cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reactions of Rh-positive red cells with anti-Rh sera and with Rh antibody fractions separated on DEAE-cellulose.

Three anti-Rho(D) sera containing different proportions of complete and incomplete antibody were fractionated by column chromatography on DEAE-cellulose using a single, continuous gradient. Incomplete antibody separated from the column at conditions of higher pH and lower ionic strength than those required for the elution of the complete antibody. The widths of the active regions in the elution patterns were dependent on the titers of the sera fractionated and the reactivities of the cells used for testing. Agglutination, absorption and elution tests with unfractionated sera confirmed the greater reactivity of cells compared with cells of other Rh genotypes.
Determination of high frequency package currents from near-field scan data

Integrated circuits (ICs) are often a significant source of radiated energy from electronic systems. Near-field magnetic scanning is an effective tool for measuring the current distribution in IC packages and investigating chip-level EMI problems. This paper discusses analysis of near-magnetic field scan data using tangential and normal field measurements. Results show that combining near-field scan results from probes with multiple orientations is an effective way to identify the current paths in IC packages.
The Rho kinase Rock2b establishes anteroposterior asymmetry of the ciliated Kupffer's vesicle in zebrafish

The vertebrate body plan features a consistent left-right (LR) asymmetry of internal organs. In several vertebrate embryos, motile cilia generate an asymmetric fluid flow that is necessary for normal LR development. However, the mechanisms involved in orienting LR asymmetric flow with previously established anteroposterior (AP) and dorsoventral (DV) axes remain poorly understood. In zebrafish, asymmetric flow is generated in Kupffer's vesicle (KV). The cellular architecture of KV is asymmetric along the AP axis, with more ciliated cells densely packed into the anterior region. Here, we identify a Rho kinase gene, rock2b , which is required for normal AP patterning of KV and subsequent LR development in the embryo. Antisense depletion of rock2b in the whole embryo or specifically in the KV cell lineage perturbed asymmetric gene expression in lateral plate mesoderm and disrupted organ LR asymmetries. Analyses of KV architecture demonstrated that rock2b knockdown altered the AP placement of ciliated cells without affecting cilia number or length. In control embryos, leftward flow across the anterior pole of KV was stronger than rightward flow at the posterior end, correlating with the normal AP asymmetric distribution of ciliated cells. By contrast, rock2b knockdown embryos with AP patterning defects in KV exhibited randomized flow direction and equal flow velocities in the anterior and posterior regions. Live imaging of Tg ( dusp6:memGFP ) pt19 transgenic embryos that express GFP in KV cells revealed that rock2b regulates KV cell morphology. Our results suggest a link between AP patterning of the ciliated Kupffer's vesicle and LR patterning of the zebrafish embryo.
The internet user profile of Italian families of patients with rare diseases: a web survey

The use of the Internet for searching and sharing health information and for health care interactions may have a great potential for families of children affected with rare diseases. We conducted an online survey among Italian families of patients with rare diseases with the objective to describe their Internet user profile, and to explore how Internet use affects their health decisions. All members of UNIAMIO FIMR, a federation of associations of patients with rare diseases, were invited via mail to participate in an online questionnaire including questions on socio-demographic and clinical information, Internet use with a specific focus on health, and impact of web information on health behaviors. Logistic regression models were used to explore the effect of socio-demographic variables and Internet user profile on dependent variables representing the impact of web information on health behaviors. Multiple imputation by chained equations was applied. A total of 516 parents of patients with rare diseases completed the online questionnaire. Mean age was 43 years. 87% of respondents accessed the Internet daily, 40% through their smartphones. 99% had an email account, 71% had a Facebook account. 66% participate in an online forum on health. 99% searched for information on disease characteristics, 93% on therapy, 89% on diagnosis, 63% on alternative therapies, 62% on nutrition and 54% on future pregnancies. 82% stated that web information increased comprehension of the disease, 65% that it improved management of the disease. For 52% web information increased his or her anxiety. 62% recognized diagnosis, 69% discussed online information with their physician. People participating in forums more frequently stated that Internet information was useful for recognizing their child’s disease (OR 1.68; 95%CI 1.08-2.63) and for improving its management (OR 1.77; 95%CI 1.11-2.81). Italian parents of patients with rare diseases are active Internet users, engaged in information search and in online communities. Physicians, health care facilities and health agencies have a great opportunity to engage in online interactions for empowering families of patients of children affected with rare diseases.
Stimulation of adenylosuccinate synthetase by thyroid hormones in vitro.

