cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Coexpression of type 2 immune targets in sputum-derived epithelial and dendritic cells from asthmatic subjects

Background Noninvasive sputum sampling has enabled the identification of biomarkers in asthmatic patients. Studies of discrete cell populations in sputum can enhance measurements compared with whole sputum in which changes in rare cells and cell-cell interactions can be masked. Objective We sought to enrich for sputum-derived human bronchial epithelial cells (sHBECs) and sputum-derived myeloid type 1 dendritic cells (sDCs) to describe transcriptional coexpression of targets associated with a type 2 immune response. Methods A case-control study was conducted with patients with mild asthma (asthmatic cases) and healthy control subjects. Induced sputum was obtained for simultaneous enrichment of sHBECs and sDCs by using flow cytometry. Quantitative PCR was used to measure mRNA for sHBEC thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) , IL33 , POSTN , and IL25 and downstream targets in sDCs (OX40 ligand [OX40L] , CCL17 , PPP1R14A , CD1E , CD1b , CD80 , and CD86 ). Results Final analyses for the study sample were based on 11 control subjects and 13 asthmatic cases. Expression of TSLP , IL33 , and POSTN mRNA was increased in sHBECs in asthmatic cases ( P = .001, P = .05, and P = .04, respectively). Expression of sDC OX40L and CCL17 mRNA was increased in asthmatic cases ( P = .003 and P = .0001, respectively). sHBEC TSLP mRNA expression was strongly associated with sDC OX40L mRNA expression ( R = 0.65, P = .001) and less strongly with sDC CCL17 mRNA expression. sHBEC IL33 mRNA expression was associated with sDC OX40L mRNA expression ( R = 0.42, P = .04) but not sDC CCL17 mRNA expression. Conclusions Noninvasive sampling and enrichment of select cell populations from sputum can further our understanding of cell-cell interactions in asthmatic patients with the potential to enhance endotyping of asthmatic patients.
Steroid Hormone Modulation of RET Through Two Estrogen Responsive Enhancers in Breast Cancer

RET, a gene causatively mutated in Hirschsprung disease and cancer, has recently been implicated in breast cancer estrogen (E2) independence and tamoxifen resistance. RET displays both E2 and retinoic acid (RA)-dependent transcriptional modulation in E2-responsive breast cancers. However, the regulatory elements through which the steroid hormone transcriptional regulation of RET is mediated are poorly defined. Recent genome-wide chromatin immunoprecipitation-based studies have identified 10 putative E2 receptor-alpha (ESR1) and RA receptor alpha-binding sites at the RET locus, of which we demonstrate only two (RET -49.8 and RET +32.8) display significant E2 regulatory response when assayed independently in MCF-7 breast cancer cells. We demonstrate that endogenous RET expression and RET -49.8 regulatory activity are cooperatively regulated by E2 and RA in breast cancer cells. We identify key sequences that are required for RET -49.8 and RET +32.8 E2 responsiveness, including motifs known to be bound by ESR1, FOXA1 and TFAP2C. We also report that both RET -49.8 regulatory activity and endogenous RET expression are completely dependent on ESR1 for their (E2)-induction and that ESR1 is sufficient to mediate the E2-induced enhancer activity of RET -49.8 and RET +32.8. Finally, using zebrafish transgenesis, we also demonstrate that RET -49.8 directs reporter expression in the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system consistent with the endogenous ret expression. Taken collectively, these data suggest that RET transcription in breast cancer cells is modulated by E2 via ESR1 acting on multiple elements collectively.
A middle Paleocene paleomagnetic pole from the Nacimiento Formation, San Juan Basin, New Mexico

Paleomagnetic data from 104 sites (3 samples per site) in terrestrial sedimentary rocks of the Nacimiento Formation in the San Juan Basin were analyzed to determine a paleomagnetic pole for middle Paleocene time. Alternating-field demagnetization to 300-Oe peak field was sufficient to erase secondary viscous components. The mean direction of magnetization (inclination = 51.3°, declination = 343.9°) was calculated by averaging the site mean directions for the 42 normal polarity sites along with the antipoles of the site means of the 62 reversed polarity sites. The middle Paleocene pole position is at lat 75.9°N, long 147.7°E (δp = 2.7°, δm = 4.1°). The revised apparent polar wander path for North America shows a sharp turn for Late Cretaceous time that correlates with the onset of the Laramide orogeny.
Plasmonic nanocavity arrays for enhanced efficiency in organic photovoltaic cells

Photovoltaic cells suffer an efficiency trade-off: thicker cells absorb more light, but the photo-generated excitons may recombine before dissociation, limiting the photo-current. With subwavelength confinement of the incident light, plasmonic nanocavities can overcome this limitation.
Cultural barriers in the counseling relationship

Cultural barriers in the counseling relationship are the counselor's and client's reciprocal racial attitudes, counselor's ignorance of client's background, language barrier of poor people in general, client's lack of familiarity with counseling, the Negro's reservation about self-disclosure, and the sex and race taboo. The article suggests in-service and preservice training designed to help counselors examine their attitudes toward the culturally different and expose them directly to the culture of their clients.
Decision tree based information integration for automated protein classification.

