cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Life‐history patterns in British Umbelliferae: a review

British Umbelliferae form a natural cohesive taxon, having patterns of habitat distribution, reproductive biology and life-history that distinguish them from other British dicotyledons. They are usually found in open sites, and are local or rare in distribution. Almost half of British species have the andromonoecious sex habit. Perfect flowers are usually protandrous. The floral composition of umbels, and the pattern of opening of the inflorescence combine to produce a protogynous effect. These have been interpreted as mechanisms which decrease competition for resources between male and female functions in the plant, such that separate maternal and paternal fitness can become optimal. Seeds often require a chilling treatment, alternating temperatures, or a period of after-ripening before they are capable of germination. Schizocarps are of low weight. This seems to relate to the relative openness of habitat wherein unbellifers are found. Patterns of dry matter distribution reflect the life-history strategies of various umbellifer species. Agromyzid leaf miners parasitize the more widespread species, and those which are found in a greater number of different habitats.
A spectral histogram model for texton modeling and texture discrimination

Abstract We suggest a spectral histogram, defined as the marginal distribution of filter responses, as a quantitative definition for a texton pattern. By matching spectral histograms, an arbitrary image can be transformed to an image with similar textons to the observed. We use the χ2-statistic to measure the difference between two spectral histograms, which leads to a texture discrimination model. The performance of the model well matches psychophysical results on a systematic set of texture discrimination data and it exhibits the nonlinearity and asymmetry phenomena in human texture discrimination. A quantitative comparison with the Malik–Perona model is given, and a number of issues regarding the model are discussed.
Semantically Related Reading Issues for Children From Low Income Environments

In this article, the authors discuss research that addresses semantically related reading issues for children in poverty. In addition to providing a theoretical framework, the authors provide research-based intervention strategies and suggestions for speech-language pathologists to use to improve remediation efforts on vocabulary development, particularly in the area of semantic representation, for children who are at risk for developing reading disabilities.
A procedural language interface for VHDL and its typical applications

Recognizing the utility of a procedural language interface to access VHDL data and interact with a VHDL tool, Cadence has developed a procedural interface which is highly compatible with the Verilog procedural interface. This paper describes the various kinds of applications that can be built using such an interface and shows the interoperability of the Verilog and VHDL procedural interfaces in a mixed language design.
Differential Effects of Hunting on Pre‐Dispersal Seed Predation and Primary and Secondary Seed Removal of Two Neotropical Tree Species

Many of the mammals undergoing drastic declines in tropical forests worldwide are important seed dispersers and seed predators, and thus changes in mammal communities due to hunting will affect plant recruitment. It has been hypothesized that larger-seeded species will suffer greater reductions in seed removal and thus greater increases in predispersal seed predation than smaller-seeded species. We compared primary and secondary seed removal and predispersal seed predation of two tree species between hunted and nonhunted sites in Central Panama. Seeds of Oenocarpus mapora (Arecaceae) are 16-times greater in size than those of Cordia bicolor (Boraginaceae). We quantified primary seed removal and predispersal seed predation using seed traps, and we assessed secondary seed removal using seed removal plots. Primary removal of C. bicolor was 43 percent lower in the hunted sites, while primary removal of O. mapora was not significantly different. Secondary removal of unprotected O. mapora seeds on the ground was 59 percent lower in hunted sites, while secondary removal of C. bicolor was not significantly different. Predispersal seed predation of O. mapora by mammals was significantly lower in hunted sites, while predispersal seed predation by insects was not significantly different in either species. In combination with other studies, our results suggest that seed size is not a reliable predictor of the impacts of hunting. Mammal defaunation differentially affects stages and modes of seed dispersal and seed predation of different plant species, suggesting that these influences are complex and related to multiple plant traits.
Development and reversibility of pancreatic acinar cell changes in the rat produced by tebuthiuron (1-(5-tert-butyl-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl)-1,3-dimethylurea)

Abstract Vacuolization and a decrease in zymogen granules in the pancreatic acinar cells were observed in Sprague-Dawley rats fed a ration containing 2500 ppm tebuthiuron. These changes were rapidly induced and progressive, and upon withdrawal of the treatment were rapidly reversed. A depression of body-weight gain appeared to be directly related to the severity of the pancreatic changes. Structural changes in the pancreatic acinar cells, demonstrated by light and electron microscopy, were characterized by membrane-bound vacuoles containing dense membranes, by myeloid bodies and by a reduction in zymogen granules. These pancreatic changes were interpreted as being related to an interference with protein synthesis.
Characteristics of the Rate and Extent of Fiber Degradability of Feedstuffs Common to the Pacific Northwest