Adenylosuccinate synthetase catalyzes the first step in the conversion of inosine- 5′-phosphate to adenosine-5′-phosphate (AMP). The enzyme was partially purified from rat liver and the effect of thyroid hormones on its activity was studied. At a concentration of 2.5 × 10−9m, 3,5,3′-triiodo-l-thyronine (l-T3) stimulated the reaction more than 200% above the control. As the concentration of the hormone increased, the stimulatory effect decreased. The same biphasic phenomenon was observed with l-thyroxine (l-T4) except that the peak occurred at a concentration of 2.5 × 10−6m. When both hormones were incubated with the enzyme the stimulatory effect was greater than that due to either one alone. d-Thyroxine had only a slight stimulatory effect and the response to certain other analogues correlated qualitatively with their physiological effects in vivo. Crude preparations of adenylosuccinate synthetase of rat testes were not stimulated by l-T3 or l-T4. Rat brain homogenates were stimulated only slightly by l-T...
Aluminum Oxide Films for Thermo-Oxidative Protection of Polyimide-Based Composites

Polyimide-based composites offer one of the best opportunities to bring the advantages of high modulus-to-density ratio materials to higher temperature applications, such as jet engines. In the present work, thin films (1000 – 2000A) of aluminum oxide have been deposited by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition from aluminum tri- isopropoxide precursor on polyimide composite substrates. The films were characterized for stoichiometry, thickness uniformity, and adhesion, and their effectiveness in the prevention of thermo-oxidative degradation of the composite at temperatures up to 371 °C has been examined and compared to that provided by other thin film materials. These preliminary results indicate that Al2O3 is not as successful as SiO2 at preventing oxidative degradation, although significant variability in the quality of the polyimide composite substrate makes precise comparison difficult.
Developing the MRI (Mediation Receptivity Index)

What accounts for the fact that some jurisdictions have a substantial mediation machinery while others are barely aware of the process? This article seeks to develop a metric for determining a jurisdiction's mediation activity, including objective factors (such as the number of professional mediators and the number of local members of national ADR organizations) as well as subjective views (as determined by the opinions of national experts). Also considered are infrastructure factors (e.g., presence of a State Office of Dispute Resolution and adoption of mediation legislation such as the Uniform Mediation Act). Noted are various obstacles to implementing such a metric (e.g., the dearth of adequate data and the difficulty of distinguishing between quality and quantity). But these deficiencies may lead to better data and more refined research efforts. Generally the process of determining the MRI may be more valuable than the end result in that it will suggest needed improvements in the available data and the methods of using them. Also useful will be the insights gained by comparing a specific jurisdiction's MRI over time, or comparing the MRIs of two or more jurisdictions with sharply different MRIs. An Appendix to the article seeks to apply the MRI concept to a select number of states.
Learning the Brain in Introductory Psychology: Examining the Generation Effect for Mnemonics and Examples.

The goal of this research was to determine whether there is a generation effect for learner-created keyword mnemonics and real-life examples, compared to instructor-provided materials, when learning neurophysiological terms and definitions in introductory psychology. Students participated in an individual (Study 1) or small-group (Study 2) in-class activity during which they used three strategies: generate new keyword mnemonics, generate new real-life examples, and read instructor-provided mnemonics and examples. Immediate and delayed quiz results showed that the keyword-mnemonic-generation strategy was superior for definitional quiz performance across both time points. Questionnaire data indicated that students overall felt “generating” was more helpful than “reading,” generating mnemonics was more helpful than generating examples, and a substantial portion would plan to use the mnemonic-generation strategy in the future. Results are discussed in the context of mnemonics training, specifically mnemonics-...
Reconciling racial revelations in post-apartheid South African literature

Offering a reading of Mongane Wally Serote’s Revelations (2010) alongside other recent novels by black South African writers, this essay answers calls for more careful analyses of the roles that race plays within post-apartheid literature and culture. As it questions the shift away from a concern with institutional racism and white supremacy that is evident in much contemporary South African criticism, the essay contends that post-apartheid literature is not only racially marked, but also continues to produce knowledge on racial inequality, racial ideology, and resistance. In the process, it illustrates that grappling with colorblindness challenges pervasive understandings of nonracialism, reconciliation, and post-1994 literature. Revelations portrays nonracialism and reconciliation as necessary and inevitable, yet shows that the discourses are in conflict with demands for equality and justice. Concurrently veiling and revealing paradoxes inherent in South Africa’s dominant racial discourses from within, Serote’s novel demonstrates that enforcing colorblindness is an act of epistemic violence: not even at the diegetic level is nonracialism achievable.
Combustion Kinetics of Heavy Oils in Porous Media

In this study, the kinetics of heavy crude-oil combustion in porous media are reported. Ramped temperature oxidation (RTO) tests with effluent gas analysis are conducted to probe in situ combustion (ISC) reaction kinetics along with isothermal coke formation experiments. The role of oxygen on coke formation reactions (i.e., fuel formation for ISC) is investigated using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) of intermediate reaction products. The XPS data is analyzed along with companion RTO experiments to obtain a simplified multistep reaction scheme. Synthetic cases illustrate the connection between a proposed reaction scheme for oil/matrix pairs and one-dimensional combustion front propagation. Analysis of experimental results illustrate that the reaction scheme is capable of reproducing experimental results including the basic trends in oxygen consumption and carbon oxides production for RTO experiments as a function of heating rate for both good and poor ISC candidates. The combination of XPS and RTO ...
On the Double Layer Potential

(1926). On the Double Layer Potential. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 33, No. 3, pp. 136-139.
Tribolium confusum: food additives as ovicides.