We propose a novel technique for automatically generating the SCOP classification of a protein structure with high accuracy. We achieve accurate classification by combining the decisions of multiple methods using the consensus of a committee (or an ensemble) classifier. Our technique, based on decision trees, is rooted in machine learning which shows that by judicially employing component classifiers, an ensemble classifier can be constructed to outperform its components. We use two sequence- and three structure-comparison tools as component classifiers. Given a protein structure and using the joint hypothesis, we first determine if the protein belongs to an existing category (family, superfamily, fold) in the SCOP hierarchy. For the proteins that are predicted as members of the existing categories, we compute their family-, superfamily-, andfold-level classifications using the consensus classifier. We show that we can significantly improve the classification accuracy compared to the individual component classifiers. In particular, we achieve error rates that are 3–12 times less than the individual classifiers' error rates at the family level, 1.5–4.5 times less at the superfamily level, and 1.1–2.4 times less at the fold level.
A Region within the RAP74 Subunit of Human Transcription Factor IIF Is Critical for Initiation but Dispensable for Complex Assembly

Human transcription factor IIF (TFIIF) is an alpha(2)beta(2) heterotetramer of RNA polymerase II-associating 74 (RAP74) and RAP30 subunits. Mutagenic analysis shows that the N-terminal region of RAP74 between L155 (leucine at codon 155) and M177 is important for initiation. Mutants in this region have reduced activity in transcription, but none are inactive. Single amino acid substitutions at hydrophobic residues L155, W164, I176, and M177 have similar activity to RAP74(1-158), from which all but three amino acids of this region are deleted. Residual activity can be explained because each of these mutants forms a complex with RAP30 and recruits RNA polymerase II into the preinitiation complex. Mutants are defective for formation of the first phosphodiester bond from the adenovirus major late promoter but do not appear to have an additional significant defect in promoter escape. Negative DNA supercoiling partially compensates for the defects of TFIIF mutants in initiation, indicating that TFIIF may help to untwist the DNA helix for initiation.
The Sustained Attention to Response Task (SART) Does Not Promote Mindlessness During Vigilance Performance

Objective: In this study, we evaluated the validity of the Sustained Attention to Response Task (SART) as a means for promoting mindlessness in vigilance performance. Background: Vigilance tasks typically require observers to respond to critical signals and to withhold responding to neutral events. The SART features the opposite response requirements, which supposedly leads it to promote a mindless, nonthoughtful approach to the vigilance task. To test that notion, we compared the SART to the traditional vigilance format (TVF) in terms of diagnostic accuracy assessed through decision theory measures of positive and negative predictive power (PPP and NPP), perceived mental workload indexed by the Multiple Resource Questionnaire, and oculomotor activity reflected in the Nearest Neighbor Index and fixation dwell times. Method: Observers in TVF and SART conditions monitored a video display for collision flight paths in a simulated air traffic control task. Results: Diagnostic accuracy in terms of NPP was high in both format conditions. While PPP was poorer in the SART than in the TVF, that result could be accounted for by a loss of motor control rather than a lack of mindfulness. Identical high levels of workload were generated by the TVF and SART tasks, and observers in both conditions showed similar dynamic scanning of the visual scene. Conclusion: The data indicate that the SART is not an engine of mindlessness. Application: The results challenge the widespread use of the SART to support a model in which mindlessness is considered to be the principal root of detection failures in vigilance.
Becoming American or becoming Indian? NAGPRA, Kennewick and cultural affiliation

Magistrate John Jelderks’ opinion in August 2002, that Kennewick Man is not Native American under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), will likely have farreaching impacts on the relationship between American Indians and American archaeologists. More than a legal decision, the opinion also points to the inadequacies of NAGPRA. The following article looks at some of the political implications of the judge’s decision and the most recent crack in the fragile peace between archaeologists and North America’s indigenous people and discusses some of the shortcomings and ambiguities of NAGPRA.
An Empirical Analysis of a Skill-Based Pay Program and Plant Performance Outcomes

Despite the documented increase in skill-based pay programs in organizations, little evidence exists on whether these plans achieve the results intended. Using time series data, this study examined...
A machine learning-based algorithm for processing massive data collected from the mechanical components of movable bridges

This paper presents a machine learning algorithm for processing of massive data collected from the mechanical components of movable bridges. The proposed approach consists of training and monitoring phases. The training phase was focused on the extracting statistical features and conducting cross correlation analysis (CCA) and robust regression analysis (RRA). The monitoring phase included tracking of errors associated with the derived models. The main goal was to analyze the efficiency of the developed system for health monitoring of the bridge mechanical components such as gearbox, motor and rack and pinion. To this aim, Sunrise Movable Bridge in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida was selected and instrumented. A comprehensive database was collected from the sensors installed on the mechanical and structural components of the Sunrise Bridge for about 4 years. The collected data were utilized to assess the performance of the algorithm under baseline and different common damage scenarios. Based on the results, the proposed health monitoring system has a satisfactory performance for the detection of the damage scenarios caused by leakage and lack of sufficient oil in gearbox, as well as bolt removal from rack and pinion. The introduced algorithm can be regarded as a valuable tool for the management and interpretation of the massive (big) data collected for structural health monitoring (SHM) of movable bridges.
EVIDENCE FOR POLLINATION ECOTYPES IN THE YELLOW-FRINGED ORCHID, PLATANTHERA CILIARIS.