Abstract Seventeen forage samples and 23 grain and by-product feed samples were collected through western Washington State. The chemical compositions of DM, N, NDF, and ADF were determined. The rate and extent of DM and NDF degradation of feedstuffs, and the ruminal fill of DM and NDF of feedstuffs were determined from the in situ measurement. Correlations among variables were evaluated. Early-cut grass silage (a mixture of orchardgrass, ryegrass, and a small proportion of clovers) had a greater rate and extent of NDF degradation than late-cut grass silage. Pooled grass silage had a greater rate and extent of NDF degradation than com silage or sunflower+com silage and alfalfa hay was intermediate. The rank of forages based on mean ruminal fill of NDF was as follows: com silage or sunflower+com silage > grass silage > alfalfa hay > green chop. Commercial grains and by-product feeds had larger variations in terms of the rate and extent of NDF degradation. The extent of DM and NDF degradation (degraded DM and NDF in the total percentage of DM and NDF) was inversely correlated with the percentage of NDF or ADF in forages, grains, or by-product feeds. The concept of half-life of NDF in the rumen was introduced to quantify degradation of NDF in the rumen.
Phylogenetic and phenetic relationships among the lower decapoda

ABSTRACT Phenetic and cladistic methods were used to analyze relationships within the Decapoda. Eighty-nine characters were examined, and 64 of these were used in all analyses. Representatives of the Euphausiacea, Dendrobranchiata, Caridea, Procaridoidea, Stenopodidea, Thalassinidea, and Astacidea were used to test hypotheses on the relationships within the Decapoda that recognized two, three, or four suborders. All analyses yielded the same result: (1) rejecting the concept of the Natantia as a monophyletic group; (2) recognizing two suborders of the Decapoda, the Dendrobranchiata and the Pleocyemata; (3) grouping the Procaridoidea with the Caridea; and (4) recognizing the Stenopodidea as a taxon related to the Reptantia rather than to the Caridea.
Organization and Stigma Management A Comparative Study of Dumpster Divers in New York

Scholarly work has discussed the ways in which stigmatized groups may resist their stigma, along with various resources at their disposal that facilitate such resistance. However, it has not explicitly considered how organization can serve as one such resource. Bringing into dialogue scholarly work on stigma, organizations, and social movements, this article examines the role of organization as a key resource for managing and resisting stigma. In doing so, it draws from a comparative analysis of two groups of dumpster divers in New York City. It finds that whereas informal social organization allowed one group to develop shared views regarding the practice, formal collective organization enabled another group to confront the stigma itself. The findings therefore highlight the role of organization in both mitigating shared stigma and challenging its basis—thereby providing insights into the social conditions of stigma management and the collective resources at the disposal of stigmatized groups.
Effect of Hypertonic Sodium Chloride Intravenously on Intestinal Peristalsis

ConclusionsThe intravenous injection of 10 cc. of 5% NaCl solution increases the propulsive type of motility of a jejunal loop when the loop is manifesting subnormal propulsive motility.
Grafismo, multitemporalidad y textos como objetos de poder en la biografía de una Machi Mapuche en Chile

Las performatividades y biografias orales chamanicas de los Mapuche —algunas estructuradas como “biblias” que incluyen alfabetizaciones chamanicas— desempenan un papel fundamental en la produccion de historia indigena en el sur de Chile. En este articulo, explico como y por que una machi mapuche mestiza me encargo que escribiera sobre su vida y practica en forma de “biblia”. Este libro se convertiria en un objeto ritual y en un medio para guardar su poder chamanico al textualizarlo y asi permitirle hablar ante un futuro publico. Las realidades y los poderes encerrados en su “biblia” podrian ser extraidos, transformados, divulgados y actualizados para variados fines, incluso para lograr el renacimiento chamanico. Por ultimo, argumento que, a traves del uso y la interpretacion de este tipo de “biblia”, los chamanes mapuche amplian sus conceptos academicos de historia y alfabetizacion indigenas.
Microstructure and Corrosion Resistance of Epoxy Resin-Silane Composite Coatings on Hot-Dip Aluminized-Galvanized Steel Sheets

Composite coatings of waterborne epoxy resin(BH685) and γ-glycidyl ether oxygen propyl trimethoxy silane(KH560) were deposited on hot-dip aluminizing-galvanizing(Al-Zn) steel sheets by immersing and pulling technique.The morphology,composition,and structure of the composite coatings were investigated by means of scanning electron microscopy,energy dispersive spectrometry,and Fourier transform infrared spectrometry.Moreover,the corrosion resistance of the composite coatings was evaluated by salt-spray test and electrochemical test.Results showed that as-prepared composite coatings were uniform and complete but contained cracks.Silane KH560 was chemically bonded to hot-dip Al-Zn steel substrate forming by Si-O-Al,Si-O-Zn and C-O-Si structures.Besides,as-prepared composite coatings mainly consisted of C,O,Si,S,Al and Zn elements;and they had good adhesion to the steel substrate and could significantly improve the corrosion resistance of the hot-dip Al-Zn steel sheets.
Misconceptions about Behaviour Therapy: Their Sources and Consequences

Despite a well-documented record of notable success in the treatment of neuroses, behaviour therapy is little taught in academic departments. A major reason for this appears to be the existence of an unending stream of misinformation about it. This paper describes the essential features of modern behaviour therapy of the neuroses, and the range of its therapeutic effects. It outlines some major sources of misinformation and their stifling effect on the academic spread of behaviour therapy.
On Modeling the Evolving Emotion on Literature

A number of prior research have revealed that emotion and literature intertwine with each other during humans’ reading experience. However, there have been yet still in dearth of research efforts in an attempt to understanding and modeling temporal emotional changes in literary texts which motivates this study. Through computerized mood emotion visualization, we are able to probe into he general emotional changes of a single character in literary texts. The research results adds to the richness of understanding of emotion changes in literature and provides directions for future development of computer algorithm in testing emotional dimensions in literature reading.
Eosinophil persistence in vivo and sustained viability ex vivo in response to respiratory challenge with fungal allergens.