Larval growth rates, adult emergence, egg hatch, and F1 progeny production of Tribolium confusum Jacquelin duVal on wheat flour diets containing 0.05, 0.5, 2.0, and 5.0% (wt/wt) of sorbic acid, calcium propionate, methylparaben, BHT, BHA, or propyl gallate were determined. Sorbie acid at 0.5, 2.0, and 5.0% in the diet suppressed T. confusum through direct ovicidal effects on the eggs. BHA and BHT at dosage levels of 0.5, 2.0, and 5.0% in the diets inhibited larval growth and were ovicidal at the 2 and 5% levels. No cumulative or synergistic effects of several combinations of BHA, BHT, and sorbic acid were observed.
Mountain chickadees return to their post-natal dispersal settlements following long-term captivity

There is little work investigating the relationship between environmental changes and associated hippocampal effects on animal homing. We took advantage of previous studies in which wild, non-migratory mountain chickadees spent six months in captivity prior to being released. Over the following three years, 45.8% of the birds were resighted, and in all cases birds were identified less than 300 m from their initial capture locations at their respective elevation, despite previous studies documenting ca 30% captivity-related reduction of the hippocampus. Reproductive success of birds that spent six months in captivity did not differ from control birds that did not experience captivity. Our findings suggest that chickadees are highly site faithful and can return to their original capture location after spending time in captivity. Our results also have important implications for animal welfare practices as birds held in captivity bred successfully and may not need to be sacrificed following captivity.
Religion and the Political Engagement of Latino Immigrants: Bridging Capital or Segmented Religious Assimilation?

This paper uses the Latino Immigrant National Election Study (LINES) to better understand the relationship between religion and immigrant political and civic engagement. Over the last half century, both American religion and the immigration landscape have changed in important ways. The LINES, which includes a number of religious questions from the American National Election Study and a rare focus on Latino newcomers, provides the opportunity to better understand the contemporary relationship between the two. We find that measures of religious belongings, beliefs, and behaviors (the Three Bs) are not generally associated with the civic and political engagements of Latino immigrants. We posit that such null results may be explained by the varying religious experiences of immigrants—some developing bridging social capital through religious institutions, but others experiencing what might be called segmented religious assimilation.
Complex Interactions Among Agents Affect Shore Pine Health in Southeast Alaska

Abstract Permanent plots are essential for tracking long-term forest change and have become more important given the projected increase in widespread tree mortality and forest health issues associated with climate change, invasive pests, altered disturbance regimes, and other novel stressors. Inventory and monitoring plots can reveal otherwise undetected loss of tree biomass, initiating targeted biological investigations. Shore pine is an understudied subspecies of lodgepole pine that reaches its northern extent in southeast Alaska. U.S. Forest Service Forest Inventory Analysis data detected a significant loss of live shore pine biomass in Alaska, with greater losses among larger trees and no known cause. We installed 46 permanent plots to monitor shore pine health and survival. Mortality was higher in shore pine (13%) than most associated conifers, and 43% of pines > 40 cm diameter at breast height were dead. Western gall rust, bole wounds, and Dothistroma needle blight were the most common forms of dama...
Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis secondary to iatrogenic disseminated histoplasmosis

![Figure][1] A 21-year-old man with Crohn disease and taking multiple immunosuppressive drugs presented with fevers, chills, night sweats, epistaxis, and dyspnea. He had bicytopenia (hemoglobin 9.3 g/dL, platelets 12 × 109/L, and normal leukocyte count). Biochemical studies showed markedly
Differential effects of antihypertensive agents in experimental and human atherosclerosis

The association between hypertension and atherosclerosis is complex, incorporating endothelial dysfunction, abnormalities of insulin and lipid metabolism, altered vascular biology, and impaired arterial compliance. Results of experimental and human studies suggest that there is heterogeneity in the manifestations of disease and responses to therapy among different animal species, vascular territories, and individual patients. Antihypertensive therapy requires the careful selection of specific agents that reduce blood pressure and preferentially and positively modulate the synergistic interaction of the many facets of disease, with the goal of preventing or regressing atherosclerosis
The Dialectic of the Divine

The theo-monistic experience explains the relationship between monistic and theistic mystical experiences. Considered in terms of personal and spiritual transformative processes, the two different experiences are effectively bridged together. The monistic experience finds its culmination and meaning in elements associated with theistic conceptions; so the monistic experience is legitimately and coherently drawn into the theistic mystical perspective. In Chapter 3,1 showed that monistic hierarchies cannot grant theistic experiences an authenticity in terms of the monistic framework; hence the difficulties in attempts to synthesize various mystical experiences through a monistic ideal. But considered from the theo-monistic perspective, the monist moves from a passivity to a dynamism, from a non-dualistic realization of an amoral nature to a rediscovery of transmuted Self which uniquely expresses through the individual mystic-channel the active, creative, and personal energies which issue from this Source. Although we find the process expressed in various ways and degrees in the different mystical traditions, it can be explained in non-theological, neutral phenomenological terms.
Switching from methadone to a different opioid: What is the equianalgesic dose ratio?