Platanthera ciliaris is a butterfly-pollinated, terrestrial orchid with a loose terminal raceme of 10-50 orange flowers, characterized by a long nectariferous spur. In the southeastern United States, P. ciliaris occurs in the Appalachian mountains and coastal-plain physiographic provinces, but it is found rarely in the intervening Piedmont. In 1983 and 1984, detailed observations of two populations within these disjunct areas revealed that the butterfly species that serve as the primary pollinators differ sharply. In the mountains, Papilio troilus (spicebush swallowtail) was the most frequent and effective visitor, whereas in the coastal plain, P. palamedes (palamedes swallowtail) was the predominant pollinator. Proboscis lengths of P. troilus (mean = 23.3 mm) were significantly shorter than those of P. palamedes (mean = 28.7 mm). Floral characters, most notably spur length, also differed significantly between mountain (mean = 23.8 mm) and coastal-plain (mean = 25.6 mm) plants. In both 1983 and 1984, levels of pollinator service, as assessed by rates of removal and insertion of pollinia, were higher in the mountains (0.81 and 0.86) than in the coastal plain (0.63 and 0.67). In addition, fruit-set was significantly greater in mountain (83.9% in 1983, 86.5% in 1984) than in coastal-plain (63.8% in 1983, 65.5% in 1984) populations. We hypothesize that selection pressure exerted through pollinator proboscis lengths has resulted in pollination ecotypes of P. ciliaris. The short-spurred mountain plants appear to be in equilibrium with their short-tongued butterfly pollinators, receiving high levels of effective pollination and achieving high levels of fruit-set. Coastal-plain plants produce flowers with longer spurs which, nevertheless, are shorter than optimal for insuring that very long-tongued butterflies make contact with their pollinia. Thus, effective pollinator service and fruit-set are reduced. Correlation analyses in 1984 showed a positive relationship between spur length and fruit-set only in the coastal plain. The presence of long-tongued nectar thieves in the coastal plain may also contribute to lower effective pollinator service and fruit-set. Results of reciprocal-transplant studies attempting to determine the genetic basis of floral characters, including spur length, were inconclusive but suggest that differences between mountain and coastal-plain plants are not due solely to phenotypic plasticity.
Radiative recombination in hydrogenated amorphous silicon

Hydrogenated amorphous silicon exhibits efficient optical transitions across a gap larger than that of crystalline Si. Hydrogen passivates the dangling bonds and endows the material with a reduced number of non-radiative recombination centers. A gap widening has been observed in other hydrogenated semiconductors.
Cell Cycle Dynamics of Antibody Formation in Hybridomas

The effect of lactate on cell growth, cell cycle distributions, and intracellular antibody content distributions during batch cultivation of a mouse hybridoma was investigated. The specific growth rate was reduced by 30% relative to a control culture when the initial lactic acid concentration was 18 mM and by 40% when the initial lactic acid concentration was 33 mM. Elevated lactic acid concentrations caused no significant reduction of viability during the exponential phase of growth. All cultures achieved balanced growth during the exponential phase. Intracellular antibody content frequency distributions and DNA content frequency distributions were the same for all cultures during balanced growth indicating that although lactate reduces the specific growth rate of a culture, it effects all cells throughout the cell cycle in a similar manner.
Administration of probiotic kefir to mice with Clostridium difficile infection exacerbates disease

Abstract Lifeway® kefir, a fermented milk product containing 12 probiotic organisms, is reported to show promise as an alternative to fecal microbiota transplantation for recurrent Clostridium difficile infection (CDI). We employed a murine CDI model to study the probiotic protective mechanisms and unexpectedly determined that kefir drastically increased disease severity. Our results emphasize the need for further independent clinical testing of kefir as alternative therapy in recurrent CDI.
Protein folds: Current Opinion in Structural Biology 1992, 2:248–256

Abstract Important recent theoretical studies of proteins have aimed to provide fewer details and more global descriptions of protein folds. Several newer theoretical approaches attempt to achieve correct overall folds at less than atomic detail. Atomic structures based on these fold skletons can presumably be completed, as has been adequately demonstrated for C α coordinates. A rapid evaluation of large numbers of low-resolution fold patterns is possible by using pairwise hydrophobicities. Such lower-resolution methods are needed to model larger biological assemblies. Experimental screening of sequences by cassette mutagenesis or other similar approaches can permit a rapid cataloging of viable sequences. Also, the screening of sequences by calculation against a library of known structures has been demonstrated to be an important general method. To supplement an incomplete library of structures, however, large numbers of folded conformations could be generated by computer.
Practice and experience of the night-shift nurses permission system

Objective: To guarantee the night-shift nurses’ ability to work indepen- dently and improve the safety of nursing services. Methods: 43 nurses in our hospital were recruited into the secondary nurse practitioners access system—the Night-shift Nurses Permission System. Results: The independent ability of night-shift nurses was enhanced. There were no complaints and nursing mistakes in the night-shift work. The quality and the safety of nursing work were increased. Conclusion: The enforcement of the Night-shift Nurses Permission System could strengthen law practice, ensure the nurses to achieve the professional technique needed during the night-shift work, guar- antee the safety and quality of nursing work and prevent the medical dispute.
Structural requirements for enhancement of EGF-dependent DNA synthesis by oxygenated metabolites of linoleic acid.