Background Eosinophils are immunomodulatory leucocytes that contribute to the pathogenesis of Th2-driven asthma and allergic lung diseases. Objective Our goal was to identify unique properties of eosinophils recruited to the lungs and airways of mice in response to challenge with asthma-associated fungal allergens. Methods Mice were challenged intranasally on days 0, 3 and 6 with a filtrate of Alternaria alternata. Recruited eosinophils were enumerated in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Eosinophils were also isolated from lungs of mice sensitized and challenged with Aspergillus fumigatus and evaluated ex vivo in tissue culture. Results Eosinophils persist in the airways for several weeks in response to brief provocation with A. alternata in wild-type, Gm-csf- and eotaxin-1-gene-deleted mice, while eosinophils are recruited but do not persist in the absence of IL-13. Eosinophils isolated from the lungs A. alternata-challenged mice are cytokine-enriched compared to those from IL5tg mice, including 800-fold higher levels of eotaxin-1. Furthermore, eosinophils from the lungs and spleen of fungal allergen-challenged wild-type mice are capable of prolonged survival ex vivo, in contrast to eosinophils from both untreated and fungal allergen-challenged IL5tg mice, which undergo rapid demise in the absence of exogenous cytokine support. TNF-α (but not IL5, IL-3, eotaxin-1 or GM-CSF) was detected in supernatants of ex vivo eosinophil cultures from the lungs of fungal allergen-challenged wild-type mice. However, neither TNF-α gene deletion nor anti-TNF-α neutralizing antibodies had any impact sustained eosinophil survival ex vivo. Conclusion and clinical relevance Eosinophils are phenotypically and functionally heterogeneous. As shown here, eosinophils from fungal allergen-challenged wild-type mice maintain a distinct cytokine profile, and, unlike eosinophils isolated from IL5tg mice, they survive ex vivo in the absence of exogenous pro-survival cytokine support. As treatments for asthma currently in development focus on limiting eosinophil viability via strategic cytokine blockade, the molecular mechanisms underlying differential survival merit further investigation.
L290P/V mutations increase ERK3's cytoplasmic localization and migration/invasion-promoting capability in cancer cells.

Protein kinases are frequently mutated in human cancers, which leads to altered signaling pathways and contributes to tumor growth and progression. ERK3 is an atypical mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) containing an S-E-G activation motif rather than the conserved T-X-Y motif in conventional MAPKs such as ERK1/2. Recent studies have revealed important roles for ERK3 in cancers. ERK3 promotes cancer cell migration/invasion and tumor metastasis, and its expression is upregulated in multiple cancers. Little is known, however, regarding ERK3 mutations in cancers. In the present study, we functionally and mechanistically characterized ERK3 L290P/V mutations, which are located within ERK3’s kinase domain, and are shown to exist in several cancers including lung cancer and colon cancer. We found that in comparison with wild type ERK3, both L290P and L290V mutants have greatly increased activity in promoting cancer cell migration and invasion, but have little impact on ERK3’s role in cell proliferation. Mechanistically, while they have no clear effect on kinase activity, L290P/V mutations enhance ERK3’s cytoplasmic localization by increasing the interaction with the nuclear export factor CRM1. Our findings suggest that L290P/V mutations of ERK3 may confer increased invasiveness to cancers.
Cataract surgery after proton-beam irradiation for uveal tumors.

Purpose To study the risks associated with cataract surgery in patients with previous proton-beam irradiation (PBI), focusing on preoperative risk factors, intraoperative findings, and postoperative complications. Setting Massachusetts Eye & Ear Infirmary, Boston, Massachusetts, USA. Design Retrospective case series. Methods Electronic medical records of patients who had PBI and cataract surgery between January 1, 2006, and October 1, 2016, were reviewed. Results The study comprised 29 eyes of 29 patients. Preoperative evaluation found dry eye (72.4%), posterior synechiae (24.1%), peripheral anterior synechiae (13.8%), anterior capsule fibrosis (10.3%), and iris atrophy (10.3%). Intraoperative findings included poor red reflex requiring trypan blue capsule staining (37.9%), synechiae requiring synechialysis (24.1%), evidence of previous inflammation prompting sub-Tenon triamcinolone injection (17.2%), and miosis (10.3%). Postoperative complications included posterior capsule opacification (PCO) by 1 year (48.3%), intraocular pressure spike of 23 mm Hg or greater at 1 day (24.1%), anterior chamber inflammation at 1 month (24.1%), and cystoid macular edema (CME) (17.2%). Proximity of the initial tumor to the posterior pole was associated with poor visual outcomes after cataract surgery. Compared with reference data, this cohort had higher rates of anterior chamber inflammation at 1 month, CME, fibrinous inflammation, PCO by 1 year, intraoperative requirement for trypan blue, and synechialysis. Conclusions Complications after cataract surgery performed after PBI were similar to those seen in patients with uveitis (prolonged inflammation, CME, fibrinous inflammation, early PCO). Steroid depot administration might be useful to prevent these complications, although further research is needed to determine an optimum regimen.
Targeting Androgen Receptor and DNA Repair in Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer: Results From NCI 9012