8617 Background: Methadone (ME) is a highly effective opioid agonist used for difficult pain syndromes. However, the rotation from ME to another opioid may be difficult because of the absence of a ...
A Report of Data-Intensive Capability, Institutional Support, and Data Management Practices in Social Sciences

We report on a case study which examines the social science community’s capability and institutional support for data management. Fourteen researchers were invited for an in-depth qualitative survey between June 2014 and October 2015. We modify and adopt the Community Capability Model Framework (CCMF) profile tool to ask these scholars to self-assess their current data practices and whether their academic environment provides enough supportive infrastructure for data related activities. The exemplar disciplines in this report include anthropology, political sciences, and library and information science. Our findings deepen our understanding of social disciplines and identify capabilities that are well developed and those that are poorly developed. The participants reported that their institutions have made relatively slow progress on economic supports and data science training courses, but acknowledged that they are well informed and trained for participants’ privacy protection. The result confirms a prior observation from previous literature that social scientists are concerned with ethical perspectives but lack technical training and support. The results also demonstrate intra- and inter-disciplinary commonalities and differences in researcher perceptions of data-intensive capability, and highlight potential opportunities for the development and delivery of new and impactful research data management support services to social sciences researchers and faculty.
Visualizing the dynamic coupling of claudin strands to the actin cytoskeleton through ZO-1

The organization and integrity of epithelial tight junctions depend on interactions between claudins, ZO scaffolding proteins, and the cytoskeleton. However, although binding between claudins and ZO-1/2/3 and between ZO-1/2/3 and numerous cytoskeletal proteins has been demonstrated in vitro, fluorescence recovery after photobleaching analysis suggests interactions in vivo are likely highly dynamic. Here we use superresolution live-cell imaging in a model fibroblast system to examine relationships between claudins, ZO-1, occludin, and actin. We find that GFP claudins make easily visualized dynamic strand patches between two fibroblasts; strand dynamics is constrained by ZO-1 binding. Claudin association with actin is also dependent on ZO-1, but colocalization demonstrates intermittent rather than continuous association between claudin, ZO-1, and actin. Independent of interaction with ZO-1 or actin, claudin strands break and reanneal; pulse-chase-pulse analysis using SNAP-tagged claudins showed preferential incorporation of newly synthesized claudins into break sites. Although claudin strand behavior in fibroblasts may not fully recapitulate that of epithelial tight junction strands, this is the first direct demonstration of the ability of ZO-1 to stabilize claudin strands. We speculate that intermittent tethering of claudins to actin may allow for accommodation of the paracellular seal to physiological or pathological alterations in cell shape or movement.
Use of a Distributed Mini/Microcomputer System for Tubular Reactor Profile and Catalyst Activity Identification

Abstract An efficient sequential distributed filtering scheme is developed and tested to estimate temperature and compositions along a packed-bed styrene reactor and to identify catalyst activity. The system is distributed in time and space and is nonlinear in the states. Since the catalyst activity decay is slow when compared to state dynamics, a quasisteady state approach is used. A steady-state sequential distributed filter estimates state temperature and composition profiles. A second lumped parameter, dynamic Kalman filter is used to identify the slowly-varying catalyst activity. The filtering algorithms are tested on-line. A styrene monomer reactor pilot plant is interfaced with a mini-micro distributed computer system. On-line experiments show that the sequential distriuted filterinq scheme is effective. Steady-state reactor profiles are estimated and dynamic catalyst activity identification has also been successfully accomplished. The distributed computer system is used to its full capability and its flexibility proved advantaaeous over centralized computer systems
Chemical models and chemotherapy in the sphingolipidoses.

As I left the previous Sphingolipid Symposium that was held here in 1971, I decided to attempt intervening in glucocerebroside metabolism by synthesizing suitable enzyme inhibitors. It seemed possible to help the victims of Gaucher’s disease, and possibly other sphingolipidoses, by slowing down the synthesis of the sphingolipid that accumulates. When you look at the hydrolase activities reported for the tissues from homozygous individuals suffering from sphingolipidoses, and compare the data with the activities in related, heterozygous individuals, the interesting point emerges: there is really not a great difference in specific activities. Where a sick person might exhibit an activity that is 10% of normal, the apparently healthy relative is getting along fine with an activity that may be 25% of normal. It is apparent that, at least in some organs, many victims of sphingolipidoses are hydrolyzing quite a bit of lipid each day. Their problem seems to be that they are making just a bit too much of the lipid each day and the overload is gradually producing a serious accumulation.
Opportunity for interprofessional collaborative care-findings from a sample of federally qualified health center patients in the Midwest.