Epidemiological and animal model studies suggest a link between high dietary fat intake and the etiology of colon and breast cancer (1,2). In particular, linoleic acid, as the major polyunsaturated fatty acid consumed by humans, enhances tumorigenesis in several model systems (3–5). Our previous work suggests a role for specific oxygenated metabolites of linoleic acid in modulating cell proliferation and/or transformation (6,7). In Syrian hamster embryo (SHE) fibroblasts, we observed potentiation of epidermal growth factor (EGF)-dependent mitogenesis by 13-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid (HODE), the primary linoleate metabolite formed in these cells. The mechanism of action by which linoleate derivatives enhance EGF-regulated [3H]thymidine incorporation has not been established. As an initial approach to investigate this area, we examined the structural characteristics of bioactive lipid compounds related to stimulation of DNA synthesis in SHE cells.
Subgroups of γA Immune Globulins.

SummaryThree γA myeloma proteins were encountered which were very similar but differed markedly in antigenic properties from the bulk of γA proteins. Several antisera from rabbits as well as primates served to distinguish these proteins as belonging to a well denned subgroup. The distinguishing characteristics were shown to be properties of the heavy chains. A general but not absolute relationship to electrophoretic mobility was demonstrated.Addendum. Exchange of γA proteins with Drs. Vaerman and Her emails and also with Drs. Feinstein and Franklin indicate that these two groups of workers have also observed the same subgroups.The authors are indebted to Dr. Thomas B. Tomasi for isolated γA proteins from salica, colostrum and ascitic fluid as well as for certain γA myeloma proteins and to Drs. R. S. Beckett and C. Rankin for a number of the γA myeloma sera.
Adaptive Water Governance: Integrating the Human Dimensions into Water Resource Governance

The command-and-control paradigm of water resource management that dominated 20th century water policy has resulted in vulnerabilities due to its inadequate consideration of the human dimensions as well as its failure to prioritize the need for learning and adapting to change and uncertainties. In response to these shortfalls, recent years have seen the emergence of alternative water policy frameworks, notably integrated water resource management (IWRM) and adaptive management. However, while IWRM broadens the planning goals and scope of water resource governance through integration and coordination across scales and sectors, it does not adequately emphasize learning to deal with uncertainty. On the other hand, adaptive management emphasizes the need to prioritize learning to deal with uncertainty in resource management through monitoring and experimentation, but places less emphasis on the human dimensions required for its successful implementation. This paper discusses adaptive water governance – collaborative, flexible, and learning-based institutions that connect state and non-state actors across multiple levels for ecosystem-based management of land and water resources – as a promising institutional mechanism for integrating the human dimensions into water resource governance while building the capacity of water resource systems to learn and adapt to change. The paper highlights four attributes of adaptive water governance: (1) reintegrating humans into nature; (2) integrating diverse sources and types of knowledge; (3) promoting adaptive and integrative management goals; and (4) using polycentric institutions and analytic deliberation processes. Through these mechanisms, adaptive governance can contribute to sustainability, good governance, conflict management, and social-ecological resilience in water resource systems.
MEMS Sensors and Actuators

Over the past 30 years, significant progress has been made in the fields of Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS). Originally, the term MEMS was used in the United States to signify electromechanical sensors and actuators that are based on semiconductors. In Europe, the same technology was referred to as “Microsystem Technology,” while in Japan the term micromechatronics was used. Today, the term MEMS refers to all devices, sensors, and actuators that have dimensions in the micrometer range, whether based on semiconductors or other materials such as glass and metals. In this chapter a brief review of the history is provided followed by future trends in the Micro-electro-mechanical Systems (MEMS) industry. We further present materials that are commonly used in the fabrication of MEMS sensors and actuators and we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each material. Finally, the different types, applications, and recent technologies in MEMS sensors and actuators constitute the core of this chapter.
London dispersion forces in sterically crowded inorganic and organometallic molecules