PurposeTo determine whether cotargeting poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 plus androgen receptor is superior to androgen receptor inhibition in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) and whether ETS fusions predict response.Patients and MethodsPatients underwent metastatic site biopsy and were stratified by ETS status and randomly assigned to abiraterone plus prednisone without (arm A) or with veliparib (arm B). Primary objectives were: confirmed prostate-specific antigen (PSA) response rate (RR) and whether ETS fusions predicted response. Secondary objectives were: safety, measurable disease RR (mRR), progression-free survival (PFS), and molecular biomarker analysis. A total of 148 patients were randomly assigned to detect a 20% PSA RR improvement.ResultsA total of 148 patients with mCRPC were randomly assigned: arm A, n = 72; arm B, n = 76. There were no differences in PSA RR (63.9% v 72.4%; P = .27), mRR (45.0% v 52.2%; P = .51), or median PFS (10.1 v 11 months; P = .99). ETS fusions did ...
Searching for a partner on the internet and analogous decision-making problems

Information technologies supporting online dating create an enormous expansion of the population of potential partners. However, such a large population offers too much information, too many choice...
Episodic syndromes of childhood associated with migraine.

Purpose of reviewThis review covers recent advances in our understanding of episodic syndromes that may be associated with migraine in children and adolescents, as well as what is known about the treatment of these disorders.Recent findingsThe episodic syndromes include benign paroxysmal torticollis
Statins reduce mortality and failure to rescue after carotid artery stenting

Abstract Objective The benefit of statins has been well established in reducing morbidities and mortality after carotid endarterectomy. However, the potential advantage of statin use in patients undergoing carotid artery stenting (CAS) remains largely unknown. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of statins on postoperative outcomes after CAS. Methods The Premier Healthcare Database was retrospectively analyzed to identify all patients who underwent CAS from 2009 to 2015. Univariate (χ2 test, t-test) and multivariate models (logistic regression) were used to evaluate the effect of statins on postoperative outcomes. Results A total of 17,800 patients underwent CAS during the study period; 12,416 (70%) patients were taking statins. The statin group had more symptomatic patients (41% vs 31%; P Conclusions Statin use is associated with significant reduction in mortality and failure to rescue in patients who develop major complications (stroke/MI) after CAS. Therefore, statin use should be strongly encouraged in all patients undergoing CAS.
Probability, Conditional Probability, and Bayes’ Rule

If statistics can be defined as the science that studies uncertainty, then probability is the branch of mathematics that quantifies it. One’s intuition of chance and probability develops at a very early age (Piaget and Inhelder, 1976). However, the formal, precise definition of probability is elusive. There are several competing definitions for the probability of an event, but the most practical one uses its relative frequency in a potentially infinite series of experiments.
Kinetics of Fas-induced apoptosis in thymic organ culture.

Although most thymocytes express high levels of Fas antigen (CD95), the role of Fas in apoptosis signaling during thymocyte maturation has not been defined. Fas apoptosis occurs primarily in the CD4+CD8+ subpopulations of thymocytes. Fas expression and apoptosis function were investigated in the CD4−8−, CD4+8+, and CD4+ and CD8 single positive thymocyte subpopulations by in vivo injection of anti-Fas and in vitro incubation of Fas with thymic organ cultures. Fas was first expressed on CD4−8− thymocytes coincident with expression of IL-2R and CD44. In Fas mutant lpr/lpr mice, defective Fas expression correlated with overproduction of late-stage CD4−8−-thymocytes. Fas was highly expressed on CD3dull and CD3bright thymocytes. CD4+8+CD3dull thymocytes were sensitive to Fas apoptosis, whereas more mature CD4+8+CD3bright thymocytes were resistant to Fas apoptosis. Anti-Fas incubation with established thymic organ culture for 24 hr resulted in apoptosis of approximately 25% of thymocytes. Continued incubation of thymic organ culture with anti-Fas resulted in an apoptosis rate of 25% of CD4+CD8+ thymocytes per day for the first 3 days of culture. Continued culture for further time points up to 6 days did not result in further apoptosis of the CD4+CD8+ thymocytes. These results suggest that CD4−CD8−CD44+ IL-2R+ thymocytes express Fas and there is overpopulation of the subsequent developmental stage of thymocytes in Fas mutant lpr mice. Also, early-stage CD4+8+ thymocytes are susceptible to Fas apoptosis, whereas Fas apoptosis resistance is required after 3 days of thymic organ culture. We conclude that these two populations of thymocytes are susceptible to Fas ligand-mediated apoptosis during T cell development in the thymus.
Inheriting Software Security Policies within Hardware IP Components