Abstract Objectives Federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) frequently serve more socio-economically disadvantaged populations; existing literature suggests that underserved groups are more likely to experience various chronic physical and mental health conditions. FQHC patients may have significant needs for various specialty services that are beyond common FQHC providers. This study examines chronic condition prevalence, healthcare satisfaction, and use of multiprovider services in a Midwest FQHC patient population. We also evaluated the potential of interprofessional collaborative practices in FQHC settings. Study design Cross-sectional study. Methods A total of 232 participants were recruited prior to or immediately after their scheduled clinic visit within an FQHC located on the fringes of an urban area. Respondents were invited to complete a brief questionnaire and grant access to their electronic medical records. Results Nearly half of participants were covered by Medicaid, private insurance carriers (19.4%), or Medicare (17.7%). The most prevalent chronic conditions included diabetes, depression, anxiety, and chronic pain. Almost half (46.6%) of participants were seen by two or three providers; 20% had 7+ office visits in the last year. While 35.3% reported health dissatisfaction, 30.6% reported health satisfaction. When asked if they were satisfied with their health care, nearly 70% reported satisfaction with health care, while only 4.7% reported healthcare dissatisfaction. Conclusions The authors of this study recommend an interprofessional collaborate healthcare model be explored to address the complex and multifaceted healthcare needs of this population. Future research in this area should prospectively examine the utility of monitoring patient satisfaction in a collaborative practice setting.
Evaluation of the presence of IGF1R overexpression in wild-type and kinase mutant GI stromal tumors

10506 Background: Most adult GI stromal tumors have gain-of-function mutations in KIT (80%) or PDGFRA (5–7%). These pathogenetic mutations are the target for kinase inhibitor therapy. The pathogene...
Motile cilia create fluid-mechanical microhabitats for the active recruitment of the host microbiome

We show that mucociliary membranes of animal epithelia can create fluid-mechanical microenvironments for the active recruitment of the specific microbiome of the host. In terrestrial vertebrates, these tissues are typically colonized by complex consortia and are inaccessible to observation. Such tissues can be directly examined in aquatic animals, providing valuable opportunities for the analysis of mucociliary activity in relation to bacteria recruitment. Using the squid–vibrio model system, we provide a characterization of the initial engagement of microbial symbionts along ciliated tissues. Specifically, we developed an empirical and theoretical framework to conduct a census of ciliated cell types, create structural maps, and resolve the spatiotemporal flow dynamics. Our multiscale analyses revealed two distinct, highly organized populations of cilia on the host tissues. An array of long cilia (∼25 μm) with metachronal beat creates a flow that focuses bacteria-sized particles, at the exclusion of larger particles, into sheltered zones; there, a field of randomly beating short cilia (∼10 μm) mixes the local fluid environment, which contains host biochemical signals known to prime symbionts for colonization. This cilia-mediated process represents a previously unrecognized mechanism for symbiont recruitment. Each mucociliary surface that recruits a microbiome such as the case described here is likely to have system-specific features. However, all mucociliary surfaces are subject to the same physical and biological constraints that are imposed by the fluid environment and the evolutionary conserved structure of cilia. As such, our study promises to provide insight into universal mechanisms that drive the recruitment of symbiotic partners.
Spatio-temporal dynamics of cerebral capillary segments with stalling red blood cells.

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) allows label-free imaging of red blood cell (RBC) flux within capillaries with high spatio-temporal resolution. In this study, we utilized time-series OCT-angiogr...
SPECTRAL DOMAIN OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY FINDINGS IN COATS DISEASE

Purpose:To evaluate microstructural retinal abnormalities on spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) imaging of eyes with Coats disease.Methods:This is a multicenter, retrospective study in which SD-OCT images of patients with treatment-naive Coats disease were correlated with clinical
Using sensor arrays to decode NOx/NH3/C3H8 gas mixtures for automotive exhaust monitoring

Abstract An array of four mixed-potential sensors is employed to identify and quantify gases in complex mixtures of unknown composition which mimic diesel engine exhaust. The sensors use dense metal and metal oxide electrodes with a porous ceramic electrolyte, yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ). Since the sensors exhibit cross-specificity toward target gases, we develop a computational model for predicting gas concentrations in the mixtures. Our model is based on fundamental principles of gas-sensor interactions and, furthermore, takes into account the non-linearity of the observed sensor voltage response. Our approach enables accurate predictions of gas concentrations from the voltage output of the sensor array exposed to an extensive set of mixtures involving C3H8, NH3, NO and NO2. We find that our predictions remain accurate even if the model is trained using a reduced set of mixtures, or if the number of sensors is decreased to three or two. Our experimental and computational framework can be used to decipher contents of complex gas mixtures of unknown composition in numerous industrial, automotive, and national security settings.
Rent-seeking in the classroom and textbooks: Where are we after 50 years?