London dispersion forces are the weakest component of Van der Waals interactions. They arise from attractions between instantaneously induced dipoles on neighbouring atoms. Their relative weakness, in particular for light atoms, such as hydrogen, has led to their importance being largely ignored in discussions of molecular stability and reactivity. This Review highlights the influence of these attractive forces — usually between C–H moieties in ancillary ligands — on the physical and chemical properties of organometallic and inorganic molecules. We feature recent examples of organic species that have informed current thinking and follow with a discussion of several prominent inorganic and organometallic complexes wherein dispersion forces have been explicitly identified or calculated. These forces strongly influence the behaviour of such complexes and often have a defining structural role. Attention is also drawn to several compounds in which significant attractive dispersion forces are probably present but have not been investigated. Despite its relative weakness, the London dispersion force can strongly influence physical and chemical properties of molecules. This Review highlights how structure and reactivity of organometallic and inorganic molecules are greatly affected by the cumulative effect of this force.
Beaver Loggers: Beaver Herbivory Alters Forest Structure

Beavers engineer forests by cutting trees for dam construction and winter forage. Beavers are the only North American animal besides humans that can fell mature trees. Our studies at Kabetogama and Duluth, Minnesota confirmed beavers’ preference for trembling aspen, Populus tremuloides. Near the Duluth beaver ponds, beavers traveled more than twice as far to obtain trembling aspen as they did to obtain speckled alder (Alnus incana), a species which they avoided relative to its abundance in the riparian zone. We analyzed several boreal tree species for secondary metabolites that might make them unpalatable to beavers. Mature trembling aspen twigs had lower concentrations of phenolics in comparison to most other common boreal tree species, including its sibling, Populus balsamifera. The compounds tested did not explain beaver avoidance of speckled alder, however. Selective foraging by beavers within 50 m of their pond edges significantly decreased forest stem density and altered tree species composition, creating a “bathtub ring” of avoided conifers (Abies balsamea, Picea glauca) around the pond that was confirmed by GIS analysis of a forest cover map of the Kabetogama Peninsula.
Abstract 16050: Regional System to Optimize Door-to-Balloon Times in Patients Transferred for Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

INTRO: Rapid reperfusion for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is often delayed in patients transferred for primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We report our institutional results comparing hospitals that did or did not participate in a program aimed at improving system door-to-balloon (D2B) times. METHOD: The rapid STEMI transfer program was a collaborative effort between Emergency Medicine, local EMS, and Cardiology. This initiative focused on rapid diagnosis, initiation of transfer by referring ED, streamlining EMS transport, and optimization in cath lab. Transfers from 10 participating and 17 non-participating hospitals to UPMC-Presbyterian Hospital from May 2011 thru May 2012 after the initiation of the rapid STEMI protocol were compared to transfers between January 2009 and April 2011, before the program was in place. RESULT: Prior to implementation, 112 patients were transferred for primary PCI, 72% from participating hospitals, with 59% from greater than 50 miles. Afterwards, 72 patients were transferred, 79% from participating hospitals, with 47% from greater than 50 miles. D2B times decreased significantly for participating hospitals after program implementation [table1]. Transfer process was divided into door-in to door-out at referring hospital (DIDO), transport time, and arrival at PCI site to balloon/aspiration. At participating hospitals, largest impact was improving DIDO (77 to 49 min, p CONCLUSION: Initiation of a rapid regional transfer program significantly improved D2B times, even in the first year of implementation. The greatest savings occurred through process improvements at the referring facility. Our results emphasize the importance of a pre-defined rapid transfer system at community hospitals.
Structural basis for backbone N-methylation by an interrupted adenylation domain.

Interrupted adenylation domains are enigmatic fusions, in which one enzyme is inserted into another to form a highly unusual bifunctional enzyme. We present the first crystal structure of an interrupted adenylation domain that reveals a unique embedded methyltransferase. The structure and functional data provide insight into how these enzymes N-methylate amino acid precursors en route to nonribosomal peptides. The crystal structure of a methyltransferase domain embedded within an interrupted adenylation domain provides insight into how a nonribosomal peptide synthetase N-methylates amino acid precursors for their incorporation into the peptide product.
Differences between the binding sites for iron binding and release in human and rat transferrin

Iron release from human and rat transferrin was studied using a system in which the release mediated by 2,3-diphosphoglycerate in the presence of desferrioxamine was measured by the change in absorbance at 295 nm. With both proteins iron release could be resolved into two components that represented release from the two iron binding sites at markedly different rates. The rates of iron release were directly proportional to the hydrogen ion concentrations. No difference was found between the rates of iron release from the two isotransferrins isolated from rat plasma. Measurement of the rates of iron release was used to determine at which site iron was bound after addition to the apotransferrins. When iron was added at pH 6.0, it preferentially bound to the more slowly releasing site of both species of transferrin. However, when added at pH 7.4 the iron of ferrous ammonium sulfate and ferric chloride bound equally to the two binding sites, but that of ferric nitrilotriacetate and ferric citrate bound preferentially to the slow-releasing site. Radioactive iron bound to the slow- or fast-releasing sites was taken up at similar rates by reticulocytes. It is concluded that the two sites of human and rat transferrin differ in the process of iron binding and in the rate of iron release but that this is unlikely to be of functional importance.
Ektobiology, Growth Control and Cancer