Domain isolation enforcement is one of the challenging issues in software environments. To address this problem, NSA, in conjunction with the Secure Computing Corporation and the University of Utah, developed the open-source Flux Advanced Security Kernel (Flask), the mandatory access control (MAC) security architecture underlying major Operating Systems/Hypervisors widely deployed in cloud/desktop environments. In this work, we extend this security architecture to FPGA-based heterogeneous systems. Specifically, we explore the design and implementation of a security framework for controlled sharing of FPGA hardware modules in MAC-based OS/Hypervisor environments. The proposed design guarantees that hardware modules execute in the same security context as of the processes calling them by propagating the latter security policies expressed at the software level, down to the hardware. We prototype the proposed framework with SELinux and demonstrate its utility by evaluating trade-offs between security performance and execution overhead incurred by example applications. The preliminary results show our proposed framework provides isolation with an average of 0.6% worst case performance overhead.
Ultra-strong nanotwinned Al-Ni solid solution alloys with significant plasticity.

Twin boundaries have been proven effective for strengthening metallic materials while maintaining plasticity. Al, however, has low twinning propensity due to its high stacking fault energy. Here we show, by using a small amount of Ni solutes, high-density twin boundaries and stacking faults in sputtered Al–Ni solid solution alloys. Density function theory calculations show that the Ni solute facilitates the formation of stacking faults and stabilizes nanotwins in Al–Ni solid solution alloys. In situ micropillar compression studies reveal a high flow stress (exceeding 1.7 GPa), comparable to high strength martensitic steels and Ni alloys. Furthermore, significant plasticity was observed in these nanotwinned Al–Ni alloy films due to the existence of high density twin boundaries and 9R phase.
Interaction of O 2i Dimers with Ga in Si and Implications for a Comprehensive Model of Light- Induced Degradation

DFT calculations of the properties of O interstitial dimers (O 2i ) and their interaction with B and Ga lead to a comprehensive model of light induced degradation of Si solar cells doped with B, Ga and P. The proposed model accounts for experimental observation under full range of conditions.
Compressed Sensing over ℓ p -balls: Minimax mean square error

We consider the compressed sensing problem where the object x 0 ∈ ℝN is to be recovered from incomplete measurements y = Ax 0 +z. Here the sensing matrix A is an n×N random matrix with Gaussian entries and n &#60; N. A popular method of sparsity-promoting reconstruction is l1-penalized least-squares reconstruction (aka LASSO, Basis Pursuit).
Laying a foundation for library liaisonship: A business librarian case study

AbstractThis article traces the efforts of a newly hired business liaison librarian at a mid-sized public university in conducting background research on those served as well as identifying relevan...
Dominic McIver Lopes, Being for Beauty: Aesthetic Agency and Value

A review of Dominic McIver Lopes’s Being for Beauty: Aesthetic Agency and Value (New York and London: Oxford University Press, 2018, xvi + 266 pp. ISBN 978-0-19-882721-4).
Seeing beyond the trees: a comparison of tropical and temperate plant growth forms and their vertical distribution

Forests are the most diverse and productive terrestrial ecosystems on Earth, so sustainably managing them for the future is a major global challenge. Yet, our understanding of forest diversity relies almost exclusively on the study of trees. Here, we demonstrate unequivocally that other growth forms (shrubs, lianas, herbs, epiphytes) make up the majority of vascular plant species in both tropical and temperate forests. By comparing the relative distribution of species richness among plant growth forms for over 3,400 species in 18 forests in the Americas, we construct the first high-resolution quantification of plant growth form diversity across two ecologically important regions at a near-continental scale. We also quantify the physical distribution of plant species among forest layers, that is, where among the vertical strata plants ultimately live their adult lives, and show that plants are strongly downshifted in temperate forests vs. tropical forests. Our data illustrate a previously unquantified fundamental difference between tropical and temperate forests: what plant growth forms are most speciose, and where they ultimately live in the forest. Recognizing these differences requires that we re-focus ecological research and forest management plans to encompass a broader suite of plant growth forms. This more holistic perspective is essential to conserve global biodiversity.
What Am I? Descartes’s Various Ways of Considering the Self

In the Meditations and related texts from the early 1640s, Descartes argues that the self can be correctly considered as either a mind or a human being, and that the self’s properties vary accordingly. For example, the self is simple considered as a mind, whereas the self is composite considered as a human being. Someone might object that it is unclear how merely considering the self in different ways blocks the conclusion that a single subject of predication—the self—is both simple and composite, which is contradictory. In response to this objection, this paper develops a reading of Descartes’s various ways of considering the self. I argue that the best reading of Descartes’s qualified claims about the self, i.e., about the self qua mind or the self qua human being, presupposes an account of the unqualified self, that is, of the self simpliciter. I argue that the self simpliciter is not a mind, and that it is not a human being either. This result might suggest the pessimistic conclusion that Descartes’s view of the self is incoherent. To avoid this result, I introduce a new metaphysical account of the Cartesian self. On my view, the self is individuated by a unified mental life. The self is constituted by the beings that jointly produce this mental life, and derives its unity from it.
TDECQ Sensitivity to Algorithmic Implementation and Noise Characterization