In this paper, we provide an overview of the influence of Tullock’s work on rent-seeking in the area of economics education. After summarizing the basic rent-seeking model in both a domestic and international context, we conduct an analysis of undergraduate and graduate textbooks in public economics. We find a majority of undergraduate texts cover rent-seeking in depth, but two texts provide zero coverage. No graduate textbook surveyed mentions rent-seeking. We conclude by summarizing the economic education literature on rent-seeking, which can be divided into either classroom experiments or popular culture examples.
Molecular Aspects of Host-Parasite Interactions

Within the discipline of weed science there are few areas in which a fundamental knowledge of weed biology offers more promise for increasing control than that of parasitic weeds. One reason is that the close physiological relationship between parasite and host offers many potential points of intervention in which knowledge of the biology of the interaction could be used to control the parasite. In contrast to autotrophic weeds, parasitic plants interact with crops through direct physical and physiological contact as tissues of the parasite invade the host plant. Although autotrophic weeds can profoundly impact neighboring crops through competition for resources (light, water, mineral nutrients) and allelopathic interactions, the ability of the crop to respond and protect itself is mediated by the environment and thus complicated by many factors.
Reducing Proinflammatory States with the Mediterranean Diet: Possible Mechanism for Cancer Prevention

Abstract A chronic, low-grade proinflammatory state is one of the main causes of type II diabetes and cardiovascular disease, and substantial evidence now shows that inflammatory changes affect cancer risk. Indeed, a proinflammatory state may be a common risk factor for all three major chronic diseases that humans face today. A Mediterranean diet can reduce proinflammatory processes, however, and, as a result, it can circumvent the toxicity associated with pharmacological approaches and offer benefits in many health domains. The data indicates that a Western diet (high in n-6 fats, low in plant foods, low in fiber) is proinflammatory, and a Mediterranean diet is anti-inflammatory. In fact, for reducing inflammation, the Mediterranean diet appears to be ideal. Numerous aspects of the Greek-Mediterranean diet (monounsaturated fatty acids or MUFA, n-3 fatty acids, phytochemicals, fiber) can work in concert to reduce inflammation. Interestingly, Mediterranean dietary patterns can also contribute to reduced weight gain, which may further prevent proinflammatory changes.
Leptin and Fetal Growth and Development

Leptin, a 16 kDa adipocyte secreted protein, was initially discovered and characterized as a molecule which acts in the hypothalamus to signal adequacy of nutritional status, thereby regulating energy intake and expenditure, and thus weight gain and fat deposition. The role of leptin in conveying information to the hypothalamus regarding energy availability has recently been shown to have a broader significance, including leptin’s role to regulate growth processes and to mediate the neuroendocrine response to fasting (Holness et al., 1999). In addition, experimental data in animals (Chehab et al., 1996; Mounzih et al., 1997) as well as observational studies in humans (Strobel et al., 1998; Mantzoros, 1999) indicate that leptin may be a factor that triggers the onset of puberty, ovulation, and reproduction.
Reducing Tobacco-Related Health Disparities: Using Mass Media Campaigns to Prevent Smoking and Increase Cessation in Underserved Populations

Mass media campaigns can be effectively used to reduce youth smoking prevalence and promote adult cessation within the general population, particularly when combined with other tobacco control efforts (CDC, 2007; National Cancer Institute, 2008). As a result, mass media campaigns are one of the CDC’s recommended “best practices” for tobacco control (CDC, 2007). However, there is less evidence about the effectiveness of mass media campaigns to prevent or reduce smoking among socioeconomically disadvantaged or racial and ethnic minority populations. In general, evaluations of youth prevention campaigns have not included analyses by socioeconomic status (SES). Analyses by race/ethnicity have been conducted inconsistently – even by evaluators of “model” youth campaigns – and some studies have used such crude measures of race and ethnicity that it is difficult to interpret the findings. A recent review of the studies evaluating adult smoking cessation campaigns finds that they are often less effective among low SES smokers as compared with high SES smokers (Fagan, 2008; Niederdeppe, Fiore, Baker, & Smith, 2008; Niederdeppe, Kuang, Crock, & Skelton, 2008). Even among those campaigns that are specifically designed to reach low SES audiences, there are mixed or inconclusive results (Niederdeppe, Kuang, et al., 2008). Like youth campaigns, adult smoking cessation campaigns are not routinely evaluated by race/ethnicity; those that have been yield mixed results in terms of campaign effectiveness (Bala, Strzeszynski, & Cahill, 2008).
A comparison of cold spray technique to single particle micro-ballistic impacts for the deposition of polymer particles on polymer substrates