An enormous and varied amount of experimental information has shown over the years that cells’ surfaces are altered both by conditions of growth and by neoplastic transformation. Clearly, every aspect of ektobiology can change in either of such circumstances. The regulation of mammalian cell growth by external agents such as the substratum on which cells are growing, neighboring cells, nutrients, and particularly growth factors has been well established. Transport systems for nutrients as well as receptors for growth factors have been identified, and in a few cases they have been isolated. The numbers and properties of these receptors also can change under different conditions of growth and following transformation. The question remains, though, do such changes cause alterations in growth or are they simply secondary adaptations of tumorigenic primary events?
Quantum Communication Using Integrated Silicon Photonics

Silicon photonic microring resonators have made major recent improvements in high-quality entangled photon pair photon generation, with CAR < 19,000 and g2(0) < 0.006. They are now being used in prototypical quantum communication links.
Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education Self-Study for Pathology: One Institution's Experience and Lessons Learned.

Context.— The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) established a new system for accreditation of residency and fellowship programs in 2013. One key aspect of the Next Accred...
An Examination of Mindset Instruction, Self-Regulation, and Writer’s Workshop on Kindergarteners’ Writing Performance and Motivation: A Mixed-Methods Study

This convergent parallel mixed methods exploratory study used qualitative and quantitative data collected simultaneously, analyzed separately, and merged for an overarching interpretation. Kinderga...
Los discursos ideolÃ³gicos en la articulaciÃ³n de â€œla polÃ­ticaâ€ y â€œlo polÃ­ticoâ€

Ideologies structure the social field from their particular speeches. Therefore, it is important to understand how Critical Discourse Analysis (ACD) works in the social order and what the objective of its critique is. In this text, an analysis is presented from Teun Adrianus van Dijkâ€™s and Norman Faircloughâ€™s conceptions, as well as three key concepts, namely Discourse, Ideology, and Power, which are supported by Chantal Mouffeâ€™s political theory. Besides, some alternatives are addressed in order to better understand the ideologies conceived from a pluralism, where the concept of antagonism, is rescued as a condition of the political factor.
Elevated ventricular filling pressures and long-term survival in adults post-Fontan

OBJECTIVE To assess the association between elevated ventricular-end diastolic pressures (VEDP) and pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP) on long-term survival in adult Fontan patients. BACKGROUND The impact of ventricular filling pressures on long-term survival in adults post-Fontan palliation is unknown. METHODS We included 148 adult Fontan patients (age ≥ 18 years) without atrioventricular valve prosthesis or pulmonary vein stenosis undergoing arterial and venous catheterization between December 1999 and November 2017. VEDP was defined as ≥12 mmHg and PAWP as >12 mmHg based on optimal cut-offs for prediction of mortality on receiver-operator curves (AUC 0.63 and 0.66, respectively). RESULTS Mean age was 31.3 ± 9.2 years and 48.6% of patients were females. Most common congenital defects were tricuspid atresia (36.4%) and double-inlet left ventricle (28.3%); 59.5% patients had atriopulmonary Fontan connections. Mean VEDP was 11.5 ± 4.7 mmHg and PAWP 10.6 ± 4.5 mmHg (correlation coefficient .76). During a follow-up of 6.0 ± 4.8 years (median 5.4, IQR 1.4-9.4), there were 45 deaths (30.4%). Overall survival was lower in patients with VEDP ≥ 12 compared to those with VEDP 12 compared to patients with PAWP ≤ 12 mmHg (p < .0001). In the multivariate model, PAWP was an independent predictor of death (HR 1.1 per mmHg, 95% CI 1.02-1.15, p = .009) whereas VEDP was not (HR 1.1 per mmHg, 95% CI 1.0-1.13; p = .08). CONCLUSION PAWP but not VEDP was independently associated with long-term overall mortality in adult Fontan patients. Perhaps PAWP rather than VEDP should be used in the risk stratification of these patients.
Environmental accountability for tobacco product waste

In this issue of Tobacco Control, Hoek et al report on a survey of a representative sample of New Zealand smokers and non-smokers on their knowledge, attitudes and suggestions for potential interventions regarding the problem of tobacco product waste (TPW), otherwise known as cigarette butts.1 TPW is increasingly recognised by the public as the most common waste item picked up on beach and urban cleanups globally,2 and both smokers and non-smokers in Hoek’s study recognised the potential environmental toxicity of TPW. Both also held smokers primarily responsible for preventing TPW, but after receiving additional information on the non-biodegradability of filters, more responsibility was assigned by both to the tobacco industry. However, the downstream perspective on TPW environmental accountability is still widely shared by most environmental groups, governments and the general public. Some environmental organisations are even supported by the tobacco industry as part of its ‘greenwashing’ efforts,3 and these well-meaning groups spend considerable time on clean-ups and in placing butt receptacles on beaches and street corners for TPW collection. Nonetheless, these efforts make little difference in mitigating the impact of trillions of cigarette butts dumped …
Localization Failure Detection for Autonomous Mobile Robots in Crowded Environment Based on Observation Likelihood Maps Precomputed in Simulations