We demonstrate that TDECQ is sensitive to algorithmic implementation and to receiver noise. It is inherently challenging to quantify transmitter performance when receiver equalization is estimated computationally. Methods to reduce uncertainty are identified.
Patient Characteristics and Treatment Patterns among Medicare Beneficiaries Initiating PCSK9 Inhibitor Therapy

There is limited real-world evidence around use of proprotein convertase subtilisin-kexin type 9 inhibitors (PCSK9i) among US older adults. This study examined baseline characteristics of fee-for-service (FFS) Medicare beneficiaries newly initiating PCSK9i therapy during the period immediately following market availability. This cross-sectional study used Medicare claims (2013–2016) to identify 5051 FFS Medicare beneficiaries who filled ≥ 1 PCSK9i prescription between August 2015 and December 2016. We analyzed patient demographics, clinical characteristics, and baseline healthcare expenditures in the 12-month period prior to PCSK9i initiation, for these beneficiaries. Most beneficiaries initiating PCSK9i were female (57%), < 75 years of age (61%), white (89%), and lived in metropolitan areas (83%). At baseline, these PCSK9i initiators had 6 chronic conditions on average, with conditions such as hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and ischemic heart disease being most prevalent. Approximately 88% had a diagnosis of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), and 14% experienced acute cardiovascular events during the 12-month baseline period. Use of any statin and/or ezetimibe ranged from 54 to 76% in the 6-month and 24-month baseline period. Their total annual Medicare expenditures averaged US$17,552, of which most were attributable to ambulatory care and prescription use, in the 12-month baseline period. High burden of cardiovascular conditions and prescription expenditures at baseline were common among FFS beneficiaries initiating PCSK9i therapy. These findings suggest that physicians prescribe PCSK9i to elderly patients at high risk for adverse cardiovascular events. Considering the evolving treatment landscape, PCSK9i utilization might increase in Medicare.
Fine-Scale Differentiation in Diet and Metabolomics of Small Mammals Across a Sharp Ecological Transition

Strong selective gradients such as those that exist at ecological boundaries often present animals with a sharp transition in various resources, including the availability of food. Yet little is known concerning how animals respond to abrupt shifts in resources, especially when gene flow may limit local adaptation. Here, we used DNA metabarcoding and untargeted metabolomics of fecal samples to begin characterizing the foraging ecology of two closely related rodents (Neotoma bryanti and N. lepida) across a sharp ecological boundary. We find abrupt transitions in diet and metabolomic signatures that coincide with the rapid habitat transition. Further, we show that individuals have habitat-specific diets that are dominated by distinctly toxic plants that likely require different metabolic processing. Our approach allows detailed characterization of diet and metabolic processing of food plants, which can provide evolutionary ecologists and wildlife biologists much needed insight into the nutritional and physiological ecology of the systems they study and manage.
Frontal Sinus Fracture Management Meta-analysis: Endoscopic Versus Open Repair.

Introduction Frontal sinus fracture management continues to be a point of controversy. Many systematic reviews have been done, but meta-analyses comparing various approaches to frontal sinus fractures are scarce. Our study focuses on open surgical repair versus endoscopic repair of frontal sinus fractures. Materials and methods A MEDLINE search was performed to identify prospective RCTs, non-RCTs, guidelines, case-control, and observational studies published in English before April 2019. Search terms included (1) frontal sinus, (2) skull fractures, (3) frontal bone, alone or in combination. An in-depth review was conducted to identify publications relevant to this analysis. Studies that included pediatric patients, case reports, and review articles without original data were excluded. Postoperative outcomes included were cosmesis, sinus function, mucocele, sinusitis, cerebrospinal fluid leak, meningitis, and brain abscess. Meta-analysis of proportions, Fisher exact test, and relative risks were calculated. Results Seven studies were ultimately included in the meta-analysis. The assessment of heterogeneity indicated that the studies are comparable. The weighted outcome proportions of patients with postoperative cosmetic deformity and mucocele are found to be significantly higher in patients who underwent open repair compared to patients who received endoscopic treatment. No significant difference between the 2 intervention groups in regards to the other outcomes. Conclusion Based on this meta-analysis, no definitive conclusions regarding superiority of one approach over the other can be made. There are currently no universally accepted algorithms that aid in the decision to proceed with either approach. It is likely that these 2 techniques will come to serve different roles in treatment, as they can each be utilized to achieve different goals. At this time, the only recommendation is to proceed with whichever technique can be safely performed based upon surgeon experience and fracture pattern.
Development and validation of a pancreatic cancer risk model for the general population using electronic health records: An observational study.