Abstract A laboratory-scale cold spray system with the capability of accelerating 10–100 μm polymer particles up to Mach 2 was used to deposit polystyrene and polyamide particles on a variety of different substrates for both cases of like-on-like deposition and deposition onto a melt-cast low-density polyethylene (LDPE) substrate. By systematically varying the particle temperature and impact velocity, the deposition window was developed for each particle and substrate combination in order to understand the cold spray processing conditions necessary to form coatings. The results were compared to those of the micro-ballistic single particle impact experiments. In the latter technique, an ablation laser pulse was used to accelerate a single polymer particle to over 400 m/s while being tracked during flight and rebound from the substrate using ultrafast laser photography. Single particle impact studies provide information about the particle impact dynamics including the plastic deformation of a successfully deposited particles and the coefficient of restitution of a rebounding particle that cannot be monitored during cold spray. Particles of both polyamide and polystyrene were found to deposit on a soft LDPE substrate at similar impact velocities using both deposition techniques. A number of differences between the two techniques were also observed. Like-on-like deposition was only found to be successful in cold spray. Additionally, when single particle impacts successfully deposited, the efficiency of deposition was close to 100%, while for the cold spray processes the deposition was
Sustainable nanomaterials by design.

A new material selection tool offers a proactive perspective on nanotechnology research and development.
Comparison of Structural Concepts for Transport Aircraft with a Tail Cone Turbine

An evaluation of three structural concepts for an advanced aircraft design with a tail cone turbine is presented. Structural models were developed using an innovative rapid finite element modeling tool called Conceptual Design Shop (CDS). CDS is an attempt to fill a gap in current finite element modeling software to automatically connect wings and tails to the fuselage with sufficient support structure in airframe models. For comparison with actual aircraft structures, a model of a transport aircraft design developed using CDS is compared with published structural weight data for a Boeing 737-200. A method for computing aerodynamic stability parameters from an MSC/NASTRAN finite element analysis output deck is also discussed. Finally, the weight effects for using a tail cone turbine in an advanced transport aircraft design are evaluated by comparing three composite structural models, for which component thicknesses and cross-sections are sized by the Hypersizer software.
Introduction to Currently Applied Device Pathology.

Pathologic evaluation is crucial to the study of medical devices and integral to the Food and Drug Administration and other regulatory entities’ assessment of device safety and efficacy. While path...
Design and Biological Activity of (S)-4-(5-{[1-(3-Chlorobenzyl)-2- oxopyrrolidin-3-ylamino]methyl}imidazol-1-ylmethyl)benzonitrile, a 3-Aminopyrrolidinone Farnesyltransferase Inhibitor with Excellent Cell Potency

The synthesis, structure−activity relationships, and biological properties of a novel series of imidazole-containing inhibitors of farnesyltransferase are described. Starting from a 3-aminopyrrolidinone core, a systematic series of modifications provided 5h, a non-thiol, non-peptide farnesyltransferase inhibitor with excellent bioavailability in dogs. Compound 5h was found to have an unusually favorable ratio of cell potency to intrinsic potency, compared with other known FTIs. It exhibited excellent potency against a range of tumor cell lines in vitro and showed full efficacy in the K-rasB transgenic mouse model.
Upstaging the R-ISS classification of newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) patients (pts) by quantifying circulating clonal plasma cells (cPCs) via multiparametric flow cytometry (MFC).

8031Background: Our prior studies identified the prognostic significance of ≥400 cPCs/150,000 analyzed events quantified by MFC in NDMM. We evaluated if a similar quantification of cPCs using MFC c...
Milestones from the Pure Lisp theorem prover to ACL2

We discuss the evolutionary path from the Edinburgh Pure Lisp Theorem Prover of the early 1970s to its modern counterpart, AComputational Logic for Applicative Common Lisp, aka ACL2, which is in regular industrial use. Among the milestones in this evolution are the adoption of a first-order subset of a programming language as a logic; the analysis of recursive definitions to guess appropriate mathematical induction schemes; the use of simplification in inductive proofs; the incorporation of rewrite rules derived from user-suggested lemmas; the generalization of that idea to allow the user to affect other proof techniques soundly; the recognition that evaluation efficiency is paramount so that formal models can serve as prototypes and the logic can be used to reprogram the system; use of the system to prove extensions correct; the incorporation of decision procedures; the provision of hierarchically structured libraries of previously certified results to configure the prover; the provision of system programming features to allow verification tools to be built and verified within the system; the release of many verified collections of lemmas supporting floating point, programming languages, and hardware platforms; a verified “bit-bashing” tool exploiting verified BDD and checked external SAT procedures; and the provision of certain higher-order features within the first-order setting. As will become apparent, some of these milestones were suggested or even prototyped by users. Some additional non-technical aspects of the project are also critical. Among these are a devotion to soundness, good documentation, freely available source code, production of a system usable by industry, responsiveness to user needs, and a dedicated, passionate, and brilliant user community.
Arts, Journalism, and Computer Science: Collaborations that advance our community

Successful interactive experiences often combine the specific talents of many fields to produce the best possible visual design, psychology of play, and a development process that supports both of these [Maxim, 2006]. This is the standard in professional game production, but it is often difficult to replicate this cross-disciplinary experience for students at the academic level. A host of issues due to siloed departments, semester time restraints, entrenched mindsets, and others unique to academia often present themselves [Wolz et al., 2007]. Programs that focus on game production are in a unique situation to build bridges between subjects that normally do not interact within the academy. This talk explores the initiation, development, and expansion of two upper level courses that merged to provide students this type of cross disciplinary experience.
Glycaemic and non-glycaemic efficacy of once-weekly GLP-1 receptor agonists in people with type 2 diabetes.