This paper describes a method to detect localization failure for mobile robots. In spite of advances in localization methods, mobile robots still may fail in estimating its pose due to degeneration of observations, or unexpected objects around them obstructing observations. We propose a method for mobile robots to monitor these kinds of failures and then take actions for restoring correct localization status.
A Fundamental Inconsistency in the SIR Model Structure and Proposed Remedies

Abstract The susceptible-infectious-removed (SIR) compartmental model structure and its variants are a fundamental modeling tool in epidemiology. As typically used, however, this tool may introduce an inconsistency by assuming that the rate of depletion of a compartment is proportional to the content of that compartment. As mentioned in the seminal SIR work of Kermack and McKendrick, this is an assumption of mathematical convenience rather than realism. As such, it leads to underprediction of the infectious compartment peaks by a factor of about two, a problem of particular importance when dealing with availability of resources during an epidemic. To remedy this problem, we develop the dSIR model structure, comprising a single delay differential equation and associated delay algebraic equations. We show that SIR and dSIR fully agree in assessing stability and long-term values of a population through an epidemic, but differ considerably in the exponential rates of ascent and descent as well as peak values during the epidemic. The novel Pade-SIR structure is also introduced as a approximation of dSIR by ordinary differential equations. We rigorously analyze the properties of these models and present a number of illustrative simulations, particularly in view of the recent coronavirus epidemic. Suggestions for further study are made.
Granular flow at low shear rates

Recently, there has been an explosion of interest in the physics of non-cohesive granular assemblies[1–3]. Much of this interest originated with the theory of self-organized criticality, for which sandpiles were considered a paradigm[4]. Granular assemblies are intriguing systems, rich with unusual properties such as dilatency, arching, bistability, and thixotropy. These properties conspire to create a complex, nonlinear dynamics with numerous instabilities. Examples include density waves in hopper flows[2], convection and other spatio-temporal patterns in sand under vertical vibrations[3], and stick-slip motion in shear flows[5–6].
Reciprocity between doctoral students' emerging professional identity and their envisionment of a possible future self in real and imagined communities of practice

Abstract This study was an investigation of how educational psychology doctoral students built their professional identity throughout their graduate studies by calling upon the power of their envisioned future possible self as grounded in their local context as well as the broader intellectual field. In a qualitative study that used staggered developmental enrollment of 34 participants, 20 students, 10 from practice-oriented and 10 from research-oriented programs, became focal participants who were observed and interviewed as they faced the important mandatory requirements (qualifying process, dissertation proposal and final oral defense, internship application) of their degree plans. Grounded theory analysis resulted in a model of a central phenomenon, an emerging professional identity, that coalesced through reciprocal interactions with four sub-processes: evaluating the congruence between past and current identities, developing disciplinary knowledge and skills, envisioning a possible future self, and imagining one's self in a community of practice. By focusing on how graduate students build a new professional identity, this study contributes to the literature in that it provides a theoretically-informed understanding of the longitudinal process by which identity, including one's professional identity, is constructed.
Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP): a disorder of osteochondrogenesis

Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) is an ultra-rare genetic disorder of extraskeletal bone formation, but could appropriately be viewed as a seminal disorder of osteochondrogenesis. Many, if not most, of the musculoskeletal features of FOP are related to dysregulated chondrogenesis including abnormal articular cartilage formation, abnormal diarthrodial joint specification, growth plate dysplasia, osteochondroma formation, heterotopic endochondral ossification (HEO), and precocious arthropathy. In FOP, causative activating mutations of Activin receptor A type I (ACVR1), a bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) type I receptor, are responsible for the osteochondrodysplasia that impacts developmental phenotypes as well as postnatal features of this illustrative disorder. Here, we highlight the myriad developmental and postnatal effects on osteochondrogenesis that emanate directly from mutant ACVR1 and dysregulated bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling in FOP.
Protein kinase inhibitors for the treatment of prostate cancer.

Introduction Protein kinases have emerged as targetable pathways used in metastatic prostate cancer given their role in prostatic tumor growth, proliferation and metastases. Protein kinase inhibitors are small molecules that target varying pathways including the breakpoint cluster region (BCR)-Abelson tyrosine kinase (ABL), colony stimulating factor-1 receptor (CSF1R), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)/VEGF receptor (VEGFR) and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) pathways and have been studied in prostate cancer trials with variable results. In particular, cabozantinib when used in combination trials and ipatasertib, when used with abiraterone in patients who harbor phosphatase and tensin homologue (PTEN) loss, have been promising. Areas covered This article reviews the key early and late phase clinical trials currently investigating the use of protein kinase inhibitors in prostate cancer. Expert opinion While multiple kinase inhibitors show promising results in prostate cancer, none have yet garnered Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval. Studies are ongoing with the best candidate drugs discussed herein. However, multiple drugs have failed primary endpoints in prostate cancer. Therefore, further understanding of the potential mechanisms of resistance, combination and trial design of combination therapy may help pave the way for targeting kinase inhibition in prostate cancer.
Utilizing Drones to Restore and Maintain Radio Communication During Search and Rescue Operations.