Abstract Aim Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is often diagnosed at a late, incurable stage. We sought to determine whether individuals at high risk of developing PDAC could be identified early using routinely collected data. Methods Electronic health record (EHR) databases from two independent hospitals in Boston, Massachusetts, providing inpatient, outpatient, and emergency care, from 1979 through 2017, were used with case–control matching. PDAC cases were selected using International Classification of Diseases 9/10 codes and validated with tumour registries. A data-driven feature selection approach was used to develop neural networks and L2-regularised logistic regression (LR) models on training data (594 cases, 100,787 controls) and compared with a published model based on hand-selected diagnoses (‘baseline’). Model performance was validated on an external database (408 cases, 160,185 controls). Three prediction lead times (180, 270 and 365 days) were considered. Results The LR model had the best performance, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.71 (confidence interval [CI]: 0.67–0.76) for the training set, and AUC 0.68 (CI: 0.65–0.71) for the validation set, 365 days before diagnosis. Data-driven feature selection improved results over ‘baseline’ (AUC = 0.55; CI: 0.52–0.58). The LR model flags 2692 (CI 2592–2791) of 156,485 as high risk, 365 days in advance, identifying 25 (CI: 16–36) cancer patients. Risk stratification showed that the high-risk group presented a cancer rate 3 to 5 times the prevalence in our data set. Conclusion A simple EHR model, based on diagnoses, can identify high-risk individuals for PDAC up to one year in advance. This inexpensive, systematic approach may serve as the first sieve for selection of individuals for PDAC screening programs.
Cnp Promoter-Driven Sustained ERK1/2 Activation Increases B-Cell Activation and Suppresses Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis.

The ERK1/2 signaling pathway promotes myelin wrapping during development and remyelination, and sustained ERK1/2 activation in the oligodendrocyte (OL) lineage results in hypermyelination of the CNS. We therefore hypothesized that increased ERK1/2 signaling in the OL lineage would 1) protect against immune-mediated demyelination due to increased baseline myelin thickness and/or 2) promote enhanced remyelination and thus functional recovery after experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) induction. Cnp-Cre;Mek1DD-eGFP/+ mice that express a constitutively active form of MEK1 (the upstream activator of ERK1/2) in the OL lineage, exhibited a significant decrease in EAE clinical severity compared to controls. However, experiments using tamoxifen-inducible Plp-CreERT;Mek1DD-eGFP/+ or Pdgfrα-CreERT;Mek1DD-eGFP mice revealed this was not solely due to a protective or reparative effect resulting from MEK1DD expression specifically in the OL lineage. Because EAE is an immune-mediated disease, we examined Cnp-Cre;Mek1DD-eGFP/+ splenic immune cells for recombination. Surprisingly, GFP+ recombined CD19+ B-cells, CD11b+ monocytes, and CD3+ T-cells were noted when Cre expression was driven by the Cnp promoter. While ERK1/2 signaling in monocytes and T-cells is associated with proinflammatory activation, fewer studies have examined ERK1/2 signaling in B-cell populations. After in vitro stimulation, MEK1DD-expressing B-cells exhibited a 3-fold increase in CD138+ plasmablasts and a 5-fold increase in CD5+CD1dhi B-cells compared to controls. Stimulated MEK1DD-expressing B-cells also exhibited an upregulation of IL-10, known to suppress the initiation of EAE when produced by CD5+CD1dhi regulatory B-cells. Taken together, our data support the conclusion that sustained ERK1/2 activation in B-cells suppresses immune-mediated demyelination via increasing activation of regulatory B10 cells.
Tumor Cells Dictate Anti-Tumor Immune Responses by Altering Pyruvate Utilization and Succinate Signaling in Cd8 + T Cells

The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a unique metabolic niche that can inhibit CD8+ T cell metabolism and cytotoxic activity. It has been a challenge to dissect the metabolic interplay between tumors and T cells. Consequently, the mechanisms whereby the TME regulates CD8+ T cell function are not completely understood. Here we establish an in vitro system that recapitulates the metabolic niche of the TME and allows us to define cell-specific metabolism. We identify tumor-derived lactate as a direct inhibitor of CD8+ T cell cytotoxicity, revealing an unexpected metabolic shunt in the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle in CD8+ T cells. Metabolically fit cytotoxic T cells shunt succinate out of the TCA cycle to promote autocrine signaling via the succinate receptor (SUCNR1), a G-protein coupled cell surface receptor. This leaves CD8+ T cells reliant on pyruvate carboxylase (PC) to replenish TCA cycle intermediates (anaplerosis). In contrast, lactate reduces PC-mediated anaplerosis, thus depleting the TCA cycle and reducing SUCNR1 signaling. Notably, inhibition of pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) is sufficient to override lactate-mediated reprogramming, and to restore PC activity, succinate secretion, and autocrine activation of SUCNR1 both in vitro and in vivo using syngeneic tumor models. Thus, dissecting the CD8+ T cell-specific metabolic adaptation to the TME unexpectedly revealed that a TCA cycle succinate shunt and plasticity in pyruvate flux is a crucial determinant of CD8+ T cell anti-tumor activity. Furthermore, we identify PDH as a potential drug target to allow CD8+ T cells to retain cytotoxicity and overcome a lactate-rich TME. These studies demonstrate that the TME remodels CD8+ T cell pyruvate metabolism, leading to a reduction in CD8+ T cell cytotoxicity and anti-tumor immunity.
The Color Red

On an early Monday morning in January 2003, during the hot and muggy rainy season in central Brazil, I witnessed an extra supply of red colored pencils and crayons spread over a Xavante school table being quickly used up.
Efficacy of the ketogenic diet in Lennox-Gastaut syndrome: a retrospective review of one institution's experience and summary of the literature.