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) may confer a range of benefits for people with type 2 diabetes (T2D), which is reflected through their position within diabetes treatment guidelines. The objective of this narrative review is to explore the efficacy data of once-weekly (QW) GLP-1 RAs in terms of glycaemic control, body weight reduction, cardiovascular (CV) outcomes and potential renal protective effects to assist pharmacists and other healthcare professionals (HCPs) in treatment discussions with patients. METHODS This a narrative review focused on 31 clinical trials involving the Phase 3 clinical programmes of the QW GLP-1 RAs dulaglutide, exenatide extended-release (ER) and semaglutide subcutaneous (s.c.). RESULTS AND DISCUSSION The clinical trials were divided by their comparator arms and examined for trends. All QW GLP-1 RAs were superior to placebo for reductions in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c ) and body weight. Data regarding QW GLP-1 RAs versus metformin were limited, likely due to metformin's use as the first-line pharmacologic for T2D. In the robust head-to-head trials of QW versus QW GLP-1 RAs, semaglutide s.c. was superior to both dulaglutide and exenatide ER regarding HbA1c and body weight; however, QW versus once-daily GLP-1 RA trials had mixed results depending on the comparators. Finally, in QW GLP-1 RA versus insulin trials, all QW GLP-1 RAs were as effective as insulin, particularly when hypoglycaemia and body weight were also considered. CV outcome trials demonstrated benefits in major adverse CV events and renal outcomes for semaglutide and dulaglutide. WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION This review collates recently published data and previously published Phase 3 results to allow pharmacists and other HCPs to understand all of the efficacy data available and the corresponding impact on treatment guidelines. QW GLP-1 RAs are emerging as important therapeutic options for people with T2D as they offer a spectrum of benefits extending beyond glycaemic control, but it is important to be aware of their efficacy differences when prescribing and discussing them with patients.
The Network of Cytokines in Brain Metastases

Brain metastases are the most common of all intracranial tumors and a major cause of death in patients with cancer. Cytokines, including chemokines, interferons, interleukins, lymphokines, and tumor necrosis factors are key regulators in the formation of brain metastases. They regulate the infiltration of different cellular subsets into the tumor microenvironment and affect the therapeutic outcomes in patients. Elucidating the cancer cell-cytokine interactions in the setting of brain metastases is crucial for the development of more accurate diagnostics and efficacious therapies. In this review, we focus on cytokines that are found in the tumor microenvironment of brain metastases and elaborate on their trends of expression, regulation, and roles in cellular recruitment and tumorigenesis. We also explore how cytokines can alter the anti-tumor response in the context of brain metastases and discuss ways through which cytokine networks can be manipulated for diagnosis and treatment.
On Signal Temporal Logic

Temporal Logic (TL) is a popular formalism, introduced into systems design [Pnu77] as a language for specifying acceptable behaviors of reactive systems. Traditionally, it has been used for formal verification, either by deductive methods [MP95], or algorithmic methods (Model Checking [CGP99,QS82]). In this framework, the behaviors in question are typically discrete, that is, sequences of states and/or events. In recent years, several trends suggest alternative ways to use TL.
Soldier-led Adaptation of Autonomous Agents (SLA3)

Current paradigms for collecting data to train fieldable computer vision (CV) algorithms are inefficient and expensive in terms of time and resources, and they have limited ability to adapt to changing target signatures. By leveraging opportunistic sensing of the operator’s natural behavior (e.g., firing a weapon, placing markers on a map), it is possible to triage the data for CV algorithms. When paired with an After Action Review (AAR) to confirm target presence and location, the resulting pipeline can efficiently update the CV for changing target signatures. Subjects (n = 10) participated in a simulated mission in which they were asked to mark video frames in which targets belonging to three classes first appeared, then perform a brief AAR in which they were asked to mark target locations in these frames. The CV (Detectron2) was initially trained on one target class, then retrained on instances of a novel class acquired by this pipeline. We report that retraining the CV on as few as 8 images resulted in good localization performance (AP50 85.6, AR 42.5) on unseen test images to this novel class. Ten minutes of retraining (600 iterations) was sufficient for good performance (AP50 58.3, AR 27.5). Data augmentation via random occlusions and apertures (‘bubbling’) boosted the training set 192-fold and improved the ratio of hits to false alarms and improved resilience to naturalistic occlusion and small sizes (AP 80-100 and AR 80). These results support our approach as an efficient method to adapt CV via partially labeled operational data.