02). No differences were found in AoPWV or AAD among the OSA groups. CONCLUSION In a diverse community-based cohort, moderate to severe OSA (vs. no OSA) was associated with a larger ascending AoD in women.
MEDIATION OF IMMUNE RESPONSES TO HUMAN TUMOR ANTIGENS WITH “IMMUNE” RNA

ABSTRACT Ribonuclei acids extracted from specifically sensitized lymphoid cells (I-RNA) have been shown to transfer specific immunoreactivity to normal, non-immune lymphoid cells. Evidence for the transfer by I-RNA of immune responses to human tumor-associated antigens is reviewed. Lymphocytes from normal donors as well as from cancer patients, when incubated with xenogeneic or allogeneic I-RNA, become specifically cytotoxic for human tumor cells, in vitro , with cross-reactivity among tumors of the same histologic type but no cross-reactivity with tumors of other histologic types. I-RNA's directed against “self normal cell surface antigens appear to be recognized as self by lymphocytes and immune responses against these self antigens are not elicited, whereas I-RNA's directed against ”non-self, tumor-associated antigens induce lymphocytes to effect specific anti-tumor immune responses. Preliminary results of a clinical trial of immunotherapy with xenogeneic I-RNA in selected cancer patients are presented. A few encouraging clinical responses have been noted. No local or systemic toxicity has been observed.
Wilderness Medical Society Clinical Practice Guidelines for Spinal Cord Protection

The Wilderness Medical Society reconvened an expert panel to update best practice guidelines for spinal cord protection during trauma management. This panel, with membership updated in 2018, was charged with the development of evidence-based guidelines for management of the injured or potentially injured spine in wilderness environments. Recommendations are made regarding several parameters related to spinal cord protection. These recommendations are graded based on the quality of supporting evidence and balance the benefits and risks/burdens for each parameter according to the methodology stipulated by the American College of Chest Physicians. Key recommendations include the concept that interventions should be goal oriented (spinal cord/column protection in the context of overall patient and provider safety) rather than technique oriented (immobilization). This evidence-based, goal-oriented approach does not support the immobilization of suspected spinal injuries via rigid collars or backboards.
4 TOTAL ABDOMINAL COLECTOMIES WITH PROCTECTOMY ARE ASSOCIATED WITH HIGHER 30-DAY READMISSION RATES IN CHILDREN WITH ULCERATIVE COLITIS

Background Hospital readmissions are a burden on patients and families and place financial strain on the health care system. Thirty-day readmission rates for adult patients undergoing colectomy are as high as 30%, and inflammatory bowel disease is a risk factor for readmission. We used a multicenter pediatric surgical database to determine the 30-day readmission rate for pediatric patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) undergoing total abdominal colectomy (TAC) and to identify risk factors for 30-day hospital readmission. Methods We used the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program-Pediatrics database to identify pediatric patients with UC undergoing a TAC between 2012 and 2017. We identified patient and procedural data from the index hospitalization and used logistic regression to identify risk factors for 30-day readmission rates, adjusting for confounding factors. Results We identified 489 pediatric UC TAC hospitalizations between 2012 and 2017, and 19.4% were readmitted within 30 days of surgical discharge. Patient demographics and preoperative laboratory values were not associated with risk of readmission. The TAC procedures that included a proctectomy were at a 2-fold (odds ratio = 2.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.1-5.2) higher risk of 30-day readmission than TAC alone after adjusted analysis. Conclusions Nearly 20% of annual pediatric UC hospitalizations involving a colectomy resulted in a 30-day hospital readmission. Notably, TAC procedures that included a proctectomy had significantly higher readmission rates compared to TAC alone. These results can inform risk management strategies aimed at reducing morbidity and hospital readmissions for children with UC.
Multivariate Heavy Tails in Complex Networks

It has been shown that many real networks are not only “scale-free” (i.e., having a power-law degree distribution), but also contain more complex structures such as “hierarchy” or “self-similarity” that cannot be captured by the preferential attachment random network model. These observations have led to a number of more sophisticated models being proposed in the literature. In this paper we advocate a multivariate analysis perspective based on the notion of MRVs as a unifying framework to study complex structures in networks. We demonstrate the existence of “multivariate heavy tails” in existing network models and real networks, and argue that they better capture the “hierarchical” or “self-similar” structures in these networks.
Developing an individual profile of attentional control strategy

What makes one person better at controlling attention than the next person? Attempts to answer this question have largely focused on measuring individuals’ cognitive abilities. However, variation i...
Seeing the “Unseeable,” A Student-Led Activity to Identify Metals in Drinking Water

Municipal drinking water, regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency via the Safe Drinking Water act, has long been assumed to be contaminant-free. However, crises related to drinking water h...
Structural Mechanism of Cooperative Regulation of Calcium-Sensing Receptor-Mediated Cellular Signaling

Calcaium sensing receptors (CaSRs) play a central role in regulating extracellular calcium (Ca2+) homeostasis and many (patho)physiological processes. This regulation is primarily orchestrated in response to extracellular stimuli via the extracellular domain (ECD). This paper first reviews the modeled structure of the CaSR ECD and the prediction and investigation of the Ca2+ and amino acid binding sites. Several recently solved X-ray structures are then compared to support a proposed CaSR activation model involving functional cooperativity. The review also discusses recent implications for drug development. These studies provide new insights into the molecular basis of diseases and the design of therapeutic agents that target CaSR and other family C G protein-coupled receptors (cGPCRs).
Predictive biological indices for algae populations in diverse stream environments

Abstract Predictive biological indices have transformed the bioassessment landscape by allowing universal indices to be applicable across diverse environments. The successful development of a predictive benthic macroinvertebrate index for California wadeable streams helped to demonstrate the power of these tools in complex geographic settings. However, previous efforts to develop predictive algal indices for California were limited by poor performance and were ultimately unsuccessful. For this study, we leveraged a robust statewide dataset to develop two different types of predictive algal indices for California wadeable streams: an index of observed-to-expected taxa (O/E) to measure taxonomic completeness and a multimetric index (MMI) to evaluate ecological structure. We developed multiple versions of each index, including one for diatoms, one for soft-bodied algae, and a hybrid index using both assemblages. We evaluated index performance using a series of screening criteria for precision, accuracy, responsiveness, and regional bias. We found that final index performance varied among all assemblages: the best performing O/E index was a diatom-only index, whereas the predictive diatom and hybrid MMIs out-performed all other indices with excellent responsiveness and precision. We found that in comparison to benthic macroinvertebrates, algal communities were characterized by high beta diversity across reference sites and low average species richness per site, resulting in disparate algal populations that were challenging to model with predictive approaches, particularly for soft-bodied algae assemblages. While all O/E indices were considered to have weak performance, the predictive diatom and hybrid MMIs are accurate, responsive, and precise indices that will provide a powerful assessment of biological condition for statewide applications.