Aim To determine the efficacy of the ketogenic diet for children with Lennox–Gastaut syndrome (LGS) at our institution and in the literature. Method The records of children with LGS initiated on the ketogenic diet at our institution from 1994 to 2010 were reviewed. Inclusion criteria included the presence of ≤2.5Hz spike-and-wave complexes on electroencephalogram, multiple seizure types including tonic, atonic, or atypical absence, developmental delay, and age under 1 year. We additionally reviewed the literature for cases of LGS treated with the ketogenic diet and their outcomes. Results Seventy-one children (41 males, 30 females, median age 3y 6mo, range 18mo–18y), with LGS were initiated on the ketogenic diet. Using an intent-to-treat analysis, after 6 months, 36 (51%) achieved more than 50% seizure reduction, 16 (23%) experienced more than 90% seizure reduction, and 1 (1%) achieved seizure freedom. Results were similar after 12 months. Age, sex, side effects, valproate use, and history of infantile spasms were not predictive of more than 90% seizure reduction. In the literature, 88 of 189 (47%) children with LGS had more than 50% seizure reduction after 3 to 36 months of ketogenic diet treatment. Interpretation The ketogenic diet is efficacious in the treatment of LGS, with approximately one-half of children responding at 12 months.
Polybacterial challenge enhances HIV reactivation in latently infected macrophages and dendritic cells

A polymicrobial infection comprising subgingival biofilms is the trigger for the chronic immunoinflammatory lesions of periodontitis. These microbial biofilms interface with host immune cells that increase with progressing disease and could result in HIV reactivation in HIV-1-infected patients. Previous reports have focused on the ability of monospecies challenge of macrophages and dendritic cells to detail molecular aspects of their detection and signalling pathways. This study provides a seminal description of the responses of macrophages and dendritic cells to a polybacterial challenge using various oral bacteria as prototype stimuli to examine these response characteristics. The investigation employed a model of HIV-promoter activation and reactivation of HIV viral replication. Oral Gram-negative bacteria elicited significantly greater levels of HIV promoter activation and viral replication from all cell types, compared with Gram-positive bacteria. Selected combinations of oral Gram-negative bacteria elicited synergistic HIV promoter activation and viral replication in macrophages and immature dendritic cells. In mature dendritic cells, there was no synergism in HIV promoter activation and viral replication. Gram-positive bacteria showed no synergism in any cell model. These findings support the importance of determining the characteristics and impact of polybacterial challenges on immune cells to clarify the potential immune recognition and antigen processing that can occur in the oral cavity.
Adrenal pheochromocytoma and leiomyoma of the jejunum; vascular changes associated with pheochromocytoma.

Abstract A case in which the patient had both a pheochromocytoma of the adrenal gland and a leiomyoma of the jejunum has been reported. A similar case has not been encountered in the literature. The case was also interesting because of the unusual vascular changes which were secondary to the hypertension, a manifestation of the pheochromocytoma.
A General Approach for Modules Identification in Evolving Networks

Most complex networks exhibit a network modular property that is nodes within a network module are more densely connected among each other than with the rest of the network. Identifying network modules can help deeply understand the structures and functions of a network as well as design a robust system with minimum costs. Although there are several algorithms identifying the modules in literature, none can adaptively update modules in evolving networks without recomputing the modules from scratch. In this chapter, we introduce a general approach to efficiently detect and trace the evolution of modules in an evolving network. Our solution can identify the modules of each network snapshot based on the modules of previous snapshots, thus dynamically updating these modules. Moreover, we also provide a network compact representation which significantly reduces the size of the network, thereby minimizing the running time of any existing algorithm on the modules identification.
Subtilisin Amylosacchariticus II. ISOLATION AND SEQUENCE OF THE TRYPTIC AND CYANOGEN BROMIDE PEPTIDES

Abstract The denatured, diisopropylphosphoryl derivative of subtilisin Amylosacchariticus, after digestion with trypsin, yielded 11 of the 13 expected tryptic peptides, accounting for 257 of the 275 residues in the protein. All five expected fragments obtained after cyanogen bromide cleavage were isolated in pure form. Sequence studies are described for some of the tryptic and cyanogen bromide peptides.
Program Transformation and Rewriting

We present a basis for program transformation using term rewriting tools. A specification is expressed hierarchically by successive enrichments as a signature and a set of equations. A term can be computed by rewriting. Transformations come from applying a partial unfailing completion procedure to the original set of equations augmented by inductive theorems and a definition of a new function symbol following diverse heuristics. Moreover, the system must provide tools to prove inductive properties; to verify that enrichment produces neither junk nor confusion; and to check for ground confluence and termination. These properties are related to the correctness of the transformation.