Introduction The ability of rescuers to maintain contact with incident command (IC) and each other is a critical component of search and rescue (SAR) operations. When rescuers lose radio communication with operation leaders, the effectiveness of operations may be substantially affected. This often occurs owing to the limitations of standard communications equipment in difficult terrain or when victims are beyond line-of-sight. This study investigates the viability of using an aerial drone-repeater system configuration to restore and maintain radio communications between IC and deployed rescuers. Methods SAR operators in Southern Utah identified 10 areas where radio communication is compromised during live rescue operations. Trained SAR personnel were deployed to these areas in a mock exercise. After confirmed loss of communication, a repeater-equipped aerial drone was piloted 122 m above IC to restore communication. Once restored, communication was assessed at regular intervals for the duration of the mock deployment. Results In all 10 areas tested, communication was successfully restored. In all cases, once communication was restored, no additional loss of radio contact occurred. The time between communication loss and restoration across the 10 scenarios was 6.5±1.1 (4.4–9.3) min (mean±SD with range). Conclusions This method of restoring radio communication among SAR personnel could drastically improve the ability to assist victims and help mitigate the risks faced by rescuers. SAR leaders should be made aware of the useful applications of drones during SAR operations, especially in instances where communication is compromised.
Human Rights Crisis in Tigray Region of Ethiopia: The Extent of International Intervention and PM Abiy Ahmed’s Denial of Humanitarian Access into the Region.

The human rights crisis in the Tigray region of Ethiopia has grown out of a disagreement between central and regional governments. Even though the immediate causes were related to the discrepancy between Abiy Ahmed's push toward election postponement and new party aka Prosperity Party formation. The root causes go beyond that. The country has been in violent political chaos since it was formed as an imperial state. The ideological difference has got deep. The Abiy’s move toward unifying the country was not appreciated by many including Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). It is “the war of vision” between pan-Ethiopians and multi-nation structured Ethiopia as some say. When Abiy established the "prosperity party", it seems he wants to bring the old Ethiopia as some call it "glorious Ethiopia" which is aimed at by unionists. The major ethnicities, their languages, cultures, identities, economic and political representations have not been reflected in such Ethiopia. Diverse ethnicities have been forcefully marginalized, subjugated, and assimilated to accept the system that does not represent them. The problem starts there. It led to non-ending violence's in the country. The current violence and human rights crisis in Tigray and across the country are partially grown out of such problems. This paper mainly focused on violence in the Tigray region, the root causes, Abiy Ahmed's political move that causes and turned into civil war, violence, death of thousands, massacres, mass rape, IDPs, refugee crisis, and human rights violation across the country. The discussion starts with a basic historical overview of empire formation, ethnic-based struggles, challenges to federalism, and the way forward. I have forwarded the recommendations that may be considered.
A Third Dose of SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Increases Neutralizing Antibodies Against Variants of Concern in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients

Vaccine-induced SARS-CoV-2 antibody responses are attenuated in solid organ transplant recipients (SOTRs) and breakthrough infections are more common. Additional SARS-CoV-2 vaccine doses increase anti-spike IgG in some SOTRs, but it is uncertain whether neutralization of variants of concern (VOCs) is enhanced. We tested 47 SOTRs for clinical and research anti-spike IgG, pseudoneutralization (ACE2 blocking), and live-virus neutralization (nAb) against VOCs before and after a third SARS-CoV-2 vaccine dose (70% mRNA, 30% Ad26.COV2.S) with comparison to 15 healthy controls after two mRNA vaccine doses. We used correlation analysis to compare anti-spike IgG assays and focused on thresholds associated with neutralizing activity. A third SARS-CoV-2 vaccine dose increased median anti-spike (1.6-fold) and receptor-binding domain (1.5-fold) IgG, as well as pseudoneutralization against VOCs (2.5-fold versus Delta). However, IgG and neutralization activity were significantly lower than healthy controls (p 4 AU on the clinical assay and >10^4 AU on the research assay. These findings highlight benefits of a third vaccine dose for some SOTRs and the need for alternative strategies to improve protection in a significant subset of this population.
Awareness, diagnosis and treatment of heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH) - Results of a US national survey.

Background HeFH is a common inherited disorder that leads to markedly elevated LDL-cholesterol from birth and premature cardiovascular disease. HeFH is frequently underdiagnosed and undertreated. Objective To compare how well primary care physicians and cardiologists recognize and treat HeFH. Methods The National Lipid Association surveyed 500 primary care physicians and 500 cardiologists in the US who have patients with baseline LDL-cholesterol ≥ 190 mg/dL. The survey was conducted between August 29 and September 30, 2019. Results For a hypothetical case of HeFH, 57% of cardiologists versus 43% of primary care physicians made the correct diagnosis (P Conclusion Although cardiologists compared to primary care physicians are somewhat more likely to recognize and treat HeFH patients according to guidelines, both physician specialties do not adequately recognize or treat HeFH. There is a need for more education and training in recognizing and treating HeFH, greater access to lipid specialists, and fewer barriers for PCSK9 inhibitor use.